Previously, on Pirates In Love...

Thomas stared at the King. He stepped forward, then started to sway. His head lolled back and he fell. The King caught him.

King - "Thomas?"

Thomas wasn't moving. His eyes were closed and his face looked like he was in pain. The King shook him.

King - "Thomas!"

Christopher - "Your majesty, let me have a look at him."
King - "No, Thomas!"
Christopher - "Your majesty, please, I'm a doctor."

The King looked at Christopher. He had a crazed look on his face. But he did as Christopher asked and released him from his bonds. Christopher looked Thomas over.

Christopher - "He has a fever… but his hands are cold as ice. He's ill."
King - "No… not when we have only just been reunited…"

Christopher - "Alex, you spent the most time with him, did you notice anything?"
Alex - "Hm? Uh, no. He seemed kind of restless at night…"

Thomas coughed suddenly. The fit lasted a while.

Christopher - "This is bad. He's seriously ill."
Alex - "He was fine at Prica Island! He didn't cough like that either. I swear, he didn't look this bad before!"

Thomas was sweaty all over and very pale. His breathing was shallow. How did he get so sick so fast?

Morgan - "Do you know what it is, Christopher?"
Christopher - "I can't tell right now. I need more time. In the meantime, if I can get my hands on some medicinal herbs, I could treat his symptoms."
King - "Use my infirmary."
Christopher - "Your majesty… We're your prisoners."
King - "You would know any disease caught on the waters better than my doctors. I trust you." He looked at the rest of the crew. "If Thomas has been travelling with you this whole time… I have to believe that you are good people. But I can't let you be free. The rest of you will have to spend some time in the jail cells. Our people are violently opposed to piracy." He looked back at Christopher and Thomas. "I'll keep this quiet, no one should disturb you in the infirmary."

The King called some trusted advisors and asked them to escort Christopher and Thomas to the infirmary, and the rest to the jail cells. At the last second, Christopher requested that I aid him in the infirmary.

Christopher - "I'll need an assistant, and Alex is also the most familiar with Thomas' behaviour over the last few days. If I can't use your own doctors to help me, I'll need her help."

The King took a good long look at me. He nodded. We all went our separate ways. When I looked back at the royal family, the Queen was arguing with the King. She did not look pleased that the King had another child. She must not have known. I could hear her chiding him about the secrecy. The prince was looking back at us the same as I was at them. He wouldn't take his eyes off me.

Over in the infirmary Christopher worked with the herbs, potions, and mortar and pestles, concocting various things that he thought would help Thomas. I told him everything I could. About how he thought the beer was making him sleepy. I told him exactly when he started to go to bed early and wouldn't drink. About the times he always coughed before leaving me. About how he struggled to sleep. I'd never really thought about these things as signs of illness. I always thought it had to do with Prica Island…

Alex - "I'm sorry, I didn't notice! He never said he was feelin' off, and the beer thing was a joke…"
Christopher - "It's not your fault Alex."
Alex - "But… If I'd paid more attention."
Christopher - "No, you're right. Thomas had a lot on his mind. He could have just been worried about going to Prica Island."

I really wanted to believe that, but I still couldn't help feeling guilty. I thought I knew Thomas well. I thought he'd trust me enough to tell me he wasn't feeling well. I thought I was the kind of person he could come to about these things. I guess he didn't think that. Is it because of me? Have I been pushing everyone away lately?

After a while Christopher got fed up and slammed his hands on the table. Thomas was lying down on a cot. He looked a little better now, so I wasn't sure why Christopher was so frustrated.

Alex - "He looks better now, Christopher. The colour is back in his skin a bit. I think the herbal medicine is working."
Christopher - "It's no use… I've seen this before. A fast onset of symptoms like that. He might look better, but… He'll be dead in a few weeks, maybe a month."

I froze. He'd be dead. As in not alive. And there's nothing we could do? I was shaking as I took Thomas' hand. I clutched him, like somehow I could keep him here with sheer willpower.

Alex - "Dead?" I whispered.
Christopher - "This can't be happening again…"
Alex - "Again?"
Christopher looked at me. "This illness… It killed my family."
Alex - "But not you. You survived?"
Christopher shook his head. "I never got it. This kind of disease, I don't know how it spreads. Some people are immune, some aren't. No one has ever survived it though. We'd all have it at this point since we've been with Thomas on the ship so long. Since none of us do, we must be immune… I know I am."
Alex - "Oh, god… And there's nothing we can do? He's just going to be like this until he dies?"

My eyes started to well up with tears. Just when he met his real father, a King of an empire! Right after he returned home for the first time since his parents died. Why did this have to happen to him, of all people?

Christopher - "There could be something we could do…"
Alex - "What?!"
Christopher - "Earth Palm…"
Alex - "What's that?"
Christopher - "It's a miracle herb that cures any disease. It's the stuff of myths and legends, but it's why I joined Morgan's crew. He was looking for Skull Island, the place that Earth Palm is rumoured to grow. I thought Skull Island was just a legend, too, but now we have a map." He punched the wall. "But only half a map!"
Advisor - "A map to Skull Island?"

The King's advisors had stayed with us in the infirmary to watch us. We were still prisoners, we were still illegal pirates in an enemy country. They needed to make sure we wouldn't run.

Christopher - "Yes."
Advisor - "... The King has a map in his collection. He took it from some pirates who had crossed into our waters. They were headed to Skull Island."
Alex - "The King has the second half?!"
Advisor - "Second half? Oh, yes, well, the half you have is unnecessary, unless you're coming from Moldor, which I guess you were then? No, the half we have is the half that depicts the Reiz empire. Skull Island is here."
Christopher - "Sir, we need that map."
Advisor - "You'll have to convince the King then. And then you'll have to convince him to let you go."
Christopher - "His son is on his deathbed. He has to let us go."

We left Thomas in the care of the other advisors and followed the one back to the King's quarters. We entered his room and Christopher explained the situation to the King. At the end the King took a long pause to consider Christopher's offer.

King - "I've heard of Skull Island before… I've even heard of Earth Palm. But these are just myths."
Christopher - "Your majesty, you can have your doctors treat Thomas all you want, but I assure you it is incurable. While we're away, your doctors can give him the herbal medicine I made to keep him alive, but without Earth Palm he will die."
King - "Hm… I would need collateral. To ensure that this isn't a plot for your escape."
Alex - "We would never leave Thomas to die!" I was insulted that he would think that. The King raised a hand.
King - "I want to believe you, but I have to be sure seeing as I've only just met you. For all I know, you could be lying about going to get Earth Palm. I can't tell how dear Thomas is to your crew. And you have the notorious reputation of the Sirius pirates. Men, bring up the rest of the crew."

The Sirius crew shuffled in, looking disheveled from spending the night in the jailcell. The King looked each of us over.

King - "I'll keep one of you with me to ensure your return. If you don't return within… let's say one month's time, then the person I keep shall be hanged."
Eduardo - "Before we agree, I'd like to see the map, to see if we can complete our mission within the time frame you have set."

The King handed the map to Eduardo. He studied it for a moment then nodded.

Eduardo - "One month is plenty of time."
Christopher - "I'll stay."

Everyone looked at him.

Christopher - "I shouldn't be needed on the ship for such a short voyage. And Thomas needs to be cared for here. I'll stay."

The rest of the crew remained quiet, but I could tell they didn't want to leave Christopher behind. It was part of their moral code.

King - "No."
Christopher - "What?"
King - "I'll choose who stays with me. It has to be someone who you… obviously care for..." His eyes rested on me. "You girl…"
Russell - "NO!"
Morgan put a hand on Russell's shoulder. He also stopped Nathan from stepping forward. "Russell, don't."
Russell - "He can't take her…"
Morgan - "We're in no position to argue."
Eduardo - "She's not essential to our crew, we don't care about her, take me instead."
King - "Why would I take your ship's navigator? How would you find the island without him? Also, based on your reactions I can confirm that I chose well. Earth Palm or not, you'll return for her."

The crew was clearly agitated about leaving me behind, possibly to be hanged. The King assured them that it was for their benefit, too. If they came back and the King had not kept his promise of keeping me alive, then they would be free to go, no imprisonment or penalty.

Nathan - "Our freedom would mean nothin' if ya kill 'er."
King - "Understood. She will be under my protection until your return."

I could tell the crew was still very opposed to this idea.

Alex - "Guys… Captain… You need to do this for Thomas. I'm not the one dying here. So don't worry, I'll be fine. I'll wait for you at the docks!" I turned to Christopher. "Someone needs to take care of Thomas while you guys are gone… I can do that."
Christopher tried to smile back. "You remember everything I taught you?"
I nodded cheerily. "Most of it yeah! But if you could leave behind some instructions, that would be very helpful."
King - "It's settled then! Sirius, please make your preparations as soon as possible. I want you out of here by morning."

The sun was rising when I went down to the docks to bid farewell to the crew. I hadn't slept all night, what with taking care of Thomas and helping the crew prep for their journey. I was exhausted. But I still wanted to see them off. They worked quietly. They weren't yelling at each like usual. The King was also here to see them off.

I was scared to be left behind. This was the first time in months that I'd be separated from the crew. What was I going to do here on land without them? I took my bandana off and tied it around Nathan's neck. He looked at me, confused.

Alex - "I-I heard it's chilly over on Skull Island… Just keep it on ya okay? I wanna know you're being safe."

Nathan smiled and ruffled my hair. I slipped a seashell pendant necklace into Eduardo's breast pocket. Surprised, he looked at what I had given him.

Alex - "I know you've been giving gifts to me." I whispered. "You can give this back when you return."
Eduardo - "I always knew you could keep a secret… Don't do anything stupid while I'm gone." He smirked.
Alex - "Yes, sir."

I ran over to Russell and hugged him.

Russell - "Hey, get off me!"
Alex - "No!"
Russell - "Ugh…"

He stopped struggling and just stood there, letting me hug him. His face was flushed. The crew snickered.

Alex - "Come back in one piece, okay?"
Russell - "Well I ain't comin' back if I'm in two, am I?"

My face fell.

Russell - "It's a joke! A joke… I'll be fine, aight?"

I smiled. I went over to Christopher and gave him a peck on the cheek.

Alex - "And you… please come back."
Christopher - "... Of course."
Alex - "The crew needs you… Don't go doin' anything dumb, k?"

Christopher - "Isn't that something you should say to Russell?" He smiled.

He was trying so hard to be calm, but I could tell he was tense. I didn't have a chance to talk to him about his family and the disease, everything happened so fast, and despite his composure I could tell it was on his mind. I had never seen Christopher like this before. He was always so in control of his emotions.

Alex - "Yeah, but Russell's heard it from me enough. I've never said that to you. I've never had to worry until now. You looked so angry before I just… Just think before you go risking your life… okay?"
Christopher - "... Thank you, Alex."

Lastly I went up to the Captain. I handed him a scroll with the King's stamp.

Alex - "If any of the Reiz military cause you trouble out there, this will keep you safe. It grants you immunity. You could rob a general's home and they couldn't touch you."
Morgan - "Don't give me any ideas, Alex." He winked. I laughed and gave him a hug. He rested his hand on my head and kissed the top of it discreetly. I pulled away and smiled, pretending I hadn't noticed.

I wanted them to stay a little longer, but I knew I was already keeping them. I waved farewell and watched the boat leave port until it was a small dot on the horizon. The guards who were posted with me escorted me back to the castle where Thomas was staying.

The King put Thomas into another room. It looked like a bigger version of the Captain's quarters. There were sheer drapes around this bed, though, and purple velvet instead of red all around the walls and windows. It had a high ceiling. A servant came in with a kettle of hot water and the medicinal herbs and equipment Christopher had been working with. She set it down on a polished table in the middle of the room. I brewed Thomas some herbal medicine and slowly passed it between his lips.

He still hadn't woken up. I watched him sleep for a bit. I moved his hair from his forehead. He looked so peaceful. It was weird not seeing a smile on his face. Sometimes, even when he was asleep, he'd be smiling, dreaming. I smiled to myself, nodding off. I woke myself up suddenly. I forgot how tired I was. I needed sleep, but I wanted to be on 24 hour watch for Thomas. I knew I couldn't do that, so I crawled into bed next to him. His body was so warm. His hands were so clammy. If he weren't sick, I'd just think the warmth was nice and cozy, and that he was just nervous and sweaty being next to me. Thomas… stay here until they come back with Earth Palm. Don't leave me. I fell asleep holding his hand.

The King went to great efforts to make me comfortable. He offered me a room of my own, but I said I preferred to stay next to Thomas. The bed was big enough for the both of us anyway. He gave me access to the infirmary, the baths, the terrace, the kitchen, practically everywhere in the castle. I would have been excited to see all the rooms and walk all the long corridors if I weren't so worried about Thomas and the crew. I spent most of my days by his side, watching for any signs of him getting worse. The staff would bring us meals. I would wake Thomas up just enough so he could have a few spoonfuls before he passed out again. I had a maid who would bring me anything I needed to take care of Thomas. I had two guards with me at all times, and four guards if I ever left the castle grounds.

One day I wanted to go out and buy some medicinal herbs. I asked the King for permission, but he said that he could just send the errand boy. I said that the last time he did that, the errand boy hadn't bought the right herbs. It would be better if I went since I was more familiar with them. Reluctantly he agreed, but he had me wear something more of the royal fashion. He didn't want anyone being suspicious of some commoner having four royal guards posted with her. He also told me that if anyone asked, I was a Duke's daughter visiting from Winchester. I asked what the Duke's name is. He said to make up a name since there's so many damn Dukes in Winchester, no one would know. I was going to ask if I could carry a weapon, but I felt that wouldn't stand with him at all. I had lost them back when I got kidnapped, and I felt naked without them. Exposed. More exposed than I felt when I worked at Sirens. I never knew I could become so attached to such deadly things.

I wore a pale blue dress with white lace and I placed a bonnet on my head to hide my face more. Holding a wicker basket, I headed into town with my four guards. The pale beige brick of the road was so shiny I thought I'd slip on them. Everything glimmered in the sunlight. Leaves of roadside trees gleamed, the smooth rock faces of buildings shone yellow, burgundy, hazel, and the people here were so refined and well dressed. I definitely would have stuck out if I had come into town with my regular clothes. People still paid attention to me though, in an off-hand way. They skirted the guards and nodded respectfully, letting me pass first and avoiding our gazes. The guards must be intimidating here.

I stopped by at a herbalist. Two guards remained outside and the other two followed me in. Compared to outside, it was very dark inside the shop. I remembered Christopher had said something about keeping herbs away from sunlight, some of them would wilt or dry out or the sun would just damage them somehow if they were left out too long. It was a little musty and humid. It reminded me of the ship. I missed the boys. They should be back soon. The shopkeeper was very polite to me. I'd never been treated with such courtesy. It must be the effect of the guards. I made my purchases and headed back out to sunny Reiz city.

I could hear the ocean from outside the herbalist's shop. It beckoned me like temptation, I felt the wanting for something that wasn't good for me. I had lived on the ocean so long, I didn't like that it made me feel this way now. It was the place of my adventure, but also a stinging, salty reminder of my true self. The self that I was still denying to be true.

I asked the guards if we could walk down to the pier, I hadn't been outside in a long time. They agreed, but said that I needed to keep it short. I walked down to the rocky shore. A couple small docks stretched out into the water. Some wooden boats were not far out, filled with fishermen reeling in their nets. The waves were so tiny compared to what I'd seen from the ship. I took my shoes off and dipped my toes into the water a bit, hopping from rock to rock. The breeze chilled my feet every time they were out of the water. The sun was behind me, casting my rippling shadow onto the water.

I wonder… I just have to know.

I closed my eyes and started to hum…

~
All I want to get is, a little bit closer
All I wanna know is, can you come a little closer?
Here comes the breath before we get a little bit closer
Here comes the rush before we touch, come a little closer
~

I sang out stronger, louder. It had been a while since I had enjoyed singing, I had been stopping myself from doing it lately. It felt great to belt it out on the shore.

~
The doors are open, the wind is really blowing
The night sky is changing overhead
It's not just all physical -
~

A crash of waves and yelling brought me to a halt. I opened my eyes to see the fishermen struggling in their tiny boats. The waves had gotten bigger, and were pushing the boat towards the dock. The fishermen managed to get their oars out in time and row themselves back to where they were. The waves calmed down. I heard one of the guards say, "freak undertow maybe…?" I shivered. This was no coincidence. I couldn't go on denying it anymore. I'm a siren… One of the guards held my hand as I hopped back onto the promenade. He wouldn't let go, but instead gripped it harder. I looked down the walkway to see the other guards standing defensively, blocking a group of men from getting any closer. Oh no, what now? It seems every time I sing bad things happen now.

Guard 1 - "Men like you have no business here."
? - "Ah, we just wanna talk to the pretty lady."
Guard 2 - "We can't allow that."

I recognize that voice… I peered around the guards to get a better look at the men. The one standing in front was Daniel. How'd they find me? Daniel saw me peeking through.

Daniel - "Hey there, sweetheart. Heard your voice from down the quay… Just couldn't resist."
Guard 2 - "Go on, now. We don't want to -"

AARGH!

The guard holding my hand yelled out in pain. I looked at him to see a sword coming out of his chest. I jumped away. The man who had stabbed him lunged at me, but my guard swiftly surrounded me and started battling with the men. If only I had a weapon, I could help! I looked at the fallen guard. Without a second thought I reached for his sword and drew it. I circumvented my guard and attacked the men at the side.

Guard 1 - "Lady Alex, no!"
Alex - "I have to do something!"

It seemed we would win this fight, despite there being more of the men than my guards. They were skilled swordsmen, far superior at fighting that Daniel and his men. We pushed them back, injuring quite a few. It looked like the men might give up when -

Daniel - "No, not her!"

My parry had failed and my foe's sword slipped through, slicing my chest. The wound was shallow, but it spanned from the bottom of my breast to the opposite shoulder. I bent over in pain. I clutched my chest, feeling the blood pooling in my hand. I could hear Daniel yelling, "You idiot!"

Guard 1 - "Take her to the doctor!"

One of the guards scooped me up and began running with me. We hadn't gone far down the road when he barreled through a door into a house. The man inside yelled out in frustration, but quieted immediately when my guard told him the situation. The man, who I assumed was this doctor they spoke of, said to set me down on the table. He tore open my dress so he could begin cleaning my wound. I could feel cool water running over my chest. It stung so much. It felt so heavy. I coughed violently, spurting blood everywhere. I heard the doctor say, "Oh, that's not good," before I passed out.

Lyrics from Closer by Tegan and Sara