Chapter 6

Constance sighed as she stared at the wall of her cabin, boredom finally setting in after about an hour of waiting for someone to come and collect her. Despite having some bread to temporarily sate her hunger and attempting to go to sleep, Constance found herself utterly bored with her current situation. Deciding that she had spent enough time sitting around and had the distinct feeling that they would make her wait at least another few hours before she was to have food with the Captain, Constance quietly walked to her door and opened it slightly. She was just about leave when she rushed back to grab her shoes. Now with her shoes on her feet, she walked carefully down the corridor that for the first time she was not being escorted down.

Whoever had designed the ship had great taste and she could only guess how many lower decks there were below her as she realised through walking up the stairs that she was relatively close to the upper decks.

She didn't have time to enjoy the ships architecture as seconds later she heard heavy footsteps and looking around frantically, the blonde-haired woman found a door and hid behind it. She listened as the footsteps disappeared and she realised that she most likely would be caught and held in deep suspicion if she carried on sneaking around like she was. Deciding that her boredom was far safer than being caught skulking about, she carefully left the small room which appeared to be a store room and made her way back towards her room. However, as she was walking back she suddenly saw the figure of the Lieutenant walking towards her with one eyebrow raised and she could tell she was about to be interrogated by the awkward man.

"I was…just looking for the bathroom". She blurted out, her face going bright red as she realised what she had just shouted out. Lesaro's complexion matched hers and he seemed to splutter for a while. He attempted to direct her to the crew's toilet when he stooped midsentence and explained that the Captain had a private toilet near his cabin that she may be able to use. Constance wanted to laugh at the odd situation but instead followed the flustered Lieutenant.

After the so-called adventure to the bathroom she thanked Lesaro for helping her and sorted herself out. After she was finished she noticed Lesaro was no longer waiting for her and realised that she was all alone near the Captain's Cabin once again. Attempting to find her way back, she walked slowly back the way they came and started to wonder how big the ship was. Deciding it was better to go up on deck and explain she was lost, she was just about to ascend the stairs when the ship rocked, causing her to cry out and fall. She was thankful that she had only climbed up one step and steadied herself. Climbing faster up the stairs, she began to remember the frantic cries of the pirates and the bangs that had filled the air when the ship was attacked. Closing her eyes, she told herself to not panic and soon enough she reached the top.

There was no sign of an attack but there were several officers running around and speaking rather fast in their native tongue. She attempted yet again not to get in the way and managed to spot Santos among the rushing men. She managed to reach him with relative ease and tapped his shoulder.

"What happened?" She asked, trying to look calm but most likely failing. The young man turned and gently took her arm, he was taking her towards the Captain and she tried to tug herself away.

"We just hit some rocks is all, the Captain said he would be seeing you soon and you will be safer if you were in his company". He spoke quickly and Constance began to get the feeling that the ship was not very well.

"Are we sinking?" She asked, alarm lacing her voice. Santos gave her a perplexed look and then laughed.

"Of course not, it would just be better if you are in company in case we end up hitting anymore rocks. I haven't got time to see you safely to your cabin so this is the next best option". As he spoke, he ushered her up the stairs and as she reached the top, she saw the Captain who appeared to be rather unhappy. He was currently berating a member in Spanish and she could only wait awkwardly at the side wondering for when he would notice her.

As the Captain ranted at the poor officer, she caught the eye of Lesaro who was controlling the wheel. She walked a bit closer, turning her head to watch Santos scatter back to help to crew.

"Is everything ok?" she asked Lesaro who gave her an exasperated look.

"Yes, our look out fell asleep and we appeared to be in far shallower waters than usual". As he explained, the atmosphere on the ship was calming down and she gave a sigh of relief. For a minute she believed they were under attack and she gave him a nod and turned back around to watch the Captain. Yet as she turned she did not expect to smack straight into the Captains lean chest.

"What are you doing here?" He asked as he pushed her away gently, although from the look in his eyes she was sure he would have shoved her had he not been trying to act like a gentleman.

"I was lost and then…the ship rocked and I was worried". She was about to continue when the Captain held his hand up to silence her.

"It doesn't matter. We will dine soon, if you can remember the way to my cabin you may go now and I will join you soon. I have some matters to deal with first". He said completely ignoring what she had precisely said about getting lost and was just about to walk away when she grabbed his arm, surprising them both and Lesaro who was watching them openly.

"Sorry… I just wondered if I can stay here with you for a bit. I find this far more interesting that being on my own". She smiled hoping he would say yes and released a breath when he gave her a sharp nod. For the most part this was true but her sense of direction on the ship was pretty awful and she would rather be escorted than end up lost once again.

Like he said, he dealt with the matters at hand which appeared to be shouting at random crew members and in the meantime, she tried to talk to Lesaro who was getting more and more irritated by her questions. She swore when the Captain came and got her Lesaro had whispered something which sound like 'thank god', but she couldn't be too sure.

Captain Salazar looked far more calm than he had before and offered her his hand and she couldn't help but blush as she took it. His gloved hand held her own tightly and she marvelled at how strong he was. She tried her best to keep her eyes ahead of her but she couldn't help but admire his features. She wouldn't deny that he had an attractive nature about him.

"How is your head?" He asked suddenly, causing her to jump. She had not expected him to talk as they got closer to his cabin and she regained her composure.

"Much better thank you". He nodded and opened the door for her allowing her to pass through. He did not let go of her hand and instead directed her to another door she had not noticed and she gasped as he led her into a room with a large dining table. The Silent Mary kept amazing her and she wondered what else this ship kept secret. Slowly he walked her to her seat and pulled it out allowing her to sit. She expected him to sit as far as possible away from herself but was shocked to see him sat rather close. She didn't question him and seconds later some officers came in with some delicious looking food.

After they placed the array of food upon the table, they left as quickly as they had come and the room fell into a calm silence. Captain Salazar indicated with his hand that she could start eating and she watched him begin to serve himself. She had expected the officers to do it but was not disappointed. She didn't need to be told twice and began to choose a selection of food for her plate. Yet despite being starving, she couldn't keep her eyes from the Captain. He had removed his gloves and she admired his long fingers and they elegantly used the cutlery to pierce and cut the meat. She kept watching as he moved the succulent piece of meat towards his lips and her eyes were now drawn to his lips. She wondered if they were as soft as they appeared. Suddenly she dropped her fork. She couldn't believe the impure thought she just had at a man she hardy knew. Trying to act calm she gave a nervous laugh as Captain Salazar gave her a confused look. Picking up her fork once again she finally allowed herself to eat.

She had nearly finished when the Captain began to speak.

"Have you managed to recall anything else?" He asked calmly as though he was just saying it as a passing comment but his eyes said otherwise. He was still tentatively interrogating her.

"You seem quite concerned over my memories". Constance replied, placing her cutlery down and using the handkerchief to wipe her mouth. "By any chance are you trying to gain information regarding the pirates because I'm sorry to disappoint but I cannot recall a single thing about the men that took me. Like I said there was the one with the compass and that's all I can remember". She wanted to slump back in her chair but manged to keep her decorum.

"I am intrigued is all". He replied simply and she narrowed her eyes at him knowing that he was not being entirely truthful.

"How did you end up hunting pirates Captain. Were you ordered to or was this something which you pursued?" she asked, attempting to find out more from the mystery man. He also placed his cutlery down and wiped his fingers with the handkerchief, as though he was considering her question.

"My father and grandfather were both killed by the infection which plagues these seas. I am here to make sure that this plague is to be fully eradicated. So, in a sense although I do this from orders of a higher authority, I devote my life to getting rid of them once and for all. Therefore, I suppose to answer your question it would be both". As he finished, Constance felt a pang of sympathy towards the Captain and could understand why he disliked pirates so much. After all, if her family had been murdered by them she would most likely feel the same. But she would admit that his hatred towards them ran deep and she saw his behaviour as rather obsessive. Yet she knew deep down that he had good intentions, he was after all following the law as the pirates were indeed criminals who he was ultimately dealing out justice to. Yet she still felt his anger was rather alarming.

She didn't know how to respond so settled for the silence that fell over them. She caught him staring at her and she raised an eyebrow as though to question him.

"I take it you do not agree with my ideology?" He asked, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. She didn't know why it was amusing but put it down to him being an odd fellow.

"I find your motives understandable and I find your drive admirable. Who am I to judge after all, you did save me". She replied gently, her eyes lowered as she realised how much she owed him. Had he left her she would surely be dead and the thought made her stomach turn. Her inner turmoil did not go unnoticed by the Captain as she suddenly felt his warm fingers against her hand. She flinched and he must have regretted his decision and he pulled his hand back and stood up rather quickly.

She gently pushed the chair out and walked cautiously behind him. He was staring outside the large window at the clear landscape that surrounded them. She closed the distance between the two so that she was stood closely by him. Her arm rubbed against his much larger one and she quietly appreciated how much taller he was than herself. Despite the silence, they were content in one another's company. Neither of them spoke but they both acknowledged the other one. It was Constance who finally broke the silence.

"Thank you, Captain". She whispered as she stared at the never-ending sea which looked as though it was all consuming.

"Armando". He replied so softly that she thought he had not spoken at all.

"Pardon?"

"You may call me Armando in private". He replied as his eyes remained fixed on the ocean in front of him. She in return attempted to keep the smile from painting her face.