Chapter 15

Constance held her breath as the Captain stalked out of his cabin and she hardly had a chance to react as he was stood inches away from Magda. She watched as Magda's Adam's apple bobbed up and down nervously and observed how his entire persona changed from charming to very nervous. The Captain had narrowed his eyes at the scene and she was sure he was debating on how to act.

"Dismissed". He growled at Magda, who begrudgingly stepped away from her and she released the breath he had been holding in. She had thought for a minute that the Captain had looked as though he was going to hit the officer but she obviously didn't take into consideration the Captains patience which was obviously quite strong. As he walked away, she felt Captain Salazar's warm hand wrap itself around her arm and pulled her towards his cabin. She flinched as he had accidently put pressure on her healing wound and as he closed the doors, he let go of her rather quickly.

"Apologies". He murmured low and gestured for her to enter the room they had previously dined at. She felt more at ease than last time and allowed him to once again pull out her chair in a courteous fashion which made her heart flutter. After they had both been served by some tired looking officers, she heard him clear his throat.

"So, you remember being kidnapped, yes?" He asked. She nodded and slowly chewed on a piece of fish before swallowing.

"Yes, my bracelet was taken off me by a small child. I had foolishly followed the child only to be taken. I shall not make that mistake again". She grumbled, still annoyed that she had lost the bracelet. But at the same time that bracelet signified the very thing she hated. She tried not to think of home too much and she noticed the Captain was watching her carefully.

"This bracelet must have been precious to you". He observed and she tentatively sipped some water from the wine glass she had been given.

"I suppose so. I was given it as a present from a gentleman back home. It was a lovely bracelet but- oh its silly. I should be asking you about how you are, after you were stabbed". She changed the subject quickly and he placed his fork down softly before placing his elbows on the table and lacing his fingers underneath his chin. He had tilted his head ever so slightly and she couldn't decide if she liked him looking at her so intensely.

"I am fine, as I have said. Please carry on, I am curious as to what you were going to say".

"Well… the bracelet was a present from a gentleman. He had been very active in attempting to court me. I personally do not find myself attracted to the man but my parents had already decided that we would make a good match. I wore the bracelet to prove that I was being a good daughter to my parents. But hearing my cousin go off on these amazing adventures was too much to bare. I had to go and experience it all for myself. The gentleman who gave me the bracelet was a Lieutenant as well in the English Navy like my cousin actually. In fact, rather ironically it was he who introduced us". She paused her story and noticed that the Captain had taken his own wine glass. He noticed her pause and gestured for her to carry on.

"And this man? How did he react to you going off on your adventure?" He asked.

"He didn't know. I couldn't let him know for he would have done everything in his power to stop me. He had once told me that he thought the woman's place was on land and in the home. He said that we offered nothing of worth being at sea. So, knowing that he would be against my plans, I waited until he was away at sea on an expedition or something of that nature and joined my cousin. Oddly enough my parents had allowed me but on the basis that I would be back within the month so that I would be there for the Lieutenant when he arrived back. Yet as you can see, I really don't think they will be very favourable to me going back to sea after this debacle. But I don't regret it in the slightest. For me losing that bracelet has actually set me free. It always stood for being a future wife who had children and that was it. Now it's gone, I have suddenly been able to experience things I never thought I would have been able to". As she finished the Captain was giving her an odd look. She couldn't tell if he thought her dreams of freedom were fanciful or that he admired her for it. He took a piece of bread and began to butter it slowly before speaking.

"You don't want to be a wife then?" He asked before taking a bite of the well buttered bread.

"It is not that I wouldn't like to be a wife. It is more that I would prefer to live and to see the world and marry someone I love. I don't know why that idea is so hard for my family, or rather society to understand but that's all I want. I remember once when I was sitting near the window of my home back in England and I suddenly saw my life flash through my eyes. And it bored me. It was terrifying to think that I would never live the way I wanted. Then when I had heard of life at sea, I had never been so excited. I wanted it and I suppose I have got it now. I don't quite know what I will do when I go back home and it is actually more scary knowing that I have to face a life of marriage when I get home than being nearly killed by pirates. You probably think I'm just a stupid young girl and I believe many would agree with you". Constance finished and she was surprised when the Captain wiped his mouth with a handkerchief and got out of his seat abruptly. He offered her his hand and without another word he led her out of his cabin to the stern deck.

It was now very dark and the stars were barely visible in the night sky. There were hardly any officers on the deck and the ones who were near the wheel moved away when the Captain gestured for them to go elsewhere. The breeze was rather cold and she felt herself shiver. Constance watched as Captain Salazar took his own coat off and she was about to tell him she was fine when he placed it around her shoulders. Constance could not help but release a small moan of content at the warm material and blushed when he gave her an odd look.

"I do not find you stupid Constance. I am… pleased that through fate you have been given a small opportunity to enjoy the life you want. We shall be near land in the next few days and like you said, you will have to go back to your old life. Although I can't help you with the situation you face I would like to offer you one last experience. I will teach you to sword fight".

Constance gasped at the offer and couldn't believe her ears. One of the most skilled swordsman of the seas was offering her lessons. Any sadness she felt towards leaving diminished for a moment and she gave him a massive smile.

"You really don't mind?" She asked wondering if she may have misheard him.

"Of course I don't, I wouldn't offer would I. Now take the time you have now to make the most of being at sea". He gave her a small bow and she felt her eyes water slightly. She didn't know why she felt so emotional but even though they had their differences, she did not find the Captain to be an evil man. Rather a man who had spent his life trying to rid the sea of pirates, so much so that it had shaped him into the man she saw today. As he was about to turn away, she suddenly surprised herself and hugged him from behind. Her small hands touched his chest and felt his heartbeat pound against the fabric of his shirt. He stiffened almost immediately upon contact and she was waiting for him to shout at her. But the shouting never came. Instead he appeared to stand like a statue and only moved once she had let go of him.

"Goodnight Constance".

And with that she watched as he stalked down the stairs. She noticed a few men down below stare at her and she turned away quickly, attempting to not let anyone see her expression. She pulled his warm jacket against herself and inhaled deeply. Staring at the sea around her she began to see why the Captain would stare at it so much. It was not only relaxing but it was freedom. Freedom.