Love Aboard the Priam: Chapter Eight

Disclaimer: I am not Stephanie Meyer. I do not own Twilight.

Chapter Eight

Bella’s POV

It was well before morning when I suddenly jolted away, my heart pounding as yet another nightmare slowly faded from my mind. Peter’s soft snores reminded me that I was not aboard the Sea Serpent with Dwyer hovering above me, that I was safe aboard the Priam in Peter’s arms.

Knowing sleep would be nearly impossible to recapture, I slid out of bed, careful not to wake Peter. He snorted once before turning over, his snores soon resuming. I smiled softly at his face, so peaceful and relaxed in sleep. The blue-white light of the moon made his scar practically invisible as it fell across the room.

The shadows in the corners had me hurrying to grab Peter’s robe and dash out of the room, up onto the deck where there were no shadows. Garrett, who was in control of the ship at night, called a soft greeting.

“Bantiarna. What are you doing up so late at night?” Garrett asked, coming forward with a smile.

“I woke from a nightmare and was unable to continue sleeping,” I explained, embarrassed.

“Ah. I see,” Garrett nodded, his face solemn.

I bit my lip, uncertainty making me nervous.

“The men will be watching,” Garrett assured me before walking away.

I frowned after him, indignation making my toes curl and my hands clench. I know he meant the comment to be reassuring and make me feel safe, but it was just another reminder that I was always watched. Despite how close Peter and I had become, I was still a prisoner aboard this ship.

Walking over to the edge, I leaned against the railing and stared out at the water.

Last night had been beautiful, something I had never expected to happen. Peter had been so tender, his touch gentle. Every touch had ignited the flames between us higher. It had been the most perfect night imaginable.

I couldn’t remember much of my mother, but I did remember the love her and my father shared. It had taken Papa over ten years before he was able to even think about being with another woman. When I was older and saw a prostitute for the first time, Papa had pulled me aside and explained that some women made the decision not to marry, isolating themselves from society because they refused to marry who their fathers chose for them.

“You’re a lucky one, Bells. When you decide to get married, it’ll be because you love him, not because I’ve picked him out for you. Your mother and I were madly in love when we married. I wouldn’t be satisfied with anything less for you.”

My friend Angela had married her husband in an arranged marriage. Lord Cheney was nearly twenty years older than her, but he adored her. When she’d first become engaged to him, she had been resolved, uncertain of how marriage to the older man would be.

She had come to me a week before her wedding, sobbing as I let her into our home. It had taken nearly all night to get her calmed down. When she finally controlled her sobbing enough to speak, I was able to discern she had propositioned one of her servants to take her virginity.

“It wasn’t bad, Bella. I just… I wish it could have been with someone I love. Eric was sweet, but I don’t love him and he doesn’t love me. I’m glad I did it, though. I wanted to decide who I gave my virginity to. I didn’t want that choice taken from me.”

I hadn’t understood at the time, just like I hadn’t really understood Papa. Now, I understood probably more than either had ever hoped I would. Giving my virginity to Peter had been unexpected, wonderful, and completely up to me. If I had denied him, he would have respected my decision; there was no doubt in my mind.

I knew I loved him. The knowledge was as sure as a sword in my hand. But he was a pirate, an outlaw. Life with him would be a constant battle of outrunning the Kings’ navies. While I had no problem living a life at sea, I had no desire to subject the life of an outlaw to any children we might have.

Oh, God.

My hand flew to my stomach instinctively as I realized I could already be pregnant. Last night might have resulted in a child being conceived. All thoughts of returning to court and living the life of a proper lady began to fade. Even if I claimed it to be rape, which was too blasphemous a thought to even consider, I was a used woman. No man would ever want to marry me, especially if I brought along the child of a pirate.

How could I have let this happen?

“Bantiarna? Are ya alright?”

I turned to find the man who had first grabbed me up after the fight on the Infamy. He was as broad as I remember, nearly twice as wide as myself. His arms were huge and I knew, even if I used both of my hands, my fingers wouldn’t be able to touch. His long black hair was tied back with a string of twine. Struggling to come up with his name, I vaguely recalled the other men calling him Ben.

“I’m fine, Ben. Thank you,” I answered, bowing my head.

He smiled weakly as he came to stand beside me, his elbows resting on the railing.

“I would like to apologize. For the way I treated ya aboard the Infamy,” Ben murmured, his head hung low.

“Thank you,” I repeated in a whisper.

“The Captain’s a good man, bantiarna. Ya should trust him,” Ben said, looking out across the sea.

“I do,” I sighed, gazing over the water myself.

“It’s not a bad thing, bantiarna,” Ben chuckled darkly.

“It is. He’s a pirate. You’re all pirates,” I frowned, wringing my hands.

“Aye, we are. But, lass, none of us are pirates by choice,” Ben informed me, his voice incredibly gentle.

“How did you come to be a pirate?” I asked, curiosity getting the better of me.

“My pa beat my ma within a inch of her life fer years, always hittin’ harder just as she was gettin’ better. I was six when he started hittin’ me, too. One night, I had ta listen ta me ma scream while ‘e and one o’ ‘is friends raped ‘er. I got so mad. I killed the bastard. Me ma told me ta run. I ended up a’ the docks. The Cap’n took me on and I never looked back. I was only thirteen,” Ben told me, his accent turning thicker as he became more distressed.

Without thinking, I wrapped my arms around his waist, tears threatening to fall at his story. His big hands came up to pat my back. I jerked as he knocked the air out of me, his hands a little too rough.

“Sorry,” Ben mumbled, clearly embarrassed.

“It’s alright. I’m sorry for what you had to live through,” I told him, pulling out of the hug.

“I just wanted ya ta know. We got ta play the hand we been dealt, e’en if we don’ like it,” Ben sighed heavily.

I didn’t say anything in response, content to let the silence stretch between us. He wrapped his arm around my shoulders to ward off the chill in the air. I smiled at the thoughtful gesture. Despite his intimidating size, he was sweet.

“Ya best be gettin’ back to the cabin, bantiarna. The Captain will worry if he wakes and ya aren’t there,” Ben insisted after a while.

I nodded, knowing he was right. Even if I was unsure about everything else, I knew I didn’t want to worry Peter further by not being there when he woke.

“Thank you for sharing your story with me, Ben,” I smiled as I turned to walk back to the cabin.

“Thank ya for listening, bantiarna,” Ben bowed.

“What does that mean?” I asked, stopping to watch him.

“It’s a term of respect, my lady,” Ben answered with a wide grin.

Unable to discern what exactly that meant, I simply turned to continue towards the cabin.

Peter’s POV

I rolled over, reaching for my Isabella as my dreams faded and morning sounded. My hand fell on cool sheets, jolting me awake instantly. I scanned the cabin, expecting to see over-turned furniture or blood on the walls, something to indicate she’d been taken from me.

Instead, I saw her sitting at the table, calmly sipping tea. She smiled at me when I sat up, rubbing sleep from my eyes.

“Good morning, Captain. I trust you slept well?” Isabella asked, setting her cup down.

“Very, though my morning would have started much better if you had still been sleeping with me,” I mock teased her.

“My apologies. I was up rather early this morning and spent a few hours above deck. I didn’t think you would miss me as you were still sound asleep,” Isabella smiled remorsefully as I stood from the bed.

“I always miss you, mo chroí,” I murmured, kissing the top of her head.

She blushed prettily at my nakedness and I laughed as I tugged my robe on. Her scent rose from the thick cloth. I inhaled deeply as thoughts of her walking around the ship at night taunted me.

“Did you sleep well?” I asked, casually taking my seat across from her.

“I had a few nightmares,” Isabella admitted reluctantly.

“You should have woken me,” I frowned, leaning towards her.

“You needed the rest,” Isabella shrugged, her finger tracing along the edge of her teacup.

My frown deepened as she refused to meet my eyes. I reached across the table and took her hand in both of mine.

“I want to be there for you,” I told her.

“And you are, but I need to work through some of this on my own,” Isabella insisted, covering my hands with her other one.

I didn’t like the sound of that at all. My need to protect her grew stronger each day and her nightmare the night before only increased that desire.

“So, Captain, what is the plan for today?” Isabella asked brightly, changing the subject.

“Well, since we had to leave Rasop so quickly, we’ll need to dock at another port to replenish supplies. The only problem is, the closet port is Arimol. After that, there’s not another port until we reach Champoli,” I informed her, running my hand through my hair.

“And you can’t exactly pull into Arimol’s port, being a pirate,” Isabella finished.

“Exactly,” I sighed.

“So, sneak in,” Isabella said as casually as if she were commenting on the weather.

“And what will happen if we’re caught?” I asked.

“You’ll be hanged,” Isabella answered, still in that same casual manner.

I gaped at her, unsure whether or not to take her seriously.

“Oh, stop that! I don’t want you to get caught. You just have to make sure you don’t get caught,” Isabella admonished, waving her hand flippantly.

“Are you encouraging me to pursue a criminal activity?” I asked, shocked.

“I am encouraging you to see to the care of your crew. You can’t very well do that if you don’t have the necessary supplies,” Isabella pointed out viciously.

“You never cease to amaze me, mo chroí,” I murmured, leaning across the table to kiss her sweetly.

She gifted me with a blinding smile before returning to her tea. I chuckled, shaking my head as I retook my seat. A moment later, the door opened and Vladimir brought in our breakfast effectively ending that conversation.

It was close to morning when I returned to the ship, my crew laden down with the supplies necessary for the rest of our trip home. My steps were eager as I climbed the ladder to the main deck from the dinghy. Part of me hoped Isabella had been able to fall asleep while we were gone, while the more selfish part of me was hoping she had waited up for me.

My boots landed on the main deck and I glanced around, expecting to see Randall. Instead, I saw my fierce Isabella, her sword pointed at a man who had his back to me. Randall had his back pressed against hers, his sword out as well. The majority of the men had their swords out as well, all of them aimed at my Isabella.

“I will ask you one more time, where is Captain Whitlock?” asked the man in charge.

I frowned as I continued to creep silently over the deck railing. Garrett followed behind me, his eyes scanning the group before nodding once at me. He leaned back over the railing, signaling to the others that we had company on board.

“Fuck off!” Isabella snarled, not giving an inch.

The man in front of her chuckled darkly.

Some of the intruders carried lanterns and the shadows danced across Isabella’s face as she glared at the man. I crept up behind him, intending to take out the man who dared threaten my woman.

Before I could take another step, a weight fell on my back, knocking me to the floor. A dagger was pressed against my throat in warning.

“Didn’t your Ma teach you better, Peter Whitlock, than to sneak up on your brother?” a familiar voice scolded.

“Alice,” I spat.

“Hello to you, too, dear brother,” Alice chuckled, hoping easily off my back and skipping to Jasper.

I jumped to my feet, glaring as Jasper turned to face me, a wry smirk on his face.

“Tell your men to drop their swords,” I growled, eyeing the swords pointed towards Isabella.

Jasper looked over his shoulder and nodded, his men dropping their swords immediately.

“I am surprised, Peter. When I saw the Priam, just off the coast of King Aro’s city, I thought for sure you’d been captured. After all, why would one of the best pirates on the seas walk right into the hand of the man who made him an outlaw?

“And then I find this intriguing young woman in your cabin with Randall standing guard. Well, that got me wondering why you would leave your greatest swordsman protecting… some chit. I know I taught my little brother better than that,” Jasper tisked mockingly.

“You bloody whoreson!” Isabella shrieked, vaulting towards him.

Randall grabbed her by the waist, hauling her back against his chest. I nodded my thanks, knowing Jasper wouldn’t hesitate to retaliate. As it was, Alice stepped between them, her sword raised in warning.

“Interesting girl you’ve got, Peter,” Jasper hummed, glancing at her over his shoulder.

“Don’t do this, Jasper,” I cautioned.

“Perhaps we should continue this conversation inside, Jas,” Alice suggested.

“Certainly, my dear,” Jasper agreed easily, striding towards my cabin without a backwards glance.

I hurried over to Isabella, grasping her hand in mine.

“You alright?” I asked quietly.

“Yes. Is that… your brother?” Isabella hissed.

“Aye. An asshole, isn’t he?” I sighed, steering her into the cabin.

“A bit,” Isabella agreed darkly.

I followed her into the cabin, where Jasper was already seated behind my desk, his boats tossed on top of it. Alice stood beside him, eyeing Isabella curiously.

Jasper hadn’t changed much since I’d last seen him a little over a year ago. His blond curly hair was a bit longer and he had a new scar along his jaw line, a bare line along his otherwise unshaven face. Alice, however, looked exactly the same. Her black hair, which she kept incredibly short, still stood up at all ends. Her trousers hugged her legs, showcasing their strength.

“How have you been, deartháir?” Jasper asked, his voice remarkably calm.

“I was much better until I saw you holding my Isabella at sword point,” I replied, just as calmly.

“Aye, I am surprised at your intensity towards her. How long have you had her?” Jasper asked, completely ignoring Isabella.

“Excuse me. You will not speak of me as if I am not here!” Isabella demanded heatedly.

“Quiet, girl, before I-“ Jasper started.

“My name is Isabella Swan, sir, and you will use it. Honestly, I find it difficult to believe that you are Peter’s brother. It is quite obvious that your mother did not instill the same manners in you as she did in Peter. How dare you sit there, invading his ship and tormenting his crew? If you were not his brother, I would kill you myself for your blatant disregard for his authority aboard this vessel,” Isabella snapped.

I smirked at Jasper, pleased with my girl’s defense of me. Jasper stared at her for a long moment, his face, no doubt to her, expressionless. Having known Jasper for my entire life, I was able to pick out the smallest sliver of approval.

He slid the chair back, stood slowly, and walked around the desk. Alice bent her head, but watched him from under her eyelashes. I wanted to step in front of Isabella, to protect her from my easily anger brother, but I knew she could handle herself and that Jasper wouldn’t actually harm her.

“Isabella Swan, huh? Interesting. Daughter of Charles and Renee Swan, I presume. Yes. Tell me, Miss Swan, since you are so intent on defending my brother’s honor, how did you come to be aboard this ship?” Jasper asked.

“He kidnapped me after raiding my ship bound for Timilue in Isopholy with my fiancée,” Isabella answered firmly.

“Ah. And yet you defend him. Intriguing,” Jasper hummed, stroking his beard.

“Leave my girl alone, Jasper. We don’t have time for you to play your silly games,” I insisted, not wanting to hear her response to that.

“Where are you heading, Peter?” Alice asked, moving around the desk.

“We’re on our way to Bearsalei. I promised the men we would return home once I found Isabella,” I told her.

“Ah. And what did you plan on doing with her when you arrived?” Alice questioned, indicating Isabella.

I looked down at my Isabella, taking her hand in mine. She gave me a small smile, setting me at ease with a simple look. I brought her hand up to my lips, kissing each finger.

“I plan on marrying her, if she’ll have me,” I murmured, not breaking my gaze from Isabella’s.

She blushed prettily, leaning up to kiss me properly. It didn’t go unnoticed that she didn’t answer my unasked question, but I had faith. She loved me, even if it was only a little bit, I knew she did.

“Well, I suppose I’ll grant my blessing. In fact, if you’d like, I’ll even officiate,” Jasper offered cheekily.

“You honestly think I’d allow you to marry us after the way you’ve treated Isabella?” I scoffed.

“I had to make sure she was worthy of you,” Jasper shrugged.

“You truly are loathsome,” Isabella glared.

“Perhaps, but you did well in proving you are good enough for my brother,” Jasper grinned.

“She didn’t need to prove that to you,” I snorted, pulling Isabella closer to me.

“Nay, I guess she didn’t. However, I felt it necessary to make sure you weren’t marrying some weak little ninny who would never stand up to you. Dea-Dia, but you would be sick of a chit like that less than a month in,” Jasper laughed.

“You know he was only looking out for you, Peter,” Alice insisted, sliding under Jasper’s arm.

“Aye, I know, but he didn’t need to be so cruel about it,” I glowered at my older brother.

“Cruelty is the best way to root out the weak. I thought I taught you that,” Jasper sniffed.

“Well, thank God he didn’t retain it,” Isabella snapped.

Jasper stared at Isabella for a long moment, sizing her up. I shifted on my feet, wondering if Jasper had completely ruined any chance of friendship between the two of them.

“I like you, cailín. You’re a good sort,” Jasper nodded with a smile.

“I wish I could say the same,” Isabella retorted with her own smile, hers slightly more sarcastic.

Jasper threw back his head and laughed, shaking it as he looked at her again.

“You and I will get along just fine,” Jasper decided.

“Welcome to the family,” Alice added, moving forward to wrap Isabella in a hug.

Isabella was clearly shocked at this turn of events, but hugged the smaller woman back anyway.

“Unfortunately, we cannot stay longer and get more acquainted, though I’m sure we’ll all see each other very soon,” Jasper said regretfully.

“When will you next be in Bearsalei?” I asked, only now realizing how much I had missed my brother.

“Soon. Ali and I have a few more jobs to do, but they shouldn’t take too long,” Jasper promised, clapping a hand on my shoulder.

I reached out and pulled him into a hug, clapping his back furiously.

“Be safe,” I mumbled.

“You as well,” Jasper choked.

Alice came and wrapped her arms around me, kissing my cheek affectionately.

“Sorry for invading your ship. We were worried when we didn’t see you,” Alice apologized.

“It’s alright. Keep him out of trouble, will you?” I teased.

“You know I try, but it’s nearly impossible,” Alice sighed dramatically.

“Love you,” I murmured, kissing her forehead.

“We love you, too. And I like her,” Alice nodded towards Isabella.

“I’m glad,” I chuckled lightly.

“Be good to her,” Alice instructed, shaking a finger at me.

“Aye, mum,” I agreed, rolling my eyes.

“See you soon,” Alice winked before twirling to her husband.

He was just letting go of Isabella’s hand and she was giving him a tentative smile in return.

“Remember what I told you,” Jasper insisted quietly.

“I will,” Isabella vowed just as quietly.

I walked up and wrapped my arm around her shoulders, drawing her into my embrace. She placed her hands over mine and leaned into my chest. I kissed her neck sweetly, nuzzling the soft skin.

Jasper gave me a knowing smirk before he and Alice disappeared out the door. I resisted following just barely, but my arms tightened around Isabella as the loneliness that came with Jasper’s leaving returned.

“He said he plans to be in Bearsalei in time for the wedding,” Isabella murmured absently.

“Really, now?” I smiled, breathing in her scent.

“He really wants to officiate,” Isabella continued.

“Maybe. I would prefer an actual minister,” I told her.

“I like the idea of your brother marrying us,” Isabella argued lightly.

“I’ll think on it,” I promised.

And then it hit me.

“You actually want to marry me?” I asked, astonished.

Isabella drew in a deep breath under my arms before slowly turning to face me. Her brown eyes were full of conflicting emotions, but when she leaned up to kiss me, I forgot all about them. When she pulled away, they returned full force and I wondered what was going on in that head of hers.

“I’m worried. If I marry you, there will be children,” Isabella stated.

“Aye. That usually happens,” I agreed, not following.

“You’re a pirate,” Isabella said.

“Aye,” I nodded, still confused.

“How would our children handle living the life of an outlaw?” Isabella asked, wringing her hands together.

Realizing this was a large problem to her, I took her nervous hands in mine and led her to the bed. I knelt in front of her, keeping her hands in mine.

“Mo chroí, pirate or no, it wouldn’t change the way I raised our children. They would be well cared for and more loved than any other child in the world,” I told her.

She looked about ready to interrupt, so I silenced her with a quick kiss. When I pulled away, she gave me a watery smile.

“As for me being a pirate… you know I cannot change that. I have been outlawed by King Aro. There’s no way to rebuke the word of a king. Only one of the other kings can overturn the ruling. But know this, mo chroí. I would fight the Devil himself if that’s what it would take to keep you with me. I love you, Isabella Swan, more than anything or anyone. I want to marry you, to have children with you, to grow old with you. Please, just give me that chance,” I pleaded.

“Oh, Peter,” Isabella sniffled, flinging her arms around my neck.

I held her as she cried, misery seeping into me at the desperate way she clung to me. I didn’t think I’d be able to handle it if she left me.

“I love you, too, so much it physically hurts. But I can’t help being afraid,” Isabella gasped.

“Hush, mo anamachara. You love me? Truly?” I questioned, wanting to be sure.

“Of course I do, you foolish man! I wouldn’t have given myself to you if I didn’t,” Isabella cried.

I kissed her then, my hand feverously traveling her body. My Isabella loved me. Everything else would work itself out. All I cared about in that moment was making love to the woman of my heart. My soul-mate.