Love Aboard the Priam: Chapter Five

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

Chapter Five

Bella’s POV

It always seemed to amaze me how quickly time went by while at sea. It had been a week since I had been brought aboard the Priam and yet it felt as though it had been just yesterday. While a part of me still mourned being taken from my father and Edward, another part of me couldn’t help but feel invigorated as I grew to love the ship and its people.

Peter gave me free reign of the ship, allowing me to traverse the decks at my leisure. Randall often accompanied me while Peter was busy, just to keep an eye on me. It was sweet, in a way, how worried he was about me. I knew some part of him still expected me to run, but I had resigned myself to staying with the Priam until we reached Bearsalei. A bargain was a bargain, after all.

Though, as the days passed, I found myself forgetting that this would all soon end. I actually found myself enjoying sparring with Randall, conversing with Garrett, spending time with Peter, and learning the way the Priam worked.

I blinked across the water, unsure if I was actually seeing what I thought I was seeing.

“Is that…?” I asked Randall.

“Aye, bartiarna. We’ll be landing just north of Arimol. We need to replenish our supplies,” Randall informed me.

“Won’t you all be taken captive?” I asked somewhat fearfully.

“Nay, lass. The town we’re landing in is friendly enough. We bring in money they wouldn’t normally get. King Aro starves his servants, keeping their riches for himself. Only the highest of nobility are allowed any form of wealth. The rest live in poverty,” Randall frowned.

“That’s awful!” I exclaimed.

“Aye, which is why the Captain has us stop by this little town as often as possible. It’s one of the poorest in the kingdom,” Randall informed me.

I frowned at the land that was quickly coming into view, the shouts of the crew minimal as I turned over Randall’s words in my head.

“How long will we be docked?” I asked quietly.

“At least for the night. The Captain will want to let the crew take advantage of the inn,” Randall grinned.

I felt myself blush even as I slapped Randall’s arm.

“You should not say such things in the presence of a lady,” I scolded him.

“Good thing I don’t see any ladies around, then,” Randall chuckled, quickly moving away from me.

“You’ll pay for that slur, you troublesome cad!” I laughed, chasing after him.

He grinned mockingly as he spun around, taking off up the stairs and onto the quarterdeck. I followed right behind him, laughing as he raced to hide behind Garrett.

“Oh, no, brother. You brought on the bantiarna’s wrath, you can face her,” Garrett insisted, winking at me.

“The lass will skin me alive,” Randall exclaimed dramatically.

“That’s right, I will. Just because I walk around in trousers doesn’t give you the right to besmirch my femininity,” I huffed, pouting innocently.

“A thousand pardons, bantiarna. I never meant to insult your fine feminine form,” Randall bowed.

“You should not even be taking notice of her form, Randall,” Peter smirked as he came up the steps.

“Now, Captain, any man with eyes couldn’t help but feast upon the bantiarna’s beauty,” Randall claimed.

“Aye, I cannot argue with that,” Peter agreed, placing his arm about my waist.

“You two are completely deplorable!” I cried, but remained under Peter’s arm.

“Deplorable, you say? Well, mo chroí, would I still be considered deplorable if I told you we will be getting off the ship for the night?” Peter asked.

“That depends, Captain. What exactly do you have planned for the night?” I asked coyly.

“I know how anxious you are for a bath. I can arrange one for you,” Peter murmured, his lips brushing along the shell of my ear.

“I believe that raises your status to commendable,” I informed him with a smile.

“A much better fate,” Peter grinned, squeezing me briefly.

“How long until we reach land?” I asked excitedly.

“A few hours yet. Plenty of time for us to enjoy Vladimir’s dinner,” Peter told me, taking my hand to pull me towards the cabin.

“Will we be staying aboard the ship tonight?” I asked as he pulled me through the door.

“Nay. Some of the crew will remain aboard to make sure nothing happens, but most of the crew will stay the night in town. You and I will stay at the local inn,” Peter explained.

“In separate rooms?” I questioned, watching him beneath my lashes.

“Nay,” Peter practically growled, tugging me against him.

I sighed as his lips pressed against mine, claiming them as his. It had been so long since he’d touched me like this, the last time being nearly five days ago. My body had ached for his hands each night as we had lain beside each other. My fingers threaded through his hair, eagerly keeping him where he was as his tongue licked between my lips.

My entire body was on fire as his hands gripped my hips, pulling me flush against him. One of his hands traveled around to cup my bottom as the other moved to tweak my nipple through my dress. I cried out at the sensation, my legs trembling as he trailed a path of fire down the side of my neck with his teeth. I began moving against him, craving the release from the other night.

“Yes, mo chroí. Just like that,” Peter hissed, matching me thrust for thrust.

I trembled as his erection brushed across a sensitive spot between my legs. Both hands were now gripped my bottom, grinding me against him feverously. I was helpless to do anything but hold on tight, the coil winding tighter and tighter until it finally snapped, causing my entire body to clench deliciously.

Peter grunted his release seconds later, his teeth biting at the skin on my shoulder. I smoothed my fingers through his hair, murmuring nonsense words.

“I cannot wait until we do this for real,” Peter sighed before kissing me sweetly.

I bit my lip, but said nothing. As much as my teachings had taught against such a thing, I wanted to share this experience with him. Still, the thought of actually going through with it sent fear racing down my spine.

“Shh, mo chroí. Easy. Breathe,” Peter soothed, his hands rubbing circles along my arms.

Gradually, I managed to regain control of my breathing as I inhaled Peter’s scent. The spicy, musky smell brought a sense of clarity to my muddle mind.

“That’s it, a leanbh,” Peter cooed.

“What does that mean?” I asked, trying to distract myself from thoughts of love making.

“A leanbh? It means ‘little one’,” Peter answered softly.

“I am not little,” I frowned.

“Aye, you are, mo chroí. Very little and incredibly precious,” Peter argued with a small smile.

Unsure of how exactly to respond to such a compliment, I remained silent as I fiddled with the buttons on his shirt.

“Will you teach me?” I asked after a few moments of silence.

“Teach you what, mo chroí?” Peter asked, his cheek resting against the top of my head.

“The Language of the Sea,” I clarified.

Peter pulled away enough to see my face. Whatever he saw there must have pleased him and he smiled wide before pulling me close again.

“Of course I will teach you the language, Isabella. It is actually called Teanga na Farraige,” Peter informed me, leading me to the table as Vladimir walked in with dinner.

“Aye, Capt’n. It’s about time the lass started learnin’ the language,” Vladimir grinned.

“Sorry to have kept it from her for all this time,” Peter apologized wryly, giving me a wink.

“Now, ya listen here, lass. If the Capt’n don’t answer your questions, ya come to me and I’ll tell ya anythin’ ya want to know,” Vladimir insisted.

“As if I wouldn’t give her almost anything she asked for,” Peter scoffed.

“Aye. Our Capt’n’s love sick, alright,” Vladimir sighed forlornly.

“Just serve supper, wretch,” Peter glared good-naturedly.

I smiled as Vladimir grumbled under his breath while dishing out our supper.

“You should really treat your crew better, Captain. Otherwise, you might force them to commit mutiny,” I teased.

“Don’t go giving them ideas, now,” Peter frowned, wagging a finger at me.

“As if the crew would actually betray ya,” Vladimir snorted.

“Thank you, Vladimir. Supper smells fantastic,” Peter complimented.

“Aye, it ought to. Ben caught the fish fresh today,” Vladimir grinned as he left the cabin.

I glanced down at the plate in front of me, surprised to see a cleaned fillet of fish, sautéed to perfection.

“How in the world…” I trailed off, amazed.

“What is it, mo chroí?” Peter asked, sipping his wine.

“It’s completely cleaned. I’m willing to bet there’s not a single bone in this fish,” I gaped.

“Vladimir takes his job very seriously. He would never risk his reputation by missing a bone,” Peter told me airily.

“Even in the King’s Court, we did not have fish so well done,” I said, trying a bite.

My eyes practically rolled into the back of my head at the savory flavor.

“I trust he has lived up to his usual standards?” Peter asked with a slight laugh.

I could only moan in response, eagerly taking another bite.

“Careful, mo chroí, or I might not let you finish that,” Peter warned, his eyes darkening.

Feeling daring and sensual, especially after such intense pleasure before dinner, I wrapped my lips around the fork, pulling the utensil out slowly. I closed my eyes and tilted back my head, another moan escaping as I chewed.

Almost immediately, his lips were on mine, his tongue licking away any lingering sauce. I sighed contently as his hand came up to cup the back of my neck, holding me captive. The kiss was simple and sweet, neither of us in any hurry to change that.

“I love you, Isabella,” Peter murmured, his lips brushing against mine.

I shivered from the intensity of shock and pleasure those words brought me. My mind was screaming too soon, but my heart physically ached at his low admission. Unable to bring the two into harmony, I could only stare as he smiled softly, rubbing his nose against mine.

“Take all the time you need, mo chroí. I’ve waited nine years. I can wait a little longer,” Peter winked.

“Are you so sure you’ll win me over?” I asked meekly.

“I have to be,” Peter answered, a darkness settling over his features for the briefest of moments.

I didn’t say anything more as he took his seat across from me again. We finished dinner in a companionable silence. I would look up occasionally to find him watching me, a quickly-becoming-familiar look in his eyes. Each time, my cheeks would heat up and I would duck my head in embarrassment. I was more than relieved when Vladimir came in to clean up the dishes and I was freed from the table.

Peter was sitting at his desk, checking over our route again, while I sat reading one of the few books I’d brought with me when Garrett strode in.

“Captain, the crew is preparing to sail into the harbor,” Garrett informed him.

“Good, good. I’ll come up to oversee,” Peter nodded, standing.

“We’ve spotted another ship docked in the harbor. The flag looks to be from the Royal fleet,” Garrett continued nervously.

“Aro’s got men stationed in Rasop?” Peter frowned.

“Nay, not Aro. The flag is of Shalolie’s colors,” Garrett muttered.

The book fell from my hands as I stood eagerly, causing both men to turn and look at me. Garrett was worried, his brows drawn together, but Peter… Peter looked as though someone was attempting to cut his heart out with a spoon.

“Peter-“ I started forward, my hand outstretched.

He spun away from me, his fists clenched at his sides.

“It’s too late to turn away. We’ve already been spotted and Joseph is preparing our usual dock,” Garrett told him apologetically.

“Damn it all to hell! Alright. We’ll dock for the night. Tell the men to be careful they’re not followed. We’ll take every precaution necessary and then some. We won’t be caught unawares,” Peter growled.

“Aye, Captain,” Garrett bowed before scurrying from the room.

Peter shut the door before leaning against it, his forehead resting on his raised arm.

“Peter, I-“ I tried again.

“I won’t let them take you. I won’t. You… You’re mine for the next three weeks. We made a bargain,” Peter gritted, his breaths uneven.

I bit my lip against the sharp pain in my chest, knowing he wasn’t being intentionally hurtful by reminding me I basically was his prisoner. Slowly, I shuffled across the floor, my hand outstretched. He was trembling against the heavy wood of the door, his entire frame tensed.

“Peter,” I whispered, wrapping my arms around his waist as I leaned my cheek against his back.

His hand came down to clasp mine to him, still struggling against his inner turmoil. I rubbed my cheek against his shirt, murmuring soothing words that made no sense to either of us. Eventually, though, his shaking stopped and he was able to turn around to face me.

“I won’t let you go. I’ll kill any man who tries to take you from me,” Peter insisted, his arms winding around me.

“What if it’s my father?” I asked softly.

He closed his eyes, his brows drawn together as he struggled to breathe evenly. The white of his scar stood out against his cheek and my fingers itched to reach up and trace the line.

“You know I wouldn’t kill your father, but… but I wouldn’t let him take you from me, either,” Peter sighed, resting his cheek on top of my head.

I licked my lips, nervous about what waited for us on shore.

“I’ve got to go see to the crew. You’ll stay here?” Peter asked, his voice barely more than a whisper.

I nodded, not quite able to speak just yet due to the lump in my throat.

He dropped a kiss to my forehead before striding out of the room. As soon as the door closed behind him, I ran to the windows, anxiously searching for the ship. Unfortunately, the night was too dark and all I could see were shadows and the twinkling of candle lights in the town. A shiver worked its way down my spine and I had to wonder whether or not the repeated “please” falling from my lips was for my father to be on that ship or not.

Peter’s POV

My mind was completely focused on the task of getting the Priam into the harbor, leaving no room for thoughts of who was waiting on that ship to taunt me. I shouted instructions to the men, my hands tight on the helm. I wouldn’t allow myself to think of the possibilities. None of them mattered, anyway.

I would keep her with me, protect her with my life if necessary.

“Ahoy, Captain! I trust the winds were fair on your return journey,” Joseph called as his men tied us to the dock.

Joseph Riley was the head of Rasop, the owner of the only inn and the largest farmland. His clothes were faded and there was more patchwork on his trousers than there was of the original material. His long hair black was greasy and filthy, tied back with a string of twine.

The plank was lowered to the dock with a bang, allowing the man to come up.

“Aye, Joseph, we were favored with speedy winds,” I agreed as he came aboard.

He wiped his hands on his trouser leg before extending it for me to shake. I grinned slightly as I reached around to clap him on the back, holding my breath as I did so.

“I see you already have another ship taking up residence for the night,” I noticed absently.

“Oh, aye. That one showed up about mid-day. Nobody’s come off, but they’ve been busy all afternoon,” Joseph frowned towards the dark ship.

“So you don’t know who’s aboard?” I asked cautiously.

“Nay, we haven’t heard a peep from them,” Joseph snorted.

“Have you seen the Captain?” I asked, trying to decide if they were a threat or not.

“Nay, Captain,” Joseph answered.

“Thank you,” I muttered, turning to find Randall.

He was rounding up the first watch, reminding them of their duties while we went inland.

“Randall!” I called, causing most of the men to look my way.

“Aye, Captain?” Randall asked, walking towards me.

“Take a few men and see if you can’t find out who our unexpected neighbors are before any of the men disembark,” I instructed, my eyes scanning the water.

“Aye, Captain,” Randall nodded, heading off to gather the men necessary.

“Garrett, make sure no one leaves the ship until Randall returns,” I ordered before turning back towards the cabin.

“Aye, Captain,” Garrett answered, shouting the orders to the crew.

“Uh, Captain? Might I ask as to all the precautions you’re taking?” Joseph asked nervously.

“We have precious cargo aboard that I am intent on maintaining,” I told him before disappearing inside my cabin.

My eyes instantly sought out Isabella, my entire body relaxing as I saw her near the window. I smile slightly as I noticed her nose pressed against the glass, hands on either side of her head as she peered outside.

“What are you doing, mo chroí?” I chuckled, walking towards her.

“Oh! You scared me!” Isabella gasped, jerking back from the window.

I smiled wider as I waited for an answer.

“I was attempting to see if I recognized the ship,” Isabella frowned in frustration.

“I take it you could not,” I stated, raising an eyebrow.

“No, I could not. It’s too dark,” Isabella frowned harder.

“Worry not, mo chroí. We will soon know who is aboard the ship. Randall and some of the crew have gone to discover just who is in port,” I informed her.

“Isn’t that dangerous? What if they are caught?” Isabella asked worriedly.

“Randall knows how to remain hidden, as do all of my men. If they were not stealthy, their lives would have been lost long ago,” I assured her, moving to take her hands in mine.

She bit her bottom lip, clearly not convinced.

“Remove those thoughts from you mind, mo chroí. Randall will return shortly and he will be eager to go inland. And I know he will not want to leave without you,” I smiled, leaning down to kiss her forehead.

“I suppose you would like for me to gather a few things for the night?” Isabella sighed.

“Aye, lass. Though you won’t need your shift,” I murmured, my lips close to her ear.

I grinned in triumph at the shiver that worked through her. Her body knew she was mine even if her heart was still reluctant.

Reaching around, I gave her firm ass a quick tap, making her squeal and jump away from me.

“Get to it, wench, or else I’ll be forced to punish you,” I warned.

“I would like to see you try,” Isabella retorted saucily.

I grinned at the sway in her hips as she went about gathering clothing for the next day, her brush, and a few other things she would need when we went inland. A sense of contentment settled over me as she folded one of my shirts, laying it on top of her dress. I wanted our clothes to be together for the rest of our lives. If only…

“Captain!” Randall shouted, a pounding on the door.

Isabella jerked up, her eyes wide as I moved to open the door.

“Report,” I commanded.

His eyes glancing quickly over to Isabella, he leaned forward and whispered in my ear. My entire body tensed as I turned to look at my reason for existence.

“It seems that a young man is requesting an audience with you, my dear,” I told her icily.

Her look of utter confusion let me know she hadn’t somehow managed to get word out of our whereabouts and that she had no prior knowledge of this sudden turn in events.

“What are you talking about? Who wants to see me?” Isabella asked, striding across the room.

“A young sailor by the name of Jacob Black,” I answered her, watching closely for signs of recognition.

My eyes widened as she paled dramatically, her own eyes huge, just before she crumpled to the floor.