Love Aboard the Priam: Chapter Three

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

Chapter Three

Bella’s POV

The sunlight playing across my face woke me the next morning just before the sounds on deck reached my ears. Groaning softly, I burrowed closer to the source of warmth in the bed, tucking my cold nose under the covers. My pillow shifted slightly and I reached up to move it back, my hand connecting with warm skin.

My eyes snapped open and I found myself pressed completely against Peter, his arm under my head and the other draped across my hip. My arms were folded beneath us, one of my hands resting over his heart. The intimate position acted like a bucket of cold water waking me up and like a raging inferno setting fire to every part of me.

“Good morning, mo chroí,” Peter rumbled from above me.

I didn’t answer as I moved to get out of his embrace. His arms tightened around me, keeping me pressed against him.

“Not just yet, Isabella. I have a little while longer before I need to get up to take over the ship from Garrett,” Peter murmured.

“It is daylight, sir,” I pointed out nervously.

“You are going to make this difficult for me, aren’t you?” Peter sighed, loosening his arms.

I rolled out of his embrace and moved across the room from him.

“I have every intention of returning home,” I informed him coldly.

I looked over my shoulder at him, confused at the look on his face. It was sad, whatever it was, and I suddenly wished I could take my words back. Before I could say anything, he was standing and putting his boots on.

“Well, I’ll send Vladimir in with breakfast. That trunk in the corner is yours from the Infamy. I’ll send Randall to collect you in a while and you will meet the crew,” Peter decided as he walked out of the cabin.

The door slammed shut behind him, the only sign of his hurt. I winced as his boots thumped away, regret filling me.

To distract myself, I went over to my trunk and began laying out my clothes for the day. I sighed, realizing some of my clothes would never be worn again. Surely someone who had been captured by pirates and forced to live among them would never again be allowed in the King’s Court.

A knock on the door brought me out of those thoughts and I turned to see Randall poking his head in.

“Good morning, my lady. I trust you slept well?” Randall asked, stepping into the room.

I frowned, confused by his formal manner, so different from yesterday.

“Yes, I slept very well. Thank you,” I answered him, closing the lid of my chest.

“Wonderful. The Captain instructed me to come see about getting you some breakfast. I’ll run along and see if Vladimir hasn’t already prepared something,” Randall smiled, ducking back out of the cabin.

More than a little confused at Randall’s behavior, I could only stand there, staring at the door. A few minutes later, the door opened again and Randall reappeared.

“Good mornin’, lass. Are ya ready for your breakfast?” Randall asked, rubbing his hands together.

I stood there, staring at him, completely confused as to what was going on.

“Did Neptune sneak in last night and take away your tongue, bantiarna?” Randall chuckled, walking closer.

I took a hasty step back, not sure if I should trust him or not.

“Stay where you are,” I demanded, moving behind Peter’s desk.

“What’s got ya so pale, lass?” Randall asked, frowning as he moved closer.

“No. Don’t come any closer,” I insisted, moving to keep space between us.

“Easy now. Don’t want to worry the Captain, do ya?” Randall soothed, hands up in a defenseless gesture.

My back was to the door by now and I was slowly inching my way towards it, eager to escape this madman.

“Don’t ya think about runnin’ out on me, lass. I won’t allow it,” Randall warned, his gaze darkening.

I spun around, intent on making a run for it, and ran into… Randall.

Confused and terrified, I did what any normal, rational woman would do.

I screamed my bloody head off.

Peter’s POV

I tried to clear my head as I looked over the ship in the quickly gaining morning light. Thoughts of Isabella soft and warm against me kept popping into my mind, taunting me, teasing me, making me ache to return to our cabin and shake her until she saw what could be between us.

The night before, I had lain awake, unable to sleep with her so stiff beside me. Gradually, as sleep took her over, her body had softened against mine, relaxing into me. When I awoke this morning to find her completely turned around and pressed against me, her hand resting over my heart, I had been filled with a kind of joy I had only ever dreamed of having. For a few brief moments, I was allowed to slip into a fantasy world where she cared for me just as much as I cared for her.

I was examining Stephen’s work on a new barrel for storing gun powder when I heard her. My heart stopped in my chest and my body was moving before I could tell my feet to move. The entire crew quieted at the sound of her scream and I raced towards my cabin, drawing my sword as I barreled into the room.

I breathed a sigh of relief at the sight that greeted me.

“What the devil is going on here?” I asked, my voice calmer than it would have been mere moments before.

“You tell me! What’s going on with this?” Isabella shrieked, the sword in her hand indicating the two men standing in front of her.

“Isabella, drop the sword and I’ll explain everything,” I soothed, walking towards her.

“How are there two of them?” Isabella asked, her body trembling slightly.

“They’re twins, mo chroí,” I answered, one of my hands settling on her back while the other reached for the sword.

She allowed me to take it from her, moving closer to me as she eyed my men warily.

“Which one of you is the real Randall?” Isabella asked, her strength returning as she stared them down.

“That would be me, bantiarna. And this is my brother, Garrett,” Randall smiled, stepping forward.

“I do apologize, my lady. I hadn’t realized you were unaware there were two of us,” Garrett bowed.

“You’re so different from each other,” Isabella frowned, looking between the two brothers.

“I grew up with our ma in Champoli and Garrett grew up with our pa in Isopholy,” Randall explained.

“Our father was a courtier for King Aro and our mother was a courtesan. When she found out she was pregnant, she left the kingdom to save her life. King Aro would’ve killed her if he found out our father had impregnated her. Her plan was to send her child to live with his or her father, but when we were both born, she decided to keep Randall, her second born. I was sent to our father to take on the role of his heir,” Garrett continued.

“I met Garrett when I was still a Quartermaster. He was aboard one of the ships we attacked. He surrendered and my Captain brought him onto our ship. The people of Isopholy believe him to be dead. A few years later, after I became Captain of my own ship, I stumbled upon Randall and hired him immediately, recognizing him as Garrett’s twin. Randall was the only one who knew the story of how they were separated and once he realized Garrett sailed with me, he agreed to stay on board and help me with the artillery,” I told her.

“How can you tell the difference?” Isabella asked me.

“Easy. Just listen to them talk,” I chuckled.

“Don’t worry, bantiarna. Ya will learn to know which of us is which in no time,” Randall assured me.

“Alright, you two. Back on deck. I’ll see to Isabella,” I instructed, moving her towards the table.

She sat down heavily, closing her eyes as Randall and Garrett left the room. I kneeled in front of her, worried the scare had been too much for her.

“Mo chroí, are you alright?” I asked anxiously, my hands moving to grip hers.

“I’m fine, Peter,” Isabella murmured, eyes still closed.

I trembled slightly at the sensation of my name rolling off her lips. I physically ached to hear it again, my entire body tensed in anticipation.

“Say it again,” I requested, my voice quiet.

“Say what again?” Isabella asked, opening her eyes to frown down at me.

“Say my name,” I clarified.

She blushed a beautiful shade of red, her eyes cast down as she licked her lips.

“Peter,” Isabella whispered.

“I don’t think you realize… how long I’ve wanted to hear you say my name,” I rasped, swallowing the thump in my throat.

I was too overcome and my head fell into her lap as I continued to shake. Isabella was quiet, allowing me time to gather myself and my thoughts.

“When I heard you… the only thing that went through my mind was that I’d never reach you in time. I thought… I thought something or someone was going to take you from me… and I was too damn far away to keep you safe,” I choked, shuddering at the after effects of my fear threatened to crush me.

Fingers hesitantly threaded through my hair, brushing out the strands, smoothing across my temples. Gradually, I gained control over my emotions and was able to raise my head from her lap only to find her frowning in confusion.

“What is it, mo chroí?” I asked, reaching up to brush a strand of hair away from her face.

“I don’t understand any of this. You’ve known me for a day, less than that, actually. How can you feel so strongly for me?” Isabella asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Oh, beagán amháin, I wish I could answer your question and soothe your fears, but I cannot at this present time. I promise you, though, I will tell you everything soon enough. By the time our bargain is complete, you will know all my sins, all my weaknesses,” I promised.

“I just wish I knew why you feel the way you do,” Isabella sighed heavily.

“I will tell you this. You are my weakest point and my greatest strength. I would do anything to keep you safe,” I told her vehemently.

“I believe you,” Isabella smiled slightly.

I smiled in return, pleased at the progress we were making. If the rest of our days could only go as smoothly as this one, I had no doubt I would win my lady’s heart by the time we reached Bearsalei.

Bella’s POV

I sat there, staring down at the man kneeling between my legs, completely amazed at the depth of emotion I saw there. This man, who I barely knew, was terrified at the thought of me being hurt. The look on his face when he barged into the room was frightening and I had been extremely glad I was to one he was intent on protecting. In that moment, when he burst through the door, he had looked every bit the pirate he claimed to be. His eyes had been hard and bright, scanning the room for threats. His stance had been wide, feet braced apart in preparation for an attack. Sword raised, his every pore had exuded danger to those who dared go against him.

Amazing how just a day ago, the sight of him like that would have sent me into my own battle stance, despite my fear of him, but today I had felt a wave of relief and a sense of security when he appeared. A part of me knew and recognized that this man would never hurt me.

“Why don’t you get dressed and I’ll have Vladimir bring us some breakfast? Then we can go up on deck and you can have free reign of the ship,” Peter suggested, still giving me a soft smile.

“That sounds wonderful,” I agreed easily.

“I’ll be back shortly, then,” Peter nodded once before leaving the room.

I quickly moved to put on one of my simpler dresses, wishing I had another pair of trousers. It would be a long month aboard the Priam if all I’d get to wear would be dresses. I smoothed out the dark grey-blue cotton, wishing for the dresses I’d worn when I was younger that buttoned in the front.

The door opened behind me and Peter walked in, followed closely by Vladimir. I spun around, blushing furiously at being caught by these two men only half dressed.

“Vladimir has cooked us quite a spread, mo chroí. Come sit,” Peter waved me over, smiling.

“Do you think you could give me a few more minutes, perhaps?” I requested, holding my dress up as inconspicuously as possible.

“What’s wrong?” Peter asked, sensing my unease.

“Nothing, I just… I just need you both to wait outside for a few minutes,” I told him, backing away as he moved closer.

His eyes narrowed as he looked me over. Without turning he spoke to Vladimir.

“Give us a moment, Vladimir,” Peter requested.

Vladimir turned back into the hallway, a small smile playing about his lips.

“Now, what’s the problem?” Peter asked.

“I need to finish getting dressed,” I murmured.

“Are you not going to wear this one?” Peter frowned, not understanding.

“Peter. Please,” I blushed, not meeting his gaze.

His hands settled on my upper arms, rubbing gently.

“Mo chroí, what is the problem?” Peter asked again, his voice a gentle lull.

I looked up at him, miserable in my embarrassment at standing before a man I barely knew, half dressed.

Peter bowed his head forward and pressed his lips to my brow, making a soft humming sound as he did so. I closed my eyes, surprised to find myself leaning towards him.

“I need help buttoning my dress,” I confessed before I lost my nerve.

“Is that all? Isabella, you should know, you only have to ask,” Peter smiled softly.

The way his eyes traced over my face and his thumb brushed across my jaw, soft as a feather, made me feel as though I was the most precious thing in the world to him. My breathing sped up and I felt warm in places I’d never been before. Peter’s eyes darkened slightly and his thumb paused at the corner of my mouth. One move and I could press my lips to the calloused pad. I was certain he was going to kiss me and my mouth went dry at the thought.

“Turn around,” Peter instructed.

“What?” I breathed, blinking in confusion.

“Turn around,” Peter repeated.

I did so, frowning at the disappointment welling inside of me. I shouldn’t be disappointed that he hadn’t kissed me. I should be thrilled, thanking whatever deity that was watching over me for saving me from his seductive ways. Instead, I felt the sudden urge to lie in bed all day and wallow in self-pity.

My entire body tensed when I felt his lips at the base of my neck. I bit my lip to keep quiet as he slowly buttoned each hole, leaving a hot, wet trail of kisses along my neck. He used his teeth to nip along my spine before soothing the sting with his tongue. I was trembling by the time he finished, my body heavy and warm. I leaned against his chest as his arms wound around my waist from behind, his mouth moving up to my ear.

“All done, a leanbh,” Peter whispered, nipping at my lobe.

I nearly collapsed against him as my knees wobbled. He chuckled darkly, moving to guide me towards the table. I blushed at his self-satisfied smirk, berating myself for falling for his games so easily.

“Breaking your word already, Captain?” I questioned icily as I took my seat.

“Don’t even bother with that Ice Queen act, darlin’. If I hadn’t stopped when I did, you and I would be lying on that bed instead of getting ready for breakfast,” Peter insisted with a dark smile.

I bristled immediately at his words, feeling a fresh wave of anger come over me.

“Thank you, sir, for reminding me who exactly I am dealing with. For a moment there, I had forgotten. Not to worry, though. Your behavior has reminded me quite well that, as a pirate, you clearly have no morals,” I bit out calmly.

“Bloody hell, woman! What do you want from me?” Peter cursed, standing up to pace the cabin.

“I want you to take me back to Shalolie! I want my life and my Papa back! I want to be a proper lady of the court and I want to marry Edward Cullen!” I shouted at him.

As soon as the last sentence left my mouth, I wished I could take it back. I had never seen such anguish from anyone and the fact that I’d put that look on his face caused my chest to ache.

“Peter, I-“

“I’ll leave you to your breakfast, my lady,” Peter bowed stiffly before leaving the room.

The door echoed throughout the cabin as he slammed it behind him. I winced at the sharp sound, feeling tears prickle behind my eyes as my frustration mounted.

I spun around angrily, hands clenched at my side as I paced the length of the cabin. I didn’t understand any of what was happening. My responses to Peter were volatile and passionate, making me hate him one minute and want to kiss him the next. Everything was so bundled together and I still didn’t know whether or not Papa was alive.

“Papa, I need you,” I whimpered, wrapping my arms around myself as the tears began falling.

He would know exactly what to do with Peter and this whole horrid situation. I needed his advice now more than ever.

“Just remember, Bells. When things get tough, you just stick to it. You know who you are. So long as you don’t lose sight of yourself, you’ll be fine.”

I sniffled as Papa’s voice echoed in my head, images of a seven year old me grinning up at him, wooden sword clutched in my hand.

“Silly, Papa. I’m Isabella Marie Swan. I’ve known that since I was three!”

“Don’t you forget it, either.”

I smiled, laughing brokenly at the memory of us aboard the Infamy. Things were so much easier back then.

“Focus, Isabella! Keep your sword up. How are you ever going to defeat an enemy if you keep looking elsewhere?”

“Papa, we’ve been at this for hours! I’m tired and you promised we could go inland to see the festival today!”

“Lessons first. You know the rules, Bella. Now, engarde.”

I remembered sparring for so long that my muscles shook at the end of the day. Papa had always wanted to make sure I could defend myself. I missed working with him, the sound of our heavy breathing and sword clashing as we moved around the deck. By nine years old, we’d moved on to metal swords and my wooden sword was passed down to Eleazar’s youngest son.

It had always been the two of us, just me and Papa. I couldn’t even remember my mother, but I know I looked like her. Papa had told me often enough, the last time being just before we sailed for Isopholy.

“You sure you want to do this, Bells? It’s not too late. I can still call it off and you can stay with me.”

“Papa, it’s time. Emily and Angela keep asking why I haven’t accepted any proposals yet. You know Angela is anticipating her second child and Emily’s third one is on the way. I’m too old to still be living with my father.”

“Nonsense! You’re never too old. Besides, what will I do without you?”

“You’ll be fine. Sue will see to it you aren’t too lonely.”

“Ehem. Yes. Well. If you’re sure.”

“I am, Papa. Edward is a wonderful man and he’ll make a good husband.”

“You know, your Mother would be so proud of you. You have so much of her in you.”

“I miss her, but I know she’s happy, wherever she is.”

“You just make sure you’re happy. Your mother and I had a special relationship, one that doesn’t come about too often. I want you to have the same thing we had and I worry you’re settling with Cullen.”

“He’s a good man, Papa.”

“There’s no arguing with that. But, Bells, love is something special and it’s different from being happy. I want you to have both.”

“You were lucky to find Mama when you did. I think I could grow to love Edward.”

“I hope you do, though you shouldn’t have to. Your mother was the love of my life, mo chroí and mo anamchara. I want you to find yours.”

“Papa, stop making up words! I have to finish getting ready and you need to finish packing.”

“Don’t forget your sword and your pistol. You’ll be needing it this time around.”

“What do you mean?”

“I’ve got a feeling about this trip. Just remember, no matter what happens, that I love you and that everything I’ve done has been for you.”

“I love you, too, Papa.”

The memory faded back into my mind and I realized I was gasping to air, tears streaming down my face.

He’d known something was going to happen, that we were going to be separated. Why did we leave so early? If only we’d waited a few more days.

His words replayed over and over in my head, mocking me for my ignorance.

Your mother was the love of my life, mo chroí and mo anamchara.

Mo chroí.

Mo anamchara.

Why?

With that last thought, my mind went blank and I fell into unconsciousness.

Peter’s POV

The sun was just beginning to touch the horizon by the time I returned to our cabin.

I snorted, disgusted with myself. Isabella wanted no part in anything of mine. She had made that quite clear this morning.

Randall’s reassurances that she would come around and Garrett’s reminders that it had only been two days, that she was probably scared, had done nothing to help ease the desperation I felt creeping up on me.

I had a month to make a woman who couldn’t stand my touch, who hated me with her entire being, fall in love with me. It was a task I was no longer certain I could complete.

Knowing it was pointless to continue standing outside of the door any long, I pushed my way inside, frowning at the quickly fading light. The first thing to catch my attention was the table. Isabella’s breakfast remained untouched, the meats having gone cold and the wine sour. My next thought was of pure panic when I didn’t see her sitting at the table or lying on the bed.

“Isabella?” I called, moving further into the room.

My heart was pounding and I hurried to check all the windows, making sure she hadn’t managed to get one open and climb out. Satisfied that she hadn’t escaped that way, I turned around, intent on tearing the cabin apart when I spotted her on the floor.

“By the Saints, nay,” I gasped, falling down beside her.

I hurriedly checked her pulse points, practically sobbing in relief when I felt the steady thud beneath my fingers. My hands traveled her body, checking for any broken bones or tender areas. I winced when I felt a lump on the side of her head where she’d knocked herself out when she’d fallen. There was a nice gash on the back of her head from crashing into her trunk. The blood had already dried and matted down her hair, making the wound easier to find.

I turned her over, careful not to shake her too much. My heart was still pounding, unused to so much fear in one day.

“Isabella, wake up. Please, mo chroí. Open those beautiful eyes for me,” I entreated, my voice thick.

Her eyes fluttered and she gave a soft moan. I sent up a quick “thank you” before shouting for Vasilii. Isabella moaned again, louder this time.

“Hush, mo chroí. Vasilii is on his way. He will look you over and make sure everything is fine,” I soothed us both, my fingers trailing around her temples.

“My head,” Isabella complained, her voice weak.

“I know, a leanbh. I’ll make it better,” I promised as Vasilii ran into the room.

“What happened?” Vasilii asked, his face hardened.

“I don’t know. I came in here and she was like this,” I told him.

“I hit my head,” Isabella frowned.

“Yes, I can see that, bantiarna. You’ve cracked your head open,” Vasilii grinned wryly.

“Stop yelling at me,” Isabella groaned, her forehead wrinkled in pain.

“Is this better?” Vasilii asked softly as his fingers probed around her head.

“Yes,” Isabella sighed, her features smoothing out.

“Do you remember what happened before you hit your head?” Vasilii asked, his voice just as soft.

“I was… I was upset about something,” Isabella answered hesitantly.

“What about?” Vasilii pushed as he poured whiskey onto a cloth and began cleaning her wound.

Her fingers tightened around my hand and I raised them to my lips, kissing each finger and humming softly.

“Something about Papa and… words,” Isabella said slowly.

“Words?” Vasilii frowned, glancing up at me.

“He used strange words. I… I don’t know what they meant, but… OH!” Isabella yelled, her eyes snapping open.

She shot up off the floor, swaying slightly as she winced from the pain in her head.

“Isabella! Lay back down,” I ordered, pushing gently at her shoulders.

“It was you! He knew you were going to take me! He knew all along! Why did he let you take me?” Isabella wailed, tears appearing in her eyes as she glared at me angrily.

“What in God’s name are you talking about?” I scowled, still trying to ease her back down.

“I thought he was making them up, but he wasn’t! You say them all the time. How did he know? Did he… did he tell you to take me? Why? Why would he do that?” Isabella cried, tears falling as she shook her fists.

“Isabella, no one told me to take you. That wasn’t part of the plan,” I insisted, grabbing her wrists.

“Plan? You… you planned this?” Isabella questioned, hurt and betrayal flashing across her face.

“Of course I planned it! I’ve been planning this since the first moment I laid eyes on you. You think I would go into something not knowing the outcome? Are you daft? I’ve received letters telling me about you. Each year a new one would arrive, telling me how you had changed, what you had done, who you had met. They drove me crazy because despite giving me every detail possible, they would never tell me where you were. I searched every island and country, hoping to find you by using the letters, but you were always long gone and it isn’t as if I could walk up to the nobility and ask where to find you. It was pure luck that we took over the same ship you were on. Your father had nothing to do with it,” I swore to her.

She sat there, staring at me with her watery eyes while Vasilii continued to examine her head. Her hand was still clenching mine, the nails digging into the back of my palm.

“He didn’t give me away?” Isabella asked hesitantly.

“Nay, mo chroí. I would be willing to bet he is devastated at your loss,” I assured her.

“Then he is still alive?” Isabella questioned, her eyes brightening.

“None of my men killed anyone aboard the Infamy, though a few were knocked unconscious,” I admitted wryly.

Before I could so much as blink, her arms were around my neck and she was squeezing with all her might, sobbing into my shoulder.

“Thank you! Oh, thank you!” Isabella sobbed.

“Easy, mo chroí. Come now. Let Vasilii finish with your wound and then we’ll have supper since you neglected to eat breakfast,” I smiled at her.

“And you’ll tell me more about these letters you received?” Isabella asked expectantly.

“Aye, I’ll even show them to you if you wish,” I agreed, knowing it was hopeless to fight her on it.

“Maybe I’ll recognize the hand,” Isabella pondered.

“Think on it later, mo chroí. For now, let us enjoy at least one meal without any negativity,” I requested.

She blushed as she took my hand and I assisted her up from the floor.

“I suppose it has been a little difficult,” Isabella smiled guiltily.

“No less than what I expected,” I admitted.

“Keep her off her feet as much as possible, Captain, and she should be fine. The wound isn’t deep and she doesn’t appear to feel ill. She’ll be right as rain by tomorrow,” Vasilii informed us.

“Thank you, Vasilii,” I nodded.

“Thank you for seeing to my head,” Isabella murmured, placing a hand on his arm.

“My pleasure, bantiarna,” Vasilii bowed slightly.

He walked away, a bounce in his step that hadn’t been there before.

“You’re corrupting my crew,” I accused lightly.

“Perhaps that is my intention,” Isabella grinned.

“Is it, now? Then perhaps I’ll have to keep you either locked in this room or attached to my hip. Which would you prefer, mo chroí?” I teased, pulling her closer to me.

“How am I to take over your ship, Captain, if I am locked up in here or always by your side?” Isabella giggled.

“You can have the ship and everything else in my possession. All you have to do is stay with me,” I promised her, only half-teasing.

“It might be worth it if I could keep your ship,” Isabella mused as she walked to the table.

My soul seemed to sigh with relief and I was filled with the hope that maybe I would actually be able to convince her to stay.