Love Aboard the Priam: Outtake

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

Outtake

Marcus’ POV

I paced the length of my study, anxiously awaiting news of my long-time friend, Charlie Swan. He had recently sailed with his daughter and son-in-law to Bearsalei in Champoli, the first time he had seen his daughter since she left to sail aboard the Priam.

I had sailed with Charlie before taking the throne, many decades ago. We had met on the docks one day while I was avoiding my more boring royal duties. He had recently acquired a ship for his father’s fleet and offered me passage to wherever they were traveling. I had eagerly grasped the opportunity, seeing towns and cities most royals wouldn’t dare step foot in. I met my Didyme in one of those towns, falling head over heels in love with her almost instantly.

When my father passed away, leaving me the throne, I was forced to return and remain on land. And when the time came for me to marry, Charlie risked being taken captive by the royal navy and brought Didyme to Delacor. Years went by without word from him, but when he came to me one night, begging to clemency for his deeds as a pirate in order to save his daughter’s life, I had instantly granted it.

The first trip Charlie took under the Shalolie flag, I accompanied him. I was there when the pirate’s attacked the ship with Charlie’s daughter on board. I watched as Isabella fought against the pirates, her skill far exceeding those of someone three times her age. And I knew when she and Peter laid eyes on each other that they were meant to be. The way Peter watched her take down his captain’s Quartermaster was the same way I watched Didyme while she tended the garden. Completely enraptured in something so beautiful and precious, you would do anything to keep it safe. Isabella Swan was as beautiful as her mother, even at eleven years old.

Teaching her how to be a courtier had delighted Didyme, who was teaching Jane and Alec at the same time. While Didyme had hoped the two girls would become fast friends, Jane deemed Isabella beneath her since the older girl would rather wear trousers and traipse about in the lists with the boys. Still, Isabella took to the teachings better than either of our youngest children, which pleased Charlie to no end.

While Didyme worried about Isabella fitting in with the lords and ladies of the court, I made sure that she and Peter would fit. I learned the boy’s name and began writing to him, detailing Isabella’s life. Charlie and I kept in constant contact after he decided to remain on land, after the pirate attack. He worried about losing his daughter like he had lost Renee. Charlie was fully aware that I was sending letters to Peter about his daughter, even encouraged them. Charlie had known the boy’s father when he was a pirate and knew the boy would grow up to be a good man.

It was good to know we had been correct, but I worried for my friend who was now alone. When he told me he was traveling with Isabella and Peter to their home to stay for a few months, I was thrilled for him and promised to have someone oversee his lands.

It had been nearly two months since Charlie had left Shalolie and I was starting to worry. He had promised to send word when he arrived and every two weeks while he was there. I had yet to receive word of his arrival, but I was hoping it would come today. A ship had docked in the port just this morning, arriving from Bearsalei. I was hoping Charlie’s letter was aboard this ship.

“Your Majesty, a letter arrived for you,” a footman announced, bringing it into the room on a silver tray.

“Thank you, Felix,” I nodded, taking the letter.

I glanced down at the hand writing, instantly recognizing my friend’s scratchy lettering. Just as I was opening it, Didyme walked in, her face eager.

“Is it from him?” Didyme asked excitedly.

“Yes. I was just about to read it. Sit down and I’ll read it aloud,” I offered.

She settled into the chair beside my desk, her skirts settled around her. I unfolded the letter and began reading.

To My Most Reverent and Benevolent King,

I apologize for the lateness of this letter, but I received some rather exciting news that has captured my attention these past few weeks. My beautiful daughter is expecting her first born child come winter. The child is already showing signs of being just like his or her parents, causing Bella bouts of sickness while she is on land while she suffers no such ills while at sea. Unfortunately, she is quite miserable as Peter refuses to let her sail until the child is born. I hope you will grant me an extended stay here in Bearsalei so I can be here when the child does come.

My friend, you would be surprised at how different Bearsalei is from when we were last in port. Perhaps you will find some time to travel again once Afton takes the throne. You would enjoy the excitement Bearsalei has developed.

Unfortunately, my friend, I must end this letter here. Bella is anxious to visit a friend of hers in town and I am being called upon to join her. Give my regards to your beautiful wife.

Fair winds and following seas.

Your Humble Servant,

Charles Swan

“My, but he was rather grand,” Didyme chuckled.

“He enjoys teasing me with his flamboyant titles,” I agreed with a grin.

“He’s a good man,” Didyme smiled.

“He is,” I nodded, my thoughts drifting away.

“Perhaps it would be good to get away. When was the last time you sailed, my darling?” Didyme asked, standing.

“Decades,” I answered, smiling wryly.

“It would be nice to travel again, wouldn’t it? Like we did when we were younger?” Didyme questioned, wrapping her arms around me.

“You want to be there for when the child is born, do you?” I chuckled, kissing her forehead.

“Desperately,” Didyme admitted.

“Do you believe our son is ready to take the throne?” I asked.

“I do. He’s grown so much these past few years and being married to Chelsea has brought out a maturity that he’s been missing for so long,” Didyme sighed happily.

“I will have it arranged and we will leave as soon as the crown is transferred,” I promised.

“I love you,” Didyme murmured, kissing me.

“As I love you,” I replied, nuzzling her neck.