Chapter One

            Her lips felt rough and weathered and the faint trace of salt mocked her parched tongue.  Aurelia swallowed and willed her mouth to moisten as she rubbed her eyes and straightened from her seat.  Her face felt swollen and rough, similar to enduring weeks of strong winds on the Widow.  Her back ached from falling asleep in a slumped position over the armrest of the chaise in the library.  The last of the fire had burned out hours ago and nothing but a buried ashy glow offered weak warmth to the large room. 

            Aurelia leaned over and picked up the blanket that had fallen off her lap.  She pulled her knees into her chest and huddled under the heavy quilt.  She sighed as her head fell back into the chair and she turned to look out the window.  The smallest hint of approaching morning light could be seen in the lightening shade of the sky. 

            Her mind quickly picked up where it had left off only a few hours ago when she had mercifully fallen asleep.  Her uncle’s stern words and harsh voice replayed once more making her stomach recoil at the memory.  The debate over Lucas threatened to bring new tears to her eyes but there were none left to be spilled.  Marcus had forbade her to see Lucas but the command was unfathomable.  Life had not existed before she met him and it was forever changed when she fell in love with him.  Never seeing him again was not an option.  But yet she hesitated to disappoint her father’s brother. 

            She huffed out her frustration and threw the blanket on the floor.  She stood and walked out of the room, heading for her own.  She closed the door behind her, careful not to wake Marcus or Mary.  There was maybe an hour until Mary would be up to start fires and prepare breakfast. 

            Aurelia poured the water from the pitcher into the wash basin and dragged her fingertips across the surface.  It was cold from spending the night unused.  She brushed the stray hairs from her face and dipped low to the basin, scooped up the water then gently splashed it on her face.  The coolness was refreshing to her warm complexion.  She repeated the motion several times, feeling the dried saltiness of tears finally being cleansed from her cheeks.  After a light application of lotion, she brushed out her hair then tied it back in a loose, low knot. 

            She laid down on her bed and stretched out before curling herself around the pillow.  The color of the sky was lighter now but still blue.  She would hear Mary scurrying around the house at any moment.  Aurelia sighed, exasperated, and rolled onto her back, staring at the ceiling. 

She felt like a third party witnessing a debate between heart and mind.  Her conscience and feelings had been battling back and forth all night and she was getting weary from the war.  A part of her truly wished to respect and honor her uncle’s wishes.  But the other part was begging her to follow her heart and return to Lucas. 

            She closed her eyes and placed her hands criss-crossed over her chest.  She laid there, listening to her breath and focusing on the rise and fall of her fingers.  She breathed calmness into her mind, clearing it from all thoughts and recollections of the argument.  Then she moved her hands slowly until she could feel her own pulse.  Her hands stopped there, just above her left breast, and she waited.  It took every ounce of effort to maintain the focus of nothingness, to listen only to her breathing and to the slow thump-thump of her heart.  She concentrated, waiting for it, knowing that it would come.  Her mind and heart would join forces soon enough.  She simply had to allow them the opportunity. 

            Inhale.

            Thump-thump.

            Exhale.

            Thump-thump.

            With every repetition, the pattern softened and slowed.  She felt her whole body relax, grateful for the truce of the internals.  She could hear the distant, soft sounds of Mary starting the day down in the kitchen but gently pushed her attention away, giving focus once more to her heartbeat.  Another deep, drawn out breath and her hands slid down to her sides.  The heaviness of sleep was beckoning and she was just about to give in when ….

            Querida.

            The remembrance of his love name for her echoed gently through her mind. It called out to her, answering the question.  She heard his deep, smooth voice whisper the name in her ear, a memory that instantly quickened her pulse.  She held the memory in her mind, like a delicate flower in her palm, and waited to make sure it was not a dream.  She could not make the decision unless both parties agreed.  With every ounce of effort she could gather, she once again listened for her breath and waited.  Impatience lingered but she brushed it away.  This decision would only be made once.  She must give it the time it deserved for once it was made, it would never be undone.

Inhale…thump-thump….exhale…thump-thump….

Lucas.

It was her voice now whispering his name and her chest warmed at the sound.  The smile spread across her lips and she opened her eyes.  The light outside was now grey.  Dawn was fast approaching. 

She bit her lip to control the excitement flooding her body and she bounded off the bed.  She swung open the armoire and pulled out the pink dress, the one she had made specifically for seeing him again.  She draped it over her bed then tip toed out the door and down to the kitchen.

Mary had a fire going and was kneading dough on the table.  She looked up and wiped her brow when she noticed Aurelia.  Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.  Mary had not anticipated seeing her mistress this early and had not put herself together before coming to start the breakfast bread.  She tucked the loose strands of hair behind her ear and grabbed at her apron to wipe her hands.

“Forgive me, miss.  I was not expecting to see anyone at such an early hour.”

Aurelia shook her head.  “It makes no difference to me.  I need you to help me dress immediately, please.”

Mary nodded.  “I’ll wash my hands and come up right away.”

“Thank you,” Aurelia turned and headed back up the stairs.

She changed her undergarments and placed her corset around her waist just in time for Mary to walk in.  She quietly closed the door behind her then went about the task of pulling and tying.  Aurelia held on to the bed post to steady herself.  Once Mary had finished with the corset, she held the gown down low for Aurelia to step into.

“Mary, Marcus must not know where I am today.  If he asks, you may tell him you saw me leave this morning but that is all.  Do you understand?”

Mary pulled the dress up and adjusted it on Aurelia’s shoulders.  “Yes, miss.” She answered quickly and obediently then tightened the back lacings. 

“Tis a beautiful dress, miss.”  She commented when the task was done. 

Aurelia smiled and picked up the orchid necklace from the dresser and clasped it around her neck.

“Thank you, Mary.  That is all.  You may return to your chores.”

Mary nodded silently then turned and left. 

Aurelia sat and fixed her hair one more time, pinched her cheeks for color then swung her cloak around her shoulders.  She gently placed the hood over her head, took one last look in the mirror and left. 

                                                            ***

Marcus awoke hesitantly from his fitful sleep.  His body ached as a consequence to the hours spent tossing and turning and his head throbbed from being subjected to too many angry shots of alcohol that he declared his night cap.  It was much later than his usual wake up time but he didn’t care.  There were no duties on his agenda today.  It had been like that for some time now but he had kept to his early morning ritual despite no need. 

He heaved a tired sigh and rolled onto his side.  The light coming in his window was grey but there was no sign or sound of rain.  He rubbed his eyes and reached for the pocket watch on the side table.  Rolling onto his back, he opened the small golden lid and squinted to adjust to the small numbers- almost ten-thirty.  He let his arm drop back down to the table and loosed the watch from his grasp.  He returned both hands to massaging his eyes as he yawned and tried his best to stir up the energy and desire to get out of bed. 

After another minute or two, he swung the covers off and hoisted his legs over the edge, propelling himself into a seated position.  The cold hard floor felt good against his bare feet.  He took a swig of the water glass on the table, hoping to wash down the awful morning breath and lingering taste of last night’s booze.  The water was stale and did little to peak his appetite. 

He stood up and walked over to the chair where he had piled his clothes hours earlier.  As he dressed, his mind started replaying the conversation-turned-argument from the night before.  Part of him felt disappointed for raising his voice to his niece and the other part stood firm in being incredulous to her response and her opinion.  Half of him took pity on her predicament, falling in love with the enemy’s son.  She was young and this was her first experience with such feelings.  He wanted to only wish her the best but it was not that simple.  The other half of him, the half who hadn’t known the love of a woman or family in so long a time, could not understand why it was even a question for her.  The ship, the crew, they are what come first.  It was the way they had lived for years.  Why could she not understand that responsibility? 

He made his way downstairs and into the dining room.  One place setting awaited him.  No doubt Aurelia had eaten hours ago.  Mary scurried in only seconds later with his breakfast, placing the warm plate in front of him then pouring his tea. 

“Good morning, sir,” she whispered timidly.  “A Mr. Teacup has been waiting to see you.”

He took a quick sip of the hot liquid.  “Has he been here long?”

Mary placed the kettle in front of him.  “Just under an hour, sir.”

“Show him in,” he said, picking up his fork, “Bring another place setting and make some strong coffee as well.”

“Yes sir.”  Mary bowed slightly then turned and gathered the required dishes from the cupboard, set the placing to Marcus’s right then walked out the door behind them. 

Marcus went about cutting his bacon and potatoes.  The faint sound of Mary’s light steps quieted as she made her way down the hall to the drawing room, a pause and then the footsteps returning, alongside a heavier booted step, the steps of a friendly giant. 

Mary held the door open as Teacup walked through.  She ushered him to the chair by Marcus then tiptoed to the other end of the room and vanished behind the swinging kitchen door. 

Teacup looked at Marcus who was concentrating on the plate before him.  He chewed his bite then motioned his knife towards the kettle.

“Have some tea,” he said, with no warm tone of welcome. 

Teacup nodded then helped himself. 

The men sat in silence as Marcus continued to eat.  Teacup knew the lack of conversation was not a good sign.  He sat there slightly uncomfortable, waiting for the news that Marcus obviously had to share with him.  Moments later, Mary quietly pushed the door open and walked down to the men.  She placed a kettle on the cupboard behind them then set the hot plate she was carrying in front of Teacup.  She then turned back to the cupboard and collected two cups and saucers, set them adjacent to the tea cups, poured them both coffee then left the room. 

Marcus picked up his coffee mug and inhaled the aroma before taking a slow sip.  His senses started perking to life immediately.  He took another sip, set the cup down then sat back in his chair, folding his hands over his stomach.  He kept his glance slightly to the left, down the wall at the last window.  Teacup watched his every move, slowly chewing his own bite of delicious warm bacon.  Marcus inhaled, held his breath for a second, exhaled and spoke.

“Aurelia has fallen in love with Luiz’s son.”  With the final word, Marcus let his head flop in Teacup’s direction, looking at his second mate for his response to the news. 

Both the announcement and the sarcastic look on Marcus’s face were amusing to Teacup and he bit his cheek to contain his smile.  He chewed the rest of his meat and swallowed.

“Oh?” he said.

Marcus scoffed.  “Oh?  That’s all you can say to that is ‘oh’?”

Teacup let his smile fight through and turned his attention back to loading his fork.  He took the bite, glanced quickly at Marcus whose expression and stare hadn’t moved then resumed looking out the window in front of him.

“Well,” he said, reloading his fork, “That is one way to get to the man.”

Marcus’s mouth dropped open, incredulous by his answer, then he sat up and reached for his coffee.  He took a drink then continued with the details, ignoring his friend’s indifference.

“Apparently, they met in Madagascar and spent a few days together, which was all that was needed to fall completely in love with each other.  Then they met up again in Paris, both of them knowing that the other is a pirate but neither of them knowing or wanting to know whose crew each other worked for.  Then when I took her to meet Eli he pointed out Luiz’ son to us and lo and behold, it was the man from Africa.”  Dramatic sarcasm dripped from every word he spoke.  He rolled his eyes then drank his coffee.

Teacup laughed at Marcus’ recollection then reclined in his chair, tea cup in hand.  He folded his arms, the cup only inches from his mouth.  He paused for a moment, rolling the cup handle in his fingers, allowing it to swing back and forth.  He stared into the middle of the table.

“And how is she taking all of this?” He asked and brought the cup to his lips.

“What do you mean?” Marcus asked, sipping from his own cup. 

Teacup smacked his lips and replaced the cup on the table then leaned forward on his elbows.

“Marcus, it sounds like you haven’t seen this predicament from every angle.  She’s a young woman, barely coming into her own who has known two walks of life for as long as she can remember.  Most of her days are filled with being surrounded by stinky, ugly men, trapped on a boat and pretending to be a man herself.  Then her father dies and this huge responsibility collapses onto her shoulders.  Then, out of nowhere, she meets a man who turns out to be the love of her life then later she discovers him to be tightly connected to the biggest enemy of her crew. 

“Aurelia has always been pulled in too many directions, into too many roles.  I bet that for those few weeks of ignorance about him, she was in blissful peace, feeling some sense of belonging that she had never felt before.  I could tell something was different about her.  There was a peacefulness about her that she had always lacked.  And now, she is back to being torn in too many directions by too much responsibility. 

Teacup rubbed his tongue on his back molars, plucking a piece of potato that was stuck and calmly continued.  “Most girls her age are married and raising babies, keeping house and living a simple life.  But not she.  She wants more than that; she’s better than that.”

Teacup picked up his tea, leaned back and heaved a sigh.  “Every woman wants to be loved and be in love.  Any normal woman could simply follow her heart.  But she has a ship and a crew to look out for and I can almost guarantee that the decisions that must be made are racking on her immensely.”

Marcus huffed in contemplation and poured another cup of coffee.  After another drink, he said, “I forbade her to see him again.”

Teacup scoffed.  “I’m sure that helped the situation.”

Marcus glared at him.  “What do you expect me to do?” he yelled and got to his feet.  He walked over to the window and turned back at Teacup. 

“I have the best interest of the crew in mind!  She does not!”  His voice bellowed.

In true character, Teacup kept his cool and went about refilling his tea.  “And she,” he said, “has nothing in mind except the love she feels, the love that she is feeling for the first time in her life.  Who, in the history of man, has ever thought clearly during that time?”  He looked at Marcus and took a sip.

Marcus pushed his hands onto his hips.  “Do you not remember that Luiz wants all of us dead and now our very own captain is tied to his one and only protégé?”  He bellowed.  “What will happen when he discovers that connection?  How can you be so calm about this?”

Teacup drained his cup and got to his feet.  “I am calm because I trust her.  She loved her father and she will honor him and his wishes in the best way she knows how.”  He pushed in the chair and leaned on the back.  “Our crew will carry on no matter what her decision.  But I love her more than as my captain.  I love her like a daughter.  And it is because of that, that I hope she honors her heart first and foremost.”  He turned to leave through the door he came.

“Where are you going?” asked Marcus.  “What brought you here in the first place?”

Teacup held the door open and looked back over his shoulder.  “I will be back later.  You need some time now.  Enjoy the morning.”  Then he turned and walked out. 

Marcus hung his head and rubbed his neck.  He walked back to the table and took  a long drink of his coffee, hoping to calm the tension he felt.

The kitchen door opened and Mary walked in with her head bowed.  She tried her best to be silently invisible as she cleared away the dishes.  Marcus stepped back out of her way and continued to stare out the window.

“What time did Aurelia eat?” he asked.

Mary stopped picking up the silverware and grasped the plates.  “She didn’t eat this morning, sir.  She left before breakfast was ready.”  She gave her answer timidly then stacked the dishes quickly and began walking towards the kitchen. 

“Where did she go?” He asked flatly, already assuming the answer. 

Mary turned to face him.  “I’m sorry sir, I do not know.  I did not speak with her.  I only saw her leave.”  Her face flustered by the slight lie she told and she hurriedly made her exit into the safe refuge of the kitchen.

Marcus knew where she was and her deliberate disobedience infuriated him.  He threw the cup against the wall corner, shattering it into tiny porcelain slivers.

He stood still for a moment, glaring at his boots.  His breath escaped him in angry puffs.  When he had gathered his thoughts he walked around the table to leave. 

“This was not supposed to happen this way,” he muttered under his breath as he pushed the door open and stormed out.