Once a Pirate (Mystical Realm Series Book 1) (10 page)

“Take my offer,” Char insisted.

Jake watched the Prince hold out his hand through the bars, waiting for shaken agreement to his arrangement. His mind and heart were at war, conflicted over what was happening. Jake swore never to serve a King, having seen what horrors Char’s father was capable of. The thought of serving royalty now was nauseating, but it would guarantee him access to Anna. Jake worked so hard to believe he didn’t need love, but with the offer Char made, hope began to bloom.

Even as his every instinct urged Jake to turn from the man and accept his punishment, he found himself reaching for the Prince’s grasp. Despite his arguments and self-assurances, Jake knew it was too late. He had fallen into an abyss and the only escape was through Anna. If joining the Prince’s fleet was the only way to be close to her, Jake would make the sacrifice. “Deal.”

***

Dawn crested the horizon, proving to be yet another cloudy day. Thick dew clung to all which was exposed to the elements, dripping slowly to moisten the sodden ground beneath. Char stared down at the thoughtful Fairy at his side waiting for her take on the deal he’d been quick to make a notorious Pirate. “Have you nothing to say, Mara?” Char finally questioned.

“About,” Mara looked up in confusion before realization dawned. She waved her hand at Char as she turned to face him. “Captain Reynolds’s ship is the fastest of all, even a child knows this. It was wise to procure it for your leave.”

“My leave,” Char repeated. “Are you not joining us?”

“Nay,” Mara smiled sadly. “I have my own obligations elsewhere. I will meet with you in Andrello.”

“Andrello,” Char sneered at the name of the small beach town. He had no desire to stop in such a useless village, but Mara was already walking away from him.

Char returned to his study to find Anna asleep on one of the small couches. Guardian Cole stood at his arrival, waiting for further orders from his Prince. “Cole, I need you to gather three of your best men. Have them plan for a trip for an undetermined length of time. Be ready in an hour’s time.”

“Yes, Highness,” Cole bowed respectfully, the man not bothering to question the order of his Prince.

“And, have Tiana prepare a bag for Anna as well,” Char added.

“Tianna, Highness, not Friga?” Cole questioned.

Char knew his request would seem strange, asking a common chamber maid to gather Anna’s belongings when Friga was so close to her. “Yes,” Char assured him, dreading what else needed done. “Have Friga confined.”

Cole’s eyes widened at the order, but he bowed and left the room to carry out Char’s orders. Char didn’t know if Friga was coerced, forced or working on her own, but the woman gave Anna an explosive device. Char couldn’t risk allowing the woman to walk free.

Char went quietly to sit beside Anna, looking down on the woman as she slept. He wanted to allow her sleep, but Char needed to inform her of their plans. “Anna,” Char placed a hand on her arm, waking her gently.

“Char,” Anna sat up, wiping the sleep from her eyes. “Is everything alright, now?”

“Everything is fine,” Char smiled at her childlike innocence upon waking. “But, we must leave for a time.”

“Leave?” Anna asked.

“Yes, I must meet with our neighboring Kingdoms,” Char noted her confused and doubtful look. “And, I refuse to leave you here to mope about the castle on your own.”

“I need to pack,” Anna hedged while the remnants of sleep dulled her uncertainties.

“It is taken care of,” Char assured. “We leave in an hour.”

“So soon,” Anna mumbled. “Are you sure everything is alright? Why did you want to know about Friga’s gift?”

Char hesitated, his mind struggling to find an answer she would accept. “I was merely curious,” He stood to put distance between himself and the woman he was deceiving.

Anna stared at him for several moments, her eyes searching for something Char couldn’t place. She must have found what she sought, because Anna smiled softly and nodded. Char smiled in return, glad for her acquiescence. He detested lying to Anna, but Char saw no other way to keep the woman safe. The less she knew, the more willing she would be to follow Char’s direction.

***

The sun was low in the sky, not quite high enough to melt the fog from the night before. The dew settled heavy on plants and the atmospheric smell common after a hard rain was present. Anna breathed deeply of the aroma, loving the freshness of the morning. She was never much of a morning person, but as she strolled through the small, sleeping town of Meridelle, Anna found herself enjoying the quiet of the hour.

She walked down the docks next to Char, her hand protectively held at his elbow. Anna glanced up at his stoic form, her own misgivings about their sudden journey mounting with his somber mood. Char was a horrible liar, his eyes never meeting hers as he explained the intentions of the trip they took. Anna wanted to confront him for the lies, but decided to allow the Prince his secrets for a time. She trusted Char and didn’t require knowledge of details, but there was a part of her which ached to know the truth.

Anna wasn’t one to sit back and allow others to decide her life; she left that behind when she was dragged from her meddling family. A lifetime of fighting their wishes led Anna to a place where she wanted to be informed. Allowing Char to make the decisions for her now was against everything Anna wanted. However, the conversations she heard throughout the night were disturbing and Anna thought Char may want his privacy.

Threats were made; an attempt on a life. Anna wasn’t sure what type of threats, but by Char’s vague answers the night before and cold attitude during their walk, she suspected he feared them. Anna wondered if the threats had something to do with the treaties Char claimed to be reading through for the past several days. If someone was threatening Char’s life or his Kingdom, Anna knew he would need time to process.

“Which ship will we be sailing on?” Anna asked, assuming by their current location they would be sailing to their destination.

Char was uncomfortable as they approached a large black, red and silver sailing ship. “Anna, there’s something I need to tell you.”

“Greetings, Highness,” A loud male voice boomed from the main deck of the ship. “Welcome aboard the Crimson Jewel!”

Anna looked up at the men standing on the ship and her heart began to throb. Jake and his men stood at uncomfortable attention. The Pirate’s black leather was exchanged for dress blues as were common among the royal fleet. Jake stared down, his eyes never leaving hers as Char led her to the plank and onto the ship.

“Captain Reynolds has taken a position in the royal fleet,” Char’s tone was low enough for only Anna to hear. “I should have told you before we arrived, my apologies.”

Anna pulled her eyes away from Jake to look up at the Prince at her side. Before she could speak, an older man stepped forward and bowed regally. “Your highness, my lady, welcome aboard, my name is Sully,” Sully motioned toward the bow of the ship. “If you come with me, I’ll show you to your cabins.” Anna followed the man, her mind whirling with confusion and doubt as she wondered what else Char was keeping from her.

Chapter Ten

The small bed chambers were simple, holding only a twin-sized bed, dresser and chair by the porthole window. Anna looked around in a daze, not really seeing the curved walls or hard wooden floor on which she stood. “I’m sorry it isn’t the quality you’re used to, my lady,” the man who escorted her shifted nervously as the thickness of his accent deepened.

Anna looked over the man who introduced himself as Sully, instantly liking the older gentleman and feeling bad for his discomfort. She wondered if the man was given a choice in this latest assignment. “It is fine, Mr. Sully, thank you, and please call me Anna,” Anna smiled reassuringly.

“Once you are settled, I would be honored to give you a tour of our ship,” Sully offered with a grin, the pride in his eyes obvious. “The Crimson Jewel may not be the biggest ship but she’s the best ever sailed.”

“Maybe, later,” Anna mumbled. She didn’t want a tour of the ship. Anna only wanted to hide in her new room and forget the outside world.

“Is everything alright?” Sully asked.

“I just don’t like feeling I’m being lied to,” Anna claimed. “I mean, lied to again.”

“I don’t know all the details, Anna,” Sully assured, his voice and eyes honest. “All I know is my Captain returned from the castle and told us we worked for the Prince.”

“And, you don’t find that strange?” Anna asked.

“Aye, Anna,” Sully nodded hastily. “If I hadn’t heard the words straight from Jake’s mouth I wouldn’t have believed it possible.”

“So, you’re just going to follow along with it,” Anna stated. “You aren’t going to question it?”

“I’ve been with Jake for a long time,” Sully’s eyes were filled with memory. “I can’t say I always know why he does as he does but he is my Captain and my friend. I would follow him to the ends of time and back again. If he says we take you and your Prince, I believe he has a purpose.”

“You trust him,” Anna was surprised at the fact.

“Aye, with my life and the life of any man on this ship,” Sully nodded confidently. “And, yours as well, Anna. As long as you are in his care, no man or beast dare harm you.”

“I wish I had the faith you do, Mr. Sully,” Anna smiled sadly.

“No need for faith, Anna,” Sully smiled. “You’ll see in time. Just let him prove it to you.”

Anna wondered if she had the strength to keep an open mind around the Pirate who gave her every reason not to believe in him. She wanted to share Sully’s confidence, but with so many men keeping secrets and controlling her life, Anna wasn’t sure she had it in her.

***

Jake watched the lights of Andrello come into view, their bright flicker cutting through the hastening darkness settling over the realm. He looked toward the bow of his ship from where he held the wheel, his eyes focused on the door to Anna’s bed chambers. She hadn’t exited since Sully showed her to the room, remaining in seclusion and away from him. Jake wanted to see her, assure himself she was truly there on his Crimson Jewel, but knew her avoidance was best. Especially since Prince Char and his four Guards never left the deck.

The Prince ordered Jake to sail to the nearby village of Andrello, giving no reason or purpose for the stop. Jake wanted to question him, knowing there was little in Andrello which would interest the Prince or his men. He’d almost denied the Royal’s request to sail with his ship but when Char said Anna would be traveling with them, Jake chose silence. He knew Char didn’t believe Jake’s claim of a threat to Anna’s life but having her on his ship was a fair compromise in Jake’s eyes. While not ideal, at least Jake could keep eye on her until he determined if the threats he heard while drunk were credible.

Char approached Jake as he gave the order to dock, the Prince having taken time to change into a regal coat and slacks. “I’m taking Anna to dinner on the main land,” Char notified.

“I’ll dress as soon as we’re secure,” Jake offered, still fighting his urge to deny any order given by the man.

“No,” Char’s voice was a command. “You and your men will remain docked here until our return.”

“It’s safer if I accompany you,” Jake argued.

“You are not responsible for our safety,” Char waved off the comment.

“I’m responsible for any creature taking passage on my ship,” Jake ran a hand through his hair as he grew more frustrated at the Prince’s attitude.

“We will not be on your ship,” Char informed. “And, therefore we are not your responsibility. Remain onboard.”

Jake brooded at the wheel as he watched Char, Anna and two of Char’s Guards leave his ship. Once they were out of sight, Jake stormed down to the main deck and into his stern side bed chambers. He slammed the door behind him, pacing the bedroom with a tense anxiety filling him. A knock on the door heralded the arrival of his first mate. “What is it, Sully?” Jake asked shortly.

“I was just wondering what you were doing, Captain?” Sully asked.

“What do you mean,” Jake stopped pacing to glare at the man. “What am I doing?”

“I thought we took on this fool’s errand because you believed your lass was in danger,” Sully offered. “So, why are you letting her go off with those worthless lubbers?”

“I wasn’t invited,” Jake gritted through his teeth.

“Begad, Man!” Sully looked appalled. “The Jake Reynolds I know would never let something as silly as an invitation stop him!”

The tension in Jake’s body eased at the older man’s words. Sully was right. A few weeks ago, Jake wouldn’t have thought twice about taking whatever he wanted from wherever and whoever. He didn’t need an invitation to do so, it was just done. So, why was he so concerned about following orders now? “You’re right,” Jake admitted.

“Of course, I’m right,” Sully grinned. “Now, go make sure your lass stays safe.”

“Who’s in charge around here?” Jake asked sardonically.

“Well, it used to be you, Captain,” Sully’s eyes were thoughtful. “I think you just need reminded sometimes.”

Having said his piece, Sully turned to leave. “Sully,” Jake stopped the man. He waited for the Pirate to turn his attention back to where Jake stood. “Thank you.”

“Just doing my job, Captain,” Sully assured as he opened the door. The mate hesitated, looking over his shoulder at his young Captain. “I like her, your lass. She’s a good girl.”

Jake stared at the door as Sully shut it behind him, wondering at the man’s final comment. He knew Sully was the only one of his crew who spent any time with Anna, taking her meals and checking on her throughout the day, but Jake hadn’t expected the man’s quick acceptance of her. Sully was of a same mind as Jake, believing love and women to be distractions which would end only in pain and loss. The fact the man seemed to accept Jake’s interest in Anna was huge. With a smile and a more relaxed set of mind, Jake quickly changed into his black slacks and black leather jacket before leaving his ship in search of Anna.

***

The firelight seemed unnaturally bright in the seaside restaurant Char insisted they visit, making Anna feel exposed to the strangers around them. She looked around the establishment’s few patrons, noting each returned her stare before looking back to their meals. By the lack of amenities and the size of the town in which they docked, Anna doubted the small port of Andrello received many visitors. It made no sense for them to have stopped in such an insignificant town. “Why did we stop here, Char?” Anna questioned of her companion, their Guards having remained outside.

“One of my Guards informed me this place had the best smoked keel he’s ever tasted,” Char spoke with a distracted smile, “I thought you’d like to try it.”

Anna pushed the food around on her plate, thinking the meat looked more like smashed up worms than anything worthy of eating. Even the smell left her nauseated. “I’m not that hungry,” Anna excused.

“That’s fine,” Char assured and Anna noticed he barely touched his meal either, his eyes flitting around the restaurant as if waiting for someone.

“Are you expecting someone?” Anna asked as she gave up on the remainder of her meal.

“No, of course not,” Char’s smile was strained.

A waitress came to their table, whispering something to Char before handing him a folded piece of paper. Anna was unable to read the script from her position, but Char looked upset over the letter. “Is everything okay?”

“Everything is fine,” Char slipped the paper into his pocket and turned his attentions back to Anna.

“Char, please tell me what’s going on,” Anna nearly begged. “Where are we going?”

“I’ve told you,” Char hedged. “I have business in neighboring Kingdoms and didn’t wish for you to be alone.”

“And, Jake Reynolds,” Anna prodded, not believing the man who suddenly couldn’t look her in the eyes. “Why are we sailing on a Pirate ship?”

“The Crimson Jewel is no longer a Pirate ship,” Char ignored her question. “She is a part of my royal fleet.”

“Char,” Anna was growing angry.

“Everything is fine, Anna,” Char placed his hand over hers on the table. “I’ll take care of the bill and we will take a walk on the beach before returning to the ship.”

“I’ll wait outside,” Anna responded to the Prince’s command.

Char looked hesitant, but nodded as he stood. “My Guards are at the door, stay with them until I join you.”

Anna ignored his final order, balking at not being in control of her own actions. She stepped into the warm, summer night air, taking deep breaths. To her surprise, the Guards were not waiting outside as Char believed and Anna sighed in relief. The thought of two burly men escorting her until Char joined was not appealing and she was grateful for a few moments of solitude.

The sound of boisterous singing and laughter blew on the breeze, coming from the direction of the ship which she disembarked earlier. Anna smiled at the obvious enjoyment her Pirate hosts were experiencing during their time in port. At least someone was happy with their strange stop. Several moments later, Anna decided she wasn’t going to wait for Char or his Guards. She didn’t want to walk on the beach or spend another moment with a man who refused to answer even the most basic of questions. Anna understood the need for privacy, but Char took his secrets too far.

Anna began walking toward the ship, her path easily visible in the brightly lit streets of Andrello. She smiled at her own defiance, feeling like she was once again at home with her older brothers as they demanded she do as she was told. Anna didn’t take orders from her kin so she wasn’t about to take orders from a Prince.

She had just reached the end of the long dock when two men stepped into her path. “Excuse me,” Anna spoke politely as she tried to pass them.

The men stepped with her, blocking her way and towering over her. A growing apprehension spread throughout Anna’s system as she was forced to stop walking. “Why in such a hurry, sweets?” One of the men drawled as he stepped forward, his hand reaching for her arm.

“Please, move,” Anna’s tone was firm as she easily avoided the man’s grab.

“I don’t think so,” the man tried again, this time his palm latched onto her forearm in a punishing grasp.

“Let go,” Anna demanded as the man dragged her to the side of the docks toward the thick brush at their edge. She struggled to pull free, but the man’s grip was too strong. Opening her lips to scream, Anna found herself jerked against the man’s chest, his beefy hand covering her mouth.

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you, sweets,” he warned as he shoved her through the brush and onto the ground.

Anna lay on the dirt for a moment, coughing and winded by the fall. Before she could catch her breath, Anna found herself flipped over and the large male straddling her hips. His hand went to her mouth, preventing any sound.

“Hurry up, Tate,” the other man stood nearby, looking around them anxiously.

“Not a chance,” the man called Tate licked his lips. “I intend to have a little fun before we finish her.”

Anna tried to wrench herself out from under the man. As his hand slipped down slightly, Anna used the movement to take a large bite out of his palm. His scream of pain was rewarding. Tate brought his hand back, obviously intending to strike her before he was ripped from her body and tossed against a nearby tree. In seconds, a dark figure was on him, pounding his face and torso until he fell in a dejected pile to the ground. Anna noticed her other attacker laid in a pool of darkness a few feet away.

The dark figure came to stand over her, taking her arms and pulling her to stand in front of him. “Are you alright, Love?” Jake’s voice was soft and gentle, holding none of the violence Anna had just seen.

“I,” Anna stuttered. “How did you know?

“I was following you,” Jake pulled her tight to his chest, allowing her to feel the intense thundering of his heart. “Are you hurt?”

She shook her head and pulled away from the Pirate, avoiding the two slumped men as she stumbled back through the brush to the main path. Anna wasn’t sure what was more disturbing; the two men who attacked her or the knowledge Jake was following her. Both subjects kept Anna in a state of shock, preventing her from feeling any fear over what just occurred. She hid her shaking by brushing off her slacks and tee-shirt as Char and his Guards came running up the path.