Page 54 of Sea's Secret

“This is not something I desire to speak about."

“I am just saying, she seems to like you, too. I am sure your kiss would be welcomed. I am not sure how recently you have had a kiss, and by the straightness of your back, I would say you need a maiden’s kiss to melt you a bit."

“Melt me? Have you been drinking rum?”

“No—I had a few sips. It is not very good. But Aye, Captain, melt!” Sands said, swatting a hand on my back. “I kissed a princess once. I will not go into details; it was before you and I met, but let me just say, I have never had such a kiss before. I thought I might actually collapse. Luckily for her, I am strong and handled myself well. I could tell she wanted me, but I have to leave them wanting more, you know.”

“Where is she now?”

“Her kingdom. I stole the kiss and was off. Maidens like a rogue, a mystery,” he said as I looked at him, his face turned to the wind, his eyes focused.

Did he care about that princess? What princess was it? I was curious, but I did not want to feed into that conversation. It was rather uncomfortable to speak about women and feelings and such. All feelings were, were pain, and I had enough pain every second of my life.

Until you touched Meria. I shoved that thought away.

“Did you check on the Prince?” I asked, needing to change the subject.

“Yes, we gave them some food. Have you tried the dried fruit? I will tell you, Captain William was onto something. This dried fruit is a far cry better than anything on the Crimson Blade.”

I turned around and hushed Sands.

“We don’t need people knowing where we came from.”

“Sorry, but it is true,” he shrugged. Before I could punch his arm for a third time, he jogged away with a salute.

I was drawn back to Meria, only she was no longer where I had last seen her. It felt like a rock slammed against my chest as I quickly glanced around, looking for her. As my eyes darted about the deck, searching for her, I made my way down under the deck, passing a number of Prince Peter’s former crew members. When we took over the ship, the Prince went willingly, asking his crew not to fight us.

When I first saw Peter with his brown hair the same color as mine, only curly; his blue eyes; and even my same bone structure, even before he said his name, I knew who he was. He was my brother. Peter looked like me, even as a child, but it seemed that he had taken after me even more as he grew up. And in reality, we both took after our father. How could our mother be with him, see him everyday, and not want to be rid of him, along with the reminder that he was the image of her husband whom she had lost?

Most likely because Peter had not killed her husband–I had.

Meria

I wanted to speak with Prince Peter. I felt like I needed to, although I had no idea what to say. I made my way from the back of the ship, taking one last look at Dominick, who was talking to Sands. I worried over the silent crew and wanted to do or say something. But what could I say? What could I do to assure them that Dominick would not hurt them? He just needed a ship, and that was the only way he knew to go about it.

Maybe Prince Peter would understand if I explained it to him. I couldn’t help but wonder if that would be betraying Dominick? It was difficult to decide what to do. Having someone choose what I did was much easier in so many ways. My father would know exactly what to do—no. No, I had to make the choice for myself. Even if I made a mistake, I would follow my heart, my soul’s melody.

Once below the deck of the ship, I made my way to the prison cells. Peter was slumped against the bars, and the captain was beside him in a separate cell.

“Your Highness?” I whispered, walking up to him.

“Oh, Marie–Maria?” he said, turning around. His eyes met with mine, and he smiled.

“Hello, It’s Mer-i-a, actually, but that’s fine. I wanted to speak with you.”

“Do not speak to her, Prince. I am sure she will poison your mind,” Captain William spat.

I flinched and stepped back.

“Nonsense. Come and speak with me, Mer-ia,” Peter said with a warm smile.

“I am sorry that you are down here. This is not what I wanted.”

“It is not your fault. What has The Cruel Hand done to you?” He paused. “When we are free, you are welcome to come along with us.”

“Oh, he has not hurt me. He is kind.”

“Kind! Ha! She is being manipulated by him. A snake in the water, one that will destroy all that I have worked for,” Captain William interrupted.

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