Page 17 of Rose
Both Simon and the captain threw their heads back with laughter.
“It looks glorious,” she said, taking up a piece of bread. She bit into it and tasted the butter and groaned, savoring the rich flavor.
“How do you celebrate this day at home?” Tristan asked before taking a sip of mead.
She smiled. “Always with a feast, of course. And then we play games and my favorite—the singing and music.”
“Would you sing for us now?”
“I would be honored to sing, but wait,” she said before downing the remainder of her drink. “All right, now I’m ready, Captain.”
“Rose?”
“Aye, Captain.”
“Please call me Tristan.”
She smiled at him. “I don’t think I should do that, Captain.”
“Why is that?”
“This is yer ship, and I, like everyone else, am under yer command. I might forget if I stop calling ye captain,” she said with a wink before she stood. The sea air twisted around her, tangling her hair, and the salty tang invigorated her senses. The sound of pipes stirred her soul. She didn’t hesitate. Her lips parted, and her voice rang out strong and clear.
~ * ~
Tristan sat straighter when Rose began her song. Her voice and the words were full and achingly beautiful. For a moment, all other sound ceased. The pipers froze, their instruments unmoving at their lips. The dancers stopped and stared. Even the wind had cut out. The rich sound of her voice was ethereal in its beauty, but somehow it was also familiar, comforting. Her song was of the Highlands and painted otherworldly pictures of that rugged land. She closed her eyes and sang with passion and conviction. Tristan sat on the edge of his seat, mesmerized.
When her song ended, she started right into another, this time a shanty that everyone knew. One of the sailors called out a whoop and cheered, and then the deck erupted into din once more. The pipers joined in, and the dancers kicked up their heels. Rose laughed, her face a picture of joy as she continued to sing. Tristan could not help but join in. He stood and took her hand from behind and whirled her around, and together they danced a reel, joining hands with some of the other crew.
Laughing, she grabbed his arm. “I must sit down before I fall down.”
He wrapped his arm around her waist and guided her back to her chair. She plunked down and refilled her cup, downing the contents. Breathless, she made a sweeping gesture with her hand. “‘Tis…a fine…ship, this.” She paused for a moment, clearly waiting for her breathing to slow. Then she continued, “What I wouldn’t do for a fine ship like this.”
Tristan looked at her curiously. “What would you want with a merchant cog?”
“I would give it to my wee brother so that he might be a great merchant.” She winked at him. “He said he would make me quarter master, although I don’t think he would find a crew willing to sail under the command of a woman.” She closed her eyes. “Captain —”
“Tristan,” he said, interrupting.
She smiled, her eyes still closed. “Captain, I think I’ve had too much mead. I’m feeling a wee bit dizzy. I will retire with yer permission.”
He stood, picked up the candle from the table, and offered her his arm. “If you will permit me, I will escort you to my quarters.”
“Thank ye,” she said, weaving her arm through his.
He looked down into her sky-blue eyes. She was spirited, intelligent, and strong. A gust of wind barreled across the deck just as they began their descent down the stairs. Her hair billowed out, the silken strands caressing his face. He closed his eyes. Not to mention beautiful. If he were ever to marry, he imagined it would be to a woman like her.
But he wasn’t betrothed to Rose.
He was promised to a selfish noblewoman.
He stopped in front of his door and raked his hand through his hair. Damn his father’s foolhardy ambition.
Rose looked up at him, her brows drawn with concern. “Yer countenance has changed,” she said cautiously. Then her eyes widened for a moment. “Ye must be missing yer quarters.” She started to back away from the door. “I really do feel so much better. I’m happy to lay my head anywhere on the ship. At home I sleep on a pallet. Give me a small portion of deck, and I will sleep like a babe.”
He smiled down at her. “Forgive me, I was deep in thought for a moment.” He reached out and squeezed her hand reassuringly. “I am very happy to give my room to you for the duration of our journey. Please do not doubt that.”
She crossed her arms over her chest. “What if I refuse?”
