The Princess's Bride (16 page)

"I simply cannot be seen in public like this," she muttered.

There was no possible way she could search around a ship filled with lonely men and escape being ravished. Feeling discouraged, she walked back into the cabin and shut the door.

She spotted another door near the screen in the corner and walked over to it.

She jiggled the knob and pulled open the door. Inside were three shelves covered with folded garments. Lined up on the floor were various knee high boots, mainly in black and brown.

Among the lot were silk shirts and a few dark breeches. Daisy also spotted a very long and deadly looking sabre standing in the corner behind Chelsey's footwear. The sight of such a long, deadly weapon gave her a chill. She peeled her eyes away from the offensive sword and focused on the clothing.

She scratched her head. "Why would Chelsey only have such dull clothes in her wardrobe? She really should add brighter colors to her closet." She shrugged, pushing the thought away, and took out a long-sleeved white silk shirt that would be adequate enough to cover her upper half.

Daisy pulled on the shirt, buttoned up the front, and rolled up the sleeves. The shirt fell to mid thigh, and if she had a mirror to admire herself in, she could only imagine what she looked like, wearing a shirt too large for her frame and a nest full of curls that needed to be tamed. She pushed back her hair away from her face and walked over to a small dresser to locate some pins or a ribbon to keep it back.

Her search was almost a fruitless one, when she pulled open a drawer full of ribbons.

They were all black in color, and when Daisy pulled one out of the pile, the slight scent of pepper drifted up to her nose. She closed her eyes for a moment, rubbing the ribbon across her top lip, smiling over the feel of the smooth material against her skin.

So nice…
She stopped her mind from wandering and tied back her hair without the aid of a brush.

Daisy inhaled deeply. She walked back over to the door and opened it, not bothering to take a peek out this time, and walked into the hall. The hallway was in near darkness since no one had come to light the candles that lined the walls. She stood there for a moment, listening for any footsteps or conversation, but all she heard was the creaking of the ship and a small rodent squeaking behind her.

The mouse gave her the push she needed to move, and as she pursed her lips together, she turned and walked to her left. The hallway was large enough for two people to walk side by side, and she held onto one side of the wall as the ship dipped. Her stomach turned and she stopped for a moment to catch a few breaths. It was either the ship’s movements or her unsettled nerves that were taking a toll on her body. Quite possibly a combination of both. But she carried on until she reached a staircase made of cherry wood with a matching rail and climbed up one step at a time, unsure where it would lead.

The climb wasn't too steep and, when she mounted the final step, she reached the ship’s deck. Daisy looked up and smiled as she watched the full moon rise to meet its children, the stars that twinkled so brightly in the darkened sky. She walked further out on deck, and without any concern for her well-being or who could be watching, she wandered over to the side. Her arm was grabbed in a tight hold right before she could lay her hand down on the smooth wood.

Daisy spun on her heel and lifted her bare foot to kick the person holding her prisoner.

She looked up at a very tall and handsome bald-headed man with a short beard. Daisy suddenly thought of her brother, Thomas, and how many a times he had tried to grow his whiskers in just that way as this pirate sailor had.

"Sir, I would ask you to unhand me." She lifted her chin, speaking proudly. Her legs started shaking, though, from the pointed look this man gave her with his very naked bulging arms on display. He only wore fawn-colored breeches and dark brown boots, much like the ones Chelsey wore.

If she had been any other woman, she would have taken a moment to appreciate this man's rock-hard chest. But thoughts of Chelsey intruded on her mind.

The handsome man released her arm and gave her a bow. "Pardon me, my lady. I wouldn't want you to slip and tumble off the ship. This here is shark-infested waters, and the moment your body hits the ocean below, you would be pulled apart and never see the light of day ever again."

Daisy pressed her hand against her stomach at the description of the gruesome prospect.

"Why… thank you for making me aware and for being concerned. I must say you are a polite fellow for being a nasty, cold-blooded pirate."

The pirate gentleman slapped his hands on his knees and bent over laughing. Daisy stood there biting her lip, unsure what to do, and waited until the man finished his laughing fit. When he did, he wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and combed through his short black and gray beard.

"Well miss, my momma did teach me manners, God rest her soul." He smiled and held out a hand. "I was also taught that when in the presence of a lady, introductions are in order.

People call me Mister Martin, but you can call me Martin.”

Daisy held out her hand and Martin gasped it in a gentle hold, pumping it once. She watched his paw-like hand consume hers and gave him a small smile.

"No one would believe me if I told them I was making pleasantries with a polite yet bloodthirsty pirate. They would think I made up a story, much like those lurid gothic novels I loved to read when I was younger.”

"And no one would believe me if I told my mates that my Captain's hostage stood before me not cowering in fear." Martin gave Daisy a good stare, which made her blush, but otherwise she didn't fidget or gasp in fright.

"Perhaps I'm bolder than your Captain realizes. Speaking of, where can I locate Chelsey?"

Martin lifted an eyebrow and walked over to the side to look down below. Daisy followed suit and glanced over the edge. The moonlight cast a glow on the water. She spotted a few fins bobbing up and down in the waves. She began to make a comment about the sharks when Martin looked back at her.

"So she told you who she was. I guess it was bound to happen with you being in such closer quarters and all." Martin made no mention of Daisy's passionate screams and moans that had come from Chelsey's cabin the night before.

Daisy blushed, looked down at her bare feet and wiggled her toes. "Yes she did. Um…

she fell asleep and was less than pleased that I took off her mask."

Martin snorted, rubbing the back of his neck. "This is quite the kettle of tea we have here, my lady."

Daisy released a giggle and Martin lifted an eyebrow. "Please excuse me, but you have the strangest accent that I simply can't place. You do say the most darling things."

"Darling?" Martin frowned, tapping his boot.

Daisy folded her hands in front of her and came to some interesting conclusions about this pirate, who was not what he first seemed to be. When she placed a hand on his bicep, he gave her a blank stare.

"Chelsey told me most of what had happened after she left my father's employment, how she became the legendary C.W. Dread, and my fian-Lord Humphrey's role in her uncle and mother's death. I'm not sure what to think about the recent turn of events, since I seem to be a victim in all of this." Daisy bit her lip and glanced up at the sky. "Chelsey left before we could finish our conversation. I would very much like to be taken to her. If you will allow me the honor, that is."

Martin wiggled his nose and pulled away from Daisy. He tapped his fingers on his belt and scratched his very bronzed and smooth chest. Daisy stood there admiring his chest with no shame. She had seen many of her father's field workers go without a shirt while they worked in the hot sun…

"My lady?" Martin waved a hand in front of Daisy's face. She blinked and gave him a sheepish smile.

"Forgive me. I was lost in my thoughts for a moment."

Martin nodded. Daisy was certain he was unaware she had been ogling him.

He held out his arm for her to take. "Follow me and I will take you to the Captain. But beware. She is not in the most agreeable of moods."

Daisy took hold of Martin's arm and looked up at the towering male who stood a good foot above her. "Perhaps while we make our way to her, you can tell me what to expect so I don't fall into vapors."

Martin let out a loud, booming laugh as he led Daisy across the ship and down into the galley where the dining room was located. A few of the crew watched in silence as their Captain's first mate acted as if he were anywhere but on a pirate ship; rather, he acted as if he were taking a leisurely stroll alongside a true lady, who listened intently to everything he had to say.

****

Chelsey didn't turn around when she heard the door swing open. She was slouched down in one of the dining room chairs with her legs spread open on the table, drinking deeply from a bottle of rum. She was a quarter of her way through the bottle and still felt far too sober for the occasion. Before the hour was through, she would swallow down another quarter and hope that was good enough to get her stinking drunk and passed out until morning.

She took another swig and released the two top buttons of her shirt. She waited for someone to speak, but no one did.

"Whadja want?" she purposely slurred, taking another swig.

"Chelsey." Daisy's voice rang out from behind her.

Chelsey dropped her feet to the floor. She squeezed the bottle in a tight grip and rolled her head across her shoulders.

"Imbibing in alcohol is not the answer." Daisy walked around and stood off to the side.

Chelsey glanced up at Daisy, took another gulp and then said in a high pitched voice.

"She says imbibing is not the answer. Heh."

"There is no need to be mean to me."

Chelsey pushed her chair back and stumbled, steadying herself on the edge of the table.

Daisy held out her arms to catch her, but Chelsey swayed and snickered. "Aw princess, am I being a mean, old nasty pirate? I'll show yah mean. Lie down face first across the table and lift up your skirts so I can spank your ass and diddle you while I make you come. Now that is what I call a nasty pirate." Chelsey let out a hoot and climbed on top of the table, swinging her legs back and forth.

Daisy shook her head, pulled out the chair Chelsey had been sitting on and took her place. "And, there is no reason for you to be disgusting. I have been thinking…"

Chelsey rolled her eyes and saluted Daisy with her bottle. "Well, la dee dah, Miss Daisy.

So you are able to think. Congratulations. You are better off then most of your like."

Daisy stood and kicked the chair back with her foot. It flew and fell over to its side. She stared at Chelsey, panting with unchecked anger.

Chelsey clapped loudly. "Well done, princess! Good to known you have a backbone. For the life of me, I never thought you did…
hey
!"

Daisy had grabbed the bottle of rum out of Chelsey's hand and smashed it against the wall. Chelsey didn't flinch or show any emotion as she watched the precious liquid drip down to the floor.

"I may not be a nasty pirate, but you think I can't have a snit like you? I surely can, I promise you that." Daisy stamped her foot, pointing her chin out.

Chelsey's shoulders drooped and she wiped her mouth with the back of her arm. "Why can't you leave me in peace? You haunt me wherever I go."

"I haunt you?" Daisy moved forward, grabbed the front of Chelsey's shirt and pulled her in close. "How dare you say I haunt you! How soon we forget that you left me. Night after night, I lay in my bed craving your kisses, your touch, your lo…"

Chelsey wrenched her hands into the front of Daisy's shirt, pulling her so close that their noses almost touched. "Go on. Finish what you're going to say. You crave my kisses, my touch, my…"

Daisy wrapped her hands around Chelsey's hands and looked her straight in the eye, although her lips trembled. "Your love. There. Are you happy now? I longed for your love. But I was such a silly girl. You never loved me, not at all. You only wanted to quench your desire with my pure, innocent flesh."

Chelsey rolled her eyes. "Your speech is a bit on the flowery side, princess."

A tear fell down Daisy's cheek. "Why how dare you make fun of me—"

Chelsey took hold of Daisy's face and placed her forehead against hers. She let out a deep sigh, the fumes of the rum covering their faces, and didn't say a word. Daisy's mouth trembled but she remained silent.

Finally Chelsey lifted her face away and tapped her thumbs over Daisy's cheeks. "How can you think I didn't love you? I'd told you countless times."

"When? You never said the words, ‘I love you.’"

"Daisy… my dearest Daisy." Chelsey caressed Daisy's face and swept away the tears that were falling down her cheeks and throat. Chelsey's own eyes started to water. Later on she would blame the rum for her loss of emotion. "Every time I said, ‘whatever you desire,’ I was really saying ‘I love you.’"

Chelsey expected Daisy to fall into her arms, but she did something much more unexpected. She whacked Chelsey hard in the arm with her fist.

"Ow! What was that for?" Chelsey grumbled, massaging her abused limb.

"You… you. How was I to know that meant you loved me? Normal people tell one another, ‘I love you.’ Not some statement that has a hidden meaning." Daisy flapped her arms and started to turn away when Chelsey grabbed her from behind and wrapped her arms around her stomach, placing her mouth under her ear.

"Daisy, I do love you so much. I loved you from the moment I first met you when my mum and I came to work for your father. Every time I helped you saddle your horse, I loved you.

I loved you under the tree near the lake when I kissed you for the first time. I loved you countless times since then and still do." Chelsey closed her eyes and sighed when Daisy placed her hands on top of hers and leaned back.

Both women stood there, swaying together slowly.

Daisy turned in Chelsey's arms and smiled brightly. "There is nothing more I want in this world than to be with you. That is all I have ever wanted."