Every piece of his mother was discarded, thrown away or sold by his grandfather in a callous attempt to deny the existence of his dishonored daughter. Jake managed to salvage only a small music box in memory of her, her photograph resting safely inside its recesses. He could still hear the music as his mother would wind it each night when tucking him into bed, her sweet voice singing the lullaby to him. Jake cherished the box after her passing; the only object which made life with his abusive grandfather bearable. However, the music box was stolen from him shortly after her murder. Lost for years, Jake now knew it resided within the well-guarded walls of the castle. Now, Jake’s only motivation for being anywhere near Meridelle was to reclaim what was rightfully his.
A knock on his door heralded the arrival of his Quartermaster, Sully. Sully looked out for him since Jake was a shivering, defiant runaway demanding passage on the small sailing vessel the older man was working on. Jake was grateful for the man’s kindness, but it took years for the trust they now shared to form.
“How are the men?” Jake asked warmly.
“They are well, Captain.” Sully’s sun-wrinkled face creased. “It isn’t them I worry over.”
“No need to worry, Mate,” Jake waved off the older man’s concern, knowing it was in reference to the incident at the bar. It wasn’t uncommon for Jake to partake in bar fights and perhaps even be thrown out of some establishments. “I’ve nary a scratch on me.”
“It isn’t scratches I fear, Jake,” Sully sat in one of Jake’s wooden chairs with a sigh. “It’s the attention of the royal Guards you seem intent on drawing.”
Jake knew his first mate’s worry was justified. He hadn’t exactly been subtle these past weeks since entering Meridelle; drinking and fighting his way through the seedier establishments near the docks. Today’s incident hadn’t been planned of course, but when the opportunity for a fight had risen, Jake jumped at the chance to let off some frustration. “He called me a dirty Pirate, Sully. What was I supposed to do? My reputation was at stake.”
“Jake,” Sully raised his eyebrows at him. “You are a dirty Pirate.”
“I may be a Pirate, Mate,” Jake grinned widely, “but I am not dirty.”
Sully let out a deep, mournful sigh before he stood to leave. “Just try not to draw more attention, Captain. Our mission will be much easier without the royal Guard watching our every move.”
Jake nodded in unhappy agreement, knowing his friend was correct. The older man pulled Jake away from conflict earlier, his motives to protect his Captain from the royal Guards who would be on their way to break up the fight which surely was reported. Though, his title of monster was well-earned and welcome, it did not allow anonymity. Jake was forced to use every underhanded source and call in every evil favor owed him in exchange of information on the whereabouts of his mother’s music box. Many weeks later, he was finally making progress. Jake couldn’t allow his need for rebellion and physical release to hinder his mission. Until his treasure was found, Jake would have to be a shadow. Prince Char would not be pleased if he knew the notorious Pirate Captain Jake Reynolds was stalking around the royal grounds and asking questions about the castle.
Jake had partaken in many of the town’s pleasures, drink, gambling and women being just a few, but nothing eased the tension of his quest. His stress increased as an image of the woman he crashed into earlier came to mind. The feel of Anna’s small frame atop his had sent shards of lightning through every nerve in his body. Anna’s blush at his gentle flirtation spoke of her inexperience, a quality Jake usually found quite abhorrent in his women. Jake had no fancy for the innocent, preferring his women more schooled and aware of the rules of his station. However, the strength and intelligence she showed in her smart comments indicated she would be worth the pursuit.
A smile curled his lips at the thought of teaching sweet Anna the pleasures of flesh, but he quickly dismissed the thought. He had no time for the pursuit of virgins. His mission was clear; retrieve what was taken from him and leave Meridelle in his wake.
***
The petite woman was gray from head to toe; her clothing matching the short bob of steel curls atop her head and the deep ash of her eyes. Even the pallor of her skin appeared grayish. Anna would have guessed her to be elderly except for her lack of wrinkles and spritely step. Friga Brill was an anomaly for Anna since she met the caretaker a week before.
As the smaller woman bustled around Anna’s bedroom, cleaning and setting out an outfit for the day, Anna couldn’t help but respect her limitless energy. The sun rose above the gloom of morning fog, warming the air chilled by the still cool nighttime air. Anna didn’t want to think about moving from her bed, but Friga didn’t allow her rest, shooing her into the bathroom to shower and dress.
“Hurry, Anna,” Friga sang through the door. “His Highness is waiting for you.”
“Wonderful,” Anna muttered as she finished showering.
“Isn’t it?” Friga called out, the woman’s hearing obviously far beyond average ears.
The moment Anna exited the bathroom, Friga latched onto her arm, leading her through the gilded corridors of the castle to where Char waited. His tall, muscled form was covered in his royal garb; a pair of perfectly pressed black slacks and a black dress coat with silver stitching and Meridelle’s sapphire and emerald crest on the biceps. Char’s hair was slicked back, the shining black strands maintaining their position obediently.
Anna sighed in envy, having to keep her wild mass of curls clipped back. Made worse from the previous night’s rain and the morning’s humidity, Anna was unable to do anything with the mess without access to her industrial strength straightener; regretfully still in the Mortal Realm. She forced a smile to her lips as Char greeted her, his eyes following the lines of the simple, blue sundress Friga insisted she wear.
“You look lovely, but it’s still a bit chilled outside,” Char hinted.
“I’ll fetch you a cloak, Anna.” Friga offered, bustling off to return moments later with a soft, black cape.
Char took the cape from the small woman’s fingers, dismissing her with a nod as he draped it across Anna’s shoulders. “There, much better.”
“Thank you,” Anna murmured as they stepped out into the daylight. “Where are we going?” This would be the fourth morning in a row Char insisted on taking Anna to the village below the castle grounds. Anna didn’t mind the treks for the most part, but she was becoming frustrated at having no say in when or where they travelled.
“Unfortunately, I have some duties to attend this morning before I may leave. However, Friga has offered to show you the fresh food stands near the docks.” Char’s tone was light. “Perhaps, you can find something to your liking.”
“I see,” Anna knew Char worried over the very little she ate during meals, but each bite was a tasteless, leaden weight on her tongue. There was nothing wrong with the food prepared in the castle kitchen, but Anna couldn’t bring herself to appreciate anything.
“Guards will travel with you,” Char assured as he sent Anna and Friga on their way. “I will join you soon as I’m free.”
Anna and Friga walked silently in front of the two Guards sent with them. As they neared their destination, Anna could smell the salty tang of the sea. The fresh food stands did not disappoint, hosting fruits, vegetables, fish, fowl and an assortment of foods Anna never saw before. Anna watched a woman haggle for a dozen eggs and a live chicken-like creature, offering a handful of coins as the shopkeeper argued for her wage.
Most of the villagers were human, dressed in anything from slacks and shirts to long flowing dresses and suits, but there were other creatures as well. Gray figures, much like Friga, wandered through the crowds. Their energy was at odds with the somber nature of their appearance. Alternately, wildly dressed giants with tuffs of brilliant red and gold hair, each a good head taller than most other patrons, meandered slowly around the stands. Much smaller impish creatures threaded through the legs of the giants, their purple eyes glo
wing with alertness. There was a small group of winged, charcoal-colored creatures towering menacingly nearby, their skin looking to be made of stone.
The press of people was overwhelming and Anna grew claustrophobic. She ached for the safety and solitude of her window. Anna didn’t want to be there; she didn’t want to see the market. With a determined lift of her head, Anna turned around, running into the large, barreled chest of one of her Guards. “I’d like to go back to the castle,” Anna informed him.
“No,” his tone was firm, leaving no room for argument.
“Why not?” Anna asked, rankled at the man’s refusal of her request. “I want to leave.”
“His Highness’s orders,” the Guard informed. “We are to see you through the market.”
“I don’t want to go to the market,” Anna fought an irrational surge of tears at being left with so little control over her actions. Memories of her childhood when she was forced to obey the will of her overbearing family crowded her mind, bringing her both anger and misery. Anna was twenty-three years old; she didn’t need to obey anyone’s commands but her own. “Take me back or get out of my way.”
“I cannot do that, Miss Blake,” the Guard reached out to grab her arm, but Anna spun away from him quickly.
Anna used the surprise her movement caused to make her escape, running from the Guards and deeper into the town away from the market. The sound of angry Guards calling out for her followed her steps, but she was much smaller and faster than they were and pulled away from them easily. Anna swiped the wetness on her cheeks, condemning the tears which blurred her vision as she twisted and turned her way through unfamiliar streets. She wasn’t concerned about getting lost, as she could see the high towers of the castle over the much smaller dwellings around her. Anna’s only concern was to be away from the domineering Guards.
***
Smoke, rotted fish and body odor permeated the thick haze of the bar. Disheveled patrons, still drunk or recovering from the evening before, lay across tables and benches in varying states of misery and confusion. A particularly miserly looking man huddled in a back booth, his hands wrapped around a steaming carafe of what was presumably some version of the establishment’s coffee.
“Good Lord, Mate,” Jake spoke loudly enough to draw a wince from the man as he sat across from him. “Did you have a bad night?”
“Great night, bad morning,” The man’s voice was gravelly from a night spent smoking and drinking. “What do you want, Reynolds?”
“I want what you owe me,” Jake leaned across the table, ignoring the festering smell of liquor and vomit on the man’s breath. “What have you found?”
“Again with your bloody box, Man, can’t it wait?” The man groaned. “It’s too early for this.”
“Nay, Andre,” Jake grabbed the man’s vest and jerked him from his seat, pressing a small blade to his throat. “I’ve waited long enough! Now, find me what I seek or I’ll take out my frustrations in your blood!”
Andre Marrow had a reputation for knowing everything about everyone across the realm. The man was a reliable ally and informant in the weeks since Jake began his quest, but on occasion Andre required a bit of prompting to complete his task.
“Aye,” Andre held up a hand, using the other to press over his lips lest he throw up at the sudden movement. “Aye, Mate, long enough. I feel you. Let me a day and I will have you a location.”
“A day, Andre,” Jake released the man, standing beside the booth as Andre fell back to his hole. “No more.”
Jake stormed from the bar, desperate to flee the horrid stench of the dive. He inhaled the fresh air greedily outside, purging his lungs of the filth they had endured. Several locals looked at him as he stood on the wooden deck of the bar, his crisp, black leather clothing at odds with the common clothing most of them wore. Sully’s warning of keeping a low profile replayed in Jake’s mind, drawing a sigh. Deciding it best to remain out of sight, Jake circled around the building, keeping to the shadows of the alleys.
He went only a few blocks when a blue and gray form hurled itself against his chest. The wall of the building at his back broke his fall and Jake wrapped his arms tightly around the small form to keep from crumpling to the ground.
“Whoa, there,” Jake coughed, pulling back to look down at the familiar woman in his arms. “We must stop meeting like this, Love.”
“Sorry,” Anna’s gaze stayed down and her chest heaved from exertion.
Jake used a gloved finger to lift her chin, staring down at her tearful eyes. A single drop escaped, creating a track of salty sadness down her cheek. “Hey,” Jake wiped the tear away. “What is it, Love?”
“Please,” Anna whispered, looking around them with an anxious expression. “Let me go.”
Jake ignored her hands, pressing against his chest in an effort to escape the belt of his arms. His attention focused over her shoulder on the two royal Guards who were clearly looking for something; or someone. Without breaking his hold on the woman, Jake turned them around, pressing her farther into the shadows of the alley and covering her smaller form with his larger one.
The Guards passed by the alley quickly and were on their way, never looking toward where Jake and Anna stood. Once sure they were gone, Jake’s tension eased, allowing him to fully appreciate the feel of the gentle curves of the woman he held. A hardness beneath his slacks told Jake it was several days since last he sated this particular hunger. He pulled back enough to look down into Anna’s upturned face, confusion replacing the tears which were in her earthen eyes moments before.
Jake allowed her to push him back this time when she moved away, but he kept his body blocking her from the view of the main road. “Care to tell me why you’re running from the royal Guards, Love?”
Anna hesitated before she spoke, crossing her arms in a sign of defiance and self-preservation. “Not especially.”
“Very well,” Jake bowed his head in respect.
“That’s it?” Anna asked. “No inquisition?”
“Everyone is entitled to their secrets, Love.” Jake gave her a half smile, trying not to show how pleased he was to once again be in her presence.
Anna seemed to mull over his answer for a moment before nodding. “I need to go,” Anna pushed past him toward the street.
“Anna,” Jake latched onto her arm, turning her around to face him. “I wish to see you again.”
“I don’t think that would be wise,” sadness returned to Anna’s eyes at her answer to his request.
“Come now, Love, surely I deserve some favor for saving you from your pursuers.” Jake could see Anna wavering and stepped closer, sliding his gloved hands from her elbows to her shoulders. “Tonight, just before sunset, meet me here.”
“I,” Anna began, but hesitated. “I don’t even know your name.”
“You may call me Jake,” Jake offered. Anna nodded once and pulled away from him. “Is that a yes?” Jake called after her.
“I’ll think about it,” Anna turned for a moment to answer, disappearing into the crowd before Jake could say another word. As he continued on his own path, Jake couldn’t prevent a smile at the interaction. He usually didn’t pursue a woman so intently when she was obviously uninterested in what he offered. Jake knew enough women to know Anna was not one to indulge in a casual affair with a Pirate. The woman would probably run away if she knew who and what he truly was. It would be better for everyone if he backed off.
Still, Jake couldn’t stop thinking about the brown-haired beauty. Perhaps it was her immunity to his normally effective charms, or the loneliness in her brown eyes which matched his own inner pain. Whatever the reason, Jake knew he had to possess her. Surely the strange feeling in his chest when he was near Anna would fade after he bedded her.
Chapter Four
The heat from the day was fading, leaving a breeze which spoke of yet another cool evening. Though the calendared summer began weeks before, the temperature in this realm seemed to miss the memo. Anna held back a
shiver as she walked through the narrow town streets. She wanted to believe the shaking in her limbs was from the breeze, but the purpose of her quest had her doubting. On her way through unfamiliar streets to meet a strange man she literally ran into twice, Anna couldn’t deny her apprehension played a part.
Her steps slowed as she neared her destination, her eyes drawn to the empty alley. Memories assailed her from earlier in the day, as her anger and tears had caused a desperate flight. Her temper quickly faded into tears, blurring her vision and causing her to run headlong into the alley. She remembered the hard mass of the stranger’s chest, warm and sheltering as he shielded her from the view of the Guards. Jake hadn’t questioned her motives for fleeing the soldiers as he willingly accepted her secrets and seemed to understand her need for them. It was for this reason and his lack of demand which convinced Anna to take the chance and return. He held no expectations for her, which left her freedom to be who she was and make her own choice.
After returning to the castle and assuring Char she was fine, Anna told him of her need for privacy and peace amidst the mobs of people in the market. His anger over the Guard’s refusal to obey her wishes granted Anna what she required; independence. Char wasn’t happy about Anna’s decision to travel through the town so late in the day, but he submitted to her will. Anna felt a twinge of guilt for her rudeness to the Prince and refusal to answer any of his questions about her journey. She knew Char believed she was his responsibility, something which seemed to take precedence over all else in this alternate reality. It was a sweet sentiment, but Anna had her fill of overprotective brothers in her own world. She had no interest in being protected and coddled anymore.
She sighed at the lack of human presence in the alley, marveling at her naivety and foolishness. Anna hadn’t given Jake a confirmation of her acceptance of his invitation. Of course, it would make sense he wouldn’t waste his time on a possible meeting. Groaning, Anna turned and began the long walk back to the castle grounds.
Once a Pirate (Mystical Realm Series Book 1) Page 3
