Chapter Seven
The Forth Sun’s Cycle at Sea
Nearly a zoc away from Breakneck and Waterswift, a storm approached and darkened the sky. Lightning streaked across the horizon like the silent claws of a Desert Eagle. The bolts lit up the distant sea as Pluck stood at the bow, watching the flashes. She stared at her bare fingers for a while before slipping on her glove as she wondered what they would do to her. The wind pushed her hood off, sweeping through her fiery-crimson mane as waves crashed against the bow, spraying mist. She shivered in the cool salty air as she muttered, “I could throw myself into the sea and save everyone the trouble. No.... I’m not one to give up. If they want me...” She grabbed the strap that held the Lux’s scabbard to her back and declared, “They’ll have to take me.” Her cat ears twitched back as she heard them come and she prepared herself for a fight.
The prince approached with Melee, so she pulled her hood on as her heart sank. Pluck reached for her hilt and saw Han behind them and knew with him there they wouldn't kill her, so she lowered her hand. The worse they would do was throw her in the brig.
Edward stopped just short of her, put his hands behind his back, looked down at her, and said, “I have considered your situation...”
Her heart sped. What about her situation? She glanced at the prince’s bodyguard.
Melee looked puzzled like he wasn’t sure why they were there. Han remained silent, but his face reassured her everything would be fine.
“I... No, Han...” Edward spoke awkwardly. “Han has convinced me to keep you as my personal guard against my better judgment.” He diverted his gaze, unsure if he was making the right decision as he continued, “We shall see how things go.” He started to head back and added, “Thank you.” Edward didn’t face her, and his voice sounded strained like he had to force himself to speak as he said, “I thank you for your protection on Pass Island and in the Temple long ago. A debt I hope to repay one sun's cycle.” There was a moment of silence then he took a deep breath as if to continue, but he didn’t. He walked off, setting for his cabin. Melee followed even more confused.
She looked to Han. Silence found her again, except for the waves hitting the ship and the wind whipping their garments. Relieved she still had her life and her freedom, Pluck sighed, feeling ashamed of what she was.
“Not what you hoped for I imagine, but it’s a beginning,” Han told her as he walked to Pluck, putting his hand on her shoulder. “There’s so much for Edward to accept.”
She muttered, “As you said, it’s a beginning.”
“Come,” Han told her as he scanned the sea. “The storm shall be here soon.”
Beauty And The Beast: The Classic Fantasy Fairy Tale With A Twist Page 16
