Calthraca: Secrets And The Sea [A Calthraca Novel]

by Camryn Cutler

  "You're making fun of me,” she said quietly.

  He sat beside her and brushed her lips softly with his. “No, I am not. I have never been more sincere. Will you marry me? Will you let me pledge my heart, my body and my soul to you? Will you let me make you my wife?"

  He gathered her in and bent his head to hers, kissing her softly, and then more passionately as she relaxed in his arms.

  When he broke the kiss, she sat for a moment, nearly struck dumb by his words.

  "Do you love me?” she whispered, closing her eyes as his mouth worked down the column of her throat. She felt the low rumble of his chuckle.

  He laid her back and moved beside her. “I do not think I have ever loved anyone as I love you.” He stopped, his mouth just above hers. “But since we are being honest, do you love me?” He dropped another soft kiss upon her lips.

  Love him? She'd loved him almost from the start. No one had ever made her feel this way, not even her ex-fiancé, and she had been positive she was in love with him.

  She caught his eyes in her dark jade gaze. “Yes, Esteban, I love you."

  "Marry me then. Be mine forever ... through time and throughout all possible worlds,” he whispered, his eyes locked upon hers. “Please?"

  "Yes."

  * * * *

  Later, after making gentle love to her, Esteban left to attend to matters abovedeck. He kissed her forehead and got a soft reply as he left a sleepy, satisfied Kate upon his bed. He couldn't have been happier. She'd agreed to marry him!

  After he left she lay there thinking, lazily tracing circles upon her bare breast, recalling all the details of their just barely concluded session of lovemaking, considering all of the things she was giving up. Plumbing, electricity, airplanes, telephones, computers ... the list could go on and on, but really, weren't those things simply conveniences? What she couldn't live without, she now realized, was Esteban.

  She shuddered pleasantly when she thought about his touches, and his deep voice whispering to her when they made love, and the way his tongue felt when he—

  "Katherine?"

  She shook herself from her pleasant daydream when she heard Aria enter the wardroom and call out to her.

  "Aria, I'm here,” she said, sitting up quickly and grabbing her robe.

  "Oh there you are,” Aria said and came in; she smiled as she saw the very disheveled Kate. “I wanted to see you again before I left."

  "I wanted to see you too. I have something for you.” Kate stood and pulled her hair back, smiling and a bit embarrassed at Aria's knowing look. She tied her robe and moved to the large chest she kept her sketches in and opened it.

  She picked up the portrait of Aria she'd done and handed it to her. “I want you to have this."

  Aria looked at it. “Oh, Katherine! Thank you!"

  "Don't mention it.” Kate smiled.

  "I have something for you as well.” Aria reached into her pocket and took out a necklace of shells, stones and beads, which she had made. Every stone and bead was polished smooth. They were all done in shades of blue; from cobalt to azure, separated by a small white shell.

  It was a lovely, thoughtful gift and Kate felt the tears well in her throat and eyes.

  "Thank you,” she said quietly. “I'm going to miss you so much, Aria."

  "I will miss you too."

  They embraced then, holding each other. After a few moments, Kate stepped back, smoothing the other woman's long curls under her hand and wiping her eyes. “Do you think we'll ever see each other again?” she asked.

  "I don't know.” Aria's tone implied she didn't think so.

  Kate swallowed and nodded. “In that case,” she went back to her chest and took out a tiny portrait she'd done of herself on a piece of whalebone, “take this."

  Aria accepted the gift and smiled.

  "I was going to give that to Esteban, but I can always do another one for him.” She paused. “Aria ... he's asked me to marry him."

  "Oh, how wonderful!” Aria exclaimed then quickly sobered. “You have said yes, I hope?"

  "Of course ... but ... I feel bad for being so happy. What if I never see you again?"

  "Do not be sad,” Aria said at last. “You have found happiness with Captain Esteban; perhaps I shall find happiness with Admiral Fargut as well."

  The day passed slowly and the two women talked and enjoyed each other's company, knowing it would be the last time they spent such time together.

  As dusk began to fall Esteban returned to his wardroom. “Aria, you should go and prepare to leave now."

  She nodded, then hugged Kate fiercely and left the room.

  Kate watched her go then wiped her eyes once more, turning back to the bedroom.

  "I have been invited to dine upon Sea Dancer with the admiral,” he said. “Will you accompany me?"

  "Oh ... yes, of course.” She hadn't expected him to bring her along.

  "You sound surprised,” he remarked as he shrugged out of his coat. He laid it across the bed and then began to remove his shirt.

  "I didn't expect you to ask me to go."

  "You are to be my wife. It is only proper.” He smiled.

  "Oh ... yes. What should I wear?"

  "Wear something befitting a woman of wealth,” he said quietly. “You are a lady, Katherine. It is abundantly clear. Whatever gods looked down upon me and bade me to purchase you from the slavers in Tartak surely knew that. They blessed me for what reasons I cannot imagine."

  He began to pour warmed water into the basin to wash.

  She smiled at his back; he had the most poetic way of expressing himself. One of the things she had discovered about Esteban was that he was not an ignorant man. He was very well educated and introspective.

  "Thank you."

  "You're welcome.” He finished washing and moved to his tall chest of drawers, withdrawing a fresh pair of hose and a clean shirt.

  Kate moved to the small area where her clothes were hung. She'd accumulated a number of beautiful things. “What color are you wearing?” she asked.

  "Black.” He took out his fine black frock coat. It was done in heavy crushed velvet with silver buttons, wide pockets and deep cuffs.

  She pursed her lips and picked out a long emerald-colored gown with silver accents, then began removing the bodiced skirt she was wearing over her shift, and then trading it for a silk chemise. She picked up the stays and corset that went along with all of her formal gowns and made an exasperated exhale.

  "Let me help you,” Esteban said. He had dressed in clean breeches, linen shirt and waistcoat already.

  "Do you know what to do?” she asked, handing him the corset.

  "Cariña, I have helped many a lady out of such devices. I do believe I can help you into one.” He grinned. “I shall simply go backward, yes?"

  She smiled in spite of herself.

  He got her into the stays and then tied the corset tightly until she could barely breathe. “That's good,” she gasped.

  He grinned and helped himself to a long look at her breasts, nearly spilling over the top of the tight garment.

  "Esteban, the gown?” she said, catching him.

  He lifted the heavy gown and helped her into it and she smoothed the skirt over her petticoats, while he tied the ribbons.

  "Lord, this thing weighs a ton,” she groaned.

  "You look nearly perfect."

  "Couldn't I just wear breeches, like you?"

  He raised his eyebrows and made a skeptical sound. “No."

  Without another word, he left the room and returned with Quima. “Please do something with her hair,” he said. Then lifted his frock coat and swung it over his shoulders.

  "What's wrong with my hair?” she asked indignantly.

  He reached onto the shelf and took down his best tricorn hat with the silver piping and smiled at her. “I will await you above,” he said and left the room, intentionally ignoring her question.

  Kate sat upon a low stool and let Quima do her hair. “Is the
re something wrong with my hair?"

  "Not if you're the bed-wench of a pirate,” Quima said. “But if you are the affianced of a nobleman, you need to look the part."

  "What?"

  "Esteban will tell you when he is ready."

  Kate threw up her hands in exasperation. “Fine. Do your worst, Quima."

  The older woman brushed her blonde tresses out and swept all of it up into a soft twist, fastening it with pearl hairpins and dressing that with emerald ribbons that matched her gown.

  She then moved to place a little rouge and kohl upon her face. Lastly she tied a black velvet ribbon about her neck. Kate touched the choker and felt an enormous stone in the center of her throat.

  "Now you look presentable,” Quima said.

  "Thank you.” Kate caught a look at herself in his long mirror and saw the stone was a huge, square-cut emerald set in silver. She smiled at the beautiful jewel and at how elegant she looked, then moved to join Esteban abovedeck.

  When Katherine emerged abovedeck, everyone stopped what they were doing and gaped. Esteban had been speaking to Manuel and glanced around noticing how the atmosphere had changed. He turned slowly and saw her standing there before the hatchway doors. Her gown and hair were perfection and she looked like the lady he knew she was.

  Esteban moved to stand before her, bowing in the courtliest fashion, making an elegant leg for her. In reply, Kate dipped a mostly flawless curtsy, surprising herself.

  He touched the stone at her throat. “Do you like the gift?"

  She threw her arms around his neck and kissed him hard. “Thank you, it's incredible."

  A few of the sailors and the women who'd seen them laughed good-naturedly, and she smiled as well, but not before she caught the look of daggers from Rachel.

  Grinning, Esteban offered his arm. “Shall we?"

  They crossed the docks looking somewhat out of place in their finery, then quickly approached the Sea Dancer.

  "What about Aria?” she whispered to him.

  "She will come later, with an escort,” he replied quietly and Kate nodded. “Hail the ship!” Esteban called.

  "Who hails?” An officer in a blue uniform peered down over the side.

  "Lord Cristóbal,” Esteban answered.

  There was a long pause from the ship during which Katherine looked at him. He assiduously ignored her, awaiting the ship's reply.

  Finally, she opened her mouth to ask, but he quieted her with a squeeze upon her arm as the petty officer returned.

  "Welcome aboard, milord.” He bowed briefly, extending his arm and indicating where they should go. Esteban nodded and moved forward, leading Kate.

  "Follow me, please,” a young ensign standing near the doors said before leading them through.

  Katherine looked all around them. The ship was enormous, far larger than Viceroy. “What sort of a ship is this?” she whispered to Esteban.

  "This is a galleon. She is almost three times larger than Viceroy and runs four square-rigged masts. She is nearly two hundred feet long from bow to stern.” He spoke quietly. “Her compliment is one hundred thirty men and she dresses out at over nine hundred tons."

  The ensign opened decorative doors to a wardroom that was large and inviting.

  "Do not forget to tell her how well-gunned we are,” a voice spoke quietly behind them making Esteban turn quickly.

  Kate uttered a small squeak and brought her hand to her chest, attempting to quiet her leaping heart.

  Captain Collin Masters, the first officer of Sea Dancer and a close friend of Esteban stood behind them, grinning devilishly.

  "Collin, my friend!” Esteban exclaimed, genuinely pleased to see him. “How are you?"

  "I am an overworked, underpaid officer in His Majesty's Navy. How do you think I am?” He raised a joking eyebrow.

  "I'd say you are as sarcastic as ever; the sea is your mistress, as everyone well knows, despite your complaints. Besides,” he added, “I've heard you say that too many times to believe you."

  Kate stood back, watching the two men banter.

  At last Esteban turned to her, holding her hand. “Captain Collin Masters, please allow me to introduce you to my fiancée, Lady Katherine Lamb."

  "Lady Lamb, it is a true pleasure to meet the woman who has finally won the heart of this scoundrel.” He kissed her hand warmly, then turned to Esteban. “Congratulations, my friend. I had no idea you were planning to settle down. I imagine the Andalosian fleet will breathe a collective sigh of relief when they hear you are leaving the sea."

  "Settle down?” Kate laughed and Esteban pursed his lips. Collin heard her comment and grinned.

  "Yes, well. Will you be joining us for dinner tonight, Collin?” Esteban changed the subject.

  They had all seated themselves upon the sofas in the large wardroom and accepted the wine offered by a waiting steward.

  "Joining you? I am hosting you tonight, my friend."

  Esteban lowered his brow a bit. “I do not understand. Where is Admiral Fargut?"

  Masters looked down, swirling his wine in his glass for a moment. “Two months ago he was badly wounded during a skirmish with Tarkir raiders upon the ship. His injuries festered and he developed a fever. The poor man suffered for nearly three weeks before he finally died. God protect him."

  "Oh, how awful!” Kate exclaimed.

  "Quite,” Esteban added softly.

  Collin continued. “When we sent word to Lyros, King Samuel himself returned a message that I had been promoted to Admiral, and Sea Dancer was mine to command."

  Esteban beamed. “Then congratulations are in order for you as well."

  "Thank you.” Collin smiled, looking somewhat self-conscious.

  Kate elbowed Esteban meaningfully. What would this mean for Aria?

  "This puts me in something of an awkward position though.” Esteban sighed.

  "How so?"

  "I was going to present Admiral Fargut with a gift I purchased for him in Tartak. I fear the gift may not be ... appropriate now."

  "Well let me see it and I'll decide.” Collin smiled.

  Kate watched the two men and wondered how they had become friends. Esteban was darkly handsome and suitably devilish, overall he was slightly frightening. Collin, on the other hand, was somewhat foppish and aristocratic, seemingly harmless. He was light-skinned and haired, and while he was not as muscular as Esteban, he was easily as tall.

  They were starkly opposite in both mannerisms and in features, yet seemed to be close friends.

  Esteban looked at his friend for a moment, then stood and moved to the large double doors. He pushed them open and revealed Aria standing there.

  He took her hand lightly. “Come in,” he said.

  "Admiral Masters, this is Aria. She is here to be your companion and courtesan, should you be so inclined."

  "Oh, that sort of gift,” Collin said, before laughing. His eyes flickered over Aria who now stood before him, eyes down.

  "You are lovely, Aria. Even your name is enchanting.” He stood and tipped her chin up to look at her face.

  Aria's eyes widened a little as she took in his handsome face. “Thank you,” Aria said quietly. She was just as enchanted as Collin was.

  "Please, come in and sit with us,” he invited, finally finding his voice.

  Aria took his outstretched hand and let him lead her to sit beside Kate.

  Esteban moved to Collin's side and spoke quietly.

  Aria clutched Katherine's hand tightly but wordlessly, and Kate smiled, knowing Aria would be just fine.

  The young ensign who'd showed them to the wardroom now knocked again and entered to announce dinner was being served. The two couples moved to the grand dining room and Kate sat in the chair Esteban held for her. Collin did the same for Aria.

  Collin addressed them. “My dear friend and esteemed captain of the Viceroy has made a request of me, and as host, it would be frightfully rude of me to refuse.” He moved toward Kate and took her hand, drawing her to her
feet. “Esteban has asked me to marry the two of you in my capacity as admiral. If you are agreeable to this, it would be my greatest pleasure to do so."

  Kate looked up into Collin's earnest face then over to where Esteban stood. He appeared more anxious than she had ever seen him. He coughed and shifted his weight, then turned his amazing blue eyes to hers.

  Without looking away, Kate answered. “Yes, Admiral, it is agreeable to me."

  "Wonderful! Let's have a wedding!” Collin marched to the doors and pulled them open. “Sanders!"

  The ensign now returned and stood at attention. “Sir?"

  "Mister Sanders, you are a witness, stand there.” Collin pointed to a spot near the windows. “I've always wanted to do this,” Collin confided to Aria as he moved to sit before a small secretary. He removed a piece of parchment, a quill and ink, then quickly began to scratch out a few words. He carefully set them aside, then moved back to where Esteban and Katherine stood.

  "Join hands.” They linked hands and he began. “We are here to celebrate the marriage of Katherine and Esteban. Because they have chosen to dedicate their lives to one another, and to live as one soul, we are here to witness and rejoice with them.” Collin paused and looked around, then continued. “Ah ... Oh yes ... Katherine, have you come of your own free will, without coercion or threat?"

  "Yes, I have,” Kate replied.

  Collin turned to Esteban. “And you, have you come of your own free will, without coercion or threat?"

  "Yes, I have."

  Collin turned back to Kate. “Do you take this man to be your husband, through happiness and sadness, in sickness and health, through poverty and riches, forsaking all others, until death parts you?"

  "I do,” Kate said. Her voice was soft and full of emotion.

  "Do you take this woman to be your wife, through happiness and sadness, in sickness and health, through poverty and riches, forsaking all others, until death parts you?"

  "I do.” Esteban's words were strong and clearly heard. He held her hand in his and squeezed slightly as he spoke.