Chapter 25

A fter they docked, Captain Bart and his crew saw them disembark. Gustav had already deboarded and was off securing their horses back to the castle. Ingrid bounced from one foot to the other, clearly having the time of her life.

As they said their farewells, the pirate took Ella’s hand in his calloused one and bent to kiss it. Ingrid emitted a sigh as if it was the most romantic thing in the world. Ella stifled a chuckle.

“Farewell, my lady,” he said, a twinkle in his eyes. “May your journey be swift and calm.”

“Thank you, captain. And for the use of your cabin.” Gently, she pulled her hand from his grasp, trying not to think about how rough his palm was against hers.

“It was my pleasure.” He bowed with a flourish and Ella couldn’t help but smile. “How’s the ankle?”

She twisted her foot to show him she was fine. “Much better, thank you.”

Nicholas handed over a purse heavy with gold. “Five hundred gold pieces, as per our agreement and a little extra for the heroics.”

The pirate took the purse, holding it in his hands. He gave a nod of thanks. “My crew and I thank you, your highness. This will see us through the harsh winter and keep us fed until spring.”

“I’m glad to hear it,” Nicholas said.

Noella was next. “Captain Bart, thank you for your help. It was much appreciated.”

He reached for her hand to kiss it, but she drew it back and gave him a jaunty wave instead. Next was Ingrid who was more than happy to allow the pirate to bow to her.

“Miss Ingrid, have a safe trip home,” he said.

She waited, giving him an expectant look. He glanced from her to Ella who gave him an encouraging nod. Finally, he took Ingrid’s hand in his and gave it a light kiss on the back if it. The girl blushed, her cheeks flaming. When he released her hand, a smile lit up her face.

“I can’t wait to tell Mama and Papa I met a real pirate!” And then she bounded down the gangplank ahead of them, her boots thumping with every joyful step.

“She’s a handful, that one,” Captain Bart said. “Good luck getting her home.”

Nicholas gave him a salute of farewell. Ella and Noella followed him off the ship to the dock, where Ingrid waited with Gustav and four horses.

When they paused on the dock, Noella turned to her son, her hands in fists on her hips. “You gave that pirate five hundred gold pieces?”

“It was his price and we needed to get to Ingrid,” Nicholas said, unapologetically.

She heaved a sigh and cut a glance to the girl who was currently jabbering away at Gustav while he readied the horses.

“Well, since it was for a worthy cause…”

“It was, Mother.” He kissed her cheek. “Where are you off to?”

She looked astonished. “What makes you think I’m off somewhere, hm?”

“There are only four horses,” Ella pointed out, amused.

“Ah, so there is.” She gave Ella a rueful smile. “I’m off to spread more good tidings and cheer. I’ll see you off at the castle before you leave for the village.”

Then she was gone in a cloud of glittery fairy dust.

“How many horses are at the castle? Do they all have names? What’s your favorite color?” Ingrid chattered away at Gustav, who had an exhausted look on his face.

Ella smiled. “I suppose we should give poor Gustav a break and get going.”

Nicholas watched with a bemused look on his face. “Let’s make sure she rides next to him.”

“Why is that?” Ella asked.

“So Ingrid can talk to him the whole way, of course.” He flashed a wicked grin before going to his horse and sticking his foot into the stirrup.

Ella snickered. She limped to her horse, her ankle better but still a little sore. She climbed into the saddle. Meanwhile, Gustav helped Ingrid onto her horse.

“Do you know how to ride?” he asked.

“Of course, I do!” she said.

She snapped the reins. The horse took off at a full gallop, leaving the rest of them behind.

“I think you best catch her, Gustav,” Nicholas said, amused.

Gustav muttered a curse under his breath, quickly mounted his horse and took off after the girl.

“This should be an amusing ride home,” Nicholas said, watching the disappearing form of the Captain of the Guard. He nudged his horse into a walk.

“Poor Gustav.” Ella nudged her horse with her heels falling in step with him.

“Poor Gustav nothing,” Nicholas said. “He’s getting a dose of his own medicine, I’d say.”

Gustav finally caught up to the girl. He leaned close enough to grab the reins and slow her to a trot. She blushed, giving him an adoring look as he slowed them both down. He said something to her Ella couldn’t hear and she nodded.

“Looks like he has an admirer,” she said.

“He does,” Nicholas said with a nod. His eyes landed on hers, a spark of some indefinable emotion there. “And so do you.”

Now it was her turn to blush, the heat rushing to her cheeks. She looked away, turning her eyes forward and keeping her expression as neutral as possible. Her emotions were a jumbled mess, making it hard for her to think clearly. She didn’t want to say something she would ultimately regret.

Like asking him if she could stay here in Rovenheim.

And so, she said nothing because she didn’t know what to say.

As the day waned, the rest of the trip was uneventful. The only chatter came from Ingrid who was full of questions for Gustav. By the time they reached the castle stable, his face was lined with exhaustion from all the questions. Nicholas, however, was entertained by it all.

“This is where I tell you good night,” Gustav said.

“You’re leaving?” Ingrid looked as though she were losing her best friend.

“I have duties to attend.” He gave her a deep bow. “Safe travels, my lady.” Then he turned his attention to Ella. “And to you, too, my lady.”

“Thank you, Gustav. Good night.”

As he left them, Nicholas ushered them from the stable. “Let’s get you settled, Ingrid.”

She skipped ahead of him, her braids bouncing. It was the oddest thing to watch her. As if she had never experienced the trauma of being Malvina’s prisoner. But then, Nicholas did say his mother had something to do with her renewed state of mind.

Alice was waiting for them when they arrived. Nicholas handed Ingrid off to her.

“Ingrid, this is Miss Alice. She has a nice cozy room for you.”

As they walked away, Ingrid launched into a string of questions for Alice about the castle.

“How many people live here, Miss Alice? Is this really the home of the king and queen? Will I get to meet the king?”

Every time Alice tried to answer, Ingrid asked another question. Her eyes were bright and round and full of wonder, taking in everything and everyone as Alice escorted her up the winding staircase.

Ella was unable to contain the chuckle that erupted.

“And now, Miss Ella.” Nicholas turned to her, grasping her hand in his. “Let’s get you settled in for the night.”

He led her back to the same bedchamber she had before they left. That lovely, spacious royal suite with the huge fireplace and the comfy bed. He pushed open the door and paused there, still holding her hand.

“Tomorrow we’ll take Ingrid back to the village to her parents,” he said.

“And repair the Christmas Star?” she asked.

He nodded. He searched her face, his eyes brimming with gentle contemplation. He glanced down at her lips before moving up again. “Then return you to your own realm.”

It was to be tomorrow then, when she would return to her dismal life. She had only a few hours left to spend with him and most of that would be sleeping. Sadness crept through her. She tried her best to keep it at bay.

“Yes, I should return,” she said. “Good night, Nicholas.”

She took a step into the room, but he refused to release her hand. Turning back, she gave him a questioning look.

“Ella…” He paused as he chose his next words. His lips parted as he started to say something else, but then changed his mind.

“Yes?” she asked. Hope rose in her breast as she waited for him to continue.

He hesitated, started to say something and then gave her a weak smile. Instead, he said, “I hope you sleep well.”

Then he released her hand and was gone.