20. Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty

Dominick

I t was captivating watching her, watching the colors flash in her eyes from the stern of the ship. She was taking everything in for the first time, and it was truly wonderful to just imagine what she was thinking. I loved the sea; it was no surprise just how much I loved it. I loved the cool crisp air, the way that if you stood at the bow of the ship, it felt as if you were flying, or what I assumed flying would be like.

“You had a better time than I, it seemed after the ship sank,” Sands said, coming up behind me.

“Being shipwrecked is only slightly better than being pulled from the sea and rescued. I was on that Island for quite a while.”

“Two weeks. What is two weeks, with her?” Sands said, motioning to Meria.

“Stop–”

“She is pretty. Not my type, exactly. I like my women with legs that do not change ,” he said with a wink.

After we took over the ship, I told Sands everything, including that Meria was a mermaid. She and I had discussed it and decided that Sands being in on the secret would be helpful.

“Sands, if someone hears you–”

“What? Do I like a good pair of legs? Yes, I do! ” He said with a smirk.

“I will make you walk the plank,” I grunted. “I do not want you talking about her in that way.”

“I am saying I do not like her legs–”

“Which is madness, as her legs are incredibly beautiful, as is her tail. So, either silence on the topic, or I swear to the Creator, I will make you walk.”

“Wow, you care about her.”

“I do not. I am in charge of her protection. There is a difference. I do not need you giving anyone ideas. She is the only maiden on board, and I do not want her spoken about in such a way. She is more than her appearance; she is kind and generous.”

“Wow–” Sands said with a wide grin. “You really like her.”

“She is my friend.”

He laughed, “Sure, she is your friend, and I am a squid.”

I shoved his shoulder.

“Just walk up to her, kiss her, and be done with it.”

“I am not going to kiss her, just as I would never kiss you. We are friends, too.”

“Hey–give me a little peck on the cheek, here, and see if she gets jealous,” Sands said with a chuckle, pointing to his cheek. I shoved him again, and his laughter drew eyes toward us.

“Do shut up, man,” I said in a tone I wanted him to know was serious.

“Okay, okay, but you really should give her a kiss.”

“Not going to happen. Drop it.”

“You lean in for the kiss, maybe place your hands around her waist–pulling her into your arms is the best. If the maiden meets you halfway when you tilt your head down, well, that is your yes . Lean in the rest of the way, and make her dreams come true,” Sands said, wiggling his eyebrows. “I enjoy making maidens' dreams come true. It is rather rewarding.”

“I am sure that is no one’s dream.”

“I can see it in their eyes. Maidens like a good kiss. I’m sure she desires a kiss from you—her rescuer,” Sands said, batting his eyes at me like a fool.

“You look like a fool.”

“Not as much as you do, mooning over your maiden.”

“This is not something I desire to speak about."

“I am just saying, she seems to like you, too. I am sure your kiss would be welcomed. I am not sure how recently you have had a kiss, and by the straightness of your back, I would say you need a maiden’s kiss to melt you a bit."

“Melt me? Have you been drinking rum?”

“No—I had a few sips. It is not very good. But Aye, Captain, melt!” Sands said, swatting a hand on my back. “I kissed a princess once. I will not go into details; it was before you and I met, but let me just say, I have never had such a kiss before. I thought I might actually collapse. Luckily for her, I am strong and handled myself well. I could tell she wanted me, but I have to leave them wanting more, you know.”

“Where is she now?”

“Her kingdom. I stole the kiss and was off. Maidens like a rogue, a mystery,” he said as I looked at him, his face turned to the wind, his eyes focused.

Did he care about that princess? What princess was it? I was curious, but I did not want to feed into that conversation. It was rather uncomfortable to speak about women and feelings and such. All feelings were, were pain, and I had enough pain every second of my life.

Until you touched Meria. I shoved that thought away.

“Did you check on the Prince?” I asked, needing to change the subject.

“Yes, we gave them some food. Have you tried the dried fruit? I will tell you, Captain William was onto something. This dried fruit is a far cry better than anything on the Crimson Blade.”

I turned around and hushed Sands.

“We don’t need people knowing where we came from.”

“Sorry, but it is true,” he shrugged. Before I could punch his arm for a third time, he jogged away with a salute.

I was drawn back to Meria, only she was no longer where I had last seen her. It felt like a rock slammed against my chest as I quickly glanced around, looking for her. As my eyes darted about the deck, searching for her, I made my way down under the deck, passing a number of Prince Peter’s former crew members. When we took over the ship, the Prince went willingly, asking his crew not to fight us.

When I first saw Peter with his brown hair the same color as mine, only curly; his blue eyes; and even my same bone structure, even before he said his name, I knew who he was. He was my brother. Peter looked like me, even as a child, but it seemed that he had taken after me even more as he grew up. And in reality, we both took after our father. How could our mother be with him, see him everyday, and not want to be rid of him, along with the reminder that he was the image of her husband whom she had lost?

Most likely because Peter had not killed her husband– I had.

Meria

I wanted to speak with Prince Peter. I felt like I needed to, although I had no idea what to say. I made my way from the back of the ship, taking one last look at Dominick, who was talking to Sands. I worried over the silent crew and wanted to do or say something. But what could I say? What could I do to assure them that Dominick would not hurt them? He just needed a ship, and that was the only way he knew to go about it.

Maybe Prince Peter would understand if I explained it to him. I couldn’t help but wonder if that would be betraying Dominick? It was difficult to decide what to do. Having someone choose what I did was much easier in so many ways. My father would know exactly what to do— no . No, I had to make the choice for myself. Even if I made a mistake, I would follow my heart, my soul’s melody.

Once below the deck of the ship, I made my way to the prison cells. Peter was slumped against the bars, and the captain was beside him in a separate cell.

“Your Highness?” I whispered, walking up to him.

“Oh, Marie–Maria?” he said, turning around. His eyes met with mine, and he smiled.

“Hello, It’s Mer-i-a, actually, but that’s fine. I wanted to speak with you.”

“Do not speak to her, Prince. I am sure she will poison your mind,” Captain William spat.

I flinched and stepped back.

“Nonsense. Come and speak with me, Mer-ia,” Peter said with a warm smile.

“I am sorry that you are down here. This is not what I wanted.”

“It is not your fault. What has The Cruel Hand done to you?” He paused. “When we are free, you are welcome to come along with us.”

“Oh, he has not hurt me. He is kind.”

“Kind! Ha! She is being manipulated by him. A snake in the water, one that will destroy all that I have worked for,” Captain William interrupted.

“Silence, William, or you will be stripped of your title.”

“I care not for my title.”

“Your fruit stores back home, then.”

“You would not touch them!” he shouted, clutching the bars of his cell.

“I would if you do not let me speak with this kind maiden.”

“Yes, sorry, Prince,” he said, closing his mouth and leaning back, away from the bars.

“Perhaps, I should not have come down here,” I began, taking a few backward steps.

“Sorry about William; he gets a bit testy when his crew and ship is taken from him by two pirates who he was trying to save. He also is worried about his fruit stores–you do understand,” Peter said with a smile.

“Yes, well—”

“Listen, Meria, all I desire is to find my friend. I am afraid she is not doing well. I am searching for her.”

“We are headed to the Misted Seas. Perhaps, we could drop you off.”

“How would I ever return?” he asked.

“Oh—I’m not sure.”

“I have to take my ship back. Can you help me with that?”

“I don’t know—”

Dominick

I made my way into the small, dirty dungeon under the ship’s deck, surprised to see Meria, kneeling down and speaking in whispers to Peter.

“Meria?” I called from the end of the room and quickly made my way to her. She stood up and faced me.

“Dominick?” she asked as I approached. As I looked at her, the worry I had about her being in danger faded as I saw that she was unharmed. But then I turned to a gasping Peter, whose blue eyes were wide, and staring at me.

“ Dom-in-ick? Is th-a-at you-your real name?” Peter asked in astonishment, the words jumbled together.

“I am The Cruel Hand,” I said to him, then turned to Meria. I ached to put my arms around her and take her from that place, and from the horrible conditions found below the deck of a ship. I had found new gloves aboard the ship, so I didn't have to worry about hurting Meria. Peter spoke, taking me aback.

“Dom? Is it really you?” he merely whispered, and it was like he was a small child again.

The little boy I had known, he always called me, “Dom.” I dropped my shoulders. I had loved my little brother. I had only a few memories of Peter, but they were fond ones. I wanted nothing but the best for him, and I was not what was best for him. It was best he forgot about his brother. I would keep them in the dungeons till our mission was over, and until I was in Walden with my sister and could see my revenge play out on my mother’s face.

“I have not been called that–” I whispered, too ashamed of my feelings to look Meria, or Peter, in their eyes. “–In a long time.”

“ You are The Cruel Hand? All this time, it has been you? How? You travel and visit the kingdoms and events all around Terra, yet you are also a pirate ? Mother lives for those notes from the royals, telling her how they enjoyed your visits. She wants to hear anything and everything about you that she can.” Then he became more irritated. “Sneaking away in the middle of the night–leaving us behind,” Peter spat, standing, clutching the bars. “And now, here you are–taking over a Walden ship, and throwing your brother into a prison cell.”

“Mother wants to ‘hear anything about me’ ? You are mad!” I bellowed at him from the other side of the bars. I slammed my hand against them, and he stepped back, his eyes fearful.

“She has always hoped you would, someday, return home.”

“She doesn't want me home. Stop trying to lie to me, trying to play games, just to get yourself out of here.”

“I am not lying. You left, and mother–”

“I do not want to hear about your mother.”

“She is your mother, too!” he shouted.

“No–my mother did not want me. She sent me off, and that made me who I am. My mother is not the same mother you know. She is not mine. I have not had a mother for a very long time,” I said and felt Meria's small hand upon my arm. I turned to look at her light blue eyes.

“Dominick, are you well?” she whispered.

“As lovely as this chat has been,” I said, turning from Meria to Peter, “We have plans.” I took Meria’s hand in mine and nearly tugged her from the dungeon. Once we were on deck, I breathed in a fresh breath of salty air and let go of Meria’s hand.

“I am so sorry.”

“It would have come out, eventually. It is fine, Meria. How are you?” I said, using my free hand to brush my hair out of my face.

“I am fine, but do you not want to talk about what just happened? Your brother—you haven’t seen him in so long, and so much was said.”

“I have no use for talking about feelings, Meria,” I grunted.

“Really?” she asked, crossing her arms and putting her nose in the air. Her long white-pink curls draped around her, a mess again, and in grave need of a comb. She was such a beauty–so enchanting to look at. I had a hard time focusing.

“Really. Now, let me show you where you will be staying.” I motioned for her to follow me, and she did. We walked to the captain’s quarters, which I thought about giving to her, but that might not have given the right impression to the crew, if the only maiden on board had the captain’s quarters. She could, then, be used as a bargaining chip against me. I did not need any harm coming to her.

“You are stubborn,” she mumbled as we walked. When I reached the small door to the right of the captain’s quarters, I opened it for her. I was sure that was where the Prince had been staying, as it was quite fine in design and dressings.

“I am not sure what all is here, but make yourself at home.”

“We need more water to make myself ‘at home,’” Meria said with a laugh.

“Did you just jest, Meria?” I said with a crooked smile. I enjoyed the humor, which pulled me away from the emotions my brother had stirred up.

“I think, I did–” she said, covering her mouth with her hand.

I walked over and gently moved her hand from her mouth. I do not know what came over me, but I took longer than I should have to let her hand go. I drew a circle with my thumb on her wrist, then slowly let go of her hand, then her fingers, till they slipped from my gloved grasp.

“I liked that jest, keep it up. We may have you voicing all the things you have locked up in that head of yours, soon.”

“Unlikely–it seems I am only comfortable with you.”

“Well, we can remedy that. You have to speak your mind, Meria, or else everyone, for your entire life, will use you.”

“Like your old captain used your curse?” she asked. I saw fear flicker in her eyes for a second. But it was true. I let Veeto control me for way too long.

“Yes, Meria, and I want better for you than what I have had.” I stepped back and walked to the door.

“Dominick–” she said. I turned around and tried not to notice all the beauty that emanated from her as she stood before me. I wondered for a second what it would be like to kiss Meria, her pretty, pink, soft lips–and running my hands through those beautiful white-pink, messy curls as I did so– “Do you think there is a chance that he lied to you?”

“Veeto? Yes, he lied all the time,” I said, confused at the question.

“I mean–” She walked closer, and I held my breath as her hand caressed my chest. “Is it possible that your mother, actually, never sent you away?”

“That is not possible.”

“Why not?”

“Because–you do not know the things you are speaking about,” I said, taking another step back.

“I am sorry–I just–”

“It’s fine. I have to go. Have a good evening. I am next door if you need something. I hope the swaying of the ship on the sea will help you sleep.” I bowed my head and escaped through the door.

My mind was reeling. I walked the deck once, then went back into my cabin, where there were plenty of books and maps of the Misted Seas. However, I tried, and failed in my attempt to read them.

Meria and Peter could not be correct. My mother did not want me. She hated me, cursed my existence, and gave me over to Veeto. If she was anything other than that, it would have crumbled everything I thought I knew–all I thought I was–and my mission.

But they were misinformed; my mother did not want me.

But I would make her see who I had become and make her regret forcing me to go with Veeto.