Chapter Twenty-Two
James fought the darkness, swimming through water toward fading light.
A sharp pain ripped his side, making him gasp as he wrenched his eyes open.
“Shh, easy now.” Celeste’s comforting voice wrapped around him like a warm blanket.
“Where—” His eyes adjusted to the dim light, shifting around until they focused on the room. The familiar worn timbers, the velvet draperies. His cabin.
Then he saw his little star.
Celeste smiled at him, the skin beneath her eyes dark with lack of sleep...and worry. “Lie back and rest.”
He eased onto the cushions beneath his head, wincing at the pressure in his side. With a few deep breaths, he managed to find his bearings.
James pressed his hand to the wound. Bandages and bare skin met the calloused pads of his fingers.
“Not dead then.” He flinched as a jolt of sensation pierced his abdomen.
“You came close, James.” She sighed and sat beside him. “Too close.”
He took her hand and savored the firm grasp as she twined their fingers together. Her golden hair lay neatly braided over one shoulder, but delicate wisps framed her lovely face. No longer did he see an innocent princess who bargained for his aid. Now he could see the fierce warrior who seized every moment without regret. His match in every way.
He swallowed the rising emotion and smirked.
“That bastard shot me.”
Celeste scoffed, tossing her head. “You know better than to attack a man brandishing a pistol.”
“He would have shot you.”
“Does this mean you care for me?” She lifted his hand and pressed her lips to his fingers.
“Perhaps.” He shifted, the heat of her mouth igniting something deep within him. “Little star...”
“Yes, Captain?”
“Where is he?”
She lowered his hand to the blanket covering his hips but did not relinquish her hold. Her eyes grew haunted before she turned away, staring toward the windows and fading daylight.
“Dead.” She inhaled deeply as if to steady her breath. “I killed him. Penance for what he did to my father.”
“You did what you must.” James nodded with understanding. “Although, death was merciful.”
“I tired of his riddles, of his games.” Celeste shrugged, tension rolling from her back. “There is no room for mercy. I must ensure Nevarro survives as my father intended.”
“You wish to return?” James asked. It came as no surprise to him—he knew her loyalty ran as deep as her passion—but it burrowed beneath his skin like a sand flea until he could no longer endure the pestering torment. “They have scorned and ridiculed you. Banished you. And yet you wish to return, to risk your life for them?”
“They knew nothing but the lies my uncle spewed.” Celeste’s gaze sharpened, her jaw set. “When I return, I will set things right. They will know the truth.”
“You honestly think they will take you at your word?” James ignored a throbbing ache as he sat up. He took her cheek in his palm, a tender caress. “These people wanted you captured, imprisoned. They were willing to sell you out for a handful of gold. What makes you believe they will accept you?”
“I will expose my uncle and my sister for the traitors they are.” She smiled, though it faltered after a breath. “Truth will always come to light.”
James huffed, a scornful sound he regretted instantly at the crestfallen expression on her face. “Forgive me, Princess, for not sharing your optimism. My experiences have not granted me the same hope.”
“I would never expect a pirate to be an optimist, only an opportunist.” She kissed his lips, soft and tender.
His heart ached with this gentle exchange. When he moved to deepen the kiss, his body protested, sending a jolt of pain like lightning through his torso and limbs. He hissed in a breath, gasping until it subsided.
Celeste eased him back down until he rested comfortably on the bed. “You must rest, or you will be of no use to me.”
He caught the teasing lilt to her words and chuckled. “And what do you intend to do?”
“I have commandeered your ship, Captain. I intend to end this charade once and for all.”
James choked on air, his mouth gaping like a fish on shore.
“With my uncle dead, I must confront my sister. See that she is placed upon the path my father would have wanted for the kingdom and no longer influenced by my uncle’s treachery.”
He found his ability to speak once more. “How do you intend to accomplish this?”
“I have a plan.”
“I will join you.” He sat up, ignoring the protests from his wound.
“All in good time.” Celeste pushed him down and procured a small tankard. “Drink this.”
“What is it?” He sipped the bitter contents.
“Something to help the pain.”
James winced at the disgusting taste before shoving the empty mug aside. She took it and stood. He caught her by the wrist, and her eyes snapped to his.
“Promise me, Princess.” He licked his dry lips. “Vow to me here and now, you will not do this alone.”
“You have my word.” She leaned down to kiss his brow.
The effects of the concoction she gave him quickly dulled his wits. His eyes felt weighted. His limbs sank into the bed. The cabin faded into a haze of light and shadow as he once more slipped into the dark, welcoming embrace of sleep.
Dreams of Celeste turned to nightmares. Visions of her death danced before him, tormented him. He fought against them. As he held her blood-covered body in his arms, his cry shook the heavens.
“Captain!”
Mr. Smee’s voice cut through the vision, pulling him back to sanity.
James woke with a start, his trembling body soaked in sweat. His gaze rose to find Smee standing over the bed, his expression marred by concern beneath his furrowed brow.
“Where is she?” James asked, the words hoarse as they broke from his dry throat.
“Gone,” Smee replied simply.
“Damn your hide!” James struggled to sit up. Smee attempted to restrain him. “Unhand me this instant or you will find yourself at the bottom of Davy Jones’s locker.”
Smee lifted his hands and stepped back.
James swung his legs over the side of the bed. His body protested every movement, but he could not stop. Not when Celeste needed him. Curse her stubborn lying arse.
He stood, turning his rage upon his friend. “How could you let her leave the ship?”
“I couldn’t stop her, Captain.”
“Where are we?” James asked, pulling on a shirt. His wound throbbed.
“Port Royale.”
“She went alone?” he growled, fastening a belt around his waist.
“Aye, Captain.”
“And you let her?” James turned to confront him.
Smee held his ground. “I was under no orders to keep her on board, Captain.”
“And if you had been, would you have obeyed?”
To his credit, Smee hesitated only a moment. “The princess is capable of making this decision for herself.”
“You let her charge off to face her demons alone.”
“Aye, Captain. She requested we remain here. If she requires aid, she will send a signal.”
“Damn the signal.” He retrieved his pistol and his cutlass before pulling on his coat.
“Where are you going, Captain?”
“To save the princess.”
“Is that so?” Smee’s smile made him pause, but his first mate pressed on. “Do you think she will love you more if you charge into danger to rescue her?”
James blinked twice at his friend’s bold words. “What are you on about?”
“Princess Celeste is not a damsel in distress. She does not need you to rescue her.”
“The damned wench doesn’t know what she needs.” He dragged his hand over his face and sighed as the truth of his friend’s words sank into his soul. “I cannot remain here and do nothing.”
“Then go to her,” Smee replied simply. “But not as her savior. Go as her partner.”
“Partner?” James scoffed.
“Would you prefer lover? Ally? Friend?”
None of those adequately defined the dynamic between them, yet Smee’s words struck a chord of truth. Celeste did not need salvation. What she required was more important than that.
“Remain with the ship. We shall return.”
“Aye, Captain.” Smee saluted before leaving.
As he gathered a few items, James mulled over his friend’s words. What were they? Enemies who had become allies then lovers? He shook his head and put on his hat. There were far too many unanswered questions. Things they needed to discuss.
He stepped off the ship, noting the distant glow of sunset over the horizon. Drawing the map from his pocket, he searched for the quickest route into the castle that would still give him the advantage of surprise.
The princess wished to do this on her own, but their original agreement lingered in the back of his mind. She’d come to him for help, and by Poseidon, he would not let her face this alone.