“Nick.” James’s voice was similar to Magdalena’s, but his was harsher, icier. Much more intimidating. “This is not over. I will learn of the significance of Miss Cutler, why and how she is here. You should do well enough to avoid Captain Pan. We wouldn’t want anything to happen to her.” Again, those eyes. Again, Remy shivered. “And you, of course.”
“Of course,” Nick said, forcing a smile. “Calum, lift the anchor. Edward, set sail for Tenedor. Adele, you have that list of supplies with you, aye? Don’t lose it. We should be there soon.”
As the ship began to move, Nick hurried away in order to take the wheel himself. Remy’s feet were rooted to the deck. She could not look away from James. And interestingly enough, he could not pry his eyes away from her either.
It was only until the fog around James and his ship thickened and Nick pulled Remy away from the bow of the Black Star was she finally released from James’s spell. She blinked once and then chanced a glance up at Nick. He was not glaring at her, per se, but his hands were on his hips and his eyebrows were pushed together as his eyes stared at her. It almost looked as though he were trying to figure her out.
“You need to be more careful,” he told her after another moment had passed between them. “This is not Earth. You cannot just converse with people you don’t know. Something could happen.”
“I highly doubt he could jump across the water and onto this boat in order to cause me harm,” Remy said, raising a skeptical brow.
“First of all, darling, it’s a ship. Not a boat, a ship. It’s actually disrespectful to mistake the two. A ship is much more superfluous than a boat. Obviously. You’re a smart girl. I know you know that.” He cleared his throat. “Number two, again, you forget we are not on Earth. Your rules of logic do not apply here. It is much different. And when it comes to James, you’d be surprised what he is capable of accomplishing.”
“You mentioned where we are going,” Remy said, shifting her weight. The sun had slowly raised high in the sky during their brief conversation with the ruler of The Other World, causing the back of Remy’s neck to accumulate with sweat. Sweat. Something Remy was not used to doing at such a consistent rate.
“Tenedor,” Nick replied.
Remy waited for him to say something else, but all Nick did was turn on the heel of his boot and start to walk towards the helm. “Wait!” Remy called after him. She reached down to pick up her skirts but when her fingers did not come in contact with the silk material, she remembered that she was in Nick’s clothing – clothing that was supposed to be more comfortable and help her move around much easier than a dress might. She hated to admit it, but the function of the clothing was actually serving its purpose. Which meant that Nick had, indeed, been right. Especially when her long strides in the pants allowed Remy to catch up with the pirate much quicker than her dress ever would have.
“Wait!” she said again, walking by his side in order to keep up with him.
Nick stopped rather abruptly, causing the young girl to run into him. Since the pirate was solid – much more solid than Remy had originally anticipated – he did not move at her literal encounter with him, but she nearly fell back. She made a small ‘oomph’ as she righted herself, but instead of letting the bump slow her down, she took advantage of the fact that Nick had stopped and looked at her in order to ask, “What is Tenedor, exactly? What is the dress code? Do you think my attire is too casual? If so, I request a new dress so I can look my best.”
Nick pressed his lips together, but the right corner twitched and an amused smirk broke out. He crossed his arms over his chest. “Darling, Tenedor is a small island where we stop by to pick up supplies and sleep on solid ground,” he explained. “Let me think.” He placed the tip of his index finger on his chin; it was a look Remy was beginning to associate with him thinking deeply. “Ah. I remember. Are you familiar with an island near your home in Port George called Tortuga?”
“Not personally, no,” Remy said once she had caught her breath. “But I have heard of it. My father says only the seediest, vilest of people end up on Tortuga that not even the Royal Navy will set foot on the island in fear that the grime will taint their pristine uniforms. Looting and pillaging and other activities of a scandalous nature take place there. It is not a proper environment for a girl of my upbringing.” She tilted her head ever so slightly. “Why? What does Tortuga have to do with Tenedor?”
“Well, darling, they’re one and the same,” he said. “Well, obviously not the same. But the island is filled with vile people, prostitutes, pirates and thieves, and the scum of the souls who don’t actually want to pass on, but instead want to liquor up, pick some pockets, and sleep with women for as cheaply as they can.”
With each passing word, Remy felt her face contort into a look of disgust.
Nick, upon seeing it, felt his grin expand. “I see I haven’t sold you on the wonders of Tenedor,” he said. “No? Well I suppose the only way to truly appreciate such a marvelous place is to immerse yourself in it and experience it personally.”
“You do not actually think that I will set foot on that island, do you?” Remy asked. She was appalled at the idea. There was no way a girl like her would be caught on an island such as Tortuga. Or Tenedor, for that matter. “What kind of girl do you take me for, Captain Grey?”
“A girl who doesn’t wish to perish just after arriving,” Nick said. “You remember we have no idea what happens to you if you die here, yes? I know that souls who die here lose themselves forever. If I, or the Magistrate, or James die here, our souls are lost here forever as well. We were cursed, other souls died. You are neither of those, are you? Perhaps you lose your soul and are lost forever. Perhaps you return to Earth. Are you willing to find out?”
“Of course not,” Remy said, placing her hands on her hips. “How am I supposed to get harmed, though, if I choose to remain on the ship? I will be safe here.”
“You will not,” Nick said. “You’re a pretty young thing who obviously does not belong. You’ll be pillaged, my dear, an easy target if you remain on the ship. Of course, looters rarely ever mess with the Black Star because everyone living in The Underworld knows that she’s my ship. But they might be tempted if they saw a little chit like you walking around.”
“I will stay out of sight,” Remy said.
“You’re telling me you’d risk harm to yourself by choosing to remain behind all. By. Your. Self?” Nick raised his brows. “I know you’re not stupid. It’s common for docked ships to get raided for supplies. Women on ships are not common. You’d be – how can I put this in a way you’d understand? You’d be a new dress custom-made with the richest of silks to a poor girl who’s never had so much as a hot meal in a long while. Do you understand what I’m saying?”
Remy swallowed. Her stubbornness wavered just a bit. Nick had been here for nearly one hundred Earth years. Perhaps she should take his warning into consideration.
“Captain,” Edward called. Since Nick had never reached the helm, the quartermaster was still there. “Tenedor, up ahead. I’d say we’ll be docking in a half an hour.”
Nick waved, acknowledging Edward’s announcement, but he kept his eyes fixed on Remy.
“So what say you, darling?” he asked. “Are you coming with us or will you take your chances here, by yourself?”
Ten
Remy knew she did not have a choice. Remy knew that Nick knew that she did not have a choice judging by the look currently etched out onto his face. She hated that grin, the one that said that he was right and he knew it. One day, she would figure out a way to remove it herself. But now, she had to acquiesce that he was correct, that she had no other choice but to listen to his advice.
“I will come with you,” she muttered. Her eyes narrowed at him, and even though she was glaring, it did not seem to bother Nick in the slightest.
In fact, his grin only deepened, revealing his gold teeth, and he clapped his hands together. “Oh goodie,” he said. “I knew you’d come around
to my side. Before we depart, there are certain things that we must go over.” His tone grew lower, more serious. “No matter what, you are to stay by my side the entire time we’re on the island, no matter what. Until we part ways to sleep – because we will all be sleeping in individual rooms at an inn, though I’ll probably have Giselle share a room with you for safety purposes – you are to never leave my sight under no circumstances. Do I make myself clear?”
Remy said nothing, but nodded her head once. She felt her body tense due to the impact of his words, and while she wanted nothing more than to rebel, she knew it would be in her best interest to listen to Nick when it concerned her safety.
“Good.” Nick, too, seemed surprised by Remy’s easy compliance, but he did not mention it in fear that it would start some sort of argument between them. “Number two, you are not to interact – at all – with anyone on the island unless I say it’s all right.”
This time, Remy could not keep her mouth shut. “You are not my father, Captain Grey,” she said firmly. “You cannot forbid me from speaking.”
“Perhaps not, but it would be in your best interest to do so.” His voice had gotten firmer as well. “Since I’ve been here nearly a century, I believe I am much more familiar with Tenedor than you. In fact, while I was on Earth, I frequented Tortuga quite often. I have many scars due to my constant visits because, as surprising as it may seem, not everybody found me endearing. And, as offensive as this may sound, not everyone is going to find you as endearing as you think you are. So do us a favor, because I really just want to enjoy the island without incident since I don’t get to come here as often as I want and don’t want to have to worry about taking care of you, keep your mouth shut. Understand?”
“I do not understand how my opening my mouth to speak could get me killed,” Remy said.
“You wouldn’t, would you?” Nick asked. Immediately, Remy recognized Nick’s dry tone, and her eyes narrowed at him once more. “That’s because back where you come from, people had to listen to you. They didn’t have a choice. I’m sure that if they had, you would have very few friends.”
Remy flinched at the assault his words had on her, and she felt her face heat up with humiliation. For reasons she did not understand and did not care to think about, tears began to accumulate around the bottom lids of her eyes, but she quickly blinked them away before they could fall. Certainly he was being cruel to make a point and not because he was actually correct. Certainly she would still retain her friends if she did not come from the Cutler family.
Nick looked somewhat regretful for the comment that had slipped out of his mouth, but he did not apologize for it. If anything, his eyes seemed to harden and he went on. “So keep your mouth shut. Honestly, darling, your words could get you killed here, and we don’t want that, do we?”
Remy set her jaw and shook her head. She refused to speak, knowing that if she did, her voice would reveal just how much the previous statement hurt. And there was no way she wanted Nick to hear her voice crack.
“Good.” He seemed surprised by her silence. “We shall only be staying for one night. Adele and Edward normally leave the ship and head straight on over to put our order in for supplies. The ship gets stocked the next morning.”
“Captain,” Edward called, and Remy could detect the clear impatience in his naturally dry voice. He was standing with Calum, Giselle, and Adele, all of which had a small bag with them. Probably with a change of clothes inside, or anything else they might want to keep rather than have the inhabitants of Tenedor steal while they were away from the ship. “Boat’s ready when you are.”
“We’re coming,” Nick replied. He turned his attention back on Remy. “Are you ready, then?”
Remy pressed her lips together to refrain from retorting something unladylike. If Nick wanted her silent, then she would be silent. She nodded her head, and without waiting for an invitation, proceeded to head over to where the rest of the crew was waiting. She had yet to be offered a small bag herself, but other than her slip, corset, and slippers, she had no possessions aboard the ship that she would worry about. She wished she had a new change of clothes, however, because her sensitive nose was starting to pick up the stench of the ones she currently wore. And if she could smell them, she was sure everyone else could too.
“Your first visit to Tenedor,” Giselle murmured once Remy reached earshot. “How excited you must be.”
Remy forced a smile, but still said nothing.
Giselle nodded in understanding. “It’s really not all that bad,” she said. “At least not once you get used to it.”
“Let’s go,” Adele said. Her brown eyes found Remy’s and she nodded her head. “Come on, missy. You first.”
Remy walked over to the side of the ship and looked over, only to find that a small boat was softly tapping against the Black Star, waiting for its insides to be occupied. It was attached to the ship by ropes. She felt her heart skip a beat at how far the boat seemed from the deck and she pulled herself upright.
“Perhaps someone else should go before me so I can see what I am expected to do, exactly,” she suggested.
“Oh, for heaven sake’s,” Adele said with a roll of her eyes. With the grace of a swan, she threw herself onto the banister and reached her legs downward until her feet hooked to the subtle ladder attached to the ship. Remy watched intently as the redhead proceeded to descend, and with such quickness. Adele had not missed a step and then landed in the boat. She looked back up at Remy expectantly, her hands on her hips. “Well? Did you take copious notes, or do I have to do it again?”
If Remy was not so focused on the task she knew she would have to do, she would have snapped at Adele’s rude comment. Instead, she swallowed and placed her hands on the surface of the banister.
All right, you can do this, she told herself in her mind. It is just like climbing out of the window in your room. It is just like climbing out of the window in your room.
Clenching her jaw, she pushed herself up so she was sitting on the ship’s banister. With shaky hands, she turned herself around. Now she would have to extend her leg out until her foot touched the first step of the ladder. She pushed her leg downward, her breath hitching at the fact that for what seemed like a long while, her foot hit nothing but air. She tightened her grip on the edge to the point where her knuckles turned white, just in case. It did not soothe her that if she did, in fact, fall, she would hit water and not solid ground. She would still fall nonetheless, and she absolutely loathed the feeling of falling.
“We haven’t got all day, you know.” Adele’s taunt seemed far away. Still, Remy had yet to respond, her attention solely on the task at hand.
After what felt like forever, Remy felt her foot reach the first stair. She could not help the sigh of relief or the smile of delight if she tried. Yes, she knew she still had to make it down to the boat, but she had just accomplished – quite literally – the first step of attaining that goal. All she had to do was take her left foot and place it next to her right one.
There.
And now, the next step. And then the next one.
Remy realized she would have to release the sturdy banister and place her hands on the ladder’s handles, but it was easier than she expected when she did so one hand at a time.
She continued onward. One step, and then the next. And the next, until there were no more steps left for her feet.
Again, Remy’s breath left her as she struggled to place her foot somewhere that was solid, something that could hold her weight. Before she could reach the small boat herself, Adele reached up and grabbed Remy’s waist, yanking her down until her feet were forced to touch the bottom of the boat. Before she could stop herself, Remy pushed Adele away from her and said in a ragged voice, “Don’t you ever touch me!”
Adele looked at her in surprise. It was a good thing Adele was used to keeping her balance while standing in a boat or else she would have tumbled over and taken Remy with her, but at that moment, Remy did not care
what consequences the action might have produced. She was still shaken up by the fact that Adele had completely thrown her concentration off simply because the redhead could not hold onto her patience. Remy felt her hands twitch as she slowly slid into a sitting position, keeping her eyes fixed firmly on the clear water ahead of her.
She had made it. Remy wanted to laugh and cry. Even with Adele’s interference, she had reached the bottom safely. Again.
It was not long before the boat was filled with the rest of the crew. Calum and Edward each grabbed an oar and proceeded to row them in the direction of the island Remy assumed was Tenedor. Nick sat at the head of the boat, Adele at the back, and Giselle sat beside Remy on a bench between Nick and the two rowing men. Remy craned her neck so she could watch the Black Star begin to fade from sight, and at that moment, a thought struck her.
“The Black Star is anchored quite a distance away from land,” Remy said to Nick. “Why would drunken buffoons make the effort to steal a boat, row it over to the ship, climb up the ladder, loot the ship, only to have to climb back down with the items and row the boat back to the island all while ensuring they are not caught?”
“What’d we say about keeping our mouth shut?” Nick asked with a raised brow.
Remy glared. He had tricked her! How dare he!
Once the boat had reached the island, Nick tied it up and stepped onto the dock. The crew followed Nick’s suit, Remy making sure to stay close to the pirate captain. Currently, he flipped a gold coin – did people have the same monetary system here as they did back home, she wondered – to the dock master, who scrawled down what Remy assumed was a fake name, and let the six of them pass.
The sun was being pulled away from the sky, but it was not yet evening. Already, Remy peered at her new surroundings and decided she did not like them. People dressed in raggedy clothing who probably had not seen a bathtub in their entire lives were quite common to see, and they technically were not in town as of yet.
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