A husband that intended to annul their vows, she quickly corrected. Something she’d do well to remember the next time he touched her.
~*~
The river, which had been flowing east, did indeed turn toward the north again. With the wind at their backs, they no longer had to tack across the river for momentum, reducing the risk of running aground.
Now that navigating the river was much easier, Alec was once again at the helm, while Genevieve elected to sit near the front of the ship where she could see out from both sides. Not daring to get to close too him lest she lose track of everything else again, she maintained a safe distance.
Samuel who had been sleeping restlessly finally gave up. Looking back at her he smiled as he sat up. “Well, would you look here? I’m fortunate indeed to have an angel watching over me while I sleep.”
“Good morning,” she smiled.
“Excuse me while I go find that no good husband of yours, will you?” He said wryly as he stood.
“Of course.”
Samuel walked back to Alec, who stood at the helm. “Why don’t you let me take the helm?”
“It’s still early yet, sure you wouldn’t like more sleep?” Alec asked.
“Alas, I cannot. I keep having night terrors,” Samuel replied dramatically. “I’m thrown overboard and lost at sea.”
“Right,” Alec scoffed.
“Actually, I thought I would let you help the little misses keep a look out while I steer the ship.” He winked conspiratorially at him. “It’s the least I can do while the dragon sleeps.”
Alec threw a brief glance back to where Akeim was sleeping.
“The other dragon,” Samuel whispered with a slight nod of his head toward Sophia. “Besides, I owe you one.”
Alec raised a brow.
“But after this, I think we’re even.”
“You do, do you?” Alec replied skeptically.
“Oh, com’on man,” Samuel said with feeling. “You can’t keep holding the whole marriage to the plague of Egypt thing against me, especially after throwing me to the crocs.”
“I can’t?”
“Take it or leave it,” Samuel shrugged.
Alec joined Genevieve up in the front of the boat. She was sitting beside the camel, which was sleeping next to her. She turned to watch him as he came forward.
“Samuel wanted to take the helm, so I thought I’d come and see if I could help you.”
“Are you sure that’s a good idea?” She eyed him warily.
“Well,” he laughed. “Now that we’re sailing straight down the river, it’s unlikely we’ll run aground again.” She looked a little nervous as he sat down beside her.
Trying to put her at ease wasn’t going to be easy, Alec realized as she bashfully looked away. The sky was brilliant with the stars he noticed. “Look there,” he pointed. “There is the Ursa Major and just below it the North Star. It certainly is low on the horizon from this latitude.”
“It has just barely become visible in the sky,” Genevieve spoke quietly, hugging her knees to her chest.
“Really, you mean it completely disappears?”
“Yes, three months out of the year. It actually reappears at the beginning of the rainy season, heralding the inundation and subsequently the god Osiris.”
“Osiris?” Alec noticed that she seemed more relaxed when she was talking.
“He’s the god of the underworld.” She explained as she looked over at him and visibly tensed.
“I thought Ptah was the god of the dead?” he asked quickly, hoping to keep her mind on the conversation.
“They both are. You see, every ancient city had deities that came into power when the Pharaoh did. Memphis for instance had Amun and a triad consisting of Ptah the father, his consort Sekhet and their son Imhotep. Ra, Osiris, Isis and their son Horus held the same significance only they were from Abydos.”
“Ah, I see.” Alec was watching her closely.
She caught his stare and quickly rambled on. “That is where Amun-Ra, actually came from.” She nervously swallowed. “Many gods eventually merged together.”
“Really?” he scooted closer.
She paused briefly, glancing over at him before continuing. “Since Osiris had been resurrected, the annual flood which made the dead earth fertile again was seen as his doing.”
“I see,” he breathed as he leaned closer still.
“Because of this, the North Star was also seen as his domain. The place where the pharaoh’s soul would be immortalized, after he battled through the underworld…” She paused looking at him, “in order,” she lost herself in his eyes, “in order to live forever.”
“Live forever,” he repeated just before his lips touched hers. He started softly at first, gradually increasing the pressure of his mouth. His arm came up behind her, touching the small of the back.
She tilted her head back with a sigh, opening her mouth to his gentle assault.
He wrapped his other arm around her, pulling her more firmly against him as his tongue met hers. Unlike their first kiss, where he ended it as soon as it had begun, this time he fanned the flame that ignited between them. His mouth became hungry, demanding more, as his hand moved to stroke her arm.
Disturbed from his slumber, the camel nudged Genevieve in the back where Alec’s other hand still rested. Genevieve jerked in his arms. With a sigh, Alec ended their kiss, but didn’t let go of her just yet. He smiled lazily into her eyes. “Thank you for the lesson.”
“Lesson?” she replied scornfully. “You probably weren’t even listening.”
“Yes I was,” smiling at the look of doubt she gave him, he kissed her quickly and set her free.
“Then tell me what I said.”
“The North Star is to the Egyptians, what Valhalla is to the Vikings.”
She quirked her lips, giving him a look that said he’d confirmed her suspicions.
He laughed at her expression, nudging her gently with his shoulder. “I was listening,” he smiled. “You know they call the stars in the north constant because they are always present, unlike the other stars. In fact, that is where the name constellation came from… They are constant.”
She lifted a brow at his attempt to change the subject as he continued.
“Because they were always there, the north stars represented an eternal place, a place where the soul could live forever.”
“All right, maybe you were listening,” she smiled.
“See,” he hugged her tight. The camel groaned. Now he knew why Samuel had chosen the beast after all his complaining. They were kindred spirits, bent on annoying him.
They sat together until the sun peaked over the horizon and other fishing boats joined them on the river. Genevieve nodded off, nestled in his arms. He too found the slumber he sought, secure in the knowledge that this woman was his. She just didn’t know it yet.
Chapter 17
Genevieve became aware of several things at once as she awakened… the rhythmic rise and fall of her pillow for one and the feel of coarse hair against her cheek as she leaned against it for another. It didn’t take long for her shocked senses to overcome her sleepy dreams.
She could feel the beat of Alec’s heart beneath the palm of her hand as it rested against his bare chest. She opened her eyes and looked up, straight into his golden brown gaze, the warmth of which could challenge the golden glow of the sunrise itself. The slow catlike smile he gave her almost made her toes curl as she watched him.
Her own complexion matched that of the pink, morning sky as it dawned on her that she’d actually fallen asleep on top of him. She tried to ignore the fact that her legs were entangled with his or that her foot had wiggled somewhere between his knees.
Genevieve couldn’t help but take a quick glance around to see if anyone else had witnessed their compromising position. Alec seemed to read her thoughts because a low rumbling chuckle shook his ribs. When she glanced up again, his eyes were sparkling with laughter.
&nbs
p; “It’s hardly funny,” Genevieve said defensively. “If my mother sees us like this, she’ll not let you off the hook so easily.”
“Maybe I don’t want off the hook,” Alec suggested as he hugged her to him, revealing that their arms were just as entwined as their lower half before kissing her quickly on the nose. He sat up, an action which brought her up with him.
His revelation, as well as his swift movement, had her head spinning. Did he just say what she thought he’d said? Genevieve had to fight the sudden thrill that sprang within her chest.
He stood up in a burst of energy offering her his hand as he did. “Come,” he urged smiling down at her. “Let us see about breakfast,” he leaned around the animal pen and looked down the deck. The smell of freshly grilled fish wafted past their noses from the brazier her mother was cooking on.
“Hmm, that smells so good,” he inhaled deeply. Taking hold of her hand he pulled her up. Not letting go, he drew her beside him. “And I’m starved.” His smoldering gaze said that it was she that he longed to devour.
She looked down bashfully then up again. Her gaze stopped briefly at his lips before reaching his eyes.
“Hmmm,” he sighed longingly, a slight grin playing on his lips as he watched her. “You are a temptation young lady,” he scolded. “And if you keep looking at me like that, you will never get your breakfast.”
Her mouth opened in surprise. Like what? She wondered as he took her hand and spun her around. Laughing he headed toward the stern pulling her gently along behind him.
Samuel was the first to see them as he stood at the helm. “Good morning,” he greeted them cheerfully.
“Good morning,” Alec replied with gusto clapping him on the back. Genevieve smiled with a nod and continued on to where her mother was.
“You seem awfully chipper this morn,” Samuel was surprised by his unusual mood, “I take it that we’re even then?”
Alec’s only response was to smile before heading toward the delicious aroma.
“Good morning dear,” Sophia smiled when she noticed her daughter. “I’m so glad you’re awake. I didn’t want to disturb you earlier.”
Alarmed, Genevieve looked over at Alec who had come over to savor the fish that her mother had cooked. “Earlier?” She questioned with big eyes.
“You were sleeping so peacefully, I didn’t have the heart to wake you.” Sophia doled out a serving for Alec who wolfed it down then handed Genevieve a plate. “Why, is there a reason you wanted to rise earlier?”
Genevieve shook her head and took the fish. “Thank you,” she murmured, glancing over at Alec. He didn’t seem too worried that her mother may have witnessed their sleeping arrangement. In fact, he quite happily raised his brows and made an expression that was more comical than concerned in response.
Genevieve couldn’t help but smile and shake her head. Didn’t he realize that he was going to get them good and married with his antics?
Sophia turned to see his face. “Is your breakfast all right?”
“Delicious, thank you,” he said brightly, giving her a brilliant smile. “Is there enough for seconds?”
There was nothing her mother loved more than a healthy appetite, Genevieve thought as Alec received another portion. Her mother was simply going to adore her new son-in-law. And if he didn’t watch out, it was going to be permanent arrangement.
“You’re finally awake,” Akeim walked up behind them with another fish dangling from a line.
Had everyone witnessed them sleeping? Genevieve wondered with chagrin.
“Good,” Akeim continued. “I wanted your help with the rigging.”
“But of course,” Alec responded as he popped the last piece of fish into his mouth. “See you later,” he smiled at her before leaving.
Sophia noticed how her daughter bit her lip as she watched him go… a sure sign that something was troubling her. “Is something wrong, dear?”
Her mother was watching her with more interest than Genevieve was comfortable with. She couldn’t very well tell her the truth, especially since it was her mother to whom she had lied to about her marriage. “No,” she smiled weakly.
“Are you sure you don’t wish to talk about something?” Sophia asked with concern.
Genevieve shook her head.
“You know in marriage there will be many times—”
“Mother, I don’t think,” Genevieve quickly interrupted, afraid of what intimate advice might follow.
“You know you can always talk to me?” Sophia spoke gently, “about anything.”
“I know and thank you,” she kissed her mother on the cheek.
“Anytime, sweetheart.”
Genevieve absently gazed out at the river behind them with her mind full of her husband until she noticed a ghostly image on the horizon. She held her hand up to shade her eyes from the morning sun. “Mother, how long do you think it will take those ships to catch up with us?”
“It’s hard to say. I can’t imagine it’ll be easy for them to replace the sails. It could take days if not weeks.”
“I hope you’re right,” Genevieve looked over at her with concern. “But if I’m not mistaken those are the ships that followed us last night.” She pointed to three boats that had appeared on the horizon behind them.
“Akeim,” Sophia turned to say over her shoulder. “I’m afraid we may have company.”
All three men turned to watch the boats in the distance. Akeim placed his telescope up to his eye, without saying a word he handed it over to Alec.
Alec knew at once why Akeim had not said anything when he looked at the ships close up. Each one had their new sails standing full against the breeze... Each one filled to capacity with armed men. Alec passed the eyeglass onto Samuel who let out a slow whistle when he too spied the small army.
Samuel slowly lowered the telescope. “It won’t be long and they will be breathing down our necks. I can ready the arrows and set their sails ablaze again.”
“They will no doubt be prepared for that this time. Although it could stall them, it also puts us at risk for the same if they get too close.” Akeim looked through the eyeglass once again. “I think it is best we keep our lead for as long as possible. I’m sure what they want is to board us.”
“How much more speed do you think we can get out of her?” Samuel asked as he looked up at their own sails.
“Not much,” Akeim’s expression was grim. “We were lucky last night to take them by surprise.”
Both Sophia and Genevieve came to stand in front of the men. By the look Akeim gave her mother, Genevieve knew it wouldn’t be good news. He handed over the spyglass so that Sophia could assess the situation.
“Oh dear heavens,” Sophia breathed as she looked through the lens. “What can we do?” she slowly lowered the telescope.
“Last night,” Alec spoke up. “You said they were looking for two Englishmen, right?”
“Yes,” Akeim nodded.
Genevieve gently took the looking glass from her mother as Alec spoke. She placed it to her eye, glad that she could finally see what everyone else was talking about.
Alec weighed his next words carefully. “I think it would be best if we had the Englishmen that everyone is looking for make themselves very visible and give you a chance to get away.”
A cold chill ran down Genevieve’s spine, whether from his words or what she saw she couldn’t determine. “There has to be something else we could do?” she looked over at him as she said it, the last thing she wanted was to be separated from him.
Alec looked at her, his own heart squeezing painfully in his chest. “I’m afraid it might be the only way to keep you safe.” He looked over at Akeim again, “Didn’t you just say we were almost to Aswan?”
Akeim nodded, “I think we could reach the dock within an hour’s time.”
“Good, it’s settled then,” Alec looked over at Samuel as he picked up his bag heading for the bow. “Let’s change and prepare to disembark quickly.”
&
nbsp; “Right-e-o,” Samuel said as he followed suit.
Genevieve watched them go filled with mixed emotion. What did he mean it was settled? He hadn’t even spoken with her.
Sophia placed her hand on her shoulder.
“Can’t you stop them?” Genevieve asked her quietly.
“We may not have another choice,” Sophia spoke softly to her daughter. She looked over her shoulder at the boats that followed. “I’m afraid we are going to have to trust their decision.”
Genevieve turned away from her and walked to the stern. She stood looking back at the ships with a mixture of gut-wrenching fear and anger. Again her mother came to stand beside her.
“How did you keep from hating them after they killed Papa?” Genevieve asked.
“Who says that I don’t?” Sophia answered soberly.
“Doesn’t that make us just like them?”
“No,” Sophia shook her head sadly. “It is how we behave despite our feelings that make us different.”
Genevieve remained in the back while Alec and Samuel prepared for a quick departure once they docked. Alec had glanced her way several times as the men tried to get all the speed out of the sails that they could, but hadn’t yet approached her.
She watched him as he moved the yardarm and let out the sail. He had changed back into the clothing of an Englishman, reminding her of the first time she laid eyes on him. She could still see him standing before the fallen tent after he’d sliced his way out, looking much like a conquering Viking warrior.
Her mind was filled with visions of him, the Greek god that had entered her tent the first night with moisture glistening on his wet skin. His face half lathered with shaving cream, laughter gleaming in his eyes. The way he looked at her when he’d first kissed her. The playfulness he had shown as he’d used the net to fish and later the ferocity that he had defended her when they were attacked. The pirate, who just the night before had stolen her breath as well as her kisses.
Her heart squeezed painfully in her chest. Genevieve took a deep breath to still her heart as she thought of him and the words he’d teased her with only this morning… Maybe I don’t want off the hook. She’d almost dared hope that it could be so.
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