casspurrjoybell-19

[casspurrjoybell-19]

Pirate Chains 3 - Chapter 3b

All Sorts of Dues - Part 3

- Haven -

I peered to see the hunters grinning from ear to ear, before one of them pressed the matter.

"Good. Now get us our silvers so we can go our way."

"Not here," Lou said. "I'll go get the money and we meet in front of the whore house."

The bounty hunters looked suspicious.

"Why the whore house?"

"Why the Fuck do you care? Wait for me there and I'll get you your shit."

The hunters fidgeted and exchanged a few words before they hesitantly left my house.

"Are you crazy."

I charged towards the asshole, who simply put his hands on his hips and cocked his head at me with a smirk.

My tongue was stuck in my mouth and all the words faded away in front of such a sight.

His smirk widened knowingly.

"You were saying?"

"You... You... You're wetting my floors. Dry yourself before you walk around my house."

I stomped to my study and before throwing the door close I yelled...

"AND PUT SOMETHING THE FUCK ON," I panted, trying to forget his nude bones, his strong muscles and his...

Ughgh...

The asshole.

It didn't help that I had to adjust my now uncomfortable pants.

My distraction flew off the window as I remembered that I had to come up with a hundred silvers in about an hour.

Any later and those two blackmailers might come here again.

Ok, think Haven, think...

I couldn't go to the guards.

If I did, the word will get out and my father will certainly hear about it.

I looked around my office, I had a large vase in a corner as well as a couple around the house.

I also had a few valuable paintings that could be worth a lot.

If I sold any of those, my parents will most probably notice.

The buyer could even rant about buying antiques from the Aimeri's.

But what other choice did I have?

Still, it would be impossible to find a buyer in less than an hour.

I paced back and forth in front of my desk.

I did notice the passing time, but I hadn't found a solution yet.

I just waited for the bounty hunters to come back.

This time, I'd talk to them myself and try to find a reasonable way out of this.

I'll have to convince them to give me more time... but how?

A shy knock on the door made me halt my steps.

Nur's head peaked as the door opened, with a happy smile on his face.

"Pardon me, Sir. Sir Lou is back."

"Back?"

"Yes, Sir. He went to deal with those scary men and he's here now... he's limping slightly though."

"Limping?"

I hurried towards his room.

Not finding him there, I turned around only for Nur to point at the bathroom.

I barged inside, without even knocking.

I guess the fucker's habits were starting to rub on me.

"What happened? What did you do?"

"Good evening to you too," he said with a raised eyebrow as he stretched his arms.

He pointed to the filled tub he was sitting in and added...

"Want to join me?"

I blushed when I realized he was naked in the tub and his clothes were tossed around.

I looked the other way to see Nur coming inside.

He tipped his head in respect to me and went to pour more hot water in the tub making Lou stretch and groan.

Then he filled his glass with more wine and put it in his hand.

"Lou, what exactly happened?"

He sniffed the bath perfumes and moaned in appreciation.

He took his sweet time before answering me...

"They were robbing you boldly in your own house and you could do nothing about it. So I dealt with them."

"I need to know what that entitles. You didn't...... kill them, did you?"

"I wanted to, SO FUCKING MUCH. But this fucking island is heavily guarded. And by the time I hid their bodies, my bath would be cold. Nur can only keep it warm for so long."

"So what, you threatened them?"

"Yes, right after I beat their asses until they could no longer move."

"That's... That's not the way we do things here."

"I get it, laws and shit. Following the stupid rules started getting to my head, so I needed to hit something."

I opened my mouth to protest but closed it immediately.

I had no right to preach when I myself wasn't going to inform the guards about those blackmailers.

They deserved the shit they got.

Of course, I wasn't going to tell him that.

Nur, who had taken the empty bucket outside, came back with a change of clothes.

"Here you go, Sir Lou."

He was grinning and looking at Lou like the king himself.

"Thank you for punishing those thieves for their wrongdoings. How dare they threaten Sir Aimeri."

"You're welcome, slave."

"HE'S NOT A SLAVE. He's not even your servant."

Lou smirked and Nur giggled before bowing to me and then to Lou.

"Dinner will be ready as soon as you finish your bath, Sir."

Great.

So now we go by Sir Pirate's schedule?

"Good boy. Hey, did you add more meat like I told you?"

"Yes, Sir."

"And vegetables,and soup?"

"Yes! I even made dessert."

"Good. And next time, it's Aye Captain."

"Aye Captain," Nur squealed before he went off grinning like a fool.

"Nice kid," Lou said as he emptied the glass of wine in his mouth.

"Yes, he is. So please refrain from turning him into a pirate."

"Hehehe. He's doing great so far, though."

I shook my head.

I'll need to make sure he doesn't teach Nur any bad behaviors.

Nur is seventeen but he's too naïve and trustful.

He also tends to follow the lead of others around him.

"Hey, how about you take off those clothes and come try this amazing water."

I felt my face heat up so I tried to change the subject.

"Is your leg okay?"

"What leg?"

"I know you got hurt, Lou. Should I send for a doctor?"

"I just sprained it a little when I stepped on an unstable rock."

"Wait, so it wasn't the hunters who hurt you??"

"Nope, it happened on my way back. Those fuckers didn't even get to touch me. You know the feeling, right? You've tried so hard for days and yet you still failed adorably. We played like that a lot when we were at sea, didn't we?"

He smirked, making me roll my eyes.

"All I remember is kicking you in the balls so hard, you fell on your ass with teary eyes."

"Fuck... Yeah. That one hurt like a bitch."

[casspurrjoybell-19]

Pirate Chains 3 - Chapter 3b

All Sorts of Dues - Part 2

- Haven -

"Sir Aimeri?"

I felt cool water being gently tapped on my cheeks and forehead.

I opened my eyes to see Nur's frightened gaze.

I straightened myself.

"I'm fine, Nur..."

A violent series of coughs interrupted me and I realized how hoarse my voice was.

Nur's small hand pushed my chest.

"Please don't move, Sir. Just lay back."

I did as told and the coughs eventually stopped, leaving me to my wheezing breaths and hurting chest.

I was ashamed to look like this in front of my servant.

Nur was very kind at heart and I hated to have him see me like this.

I felt his cold, wet hands holding my left one as he sat on his knees on the floor beside me, his voice laced with concern.

"Just a few minutes, Sir. It will go away soon and everything will be alright."

I didn't pull my hand from his.

I was pathetic to use his kindness this way but it was relieving.

Somehow, his sincere concern for me linked me to reality in the twister of emotions that I felt every time I had such an attack.

Last time this happened, I decided to take a swim and it calmed me.

That day, I also slept for hours.

If not for that, I probably wouldn't have lasted on my feet so far.

It wasn't just the sea that calmed me.

I had cried that day.

I couldn't cry before but somehow I managed to cry so much that I felt like a heavy burden was momentarily removed and I felt so relieved.

Of course, not the next day though.

Waking up to remember that I was hugged by that smug pirate AND he had led me to my room to make sure I was fine, I felt so ashamed I couldn't look him in the eye for days.

And the same thing happened again.

Yesterday I slept like a log.

But I woke up to find my head right next to Lou's.

We were both on the couch, our feet dangling on either side of it and I had my head resting on his shoulder.

So yeah, today I avoided looking him in the eye.

The worst was that I didn't feel like I was panicking or reacting resentfully to the situation when I woke up.

Once again, in the pirate's presence, I found peace, how ironic is that?

I didn't understand why, maybe I didn't care about his opinion of me since he was a pirate or maybe because he was going to kill me eventually.

"Sir."

"Huh?"

"Some water?"

"Oh, thank you."

I woke up from my daze to realize that I wasn't wheezing anymore.

I was just extremely tired and felt like I needed a massage that would last for days.

I took the cup of water that Nur was offering me with a smile, right before he excused himself and went to answer the knock on the main door.

I drank slowly, my throat was in pain and every breath felt like a chore.

At least I wasn't panicking anymore.

But the main reason for my stress since this morning was back, knocking on my door as well as my nerves.

I heard shouting and threats being made to Nur.

The voices were traveling closer into the house.

It would seem like, whoever it was, they refused to wait by the door and chose to invade my privacy.

"Who the fuck are you?"

"Back off," the first voice said.

"This is none of your business. We're here to see Sir Aimeri, NOW."

I recognized the second voice.

It was one of the bounty hunters that came this morning and I guess the first voice was his partner's.

Why didn't I look thoroughly into their backgrounds before hiring them?

The answer was clearer than the sun.

Back then, I was utterly desperate.

I saw Lou slowly pass in front of my study room.

He looked at me and raised his hand slightly to tell me to stay put.

I did the wrong move by avoiding his look, only to fall on his naked private parts.

The uncivil boorish bastard was naked.

I felt a furious blush take over my pale face and I turned around to avoid seeing more.

I heard him chuckle before he moved further to face the intruders.

"I'm going to ask again. And you're going to answer this time. Who. The Fuck. Are you, and what in Hell do you want?"

I sneaked a look to see what was happening.

To my relief, Nur stood behind Lou, so he wasn't in imminent danger anymore.

His fingers were covering his mouth and he was obviously fighting a laugh at the sight of the naked pirate.

"We're hunters hired by Sir Aimeri for a quest. He promised us a reward if we got him the information he needed."

"I thought you people got paid already?"

"That was for traveling expenses. He promised us a reward after we got him what he wants."

"And we're here to deliver that information and collect," the other one added.

Lou balanced his weight on one hip and the muscles of his back to his hip followed accordingly.

I could see his naked backside, the bastard was nicely built.

And with his hand on his hip, even his ass screamed smugness.

"So," he said, unabashed. "What's this divine information you got?"

"First the money."

Lou crossed his arms and responded very calmly...

"No deal, fuckers. You lay what you got first, only then we talk."

The hunters looked at each other hesitantly and then one of them spoke before the other one hissed at him to shut up.

"Ganae. Sir Aimeri's cousin has been hiding at Ganae for months. He's still there now. Give us our money and then you can go find him."

"Mmm Ganae, you say?"

"Yes. And if Sir Aimeri doesn't pay us a hundred silvers..."

"The prize was fifty silvers only," Nur interrupted him but then he shrunk behind Lou when the hunters glared at him.

"Fifty each. Now pay up, or we go to the guards."

The other one stepped further to pour more threats...

"AND we tell everyone on Mila that he paid hunters to look for his cousin. Sir Aimeri clearly instructed us to keep our mouths shut about it. And to shut our mouths, you'll have to stuff them with silvers."

I wanted to go out and take matters into my own hands.

But what in God's name was I going to say or do?

I didn't have the money to pay these lying blackmailers.

Nyx probably sailed to Ganae but he didn't stay there for months nor was he hiding.

He was with fucking pirates and that's the only reason I couldn't find him in the first place.

At the same time, I can't have these two blabbering all over town and let my parents know what I did behind their backs.

"Fine. You'll get paid."

My eyes widened when I heard Lou promising them what I couldn't deliver.

I wanted to call him an idiot but if they knew I couldn't pay them, they might hurt Lou or even Nur.

Shit...

Shit.

[casspurrjoybell-19]

Pirate Chains 3 - Chapter 3a

All Sorts of Dues - Part 1

- Haven -

"Damn, there are many guards on this island."

"They work hard to make sure Mila and Corail are not a target for thugs and pirates."

He nodded in understanding, oblivious to the fact that I was targeting him with my comment.

He sat comfortably on my chair behind my desk.

"There's really good quality booze around here. We should go get drunk."

"Go ahead. I have work to do."

"Ugh, still haven't finished meeting nobles?"

I didn't answer him.

I tried my best to ignore him since this morning and to concentrate on the documents I had in hand.

I didn't even want to look him straight in the eye and that was getting difficult with all his ranting.

"So? Did you get enough money to pay those two old goats?"

"Yes, I came back from my visit to my shops and found them waiting for me. I paid them their money and apologized for missing the terms of our contracts. And they are called noble gentlemen, not goats."

I deadpanned and then I closed my eyes and caressed them with my forefingers.

I've had a splitting headache since this morning and it wasn't getting any better with all the people coming and going to my house and my shops.

Every half an hour or so, someone would ring my door, or a servant would be sent to tell me that someone is waiting for me in one of my shops or by my ship at the port.

I just came back from a long exhausting and very eventful sail.

I hadn't even rested before I had to deal with all the problems and affairs that piled up in my absence.

"What about those sailors?"

"I took their pay out of the profits of the shops. The Captain will pay them tomorrow, according to their ranks," I answered as I continued to massage my temples.

"And those pathetic guards of yours?"

I wanted to scold him, insult him even.

He was rude and impolite.

But unfortunately for me, the asshole was right, so I just admitted it.

"Yes, the pathetic hired guards as well."

"What about...?"

"Will you stop interrogating me and go do something useful."

I made the mistake of looking him in the eye.

Of course, my lashing out made him smirk, the bastard.

"I already toured the main town around here with the help of your servant. I also went to see your shops. I have to say, they're pretty fancy and very clean and organized."

Okay, that compliment made me a little bit calmer.

But I shouldn't fall in his trap.

Sooner or later, Lou was bound to make a snarky comment or laugh at me for failing to do my job well.

"Just go."

I dismissed him with my hand.

He grunted lazily and then left my desk.

"Fine, I'll go take another bath. NUR. Prepare me a bath. Add more of those sexy smells."

"They're called Bath Oils, you ape," I mumbled and then heard Nur's hyper answer...

"Yes, Sir. Oh and I made you the pastries that caught your eye at the market too."

I heard Nur's hyper answer.

"Great. Put them beside my bath with some wine."

Just when I thought I got rid of him, I heard him yell again...

"THE WHOLE BOTTLE. Not just a sip, you got it, servant?"

"Yes, Sir."

"STOP YELLING IN MY HOUSE."

I slumped on the sofa with the documents still in my hand and I realized that I was yelling when I told them not to yell, which was probably the reason why the bastard pirate's laugh echoed across the hall.

I tried to gather my thoughts and evaluate the situation.

Maybe I'd remember something I had forgotten before.

Let's see, I've given the Captain the money to pay the sailors tomorrow morning, just their usual fee, I also have the money to pay the guards, that will be tomorrow as well.

Maybe I'll let Nur do it and it would probably be better if Lou was by his side.

Almost all the hired guards tasted his fist and I doubt they'd try anything in his presence.

What else?...

I lost two clients and my next sail was canceled.

I wasn't sure if that last one relieved me or angered me.

I also lost many potential deals.

These trades were promised but we haven't signed any contracts yet.

And they were already taken off the table, which meant that the business will be very slow for me during at least the next three to six months.

I also decided not to sail for a month.

My health clearly won't allow me to go overseas for the time being.

I was probably ignoring it but I wasn't an idiot, the continuous pain in my chest, as well as the severe lack of sleep, were bound to make me pay.

Which reminded me of what was yet to be done.

I had two bounty hunters on my case since this morning.

I had no idea what I was going to do about them.

I believe this was the only knot I still had in my affairs for now, these two hunters that I didn't fucking expect.

God, what about all the money I paid the other bounty hunters?

If my father asked to see the accounting books I won't be able to explain.

I wonder what my father will say...

He'll maybe push me aside because of my incompetence.

Will he ask me to make up for the losses?

Damn it, even if he didn't, he might ask me to buy him a painting or an antique.

What will I say?

Sorry but I don't have your money'?

Please come back in a few months?

Even the embroidered silk roll that my mother specifically asked for was stolen away.

God and the items I got to impress my father, they are now rotting in the hull of a pirate ship.

Shit.

what have I done...

I can't believe I lost so much money so damn fast.

And it was not MY money to spend.

I only realized my breathing had picked up after I was already panicking.

For some reason, I unconsciously looked beside me on the sofa but I immediately chased that thought away.

Stop searching.

No one is beside you.

I threw my head back trying to will the agitation in my chest to fade away but it wouldn't calm the hell down.

Not only was this very hurting and uncomfortable but I also didn't have the time for such fucking drama.

I had to finish revising the books of our shops for the previous months before father would request them and revise them himself.

Once again, what I wished for and what I got were completely different things.

Now my chest congested painfully and my heart tugged as it strained itself to beat faster.

It's your fault.

My generous mind provided.

This is entirely your fault.

You spent a fortune that is no way yours to begin with, which is theft, Sir nobleman.

Did your parents raise you to be a thief?

This is it.

You knew the day will come when they'll be disappointed in you.

Congratulations, one has left you and now so will your parents.

And to top it all, you also didn't take the herbs that would prevent such useless hysteria.

I shook my head that was still resting on the back of the sofa.

"I can't... I can't take those herbs," I defended myself. "They're disgusting and they make me unable to focus. And... I had to spend that money. I don't care if I'm a thief. I had to find him."

[casspurrjoybell-19]

ePirate Chains 3 - Chapter 2d

Knot by Knot - Part 5

- Lou - 

As soon as I stepped out of the dining room, there was a knock on the door.

Nur came hurrying down the hall to open it.

Haven stepped out of his study and whispered to his servant...

"Don't let anyone in, Nur. If they ask, I'm safely back from my sail and nothing is wrong but I'm tired so I went to sleep early."

"Yes Sir."

Haven hid and Nur did as told.

There were two men nicely dressed but not looking very happy.

They insisted on meeting Haven immediately and even told Nur to go wake him up.

The young servant stood his ground despite the obvious insistence and the anger of the two highborn gentlemen.

Once they left, Nur breathed in relief.

Then he came to report to his Master.

"Sir, they were Lord Adalric and Lord Gisil."

"I knew they'd come here as soon as they heard I was back. I'm sure they want to break off our deals since I obviously cannot deliver."

"Sir... they already broke their partnership with you a month ago... I'm sorry."

Haven thought about it for a few seconds and then he shook his head.

"It is no surprise. No need to be sorry, Nur. There will be more to come tonight."

"I'll dismiss them, Sir. Please rest and let me handle them... at least for tonight."

"Thank you, Nur."

I went to the wine cellar and grabbed the most tempting bottle.

Then I headed to the study and fell on the couch.

I looked at Haven as he sat behind his desk with a paper in his hand but his thoughts were obviously elsewhere.

"Haven, this shit was expected. You said so yourself several times."

"Yes. But I thought I could find a way to prevent it. I didn't expect they had already broken our contracts."

"Fuck them. We can send them a few men who'd teach them who they fucked with."

Haven rolled his eyes.

"We can't beat everyone just because they do what's best for their business. Besides, it's not really their fault. I just need to find a way to pay them back."

"My father is wealthy. I just take care of his business in his stead."

"Just ask your father to pay the fuckers back. Then you won't deal with any of this shit anymore."

Haven shook his head.

I wanted him to talk more.

I liked hearing him think out loud or even complain.

"Hey, I didn't leave my interesting and very lucrative life of a pirate for you to keep things from me."

"I don't even know why I'm talking to you about this."

"Because I'm bored and let's just put it on the table here... You cannot sleep. And we can't swim either, so all we're left with is talking. I want to know why is your father not a solution to this shit?"

"Because father can't know."

When I gave him a questioning look, he put his elbows on his desk.

Then he joined his hands together and rested his forehead on them.

"All the money I have access to is used to stir our business. I lost the shipping of two deals so not only I lost that merchandise but I also have to pay back for it and pay a fine for not accomplishing my deals. This will also make fewer people willing to make immediate deals with me, which means that I won't be getting money from any other clients soon."

"What about your shops? Nyx said your business was thriving and going pretty well."

"I had to place the profits elsewhere..."

"Where?"

"None of your business"

"Yet, I'm still waiting for an answer"

"Bounty hunters."

My eyes widened in realization.

Those fuckers were pretty expensive if you hired them for a specific purpose.

Their price changes with the opportunity and seeing a noble searching for another, it could make them quite greedy.

"How many did you hire?"

He dropped his head on his desk and murmured...

"Thirty-four. But my father must in no way hear about this."

"Thirty-four. Are you crazy?"

"I had no other choice. Nyx was gone and even his mother didn't object when the guards stopped looking for him in the sea. He could be starving and tortured for all I knew. Even now I'm not sure how well he's being treated."

"He's treated like the fancy landlubber that he is. Since he stepped foot on the Martina, your cousin never slept outside the Captain's cabin and even ate with him. Agenor bought him books and clothes and everything he wanted."

"He got him books?" he said, sounding disheartened.

"I used to buy him books and presents."

"Haven, thirty fucking four bounty hunters is too much. How much did they cost you?"

He hesitated before he confessed...

"A couple hundred silver coins each, depending on their destination..."

"Lucky Fucking hunters."

I bet they flew and never looked back as soon s they touched their money.

"I know... I'm stupid."

He got up tiredly and came to sit on the other end of the sofa.

He threw his head on the back of the sofa and covered his eyes with his right forearm.

"I'm so stupid, I actually thought I could rein bounty hunters. But I had no other way, Lou. In the end, I couldn't wait anymore and deviated my sailing route to go find him. I couldn't pretend like his disappearance had nothing to do with me. Like I didn't care enough to be sad and worried. Going to a Shadow island was idiotic but also wise since I managed to see him after all. Who knew I'd find him after being raided on by pirates? I saw him but he had already moved on. He has a new life, a different life. He was away from me and he didn't care at all."

His breathing accelerated and I could see how his chest rose and fell rapidly.

Before I could talk to him, the door knocked softly and Nur's head peeked inside before he stepped in and bowed slightly.

"Sir, there are a few friends of yours at the door inquiring about your well-being. Would you like me to dismiss them as well?"

Haven nodded, still covering his eyes with his forearm.

After Nur left, he dropped his arm and sighed.

"I don't think I'll be sleeping any time soon. God, I wish I could go for a swim right now."

I chuckled and a smile remained on my lips as I remembered the times we swam together very late at night.

Those times, we were completely alone.

He could release some of his anxiousness and I discovered that he actually slept a couple of hours afterward.

Even the next day, he'd eat more than usual during our ritual dawn-meal.

With our silence, his breathing that was getting better when Nur came in, it was getting hastier again.

I reached and pulled his arm, making him lay on is back on the sofa.

"What are you doing?"

"If you can't sleep, you should at least lay down."

He glared at me for a few seconds, but he didn't move away.

"I need to find a way, Lou. I have to remedy to my foolishness, without my father hearing about it. Tomorrow, I need to make everything right somehow."

Of course, a normal person would've told him that everything was going to be okay no matter how bullshit that was.

I, on the other hand, was not a normal person.

"You're in deep shit, mate."

Haven actually chuckled, then he laughed loudly and shook his head.

"You're a hopelessly unmannered pirate," he said, tilting his head back so he was looking up at me."You're the only part of this mess that I don't really understand. And I can't deal with you if I don't understand you. Why are you here, Lou?"

"I'm collecting."

"I'm not that stupid. You could've done that without even telling me about Nyx and risking your Captain's wrath. So again, why are you here?"

His curious eyes scanned me, upside down since he was tilting his head upwards to inspect me.

I felt bothered as a smug answer eluded me.

But then I found myself asking the same thing.

Why was I here?

Was I bored?

Did I intend to gain some particular profit by risking walking on this guarded island?

No.

I simply wanted to watch him.

I wanted to see more of him.

And unlike my Captain, I didn't want to restrain the one I was curious about.

Somehow, a tug in my heart restrained me from voicing my thoughts.

So I pushed his head, making him look away.

"Your life is mine, little rabbit. You bet your ass I'm generous in letting you free so far. So you better keep me entertained."

He smiled gratefully.

"No matter the reason, with all the things going wrong around me, I appreciate you not killing me any sooner. I should at least make things right and find a substitute to manage our business on Mila."

My hand that touched his head didn't pull back.

Instead, it rested on his forehead as my fingers caressed his hair, very discretely.

"Tomorrow," he added. "Tomorrow I shall find a way out of this mess."

"You'll untangle it, knot by knot."

I watched the way his eyes closed slowly and heavily as he continued absent-mindedly...

"Yes... Knot by knot..."

[casspurrjoybell-19]

Pirate Chains 3 - Chapter 2d

Knot by Knot - Part 4

- Lou - 

"At least this bull is smart enough to know he has to eat to survive."

The servant understood exactly what I meant and froze.

He peaked to his Master to see if he would lash out at me for my 'bad manners' only to see that Haven was shaking his head disapprovingly.

When I ate enough to sate my hunger, I turned to Haven and nodded to his bowl

"It's yours if you want it. At this rate, you'll bring my wealth to end before the clients could even have a chance."

He pushed his chair and went to stand but I used my foot to pull the chair back in place and force him to sit his ass down.

He yelped in surprise and glared at me, maybe for both forcing him to sit AND making him yelp like a kitten.

"First, Aye, I am having more of that sexy soup."

I turned to compliment the young man...

"It's the most delicious thing I ever experienced and the taste explodes in my mouth like it's a free fuck to my tongue."

Nur blushed hard while his Master crunched his nose in distaste.

I ignored them both and continued as I stared at Haven again.

"Second, you will empty that bowl in your guts even if I have to force it into you myself, Sir Aimery."

He was calm as he answered me, almost like he got used to my threats.

"You cannot menace me in my own house, Lou. You'd be stupid to think that I'll listen to some hooligan like you. I won't be dictated what to do by some boorish pir..."

I raised an eyebrow at him and watched, amused when he eyed his servant.

Nur was watching us and munching like this was the best entertaining spectacle.

Haven cleared his throat and continued...

"Anyway, Nur knows that I appreciate his skills and I'm in no way belittling him when I'm not eating. I'm simply not hungry."

"I don't care what the mouse thinks. We have a deal, Haven. And until I collect what's mine, you're going to take good care of it."

Haven glared at me and a wave of sadness traveled in his eyes.

I didn't know what exactly made him sad, was it the remembrance of his cousin?

Or the fact that he owed me his life.

I sighed mentally.

Aye, that was our bargain.

I would tell him where his cousin was and he would give me his life.

I am a pirate.

I've seen how people's lives get traded, sold and bought easily every day.

But I also know how much life is precious to its owner.

Thus, I was quite surprised at how easily he accepted to forfeit his own life for someone else's.

And the way I saw it, it was more than just love.

It was an obsession.

One that once ripped away, it left Haven empty, unwilling to eat, talk or do anything.

He even complained to me a few times during our trips in the water at the middle of the night, he complained that he couldn't think correctly anymore.

And he confessed that he didn't know if going back to Mila was the right thing to do after all the fuckups he did lately.

He was depressed.

He felt so lost that he didn't know what to do.

And for some reason, I felt like his pain touched me.

I wanted to tease him out of it.

I didn't like the dark bags under his eyes or the way he clearly lost a few pounds since we left the island Sejour.

I watched him reluctantly lead a spoon filled with soup into his mouth.

As soon as he swallowed, he winced.

I gritted my teeth at the sight.

He did that every time he ate the small meal I prepared for him at dawn.

I thought it was because of my very poor skills but he's wincing even with this gorgeous soup?

"Sir, is something wrong with the soup? Is it too salty for your liking?"

"Your cooking is as good as always, Nur. It's my stomach that protests at the beginning of a meal. Nothing to worry about, though."

Nur nodded but didn't lose his anxious pout.

I went back to eating, gulping everything on the table, bread, soup, meat, vegetables...

I was almost licking the large plate that was once filled with sweet cooked meat.

I could go for more if there was any.

I could even tell the servant to make more.

I let the idea swing a bit in my head but I chose to toss it away when a loud burp forced it's way out.

For some reason Nur found it really funny, when Haven closed his eyes, trying to keep himself from commenting.

Haven thanked Nur and headed to his study once again.

I looked to see that he didn't even finish his bowl of soup.

I grunted but decided to let it go since he ate a bit anyway.

So I threw the rest of it in my mouth and followed him.

[casspurrjoybell-19]

Pirate Chains - Volume 3 - Corail

*Warning Adult Content*

Chapter 2 - Knot by Knot - Part 3

- Lou - 

It wasn't long before we arrived at a nice medium sized house. Haven knocked on the door and a young servant opened it. As soon as he saw him, he smiled widely and bowed.

"Sir Aimeri. You're back."

"Yes, I am, Nur. How are you?"

"I'm very well, sir."

The servant straightened his back and closed the door after we stepped inside. He looked at Haven with a smile and added...

"I was really worried about you, though. Your trip was much longer than usual this time. I hope nothing bad happened."

We walked to a room that had a big fancy desk in front of a large painting. The wall on the right was almost covered with a bookcase filled with books, while the left wall held a high window with beautiful curtains. Haven walked straight to the desk and started going through some papers while talking to his servant.

"It was a difficult sail. I'm just glad to be back."

"Yes. The house feels so empty without you in it, Sir. And..... Lord and Lady Aimeri are very worried about you."

"They're not here, are they?"

"No Sir. They're at your mansion in Corail. Although your father comes and goes, he asks about you whenever he sails to Mila."

Haven nodded almost absent-mindedly.

"I'll go visit them as soon as possible."

"I'm sure they'll be very happy and relieved to see you back safely. Oh, what would you like to have for dinner?"

"That won't be necessary, Nur. That is Lou. He... he'll be staying with us for a while, I guess."

The servant grinned and bowed to me.

"Sir, I'm Lord Aimeri's personal servant. My name is Nur."

'Personal servant?'

He looked determined as he continued...

"I'll do my best to make your stay here the most comfortable, my Lord."

'Aye, I like the kid.'

"There's no need to be courteous to him, Nur. If he bothers you in any way, don't hesitate to come to me."

I threw my ass on a very nice looking sofa and spread my arms on it's back.

"Let the servant do his job, Haven."

Nur's eyes widened in surprise."You must be very close to Lord Aimeri if he's allowing you to stay at his house AND call him by his first name."

"Indeed. Haven and I are close enough to..."

"He's just a hired guard, Nur," Haven interrupted and I corrected proudly...

"Personal guard."

"Wow. You must be really skilled then. Sir Aimeri never brought any of his hired guards to his house."

"Aye. Your Sir Aimeri there owes me his life."

Haven turned immediately to glare at me. His abrupt movement caused some papers to spread on the floor.

"I'll get that, Sir."

Nur ran to gather the dropped papers and I smirked at his Master.

'Haven is very cute when he tries to glare. It's like a kitten thinking it looks like a tiger.'

"Sir, how about a nice cup of tea, after you take a relaxing bath?"

I almost scoffed. Trying to get Haven to eat is not that easy. 'Only I can get him to do it,' I thought very proudly. That pride was however crushed when Haven sighed and answered...

"That sounds really good, Nur. I missed your tea. Don't forget the slice of lemon, please."

"Yes, Sir. Like usual."

Nur bowed, less deeply this time and he left to fix a bath. After his bath, I took one as well. I have to say, the scents that Nur adds to the water were heavenly. Besides, the glass of fancy wine he left by the side of the large tub was the best idea ever. I had to call him to get the rest of the bottle. The young man even scrubbed my back and somehow managed to get me a set of clothes that fit me.

Once I finished the bottle of wine, I finished my bath and went to find Haven. But first, I took a tour of the house. It wasn't as big as many I saw on our way here but it was cozy and very well decorated. I bet those twin vases in the corner would sell for a very nice price. A very nice smell traveled around. I followed it and found Nur in the kitchen standing in front of a pot.

"Sir Lou. I hope the bath was to your liking."

"Aye. You'll have to prepare me one each day, including the bottle of wine."

"Of course, Sir. I put your things in the guest room and prepared it for you. Please tell me if you lack anything. My room is right beside the kitchen."

I nodded and went to check what he was preparing. The powerful smell was assaulting my senses. It made me silently curse that fucker Baril for all the shit he makes us gobble.

"Dinner will be ready very soon, Sir. I apologize for being late. I didn't know Sir Aimeri was coming back today."

It was already dark outside. I guess if dinner was late, Haven would have more chance of eating. I sighed. he didn't eat dinner for Gods know how long. Only the tiny morning meal and that would be all for the day. If he continues like this, his health will give up for sure. I started tasting a bit of everything when Nur asked me with hesitation.

"Eum... If I may ask, sir, where are Sir Aimeri's belongings? He usually comes back home with a few sailors carrying his clothes and the items he bought for himself and his family."

"Let's say he went into some trouble on the way here. You'll hear about it sooner or later anyway."

He frowned. He didn't look satisfied with the answer but he kept himself from asking for details. I let him finish preparing dinner and went back to the study where Nur said I'd find Haven. True to his words, Haven was there. He was so absorbed by his stack of papers that he didn't see me approach him.

"Nur says we should go to the dining room."

"I'm not hungry."

"Of course you're not but you're coming, though."

I padded my way out and didn't acknowledge his protests at the way I spoke to him. I grabbed a seat at the large table. Nur was coming and going, filling the table with his food that smelled heavenly. When Haven didn't show up a few minutes later, I didn't hesitate to call for him loudly. A few seconds later, he walked into the dining room with a frown on his forehead.

"Please restrain from yelling at my house."

Nur started serving us soup. It's scent was mouthwatering and I kept gesturing for him to pour more until the bowl was about to flood.

"Sir Aimeri, is the dinner not to your liking?"

Haven sighed, then ignored Nur's question and gestured for him to sit down.

"Eat with us, Nur. There's no need for you to eat in the kitchen alone."

The servant eyed me warily before he mumbled.

"But... Sir, we have a guest..."

"I told you, there's no need to be courteous to Lou. God knows you're more politer and refined than he could ever be."

I smirked and nodded to Nur who blushed and looked between us in surprise. He was probably discovering for the first time that his dear Master can be as sarcastic and discourteous as a pirate like me. Nur sat down hesitantly and when none of us made a reaction, he served himself some soup and started eating. I was drowning in the deliciousness of the food. The servant was eating calmly and indeed, he was quite refined.

However, Haven was watching his soup like something was going to come out of it to bite him. I finished my bowl quickly. As much as I wanted more of that elixir that was Nur's soup, a covered large plate was calling out for me. I uncovered the big thing to find a set of cooked pieces of meat, surrounded by small potatoes and peas. I hummed as I pulled the whole plate to myself. Nur stood up and offered to serve me but I waved his hand away and dug in.

"God, it's like expecting manners from a starved bull."

Nur choked on a laugh. I simply tore another bite of meat and turned to answer him with my mouth full...

"At least this bull is smart enough to know he has to eat to survive."

[casspurrjoybell-19]

Pirate Chains - Volume 3 - Corail

*Warning Adult Content*

Chapter 2 - Knot by Knot - Part 2

- Lou -

"Mister Aimeri. Finally, we meet."

Haven turned towards the man and straightened his stance, I was really surprised by the speed with which he wiped the fatigue and disinterested look on his face. Now he looked smiling and courteous.

"Mister Redge. I owe you an apology. I believe I'm a bit late to our promised meeting."

They halted about a couple of steps from each other and cocked their heads slightly in a polite greeting. The lackey bowed lowly to Haven who gave him a quick smile.

"A bit late, you say? Are two months that insignificant for you, young man?"

"You know how the sails can be unpredictable sometimes. The sea does not quite go by the wishes of the merchants."

That seems to please the man, who nodded.

"It's alright, young man. With your age, it would be too much to expect you to take over your father's business without troubles like this. I've spoken about it with your father and he and I agree..."

"My father?"

"Yes. Well, when you didn't see me to discuss our future collaboration, I went to see your father. I have to say, he was very worried about you when you didn't return as scheduled. We decided that, from now on, the Aimeri's will use my shop as well in your dealings."

A tick formed in Haven's jaw but he didn't comment.

"Your father is, as usual, a very good businessman. He has a flair for the profits. You should watch him more and learn, young man."

Haven regained his smile and commented very calmly.

"Father has always been an inspiration. Unfortunately, no matter what, I will never measure to his skills. I beg your pardon, Mister Redge but I just got back from a long sail and am yet to cleanse myself."

"Of course. We will meet soon, then, I hope?"

"I will need to adjust my schedule and will certainly fit you in. Good day, Sir."

Haven nodded slightly and walked away. Not a few feet more did he stop, he cursed under his breath when he spotted a few men chatting ahead. they were also highborn. He took a sharp turn to the left and we continued that way. Every couple of steps, someone would greet him, bow or simply stop to stare at him. We soon left the busy port and found ourselves in much less crowded streets.

"Well, this part of the town certainly looks poorer."

"We're taking a longer path to avoid bumping into anyone unpleasant."

Even in these desolated streets, many still recognized and bowed to Haven. When I asked, he said they were sailors that worked for him or sailors' wives. We left the less favorable town and immediately found ourselves in a fancy one, with big beautiful houses and highborn people walking around. No matter how unsuited guarded islands were for us, we always missed their cleanness and their beautiful, well dressed and carefree women. Haven stopped and pointed to a side street.

"Over there you can find a pleasure house. They also have rooms to rent."

"Noted."

He started walking again and I followed. A few steps later, he halted again and looked back at me.

"Why are you still following me?"

"You have something more fun for me to do?"

"You can go find the pleasure house I told you about. I'll send you a servant with the fee for a room."

"I'm going wherever you go, Haven. The whores can wait. I didn't come all this way to let you go in the end. Besides, I still haven't collected what I came here for."

"I get that we have a deal, Lou. But until you decide to claim my debt, I'll need you to go elsewhere and let me handle my business."

He didn't even wait to hear my answer. He just walked away as if the discussion had ended. So I just walked after him ignore everything he said. I could hear him sigh heavily and mumble...

"Great. Now I also have to worry about an asshole pirate in my house."

I chuckled, making him shake his head. I guess he didn't have the patience to argue any longer because he went silent after that.

[casspurrjoybell-19]

Pirate Chains - Volume 3 - Corail

*Warning Adult Content*

Chapter 2 - Knot by Knot - Part 1

- Lou -

I stepped on the shore of the land and stretched my arms and legs.

I looked around noticing the busy crowd on the port of Mila.

Sailors, beggars and highborn gentlemen walking around without fear for their lives or their belongings.

Aye, that's the most annoying thing about guarded islands.

That and also the fact that they were obviously infested with guards.

In a handful of minutes, our crew had already finished unloading the ship, which was not really loaded in the first place, except for some food and water barrels.

The crew dispersed after speaking with their Captain, who had to repeat the instructions that Haven gave them on deck to almost everyone.

Haven watched them leave, nodding slightly to reassure the hesitant eyes that stared his way.

"Sailors," he had said earlier before we hit the shores. "I'm sorry you have to go to your families without your payment in your hands but I'm asking you to be patient. We've been through a lot on this sail and your efforts were admirable. I promise to pay for your endurance. I'll need you to go home for the day and the day after tomorrow, please come to visit your Captain. He will wait for you beside this ship, of course, it will be as usual at the port of Mila. He will pay you each by his rank..."

"Will we get more money for standing up to pirates?" a sailor interrupted him,and several of his mates nodded.

I scoffed.

I didn't see them standing up to when we aided on their asses.

"I am promising you your usual payment, sailor. As for the matter of extra settlement, you'll find your answer when you go see the Captain. As for the guards, you will also get paid the day after tomorrow. Come find me in my main shop in the market. Now I know you'll be eager to count the disturbances that occurred to us."

His eyes met mine very briefly and I couldn't hold my smirk.

"To every soul you encounter. I will ask you to be patient because such news can travel quickly and hinder my business as well as my capacity to pay you for your services. All I ask of you is to wait until you get paid before spreading the news about our late arrival."

Obviously, some of the sailors and the guards didn't like being paid late.

They complained, not to Haven but to their Captain.

Unfortunately for them, that got them nowhere because Haven literally had no money with him, the sum that Agenor left him barely covered the food and water.

So here we were, standing at the port as the crew dispersed.

"Sir Aimeri, if you'd like to wait here, I'll go fetch you a horse."

"I'm walking home, thank you."

"Well..." the Captain looked at me warily and continued. "I should escort you then. To make sure you get home safely."

I snorted and stepped forward, making him step back but the back of Haven's hand was immediately on my chest, stopping me from putting my foot up his sorry bottom in the middle of the crowded port.

Captain my ass.

"That won't be necessary. You can go home and rest for the day."

"As you want, Sir. I'll come see you tomorrow afternoon, then. Have a good day, sir and try to get some rest."

"Thank you, Captain, be safe."

The Captain bowed his head and left, not before sending a glare to me.

It actually made me want to laugh because he obviously thought he was scary.

I watched the Captain leave, followed by some of the sailors.

"You really believe they'll do as you asked?"

Haven sighed, looking about ready to drop from exhaustion.

"Their payment depends on it. I think it will keep them silent for the day. A few cups of beer tonight and they'll spill everything out. So basically, I have one day to make the best of this fucked up situation."

"You should've let me convince them to keep their mouths shut. Even the drunk won't forget a nice threat."

"I won't let you brow beat my crew, Lou. Again. You're on a guarded island and here we respect each other."

He started walking and I followed him.

"What will respect do to you when the news of you being whipped by pirates reaches your clients? You said they risked taking their business away and making you troubles."

"Yes and it's my job to deal with these troubles and also to keep the name and reputation of my family clean. So no matter what happens, we deal with it according to the law. No beating and no threatening the innocent."

I made a disgusted sound in response.

"Ukh, it's been literally five minutes since I got here and I already hate this 'according to the law' shit."

"Welcome to civilization, you ape."

I was about to throw him a snarky comment, when we were interrupted by a middle-aged man wearing a very expensive looking set of brown clothes, with white gloves on his hands and what looked like a lackey following him.

[casspurrjoybell-19]

Pirate Chains - Volume 3 - Corail

*Warning Adult Content*

Chapter 1 - Useless Breathes - Part 3

- Haven -

I reached the deck and went to tightly hold onto the edge of the ship. I closed my eyes and breathed in the nice fresh air. My thoughts didn't calm one bit though, as if adamant on torturing me. And my breathing didn't worsen but it didn't get better either. It was painful. This was going to be a very long fucking night.

"Do you need help, milord? Should I call the Captain?"

I look above my shoulder to see the sailor who was in charge of monitoring the sea for the night. I shook my head as reassuringly as I could.

"Don't. Go back to your nest, sailor. I am just getting some fresh air."

My voice sounded like a whisper. It was all I could manage without coughing. The sailor didn't look convinced but he went climbing the shrouds eventually. Yes. I could order people around. But he had no people to serve him. He was alone.I wonder what hardships he went through... Did he scrub floors? Did he always have a decent place to sleep? Did he get cold? Did he beg for food?

The blaming thoughts didn't help the pain in my chest. I opened my mouth to breathe better, feeling a tug in my heart and the cruel headache hit me hard. I looked at the sea, finding the small waves so calming and inviting. I could...... This was probably a bad idea, probably not. I didn't know anymore. I couldn't think.

I found myself shrugging out of my shirt and removing my boots. I climbed over the edge of the ship and dove into the water.The act itself was very liberating. I wished the fall would last longer.

However, I immediately met the freezing water. I kept myself a few seconds underwater, holding my breath despite the pain and then I resurfaced and filled my lungs in relief. I was panting already. I guess I was more tired than I thought. I didn't care much though. I moved my arms swimming further into the dark sea.

Here, there were no people to watch out for, no people to trick you or use you, no one to expect things from you, no one to disappoint. Here, I could just... be. I heard what sounded like a splash. I looked back but I saw nothing distinctive. Only the light of a lantern hanging on the side of my ship. I guessed that sailor had left it for me to help me get back.

Usually, we never lighten the deck at night in order to hide from the sight of other ships. But I guess it wasn't a bad thought of him in this case. I moved and swam a bit more. I was too fatigued to swim fast or far. So I just enjoyed the coldness seeping into my body and numbing the pain in my heart.

"Well, well, this is actually not a bad idea."

I whirled around to see someone swimming my way, then halting to stretch his arms on the surface of the water.

"Lou? What are you doing here?"

My voice was so coarse it actually cracked more than once in that small phrase. Lou didn't notice though or chose not to mock me for it.

"I could ask you the same thing."

"I wanted to be alone."

"Me too. What a coincidence. We're here already, so we can be alone together."

I wanted to protest, especially to his smirk that didn't miss the moonlight. But I chose to stay silent when my chest threatened to start coughing again. So I turned around and started swimming farther. He was right on my heels, though. Following me like a curse.

"Hey, I know you said no bets on your ship but for the bets that already happened, don't you want your cut?"

I stopped to look back and he swam towards me.

"My cut?"

"Aye. You own the ship, so every bet that happens on board, your share is already included. Anyway, if you decide to gather your share of the bets, I'll tell you who to rip them from."

I narrowed my eyes at him. This was just the trickster pirate Lou trying to entice some action for his own amusement.

"If I ever did that, I'll start with you. My guess is you are the one who won most of the bets."

His smirk returned to its eternal nest.

"I'm both impressed and caught."

I rolled my eyes and looked away. The silence fell heavily around me again. A few moments later, Lou swam closer.

"It's getting cold. Want to get back to the ship?"

Only then did I notice the permanent pain in my chest. Most probably from the cold water or the small attack of earlier? I didn't care to ponder over the answer. I just nodded to Lou and started towards the lantern. I was too tired to move my body but I didn't want the pirate to notice so I forced my arms and legs.

As I came close to my ship, I remembered the last time I threw myself in the water and swam towards another ship. That time, after I climbed on the deck, I got to see him. A childish part of me wondered if, by some miracle, I would be able to see him on my ship tonight. I guess I had paused for a long moment because Lou was close behind me with his hand on my shoulder.

"Haven, are you okay?"

"Lou... Do you think he's safe?"

"Who? Oh..." he sighed heavily then added.

This time his voice held no arrogance, it was just calm and deep.

"You might not believe it and it's probably not the answer you're seeking. But my Captain cherishes him above everything else, Haven. He will keep him safe no matter what."

I sniffled. That was definitely not the answer I wanted to hear...

"Why, Lou...... Why isn't he with me?"

I broke into silent sobs feeling all my protective walls dissolve into the sea. I waited for Lou to climb to the deck before me if he hadn't noticed or to mock me if he had. Instead, his arms moved around me and he brought my back against his chest, holding me close to him.

I wanted so much to push him away and climb to the deck with my head held high. But all I could do was to cover my mouth and try to keep the sobs from running free. With only one thought taking over everything and torturing my agonized heart.

'Nyx. Why didn't you fall in love with me?'

[casspurrjoybell-19]

Pirate Chains - Volume 3 - Corail

*Warning Adult Content*

Chapter 1 - Useless Breathes - Part 2

- Haven -

I walked slowly towards the deck, already knowing what sight I'll be faced with. I stepped on the deck and sure enough, the crew was gathered in a tight circle. They were cheering and releasing foul language, characteristic of the men of the sea. I looked around to find the Captain at the forecastle, arms folded angrily while he watched the scene, obviously helpless and most probably threatened. I pushed my way through the members of the crew, who tensed and stepped away from me to avoid being punished. I continued until I faced the core of the problem.

There he was, standing in glory at the center of the cheering. He wore black pants with a dark green tissue belt around his waist. A dagger placed under the belt and over his hip but he held no weapons in his hands. He wore nothing on his upper body, only the set of well-toned muscles. His sun-kissed skin glistered with sweat that intensified the movements of his body as he turned around slowly to watch his opponent. Nope, opponents. He usually went for one. I guess he got too bored today, so he was facing two of my guards.

'Expensive guards.'

And of course, the asshole-ish smirk that sent silent threats to the two guards circling around him, waiting to find an opening to attack. I guess one of them got tired of the dance so he lunged towards him from the side. The pirate caught him easily around the waist and threw him towards the crowd. The guard snarled angrily and pushed the sailors in order to attack again. This time, his ally decided to strike at the same time.

The pirate's eyes glittered with excitement as he sidestepped to avoid the sword aiming at back. He grabbed the hand of the guard in front of him to keep him from stabbing him. Then he pulled his elbow, landing a painful hit on the face of the guard behind him. The latter cussed and held his nose but before he could retreat, the pirate threw his leg back, sending him to fall and break the ring a few steps beside me. And with a fearless grin, he punched the first guard on the sides and finished him with a blow in the stomach, hard enough to make his knees buckle and hit the floor of the deck.

The guard groaned in pain cradling his sides. He looked up only to have his face shoved to the deck and the pirate's foot crushing the back of his neck, making sure to keep him in a humiliating position while he placed his hands on his hips and grinned victoriously. Our eyes met and he sent me a disrespectful wink before he reached slightly to the crowd and inched his finger. The sailors started gathering money reluctantly and passing it to the demanding hand.

"Release my guard, Lou. I did not pay him to get his ass kicked."

"Then you should've paid for better ones. Because those you got around can't even defend themselves."

"They're not here for your entertainment."

Asshole.

"Seems like they're not here to fend off raids either."

"Just stop screwing them up. I hate to have to pay for their health as well if you keep beating them."

He grinned at me, somehow finding my words complimenting. He looked proud of fucking up my crew. I rolled my eyes and turned around, heading back to the 'comfort' of my room but not before warning the sailors from making any more bets. Lou was using them for his own amusement and turning my property to fucking pirate ship. They fight, make bets and ignore their Captain.

All they lacked was to smell like they have never bathed in their lives and to tie a black shit of a flag to the main mast. I was about to step into the hull when I heard muffled groans. I looked around to find most of the sailors staring somewhere other than the pirate who was still gathering coins from the poor. I followed their apologetic and helpless gazes. And when my eyes fell on the target, I could only open my mouth with a silent gasp.

"What in the Fuck is that?"

Yes, I was fucking cursing. The highborn gentleman is talking like a fucking sailor. I should've felt embarrassed. Instead, I looked for any boorish words to describe the act I was witnessing.

"A plank? You put a plank on my fucking ship."

Lou shrugged and answered without even looking at me. The bastard.

"How else was I supposed to punish the motherfuckers? You said no more breaking bones, remember?"

I looked closer to see the source of the muffled groans, a man... no... A GUARD... A fucking guard was tied to the plank on it's lower side so he was facing the sea, with what looked like a mopping cloth in his mouth. I wanted to gag. I actually got so angry, so damn fast that I felt my whole body deflate and I groan-sighed heavily. I couldn't look at such a sight on my ship anymore. I found myself closing my eyes and caressing my temples that pounded in my head like huge drums.

"Get him back on deck. Now," I said, as calmly as I could manage through clenched teeth.

I heard Lou chuckle and get closer. I opened my eyes to find that no one moved to do as I said. Everyone was stepping away or looking regretfully to me and carefully to Lou. The son of a bitch menaced them all and got them scared to obey me, the fucker who pays them.

"Awe, come on, don't always blame everything on me. It was actually his fault."

I looked at the tied guard again and shook my head slowly.

"I get it. He's the one you had a bout with last week. I guess he wanted another fight."

"Aye but he snuck up on me while I was asleep."

My eyes widened at that. I was aware of Lou's disobedience and boorish manners but I wasn't looking to have any more injured people on my ship, let alone a dead one. I did not pay the fucking guard for him to go after personal vendettas.

"Just get him the fuck down."

I was looking at the rest of the crew now, trying to let them know AGAIN who was the real owner of this damn ship.

"If he tries anything, lock him in a cell and I'll deliver him to the guards on Mila. I don't want any more guards fighting uselessly on this ship and no more damn bets. If you break the rules, you don't get your pay. It's as simple as that."

The sailors looked horrified at the thought of not getting their payment. And they hustled to pull back the tied guard and remove the plank. But only after Lou nodded to them dismissively.

'The smug prick.'

Back to the silence of my room. I hurried inside and threw my door shut. My headache continued to torture me all day and sleep evaded me once again, no surprise there. A few men came to call me for lunch and dinner but I feigned an upset stomach and remained in my room. Thinking... to no avail whatsoever.

The silence at the end of the day signaled that the crew had retreated to their quarters. It was somehow relieving but eventually, it pushed my anxiety to resurface. I was sitting under one of the walls, staring at the flickering light of a lantern. I imagined his face looking at me and smiling, welcoming me back home. I smiled lightly. I was aware of my own insane thoughts but they slightly relaxed me. I was recalling stupid little memories that obviously meant more to me than to him. I remembered when he sat beside my bed in a comfortable chair, reading for hours and counting whatever he saw recently.

He knew I was too sick to leave my room but he was always there, sacrificing his precious time to keep me company. I remembered his whining about his older sister whenever she bossed him around, we were twelve back then, I think. I recalled the way he rode his horse elegantly, the times we raced and he let me win and the later times when I actually won fairly. He was so, so proud of me.

My chest clenched and I covered my mouth to cough. I looked at my hand, reliving the moment when he held it and showed me how to draw a bow for the first time. Neither of us was good at archery. He tried to teach me everything he read about the sport in books but I don't remember ever hitting the target. Still, the times we spent practicing together... they were priceless.

And the day I introduced him to a sweet lady at a party. Back then I was trying to get a hold of my own feelings. I was becoming aware of what he meant for me. I believe I wanted him to feel lust and romance, see what he would look like if he thought about such things. Even if it was with a lady... at least, I got to hear about it later and see the shy look on his angelic face.

My smile dropped when a painful memory hit me like a vicious slap and I pulled my knees to hug them close. My dear friend was crying helplessly in my arms, wearing a black suit. His disheveled hair fell haphazardly on his forehead. He sniffled and tried to pull back, only to break into another helpless sob when his eyes fell on his mother and sister, who were both also dressed in black. I hadn't even reached fourteen years old.

I saw the whole world crash around him with the death of his dear father. And I witnessed the way everyone turned to expect so much of him. I gave a silent oath to protect him no matter what it took. I thought so much about how to make my promise a reality and not only a mere wish. All I could do was accompany him to the port and try to help him put the business back on track.

My father helped too but having his own business on Mila didn't give him time to do everything. In fact, my father was struck by what happened to my aunt's family. And when he saw the losses they endured, he became adamant on molding me much faster to take the reins of our own business. He started obliging me to accompany him on trading sails or sending me to Mila for weeks to act in his stead.

I resisted a lot. All I could win were a few days to stay on Corail to help him. But then I was obliged to leave. All those times, he suffered alone. My chest tensed and my throat constricted painfully. I guess I deserved where I was today or more correctly, where I wasn't... I vowed to keep him safe but all I did was go chase after my own occupations.

When I was sick, he was there beside me. But I wasn't there for him when he needed me the most. I wasn't there when he listened to his mother's stupid suggestion and sailed with his treacherous stepfather. I wasn't there when this bastard tried to murder him. I wasn't there when he faced a fate worse than death with merciless pirates. Before I knew it, I was breathing with difficulty.

I tried to lay my head back but I knew that unless I cleared my head, I would be getting a serious attack very soon. I stood up shakily and went for the door. I tried to straighten myself as I paced towards the opening of the hull but I had to rely on the wall to keep me from swaying.

'My room...'

A part of me knew that if I went back to my room, I had a nice chance for this to get more serious and probably end my misery. Unfortunately, I wasn't that insane... yet.

[casspurrjoybell-19]

Pirate Chains - Volume 3 - Corail

*Warning Adult Content*

Chapter 1 - Useless Breathes - Part 1

- Haven - 

I sighed wearily. I tried to silently encourage myself to get up and start a new day. As usual, that didn't work. It wasn't enough. It's been like this for two months now. I barely get a couple hours of sleep every day.

Lately, I didn't even have the strength to read or concentrate on scheduling my business anymore. So I just sat, on the side of my bed, waiting for the sun to rise. And then I had to find enough motivation to move my body outside and go to the deck. I was exhausted all the time and I didn't have a specific reason to be.

All I knew, was that I didn't want to be in people's company. So I tried to stay away from the crew as much as possible. My room was the last one in the first level of the hull. It was not big but enough to contain my clothes and the most precious items of my trades. This time, though, my room was eerily empty.

Just like the void in my heart. I had no books, no special vases and no valuable paintings. Just a box that was half full of clothes and quite the small pouch of the remaining coins. A pouch that I refused to touch. But I couldn't help but want to look at. And every coin I spent from it made me feel pettier. It reminded me of all my failures.

Aye, this was definitely the worst trading trip I ever experienced. Which explained why I continually felt like shit. I went to try and stand but I ended up lying on my back on the bed, staring at the ceiling. A familiar wave of dizziness hit me and I waited for it to pass. It wasn't a surprise, though. If one didn't sleep and eat well, he was bound to get sick somehow.

Luckily, I was well acquainted with being sick. The door suddenly opened wide, making me curse under my breath. There was only one creature on this ship capable of such rudeness.

"Hey, I knew I'd find you awake. Again."

"Haven't I told a thousand times to knock before entering, you uncivilized ape."

He tilted his head, feigning innocence.

"And a good morning to you too, little bunny."

He walked my way and grabbed my upper arm.

"And I told you NOT to call me that."

I snatched my arm back only for him to grab me again. He wasn't hurting me, more like annoying the shit out of me. He dragged me out of my room.

"First let's get breakfast. Then you can tell me all about your moping in your room."

"I wasn't moping. Seriously, how could you be so boorish with the sun barely up."

"Hehe, you've only seen half of it. Just wait until I get my stomach full."

"And why THE HELL do I need to accompany you when you stuff your face?"

"Because I know that you didn't have dinner yesterday, so you need to stuff your face too. I can name fifty more entertaining ways to do that but I'll keep to food for now."

"What...?"

We entered the galley and he pushed me into a chair. I glared at him, forgetting for a second that glares and accusations only fed his asshole-ness. He gave me a playful smirk before he went to grab some things for us to eat. He cut some tomatoes in pieces, added some salt and olive oil and then emptied the whole thing in two plates. He crushed some dried basil leaves on top and added a generous piece of cheese on the side. In a few minutes, a plate was falling in front of me on the table, hitting it with a loud thud and a rude command that always held a playful hint.

"Eat."

I glared at him, which he ignored and put a spoon in my hand.

"Did you get the cook's permission to use his galley?"

"Euh... The cook and I have an agreement."

I raised an eyebrow at that."And I wonder what that is?"

"Oh, don't worry. The deal between the two of us is very special," he says, winking at me making me roll my eyes, then he continued...

"The cook needed another kind of a deal. It was simple, really. He lets me do whatever the fuck I want and I don't gauge his eyes out."

My eyes widened.

"I told you to stop threatening my crew."

"Just leading them to the righteous path. Now eat."

I took an angry bite and did my best to hide a wince of pain. My stomach churned with the first bite of food, making me realize how starving I was. He did this, every morning. He'd come to fetch me before the morning spirits woke up, as he says. He takes whatever food he wants from the galley and makes us what he likes to call a pre-breakfast. Then we go to the main deck and watch the sun rising from behind the horizon.

It all took about a couple of hours before the deck became full and busy. And when he tried to coerce me to eat breakfast, I left him with the rest of the crew and went back to my room. And here I was, back to my room. Without much enthusiasm, I cleaned myself and changed my clothes. Then I just stood there, wishing the day would soon become night, so the night could leave for another day. I no longer had any desire to chat with my crew. Not even the captain.

In fact, I haven't had a decent conversation with him since we left Sejour. The rumor around the ship accuses me of being too careless and a coward. They think I'm shaking in my boots from being raided on and that's why I hide in my room. I usually mended to such gossip immediately. Rumors were a dangerous thing. They can bring a business down or make it prosper faster than money. But now I didn't care anymore.

I didn't fucking care what my crew thought of me. I already felt like shit and I didn't need rumors to add to it. I was aware of my own cowardice. Not for the reasons they thought, though. I should've worked harder. I should've sacrificed more in order to get what I wanted. Now look at me. I'm in debt that could drown the ship and I have certainly lost very important clients.

So my investments with them should be considered as a loss, a very heavy one. My mind, that usually planned every single thing, was now incapable of finding a solution to all these problems. Hell, I wasn't even sure I could pay all the workers on Mila. I ran a hand through my hair and turned to lay on my side.

'Think... THINK. What is gone is already lost, think of what could be fixed. Why?'

My mind suggested as another wave of self-loathing hit me, why would I even want to fix things?

'Nothing mattered anymore. It was my fault that I..... I lost him...'

My throat constricted painfully and I felt like I wanted to cry. I wasn't against it, really. Crying sometimes helped me sleep. But my eyes refused to cry. And the more I urged them to, the more I felt utterly ridiculous.I pulled myself up to a sitting position. Some of the worst thoughts coming to my mind;.

'What was I going to do when father knows? What was I going to tell him?'

I felt so empty. It was like a thousand questions waiting for an answer going around and swirling in my head, giving me a permanent headache. Yet the wheels of my mind refused to budge. I could think of no strategy to follow, no excuses to present.

"Sir Aimeri."

I groaned in frustration when I heard someone knocking at my door.

"Sir Aimeri. I think you need to see what's happening on the deck, sir."

I sighed. I pulled myself up paying more attention to the cheering voices that traveled from the deck. I went to get my jacket only to remember that I had none. I lost mine in the sea... Another knock hesitantly fell on the door. I went to open it and glare at the young sailor who was disturbing my... well, free time. The sailor shrank and gave me apologetic eyes.

"Apologies, Milord but I thought I should tell you that he's doing it... again."

[casspurrjoybell-19]

Feral - Chapter

*Warning: Adult Content*     

[casspurrjoybell-19]

Feral - Chapter

*Warning: Adult Content*   

[casspurrjoybell-19]

Feral - Chapter

*Warning: Adult Content*   

[casspurrjoybell-19]

Feral - Chapter

*Warning: Adult Content*    

[casspurrjoybell-19]

Feral - Chapter

*Warning: Adult Content*      

[casspurrjoybell-19]

Feral - Chapter

*Warning: Adult Content*