Page 76 of Enchanted By a Pirate
"Because pirates have a reputation of robbing everyone and then tossing them into the sea."
"That's what people like to say about us and if someone wants to steal from us, then it's actually true. However, we are actually the masters of the sea and are therefore responsible for ensuring that everyone who follows our rules can cross the sea unharmed." She stared at him in disbelief and he laughed. "Do you know what kind of creature was luring you?"
Tired, she shook her head. "One of the horrors that roam the open sea?"
"Aye, it was a siren. She is the most beautiful as well as the most dangerous creature in the ocean, luring people out to sea with her call and then dragging them into the eternal depths."
"And she obviously attracts fairies too." A shudder came over her and goosebumps spread across her arms. When the captain noticed, he raised his hand, almost as if he wanted to stroke her forearm, but then withdrew it. Was he acting reservedly because she was a fairy? Or was he merely being friendly because he wanted her fairy dust? Iris had always emphasized that pirates sought out fairies to enrich themselves through their magic.
He raised one of his dark eyebrows. "What are you thinking?"
Even though everything about him appeared dark and frightening, she wasn't afraid of him. Still, she had to ask the question. "Did you help me so I'd give you fairy dust?"
He laughed. "What makes you say that?"
"That's what has been said… among us fairies."
"I certainly can't speak for all pirates, but you have nothing to fear from me or my men on board the Fortuna. Look! We have already set sail and are heading toward land."
She followed his gesture and noticed the coastline getting closer. "But please, not to the Kingdom of Rocks."
He chuckled softly. "No, don't worry. I don't want you to have to fly away from the giants. I know a small bay near the border. It lies in the Kingdom of Flowers. That is where you want to go, right?"
"That would be wonderful."
"Okay then. Now rest, little fairy. You'll be fine by the time we drop anchor."
He gave her one last, intense look before stomping back to his crew. She heard his boots against the planks, which sounded almost like music to her — like the drums of a moving song. Her heart beat faster and she wondered what had just happened.
Since she was still weak, she remained on the canvas. Soon, the warmth of the sun had driven the cold from her wings and even before they entered the small bay, she could move them again. Refreshed, strong, and overjoyed, she flew upward. A warning voice whispered that she should immediately flee the pirate ship and fly to land on her own, but she didn't. She zipped over to the men who were busily working on the sails, barely paying attention to her. She found the captain in his cabin. The door was open and she fluttered back and forth in front of it curiously.
"Well, little fairy?" He was leaning over a table spread over with a large map with countless islands marked that she didn't recognize, apparently studying it. "Are you feeling better?"
Instead of answering, she flew in a circle, flapping her wings vigorously, which sparkled in the sunlight.
The captain's eyes widened. Then he cleared his throat. "Excellent."
Curious, she drifted closer. "What are you doing?"
"I've been searching for an island for years. But let's talk about that another time."
Another time? Her heart pounded excitedly as he looked steadily into her eyes.
"Captain, we're in the bay," one of the pirates called out.
"Aye. Come, little fairy, I'll take you ashore."
As he walked beside her to the railing and lowered the rowboat into the water, she shrugged. "You know I could easily fly the few feet, right?"
"Aye, but I am a gentleman and will escort you to shore. If your strength hasn't fully returned, you might end up falling into the water. While I wouldn't mind rescuing you again, I think you have more pleasant plans for the second half of the day."
As he descended the rope ladder, she flew down into the rowboat. Acting on an impulse, she transformed into human form to add the necessary solemnity to the situation. When the captain entered the rowboat and saw her sitting on one of the transverse boards, his eyes widened and he slowly let his gaze wander over her human-sized body. She blushed, but he didn't make fun of her as some people did and rather bowed to her gallantly.
"Madam, please hold on."
A giggle that she had never heard before escaped her. The captain grabbed the oars and with strong strokes, brought them quickly to the mainland. When the boat ran aground, he got out, pulled it onto the pebbly beach, and then held out his hand to help her out. It was a moment right out of a romance novel that she didn't think she would ever experience as a fairy.
They walked a few steps, the stones crunching under his boots before he kissed her hand and looked at her abruptly. There was a fire in his gaze that sent pleasant jolts through her body.
