In The Wolfs Snare

She'd missed a beat in the conversation, though seemed to shake herself out of it, giving him a gentle squeeze. "I want to know everything or as much as you'd be willing to share. Something tells me that you've got a lot to say and I happen to have plenty of time to listen."

He guided her to one of the tables, helping her sit down in a well ivory painted chair. Pink and yellow flower petals were added on to the design; as requested by her mother. Lady Charlotte had contacted them in advance. During the months the ship was being built just to enter the islands of Ineija. "You must have a pretty amount of Sols for you to have a ship crafted specifically for your sails to another country. Your mother said you liked flowers so I painted this myself. Looks kind of like a child's doodle."

The blonde ran his leathery fingertips over the surface of the wooden table. There was a hole in the middle for an umbrella that fanned out above them—a deep lilac fabric which caught every droplet of rain descending from the skies above.

The wind howled and the deck was a deep mahogany brown from its dampness. The brine of the sea conquering in the smoky scents of their dinner cooking below. "I had a sister who adored painting. Quite good at it, unlike me. Still, it might not be a masterpiece, but I hope you like it nonetheless." His lips curled upwards even more, eyes still closed while someone approached and set a steaming kettle atop the table for the two.

He lifted it, pouring them a glass each, nearly to the rim. "Fresh made briskets until dinner is ready? I'm not much for sweets, but I think it's lovely to eat sweets during a storm. Something about a gloomy day filled with snacks. Charlotte isn't your mother but she raised you like one, correct?"

Strelitzia took her time inspecting the careful painting for herself. It wasn't the most skilled work but she could tell that he'd put a lot of care into it and that his hands had been steady with each brush stroke. She clicked her tongue in disapproval at the dismissal of his own work. When it came to comparisons perfection was impossible.

Even people who thought they were good at something could always find someone they thought was better. In this case, his sister. Gathering the end of her cloak and skirts in hand, she carefully sat down. "I do like the painting and I'm surprised that you would take so much care to do it. Despite the money you think I might have, they couldn't possibly have paid you enough for such a kindness."

There was no further invitation needed to the steamy liquid before her, she'd already begun nursing her cup of tea while listening on. She looked up at him with curious green eyes that sparkled with every distant flash of lightning. Questions about herself she'd expected but not the little nugget of information he let slip.

Her Aunt had really gone above and beyond having a ship built for her. She could hear her uncle Rogan grumbling about his blood pressure and his coffers from there which brought a warm smile to her face once more.

"Yes, if you wouldn't mind, although I can't help feeling that you're spoiling me. Sweets before dinner? Absolutely scandalous, good sir." Strelitzia joked, laughing to herself quietly. "Ah, yes. My mother is in Ineijaa and things weren't safe there at the time so I was sent to stay with my aunt although I'm sure no one anticipated it would be for this long. Aunt Charlotte took great care of me, I like to think. Treated me as her daughter. She always wanted children but it never quite worked out that way. I suppose the political unrest came just at the right time."

"And is she like a mother to you? My mother died a few years ago. Sometimes I don't remember what it's like to have one. Just the smile she often wore. Better than fine silks." He chuckled, a sound pleasant to one's ears.

The blonde scooped a few cubes up inside his spoon, dumping them into the dark tea he hadn't added creamer to. He seemed to like it more naturally. The darker it was, the tastier it was to him. "To say I have traveled the world but don't know what Ineijaa is like, I still haven't been everywhere. I wish to go one day. Not stay at the ports. I hope I'm not rambling your ear off. I just don't want you to be bored to death. I usually am more silent unless spoken to."

"As far as I can remember. I think as a child I didn't think that she was because I felt abandoned, but my mindset has changed. Being together wouldn't have meant much if I'd been in danger or in the way." How odd it was for Strelitzia to be sitting and talking of life with a total stranger, in the middle of a storm having tea on a boat freshly built. Very storybook.

"I have always had a mother figure but a father..I can't say I know what that's like. I don't have memories of him at all. Not that I can begin to assume your past, but I can say that with or without parents as long as there's love in your life and a world to explore, things still feel rather fulfilling." The heat from the tea brought a warm flush to her cheeks despite the frigid wind's touch.

She removed the wide brim hat from her head that was adorned with a ribbon round the middle, allowing chestnut tresses to tumble down her shoulders.

"Really? Would you be willing to trade then?" Strelitzia set down the delicate porcelain to lean forward inquisitively, brows raised in question. "The other escort, although generous in his offer, is a bit unnerving to me. You and I have had a good conversation over tea and I can tell that you're a good soul. Why not take his place instead? In exchange, each day tell me of a different place you've seen. People you've met. Real experiences. Parts of the world that can't be read about."

Her eyes were practically shining with excitement and wonder just at the thought despite not a single word or agreement had spilled past his lips.

"Why? Is there something wrong with my brother?" He asked, raising a thick eyebrow playfully. His eyes had opened and he stared at her; a curious expression beaming on his face. "He too has traveled the world." Another chuckle followed his words.

Strelitzia leaned back into her seat. Her mouth nearly dropped open when he claimed they were brothers. She'd been too forward and presumptuous, inwardly kicking herself for such rudeness. Her aunt would be appalled. "There's nothing wrong per say. May I speak candidly?"

"You may, m'lady." He brought the glass cup to his mouth to take a long sip. Not a single slurp noise left him. It was clear he wasn't rich, but his etiquette rivaled with that of someone with a high status. "Honesty is much appreciated. Especially over tea." He tipped his hat at her.

Her lips pursed, trying to discern if there was any sarcasm but he seemed genuine. "I find his mannerisms unsettling. He stares too long to be polite and seems like he wants to do more than what he's paid for. My apologies if I am mistaken in my findings on such short observations. Still, the offer stands if you haven't taken offense." Strelitzia picked up her tea once more, finishing the last of it.

"You have a good eye. My brother is a greedy man indeed. My apologies if he has unsettled you." His lips shifted downwards into a slight frown. "I'll be sure to keep you company until you arrive safely. If that'll make you feel at ease."

"That would be lovely. Thank you," She paused for a moment, fishing for a name though she couldn't recall him ever saying. "I'm sorry I don't think I quite caught your name. What was it? I'd introduce myself but it seems my Aunt has informed you ahead of time." And they'd just been talking about their pasts and such, although she liked to think her personality was more than her family.

One leg crossed over the other, folding her hands in her lap. The very image of calm amongst the storm that worsened by the minute. "Are you the Captain?"

"No, I'm not the captain. But my name is James. I'm temporarily overlooking this." Thunder clapped loudly, the storm picking up and sending the waves splashing against the boat so harshly water spilled over the deck. James closed his eyes, lifting the tea glass to his mouth to take another long sip. "If it gets too chilly for you, I can take you to your rooms for the night."

"I suppose I should. Soon this umbrella probably won't do much against this weather." Strelitzia smiled and stood, smoothing the wrinkles from her skirts. "This was nice. Thank you for the talk James. I think I'll retire for the evening. If you'd be so kind." She gestured for him to lead the way.

James lifted, taking the umbrella along with them. It fought against the wind but he held it firmly as he led her inside. The steps were steep. James took down a torch and guided her inside after he closed the soaking wet umbrella. The room in the nearest back was her own. Neat, flower painted just like the table on the above deck.

The craftsmanship of everything she saw on the ship was impeccable. Again, she didn't think he gave himself enough credit for the work he'd done. She ran her hand along the doorframe in admiration before turning to him. "Thank you once again. I was beginning to feel anxious about this whole thing but your company has been a treasure, James." There was an almost musical tone in her voice when she said his name. "I've probably kept you long enough though. Please enjoy the rest of your evening."

"You too." James said with a large smile before leaving her to her own rest.

***

Charlotte paced back and forth in Rogan's study while nervously playing with the pearl necklace that dangled from her neck. It hadn't even been six hours and her stomach was already gnawing at itself. She couldn't eat dinner the maids had served, the crying only worsened when she watched from the third floor as they pulled out from the driveway. Rogan told her she needed to relax; this was for the best and it was a burden off his shoulders.

It wasn't that her husband didn't love Strelitzia like his own daughter, but keeping her beneath their roof without her sharing their name had taken him a toll financially. After all, it was the reason he reached out to Aurelia to take her sooner lest her daughter ended up a poor pauper in the street begging for a bowl of gruel. The only choice she had was to send her into the arms of another woman despite the fact she wanted her for herself. Painful it was to lose a child again and again and again only to be told you couldn't have another one.

Her thumb ran over a bead harshly, causing the necklace to break. The pearls scattered across the carpet. Charlotte didn't want any mother to feel that pain, yet she was far too attached to Strelitzia to truly give her back. Her stomach churned at the despicable thoughts. A hand cupped her shoulder tightly from behind.

"You made the right decision." Someone said coolly.

"I hope I did. I don't want her to be hurt. She'll hurt regardless, but no harm will come to my daughter."

"This is what you hired me for. It will be done. Keep your word in return." Then they were gone. Curtains billowed in the breeze of her open window, rain darkening its white fabric from the thunderous, relentless storm.