Chapter 50: Reunions
Charles and Malia sat on the pier eating oysters and watching the shipping boats arrive and depart. The air was fresh with the scent of the sea and sharpened by its salt. A captain shouted orders to his men, who were running behind loading their cargo. Malia recognized him as Captain Stowe, who she had nearly departed with before returning to the palace. He strode over.
“Back again, eh?” Captain Stowe said. “Didn’t work out for you, wherever you went?”
“It worked out just fine,” Malia said, putting her head on Charles’s shoulder.
“Ooh, glad it did, then,” Stowe said and turned to Charles. “You’ve got a keeper there, young man. Take it from an old wanderer like me who let a few good ones go. When they’re gone, they’re gone, and all you’ll have left is a fading memory that won’t warm your bed at night. No, sir. Best you keep her before I steal her,” and Stowe emitted a hearty laugh which the young couple joined.
“I aim to, captain,” Charles said.