Hi everyone!
It's been a hot minute, but I have returned. Some unforeseen circumstances arose with my ex-partner, and I was starting a new job at the same time, so needless to say, my mental health hasn't been the greatest. However, I think it is safe to say that I have found some closure now at least, and am beginning to feel much better.
This chapter is full of delicious goodies for you - and although it's probably not my best, I hope you like it, while I get used to writing my old characters from this new perspective!
I also have an extra chapter for CK that has been keeping me going over this past month, it is very Darius and Iris heavy, and I will be posting it this week as well.
I hope this first chapter is everything you wished for,
Love Daisy xx
_______________________
Chapter One | Eyes of a Beast
-
For my darling Circe,
I hope I can have half your courage, kindness, and ferocity.
-
The sun rose over the ocean, turning the blue water gold and casting away the morning mist. New light caught the white sails of the pirate ship that sailed fearlessly below and warmed the crew that bustled across the deck.
Deep within the bowels of the ship, a figure stirred in her bed, roused by the sound of music emanating from somewhere on board.
Iris groaned lightly as she woke, rubbing her tired eyes and yawning as she stretched her arms to the head of the bed. The rocking of the ship was soothing this morning- a stark contrast to the jolting chaos of yesterday.
Yesterday. Iris's eyes flung wide open. That's right- there had been a raid on the ship yesterday. No, they had raided a ship yesterday. Because they were pirates.
Pirates.
She was aboard a pirate ship.
This time her groan was genuine. How had she ended up on a pirate ship of all things? And the ship of the Pirate King no less? Iris remembered the fearless grin that Circe had offered her and scrubbed at her face tiredly. Was this really going to be, okay?
In the silence of her musings, the sound of the piano reached her ears once more. Listening carefully, she still couldn't quite pinpoint where it was coming from. The melody was beautiful- obviously the player was skilled. She rose from her bed and dressed quickly. Guessed she knew what she was doing this morning.
-
Those that Iris passed on her way through the halls didn't seem too terrifying- in that they ignored Iris suitably and continued with whatever duties they were preforming, and Iris once again found herself doubting that it was actually a pirate vessel she had boarded.
Perhaps the tales she had read about pirates had been exaggerated? Were it not for the proudness with which Circe had declared their occupation one of piracy, Iris might have believed the claim to be an elaborate joke, aimed at teasing newcomers. In fact, that still seemed rather plausible.
The sound of the piano rose and fell as Iris moved through the halls, eventually making her way out onto the deck. The sky was clear, and the fresh sea air that swirled around her had a slight bite to it. No-one seemed to pay her much mind, and Iris paused to listen harder as the piano music disappeared under the noise before remerging. The sound led her over to a door and Iris paused in front of it before raising a hand to knock.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you."
Startled, Iris turned to find a familiar face grinning down at her. "You're -
"Cobalt Bones, at your service, milady." The dark-haired man offered her a sweeping bow and his rakish grin widened as he straightened. "Obsidian is my twin brother."
Ah. That made sense. Iris did remember seeing this person when they had first boarded the ship. Curious, she looked at him properly again now. He was definitely identical to his brother, save for the silver eyes- a shade similar to her own- which replaced Obsidian's gold. But it was Cobalt's smile that differentiated them the most. Iris inclined her head politely. "Nice to meet you. My name is Iris."
"Yes, I know," Cobalt said. "Circe picked you up at port."
Iris nodded, feeling a little bemused. The way he said it made it sound as though she were a dog that the other woman had adopted. "You said that this is your brothers' room?" She pointed to the door.
"Correct," Cobalt gave Iris a cheeky wink. "That is the entrance to his lair. So, as I said ... I wouldn't do that if I were you."
"I ... I was looking for Circe," Iris said haltingly. Well, she had been looking for the source of the music, but Circe was important to find as well.
Cobalt's silver eyes twinkled mischievously. "Well, if that is Obsidian's lair, then you can think of Circe as the treasure within. She'll be in there with him; can you hear the music?" Iris nodded. "That's her playing," Cobalt continued. "She plays for him most mornings, but I imagine she will be finished soon. Shall I take you to get breakfast instead?"
Iris wavered. Now that her exploration had reached a dead end, the offer was tempting. She was wary of this pirate, but he certainly seemed more approachable than his brother. Perhaps he might even be willing to answer a few of her questions himself. "Yes, please." She said eventually. She offered a small smile, which he returned.
"I think your guard - Gabriel, was it? I think he is there already," Cobalt told her, "I saw him with Samson." He took her by the shoulders, and she let him steer her back the way she had come- through the door, and down into the bowels of the ship.
"Circe and Obsidian ..." Iris ventured cautiously, "they are ... together?" The way that Cobalt spoke about them suggested such a relationship.
"Yup!" Cobalt supplied cheerfully. "Married actually. For a few years now."
"Married?" Iris asked incredulously. "Pirates get married?"
Cobalt laughed. "Not often, but I suppose you could say that these two are special."
Iris nodded slowly, feeling curious, but unsure about prying further. She remembered the interactions between the two when she had first boarded the ship. Certainly, she supposed that it wasn't surprising they were together - but married .... Obsidian Bones certainly hadn't seemed like that type of man.
As though he could read her train of thought, Cobalt chuckled. "I can see why you might be sceptical, but my brother is more loyal than you think," he hummed, "and those two have been through hell and back in order to be together. There were a lot of people opposed to their union."
Iris frowned and wondered why anyone would be against the love between two pirates. It wasn't as though they were royalty. Her thoughts drifted to Darius, and she sighed.
"Here we are!" Cobalt announced suddenly.
They had arrived while Iris had been lost in thought, and now she stood at the entrance to a long room with a low ceiling. Packed with crew members, good smells, and a lot of noise, Iris followed Cobalt into the mess hall, her eyes searching for Gabriel.
"Samson!" Cobalt called out to a man who was sitting about half-way down the hall. Iris did a double take- if it wasn't for his very human scent, she would have thought him to be lycan. The man- Samson, was huge in stature, even seated. Standing, Iris thought that he could probably give Weylyn a run for his money. His skin was a deep, rich umber that reminded her of Vandor - but his eyes were dark, and missing the angular edges that were characteristic of the General.
Samson was in conversation with another, almost equally massive man who shared similar features- but at Cobalt's call he looked up, a wide smile settling across his face.
"Cobalt," Samson boomed, his deep bass voice rising easily above the noise in the hall, "we saved you a seat. Come and meet our new friend."
It was then that Samson leaned back, revealing the lycan Iris had been looking for.
"Gabriel!" She exclaimed.
"Prince- I mean, my Lady." Gabriel spluttered, a little flustered as he fumbled her title. "I went by your room earlier, but you must've been still sleeping."
"Oh good," Cobalt grinned as he sat down and ushered the other man along the seat, "you found him. Make space Jacob- Iris, this is Samson, and his brother Jacob. They are two of our longest standing crew mates. You can rely on them for anything."
The two men nodded at Iris, Jacob seeming more cautious than his brother. Samson leaned over the table to offer Iris the same wide smile he had afforded Cobalt, but his dark eyes seemed slightly menacing. "You know," he said, "when we found out the two of you were lycans, we had some misgivings at first. But Gabriel here is a right lad, aren't yah?" Samson gave a booming laugh and slapped a hand on the other man's back with enough force to knock a human out cold. Iris winced, but Gabriel's stoic expression remained unflinching.
"Your guard is good in a fight, he is," Samson told Iris with a wink, "mighty impressive during that raid- wasn't he Jacob? I've never seen someone wield a duo blade with that much skill before, not even the captain!"
"Make sure you don't let Obsidian hear you say that" Cobalt said with a groan, "he hates being outmatched at anything."
"Ahh a bit of competition would do the captain good." Samson dismissed with a wave of his hand. His heavy gaze settled back on Iris. "How about the little lady? I bet your handy in a fight too." Something in his tone made it sound like a challenge, and Iris thought unwittingly of Circe, and the challenge that had lingered in the other woman's eyes.
'This is the ship of the Pirate King.'
"I guess you'll have to find out," Iris found herself saying, the words falling from her lips before she could stop them.
For a moment the table was silent, and then Samson let out a bellow of laughter. "The little lady has guts," the big man guffawed, "alright then. I'll take that challenge" -he pointed a finger at Iris- "this afternoon."
"Deal." Iris said firmly, ignoring Gabriel's look of horror. She shook on it- her hand disappearing in Samson's massive palm.
"You're going to regret that," Cobalt told Samson with a grin.
"Betting against me already?" Samson chuckled, "care to put money where your mouth is?"
"A hundred on my Lady," Gabriel said suddenly.
The table looked at him in surprise. Cobalt laughed. "Alright, you heard the man! A hundred on Iris."
"My money's on Samson," Jacob grunted, as he shovelled more food into his mouth. His deep brown eyes gauged Iris carefully.
"Fair enough!" Samson grinned. "I've been dying to fight a lycan," He told Iris, "Make sure you don't disappoint me."
Iris smiled despite herself. "I'll try not to let you down," she promised.
The table dissolved back into conversation as Cobalt excused himself briefly to get Iris and himself food. As Iris ate, her eyes wandered around the room, taking in the atmosphere. She was the first to admit that she had been cautious at first - after discovering this was a pirate ship - but it seemed as though she would be able to relax a little bit at least. She had never met pirates before, but certainly, these people didn't seem so horrible.
She had nearly made it all the way through her meal when the person she had been waiting to see finally arrived.
"Oh good, you've had breakfast."
"Circe!" Cobalt's eyes lit up as he acknowledged the woman who was leaning over Iris's shoulder with a grin.
"Good morning," Circe smiled sweetly. "Is everyone getting along?"
"Is there any reason why we shouldn't?" Iris couldn't help but wonder.
"Oh, I wasn't talking to you," Circe patted Iris on the shoulder, her doll blue eyes fixed on Samson. "There seems to be a rather interesting bet circulating up on deck."
Iris was amused to see the giant man begin to sweat. "It's just a bit of fun, little lady!" Samson chuckled awkwardly. "It was the lycan who suggested it after all."
"Is that true?" Circe peered at Iris curiously. "You don't have to, you know? These two were awful to me when I first came aboard too. You're welcome to ignore them."
"I don't mind," Iris smiled lightly, "it is common for lycans to spar against each other to determine ranking in the pack."
"Really?" Circe asked, intrigued. "What pack were you from?"
"Well," Iris began evasively, with a nervous glance towards Gabriel, "I actually-
"What does it matter," a cold voice interrupted, "a dog is a dog, no matter where it's from."
Iris managed to stop herself from flinching as Obsidian Bones materialised behind Circe as though he had always been there. The pirate's disdain for her species was clear; his sharp golden eyes lingering on Iris mistrustfully, before inevitably finding their way back to Circe.
"Don't be so rude," Circe scowled up at him, ramming an elbow into his side.
The pirate captain didn't even flinch. If anything, he moved closer to the smaller woman, looming over her possessively. "I'm not being rude," his scowl deepened. "It's the truth."
Circe pursed her lips. "Yes ... well." She gave Iris an apologetic look. "You'll have to forgive us," she said, "we haven't had good dealings with lycans in the past."
The mood around the table became a little colder with the other woman's words, and Iris sensed there was something being left unsaid.
"It's fine," she assured Circe, as Obsidian snorted derisively in the background. "We are guests aboard your ship- we are just grateful for your help. Of course, if there is anything Gabriel and I can do to contribute to this voyage, please let us know."
Circe grinned. "Well then!" She said cheerfully, "you can start by teaching Samson a lesson."
-
Eying her opponent, Iris felt that she had a decent shot at winning.
"Transforming is not allowed," Samson warned her.
Iris rolled her shoulders, relaxing into her stance as she sent him an innocent smile. "Don't worry," she said politely, "that won't be necessary."
Her comment pulled a few chuckles from the watching crew who had gathered on the deck to witness the match. It was just a little past mid-afternoon, and activity aboard the ship had begun to wind down for the day.
"Confident." Iris had expected the large pirate to be goaded by her comment, but despite his suspicion towards her, Samson seemed surprisingly easy going. "I hope it's not baseless."
"If she is as useless as she was during the raid, Samson won't have a problem."
Iris glanced up at the top deck briefly. Obsidian Bones stood at the helm, his arm resting lazily on the ships wheel. His predatory golden eyes stared down at her coldly and Iris felt the hairs on the back of her neck prickle. He really did look similar to that person after all.
"Show him what you've got Iris!" The sunny voice pulled Iris from her thoughts and her gaze shifted to where Circe was perched on the railing of the top deck, legs swinging back and forth as she watched the scene below. "Also, I put money on you- so don't let me down!"
Iris couldn't help but laugh. "Very well," she said, turning back to her opponent with a determined grin. "I won't let you down." She might be sailing aboard his ship, but that pirate was not her captain. Therefore, his opinion of her hardly mattered. Taking this challenge was a good thing, perhaps she could prove a point while she was at it.
"Ready girlie?" Samson asked.
"Yes-
The punch came so fast that Iris only dodged out of sheer instinct. Her eyes skidded to the side, watching as the fist sheared past her cheek. She felt the rush of blowback from the force he had put behind it and cursed that she had ever expected a pirate to follow the sparring protocols of Aether.
In real life, your opponent will not wait for you to be ready. Vandor's smug voice echoed through her head as Iris ducked out of the way of the next blow.
Damnit, he was right. Gritting her teeth, Iris attempted to slip behind the large pirate, but it was there that she made her second mistake.
The ship pitched suddenly under her feet, and Iris lost her footing. Not completely, but enough to lose her advantage. Seemingly used to the unsteady ground, Samson merely adjusted his footing and this time, when he struck, he hit.
His large fist sunk into her abdomen, knocking the breath from her lungs. Iris scowled. For a human, he really was unbelievably strong.
Her expression hardened as she blocked his next blow, meeting his dark eyes squarely. There was an obvious challenge there, one that caused her hackles to raise and her bloodlust to awaken. This man was not planning to hold back.
They traded attacks in quick succession, Iris remaining on the defensive to gauge his strength and fighting style. Twice more she stumbled- when the ship rolled unexpectedly- and she cursed the pirate's lightness of foot- unexpected due to his size. He managed to land hits both times, narrowly avoiding her face which was good. Iris could feel Gabriel hovering on the edge of the circle. She didn't want him to step in.
Slowly, Iris started to turn the tables. It was a subtle change- one that would go unnoticed until it was too late. Iris could see a glimmer of realisation in Samson's eyes as her next strike landed heavily, carrying much more weight than when the fight first began.
So, she let his next blow connect. It was a good one- a punch straight to her gut. She could tell by the way he lagged on the recoil that he had expected the blow to knock her back- but unfortunately for him, she was used to training within a circle where a single step outside would result in defeat. It would take more than a single hit to force her backwards.
With a snarl, she caught his wrist before he could retreat, and squeezed. His fingers twitched in surprise at the pain, and Iris acted immediately. Yanking his arm diagonally, she dropped down and rammed her shoulder into his chest, forcing him off balance. She felt him stagger and with a snarl, she whipped her foot around, cracking a kick into his shins.
The massive pirate toppled with a bang that sent a shudder through the ship. Iris pressed her knee firmly between his shoulder blades and twisted his arm higher behind his back.
"Concede." She said coldly, adding the weight of her command to keep him there. He was not a lycan so he could not obey, but the command worked on humans as an intimidation of sorts- Darius had told her.
The audience on the deck were silent, but Iris didn't have the luxury of looking around to see their reactions. Her gaze was focused on the prey beneath her.
"Concede." She snarled again. Her knee dug in a little deeper and she felt the wrist beneath her hands begin to cave. She didn't want to break his bones if she could help it- humans didn't heal as quickly after all.
"I concede." Came the muffled grunt from beneath her.
Iris held her grip for a moment longer. Purposefully, she met the gaze of a certain pirate captain still standing up on the top deck. Obsidian's fierce golden eyes stared down at her warningly and Iris felt an old flame flicker inside her. Slowly, her lip curled in a sneer.
Obsidian's eyes narrowed.
Iris held her gaze. "Sorry, what was that?" Her voice was sweet, but her eyes were cold. She pressed down harder and enjoyed the darkening expression on Obsidian's face. "I can't hear you."
Beneath her, Samson let out a stream of cuss words. "I concede," the big man roared.
"Hahaha!" Circe's laughter rung out across the deck, lifting the dark atmosphere. The other woman leapt down from the top deck lightly and crouched at Samsons head. Her finger pressed teasingly into his cheek. "Oh, you lost," Circe sung with a wide smile, "you lost so bad~"
"You're right, you're right," Samson grumbled. Iris released him and he pushed himself up with a groan. Rubbing his shaved his ruefully, he offered Iris a hand. "You won too easily," he admitted to Iris as Circe cackled from the side. "I thought I stood a bit more of a chance."
Against a normal lycan maybe, Iris thought sheepishly as she shook the pirate's hand. "I apologise," she said instead, "I had something to prove."
"Can't blame you for that." Samson agreed amicably. To Iris's satisfaction, there was a grudging respect in his eyes. "You said that lycans spar often?"
"Back at home, I trained almost every day," Iris agreed.
"Then perhaps we will have the opportunity for another round." Samson chuckled. "Rest assured; I will be more on guard next time."
Iris gave a light smile. "I will look forward to it then." It couldn't hurt to have a regular training partner other than Gabriel, while she was here. Although their fight had been short, Iris had a feeling that she would be able to pick up a few tricks from the pirate about 'fighting in the real world', as Vandor had put it. Pirates were hardly polished soldiers.
"Hey Cobalt!" Circe called, her hands on her hips. "How much did I win?"
At the small woman's statement, the onlookers suddenly roused from their stupor and the previously silent crowd dissolved into good natured chaos as everyone settled their bets.
"How much did you bet?" Iris asked, peering over Circe's shoulder to eye the bag of gold that the smaller woman was counting gleefully.
"Enough," Circe cackled. She patted Iris on the shoulder. "I never doubted you!"
"I can't say the same for your husband," Iris said lowly, flicking another glance towards the pirate captain still standing at the wheel. For some reason, Iris was fairly sure his expression had gotten colder.
"Hmm?" Distracted from her winnings, Circe followed Iris's line of sight to the top deck. "Oh, him?" She laughed lightly. "His bark is worse than his bite~" Something in her tone and the way she eyed the menacing pirate set Iris on edge.
She eyed the other woman doubtfully. "Well, if you say so." The two were married after all. Still, looking between them, Iris was still hard-pressed to understand how such a union had been brought about.
"You'll see," Circe said breezily. She tugged on Iris's sleeve. "Come on, the next match is starting."
"The next one?" Iris asked in surprise.
"You got them all riled up," Circe pointed to the circle that had re-formed within the group. Two new opponents had just begun circling each other. Circe's blue eyes sparkled. "Let's join the fun. Maybe you can place a bet yourself this time."
Staring down at the other woman, Iris once again found herself wondering just what she had gotten into. With a huff of laughter, she felt the weight in her heart lighten slightly. "Okay," she agreed. "Lets."
-
Iris could not remember the last time she had enjoyed herself so freely.
The afternoon wore on into night-time, and lamps were lit as the fights continued. At some point, some of the crew had brought food out onto the deck, and someone else had pulled out a violin, and now the warm night air was filled with lantern light, good smells, and cries of encouragement from those watching the ongoing matches.
Iris was seated in a hammock, strategically hung for viewing the fights, with a plate a food on her lap that Gabriel had brought for her. "Are all pirates like this?" She wondered aloud.
The hammock swayed slightly as Circe adjusted herself to sit more comfortably. "Definitely not," the other woman replied, swallowing her mouthful. "You were there during the raid yesterday. But I know what you mean." Her expression became thoughtful. "Even this crew wasn't as close when I first joined. But its been years since then, and we've been through a lot together."
"You ... joined?" Iris asked in surprise. "Did you want to be a pirate?"
Circe laughed. "Perhaps 'joined' isn't the best word to use. I certainly never planned on this life." She shrugged. "But this is how it is now, and I wouldn't change it for the world."
Those two have been through hell and back in order to be together. Cobalt's words came to mind suddenly.
Iris watched the fighting in the ring distantly. Below their hammock, Gabriel leaned quietly against one of the masts, never too far from her side. Her guard had refused all invitations to spar, preferring to watch the matches- and Iris- from a distance. He was eating now, his green eyes watching the pirates carefully as he took small bites of food.
Iris felt her heart ache suddenly, at his lonely figure. Were they at home, her stoic guard would have been right in the middle of things, sparring alongside those he loved and respected. Although Gabriel was expressionless at the best of times, lycans were still pack animals at heart. She had taken him from that- taken them both from that. In pursuit of something she had no idea if she could achieve.
"I envy you." Iris said quietly.
"How so?"
Iris looked up to meet the other girls gaze. Circe's blue eyes were clear and unassuming.
"You know what you want." Iris said simply.
Despite being here, despite making this choice, despite her longing for revenge against the one who had taken Arlo from her, there was a part of Iris that wanted to turn back around and go straight home. She swallowed thickly. No, that wasn't it. She wanted to go back to him.
Darius.
Iris wanted to go back to her King.
Back to that overwhelming power that sheltered her absolutely, cocooning her in infallible golden light. Back to those arms that contained such strength but handled her so gently. Back to those eyes, which had always pierced right through her intentions, but had only just begun to open to the true feelings in her heart.
Iris remembered the way his eyes had widened with shock when she had kissed him, and she longed to return home- if only to widen his gaze more. Until he was forced to see all of her. And then she never wanted him to look away.
Promise you will take Azrael with you, wherever you go. Wherever you go.
Iris sighed lightly. Darius had known she was planning to leave. He had to have known. And yet, he had not tried to stop her. What did that mean? That he supported her choice? She supposed that she should be happy, so then why did her heart ache every time she remembered that he had just let her go?
"I didn't always know."
Circe's voice pulled Iris from her thoughts.
"What?"
The other woman was still looking at her with that same, unassuming gaze. "There was a time where I thought I had lost someone incredibly precious to me," she said. "At the same time, I had also made commitments to people and things, that I no longer had any desire to fill. When that person returned, he taught me that the only person who has a say about how I live my life, is me." She shrugged. "It sounds selfish, but once I realised that fact, I also realised that I wasn't as alone as I first thought. The people who cared about me, were still there after I did what I needed to do."
Circe gave a light smile. "And now I'm free to live as I choose. But I didn't always know what I wanted. Sometimes, I still don't. And it is on days like that, when trust the ocean to carry me to wherever I need to be." Reaching out, she gave Iris's hand a gentle pat. "The ocean will carry you too- to wherever you need to go. And then once you've achieved what you set out to do, the same ocean will carry you home again."
Iris found herself suddenly squeezing the other woman's hand. "But how can you be so sure?" She asked hoarsely. "How can you go forward with such blind faith?"
Circe squeezed her hand in return. "Because I have people I love." The shift in her tone was subtle, but Iris felt it keenly. "And I swore that I would never be so powerless as to lose them again."
Not for the first time, Iris was struck with the notion that this woman was no ordinary person. Her words carried a heavy weight, not dissimilar to that of Iris's command.
"You feel the same, don't you?" The certainty with which Circe spoke was unsettling.
"I ..." Iris faltered, then gave a hesitant nod. "Yes, I do."
"I thought so." Circe's smile was distant. "The world is just as cruel as it is beautiful. The people you love, the things you hold dear, they can be taken in an instant. Even when the path was unclear before me, I knew that I wanted the power to keep those I loved safe. By whatever means necessary."
Her words hit Iris deeply. It is as though she knows. Iris swallowed. It is as though she knows about Arlo.
Yes. That was the reason why she could not return. Because although he was powerful, Darius was not infallible. Those proud shoulders, that strong, straight back that bent to no-one- had bowed to her the day he had received summons for war. Iris remembered the weight of his head as it had rested on her knees, heavy with a crown he had never wished to carry.
For her King, who was bound to his throne, she would go ahead of him. For both of them. To seek vengeance for the one they both loved above anyone else. For Arlo, who had been ripped so cruelly from them. Iris would do it, for Arlo and for Darius.
And once Eros's head lay at her feet, by then surely Iris would be stronger than she was right now. Perhaps even strong enough to claim a place at the side of her King. Her heart swooped at the thought. Would he acknowledge her then? If she rose to be his equal? She wanted to know.
As though she could see Iris's thoughts, Circe smiled. "It is not an easy thing, to leave your home and harden your resolve. When I left my home, I was but a weak, human noble. I had no idea of the true nature of this world. Now I see that it is a place beyond what I could have ever imagined. You will find your place too. You need only the courage for patience."
Iris felt a wetness on her cheek and realised, with some embarrassment that she was crying. Laughing, she wiped away her tears with a shaky hand. "You sound so much older than me," she teased, but her voice trembled.
Circe's eyes were kind. "Not so much older," she said gently, "just perhaps a little more wiser. I'm sure you'll catch up."
"You hardly count as a pirate for being so kind," Iris gave a watery laugh. There was a lump in her throat, and the corner of her eyes were stinging, but it was a warm sort of pain. "Thank-you, for consoling a stranger."
"We are hardly strangers now," Circe grinned as she leaned back in the hammock, "and you think too highly of me. I can be fierce when the occasion calls for it." She looked at Iris, blue eyes mischievous. "And somehow, I'm sure you can too."
The other woman's words seemed familiar, and after a moment Iris realised where she had heard them before.
'Something tells me you could be plenty fierce, Princess, if given the cause to be.'
Prince Zalas had told her as such, during her birthday. Iris smiled. "We will see," she laughed, more freely this time.
Circe's answering smile was as golden as the sun. "Good. But enough of that- do you want to see something fun?"
"Something fun?" Iris was curious. "What do you mean?"
The other woman's smile became wicked. "Cobalt," she called out, her voice carrying easily across the deck. "Shall we do a rematch?"
The man in question materialised below their hammock in a way that was startlingly reminiscent of his brother. His silver eyes gleamed delightedly as he looked up at them. "Only if you're prepared to lose," he taunted.
"You know I never lose," Circe laughed, swinging a foot at him. Cobalt caught her foot as it swung past his face and Circe put her weight on his hand, leaping lightly down to the deck. She handed him her empty plate. "Thanks." She grinned up at Iris, "you stay there and watch, okay? I'll see you later."
Before Iris could ask what, she was supposed to be watching, Circe had disappeared off across the deck.
"Oi!" Disgruntled, Cobalt scrambled to follow after her, Circe's plate still clutched in his hands. "I thought we were having a re-match! Oi! Did you call me over just to give me this-?"
Iris laughed lightly as she watched them go. Indeed, as Circe said, the other woman no longer felt like a stranger- even if it had only been a few days. After all, Iris had only met Prince Zalas briefly at the ball, and yet here she was- sailing half-way across the world to ask for his help. What was stranger than that?
"My lady." Gabriel had appeared below her hammock. "Are you alright?"
Iris smiled down at him. Had he seen her crying? "I'm fine now," she assured him.
Gabriel nodded once, before holding something out to her. She reached down to take it and realised he had brought her more food.
"What is this?" She asked in surprise.
"Chocolate pastry."
Iris felt her mouth water. The pastry was soft and warm in her hands. "They had something like this aboard a ship?" She asked, peering down at her stoic guard. "Did you bring this to cheer me up?" She teased.
Gabriel's expression was unchanging. "It is because we are still only a few days out from port." He told her bluntly. "And it seems that the captain's wife is someone of importance in Melusine. So naturally they still have luxury items aboard."
Iris's eyebrows rose. "Someone of importance in Melusine?" She repeated. "Circe is? Even though they are pirates?"
"These so called 'pirates' were docked so boldly at port," Gabriel reminded her dryly. "Although their flag was lowered, I am starting to think that was just for appearances sake. These pirates are clearly well known on the seas."
Iris narrowed her eyes. Perhaps it had been naïve of her to worry about Gabriel's feelings towards their current situation. Her guard was an ex-general of the King after all, and Gabriel had always taken duty seriously. Suddenly she felt stupid. Here she was feeling guilty about taking him from Aether, while he was trying to save their necks by collecting information. If she had the time to feel remorse, then she should have been helping him instead.
She sighed. Gabriel glanced up at her, concerned. "Is something the matter, my Lady?"
"It's nothing," Iris huffed, taking a rather aggressive bite out of her pastry. "I'm just being foolish."
Unbeknownst to her, Gabriel's eyes softened. "You are not foolish."
"Yes, I am." Iris huffed.
"I know you are concerned for me, but it was my choice to accompany you, Princess. I want to be here, for the same reasons as you."
"You didn't have a choice," Iris grumbled. "You- wait." Her eyes widened. "You knew-?"
There was a warmth in Gabriel's eyes that suggested a smile. "Of course, Princess. Forgive me, but although you have worked to conceal your emotions through our bond, I would be no General if I did not know what troubles the Lady I serve."
The sincerity in his words made Iris flush. "You-"
"I understand that you are still getting used to the idea of leadership, Princess," Gabriel continued, "but it is time that you accept what it means for one Lycan to be bound to another." His green eyes were direct. "I did not sever the link with Greyson House on some trivial whim. I did it because I disagreed with the actions of my King."
"I know that-" Iris faltered.
"However," Gabriel pushed on, his green eyes direct, "neither did I chose to serve you simply because Arlo had asked it of me. Had I not respected you as I had, I would not have cut ties with House Greyson. And had I not wished to serve you, in place of the King, I would not have offered you my pledge."
"Of course," Iris said weakly. "But-"
"I am no longer just your 'guard', Princess." Gabriel caught her hand, where it hung over the side of the hammock. "I am a General of House Silvon, your House, Princess. And the wishes of my Lady I take as my own. Whether it be revenge, succession, or otherwise." Lifting her hand in his own, he pressed a kiss to the back of her knuckles. She had never seen his green eyes burn as brightly as they did in that moment. "Do you understand?"
For a moment, Iris was rendered speechless. His sudden outburst had caught her completely off-guard, but she realised then, that he was utterly right. "I understand," Iris said quietly. "Thank-you."
"Good." The sigh that Gabriel gave sounded like one of relief. He closed his eyes for a moment, and when he opened them again, the urgency with which he had looked at her had vanished. "Then do not worry anymore about such trivial things. We will return to Aether once you have accomplished your goals. After all, it is your home, just as much as it is mine, is it not?"
Iris felt the tip of her nose sting. "Yes." She gave him a wavering smile. "Yes, it is." She tugged on his hand that was still in her grasp. "Do you want to come up here and sit with me?"
Gabriel looked disdainfully at the hammock. "I cannot guard you properly from up there."
"There is a better view of the matches from here," Iris smiled, already knowing it was useless. Gabriel was far too serious for his own good.
"I can see fine from here," Gabriel replied curtly.
"Very well," Iris said fondly, enjoying the way his ears reddened at her teasing tone. "Have it your way."
Folding his arms across his chest, Gabriel nodded towards the circle. "It seems that your friend is up."
"Who, Circe?" Sitting up, Iris scanned the crowd, quickly spotting the blonde woman as she made her way into the ring. "So, she's fighting after all," she murmured. Who would be her opponent? Cobalt?
"It appears the brother is not fighting," Gabriel spotted Cobalt on the edge of the ring with the onlookers, at the same time as Iris. Her guard- no ... her general, sounded mildly intrigued.
"Place your bets!" Samsons deep baritone rung out over the noise, "the little lady is up next!"
"Iris!" Circe waved as she walked into the ring amongst the clamouring of the crew. Sending her a wink she mouthed, 'watch me!' much to Iris's growing amusement. Just what did the other woman have up her sleeve.
What Iris was not expecting, was for Circe to turn with a flourish and point to the person lounging at the wheel on the top deck. "I challenge the captain," the blonde woman said with a grin, "Obsidian Bones."
Iris swallowed. Wait, what-?
There was a sudden clamouring amongst the watching crew.
"All in on the lady!"
"Do you want to die? Put it on the captain!"
"My money is on the lady!"
"Shut up, you idiot-"
"Double my bet, my money is on the captain!"
Utterly confused, Iris looked at Gabriel, but her guard shrugged. Circe seemed entirely unconcerned by the reactions around her, instead waiting patiently, her blue eyes trained on the one she had challenged.
Obsidian had not moved from his spot, his golden eyes fixated on his young wife. With his arms slung carelessly over the ships wheel, he reminded Iris of a panther that had just been woken mid nap. And he was probably just as dangerous.
And then to Iris's utter horror, Circe lifted a hand towards him, her fingers beckoning. "Come." She said imperiously. Something on her hand shimmered and caught the light, and Iris realised it was her wedding ring.
Obsidian's golden eyes glittered. "I have no interest in fighting you." He replied cooly.
"Oh? ~" There was a taunting lilt to Circe's words. "There are guests, I suppose. Are you embarrassed?"
There was a moment of silence, and then the betting on the deck intensified.
"The lady is on form tonight, change my bet in support."
"My money is in on the captain! He won't stand for this."
"A hundred on the lady to win in under two minutes!"
"I have him lasting only one!"
Utterly bemused, Iris could only watch the situation unfold. 'Something fun,' Circe had told her. Well if the other woman thought goading her beast of a husband in front of his entire crew was fun, then who was Iris to judge? Certainly, Circe seemed confident enough, if her sly smile was anything to go by. Did she really plan to fight him properly?
Iris watched as Circe dipped a hand below her neckline. "Hurry up," she teased, "I'm waiting." Iris flushed suddenly at the other woman's brazenness. What was she doing?!
On the top deck, Obsidian's expression appeared unchanging. But his golden eyes followed the movement of Circe's hand as it travelled lower, and lower.
"Do you not want it?" Ignoring the furious betting around her, Circe pouted shamelessly, her fingers hooking on something just below the edge of her top. Iris's hand was half covering her eyes, her blush raging in full force. It may have been her husband that Circe was teasing, but still ... how on earth was the other woman this confident?!
"Bets are closed!"
Seemingly in unison, the watching crew turned to face their captain.
A second passed, and then another. Suddenly, Obsidian stretched, his long arms unfolding from across the top of the wheel.
He reminded Iris of Vandor, as he prowled down the stairs to the main deck and stalked into the ring. With arrogance like that, Iris forgot that Circe had even summoned him down in the first place. His expression was unreadable, as he halted in front of Circe, but just for a second- something in his gaze changed.
Fear struck Iris through the chest, and she found herself reaching out- even though she was seated so far away. Her mouth opened to call a warning, but before she could, Obsidian spoke first.
"Want."
Simultaneously, the surrounding crew erupted into roars of delight, and groans of disappointment.
"Hard luck!"
"Haha, that's my captain!"
"Better luck next time!"
"It's been so long, what did you expect?"
"Wait ..." Iris said incredulously, the gears slowly clicked into place. "Were they betting on whether or not he would come down?!"
It certainly seemed that Obsidian had no inclination of fighting, as he lowered his head to Circe complacently. His sleek black hair swished over his face, momentarily covering his eyes.
Those eyes ... for a moment, Iris was sure she had seen a beast within them. The deep gold had taken on a yellowish tinge, his pupils had thinned, and Iris had been certain Circe was about to be devoured.
Every instinct in Iris's body had screamed at her to run - so why was this man now standing with his head bowed so docilly? Iris was still on edge, her instincts winding her muscles taunt and ready. To the side, she could see Gabriel felt the same.
It was then Circe pulled something out from her neckline.
A necklace?
Iris watched in disbelief as the woman lifted the chain from around her neck to slip it over Obsidian's lowered head. There was a ring at the end of the chain that appeared solid black in colour. It emitted a subtle sparkle as it settled into place on its owner's chest, suggesting the hint of some expensive stone set within.
That's what she had been tempting him with? Bemused, and somewhat relieved, Iris sagged back in the hammock. Circe had certainly strung her along.
"What in the hell ...?" She heard Gabriel mutter. Her guard looked just as mystified as she. Slowly, his expression creased into a frown. "That man ... could he be-?"
"What?" Iris asked curiously. "Do you know him from somewhere?"
Gabriel seemed lost in thought for a moment, before shaking his head. "No. No, I don't but-" He trailed off again, and Iris shrugged. Glancing back, she found Circe looking her way. The other woman was held firmly in the embrace of her husband and as she opened her mouth to speak, he lowered his head, appearing to whisper something in her ear. Circe's cheeks went pink.
'I'll see you later!' The other girl mouthed.
Iris's blush returned in full force. She may have misread the situation earlier, but she would have to be an idiot to misinterpret it this time.
Circe grinned cheekily before tugging on Obsidian's hand and leading him back through the crowd. Embarrassment fading, Iris watched them go thoughtfully.
'His bark is worse than his bite.' That's what Circe had said. Iris sighed. Who was she to judge really? Darius hadn't exactly been pleasant when she had first met him either. Perhaps Obsidian was just-
Stay away from her.
The cold voice forced its way into Iris's mind without warning. The intrusion was so unexpected that she almost fell out of the hammock. Her eyes darted towards him, unconsciously aware of the danger.
Obsidian glared daggers at her from the entrance to the captain's quarters moments before the door snicked closed, leaving his parting threat lingering in her mind.
You had your time. Now back off.
This time Iris was certain.
For a moment, that man had stared at her with the eyes of a dragon.
-