"Princess, it was an accident," he cooed in a soft tease, letting a snicker escape. He never meant for his crew to go off into town and take you, of all people. They were just getting a break, and that was all he thought.

Now, back at the ocean, there wasn't an escape for you - no turning back. The crewmates tied you to the pillar below deck, just for 'safe keeping'.

The dimmed area didn't help the growing grogginess nor the throbbing headache from the medicated cloth that they had used. But, from the candles that lit the space, a sturdy, fit man stood back a few paces, leaning against the wall with a tilt of his head.