Reading Seraphina by Tiago De Silva

Author:Tiago De Silva
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Published: 2018-01-28T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 25

Quintus sat in the small boat. His body swayed from side to side, and the edge of the boat knocked against the wall. He took a deep breath, and the sea’s saltiness invaded his nostrils. His eyes were fixated on a spot along the wall, his foot tapping against the floor of the boat.

Quintus closed his eyes and relived the memory of Seraphina kissing him. He smiled and sighed. The thought soothed him. He couldn’t wait to surprise her.

Imagine if his father could see him now. In a stolen fishing boat, waiting for a girl in the middle of the night. An Egyptian girl, at that. He would hit the roof. It wasn’t so ridiculous, he reasoned to himself. He was only borrowing the boat, not stealing it.

She appeared at the water’s edge, and was easy to spot. She looked so beautiful. He started to row the small boat, the sound of the waves covering his approach. Seraphina sat on the wall and looked up to the sky. He wondered what she was thinking. She looked so peaceful. He continued to row, until he was practically at her feet. She didn’t notice him. She was engrossed in the stars above.

‘Psst. Down here,’ whispered Quintus loudly.

Seraphina looked down with great amusement. A smile formed at the edge of her lips.

‘Surprise,’ said Quintus.

‘Hello there. Am I supposed to get in?’ she asked.

‘Of course. I am taking you for a romantic boat ride. A perfect night for it, wouldn’t you say?’

Seraphina dropped into the small boat, landing on her feet with ease. She draped her arms over Quintus’ shoulders and gave him a soft kiss.

‘I certainly would.’

Quintus wrapped his arms around her waist. He brought her body closer to his and kissed her back. It was a natural reaction. Distracted, he let go of the oars. He scrambled as he grabbed one, nearly falling into the water in the process. Seraphina caught the other one with ease.

‘A tad clumsy tonight, aren’t we?’ she said.

‘Sorry. My attention got diverted.’

‘That’s understandable. I don’t really blame you, you know,’ she said, laughing.

That smile. It is magnetic, thought Quintus.

She had a great sense of humour too.

‘One thing is for sure,’ said Quintus.

‘What’s that?’ asked Seraphina.

‘We’ll never need to worry about your confidence levels.’

‘I take that as a compliment.’

‘Glad to hear it. Now, are you ready?’

‘Absolutely. Where are we headed, Captain?’

‘You will see.’

Quintus rowed and the two of them talked. He took her further to the east, where the city ended, and the countryside began. She admired the beautiful moonlit landscape which was all new to her. She looked at Quintus, who was rowing and talking. Their eyes met, and they smiled at each other.

‘Thank you,’ said Seraphina.

‘For what?’

‘All of this. The surprise, showing me things I’ve not seen before. This is only the second time I’ve been on a boat.’

‘Is this better than the first time?’

‘I’d say so. The first time involved a trip to buy some spices.’

‘Spices?’ Quintus looked puzzled, screwing up his eyebrows.

‘It’s a long story.

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