Skylark by Emily N. Madison

Author:Emily N. Madison [Emily N. Madison]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Morgan James Publishing
Published: 2022-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

I must not give anything away, for if I do, I have weakened myself and damaged my reputation.

Belladonna had to talk herself down before her appointment with Ephraim. As captain, and as a budding empress for heaven’s sake, she must not appear vulnerable. Her developing feelings for him could not overtake her. Even so, she hoped this small act of appreciation would remove those feelings from her heart altogether.

In the early morning light of the rising sun, Snaggletooth marched out of his cabin to find Ephraim. He was not hard to find; Ephraim could always be found anywhere near his station on the gun deck.

“Mr. Howell, the captain seeks a word with ye.”

“Right away, sir.” Ephraim dropped his cleaning kit (he had cleaned the guns well-nigh a thousand times) and made to see Belladonna.

What have I done to deserve the gauntlet this time? he pondered. Ephraim, as best he could, shied away from Captain Skylark. Not simply because he had won her good graces and wanted to stay in them, but because he hoped staying away would help him settle with the fact that no matter how lovely he found her, she would never be his. Before he could take another step, Snaggletooth grabbed his arm to stop him.

“But before ye see her, for she is not expecting ye for a quarter of an hour, I wanted to mention a few things to ye.” Snaggletooth raised his eyebrows. “For I know ye must have some questions about her. The crew talks, but there are some questions even they cannot answer.”

“I suppose I have a few questions.” Ephraim looked around, saw the men at their work listening indiscreetly. “But perhaps we should take this conversation elsewhere.”

“I understand.” The quartermaster nodded, acknowledging the listening ears around them. They left the gun deck and ascended to the helm, Snaggletooth dismissing the man at the wheel so he could take over. Once he had a firm grip on the spoked wheel, he nodded at Ephraim, indicating he was prepared for any question he might have.

“My first question is this: why are you allowing me to ask questions of the captain? I mean, is this a trick? I cannot do anything that’s going to get me killed.”

“Ye assume that I would tell ye if this were a trick?” Snaggletooth laughed, roaring and clapping Ephraim on the back. “Ye must decide for yourself what ye think. Yer own self-judgment will be needed in the days ahead.”

Ephraim considered his words. “You seem an honest man, and I know you are beloved among the crew, so I am not so sure you would betray me as such.”

“Alright then. Ye made yer decision; now ask away.”

“Blimey, I don’t even know where to begin.” Ephraim began to think, resting his head in his palm. “I guess I will start with this . . . because I have felt this deep down and have not seemed to have figured it out. The men, they know we are looking for the Isla del Dragón, but something tells me this is not simply a treasure-seeking visit.

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