The escape from the Castle

-FAITH?

The voice was loud and annoyed when he saw the girl lying on the floor awkwardly. Even more incredulous, Richard shook his head. Faith was sprawled on the floor of her cabin, bringing with her the rest of the objects left on her bed. It was a total mess in your organization when looking around the corners, taking a deep breath.

-What the hell! What a hot little closet. How can anyone stay inside? -The girl complained.

Containing his initial irritation, Richard sighed as he set feet to lift it without any delicacy.- You should have seen the covers. Most still complain about the incoming seawater ... but what the hell! What are you doing on board at Gaia, girl?

Faith looked up at him with glowing eyes. Ah, she was not a child. He didn't think of treating her like a willing child. He straightened up, tying his hair behind his ear, without letting go of a small triple-bladed sword.

-I needed to embark, didn't I? You were to blame! This is all your fault. - The explanation seems very obvious. Richard hissed in amazement. The girl was certainly bold.

She looked even more annoyed at the men's clothes she wore. God had mercy on him. It is a crew on board the ship of almost a hundred men. He tried not to notice the clothes that marked outlining the curves of the female body with evident disapproval. She was naturally going to create a motif on the deck of BlackGaia. Worse than that! William would skin him when he found out that his daughter against all his denials had clandestinely boarded the vessel. He was suddenly experiencing unknown terrain.

The part was amazed at the satisfaction he was feeling, knowing that Kaios would not have a bride nearby to put his damn paws on the girl. Another, more sensible part said that she was in trouble. How would he explain the presence of a woman in his cabin? The girl's reputation would be ruined.

He scratched his head in astonishment. Will, with all the reasons, would demand that he take over his daughter to safeguard her honor.-I warned you that you would not board Gaia Black. The trip to Chabone ...Faith listened to the recriminations with little regard.-Didn't you expect me to stay at the castle? I told Will that I am not going to marry Kaios. My opinion should be taken into account. I don't intend to marry him. Cassie...

.-I'll resolve your sister's issue. I promised you. Who do you think will be wrong with those damn clothes, woman?

The tighter pants defined the narrow hips and suggestive curves, and the shirt did not hide the contour of the breasts even with the coat. He groaned uncomfortably at the sight. It didn't make much difference to be naked.

-Works with Cassie! - Faith declared decidedly and stubbornly. - It just needs a few touches. - She agreed as she looked in the mirror to Richard's despair. - I think I can choose the band to disguise the breasts. It will be perfect. Nobody will even notice! Richard opened his mouth to protest and closed it again.

Would anyone notice? Simple as that? Well, he had noticed.

-I'm taking the ship back to Garonne! - decided too stunned. He looked at Faith like an awkward little boy. She was very natural about being there alone with him. He was in trouble! No one would take his word for it. Everyone would think he had decided to bring the girl. Even more so after the argument with Will. A sigh of regret escaped his mouth.

-You can't take the ship back! - Faith grabbed his arm boldly. Only the feel of the female hand on his skin made Richard contract. Faith had plummeted without any warning in her life. God, what would he explain to the Council?

He pressed his forehead with a terrible headache.-I can't take you with me to Chabone.

- He protested. - Be sensible. At least one time. Will is going to kill me. Your reputation ...Faith looked at him with a sly, satisfied smile lit up her pretty face.

-Fairly. It's brilliant, don't you see? With a ruined reputation, Kaios will be forced to find another bride. Problem solved. Richard's stunning gaze fell on her paralyzed.

- You're not serious. How do you think I'll explain ...Faith smiled radiantly at the brilliant idea. It was perfect. No more marriage.

-Do not worry. I will tell Dad that you are innocent. - She registered with all the calm in the world. Richard's amazement was limitless.

"Are you going to explain to your father that I ruined your reputation and that I'm still innocent?"

He started to get angry.

-Naturally. Can you imagine the absurd? I have my savings, my mother's inheritance. I will not hand it over to Kaios just because he is a man. - She started to ignite giving vent to indignation. - Do you think I need a husband to take care of me? I know how to take care of myself. I can very well work and support myself.

-How's a story? What you are talking about has no meaning. -Richard was rolling his eyes rudely. Faith didn't even notice the discomfort of the man beside her.

- Exactly. Women can and must learn to read and write. Actively participate in the decisions of the Council, but it is formed only by old men, stuck to traditions. Cassie's question should have been voted on. Naturally, I would vote to be left alone. Richard cleared his throat tightly, hiding an ironic smile.

-In addition to being against marriage, would you also like to vote? he asked as calmly as possible. Faith nodded resolutely.-I had an excellent education. I can write and read.

-God have mercy and protect me. Richard groaned desolate. Never before had I heard Morgan or Michael comment that the girl was a feminist.

-Oh, that! It's because? Faith looked at him, outraged.

- I can handle a sword or a pistol, maybe better than you. But you are a man. That gives rights. I am not getting married to be a man's property. They can do whatever they want. A woman cannot do anything. Marriage is just a male invention. Richard whistled in disbelief.-Normally, a young woman is expected to ... marry ...

-That's right. Have children and take care of the house. They are treated as goods for advantageous unions between clans without anyone caring what they want. I don't intend to get married myself. My education is better than most here. Oh, come on! Do not worry. You won't even notice my presence.

He blinked, stunned and miserable. Wouldn't you notice? Their weapons were in total disorganization. The girl had rummaged in everything. Her eyes landed on the spring sword she held. God help him. A woman on board who knew how to handle pistols and swords! Willian should be banned from raising and educating female daughters. He widened his eyes even more in annoyance. Very pressed, he took a pistol from her hands that she held indifferent to the protests. She messed up and messed with everything. It was crazy! And it wasn't that! A woman defending women's rights !? He didn't deserve it.

-Don't touch it! It will break! Look at this mess! - he shouted with a new wailing groan. God, Faith! I can't keep a woman in my cabin. The clumsy young woman stepped on rulers and compasses trying not to notice his displeasure.

Richard was no different than Jackie or Morgan. Patience was enough. Michael was tired of complaining that his older brother was surly. He smiled a confident smile.-Do not be silly! It's perfect! Why not? If you want I can stay on deck and ...Richard swore angrily. He wasn't going to be seduced by the girl's delicate smiles. She was a terror! He shook his head in amazement! In fact, she was absolutely beautiful and provocative in those tight, masculine clothes.

-Are you going to stay in my cabin? Are you going to stay in a cabin with a man who is not your husband? - It was his final defense. She was going to reflect and realize the foolishness of her carelessness. I a ...

Faith laughed admiringly.

-And why not? - She was surprised. - It may even be more convincing with Dad. I can say that I'm pregnant ...

Richard gasped and cursed again. Hell! It wasn't her brother. In fact, Michael and Morgan did too much for Faith.

-Be sensible. - He pleaded without hope. - I am a man. And you are... How can I expect to share a cabin with me? Are you going to make up that you're pregnant, probably a child of mine to escape Kaios?

Faith shrugged.

-Do not worry. - She joked making honeyed and dramatic looks before smiling. - I won't throw myself at you. At least like most of your lovers. He sighed in astonishment as she sat down heavily.

-But...

-Ah! It makes no difference. - She remained very satisfied. - I can sleep on the floor. A ruined reputation would be instrumental in forcing Dad to give up on arranging a wedding. Imagine having to endure a man telling you what you should and shouldn't do.

-And when do you want to get married? - he wanted to know, not satisfied.

-Who said I'm going to get married? Faith laughed loudly. - It's absurd. I hated being kissed.

Richard sighed without words. Had I hated being kissed? The decided words made him angry again. The girl would not compare him to Kaios! I was very different. In general, women came looking for him. Faith was forgetting the detail that he was a man and was not flattering.-You'll want to get married.- Not at all. Kisses are horrible! Imagine a wife's obligations! - She commented quite naturally to his horror.

Faith began to seriously worry that the captain would change the ship's course. That would be the end of all his plans.-

I can make you a proposal. Richard looked at her carefully.

- Should I be afraid of this proposal? he asked fearfully. A long silence elicited another groan from Richard.

-You leave me free to get to Chabone! - In return .... good if we are going to share the same room...The man shook his head in amazement. I wasn't listening well. She couldn't be so bold as to guarantee she wouldn't be taken back against her will, could she?-AND ...-Well, at least once ... since you think I'm going to regret it so much not to get married, could you show me what I missed ...

He cleared his throat even more awkwardly, frowning. I hadn't quite understood.-As well?-You can teach me the secrets of lovers. - She suggested curiously as she approached him. Richard looked at her, frowning more.

- Secrets? You mean ... God, Faith! You don't know what you're talking about! Faith looked back at him with innocent curiosity at his shocked countenance.-You don't know what you're asking for. - There was irritation in the male voice when returning.

Still, Richard's eyes admired her beauty. You should be sorry or ashamed of your proposal. Did she believe he was too foolish to be convinced by her nonsense? He had no doubt that a girl was up to something? The offer was too tempting. It was an attempt at manipulation. He really wanted to find out if the girl would have the courage to go through with it? Did she test her honor?

-Are you offering me a night of passion?

Faith nodded without considering the consequences. So, she could imagine any way to escape.-It would be just between the two of us, you can't tell anyone.-I don't usually hang around and comment on my life."

-And wouldn't you think badly of me or despise me? You know ... well, after ...

Richard took a deep breath. What an amazing night it was. And to think that the journey had barely begun!

-I don't usually think of my lovers like that. Or despise them.

-Ah, and how will it be when ... good after ... - she hesitated without knowing the word she could use. Richard shook his head thoughtfully, leaving aside the images that came to mind with her proposal.

The girl can't be that bold. He got up with a sigh looking for a bottle of wine and a glass. Faith looked at the captain without looking away. I didn't believe what I had done. Had she even offered herself to him as if she were a simple woman of the night for the sake of freedom? God! She was no different than a prostitute. Only she also remembered the feeling of his arms around her when she was in his arms. Safety. He intended to make sure that no fiancé would be found for her. And what harm would it do if she chose her mate? At least his choice would be serious and he would not be forced against his will.

Slowly she approached Richard, cautiously.- Was that a no? she asked with an act of courage she didn't know. A longer sigh suddenly broke the silence. What was the sassy girl up to? Richard sipped the wine, smothering new plagues. I didn't even know the reason for refusing the offer. Apparently, the girl was more of a virgin. Usually, he liked experienced women.

Deep down he was hoping that Faith wasn't innocent. There would then be no reason to decline the offer. A few months earlier, the former lover had married. There was Mayra, of course. Mayra was a beautiful courtesan in Chabone who entertained him a few times although his main occupation was to create problems. The gypsy seemed determined to become the future Mrs. Morgan and Rick somehow facilitated the woman's aspirations to the council's despair.

-And what do you intend to do, Faith? - decided to attack. - A loving adventure? Is there anything you don't want to do or refuse to do? In addition to getting married, of course!

Faith bit her lip, uncertain. God loved! What was she doing?

-There ... well, I don't know. - She seemed hesitant and it was not usually her behavior. –I've never done this before. Cardiac arrest. The ground disappeared. You can't believe your bad luck! Richard coughed, choking. Rays! Was she a virgin?

He looked at the well-built girl, noting the smooth curves of a well-made body. How? Why not? If a girl was that feminist? What the hell!-Are you a virgin? he asked, astonished. It is a small detail that I will correct. - Faith blushed embarrassed.

Richard could swear. He had mistakenly believed that the girl was not innocent for her extravagances. He needed to change the route of Gaia.-You are a virgin and solved simply that it is a problem that will solve? he snarled angrily. Has anyone ever kissed you before Kaios?

The question offended the girl. She for a moment remembered Jackie's quick, a stolen kiss and sighed.

-Of course, it is! Jackie, he ...Richard's face was skeptical. It's all right. She might already have been kissed, but she was still inexperienced. It was surprising that it brought satisfaction. It shouldn't make any difference to him.

Only Richard started to realize the detail that he liked having Faith there. I didn't want her to leave. What harm can you take away from the girl's virtue if she was determined? The offer was a temptation. He never wasted time with virgins. It meant angry parents demanding marriage. It would be a new experience for him. God! It was totally wrong. And why not after the Cassie disappointment? She had abandoned him because of money the Council had offered. She might as well find company and have fun...

-So? she asked, taking courage again. - You can help me, of course ... you have the experience, no? Hearing that you need to know ...

Richard choked again on the stunning wine. If he had experienced? Ah, damn sassy girl. He might as well show her that he had enough capacity to make her squirm just with his kisses. What did she think?

-Yeah ... I think ... I think I have some experience. - commented dryly. He looked out the cabin window, realizing that it was getting late.

It was best to lock the door before the crew wished to discover the stowaway in their cabin. He would also have the opportunity to quench the unwanted interest that the girl was beginning to arouse in him. He sighed indecisively. It could very well show the independent and feminist lady that a man could be a pleasant company with a woman. He reached out to touch the white skin of her hesitant arm.

What are you doing, man? You'll be in trouble!