Lydia

Lydia opened her eyes and sat up. The darkness of the room surrounded her. Her dream remained, the ghosts of it real in the blackness. The clarity of it made Lydia feel as if she could reach out and touch the images hovering before her eyes. She didn't move, barely breathed, not wanting to stir the dream.

Slowly the room took form and the dream faded. Lydia hugged her legs, feeling the emptiness that the dream felt behind. She blinked and tears spilled out. Her heart ached with a different type of sadness than the one she knew so well.

Zavier stirred beside her, rolling over. She could only just make out the outline of his face, shoulder, and arm.

She could wake him, curl into the comfort of his arms and fall back asleep.

But she didn't want to fall back asleep, afraid the dream would be wiped away with another.

Sliding her legs out of the blankets, she quietly slipped off the bed. She retrieved her silk robe from the edge of the bed and padded her way to the curtained balcony doors.

Gently, she parted the curtain and found the sky the dusky blue of early morning. On the balcony, Lydia wrapped her robe tighter around her, hugging herself. The chill of the dawn whispered against her face. Beyond the balcony she could see across the city, the houses still dark filled with her people.

Her people.

It still felt strange.

Her people.

Their Queen.

Her Kingdom.

She felt a tug in her chest at the thought of Zavier. Not only her Kingdom, their Kingdom. And one day...

"Lydia..."

Her name was spoken so soft it seemed to come to her from her dream. A call from the past. The corner of her mouth curled as she thought of her father and mother.

"Lydia?"

After two months of being Queen, Lydia had worried the presence of her family would leave her. But they were there. They were a part of the palace like the walls that kept it upright. Small things around her would remind Lydia of them. Remind her to be strong.

"Lydia!"

Lydia broke from her musings. She turned around, ready to call out to Zavier when he tore through the curtains. He let out a breath when he saw her.

"Love," he said, cupping her cheek. "Warn me next time when you are going to disappear."

She rested her hand on his chest, feeling the frantic beating of his heart.

"I'm sorry," she said.

Zavier smiled at her and kissed her forehead.

"It's fine. You're here." He encased her in his arms and she leaned against him. At home in the familiarity. "Was it a nightmare? I didn't hear you cry out."

Lydia couldn't find the words right away.

"I saw my father and mother," she said quietly.

Zavier kissed her head, understanding the type of pain her dreams caused. But this was different. This one had been... Lydia didn't know the word for it. She looked up at Zavier.

"I saw them... They were holding a baby." Zavier stilled. "Our baby."

Zavier pulled away, searching her face then glancing down at her stomach. He pressed his hand there, his eyes full of so much hope and excitement.

"No," Lydia said. "Not yet. But someday... One day."

Zavier smiled, storing his excitement away for another day.

"One day," he said.

Lydia nodded but felt her throat tighten and her eyes begin to sting. Zavier sobered, brushing his thumb over her cheek.

"Are you nervous for that day?" he asked.

"No. But I never imagined I would do it without them. I never imagined they would never get to meet..."

Zavier pulled her to him as if he could help carry the weight of her grief.

"Tell me what was the dream was like."

Lydia smiled against him. He couldn't banish her grief but he knew how to carry her through it.

"They were so happy." She chuckled. "My mother seemed to glow with pride. My father made cooing noises. I never heard my father coo before but he did for our baby."

"Our baby," Zavier murmured like he was making a quiet wish.

Lydia raised her head from his chest to gaze up at him. His eyes told her how much he loved the thought of creating a family with her. That love soothed the ache in her heart.

She would have a family again.

"One day," she said.

"One day."

They stayed locked in each other arms as the sun crested the horizon, flooding the sky with color and ushering in the new day.

*****

Alwyn

From where Alwyn hung in the rigging, the setting sun turned the whole world golden. It seemed to echo the evening's coming event. But Alwyn wasn't much affected by the cheery hue.

"I think it's ridiculous," she said, tying a rope with a lantern hanging from it to the rigging.

Across the way, Sparrow merely glanced at her then returned to his own task of knotting another line hooked around another lantern.

"They have barely known each other a whole season," Alwyn said.

"Have you ever known your brother to make a poor decision?" Sparrow asked.

He had her there. Cyrus was level-headed and logical. Alwyn would rush into something, not Cyrus. Alwyn sighed. This wasn't rushed. Even though she felt it was.

Laughter floated up from below and Alwyn peered down. The crew moved around the deck, wrapping everything in sight with colorful strips of fabric to give the ship a celebratory feel. At the helm, Wilder smiled at something Raif said as they both looped fabric through the wheel.

In the past few weeks, Alwyn had seen Wilder smile more, as he took on the role of West Isles Ambassador, than she'd ever imagined he would. Each time she saw his smile, she found her lips curling in response.

Finishing her task, Alwyn descended to the deck. When she stepped back to assess the effect of the hanging lanterns, she felt pleased. In the fading light, they sent out a warm glow that would only brighten with each passing hour.

At the sound of hooves on the cobblestones, Alwyn paused. A group of riders trotted onto the docks. Zavier lead the group, Lydia riding behind him, her arms wrapped around his waist. They and their guards were all dressed in plain clothes. Though it would fool no one, it also wouldn't draw too much attention.

Zavier dismounted and turned to help Lydia down. Alwyn knew the help wasn't needed. But the small gesture said so much, that Zavier simply wanted an excuse to hold her. When Lydia smiled up at him, Alwyn knew she didn't mind the gesture. Alwyn smiled to herself at seeing her friend's happiness. With everything Lydia had gone through, Alwyn couldn't help but admire how she still found reasons to smile.

As the pair headed towards the ship and the guards spread out to keep watch, Alwyn descended the stairs. Voices murmured from behind the captain's cabin door. Alwyn popped her head in, seeing Yasmine getting ready with the help of Isla.

"Lydia and Zavier arrived," Alwyn announced.

"We will be ready in a moment. Go see that your brother is ready."

Alwyn ducked out and made her way to the crew quarters. At the other end of the room, Cyrus gazed out the small window as he tucked his shirt into his trousers. To others, he would appear the same. But Alwyn saw a difference. Since becoming captain he stood taller. He wore an air of self-assurance and authority. The role of captain fit him in a way that being his first mate fit Alwyn. Like they were born for their roles.

"It's not too late," Alwyn said, holding onto one of the ropes holding up one of the hammocks. "I can still get into a brawl and be thrown in jail. You would have an excuse to get away to bail me out."

Cyrus laughed softly. "I thought your prison days were over. Unless it's needed to save a Kingdom."

"Then let's find a Kingdom that needs to be saved and I'll get thrown in jail."

Cyrus faced her, a kind light in his eyes.

"My love for Yasmine does not diminish my love for you," he said.

Alwyn didn't look at him.

"Did you stop loving me when you started loving Zavier? Do you not love Zavier now that you have Wilder?"

No to both. Her love for Zavier now was one of a long-time friendship. Love for Wilder? Love? She didn't know. He challenged her, encouraged her, annoyed her, and excited her. Half the time they spent together she wanted to fight him, and the other half she wanted to sit somewhere quiet and listen to his voice. Was that love? Did they have enough love left in them?

Long ago they'd both given their hearts away to other people. Were there enough pieces left of their hearts to give to each other?

"I don't doubt your love for me," Alwyn said. "But things will be different. She will be your confidante, your everything. And me..."

Cyrus laid his hands on her shoulders staring at her intently.

"And you will always be my first mate and my twin. You've screwed up enough in the past I could have abandoned you a long time ago." Alwyn punched his shoulder. "But I haven't. Marrying someone I love will not make me abandon you either. In fact, it might give me more patience with you."

Alwyn really hit him hard for that but Cyrus only laughed and hugged her. Alwyn hugged him back.

"Then we should get up on deck before Yasmine has second thoughts about you."

Cyrus shoved her and Alwyn grinned.

On deck the crew stood around waiting, all talking happily to each other. Cyrus took in the festive changes to the ship with an appreciative nod. Isla hurried up the steps behind them and called everyone to settle. Alwyn cut through the crew to snag a spot next to Wilder, who smiled at her. At the head of the loose semi-circle of people, stood Isla with Cyrus off to one side, Raif right next to him.

Silence fell over the ship as Yasmine emerged from below and took the arm of her brother. Dempsey beamed down at her but she only had eyes for Cyrus.

As Isla conducted the ceremony, Alwyn couldn't help but steal a glance at Wilder. Instead of looking at the couple at the front, he watched the couple across the way. Lydia held Zavier's hand, unconsciously leaning into him. Alwyn wondered what Wilder thought at that moment. His face was calm and his eyes betrayed nothing.

"We tie this sash," Isla said, wrapping a gold sash around Cyrus and Yasmine's joined hands. "to represent the new beginning these two lives are taking together." She looked between them. "I ask you to seal this moment." 

As Cyrus and Yasmine kissed, the whole crew shouted and cheered. Before the moment could fade, someone pulled out a fiddle and struck up a lively tune. Their hands freed, Cyrus swept Yasmine into his arms and they started to dance. Raif eagerly grabbed Isla's hand. Sparrow looked to a young Seau woman and asked her to dance. Zavier and Lydia quickly joined in followed by everyone else.

Alwyn wanted to dance with Wilder but she couldn't put from her mind the way he looked at Lydia and Zavier. Before he could ask her, she slipped away, finding solace on the aft deck where she could view the celebration.

Wilder followed her and claimed the spot beside her. She didn't say anything and neither did he. For a long while, they watched the dancing couples and those who had broken out a barrel of ale and passed around drinks.

"Do you ever wish it were different?" Alwyn asked, looking not at Wilder but the royal couple who seemed lost in their own world.

"Every day," Wilder replied.

The quickness of the answer hit Alwyn like a blow to the stomach. Wilder didn't see the effect it had, his eyes trailing the twirling pair.

"In one night she lost her whole family and the life she knew," he continued. "If I could change that, make it so she didn't have to be an orphan, I would." He looked at her then. "Wouldn't you?"

She nodded. She had her parents, Cyrus, and a crew that felt like family. She couldn't imagine living without any of them. But Lydia had to face a world where her family was no longer there. Yes, she wished it were different for her.

But that's not what she meant.

"What about you and her? Do you ever wish that was different?"

The edge of Wilder's lips curled in a wry smile. "In another life, I believe we could have found a way. But..." He shrugged casually even as his face sobered. "She's not the girl I knew. Same as I am not the boy she knew."

Wilder watched as Zavier dipped Lydia and her head fell back with a bright laugh.

"Even now, I find it hard not to see the terrified, broken girl who needed to be protected. But Zavier... Zavier sees her differently. He sees someone strong. That is who she needs."

Alwyn said nothing, absorbing Wilder's answer and finding a sense of peace in it. His love for Lydia was like her love for Zavier: a love that lived in the past of who they once were. 

Wilder lowered his eyes to the deck and crossed his arms. "Do you wish it were different? With you and Zavier?"

"As you said, we are different people than we were."

She would never have fit into his life, a life as a Prince that he could never run from.

Wilder nodded and his shoulders relaxed.

"You know, there is something about this life that I didn't expect," he said.

Alwyn turned to him, letting him be the only thing that took up her view.

"I have a choice," he said. He faced her. "A freedom I wouldn't have had before. A freedom that means I could go anywhere. Be anyone. Be with anyone... I get to choose."

Alwyn felt her heartbeat quicken at the certainty in his gaze. He cupped her face and Alwyn rested her hand on his waist.

"I choose you, Alwyn," he said, quietly.

Alwyn gripped his shirt as he leaned in and kissed her.

The earnestness of his lips filled every inch of Alwyn, even to the hole in her heart where a reckless girl's first love had lived.

When they broke away, she peered up at him with a soft smile.

"It's because I gave you an apology plant, isn't it?"

Wilder laughed as he slid his arm around Alwyn's waist and took her hand. Together they gently swayed to the music.

As they danced, Alwyn looked to the city they had helped recapture, to the ship that had brought them all together, and to the couple they had fought for.

"A West Isles Princess, a Lorian Prince, a royal guard, and a pirate," she said, gazing up at Wilder. "What a tale that will be to tell our children someday."

Wilder smiled back at her. "One day."

**********************************************************************

OH HAPPY DAY!! *kicks off shoes and starts dancing about*

I mean a ship is no vagabond camp but it's still a great place to dance! Join me?

This is it, the ships are sailing and there's no way to stop them. So, how do you feel? I did a ship switch-a-roo on you and I really want to know your thoughts on it now that it's all done. 👑🧜🏽‍♀️⚔️🛡

I've already said this but seriously thank you for going on this depressing journey with me.

This was such a labor of love because it was crazy challenging, but I think it turned out all right. Right? Please tell me you think so.

Though I love all my characters I still think Wilder is one of my favorites. Then Lydia because seeing that girl grow into such a strong character was amazing even to me!

I want to know if there was one character you felt you related to!

For me I think it's one of the brothers, probably Quinn because he loves his brothers but still jokes around with him.

Vote, comment, follow because there's always more to come!

I feel like this meme and Reel really embody the story!

But this was my response

[There should be a GIF or video here. Update the app now to see it.]

Don't worry, there's always more adventures to be had. I'm not even joking my book library had gotten so big it's insane!

A Secret Service [COMPLETED]
Kickbutt girl. Action. Mystery. Hot guy. Love.
Classified [On-going] (Companion to A Secret Service)
Open Case File [On-going] (Companion to A Secret Service)
Nothing Super [COMPLETED]
Superheros. Action. Mystery. Love. (Always)
Holding Back [COMPLETED]
Cliche boy next door turned on it's head. Love? Maybe. 😏
A Vagabond's Tale [COMPLETED]
Adventure. Fantasy. Court life. Love.
A Pirate's Tale [COMPLETE]
Action. Pirates. Danger. Kidnapping. Sword fights. Love
Three Weeks [COMPLETED]
New girl. Life guard. Wild adventures. Waffles. Love.
A Second Chance [COMPLETED]
Playboy singer. Small time singer. Contract. Love.
Celebrity Cruise [COMPLETED]
One week. Cruise worker. Famous singer. Love. 
Every Second [COMPLETED]
Pop singer. Drummer. One album. Love. 
Beyond The Barrier [COMPLETED]
Zombies. Action. BA girl. Love.
Mr. Write [COMPLETED]
Authors. Humor. Deadlines. Family. Love.
Tristan's Decision [COMPLETED]
A You Decide adventure book
It Happened One Night [COMPLETED]
A classic Boy meets Girl, gets stuck in an elevator and ends up fighting off bad guys.
Cece Write's A Book [COMPLETED]
Writer. Humor. Prequel to Mr. Write.

Till the next book!