Against all Flags (Closed for CGRaven and Myself)

[caela]

Natalya St. Cloud stared out over the water around her with a soft smile. Her father had finally given in to her wish to go visit her Uncle John and Aunt Charlotte but only with the understanding that Aunt Charlotte herself would come to England and fetch her. Natalya felt sorry for her aunt because the poor woman suffered from seasickness and had barely been able to get out of her bed for the last week. She'd cared for her initially but when Charlotte realized that Natalya didn't suffer from the rocking of the ship the way she did she sent her out to explore which Natalya was glad to do.

Natalya was a kind, sweet, somewhat thoughtless and very spoiled young woman. At 19 she was her father's only child and his last link to her mother who had died giving her birth. Since he couldn't provide her with a mother he gave her everything her heart desired and put few strings on anything offered. Making Charlotte come to get her was the first time that Natalya could remember him truly putting his foot down about anything. He couldn't take her and a hired chaperone was simply not good enough for the Duke St. Cloud's daughter.

Shaking her head to clear it of her thoughts she reached up to free a masss of golden ringlets, letting the sea air whip them about her face and body with a soft laugh that carried across the deck. She'd seen the way the sailors looked at her and was gratified to know they found her attractive though they also knew she was a Dukes daughter and wouldn't dare approach her. With her flashing grey eyes, creamy complexion, firm breasts, trim waist and gently sloping him that led to long shaply legs, she knew she drew attention. Unlike most girls of her position however she didn't conciously use her looks to get what she wanted.

They certainly didn't hurt however, especially with her family. She was the spitting image of her mother and that fact alone served to get her nearly anything she wanted from her father, grandparents and her aunts and uncles.

Now however she aboard a ship and the rules were different. She made sure she showed all the sailors the same respect she would her own uncles - just as her father had told her to - and she did her best to stay out of their way while they worked.

Seeing a smudge on the horizon she stared out at it for a long time before finally stopping one of the sailors whose name she knew, "John, what is that? It looks almost like another ship from here, is it?"

 

[cgraven]

Against All Flags.

Edward Williams had come from a fine New England Family. He had is own pew at the South Street Meeting House in Boston, a pillar of the community and yet he railed against the ridged Puritanical society of Boston he long for the freedom of the High Seas. In his youth he had sailed as a cabin boy on one of his father’s ships, then as a mate and finally as a Master. Yet Society dictated he spend his time ashore as a proper merchant. Queen Ann’s War gave Edward Williams the opportunity to escarp the land Governor Shirley had call for Privateers and had offered Letters of Mark to all that would answer the call to sail against the French. Edward answered that call and with his letter of mark in hand he took the brig “Charity” to sea.

The “Charity” was a trim, and nimble little brig mounting twenty four cannon. Her crew was drawn form the docks, and taverns of Boston a rough lot eager to make their fortune in the name of King and country. Yet as the weeks dragged into months few prizes where found, the English blockade of the French cost left little pickings off the North American coast. The crew became surly their dreams of easy riches and fat French prizes evaporating. Where their where few French prizes to be had English shipping abounded and William’s and his crew decided to turn from Privateer to Pirates. Striking the Kings color they decided to sail Against all Flags and take their prizes where they could. Abandoning the cold storm tossed coast of New England and Canada they set sail for the Caribbean and the rich hunting grounds of the spice trade making Aruba in the Dutch West Indies their bas of operations.

Sail Ho three points to starboard came the call from the fore tops..

“Ease your helm Mr. Wright steer three points to larboard we shall over take her to night and strike in the morning if she be worth our time.”

Captain Edward Williams knew that a swift strike would ensure an easy capture of his quarry. The night was spent overhauling their victim by dawn she was in the “Charity’s” wake now was the time to make preparations. Williams ordered wet wood put on the galley fire and watched as smoke billowed up and through the rigging. He wanted the “Charity” to look as if she where in distress to draw his quarry to him. the crew crouched low against the rail the guns manned and they waited. He watched as the lumbering merchant man hauled into view, shortened sail and came along side . He knew the Master thought he had found a derelict and an easy prize to line his pockets.

“Fire”

The “Charity’s” guns racked the merchant mans rigging grappling hooks drew the ill fated ship along side and William’s and his crew stormed aboard the vessel.

 

[caela]

Word of the ship that Natalya had been the first to see spread quickly across the ship and she was ushered back into her cabin with her aunt before she could even ask what was going on. Waiting for over an hour she at last emerged once more to find everything calm and all the crew quiet. Resuming her post once more at the railing she watched the other ship slowly grow closer throughout the day. When night fell it was closer than before but so much so that she thought to worry about it.

Cannon fire woke her the next morning.

The ship shook with it and her aunt screamed but Natalya was to startled to be afraid and to curious to think clearly. In her nightdress and robe she ran from the cabin without thought for her own safety. On deck she learned fear. There was a battle going on the likes of which she'd never thought to see. They'd been attacked by pirates! Everywhere she looked there were men with guns and blades drawn and blood seeping across the deck in red rivults.

She stood rooted to the spot with fear. She couldn't flee, there was no where to go and she quickly realized that her crew was going to lose their fight. It seemed they realized it too and it was quickly over, the crew and captain surrendering to the pirates. She couldn't blame them for choosing to live to sail again though she did wonder what it would mean for herself and her aunt as the only women currently on board.

 

[cgraven]

Williams Led away the boarding party as was his custom the fight was hard no quarter given until the other Captain capitulated. Williams knew well there was nothing to be gained by a prolonged fight the quick it was the sooner it was over the less loss of men on his part.

The defeated Captain and his crew where gathered in the waist of the ship. Mr. Wright was the one who had spotted the young blonde beauty dressed only in her shift and a robe and unceremoniously flung her down into the waist as other searched the vessel. One sailor dragging Natalya’s aunt to join the vanquished. Edward Williams stood on the quarter deck his legs spread and braced to the roll of the ship. His ginger hair shimmering in the sunlight a touch of gray at the temples his skin kissed by the sun ruddy and wreathed, he stood a good head above the other in height. Several pistols where stuffed in the sash around his waist, a cutlass in his hand. He was a powerful man in build and his mastery of his crew was obvious. William’s was in all appearance what the society parlors of London but feared and admired, dashing, bold, and a rough. He swept his hat from his head bowing low he saluted his fallen advisory and the two women.

“ Sir My complements on a battle well fought.”

“He turned to Natalya and her aunt Ladies I do apologies for the inconvenience and the interruption of your voyage. Your names if you please.”

His very mode of speech denoted a man of education. Williams knew that women could fetch a hefty price either in ransom or on the block at Aruba it was merely a matter of determine where the greater value lay.

 

[caela]

"Ladies I do apologies for the inconvenience and the interruption of your voyage. Your names if you please.”

Natalya glared up at the Captain who had attacked their ship. She didn't like the man on sight, mostly because she sensed that here was a man who would not give way to her whims but would stand firm and force her to bend to his will or break. She'd never felt so out of control and she didn't like it...not in the least.

Tossing her head she met his gaze squarely showing no fear of him or his men, "My name is Natalya St. Cloud, daughter of Duke St. Cloud. This woman is my Aunt, Charlotte Thompson, wife of Henry Thompson of Jamaica. As you can see she suffers dreadfully from seasickness and would be best cared for by allowing her back to her bed where she might rest. This excitement isn't good for her in the least."

Her voice carried a ring of authority and it was clear that she was used to being obeyed. It was also clear that she was worried for her aunts health and one look at the older woman made it clear why. This was not a woman born to the sea and she looked as if she could become violently ill at any moment. She was pale and far too think in the manner of a person who hasn't been able to keep food down in some days.

"You'll be handsomely paid no doubt for returning us to our families but that payment won't be nearly so much if my aunt dies."

 

[cgraven]

Edward could see that the flaxen haired beauty had metal. The way she tossed her head, the way she met his gaze squarely showing no fear, and her bold brazen way that she spoke to him.

"You'll be handsomely paid no doubt for returning us to our families but that payment won't be nearly so much if my aunt dies."

Her voice carried the edge of authority, of one use to giving commands, and having them followed without question. Yet a ship could have but one Captain and he was now master of both.

“Mr. Wright see Mistress Thompson to her cabin, Mr. Jarrod See Lady St. Cloud aboard the Charity and My Cabin.”

Again the Cavalier sweep of his hat a low mocking bow. Mr. Jarrod held his hand out to Natalya, he grin showed several missing teeth. It was quite clear that the two women where to be separated. And she was to be held for ransom. When Mr. Wright again appeared on deck he was directed to take charge of the prize and to transfer all of value from its holds to the Charity.

 

[caela]

“Mr. Wright see Mistress Thompson to her cabin, Mr. Jarrod See Lady St. Cloud aboard the Charity and My Cabin.”

Natalya's eyes flared wide at hearing she was being seperated from her aunt and sent to this strange Captains ship...not just his ship but to his cabin! Holding her head high she was set to argue but thought better of it. It would gain her nothing to play the shrew and seek to shame him before his own men, in fact it would likely only hurt her. Instead she held his gaze a moment longer, her displeasure clear in her eyes before she took the hand of the man he'd ordered to lead her away.

Waiting impatiently in his cabin she paced back and forth. She'd drawn her robe tighter around her body, ensuring that it covered her as much as it could, preserving what modesty was possible. She'd have felt less intimidated by her situation if she'd been fully dressed but she was determined not to show that she was intimidated at all despite her lack of proper clothing.

Tossing her head spiritedly she continued to pace and muttered curses under her breath, curses no Lady should know but she'd spent just enough time aboard the ship to pick up some of the crews more colorful turns of phrase and she was unaware of the Captain entering during her little tirade.

 

[cgraven]

Natalya's eyes flared wide at hearing she was being separated from her aunt and sent to this strange Captains ship. This firry young wench did peek Edwards interest she hardly seemed to have the cut of a lady but rather that of a spoiled willful brat.

Williams was kept quite busy for the next hour or so as he oversaw the plunder of the prize. He took everything of value leaving the crew only enough rations to make Jamaica and little to spare if they became becalmed. When he finally did return to the Charity her heard the most unlady like from his young guest.

“ Lady St Cloud what would the Duke sat to such language?”

Captain Edward Williams voice had a taunting quality to it and his eyes sparkled with a devilish gleam.

“And your manner of dress Lady St Cloud is most provocative.”

 

[caela]

“Lady St Cloud what would the Duke sat to such language?”

Spinning on her heels she was once more aware of her lack of proper clothing. Damn him for being so much more dressed than she was! Even her feet were bare!

"Likely he'd say the situation called for it but that I'd spent too much time aboard a ship as well."

“And your manner of dress Lady St Cloud is most provocative.”

"My manner of dress is that of a Lady woken from a sound sleep by her ship being attacked and could quite easily be remedied by the return of trunks which would have my clothing in them. I've no doubt at least a few of them made it onto this ship with the intention of selling the gowns for profit.

What I am worried about however, Captain, isn't my appearance or my clothing but my aunt. If I am here on this ship who is to care for her? How will she make it home without me to watch over her?"

 

[cgraven]

What I am worried about however, Captain, isn't my appearance or my clothing but my aunt. If I am here on this ship who is to care for her? How will she make it home without me to watch over her?"

“ I would agree with your Father Lady St Cloud that you have spent to much time at sea, yet I believe your arrogance and lack of decorum comes from and idle youth my dear.”

The way the young beauty’s flashing grey eyes as threatening as any storm clouds and sea. William’s took his time studying Natalya St. Cloud’s stunning figure that her night gown and flimsy robe afforded him. Her creamy complexion, firm breasts, trim waist and gently sloping hips that led to long shapely legs, and her flaxen hair in wild disarray hanging in golden ringlets to frame her angelic face. The Captain had not mentioned her trunks or her gowns for as far as he was concern they had been forfeited as part of the plunder.

“If you would be so kind as to write a letter to your uncle Sir Thomas and inform him that your ransom will be 500 golden duckets to be paid in one month’s time in Aruba. Any failure to pay will result in other arrangements being made to gain the value you represent.”

Williams watched as the significance of his statement struck home. The parlors of London where full of the most ghastly tails of young ladies’ honor being ruined if their ransoms where not paid promptly.

“As for your aunt she will continue on to Jamaica to deliver the letter.”

 

[caela]

“If you would be so kind as to write a letter to your uncle Sir Thomas and inform him that your ransom will be 500 golden duckets to be paid in one month’s time in Aruba. Any failure to pay will result in other arrangements being made to gain the value you represent.”

Natalya's eyes narrowed sharply her fury evident but she was wise enough to know she had no true recourse against this man. Unless she could bend him to her will she was nothing more than a prisoner and she knew it well. He could just as easily toss her over the side of his ship if he chose and hold her for ransom. She'd right his damned letter but she didn't have to like it...or him.

“As for your aunt she will continue on to Jamaica to deliver the letter.”

Her aunt. For the first time her face showed something other than anger. True concern crossed her face as she worried about her aunts health. The woman was already ill and now with all the excitement of the attack and losing her neice...she just wasn't sure how the dear woman would manage it.

"She needs someone to care for her, she ill and the attack is likely to make her worse. Please," she said softly. She hated to beg but she loved her aunt and didn't want anything worse to befall the woman on her account.

 

[cgraven]

Edward saw Natalya's eyes narrowed sharply her fury evident in those very stormy and expressive grey eyes of hers the color that rushed to her cheeks tinting them pink, was delightful and he was mildly surprised at how she choked down her rage choosing discretion as the better part of valor.

"She needs someone to care for her, she ill and the attack is likely to make her worse. Please,"

She said softly. Williams could see how she hated to ask this favor to beg, and yet for the first time he saw the flaxen haired beauty’s eyes soften and shine with to concern for her aunt.

“I fear it will be impossible for you to accompany your aunt Lady St Cloud, for I doubt Sir Thomas will pay a ransom for you if you are safely in his hands.”

There was an undeniable truth in what the Captain said and a bird in hand was worth more than two in the bush.

“I will let you give the letter to your aunt Lady Charlotte and see to it that she is resting comfortably, and I will send my cabin boy Jeremy to tend to her needs.”

Suddenly Williams voice became very serious and his own eyes became dark and threatening.

“If the lad is abused in any way you will be the one who pays the consequences.”

Williams’ voice soften and a smile creased his weathered face.

“And you shall assume his duties aboard the Charity”

 

[caela]

“I will let you give the letter to your aunt Lady Charlotte and see to it that she is resting comfortably, and I will send my cabin boy Jeremy to tend to her needs.”

Hearing that he would at least send someone to care for her aunt her gaze softened and she was about to thank him for that small kindness when his own gaze grew hard and he threatened her. Once more her eyes narrowed and anger ruled her heart. The man was insufferable! Still she managed to bite her tongue to keep from ranting at him like a shrew though her body trembled with anger and her fists were clenched so tightly at her sides that her nails dug into her palms. She could feel warmth welling up around them but didn't realize she'd actually sliced her palms open with her nails and that the warmth she felt was her own blood.

“And you shall assume his duties aboard the Charity”

He looked entirely too pleased with that idea which made her wonder just what his cabin boys duties were. No way to know but to ask.

"And just what pray tell would such duties include Captain" she all but sneered his title. She was losing control of her temper dealing with this man when what she wanted to do was claw his eyes out.

 

[cgraven]

At first the young beauty’s eyes softened at William’s offer to let her see her aunt. But quickly hardened again at the veiled threat of retribution if harm fell to Jeremy. How could this flaxen haired beauty coming from her pampered life in England now of the harsh realities of this New World where a man’s fortunes where made not by an accident of birth but by what he could take with his own two hands or the treachery of men like Lord Thomas and the other Jamaican Planters.

"And just what pray tell would such duties include Captain"

She all but sneered his title. She was losing control of her temper dealing with this man when what she wanted to do was claw his eyes out.

William’s attention as pointedly brought back to the present by the haughty sneer of con tempt in Natalya's voice. And he decided that this proud young beauty needed to be humbled.

“Jeremy is responsible for serving me my meals, brushing my boots, washing and cleaning my quarters as well as seeing to my comfort.”

William’s saw the shock in the proud English beauty’s eyes that she would become his servant until the Cabin Boy’s return.

“Now go see to your aunt’s comfort you have two hours. Jeremy escort Lady St Cloud to her aunt Lady Charlotte.”

The young lad no more than 15 summers escorted Natalya to her aunt. When she was gone Edward took a pair of breeches and a shirt from his sea chest. The breeches would leave her legs bared below the knee and would fit the young beauty like a second skin, the shirt’s deep cut yoke would be scandalous. He laid them out on his bunk with a crimson ribbon that would bid her hair back like a young boy’s.

 

[caela]

“Jeremy is responsible for serving me my meals, brushing my boots, washing and cleaning my quarters as well as seeing to my comfort.”

Natalya's eyes smoldered with banked fury and promised retribution for this. She was not a servant! She was the daughter of a Duke and she wouldn't forget that even if this arrogant son of a bitch sought to humble her. Holding her head high she followed his cabin boy from the cabin and back to her own ship without so much a single word spoken to him after he told her she had two hours with her aunt.

Rushing into her aunt's cabin she fell into the older woman's arms and held her tight glad to see she was doing better than Natalya had expected.

"You have to rest and recouperate Aunt Charlotte. You have to be strong. This boy will see to your needs as the Captain of the other ship has decided to keep me prisoner and hold me for randsom. He wants 500 gold ducats within a months time delivered to Aruba. Send Uncle Henry to my Father. You aren't to board a ship ever again. If I'd known how ill it would make you I never would have let you come after me in the first place!"

"Sweet child," her aunt said hugging her as tightly as her weakened state allowed. "Do as the Captain wishes and be a good girl, give him no cause to harm you while you're on his ship. He has a reputation for being as honorable as a Pirate can be and all his prisoners have been freed so long as their families pay their ransoms."

"He's naught but fiend of the vilest sort but I'll try to do as you ask aunt Charlotte. Oh! You must make sure no harm come to the lad there Aunt Charlotte or the ransom will be forfeit and the Captain will simply sell me off to the highest bidder. I know Uncle Henry has a temper so send the lad off as soon as the ship docks, don't even give him a chance to get near the boy."

Charlotte's eyes widened at the threat to her neice's safety over a boy and nodded her head. Taking the letter that Natalya had written her father she sighed and lay back against her pillows. Natalya could tell she was tired and she tucked her aunt in gently and fetched the pillows from her own bed, using them to make her aunt more comfortable.

Looking to the cabing boy as she left her gaze was hard but not unkind, "Take good care of her for me...please."

With that she was escorted back to the Charity. The outfit she found laid out on the Captains bed for her to wear made her eyes narrow once more as she muttered under her breath, "He can't be serious!"

 

[cgraven]

William’s was setting in a dark corner of his cabin when the young beauty returned, His eyes had adjusted to the dim light of the cabin and he knew that hers would have not , coming from the brilliant sunlight of the noon sun. He watched her enter the fluid grace with which she moved. He saw the way her soft grey eyes narrowed the look of distain that marred the features of her angelic. Face. This proud young beauty could stir a man’s passions her eyes steal his soul.

"He can't be serious!"

Her voice was a soft and even as she muttered her distain he found it pleasing.

“Yes I am most serious Me Lady! Gowns of silk do not befit a cabin boy, for that is what you are now.”

William’s smiled in his dark corner as the girl spun on her heel at the sound of his voice.

“The Charity is nay a merchantman, and you are not a passenger all work here for their daily bread and all share alike. There are no Lords and ladies here girl.”

 

[caela]

“Yes I am most serious Me Lady! Gowns of silk do not befit a cabin boy, for that is what you are now.”

Natalya gasped at the voice behind her and spun around her first instinct to slap the man across his arrogant face but she clenched her fingers at her sides once more. The flare of pain from her palms as her nails sliced into already torn skin helping her keep her temper under some sort of control though she knew she was near to losing even that tenuous grip and said nothing when she once more felt blood welling up around her nails.

“The Charity is nay a merchantman, and you are not a passenger all work here for their daily bread and all share alike. There are no Lords and ladies here girl.”

Fighting to keep her temper in check she held his gaze firmly, fury smoldering in her grey eyes making them as dark as a summer stormclouds. Her nails bit deeper into her palms and she felt her blood running in warm rivults down her hand to drip on the floor and the hem of her robe and nightdress.

"It isn't the work I object to, it's the manner of dress you expect me to work in. That clothing is utterly scandalous and well you know it! You and your crew have already kidnapped and taken me hostage, are you looking to add rape to your list of atrocities because that's what that...that attire will tempt your men to."

 

[cgraven]

"It isn't the work I object to, it's the manner of dress you expect me to work in. That clothing is utterly scandalous and well you know it! You and your crew have already kidnapped and taken me hostage, are you looking to add rape to your list of atrocities because that's what that...that attire will tempt your men to."

Those flashing eyes threatening as a summer storm the ridged pasture the haughty way she held her chin only served to stir his passions. I one fluid swift movement William’s was at Natalya's side his arm snaked around her waist his hand catching her dainty wrist bending them behind her back His body crushed to hers. He could feel her supple strength and knew she could feel his hard body pressed to hers as well. Edward’s lips hovered a breath away from hers his dark hazel eyes a match for her own storm tossed eyes.

“Me Lady if I had rapping on my mind you would already be in my bed and precious little you could do about it.”

As if to punctuate his statement Natalya was caught in his iron grip no matter how she struggled, attempted to kick, or claw at him her efforts seemed pitiful and useless. As he spoke his lips brushed hers, his eyes steady as they held hers. They stood their in his cabin the gentle roll of the Charity in the swells, heaved to rolled sensually.

Williams’ felt the warm caress of the blood from Natalya's palms. He held her tighter and brought her wounded hands into his view.

“I admire your spirit girl but you have been very foolish……………………… Mr. Wright Hot Water and bandages if you please.”

The mate came running to do the Captain’s bidding and brought the supplies he called for and quickly left.

“Sit and give me your hands.”

Williams’ released Natalya and went to his desk to fetch a jar of sauve.

 

[caela]

Natalya growled softly in the back of her throat, the sound feral and angry as she struggled against him. He'd moved too quickly for her to dodge and his grip around her wrists was like iron! She struggled against him but he was simply too strong and she hadn't been raised to fight. She didn't know the best way to hurt him and he managed to rebuff all her efforts to even attempt to do so. She didn't like having to admit it - even to herself - but he was right, if he chose rape there would be nothing she could do to stop him.

“I admire your spirit girl but you have been very foolish……………………… Mr. Wright Hot Water and bandages if you please.”

Still glaring she wanted to wrench her hands away from his but his grip was like a vise and she was caught in it.

“Sit and give me your hands.”

She didn't like taking orders but he'd made it clear he could overpower her and she didn't think it worth a fight. She'd have to pick her battles carefully and so she sat and simply held her hands up not caring for the damage she'd caused them.

 

[cgraven]

If looks could Kill Edward knew that he would be laying dead on his cabin’s floor right now. Those flashing eyes glared at him even as she held her wounded hands out to him. Edward gently took the young beauty’s hands in his he held her right hand cupped in his as if it where a delicate bird. As tenderly as possible he washed the blood from her would and then dabbed his fingers into the suave. The powerful mixture laced with the juice of the poppy soothed the deep cuts in Natalya’s palms. He took clean linen strips to bandage her hand. He repeated the process with her other hand before letting it slip from his grasp. Slowly the opiate soothed the pain away leaving the young girl in a slightly drowsy and doped state.

“What do they call you girl?”

It was a simple question and his voice was soft and warm seeming to come from a far off place. William’s questioned her about her home and life as if they held great interest for him as the drug slowly took effect.

“ Your new life and attire await you it is time to change.”

Edward held out the shirt that would hang down to her knees.

 

[caela]

“What do they call you girl?”

Natalya looked up as if surprised at the sound of his voice. She felt strange. Lightheaded and warm. As if her mind had been wrapped in a warm blanket and everything seemed to come from far away.

"N-natalya," she answered in a dreamy, faraway voice.

She heard him asking questions and she answered but his voice was a nuisence. What she really wanted to do was sleep. There was a bed nearby, she was certain of that, why wouldn't he let her sleep?

“ Your new life and attire await you it is time to change.”

She saw the shirt he was handing her but in her drugged state it made no sense. It was a mans shirt, she couldn't wear that. The look on her face was utterly confused as if she couldn't quite piece together what it was he wanted.

 

[cgraven]

She saw the shirt he was handing her but in her drugged state it made no sense. It was a mans shirt, she couldn't wear that. The look on her face was utterly confused as if she couldn't quite piece together what it was he wanted.

William’s slowly stood and taking Natalya by the hands drew her to her feet slowly he slipped the rob from her shoulders. Letting it slide down her arms to pool at her feet. He saw the dim confusion in her eyes as his fingers slowly pulled the bow at the neck of her night dress open. His eyes feasting on the subtitle curve of her breast.

“Natalya it is time to change put the shirt on.”

Edward’s voice was soft and compelling and came to her form a far off place. His hands gently brushed her nightdress down on to her shoulders so she could remove it to put on the offered shirt. The girl drifted in a warm pink world where sleep was so seductive if only she could do as she was told then perhaps he would let her sleep. Had not her Aunt Charlotte told her.

"Sweet child, do as the Captain wishes and be a good girl, give him no cause to harm you while you're on his ship.

He watched holding his breath to see what this little angel would do.

 

[caela]

“Natalya it is time to change put the shirt on.”

Natalya had watched him as if from a dream as he'd pushed her robe from her shoulders and opened her nightdress. She no longer had the energy or hte inclination to fight with him but the shirt for some reason still bugged her. Why would he want her to put on a man's shirt? She couldn't make it make sense through the drug induced haze in her mind.

Did it really matter? It might be a silly request but it wouldn't hurt her and Aunt Charlotte had told her to behave and do as she was told.

Too drugged for modesty and hoping that once she was changed he would let her curl up and sleep she simply let her nightdress finish falling to the floor. It didn't occur to her to worry about the fact that there was nothing beneath the dress and that her body was now bared before her. She noticed the way his eyes roamed over her and seemed to drink in the sight of her soft skin and gentle curves but it simply didn't matter just now.

Taking the shirt from his hands she tugged it over her head and glanced up at him as the material fell to her knees. The opiate was now working it's way deeper into her system and she was finding it even harder to focus, she really did just want to lay down and hoped he would at last let her sleep.

 

[cgraven]

Captain Edward Williams watched as Natalya’s night gown slid down her supple young body. Her breast where firm and high her abdomen flat and her legs where long and well toned. He watched as she stood there for a moment bared to him, the sparse tawny golden triangle that marked her maidenly treasure was so very enticing and so very tempting. This proud young beauty would be worth her weight in gold at the slave markets in Panama. Her pale golden beauty irresistible to some Spanish dandy, yet if her uncle was a prudent man then she would be safe with her aunt in Jamaica in a little over a month.

Edward watched as Natalya struggled into her shirt and when the ship took an unexpected roll to larboard she feel in to his arms. The Captain swept her off her feet and carried her to the small bunk that was Jeremy’s and laid her on it. He smiled down at her, smiled into her wide drugged eyes and slowly bent his lips to her fore head brushing it with a soft kiss.

“Sleep well my little wildcat and pray your uncle is a man of honor.”


Natalya Slept for three days and Captain Williams suspected she would wake with a rather bad hangover. He wondered at her reaction to find her only garment a man’s shirt that would expose a generous amount of cleavage.

 

[caela]

“Sleep well my little wildcat and pray your uncle is a man of honor.”

She didn't know what he was talking about and she didn't really care. She was laying down, that was all that mattered. Before he'd even turned away from her she was asleep.

When at last she woke it was with a low groan of pain. Her head was pounding, her mouth was dry and she felt sick to her stomach. She didn't get seasick so at first she wasn't sure what was wrong with her. Then she remembered the Captain bandaging her hands and the lightheaded feeling that had followed.

"Bastard!" she hissed through clenched teeth realizing he had drugged her.

Looking down and seeing herself dressed in only a man's shirt she growled softly and flung herself from the bed which she quickly realized was a very bad idea. Her head felt like it wanted to split apart and her stomach lurched in a way that told her that if she'd had anything in it it would have come back up.

With a low groan she sank to her knees, unable even to make it back to the bed.