Page 68 of Sea's Secret

“You know, the captain's cabin has a much better bed,” Peter said with a raised eyebrow, ignoring my second comment.

“That is where Dominick sleeps.”

“Yes, and yet I heard he claimed you last night as his lover.”

“He is a good man; he is trying to keep me safe from unwanted attention.”

“It is a brilliant idea. While my men are not bad men, you are hard to ignore. A very striking woman.”

I felt my cheeks heat and ducked my head. That was not the same feeling I had when Dominick had called me beautiful. Peter’s comments made me feel embarrassed.

“Captain wishes to speak with you, Prince Peter,” Sands said from behind me. I was startled and stood.

“Good morning, Meria.” Sands said with a kind smile.

“Sands,” I said with a nod and a wince. My neck really ached.

“Busy evening last night?” he asked with a wiggle of his eyebrows.

“Not really,” I choked.

He walked over to Peter's cell and unlocked it, motioning for him to move out of it. He closed the door behind him, and I pressed myself against the bars so they would have room to pass.

“See you later,” Sands called.

Peter turned to look at me with a smile, and I nodded to him.

Why was Dominick calling him to his cabin? Was he finally going to let him go? Would they work together?

I hoped so.

I made my way to the deck and watched the sea, hoping my neck would feel better with time.

“Meria!” I turned my face from the sea below to see Dominick standing before me.

“Hello,” I said, leaning my back against the side of the ship, making sure to keep my head straight. Slight movements were painful.

“Hello,” he said with a nod. “How was your sleep last night?” he asked.

“Good,” I said with a smile.

“Do not lie to me; your neck hurts.”

“How did you–”

“Sands told me.”

“How did he know?”

“Not sure.”

“Oh–well, I shall be fine,” I said with a wave. He walked closer to me, and before I could blink, his hands were behind my head, moving my hair to the side and looking at my neck. He rubbed it a bit, and I leaned against him, closing my eyes. It felt so good. His hands were so warm–so comforting, as if the pain in my neck was being erased with his caresses. He was not The Cruel Hand at all. He should have been called The Warm–Hot–Soothing Hand.

“That feels wonderful,” I said quietly. He continued kneading my neck. His hands worked so expertly as if they had done that countless times before. Had he? How many maidens had he helped in that way?

“What is the matter? Do you wish me to stop?” he asked. His hands stilled.

“Nothing–it feels wonderful; the pain is gone.”