The Pirate and the Amber Cat 14

Chapter 14

Suili accompanies Cortleno into Amstead.

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There was no thinking involved on Suili's part. Any chance to get off the ship she had been stranded on for nearly two weeks was welcome. She did not know or care what kind of town Amstead was, so long as it was dry.

To her disappointment, however, Cortleno didn't take her into town with him when they docked mid-morning that day. He explained he had business to tend and couldn't keep her under guard in the busy port.

Suili did not try to gain his favor by promising not to run away. Instead she spent the long absence playing a solo game of Bull and Lion and reading from the chapbook she had found in the office. Cortleno had left the door open and she felt satisfied this was progress of some sort. All the windows were bolted shut, but at least she had the freedom of two rooms. She took the chapbook and pearl fan to the bench seat, twisting her hair into a length and pushing it over her shoulder, trying to ignore the growing heat enveloping the rooms.

Cortleno returned shortly after noon as the cabin reached uncomfortable temperatures. He appraised the deep blue jacquard dress she wore with blatant skepticism.

"Where are the beads?"

She shook her head and started to speak, but he was already searching through the top drawer of his closet.

"Here. Put them on." He held out the strand of lapis and pearl.

"I can't wear those," she maintained. "We already talked—"

"Either wear them or stay here."

With a glare, she took the beads and went to her armoire. She connected the clasp behind her neck and flipped her hair out. They did match the dress nicely, she admitted to herself, admiring them in the full length mirror.

She turned to face him. "Satisfied?"

He nodded, offering his arm.

"Oh, no," she said, stepping away from him and pulling on her shawl. "I'm not walking around with you like some callow milk maid."

"Would you prefer a goat on a rope? I'm not letting you loose on the town," he said irritably, beckoning with his hand. "If you want to get off this ship for a while you'll have to play by my rules."

She hesitated only momentarily, sighing.