Love Inspired Historical July 2015 Box Set: The Marriage Agreement\Cowgirl for Keeps\The Lawman's Redemption\Captive on the High Seas (84 page)

Nicolaus halted his steps. Even as the Sea Dragon he'd held a code of honor as did his brother. “She is not Greek. I do not think my father would allow it and I will not dishonor my father in such a way. Even if she were Greek and I were to win I could not leave a wife at home while I spend weeks, months even, at sea. My mother suffered greatly during my father's absences. It is why he brought us here to Yaya's. It is why he quit sailing once Jasen and I could do so on our own.”

“Then I guess you should pray to that Almighty God you speak of that you lose.”

Would he be able to marry her if he lost? His father would not approve. He'd want Nicolaus to marry a girl from Andros, would he not? A girl who was nothing like Ada. But his father had broken with tradition and married his mother. Yes, she was Greek, but she was not Ionian.

None of it seemed possible. Perhaps it would be better if he won, then his choice would be made for him.

Chapter Fifteen

A
da caught her breath at the sight of the rising mountain in the water. “What is it?”

“They are islands.”

She sipped the water doused with ground ginger and honey that Nicolaus's grandmother had sent along for the journey wondering about these islands. “Do people live there?”

Nicolaus nodded. “Some, and some have been abandoned. Oft times, bands of thieves raid the villages, leaving them desolate. Those who escape have little choice but to leave if they can.”

She took a small bite of honey cake, and then glanced at him, her eyes wide. She'd worried over thieves their entire journey and now it seemed as if they were entering their lair. “Do you live on an island?”

“I do. See?” He pointed to a piece of land in the distance.

“Is it as small as these?”

He shook his head. “We've several mountains forming our home. You've nothing to worry over, Ada. The island is heavily guarded with some of Greece's finest warriors. Me included.” The twinkle in his eye momentarily disappeared as he winked at her.

A piece of cake lodged in her throat, and her pulse skidded to a halt.

“Any man would be a fool to attack us.” She took another sip of water and watched as they sailed by island after island. They were nothing more than large gray rocks. Void of vegetation. They seemed lifeless. Not a place she would like to call home. At least the desert had some trees. She hoped Nicolaus's home wasn't as colorless.

“I am glad Yaya's herbs have calmed your sickness.”

She smiled. “I, as well. Although, at first I did not think they would. Once the waters lost their waves, I much improved.” She dropped her gaze to where the water separated as the ramming post cut through it. “I must thank you for seeing to the children while I was ill. It is a burden you did not ask to bear.”

He grabbed hold of her hand. “It was no burden. Chloe has more than earned her pay.”

“It is fortunate then that Xandros found her. What will you do with them?”

Nicolaus twisted his lips. “I haven't thought on it much. Most abandons become slaves, and that is something I cannot do. However, I do not know how my father will feel about my decision.”

“You could raise them as your own, Nicolaus.”

His laughter filled the air around them. “I've nothing more than a room to call my own. One I share with my brother, Ada.”

“If you beat your brother, you'll have this boat.”

The laughter drained from his face and his eyes took on a serious glint. “Ay, I'll have this boat, but then I will have duties to attend.”

He walked away, his shoulders slightly hunched. She drew her eyebrows together as she tilted her head. What had she said to upset him? Winning the challenge was what he wanted, wasn't it? How else was he to find his sister and find peace for his troubled soul?

Besides the embarrassment after their kiss yester noon overlooking the water, there had been little strife between them. Their meal with Yaya, Brison and Xandros had been entertaining and surprising when Nicolaus had invited her and Yaya to eat with them. She'd learned much about Nicolaus and his family. The constant competition between him and his brother Jasen was often fueled by their father.

Nicolaus's grandmother had grown distant when they spoke of her daughter, Nicolaus's mother. Although she didn't say anything, her grandson must have known of her sadness. If Ada hadn't been in love with Nicolaus before, the way he comforted his grandmother by patting her hand as the conversation flowed around them sealed her love tighter than any tomb in Ashkelon.

She leaned her elbows against the rail. The wind tugged her hair from her shoulders. As long as he did not offer her any more kisses she could pretend her pulse didn't beat a little faster in his presence. That her eyes didn't constantly draw to him or her knees grow week at the sound of his voice.

They approached another island, this one lush with vibrant greens rising way above the sea. Could the Almighty's creation be any more breathtaking?

Nicolaus called out a command. The oars halted, no longer splashing into the water. Men moved around the deck, wrapping the sail around the mast. She closed her eyes and listened to the waves lapping against the boat, carrying them forward. A sense of peace washed over her and she knew she'd never be content living in the desert away from the sea. She'd grown accustomed to these new sights and sounds over the past few days. The waves seemed to dance in her blood, the way thoughts of Nicolaus danced in her heart.

She leaned over the side to see around the front of the ship and once again caught her breath. They glided over the bluest of waters toward a cove filled with other ships of various sizes. Many looked ready for battle. Nicolaus hadn't lied when he said they were well protected.

Even Ashkelon with its thick walls almost as high as the lower mountains was not as well fortified.

“It is exciting.”

She looked down beside her. Two pairs of eyes beamed up at her. The boy and the girl who'd stayed together when their people chose to abandon them.

“Come.” She gathered their hands in hers and maneuvered toward the other side of the boat. She lifted the girl onto her hip and pointed to the water. “Look, you can see the fish.”

“There are many boats. Is this where the raiders come from?” Galen asked.

Ada snapped her gaze to the boy and blinked and then back to the armed vessels. She hadn't thought of such a thing, but couldn't imagine Nicolaus stealing from the likes of these children and their village. “You will have to ask the captain.”

“Look at the houses,” Edith said. “They are much bigger than the ones we had. Do you think we can sleep in one?”

Ada bit the inside of her lip and allowed the girl to slide down. “I do not know, Edith.”

The girl slipped her hand into hers. “I will ask the captain if we can stay together.” Edith rewarded her with a smile.

“Not me. I want to sleep on the boat. Nicolaus let me when you were sick.”

She ruffled Galen's hair. “Is that so? No doubt you will sleep where the captain tells you to.”

The boy lowered his chin, but not before she'd seen the pink tint of embarrassment. “Yes, Ada.”

“Look!” Edith jumped up and down, pointing toward the front of the ship. “Mermaids.”

Ada's mouth fell open at the multiple gray creatures bursting from the water and diving back down again.

“There's no such thing,” Galen said as he leaned his head over for a look. “What are they?”

“I—I don't know.” The creatures disappeared only to reappear in front of them. Their long glassy noses bobbing back and forth as they chattered. Edith giggled. Galen climbed onto the lower railing. Ada pulled him back down.

“I see you've met our friends.”

Ada's knees turned to honey, but somehow she managed to keep standing. She glanced over her shoulder. “What are they?”

“Dolphins.” Nicolaus smiled, his teeth gleaming in the sun. “Creatures of the sea.”

“I cannot believe it.”

“Believe it, Ada. They are a creation of your God, the Maker of Heaven and earth, the sea and all that is within.”

She could not tear her gaze from his. The same look he had given her right before he had kissed her swirled in the depths. Hearing the psalm taught to her by her mother, spoken in his foreign language, sent shivers over her arms. It was beautiful and magnificent, but more important, did he believe in the Almighty, that there was only one God?

“Where did they go?” Edith asked.

Ada tore her gaze from Nicolaus's and looked out at the sea. The dolphins were nowhere to be found.

“Oh, look!” Ada followed Galen's pointing finger a good distance from the boat and watched as the dolphins jumped out of the water and then dove back down.

“They are often here, greeting me when I return. It makes the coming home nice.”

* * *

How much greater his return home would be to have Ada waiting. With her eyes shining the way they were just now, full of wonder and perhaps even love. His spine went rigid. Could he accept her love and not give in return?

Leaning over the rail, she giggled with the children. Her face beamed with excitement like the beacon sitting on yond hill beckoning the sailors to come home for the night. Her waist-length hair, the color of the wheat fields in the valley when the sun hit them just as it was slipping behind the mountains, tangled around his arm, ensnaring him.

He picked the strands from his wrist and took a step back. “Ada.”

She glanced over her shoulder. The joy radiating from her felt like a battering ram to the chest. He raked his fingers through his hair. “We are about to make port. You and the children should seek shelter beneath the helmsman's perch. I would not want them to get caught underfoot and become hurt.”

She blinked, all the excitement disappeared and her eyes lost the glitter of the night's stars. “Yes, of course.”

She slipped past him, her hand clasped in the girl child's, her arm around the boy's shoulder. A pang of jealousy rocked him back on his heels. She seemed to control his emotions, the very air he breathed.

Ay, he'd long to sit with her at Yaya's and watch the sun slip beyond the horizon. The thought of marriage, although impossible without severing ties with his father, had made him happy. He wanted to set his eyes upon her beauty every minute of the day, to hear the soft cadence of her breaths throughout the night as he'd done tending her during her illness. But to allow her such control over him—that one look from her set his knees to quaking like the earth oft times did—could not be done.

He wouldn't allow it. A man controlled his household. It was the Greek way. His only hope of rescue from Ada would be if he won his father's challenge and left her at his mother's while he sailed away until he could decide what to do with her. With long strides, he walked across the deck and climbed on the command post. Many boats filled the port, but he didn't see his brother's. Did that mean he'd won?

His gut clenched at the thought of never seeing Ada again, but it was just as well. Perhaps he'd take her back to Yaya, or to her own family even. What concern was it of his if her sisters decided to sell her to another slave trader? None, yet he was concerned. He pressed his palms against the rail and clenched his fingers around the wood. Perhaps, Jasen had already returned, and then left again. His brother was never one to stay on land very long, even to gloat.

“Lord, Almighty Creator of all, I've no thought beyond Ada. A part of me wants to wrap her in my arms and never let her go, the other wants to run as far as possible from her. I do not wish to keep her if I cannot love her.” To marry her, to hold her hand, to kiss her, to watch her cradle their child in her arms much as she'd done the babe. “Help me to know in my being the course I should take.”

If he lost to Jasen, he'd proceed with his plans to move to Yaya's with Ada and the children. If he won...could he let her go? Either way he'd lose something of great importance.

Chapter Sixteen

N
eeding to keep his mind on something other than Ada, Nicolaus climbed down into the hold. Unloading crates, working his muscles to exhaustion would force him to focus on something other than his need to be near her.

“You do not trust me to see the merchandise ashore?” Brison blocked the entryway to their stores.

“Get out of my way, little brother.” He didn't want to hurt Brison's pride, but he didn't feel the need to explain his reasons for taking over, either. “I've no patience for argument at the moment.”

Brison dropped his hands to his sides, his shoulders hunched. “Have I failed in my duties thus far?”

All the irritation knotting in his muscles disappeared at his younger brother's look of defeat. Nicolaus clapped a hand on Brison's shoulder, giving him a gentle squeeze. “You've done all I've asked and more. I've found the need to keep busy.”

Brison held the keys, but Nicolaus couldn't find it in him to take them. He smiled. “It is your duty, Brison.”

“Are you certain?” Brison's eyebrows rose, disappearing beneath his hair.

“Ay, I'm certain. I am yours to command.” Nicolaus winked at his brother, who near jumped with excitement. “At least for now.”

Brison stuck the key into the lock and it opened with a click, but Nicolaus tilted his head, listening for footsteps above, waiting to hear the lighter ones of Ada's.

“Nicolaus.”

He shook his head and looked to Brison. “What?”

“You wanted to work. Why are you standing there staring at the ceiling?”

Nicolaus growled and took the crate from Brison's hands. He climbed the stairs. Edith giggled, followed by Ada's lyrical tones. It took a moment for his eyes to adjust to the sunlight and when they did he near dropped his crate. Ada's tunic was gathered in her hands, hiked above her ankles as she danced around in circles with Edith. Their joy had infected his crew over the past few days as Ada and the children grew closer. Even the sternest of his crew broke into laughter at times. At least before most of his men had been below deck and away from the image of Ada's and Edith's brilliant smiles, now they all stood around staring with mouths gaping.

Anger surged through his blood. His fingers constricted around the edge of the crate.

“What is going on?”

Nicolaus narrowed his eyes when not a single member of his crew acknowledged his presence. “You've duties to attend which are required if you wish to see your pay.”

It took his men a few seconds too long to pull their eyes away and get back to their chores. They could have at least looked ashamed for their impertinent gazes.

Ada released the fabric balled up in her hands and halted their dance. She sucked her bottom lip between her teeth as she was wont to do when nervous. Edith, the poor child, looked scared to death, and he felt like a cur for causing the little one such fear after all she'd endured.

“You there.” Nicolaus tipped his chin toward a young man, no more than fifteen summers, tossing a rope over the side for them to be moored. “Take this crate down to the wharf and then report to Brison for further instructions. Tell him you are there in my stead.”

“Yes, Captain.” The boy wobbled beneath the weight of the crate as he took it but managed well enough. Nicolaus fought the smile curving his lips. The crate was full of gold figurines he'd purchased for his mother.

“My mother will not be pleased if you drop it.”

“Yes, Captain.” The boy readjusted his hold.

“Ada, gather the children and Chloe. Make haste.”

Her bottom lip quivered as her eyes filled with tears and he instantly regretted his harsh command, but he wouldn't soften toward her yet. Not until she understood she couldn't distract his men from their work, that she couldn't distract him. Singing and dancing, what would the woman do next?

He gritted his teeth together to keep from apologizing and then glanced at the ships moored around his. He knew the moment she'd turned away, for the air seemed to chill. He was tempted to call her back, tempted to ease any concerns she may have about his anger. His jealousy.

He swallowed past the knot in his throat. How would he react when Jasen caught sight of Ada? Although Jasen was his equal in many ways, including his looks, he had an easy speech with the ladies. He knew how to talk with them without being commanding or insulting them. Not that Nicolaus meant to offend, but that seemed to be all he did where Ada was concerned.

“Captain, do I have to go?” Bare feet pattered across the deck as Galen ran toward him. The boy slipped, but Nicolaus caught his elbow and held him upright.

“There is to be no running on my ship, Galen. Is that understood?”

“Yes, Nicolau—” Galen dropped his gaze to his feet. “Captain.”

“What is the problem?”

Galen popped his head up. He jumped up and down. “Can't I stay here and sleep on the ship?”

Ada came up behind the boy, Edith's hand held in hers. The babe cradled against her chest. She'd make a wonderful mother to these children. “Chloe is packing the items your grandmother sent along.”

“That is fine. I will have Xandros bring her when he comes.” Nicolaus ruffled Galen's hair. “As for you, there are people I wish you to meet.”

* * *

Ada was becoming quite confused with Nicolaus's change of behavior. One moment he was glaring and barking demands, the next he was smiling and teasing the children. Or he was smiling and teasing her and then stalking away with his fists clenched at his sides. It was a good thing she'd decided she couldn't be like her mother and fall in love with her master else she would be driven mad with the swift changes of his moods.

Nicolaus led them to the trestle. Ada gasped and took a few steps back. Although wide enough for two men to walk abreast, the steep wooden walkway looked dangerous. It was not something she wanted the children to traverse by themselves. Nor was it something she wanted to descend herself. One wobble and she would tumble into the water. She hadn't recalled the one upon leaving Ashkelon being so steep, nor did she recall it not having rails to keep her from falling. Perhaps that was because she'd been carried over Nicolaus's shoulder and had the blessing of her hair veiling her sight. “I think Galen has a good idea. I would not mind staying on the ship.”

Laughter burst from Nicolaus. “Is that so? You who can barely sip water without becoming seasick?” He winked at her as the corners of his mouth turned upward. Her knees seemed to turn to honey. “Besides, there will be no one here to guard you, Ada. No one to keep thieves from stealing you away in the night.”

She squeezed Edith's hand tighter and darted her gaze around the other vessels bobbing in the water. “I am willing to take that risk.”

Nicolaus leaned in close and whispered, “However, I am not, Ada.”

Her name rolled off his tongue, and his breath caressed the curls near her ear, causing her to shiver.

His face hardened to stone as he clamped a hand on Galen's shoulder and she near feared he was going to push the boy down the trestle, but he surprised her by kneeling in front of the boy and looking him in the eye. “Galen, you will not run. You must walk in the center as carefully as possible. Do you understand?”

Galen nodded.

“Good. I would not wish you to fall into the water. If you do as told and are careful, I'll take you to the beacon when morning comes.” Nicolaus pointed to the mountaintop in the distance with a stone structure rising into the sky. Although it reminded her of the high towers at home, it was unlike anything she'd ever seen.

Galen's eyes grew wide with excitement, and he started to vibrate. Nicolaus squeezed his shoulder. “Remember, do not run. Walk with care, but wait until I tell you to go.”

“Ay, Ni— Captain.”

“Now,” Nicolaus said as he loosened his hold on Galen and wrapped his hands around Edith's waist. “How would you like to go for a ride?”

The smile on Edith's face consumed her chubby cheeks. She started to dance. “Really?”

“Ay, come here.” Nicolaus lifted her into the air and swung her around so that she sat on his shoulders. “You must hold on.”

Edit began to bounce. Nicolaus grabbed hold of her feet and held them tight to his chest.

“Nicolaus.” Ada took a step closer and then thought better of it once she caught sight of the trestle's steepness. She rooted her feet to the planks as he looked at her. “It is dangerous.”

“No more so than going to the market.” His words were a swift reminder of the last time she'd been to the market, the only time she'd been to the market. “I will return for you and the babe in a moment.”

“B-be careful, please.”

“Of course I will. I would not want to risk the lady's wrath.”

She held her breath until the moment Galen stepped onto the quay, and then she found a new cause to worry. Men carrying large crates, earthenware jars and amphoras hustled to and fro, and from where she stood, the rocky ledge did not look as wide as the trestle. What if one of the men accidentally knocked the children into the water? It would be much better if Nicolaus stayed with Edith and Galen to make sure they did not get under the foot of a sailor.

She kissed the babe's crown and pulled in a shaky breath of air. She stepped closer to the trestle and squeezed her eyes closed against the queasiness forming in her stomach. Now was not the time to fall ill. She opened her eyes and looked down the trestle. Nicolaus had almost reached the bottom. If she waited another moment he'd set Edith down and return.

“Would you like some help, Ada?” She turned to find Xandros at her shoulder. Her body shook with relief as she nodded. “Here, I'll take the babe if you wish and you can crook your arm through mine. One step at a time,” Xandros said when she threaded her arm around his.

She bit the inside of her lip and forced her eyes to remain open by keeping them on Nicolaus's back. He set Edith down and turned around. The mirth in his eyes dulled and color rose high in his cheeks. He walked back up the trestle until he stood in front of them. His gaze bored into hers, the intensity of it burning through her.

“My thanks,” he ground out through clenched teeth. “I will escort Ada.”

Xandros chuckled. “I should thank you, my friend, else I'd have no flesh left on my arm.”

Ada gasped at the nail marks she'd dug into Xandros. “My apologies.”

Before she could finish her words she was swept off her feet and into Nicolaus's arms. His pulse pounded against hers. The fear plaguing her disappeared and her heart sang at being so close to him. “I asked you to wait for my return.”

“I know, Nicolaus, but I worried over the children. I did not wish them to get in the way of the sailors moving about and thought to go down the trestle on my own. I am thankful Xandros offered his assistance.”

Nicolaus grumbled a few words, something about friends being helpful. “Do you underestimate my ability to give commands and have them obeyed?” He shook his head. “Of course you do else you would have obeyed me.”

His beard bristled against her cheek and she found herself snuggling closer. “The next time you give me a command I will listen. I vow it.”

“Pfft, do not make vows you do not intend to keep, Ada.” They reached the bottom and he set her on her feet, and then he took the babe from Xandros, who seemed to be happy to be home. “See to it the wet nurse finds her way to the house.”

Nicolaus glanced at Galen. “Hold your sister's hand and take care to follow my steps.” He grabbed hold of Ada's hand. The warmth of his palm against hers caused her stomach to flop. She glanced over her shoulder to Xandros as he climbed back up the trestle. She did not have this same reaction when she touched his arm. Was it too late for her, had she already given her heart to this man who so easily carried a babe as if it was his very own?

The toe of her sandal caught against one of the stones and she tripped. Nicolaus caught her against his side to steady her. The closeness stole her breath. Heat rose into her cheeks.

“Take care with your steps, Ada. I would not wish to jump into the water and save you again.”

She halted her feet. Pulling her hand from his, she propped her fists onto her hips and glared at him. “I did not ask you to rescue me,
Captain
, and I am very capable of walking on my own, thank you.”

She slipped past him and hastened her steps to where the quay met the island. Sailors stopped their works. Some stared with laughter in their eyes as she walked by, others had the good manners to avert their gazes. It wasn't until she neared the end that she noticed one who wasn't laughing or averting his gaze. Her feet rooted to the stones. She tossed a glance over her shoulder to be sure Nicolaus remained behind her and then back to the man before her. They both had the same curling hair and thick beard. They also had the same stony jaw. They were the same in many ways, all ways, excepting this man did not cause her heart to soar like the great griffin. The man before her could only be Nicolaus's twin brother.

Nicolaus caught up to her and placed his palm against the small of her back to nudge her forward. His protection wrapped around her and the children and she wondered if they had anything to fear from this obvious relation of Nicolaus's. Her eyes widened and she dragged her feet as the truth hit her. The man before them could only be Nicolaus's brother Jasen, which meant Nicolaus had lost his father's challenge.