The sea is a symphony. It is a poem of cries and noises and the screaming of gulls and whales. With just its sound, I know we are close to the shore.
I close my eyes and take in a deep breath. There is a swirl of sour and sweet smells. I smile. It's wonderful and, at the same time, terrifying. Werewolves are not meant to be at sea. We should be in the forest, running across the shade of the trees.
I open my eyes. There's still sea for miles, even if I know we will arrive soon–probably tonight. But in the meantime, I will enjoy this scenery, where the sky and sea meet, as if they belong to the same realm.
Ami drapes her arms on my shoulders and remarks, "Are you sure that one glass of alcohol is enough for you?"
"Yes," I answer.
We turn our attention toward the center of the deck where a long wooden table is erected. The warriors are resting under the sunshades while others are huddled around one end of the table. But some loud ones are laughing and bumping fists with each other every time they tied a knot correctly.
"Look at some of them!" Ami complains. "They are already slouching and it will be hours before we even see the shore!"
I giggle. "Like candelabras that lost their hold?"
Ami turns her attention to me. "Like what?"
"Candelabras," I repeat.
"You have your memories back now, right? You never used those before," she comments.
"Not all of my memories."
"Well, next time, tell me everything that happened. Don't surprise with a gang of..." she leans towards me and whispers, "Vampires. That's what they are called, right?"
"Yes. Don't worry, they won't misbehave."
Ami breathes a sigh of relief. "Thankfully. Because they kinda give an aura as if they are going to devour me."
"They drink blood from humans, but they won't do it."
"Because of the vow."
"News sure travels fast."
We approach the other warriors. "Major Kaiya!" an unfamiliar warrior greets.
I shift my attention back to Ami, looking for the reason for the familiarity. "They heard they will promote you to major because of gaining vampires for the Pitchford Kingdom... and, well, for protecting a couple of warriors while you are on it."
"Oh," I mutter. "So, I am closer to the general position?"
"Of course not! There are still around six positions before you become a general."
"But Klevon jumped from captain to general."
"He's a special case. He's been offered the general position years ago. He just racks up more and more achievement but never accepted the position."
"Hmmm," I mumble. So, I still need to do these things six more times. That's still too far!
"Wait, are you gunning for the general position?" she asks incredulously.
"It's just a hope, and primarily, a whim."
"I thought you'd want it for the salary."
I grin at her. "That too."
Ami's eyes go somewhere, and I follow her gaze. Theo is approaching, and he is holding some kind of flower pressed into a circle.
"The King is here. I should leave," Ami says and pours herself another glass of alcohol before leaving.
"Kaiya," Theo greets and meets my eyes. Is he not angry with me? I hurt him the last time we met.
"Here," he adds and pushes the flowers into my hands. "A crown of flowers for you. It might not be a real crown, but truth be told, I want you to become my Queen instead."
I make an uneasy smile as I look around. The other warriors are watching us. Princess Kissa is nowhere in sight. Knowing Theo's stamina in bed, she might be tired.
"Can we do this somewhere more private?" I ask.
He holds my arms and ushers me into the corner of the ship. When we are shaded from the heat of the sun, I turn towards him.
"Theo, you should stop giving me these gifts in front of your subjects. I am a warrior."
Instead of responding, he gently presses my arms against the wall. I try to pull away, but his grip is firm. The icy surface of the frame presses into my back as he forces me into the corner.
He is about to kiss me when I warn him. "Don't you dare, Theo!"
He pauses before his lips touch mine. His jaw clenches before asking, "How was your nights with Klevon? Did he please you? Did he make you happy? Did he–"
"Oh please, just stop, Theo. You are the one with Princess Kissa a lot."
"I still love you," he whispers instead.
And I love you too, I'd like to say, but I stop myself.
When I didn't respond, he continues, "Once we are back in Pitchford, there will be a celebration. This time, it will be within the castle walls."
"The vampires will be invited, right?"
"Yes, but I'd like to invite you for a dance as well."
I frown. "You cannot invite me. You should invite Princess Kissa because she is your concubine. Or maybe, invite someone from your harem women."
"I know." He takes my hand and presses the back of it on his forehead. "Even if you are not my official partner, I still want to dance with you. When we were in school, we haven't done it, so now... Maybe... Will you dance with me, Kaiya? One dance is already enough for me."
"That is a bad idea," I mutter, taking my hands away from his hold.
I want to dance with him too. But, a king and a mere warrior dancing–even if we are previously lovers–I doubt it will leave a good impression on the other warriors.
"It's not a bad idea. Kings dance with the female guests, to network or, to socialize."
"But-"
He squeezes my hand. "Please?"
We stare into each other's eyes. This connection. These emotions of love. Sometimes, I wish I don't have them.
"Okay, I will dance with you."
Theo beams and my chest warms, knowing that I am the cause of such a bright smile.
He presses another light kiss on my cheeks before saying, "I will need to talk to the other warriors. See you around, Kaiya."
I force a smile and even wave at him. I guess… I am starting to forget all the pain I suffered from this love again, ain't I?