Pirate Fantasy, part 11 (The End)

Carina stared at the moon, wondering if she had hurt Edward's feelings. She had been a bit ungrateful. She looked up at him, suddenly captured by his eyes. "I didn't say that...exactly." She cleared her throat. "I said we might not--" He interrupted her with his finger to her lips.

"What if we do? Could you be happy married to a merchant?" He stroked his finger softly down her cheek.

His touch made her skin tingle. It was a most pleasant feeling. What had he asked her? Oh, yes. Could she be happy married to this kind brave handsome man. There were much worse fates in life, such as being stuck in a tower on an island. So what if she wasn't going to be a lady pirate sailing the seven seas, robbing from the greedy and giving to the needy? She gave him an impish grin. "Well, you're no Robin Hood, but I suppose you'll do."

He slowly pulled her closer. "Perhaps we should get to know each other better." He leaned down and touched his lips to hers and she once again forgot about everything else. All that existed was the feel of his mouth on hers and the warmth of his embrace.

--

Epilogue

When the group had arrived in the port of London weeks later, after a few trading expeditions, Carina was awed by the great ships, some twice as large as her husband's. The air smelled of fish and rot, but she didn't care. She was captivated by all the activity, people arriving and departing, cargo being loaded and unloaded, shouts and laughter, parents and children.

She and Edward had gotten close on their voyage home. They had most definitely suited. They had suited quite well every night and morning for the past several days. She enjoyed married life very much.

Upon arriving in their townhouse, one they would all share, a special courier had been waiting. He told the men their mission had been a success, but that Chester Hopewell had been shot when trying to escape. Her "father" was dead. None of them had felt any remorse.

John had grown stronger each day, both physically and mentally, thanks to her mother's care. Apparently most of his affliction had been caused by grief. He had never gotten over losing Helene. When he lost his arm, he felt he had nothing left to live for. Now he did. Her parents had gotten married the moment they could find a willing minister.

Edward was more than a merchant. He sailed quite often on missions for the King, sometimes taking Carina with him. Thanks to her vivacious personality, she had become one of His Majesty's most valued spies, easily gaining information from ladies at society meetings.

Her life had become the grandest of adventures.

The End