The princess sighed with relief. “I was worried to find out a different answer,” she murmured before squealing quietly as Lori adjusted their positioning. She shifted to make herself comfortable before lowering her lips to Lori’s. “I refuse to have it any other way,” she whispered while she kissed her pirate.
“I know you were.” Lori nodded, giving Ellie room to adjust before holding her close. She hummed softly into the kiss, returning it sweetly. “Don't worry, Ellie. I’m all yours.”
The princess’s soft blonde hair fell around her face, framing it like a curtain as she looked down at her lover. “This long hair is a bit tiresome, isn’t it?” she remarked. “And much to difficult to maintain on the seas.” Her eyes sparkled with mischief, and a smirk formed on her lips.
“Really? You think so?” Lori raised a brow, her own dark hair spread around her head. “I haven't noticed.” she teased as she quickly kissed Ellie again. “If you'd like, I can show you how to braid it or tie it back so it wouldn't be in the way so much.”
“Yes, those would work rather well.” Ellie nodded at her choices, but she was in a particularly bold mood this morning. “But, my darling… I think I’d like to do something a bit more… how shall I say this? Permanent.”
“Are you sure?” Lori asked, sitting up a little. “I know it’ll grow back but… You don't think it might be a mistake tomorrow?”
Ellie’s eyes turned solemn and serious. “Yes, I’m sure. This hair belongs to my father and my mother and royalty. It belongs to Eleanor, and I’m not her anymore.”
(All I can think about now it the Little Women scene where Jo is crying over her cut hair that she had to sell to get Marmee the train ticket 😂)
(Oh! I love Little Women!!!!)
“Alright.” Lorelei nodded at Ellie’s resolve. “Do you want me to do it or would you rather do it for yourself?” she asked, glancing at a dagger on the nightstand.
(ME TOO! :D)
Ellie broke the seriousness of the moment with a sweet, quiet laugh. “If I did it, it would look horrendous. Would you mind, love?”
Lori chuckled a little and nodded. “No. I don't mind.” she smiled. “How short do you want to go?”
“As short as is still fashionable on a pirate ship,” Ellie teased. “Use your judgement.”
Lori chuckled again and sat up before grabbing her dagger. “Alright, love. Turn around.”
Ellie’s breath hitched, though this was all her idea, and she turned obediently. She closed her eyes, a soft peace coming over her face. She was a princess, but no longer.
“Don't be scared.” Lori whispered, assuringly as she ran her fingers through the familiar blonde hair. She took a steadying breath and carefully gathered Ellie’s long hair in sections before using the dagger to cut each section, making sure to get them all the same length. By the time she was done, Ellie's beautiful blonde hair came down to her shoulders.
“I’m not scared,” Ellie replied, but her trembling fingers betrayed her words. She laced them together tightly in her lap. A soft sigh of relief escaped her mouth with each slice from Lori’s dagger through her hair. “Thank you,” she whispered. She felt lighter already.
Lori smirked a little at the denial but didn't comment on it. “You are most welcome.” she whispered back as she sheathed the blade. “So, what do you think?” she asked, gesturing to the single mirror she had in the cabin.
Ellie opened her eyes and followed Lori’s gesture to the mirror. Her soft features and wide bluebell eyes were the same, but her once-long hair was now sheared to shoulder-length. She released her folded hands and reached up to brush her finger through it, shocked at the change she knew was coming.
“I love it,” she finally breathed, a beaming smile taking over her face. “I love it!” she cried out, whirling to face her lover and throwing her arms around the pirate’s neck. “Lori, oh Lorelei, I love it! Thank you!”
Lorelei smiled at Ellie's new style, laughing as she was tackled into a hug. She even let the jump knock her back onto the bed. “I’m glad to hear that.” she managed to get out as Ellie made her exclamations, reaching up to run her fingers through the new length. “It looks good on you.”
Ellie giggled furiously and closed her eyes when Lori’s fingers slid through her shortened blonde waves. “I would hope so! Imagine the scandal my look would raise back home.” She nuzzled Lori’s cheek and sighed happily. “I love you.”
“Your mother would probably faint on sight if she saw you like this.” Lori chuckled, pressing a soft kiss against Ellie's skin. “I love you too.”
Ellie grinned. “She would!” She sighed and held tightly to Lori before drawing back. “I don’t want to keep you from your responsibilities. Should we get ready?”
Lori sighed as Ellie pulled away but nodded. “Aye, we should. But you're not keeping me from them.” she assured as she sat up and stretched before getting to her feet.
Ellie sat cross-legged on the bed for a moment longer before rising to her feet and approaching the pack she’d brought from the castle during her escape. She sifted through the clothes she’d packed, some light dresses without corsets or petticoats to accompany them, and her riding clothes. Nothing near appropriate for a pirate ship. She frowned to herself.
Lori quickly brushed her hair and redid the simple braid she seemed to prefer while on the ship. “Need some help, love?” she couldn't help but chuckle as she noticed the cute frown.
Ellie looked up at Lorelei and held up a balled up fabric of a dress. “I have nothing to wear. Nothing I brought is something I can wear here.” She stood up, holding out a beautifully made silk dress the color of buttercups.