forum The Princess' Scandal (o/o Closed)

Started March 04, 2022 by @emilyevewrites group

tune

Eleanor grinned. "Really?" she asked, her smile growing. "Well, I'm certainly honored, Sir Tommy." She winked at him.

Tommy squeaked again and hid his bright red face against Charlie’s side.

“I think he likes you.” Charlie smiled, rubbing the boy’s back. “It’s not often he gets so much attention from such a pretty lady.” she chuckled.

Eleanor laughed again, a sweet sound that hadn't been heard too often over the past 10 years. Only once or twice, when she was thinking strongly of Lorelei.

"Well, I like him too," she remarked, tilting her head for a moment before her attention went back to her tea.

“Well, feel free to come down and see us anytime.” Charlie smiled warmly. “It’ll do Tommy some good to see you, and I always have something ready to drink.”

“And Charlie is also the ship’s healer.” Lorelei added. “Even when we go ashore, my crew still asks her for help.”

"Of course!" Eleanor promised, smiling at Tommy. "I'll be down whenever I can." She shot another wink at him before looking over at Lorelei.

"Healer? What do you mean by that, darling?"

Tommy finally managed to look back at her and smiled.

“She means when someone gets hurt or sick, they come to me.” Charlie answered for Lorelei. “Honestly, that's part of the reason why I‘m a part of this crew.”

Lori rolled her eyes briefly. “Don’t be so dramatic.” she teased. “Charlie’s homeland doesn't like women who work with medicine. They were going to accuse her of being a witch so her only other option was to leave.”

"Ah," Eleanor sighed with understanding. "I've known women who have needed to hide their talents for that same reason. It's incredible how precise everything has to be… my old friend Theresa used to show me how to make such concoctions that would heal others. I also helped her escape to safety when my father sent soldiers after her."

Charlie blinked in surprise before smiling at Eleanor and Lori. “Well… You're certainly more of a rebel than I was expecting.” she complimented. “If you’d like, I can teach you how to make more… “concoctions”. Though I have to agree that it is very precise.”

“When did all this happen, my love?” Lorelei asked, very intrigued not only by her understanding but her acceptance.

Eleanor smirked. "I have my secrets, thank you," she purred, sipping nonchalantly on her tea. "I'd love to learn if you'd be willing to teach me," the princess agreed eagerly before looking to Lorelei slowly. Her answer was murmured quietly. "Not long after you left."

“I’ll say you do. Honestly, if you weren't already taken by our Captain, I’d be more than interested in you.” Charlie grinned. “But as it is… I’m certainly willing to teach you what I know. Keeps things interesting when we have long voyages.”

Lorelei nodded, making a soft sound of acknowledgment. “I see. Well, I have to say that I’m proud of you for that action. And I hope that Theresa made it safely to her destination.”

Eleanor blushed at what Charlie said. "Thank you, I suppose," she remarked with a soft smile. "I find you quite intriguing as well, but this lovely girl has my heart." She took Lorelei's hand and kissed it softly, gazing at her with limitless adoration. "And I'd love to learn."

Her blush deepened at Lorelei's added words, and she lifted her hands to cover her cheeks. "Darling, please, do you want me to look the same shade as a rose?" she teased, but she nodded all the same and spoke in a more serious tone. "Yes, she did. I made sure of it."

“Many do.” Charlie admitted with a soft laugh. She was used to it and wasn't often bothered by it. If anything she encouraged it at times. “Don’t worry. You're spoken for and I won't get in the way.”

“I’m glad to hear that.” Lori smirked and kissed Eleanor’s cheek. “I happen to like roses, my dear.” she purred softly.

"Thank you," Eleanor acknowledged before she quickly bit her own tongue at Lori's comment and tone. "I know you do," she whispered. Her eyes cut to Tommy for a moment before looking back at Lorelei to remind her.

Lorelei smiled as she pulled back, giving a nod to show she hadn't forgotten about the boy.

“So, how many crew members have you met so far?” Charlie asked to change the topic.

Eleanor pursed her lips in thought. "Well, I've met you and Tommy, obviously… before coming here, I met Jax… and I briefly met the twins… Nic and Nicki?" She looked at Lorelei for confirmation.

“Yes.” Lorelei beamed, proud that she had remembered everyone's names. “Though I still have to introduce you to Markus and Drake.” she told Eleanor. “I know it's not a very big crew but… we're family and we work well together.”

Charlie nodded. “I hope the twins made a good impression. Those two can be so rambunctious.” she chuckled, knowing that was a mild term for them.

Eleanor nodded kindly. "Yes, I could tell. But they were very nice. And I think it's sweet you don't have a big crew. It makes it easier to remember names, for one, and you're able to be closer with everyone. I think of the castle servants… I barely knew their names."

“That’s a relief. About the twins, I mean.” Charlie smiled softly, casting a glance at her Captain.

“Well, to be fair, this ship is smaller than your father's castle and we all spend a lot of time with each other here.” Lorelei pointed out gently.

“Captian always say we'd be too crowded with a dozen.” Tommy piped up softly.

"Very true," Eleanor murmured, addressing all three in the same breath. "Very true indeed. But where do Markus and Drake spend their time? I'm already interested in meeting them as well.

“They’re most likely up on the main deck.” Charlie smiled. “Probably near the bow, if Jax doesn't have them doing some work.” she added with a laugh.

Lorelei nodded. “Are you ready to go and meet them?” she asked as she set down her empty cup.

"Indeed I am," Eleanor replied, setting her cup down beside Lorelei's. It was empty as well. She rose to her feet, smoothing her skirt out of habit as she did so. "It was a pleasure to meet you, Charlie. And you as well, Sir Tommy." Eleanor smiled at him.

“Very nice to meet you too.” Charlie smiled, standing as well. “I’ll see you both at dinner.”

Tommy blushed again and gave a small wave, smiling brightly.

“Of course, Charlie. We won't miss it.” Lorelei assured, taking Eleanor’s hand and leading her back up the stairs.

Eleanor extended a parting wave and grinned as Lorelei took her hand and lead her away. "I quite like those two," she remarked with a soft sigh. "Tommy is so darling."

“They seemed to like you too.” Lorelei smiled, nodding. “Tommy certainly is the cutest member of my crew but don't be too fooled. He can be a sneaky little rascal when he needs to be.” she chuckled. “The number of times that boy has saved a crewmate because of his size and cuteness…”

"I believe it," Eleanor replied. "Don't you remember yourself?" The tease came naturally, a reminder of a time before the pair had been ripped apart. "How do you think you got my attention that day I was passing through the village?"