Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2004 5:00 am
Part 35
Liz was feeling too restless to be still. She paced back and forth across her bedroom floor, battling with silent agony. Her thoughts were filled of Max. The haggard way he looked, the fire that had dimmed in his eyes. The words he spoke, that struck fear into her heart.
The man she had met with that fateful day was not Max. Indeed, she could recall when he stood tall and strong, radiating with absolute power and strength on his ship's deck, warming her with the very look in his golden eyes. He seemed so invinsible then, undefeatable.
And now it was proven that he was merely human afer all.
Liz sighed deeply and walked towards the window to stare out into the night sky. There was no moon tonight and the stars were scarce. Nothing but a dark void. She closed her eyes against the dark, dark night, unable to bear it.
"Liz!"
Liz's eyes snapped open and she jumped away from the window in fear. He name was called again in a loud whisper, from what could only be below. Her eyes darted apprehesively downwards.
"Liz"
There it was again, urgent, demanding. Liz turned frnatically around her room, searching for some kind of weapon to use. Her fingers tangled through her belongings before her hands landed on a large brass candlestick. She blew it out, plunging herself into faint darkness and removed the candle. Gripping the stick with both hands to steady herself she cautiously approached the window.
Rustling came from below, making her swallow a sudden lump in her throat. She was breifly relieved that she was on the second floor and whoever it was could not get to her. However that was before there was a loud thump and more rustling.
When Liz was close enough to see, her eyes widened in shock. A ladder, which she supposed could be their gardener's had been placed against the wall, making it ver possible for the intruder to reach her. Liz gripped the stick more tightly, her knuckles turning white at the effort.
Her head bent over the sill and she stifled a gasp when she saw a dark figure struggle unceremoniously up the ladder, and straight to her. She raised the candle stick over her head and back away so the shadow won't see her.
Anxiously she waited, trying to still her erratic heart, hoping that the hard pounding could not be heard.
Liz stifled a frightened gasp when a hand suddenly appeared to grip the window sill. It was so white and pale against the dark stone. She heard a few mutterings and a few curses drifted up to assualt her ears. And before she was ready, another hand joined the other and both were hauling up the body. Whoever it was appeared to be struggling Liz couldn't help but think with satisfaction.
When the stranger fell onto the floor in a heap Liz pounced, her stick held high abover her head, ready to strike.
"Stop where you are or I shall hit you. I have a weapon!" She threatened, albeit with a telling waver in her voice that she wished she could suppress.
The stranger froze. Liz feared he'd attack her anyway. And then..
"Liz? Is that you?"
The stick dropped from her fingers to clatter onto the ground.
"Maria?!"
"I do not understand. How did you find out where I live?" Liz inquired where she sat on her bed. Maria sat beside her. She gave her a slight smile.
" All I had to do was ask Liz. You're not exactly unknown here..my lady."
Liz flushed and lowered her eyes guiltily.
"Hey, hey. None of that..." Maria chided urging Liz to look at her once more. Her gaze was direct but with no accusation. Liz gave a little sigh.
"I do not know what to say Maria. I have lied to you. After you have been such a wonderful friend and companion to me during my time on the ship...I lied to you." Liz was full of remorse. "Oh please forgive me." She clutched at Maria's hand in a gesture of friendship and appeal.
She was startled when Maria smiled and chuckled. She patted her hand. " Oh don't worry yourself so much Liz. I'm not angry. A little annoyed that you chose to keep that little tidbit to yourself but not angry." She threw an arm around her. " In fact i certainly understand the need to keep your identity secret. You weren't in the most ideal of circumstances after all."
Liz couldn't help but blush at that. The tone and pointed look in her eyes reminded of things that made her heart ache.
"May i inquire though now how it all came about?"
Liz sighed and began her story, feeling a great weight lift of her chest.
"Absolutely not! That's insane!"
"Really Liz, it's a perfectly sound idea and an equally sound plan. What are you fussing about?"
Liz stopped her furious pacing to glare at Maria, who was still sitting on the bed, looking as if she hadn't a care in the world. She pointed an accusing finger at her.
"You know exactly what i am fussing about! it can't possibly work." she replied, exasperated. It was positively ludicrous, what she was suggesting. They wouldn't be able to pull it off, that is if she were inclined to do it in the first place! After Liz had poured her heart out and Maria had listened adn wiped her tears she had finally revealed her actual reason for seeking her out.
Maria sighed and pushed off the bed to face her squarely. " Yes it can work Liz. You're just afraid."
"You're damned right i am!" she said, incaring that she was cursing.
"Well ok, maybe i am too." she conceded. "And i admit, it is a little dangerous but-"
"A little!" Liz hurrumphed with a roll of her eyes.
Maria glared. "BUT...you don't want to see them died anymore than i do."
Max.
Silence stretched after her words. No.She didn't want to see them die. Didn't want to see Max die. Her fists clenched her robe inconciously at the thought.
When no more words passed between them, Maria decided to break the silence, for the first time, hesitant, unsure. " You do care for him don't you Lizzie? I wasn't wrong in interpreting what was in your eyes that night?" she asked gently.
Liz stared at her for a moment that seemed to stretch on for forever. "No you weren't. I love him."
Liz stared at herself in the mirror, awed and horrified. Was this creature truly her. Maria had done an amazing job. She could hardly even recognise herself. Her reflection gazed back at her. White painted face and red rouged cheeks,tacky blond hair piled haphazardly on her head, lips that looked like over ripe plums, eyes contoured by black paint..and finally..the dress.
Liz swallowed. It was so daring. A velvet red, a plunging neckline that exposed half her breasts, and a fitting to tight, it practically molded against her body. It was a prostitute's dress that Maria had managed to acquire from a brothel. Liz refrained from asking how.
Liz looked through the mirror at Maria as she came to stand beside her, putting the finishing touches on her face. She was much the same way, except she had a green dress.
"Maria.....are you uh..um sure about this?" she asked worriedly. She wasn't too comfortable with this. To go out in the middle of the night, and be at the mercy of drunken men on the streets, to have them look at her....Liz shuddered. It was not a pleasant thought.
Maria understood the concern in Liz's eyes and gave her an encouraging smile. " Don't worrie Lizzie. We'll be safe." While she spoke she dipped her hand into her skirt pocket and produced two shiny blades. Liz gasped and finally comprehended when she handed one to her. Her hand gripped it fiercely.
"Come. We must leave now." They made their way back to the door. Maria decided it would be safer to climb back down instead trying to sneak out the front door and getting caught. But Liz reasoned that it would be safer to go through the door and get caught, rather than risk a broken neck. Maria conceded.
Cautiously they tip-toed down the servant's starcase, taking care to listen for any suspicious sound or telling movement. When they reached the kitchen all was quiet. Liz's eyes looked around the dark place in a certain amount of wonderment. It was the first time she had managed to truely see where all her breakfasts, adn lunches and dinners came from. Amazing...
Maria suddenly gripped her hand and propelled her along. " What on earth are you doing? You look as if you've never seen a kitchen before, or know what it even is." she hissed.
And then the backdoor clicked as it opened silently, and they both hastily crept out, breathing an audible sigh of relief at their successful escape.
The darkness shrouded them, disturbed only by the flashes of moonlight from behind drifting clouds. Footsteps and drunken laughter echoed against the walls they plastered themselves to, fearful of anyone discovering them.
Liz followed closely behind Maria, infact she was so close that she ran straight into her hen she stopped abruptly.
"Ooof!" Liz exclaimed , raising protective hands to clutch at Maria's dress lest she tumble backward.
Maria whirled around to face her quickly. " Are you alright?"
Liz nodded her assent. " Why have we stopped?"
Fear and excitement lit Maria's eyes as she announced, " We've arrived."
Liz swallowed a sudden lump in her throat and nodded her understanding.
Maria grabbed her hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze. " Just follow the plan. Everything will be alright." And with that they both stepped out of the shadows, fluttering lashes and seductive smiles plastered on their faces.
The men chatting by the gates stopped and stared at the two young women as they approached. When the lamlights highleted their attractive features and enticing bodies encased in brazen dresses, their eyes darkened with sudden desire.
It had beewn a lonely and boring night for them so far, pehaps a little excitement is over due. And it looked like they just might get it.
Maria and Liz sideled up close and gave them coy glances from beneath their lashes.
"Hello boys," Maria greeted huskily. Liz wiggled her fingers at them in her own greeting.
The men straightened. One man, the one Liz recognised as being the one she had had the misfortune to associate with to see Max, smiled ferraly. His hands moved over his rumpled, dirty clothes, to try and straighten them in vain. "'Evenin' ladies. What brings you over to this side of town tonight?"
Maria's seductive laugh tinkled across to them in the night air. " What can we say, gentlemen. We had a need for some....excitement." she emphized the last word with a telling look .
The ,men certainly looked eager. Liz felt a moment of panic. What if they decided to take matters into their own hands and ruin their plans. She somehow managed to convey to Maria her worries because she turned to give her a conspiritual wink, which the men thankfully did not interpret- though it was not beyond them to think it meant that Liz and Maria thought they had captured some great men for the night. Liz want to snort a their largerly inflated sense of worth.
"Well then, you've come to the right place." He grinned to show missing teeth. " What're yer names pretty gals?"
Liz giggled. " My names Lola, an' this here's Daisy." She approached him, the wrinkle of her nose the only possible way she could convery her distate. She clutched at his arm and sidled up until she was pressed closely against him.
Liz gazed up at him seductively, and her voice was husky when she said, " What say you boys buy us some drinks..." she paused for effect, sharing a glance with Maria, and moving her hand up and down his chest, " we'll make it worth your while." SHe licked her lips.
It seemed to do the trick, and though Liz hated herself for doing this, she coldn't help but a feel a small frisson of satisfaction at her female power. Maria gave her a knowing smile from her place on 'George's' lap. She knew exactly how she felt.
The men had wasted no time in aquiring the drinks and they were all passed around. Liz and Maria both produced a small bottle filled with powder. They gazed suspiciously at it. "What the 'ell is that?" 'Richard' demanded, wiping remains of beer off his lips with the back of hand.
"Oh don't look at us like that boys," Maria chided teasingly. " This here's called an aphrodisiac." When they all just look puzzled she asked, " don'tcha know what that is?"
"hell no Daisy, we don't know no fancy words. Why dontcha jest tell us." George complained.
Liz looked around the room, amd made sure they were hanging on her every word. " Well then we'll tell you. An aphrodisiac makes your body hot and hard, and you'll be able to satisfy us for hours and hours." She had to swallow the bile in her throat to get the words out, especially when she felt a certain something grow beneath her where she herself sat on 'Clarence's' lap.
They all hastilly agreed to take it. Liz and Maria eagerly poured the powder into their drinks. When Clarence finished his drink he reached for Liz and started to awkwardly grope her. Liz tried to still him but he seemed adamant.
"C'mon sweetheart, let me pleasure you aall night like you want.." Wet smacking Liz threateningly approached her face and Liz shrieked. She pulled away too frocefully and they both tumbled to the floor. Liz started to beat at his back and yelling for him to get off her. He lay heavy over her, not moving an inch. then suddenly he was heaved aside and Maria stood over her, extending a hand. Liz took it greatfully.
It was only when she was standing fully that she realized they had all passed out. Maria grinned at her. " They're dead to the world hun." and started laughing. Liz couldn't help a few chuckles herself. She felt both relief and pity.
" I cannot believe they though the powder would turn them into virile men of the night." Liz said.
Maria shrugged. "Some men would believe anything, as long as it guarantees their pleasure."
Without further ado, they snatched the key off the guards and made their way into the compound. They only hoped they could sneak past the ones inside aswell.
As it turned out however it was no trouble, especially since most of htem were drunk, and half of them did not see the stick flying toward their heads.
"Do you remember the way?" Maria whispered as they carefully walked through the dank halls that Liz was familiar with.
"Yes. But i only know where Max is. I would not know where the rest are." SHe said worriedly.
"Don't worry, when we get Max out, perhaps he will know." Maria said as she followed Liz's lead.
"Max"
A whisper.
"Max."
Her sweet voice called to him in his dreams. She came to him as she always did in his day dreams, all warm and loving. Telling him that she loved him, he would hold her in his arms and kiss her until the passion between grew hot and they made love...He was delirious, that was for sure. She just wouldn't leave his head. And since her last visit to him, she wouldn't leave his heart.
He was going to die tomorrow and all he had left of her was a whisper.
"Max."
There is was again.
"Max!"
His eyes snapped open and he immediately sat up. And stared. Stared, and stared.
She was like an avenging angel, standing in the doorway, calling to him.
" Liz!" he choked out. He struggled to stand. She came towards him, her eyes bright....
"Liz?" he frowned. No it wasn't. This woman was blond, with too much rouge and a gaudy dress that would make a prostitute blush. Who was this? A gift from the guards so he can slake his lust for the last time?
Max's eyes blazed with anger. He was about to open his mouth and coldly order her out of his cell when her hand reached up and removed her blond hair. Silky brown hair tumbled down her shoulders.
"It's me again Max." she spoke, looking at him directly. " I know you said you did not wish to see me again, but i could not stay away." she visibly swallowed. " I had to save you."
Slowly he approached her, taking her in. He couldn't believe this was Liz. Yet his eyes would not betray, he just knew it was her. And she had come to rescue him. After all he had done, she came back.
When he was inches from her, he stared deeply into her doe eyes. His hand reached out to sweep away a few tendrils away from her face.
" Come on boys and girls. You can stare into each other's eyes later. We must find the others and get the hell out of her." Maria's voice intruded and they both snapped their heads towards her. Max regained his composure then.
" What the hell were you two thinking in coming here? Something could have happened to you. You could have been hurt!"
Maria crossed her arms across her chest and glared at him. " Watch what you say captain or we'll push you right back in that cell. " she threatened. Max turned to Liz to see her reaction. She was staring furiously at him too. He believed they would do it.
"Women." he muttered as he made his way out.
"Don't you take that tone Maxwell. We're saving you from a terrible fate. Is that all the thanks we get?" Liz demanded.
Max stopped and glared at her, a second before he brought her crushingly to him, his forehead against hers. " I cannot believe you came." he murmured. There was fire in his eyes. " Why have you risked your life for me? I should be putting you over my knee for what you'v done you foolish woman."
Fire met equally with fire. " Is it do hard to say 'thank you' captain?" she challenged.
Max gave a bark of laughter before turning to Maria. " I do not know what demon has seemed to possess you, but i cannot say i am not grateful for it. I've got to get to get to Michael and my crew, then make sure you both get to safety. There is no time to waste."
Maria stood in Michael's arms. They were kissing each other, murmuring words that Liz couldn't make out.
She stood to the side of a deserted part of town, watching Max giving orders and preparing for a swift getaway. She stared hungrily at him, taking everything about him in. Would he leave now, never to be seen again? Would it be worse to know now that he would be alive somewhere out of her reach forever, rather than dead?
She hoped they would all be safe. It would not be long before he would be reported missing, and heaven forbid what would happen if he was captured again. Liz shivered at the thought.
Michael finally pulled away from Maria and made his way to where Max stood. They talked for a few minutes before Michael motioned to the men and they all started to make their way into the night.
Max remained, and he turned, and slowly made his way toward her. Her heart beat irratically, her pulse raced. Her breath left her when he came to stand so close to her. For the longest time they simply stared at each other. Max then leaned down and feathered a light kiss on her lips, as if he just couldn't help himself.
Liz responded immediately, and before either of them knew it he was crushing her to him, his hands roving her body, his tongue delving deep into her mouth. It was a while before Max managed to pull away. His eys were blank and Liz agonized about what he was thinking, feeling.
His hands cupped her face. " Thank you Liz." he finally said huskily.
Liz swallowed hard.
His fingers trailed caressingly down her cheeks, his eyes moved over her, as if branding her to his memory.
" I do not deserve you." he said gruffly. " Take care, my beautiful, couragous sprite."
And with no more words spoken between them, he followed his crew, and disappeared into the night.
Part 36
Liz's eyes felt heavy with the exhaustion that had driven her to her bed as soon as she had climbed up the ladder and entered her room through the window, with Maria's assistance. Derrick stood watch over the both of them, his orders plain. Liz foggily recalled the words Max had used as he stared sternly at him. They were terrible and to the point. Derrick could not possibly misunderstand his meaning.
' Should anything happen to them, you won't live to regret it"
Derrick remained their large, looming shadow till Liz was safely through the window, and no doubt, till Maria was safely through hers. Her heart skipped a large leap as her mind and body were warmed with thoughts of Max.
Her eyes drifting open she stared sightlessly ahead, not seeing the dawn that broke over the horizon, or the beautiful painting of colours that greeted her eyes. She hardly felt the gentle breeze that caressed her from the still open window. All she could think about was Max.
Oh Max.
Tears filled her eyes as she remembered the tender way he had gazed at her, the gentle touch of his callused fingers as they trailed down her cheek. And the gruff way he had said goodbye.
Liz wondered if it was forever.
She couldn't bear the thought. She couldn't believe that he wouldn't come back.
It was an irrational thought she knew. For why should he?! He was a criminal, fleeing for his life. Should he return here, he would be hanged on sight! And why should he return in the first place? surely not for her?! Liz feverently hoped so regardless of her skeptical mind.
As far as she knew, she had not heard one word of tenderness, of love, of anything...to prove that he cared for her, even a little, even enough for him to want to never let her go, never live without her.
Liz closed her eyes in despair and buried her face in her pillow. He knew she loved him. She had as good as told him when she had come to him in his cell that first night. Granted he couldn't answer her because of the guards untimely return, but he ad plenty of chance the second time, plenty of time.
And he had not said the words she desperately wanted to hear.
I love you. I can't live without you. Come with me. I'll come back for you. I promise.
It was like a dagger through her heart, and she had returned home, hardly aware of the chilly, dark night, nor of her two silent companions as they walked through the streets. Maria brooding over Michael, Derrick his hand always close to his sword and pistol, keeping close eyes on them and the darkness around them.
Liz wondered where he was now. If he was alive and well. If he had successfully escaped the soldiers that will undoubtedly be looking for him now. It was to be his hanging today after all.
Liz felt her stomach heave at the very thought. Oh heavens. All of a sudden she was feeling rather sick.
Perhaps it was the vision of Max dangling in the air with a tight rope around his neck. His neck broken, his eyes blank and lifeless....
Liz couldn't control the urge any longer. She bolted off the bed and painfully stumbled to the chamber-pot that lay in the corner of her room. In seconds, the meager contents of her stomach were deposited in the pan.
To her further horror, that was also the moment that the door opened to let a young maid enter the room. No doubt to wake her and help her dress for breakfast. Oh lord, just the thought of it made her bend her head over the pot again to throw up once more. Except there was nothing left to deposit, only dry, loud heaves that alerted the maid to the fact that Liz was not in bed after all, but huddled in the corner emptying her stomach.
Her eyes widened and she gasped. "Oh my lady!" she exclaimed, rushing toward her, spying the chamber pot. " Oh my lady what's wrong, are you all right, are you sick? Should i call for a physician?" she spoke in a tone close to hysterical. Liz was mortified.
" N-no ......."
"Mary" she eagerly supplied when Liz could not figure out her name.
"...Mary. I am quite all right. I seem to have eaten something unagreeable yesterday. Nothing to worry about. I am fine." She lied.
Mary visibly relaxed, then seemed to remember herself, and stood and bobbed a curtsy.
" Should i assist you in dressing now my lady?" she asked demurely.
Liz felt terrible, and could not say she minded the help.
"Yes Mary," she spoke softly, wanting nothing more than to crawl back into bed and sleep the pain away.
In her own manner, Mary appeared to have picked up on her mistress's distress and was very gentle as she helped her wash and dress. Liz was determined to meet her parents for breakfast. She must have news of Max and she knew they could supply it. Word of his escape would surely have reached them, even at this early hour and they would be up and anxious. Liz knew she must seek confirmation about her worst fears. She hoped they would prove false.
Glancing at the mirror as Mary did her hair, Liz observed the paleness of her skin, her red rimmed eyes, and her trembling mouth. She only hoped no one else did. When Mary was done Liz did her best to compose herself and went down to the breakfast room to breath a sigh of eternal relief, or to die inside.
Her body trembling she walked through the door to the breakfast room, ready to confront her parents. However when she walked in, there was only her mother there, who was quietly eating breakfast as if it were an ordinary morning with nothing exciting happening.
Liz was not fooled.
"Good morning mother." she forced a cheery note into her voice. Lady Parker looked up, an anxious look crossed over her features at the sight of her daughter, but was gone in an instant. If Liz had not been watching for any sign in her mother's face intently, she would have missed it. Now she knew that something was the matter. Nancy smiled invitingly.
"Elizabeth sweetheart, how are you this morning? Did you sleep well?"
Liz walked to the table and took a seat next to her mother. "Yes mother. It was very restful." and said nothing more.
Nancy grew silent as well, as if unsure where to go from there. It was as if suddenly, her daughter was a stranger, and they never before have sat around the breakfast table and talked endlessly of anything and everything.
"Where is father?" Liz suddenly inquired casually.
Nancy grew suddenly agitated at the mention of Jeffery. Oh yes, Liz thought. They have definitely received news.
"Oh, he is in his study. Business you know," she waved her hand airily. " Something that required his attention." She was silent after that, and Liz contemplated simply asking her outright, but refrained from doing so. Let her mother think she was oblivious. She would go to her father instead, he would be the one with the most answers.
At the moment, a steamy breakfast plate was placed before her. Liz stared down at the contents in horror. The strong aroma filled her nostrils. When it should have made her mouth water and her stomach growl hungrily, all it did was make her feel sick.
Tearing her eyes away from the plate she shoved her chair back in a very unladylike way, at the present time not caring about her mother's astonished expression. Quickly she excused herself, not able to give an explanation. Instead she hurried upstairs to her room and gently climbed onto her made bed, where she lay for a full hour, waiting for the pain to go away. The effect this entire ordeal had on her was too large. She could not even look breakfast in the face!
There was a knock on her door. Liz opened her eyes lazily, and uttered a faint 'come in', thinking it was Mary or some other maid, or her mother come to check on her. Her mind raced to think of an excuse for her behavior.
"Elizabeth?" came the decidedly masculine voice.
Liz's eyes widened at the sound of her father's voice. She gingerly sat up to see him standing hesitantly by the door.
"I hope i am not intruding?" he asked.
"No-" she started but it came out like a croak. She cleared her throat. " No not at all father. What is the matter?"
Slowly he came into the room. " Your mother told me that you behaved very oddly at breakfast-" he paused, as if unsure how to continue," she believes it might be because of today's significance." He need not have elaborated. Today's 'significance' was Max's hanging.
"Father i-"
"No no, please Lizzy, do not say anything," he cut in quickly moving to the side of her bed to sit by her." I know it is something very unfortunate that should happen. I-I know that you did not wish for him to thus convicted. But..." he took a deep breath, " I hope you can understand that his piratical crimes also lay against him,and that my position as your father made me want justice for my daughter." He said in an emotion thickened voice.
His hand touched her hair. " You are my only child, and the thought of losing you was unthinkable. It would have torn me apart." Liz blinked back tears at the words and feeling coming from her father.
"Oh father," she moved in to hug him. He held on tightly to her. " I love you father.
Very much. I understand your need, but....I cannot help but feel terrible over the fact that this man never harmed me, but too care of me. It did not seem fair." she too, attempted to explain her own opposing position. Jeffery nodded his head, suddenly very sober.
"Well Elizabeth, it appears your wishes have been granted by some miracle." he said. Liz's breath hitched in her throat as those words ran through her mind.
"What?" whispered. She had to be sure!
Jeffery sighed in a resigned manner. His tone was both helpless and angry as he spoke. " I received word very early this morning, that he and his crew have escaped. It appears to have been some time during the middle of the night. They do not know how it had happened, but they believe that someone from the outside assisted them. The guards seemed to have been drugged, and hit over the head." He shook his head at his own words, as if he couldn't quite believe them. " They have searched and searched, and they are still searching, but there is not sign of them. They have..disappeared."
He was so intent on his thoughts that he did not see the visible relief and joy that lay in his daughter's eyes.
Liz thought that would be the end of it, however it appeared not to be so. It all began with the damning words that next came out of her father's mouth. " Lizzy...there is something you must know now."
Her eyes quickly turned suspicious as she watched him. She held her breath and wondered what he had to say.
" Lord Di Galvani is waiting in my study at the moment." The breath she was holding left her in a whoosh. " He was the one who arrived with the news.. He also told me, that the gossip will turn very vicious and wild over this, especially for you Elizabeth. He said that there will be suspicions and poisonous lies that would spread around about you and that pirate. They all know you had been abducted by him. There is enough gossip circulating about that, yet they have managed to remain kind and sympathetic to your plight. However now that he has escaped, tales will be told, about you, about him. This time, they will not be so kind."
His hand reached out to take hold of hers. " He is right Lizzy. I know how unhappy it will make you and the rest of us, should they turn on you. I cannot let that happen."
Liz swallowed a large lump in her throat. Touched by his speech, yet horrified at what he had to say next. She knew Lord Di Galvani. He did not come only to warn them. And considering her father's worried state, she knew he would agree to almost anything Di Galvani suggested to save his daughter any pain.
Her hands clenched tightly together she faced her father. " What did you agree to?" she demanded, trying to keep the anger and pain from her voice.
Jeffery wouldn't look her in the eye. He stood up abruptly, and gestured nervously toward her door. " Perhaps it will be better if you spoke with him yourself Elizabeth. Leastways, it should come from him." Liz knew there was no other recourse if she wanted an answer.
Nodding gravely she stood also and made her way past her father. He stopped her with a gentle hand on her arm. She looked at him blankly. He attempted a small smile.
" I love you Lizzy. I only want you to be happy."
Liz was too choked up with emotion to reply, but she nodded her head and smiled in returned. She understood. Her father was trying to save her, protect her, in the only way he knew how. She also knew it would be very hard for him to stand up to Di Galvani, being who he was. She was nevertheless apprehensive about what was truly decided in that study.
Whatever it was, it was enough to cause anxiety in her mother, and regret in her father.
Lord Parker preceded his daughter and opened the door that led to his study. Liz walked in, her heart beating frantically, her palms sweaty. She came face to face with the very devil.
Sean stood by the window where the sun rays streamed across, casting him in an unholy light. Liz involuntarily shivered. And even from so far away he seemed to notice, for his lips curved up in a cruel smile.
The trio stood in a long silence for a moment. Sean glanced at Jeffery and an unspoken message passed between them. Jeffery cleared his throat and made his way to the door.
" I shall-leave you to discuss things" he spoke hesitantly as he exited, closing the door behind him. It shut with an ominous click.
"Well Elizabeth. You are looking lovely this morning. It is as if you had not suffered the terrible ordeal you had." He spoke with such underlining mockery and sarcasm that Liz's ire was raised. She faced him squarely.
" You are mistaken my lord, it was no ordeal at all."
Sean gave a harsh laugh and looked her up and down. " I thought so."
Liz flushed beet red. Silence reigned.
Sean broke it. " I suppose you are wondering why i am here." he said pointedly.
Liz feigned ignorance. " To tell my father of the pirate's escape." was all she said.
Sean shook his head. " Do not play games with me. You know i need not have come all this way to relay a simple message." He stepped toward her and Liz couldn't help the single step she took back. Sean's eyes glinted.
" Then what have you come here for?" she asked, regardless of the fact that she dreaded his answer.
" I came for you...Elizabeth." she spoke her name deliberately.
Liz glared at him. " Why?"
Sean laughed. " Have you not guessed yet? I want you...because Max wants you. I would not hesitate to be rid of you if not for that simple fact. After all, you are no long a maiden are you." He spoke it as a fact.
Liz blushed in total mortification. " And what makes you think that you shall even have me?" she bit out, stung by his show of absolute confidence.
He gave her a look that said she should have known the answer to that one. " Your father offered you to me once, he did not hesitate to do so again."
Liz gasped. Shocked. Her father?! Her father had given her away once more to this-this beast? Oh heaven above.......Tear clogged her throat as she thought of her fathers words in her bedchamber, his regretful expression. It all seemed to make sense now.
Lizzy...there is something you must know now......He is right Lizzy. I know how unhappy it will make you and the rest of us, should they turn on you. I cannot let that happen.
I only want you to be happy.....
Oh father, Liz thought mournfully.
Gathering her courage around her she face Sean. " I will not accept you," she informed him coldly," and you cannot make me." She knew he couldn't force her to say yes. She thought she had stumped him there. She was wrong....
"You will accept me Elizabeth," he informed her causally. " because i can destroy the one person who matters to you most."
Liz's breath hitched in her throat as she stared at him in shock. " You-you're threatening to destroy my family-" she began incredulously, but was cut off by harsh laugh.
" No my dear Lizzy. After all..your family is more than one person." He gave her a knowing look. And slowly, every so painfully, it began to dawn upon her who he really was talking about.
" No," she whispered. Her eyes gazed up at him. " You can't get to him. Hes is gone. You can't get to him."
Sean came to stand so close to her she could feel his sharp breath upon her face. She fought the instinct to recoil. " I have my ways Elizabeth. He is out there, and he has nothing. I can easily find him."
She stopped breathing. Her eyes narrowed at him. " Then why haven't you already?" she demanded breathlessly. " Would it not have worked better to your advantage if he was already within your grasp? so you could better blackmail me?"
Sean shook his head. A small smile graced his lips. " That would just be too easy my sweet. Torturing you with doubts and 'what ifs' is much more satisfying. I could find me, and i could not. I could destroy him, or he could destroy me." He laughed then, as if the very last idea was quite absurd.
"However the important question is,." He gripped her shoulders, holding her cruelly still when she attempted to break free from him. His breath was hot against her ear.
Liz shuddered in revulsion and despair. " are you willing to take that chance?"
Oh heaven help her. Was she?!
Part 37
"You are despicable!" Liz spat out. Her fists clenched at her sides, her eyes glared coldly at him as he stood there nonchalantly, his mouth turned up in a cruel twist.
"So you have indicated many times." he only replied dryly. Then his turned serious and made impatient noises. " You have been delaying your answer long enough!" he stared intently at her. " It is time you made a choice. Time is wasting."
Liz was furious. " You dare come in here...threaten me with someone else's life, force me to make a choice no sane human being would wish to make, and have the audacity to ask me to be your wife still?!" She whirled away from him, unwilling to let me see how his horrible words were affecting her. " You're despicable."
A horrible shiver ran up her spine, and then she was crying out in pain, as strong, blunt fingers dug savagely into her arm to turn her back again. Sean's face was livid.
His eyes had grown dark and sparked with fury. " You little bitch," he hissed menacingly in her face. " Never," his fingers bit more harshly into her tender flesh, " speak to me this way. I warn you, i will not tolerate it."
Liz stared at him, her eyes wide with shock, her body suddenly trembling with fear. Her throat convulsed as she attempted to swallow. " Are- are you threatening me with violence?" she whispered.
Sean smiled grimly. " Like none you've ever imagined before my dear."
With a sharp gasp she tore away from him. She doubted she would have succeeded though had he not voluntarily let her go.
"You-you....I-" she shut her mouth. Her thoughts cluttered. Had she heard right? Oh heavens above, she has come face to face with a monster!
"Shhhh," Sean mockingly placed a finger to his lips, " no need to be frightened my dear. I assure you i will not act on any violent impulses.....as long as i am kept satisfied..." he paused and gave her a long measuring look, "..and do you know what i need right now to keep me satisfied Elizabeth?" he asked softly, deliberately.
Liz swallowed dryly, and slowly shook her head from side to side, though she knew she was lying. She most definitely knew what he wanted, but she also knew she couldn't give it to him...not willingly anyway.
Sean laughed, as if he had read her thoughts. " So what will you answer be Elizabeth? How do you feel about 'what ifs'?"
A long silence met his last words. Liz stared away from him. She saw Max. Saw the wild wind blowing through his hair and shirt, showing off his golden chest. His boots planted firmly on the wooden plank of his magnificent ship as it sailed gloriously into the sunset. She saw his whiskey eyes, that always made her drown within their depths. His hard, sensual lips as they curved into a wicked smile......and then she blinked.....and could not stomach what she saw next. It was something she had barely prevented....
Tearing her thoughts away she gazed blankly at Sean, who looked at her expectantly.
Her whispered words drifted across the room and reached his ears. " Very well my lord. I accept." Though in her heart, she was a long way from accepting.
The doors opened, and Jeffery whirled around in surprise from where he was pacing the floor worriedly. He truly hoped that things had gone well between his daughter and Di Galvani. He wanted no strife.
He looked questioningly from one to the other. Liz's face was stoic, unemotional. Sean's was unreadable. They stopped and looked at him. Discreetly he coughed, and slowly approached his daughter and place a gentle hand on her arm. He frowned slightly when she stiffened.
" Has everything gone well?" he asked gently.
Liz opened her mouth to speak, but Sean beat her to it. " Indeed it has Parker. You may congratulate yourself and us. There will be a wedding." His tone was smug. Liz hated him all over again at that moment.
Jeffery seemed to relax as bit. A hesitant smile touched his lips when he looked at Liz. " I see...well then....Congratulations Lizzie." he said and drew her into a a tender fatherly hug. A poor smile wobbled on her own lips as she tried to return his embrace.
Her eyes met Sean's. He smiled. She looked away in disgust.
"What?!" Lady Parker exclaimed. " But that is impossible, there is so much to do and prepare. Guests to be invited, a dress to be made, a reception organized..." she trailed off, looking incredulously at the man standing before her, as were Lord Parker and Liz.
" Ah my dear lady Parker," Sean put in smoothly. " I know that such things take time to plan and so on, however you must understand, time is one factor we do not have. Unless the ceremony is performed with the greatest haste, there will be tongues wagging." His concerned look was as false as his words. " If we were married i could better protect her as my wife than as my fiancee."
Lady Parker opened her mouth to protest once more, but Sean interrupted to say in a deceptively cajoling tone, " perhaps when this whole thing dies down we would have a real wedding with the dress and guests...." his voice drifted it off pointedly, and it left Nancy to think on the matter.
At last she nodded her head reluctantly. " Perhaps you are right my lord. As long as Lizzie is happy, so am I." She turned to look at her daughter. " What do you think dear?"
Liz could feel Sean's gave burning a deadly hole in her back. This was the moment of truth. Heaven above, he meant to marry NOW?! It would seem all hope of perhaps salvaging her freedom were lost. She knew what he meant to do by this. He meant to secure her word, her life in his hands, and make her his possession. All because of his hate for Max. And she would have to agree, bind herself to a monster for the rest of her life. All for the love of Max.
With a strained smile, she replied, " I do not mind mother. All that nonsense never truly appealed to me. A simple wedding with a priest will do." She really hoped she was a terrible liar.
Her parents still appeared unsure, especially her father. " Lizzie are you sure-" he began but was cut off by Sean.
" Please do not be concerned Jeffery. Your daughter knows what she wants."
Jeffery tossed Sean a slight frown before turning back to his daughter and giving her a questioning look. A look that only she could see held much more than a simple question. Liz swallowed painfully and nodded.
" Do not worry father. This is what I want." she had to force the words out of her mouth.
With a sigh Jeffery agreed to the plan. Nancy followed suit.
Sean ordered for a priest to be brought to them immediately. " It is best to have the ceremony performed now, while we have the chance, and still ahead of any vicious gossiping." He went on smoothly.
Liz was ushered away into her room to prepare her as much as possible. She cared not how she looked though. When she stared at the mirror at her dressing table, she saw nothing. A stranger. She barely felt Mary's hands as she tangled and twisted her hair, or when she was fitted into one of her unused ball dresses.
It was a shame too, because right then, any man would have looked on and thought she was the most beautiful creature in the world. Her hair pulled back in an intricate french twist, loose tendrils falling softly across her cheeks, and caressing her nape. Her dress was of a royal blue, molding perfectly to her body as it overflowed at her waist. Delicate lacing adorned the precious silk, and they swayed gently with ever movement she made..
Sighing she began to make her way towards the door. Too meet her doom. It opened suddenly, and her mother entered. With one look at Liz she gasped with delight. " Oh Lizzie darling you look positively enchanting!" she gushed.
Liz felt her face go an embarrassed red. " uh...thank you mother." she mumbled uncertainly.
Nancy gave her a gentle look. " You look truly enchanting my dear." Then she began to sniff. " Of if only you could be all dressed in white with a veil and you grandmother's pearls."
Liz couldn't help but smile slightly at the memory of dear Grandma Claudia. Oh what would she say if she could see me now?
" Come now mother, I never really cared for all that kind of fuzz. A simple ceremony is enough to satisfy me, as long as I am marrying the right man." she said softly, trying to hide the disgust and anger she was feeling. Lies tasted bitter on her tongue.
Nancy eyed her daughter carefully. " And is Lord Di Galvani the right man?"
No.
Liz was unwilling to lie outright this time. She gave her mother a steady look. " He's close enough."
Lies, lies, lies. When shall they cease?
There was a knock at the door. Liz tensed, knowing who it was on the other side.
A cloaked man walked slowly through and into the hall, a hood shielding his face, his back slightly hunched. A black book with the sign of the cross was held tightly to his chest. Liz swallowed as she imagined the vows she would be repeating from there in a short while.
" Good afternoon father. " Jeffery greeted. " Thank you very much for coming." He led him to the drawing room where the service was to be performed. " We appreciate you coming here on such short notice."
The priest nodded and replied in a raspy voice, that for some reason sent strange shivers down Liz's spine. " It is no trouble. Especially when the request is to unite a man and woman in holy matrimony."
Nancy hurried forward. " Would you like to relieve yourself of your clock Father?" she asked, already motioning for one of the servants to approach.
"No!" He fairly shouted and startled everyone in the room. He bowed his head. The hood hid his face even more so. " No please. I am..er...very sensitive to daylight. I prefer the comfort of my hood and cloak." He offered in that rough voice that left Liz's ear's ringing.
Curiously she gazed intently at him. Wondering if she had met him before. She was almost positive they hadn't. For some reason, her hand ached to tear that hood off his head and reveal his face.
"Come then." Sean's voice sounded. Impatiently he grabbed for Liz and pushed her along till they stood before the priest. " I'm afraid Father that this is a matter of haste for us. We wish to proceed with the ceremony as soon as possible."
Lord and lady Parker lined up behind them. The servants gathered by the drawing room door to watch. Mary hurried forward and handed a startled Liz a small bouquet of flowers.
With surprise Liz exclaimed, " Why thank you Mary!" she smiled at the young woman and clutched the stems tightly within her trembling fingers.
"No bride should have a wedding without some flowers my lady." Mary smiled hesitantly back and returned to her place.
With deep, not so calming breaths, she turned around and stood stiff as an arrow beside Sean, who finally motioned for the priest to begin.
He nodded, which caused his hood to fall back far enough to reveal the bottom half of his face.
Liz blinked a few times and her hands went numb.
"We are gathered here in the presence of God..." with fascination she watched that mouth move. Full lips. Strong white teeth, and a voice she knew not to be raspy, but husky, deep..smooth.
"....If there is anyone here that objects to this marriage, speak now or forever hold your peace." When he was met by silence, he continued.
" Do you Sean Williams Di Galvani take Elizabeth-" a pause. Silence filled the room. The priest looked hesitant.
" Claudia Parker," Nancy supplied quickly.
"Ah yes, forgive me..." he said softly.
" It is of no consequence...do continue." Sean interrupted impatiently.
A slight cough. " Yes ofcourse."....."Elizabeth Claudia Parker to be your lawful wedded wife? To love, honor and cherish, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, till death do you part?"
His answer rang out loud and clear. " I do."
The priest turned slightly toward her now. Liz felt herself tense, and she didn't know why. Though she could not see his eyes, she knew he was staring right at her. And all she could imagine was swirling amber eyes.
Blinking and mentally shaking her head she prepared herself. It was now her turn.
"And do you Elizabeth Claudia Parker take Sean Williams Di Galvani to be your lawful wedded husband, to love, honor and cherish, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, till death do you part?" His raspy voice seemed more pronounced now, rougher.
The words trembled on her lips. There was silence. Servants cast questioning glances at each other. The Parkers looked on in confusion. Sean gave her an impatient side-long glance.
"The words are 'I do' my dear." he prompted.
Liz swallowed. The priest moved. She knew he was about to raise his head.
" I do" she blurted out loudly. He snapped his head down again. Liz hid a relieved sigh. She did not know why, but for some reason, she did not want to see his face. She felt she would have to face something she could not bear to.
Her eyes darted to the hands that held the open bible. Fingers clenched tightly around the leather bound book.
Without prompting from the priest Sean grabbed Liz's hand and held it up to insert a gold wedding ring upon her finger. She hardly noticed the huge diamond that dominated the center.
" I now pronounce you man and wife." His voice seemed harder, " You may now kiss the bride."
Without further ado Sean held Liz in his arms and bent his head down to lay a kiss on her lips. Liz closed her eyes and prepared herself for the impact.
Except it never came.
She heard only a voice so familiar to her, she thought her heart would burst in recognition.
" Or, if you value your very neck, you would refrain from doing so." came the dark, dangerous threat.
Sean whirled around incredulously to face a long sharp rapier that lay against his throat.
Liz gasped in shock. Though her instincts had somehow alerted her of the fact, she had dared not hope. Not in her wildest prayers and dreams.
Her eyes watered with sudden tears, and she stared and stared. Not believing the sight before her. Swirling ambers stared right back.
"Max" she breathed.
Liz was feeling too restless to be still. She paced back and forth across her bedroom floor, battling with silent agony. Her thoughts were filled of Max. The haggard way he looked, the fire that had dimmed in his eyes. The words he spoke, that struck fear into her heart.
The man she had met with that fateful day was not Max. Indeed, she could recall when he stood tall and strong, radiating with absolute power and strength on his ship's deck, warming her with the very look in his golden eyes. He seemed so invinsible then, undefeatable.
And now it was proven that he was merely human afer all.
Liz sighed deeply and walked towards the window to stare out into the night sky. There was no moon tonight and the stars were scarce. Nothing but a dark void. She closed her eyes against the dark, dark night, unable to bear it.
"Liz!"
Liz's eyes snapped open and she jumped away from the window in fear. He name was called again in a loud whisper, from what could only be below. Her eyes darted apprehesively downwards.
"Liz"
There it was again, urgent, demanding. Liz turned frnatically around her room, searching for some kind of weapon to use. Her fingers tangled through her belongings before her hands landed on a large brass candlestick. She blew it out, plunging herself into faint darkness and removed the candle. Gripping the stick with both hands to steady herself she cautiously approached the window.
Rustling came from below, making her swallow a sudden lump in her throat. She was breifly relieved that she was on the second floor and whoever it was could not get to her. However that was before there was a loud thump and more rustling.
When Liz was close enough to see, her eyes widened in shock. A ladder, which she supposed could be their gardener's had been placed against the wall, making it ver possible for the intruder to reach her. Liz gripped the stick more tightly, her knuckles turning white at the effort.
Her head bent over the sill and she stifled a gasp when she saw a dark figure struggle unceremoniously up the ladder, and straight to her. She raised the candle stick over her head and back away so the shadow won't see her.
Anxiously she waited, trying to still her erratic heart, hoping that the hard pounding could not be heard.
Liz stifled a frightened gasp when a hand suddenly appeared to grip the window sill. It was so white and pale against the dark stone. She heard a few mutterings and a few curses drifted up to assualt her ears. And before she was ready, another hand joined the other and both were hauling up the body. Whoever it was appeared to be struggling Liz couldn't help but think with satisfaction.
When the stranger fell onto the floor in a heap Liz pounced, her stick held high abover her head, ready to strike.
"Stop where you are or I shall hit you. I have a weapon!" She threatened, albeit with a telling waver in her voice that she wished she could suppress.
The stranger froze. Liz feared he'd attack her anyway. And then..
"Liz? Is that you?"
The stick dropped from her fingers to clatter onto the ground.
"Maria?!"
"I do not understand. How did you find out where I live?" Liz inquired where she sat on her bed. Maria sat beside her. She gave her a slight smile.
" All I had to do was ask Liz. You're not exactly unknown here..my lady."
Liz flushed and lowered her eyes guiltily.
"Hey, hey. None of that..." Maria chided urging Liz to look at her once more. Her gaze was direct but with no accusation. Liz gave a little sigh.
"I do not know what to say Maria. I have lied to you. After you have been such a wonderful friend and companion to me during my time on the ship...I lied to you." Liz was full of remorse. "Oh please forgive me." She clutched at Maria's hand in a gesture of friendship and appeal.
She was startled when Maria smiled and chuckled. She patted her hand. " Oh don't worry yourself so much Liz. I'm not angry. A little annoyed that you chose to keep that little tidbit to yourself but not angry." She threw an arm around her. " In fact i certainly understand the need to keep your identity secret. You weren't in the most ideal of circumstances after all."
Liz couldn't help but blush at that. The tone and pointed look in her eyes reminded of things that made her heart ache.
"May i inquire though now how it all came about?"
Liz sighed and began her story, feeling a great weight lift of her chest.
"Absolutely not! That's insane!"
"Really Liz, it's a perfectly sound idea and an equally sound plan. What are you fussing about?"
Liz stopped her furious pacing to glare at Maria, who was still sitting on the bed, looking as if she hadn't a care in the world. She pointed an accusing finger at her.
"You know exactly what i am fussing about! it can't possibly work." she replied, exasperated. It was positively ludicrous, what she was suggesting. They wouldn't be able to pull it off, that is if she were inclined to do it in the first place! After Liz had poured her heart out and Maria had listened adn wiped her tears she had finally revealed her actual reason for seeking her out.
Maria sighed and pushed off the bed to face her squarely. " Yes it can work Liz. You're just afraid."
"You're damned right i am!" she said, incaring that she was cursing.
"Well ok, maybe i am too." she conceded. "And i admit, it is a little dangerous but-"
"A little!" Liz hurrumphed with a roll of her eyes.
Maria glared. "BUT...you don't want to see them died anymore than i do."
Max.
Silence stretched after her words. No.She didn't want to see them die. Didn't want to see Max die. Her fists clenched her robe inconciously at the thought.
When no more words passed between them, Maria decided to break the silence, for the first time, hesitant, unsure. " You do care for him don't you Lizzie? I wasn't wrong in interpreting what was in your eyes that night?" she asked gently.
Liz stared at her for a moment that seemed to stretch on for forever. "No you weren't. I love him."
Liz stared at herself in the mirror, awed and horrified. Was this creature truly her. Maria had done an amazing job. She could hardly even recognise herself. Her reflection gazed back at her. White painted face and red rouged cheeks,tacky blond hair piled haphazardly on her head, lips that looked like over ripe plums, eyes contoured by black paint..and finally..the dress.
Liz swallowed. It was so daring. A velvet red, a plunging neckline that exposed half her breasts, and a fitting to tight, it practically molded against her body. It was a prostitute's dress that Maria had managed to acquire from a brothel. Liz refrained from asking how.
Liz looked through the mirror at Maria as she came to stand beside her, putting the finishing touches on her face. She was much the same way, except she had a green dress.
"Maria.....are you uh..um sure about this?" she asked worriedly. She wasn't too comfortable with this. To go out in the middle of the night, and be at the mercy of drunken men on the streets, to have them look at her....Liz shuddered. It was not a pleasant thought.
Maria understood the concern in Liz's eyes and gave her an encouraging smile. " Don't worrie Lizzie. We'll be safe." While she spoke she dipped her hand into her skirt pocket and produced two shiny blades. Liz gasped and finally comprehended when she handed one to her. Her hand gripped it fiercely.
"Come. We must leave now." They made their way back to the door. Maria decided it would be safer to climb back down instead trying to sneak out the front door and getting caught. But Liz reasoned that it would be safer to go through the door and get caught, rather than risk a broken neck. Maria conceded.
Cautiously they tip-toed down the servant's starcase, taking care to listen for any suspicious sound or telling movement. When they reached the kitchen all was quiet. Liz's eyes looked around the dark place in a certain amount of wonderment. It was the first time she had managed to truely see where all her breakfasts, adn lunches and dinners came from. Amazing...
Maria suddenly gripped her hand and propelled her along. " What on earth are you doing? You look as if you've never seen a kitchen before, or know what it even is." she hissed.
And then the backdoor clicked as it opened silently, and they both hastily crept out, breathing an audible sigh of relief at their successful escape.
The darkness shrouded them, disturbed only by the flashes of moonlight from behind drifting clouds. Footsteps and drunken laughter echoed against the walls they plastered themselves to, fearful of anyone discovering them.
Liz followed closely behind Maria, infact she was so close that she ran straight into her hen she stopped abruptly.
"Ooof!" Liz exclaimed , raising protective hands to clutch at Maria's dress lest she tumble backward.
Maria whirled around to face her quickly. " Are you alright?"
Liz nodded her assent. " Why have we stopped?"
Fear and excitement lit Maria's eyes as she announced, " We've arrived."
Liz swallowed a sudden lump in her throat and nodded her understanding.
Maria grabbed her hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze. " Just follow the plan. Everything will be alright." And with that they both stepped out of the shadows, fluttering lashes and seductive smiles plastered on their faces.
The men chatting by the gates stopped and stared at the two young women as they approached. When the lamlights highleted their attractive features and enticing bodies encased in brazen dresses, their eyes darkened with sudden desire.
It had beewn a lonely and boring night for them so far, pehaps a little excitement is over due. And it looked like they just might get it.
Maria and Liz sideled up close and gave them coy glances from beneath their lashes.
"Hello boys," Maria greeted huskily. Liz wiggled her fingers at them in her own greeting.
The men straightened. One man, the one Liz recognised as being the one she had had the misfortune to associate with to see Max, smiled ferraly. His hands moved over his rumpled, dirty clothes, to try and straighten them in vain. "'Evenin' ladies. What brings you over to this side of town tonight?"
Maria's seductive laugh tinkled across to them in the night air. " What can we say, gentlemen. We had a need for some....excitement." she emphized the last word with a telling look .
The ,men certainly looked eager. Liz felt a moment of panic. What if they decided to take matters into their own hands and ruin their plans. She somehow managed to convey to Maria her worries because she turned to give her a conspiritual wink, which the men thankfully did not interpret- though it was not beyond them to think it meant that Liz and Maria thought they had captured some great men for the night. Liz want to snort a their largerly inflated sense of worth.
"Well then, you've come to the right place." He grinned to show missing teeth. " What're yer names pretty gals?"
Liz giggled. " My names Lola, an' this here's Daisy." She approached him, the wrinkle of her nose the only possible way she could convery her distate. She clutched at his arm and sidled up until she was pressed closely against him.
Liz gazed up at him seductively, and her voice was husky when she said, " What say you boys buy us some drinks..." she paused for effect, sharing a glance with Maria, and moving her hand up and down his chest, " we'll make it worth your while." SHe licked her lips.
It seemed to do the trick, and though Liz hated herself for doing this, she coldn't help but a feel a small frisson of satisfaction at her female power. Maria gave her a knowing smile from her place on 'George's' lap. She knew exactly how she felt.
The men had wasted no time in aquiring the drinks and they were all passed around. Liz and Maria both produced a small bottle filled with powder. They gazed suspiciously at it. "What the 'ell is that?" 'Richard' demanded, wiping remains of beer off his lips with the back of hand.
"Oh don't look at us like that boys," Maria chided teasingly. " This here's called an aphrodisiac." When they all just look puzzled she asked, " don'tcha know what that is?"
"hell no Daisy, we don't know no fancy words. Why dontcha jest tell us." George complained.
Liz looked around the room, amd made sure they were hanging on her every word. " Well then we'll tell you. An aphrodisiac makes your body hot and hard, and you'll be able to satisfy us for hours and hours." She had to swallow the bile in her throat to get the words out, especially when she felt a certain something grow beneath her where she herself sat on 'Clarence's' lap.
They all hastilly agreed to take it. Liz and Maria eagerly poured the powder into their drinks. When Clarence finished his drink he reached for Liz and started to awkwardly grope her. Liz tried to still him but he seemed adamant.
"C'mon sweetheart, let me pleasure you aall night like you want.." Wet smacking Liz threateningly approached her face and Liz shrieked. She pulled away too frocefully and they both tumbled to the floor. Liz started to beat at his back and yelling for him to get off her. He lay heavy over her, not moving an inch. then suddenly he was heaved aside and Maria stood over her, extending a hand. Liz took it greatfully.
It was only when she was standing fully that she realized they had all passed out. Maria grinned at her. " They're dead to the world hun." and started laughing. Liz couldn't help a few chuckles herself. She felt both relief and pity.
" I cannot believe they though the powder would turn them into virile men of the night." Liz said.
Maria shrugged. "Some men would believe anything, as long as it guarantees their pleasure."
Without further ado, they snatched the key off the guards and made their way into the compound. They only hoped they could sneak past the ones inside aswell.
As it turned out however it was no trouble, especially since most of htem were drunk, and half of them did not see the stick flying toward their heads.
"Do you remember the way?" Maria whispered as they carefully walked through the dank halls that Liz was familiar with.
"Yes. But i only know where Max is. I would not know where the rest are." SHe said worriedly.
"Don't worry, when we get Max out, perhaps he will know." Maria said as she followed Liz's lead.
"Max"
A whisper.
"Max."
Her sweet voice called to him in his dreams. She came to him as she always did in his day dreams, all warm and loving. Telling him that she loved him, he would hold her in his arms and kiss her until the passion between grew hot and they made love...He was delirious, that was for sure. She just wouldn't leave his head. And since her last visit to him, she wouldn't leave his heart.
He was going to die tomorrow and all he had left of her was a whisper.
"Max."
There is was again.
"Max!"
His eyes snapped open and he immediately sat up. And stared. Stared, and stared.
She was like an avenging angel, standing in the doorway, calling to him.
" Liz!" he choked out. He struggled to stand. She came towards him, her eyes bright....
"Liz?" he frowned. No it wasn't. This woman was blond, with too much rouge and a gaudy dress that would make a prostitute blush. Who was this? A gift from the guards so he can slake his lust for the last time?
Max's eyes blazed with anger. He was about to open his mouth and coldly order her out of his cell when her hand reached up and removed her blond hair. Silky brown hair tumbled down her shoulders.
"It's me again Max." she spoke, looking at him directly. " I know you said you did not wish to see me again, but i could not stay away." she visibly swallowed. " I had to save you."
Slowly he approached her, taking her in. He couldn't believe this was Liz. Yet his eyes would not betray, he just knew it was her. And she had come to rescue him. After all he had done, she came back.
When he was inches from her, he stared deeply into her doe eyes. His hand reached out to sweep away a few tendrils away from her face.
" Come on boys and girls. You can stare into each other's eyes later. We must find the others and get the hell out of her." Maria's voice intruded and they both snapped their heads towards her. Max regained his composure then.
" What the hell were you two thinking in coming here? Something could have happened to you. You could have been hurt!"
Maria crossed her arms across her chest and glared at him. " Watch what you say captain or we'll push you right back in that cell. " she threatened. Max turned to Liz to see her reaction. She was staring furiously at him too. He believed they would do it.
"Women." he muttered as he made his way out.
"Don't you take that tone Maxwell. We're saving you from a terrible fate. Is that all the thanks we get?" Liz demanded.
Max stopped and glared at her, a second before he brought her crushingly to him, his forehead against hers. " I cannot believe you came." he murmured. There was fire in his eyes. " Why have you risked your life for me? I should be putting you over my knee for what you'v done you foolish woman."
Fire met equally with fire. " Is it do hard to say 'thank you' captain?" she challenged.
Max gave a bark of laughter before turning to Maria. " I do not know what demon has seemed to possess you, but i cannot say i am not grateful for it. I've got to get to get to Michael and my crew, then make sure you both get to safety. There is no time to waste."
Maria stood in Michael's arms. They were kissing each other, murmuring words that Liz couldn't make out.
She stood to the side of a deserted part of town, watching Max giving orders and preparing for a swift getaway. She stared hungrily at him, taking everything about him in. Would he leave now, never to be seen again? Would it be worse to know now that he would be alive somewhere out of her reach forever, rather than dead?
She hoped they would all be safe. It would not be long before he would be reported missing, and heaven forbid what would happen if he was captured again. Liz shivered at the thought.
Michael finally pulled away from Maria and made his way to where Max stood. They talked for a few minutes before Michael motioned to the men and they all started to make their way into the night.
Max remained, and he turned, and slowly made his way toward her. Her heart beat irratically, her pulse raced. Her breath left her when he came to stand so close to her. For the longest time they simply stared at each other. Max then leaned down and feathered a light kiss on her lips, as if he just couldn't help himself.
Liz responded immediately, and before either of them knew it he was crushing her to him, his hands roving her body, his tongue delving deep into her mouth. It was a while before Max managed to pull away. His eys were blank and Liz agonized about what he was thinking, feeling.
His hands cupped her face. " Thank you Liz." he finally said huskily.
Liz swallowed hard.
His fingers trailed caressingly down her cheeks, his eyes moved over her, as if branding her to his memory.
" I do not deserve you." he said gruffly. " Take care, my beautiful, couragous sprite."
And with no more words spoken between them, he followed his crew, and disappeared into the night.
Part 36
Liz's eyes felt heavy with the exhaustion that had driven her to her bed as soon as she had climbed up the ladder and entered her room through the window, with Maria's assistance. Derrick stood watch over the both of them, his orders plain. Liz foggily recalled the words Max had used as he stared sternly at him. They were terrible and to the point. Derrick could not possibly misunderstand his meaning.
' Should anything happen to them, you won't live to regret it"
Derrick remained their large, looming shadow till Liz was safely through the window, and no doubt, till Maria was safely through hers. Her heart skipped a large leap as her mind and body were warmed with thoughts of Max.
Her eyes drifting open she stared sightlessly ahead, not seeing the dawn that broke over the horizon, or the beautiful painting of colours that greeted her eyes. She hardly felt the gentle breeze that caressed her from the still open window. All she could think about was Max.
Oh Max.
Tears filled her eyes as she remembered the tender way he had gazed at her, the gentle touch of his callused fingers as they trailed down her cheek. And the gruff way he had said goodbye.
Liz wondered if it was forever.
She couldn't bear the thought. She couldn't believe that he wouldn't come back.
It was an irrational thought she knew. For why should he?! He was a criminal, fleeing for his life. Should he return here, he would be hanged on sight! And why should he return in the first place? surely not for her?! Liz feverently hoped so regardless of her skeptical mind.
As far as she knew, she had not heard one word of tenderness, of love, of anything...to prove that he cared for her, even a little, even enough for him to want to never let her go, never live without her.
Liz closed her eyes in despair and buried her face in her pillow. He knew she loved him. She had as good as told him when she had come to him in his cell that first night. Granted he couldn't answer her because of the guards untimely return, but he ad plenty of chance the second time, plenty of time.
And he had not said the words she desperately wanted to hear.
I love you. I can't live without you. Come with me. I'll come back for you. I promise.
It was like a dagger through her heart, and she had returned home, hardly aware of the chilly, dark night, nor of her two silent companions as they walked through the streets. Maria brooding over Michael, Derrick his hand always close to his sword and pistol, keeping close eyes on them and the darkness around them.
Liz wondered where he was now. If he was alive and well. If he had successfully escaped the soldiers that will undoubtedly be looking for him now. It was to be his hanging today after all.
Liz felt her stomach heave at the very thought. Oh heavens. All of a sudden she was feeling rather sick.
Perhaps it was the vision of Max dangling in the air with a tight rope around his neck. His neck broken, his eyes blank and lifeless....
Liz couldn't control the urge any longer. She bolted off the bed and painfully stumbled to the chamber-pot that lay in the corner of her room. In seconds, the meager contents of her stomach were deposited in the pan.
To her further horror, that was also the moment that the door opened to let a young maid enter the room. No doubt to wake her and help her dress for breakfast. Oh lord, just the thought of it made her bend her head over the pot again to throw up once more. Except there was nothing left to deposit, only dry, loud heaves that alerted the maid to the fact that Liz was not in bed after all, but huddled in the corner emptying her stomach.
Her eyes widened and she gasped. "Oh my lady!" she exclaimed, rushing toward her, spying the chamber pot. " Oh my lady what's wrong, are you all right, are you sick? Should i call for a physician?" she spoke in a tone close to hysterical. Liz was mortified.
" N-no ......."
"Mary" she eagerly supplied when Liz could not figure out her name.
"...Mary. I am quite all right. I seem to have eaten something unagreeable yesterday. Nothing to worry about. I am fine." She lied.
Mary visibly relaxed, then seemed to remember herself, and stood and bobbed a curtsy.
" Should i assist you in dressing now my lady?" she asked demurely.
Liz felt terrible, and could not say she minded the help.
"Yes Mary," she spoke softly, wanting nothing more than to crawl back into bed and sleep the pain away.
In her own manner, Mary appeared to have picked up on her mistress's distress and was very gentle as she helped her wash and dress. Liz was determined to meet her parents for breakfast. She must have news of Max and she knew they could supply it. Word of his escape would surely have reached them, even at this early hour and they would be up and anxious. Liz knew she must seek confirmation about her worst fears. She hoped they would prove false.
Glancing at the mirror as Mary did her hair, Liz observed the paleness of her skin, her red rimmed eyes, and her trembling mouth. She only hoped no one else did. When Mary was done Liz did her best to compose herself and went down to the breakfast room to breath a sigh of eternal relief, or to die inside.
Her body trembling she walked through the door to the breakfast room, ready to confront her parents. However when she walked in, there was only her mother there, who was quietly eating breakfast as if it were an ordinary morning with nothing exciting happening.
Liz was not fooled.
"Good morning mother." she forced a cheery note into her voice. Lady Parker looked up, an anxious look crossed over her features at the sight of her daughter, but was gone in an instant. If Liz had not been watching for any sign in her mother's face intently, she would have missed it. Now she knew that something was the matter. Nancy smiled invitingly.
"Elizabeth sweetheart, how are you this morning? Did you sleep well?"
Liz walked to the table and took a seat next to her mother. "Yes mother. It was very restful." and said nothing more.
Nancy grew silent as well, as if unsure where to go from there. It was as if suddenly, her daughter was a stranger, and they never before have sat around the breakfast table and talked endlessly of anything and everything.
"Where is father?" Liz suddenly inquired casually.
Nancy grew suddenly agitated at the mention of Jeffery. Oh yes, Liz thought. They have definitely received news.
"Oh, he is in his study. Business you know," she waved her hand airily. " Something that required his attention." She was silent after that, and Liz contemplated simply asking her outright, but refrained from doing so. Let her mother think she was oblivious. She would go to her father instead, he would be the one with the most answers.
At the moment, a steamy breakfast plate was placed before her. Liz stared down at the contents in horror. The strong aroma filled her nostrils. When it should have made her mouth water and her stomach growl hungrily, all it did was make her feel sick.
Tearing her eyes away from the plate she shoved her chair back in a very unladylike way, at the present time not caring about her mother's astonished expression. Quickly she excused herself, not able to give an explanation. Instead she hurried upstairs to her room and gently climbed onto her made bed, where she lay for a full hour, waiting for the pain to go away. The effect this entire ordeal had on her was too large. She could not even look breakfast in the face!
There was a knock on her door. Liz opened her eyes lazily, and uttered a faint 'come in', thinking it was Mary or some other maid, or her mother come to check on her. Her mind raced to think of an excuse for her behavior.
"Elizabeth?" came the decidedly masculine voice.
Liz's eyes widened at the sound of her father's voice. She gingerly sat up to see him standing hesitantly by the door.
"I hope i am not intruding?" he asked.
"No-" she started but it came out like a croak. She cleared her throat. " No not at all father. What is the matter?"
Slowly he came into the room. " Your mother told me that you behaved very oddly at breakfast-" he paused, as if unsure how to continue," she believes it might be because of today's significance." He need not have elaborated. Today's 'significance' was Max's hanging.
"Father i-"
"No no, please Lizzy, do not say anything," he cut in quickly moving to the side of her bed to sit by her." I know it is something very unfortunate that should happen. I-I know that you did not wish for him to thus convicted. But..." he took a deep breath, " I hope you can understand that his piratical crimes also lay against him,and that my position as your father made me want justice for my daughter." He said in an emotion thickened voice.
His hand touched her hair. " You are my only child, and the thought of losing you was unthinkable. It would have torn me apart." Liz blinked back tears at the words and feeling coming from her father.
"Oh father," she moved in to hug him. He held on tightly to her. " I love you father.
Very much. I understand your need, but....I cannot help but feel terrible over the fact that this man never harmed me, but too care of me. It did not seem fair." she too, attempted to explain her own opposing position. Jeffery nodded his head, suddenly very sober.
"Well Elizabeth, it appears your wishes have been granted by some miracle." he said. Liz's breath hitched in her throat as those words ran through her mind.
"What?" whispered. She had to be sure!
Jeffery sighed in a resigned manner. His tone was both helpless and angry as he spoke. " I received word very early this morning, that he and his crew have escaped. It appears to have been some time during the middle of the night. They do not know how it had happened, but they believe that someone from the outside assisted them. The guards seemed to have been drugged, and hit over the head." He shook his head at his own words, as if he couldn't quite believe them. " They have searched and searched, and they are still searching, but there is not sign of them. They have..disappeared."
He was so intent on his thoughts that he did not see the visible relief and joy that lay in his daughter's eyes.
Liz thought that would be the end of it, however it appeared not to be so. It all began with the damning words that next came out of her father's mouth. " Lizzy...there is something you must know now."
Her eyes quickly turned suspicious as she watched him. She held her breath and wondered what he had to say.
" Lord Di Galvani is waiting in my study at the moment." The breath she was holding left her in a whoosh. " He was the one who arrived with the news.. He also told me, that the gossip will turn very vicious and wild over this, especially for you Elizabeth. He said that there will be suspicions and poisonous lies that would spread around about you and that pirate. They all know you had been abducted by him. There is enough gossip circulating about that, yet they have managed to remain kind and sympathetic to your plight. However now that he has escaped, tales will be told, about you, about him. This time, they will not be so kind."
His hand reached out to take hold of hers. " He is right Lizzy. I know how unhappy it will make you and the rest of us, should they turn on you. I cannot let that happen."
Liz swallowed a large lump in her throat. Touched by his speech, yet horrified at what he had to say next. She knew Lord Di Galvani. He did not come only to warn them. And considering her father's worried state, she knew he would agree to almost anything Di Galvani suggested to save his daughter any pain.
Her hands clenched tightly together she faced her father. " What did you agree to?" she demanded, trying to keep the anger and pain from her voice.
Jeffery wouldn't look her in the eye. He stood up abruptly, and gestured nervously toward her door. " Perhaps it will be better if you spoke with him yourself Elizabeth. Leastways, it should come from him." Liz knew there was no other recourse if she wanted an answer.
Nodding gravely she stood also and made her way past her father. He stopped her with a gentle hand on her arm. She looked at him blankly. He attempted a small smile.
" I love you Lizzy. I only want you to be happy."
Liz was too choked up with emotion to reply, but she nodded her head and smiled in returned. She understood. Her father was trying to save her, protect her, in the only way he knew how. She also knew it would be very hard for him to stand up to Di Galvani, being who he was. She was nevertheless apprehensive about what was truly decided in that study.
Whatever it was, it was enough to cause anxiety in her mother, and regret in her father.
Lord Parker preceded his daughter and opened the door that led to his study. Liz walked in, her heart beating frantically, her palms sweaty. She came face to face with the very devil.
Sean stood by the window where the sun rays streamed across, casting him in an unholy light. Liz involuntarily shivered. And even from so far away he seemed to notice, for his lips curved up in a cruel smile.
The trio stood in a long silence for a moment. Sean glanced at Jeffery and an unspoken message passed between them. Jeffery cleared his throat and made his way to the door.
" I shall-leave you to discuss things" he spoke hesitantly as he exited, closing the door behind him. It shut with an ominous click.
"Well Elizabeth. You are looking lovely this morning. It is as if you had not suffered the terrible ordeal you had." He spoke with such underlining mockery and sarcasm that Liz's ire was raised. She faced him squarely.
" You are mistaken my lord, it was no ordeal at all."
Sean gave a harsh laugh and looked her up and down. " I thought so."
Liz flushed beet red. Silence reigned.
Sean broke it. " I suppose you are wondering why i am here." he said pointedly.
Liz feigned ignorance. " To tell my father of the pirate's escape." was all she said.
Sean shook his head. " Do not play games with me. You know i need not have come all this way to relay a simple message." He stepped toward her and Liz couldn't help the single step she took back. Sean's eyes glinted.
" Then what have you come here for?" she asked, regardless of the fact that she dreaded his answer.
" I came for you...Elizabeth." she spoke her name deliberately.
Liz glared at him. " Why?"
Sean laughed. " Have you not guessed yet? I want you...because Max wants you. I would not hesitate to be rid of you if not for that simple fact. After all, you are no long a maiden are you." He spoke it as a fact.
Liz blushed in total mortification. " And what makes you think that you shall even have me?" she bit out, stung by his show of absolute confidence.
He gave her a look that said she should have known the answer to that one. " Your father offered you to me once, he did not hesitate to do so again."
Liz gasped. Shocked. Her father?! Her father had given her away once more to this-this beast? Oh heaven above.......Tear clogged her throat as she thought of her fathers words in her bedchamber, his regretful expression. It all seemed to make sense now.
Lizzy...there is something you must know now......He is right Lizzy. I know how unhappy it will make you and the rest of us, should they turn on you. I cannot let that happen.
I only want you to be happy.....
Oh father, Liz thought mournfully.
Gathering her courage around her she face Sean. " I will not accept you," she informed him coldly," and you cannot make me." She knew he couldn't force her to say yes. She thought she had stumped him there. She was wrong....
"You will accept me Elizabeth," he informed her causally. " because i can destroy the one person who matters to you most."
Liz's breath hitched in her throat as she stared at him in shock. " You-you're threatening to destroy my family-" she began incredulously, but was cut off by harsh laugh.
" No my dear Lizzy. After all..your family is more than one person." He gave her a knowing look. And slowly, every so painfully, it began to dawn upon her who he really was talking about.
" No," she whispered. Her eyes gazed up at him. " You can't get to him. Hes is gone. You can't get to him."
Sean came to stand so close to her she could feel his sharp breath upon her face. She fought the instinct to recoil. " I have my ways Elizabeth. He is out there, and he has nothing. I can easily find him."
She stopped breathing. Her eyes narrowed at him. " Then why haven't you already?" she demanded breathlessly. " Would it not have worked better to your advantage if he was already within your grasp? so you could better blackmail me?"
Sean shook his head. A small smile graced his lips. " That would just be too easy my sweet. Torturing you with doubts and 'what ifs' is much more satisfying. I could find me, and i could not. I could destroy him, or he could destroy me." He laughed then, as if the very last idea was quite absurd.
"However the important question is,." He gripped her shoulders, holding her cruelly still when she attempted to break free from him. His breath was hot against her ear.
Liz shuddered in revulsion and despair. " are you willing to take that chance?"
Oh heaven help her. Was she?!
Part 37
"You are despicable!" Liz spat out. Her fists clenched at her sides, her eyes glared coldly at him as he stood there nonchalantly, his mouth turned up in a cruel twist.
"So you have indicated many times." he only replied dryly. Then his turned serious and made impatient noises. " You have been delaying your answer long enough!" he stared intently at her. " It is time you made a choice. Time is wasting."
Liz was furious. " You dare come in here...threaten me with someone else's life, force me to make a choice no sane human being would wish to make, and have the audacity to ask me to be your wife still?!" She whirled away from him, unwilling to let me see how his horrible words were affecting her. " You're despicable."
A horrible shiver ran up her spine, and then she was crying out in pain, as strong, blunt fingers dug savagely into her arm to turn her back again. Sean's face was livid.
His eyes had grown dark and sparked with fury. " You little bitch," he hissed menacingly in her face. " Never," his fingers bit more harshly into her tender flesh, " speak to me this way. I warn you, i will not tolerate it."
Liz stared at him, her eyes wide with shock, her body suddenly trembling with fear. Her throat convulsed as she attempted to swallow. " Are- are you threatening me with violence?" she whispered.
Sean smiled grimly. " Like none you've ever imagined before my dear."
With a sharp gasp she tore away from him. She doubted she would have succeeded though had he not voluntarily let her go.
"You-you....I-" she shut her mouth. Her thoughts cluttered. Had she heard right? Oh heavens above, she has come face to face with a monster!
"Shhhh," Sean mockingly placed a finger to his lips, " no need to be frightened my dear. I assure you i will not act on any violent impulses.....as long as i am kept satisfied..." he paused and gave her a long measuring look, "..and do you know what i need right now to keep me satisfied Elizabeth?" he asked softly, deliberately.
Liz swallowed dryly, and slowly shook her head from side to side, though she knew she was lying. She most definitely knew what he wanted, but she also knew she couldn't give it to him...not willingly anyway.
Sean laughed, as if he had read her thoughts. " So what will you answer be Elizabeth? How do you feel about 'what ifs'?"
A long silence met his last words. Liz stared away from him. She saw Max. Saw the wild wind blowing through his hair and shirt, showing off his golden chest. His boots planted firmly on the wooden plank of his magnificent ship as it sailed gloriously into the sunset. She saw his whiskey eyes, that always made her drown within their depths. His hard, sensual lips as they curved into a wicked smile......and then she blinked.....and could not stomach what she saw next. It was something she had barely prevented....
Tearing her thoughts away she gazed blankly at Sean, who looked at her expectantly.
Her whispered words drifted across the room and reached his ears. " Very well my lord. I accept." Though in her heart, she was a long way from accepting.
The doors opened, and Jeffery whirled around in surprise from where he was pacing the floor worriedly. He truly hoped that things had gone well between his daughter and Di Galvani. He wanted no strife.
He looked questioningly from one to the other. Liz's face was stoic, unemotional. Sean's was unreadable. They stopped and looked at him. Discreetly he coughed, and slowly approached his daughter and place a gentle hand on her arm. He frowned slightly when she stiffened.
" Has everything gone well?" he asked gently.
Liz opened her mouth to speak, but Sean beat her to it. " Indeed it has Parker. You may congratulate yourself and us. There will be a wedding." His tone was smug. Liz hated him all over again at that moment.
Jeffery seemed to relax as bit. A hesitant smile touched his lips when he looked at Liz. " I see...well then....Congratulations Lizzie." he said and drew her into a a tender fatherly hug. A poor smile wobbled on her own lips as she tried to return his embrace.
Her eyes met Sean's. He smiled. She looked away in disgust.
"What?!" Lady Parker exclaimed. " But that is impossible, there is so much to do and prepare. Guests to be invited, a dress to be made, a reception organized..." she trailed off, looking incredulously at the man standing before her, as were Lord Parker and Liz.
" Ah my dear lady Parker," Sean put in smoothly. " I know that such things take time to plan and so on, however you must understand, time is one factor we do not have. Unless the ceremony is performed with the greatest haste, there will be tongues wagging." His concerned look was as false as his words. " If we were married i could better protect her as my wife than as my fiancee."
Lady Parker opened her mouth to protest once more, but Sean interrupted to say in a deceptively cajoling tone, " perhaps when this whole thing dies down we would have a real wedding with the dress and guests...." his voice drifted it off pointedly, and it left Nancy to think on the matter.
At last she nodded her head reluctantly. " Perhaps you are right my lord. As long as Lizzie is happy, so am I." She turned to look at her daughter. " What do you think dear?"
Liz could feel Sean's gave burning a deadly hole in her back. This was the moment of truth. Heaven above, he meant to marry NOW?! It would seem all hope of perhaps salvaging her freedom were lost. She knew what he meant to do by this. He meant to secure her word, her life in his hands, and make her his possession. All because of his hate for Max. And she would have to agree, bind herself to a monster for the rest of her life. All for the love of Max.
With a strained smile, she replied, " I do not mind mother. All that nonsense never truly appealed to me. A simple wedding with a priest will do." She really hoped she was a terrible liar.
Her parents still appeared unsure, especially her father. " Lizzie are you sure-" he began but was cut off by Sean.
" Please do not be concerned Jeffery. Your daughter knows what she wants."
Jeffery tossed Sean a slight frown before turning back to his daughter and giving her a questioning look. A look that only she could see held much more than a simple question. Liz swallowed painfully and nodded.
" Do not worry father. This is what I want." she had to force the words out of her mouth.
With a sigh Jeffery agreed to the plan. Nancy followed suit.
Sean ordered for a priest to be brought to them immediately. " It is best to have the ceremony performed now, while we have the chance, and still ahead of any vicious gossiping." He went on smoothly.
Liz was ushered away into her room to prepare her as much as possible. She cared not how she looked though. When she stared at the mirror at her dressing table, she saw nothing. A stranger. She barely felt Mary's hands as she tangled and twisted her hair, or when she was fitted into one of her unused ball dresses.
It was a shame too, because right then, any man would have looked on and thought she was the most beautiful creature in the world. Her hair pulled back in an intricate french twist, loose tendrils falling softly across her cheeks, and caressing her nape. Her dress was of a royal blue, molding perfectly to her body as it overflowed at her waist. Delicate lacing adorned the precious silk, and they swayed gently with ever movement she made..
Sighing she began to make her way towards the door. Too meet her doom. It opened suddenly, and her mother entered. With one look at Liz she gasped with delight. " Oh Lizzie darling you look positively enchanting!" she gushed.
Liz felt her face go an embarrassed red. " uh...thank you mother." she mumbled uncertainly.
Nancy gave her a gentle look. " You look truly enchanting my dear." Then she began to sniff. " Of if only you could be all dressed in white with a veil and you grandmother's pearls."
Liz couldn't help but smile slightly at the memory of dear Grandma Claudia. Oh what would she say if she could see me now?
" Come now mother, I never really cared for all that kind of fuzz. A simple ceremony is enough to satisfy me, as long as I am marrying the right man." she said softly, trying to hide the disgust and anger she was feeling. Lies tasted bitter on her tongue.
Nancy eyed her daughter carefully. " And is Lord Di Galvani the right man?"
No.
Liz was unwilling to lie outright this time. She gave her mother a steady look. " He's close enough."
Lies, lies, lies. When shall they cease?
There was a knock at the door. Liz tensed, knowing who it was on the other side.
A cloaked man walked slowly through and into the hall, a hood shielding his face, his back slightly hunched. A black book with the sign of the cross was held tightly to his chest. Liz swallowed as she imagined the vows she would be repeating from there in a short while.
" Good afternoon father. " Jeffery greeted. " Thank you very much for coming." He led him to the drawing room where the service was to be performed. " We appreciate you coming here on such short notice."
The priest nodded and replied in a raspy voice, that for some reason sent strange shivers down Liz's spine. " It is no trouble. Especially when the request is to unite a man and woman in holy matrimony."
Nancy hurried forward. " Would you like to relieve yourself of your clock Father?" she asked, already motioning for one of the servants to approach.
"No!" He fairly shouted and startled everyone in the room. He bowed his head. The hood hid his face even more so. " No please. I am..er...very sensitive to daylight. I prefer the comfort of my hood and cloak." He offered in that rough voice that left Liz's ear's ringing.
Curiously she gazed intently at him. Wondering if she had met him before. She was almost positive they hadn't. For some reason, her hand ached to tear that hood off his head and reveal his face.
"Come then." Sean's voice sounded. Impatiently he grabbed for Liz and pushed her along till they stood before the priest. " I'm afraid Father that this is a matter of haste for us. We wish to proceed with the ceremony as soon as possible."
Lord and lady Parker lined up behind them. The servants gathered by the drawing room door to watch. Mary hurried forward and handed a startled Liz a small bouquet of flowers.
With surprise Liz exclaimed, " Why thank you Mary!" she smiled at the young woman and clutched the stems tightly within her trembling fingers.
"No bride should have a wedding without some flowers my lady." Mary smiled hesitantly back and returned to her place.
With deep, not so calming breaths, she turned around and stood stiff as an arrow beside Sean, who finally motioned for the priest to begin.
He nodded, which caused his hood to fall back far enough to reveal the bottom half of his face.
Liz blinked a few times and her hands went numb.
"We are gathered here in the presence of God..." with fascination she watched that mouth move. Full lips. Strong white teeth, and a voice she knew not to be raspy, but husky, deep..smooth.
"....If there is anyone here that objects to this marriage, speak now or forever hold your peace." When he was met by silence, he continued.
" Do you Sean Williams Di Galvani take Elizabeth-" a pause. Silence filled the room. The priest looked hesitant.
" Claudia Parker," Nancy supplied quickly.
"Ah yes, forgive me..." he said softly.
" It is of no consequence...do continue." Sean interrupted impatiently.
A slight cough. " Yes ofcourse."....."Elizabeth Claudia Parker to be your lawful wedded wife? To love, honor and cherish, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, till death do you part?"
His answer rang out loud and clear. " I do."
The priest turned slightly toward her now. Liz felt herself tense, and she didn't know why. Though she could not see his eyes, she knew he was staring right at her. And all she could imagine was swirling amber eyes.
Blinking and mentally shaking her head she prepared herself. It was now her turn.
"And do you Elizabeth Claudia Parker take Sean Williams Di Galvani to be your lawful wedded husband, to love, honor and cherish, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, till death do you part?" His raspy voice seemed more pronounced now, rougher.
The words trembled on her lips. There was silence. Servants cast questioning glances at each other. The Parkers looked on in confusion. Sean gave her an impatient side-long glance.
"The words are 'I do' my dear." he prompted.
Liz swallowed. The priest moved. She knew he was about to raise his head.
" I do" she blurted out loudly. He snapped his head down again. Liz hid a relieved sigh. She did not know why, but for some reason, she did not want to see his face. She felt she would have to face something she could not bear to.
Her eyes darted to the hands that held the open bible. Fingers clenched tightly around the leather bound book.
Without prompting from the priest Sean grabbed Liz's hand and held it up to insert a gold wedding ring upon her finger. She hardly noticed the huge diamond that dominated the center.
" I now pronounce you man and wife." His voice seemed harder, " You may now kiss the bride."
Without further ado Sean held Liz in his arms and bent his head down to lay a kiss on her lips. Liz closed her eyes and prepared herself for the impact.
Except it never came.
She heard only a voice so familiar to her, she thought her heart would burst in recognition.
" Or, if you value your very neck, you would refrain from doing so." came the dark, dangerous threat.
Sean whirled around incredulously to face a long sharp rapier that lay against his throat.
Liz gasped in shock. Though her instincts had somehow alerted her of the fact, she had dared not hope. Not in her wildest prayers and dreams.
Her eyes watered with sudden tears, and she stared and stared. Not believing the sight before her. Swirling ambers stared right back.
"Max" she breathed.