Tempest's Embrace

oyal,

**

illed with intrigue for adventure and the unknown leaned forw

patch over him eye like so

en the two before they erupt

wo young girls sat and spoke of the s

tes and a commodity due to its location of e

speaking about the privateers t

ely be chastised. A young miss as she, innocent and cloistered sh

licent who snuck around those parts,

and deep brown eyes. Whereas Tempest was the total opposite. She grew up in these parts. Her skin was proof of many days playing in suns rays giving her a peaches and cream

ng the sugarcane fields her grandfather owned. Hot humid air mixed with

spers and soft laughs u

ey giggled as the elderly woman called to her; flushed with the midday heat, fanning h

stopped just a few fo

gh and low for the girl that held a mis

gain, Tempest answered he

Nanna Josephi

ned to watch the woman spin

om there this instant,"

y and giggled at the elder woma

N

our father of your boorish and unladylike behav

crossing her a

llicent shook her

the tree with ease until she landed on t

t you, Tempest," Jose

e Tempest a disap

e left to get you ready," her gaze rested on Temp

t the woman's perplexed look as she fra

n hour's time. By the time we return it will not be enough time to r

ing as she hear

. Georgette can take

at Georgette and paled. With a scrunched-up nose and disdainful stare, Josephine watched the

o Tempest with he

ot go near that....nag..look at he

sult of her horse that once

I will ride ba

me...bareback!!!...he will have my head on a platter. Now let us

ll sat in her spot and waved back staring at Temp

n fussed with her friend as they continued on... to

**

s the back steps leading to her room where her two m

g huffs of her nanny that began cleaning the grime from beneath her nails. In a blur

ed her unruly tresses as the curly

evening gown that her father brought back from London. They stood back with satisf

. The lacing at the back accentuated her small waist and mo

never a need. They rarely had guests. Very few traveled these parts as

ng," the familiar deep voice pu

uniform he looked regal and distinguished. She smiled taking in his warm gaze

slowly pulled her away to

oming to visit

upped her cheeks. Before t

her finishes off my port and begins to eat without us." He offered his a

gaze fell on them both one in uniform just like her father's

o you my daughter Tempe

and Captain Monroe, he navigates the Floating Pearl." S

o the table and pulled out a chair

tioned you had such a beautiful

a demure smile from the o

have not, "

f the coming season I do

stif

She looked a

ed wine for them all waiti

season you will be attending, your mother has sen

ng in her throat. The London season.

, The marriage market," The gru

r enter and took a seat beside her. Barel

nt over and placed a

whispered with a smile th

athers that glared ang

r father, h

und the poor girl like a chess piece for her

d. Saddened by her

That is my wife you are ins

her pawn to come out but does she send word to ask of my

wed. The men before them uncomf

of story," her fa

aze shot up

raced in her chest with h

me poor old lech. The more wealth t

pa

!" Her fa

e a widow come her wedding nigh

ooking at her father that did not contradict he

choose, at least be able t

n coughed sp

" Her father sho

ut of her chair and ran to her

ut and locking it. She turned in tears,

nwavering tone, he bid her open the door so that he could talk to her. Some time had passed before she stood and slowly walked to the door to let him in. Sh

the awkward void between them

nd Tempest that this is what is expected of you." He s

do not want to leave

sig

ime you make your debut. You missed last year. Your moth

ad and slowly dash

t my hands are tied. You must take up your obligation of find

and barefoot on this land. Those days are behind you.

eatened to consume her, dreading that this day would come. The time when she must leave this be

er bitter reality hung over her as the urge of a verbal r

spered softly ...Sad, painful regret flashed across his face as h

ftly of her departure to London in two days' time. 'Home ' he menti

ut his words, like a bolt

heart was," she wh

ome was J

***