The following days, back to the sea, Julie exhibited an uncharacteristic quietude and introspection, casting an eerie atmosphere throughout the ship.
Initially believing that Julie's state of mind was somehow his fault, Aiden swiftly dismisses this notion when he and the captain begin sharing nights together after the pirates had already retired from the day's activities.
Undoubtedly, others aboard the ship would start to notice the couple, but given the current circumstances, Julie couldn't really be bothered. Moreover, Aiden was the sole individual capable of evoking such a profound sense of peace, normalcy, and love within her.
Finding his inspiration in romance novels, Aiden embarks on a journey of learning and attempting new ways to uplift Julie's spirits. Unfortunately, these endeavors often proved fruitless, like the occasion when he mistakenly presented stinging nettles as a bouquet, or the time he snuck into the kitchen to prepare a meal only to be reprimanded by the chef.
But it was all worth it in the end, because Julie had a caring side, a side that was just him and for him alone.
***
And so the days became weeks, and the weeks became a month and so...
It was early morning, Julie awoke to the embrace of Aiden, who seemed more alert than expected.
Observing his tousled hair, she could tell he desired something.
Julie playfully tossed a pillow at him.
“Ya can hug me lad, but put that thing too sleep”
Since their first time, Aiden seemed like a hungry beast, and she knew those innocent, puppy-like eyes were nothing but a trap.
Aiden agreed, yet his body betrayed him, desiring to embrace Julia but always being consumed by thoughts that turned him on.
Julie took it upon herself to solve the issue.
"Put that thing t' rest or go sleep wit' Jackson. Ah'm certain that deep down, he desires yer bare body more than anything."
Of course, she was joking, but he still startled, sitting on the floor in front of the captain and leaning against the bed to watch her sleep.
"Aiden, do ya remember anythin’ before boarding this ship?
After the attack, memories plagued Aiden constantly, the many books also helped.
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Aiden recalled that he had left his hometown to hunt down a pirate captain. He knew that Julie sought the infamous Redbeard and that he was imprisoned by the navy, a prison with which Aiden was intimately familiar. However, he feared that there was no chance of her surviving if she went there. He also recognized the cold and cruel nature of his former self and understood that Julie was drawn to him because he was the complete opposite.
Moreover, he had nothing of value in his previous life or in his treacherous brothers. His position, one that had slaughtered countless in cold blood, was a frigid and solitary existence.
He realized that revealing the truth would result in losing Julie. As he gazed into her emerald eyes, he couldn't take the risk, not for her life, her presence, and possibly one day, the love of the captain.
Aiden's life was one of freedom, where he immersed himself in books and wasn't shackled by his own ego. Maximilian's life, however, was vastly different...
****
Later that day, Aiden departed and Julie gathered the vice-captains of the other four ships in her fleet, along with old Howarding, who was in charge of the routes.
"We've heard the captain's call, and we stand with her," declared one of her vice-captains upon seeing her approach.
"What hav' ya heard?" Julie inquired as she joined them.
"Well, the Red beard is set to be executed in two weeks, and that may very well be our only chance," another vice-captain concluded.
Deep in thought, Julie walked among the men in her quarters.
“do ya know why ye were chosen as vice captains?" and she proceeded "Due to yer prioritization of logic over loyalty, that is why our man(and woman) entrust their lives to ya." And after a moment, she concluded,
“ye would be terrible captains if ye follow me”
Julie then walked through the chamber and took a seat at her desk. "Pay close attention, for where ahm headed, and I'll be honest with ya, it will be like walking into a lion’s mouth" and continue " Tomorrow, during the afternoon hours, we will arrive at the Holding port, gather your men on deck, and select some from those who do not have families. ‘til then, no one beyond the confines of this room should be privy to this information.
The silence in the room was overpowering; everyone understood that this signified the dissolution of the fleet, it marked the end of the Julie Rogers pirates, and despite Julie being a legendary captain, the chances of survival were slim.
***
Upon reaching the pinnacle of her vessel, Julie proceeded to shut her eyes and embrace the sense of wholeness that engulfed her.All the memories shared with her loyal crew over the extensive years echoed in her ears. Nevertheless, her heart weighed heavily upon her, as that had been her family for so long and now there was Aiden. As she gently reached out to touch the mast, an interruption came in the form of old Howarding's voice.
“called captain?”
“Ye, old man, once this ship stops by the port, I need you to take Aiden and leave”
Her gaze was down.
“No chance, brat. I intend to accompany you “
“don't make a fuss, ya're too old and aiden too naive, easy distraction no chance of surviving”
"You are who you are because of me. Who do you think you're calling old?!" he fired back.
A moment of silence hung in the air, during which Julie's eyes welled up with tears.
“i cnt… can't risk you too, besides Ah need someone to hide my treasures, and Ah don't hold trust to anyone else…
Julie sat pensively, her gaze shifting to the side.
"Please," she pleaded, before letting out a sigh. "In the event that things go awry, you're the only one capable of looking after mah sister and Aiden."
Since Julie's childhood, Howarding had been her steadfast companion. He had entrusted his crew to her and cared for her like a father figure.
“From all these years of piracy, one thing I don’t regret is my little June.” he uttered with a smile.
"Eye, captain," he saluted in acknowledgment."
****