The Duchess out of Time

VI

Wincing at the ache of the back of her head, Liz struggled to sit up before she managed to place her feet on the deck and regain her balance. What she would do for a couple of painkillers to ease the throbbing in the back of her head. Rubbing her eyes she took in her new surroundings, the ship was a dark coloured wood like ebony and it made her realise she was unfamiliar to where she was. She didn't recognise the cabin she was in. It was a small private room, a large bed against one wall with white sheets, and a trunk at the base of the bed locked shut. The window stretched against the back wall letting in the warm daylight as it highlighted the desk on the other side of the room with a small bookcase beside it. Liz noticed a violin rested against the desk, it was in perfect condition and had obviously been well looked after. Liz knew exactly whose room she was currently in, her brothers.

Hearing a small snore beside her she glanced over her shoulder to see Henry snuggled up with a pillow. She was quiet as she slipped out of her bed and tucked Henry back up in the sheets before she left the cabin. Blinded by the light, Liz had to close her eyes tightly as the bright light burned her brain. Blinking slowly she took her time to adjust the noises of the men calling out orders. She realised that the crew were no longer wearing their black masks to protect their identities. Glancing up she managed to catch sight of the Captain and her brother allowing her anger to bubble back to the surface.

Coming down the stairs two at a time, she was quick to snatch a cutlass from the hip of a crewmember passing by. He was startled to the loss of the familiar weight on his hip that he let out a cry of surprise. Liz took no notice of him or another of member of the crew, she was on a mission. Hell hath no fury like a woman's scorn. The murderous look in Liz's eye, the fury and ferocity made the men give her a wide berth. It didn't take a scholar to look at how she held the cutlass she stole and twirled it with ease in her hand that they knew what she was doing with the blade. Silence grew on the deck as the only thing that could be heard was Liz's boots as she looked for her brother.

"EDWARD ALEXANDER MAURICE CAVENDISH!" Her shout echoing over the seas as the men were too cautious to laugh at their first mate's middle name of Maurice. Hearing boots coming towards her, Liz's eyes narrowed on her brother. The black mask that had first dressed his face was missing. Beside him the Captain stood with his arms crossed watching the two siblings with interest. His mask still permanently glued to his face, but his piercing blue eyes captured her attention for a brief moment. Liz was too angry to fully appreciate the handsome man before her. She was focused on her brother and him alone.

"Lizzie.." He gently started, holding up his hands in surrender. The snarl that left her lips silenced Edward as he cautiously took a step towards his sister.

"Elizabeth. You need to be resting..." He pleaded trying to get close enough to guide her back to his cabin. She was recovering from a serious knock to the back of the head; she should be resting in bed. Liz wasn't having any of it, she had a bone to pick up with her brother and she was going to have it out with him one was or another. She let him inch a couple feet closer, everyone was holding their breath as she was quick to swipe, deliberately not cutting too deep, just a mere scratch but it did it's purpose. The crew all in-took a breath as they watched their first mate raise his hand to his cheek where a fine line was beginning to bleed. The Captain behind him raised an eyebrow at the calmness in Liz's movements. All the men knew that a fighter who held fury in their heart but composure in their movements was a deadly one.

"What's the matter Scar? Lost your bite?" She taunted as she watched his spine stiffen to his old nickname. Their family, like any family had been obsessed with Disney growing up and Edward's favourite character had always been Scar from The Lion King.

"Come now Tinkerbell" He whispered trying to ease the tension. He had always called Liz 'Tinkerbell' growing up. She was his annoying little sister that always hovered around when he didn't want her around with his friends. When she was younger she used to go pink in anger or embarrassment just like the cartoon. As they had grown older the two siblings had matured and grew closer, the nicknames fading to memory, however this was the first time either of them had used their childhood nicknames in over fifteen years. Liz wanted a fight and she knew just how to raise one from her brother. With ease she allowed the tip of her blade to catch on the buttons of his vest, tearing them off in one quick swipe.