Crossing Oceans | ✓

EIGᕼT | TᕼE ᕼᑌᖇT

Amber stayed by Isabelle's side all night, tending her wounds and monitoring her fever. At about two o'clock in the morning, Isabelle's temperature became very high, and she began to thrash about, screaming for her mother and then calling on Carson. The captain, who was waiting outside the door, begged to be let in, but Amber refused.

The night was long, but finally Isabelle broke her fever and regained consciousness. Amber ordered a bath to be arranged, so the crew brought in a shallow, wooden, tub, large enough for Isabelle to sit in, and Amber gently bathed the grime off of the princess.

The room was silent, save for the trickling of the water, and Amber was so engrossed in her task that she did not notice the tension that had built. "Thank you for doing this," Isabelle said. "I truly do not know what I would have done without your assistance."

Amber noticed that the woman was blushing, and smiled at her sweetly. She couldn't help the words that formed in her mouth. "I am sure you and Carson would have managed fine. He is an excellent care taker."

Isabelle blushed, and turned her questioning eyes to Amber's. She had not expected her to pursue the matter further. "And what do you mean by that?"

The seed of doubt had been planted, and Amber felt instantly sorry for it. "Only that he is gentler than he first appears. He always respected my wishes and gave me my privacy, giving his cabin to me and promising to sleep elsewhere. He is a fine gentleman." And then very quietly she added, "You are very lucky."

If Isabelle heard this, she made no indication, and Amber continued her task. "If you can manage, I will leave you to dress, but I want you to lie back down immediately. When you are ready, I well send the captain to you."

Modestly covering herself with the towel, Isabelle smiled at her. "Thank you, again Amber. I am indebted. Your services shall not go unrewarded. When I am returned to my father, you shall be compensated."

"Thank you, your majesty."

The look on Isabelle's face was a look of pure shock, and Amber saw the panic flash across her face, but it was quickly and expertly hidden, and she nodded to Amber. The young girl backed out of the room and shut the door.

Once on the deck, she rushed to the railing and leaned over, letting the wind whip in her face, blowing her hair back. She closed her eyes and fought back tears.

She felt his hand on her shoulder, but she didn't turn to face him. Instead she pressed closer to the railing, as if she would like to fall over, but his grip was firm, and he turned her to face him. Her eyes fluttered open.

The look on his face was unreadable. His eyes no longer held the sparkle that she once loved. "You have done a very noble thing, Amber. I couldn't have cared for Isabelle the way you did. I would not have had the patience or the ability to maintain a cool head in such a situation, and for that I wish to sincerely thank you. You have sacrificed your own wants and needs for someone else, once again proving to me how strong you are." Boldly, he took her hand and kissed it. His kiss lingered, and a flush crept up her neck to her cheeks. His eyes dared her to pull away, and according to proper etiquette, she did, although every nerve in her being was screaming for her to lunge into his arms.