It seemed like Vincent was slightly offended with her pouring her own drink. Allison couldn’t care less to be honest, but she admired his sense of perfectionism. “I get it. You wanted to do it for me.” Allison nodded a few times, taking another sip as he told her about stealing and killing people. “But you cannot possibly hold my hand for every action I’m willing to undergo.” With a slight smile, imagining how it would be if he did, she took another sip. The scotch was at least a few years older than the one she drank at home, so the taste was old and priceless.

“Oh, nobody? So even you will keep your hands to yourself?” Allison scoffs at him. “I find that hard to believe, Captain Vincent.” And already feeling a bit light headed, she wandered around the cabin. She now and then took an object in her one hand, analysing it with her eyes, and putting it back to where it was. But to offset Vincent, she all moved them several inches. With every object she moved, Allison looked back at Vincent, clearly messing with him, trying to get him out of his cage. It amused her that he tried to remain calm and formal, but wasn’t very good at hiding his anger. “Oh, am I upsetting you?” She puckered her lips, and with one more gulp the glass was empty.

“Now you can pour me a glass, if you want.” The smile on her face said it al: she wasn’t planning on behaving, like he asked. If he wanted to kidnap her, fine. But he’d have to get used to her as well.

With a deep sigh she then wandered over to the sofa and took a seat, still holding her empty glass. “So.. What do you guys do here for fun?” Now and then a loud cheer sounded from in the hallway, making Allison look over every time. It seemed like there was something to celebrate over, but she couldn’t quite understand what they were talking about. “Drinking?” She then asked, looking up at Vincent. He was quite the tall guy compared to her, she now noticed.

Vincent watched Allison as she walked around the room, tilting his head as he observed. She seemed to enjoy pushing his buttons, or at least trying to. He laughed softly when she asked if he could keep to himself. “Oh, I never said anything about keeping my hands to myself. I just said nobody would hurt you. But, I’m glad you’re learning some respect.”

He stood from the couch and walked over to her, taking her glass. He refilled it for her, using the same scotch she had taken for her first drink, and handed it back. He let his hand linger a moment, brushing against hers, holding it a moment as he passed the glass. If she was going to push his buttons, he’d push right back. “For fun…” he mused. “Well, the men… they have their own entertainment. Gambling, fighting, drinking.” He replaced the bottle at his bar, running a finger across the entire line of bottles, following their contours. “I’m more fond of a good book.” He had a finer taste than his men, and it showed. He did not have to give up luxury to lead a crew, and that was always his philosophy. It explained all the bookshelves in his room, all of the decoration, the state of his ship.

He stared down at her as she stared up at him, locking eyes. “Now, you’re trying my patience by being so handsy,” he took a step back and moved his hands, imitating her. “I can tell you’re going to be difficult. That’s fine. If you’re going to keep being difficult, I can lead you to your cell right now.”

As soon as he handed her her drink, she knew he wasn’t going to let her be in peace. His hand holding hers a little more than normal made her annoyance grow. Did she not tell him to stay off her? But as soon as he mentioned he likes books she smiled at him for a moment. “A book? I didn’t think pirates even had brains, you see. As far as books have told me, they were controlled by hatred for other clans of pirates, driven by the urge for wealth and hungry for beautiful women.” Allison did not know how hatred he was, but she knew he liked luxury and beauty, just by the looks of his cabin alone. As for women, she would soon find out. There was no way she was leaving his ship anytime soon.

When she finally came to a hold on the other side of the room, they looked at each other for a moment. “Then, what if I behave?” Allison held out her glass and motioned around in the cabin. “Can I stay with you, here? Perhaps share a bed with you?” She quickly shook her head. “No please, do bring me to my cell then. Anything but that.” Her words did not seem serious, but more sarcastic. She laughed for a moment, holding up her hand in front of her lips to hide her amusement.

Her next glass of scotch was nearly empty as she put it on the table in the middle of the cabin. It was now clear that she was slightly drunk, when she held herself steady to one of the chairs under the table. Allison knew she couldn’t handle too much alcohol in a short period of time, but considering the situation, being drunk wouldn’t hurt. Everything to forget about the horrible nightmare she was stuck in.

“I keep wondering where you’ve taken my bag. It’s not here, now is it?” She pointed around in the room, having to let go of the chair. Sadly, her balance was quite poor right now and the ship made a sudden turn to the left. She slipped, and fell onto the side of her leg, having her squint from the pain. “Auw auw..” Her hands slowly rubbed over the sore spot, making her bite her lower lip. “I am not used to standing up in a flying ship. That is for sure..” She mumbled to herself, trying to ignore the throbbing feeling in her head and leg.

Vincent adjusted without effort, staying easily on his feet as the ship bowed. This was all standard for him, but obviously it was giving Allison a hard time. He enjoyed that. But it was offset by almost feeling sorry for the girl… taken from her home, thrown aboard the ship, and clearly drinking to dull herself. She seemed interested in him though, as more of an oddity than anything else. He sat on the couch once more, sighing. He was not quite sure how he had expected this conversation to go; all he knew for certain is this was not it. “Leg stings a bit, does it?” he laughed.

“Well, if being stuck here with me would be so hard for you, maybe I’ll keep you here.” He closed his eyes, exhausted by the day, exhausted by this girl. They didn’t take prisoners. What the hell were they supposed to do with her? Her ‘cell’, the concept of it made him laugh. It was really nothing more than the ship’s laundry room with a couple guards posted. Sure, they’d put a cot in, reinforced the door, but those were all last minute changes. They had never taken a prisoner, never participated in kidnapping. He was a criminal, of course, but some things were beyond him. His mood softened and he looked to Allison.

He was tired of trying to calm her down, tired of chiding and testing her. He had really intended to just be civil with her, have a chat, but that had been an utter failure. Was it the fact that she was of royal stock that made him so… at odds around her? He was agitated, and anxious. Having her in his space was getting to him. He was nervous. That’s what is was, nerves. He found keeping his composure difficult, and his thoughts kept returning to what she had said about sharing a bed.

“What was your life like, back home in your castle?” He was genuinely curious now. The question even surprised him, showing interest on a more personal level.

As Allison pushed herself up from the floor, running her hands over her clothes to check if they were still intact. Although she has had plenty of training in how to behave and how to react properly, it seemed like she had already forgotten nearly half of what she had learned. The pirate ship and the pirate itself brought out a whole different girl in her.

With a cough, Allison then decided she’d just sit next to him, and stay where she was until the light-headedness would cool down. Whilst trying to control her steps and hoping not another bump would sweep her off her feet, she then sat down next to Vincent once again. “Fine.” She simply said when he mentioned he’d keep her in his cabin. Whilst crossing her legs, she leaned against the soft pillowing of the sofa. Feeling like she could doze off any moment now, Vincent then started talking again.

“You cannot possibly be interested in my life. It’s so plain and boring.” Allison started, now turning shoulders to turn towards Vincent slightly. “Most of the time I am alone. My father and brother spend the most time together, and as I am a girl I am not allowed on their daily trips. I was raised by maids, teachers and the internet.” With a faint smile she shook her head. “And when I would complain about my limitations, my father would bring up parties where I would meet several princes whom I’d ultimately would marry.” Again shaking her head in annoyance she looked up at Vincent. “And if you wonder what my limitations were.. I couldn’t leave the castle, I couldn’t make any new friends, I couldn’t have any boyfriends, not that I wanted, but having the option would be nice, right? I couldn’t go to parties, no trips to other planets and no visits to my mother.” When she finished her sentence she looked away from Vincent, not wanting to see his reaction. He’d probably laugh at her, even find her pathetic. Maybe he’d tease her about being the naïve little girl she currently was. But he wanted to know what her life was like. “Well, there you have it, Vincent. My wonderful life.”

"Tell me about yours. How old are you anyway?" She curiously asked.

He felt sorry for her as she spoke. Was she really any worse off with him and his crew than back at her castle? From a gilded cage, to one among the stars. Was she really that worse off? She would probably have more freedom here than she had back home, and that actually sounded like something she wanted. She didn’t seem to want the life that fate, her parents, and everyone else had expected of her. That struck a chord with him.

He hadn’t really chosen this life, he was born into it. Raised in it. Sure, he had taken to it well, but he often wondered if that was due to the expectation, or the pressure. It didn’t really matter anymore, he was good at what he did and that made him proud. He was resigned. But still, her words struck him.

Vincent sat there as he waited for her to finish, listening, taking it all in. When she was done, he scoffed slightly. “Poor you, I suppose. Living in the lap of luxury, every possible need handed to you.” He clenched the glass in his hand, finishing his drink with one solid gulp. “But we’re both products of our environment. You’re spoiled because you’ve had everything handed to you.” He realized, after he spoke, that it sounded harsher than he had intended. He was jealous, and he wasn’t afraid to admit that… to himself, at least. “Well, you want to know about me?” He paused again, thinking.

“I’m 26. An outlaw from the day I was born, on the run since I was old enough to understand what that even meant to be ‘wanted’. It wasn’t me, of course, it was my mother. But if we had been caught out, I don’t think any military would care about a child on board a pirate ship. Press a button, fire all weapons, ship goes boom, they carry on.” He placed the drink on the coffee table in front of the couch before leaning back into his seat. He steepled his fingers and closed his eyes. He wanted to try and comfort her, but really, what kind of way was that for a captor to act?

When she finished her story she realized her life was actually in need for a change. But to say being kidnapped was the change she needed, was a bit too drastically. When she shrugged and asked him about his story, he seemed to have actually listened. The words he spoke indicated he felt somewhat sorry for her, and understood what she was saying. It gave her a somewhat odd feeling inside of her stomach. Although his summary about her life was slightly harsh, he was right. She always had everything handed to her on a silver platter, but never did she feel good about that. How the hell did she earn to live such a luxurious life? Just by being born? It just seemed too absurd to Allison.

The way Vincent told about himself, made Allison think. This choice of words weren’t flat and ordinary, like any other peasant on the planet. He actually seemed quite the intelligent man. Was it all the books? Or is he keeping up an appearance? Allison wondered.

“Then, where is your mother now?” Allison then said, when he leaned back and closed his eyes. He didn’t seem too thrilled about what his mother did, and how she did it. Very irresponsible, Allison found. “And to be fairly honest, if you’d hated the life she led from the very beginning, why did you choice to step into her footsteps?”

“Twenty six eh? I suppose at that age you’d be married already. Where is the lucky misses.. Ehm..” Allison then motioned towards him, trying to fish his surname, not sure if pirates even had one.

Vincent smirked. "Darrow. My last name's Darrow. And there is no misses." He turned to her, still smirking, focusing it in her direction now. "At least not yet." But she had asked about his mother... that was an entirely new problem. He had already opened up to her more than anyone else on this ship. They cared more about where they were making port next than the life and times of their captain. As long as the work was good and the pay was steady, they mostly kept to themselves. He commanded a lot of respect aboard the ship, with or without his personal life on display. He wanted to keep it that way.

But Allison wasn't a member of his crew. She was her own special creature, more refined and delicate. She didn't need the same cold shoulder that the rest of his crew received, the same stone-wall treatment. She had been raised around pleasant conversation.

"My mother..." he mused, trying to find the words. "I'd love her if I didn't hate her. Telling me to make a choice is the same as me telling you to not be a princess: royal blood runs thick in your veins, same as the pirate's does in mine. Generation after generation, a proud tradition of murder and thievery." He sat up slightly, relaxing a bit. For the first time since she had joined him in his cabin, he felt even slightly at ease. It was an odd sensation that she seemed to bring out in him, disarming him even a little bit. It was new, and powerful. "She abandoned me. Plain and simple. Gave me a ship and gave me the boot... I'm sure if we met somewhere out there, in the black, she'd probably open fire. But I'd do the same."

And she’d deserve it,he added silently.

“Darrow.” She repeated after him, liking how it sounded to her. “No misses? Are you kidding me? My father was planning on forcing me into marriage, as I am 21!” She said in disbelief, now suddenly slightly more nervous. He had no wife, meaning she had been sitting in a room with a single man, whom clearly wanted her to stay in his cabin for the night. The thought crept her out a little but, but at the same time excited her. It was her moment to get to know a man outside her father’s limitations!

Suddenly, she noticed how handsome he was. Now that she stayed right where she was, due her light-headedness, she had a clear look on his face. As he leaned back, and smirked at her, she felt a little sting inside her stomach. How was it that he suddenly became handsome? Because he was single?

He did have a point about his mother, but he wasn’t as controlled as she was when he was little, so he might have gotten out of the environment if he really tried, she figured. Though maybe he didn’t know what to do with his life if he did get out. All he’d seen was being a pirate. Was that his dream? Becoming a captain on a pirate ship?

“I’m so sorry to hear that.” Allison said softly, lightly shocked at his words. He’d kill his own mother? Even Allison hated her father but not enough to eventually kill him. She was too kind hearted to do so. “Is being a pirate your dream? Or did you find other professions interesting as well? I mean.. I always dreamed of being able to fight with a sword and become a really good blacksmith. But have I ever had the chance to do so? Nope! And I probably never will.” She laughed and shook her head. He’d probably think she was nuts. A girl being a blacksmith? Better yet, a princess being a blacksmith?

“Don’t sound so shocked, your grace. You’re a young, dainty lady with a lot of people interested in using you to forge an alliance between families, or treat you as a bargaining chip, or use you as a gift. Lots of people with a lot at stake for you to marry. But me, I’m a vicious, bloodthirsty pirate. Companionship doesn’t come easy.” The more he spoke to her, the more he felt sorry. Being on the outside, all he could see was the luxury of being born into such a prestigious life. But the truth of the matter was even now, she had no control of her own destiny… nothing but other people using her. Even this kidnapping, she was playing some part that neither of them were aware of. He was sure of it. “And please, don’t be sorry about my mother and I. It’s just a fact of life for me.” Even so, he appreciated the sentiment. She seemed to be warming up to him, despite their circumstances, and how they had met. At least he hoped she was… because he had a growing warmth for her. He wondered if it was more about her being curious than anything else. Maybe she was just happy to be experiencing something new? He couldn’t blame her for that, not at all… having your life laid out for you, that was hardly ideal.

“I don’t know if I’d call this life my dream, but I’ve taken to it well. I can’t imagine doing anything else.” He looked around the room, admiring all of his decoration. Each one had a story to tell, each one a celebration of success, and the room was packed. He looked to a painted landscape, framed in ornate gold. ‘Liberated’ from a ship the first time he had led a raiding party aboard. That particular piece had more sentimental value than anything else… The portrait was a copy, the gold was imitation plating. Nearly worthless, but pretty. “Every day is something new. Some people enjoy a mundane life, but me… I could never sit still that long. I like the thrill of being chased, I relish the adrenaline high of combat. This life, it’s exciting.”

A thought struck him and Vincent moved slightly closer to Allison, shuffling over towards her on the couch. He put his arm along the back of it, extending towards her, and rested it there. She wanted to learn to fight… now that was interesting. “I have to say, if you want to learn to handle a sword, there’s probably any number of men on the ship who’d be willing to help.” He chuckled to himself, unable to resist the snide comment. The humor was lewd, but he couldn’t help himself. He was a pirate, after all.

For the first time he called her ‘your grace’, making her smile a little. He was trying hard to stay formal and respectful, though she did not know how much effort it took from him. “Still, aren’t there bloodthirsty female pirates that would make you happy? I mean, my father always told me behind every man is a woman, taking care of him and making his life that little bit more pleasant than it in reality is.” Allison nodded, clearly searching for the proper words to translate his fathers dialogue. He once said it when he was extremely drunk after a huge fight they had about arranged marriage. It seemed like he wanted to make it up to her, but failed miserably. He screwed things up with his wife, her mother, and anything he said about relationships just sounded ridiculous.

“Fair enough, if you are happy with the life you’re having right now, you shouldn’t change a thing about it.” His way of admiring his cabin but also the words he used to describe his life made Allison jealous. She started to envy him, for what he had and what he had reached. What did she reach? Nothing at all. Being pretty and learning how to behave. “I envy you.” She finally said. “Your life is exciting and interesting. It wouldn’t be my cup of tea I’ll give you that, but at least you’ve did something you’re proud off.” She didn’t look at him when she spoke, feeling he did not deserve to look into her eyes as she told him the truth, showing her envy. It was not a beautiful thing to be jealous of someone, but she might as well. He kidnapped her, no need to conceal the truth now.

When he lifted his arm and laid it around the back of the couch, Allison quickly sat up a little, frowning to his sudden change of attitude. “I’m sure there are, but I am quite serious about this. I want to learn it properly, and not with a drunk whom barely can't keep his eyes of my body.” She snapped back at him, not taking the bait he was throwing her.

It was already quite late, she then figured. Since all she could see out of the window of his cabin was dark, all day long, she had no clue what time it was. Luckily, he kept a clock up on the wall together with all his other prizes. It was nearly 11 PM, making Allison yawn at the thought of still being awake. She rubbed her eyes just lightly, not trying to show Vincent how tired she was. He’d probably make a snide comment about the little girl being exhausted. Or if he could join her in the bed later. “Is there some place I could wash up, get dressed and maybe.. Sleep?” She then said, now looking back at him.

“Trust me, my mother turned me off of pirate women pretty indefinitely. That’s not to say plenty haven’t tried, there’s a great many on this ship who always shoot me a sideways glance and a smile.” Life aboard a ship like this, was fleeting and temporary. Never staying one place for long, constantly moving. Relationships between crew members were the same way, and Vincent wasn’t interested in something transitory. He wanted the permanence of a lasting companion, someone he could collapse with at the end of a day. Someone who would still be there in the morning. His father had been a fling for his mother, one of many; a parade of men, in and out of his life. That’s how she lived, and she loved it. For as much as he had followed her footsteps, that wasn’t going to be one of them.

But then, Allison asked about leaving. He found himself strangely put off, almost insulted, and he didn’t quite understand why. He had never imagined that he could find a connection with someone from such a different life, but he had found that connection. He found himself empathizing with the poor girl, regretting he ever took her in the first place. And at the same time, she envied him. She was jealous, and had said so herself… in more or less words. The meaning of it was clear as if she had shouted it. He nodded, slowly, and stood.

“Your things have been taken to the cell you’re intended to stay in. If you’d like, I can take you there now.” He averted her gaze, just as she had his, not wanting to look at her. He did not want her to leave, did not want her to have to stay the night in the dingy cell. He wanted to ask her to stay, but that would be overstepping. She’d probably be insulted or disgusted, misunderstand his intention. “I’m glad we had the chance to talk, your grace. Thank you for indulging me.”

He stepped towards the door; instantly the sensors in the room picked up his movement and the click of the door softly unlocking filled the air. He put his hands in his pockets, waiting for Allison to move.

When he stood up, he seemed to dislike her slightly. He wasn’t even looking at her, and she frowned once again. Did he just say he’d take her to her cell? She felt a bit disappointed he changed his mind about her staying here. But then again, she did leave few hints that she wasn’t pleased with those arrangements.

Confused, she pushed herself up as well. He already walked towards the door, and it opened automatically. He even told her he enjoyed their talk, and she had enjoyed it as well. But she refused to admit that. It would just be too wrong. Thinking about it, he never gave her a reason for her abduction. Did he even know? It seemed like he was hired for doing this job, but haven’t had a single clue why he had to do it. With that thought, she saved that question to ask about it later.

Walking over to him, she took part of his sleeve. Allison did this, because then she’d get his attention without actually touching him. Slightly tugging it she made him turn to look at her. “My cell?” She asked, tilting her head slightly to the right. “Didn’t you say I could stay here, in your cabin? I mean.. I would much rather stay in this fine, decorated room, than in a old cell all by myself with some crew I don’t know.” She quickly added, not to give him the wrong idea. And he was the captain, whom had promised her protection. If she’d stay in that cell, he wouldn’t be there when all hell broke loose. Thinking about it, she’d actually feel alot safer with him. Then, smiling, she said: “You’d protect me, right?”

When Allison took Vincent's sleeve his barriers fell down. She seemed... he wanted to say 'pathetic', but it wasn't that at all. It was entirely different, and he couldn't pin it down. Did she actually want to stay here? "I did say you'd be able to stay in my quarters, even if I meant it as more of a threat than anything. And you bring up a good point..." He sighed, pulling his arm away from her and freeing his sleeve. He brought his hand to his face, rubbing his forehead lightly. This was stupid, he knew it was a mistake. She didn't choose to be on this ship. If she was in his cabin, all she'd have to do was wait for him to fall asleep and then kill him. That was totally against his character; he hadn't lived this long in charge of such a bloodthirsty crew by being stupid. Having her stay with him, that was stupid.

And yet, he was going to let her. The realization swept over him like a wave. He actually trusted her not to try anything, and that itself was stupid in this circumstance. But she could stay.

"Fine..." He said, softly. "Make yourself at home. The washroom is through there," he said, pointing towards a curtain that separated the room from the living quarters. No real door to the washroom, or the bedroom, or really anywhere but to the cabin itself... open archways, and curtains. That was all, and it was how he preferred it. After all, it's not like he often had company. "And if you need to change, there should be something in the wardrobe over there."

"I'll go collect your things..." He raised his hand slowly, and put it under her chin like he had before. But this was different... gentle, even. He prayed she'd let him this time. "I'm putting a lot of trust in you right now, don't make me regret it." With that he left for her cell, making sure the door was locked behind him. She wouldn't be leaving his quarters while he was away.

Vincent actually considered her question. If he really wanted her to be safe, he’d let her stay with him. But Allison didn’t quite think it though. Maybe he was set on his privacy, and didn’t really like it when someone invaded it. He even pulled his arm away, making Allison lose her grip on his sleeve. Slightly insulted by this, she frowned and looked around the cabin whilst he was thinking about her question

But to her surprise, he said it was alright. ‘Fine’ was the word he used, making her shrug and nod when he gave her some instructions. The curtain in front of the bathroom made her shiver a bit, but it wasn’t like she cared about him hearing her pee or shower. He would have to learn how to deal with that, she figured with a smile. “You have women’s clothes in your wardrobe? That’s a first.” She mumbled when he mentioned there should be something in there for her. But to her surprise, he ignored her, and placed a hand under her chin. For a moment there, she thought about taking a step back, but he let her chin go as soon as he finished warning her, and walked out of the cabin. The sound of a lock made Allison realize she wasn’t going to be free around here. “Same old same old..” She mumbled, thinking about her life in the castle.

Once he was gone, she walked over to the wardrobe, opening her eyes wide to the large collection of not only men clothes but also female clothes. It went from very fine, silk sleeping dressed to extravagant ballroom dresses. With a squeak, she let her fingers run through all the different kinds of fabric, remembering how lovely her wardrobe was. This, she could live with, for now.

Allison had picked out a long, virgin white dress that reached just below her ankles. There was a see-through lace part around her shoulders to make it look less bare. She figured it was a very old fashioned dress, very pricy, but it sat so comfortably on the skin. Taking it with to the bathroom, she undressed herself and picked up a washing cloth. With lukewarm water and some of the lavender soap that laid there, she washed up her entire face, armpits and feet, before crawling into the dress. Leaving her own clothes nicely folded in the bathroom, she walked out only to notice Vincent standing in the entrance of the cabin. He was holding her bag in his right hand. “I went ahead and picked something out.” Allison said softly, picking up the dress lightly, making its fabric fall loosely around her hips and thighs. “What do you think?” She then said, smiling. There was no grand mirror in his cabin so she didn’t know if it looked good on her or not.

It didn't take long for Vincent to retrieve her things, and tell the guards around the cell that they were relieved, and could go back to their rooms. They seemed disappointed, like they were waiting eagerly for Allison to arrive. Well... she was about as right as she could be. It would have been a mistake to leave her alone with them. He had always known that, but hadn't cared... at least not until now.

He got back to his cabin as Allison was leaving the bathroom, apparently having washed up and found a gown that would fit her. He had collected an array of fine garments... things that would probably sell well, but he figured it would pay to be prepared one day: he could never tell what kind of company he would keep. He was more surprised at how well it fit her, as if it was hand tailored for Allison herself. She asked what he thought, and he nodded approvingly. "It suites you." He walked towards his bedroom and lay her bag on the bed, careful not to disturb anything inside. "Make yourself at home." He said it matter-of-factly.

She was their prisoner, and yet he was letting her have his bed. Ridiculous. He hardly slept as it was, so he figured it couldn't hurt... Let her have some of the comfort that she was used to. It would probably do her well to actually deny her luxury, but what point did that have? It's not like they had kidnapped her with any motive other than them being paid to do so... There would be no ransom, they'd already been paid. That fact still perplexed him. They weren't even being followed, at least not yet. The ship's sensors hadn't picked anything up, and they were lightyears from Allison's homeworld at this point. She had suffered enough in the abduction... and he was starting to like her.

The realization was a punch to the stomach. This girl, so far above and beyond his league, a girl he hardly had any right to talk to, and she was worming her way in. He hated all of the people like her, so phony and wrapped up in their own lives to care about the people they rule. So surrounded in finery and far-removed from reality that they could not even relate to people who weren't in the same situation. Have a king talk to a peasant, it was never anything but condescension. But she... did not seem to be that way. Every noble he had ever come into contact with, they acted like they were above him. Even as their ship had been captured, or he had a sabre to their throat, they did not yield. Did not even regard him as anything but trash, would hardly even look at him. So high and mighty.

But she was almost humble. And she wanted to be a blacksmith, of all things. No dreams of being a trophy wife, no love for being in a castle. He regretted even keeping her here... but that was for her own good. He waited for her to join him in the bedroom, but had no thoughts of staying there with her.

As he let his eyes run up and down her body she smiled a little more, accepting his compliment. “Thank you. You have a bit of everything in your wardrobe, a lot of them are too big for me though, but this was perfect.” She walked behind him towards the bedroom, gazing upon the simple but sophisticated bed in the middle of it. There was a very soft carpet that lay upon the ground, making Allison wiggle her toes a little bit. “Did you steal it as well?” She then said, obviously not impressed but shrugging anyway.

When he put her stuff on the bed she walked over to him, and opened it up. “Hmm.. How long am I going to stay here anyhow?” Looking up at Vincent. They were about the same height when he sat down and she stood in front to him, but without shoes. Suddenly, she noticed a scratch on the side of his face. It was starting to heal, but it still seemed like something he’d picked up not long ago. Without hesitating or warning him, she bent forward and let her finger run over the wound. “You should’ve taken care of it more, it’s probably going to scare.” Allison said, retracting her hand and lifted both of her eyebrows in a pained face.

She then walked back to her bag and put it next to the bed. She didn’t need any more clothing and she was sure if she’d grab her tablet he’d take it from her. If there was any reception in the next harbour they would take a stop, she could call whomever she wanted. And that would be negative for Vincent’s plan, whatever it was. With a deep sigh, she walked over to the other side of the bed and pulled up the rather thick and fluffy blanket. Her legs slid underneath them, whilst a list of things she usually did before bedtime ran through her mind. A lot of the things she had already done in the castle anyway. With another deep sigh she let her head fall backwards into a thick pillow that had a slight manly smell. Probably Vincent’s, she figured. Pulling back the blanket on top of her, Allison tried to look at him from where she laid. “Where are you going to sleep, anyhow?” It was clear she was exhausted, by the sound in her voice and her eyes that seemed to have a hard time to stay open. “Thanks anyway, you have a lovely bed..” Allison yawned, still fighting her tired eyes.

"Well, I'm kind of a collector of fine things... as I'm sure you can see." He had even pointed out a few specific things for his men to take from Allison's room in the castle... He had intended to add those to his collection, but if she was going to be staying with him maybe a slice of home would be nice? He decided he'd have the small collection brought in for her the next day, if she continued to be so agreeable. "And I make a very good living... everything here, in my bedroom, I bought myself. Everything back there, those are all stolen... those are my trophies." He pointed back towards the living room, certain she understood his meaning.

"But my bedroom, that's all me, all purchased... I have particular tastes." Of course, all of the currency to purchase them had been stolen... but that was neither here nor there. "Hopefully they work for you as well."

Where WAS he going to sleep? He thought that over... he probably wouldn't sleep at all. Pick up a bookhead to his observatory and read. Prepare for the inevitable alarms of pursuit. How had nobody even tried to catch up?

He nodded when she thanked him "Sleep well, princess." He grabbed a book from his nightstand and went to an adjoining room... the only one separated by a door. He climbed the small ladder and laid on the pillowed floor of his observation dome... surrounded by the stars. He could relax.

It wasn’t before long Allison found herself in a deep, deep sleep. But, she didn’t get to sleep without a nightmare..

“Hello?” Allison stood in the ship of Vincent, but this time it was abandoned. No crew, no jolly sounds of singing and cheering. Not even booze or the gravity tugging you to the floor. Allison felt weightless, but yet she walked through the hallways. “Is anyone there?” She shouted, but her voice echoed back. Feeling alone once again, she walked over to the door to Vincent’s cabin, and it strangely enough opened up. The whole room was dark instead of the soft LED lamps all around. All his trophies were gone, and his furniture was destroyed. “What is going on..?” She kept talking to herself, to keep her from going insane.

Suddenly, a hand wrapped itself around her mouth and another arm grabbed her by both of her arms. With a smack, someone pushed her to the ground. “Little princess, you are so lovely today..” Allison tried to see whom it was, but she couldn’t turn her head so far. “What a lovely dress..” The voice made her shiver. It was a slithering and evil voice. She looked down to notice she was wearing the sleeping gown. “Hmm.. Hmmm!!” She tried to bring out a sound but his hand was clenched around her mouth quite tightly. “Let me see what kind of underwear you’re wearing..” The voice sounded again, sliding his bony fingers underneath the dress, up to her thighs. Tears welled up and Allison tried to free herself by kicking the floor and shaking herself around. But it was futile. The cold fingers reached her underwear, slowly picking the lace side of it, pulling it down to her ankles. “How lovely…” The hoarse voice said again, now pulling her closer against the floor. He then removed his hand, probably to touch her all up. “No! Let me GO! Please!” Allison then shouted at the top of her lungs. “NO!”

Sweat formed on her forehead as she shouted, still packed by the thick blankets. Her arms were trying to escape it grasp and her head was shaking from side to side. “Please let me go! No!” She shouted again whilst tears ran down her cheek. Her whole voice probably filled the entire cabin, together with her sobbing.

Vincent had just started to doze off, his book laying on his chest. He had only gotten partway through; his mind was hardly focused on reading at the moment. Allison. Why had they been hired to kidnap her? What was the goal here? It made him nervous, caused his skin to crawl. None of this was right. If someone wanted him, or his crew, dead… they wouldn’t have let them take the girl. They would have killed them all after they had landed and called it that. So why was she here now? It had to be about her, somehow.

And then he woke with a jolt. Screaming, and crying. It was Allison! Did someone get into the room? The impossibiltiy of it staggered him: the doors were locked, nobody on the crew could've managed to get in. Somehow, they had. He pushed himself up quickly and felt at his hip. He didn’t have his sabre… Why didn’t he have it? Had he taken it off? Had he left it in his room? He cursed himself for being so foolish, she could even have it and be trying to lure him down. But he thought better of that – it didn’t seem like it was within her character. He had to get to her, to check on her… to save her, if needed.

He threw open the hatch and slid down the ladder, ready for anything. Ready for a fight. What he saw was not quite what he had expected: Allison was thrashing on the bed, obviously having a nightmare. He rushed to the bedside, sitting on the edge of and placing his hand on her cheek. “Wake up, you’re okay,” he said softly, trying to wake her but not wanting to shock her, or offend her, by getting too close. But it wasn’t working. She continued to panic in her slumber. He wanted to calm her, to let her know everything was alright.

He wanted to hold her.

He wrapped his arm around her back, pulling her close to his body, letting her feel him there. “It’s okay, Allison… You’re alright…” He hugged her tightly, hoping to calm down. She’d forgive him for getting so close, invading her privacy, waking her up… maybe. If she didn’t, he’d deal with that. He hoped he’d forgive himself for showing so much weakness here, for showing emotion for what was really his captive. Keeping her in his room, giving her his bed, comforting her… He would never hear the end of it from his crew. As it was, they’d probably just assume he had kept her for ‘entertainment’, and leave it at that. Let them think that way for all he cared. He continued to hold her loosely and stared down at her, waiting to feel the consequences. When she woke she’d likely slap him, tell him to keep his hands to himself. Well, consequences be damned. This, right now... this was worth it.