By nightfall, a heavy rain began to lash against the ship. I could feel the vessel's instability as it tossed over the waves, accompanied by the frantic shouts of the crew above.
Bolts of thunder struck repeatedly, terrifying Piper. To calm her, I narrated stories I had memorized from the village library precious tales I had been whipped for reading. Back home, no one appreciated a female who sought knowledge.
"Please sing me a song," she pleaded, her voice small and innocent.
"Of course," I whispered. I began to hum a traditional lullaby from my village. Piper was a fast sleeper; within minutes, she was out. I carried her gently to the small bunk the only bed in the room knowing I would have to find a spot on the floor.
"Goodnight," I muttered, kissing her forehead.
She shivered in her sleep, her teeth chattering with a rhythmic scraping sound. She reminded me so much of Jasmine, my little sister. Jasmine had passed away at nine. The villagers never thought she'd last that long; she had been frail since birth, battling one illness after another until the final, incurable one took her. I remembered crying over her grave every day, bringing fresh flowers. And Mum... Mum had simply lost her mind with grief.
A faint knock brought me back to reality. Looking toward the door, I saw a pair of blankets being tucked underneath by an unknown hand.
"Thank you," I said, but the only response was the thud of retreating footsteps.
I covered Piper's shivering body before spreading some sheets on the floor near the old chest. I was curious about what was inside, but I had no intention of prying. I wrapped myself in a blanket and finally fell asleep.
The next morning, a harsh creaking sound and a familiar, angry voice woke me.
"You tiny witch! I've had enough of you!"
I blinked my eyes into focus. Piper was standing on the bunk, her clothes stained with something orange, desperately trying to evade someone's grasp. It was Helen.
"Come down from that bunk, or I promise you won't see the light of day!" Helen snarled.
"Try catching me, then!" Piper retorted mischievously.
I stared at the scene, confused. Why would she provoke someone as dangerous as Helen?
"P-Piper, just listen to her!" I cried out. My voice diverted her attention, and for a second, Piper looked at me with a gaze that felt strangely trusting. We had only known each other a day, yet a bond had already formed.
"Got you!" Helen barked, snatching the girl.
I sighed, rubbing my forehead in worry as I watched Piper struggle. She gave the woman a fierce glare, but her small frame was no match for Helen's strength.
"You're sleeping in the dungeons for this!"
"Get your filthy hands off me, scumbag!" Piper spat.
The words earned her a staggering slap. The impact sent Piper's blonde hair flying across her face. She looked so small, so pitiful, with a look of sudden remorse in her eyes. It took someone who truly knew her to understand: she was just a child, and she didn't deserve this.
"A-Ava?"
The sound of her voice calling my name tugged at my heart. I stood frozen, paralyzed by indecision. I watched helplessly as Helen dragged her through the door.
"Piper… I'm so sorry," I whispered as the door slammed shut and was bolted from the outside. I didn't even know what I was apologizing for—perhaps my own inability to help her. I was too much of a coward to go against anyone on this ship if I wanted to stay alive.
I spent the rest of the day lost in the old books near the chest. I had always possessed a strange hunger for romance and science; it amazed me to learn how the world worked. I wished I could share these treasures with the girls back home, but in my village, reading was the path to being branded a witch.
I was so deep in thought that I didn't hear the door open.
"You seem quite pricey and beautiful."
I gasped, standing up immediately. A man with dark hair and a scruffy beard stood there. He looked like a scoundrel, smelling of heavy liquor and followed by a swarm of flies.
"W-Who are you? What do you w-want?" I stammered.
"Oh, quit the pretense. You're just a little slut, aren't you?" He gave a sly, yellow-toothed smile and began to loosen his slacks with frantic haste.
I froze in horror as he exposed himself. It was the first time I had ever seen a man that way. Was he not ashamed?
"Let's do it quick. I promise it won't bite," he said, lunging for me.
I dodged him and scrambled for the door, but he was faster. He grabbed me by the hair, dragging me back like a rag doll.
"No! Help me! Someone, please!"
"Don't be a spoiled girl and make me angry," he growled. "Stay still and it'll be over soon."
"Get off me!" I screamed, driving my knee into his groin.
He groaned in pain but didn't let go. Instead, he delivered a frightening slap that made my head spin. "You'll pay for that, dear," he hissed. He pinned my wrists above my head. I struggled with every fiber of my being, but he was too strong.
Tears blurred my vision as he ripped my skirt. I closed my eyes, waiting for the end.
Suddenly, the weight was ripped off me. A powerful growl filled the room, vibrating in my very bones. I looked up to see Captain Caspian. He looked murderous, and I noticed dark fur bristling along his neck and arms.
The myths are true, I thought. He is the Beast.
"K-King Caspian! I-I didn't know she was yours… Please, have mercy!" the man pleaded, cowering on the floor.
"Mercy? I know no mercy," Caspian seethed, his eyes dilating until they were pools of solid black. "Guards!"
Three men rushed in instantly.
"Toss him into the sea."
They dragged the screaming man out, leaving me alone with the Captain who I had just realized was actually a King.
I sniffled, huddled on the ground with my clothes in shreds. Slowly, I stood up. "T-Thank you for saving me."
I trembled at the thought of what would have happened if he hadn't arrived. I would have been ruined. But I also wondered... why was a King the one fetching these girls?
"Strip," he spat suddenly.
I swallowed hard, my heart stopping. "W-What?"
"I intend to inspect your purity as my chosen."
I gripped the remains of my clothes, backing away as fresh tears began to fall.
"You heard me, Ava. I won't repeat myself."