“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.