Alice was relieved that Victor was not shocked or angered by her coming into his room. He didn't seem to prize privacy very much, but she realised then just what she could have caught him doing. Oops. A light pink colour to her cheeks, she walked closer. A letter from her father. Did the pirate send one to him first, or the other way around? Tense anticipation flared in her chest as she looked at the envelope. She couldn't quite believe his suggestion of her opening it. At home, she'd never be allowed such freedom, and things like these weren't treated with nonchalance.

She laughed softly as he pulled her down and onto his lip, looking at him with confusion written across her features. His reason seemed more of an excuse, but she didn't comment upon it. It was sort of nice. And forbidden. And very very naughty. Her lips curled a little. What a juxtaposition - between sitting on Victor's lap and holding her father's written word in her hand. The stationery was smooth and creamy as she turned it over with her hand. She brushed the seal with her thumb, breath bated. She didn't know what had gone on before this. The feeling of Victor's hand on her back was distracting as well, and she straightened a little, feeling self-conscious. And also a little pleased.

Alice cracked open the seal, just imagining her father pressing the hot wax with his seal ring. This had travelled all the way from home... She sighed softly, paper creaking as she pulled out the letter. Unfolding it, she read the words that would determine her fate. 

[i]Dear Captain Victor,

I am not a man who bows to pirates, and neither is my daughter. As such, I will not be succumbing to threats that will lead to the social destruction of Great Inagua. Pirates will never be welcome on our shores.

You have a choice. Firstly, you may bring my daughter safely back to me and you will come to no harm. I am a man of my word, as my daughter may confirm. Secondly, you may deign to meet my ships in battle in one days' time, off the coast of Haruda, and battle as a gentleman. If I win, you will give me back my Alice and leave forever. If you win, you may trade on our shores. I doubt your integrity will compel you to do either of these things, so I offer you the third option: You may run, but I will come after you with my fleet. We will find you, and we will rescue Alice before sinking your ship.

I hope that you will make the smart decision.

Regards,

Sir George Rohan
Governor of Great Inagua in the name of Her Majesty the Queen of England.[/i]

Alice was silent as he read it as well, swallowing back a lump in her throat. She slowly put the letter on the table. Things were getting violent, and fast. Her father seemed more concerned with beating down Victor than rescuing her. It... honestly, it hit her a little hard. It was like there was a heavy weight hanging in her chest now. Even the warmth of the pirate beneath her wasn't comforting. Her whole body was rigid, shoulder's slightly hunched. She glanced over at Victor, turning herself on his lap. Her father's fleet was large and strong; this ship was no match for them. [i]What are you going to do?[/i]