Lone Blind Star: Chapter 7 - Lost Island Blues
When Ingram gets home, he begins to doubt himself. Despite being told otherwise, Cecilia still wants to know more.
Water lapped at the sides of the boat. Cecilia listened to its rhythmic flow as it lulled her adrenaline-exhausted body to sleep. She thought of the conversation with Ingram atop the lighthouse and allowed herself to get a little excited for the future. She didn't know what it looked like, but she knew what she wanted and was willing to fight for it.
A groan echoed in the distance and she shot awake, recalling the stories she read about the creatures that resided in the Sea of Giants. Suddenly on edge, she peered into the dense fog and inky depths, straining to see something there. The moment she thought she saw movement, she shifted over to Ingram's side.
Ingram's lips curled in a knowing smile. "Flattered ya think I could take on some kinda sea creature."
Her face paled. "If we can't fight one off, what do we do when one comes?" Fire magic was out of the question. Not only did Ingram dislike her using it, but they were surrounded by water.
"When one comes?" He couldn't hold in his laughter anymore. "Sorry, Sunshine, but ain't no sea creatures in these waters."
"But, I've read the sailors' accounts!"
"Them stories're just that, stories. What really makes the Sea of Giants dangerous ain't sea creatures—none here—it's them shoals underneath. The year-round fog and giant whale carcasses sure don't make it easy to steer through, either."
Cecilia looked down, feeling a little embarrassed. She should've known those stories were false. "Why lie?" she wondered.
"To keep folks away, mostly," Ingram answered honestly. "If everyone thought the archipelago was all sunshine and smooth sailin', they'd be passin' right through like they owned the place. But no. These waters belong to us."
"Us?"
"People like me. People with... nowhere to go."
"Criminals," she said flatly.
"More or less," he replied. He was grinning at first, but then his expression suddenly fell. "But, that also means it'll be dangerous for ya."
"Because of the criminals?"
He shrugged. "It's pretty easy to tell you're from high society. Someone might want a piece o' ya."
"What gives me away?" She gave herself a once over. "Is it how I look?"
"It's how ya carry yourself. The average person ain't gonna notice, but there're others who will. Promise me you won't leave my side, no matter what."
"I trust you," she said. They were words that carried beyond the conversation.
"Thanks," he replied. His serious tone relaxed a little, relieved that she would be safe.
About an hour had passed when the dim glow of Lost Island's harbor lights emerged through the dense fog. "Hey, Sunshine, wake up. Almost there," Ingram said, nudging her beside him.
Rubbing her eyes, Cecilia looked up ahead and watched the lights grow stronger as buildings began to take shape. As they drew closer, she could hear the island's sounds. The din of arguments, the swell of cheers, the melody of music. They neared the dock and the smell hit her stiff. She coughed and instinctively covered her lower face with her sleeve.
Ingram laughed at her. "Not to your likin'?"
Cecilia looked back at him and shook her head, horrified. She was almost afraid to breathe.
"Don't worry. It's just around these parts. Gets better by the inn." He helped Cecilia off the yacht before securing it to the pier, and then escorted her into town, their hands entwined.
The ground was roughly built with sand, gravel, and dirt, paved with the occasional large stone or brick. Palm trees and wide ferns sprouted up between buildings and out of cracks in foundations, worming their way between touches of modern progress. Utility wires threaded across streets as antennae and water tanks topped multi-storey buildings painted bright colors. At this time of night, most windows had their curtains down or shutters closed, but every couple buildings a window remained open, beaming green, red, or blue light down onto the street. A couple buildings had warm string lights wrapped around first floor pillars and weaved through second floor fences, entwined with the ivy that clung like a hungry mould.
Ingram brought Cecilia to an inn, simply named The Flag Inn, which was his usual place to stay. Keeping her not more than a step behind him, he strode up to the bar and waved for the owner's attention. The inn was lively, much more than usual for the late hour, and he wanted to secure a room for them as soon as possible.
"Took ya long enough," a lighthearted voice said from behind.
Ingram turned, a cautious smile on his face, and greeted his partners in crime as they sat together, hunched over a small square table. "Hello, Rupert. Evenin', Roxanna."
"We expected ya ten days ago. Where ya been? Took a tour of the kingdom? Come come, take a seat," Rupert said, kicking out the chair opposite him. He was tall and skinny with an unassuming appearance. Brown hair, blue eyes. Pale. He watched as Ingram pulled out Cecilia's chair before sitting down. "Who's the broad?"
Ingram gave Cecilia a reassuring look and then turned to his friends. He leaned in, them doing the same, and whispered, "The crown princess."
Rupert shot out of his seat but was only able to take one step before Roxanna grabbed him and shoved him back into his chair. "Careful who you tell that to," she hissed. She had an athletic build with dark purple tresses, a slender face, and was almost always smiling. "Dangerous information. Especially now."
"I know," Ingram replied, rubbing his face. "We just barely slipped away from the Royal Guard back in Lighthouse Peak." Ingram was relieved at first, but became increasingly worried the longer he looked at Roxanna's stern expression and Rupert's jitters. "What'm I missin'?"
Roxanna crossed her arms and leaned back from the table. "A high bounty came over the wire earlier this evenin'. Crown princess, alive and unharmed. Just the princess."
Ingram gave a look around the inn. Then it hit him. He started to sweat.
"You're dead weight, Ironsights," Rupert said, grinning. "Cut the girl and run, if I were you." He took a long gulp of his drink, slamming the empty mug down with a heavy sigh. Ignoring the princess' glare, he continued, "How'd ya get such a tagalong, anyway?"
Ingram was about to answer when a barmaid waltzed over, setting down a glass of water for both him and the princess.
"Hey, you! It's good to see you," she said. She had mousy brown hair and a round face.
"Hey, Tanaquil," Ingram greeted. "You workin' here now?"
"Yup! Since you saved me," she said dreamily.
"How've things been since that time?"
"I'm saving up for a house on the other side of the island."
"By the beach? Good place to start fresh. Where're ya stayin' now?"
"Oh, I rent a room here at the inn." She was all smiles and would sometimes touch Ingram on the shoulder when she thought he wasn't paying attention. In reality, he wasn't, but the other three at the table watched everything unfold with a strange awkwardness.
"Is that all?" Ingram asked, clearly wanting to get on with things.
"Oh! Um, well, I was wondering... after my house is built, if you have time... would you like to come visit? I want to thank you, again, for what you did."
"No need," he replied curtly. "I'd do it for anyone. If that's all, could ya grab Leo and let him know I need a room for tonight?"
Tanaquil's eyes flickered to Cecilia for a second. "Sure, I can find you a double."
Ingram shrugged. "Nah. Just the usual room. He'll know what I mean."
"Uh-huh. Rupert, d'you want a refill?"
"Thanks, Tanaquil. You're doin' great."
When Tanaquil was out of earshot, Roxanna let out a long sigh. "That one's holdin' on for dear life."
Cecilia tilted her head. "Holding onto what?" Since sitting down with Ingram's friends, she felt lost in the conversation.
"Nothin'," Ingram said, shutting that topic down immediately. "Anyway, I see Leo's already shakin' the keys for us so we'll leave for the night. Will you two still be on the island tomorrow?"
"Of course!" Rupert replied, laughing.
"We were plannin' on heading out after the high bounty, but there's no need for that now, is there?" Roxanna smiled, satisfied with knowing she had some secret dirt on the thief.
Ingram frowned. "I'm not turnin' her in, and neither are the two of you."
Rupert held his hands up defensively. "Wasn' plannin' on it now." He eyed his partner. "Unless Roxanna—"
Roxanna shot a sharp glare at the lock picker. "We won't."
Ingram thanked his friends, and left.
On the way up, Ingram saw Cecilia stifle a yawn. All of a sudden, his body felt heavy as exhaustion kicked in. He realised they had both been up for nearly twenty-four hours at that point. He fumbled with the keys a bit, but hurriedly went into his room.
Cecilia hesitated when she stepped inside and saw there was only one bed. A twin. She shot Ingram a wide eyed look but he didn't seem to notice at first. He moved about the room, preoccupied with unpacking and organizing his things. He eventually noticed her stiffness and said, "You can relax. This is my usual room."
"Does no one else rent this one?" she asked as she shifted her weight from one foot to the other.
Ingram shook his head. "Leo—the owner—just keeps the keys for me. Safer that way."
"Safer how?"
"If I get caught, I wanna be able to escape without worrying."
"Worrying... that you won't be able to get back into your room?"
"That the keys will lead to Leo's inn."
"Oh."
Ingram caught a glimpse out the single window and saw the dawn's first rays creeping down the road toward the heart of town. He turned to Cecilia, watched as she tried rubbing some life into her clearly tired face, and smiled softly. He wondered to himself if this would be the last time they could spend time together like this. After tomorrow—or, today—when she learned everything about him, would she look at him differently? He didn't believe their goals aligned and, for the good of the kingdom, it would be for the best if she left him behind.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" she asked.
Pulled from his thoughts, he gently took her satchel from her and placed it on the dresser. He helped her shrug out of her coat and hung it on a nearby hook, then, gently guided her to the bed. "You're exhausted," he observed, "so you take the bed."
She cautiously climbed under the blanket and then gave the room a quick once over. "And you?"
He gestured to the rug next to the bed.
She seemed to inflate with anger. "But it's your bed! No way you're sleeping on the floor. Come here." Before he could pull away, Cecilia yanked hard on his wrist, sending him toppling into the bed. They had slept near and next to each other many times over the course of their journey, but never had they shared a single bed. The princess didn't seem to care but her thief certainly did. He swung his legs onto the floor and tried to free himself but she had firmly wrapped her arms around his waist, trying her best to keep him there.
"We can't share a single bed," he claimed, almost panicking.
"There's no reason why not," she shot back. And then, more softly, "I can tell you're nervous about something. Is it the thing you wanted to share with me? Are you going to show me tomorrow? I don't know, but for now, can we just be together like this?"
It wasn't that she was actually strong enough to keep him tied down—he just didn't want to hurt her through the struggle. He sighed, and then he gave up.
"You got me." His voice was quiet, a mumble, and she could almost hear the fear in him. He removed his vest and got into bed next to the princess. He felt weak for some reason. He faced away from her at the very edge of the bed, almost curled-up-like but not quite in a fetal position. He felt her drape her arm over his side as she snuggled up against his back. He stiffened.
It was like their roles had reversed somehow, as she had very quickly come to embrace the idea of sharing a bed with him. As minutes passed, Cecilia fell asleep and Ingram's body relaxed. He eventually wrapped his hand around hers and, too, fell asleep.
Ingram woke up first. It was mid-afternoon and the heat and moisture of the town had already started to creep in. He was sweating. He carefully peeled himself free of the princess' grasp to take a quick shower. It was time, he thought. The moment of peace had passed. He tried reassuring himself that it wasn't really a big deal. With Cecilia's personality, she would probably see what he was doing as a good thing, actually. But he couldn't hide his feelings for her. Not anymore. He wanted to be with her, but he couldn't damn her to be tied to this place, to his lifestyle. He wasn't going to change, and he wasn't going to let her change for him. He was having second thoughts about the whole thing. Why did he postpone her confession? If he had let her confess at the lighthouse, she could already be getting over him by now.
Because at the end of the day, despite all his bravado, he was a coward. That's why.
She was already up when he came out of the washroom. It looked like she was sorting through her satchel. They greeted each other awkwardly before letting the room fall to silence. Finally, he handed her a clean towel, a change of his clothes, and told her she should wash up.
"Set your clothes aside and I'll put in a laundry order for when we're gone, too."
"Thanks," she said. She sounded distant, like her mind was completely occupied by other thoughts. He watched her disappear into the cramped washroom and was trying not to imagine any further when Roxanna's distinct knocking pattern saved him.
He quickly threw open the door, allowing the the tall woman in. She pulled up a nearby chair and said, "So what're ya gonna do? 'Bout her?"
"Don't know yet."
Roxanna scratched the side of her cheek. "We postponing the next one?"
Ingram shrugged. He hadn't thought about their next heist for weeks at this point. "Don't know yet."
She clicked her tongue. "Well, you should figure it out soon. We've been ready for days, spendin' our time just idling. Rupert's getting restless."
"I'll keep that in mind."
Roxanna got up to leave but paused at the door, glancing back at him. She gestured to the washroom door. "You gonna take her to Hera's?"
Ingram nodded.
Roxanna placed a hand on her hip. "I know you think you know what you're doing, but she's a royal. Crown princess, at that. In a handful of years, she's gonna be running the place."
"I know." Ingram didn't want to have this conversation anymore.
"You think you fit into a life like that? 'Cause I don't think you do."
"Good pep talk, Roxy."
Roxanna kicked the chair at Ingram and stomped on it as she leaned real close to the man. "Don't call me that."
Ingram held his hands up defensively but otherwise remained silent.
Having said all she wanted to say, Roxanna left, leaving Ingram alone in the room. He spared a glance at the sound of the shower and fell back on the bed. He was exhausted already.
Hera's House of Whores—lovingly referred to by the locals as simply Hera's—was richly dressed inside and out. Lavish potted palms on the front porch, deep red painted panels, rich velvet curtains, and crystal chandeliers. Cecilia had never seen a brothel before so she wasn't sure if she should be impressed. She did like the plants, though.
Ingram tapped a woman passing by on the shoulder. "Hera around?"
"Hey, Ingram. She's in her room."
"Thanks, Luce."
Cecilia could feel everyone's eyes on her. Judgement. It was like she had walked into a den of wildcats as nothing more than a naïve house pet. She was following Ingram quite closely, but wondered if she should be keeping closer—or maybe fall back?
Ingram knocked on a door with a ornate wood carvings. "It's Ingram."
"Come in, come in," sang a voice from within.
Cecilia brushed her sweaty palms on the sides of her pants. This was it. It was the moment she would be finally meet Hera, the woman Antigone had let slip earlier. Could she be Ingram's big secret? What was their connection?
The room was dimly lit with walls of dark red brick, decorated with potted ivy and a couple small paintings. Hera lounged on a couch opposite the door, dressed in a revealing silky gown with fur trim. She had a book in her hands but she didn't look like she was really reading it. She had dark red hair, dark skin, and green eyes. Their gazes met immediately and Cecilia felt like shying away. "Oh, you must be—Ingram's guest?" Cecilia thought her voice was lovely. Smooth and low.
Ingram took a seat on the couch next to her's and unconsciously gestured for the princess to sit next to him. "Roxanna tell you?" he said.
"Rupert, actually." She placed her book down on the coffee table between them. "He stumbled in here early this morning."
"Sorry. And thanks."
A smile emerged on her lips. "Rupert is a part of your crew, so what could I have done? That's what I do, isn't it? What I've been doing? Cleaning up your messes. Years, now."
Ingram shrugged, maybe a little ashamed. "Ain't gonna deny it."
Cecilia looked between the two, trying to piece everything together. "She knows who I am?"
"Yeah," he replied. "Sorry 'bout that. Should've known Rupert'd get sloshed and blab. Good thing it was here, though, of all places."
Hera laughed. "There's nowhere else he would go, truly."
Cecilia felt out of the loop. She shifted in her seat, suddenly uncomfortable.
"Well, Ingram," Hera began, "aren't you going to formally introduce us? Not everyday I meet royalty."
"Right." Ingram paused, reluctant to go on.
"Cat got your tongue?" Hera teased. "How unlike you. Smartass like you always has something to say."
Ingram cleared his throat. "Sunshi—ah, Cecilia, this is Hera Watson, owner of this here brothel, and my ex-wife. Hera, this is Crown Princess Cecilia—"
"Her Royal Highness, Crown Princess Stella-Cecilia Astrid of House Leontine," Hera interrupted, giving a slight bow. "This is truly a dream come true. Who would've known that one day a highborn such as yourself would be slumming it up with us whores and criminals here on Lost Island?" There was something cunning about the look in the woman's eyes, but it was beyond the princess' experience.
"Don't," Ingram said.
"Don't what?" Hera held her hand on her chest as if she were offended—she wasn't. She was simply playing along.
"Look, I'm just here for the usual payment," he said and grabbed a small sack of coins from his pocket. He dropped it on the coffee table and immediately stood up. "Now that I've done that, we'll be out of your hair."
"Well, hold on, Ingram. Wasn't there something you wanted to explain to Her Royal Highness?"
Ingram froze. "No."
Confused, Cecilia spoke up. "There was, actually. Is it safe to assume that you aren't his secret?"
Hera almost laughed. She walked over to the princess, sliding in next to her on the leather couch. "Oh, no. I doubt it. But, it's not a secret. He's just a big baby making a big deal out of nothing. Come on, Ingram, it's something to be proud of, isn't it?"
He hesitated before replying, "It is, but it doesn't concern the princess after all. I was wrong."
Hera feigned surprise. "You weren't planning on keeping this poor girl all cooped up in that dreadful inn the whole time, were you?"
"It's better than her true identity being found out," he spat.
Hera clicked her tongue. "No, no, no. Royalty should be treated like royalty, don't you think? My lady, don't you want to know more about this man?"
"Hera, don't—"
Cecilia nodded. "Yes!"
"Good!" Hera laughed and gingerly wrapped an arm around the princess' shoulders. "We'll entertain you two tonight, for as long as you like. Our accommodations are far better than that inn he's keeping you in, by far. Anyone would agree."
"Ladies and gentlemen, we have a very special guest tonight!" A packed floor of guest-filled tables cheered and clapped as a woman wearing a black corset, fishnet stockings, and high heels stood in a spotlight on stage against a blood red velvet backdrop. "Unfortunately, who they are is a secret, so I can't tell you"—a wave of boos from the floor—"but that doesn't change that tonight we will be partying—All. Night. Long!" Cheers again.
Cecilia leaned over to Ingram. "Is it safe to assume not every night is like this?"
Ingram sipped his water. "No, it's like this all the time. Tonight is special because they have an excuse, now."
Hera came over from one of the bar counters, more drinks and some snacks in hand. "More for the princess and her knight!"
Ingram shot her a glare. "Hera!"
Hera giggled, pretending to be hurt. "Oh, Ingram, quit being so stiff. You really think with this much alcohol, anyone here tonight is going to remember a thing? Tonight is a party, so party!" She placed a bunch of cocktails in front of the pair, along with a meat and cheese platter.
Ingram pushed the drinks away. "Not tonight."
Hera glanced at the princess. "Because the lady is with you?"
Ingram clenched his jaw. He scanned the vicinity. It truly was a full house tonight. "Anything could happen."
Smiling, Hera turned her attention to the princess. "And you, my lady?"
"Oh, I don't drink cocktails. They taste so good, I tend to drink them faster than I can handle." Cecilia seemed a little embarrassed.
"That's all right. You're safe here." Hera gestured to all the food and drinks on the table. "Look how much I brought out for you and Ingram!"
"Well…"
"Don't let her sway you, Sunshine."
"Sunshine? That's a cute nickname." Hera turned back to the princess, sliding next to her in the booth. "How about this? For every cocktail you finish, I'll bring answer any question you have about Ingram—and to sweeten the deal, I'll bring out any food you'd like that our kitchen can make."
Cecilia's eyes twinkled. "Really? Anything?"
Hera didn't know whether she was talking about the food or the questions but replied, "Of course!" anyway.
"It's not worth it," Ingram argued.
"Tsk tsk. That's for the princess to decide—and clearly, she believes it's worth it. Now, my lady, what question would you like to ask?"
"What's Ingram's secret?"
Easy.
"Well, my lady, it's not really a secret. Not at all, in fact."
"Hera." Ingram's face was stern, his brows furrowed tightly. His ex-wife ignored him.
"The true reason behind Ingram's exploits—his thievery—is to raise money to buy whores. Their freedom, I mean."
Cecilia didn't much like the word whores but understood what Hera meant. She glanced over at Ingram as if she were just getting to finally know him. "Ingram… frees prostitutes?"
"That's right! He made a vow, years and years ago, to free every single prostitute on Lost Island. But, you know, buying even one out is extremely expensive. For a lowly thief with no skills beyond thievery, he didn't have any other option."
Cecilia's mouth was agape. "That's why he steals all those priceless items from nobles..."
"I assume you are a princess who keeps her promises."
"I am."
Hera eyed one of the cocktails.
Cecilia immediately grabbed the nearest one and downed it.
"Goodness!" Hera seemed delighted. "Is there any food you were thinking of?"
It took a moment for the princess to recover, but once she did, she said, "I heard someone talking about the duck roast you serve here. Could we have that?"
"Absolutely."
"And some water!" Ingram called after Hera as she left. As soon as Hera was out of sight, Ingram turned to the princess. "How're you feelin'? You okay?"
"A little flushed but I'm fine."
"You shouldn't've done that on an empty stomach."
"So you're… even more of a gentleman thief than I thought." She looked up at him, her vision blurring. She leaned into his chest, grabbing his shirt. Her face felt hot. "Why didn't you tell me?"
Ingram sighed. "I'm not a good man, Sunshine."
"You are!" She looked up at him, her eyes furious. "You're the best man I've ever known. How can you speak about yourself like this? What you're doing… is saving these women. It's amazing." She suddenly furrowed her brow and took a deep breath. "I lo—"
"No." Ingram gently pried the princess from himself.
Cecilia tilted her head. "Why are you interrupting me again? What do you mean no?"
"I can't return your feelings."
"Why not?"
He smiled sadly. "We're too different."
"That doesn't matter."
"Ten years from now, you'll rule this country. That's your duty, and I know how important that duty is to you. But me? I—" He hesitated, choking on his own words. "I'll still be here, coming and going from Lost Island, pilfering gems for money to free these women."
"What you're doing is admirable." And she loved him all the more for it. She wanted to keep talking but her stomach burned and her body felt heavy.
"Feelin' sick?"
"Not quite. Just... funny?" This wasn't the usual feeling after drinking. This was different, and this was quick. Cecilia's vision blurred even further, and then darkness crept in from the edges. A couple seconds later, she was out.
Ingram was immediately on edge. "Hey, Sunshine?" He shook her. "Sunshine!" She wasn't waking up. He started to panic. He looked up and around, not sure whether to take her to one of the rooms here or back to the inn. He should get help, but from who? Was she just drunk, or was it something else? In the middle of his panic, he didn't notice his consciousness floating away. It took longer, and he fought so hard against it, but sleep claimed him, too.