Thorne’s dark eyes glinted with faint amusement. "I assumed it wasn’t your petticoat collection, Mr. Blume."
Lewis stared in challenge, donning a sardonic grin. "No, those are in my other trunk."
Thorne’s eyes narrowed, scrutinizing them both. "I was told you were unserious and inexperienced." His gaze raked over them, unimpressed. "Thank you for confirming."
Vivienne bristled. "Excuse me?"
Thorne turned sharply, already walking. "This way. Don’t dawdle."
Vivienne and Lewis scrambled to keep up, dodging dockworkers hauling crates and weaving through stacks of cargo as they trailed behind Commander Thorne.
Lewis leaned in, muttering under his breath, "Well, isn't he a ray of sunshine."
Vivienne bit back a grin. "I don’t know." She shrugged. "I think he’s trying to?—"
Thorne came to an abrupt stop, forcing them to halt just short of colliding with his back. He turned, posture rigid, and gestured to the towering ship before them.
"Allow me to introduce our lady, the Zephyrus."
Vivienne’s inhale stalled mid-breath.
The Zephyrus was both intimidating and breathtaking. A twenty-gun galleon, its three towering masts bore expansive sails, waiting to be unfurled and capture the morning breeze. The dark oak hull, reinforced with iron bands along the waterline, gleamed with the colors of mythical creatures and crashing waves painted around the gun ports. At the bow, a majestic figurehead of Zephyra, the winged goddess of the winds, storms and seas, stretched her arms forward, ready to guide the crew into unknown waters.
Vivienne slowly exhaled, feeling smaller than ever.
Commander Thorne turned sharply on his heel. "Follow me."
They clutched the ropes lining the gangplank, steadying themselves as the Zephyrus swayed beneath their feet. The motion was subtle but foreign, a preview of the world they were about to step into.
"Stay here," Thorne ordered once they reached the main deck, his voice crisp. "I’ll notify the captain of your arrival. Afterward, we’ll review crew assignments."
Vivienne gave a stiff nod, though she doubted she could focus on anything beyond the organized chaos around her.
Sailors moved with the kind of precision only years of experience can hone, hauling cargo below deck, coiling thick ropes, and checking the sails with practiced hands. The air buzzed with purpose, the hum of orders exchanged and boots scuffing against the wooden planks filling every inch of space.
She and Lewis shuffled in the throng, uncertain where to stand without getting in the way.
A sharp whistle pierced the air, followed immediately by Thorne’s commanding bark. "Officers, report!"
Vivienne and Lewis followed him up the quarterdeck steps, the elevated space granting a clear view of the ship and its bustling crew. At the ship’s massive, spoked wheel, a broad-shouldered man stood with an air of comfortable authority.
"Captain Garrett," Thorne dipped his chin. "May I introduce Mr. Blume and Miss Banner?"
"You may!" the captain boomed, arms outstretched in a welcoming gesture.
Vivienne took him in. He was tall, well-built, and weathered by the sea, his silvered beard neatly trimmed. The remnants of auburn still streaked through his thick hair, overshadowed by sea-green eyes that locked onto hers.
"I’ve been waiting years to meet you, Vivienne," he said, his gruff voice warm. His calloused hand engulfed hers, his grip firm but not overbearing. The wrinkles around his eyes deepened as he smiled, genuine and knowing.
Vivienne stiffened a bit.Years? He must know my parents.
Captain Garrett released her hand and turned to Lewis. "And you, Mr. Blume. Don’t think we’ve ever had a botanist on board before. I imagine you can teach us a thing or two."
Lewis adjusted his spectacles, suddenly self-conscious under the captain’s gaze. "Uh, thank you, sir. Captain, sir."
The captain threw back his head with a hearty laugh. "No need for all that, Blume! ‘Captain’ will do just fine. Percival Garrett, at your service." He tipped the brim of his worn captain’s hat. "Now, let’s get you introduced to the rest of the group. You’ve already met Commander Owen Thorne, my first officer."
Vivienne and Lewis stood at attention, mirroring the row of assembled officers. Their crisp uniforms and rigid postures an outward declaration they were seasoned, disciplined, and not to be taken lightly.
