Once a Pirate (Mystical Realm Series Book 1) by Sarah Snyder Read Free Book Online Page B

comfortable relationship; one in which Anna knew she wouldn’t be subjected to anyone’s will but her own. Still, Anna couldn’t ignore her guilt over the lack of emotion she held at losing him.
    As she sat hunched in the window, Anna tried to fathom the knowledge she would never see any of them again. The thought was devastating and Anna swiped a traitorous tear from her cheek, determined not to cry another drop. Crying did nothing to solve her problems, only made her eyes painfully puffy. Whatever the cost was to return to them, Anna would willingly pay it. She refused to give up on her family.
    A knock on her door heralded the arrival of Prince Char. “Good morning, Anna, may I enter?”
    “Of course,” Anna managed a small smile for the man, trying to bury the pain plaguing her.
    Char closed the door behind him and came to sit at her side. He must have noted her watery eyes and splotchy skin because his expression grew instantly concerned. “Are you well, Anna?”
    “I’m fine,” Anna assured. “I’m just a little homesick.”
    “Of course,” Char took her hand in his sympathetically. “I’m very sorry, Anna. I wish there was something I could do.”
    “I know,” Anna nodded.
    Char had proven many times his will to find a way to send Anna home. He commissioned Witches, Wizards and Fairy from across the realm, but his attempts failed. Still, his efforts endeared him to Anna and she appreciated his friendship all the more for it.
    “I know the pain of loss, Anna,” Char comforted. “I can’t say the pain ever truly leaves, but it does ease. You will be happy again.”
    Anna nodded, unable to speak through the lump in her throat his words caused. She knew Char lost his family several years before. He claimed it was an accident which claimed his parents and older brother, but his hesitation in giving detail made Anna question. However it happened, Anna saw Char’s pain was real. She was tempted to tell him of Jake’s offer to sail her around the world in an attempt to get home, but decided the offer demanded more thought before spoken.
    “And, I have a surprise,” Char hesitated, his expression softening from concern to delight. “In two days, we will have a ball.”
    “A ball,” Anna repeated.
    “Yes,” Char stood, as if the excitement was too much to bear. “It’s a tradition for Meridelle to host a summer ball. You will meet dignitaries, royals and creatures from all over the realm.”
    “That sounds,” Anna began, trying to feel the same interest Char showed, but failing. “That’s great, Char.”
    “At the very least,” Char sobered at her obvious lack of happiness, “it will serve as a distraction.”
    Anna nodded, his words drawing out the tears she was trying to control. She swiped at one furiously as it dripped down her cheek. “Damn it,” she whispered as yet another one trailed the first. Char took her hands, pulling Anna to her feet and against his chest. His muscular arms wrapped around her tightly, their strong bands meant to block the flow of tears Anna could no longer hold in check.
    “It’s alright, Anna,” Char mumbled into her hair. “Everything will be as it should be.”
    Anna stood in Char’s embrace for what felt like hours until her tears dried. She lifted her head, brushing at the tear stains she left behind on his blue tee-shirt. “I’m sorry,” Anna whimpered. “I got your shirt wet.”
    “It is unimportant,” Char assured, looking down at her tenderly.
    Char’s fingers pushed back a strand of Anna’s hair, fitting it simply behind her ear. He followed the movement with a gentle kiss where the strand sat against her temple. His lips lingered and Anna turned toward him questioningly.
    “Char,” Anna questioned.
    Char released her instantly, stepping back from her and fisting his palms at his sides. “My apologies; that was inappropriate.”
    “It’s okay,” Anna forgave with a small, shy smile.
    “I meant to offer comfort,” Char argued.