Seth followed the rest of the crew below deck and slogged down the stairs. Finally! he thought, his stomach grumbling. I forgot how demanding sea work is.

  From just before dawn till now, the work had been non-stop. Robin had Elias help him unfurl the fore and mizzen masts before Captain Burdock sent for him. Then the wind had been uncooperative, so they were constantly adjusting the sails to catch it best. His arms ached and his fingers were stiff from pulling rope and tying knots.

  Thank Crim my shift is over after this. Seth sighed and blinked his weary eyes. I could use a nap.

  As he entered the mess hall, the scent of porridge hit his nose, and Seth pursed his lips. He remembered Cook’s bland porridge. His stomach growled again. Still, it sticks to you. He crossed his arms and stood in line outside the galley, waiting for his turn to get a bowl.

  Simon slid in line behind him. “Hey, Toothpick, it’s been great working with you again.”

  Seth smiled a little. “Same here.”

  Simon leaned in. “So, where’d you find her?”

  “Find her—? Gloria?”

  Simon nodded. “Yeah, your girl.” The air in the mess hall shifted just a bit as Seth noticed more ears leaning towards their conversation. “We used to joke that a girl could dance naked in front of you, and you’d be either reading one of your books or messing with a knot.”

  Seth shifted bashfully as the fevered memory of Gloria dancing among fireflies came to mind. He felt his cheeks warming and he cleared his throat before tightening his crossed arms. “We met in Northhorn.”

  Simon laughed and shook his head. “She must be a feckin’ damn fairy if she managed to get you of all people to notice her.”

  Seth froze and slowly looked back at Simon. “What do you mean by that?”

  Simon chuckled. “Hey, no offense meant. Just never thought I’d see the day when you’d trade a book for curves and a sweet smile.”

  Seth shifted uncomfortably again and shuffled up the line. Thank Crim. Thought he was serious for a moment.

  When it was his turn, Seth rounded the corner into the galley for his food. Winky passed him in the doorway. He nudged him and muttered, “Wait till you try the porridge. I think your girl slipped something in while Cook wasn’t looking—it tastes good this time.”

  Seth looked up in surprise, but Winky shook his head. “Don’t breathe a word to Cook. If this is what we’re gonna get while she’s here, I want to enjoy every bite.” Then Winky scuttled off to a table and joined a few other men struggling to not scarf down their food.

  Seth stepped into the galley and saw Gloria set a bowl of porridge on the table then turned to fill a tankard of ale. A stained white kerchief pulled her curls behind her shoulders and one of Cook’s aprons hung loosely around her neck ending just below her waist—a stark contrast to the navy-gray dress she was wearing. The sight was very becoming and a smile spread across Seth’s face.

  “Alright, come on up,” she said, setting the tankard down. “Grab a spoon, then you can get your porridge and ale. Cook says you can have seconds once everyone has gone through the line.”

  Seth stepped forward and took a spoon from the pile on the table, then stuck it into the steaming bowl. “This looks good.”

  Gloria looked up and smiled. “Seth! I didn’t realize you’d come in.” She wiped her hands on the apron and fussed with her kerchief. “Cook insisted I wear it; didn’t want hair getting into the food, which is reasonable.” She grimaced and blushed at Seth. “I must look awful.”

  Seth smiled at her. “Not at all. You look lovely.”

  Gloria’s mouth gaped a little, and her cheeks turned pink. Seth’s throat tightened when he realized what he’d said.

  Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

  But I mean it! he thought, smiling at her. I’m not taking it back!

  Simon poked his head into the galley. “Can you either flirt loud enough for us to hear or move on so the rest of us can eat?”

  Seth blushed and stepped aside. “You can take my bowl and ale, Simon.”

  Simon stepped into the galley, shaking his head. “I was hoping for the flirting option, but I’ll take breakfast.”

  When he left, Gloria frowned at Seth. “What about you?”

  Seth shrugged. “I’m off duty now; I’ll eat when you eat.”

  Gloria scowled at him and filled two bowls. She set one out for the next sailor, then pressed the other into Seth’s hands. “Eat your breakfast. Elias told me you were up before dawn unfurling the sails.”

  Seth pulled his hands back and shook his head. “I’m waiting.”

  “I’m not going to eat until everyone else has. Besides, once Cook comes back with the water, we’ll be getting water ready to wash dishes.” Gloria held out the bowl further. “Eat.”

  Seth opened his mouth to protest, but Gloria raised her eyebrows at him. “It’ll get cold, and cold porridge does not taste good in my opinion.”

  Seth stared at the bowl, then sighed. “Fine. But can I at least eat in here with you?”

  Gloria smiled, satisfied, then scooped up two more bowls. “I suppose.”

  Seth grabbed a spoon from the table and leaned against the hull of the ship. He scooped up a bite, blew on it, then ate it. He blinked—Winky was right; something was different. He looked up at Gloria, who peeked at him as she filled another tankard.

  He inched over to her side, savoring another bite, then leaned in. “So the rumors are true,” he murmured.

  Gloria blushed.

  “What did you do?”

  Gloria waited until the current sailor took his breakfast and left the galley, then she leaned towards Seth. “I added mashed apples.”

  Seth chuckled. “I heard rumors of fights breaking out over that when I sailed with the crew.”

  Gloria shrugged with a coy smile on her face. “Harder to bicker over mashed apples.”

  Seth grinned and gently gave her a nudge. “You better hope that Cook doesn’t find out.”

  Gloria bit her lip. “You don’t think they’ll tell him, do you?”

  Seth shook his head. “No. Your secret’s safe with them.” He jutted his chin towards the mess hall. “They’re savoring every bite right now.” He narrowed his eyes. “I just hope I won’t have to fight them off when we get home.”

  Gloria giggled, and her cheeks tinted pink again. “That’s sweet. Just don't punch any of them. We are on a ship and there's only a few places to hide.”

  Seth chuckled and took another bite. “That was only one time. And he deserved it." He shook his head. "I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

  In an instant, Gloria’s face went pale. “What?”

  A glob of porridge stuck itself in his throat. He looked up, struggling to figure out what to say that wouldn’t frighten her off again, but when he met her eyes, he didn’t just see fear; there was something else—hope; incredibly fragile hope.

  I need to tell her that I know.

  Seth swallowed the porridge and grimaced as it went down his throat wrong. He licked his lips to speak. He opened his mouth, then hesitated.

  Is now the right time? Anyone could walk in.

  I don’t care anymore! If telling her is what will get her to realize that I care, then that’s what I’m going to do!

  “Gloria, I—”

  “Alright, girl, clear the stove and get the cauldron out,” Cook’s gruff voice interrupted. He turned the corner, hauling two buckets full of water with him. “We need to get the water boilin’ so we can wash the dishes.”

  Cook looked up at Seth and gave him one of his famous scowls. “Get outta here! Gloria needs to focus on her work, not be talked up by you.”

  Seth and Gloria blushed, and he stepped away from her. “Sorry, Cook.”

  “Wait, Seth.”

  Seth looked over his shoulder. Gloria handed him a tankard of ale. “Don’t forget your drink. Need to stay hydrated.”

  Seth smiled and took the ale. “Thanks. I’ll swing by later. Maybe I could help out in the kitchen for a bit?”

  Cook rolled his eyes and jabbed a finger towards the mess hall. “Out!”

  Seth ducked a little and offered one last smile to Gloria. She smiled back at him, but there was a little worry in her eyes.

  Don’t worry, Gloria, Seth thought, bringing his food to a table. Once you know that I know, everything will be okay. I just feel so stupid for waiting for so long.