The Stinging Salt

Watching her, sat on that rock and singing, my hearts damn near break with pride and grief. Her tender soul got her into bother in the end, as I always worried it might.

Singing and singing, and still he doesn't show. He didn't last night either. I whip up the wind to carry her voice further, and we hold on. Waiting. It's dark and wet, but isn't it always, for us?

Not once does her voice crack, nor her courage waver. She knows the risks being up here. She could give in to fear, slip off that rock and away... It would be useless, but some would anyway. Not her. I thought her witless to come up here. There's a fine line between daft and brave, is there not?

A shadow in the driving rain, those obnoxious shoulders, that jawline. Those black curls plastered to his kingly scalp. Bastard. I hate him. I want to wrap myself around him and squeeze... but I can't. He's her last hope. I gnash my teeth and stay put, singing a compulsion to stick his feet to the slippery rocks until she's said her piece.

If he won't help her after what he did to her, I'll tear him in half. I swear it.

Rage pulses in me, throbbing in my ears. I can hardly hear her voice over the storm of my own blood, the waves, the wind, the spray and pelting rain.

"I save you," she says. Her voice soft, the words halting. She barely knows this tongue. "I save you. You hurt."

She points at her swollen belly, and my eyes are dragged to it unwilling. It's a physical pain to look at it, grotesquely large for the size of her. It's killing her.

He's waving his arms, emphatic, his biceps bulging. I can't see her features, but I know from the set of her shoulders and the tilt of her profile that she's scowling at him. She's stubborn. Not backing down. Good lass!

At last I show myself to him. I see myself reflected in his horrified eyes: a seaweed like mop, above blazing eyes and searing grin.

"Refuse, Your Majesty," I sneer. "I dare you!"

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Word count, excluding note: 366

Submitted on Tuesday 12th June at 22.57

*Quick Author's Note*

First, and most importantly: thank you so much for reading my story! The ha'penny that Vocal will toss in my hat for your eyeballs landing on this humble piece will be well-spent. I might open a dog shelter and just make it the most luxurious fucking dog shelter you've ever seen.

If you enjoyed this one, the very best compliment you can give me is to share it, or read another!

The story behind the story: This one sort of follows on from another I wrote a while ago:

A Year of Stories: I'm writing a story every day this year. This one continues my 164 day streak since 1st January.

Please do consider lending your support to the other creators who are also on this madcap "a story every day" adventure. They are putting out excellent content every day!

Rachel Deeming

Gerard DiLeo

Leave me a comment: I reciprocate as many as I can. Leaving a comment makes that easier!

Thank you!

Thank you again, most sincerely. Especially if you are one of the wonderful people who has been staunchly reading these daily scribbles since the start of the year. I see you, and appreciate you very much indeed! 😁

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