The Captain turned, his eyes fixing on theirs, unwavering. He looked pained, somehow, as if remembering a great loss. “I’m not surprised that you don’t remember me. It was such a long time ago. My father was the Viscount Admiral of Their Majesty’s Sky Fleet, and highly decorated in the war. As a part of the Good Will Initiative, he was charged with the task of visiting the High Families of the Western Isles. I was merely a boy, just as you were very young. But when my family arrived at your estate, the only thing I clearly remember is your face. The way you looked about with combined innocence and wisdom. I was captivated. I still am. Your soul has remained unchanged, I think. So, when I heard of your presence on the ship, I had to seek you out. To see if you were the same as I remembered. No, I wasn’t prepared for your transformation, nor the way that your presence would affect me. I never dreamed…” He took their hand lovingly, gently caressing the palm. “Your beauty has left me undone. Which is why I feel it is my duty to protect you now. Even if you don’t feel the same for me— I must protect your essence. An essence which I feel this marriage, and your return to the West, would destroy.”

Herc’s words swirled in Meeka’s mind. They cast around in their memory, locating a plump face with a crooked smile that mirrored the face in front of them. Of a kind boy, a quiet moment, and the promise of a young friendship that never got to be. Although the memory sent a warmth through them, they were still wary of Herc.

The fact that his family had ties to theirs could be treacherous, but they wanted to believe him. The marriage would destroy them, which is precisely why they were risking everything to avoid it. On top of the years of oppressive treatment, they would be focused to go against themselves and every feeling they had. They could not bear the idea.

The ship had turned earlier, but they had not noticed if it turned completely around. What if he was lying to them? What if it was simply easier to deploy this smaller craft and send them back where they came from instead of inconveniencing everyone else? That did make more sense.

“I want to trust you, Herc, even if it could result in my destruction. It seems I have little choice either way. I will go on the condition that I will be piloting the craft. This James may come along, but I reserve the right to navigate us to a port. If he makes steps to defy me, then I will take action against him.” Meeka gave their most authoritatively piercing stare, which they had spent years perfecting. Usually those in a lesser station cowherd at this, but Herc’s eyes sparkled and he broke out in a grin.

“That is a perfectly acceptable adjustment, and quite wise not to put your safety in the hands of others. I do, however, wish that I may be allowed to gain your trust in future,” he said stepping close to them.

His face was now inches away from theirs. Meeka’s breath caught in their throat, making their next words somewhat cracked. “Someone like me does not have the luxury of trusting easily.”

He nodded, his eyes downcast and the cheerfulness disappearing. “I understand, believe me, I do. I tend not to find love with… conventional partners. And, even in this modern age, that comes with its consequences. And so, your trust in me must be earned, which I intend to do.” He pulled the watch from his waistcoat and frowned. “But, for now, we must find you safety. When you arrive, seek out a man named Evanstein. He runs the hotel and is a friend.”

The Captain took their hand and started for the staircase, but Meeka stopped him, pulling him just enough so that they were once again facing each other. “I still have it, you know.”

He looked puzzled. “Sorry? Still have what?”

“Oh, don’t tell me you’ve forgotten,” they said with a cheeky smile. From a pocket inside their jacket, Meeka pulled out a small purse that they used as a wallet of sorts. Inside, they located a small, ivory carved knight from a chess set.

As he saw it, Herc’s eye lit anew. “Is that— I can’t believe you kept—“

But before he could complete his thought, a porter came to the top of the stairwell. “Sir, the fireworks begin in ten minutes.”

Herc’s face fell as he turned back to Meeka. “You must go, now. The fireworks will mask the sound of your launch. Please—“ He took their hands once more, pulling them close and resting his forehead on theirs, eyes closed. “Stay safe, stay low, and never change.”

As Herc let go, Meeka placed the statuette in his hands. Herc looked puzzled, only to see them smiling back at him. “I wish this returned to me, my Captain.” They mustered enough courage for a kiss on his cheek before dashing down the stairs with the porter.

Meeka was led into the bowels of the ship where a small dirigible was already inflated and waiting inside a vast chamber. They stepped on board the small vessel which consisted of two rooms, one that appeared to be for navigation and another that was looked to be sleeping quarters. There was a deck on the top that could be used for observation when idly floating. As Meeka glimpsed their luggage through the open door of the cabin, they silently counted the parcels, making sure none were missing. They couldn’t dream of finally finding freedom without the clothing that made them feel whole.

They stepped on board and a familiar looking man bowed low in greeting. “Good evening, My Liege. Welcome aboard the Grumpy Bon Bon. We can leave as soon as the door is elevated and the Captain gives the all-clear.”

Meeka inhaled sharply, their spine straightening in order to maximize their height which, in these heels, was very tall indeed. “Yes, the valet, Mister…”

“Just call me James, my Liege.” The man continued his bow, but smiled through upturned eyes.

With a sigh, Meeka swept past him to the controls. “I’m assuming you’re the cheeky bastard who named this vehicle something so absurd as ‘The Grumpy Bon-Bon?”

James chuckled, joining Meeka’s side as the door to the outside was closed, leaving the two alone. “That would be Captain Southerford. Sense of humor, that one. He thought it resembled his favorite treat frowning.”

Meeka remained silent for a moment as they choked on their own words. “I see.” They could feel the wide grin forming on the face beside them, but decided to ignore it, focusing on the maps before them. “This is our current position, correct?” They pointed to where a marker hovered above a point on the front console. “I will be piloting, so you are aware.”

“But of course, my Liege. I will be but a moment.” James lifted a hatch in the floor and descended down a ladder to where the engine room must be located. Moments later, the hum of the engine kicked into life. James must have previously stoked the boiler in to readiness, Meeka thought as they began to flip the appropriate switches to be ready for take off. The door to the chamber was lifted. All that remained was for the fireworks to begin.

Waiting in silence, their nerves began to take over. Before their hands could begin to shake, they gripped the controls more tightly. They kept their eyes fixed on the doors, waiting for the colorful flashes of light. Every heartbeat sounded like a drum in their ears. “I can trust him, I can trust him, I can trust him…” they whispered to themself.

A gentle hand was placed on the back of the chair. Meeka looked up to see James, face more serious than they had seen it yet, staring at the sky before them. “You can trust me.”

Before Meeka could respond, a loud boom shattered the air, accompanied by jolt to the large ship. Objects that were secured on the deck shifted as the main ship tilted. That does not seem like a firework blast to me, Meeka thought as they pushed the throttle forward as the balloon floated toward their exit.