The Cruelest Of Lies

Disclaimer: I do not own Pirates of the Caribbean.

Chapter 3

“He was still too young to know that the heart's memory eliminates the bad and magnifies the good,
and that thanks to this artifice we manage to endure the burden of the past.”
~Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Love in the Time Of Cholera

The horse came to a stop at Cassandra’s sharp tug on the reins. The mare whined and obeyed, halting mid-motion as her mistress affectionately petted her mane. Cassandra’s hazel eyes took in the area around her and she resisted the urge to turn around and leave. With a deep breath, she petted her horse’s head one last time and then jumped down from the mare’s back. She pulled the horse towards a nearby porch pole and secured the reins there tightly before she turned towards the high old building. Smoke and the pungent smell of ale reached her nostrils and she fought back the spontaneous urge to gag. She pulled the hood of her cape more firmly over her head before she headed towards the entrance of the whorehouse.
She wanted to speed up her pace but she found that something stopped her from doing so. The deep twisting in her stomach became more profound the closer she got but she did not stop.
The paid guard at the door frowned when he saw her and when she came to stand in front of him with the hem of her dress stained with mud he shook his head.
“What are you doing here, Miss Holey? We haven’t seen you in over a year.” He murmured as a drunken man made his way into the establishment by pushing through them roughly.
Cassandra swallowed hard and looked straight into the guard’s eyes.
“I am here to see her.” She whispered as she curled her hands into tight fists.
“You’re allowed to?” he quirked an eyebrow and she averted her eyes.
“I said I am here to see her, John. What is it that you do not understand?” she replied heatedly and the older man raised his hands up in surrender.
“Alright, alright. The last time it did not end well. She has gotten worse but the girls will tell you all about it. Go in and be quick. There have been thieves lurking about lately.” The old guard said in his rough voice as he stepped aside so she could pass.
“Thank you, John.” Cassandra whispered before she took a deep breath and entered the whorehouse, her heart heavy as if it weighted a ton.

oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo


“We have transformed the attic into a bedroom for her. It’s easier for her to sleep that way. The noises here are…awful at times and everything makes her upset.” Katarina said as Cassandra followed the other girl up the stairs.
The sounds from the rooms made her shiver as she walked and no matter how hard she tried it still reminded her all the more what her mother was and what she had been doing for a living; being the matron of a whorehouse. As they climbed higher up the stairs the groans and moans became quieter and she was glad.
She shook her head to clear her mind and looked at Katarina, “How…far gone is the illness?” she asked.
“The illness is…not worse, nor is it better but she has caught a hard case of pneumonia. The physician said that it is very hard on her already declining health.” Katarina replied as they arrived at the top of the stairs. The chill was more profound up there and Cassandra pulled the cape tighter around her shoulders.
“Be prepared if Monique does not recognize you.” Katarina said quietly and Cassandra swallowed thickly.
“I am always prepared when I come here.” She replied stonily and Katarina nodded her head.
“Fair enough.” She murmured before she turned and opened the door, “Take this.” She handed Cassandra the candle she had been holding and the two women stepped into the room, closing the door behind them.

oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo


Cassandra used her hands to straighten the covers over her mother’s form before she stood and tried a small smile.
“Better?” she whispered and Monique nodded her head, her eyes distant but kind in a way that caused Cassandra’s heart to clench. Her eyes were stinging as she picked up the brush from the nightstand and sat down next to the ashen faced woman.
“Did he send you, lass?” her mother’s voice was hoarse but there was hope in her eyes, the scars from the sickness torturing her body not lessening her once ethereal beauty.
“Who? Who do you mean?” Cassandra asked softly as she picked up a lock of black hair and started pulling the brush through it.
“George.” She said and Cassandra paused.
“Yes.” She replied as her eyes started stinging, “Yes, he sent me. He also sent this.” She paused and reached for the small pouch on the nightstand. She pulled out a blue butterfly pin and placed it in her mother’s palm.
Monique’s eyes lit up and her sickly expression changed into one of happiness.
“Oh, so beautiful.” She murmured.
Cassandra felt her eyes stinging but she smiled, “Very beautiful.” She quickly wiped a stray tear from her cheek and resumed brushing her mother’s hair in slow languid movements.
“Cassandra.” Katarina spoke up, “Maybe you shouldn’t be this close. The wounds are open-…”
“I’m fine. Please. I can’t stay long anyway.” Cassandra cut her off before she looked at Monique, “I haven’t seen her in so long.” She whispered and her mother turned to look at her.
“Who are you again?” she murmured and Cassandra bit her tongue hard before she smiled.
“I’m…a friend.” She replied, “George’s friend. Remember?” she smiled and she did not dare blink in fear of a tear escaping.
“Oh, oh, yes!” Monique said and she tightened her fingers around the silver pin.
Cassandra nodded and then put the brush away, “Is the treatment expensive?” she whispered as she stood from the bed, her fingers tightening around the old brush in her hands.
“It is. But the house is profitable…A surprise since she is no longer available but we have money.” Katarina replied and Cassandra nodded.
“Look, I don’t know when I’ll be able to come back but...” she picked up the velvet pouch and handed it to her, “Use these if you need to. Please.”
Katarina hesitated, “She wouldn’t want to take your money if she knew…If she was well.” She said quietly and Cassandra sniffed before she smiled.
“But she does not know, does she? I take it mercury isn’t helping?” she asked as she picked up her cape and casted a look towards the already slumbering woman on the bed.
“It is good for the infections but at this state…no, it does not offer much, Cassandra. Also, we have stopped using it much on her because…it scrambles her mind even more.” Katarina replied and Cassandra nodded.
“I understand.” She said quietly before she started putting on her cape with jerky movements.
“Does he know you’re here? Your father? Or is that the reason why you came so late in the night?” Katarina grasped her hand, her gray eyes filled with sympathy.
Cassandra blinked traitorous tears away and nodded.
“He does. He just doesn’t know that I came here so late… He does not allow me out of the house much in fear that I’ll come here.” Cassandra said as she looked at Monique on the bed, “That’s why I haven’t been visiting. I don’t know if he will ever allow me again. Not now.” She whispered and Katarina frowned.
“What do you mean?”
Cassandra hushed her and motioned towards the door. Katarina inclined her head and followed her out of the room.
Once they were outside Cassandra pulled on her hood and looked at the blonde woman.
“Please, keep this between us.”
“Of course, love.”
“He has just started a new business with a silk merchant. He doesn’t have his mind elsewhere.” Cassandra said as she pressed her lips together and shook her head, “It’s like he’s under a spell. He wants to expand and for that he needs me.”
Katarina frowned, “What for?”
“To seduce the silk merchant. As if I could ever seduce anyone I do not like.” Cassandra scoffed, “Nonetheless, I have to abide by the rules or he won’t allow me to send money here again.”
“Do not be harsh on your father. He loves you. That is why he took you from here when you were just a babe.” Katarina tried to placate her and Cassandra smiled bitterly.
“No one asked me though. It’s so embarrassing for me to play the lady when my mother-…!” she stopped before she could finish and covered her mouth with her hand.
“I know. But still. Do not hate your father. She wouldn’t want this. Not when the only one she remembers is him.” Katarina said as she put a comforting hand on her arm.
“That hurts the most.” Cassandra replied as she wiped a tear from her cheek, “That she remembers the man who hurt her and took her child away and not the child who grew up without a mother.” She finished and with a pat on Katarina’s hand she turned and walked to the stairs, making her retreat in silence.

oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo


“Miss Cassandra! Thank God, you’re back. Your father has been asking for you all evening!” Bianca exclaimed as Cassandra entered the house.
“Did he say why he’s been asking for me?” she asked as she removed her cape and handed it to Bianca.
“Um, he has a visitor. Captain Bligh was here two hours ago for dinner.” The servant girl replied.
“Oh. Where is he now?” Cassandra asked, dreading the answer.
“In his study with Mr. Abraham.” Bianca smiled and flushed.
Cassandra frowned at the maid, “Abraham. Alright, thank you.” She murmured before she headed for the stairs that led to the study.
She didn’t bother changing her clothes and shoes. She wasn’t planning to stay anyway.
She knocked and then entered the study. She was immediately assaulted by the smell of brandy and the heady scent of cigars.
“Father, you wanted to see me?” she asked quietly as she looked for her father.
But he was not in the room. Only his guest was there, gazing outside the window.
The dark haired man turned towards her slowly. In his hand he held a glass and he had a cigar between his beautifully shaped lips. When he saw her he smiled.
“Ms. Holey, what a pleasure to see you again.” He pulled the cigar from his mouth and gave a small bow while she took small, moderate steps towards him.
“Mr. Abraham.” She inclined her head, “I trust you’re having a pleasant evening.” She asked as she took in his appearance. From his dark boots and breeches to his white shirt, crimson waistcoat and black coat.
She quirked an eyebrow when he smirked, “Something amusing, sir?” she asked and he chuckled as he put the cigar and glass away before he approached her slowly; like a cat that was ready to attack a mouse.
She didn’t even flinch when he came to stand a breath away from her.
“My dear, if you plan on pretending to be pleasant to someone, you have to learn to do the task better.” He smiled and she stiffened.
“I beg your pardon?” she asked quietly and he pursed his lips in thought.
“You do not like me. That much is obvious.” He murmured before he leaned close to her and stared deep into the chocolate eyes that resembled his own, “But why?” he breathed and his brandy scented breath fell on her cold lips like a caress.
Cassandra pulled her head back, “I do not know. I cannot answer that question. But perhaps you can.” She replied steadily and he studied her features before he raised a hand and trailed a finger down her cheek. She recoiled and he pulled his hand away.
“Hmm. Perhaps you do not like the way I am looking at you.” He suggested and she gritted her teeth.
“Really? And how do you look at me?” she asked while keeping her voice quiet.
Nicholas smirked, “Like you’re something to eat.”
Cassandra scowled, “Are you always this charming with women, Mr. Abraham? No wonder you’re still an unmarried man.” She stated and he grinned, his golden teeth glimmering.
“Maybe that will change.” He said softly.
“As long as you find a woman who finds an ogling man appealing.” She told him and his eyes wrinkled at the corners as he tried to stifle his laughter.
“Well, of course.” He inclined his head and then took a whiff of air, “Now, Ms. Holey, I smell ale and smoke on you. I wouldn’t want to imagine what you’ve been up to this evening.” He said lightly, almost teasingly, and her posture stiffened.
“No, you wouldn’t.” she replied bitingly and he smirked.
The door creaked open and her father walked in. As soon as he saw her, he frowned.
“Finally. If you leave without permission again I will be very disappointed, Cassandra. We’ll talk more later.” George said with a silent warning in his eyes and Cassandra kept her eyes on him despite the anger she saw that was brewing into his dark orbs.
“I will also not comment on your appearance.” He looked at her muddied boots, “But since you’re already in that attire you can escort Mr. Abraham to the stables. He’s interested in buying the new stallion.” He smiled a bit and Abraham nodded his head before he looked at Cassandra.
“This way.” She said quietly before she led him out of the study and towards the door.
As soon as they stepped outside, Cassandra quickened her pace. The man trailing behind her smiled softly and shook his head before he tried to catch up with her long strides.
“Ms. Holey, forgive me, but I think we have not started well.” Nicholas said as they stepped towards the back door.
“Is that so, Mr. Abraham? What gave you that impression?” she asked sarcastically as she opened the door and stepped into the garden.
“A lot of things. I apologize if I am the cause of your sour mood-…” he stopped talking when she whirled around to face him.
“Pardon my cheek, Mr. Abraham, but if you think that you or your kind have any power over me, you are wrong. I do not care enough to be annoyed.” She hissed angrily and the man in front of her paused.
“It must be tiring for such a young woman to be so…acerbic.” Nicholas commented and Cassandra swallowed hard.
“I do not know what my father has told you, sir, but I am not on sale.” She told him and he smirked.
“Meaning?” he leaned close to her.
“You can buy him with your exotic occupation and your various Asian experiences but no matter what I am forced to do, you cannot buy my friendship. So if you want me to like you, you have to try harder.” She spat before she turned and pointed towards the stables, “There is Shah Shahryar.” She stated before she turned to go, “You’ll recognize him. He is the only foal that is pure white.” She called but she felt someone grabbing hold of her arm.
She gasped as Nicholas whirled her around to face him. She gulped at the intense look in his eyes.
“I do not know why you’re so angry with everyone, Ms. Holey, but I’d very much like to know how I can change your feelings towards me. How about a stroll by the docks tomorrow evening when the sun is about to set? Hmm?” he murmured boldly and Cassandra had the urge to turn him down but he looked sincere and she knew that she had been more than just unpleasant.
Taking a deep breath she looked up at him, “As long as there will be no brandy and cigars, I guess I can bear it.” She replied and she flushed when a grin appeared on his lips.
“No cigars or brandy. I promise, my lady. Just my annoying presence and ogling eyes.” He replied with a light chuckle that she found unnecessarily appealing.
She nodded, “Very well then.”
Nicholas slowly released her and furrowed his brow, “Shah Shahryar?” he asked with a cocked eyebrow and Cassandra nodded her head.
“Indeed. One Thousand and One Nights. Have you read it?” she challenged and he grinned.
“You are insulting me, my sweet.”
She smirked, “Not my intention.”
“Of course.” He murmured before he stepped back, “Until tomorrow then.” He bowed his head in salute before he turned on his heel and headed for the stables on his own.
Cassandra watched him go before she walked back to the house, her spirits slightly lifted.
Her light expression fell when she saw her father standing by the door, an upset frown on his face.
“Don’t ever leave like that again! Do you understand me?” he hissed as soon as she was close enough.
“You know where I was-…”
“Going at a brothel at night? Have you no sense in your head, child?” he cut her off and she shook her head.
“Do not talk to me about logic, father. I hate your logic.” She said in a barely audible whisper, “By the way, mother sends her regards. After all, you’re the only one she remembers. Goodnight.”
She looked at him one more time before she passed by him and disappeared into the house.

End of chapter 3

Author’s note: Thank you for reading. Feedback is always appreciated and loved.
Until next time!

Xxx Lina :o)