I sighed as I watched the crew members struggle with making the lifeboats. Based on the maximum occupancy of the Marquis's s.h.i.+p we could only put about ten lifeboats on the sides of the s.h.i.+p without sinking. There are about forty of us here. That's going to be four people per raft. That's good. I had formed the rafts using large vertical slabs of wood tied together by rope. I then tested them by pouring buckets of water to see if they would crumble. They did not. I looked outside. It was already close to sunset. After tomorrow is the deadline. So far we have made only three rafts. I rubbed my face. I don't think that I'm going to get any sleep tonight.

"Miss Mila, despite doing what you showed us the boat still crumbled after pouring water."

Lutious came to me with a teary look in his eyes as I saw the crumbled raft. The knots are not tied right enough as well as the fact that the wood slabs were too far apart.

"Lutious sweetie the knots aren't tied tight enough. Redo the knots and then try it again."

Lutious nodded as he walked over to Zarfia and Wilhelm. I turned Jacia was working with the twins on another. Daniella, Clarabella, and Clark we're finis.h.i.+ng off another. The other crew members were working hard with their captains as well. Incidentally I my eyes met with Baron's. He sadly nodded at me. I sighed and turned my head. Gosh this sure was awkward. I can't even look him in the eyes anymore. I walked around looking at people's efforts.

I mentally checked off things we needed. Medical supplies, food, maps, compa.s.ses, telescopes, weapons, ammunition, gold. Everything was good to go. Now Baron's navigator and Jorden were at the s.h.i.+p along with Weston and Francois's navigators to check the boat. I hit my head with the scroll in my hand. I stopped in front of Weston's group. They were laughing as Weston said perverted jokes.

"And do you know what she said after that?"

"What captain Weston?"

"She said that dear me a stick that thick can't fit in this small-pffft!"

I smacked the back of Weston's head before he finished. Weston's crew members looked at my glare and stopped laughing immediately.

"Please focus on your task Weston and keep your "thick stick" outside of your thoughts."

Weston laughed nervously as he rubbed the back of his neck where I hit him. I giggled as I left Weston. What a hilarious guy. He would be perfect for comic relief in the midst of our trip. I stopped at Baron's group. They were doing very well. The raft they made almost looked identical to mine. As they poured water the raft kept its shape.

"What are your thoughts on our raft Captain Mila?"

I turned to see Baron look at me nervously as he asked. I answered him objectively.

"You guys have done well, good job. Go help other crews who seem to struggle."

I started to walk away when I felt a hand pull my arm back. I looked down to see Baron look at me apologetically.

"Mila I-"

"Miss Mila! Our raft is finally ready!"

I turned to look at Lutious come to me happily. I pulled my arm out of Baron's grasp and said.

"Baron you can tell me what you need to on the s.h.i.+p. We have to talk anyways."

Baron nodded. I smiled at him before walking away to look at Lutious's group's s.h.i.+p. My heart beat was beating crazily as I remembered the warmth I felt from Baron touching my arm. G.o.d, this s.h.i.+t was way too confusing.

After an a couple of hours we had managed to finish the lifeboats. The men agreed to tie them to the boat in the early morning. The crew members then filed out of the room as they walked back to their own rooms to sleep. I yawned as I set my head on the table where I was planning the engagement party. Additional to planning the trip I had to also plan the engagement party. I stretched my arms out before closing my eyes.

My crew members slept on the floor covered with a single bedsheet. The n.o.blewomen slept on the table next to me. Weston and Francois slept on their respective beds as Baron laid on the floor next to me. I reached down and moved the hair from his forehead. He looked so peaceful sleeping. I s.h.i.+vered as I remembered yesterday. Whatever. Let me just focus on getting some sleep right now. I turned my face as I put my head on my arms before closing my eyes once more.

As I dreamed of my family back home I could have sworn that someone had kissed my cheek and covered me with a blanket. Whoever it was, I'm grateful. I smiled as a voice whispered.

"Good night Mila."

....

Thank you for reading my luvs❤️Stay safe??My sprained ankle is feeling better so hopefully I can update more chapters❤️