Kingdom of Salt

  Kingdom of Salt

  Copyright 2020 by Shiulie Ghosh

  The right of Shiulie Ghosh to be identified as the Author of the work has been asserted by her in accordance with the Copyright Designs and Patents Act 1988.

  This book is sold subject to the condition it shall not, by way of trade or otherwise, be copied, lent, resold, hired out, or otherwise circulated in print or electronic means without the author’s prior consent in any form.

  Except where actual historical events and characters are being described, all situations in this book are fictitious and any resemblance to living persons is purely coincidental.

  Cover Design by StunningBookCovers.com

  For Simon, who loves the sea

  Chapter One

  I hung in the water, my lungs almost empty. I had fought, and lost. I simply didn’t have the strength to swim anymore.

  My chest burned and I knew I couldn’t hold my breath for much longer. The surface of the sea above me seemed impossibly far away, and the churn and push of the waves kept me under.

  Sorry, Mama, I thought, as my vision darkened. At least I’ll see you soon.

  The blackness closed in.

  *

  Several hours earlier

  I tottered along the deck in my ridiculously high heels, glancing nervously over the railing to the sea below. The Caribbean waves undulated in a hypnotic rhythm; flashes of silver punctuating the turquoise as fish jumped alongside the ship.

  It was undeniably beautiful, especially now with the sun starting to set, but it brought me out in a cold sweat just looking it.

  Water in general didn’t bother me. Shallow swimming pools, jacuzzis, long hot baths – not a problem. But the sea was different. It scared me. Always had, ever since… reflexively, my fingers went to the silver pendant at my neck.

  The last gift my mother had ever given me.

  Now, she had adored the sea. Loved it. She’d made me watch all those sea-life programs when I was little. Took me swimming in the ocean whenever she could. Daddy used to joke Mama was part-mermaid.

  He rarely joked anymore.

  I leaned on the railing, daring myself to stare down at the water. I was totally safe, I told myself. I was on an enormous cruise liner. Correction: an enormous luxury cruise liner, with cabin rooms the size of small apartments and buckets of champagne just waiting to be drunk in the VIP lounge.

  I was way above the water line, and in the unlikely event something happened, there were life rafts and dinghies and even a helicopter on the landing deck. I was safe.

  The low sun sent shafts of gold into my eyes and I started to turn away. Something caught my attention and I froze, squinting. Was that someone in the water?

  I shielded my eyes with one hand, gripping the rail with the other. The sun made it hard to see, but there was a shape bobbing in the waves. Was that a person?

  I stared at it, my eyes watering as I tried to make out its shape against the light. For a moment, I had a sense it was looking right at me. I opened my mouth to call out, to raise the alarm, but then I blinked and it was gone.

  I scanned the sea again, just to be sure, leaning out as far as I dared. I jumped as a hand grasped my shoulder.

  “Careful, miss.” A white-uniformed crewman stood next to me, his face creased in concern. “Don’t be falling overboard now, it’s a devil of a job getting passengers back on board.”

  “I was just…” I glanced out at sea again, but there was nothing there. I shook my head at myself impatiently. “I was just admiring the view. I’m fine.”

  “Are you sure you’re alright, miss? We’re expecting some bigger waves tonight, you may want to wear more suitable footwear.” His eyes flicked to my sky-high Christian Louboutins. True, they weren’t exactly deck shoes. But they made my legs look amazing, especially with my scandalously short Victoria Beckham dress. “Trainers might be safer when you’re on board. Especially if you’re a nervous sailor.”

  He gave me a friendly grin, and I bristled.

  If there was one thing I hated, it was other people’s concern. I had had to live with it for years now, and it drove me nuts.

  And if there was something I detested even more than that, it was being told what to wear. I glared stonily at him and his smile faltered.

  “Don’t you have work to do…” I looked at his name badge, “…Marcus? Or do you just hang around stalking female passengers?”

  He paled.

  “I didn’t mean to…”

  “I’ll be sure to have a word with the captain about your ‘helpfulness’. He’s a very good friend of the family. I’ll tell him just how interested you are in my clothing.”

  My voice dripped ice. Without another word I swept past him, my heels tapping on the polished wooden deck. Time for that champagne.

  The VIP bar was buzzing. A live band played in the corner, some pretty-boy pop group who’d once had a string of hits and probably still had girls squealing for them.

  Aproned waiters and waitresses weaved through the crowds carrying silver trays full of canapes and drinks. I snagged a glass of champagne and took a sip, enjoying the bubbles on my tongue. A hand snaked round my waist, and I found myself looking up into a dazzling smile.

  “Happy birthday, beautiful.” He dropped a kiss onto my mouth, and I melted.

  Josh Clement-Walker was the son of one of daddy’s biggest shareholders. Magazines constantly featured him in their ‘top fifty eligible bachelors’ lists, with his tousled blond hair, tanned fit body, and incredibly blue eyes. He was smart too, he was studying at Oxford University. And he had a trust fund big enough to keep me in Louboutins for the rest of my life.

  I snuggled into his shoulder.

  “So, what did you get me?”

  “Have patience, babe. You’ll have to wait.”

  I pouted.

  “But it’s my birthday! You can’t make me wait on my birthday. It’s not fair.”

  “You’re nineteen, not six.”

  “Not till midnight. Technically, I’m still eighteen.”

  “And technically, you still have to wait. Hey, there’s Cordy and Will.”

  A statuesque redhead in a clinging Versace dress strode up, her boyfriend in tow. Will’s eyes widened as he took me in.

  “Hi, um, Ash. You look, er, amazing.”

  I pretended not to notice as Cordelia glared at him. It wasn’t my fault I’d dated Will first, and it certainly wasn’t my problem that he still held a bit of a candle for me.

  Anyway, she had nothing to worry about. Will was a sweetheart, and distantly related to the royal family, but all those ‘ums’ and ‘ers’ had made me want to strangle him. How Cordy put up with it, I had no idea.

  “Thanks, Will. Cordy, you look stunning as usual. How’s the modelling going?”

  “I have a Vogue shoot next month.” She fluffed her hair, casting a practised eye over my outfit. “Nice dress. Isn’t it from last season?”

  I rolled my eyes at the little dig. I’d known Cordy for almost my whole life. She was my oldest frenemy.

  “It’s a classic, darling. Classics are every season.” I spotted another friend and waved him over. “Nate! You look dashing.”

  “As do you, dear girl.”

  Nate Wyndham Carruthers was the sole heir to his uncle’s media empire. He was charming, funny, and thoroughly outrageous. Even as he hugged me, his eyes were flitting to potential prey over my shoulder.

  “God, I love these tight-fitting waiter’s outfits,” he muttered as a slim-hipped Latino sashayed past with a tray in the air. “I’ve always adored men in uniform.”

  “Why do you keep slumming it with the hired help?” I admonished him.

  “Because they’re always so grateful for a high-class shag, darli
ng,” he grinned. I spluttered into my drink as he turned to greet the others. “Hi, luvvies. Cordy, that dress is divine. Josh, you look ravishing as usual. Sure I can’t tempt you to take a walk on the wild side?”

  “You wouldn’t want me. I’m prettier than you.”

  “Bitch. Have you given Ash her surprise yet?”

  My ears pricked up.

  “Surprise? What surprise?” Josh rolled his eyes.

  “Thanks, Nate, you idiot.”

  “Oops. My bad.” Nate didn’t sound remotely sorry. I nudged him.

  “Stop spoiling it. What surprise, Josh?”

  “Okay, okay. I give in.” He raised a hand and waved.

  As if responding to an invisible signal, the pop group struck up the opening bars of Happy Birthday. Suddenly, everyone in the bar was looking at me and singing along. I put my hands to my face, blushing furiously.

  Josh motioned to a waiter, who strode smartly towards me holding a silver tray above his head. I assumed he was carrying more champagne, but when he presented the tray to me with a bow and a flourish, I saw it held a large blue velvet box.

  “Your birthday present, princess,” Josh smiled. “I hope you like it.”

  I snapped open the lid and gasped. Inside, a white gold bracelet inlaid with brilliant-cut diamonds gleamed at me. But it was the colour of the stones that took my breath away. They all had an unusual smoky grey tint.

  “Oh my God,” I breathed. “Grey diamonds! How did you find grey diamonds?”

  “Took me ages. They’re not very common, and I wanted to find a shade that matched your eyes.”

  Cordy, Will and Nate all crowded round to look.

  “You’ve outdone yourself, Romeo,” nodded Nate. “It’s exquisite.”

  Cordy’s face was a mixture of awe and envy.

  “It’s gorgeous,” she said grudgingly. “Go on, then. Put it on.”

  I held out my hand while Josh fastened the bracelet around my wrist. The diamonds nestled against my tawny skin, their cool tones complementing my warm ones. Lifting my hand to my face, I stole a look at myself in the mirror above the bar.

  When people first met me, they always commented on the unusual combination of my brown skin and grey eyes. Not so surprising if you knew my father was Indian and my mother French. But they were the only things that made my otherwise unremarkable features stand out.

  And now Josh had managed to find a piece of jewellery which suited both.

  “I love it. It’s perfect.” I threw my arms round his neck. “I don’t how to thank you.”

  He flashed me a devilish grin.

  “I have some ideas.”

  Nate gave a mock groan.

  “And on that note, I am off to hunt my own quarry. The barman’s been giving me the eye all night. I bid you adieu.”

  He loped away, tall and sinuous in his dinner jacket, and I knew the barman didn’t stand a chance.

  “Come on, Will. Let’s go party.” Cordy grabbed Will’s hand and led him towards the dance floor.

  “Alone at last.” Josh smiled down at me, his blue eyes crinkling, and my stomach did a slow flip. “I was thinking, princess. When we get to port, maybe you and I should take off somewhere for a couple of days. We’ll see your dad and the others, of course, but just once I’d like to have you all to myself.”

  “That sounds divine.”

  “We’ll find a hideaway. No servants. No driver. No chef.” He nuzzled my ear, his voice husky. “Just the two of us.”

  “No chef?”

  “We can cook for ourselves. It’ll be romantic.”

  I raised an eyebrow.

  “Me? Cook?”

  “Okay,” he laughed. “I’ll cook. You can pour the wine.”

  “Perfect.”

  I leaned against him, light-headed with happiness and champagne. This was turning out to be the best year of my life.

  Daddy was worried I had no direction, that I’d left school with no plans for university or a career. He wanted me to find something I was passionate about, like he was for architecture and beautiful spaces. He thrived on designing and building resorts where people could find tranquillity and peace.

  But I wasn’t like him. I didn’t want a degree, and I definitely didn’t want a job. Jobs were for people with no money. For plebs who wanted what I already had.

  Wealth and status.

  And I had enough of both to last several lifetimes.

  Anyway, I already knew what I was passionate about. I murmured in pleasure as I felt Josh’s hands discover just how short my dress really was. He kissed my neck and I sighed happily.

  No, I wasn’t interested in a mediocre career which I’d quit anyway when I became Mrs Clement-Walker. I smiled into his dark blue eyes.

  “Dance with me?”

  “Your wish is my command, princess.”

  I spent the rest of the evening drinking champagne and dancing with Josh. He wrapped his arms around me and we swayed in our little bubble of bliss. I wanted this night to go on forever, I thought, as his lips explored mine.

  I should have known that nothing lasts forever.

  Chapter Two

  I sat up in bed feeling nauseous. In retrospect, drinking all that alcohol on an empty stomach had been a mistake. I glanced at the clock next to the bed. Not even dawn yet.

  Toying with the bracelet on my wrist, I wondered whether I should head over to Josh’s cabin for some tea and sympathy. I remembered him helping me to bed last night (this morning?) but being the gentleman that he was, he hadn’t stayed to take advantage of my woozy flirtatiousness.

  Just as well, I thought, catching a glimpse of myself in the wall-to-ceiling mirror that made up one end of the luxury cabin. My mascara had smudged badly giving me the appearance of a startled panda. Maybe I’d leave Josh in peace until I had the energy to wash my face.

  I lay down again, pulling the Egyptian cotton sheets up to my neck to try to go back to sleep. But just then the ship bounced over a particularly bumpy wave, and my stomach lurched. I realised what I really needed was fresh air.

  I left my cami-pyjamas on, covering up the skimpy material with an oversize shirt and an old pair of denim shorts in case I met anyone. I didn’t bother with shoes. The thought of trying to walk in high-heels right now made me queasy.

  Quietly, I opened my cabin door, mindful of the fact that everyone else on board was still asleep. Well, I guess except for whoever was sailing the thing.

  I made my way onto deck and headed towards the stern. I knew the bridge was at the front and I didn’t particularly want to be noticed by the crew on duty; they’d come out to see if I was okay, and I didn’t want to make conversation. I just wanted to take deep breaths and try to calm my stomach. Or maybe throw up over the side.

  The back of the vessel was dominated by a luxury restaurant, a guest lounge and a large pool. During the day this area was heaving with people, and it was strange to see it so empty. There was lighting around the deck but it was subdued; more for other ships to be able to see us than for the benefit of guests.

  It was still dark, and the stars were visible. I marvelled at how clear they were. The pre-dawn sky looked like a cloth of black velvet salted with tiny white diamonds.

  The ship gave another jolt as it hit a wave and I frowned. The sea wasn’t as calm as last night. I put out a hand to steady myself, hearing the slap of waves far below me.

  When I was a kid, I had loved to swim. I used to race Mama in the pool at our French home. I thought I must have been super-fast because I always beat her, even though she was an amazing swimmer.

  I didn’t realise until much later that she was letting me win. I always was a gullible child.

  I watched Mama swim sometimes. In her sleek high-neck performance swimwear, she reminded me of a porpoise; graceful lines, balletic motion, and a ferocious turn of speed. She always seemed happiest when she was swimming.

  But it was an illusion. She wasn’t happy. She wasn’t happy at all.

  My han
d crept to the silver seashell at my neck and I took a deep breath. Enough, I told myself. Time to move on.

  That was why I’d agreed to this cruise, wasn’t it? To prove that I’d got over what had happened. That I could be close to the sea without freaking out.

  It had been daddy’s one condition for letting me stay with him at our newest Caribbean villa. He was busy building a luxury holiday resort which would take months to complete, and the only way to spend time with him was to join him at the project site. He’d even agreed to let Josh and the others stay for a couple of weeks in our cosy guest villa. As long as I could show him I was getting over my phobia.

  I didn’t like leaving him alone, not since Mama had done what she did. Daddy rarely showed his emotions, but I knew he was lonely without her. Forcing myself to travel by sea was a small price to pay to keep him company.

  Anyway, as long as I didn’t actually touch the water, I was fine. And copious amounts of champagne helped as well.

  The thought of alcohol suddenly made me green. I clapped a hand to my mouth as bile rose into my throat. I lurched to the railing and threw up, remembering in the nick of time to face away from the wind.

  My stomach heaved until it was empty, leaving me exhausted. I hung over the rail like a limp rag.

  “Jesus,” I muttered to myself. “If I don’t see another boat it’ll be too soon.”

  I did feel a little better though. I let one hand dangle idly over the rail, perversely enjoying the frisson of being slightly closer to the sea. In the dim lighting, I saw the diamond bracelet glinting on my wrist, and smiled to myself.

  Josh was gorgeous, I thought dreamily. I’d had boyfriends before, but he was the first one I was serious about. I adored everything about him. The way his eyes crinkled when he smiled. The way he called me his ‘princess’.

  We were too young now, but if he asked me to marry him in a couple of years, I knew what I’d say.

  Yes, obviously.

  Ash Clement-Walker. Mrs Ashwarya Clement-Walker. Ash Mitra-Clement-Walker. Should I keep Mitra? It was my surname after all. I shouldn’t lose it just because I was marrying Josh.

  I giggled at the absurdity of my thoughts. We’d only been going out for six months. I gazed at my diamonds again. Imagine the presents he’d buy me after six years.