#yacht charter destinations

[lunayachtcharter-bodrum]

The Best Time of Year to Sail the Mediterranean

The Ultimate Guide

The Mediterranean is a stunning body of water that is home to some of the world’s most beautiful countries and islands. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a first-time traveler, sailing the Mediterranean is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The question is, when is the best time of year to do it?

What is the Best Time of Year to Sail?

The Mediterranean has a temperate climate, with mild winters and warm summers. The best time to sail the Mediterranean depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re after warm weather and long days, summer is the ideal time to visit. If you’re looking for milder temperatures and quieter ports, spring or autumn might be the best time for you.

Spring (March-May)

Milder temperatures

Fewer crowds

More wildlife sightings

Ideal for exploring cultural destinations

Summer (June-August)

Warm weather

Long days

Busiest time of year

Ideal for beach-hopping and water activities

Autumn (September-November)

Cooler temperatures

Beautiful fall foliage

Quieter ports

Ideal for wine tasting and foodie destinations

Winter (December-February)

Mild temperatures

Fewer crowds

Possible rain and storms

Ideal for those who enjoy a more relaxed pace and quiet destinations

What to Expect When Sailing the Mediterranean

No matter what time of year you choose to sail the Mediterranean, there are a few things you can expect. The seas can be rough, with winds reaching up to 40 knots in some areas, so it’s important to be prepared for choppy waters. You’ll also need to be aware of the crowds, as the busiest ports can get very crowded, especially during the summer months.

How to Make the Most of Your Trip?

No matter what time of year you choose to sail the Mediterranean, there are a few things you can do to make the most of your trip.

First, plan ahead and book your itinerary well in advance. This will give you time to research the destinations you want to visit, and you’ll have a better chance of securing the best deals.

Second, pack appropriately. Bring comfortable clothing and shoes, as well as a waterproof jacket, hat, and sunglasses. You’ll also want to bring plenty of sunscreen, as the sun can be very strong in the Mediterranean.

Third, take advantage of local experiences. Whether you’re visiting cultural destinations or beach-hopping, be sure to immerse yourself in the local culture and try new things. Whether it’s trying the local cuisine, participating in a cooking class, or learning about the history and culture of the region, there’s always something new and exciting to discover in the Mediterranean.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What’s the best time of year to sail the Mediterranean for warm weather?

A: Summer, from June to August, is the warmest time of year to sail the Mediterranean.

Q: What’s the best time of year to sail the Mediterranean for milder temperatures?

A: Spring, from March to May, and autumn, from September to November, are the best times of year for milder temperatures. The sea is still quite calm, and the weather is great for sailing. If you want a more relaxing and quiet sailing experience, this is a fantastic time to go. All the spring months are ideal for a romantic yacht vacation.

Q: What should I expect when sailing the Mediterranean in the summer?

A: During the summer, you can expect warm weather, long days, and busy ports. Summer (July to September) is the busiest season for Mediterranean sailing. The weather is gorgeous, the water is calm, the destinations are crowded, and costs are higher, but it’s still a great time to sail and also ideal time for beach-hopping and water activities. Summer is also an excellent time for a family blue cruise, especillay with children.

Q: What should I expect when sailing the Mediterranean in the winter?

A: During the winter, you can expect mild temperatures, fewer crowds, and the possibility of rain and storms. This is the ideal time for those who enjoy a more relaxed pace and quiet destinations.

Consequently, sailing the Mediterranean is an unforgettable experience that should be on everyone’s bucket list. The best time of year to visit depends on your personal preferences, but no matter when you go, you’re sure to have a wonderful time. With its mild climate, stunning landscapes, and rich history and culture, the Mediterranean is a destination that you’ll want to visit again and again. So, pack your bags and set sail on an adventure of a lifetime!

Book your private Yacht Charter with us and experience the best destinations for exploring the breathtaking Mediterranean coastline! With a focus on quality and luxury, and exceptional customer service, Luna Yacht Charter promises an unforgettable sailing adventure. Contact us for your customized yacht trip now!

[kiriacoulismediterranean]

Charter a sailboat for next season from our base in Volos, Greece, and enjoy prices 25% lower. Volos offers a gateway to the pristine beaches and charming fishing villages of the Pagasetic Gulf and the northern Sporades. The experience will be unique and memorable. The seasonal Aegean winds and sheltered bays make the area accessible for sailors of all skill levels.

[hbclife]

Top 5 Reasons Los Sueños is a Premier Fishing Destination in Costa Rica.

Nestled on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, Los Sueños is widely recognized as one of the top fishing destinations in the world. This luxury resort and marina not only offers breathtaking views and high-end amenities but also provides access to some of the most productive fishing grounds in the Pacific Ocean. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner looking for an unforgettable adventure, Los Sueños has something for everyone. Here are the top five reasons why Los Sueños is a premier fishing destination in Costa Rica.

1. World-Class Marina and Facilities

State-of-the-Art Marina

Los Sueños Marina is the first government-sanctioned marina in Costa Rica and is renowned for its state-of-the-art facilities. It features 200 wet slips, dry storage for 100 boats, and a full range of services, including fueling, bait shops, and maintenance. The marina is designed to accommodate boats of all sizes, from small fishing boats to luxury yachts, making it a favorite among anglers and boating enthusiasts alike.

Luxury Resort Amenities

The Los Sueños Resort is not just about fishing; it offers a complete luxury experience. With top-notch accommodations, fine dining, a world-class golf course, and a variety of recreational activities, Los Sueños is perfect for those who want to combine fishing with relaxation and leisure. The resort’s amenities are ideal for families, groups, and couples looking for a well-rounded vacation.

2. Proximity to Prime Fishing Grounds

Offshore Fishing Paradise

One of the biggest draws of Los Sueños is its proximity to some of the best offshore fishing grounds in the world. Just a short boat ride from the marina, anglers can reach deep waters teeming with big game fish. The Pacific Ocean off the coast of Los Sueños is particularly famous for its abundant sailfish and marlin, making it a dream destination for sportfishing enthusiasts.

Inshore Fishing Opportunities

In addition to offshore fishing, Los Sueños offers excellent inshore fishing opportunities. The nearby coastline is home to a variety of species, including roosterfish, snapper, and snook. These waters are perfect for anglers looking to experience the thrill of catching powerful inshore species in a stunning tropical setting.

3. Abundant Marine Life and Diverse Species

Year-Round Fishing

One of the reasons Los Sueños is so popular is the year-round fishing opportunities it offers. The warm waters of the Pacific Ocean are home to a diverse array of fish species, ensuring that there’s always something biting, no matter the season. Whether you’re after sailfish, marlin, dorado, or yellowfin tuna, Los Sueños has it all.

High Catch Rates

The waters around Los Sueños are known for their high catch rates, particularly for sailfish and marlin. During peak season, it’s not uncommon for anglers to hook multiple billfish in a single day. This abundance of marine life makes Los Sueños one of the most productive fishing destinations in the world.

4. Experienced and Professional Charters

Top-Tier Fishing Charters

Los Sueños is home to a wide range of professional fishing charters, each offering experienced captains and crews who are experts in local fishing techniques.(Such as The Dream Girls Fishing Charters at Prime Location in Puntarenas Province, Playa Herradura, Los Sueños Resort and Marina) These charters are equipped with the latest fishing gear and technology, ensuring a successful and enjoyable fishing experience. Whether you’re looking for a half-day inshore trip or a multi-day offshore adventure, the charters at Los Sueños have you covered.

Customizable Fishing Experiences

Many of the fishing charters at Los Sueños offer customizable experiences tailored to your preferences. Whether you want to focus on catching a specific species, learn new fishing techniques, or simply enjoy a day on the water with family and friends, the charters can create a personalized itinerary that suits your needs.

5. Prestigious Fishing Tournaments

Los Sueños Signature Triple Crown

Los Sueños hosts some of the most prestigious fishing tournaments in the world, including the renowned Los Sueños Signature Triple Crown. This billfish tournament attracts top anglers from around the globe, competing for substantial prizes and bragging rights. The tournament is held over three legs in January, February, and March, and is a highlight of the fishing calendar in Costa Rica.

Community and Camaraderie

Fishing tournaments at Los Sueños are not just about competition; they also foster a strong sense of community among participants. Anglers from all over the world come together to share their passion for fishing, exchange stories, and celebrate their successes. The tournaments create a vibrant and exciting atmosphere, making them a must-attend event for anyone serious about sportfishing.

Conclusion

Los Sueños stands out as a premier fishing destination in Costa Rica for many reasons. Its world-class marina and facilities, proximity to rich fishing grounds, abundant marine life, professional charters, and prestigious tournaments all contribute to its reputation as a top spot for anglers. Whether you’re looking for the thrill of catching big game fish or simply want to enjoy a luxurious vacation in a stunning tropical setting, Los Sueños offers an unparalleled fishing experience that is sure to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.

[golfoaranciescursioni]

Godetevi le indimenticabili esperienze di noleggio di yacht di lusso per le vostre vacanze a noleggio.

Introduzione:

Quando si tratta di creare ricordi indelebili, poche esperienze possono eguagliare il lusso e il fascino di una vacanza trascorsa su uno yacht privato. Che si tratti di una fuga romantica, di un'avventura in famiglia o di una festa con gli amici, le esperienze di noleggio di yacht di lusso offrono comfort ed esclusività senza pari. In questo articolo esploriamo il mondo delle vacanze a noleggio su yacht di lusso e vi invitiamo a intraprendere un viaggio all'insegna dell'opulenza e del relax.

Esperienze di noleggio di yacht di lusso:

L'epitome della raffinatezza, le esperienze di noleggio di yacht di lusso ridefiniscono la vacanza tradizionale. Immaginate di navigare in acque cristalline, di essere coccolati da un equipaggio professionale e di svegliarvi ogni mattina con panorami mozzafiato. Dal Mediterraneo ai Caraibi, il mondo diventa la vostra ostrica mentre esplorate destinazioni esotiche con stile.

Perché scegliere vacanze a noleggio su yacht di lusso?

Privacy impareggiabile:

Uno dei motivi principali per cui i viaggiatori più esigenti scelgono il noleggio di yacht di lusso è l'impareggiabile livello di privacy che offrono. Con un equipaggio dedicato al vostro servizio, potete godervi spiagge appartate, insenature nascoste e porti vivaci senza sacrificare l'intimità.

Esperienze su misura:

Il noleggio di yacht di lusso offre un'esperienza personalizzata in base alle vostre preferenze. Che siate amanti dell'avventura, appassionati di cucina o semplicemente desiderosi di rilassarvi, l'itinerario può essere personalizzato per garantire che ogni momento sia creato in base ai vostri desideri.

Servizi di classe mondiale:

Salite a bordo di un paradiso galleggiante di opulenza, dove ogni servizio è stato progettato per il vostro comfort. Dalle spaziose cabine alla cucina gourmet e all'intrattenimento a bordo, gli yacht di lusso offrono un livello di indulgenza superiore a quello dei migliori hotel.

Esplorare destinazioni esclusive:

Il noleggio di yacht di lusso consente di accedere a destinazioni esclusive e appartate, inaccessibili con mezzi tradizionali. Immergetevi nella vibrante cultura del Mediterraneo, scoprite la bellezza incontaminata dei Caraibi o esplorate le idilliache isole del Mar Egeo.

Come prenotare il noleggio di uno yacht di lusso:

Per chi è pronto a intraprendere il viaggio di una vita, la prenotazione di uno yacht di lusso a noleggio è un processo semplice. Visitate il sito ufficiale https://www.golfoaranciescursioni.com/it/ per esplorare la selezione curata di yacht di lusso e le opzioni di noleggio. Con una reputazione di eccellenza, GolfOarAncesCursioni assicura un'esperienza di prenotazione senza soluzione di continuità, garantendo che la vostra vacanza sia tanto priva di stress quanto lussuosa.

Conclusioni:

Concedersi una vacanza a noleggio su yacht di lusso è una decisione che eleva la vostra esperienza di viaggio a nuovi livelli. Sia che stiate celebrando un'occasione speciale o semplicemente cercando un rifugio dall'ordinario, le esperienze di noleggio di yacht di lusso promettono momenti di gioia e relax senza pari. Visitate https://www.golfoaranciescursioni.com/it/ per intraprendere un viaggio che combina la libertà del mare aperto con la stravaganza di un resort a cinque stelle. La vostra prossima indimenticabile avventura vi aspetta sul ponte di uno yacht di lusso.

[crosschartering]

Yacht Destinations

Embark on a nautical adventure to exquisite Yacht Destinations, combining breathtaking views, exclusive experiences, and the thrill of open seas for an unforgettable voyage!

[westcoastint]

A Comprehensive Guide to Comparing and Choosing Catamarans and Sailing Yachts for Charters in 2023

Embarking on a catamaran or sailing yacht charter in 2023 offers an incredible opportunity to explore the world's most beautiful waters. Whether you're an experienced sailor or a novice seeking a luxurious vacation, selecting the right catamaran or sailing yacht is crucial for an unforgettable charter experience. This guide will provide you with essential factors to consider when comparing and choosing catamarans and sailing yachts for charters in 2023.

Charter Requirements:

Begin by assessing your specific charter requirements. Consider the following aspects:

a. Group Size: Determine the number of guests who will be joining the charter to ensure the vessel can comfortably accommodate everyone.

b. Budget: Set a budget range for your charter and keep it in mind during the selection process.

c. Charter Duration: Decide on the desired length of your charter, as it can impact availability and pricing.

Vessel Type: Catamaran or Sailing Yacht?

Understanding the differences between catamarans and sailing yachts will help you make an informed decision:

a. Catamarans: These multi-hulled vessels offer stability, spaciousness, and comfort. They are ideal for larger groups and families, providing ample living and deck space. Catamarans also have shallow drafts, allowing access to shallower cruising areas.

b. Sailing Yachts: Sailing yachts offer a classic and exhilarating sailing experience. They are suitable for those seeking a more traditional sailing adventure. Sailing yachts provide a sense of freedom and close connection to the water.

Charter Destination:

Consider your desired charter destination. Some regions are better suited for catamarans, while others are more ideal for sailing yachts. Research popular charter destinations and consult with charter experts to determine the most suitable vessel type for your chosen location.

Amenities and Features:

Evaluate the amenities and features offered by different catamarans and sailing yachts, including:

a. Cabin Layout: Examine the number and configuration of cabins to ensure they meet your group's needs for privacy and comfort.

b. Onboard Facilities: Consider features such as air conditioning, entertainment systems, water toys, and water sports equipment provided on board.

c. Crewed or Bareboat: Decide whether you prefer a crewed charter, where a professional crew will handle navigation and service, or a bareboat charter, where you can take control of the vessel yourself.

Reviews and Recommendations:

Research charter companies and individual vessels by reading reviews and seeking recommendations from previous charterers. Online platforms, forums, and charter brokerages are valuable resources for gathering feedback and experiences from others who have chartered catamarans or sailing yachts.

Charter Terms and Conditions:

Carefully review the charter terms and conditions, including insurance coverage, payment schedules, cancellation policies, and any additional fees. Ensure you fully understand and agree to the terms before finalizing your charter booking.

Conclusion:

Selecting the right catamaran or sailing yacht for your charter in 2023 is a crucial step in ensuring a memorable and enjoyable experience. By considering your charter requirements, vessel type, destination, amenities, reviews, and charter terms and conditions, you can make an informed decision. Take the time to compare options, consult with charter experts, and gather all necessary information to choose the perfect vessel that meets your needs and exceeds your expectations for an unforgettable charter adventure in 2023.

Remember, the beauty of the sea awaits, and with the right catamaran or sailing yacht, you can embark on a truly remarkable journey.

[arinbelle]

Made (Nessian Mafia AU)

A/N: YES I KNOW IT’S BEEN TWO YEARS SINCE I UPDATED. I’M SORRY.

Enjoy as always! 😉

Part XIII

It is possible to be in love with you just because of who you are.” ― Maggie Stiefvater

~*~

Nesta hadn’t bothered to ask where they were when the plane had landed. The tropical island they were now on had been a hazy figure against the backdrop of a dark night as they came to it on a boat. All of it had been ready to go the minute they’d landed at the private airport, with multiple cars changing routes and a chartered yacht off whatever coast they’d arrived on. 

The air was hot with a warm breeze but the lack of humidity had made it bearable to her. They were staying in a beautiful beach house with a deck and balconies overlooking the calm sea around them. If she didn’t know any better, she might have guessed it was the perfect sort of destination honeymooners came to. But this was not a honeymoon, nor any vacation, no matter how pretty the scenery was. Nesta found very little joy in the temporary refuge Cassian had brought her to.

She had tried her very best to tell him, thank you. Thank you for saving her from that abysmal marriage she’d been about to enter into. Thank you for always being there for her. Thank you for bringing her here, wherever here was.

In the end, Nesta had fallen into a dreamless sleep within moments of being brought to a bedroom.

It had only been a day later from when they’d arrived that Cassian had walked into the large master bedroom and silently handed her a burner phone. Nesta had been lounging around, not really doing anything since they had no Wi-Fi or cell service but the hurry in Cassian’s step and the harsh lines on his face had worried her.

She’d taken the phone from him with shaky hands while he watched her stoically.

Nesta had murmured a quiet hello, not expecting Elain on the other line.

“Nesta? Hi. It’s me.”

Nesta hadn’t responded, not knowing what else to say. Elain’s voice had shaken, and even though it wasn’t uncommon for Elain to waver, something about it had sent uneasiness reading through her. 

Elain had cleared her throat, “It’s…mom. She passed away this morning. Dad’s in the ICU. It’s not looking good.”

The world had begun buzzing faintly around her and the phone had dropped from her hands, thunking noisily onto the hardwood floor. A strange high pitched noise had taken over all sound, and while Nesta could see Cassian pick up the phone and talk to the person on the other line, she couldn’t hear the conversation. Nor did she want to. 

That had been a week ago.

Nesta didn't speak much after that and she knew Cassian was worried. Worried enough that he kept pestering her every few hours to eat, to come walk with him or to simply do something other than sit on their bed and stare blankly at the walls. But what the hell else was she supposed to do?

Her mother was dead. She got daily updates on her father’s condition and it wasn’t changing to anything good. Outside of her family, tension in the entire syndicate had come to its peak and war had broken out. Beron had declared war on Nolan for Nesta backing out of their agreement. They found out that Nolan, thanks to Cassian and Azriel’s spies, already had a plan ready to kill Nesta the minute he found her. There was a bounty put on hers and Cassian’s head and the only thing that was stopping it from spreading to her sisters was Rhysand’s quick thinking. He’d taken over as Capo in Cassian’s absence, and due to Cassian and their crew’s notorious reputation, Nolan held off on her sisters, who were now staying with Rhysand and Azriel. Nesta had worried about her father who was alone in the ICU but Rhysand had promised her he’d put multiple guards in the hospital corridors and on the floor to protect him.

Eris was nowhere in the public eye but again thanks to the many spies Azriel had sent out, they knew he was fine and had survived the massacre at their almost wedding. He was also just as upset at Nesta’s disappearing act, but unlike Beron, he hadn’t made as many public claims for slaughter and vengeance.

“Probably scared someone’s going to finish the job the second time around if he opens his mouth again,” Cassian had snickered on the phone a few days ago. Nesta had almost laughed at the image of a cowering Eris, once again on the run because he bit off more than he could chew. But then everything hit her all over again, and she quickly sobered up.

It wasn’t that she had been particularly close to her mother. At least, not in the traditional sense, since they were as dysfunctional as they came. But for the time Nesta’s mother had stuck around, Nesta had been the apple of her mother’s eye. She’d maintained every rule and every whim her mother threw at her, only to be let down by everything that happened when she ran away.

And it was a strange sort of grief, to feel such an absence, and cry not with longing for what was gone, but for what had never even been there. For what they could have been.

It was a week and a half into their pseudo-vacation when Nesta got the call that made her breathe slightly easier. Her father was awake and well on his way to recovering. They’d moved him out of the ICU and brought him to Rhysand’s home with a stay at home nurse and visiting doctor. 

Her mother’s death was a cold, dull emptiness. If her father had passed too, Nesta knew it would open into a yawning fire, threatening to consume her completely with guilt. His last words to her had been apologetic, and the most heartfelt they’d ever had in years. Possibly ever. Perhaps it was fucked up that it was only near death that she felt worried about the strained relationship between her father and herself, but that was who she was. Bitter at times. Cruel too often. And easily hurtful as she was hurting. 

Cassian it seemed was the only one who didn’t mind all her sharp edges. 

When the phone call ended between her and Feyre, Cassian took the phone from her with one hand and pulled her upright with the other.

“Come with me,” he pulled her gently towards the master bath.

“I don’t want to shower right now. I might go for a walk,” she pulled back and away, knowing that this was Cassian’s attempt to get her to talk to him. And she would do no such thing. Just because her father would be okay didn’t mean she was ready to deal with all the shit that had happened in the past few weeks.

“A soak,” Cassian insisted, already reaching the massive tub and turning on the water. “Just a quick soak Nesta. Your father’s doing better, you can breathe a little.”

He looked back at her as the soap began foaming and a lovely, light scent that reminded her of Cassian’s aftershave, filled the room. 

“Relax with me. Just for a little bit.” And then he held her in a stare that she couldn’t break away from, not after everything he’d done for her. 

He’d watched over her for so long, especially since he’d brought her here, and it was only because of his brothers that her family was still alive. He’d helped her escape a horrible fate, and he’d been nothing but kind in all these weeks of monotonous silence from her.

She grumbled but started taking off her shirt, then her shorts and Cassian followed suit, walking into the tub and settling into it. She may have sneaked a peek at his backside and the rippling tattoos on his muscled back as he sat down. Just a peek.

They hadn’t touched like that ever since they’d gotten here, and while Nesta knew Cassian was doing it to be respectful, she mildly resented it. It would have been a welcome escape from the misery in her head. But she also knew Cassian would tell her that wasn’t a healthy coping mechanism. 

The water was warm against her skin as she walked into the tub and slowly sunk down to sit. She’d opted for sitting across from Cassian as opposed to directly against him, just in case she lost control of herself and started leading them towards something more than just “relaxing.”

Cassian would stay the utter gentleman but Nesta couldn't guarantee she could do the same.

They sat like that for a few minutes and eventually Cassian slipped a hand underneath the bubbles to grasp one of her legs and massage her calves.

“I’m fine,” she insisted tightly as he rubbed a particularly sore spot.

“You’re stiff,” he grunted. “And you’re tense.”

“I wonder why,” she snapped, teeth bared at him only for a moment before she remembered he wasn’t the enemy here. Cassian only held her eyes for a little longer before returning back to his ministrations.

She almost apologized but even talking was too much of an effort.

“We need a plan. For how to return without getting killed.”

Agreed. She only nodded at him. She was all ears at this point because when she wasn’t grieving or cold with numbness, she was thinking about all the plays they had to go back home and stay alive. So far she’d counted ten different ways to go about it, with each one ending up with Nesta, Cassian or both of them dead. Usually their families also ended up on the wrong end of a weapon. 

“We can deal with Tamlin’s crew after we deal with our inner house shit. If we try to pick a fight with them while we’re still fighting, we’re going to lose.”

Agreed again. She may have hated the idea of the truce, only because she had had to marry Eris, but the concept wasn’t bad at all. United on both the East Coast and the Midwest front meant more trading in between the two factions, more strength, and overall, more reason for other groups to not fuck with them. In this case, that would be the Irish. 

Cassian had alternated to her other leg and she had almost sighed aloud in pleasure at how good his fingers had felt massaging the taut muscles of her hamstring. She closed her eyes and allowed herself a few moments of peace and quiet.

A secret, selfish part of her whispered that this was the solution. To stay here, under the radar, forever. To never leave. To stay hidden and safe and far away from the ruckus that was the Cosa Nostra and Outfit. 

But then she remembered that it wasn’t just her or Cassian she needed to think about. Feyre, Elain, her father, Cassian’s brothers, and the countless innocents on both sides would bear the brunt of the conflict if they didn’t intervene soon and a war started.

Cassian’s voice called her name softly but she was far too comfortable now to move or speak, let alone open her eyes up. She only murmured to indicate she’d heard him.

“We need to get married.”

Nesta’s eyes snapped open.

“What?”

Cassian didn’t react as she pulled her leg from his grasp and straightened her back.

“Are you crazy?”

Cassian rolled his eyes, leveling her with a hard glare. “Obviously.”

“Don’t mock me, this is serious. That doesn’t solve anything. In fact, I’m pretty sure it makes it worse.”

“How? The only issue they have right now is the fact that you didn’t marry Eris and the alliance got fucked. We go back, married. You’re from the Outfit, I’m Cosa Nostra, it’s perfect.”

“No,” Nesta shook her head viciously. “It is not perfect. Nolan and I had a deal. I marry a son of the Vanserra family. Last I checked, you’re not that.”

Cassian waved a hand, splashing some water to the side of the tub. “Semantics. It’s a marriage that cultivates the alliance they want for a truce. It doesn’t really matter in the end who does it. It’s symbolic.”

Nesta opened her mouth to argue about the bigger problem she had.  

“I talked to Rhys this morning. He’s sent money to Nolan and paid off your debts. With interest. And then some on top of that.”

Nesta shut her mouth. Opened it again. Then shut it as realization struck her.

“You played me,” she gasped.

Cassian grabbed her by the ankle underwater before she could leave the tub. He rolled his eyes as she tried to kick him with her free foot, only to slip further down in the tub and get splashed in the face with suds.

“Can you stop?”

“No! No I will not stop,” she seethed. “You were all, “relax with me Nesta. Just for a little bit, Nesta. We need a plan, Nesta.”’ She didn’t care how ridiculous she sounded mimicking him. 

“You already had a plan ready to go this morning, you motherfu-.” He tightened his hold on her ankle, pulling her even closer, and cutting her off. She didn’t care. He’d snapped some invisible tether of restraint on her and she couldn’t hold back anymore.

“This was just making sure I followed through with the rest of it. Do you think I’m stupid Cassian? You think I’m some kind of fucking idiot? My mother is dead, my entire family is in shambles and you pull this shit on me? That’s so fucked up. And so you. You’re trying to manipulate me into marrying you. Well you can’t. I won’t do it.”

Nesta’s chest was heaving as she struggled to compose herself. She was livid. She didn't even know she was capable of being this angry with him.

“Are you done?,” he asked, exasperation written all over his face. Had it been anyone else, she knew he would have left the minute she’d started screaming at him. But Cassian had remained unfazed at her outburst. He probably found it funny if she knew him.

When Nesta didn’t respond Cassian nodded.

“Good. I’m glad you got it all off your chest.”

Asshole.

“Now, why don’t you want to get married? I just told you why it will work, and you know your debts have been squared away, so that contract with Nolan is useless to you now. You don’t have to follow it. This works out.”

It did work out. Really well actually. Too well. Well, fuck that.

“You know what else works out Cassian? We go back and murder everyone gunning for us right now. But why haven’t we done that yet? Let’s think about it.” She ignored the eye roll he gave her. “Because, it’s a stupid fucking idea!”

Cassian muttered,“So you weren’t done then?”

“Don’t mock me!”

“I’m not. Give me one good reason why we can’t get married.”

Almost spluttering, Nesta was grasping at straws when she made her final argument. 

“People marry when they’re in love.” It sounded stupid just leaving her mouth but she said it anyway. Cassian did indeed laugh.

“Yeah, because you and Eris were just starstruck by each other.”

Nesta scoffed. “Don't be such a dick, you know what I mean. Outside of this life I mean. I can’t just marry you after running away from my last one. Marriage should be for love.”

“And I don’t love you?” He cocked his head at her.

Nesta froze.

Cassian let her.  

They’d never gone there, here, and being caught unexpectedly in the thick of it wasn’t doing her any favors with winning her argument. Or dealing with what he’d just thrown on her. The awkward silence between them continued to stretch on. The way they were both bared to each other in such a painful, raw way made her want to scream.

Finally, she found her voice. “No.” Her voice was shook and she hated it. Hated everything. Even him in that moment. 

“No, I don’t love you?”

She sighed. Tried again to speak. But it was too much. Too much too soon all at once. She wanted to scream. She wanted to cry. 

When was the last time someone had said they loved her. 

Seriously, truly loved her.

Loved…her.

“I’m not…” No she couldn’t. It was far too shameful to say it out loud. She closed her eyes as the muscles began stretching and pain spread under lids. She could feel the tears begin to build up even under the closed eyelid. Could taste the tears in the back of her throat as she held them in longer. She couldn’t do this.

“You’re not what, Nesta?”

So wrong. So, so wrong to admit this to him. To say it out loud and let him know just how wrong he was. The minute she did, he’d leave. He’d know she was right and he’d walk right out, and then where would that leave her?

Right where she’d been before they’d even met. 

“Nesta you need to talk to me. I can’t read your mind. I mean, usually yes, but not right now. So help me out bella.”

Well, she knew how this was going to go anyways in the end, so there was no point in prolonging his departure any more.

“I’m not…” she blew out a breath. Tried again. Eyes tightly shut still because damn it she would not cry in front of him. “I’m not someone that’s loved. People don’t love me. And if you’re saying you do, you’re lying. And I know that it’s stupid because no one is probably ever going to do it, but I still want to be loved to be married to someone.”

It was horrible saying it out loud. Her greatest fear, her greatest shame. And yet, with her eyes still shut, and only a few tears having managed to leak out from her eyes, it wasn’t so bad. She’d bared herself at her lowest to him, but since she couldn’t see his face, it almost made it okay. She wouldn’t need to watch him nod in agreement, nor would she need to see him walk out and never look back.

“Nesta look at me.” She wouldn’t have. She hadn’t planned to. But something in his voice made her reconsider. The softness with which he pleaded with her made her re-evaluate her decision to shut him out.

The tears that had built up behind her eyes fell down her cheeks hastily as she opened up her eyes to a blurry world. She blinked the moisture away until a grave looking Cassian was staring back at her. 

“Nesta, let me be very clear about this. Because I don’t want you getting this mixed up and I don’t want you thinking I’m lying.”

She waited for him to say his goodbyes.

“I love you, very much. I could not live a day without you if you were gone, and I can’t stand to breathe sometimes when you aren’t around me. I wanted you by my side from the first day I met you even though I barely knew you. And even then, it’s felt like I’ve always known you. I want to marry you, because you are the most amazing, beautiful, selfless, loving, and brave woman I’ve ever had the honor of meeting and knowing.”

She was shaking and Cassian reached out to steady her, enclosing her hands into his larger, stable ones.  

“Not because of some stupid contract. Not because of this fucked up war. I want you for you. I want to marry you because I love you. And I am sorry I didn’t say it sooner and let you think you weren’t loved. Because you are bella. You are someone who is loved. You are very much so, loved and not just by me, by many people, and I am sorry for whatever or whoever made you think otherwise. But that’s not true, and if I have to spend the rest of my life convincing you of it, I will. It would be my honor to share that life with you, if you would have me.”

Nesta didn’t know what to say to that. She’d been stunned into silence yet again.

Nesta had never feared the men in her life growing up. Not for the reasons most women did. Sure they were capable of unspeakable violence. Unfathomable cruelty at times. Apathetic at the best of times, monsters at the worst of them.

But Nesta had become a monster too. From the moment Nolan had put a gun in her hand and she’d felt the recoil stampede through her bones, she’d known she’d never be anything less than the men she’d grown up around. No less fearsome, no less violent. But the only person, the only man, that Nesta had ever come to truly fear, was Cassian.

Cassian, who was all brash temper and bold spirit. Cassian who had seen through her willful pride and broiling anger, and uncovered her true self within minutes of their eyes slashing into each other. Cassian had terrified her because even after seeing it all, after she’d laid her truth and her past bare, he hadn’t run. He’d welcomed her and rejoiced in her with his own haunted musings. And with the admission, with the brutal honesty of who they were, Nesta had become afraid of what he had seen. What they could be. What she may become. A monster through and through, yes, but no longer alone.

Cassian who…loved her. 

“Nesta?,” Cassian asked with a bit of panic in his eyes. “I know it’s not the best proposal in the world but I don’t know if silence is the rejection I want.”

That thawed her. 

A wholehearted, unexpected laugh bubbled out of her before she could stop it, and Cassian nervously joined her after a moment.

She moved closer until both her and Cassian were almost nose to nose in the middle of the tub. She lifted a hand to his cheek, and Cassian pressed a kiss to the heart of her palm.

“You love me?,” she whispered.

“I do. I love you.”

So Nesta kissed him and Cassian kissed her back with so much fervor, she almost laughed again at his excitement.

And then she was crying, all over again, but this time, it was Cassian who wiped her tears away, just as he shed his own. She wiped his too, holding him tightly just as he held onto her.

“I love you, Cassian,” she whispered onto his lips before kissing him again. Gods but she had loved him for years. Years and never once had she told a soul, let alone Cassian himself. Pining so desperately after him, wanting and wishing for him to be hers just as he had been all along.

And even though the world had gone to shit around them, especially back home, and they didn’t know what would happen in the end, none of it mattered in that moment. 

Not the fighting and the bloodshed, nor the war and the uncertainty of it all.

In that moment, Nesta’s world was perfect. 

~*~

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