《The Rightful Queen》


 1 The Rightful Queen

    Two princesses, one crown.


    One legitimate, one not.


    .


    .


    Two princesses, one stone.


    One is dead, one is not.


    .


    .


    Two princesses, one throne.


    One sits, one does not.


    .


    .


    .


    .


    Read on to find out about their fates.


    .


    .


    (P.S. I dare you to read the next three chapters.)

 1 Twelve Years Ago: The Prince and The Princess

    "Goodbye, Tylen!" Princess Ariene waved enthusiastically on the front palace grounds. Her wavy bronze hair ruffled from her movements. The rays of the sun behind her.


    She wore a white long-sleeved dress. Its skirt reached below her knees. The lush green grass around her swayed in the wind. A winding path made of stones connected the main gate to the palace entrance made of marble steps mixed with jewels.


    Prince Tylen''s sapphire eyes peeked out the window. His hair under the sunlight made it look like shreds of copper. He beamed at the sight of his friend and waved back.


    "Get back in here!" Hayden pulled the Prince''s suit and huffed, "It''s not like you''ll never see her again."


    Tylen didn''t appear to hear him. Hayden frowned further. He never liked these visits. Tylen could only see Ariene in his eyes. Then, he would be left to wander alone. Luckily, one of the knights liked to spar with him. That was fun.


    Tylen''s eyes shined animatedly. He turned to his parents who sat on the opposite side of the carriage, "Mother, father, I have something to tell you."


    Queen Tatiana smiled tenderly at her son, "What is it, dear?"


    Prince Tylen''s next words shocked all the passengers.


    "Someday, I will marry Ariene."


    Queen Tatiana blinked her surprised then, she sneaked a glance at her husband. King Jairo caught his wife''s eye, silently accusing her of passing the responsibility to him. Tatiana laughed softly and pulled out her fan, hiding her smug smile.


    King Jairo sighed. There was no helping it. He was weak against his wife. He faced Tylen and asked firmly, "Are you certain, Tylen?"


    "Yes!" The Prince said with every ounce of conviction he had in his 8 year old body. Queen Tatiana chuckled. Her husband scowled at her for finding his predicament amusing. In answer, she merely batted her lashes.


    King Jairo attempted to coax his son once more, "You''re still young. Marriage shouldn''t even be on your mind yet."


    Prince Tylen stood up to tug on his father''s sleeve, "No! Someone might take her away!"


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    The king was at a loss. His son looked at him with puppy eyes. King Jairo did his best to remain strict. He held his son''s gaze with a hard stare.


    The corners of Prince Tylen''s eyes leaked with tears.


    "I see. Then, I''ll have a talk with King Andre" the words flew out of his mouth before he processed them. The King grimaced. That wasn''t a diplomatic way to handle matters, he thought.


    Tylen leaped off his seat. Hayden tried to stop him but failed. His Prince landed on the King''s lap with his cheek pressed on the King''s chest.


    Tylen hugged his father, "You''re the best, father!"


    King Jairo smiled softy at his son. He held him in his arms, rubbing his back. The little boy squeezed his father as hard as he could.


    After a few moments, Tylen blinked and looked up at his father.


    "What are you still doing here? Go, go, go!" He pulled on the King''s clothes, "Go before someone else does!"


    King Jairo barked an order that rattled the carriage, "Harold! Please turn back to Sol Palace!"


    While Teralyn''s royal family made its way back, Princess Alkas stepped out of the palace. She wore a similar dress to Ariene''s but hers included a yellow petticoat that peeked below her skirt. Other than that, her hair black as midnight fell pin straight on her back. The only clue that she and Ariene shared the same blood was the yellow hue in their eyes.


    Alkas watched her sister poke her head out the gate. She noticed that Ariene was barefoot again and that her shoes were left skewed in the middle of a grass patch.


    "Princess Ariene, that is not how a princess should behave!" Madame Chi scolded in her dark blue high-neck top and ankle-length pleated skirt. Her purple eyes glared through her spectacles. She brisk walked towards the Princess, grabbing her shoes on the way.


    Ariene pulled her head back to stick her tongue out at her instructor before she tried to get away.


    Alkas frowned at the fiasco in front of her. Ariene ran around in circles, giggling, while Madame Chi kept up with her. Every time the woman stretched her arm to capture the Princess, Ariene managed to slip away. It didn''t take long for black hair strands to slip out of Madame Chi''s bun.


    A rattle of wheels and clip clop of hooves grew louder as a carriage came closer. Princess Alkas diverted her attention from Ariene and Madame Chi, frowning at the gates.


    On the other side was Teralyn''s royal carriage.


    Ariene stopped running when she noticed it. This allowed Madame Chi to wrap her arms around the Princess and to slip the shoes back in her little feet. Ariene squealed and waited for Madame Chi to release her.


    As soon as Ariene was back on the ground, she beelined towards the carriage that had entered the castle grounds. The door opened and out came a boy that was 12.7 taller than her 115 cm.


    "Tylen, you''re back!" She hopped the last foot between them and hugged him. Tylen caught her easily. Then, he stepped back with his hands on her shoulders.


    "Ariene, I have something to tell you!" The little Prince sported a big smile on his face. His chest brimmed with excitement.


    Ariene clapped her hands together and intertwined her fingers, "What is it?"


    When Crown Prince Tylen said the next words, the entire courtyard heard them, "Someday, you will be my wife!"


    "Huh?" Ariene blinked her big topaz eyes at him. Her head tilted to one side. What was a wife? She wondered.


    The Prince crossed his arms. His voice wobbled as he asked, "Why? Do you have someone else in mind?"


    "No?" The Princess answered, unsure of what to say. She couldn''t comprehend why her friend was sad. She didn''t want him to be sad. He should always be happy.


    Tylen wrapped his arms around her. His left cheek squished against her right one. In a soft whisper, the he uttered, "Then, marry me."


    The Princess, who wanted nothing more than to please her playmate, threw her hands in the air and yelled, "Okay!"


    Crown Prince Tylen cheered along with her. At this point, Ariene noticed her sister who stood on top of the front stairs. Excited by the news, she skipped towards Alkas.


    "Sister!" Ariene called affectionately. "I''ll marry Tylen when we grow up! Isn''t that wonderful?"


    Princess Alkas sighed. She and Ariene were the same age but why was it they behaved differently? In a voice she heard the elders use, she said, "Ariene, marriage is a talk for adults. You''re still a child. This is why we are not allowed in court."


    Ariene pouted. Why was her sister killing the fun? Tylen would become sad again! She sniffed and rubbed her eyes.


    The Prince in question jogged to Ariene''s side and patted her back like how his father would when his mother was unwell.


    His mouth next to her ear, he assured her, "Don''t listen to her, Ariene. Father said he will talk to your father then, we will be betrothed."


    Ariene looked up at him with a tear-stained face, "Be-what?"


    "I''m not sure." Prince Tylen''s bushy little eyebrows scrunched, "Some fancy name they use so everyone will know that you''ll marry me and no one else."


    Ariene''s weary heart calmed down. She nodded her head and whimpered, "Okay!"


    Teralyn''s Crown Prince took out the handkerchief in his breast pocket and wiped off the remaining tears on Ariene''s cheeks.


    Alkas turned around and left them to their imaginations. It was time for lessons on the constitution. Ariene was also supposed to attend but she never did.


    Her younger sister often took Amelia, Madame Chi''s daughter, and ran off to hide. She disappeared for 8 hours once. The guards found her and Amelia in a tower somewhere in the Ahana Forest.


    To the Queen, Ariene''s actions needed a severe punishment to discipline her well but the King chose to ignore her words and to punish Ariene lightly.


    Later that night, Alkas'' mother lectured her daughter about proper etiquette and behavior so she wouldn''t mimic her half-sister.


    They were in her room. Alkas sat on her bed while her mother stood before her. The Princess questioned the Queen on what punishment was appropriate.


    The Queen sat next to her and slowly patted her daughter''s head. She told her that karma would be the one to teach Princess Ariene if no one else would. She also vowed that she wouldn''t let it happen to the First Princess. Alkas only needed to listen to her words.


    The little girl nodded her head. That night she made a promise in her heart to always obey her mother.

 2 Twelve Years Ago: Negotiation of the Engagemen

    In the west wing of the Sol palace, two kings entered an office.


    It had shelves of books in between large windows. A few furniture had been set up in a corner as a sitting area for visitors and negotiations. The back had a table filled with documents and writing tools.


    One of the kings had a clean cut salt and pepper hair and obsidian almond eyes. Despite his age, he was well toned from training with the knights every morning. His deep smile lines indicate that he was once a dashing young man.


    The other king was older with a full beard that matched his chocolate brown hair. He had a meatier built and an angular jawline. His sapphire eyes drooped at the outer corners, making him seem approachable. The glint in them held years of wisdom.


    "Your son sure is bold, King Jairo" Aurae''s king began to say, walking to his wine table next to his work desk, "The entire palace is now in uproar about the engagement."


    King Jairo followed the younger king at a slower pace and sat down on an armchair. Compared to the other party, he had a lower and gruffer voice, "Tylen doesn''t like to waste time."


    "So it seems" King Andre pulled out the cork stopper of his finest red wine and poured two glasses of it, "About this engagement¡­"


    "I must stress, King Andre, that I would highly appreciate it if the bedtime story for Tylen tonight is not about a crushed wish."


    Andre chuckled, "Oh, King Jairo, children are children" he placed the bottle on the table then, handed his fellow king a glass of wine, "Tylen may not even remember about this when he''s older."


    Jairo thanked him and sipped, "Believe me, Andre, I have tried to persuade him but it was a failure."


    "But my daughters¡­" Andre sighed, swirling the wine in his glass. He leaned against the backrest of the armchair occupied by Jairo, "You know how complicated things have been ever since I brought Ariene to the court."


    "I have heard" Jairo stared at his glass of wine. Princess Ariene was Andre''s daughter from another woman. Until she was five, she was hidden away by her parents. It was all over the news, he recalled.


    When King Andre spoke, there was longing and conviction in his voice, "Ariene is a gifted child. A potential like that deserves the best of opportunities. By right, she is a princess despite her mother''s status."


    Then, he drank half of his wine.


    It had been one of the rockiest decisions Andre ever made but not once did he regret it. The court could protest a million times but Ariene was a princess and she was to be recognized as such.


    When King Andre gulped emptily to cleanse his pallet, he slowly revealed something that weighed in his mind, "One of the things I became concerned about was a future partner¡­"


    King Jairo''s senses went up. He stood off his seat to look at the younger king''s back, "Andre, do you mean to¡­"


    Andre felt the sofa shift from his companion''s movements. He straightened his back and turned around, stepping next to the armchair.


    "But are you sure about this, Jairo? The reputation she carries may not be ideal for your kingdom."


    It was no secret that Ariene was an illegitimate heir. There were people¡ªespecially court officials¡ªwho had rioted against his wishes to possibly pass the throne to her. As much as he explained that Ariene wasn''t his appointed successor, it reached deaf ears.


    King Jairo nodded his head, his eyes filled with understanding, "I am aware of who she is, Andre. I merely see a princess that is bright and bubbly. Her lineage means little to me. I also have seen her intelligence in action. She is a good candidate to be queen."


    Andre smiled softly, "Thank you, King Jairo."


    "Utmost welcome, King Andre." Jairo replied, his wine glass raised.


    "The only matter that remains is the stone" King Andre stepped forward. His gaze on King Jairo squinted slightly, "If Ariene was chosen to be Aurae''s queen, what then? The stone is to represent Aurae''s rightful ruler. Take her away and turmoil may bestow on Aurae."


    Andre placed his wine glass on his work desk then, crossed his arms. He leaned his back against the table, "The stone is blessed with magic, Jairo, much like in Celios Kingdom where the stone from the previous ruler would be passed down to the next, granting the person with all its powers. Since Aurae is a mundane kingdom, an heirloom like it has never existed¡­ until now."


    Celios Kingdom, a smaller island compared to their continent, was located half a day of sea travel away. Unlike their kingdoms, the people in Celios had been blessed with magical powers. Elementals, shapeshifters, illusionists, potion makers and more.


    The girls'' mothers both originated there. Since the children had Celios blood in their veins, the stone became the solution to calm the chaotic court.


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    Once the stone had chosen the rightful Queen, it was believed to be irreversible.


    When King Jairo remained silent, King Andre continued to think out loud with eyes that stared at nothing, "This is an important turning point for our kingdom. A step into unification with our neighboring island. If things go smoothly, migration between the two continents may soon be possible. It would be a new era. One to erase the old that divided us."


    "Well, then¡­" Jairo sighed and approached Andre. He placed a hand on his shoulder, making Andre look at him, "If Ariene is chosen to be Aurae''s ruler, fate has decided that Teralyn and Aurae would be under one royal family."


    The words of Teralyn''s king caused Aurae''s to lurch off the table. Andre held the hand on his shoulder with his own, eyes gleaming with delightful surprise, "Do you mean it, old man?"


    Jairo tsked, placed his wine glass down and wrapped an arm around Andre''s neck in a headlock, "Still a cheeky brat, I see."


    King Andre protested until he was released. King Jairo chuckled and wiped his hands together. Then, he answered the question, "And yes, I do. Our kingdoms, Teralyn and Aurae, were in a disembogued relationship all these centuries as well. The last decade had been a positive turnout. Maybe it''s time to forget the legend of our lands and start anew."


    The success of the previous monarch to mend the poor relations of Teralyn and Aurae resulted to the current brothrly relationship of the two kings.


    If they were able to do that, an association with Celios was probable in the near future.


    "I do hope so, old man" Andre sighed, "I do hope so."


    King Jairo stared at him. Before, Andre was merely a child he liked to prank. Now, Andre carried the fate of the continent.


    He took his glass and raised it, "A toast to a united and peaceful future."


    "And to our children''s prosperous reign" King Andre smiled and clinked his wine glass with Jairo''s.


    The two drank for the bright future ahead. An engagement had been decided.


    The possibilities were infinite but the union between their children was a step forward to the right direction.

 3 Twelve Years Ago: the Farewell

    When Alkas came back from her lessons, she found Tylen leaping in joy. He held Ariene''s hands while he hopped, spinning her in a circle.


    "It''s official!" Tylen shouted to the ceiling, "We are betrothed!"


    Ariene threw her hands in the air and squealed.


    "I''ll go tell Hayden!" Tylen said before he ran out of the playroom, a space they converted to help the princesses bond. Often times, they sat on the floor reading. Alkas would be buried in books about history while Ariene would pick out storybooks.


    The Younger Princess would reenact a few scenes with the toys. Other times, she would drag Tylen and Amelia¡ªsometimes Hayden as well¡ªto play with her.


    "Sister!" Ariene called when she noticed Alkas, "How was class?"


    The Elder Princess crossed her arms, a scowl on her face, "You would know if you had attended."


    Ariene pouted. She skipped over to Alkas'' side and wrapped her hands around her sister''s elbow, "I''m sorry. I''ll go with you next time."


    Alkas sighed and changed the topic. She patted Ariene''s head, saying, "So you''re engaged to Tylen?"


    Ariene nodded, a big smile on her face , "Yes!"


    "Do you know what that means?" Alkas asked further. Marriage was something she learned when she had a lesson about the monarchy. Another class Ariene didn''t attend.


    "We''ll be together forever?"


    Alkas froze for a moment to think, "Well, that''s one way to put it."


    Then, Ariene pulled her sister away from the playroom, "Want to eat a cookie? Let''s go to the kitchen!"


    Alkas''s stomach rumbled at the mention of food. She took her arm back, walking next to Ariene. She cleared her throat and straightened her back. Ariene followed her example and walked as if she floated.


    They passed by the long hallway to reach the center stairs that lead down to the main ballroom. Maids were scattered all around dusting the various vases and paintings that decorated the place.


    When they reached the bottom floor, Ariene murmured, "Sister, am I ugly?"


    "What?" The Elder Princess turned to Ariene. Her little sister''s eyes stayed on the path ahead of them.


    "The maids always whisper when I pass by. They don''t think I can hear them but I do."


    Alkas heightened her senses. The sensitive hearing she inherited from her mother allowed her to hear subtle sounds a normal human wouldn''t pick up.


    She could hear some of the maids on the second floor talking to each other. Alkas clenched her fists at their words. How dare they forget their place? She thought. To speak foully of a royal was blasphemous.


    While Alkas''s head throbbed by their servants misconduct, she checked on her sister. Ariene''s impassive expression didn''t change.


    They turned a corner and reached the pathway to the kitchen.


    "Ariene, don''t list¡ª" Alkas began to say but her little sister cut her off. There was a new light in the younger princess'' eyes.


    "Also, I heard the Duke of Quora wants to sell a part of his land. He has several buyers too. All of them have been trying to outbid each other for over a week."


    Now that they were away from prying eyes, the spring in Ariene''s steps was back. Not once did she returned Alkas'' gaze. Instead, she frowned curiously as if deep in thought.


    "If it was me though, I''d rather rent out the property. That way I have steady income that will flow in for years. Land also appreciates over time. As more lands are taken, the land I own becomes higher in value so I can charge higher rent every few years."


    Alkas shook her head at Ariene''s low attention span. It was a recurring habit that got her in trouble during class.


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    Just when she was about to reprimand Ariene about eavesdropping, darkness surrounded the castle. The princesses stopped walking. They looked around. All their eyes could see was pitch-black.


    "What happened to the lights?" Ariene''s small voice echoed into the empty hallway.


    Alkas quivered. She stretched her arm to hold her sister''s hand, "Ariene, are you okay?"


    "I''m okay" the Younger Princess squeezed her sister''s hand assuringly.


    A few minutes passed and no sign of light appeared. Alkas felt Ariene''s hand began to shake. A low whimper also came out of her little sister''s mouth. She checked their surroundings. No one was near them. Good. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes. Her free hand tingled. She raised it in front of her, the palm facing up, and concentrated.


    Slowly, a flame grew out like a blooming flower.


    Ariene gasped at the sight, eyes wide and mouth open. She moved closer and stared at the fire. It was small and it danced in her sister''s hand. It gave them a gentle light inside the gloom.


    "Sister, you know magic?" Ariene exclaimed breathily.


    "Yes," Alkas replied, "But don''t tell anyone. It''s a secret. You know we''re not supposed to learn yet."


    Ariene remembered. The elders agreed to not kindle the powers they inherited until they were 10. Ariene had attempted magic but she had failed every time. To see it first hand astounded her.


    "Okay, I won''t" Ariene''s voice dropped to a whisper. Then, she looked at her older sister''s face, "Is that why you have a tattoo on your shoulder?"


    Alkas''s eyes widened, "How did you know?"


    Ariene responded with a giggle, "It was only a guess."


    The Elder Princess was dumbfounded. Only she and her mother knew about the tattoo. Her ladies in waiting had seen it but they never asked. Alkas wondered when Ariene noticed the mark.


    Alkas squinted her eyes at her little sister. Ariene answered her stare with big innocent eyes. Her lips were pressed together as if hiding a secret.


    "Do you want to try?" Alkas asked.


    "Yes, please!"


    ===


    Outside the palace, Tylen found Hayden in the stables. His best friend held a bundle of carrots and fed it to a white horse.


    "Hayden!"


    At the sound of the Crown Prince, Hayden jumped and dropped the carrots. The horse whined at the empty arms of the boy in front of him.


    Hayden huffed and picked up a carrot. Then, he tossed it in the horse''s direction. It was gone in one bite.


    "Hayden!" Tylen yelled again as he came closer. When he reached Hayden''s side, he grabbed his best friend''s shoulders and shook him forcefully.


    "I''m engaged!"


    Hayden became dizzy from his Prince''s actions that he pried off Tylen''s hands.


    "Calm down!" He scolded Tylen.


    "I can''t! I''m too happy!" His Prince merely laughed, bouncing in place.


    Hayden sighed. When he was about to scold Tylen again, the electricity went out. The moon and the stars became their only source of light.


    "Gah!" Tylen screamed and tackled Hayden. The boys tumbled to the floor filled with hay. Hayden laid on the ground and spat out the strands of hay that entered his mouth.


    Tylen was on top of him. To save himself from an awkward situation, Hayden pushed Tylen to the side and sat up. He stretched his arms then, rubbed his right shoulder.


    "Tylen, are you okay?" He asked.


    "I smell like manure" Tylen grumbled as he sat up too. The Prince wiped off the hay on his clothes.


    "Great. You''re one step closer to your natural habitat."


    "Why you¡ª"


    When Tylen lunged at Hayden who laughed at his own joke, a servant''s voice rang over the palace grounds.


    "FIRE!" She yelled, "Fire! Inside the castle!"


    Collective shouts echoed as the west wing of the castle ablazed. It spread quickly to the center. Various people came out and crowded the courtyard. Servants and soldiers ran around to find water but it did little to put it out. It was too big.


    The boys stood up and watched the fire engulf the walls and windows of the palace. The roof began to collapse. An asphalt shingle fell onto the grass patch. People immediately showered it in water.


    The nerves in Tylen''s body froze. He stepped forward. The flames flickered in great heights. The smoke seemed to blend into the night sky with the clouds. He had never seen anything like it.


    Then, something clicked in his mind.


    He shot off the stables and to the nearest opening of the palace.


    "ARIENE!" He shouted, his throat hoarse from the volume he used.


    "Tylen!" Hayden called after him, hot on his heels.


    The boys went inside a doorway that had its door destroyed. The inside looked worse. Broken vases covered the floor. The pieces pierced their shoes. Light bulbs exploded from the intense heat. Beams from above had fallen to the ground and blocked the paths.


    Hayden lost Tylen easily.


    The Crown Prince felt the overwhelming heat hit his skin. There was fire everywhere. The intensity blurred his vision but he pushed through. He jumped over broken wood and ceramic. He crawled under openings.


    "Ariene!" Tylen screamed once more.


    "Tylen!"


    He stopped running and turned towards her voice. He was at the main ballroom, the big chandelier on top cracking as its binds burned away. Tylen headed to the kitchen just before the chandelier crashed behind him, glass spreading out on the marble floor.


    The pathway was empty except for paintings and lamps that had collapsed off the walls. Tylen hissed as his feet stepped over them, the soles of his shoes torn from the various fragments.


    The end of hallway had two corners, one led to the left, the other on the right. He found Ariene in the center of it, facing the right corridor.


    Tylen pumped his legs faster.


    A beam fell off the ceiling and landed between him and Ariene. As soon as he reached the barrier, his little hands tried to lift it up but they stung at the contact. He landed on his bottom, arms raised and blisters sprouted on his palms.


    A flower vase fell down from a table, spilling water onto the floor. When Tylen tried to stand up, he slipped, landing on his hands and knees. He cried out and squeezed his eyes closed, suppressing the pain.


    His breath labored. Air barely filled his lungs. He choked on smoke. He forced his tear stained eyes open.


    Ariene was only a few feet away from him but he couldn''t get to her. He tried to shout but no sound came out. He watched as his fiance took a step back. Red blazing fire behind her in the left corridor. She was speaking but Tylen couldn''t hear it.


    The next second passed by slowly in his eyes.


    A pair of hands came out of the right corridor and touched Ariene''s upper body, pushing her. His fiance closed her eyes as she flew backwards into the awaiting fire.


    Tylen''s heart stopped. He screamed the last of his breath. More tears welled up in his eyes as his small world crumbled around him. The need to run to Ariene and save her pushed him to try and stand again. His left knee hit the floor, bruising it further.


    His eyes found the last spot he saw Ariene. Tears continued to flow down his cheeks. He couldn''t look away, hoping she''d magically appear unharmed.


    But she was gone.


    A hollow hole burned in place of his heart.


    Tylen forgot the fire around him. The pain in his hands and knees were numb compared to the one in his chest.


    His eyes closed as he tried to breath. When he opened them again, someone else stood in Ariene''s place.


    Alkas stared at the left corridor with an emotionless expression. Her blank eyes were the last thing Tylen saw before his vision blacked out.

 4 Present Day: the Pirates and their Royal Targe

    It was a sunny afternoon. Cleon laid on the roof with his right leg bent, tossing an apple in the air and catching it. His midnight blue hair was tied in a bun on top of his head.


    "What''s taking so long? I want to hit the market before we leave" he whined, eyes on his apple.


    Maia didn''t look at him. She focused on the bustling street. The sun light reflected on the cream white pavement, forcing her to squint to see the people. The tips of her high ponytail touched the middle of her back. Her feet dangled off the edge.


    "Hit it with the apple then" she replied. Cleon tsked at it. Maia''s corner lip lifted up. She picked up a pistachio from her sack of nuts and flung it overhead.


    It landed on Cleon''s left eye. Luckily, he had grabbed his apple before it could fall on his chest.


    "I''ll go blind one day because of you" Cleon pressed a hand on the sore spot and sat up. He held up the apple at arm''s length. It was the same size as Maia''s head from where he sat. It was the same color as her hair too.


    Cleon threw it in her direction¡ªexcept the force he used was stronger than he intended. It was clearly going to hit her. Cleon''s eyes widened. He stretched forward to stop the apple. At the same time, Maia had turned around. She saw him fall on his stomach with the apple back in his hand.


    "Trying something, Cleon?" Maia mocked. Cleon looked up at the mischievous eyes on her face. He huffed and sat back up. He merely wanted it to land behind her and not at her.


    When Cleon opened his mouth, their third companion spoke.


    "They''re coming" the low voice ruffled against a black mask. Coal-colored eyes watched a door open in a business street of the Teralyn Kingdom.


    Maia and Cleon straightened, pulling up their hoods and masks. They eyed the lawyer''s patio where their targets had joined them outside.


    The buildings here were fashioned from timber. Each stood next to each other without any gap. The roofs were all ceramic red, and each building had either three or four floors. It was separated from the main market to easily accommodate offices and business transactions.


    A deal had been struck in this particular building. An old man had stepped out, his two guards never more than two feet away from him. The Count skipped down the steps. His top hat wiggled as he bobbed his head. He had received a compromise on his taxes.


    Two young men followed behind him. One had dark brown hair and a firm jaw. His back was always rigid. Judging by his clothes, he had a higher status compared to the Count despite his age.


    The other person next to him had lighter brown hair. Its waves made it seem messy. His clothes were darker compared to his companion who wore a sky blue tailcoat and matching trousers made of silk underneath a white fur cape. This was the standard uniform for a military officer: waistcoat, breeches, stockings and boots. For this day, he had opted for a cape instead of his ample coat. It draped over one arm.


    In that arm, he held a box. Inside of it rested a jewel the trio had been waiting for.


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    "Ugh, finally" Cleon grumbled, "Let''s just take it and go."


    "Don''t be stupid."


    Cleon pouted at their leader who was leaning against a chimney, arms and legs crossed. Dressed like the shadows, Raz exposed zero skin except to see. Unlike Cleon and Maia, their third companion never relaxed. All attention was on the mission.


    "They will ride to Aurae Kingdom. We shall wait on the border" Raz directed, kicking off the wall, "Maia, tail them. Cleon, let''s go."


    "Yes, boss!" Maia answered enthusiastically with a salute.


    Raz turned to climb down behind the building.


    "Why don''t I ever get to be look out?" Cleon whined, following their leader. He grabbed the water pipe and began his descent after Raz.


    "Because you''re reckless. If I let you out of my sight, you''d have the whole street burned down" Raz replied, landing on the ground silent as a cat. Cleon pouted. It was in these kind of moments that he''d think that his leader should officially have a name change. Unlike them, many people knew their leader by the name, Rash. Each time Clean wanted to propose the idea, he bit his tongue or else he''d be tossed overboard.


    When Cleon landed, he stepped on a puddle.


    "Damn it. These are my favorite shoes"


    "At least, they''re finally clean"


    "By rat pee?! No thank you"


    Raz''s head shook with a sigh. Cleon was busy wiping off the dirty water to notice he was left behind.


    ===


    "Thank you so much, Your Highness," Count Morno exclaimed, "I really appreciate your efforts to listen to my troubles. I look forward to your rule."


    He bowed, waist bent, in front of Crown Prince Tylen. Tylen half-smiled, patting the old man on his back, "There is no need for that, Count Morno. To serve my people is my privilege. I only wish to do a good job."


    Tylen stepped aside to reach for his carriage. The footman had already opened the door. Hayden trailed behind him with the treasure box, Count Morno''s payment for his overdue taxes.


    "If you ever need¡ª"


    "He has left, my lord" a bodyguard interrupted the Count on his speech. The man straightened up hastily to watch the royal carriage roll away.


    "Well, if that isn''t the most insolent person I have ever met. Did you hear him, Darren? Spouting how I declared lower income than I earned? Hiding the loot in the abandoned shed? Why, the nerve! If taxes weren''t so high, I wouldn''t have needed to take measures." Count Morno complained, turning to his own carriage that was simpler that of the prince, "My story was good though, eh? A dowry for my daughter''s marriage. Bloody thing wouldn''t pick any suitor. In order to marry her off, I''d need to boost her value or all men would ignore her"


    The Count continued to ramble on his way home. His bodyguards, except for Darren, rode outside of the carriage. Darren wanted nothing more to be there as well with a pair of earplugs.

 5 The Diamond Heist and a New Idea

    The royal carriage rocked as it drove to more barren lands. It was scheduled to arrive at Aurae Kingdom''s capital in three days time for the banquet in celebration of Princess Alkas'' return. Crown Prince Tylen was invited to this event that was to symbolize the beginning of a new era. A new hope for the kingdom after the monarchy had been wiped out 12 years ago.


    At the time, the Princess was only 9 years old. As the only surviving heir, she retreated to the Kingdom of Celios, her mother''s homeland, and trained under its rulers.


    Now that the Princess was finally of age, she was ready to claim her place as queen.


    "Did you really buy that story?" Hayden asked Tylen. They sat on either side of the carriage seats. Tylen had removed his fur coat. It felt itchy on his neck. If the Queen hadn''t insisted on fashion, he would have pranced around dressed like a pirate.


    "Did you?" The Prince answered his knight, a knowing smile on his face. Hayden rolled his eyes, crossing his arms.


    "It''s not news that his daughter is stubborn. I heard she liked to step on men''s toes" Hayden recalled, looking out the window.


    "Doesn''t she have her eyes on you?"


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    Hayden shivered, "Don''t remind me and absolutely don''t tell Count Morno."


    "I won''t sell you out, my friend," Tylen smirked, "For a cheap price."


    "Why you¡ª"


    The carriage halted. Hayden almost fell off his seat. Both men alerted their senses.


    "What''s out there?" Tylen shouted out the window. A flying kick aimed at his face. The Prince ducked back inside and drew his sword. He waited for someone to make a move. Then, he opened the door, slamming the person.


    "That''s a low blow!" A voice complained from the ground. Tylen stepped out. The man hit the Prince''s leg, causing him to wince, "That''s my revenge."


    A dark figure leaped from the other side of the carriage and opened it.


    Hayden met its eyes. They had a stare down. The person before him had a sword in hand and a sturdy posture. It reminded Hayden of the knights in training. All the guards had been taken care of¡ªexcept for him. He could see them lying on the ground behind the man. Hayden unsheathed his sword and lunged. The person dodged but met its sword with his own. Then, the intruder swung his sword onto the knight''s shoulder. Hayden rolled off the carriage to avoid it.


    The robber went inside and locked the doors.


    Hayden jumped up and attacked the carriage. The lock was heavy and hard to pick. Curse the people who designed it, Hayden thought. He had no choice. He used the butt of his sword and slammed it down the handle, hoping to break it enough to open it.


    By the time he succeeded, the man was gone and the box was opened. Hayden inspected the jewels. It seemed complete. What did the man take then?


    Outside, Tylen engaged in a duel with Hayden''s attacker. Tylen regarded him with contempt. For someone slim, he had excellent swordsmanship. Tylen hadn''t met another person who could keep up with him. He wasn''t about to make it easy.


    The Prince pushed him harder. Tylen swore that the glint in the man''s eyes brightened. It seemed that he wasn''t the only enjoying the fight.


    Tylen directed a stab on the chest. His opponent caught his sword with the flat of his blade. The tip hit the base of Tylen''s and the man twisted his weapon to a downward thrust.


    Tylen''s sword clattered to the ground, the robber''s blade an inch away from the Prince''s heart.


    Both parties remained still. A breeze flew by. The cape of the winner swayed behind his back. Tylen memorized the person''s face¡ªat least, the upper half of it that was exposed. He had a rough idea of who could this person be.


    The shadow that lurked from the depths of hell.


    The fleeting pirate of the Ytle Ship.


    The face never to be seen.


    The man called Rash of the Sea.


    Rash squinted his eyes on the Prince. Tylen sweated. Not from the duel but from the glare. Its intensity burned like the sun. When Rash cocked an eyebrow, only one thing came to the Prince''s mind.


    He knows.


    Rash tossed a sack over Tylen''s head. It was gone before he even noticed. Tylen turned his neck to the side. From the corner of his eye, a small figure ran off into the woods followed by the person he hit with the door earlier.


    "We''ll take that" Rash spoke. Tylen turned his attention back to him. The pirate wore a mask but it was as if Tylen could see the mischievous smile behind it, "Pleasure doing business with you."


    Rash jogged to the nearest tree and leaped. In less than five seconds, he was out of sight. The guards had begun to wake up. They inspected each other for injuries and damages.


    Tylen let out a breath and checked on Hayden. His best friend held the treasure box, a frown on his face. Tylen sat opposite of him and took peek.


    "They took the Diamond of Luna, I see."


    "The what?" Hayden exclaimed.


    He looked at Tylen with wide eyes. How in the world did he do that? He wondered. The chest contained a lot of jewels. One couldn''t simply find what was taken without a thorough examination of the contents.


    Tylen closed his eyes and leaned back, arms crossed. He perched an ankle over his knee. He rarely showed it but Hayden had the ability to make his temple throb. Oh, how much he still needs to learn, Tylen sighed to himself.


    When he opened his eyes, he explained the situation.


    "The Diamond of Luna is an artifact. It was believed to be the first diamond to be polished. Legend says it was Luna herself who had showed this technique to humankind by creating the Diamond of Luna. That is why diamonds are valuable and why most marriages have diamond rings. It is to symbolize the blessing of the union from Luna. Previously, it was in the hands of the Rin Family. They are not wealthy but the diamond is their family heirloom. That is until¡­ it was reaped away from their hands" Tylen''s forehead wrinkled, "I doubt Count Morno had any idea about the jewel''s value or he wouldn''t have given it to us. I only accepted it because I saw it was there. I''m surprised the Phantom Pirates have found it. It''s been missing for 70 years."


    "In Count Morno''s shed most likely" Hayden snorted, "Did he steal it then?"


    "I cannot be sure. I haven''t gone looking for it. Have you?"


    Hayden was silent. Did his best friend needed to be harsh? Hayden chose not answer and turned back to the jewels. A diamond missing for seventy years had been restored¡­


    "That''s amazing" He couldn''t help but say. Slowly, an idea formed in his head.


    "Praising criminals now? That''s not like you." Tylen chuckled.


    "How did they find it?"


    Hayden''s tone of voice perked Tylen''s interest. He stared at the knight who clutched the box in wonder and glee.


    It was a look Tylen knew well, "You''re not seriously thinking of¡­"


    Hayden was unable to contain his excitement. His eyes glimmered with adventure and hope at Tylen, "Why not? It''s a good idea."


    Tylen scowled, "Transacting with criminals is never a good idea."


    "Don''t you want to find her?"


    It was Tylen''s turn to be silent. Yes, of course he did¡­ but was a bunch of criminals to be trusted? The mission was delicate. They had to keep it from prying eyes. One word about their plan and they would be eliminated. They had to stay rational.


    "We need to go to Aurae," Tylen said firmly. Hayden barely heard his intention to forget the pirates and to proceed as planned. They were watched. Any detour would trigger the spies on them.


    "We can stop over for a day" Hayden''s brain was on a roll. The list of possibilities had invaded his head. If the pirates'' network was that vast, they would have a higher chance of succeeding. It was an opportunity that must not be wasted, "We have to try at least."


    Tylen took a deep breath. He did a quick calculation. Hayden''s mind was set. There was no turning back from that. To make him see reason, Tylen needed the pirates to turn him down.


    "Alright¡­" Tylen answered him, plotting a way to change Hayden''s decision, "But if they refuse, we head straight to Aurae. No more delays."


    "I know, I know. You will go to Princess Alkas. I''ll go look for Ariene" Hayden huffed. It wasn''t much of a plan. He was surprised Tylen had given his approval.


    Then again, the Princess hadn''t given them much time to think. The court had pulled out an old agreement between the previous Kings about the union of their children.


    They had called to collect. Tylen''s presence was expected heavily.


    Only Hayden could take the opportunity to look for a friend that had been lost all these years.The journey to Aurae was the only chance they had since Ariene''s disappearance. They couldn''t miss it. The Queen had forbidden them from searching previously because people had already done it. All of them came to the same conclusion.


    Ariene was gone.


    "I should have company though. Don''t you think so?" Hayden attempted to ease the idea into Tylen once more.


    "A band of pirates is not on my list for candidates."


    "Come now, it will be interesting to say the least!" The knight forgone any more discussion and shouted out the window, "Good man! Let''s head back to the market!"


    The Prince sighed at Hayden''s energy. It seemed boundless, "How do you plan on finding them?"


    "No clue at all."


    Tylen shook his head at his companion. He was truly helpless but he loved him anyway.


    The Prince gave new orders, "Head to the Rin family residence."


    "Yes, Your Highness!"


    The royal carriage began its change of course.

 6 Princess Alkas and the Stone

    At the same time, in a nearby kingdom, two people stood in front of an old wooden door. The rust on its locks had made it impossible to open. One of them was a young woman who turned 21 only a month ago. Her companion was a middle-aged man. Despite his age, he was clean shaven.


    The woman pointed a finger on the locks. They snapped in half and fell on the floor. The door creaked open.


    The room was dim. Dust clung to the ceiling and the glass displays. It looked like it hadn''t been touched for years. The woman stepped inside. She scanned the area.


    The hexagon shape of the place was familiar. Its once mauve ceramic walls were worn out by time. She lifted a hand. One by one the torches lit to life. The royal treasury shined once more.


    The heels she wore clacked on the marble floor as she glided around the collection set on the tables, the pillars and the shelves. Gold, silver, diamonds, rubies, sapphires and more crafted into various jewelry and accessories: necklaces, rings, bracelets, hair pins, tiaras, crowns and scepters to name a few.


    At the back of the room was a glass display perched on the wall. Inside was a scepter, a crown and a stone. The crown''s frame was made of pure gold. It had two rows of diamonds on both sides. They grew bigger as it reached the middle. The centerpiece was missing. What was in its place was a band molded into teardrop with spherical hole to hold the last piece once it was inserted.


    The tip of the scepter was shaped like a tulip. Thin gold bands crusted with small diamonds seemed to sprout out of the rod. Bundle of leaves encircle the roots of the petals. At the top of them sat a miniature replica of the crown beside it.


    Underneath these two was where a white unpolished stone sat on a its own shelf.


    This was what the woman was looking for. Behind her, the man stood patiently. He observed the young woman. He hadn''t seen her for over ten years. She had inherited her father''s height but she had her mother''s smooth white skin. Her straight black hair was woven into an intricate hairstyle on top of her head. A few strands fell on the sides of her face, adding more to her allure.


    He watched her open the case and waited¡­ but the miss didn''t make a move.


    "Why does this even exist?" She whispered but her small voice echoed around the room.


    "It''s a gift from your grandfathers, Your Highness. Blessed with the power to rule over the kingdom. This was created when King Andre had you and your sister from two different women. Your grandfathers loved you both very much" the man began to explain. Compared to the Princess, he had a lower intonation and spoke more clear-cut, "In order to do what is best for the kingdom, the stone shall turn green when touched by the rightful heir after she turns 21."


    Princess Alkas let out a breath. This was an important moment for her. Her mother''s words replayed in her head.


    Make me proud my daughter, she said before the princess left on her voyage back to her father''s lands. Her mother''s eyes full of pride burned in her mind. Her heart drummed inside her chest.


    "Your mother had done her best to keep Aurae from the brink of destruction as its former Queen. Despite the death of your father, the court had kept her in an important position because of her promise of your return" Rowan frowned when he noticed the Princess'' hand was trembling, "Do not be frightened, my dear. I shall accompany you every step of the way. You are King Andre''s and Queen Calla''s daughter. No one in this land shall question your title."


    Alkas held her hands together as if in prayer. The open sleeves of her maroon gown slid to her elbows. She closed her eyes and gulped.


    May Luna watch over me, she chanted. Then, eyes open, Alkas reached out a hand for the stone.


    ¡­


    ¡­


    ...


    "It''s white" she choked. The shake in her hands intensified. With her other hand, she entrapped the stone. It still didn''t change. Tears began to form in her eyes.


    No¡­ this cannot be¡­ it cannot be true¡­


    All of her life, Alkas had only one goal¡­ to be Aurae''s Queen. She clutched the stone close to her chest. Her upper body bent forward. Her knees gave in. Over and over, the Princess questioned her identity.


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    If she wasn''t Queen, what would that make of her?


    "Your sister¡­" Rowan exclaimed breathily. If the stone was white, it only meant one thing.


    Alkas stilled at the mention of her sister. Slowly, she straightened up. When the Princess met Rowan''s stare, the once dejected eyes were cold. Rowan was dumbfounded by it. He remembered that Princess Alkas pampered her sister endlessly when they were little. He thought she''d be happy or surprised at the possibility.


    "My sister is dead, Prime Minister" Alkas sneered, her words penetrating as they came out, "There has been no sign of her since that day. Are we to hold off the kingdom without a proper ruler? For a brainless fantasy that she is alive?!"


    Prime Minister Rowan bowed his head. Change had surely been part of the Princess'' time away from the palace. The tragedy had incurred a price on her views of the world.


    "Princess Ariene''s disappearance has been dismissed by the court many years ago. It was fruitless. Your marriage to Crown Prince Tylen shall entitle you to the throne. That is what the court has decided" Rowan reminded. To prepare for any casualties, the court had set out preventive and countermeasures. As the Crown Prince, Tylen was high in power. With no other heir to take over Aurae, the marriage would symbolize a union of both kingdoms. Thus, it would secure the throne to Princess Alkas.


    Alkas placed the stone back on its shelf, closing the glass display. The Prime Minister was right. The only way was to move forward.


    She cleared her mind and steeled her nerves. Her movements became stiff and robotic. Hands still on the display, she turned her head to side to peek at the Prime Minister.


    "But they''re expecting me to be only one left. The stone is white. Wouldn''t this cause rebellion?"


    Rowan stepped forward, "This shall remain a secret. We''ll have an imitation made."


    Alkas faced him fully, golden eyes gleaming.


    "Thank you, Prime Minister. I shall remember your words well" she smiled and walked to the entryway. The hairs on the back of Rowan''s neck rose. A cold wind inside a windowless room touched his ears. He winced. Then, he looked at the stone with a face of longing. Princess Ariene was alive. She had survived. That alone gave him inexplicable joy. He prayed for good health and a long life ahead of her.


    Princess Alkas did not wait for Rowan. Neither did she look back. Her mind began calculating. Crown Prince Tylen was on his way and the coming banquet will be used to announce their engagement. There were preparations to be done.


    She was to be Queen and nothing will stand in her way.

 7 The Pirates and their Royal Target Mee

    Later that night, back in Teralyn, three jugs of beer slammed on the table.


    The pub brimmed with activity. Countless men wagered on an arm wrestling game stationed at the center. Both arms bulged with strength but neither had the advantage. The participants grunted, flexing their tattooed muscles more.


    "Today will be your end, sailor" one of them grunted, a cigar hanging off the corner of his mouth.


    "Keep up the dream, punk" his opponent spat his spit on the floor. Then, sneered, "I can''t wait to watch it die."


    The crowd around them erupted in cheers.


    At a corner booth, the pirates stayed away from the commotion. Cleon took a jug and drowned a beer in one go. Maia watched as some of the liquid dripped over his chin.


    "Disgusting" she gagged, "Why aren''t you a bit more masculine and sophisticated like the Rash of the Sea?"


    Raz grunted. Maia turned her head and smiled cheekily, "You are my standard for men."


    "Terrible choice."


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    She chuckled at Raz''s reply. For the most part, their leader was a quiet fellow but the good men around her were too few. Maia looked over at the competition and wondered what were Raz'' chances at winning.


    The group no longer wore their masks and their hoods. With the job over and a success, Cleon dragged them to the pub. Maia kept the reward money safe with her bags of herbs and medicinal tools. As an apprentice healer, their missions allowed her to practice.


    Her star patient was Cleon who always suffered from at least one injury per job. The bump on his forehead was the souvenir of the day. Maia did her best to suppress the swelling but it would take some time before it disappeared.


    Done with his beer, Cleon wiped his mouth with back of his hand. He raised the empty jug and waved it at a passing waitress.


    Raz kicked him in the shin.


    "Ow!"


    "Go get it yourself."


    Cleon rubbed the sore spot and got up, pouting all the way to the barrel filled with beer.


    On his way back, an uproar resounded from the center of the pub. A winner had been declared and not everyone took it lightly. Someone threw the first punch and the place became chaotic.


    Heavy men trashed everything they touched. Tables and stools flipped from the brawl. Beers spilled on the floor. Glasses fell and broke.


    A waitress screamed and ran to the back.


    Maia sipped her beer and ate her fries. Her eyes were on the fight that broke out. With each blow, she assessed the injury and the appropriate remedies.


    Somehow the sight of Cleon scrambling to get back to their table slipped her gaze.


    At the front door, two figures walked inside the pub.


    Tylen pulled Hayden to a duck when a chair flew at their direction. It broke into pieces when it fell on the street. Hayden stared over his shoulder at the debris, trembling from the near death experience.


    Was this really the right place? Hayden wondered. He stood up and moved his attention to where the flying chair came from.


    The brawl escalated before his eyes. Broken furniture were used as makeshift weapons. Each person gave no mercy until their opponent was drop dead on the floor.


    Hayden gulped.


    Tylen surveyed the area. The ruckus made it difficult to see the faces of the people. The uncivilized behavior irked him as much as the Rin Family who cooperated once he and Hayden promised not to harm the pirates.


    Such loyalty¡­ to a group of criminals¡­ irritated him.


    How could citizens be in favor of criminal activity? Even his best friend was bewitched by their actions.


    The Prince found a man leering at him. His posture suggested that he had been doing it for some time now. Tylen could recognize those eyes anywhere.


    What he didn''t expect was that the fierce black eyes from earlier belonged to somewhat soft facial features¡ªsurely not as sharp as his or Hayden''s. Without the mask, the pirate seemed harmless.


    What a good projection, he couldn''t help but salute in his mind.


    Tylen grabbed Hayden by the neck and walked over to the pirates.


    Maia and Cleon turned at the sound of footsteps approaching their table. Cleon immediately held the handle of his sword, ready to strike if they made a move. Maia reached for a sack of grounded black pepper on her belt. The cloth was thin and easy to break.


    Only Raz sat lazily.


    Tylen grabbed two stools and sat down while Hayden remained on his feet, gaping at the glares directed at him. Tylen pulled him down by the arm.


    "So¡­" Cleon broke the silence, "What is the Crown Prince doing in a place like this?"


    Tylen watched the scrunch of Hayden''s eyebrows deepen. His friend opened and closed his hands, wiping his palms on his clothes. A bead of sweat appeared on Hayden''s temple. He quickly wiped it off with the back of his hand.


    Seeing Hayden unsure boosted the Prince''s confidence to stop this arrangement and to resume their original plan.


    "We have a proposal for you" Tylen filled in for Hayden. He placed his elbows on the table and looped his fingers together, "In exchange, what would you like?"


    The blue-haired pirate held up his hands. The silvery tone of the Prince did not sit well with him, "Wo-woah, hold your horses there, chief. We don''t even know what you''re asking from us yet." Then, he crossed his arms, "How sure are you we''d accept?"


    "I agree. We may be pirates, Your Highness, but we still have our morals" the female pirate added. Her hand lingered on the pepper sack. If these people intended them to do underhanded tricks against any members of the court, she''d throw a bag on each of their faces without hesitation. Those offers came more often than most people thought. The number of people on Maia''s hate list mostly came from that kind of transaction.


    "Yes, I can see that when you attacked my men and stole my possession" Tylen snorted.


    "None of you had heavy injuries, correct?" She pointed out. Tylen frowned. The girl''s amber eyes lit with jest.


    Beside him, Hayden stopped fidgeting. Now that they mentioned it, he recalled the injuries. Everyone only had scratches that would heal in no time.


    Hayden slammed his hands on the table, his confidence renewed. The pirates immediately turned their attention to him.


    "We are looking for someone. When I heard you were able to track down an heirloom that has been missing for over seventy years, I realized I want you to accompany me on this job" Hayden said tremulously.


    "Who?" The pirates'' third companion replied.


    Rash.


    The name echoed in Hayden''s mind. In front of him sat the man who attacked him earlier. After Tylen told him about the infamous Rash of the Sea, Hayden only felt relieved that he hadn''t been injured by him.


    "Uh¡­" The knight stiffened under Rash''s piercing black eyes. Knowing Rash''s reputation didn''t prepare Hayden enough for this moment. He gulped, "C-can we move to somewhere more private?"


    The other two pirates looked to Rash for instructions.


    Hayden felt the blood drain from his face. He hoped that there would be at least one pirate to speak up for him but it seemed the matter rested on Rash''s shoulders.


    The black-haired pirate didn''t remove his gaze from Hayden, not even to acknowledge his companions. As seconds went by, Hayden swore Rash''s eyes narrowed more.


    Rash recalled what their informants had told them.


    The pair should be on their way to Aurae for the Princess'' banquet. A reputable source also hinted that an engagement was to be settled between the two heirs and to unite the two kingdoms.


    The previous rulers had just mended centuries of dispute. Any sign of objection could tip the scale of a relationship that hanged on a balance.


    One jewel was unlikely to hinder their journey¡­ so what kept the Crown Prince and his knight in Teralyn?


    After a long pause, Rash sighed, "Let''s go outside then."

 8 Arienes True Fate and Haydens True Identity

    Rash stood up first and led the way out back. He stuck to the walls and avoided the mess. The bartender nodded at him as he passed by. Rash gave him a quick salute back.


    Hayden got up followed by Tylen. The other two pirates moved ahead of them. Tylen saw that the female one had a skip in her steps. She held bags of something behind her back, clearly meant for them to see. Her male companion chuckled at her subtlety.


    Hayden''s eyes widened. Was it poison? He thought. He looked at Tylen for help but his friend merely grabbed his shoulders, turned him to the right direction and pushed him forward.


    The group went out to an alleyway. It was mostly empty. Water dripped down from the pipes. Cats scrambled amongst the trash hunting for food. Rats scattered to hide. The rays of the sunset provided them a stream of light.


    Rash held the door open until everyone was outside. When he closed it, he leanded his back on it. The Prince and his knight stood near the wall in front of him.


    Rash tilted his head. Then, he looked at Hayden in the eye and said, "Go on."


    "Is this really the best you could do?" Tylen questioned him. His nose scrunched from the unpleasant smell of the place.


    "I''d rather be near a bunch of people" Rash spat, providing no further explanation. His associates positioned themselves on either side of him. The male had his arms crossed and the female had her hands clenched. Their stances implied no compromise.


    "Speak" the red-head demanded. Tylen noted the girl''s demeanor. Out of the three, she was the smallest but her aura didn''t lose to the other two.


    Tylen nudged Hayden''s shoulder. It was now or never.


    Cleon clicked his tongue at the sight. Did the prince not speak to commoners now? He didn''t seem to have any problem with it earlier.


    Tylen could only hope the pirates would turn Hayden down. It was a mission no sane person would partake¡ªnot with Aurae''s Princess Alkas as a possible enemy.


    Hayden took a deep breath and a step forward, pretending that his knees weren''t shaking, "We''re looking for Ariene Athenine."


    The knight saw the female gasp at the name. She clearly recognized it. Her eyes widened but she didn''t give him an answer. The night seemed to grow colder. Hayden''s knees almost caved under the tension.


    Then, the blue-haired pirate spoke.


    "Who''s that? That could be anyone" a few seconds passed and the pirate perked up, "You don''t mean¡­ the illegitimate princess of Aurae?"


    The red-head smacked the back of his head, "Illegitimate or not, she is a princess. People like you are the ones who fueled the siege that killed the royal family."


    Cleon rubbed the sore spot. For an apprentice healer, Maia liked to hit her patients too much.


    Rash ignored their banter and focused on Hayden. His voice held the same monotone Hayden heard earlier, "Isn''t she dead?"


    The knight shook his head, "That information is false. Prime Minister Rowan had informed us that Ariene escaped into the woods."


    "The woods?" Cleon scoffed, "A child alone in the woods. Sure, she''s still alive."


    Tylen took a step and placed a hand on his sword. He sneered, "Watch your mouth, pirate!"


    Cleon puffed out his chest in response, "What are you going to do about it? Whack a door on my face?"


    The two of them stood one step away from each other. The Prince had a bulkier build compared to Cleon and had to look down to meet the pirate''s glaring green eyes. Both of them barred their teeth a little, looking like wolves rumbling their growls.


    "Hold on" Rash pulled the teenager by the back of his collar. The cheeky brat would have punched the man just to provoke him.


    Hayden also blocked Tylen from moving closer. He looked at the Prince with steady eyes, urging him to calm down.


    Tylen relaxed his stance. He didn''t want to but a fight wasn''t an option. Three against two wasn''t good match and their opponents were all well-skilled.


    Rash''s swordmandship was on his level. The red-head seemed to be crafty with her toys and the blue-haired pirate may be reckless but he had good agility. Other than hitting him with the door, Tylen hadn''t laid a mark on him earlier.


    "She is not dead" Hayden emphasized, his brows scrunched again, "I won''t believe otherwise unless I see it for myself."


    Prime Minister Rowan had told him the story of a girl in a scorched white dress that came out of the kitchen and ran away from the scene.


    To where? No one knew.


    People believed Ariene perished in the fire with no remains. Only the court of Aurae had done a search and it ended in failure.


    "You want a body?" Rash smirked. He mocked the knight for his idealistic idea, "You do know not everyone leaves a body after he or she dies?"


    "That''s true" the female perked up, nodding her head.


    "For example?"


    "Perished in a fire."


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    "Eaten by beasts."


    "At the bottom of the sea."


    Hayden took a deep breath as they snickered at him. The sides of his temples throbbed as he spat at them, "Whether this mission is successful or not will be up to me. Until then, we take the chance. This is a serious proposition."


    Rash laughed quietly at Hayden''s frustrated expression.


    Then, like the speed of light, he took out a dagger, leaped and pushed Hayden against the wall. His forearm trapped his neck with the blade close to his ear. Rash''s other hand held a sword, pointing at Tylen who sprang into action when he made his move.


    Tylen glowered from the side. The pirate merely smirked at it before he gave Hayden his full attention.


    In a low slurring voice, Rash said, "Interesting game you''re playing, princeling? Does mommy know you''re playing games?"


    Hayden or rather, the real Tylen, froze on the spot under the smug smile of the pirate.

 9 To Aid the Weak, to Seek the Truth and to Not Get Caugh

    Behind Raz, Maia''s and Cleon''s jaws dropped. Not once had their leader hinted this information.


    Cleon couldn''t contain the disbelief in his heart. He pointed a finger at Raz and exclaimed, "Tell me the truth, Raz. Do you actually have powers? How did you know that he is the prince?"


    Raz''s eyes rolled, "Maia and I had told you before, Cleon. Not everyone in Celios is born with magic. Why did you think I left?"


    Celios? The name caught Tylen''s interest. Did that mean Rash¡ªRaz was a wizard? He wondered. Questions popped one after another in the Prince''s mind¡­


    ... until the pirate''s answer sunk in.


    Raz was powerless.


    Tylen''s hope diminished.


    It would have been nice to have someone from Celios on his side.


    ¡­


    ¡­


    ¡­


    Wait, Raz and Maia? Did he mean the female pirate?


    Tylen forgot the dagger next to his ear and looked over at the said female pirate. Unlike her companions, she carried a lot of things. Small string bags hanged around her belt. Over her shoulder and across her upper body was a messenger bag. In one pocket, Tylen could see thin bottlenecks with cork stoppers peeking out.


    Was she a potion maker? Maybe a healer? Were there more of them from Celios?


    Cleon, as Raz called him, scratched his temple, "I thought it was because you have a bounty on your head?"


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    "I have a bounty on my head everywhere, Cleon."


    Raz pulled his arm off Tylen, letting the prince breathe.


    He hid his dagger and went back to lean against the door. His signature lopsided smile had returned, "Now that we''re being honest with each other, I want to say one thing."


    Tylen held his throat and coughed.


    Hayden glared at Raz whose grin only grew bigger. The knight had known the pirate saw through their scheme. It wasn''t the first time Hayden had posed as Tylen. He had done it in public more times that he could count.


    Not once had it been questioned.


    For some reason, it ticked Hayden off that a low life criminal figured it out.


    Raz titled his head, eyes on Tylen, "Why do you even want to find a dead person?"


    "Her body would have decayed a long time ago" Maia interrupted. Only she had a soft gaze among her pirate troop, "I''m sorry, Your Highness, but we could be on a wild goose chase. If she was alive, no one has seen her for 12 years. How are we even to find her?"


    "Can we all assume she''s not dead, first?" Tylen huffed, "That''s the mindset of this mission."


    "You haven''t exactly answered my question" Raz reminded, "Why are you looking for her?"


    "That remains a secret." Hayden answered for the Prince.


    Raz''s raised eyebrow met Hayden''s scowl.


    "I don''t think you understand the importance of trust in this exchange?" He sighed impatiently, "Are we to follow you on blind faith? Let''s presume the person is alive. 12 years is still a long time. Sounds like she doesn''t want to be found."


    Hayden drew his blade, pointing it at Raz''s chest. Cleon grabbed his and intervened with a swing of his sword.


    Hayden stated, "You are speaking to His Highness, Rash. I suggest you watch your mouth."


    "His Highness is the one who seeked us in the first place. If you want our help, we have to be clear on intentions" Raz hissed, "Also, it''s Raz not Rash."


    "My apologies then" Hayden scoffed but stayed in position. Cleon did the same. No way was he going to miss an opportunity to hit the son of a cockroach.


    "Hayden, that''s enough" Tylen placed a hand on his friend''s shoulder. Hayden turned to Tylen, the grimace on his face dissolving.


    Before him was no longer the reckless prince that he knew. It was the presence of a prospect king. Tylen''s entire demeanor had changed. He moved with regal. He spoke with diplomacy. He was a man worthy of his title.


    Hayden stepped back to the right side of his future King where he belonged.


    Tylen had made his decision to tell the pirates the truth. Raz was right. He needed to gain their trust. His motives were pure and he stood by them. He only needed to prove them in his actions and in his words.


    Cleon placed his sword back in its case. When the Prince explained their intentions, all else was quiet.


    "Princess Alkas has asked for a marriage alliance. This was a previous agreement between my father and King Andre. At the time, my betrothed wasn''t Princess Alkas but Princess Ariene. Due to the fire, that contract was severed. I had investigators travel across the lands for answers. That fire was no accident."


    Tylen paused, his throat tightened as a memory played in his head. He spoke softly, "That day was my engagement to Ariene. When the fire was at its peak¡­ I saw Princess Alkas push her into it."


    The pirates stiffened at the news.


    Tylen''s heart drummed in his chest. It was the first time he had spoken the words since the last investigation which was two years ago. His mother and Hayden had told him to stop.


    Yet, the Prince couldn''t just lose hope.


    Even if it meant to take matters into his own hands.


    So when the invitation from Aurae came, Tylen took the chance and formed a plan much to Hayden''s dismay but the Knight knew the Prince had to pursue the journey in order to accept and to let go of the past.


    Raz asked them, "You think Princess Alkas is involved?"


    "We''ve known her since we were young. Ariene was often favored by the King. If he didn''t, he wouldn''t have brought her out from hiding" Hayden clarified, "With her sister dead, who benefits from everything?"


    "Alkas," Maia breathed out.


    Hayden nodded, "We believe Alkas disagreed with the test for Aurae''s rightful ruler. As first born, it was her right. To have that taken away by her half-sister, she must have been out for blood. The engagement must have triggered her to take action."


    Raz took a deep breath while Maia and Cleon stared at each other, all of them absorbing the information.


    A murder and an attempted murder actually happened in Aurae''s Sol Palace. Not only was it a huge crime but also the consequences it brought were dire. Aurae Kingdom plumbled after the monarchy was wiped out.


    "Some parts of the investigation remain unclear" Tylen further explained, "Our goal as of today is to stop the upcoming coronation. The presence of Princess Ariene alone will be enough to achieve that."


    The pirate group remained silent. A job like this needed their captain''s approval. To defy the current holder of the crown by searching for her sister was a huge gamble that could endanger the entire crew.


    "Are you willing to help us or not?" The Prince''s voice started to wobble, "Please. We need to move. I can''t stand by and watch as the murderer of my fianc¨¦e get away with her crimes. Ariene had equal rights to the crown. The least I can do is bring her back that chance."


    Tylen''s gaze landed on Raz.


    The pirate''s expression betrayed nothing.


    Raz straightened up, wrapping an arm around the best messenger of their group, "Cleon? Leave a note on our designated post."


    Cleon''s head whirled to the side. He shrieked, "We''re helping them?"


    Raz smacked him at the back of his head, "Remember our oath?"


    Cleon winced at his leader''s question. He already knew where it was going.


    As he rubbed the sore spot, he sighed defeatedly, "To aid the weak, to seek the truth and to not get caught."


    Raz beamed, "Then, we will."

 10 The Knight and the Farewells

    Twilight had settled in the horizon.


    The group looked for an inn to pass the rest of the night. The pirates led the Prince and the knight to an old house at the outskirts of town, a grassfield stretching for miles. Like most residences, it was made of timber, covering a wide area of land. It consisted of two floors and a chimney. The upper floor housed 10 rooms, each with its own bathroom.


    The property also had two stables. One designated for its livestock and the other for the guests'' horses.


    Hayden halted and glared at the terrain between them and the inn. They had abandoned the royal carriage in the market since it brought inconspicuous attention.


    Raz gave Tylen a set of thrift clothes from a small clothing store.


    "If we''re going to do this, we better do it right. I don''t want anyone leering at us because of your fancy silk and embossed gold buttons," Raz explained to the Prince, "If we are to keep this from the Princess'' ears, we must take precaution. Take the carriage to the most luxurious inn in the market and have Sir Frown over here pose as you, Your Highness."


    "That will not do, Pirate Raz" Hayden protested, hand on the hilt of his sword, "I am not to abandon the Prince''s side."


    Hayden heard Raz''s tongue click. With one eyebrows raised, the pirate ridiculed him, "You''re about to do that tomorrow when you journey to Aurae. How is one night any different? Unless... you want to spend one last night before parting?"


    "Why you¡ª"


    As Hayden pulled his sword out, Tylen blocked his arm. The knight looked at him with flared nostrils.


    The Prince sighed, "They are right, Hayden. We have to split up tonight. Our delay caused enough suspicion. To cover our tracks, you must go and do as they expect me to."


    "Alright¡­" Hayden huffed, securing his sword in its case, "But! I will scout this place first."


    He headed towards the inn, bumping shoulder to shoulder with Raz.


    "Not going to look out for His Highness while he changed?" Cleon mocked from the side. Hayden kept walking, not looking back. Maia and Raz merely stared at Cleon with unimpressed facial expressions.


    "What?" He asked but neither of them answered him.


    Tylen left to find a place to change. They were surrounded by mountain sides and a sparse forest. The Prince hid behind a wide tree trunk.


    The pirates waited for him and Hayden patiently.


    Tylen came back first. He now wore a faded black tunic as well as trousers with worn black boots. Raz took one look at him and nodded. Maia gave the Prince a knapsack for his belongings which Tylen accepted it gratefully.


    When Hayden walked back to them, he was fuming. The scowl on his face as he stared at the ground gave away his unhappiness with the arrangement.


    Tylen frowned at the sight of his best friend. It wasn''t about the accommodation, Tylen knew. It was more about their separation.


    "Do you mistrust us that much?" Raz interrupted Tylen''s thoughts, cross-legged next to Maia on a grass patch. The Prince watched the pirate''s hands pause from sharpening his sword.


    Hayden looked up, the wrinkles on his forehead deepened, "I cannot say your reputation is a good assurance, pirate."


    Cleon snorted, leaning on a tree and hands on the back of his head, "Relax that twist in your pants. We''ve never killed anyone nor have we caused extreme harm."


    "No kidnapping either if that''s what you''re worried about" Maia smiled, checking her supplies.


    Hayden chose not to answer them and walked up to Tylen. The pair of friends stared each other. This was the first time they''d part for a long period.


    Hayden''s eyebrows relaxed. He placed a hand on his best friend''s shoulder and squeezed it.


    "Promise me, you''ll take care of yourself" he said in the softest voice he could muster.


    A half-smile formed on Tylen''s lips. He almost wanted to tease Hayden but he decided against it. Instead, he grabbed Hayden''s hand on his shoulder with a tight grip.


    "I promise," Tylen assured him, "I''ll be alright. It''s you who should look after yourself, Hayden."


    The knight reluctantly pulled his hand back. Then, with a huff of breath, he bid farewell.


    Hayden bowed and kneeled before Tylen, "Take care, Your Highness."


    Tylen wanted to hit him in the head. Their friendship was above their titles for the Crown Prince. Nonetheless, Tylen knew Hayden took them seriously.


    Tylen pulled out his sword, pointing its tip of Hayden''s left shoulder, and said, "I, Crown Prince Tylen, send you off, Sir Hayden, to Aurae Kingdom as my representative to its court."


    With that, Hayden got up. The pair exchanged a bow before the Knight set for a course back to the market.


    Maia and Cleon stood, waiting to escort Tylen to the inn. Tylen''s head bowed as he walked up to them, his ears a little pink.


    "How long have you known each other?" Maia asked. Tylen saw a small smile on the girl''s face. Now that they were past introductions, her stance had relaxed.


    "Since we were babies, I guess" Tylen admitted, "Hayden is always present in all of my memories."


    "What a beautiful friendship."


    "Any more affection and I would have thought the knight has feelings for the prince" Cleon added absentmindedly.


    Maia''s templed throbbed. She turned to Cleon and scolded him, "Cleon? You keep spouting rubbish. Stop talking altogether, alright?"


    Then, she nodded towards the inn at Tylen. The prince followed her lead and the pair left the teenager.


    The smug smile on Cleon''s face dropped, "What? I¡ªHey!"


    As Hayden reached the edge of the sparse forest, he stopped and listened.


    Thump, thump, thump.


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    Each sound was exactly one second apart.


    He slowly tilted his chin higher¡­ and higher¡­ until his eyes landed on a tree branch. Raz sat on it, his back against the trunk, one leg bent and the other swinging over the side.


    Raz smiled lazily, the heel of the booth hitting the trunk. Hayden squinted.


    He watched as Raz jumped, landing in a crouch.The air hardly moved and the ground beneath barely made a sound. As the sky turned darker, Raz''s hair and clothes blended with the shadows.


    "You''re pretty quick" Hayden broke the silence.


    Raz tucked his hands in his front pockets, tilting his head to the side, "I had a head start."


    "What is your purpose, pirate?"


    "I think it''s you that has something to say" Raz smirked.


    The pair had a stare down. Neither made sudden movements nor sounds. Not a single muscle twitched under the other''s gaze.


    Above, the wind rustled the leaves on the trees. A cricket''s song greeted the incoming night sky.


    Two blades clashed, scaring the birds off their nests.


    Hayden had stepped his left foot forward and had swung his sword in front of his opponent. Raz had similar footwork and had met the knight''s attack with his own blade, countering the sword''s pressure.


    Neither weapon swayed. Neither one gained the upper hand in this arm wrestle of swords.


    "Nothing should ever happen to him, pirate" Hayden spat through gritted teeth, a bead of sweat on his temple, "Or I will have your head."


    The knight shifted his sword and aimed for the crown of the pirate''s head. Another clang echoed in through the forest. Raz had spared him zero chance and had blocked it with a right upper thrust, sword on its side.


    Hayden''s glare intensified. He hated how he couldn''t find a fault in Raz''s techniques and a reason to persuade Tylen back to his side so they could continue their journey to Aurae.


    "You have my word, Sir Hayden. I will protect your precious prince with my life."


    Hayden perked up at Raz'' intonation, throwing him off balance. The knight''s distraction only lasted for a second but it was enough for an opening.


    Instead of taking advantage of it, Raz pulled back. Hayden straightened up and sheathed his sword.


    No form of farewell was exchanged, only a bump to the shoulder as Raz walked back to the inn.


    Hayden turned around and stared at Raz''s back, a question on his lips, "What do you know about the Princess?"


    The pirate stopped.


    "You lived in Celios, right?"


    Over her shoulder, Raz answered, "I''ve never seen her outside the palace nor have I infiltrated it."


    "But your information network¡­ it''s supposed to be vast. You surely must know something."


    "There are a lot of things we know, yes¡­" Raz slowly turned around towards Hayden, "But the Celios Palace is not easily ripped open. The monarchy rule above all for a reason."


    The warning in the pirate''s eyes made Hayden scowl. Raz answered it with a nod then, walked away, leaving the knight alone to think about his mission.

 11 The Inn and a Young Lady

    Tylen walked in between Maia and Cleon, the former took the front while the latter took the rear. For most part of their stroll, his pirate companions kept the atmosphere light.


    "Maia, is there like a potion that can give me powers?" Cleon wondered out loud with his hands behind his head, staring at the sky.


    The Prince heard Maia sigh, "For what reason would you want that?"


    "It seems pretty cool" Cleon continued, "Plus the princess is fire dominant, right? If we find a potion to make us all water dominant, she''ll be throttled. Oh, oh, oh! What about shapeshifting? Like Deelah''s power? There should be a potion for that. It wears off over time, of course. Eh, but that would mean we need to be fast."


    Maia answered him in the same monotonous tone, "Cleon, the princess'' past is in the past. For all we know, she''ll be a great ruler."


    "But she murdered her sister! What makes you think she''ll be a great ruler if she can spill her sister''s blood? What about peasant blood then? To her, It''s probably comparable to a mouse."


    Maia shook her head and left him alone to his strange thoughts.


    Tylen had half a mind to ask Maia about Celios and magic. He heard stories about the island before. He imagined what would life be like if magic existed in the main continent.


    "I think we need to give you a pseudonym, Your Highness, or I''m afraid we''ll be caught."


    Tylen snapped out of his thoughts upon hearing Maia''s voice. She had turned around to face him, now walking backwards, while Cleon had stepped up to match his strides.


    "You''re right" Tylen replied. Then, he frowned, "But nothing comes to mind. Do either of you have a suggestion?"


    He looked at each of them. Maia bit her inner cheek, still walking backwards and still in the right direction. Beside him, Cleon scratched his chin, scowling at the sky.


    The serious faces of the two made Tylen join the fray. He pressed his lips together, thinking of what name could he go by.


    ¡­


    ¡­


    ¡­


    ¡­


    ¡­


    "Lynet!"


    Maia and Tylen stopped in their tracks. They stared at Cleon who had snapped his fingers when he blurted out his idea.


    One glance at their expressions wiped off the victorious smile on his face.


    "What now?" He groaned.


    "It''s a feminine name" Maia pointed out, her eyebrows raised at the obvious problem.


    Cleon froze for a second. It was a feminine name, he thought then, huffed to himself, but did that mean it couldn''t be used? Why not consider it for a while?


    Not able to admit defeat, he resorted to convince Tylen, "Well, why not crossdress as a girl, Your Highness? It''s less conspicuous if someone were to look for you."


    Tylen waved his hand over the idea, his head aching from the image of him in a dress, "I will not crossdress as the opposite gender."


    "Eh, Why not? I''m telling you it''s a good idea. If you have enemies searching for you, no one would think to look for a woman."


    "It won''t happen, pirate" Tylen started walking again, Maia on his right side.


    "Well, dang, your loss" Cleon sulked defeatedly with his head bowed and his arms crossed over his chest, reluctantly following them.


    A few feet left until they reach their destination, Maia spoke to Tylen, "Since you and Sir Hayden like to switch places, we''ll call you, Nyt, from now on."


    Tylen repeated the name to himself, already feeling the name imprint his soul. He nodded to let her know of his approval.


    "Welcome aboard then, Nyt!" Maia cheered, slapping his upper back. The Prince winced from the force of her hand.


    She skipped ahead and opened the door to the inn, a small bell ringing as it swung. Tylen went in after her. Behind him, he could hear Cleon mumbling comments about the new name.


    The interior of the inn was warm and cozy. To their right were rows of mahogany tables for dining and to their left was a lounge area for guests to relax in or to discuss matters over coffee/tea.


    In the middle was a desk for accommodating incoming guests. It was wedged between two staircases that led to the bedrooms in the upper floor.


    A woman in her 30s, her black hair in a bun, paused from cleaning a dining table with a rag to look at the front door.


    "Maia!" She exclaimed. A bright wide smile appeared on her face at the sight of the redhead. She dropped the rag and walked over, wiping her hands on the white apron she wore.


    "Aunt Aina!" Maia answered, her arms already open for a hug.


    The woman embraced her tenderly. After that, she pulled back to pinch her cheek, "What did I say about calling me, aunt? It''s sister. Sister Aina."


    Tylen stepped aside, quietly observing the scene unfold. The woman had a youthful face but her hands were worn from house work. She was also taller than average but quite slim. Her purple skirt flared off from her waist, the hem almost touching the floor.


    Maia pulled back and whimpered. Sister Aina laughed and caressed the red cheek lightly. Then, she moved on to the guest who was standing on the doorway and faking a cry.


    "What? No love for me?"


    Sister Aina chuckled and wrapped an arm around Cleon''s neck in a headlock.


    He immediately grabbed her arm, trying to pull it off, "Ow, ow, ow! Sister Aina! Not fair! Why do you only torture me?!"


    Sister Aina let him go only to squeeze his cheeks, "It''s good to see you too, dear."


    "Cleon in pain, Cleon in pain! Ow!"


    Maia snickered at his predicament. When she stopped, Cleon cupped his cheeks and stuck out a tongue at Maia to which she answered the same way.


    Sister Aina shook her head at the sight, the smile she wore since they came in still on her lips.


    "Come, dears," she grabbed their arms and pulled them to the dining area, "You must be famished. Let me get you something to eat."


    Tylen trailed behind, keeping his steps as light as possible.


    "Hana! Maia and the others are here! You know what to do!" Sister Aina shouted towards the back as the group sat on the benches, Maia and Cleon on one side and Tylen on the other.


    Finally, Sister Aina''s gaze landed on Tylen, a question in her eyes, "And who''s this?"


    When she didn''t notice him earlier, the Prince suspected that she thought of him as a separate guest. Still unsure of what to say, he looked at Maia with wide eyes.


    Right away, Maia cut in and introduced him, "This is Nyt. He''s new to our group. It''s his first time out on a job."


    Sister Aina''s stare stayed on Tylen. Her brows rose at Maia''s words, "Really?"


    The skepticism in her voice made Tylen tremble. He thought of a million things to say but in the end, he decided to play it safe, "Yes, I am. How do you do?"


    "I see...," she sighed and smiled, "Well, then, you''re more than welcome to stay here. I hope you brought your appetite. No one is allowed to grow hungry under my watch.".


    "Sister Aina has the best food!" Cleon blurted out in praise.


    "Oh, you''re exaggerating."


    "I''m serious!" He argued. His starry eyes pierced at Tylen, "Tyl¡ªNyt! Whatever food you had in the past has nothing on Sister Aina''s food, I promise."


    The Prince licked his bottom lip, feeling intrigued at the claim. The best chefs in Teralyn were situated in the palace but the confidence in the blue-haired pirate''s voice made him want to test his words.


    "I''ll be looking forward to it" Tylen smiled at Sister Aina.


    "Then, I hope it meets your expectations," she replied courteously before she knitted her brows. She looked at each person on the table, "Is Raz not with you?"


    "I''m here."


    Right on cue, Tylen saw Raz come through the front door, his corner lip curved upwards. He strutted as he made his way inside. Each step he took emanated swagger and disinterest.


    A few female diners glanced at him as he passed by. One of them tapped their companion and pointed in his direction. Her friend turned too fast and hit her glass of water. It fell directly on Raz''s way and broke into pieces.


    Raz stopped in front of the spilled water, his eyes staring at it indifferently. In turn, the girl panicked at his expression and stood up.


    "Oh, I¡ªI''m sorry. Wait a moment, I''ll clean it" she whimpered, bending forward to pick up the shards.


    Raz grabbed her wrist quickly. The girl looked up but he didn''t meet her eyes. Instead he stared at her hand.


    "Don''t pick it up. You''ll hurt your hand" Tylen heard him say, "You use them for your work, don''t you? If you injure them, you won''t be able to sew for a while. You have enough wounds from needles, don''t you think?"


    Tylen glanced at the girl''s hand. Sure enough, her fingers were bandaged in several places¡ªparticularly the tips. It was a sign of clumsy needlework.


    The girl blushed from her ears and down to her neck. When Raz finally met her gaze, he grinned and pulled her up.


    In no time, a helper came to the scene and cleaned the mess.


    "Take care now, miss" Raz reminded politely before he left her and headed for the group.


    When Raz finally reached their table, he placed a hand on Sister Aina''s upper back and kissed her cheek.


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    "How are you, Sister Aina?" He greeted her, his lips blooming into a warm smile.


    "Raz dear!" She hugged him tightly. Raz chuckled at her enthusiasm, patting her back. Tylen didn''t think their landlady''s smile could be any more wider than it was at this moment.


    A waitress stopped by their table and served the group some water. She kept her head low as she placed a glass in front of each guest. When she was done, she left quickly.


    Tylen grabbed a glass of water and began to drink, realizing his throat was parched as it flowed down his mouth.


    Suddenly, Sister Aina pulled back, her hands firmly gripping on Raz'' shoulders.


    She squinted at the gangly pirate from head to toe.


    "You look slimmer than I remember," she said.


    She stepped back to get a better look. The longer she stared, the deeper her frown became.


    "Have you been skipping meals?"


    Before the pirate could answer her, Sister Aina reprimanded, "You know what that does to your body, young lady!"

 12 The Young Lady and a Frying Pan

    Tylen choked on his water.


    He placed his glass back on the table while he wrapped a hand around his neck. He coughed and gagged as his throat burned from the sensation.


    Maia offered him a dry cloth. Her apologetic eyes did little to ease his shock when her lips were pressed together to hold in a laugh.


    A young lady? He tossed and turned the words in his mind. He would have thought it was a joke but the mirth from Maia''s face said it all.


    He had been fooled.


    Tylen took the cloth and wiped his mouth. He heard Raz chuckle a reply to Sister Aina, "You say that but I''m as thin as you."


    "Then, you need to eat more."


    "Sister Aina, I''m fit as a fiddle" Tylen felt a slap on his back, "You okay there?"


    The Prince jumped and looked up. The little smirk on Raz''s lips told Tylen that his episode didn''t go unnoticed by her.


    He stared at her for the first time since he found out about her gender. Now that he knew, the aura around the pirate seemed to change. The smooth skin of her face glowed fairly and the once arrogant eyes held playful mischief.


    Tylen cursed.


    Raz raised her eyebrows in surprise.


    "What colorful language" she mocked, sitting down next to him, "Are you damning me because I''m more attractive than you?"


    She was, Tylen quietly admitted. Even when she was a man in his eyes, there was no doubt that the Rash of the Sea was attractive.


    "Surprised, Nyt?" Sister Aina laughed, "Don''t worry, dear. Everyone assumes that the Rash of the Sea is male. Don''t feel too bad. Raz lacks femininity anyway."


    Raz waved her hand over the comment and spoke nonchalantly, "You only think that because I hang around Cleon who lacks masculinity."


    "Hey!"


    "Who also has such childish behavior" Maia backed up with a tease. Raz winked, making her giggle.


    Sister Aina chuckled then, scolded them lightly, "Alright, no fighting, dears. Eat when your food arrives. I still have things to do."


    After the group thanked her, a brief silence settled around the table. Raz reached for Maia''s glass of water and drank half of it. The rest of them watched her, seemingly waiting for her to say something.


    "Alright then, I think we should at least introduce ourselves if we''re gonna be together like this," she began to say and turned to Tylen with a winning smile, "I''m Raz, 20 years old and a pirate."


    Cleon scoffed offhandedly, "Is that really all you''re going to say?"


    Raz scowled at him. For a second, Cleon''s stature tensed and his crossed arms loosened. One look from Raz was all it took to instill fear. But then, Raz turned back to Tylen, "Oh, and female."


    Maia was the only one who laughed. Tylen gave Raz a deadpanned expression which made her smile wider.


    "Are you really a female?" Cleon groaned, "Do it like this."


    He cleared his throat and held out a hand towards Tylen, "Hello, My name is Cleon. I''m 17 years old. I like to eat. I''m young but rest assured I can protect you just as good as that Snappy Knight. Maybe even better."


    When the Prince politely shook Cleon''s hand, he couldn''t help but compare it to Hayden''s. His best friend''s had thicker skin. It also had burnt marks and scars, scorched from the fire 12 years ago. Cleon''s skin weren''t less rough than Hayden''s but it was definitely bonier.


    "I''ll be the judge of that" Tylen amused Cleon. In return, the pirate clenched his hand.


    "Deal!"


    Tylen nodded and let go. The grip Cleon used surprised him but his expression remained neutral. Then, the Prince looked over at Maia.


    She smiled softly, "I''m Maia, 21 years old and an apprentice healer. If you ever feel ill, just let me know."


    A healer, Tylen noted the answer to his question earlier. It seemed that he had guessed right. The Prince wondered how they all met as three pairs of eyes, colored black, amber and green, cornered him...


    ¡­ but decided to put that thought at the back of his mind.


    Tylen gave the pirates a grateful smile, "Nice to meet you all. Thank you for accepting this mission and helping out."


    "You''re welcome!" Maia beamed, "Don''t worry. We''ll do the best we can."


    Soon, their food arrived.


    Four bowls of noodles sat in front of each guest. A wide spread of meat and seafood filled the rest of the table, smoke coming out of the dishes. The steaks were glazed with a sweet and salty sauce. Its meat was tender and easy to cut. The roasted chicken oozed juicy fat. The platter of freshly cooked seafood was drizzled with hot sauce.


    Cleon dug in right away, slurping the noodles and eating the different servings alternatively. Maia scooped on the soup of her noodles and occasionally grabbed a piece of the steak cut by Raz for her.


    When Raz was done cutting the steaks, she grabbed a bone and nipped at it. Then, she twirled her fork on the noodles and blew on it before taking a bite.


    Tylen assessed his options for a while. He sipped a little of the noodle soup to cleanse his pallet. The salty and beefy taste danced on his tongue, warming his insides. He instantly felt more relaxed.


    There was nothing like good food to end the day''s activities.


    ===


    At half past midnight, all the guests stayed in their respective rooms, following the inn''s curfew.


    The night shrouded the dining area. Other than the soft glow from the moon, there was no source of light. The wooden floor was spotless. The stools and benches had been overturned and had been placed on top of the tables.


    Only the sound of a creak echoed in the silence.


    Raz immediately leaped off the stairs and turned to her left, throwing a dagger into the darkness.


    A grunt answered it back with a crash of wood against wood.


    A shadow ran for an exit.


    Raz climbed on the tables, gliding her way to the window. None of her footsteps made a sound. None of the chairs moved an inch.


    She reached for the butterfly swords on her back and slashed at the man reaching out for the window.


    He jerked back and stumbled to the floor.


    Raz spared no chance and aimed for the man''s flesh. Blood seeped out from the fresh wounds. With the amount of scars that will form on the person''s face, he''d be almost unrecognizable.


    "I hope whoever you work for has mercy on you" Raz spoke deeply through her mask.


    The man merely whimpered in reply.


    Suddenly, Raz jerked sideways. The other man had attacked her from the back. As he stood near the window, the pirate saw a fresh wound on his opponent''s shoulder. The blood still fresh from the dagger that stabbed him. The moonlight shone on the embroidered seal on his clothes.


    Unlike the previous one, this intruder held up a sword, ready for a fight.


    He bared his teeth, his blood red eyes narrowed.


    Raz smirked, placed her right foot back and posed a stance. The glint in her gaze never left the wizard''s glare as she waited for him to make a move.


    "So far away from Celios. Here to spy for your mistress?"


    The wizard hissed.


    "What''s it like away from the kingdom? How have you been coping from the loss of magic?"


    He lunged.


    Raz bent backwards, her hands touching the floor. With great force, she pulled her legs up and hit the wizard underneath his jaw.


    The same grunt from earlier came out of his mouth along with blood.


    Raz landed on her feet, both swords crossed in defense as her opponent wielded his blade at her chest.


    With one sword steady against the wizard''s, she pulled back the other and aimed for his ribs.


    She missed.


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    Her sword, her hand up and her arm froze in place. Thick ice frosted around her flesh, crystalizing like jagged teeth. The nerves in her skin went numb.


    Then, an ice blast pushed her onto the floor. Raz fell on her back. Her head took a major hit while her legs bounced from the impact, posing in weird postions.


    She groaned, opening her eyes. The man stood before her, a ball of snow in his raised hand.


    "I''m not entirely powerless" he ridiculed.


    Raz gritted her teeth and kicked him the shins. He fell back¡­,


    ¡­ a frying pan hitting the back of his head.


    The man howled in pain, half bent. One hand on his knee and the other at the swollen bump. Raz sprang up and slammed the butt of her sword on top of his head.


    He collapsed onto the floor.


    In front of Raz, now stood a woman, her frying pan still up and ready to strike if the intruder woke up. Her nostrils flared and her chest rose up and down rapidly. She glared at the unconscious man.


    The pirate placed her swords back in their case, a brow raised, "A frying pan, really?"


    Sister Aina''s intense gaze turned to Raz. She pointed the frying pan towards her, hissing, "Who is Nyt? And how come he didn''t know you''re a woman?"


    Raz sighed. Maia had filled her in about Tylen''s fake identity before she went to sleep. As for the two trespassers, she had noticed them on the roof when she came in. With the dark sky, they were hardly noticeable to the bystanders.


    She had waited for them to strike. When she saw the symbol on the man''s chest, her hunch was confirmed.


    They were henchmen for a certain royal.


    "He''s a client" Raz replied curtly.


    "Is he dangerous? Why are there spies after you? Does your captain know what you''re up to?"


    The questions flew out of Sister Aina''s mouth like bullets, making Raz wince at the reminder of her reckless decision


    That was a problem she''d like to worry about for another day.


    "No, Nyt is not dangerous" Raz reassured her, pushing the frying pan down, "As for our captain¡­ he''ll find out soon enough."

 13 The Phantom Pirates and the Ytle Ship

    Underneath the cloudless gray sky was a hazy horizon.


    The fog floated above the waters, almost kissing its surface. Small waves flowed slowly on the sea. The windless air gave off an eerie silence that the slightest chirp of a bird could be heard.


    The sun peeked from the edge, giving light to the tranquility.


    As the dawn broke through the fog, a rustle of the waters grew louder when it made its way to shore. Streams of sunlight found their way onto a wooden ship deck, gleaming on its wet surface. Its sails ballooned out inside the air bubble around the ship. An artificial wind allowed it to move on its own without the need of external force.


    A length of 31 meters with two beams at 7 meters high, made from cedar and oak, the Ytle ship entered Teralyn territory.


    A pair of hands held a bucket of water and tossed its contents on the deck. Then, the bucket was placed next to a another which had a mop inside it.


    A black boot stomped on the deck.


    "Yeee! Why is the sun so bright today? It''s too early for this!" The wearer of the boot complained.


    Her clothing included a pair of tight black breeches and a pale green waistcoat over a short-sleeved cream tunic.


    The girl pulled on her collar, beads of sweat rolling down her neck. She took out a plastic band from her pant pocket and tied her straight black hair into a high ponytail.


    Then, she placed her hands on her hips, squinting at the floor. When some of their troops came back from their jobs, they decided it was a good time to stay up drinking.


    Fed up with waiting for them to be done, Seitan decided to head to bed and assess the damage in the morning.


    What her black eyes beheld made her regret not throwing them overboard.


    Rum covered the deck like rain puddles. Since hours had already passed, they had become thick and sticky. At least, the tables and stools they used had been cleaned up and stored away.


    Seitan huffed and wrapped a blue bandana around her head, pulling back her full bangs.


    With a crack of her fingers, she began to work.


    "Alright, skullywags, let''s do this!"


    Seitan grabbed her mop. With both hands on the handle, she sped through the deck from end to end. For the stickier parts, she scrubbed until the floor was spotless.


    Halfway through her morning work, a voice called out from behind her.


    "You missed a spot."


    Immediately, Seitan paused. When she straightened up and faced the culprit, she had a scowl on her face.


    "No judging my work. This deck is my territory. Go back to your post behind the wheel, Alec!" She yelled.


    The heterochromic eyes of the male pirate wrinkled at the corners. He stood over the quarter deck. His arms in rested on the ledge. He wore a long sleeved loose fitting maroon button shirt with a leather sash, where his basket-hilted sword hanged, and pair of regular black trousers. His shoulder length white hair was also up in a ponytail like Seitan''s.


    Alec pouted playfully, his red and green eyes sparkling like a sad puppy, "But if you don''t do a good job, I won''t give you cookies."


    ¡­


    ¡­


    ...


    "Fine. Where''s the spot?"


    Seitan sighed and looked over the floor she just cleaned. The wood was worn out but the varnish still had a bit of shine. No matter where she looked, she couldn''t find a rum puddle.


    "Over there" she heard Alec say.


    She looked up and saw that his finger was pointed at the opposite side of the deck, the part she hadn''t touch yet. She divided the deck into two parts and she wouldn''t move over to the other side until she finished the first one.


    "What the¡ª" Seitan lifted her mop and glared at him, "I''M NOT AFRAID TO USE THIS YOU KNOW!"


    Alec answered with a doting smile, making her growl at him.


    The door next to the captain''s cabin opened. A woman with thick thighs stepped out. Her wavy black hair stopped mid-back. Her plum waist corset on top of her off-shoulder white tunic accentuated her slim waist and her curves.


    A purple coat was tied around her waist, flowing mid-thigh around her golden brown breeches. She wore a pair of knee-high dark brown heeled-boots with gold buckles on her feet and a wide brown leather belt on her hips that carried a rapier sword on her left.


    She stretched her arms upwards, saying, "My DEE-lectable jelly beans, good morning! How are ye today, skullycupcakes?"


    "I''m about to make a kill" Seitan replied, her blazing eyes still on Alec.


    The newcomer furrowed her brows. She walked forward in order to see the quarter deck.


    "I see" she sighed at the sight of Alec and crossed her arms, "Bro, what did you this time?"


    "Morning, Dee" he smiled at her, "I tried the vegetable noodle soup you bought yesterday but I couldn''t finish it and threw it out."


    "Wha¡ªhow could you waste food? You could have just left it for someone else to eat" Dee scolded him. With a deep breath, she made a decision.


    "Sei, go for it."


    "You got it, Deelah" Seitan made a run for the quarter deck.


    Suddenly, a pale young man floated down to the deck, the sunrays glinting on his glasses and his jagged black hair. His navy blue trench coat with silver trimmed lapels and open silver buttons swayed as he moved. A black button down vest framed around his white high collar inner top. His trousers matched the color of his coat.


    When his black boots with silver buckles stepped onto the deck, Seitan stopped in her tracks.


    She dropped her mop, groaning, "Eck, why are you here so early, whippersnapper?!"


    The whippersnapper''s cold stare landed on her, "Why? What did you do?"


    Seitan pressed her lips together in an angry pout, "I haven''t done anything!"


    "Clearly" the young man clicked his tongue in reply and looked at the surroundings, "Or else the deck would have been clean by now."


    "But but but¡­"


    "Stop wailing and go do your work."


    "Aye, aye, Scrooge" Seitan huffed. She turned around and dragged her mop, her silver whale earrings swinging.


    "Well, aren''t you a ball of sunshine this morning, shadow prince?"


    Scrooge glanced at Deelah who leaned against a barrel, smiling. She watched as his infamous frown appear on his face.


    "I fail to see how you find yourself amusing, Deelah."


    "I guess your impaired vision is the reason why I''m second in command and you''re not."


    Deelah saw Scrooge visibly stiffen. She giggled. Her rank had been a thorn on his side ever since and she loved to remind him about it.


    "Don''t worry, cupcake. You''re still a step ahead of Raz. Maybe if you take that Count Morno job, you''ll be closer to beating me," she teased him further.


    "A Count who wants us to rob the Teralyn Royal and take back his jewels which he paid for evading his taxes" Scrooge began to open the cuffs of his black gloves he wore, "If I took that job, he''ll find his shed empty of every drop of wealth he had."


    Deelah laughed. With the never wavering monotonous tone of Scrooge, a normal person wouldn''t know if he joked or not.


    This wasn''t one of those times. There was a slightest hint of irritation in his voice.


    He''d do it without a doubt.


    "Go for it. It seems like a pretty interesting solution."


    Scrooge tsked, pulling off his gloves, "Yes, but what our oath states is to aid the weak and that Count Moron is not one of them."


    Chuckling, Deelah lifted her head towards the sky. The sun was almost entirely visible. The past few days have been peaceful. Most of the troops were out on jobs.


    Yesterday, two groups came back from their last missions and drank till they were drunk.


    She could almost hear their snores from below deck.


    "Is the captain up yet?"


    Deelah pulled her head back to look at Scrooge. He held his gloves tightly in one hand, his scrunched brows aimed at the captain''s quarters.


    "Heck do I know. I haven''t disturbed him yet" she got up from her seat and stretched her back. Then, she walked over to his side, gazing at the same spot. There was no movement.


    "Why not?"


    "Simple," she sighed, crossing her arms, "I haven''t had coffee."


    Scrooge blinked a few times, "But I always come back to you babbling to him about stocking more food."


    "Maybe it''s because you''re back early" Deelah rolled her eyes. Only 10 minutes had passed since she came out of he room. Normally, she''d be at the kitchen by now, having her breakfast.


    Then, why was she still here?


    Deelah gulped, her heart drumming in her chest, "Scrooge¡­ why are you back early?"


    "A complication."


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    She shivered as a dark look appeared on his face.


    As a shadow wielder, Scrooge''s menacing aura was usually intensified by his powers. A visible black glow radiates around his head when he was in a terrible mood. It was rare but whenever it happened, it was never less terrifying than the last.


    This was one of those times.


    Deelah''s voice grew louder as the weight of the situation settled on her shoulders, "You were supposed to pick up Raz and the others at the post today. Why are you alone?"


    Scrooge took a deep breath. His tense shoulders drooped.


    "I think it''s best if I tell it with the captain around."

 14 The Captain and the Riddle

    Captain Croc sat on his desk, reading job offers brought by his messengers.


    His red long coat with golden buttons and trimmings hanged loosely over the back of his chair, leaving him in his black waistcoat, long-sleeved white button-up shirt, black trousers and shiny black boots.


    He reached for his cigar, inhaling a puff. The current listings weren''t much. A couple were daylight robberies with stolen properties that weren''t huge. There were some offers that required investigations like clearing the client''s name from a framed murder¡­


    Some of his men would probably tell his ear off to look for more exciting ones and he wasn''t looking forward to it. A favorite of the crew was relic hunting. The last one similar to it was the Diamond of Luna which he had given to Raz.


    He lifted a parchment for an offer from Count Morno. Normally, he''d throw out any useless options but, for some reason, he wanted to give the son of a bitch a hefty reply and a present.


    Would lumps of coal be sufficient? The captain wondered.


    Just then, a knock came from his door.


    He checked his desk clock and decided not to answer it. He merely waited for the other party to barge in like she did every morning.


    "Captain Croc, I must speak with you" he heard from the other side.


    His hands froze, his head turning to the door. How peculiar, he thought. He hadn''t heard wrong, right?


    Immediately, the Captain put out his cigar and arranged his papers. Clearing his throat, he called out, "Come in."


    The door creaked and in came his one of his sergeants at arm, a young lad who was once a beggar outside the academy at Celios.


    Captain Croc sighed to himself as the young lad entered the threshold. His footsteps didn''t make a sound. His arms didn''t swing either. One hand was on the hilt of his rapier and another was clenched into a fist. His facial muscles was as stiff as his movements.


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    Behind Scrooge was Deelah, carrying two cups of coffee. She walked over to his desk at a faster pace and gave him his morning coffee. At first, it was compensation for hanging around his quarters. Now, it became a routine. If Deelah didn''t come in with his coffee, it meant there was new food inside the kitchen.


    "Morning, you old dog," she greeted him, a wide smile on her face. She sat on the edge of his desk, with one leg up and the other steady on the floor.


    Raising her cup, she said, "Coffee?"


    Captain Croc''s eyes remained on Scrooge. The young lad took one of the seats on the opposite side of the desk, awfully quiet compared to his chatty second-in-command.


    Scrooge looked at him in the eye. One glance and the Captain knew.


    "Something''s wrong," Captain Croc frowned. He intertwined his fingers and rested his forearms on top of his desk.


    Deelah blew on her coffee, unsurprised by the Captain''s intuition, "How did you know, Cap-cake?"


    "Scrooge is back early."


    "Sure is," she snorted and took a sip, "Interrupted my breakfast while he''s at it."


    The corner lip of the Captain perked up. He grabbed the handle of his cup and lifted it up to his mouth, "No wonder you''re late this morning."


    "Yup, everything is Scrooge''s fault."


    Captain Croc''s face contorted as the bitter black coffee enter his mouth. His tongue stinged a bit from the burning hot liquid.


    Scrooge snorted, the first sound he made since he came in. He leaned back on his chair and crossed his arms, a glare trained on the crew''s second-in-command, "We would have come earlier but Deelah insisted on eating first."


    "Aye!" Deelah glared right back, "Can''t start a serious discussion on an empty stomach, cupcake. You wouldn''t want me h-angry, trust me."


    "It''s true. She''d be asking for food every minute."


    "Speaking of food¡ª"


    "Work it out with the budget you have," he replied without a second thought and continued to sip from his mug.


    "I see," Deelah sighed, her eyes on her coffee as she swirled it with her wrist. Then, she lifted her other hand that held a fire opal studded ring and beamed at the Captain, "How about we go to an all-you-can-eat buffet tonight?"


    Captain Croc choked on his coffee, reaching out to grab the ring, "Give that back."


    He tucked it in a side pocket his vest. How the woman managed to snatch it bewildered him.


    Scrooge reached into the inner breast pocket of his long coat and pulled out a folded piece of parchment.


    He handed it over the captain, saying,"I found this on the tree where Raz and the others should have been."


    The Captain placed down his cup. He took the parchment from Scrooge and unfolded it. He held it up and flipped it over, stroking his newly shaved beard with his free hand. The edges were burned to crisp and both sides of the paper were empty.


    "An encrypted message."


    Scrooge nodded to affirm their Captain''s suspicions and gritted his teeth. His heart drummed in chest but his eyes stared hard at the paper.


    Deelah placed her cup down and leaned over to get a good look of the parchment, "Are they in trouble?"


    Her soft voice fanned the paper, making it flutter. The captain could only respond with a sigh.


    "We will find out soon enough."


    With that, Captain Croc placed down the piece of paper and opened a drawer. Inside were various things but the one he wanted was a matchbox. Pulling the candle on his desk closer, he scratched the head of a match and lit the candle.


    The entire room held its breath.


    The Captain took the parchment once again but this time, he hovered it over the flame. Ink black cursive letters appeared from the center and towards the edge.


    All the pirates recognized it as Raz''s handwriting.


    Once the message was completely revealed, the Captain blew out the candle and proceeded to read what was written.


    "The shield has gone west but its hope remains in the east. Hope seeks those who have been lost, burned to ashes by the untold truth."


    "What? A riddle?!" Deelah exclaimed then, groaned, "That could be anything."


    As much as she understood the use of riddles, Deelah never became quite fond of them. For her, they were as hard as math.


    "The Shield of Hope."


    "The what?" Deelah turned to Scrooge who had spoken.


    "Sir Hayden Darkwood" Captain Croc answered her.


    "Who?" She asked, eyes going back and forth between the two men.


    Their captain had a scowl on his face, his eyes rereading the message over and over. Meanwhile, Scrooge''s arms and knees were crossed. His forehead was wrinkled and his jaw was locked. Deelah could almost see the gears in his head spinning and analyzing the puzzle.


    "Went to west¡­," Scrooge thought out loud, "That would be Aurae Kingdom."


    "Indeed."


    Then, it was silent.


    Deelah''s foot tapped repeatedly on the floor. Biting her lip, she voiced out, "How is Hayden the Shield of Hope again?"


    Captain Croc blinked as if awaken from a trance and looked at her. His eyebrows rose up. Her facial expression must had been enough to show that she was lost in the conversation.


    "Crown Prince Tylen, only child of Queen Tatiana and King Jairo, as future King he is Teralyn''s hope," he explained.


    "I see" she nodded, pleased to be back on track, "Hayden is shield and Tylen is hope. Okay, gotcha. Then what? Hope seeks those who have been lost, burned to ashes by the untold truth. What could that mean?"


    Deelah waited patiently as her companions pondered on the riddle. Her mind wandered elsewhere. Since their captain once again denied her a bigger budget, she''d need to hunt down for good food at cheaper prices.


    Her ears heard a faint scream outside the cabin about shoving a mop on a person''s face if said person pinched the other party''s cheeks.


    Finally, Captain Croc made a conclusion, "They''re on a mission and it involves the Crown Prince."


    Scrooge stood up abruptly, his eyes blazing at the news, "Without your permission? That is unacceptable."


    Their captain opened his mouth to say something but the sergeant was on a roll. As he spoke, each word seethed with more anger, "A mission such as this should have gone through proper protocol. To suddenly help the monarch without your approval is a reckless decision that could not only endanger their lives but also the entire crew''s!"


    Both of his companions were quiet. The crease in Captain Croc''s eyebrows deepened at the piece of paper. Somewhere in the words written on it was the tasks of the mission. He just needed to figure it out.


    Deelah stood up as well, her initial shock from Scrooge''s outburst fading. She faced him and answered his scowl with a skeptical look and a reasonable tone, "Wait a second. We don''t even know why they accepted it in the first place. You can''t just turn your back on a prince. It could be a kingdom emergency."


    Scrooge tsked, "Getting involved with the crown was never stated out deliberately but I believed it was implied. As pirates, our hands are unclean in their eyes. To seek our help means underhanded tricks or illegality that could lead to treason."


    "Or it could be as our oath says," Deelah retaliated, her hands on her hips, "To help the weak and to seek the truth. This riddle is only the surface of what''s really going on. Raz is not stupid. You know that, Scrooge. We, at least, need to trust her judgement before we call them out."


    She and Scrooge fell into a silent war, iron will flowing inside their veins. With eyes that would not waver and stances that would not relax, the two stood stock still and made no sound.


    Suddenly, Captain Croc stood up as well. Both snapped their heads towards him but he didn''t meet their eyes. His gaze remained burning on his desk. His arms shook at the revelation he just had.


    "End this mission," he ordered them.


    "What?" Deelah gasped out breathily. Scrooge merely grinded his teeth. He posed, ready to take off if needed.


    The Captain still didn''t look at them. Instead, he shared his thoughts gravelly, "One of you bring them back. If my hunch is correct, they''ll be wedged into a dangerous situation that could mean life or death."


    No more words was needed to be said.


    Scrooge went for the door immediately.

 15 The Henchmans Repor

    Princess Alkas wore a simple teal nightdress made of silk. Its skirt flared into an a-line cut, the hem reaching her ankles. Over it, she wore a black robe with golden embroidery, its length similar to her dress.


    She sat in front of her dressing table which was painted in cream and gold. Its mirror was a large oval framed by wood carved into vines on either side.


    Her black hair was parted in the middle, one side flowed down her back and the other over her front. She brushed her hair, starting from the tips up to the roots in order to detangle the strands that had intertwined in her sleep.


    From her position, she could easily see the threshold that led to the balcony through the mirror. The view of the sun rising over the Ahana Forest provided a gentle light to her room.


    Just then, a dark figure stepped onto her balcony. It landed on its knees and rose up slowly to its feet.


    The Princess didn''t turn around nor did she make sudden movements. Her golden almond eyes stayed on the mirror, at the reflection of her brush.


    "What a beautiful sight to behold this fine morning," the visitor greeted her.


    Alkas'' lips barely moved, answering cryptically, "State your business and leave, Renz."


    From the corner of her eye, she could see his silhouette.


    "Ah, such warm welcome," Renz chuckled, stepping inside her chambers. Still, the Princess didn''t spare him a glance, "Teralyn''s Royal Carriage had crossed the border."


    "It has? About time."


    Alkas flipped the hair she had finished detangling. Then, she pulled the other half over her front and began brushing it.


    Noticing the silhouette still in her peripheral vision, she said, "Is that all?"


    Renz sighed, used to the Princess'' aloof attitude towards him and his group. Among their clients, she was the most unpredictable to please.


    "Crown Prince Tylen is not in it."


    Alka''s hands froze, finally looking at him. Her pupils dilated, "What¡­ did you say?"


    Renz gulped. If his partner wasn''t seriously injured, he would left this report duty to him, "It is as I said, Princess. The carriage is on its way¡­ but without its Prince."


    He stood near the bed. A good few meters away from the Princess. His all black outfit was torn and the top of his head was bandaged.


    Alkas'' eyes narrowed at the sight of him.


    "Then, who''s in it?" She asked. Her cold flat voice echoed through the room.


    "His knight."


    "Hayden?"


    Alkas huffed and slammed her brush on the dressing table. She stared off into space, her hands on her hips. Renz waited patiently as he watched the scowl on the Princess'' face deepen.


    Then, her gaze went back to his reflection on the mirror, burnt orange specks seeping through her gold eyes.


    Renz'' muscles tensed.


    The Princess folded her hands over her lap, her glare somehow cold despite her burning eyes, "Where is the Prince?"


    Renz hesitated. His throat was tight. Air barely made its way to his lungs before it flew out of his nose. Even his voice wobbled, "In the Stitz Inn on the outskirts of Teralyn Kingdom."


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    Alkas raised an eyebrow, "Near the mountain range?"


    "Yes."


    "I see¡­" She stood up and turned around, walking up to Renz with arms circled in front of her stomach, her hands held together. Her chin was up high as she further interrogated him, "Is he alone?"


    Beads of sweat trickled down the back of Renz'' neck as if he stood near a furnace, "It seems that the Crown Prince has requested the help of the Phantom Pirates."


    Alkas stopped in her tracks, "Phantom Pirates?"


    Renz observed the flicker of emotions on the Princess'' face. Her startled expression diffused as if lost in a dream. He frowned at the sight. It was no secret that the Princess favored the Phantom Pirates over his Nocti Task group.


    They were merely a second choice since the Pirates had refused to be associated to the royal family.


    Renz bared his teeth, "Princess, don''t let the past affect your judgement."


    Even after their disagreements, somehow the Princess still yearned to work with the Pirates.


    Alkas blinked out of her daze and returned the intensity of his eyes, "I haven''t even said anything yet, Renz. Stop assuming my thoughts."


    "But if they go against you, we will not hesitate to eradicate them."


    Alkas stepped forward and grabbed his injured shoulder, ripping open the wound. Renz crumbled under her touch and howled like a wolf in pain.


    "That. Would. Be. My. Decision. Renz," she sneered. He felt her hand squeeze and quivered under the pressure. Fresh blood oozed out, re-soaking his clothes.


    "AND. Don''t. Make. Sudden. Movements. AGAIN."


    Flames bursted out of her palm and disintegrated the cloth underneath it along with his skin. Sharp pain from a hundred needles pierced through his flesh. His scorched flesh throbbed, clear fluid dripping out. His knees gave out under him.


    The Princess pulled her hand back.


    Renz gasped for breath, now on his hands and knees. He didn''t look at his charred skin, enduring the fresh sting until it would turn numb. In the meantime, the open air helped cool down the blisters.


    Without lifting his head, he begged, "Princess, Richard and I didn''t attack anyone."


    He heard her click her tongue, "Explain your wounds then."


    "We¡­ we were discovered," Renz mumbled. The sight of the young man with the butterfly swords invaded his mind. The snow white skin that glimmered under the moonlight with charcoal eyes that held the intensity of a rumbling volcano.


    "It was... one of the Phantom Pirates," he confessed. His limbs shook, " ... the Rash of the Sea."


    "Incompetent fools," she spat, slowly pressing a foot on the burn. Renz hissed but Alkas wasn''t done, "How much do they know?"


    "I escaped as soon as I woke up" he choked, praying for her foot to be gone.


    "And Richard?"


    Renz paled, "I¡­"


    The Princess lifted her foot and stomped it on the floor, her blood boiling inside her veins, "You left him there?! Is he still alive?"


    "I¡­"


    "Useless. A disgrace to your fellow men," she scolded him. With one last kick at his injury, pushing him out to the balcony, she ordered, "Go back to your leader. I will report to him all that you''ve done and have him punish you as he wishes. But before you go¡­ if Tylen and those pirates found out about our schemes to secure the crown, I swear to the heavens that I will punish you myself."


    Renz immediately scrambled to his feet and ran off to the balcony.


    Princess Alkas took a deep and slow breath, calming her temper down. Hasten steps led her to the room''s service bell. A long rope that hanged from the ceiling. One pull of it and the entire servants quarters would hear a series of bells ring, signaling that it came from her suite.


    Not a minute later, her lady''s maid knocked and opened her door. Her blonde hair was wrapped up under a white bonnet. Her baby blue dress and cream white apron reached below her knees.


    "Melody," Alkas greeted her.


    As soon as she entered, Melody''s head was bowed. Her sapphire eyes on her closed black shoes. Her hands clasped together around her stomach.


    "Your Highness," she answered politely. She could hear the Princess'' steps shuffling around the room but didn''t dare to make eye contact.


    "Tell the Prime Minister that I want a court meeting in two hours."


    Melody looked up with eyes wide, stumbling a little, "Pri¡ªPrincess?"


    She immediately met the Princess'' gaze who stood in front of the bed. Her black robe draped over the bed frame and her hands placed firmly on her hips with eyes that burned towards Melody''s direction.


    The lady''s maid gulped and reverted to her original bowed position, almost tripping again. Her heart drummed up to her throat and clogged her airway. Even when she gulped, the lump remained.


    "I have important matters to discuss," she heard Alkas'' compelling voice explain, "I plan to move the coronation date. It will now be on Ariene''s birthday."

 16 Morning After in the Stitz Inn

    On the outskirts of Teralyn, the sun peeked behind the mountains. The sky reflected variations of orange with hints of purple and pink.


    Morning glories bloomed under the sunshine. Owls slept inside their tree trunks. Deers galloped in search of patches of grass. Rabbits peeked out of their holes and squirrels crawled the tree branches for nuts.


    A small town resided on the grassland.


    It was strategically located between the mountain ranges and a sparse forest which led to an open sea, offering a variety of livelihood for the people in it.


    The town of Celeste came to life a few hours before dawn.


    Bakers kneaded their doughs to sell newly baked bread. Fishermen sailed off the docks to catch fresh fish. Farmers checked on their crops for harvest season.


    In the Stitz Inn of the town, smoke puffed out its chimney.


    Hana and Sister Aina cooked a spread of breakfast for their guests, filling the air with the aroma of garlic.


    The stable boy fed the horses with lumps of hay.


    The cleaners set up the tables and chairs.


    Early risers walked down to the first floor and grabbed cups of slow brewed coffee.


    Tylen sneezed, a blanket in his hand.


    Who could be talking about him this early in the morning?


    He shook off the thought and beat the blanket on the mattress, wiping off the dirt. Next, he held it tightly on one edge and pulled it hard a few times to shake off the dust. Then, he spread it on top of the mattress evenly. Lastly, he grabbed the pillow, fluffed it and placed it on the head of the bed.


    A satisfied sigh left his lips, remembering the times he slept over at his best friend''s cabin in the woods. It was where someone had taught him how to make his own bed for the first time.


    He turned around to the other bed next to him.


    When Tylen woke up, Cleon already went out the door and left his bed with crumpled sheets and a missing pillow.


    He found the pillow underneath the bed. How it got there would turn out to be a mystery for the rest of his life.


    After a thorough inspection of his two masterpieces that will make Hayden a proud mama bird, the Prince left the room and headed downstairs.


    The smell of aromatic food hit his nose. He detected different spices such as ginger, cumin, cloves and thyme. The indoor air felt warm with the heat coming from the kitchen. The floor''s luster shone beneath the yellow lights.


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    His feet walked through the dining area and led him to the kitchen.


    The closer he got, the louder Sister Aina''s voice became.


    "Aiya, will you look at that, Hana? Cleon is on his bum again. Raz sure doesn''t take it easy on him."


    Finally reaching the doorway, Tylen inspected the kitchen. It had an L-shaped counter made of hardened clay. The shorter end had two massive stoves while the longer one had a large sink and three smaller stoves.


    Sister Aina sauteed a variety of vegetables on a small stove as she gazed out the open window of the kitchen.


    Hana, who was a petite girl with black shoulder length hair underneath a blue bandana, managed one of the bigger stoves that had a big pot of soup on it. Her small hand held the large wooden ladle and stirred the soup slowly, keeping the bottom from burning.


    At the innkeeper''s words, Hana glanced outside the wide window.


    Tylen followed her movement. Outside was the stables where two pirates held a practice duel in front of it.


    The Prince stood mesmerized by the fluidity of Raz''s movements. Each swing she made with her blades looked like a choreographed dance. Against her, Cleon clearly had the lower hand. His attacks were clunkier and hesitant as if he needed time to think about his next move.


    In no time, Cleon landed on his butt again. His voice was faint but the scowl on his face was enough for Tylen to know he cussed.


    Raz smirked at the blue-haired pirate and beckoned him to get up. Cleon stuck a tongue out in response... but a few words from Raz''s lips and he was up on his feet again, sprinting for a strike on her side.


    "Amazing," the Prince mumbled.


    Hana jumped at the sound of his voice, spinning around to face him. Tylen instantly held his hands up as if in surrender. The girl had a hot ladle in her hand and he''d rather not be near it.


    "Wah, the mountain is so good to us today! I found berries and leaves for a few medicinal elixirs you can use."


    A cheery Maia walked into the half-opened backdoor with a sack held up proudly. Sister Aina placed down her spatula and washed her hands. As she did, Maia explained the uses and dosages of each elixir.


    "Thank you, Maia," the innkeeper said, taking the sack in her hands and placing it in a cupboard furthest from the stove.


    "Nyt?" Maia''s eyes shined at the sight of the Prince, "Good morning, how was your sleep?"


    It was then that all pairs of eyes in the room were on him. Unknowingly, Tylen made eye contact with Hana who blushed and turned back to stirring her soup.


    Tylen coughed and smiled politely at Maia, "It was alright. Thank you."


    Sister Aina wiped her hands together and grabbed a dry plate. She waved it towards the dining room, "Grab a table, lad. I''ll serve you some breakfast. You''d need to eat plenty with that journey ahead of you."


    The Prince nodded, "I appreciate your kindness, Sister Aina."


    "It''s nothing, dear."


    Tylen headed back to the dining room, bumping into a young lady.


    "Oof, sorry," she mumbled, staring up at him. The hood on her head fell back. It revealed a pair of jade chestnut eyes above a small button nose. Her black hair was pulled back into braid with few short strands that framed her sun kissed forehead.


    "Mara, be careful" a rugged man approached the young lady, grabbing her arm. When his emerald eyes met Tylen''s, he bowed quickly and took Mara away from the Prince.


    Tylen frowned at the peculiarity. The young lady''s companion was quite familiar but he couldn''t lay a finger on it.


    Did he need to be worried about it?


    "Nyt! What are you standing around for?" A voice interrupted from behind him.


    He immediately looked at Sister Aina who had chosen a table. Her left hand carried a tray of food, resting it on her shoulder for additional support on the weight. One at a time, she placed the dishes onto the empty table.


    Tylen took a seat and placed his hands, palms down, on the table. He silently watched her finish the setup. Each dish was fresh off the stove. Wisps of smoke evaporated into the air. Just the sight and smell of them made him drool.


    When Tylen expected Sister Aina to place a fork  next to this plate, the Prince jumped on his seat and looked up at her with wide eyes.


    Not only had she jabbed it on the table near his thumb but also she had bent over to match his eye level, her eyes burning a darker shade of brown.


    "Now, listen to me, Nyt¡­ if that is even your real name." Tylen felt the blood drain from his face as she hissed, "I know you''re not one of the pirates but if anything happens to them because of you, I swear I''ll stab both of your hands onto this table with forks and whack your head with my heated frying pan."


    When he didn''t answer, the innkeeper continued with a little sinister smile, "I didn''t get to do that when Count Morno threatened¡ªno, that''s not it¡ªit was when he ATTEMPTED to burn this place so we''d be forced to sell him the land. I only stopped because my parents wouldn''t allow me to do so. But right now, they have retired and left this place to me¡­ so mark my words, I won''t let an opportunity pass to use my pan."


    The Prince gulped, his mouth all dried up. Sweat trickled down the back of his neck. Despite Sister Aina''s slim frame, he had no doubts about her words.


    Her threat embedded in his heart.


    He took a deep breath, calming his nerves. His intentions were pure. He had nothing to fear.


    With a steady gaze, he met her fierce one and said, "You have my word, Sister Aina. I have nothing but good intentions."


    "Good," she replied with a sweet smile, pulling out the fork. Tylen couldn''t help but wince at the crackling sound it made.


    Sister Aina placed it on her tray and gave him a new one to use for his meal.


    "Now, eat your drumsticks, vegetables and soup. Do you want coffee or lemon juice?" She asked, still smiling.


    He blinked a few times. It seemed like the person who hissed at him was actually someone else and was not the same person in front of him. The chatter around him remained lively, indicating that her sudden shift in mannerism went by unnoticed.


    "Coffee please" Tylen cleared his throat, "For some reason, lemon makes me drowsy."


    "I''ll get to it then. Have a drink first."


    Sister Aina served him a glass of water before she returned to the kitchen, saying, "Eat well."


    The Prince drank the water, relieving his parched throat, and began to feast on the breakfast spread in front of him.


    He began with the drumsticks. They were tender and juicy. Their skins crunched and crackled on each bite he made. The spices hit his tongue and sang in his mouth. Even after he gulped them down, a hint of aftertaste lingered and he welcomed it completely if it meant he can savor it longer.


    To his left, two people sat on a table near the opposite wall. Unlike his previous presumption, someone had actually noticed the exchange between him and the innkeeper.


    "Mara, what are you looking at?"


    "Nothing, Callahan," Mara replied, shaking her head and retreating his gaze on the Prince''s table. The bow Callahan made earlier caught her eye and since then, she had watched him.


    Alas, she needed to drop the idea and focus on her own matters.


    For a little fun, she jokingly mimicked the innkeeper''s jab on her food. Then, she took a bite off her fork and smiled at her companion, "Mm, these pancakes taste really good don''t you think?"

 17 First Day of the Search

    "Maia, why is your canister still full?" Tylen heard from behind him.


    He looked over his shoulder and saw that Raz held Maia''s water bottle. It had been attached to the apprentice healer''s knapsack thus, Maia had been forced to a sudden stop.


    The sun hung above their heads nearly at its zenith. The scorching heat licked Tylen''s face and coiled around his limbs like a hot-blooded serpent. The pavement smoldered and radiated an almost disorienting haze. Even birds were nowhere to be found up in the sky.


    These circumstances didn''t seem to bother his companions despite their outfits that covered most of their skin.


    Cleon stood a few paces away, munching on an apple and gazing at a weaponry store''s display window. The shop owner stepped out to inform him about the pro''s and con''s of each weapon that caught Cleon''s eye.


    Back on the two female pirates, Maia had turned around to gape at Raz who merely waited for her to answer.


    Tylen sighed, remembering the events from this morning.


    ===


    The group stood outside the entrance of the Stitz Inn, undergoing farewells and well wishes.


    The Prince stood apart from the pirates, resisting the strong sense to flee that tempted his mind.


    "Maia, please remember to drink your water," Sister Aina scolded the redhead, "Only meds and coffee for an entire day! Don''t make your Sister Aina worry!"


    "Yes, Sister Aina," Maia answered meekly, her head bowed.


    Earlier, shouts suddenly came from the kitchen after Tylen finished his breakfast.


    He ran immediately to check the situation. It turned out that the only one shouting was Sister Aina who stood near the sink, her hands were on her hips, with Maia in front of her. The latter held up a wet plate over the lower half of her face.


    Tylen swore he saw Maia tremble underneath Sister Aina''s glare. Later on, he came to know that Maia had a slip of the tongue. She had told the innkeeper about the time she stayed in bed for a day while the rest of the crew left to help a client. One of the missions had escalated and it needed additional manpower.


    After interrogating Maia for the whole story, Sister Aina fussed over her. She had prepared all kinds of food for the group''s journey, specifically filling a water bottle to the brim and tying it around Maia''s upper body like a sling bag.


    "And you, Cleon! How dare you not feed her when she was sick?!"


    Cleon shivered at the mention of his name and stepped back. He and Raz jogged right away to the kitchen. When they learned what had happened, Cleon had told Sister Aina that Maia wasn''t alone in the ship as an attempt to coax her. He had been at the upper deck, keeping a lookout.


    The innkeeper didn''t take the news lightly.


    "How irresponsible," Sister Aina continued, her hand tightening around the frying pan she held. The unpleasant image behind her threat invaded Tylen''s mind as soon as he saw her walk out with it in one hand.


    "Sister Aina, have mercy," Maia begged, "It was one time!"


    "One too many times," Raz commented.


    Maia glared at her smirk, "Not you too, Raz!"


    "Aiya, Raz, dear. Make sure she drinks. She might collapse from heat stroke! It''s that time of year again!" Sister Aina huffed, her arms crossed over her chest and her frying pan tucked under her shoulder.


    Raz merely laughed, "I will, Sister Aina."


    While Maia drank a mouthful of water under Raz''s watch, Tylen turned back to the bustling market street ahead of him.


    The crowd around him either wore hoods or held up umbrellas. The market vendors stayed under the shades of their stalls or the comfort of their stores. Some fanned themselves with their hands, wiping off the sweat on their foreheads.


    Even he sweated underneath his garments.


    A girl run past him. She held a red ball in her hands. At her heels was a boy who clearly could catch her since he had longer legs. The boy hid a smile as the girl giggled over her shoulder, triumph in her eyes.


    The Prince sighed.


    In this sea of people, he wondered, could Ariene be in it? Would she have fled to his kingdom? If so... why didn''t she visit him? Let him know she was alive?


    "You okay there, bud?" Raz spoke, tapping him on the shoulder. She stepped up to his right, filling the empty space.


    Tylen merely nodded before he looked at the market street again. This time, the both of them gazed at the people and eyed their features.


    Teralyn and Aurae didn''t have much distinguishable features that differ the people of each kingdom since they were near each other. People migrated between kingdoms often much to the lawmakers'' dismay.


    Thankfully, Princess Ariene inherited her Celian mother. Her hair was a unique shade. Something he hadn''t found a comparison to. She and Alkas shared the same eyes but hers burned brighter.


    "Alright, time to know what your fiance looks like."


    "Ari?" Tylen answered, still in a daze, "She had these beautiful topaz eyes. Whenever she smiled, they gleamed like the morning sun. Her wavy bronze hair was always a mess. It almost reached her bottom but she refused to have it tied. It would flow with the wind whenever she ran... sun spots would appear around her nose during hot days. She also had these cute dimples on both cheeks..."


    Raz raised her hands and stopped him, "Okay, slow down, lover boy."


    Tylen blinked and looked at Raz. Her raised eyebrows made him blush. The image of Ariene had felt real¡ªas if she walked among the crowd towards him as he described her.


    "Okay, so," Raz cleared her throat when Tylen didn''t say anything. She beckoned for Cleon and Maia, who were busy admiring a display of trinkets, to come over and instructed them, "Our target are young women with bronze hair and golden eyes."


    "But she could have colored her hair," Maia pointed out.


    "Golden eyes then."


    Cleon yawned, "Are we really gonna look through every young woman here? If we keep this up, I don''t think we''ll find her anytime soon. There is too much ground to cover."


    The Prince winced, realizing it could be true that Ariene colored her hair. How would she look like now then? Her hands¡­ would they still be smooth and soft to the touch? Would she be scarred? From the burns? Or would she have had them treated until fully healed?


    He had long admitted to himself that he didn''t have the slightest clue on where to start. She could be anywhere¡­ she could be¡­ she could be...


    Tylen shook out his thoughts.


    He needed to move forward.


    The past twelve years had been a long time and his beloved could really be anywhere, near or far¡­.


    But it didn''t matter if it would take him years.


    He needed to find her.


    The memories of the last glimpse he had of her replayed in his mind. His short arms and legs... his incapable strength... his incompetency to help her had haunted him. All the things he could have done if he was only a little older and as skilled as Hayden weighed his heart down.


    He needed to make it up to her.


    He needed to be by her side.


    "It''s what we have right now" the Prince heard Raz continue to say, "When you see anyone that fits the description, ask if the person was adopted at around 8 years old... or orphaned at the same age. If none, ask people if they know of one."


    To cover more ground, the group dispersed and went their separate ways.


    Cleon literally stared at each maiden he could see, looking for golden eyes. If the young woman had none, he moved on.


    Maia, on the other hand, window-shopped to be more discreet. She talked casually with the vendors and stirred the topic to ask them questions about adopted children.


    Raz kept a distance and used her sense of hearing to pick up any clue. Most of the time, she kept close to Maia in case someone around them also heard the redhead and had a reaction.


    Tylen kept a slow pace. He walked around aimlessly, observing everyone around him. He didn''t speak but a lot of cart sellers pestered him to check our their goods while the foot traffic paid him no attention.


    ¡­


    Twelve years of no answers¡­


    Only a number of days to find her¡­


    ...was it stupid to still hope?


    ¡­


    "Fortune, young man?"


    The Prince stopped walking and turned his head towards his left.


    A gypsy sat behind a table where a crystal ball was placed. The lower half of her face was covered in a dark violet veil. He could still see a faint image of the blood red lips behind it.


    What startled Tylen was her eyes, they were golden.


    A rare eye color.


    Celian, he thought.


    He saw a smile appear on her lips. She leaned forward and placed her elbows on the table, intertwining her hands so she could rest her chin on top of her fingers.


    The Prince imagined it to be uncomfortable with the amount of rings she wore.


    "Interesting" her sultry voice teased his ears, "You seek something."


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    Tylen remained silent.


    "Ah, would you like to know your future? Or better yet¡­ would you like to know the future of the person you seek?"


    The gypsy didn''t wait for him to answer. She hovered her hands over the crystal ball, staring at it hard. A puff of smoke appeared in it and she moved her  fingers as if parting them to reveal its hidden message.


    "Ah¡­" she breathed out, eyes back on Tylen. His frozen figure fuelled her desire to provoke him, "Your beloved¡­ you have been apart for a long time¡­ does she know you''re here?"


    Tylen''s knees began to shake. His heart hammered inside his chest and his lungs struggled for air. His eyelids remained open, hanging on her every word.


    Was this real?


    "Hm¡­ what is this? Your meeting¡­"

 18 The Heat of the Momen

    "Are you okay?"


    The question went over Tylen''s head. All of his attention was on the gypsy who paused and scowled on her crystal ball. The wrinkles on her forehead deepened and the mischief in her eyes disappeared.


    They were replaced with something he couldn''t read.


    "Yo, Nyt!" He heard again.


    This time someone grabbed his arm.


    On reflex, he faced the person, blinking the daze off his eyes. The droopy amber eyes somehow made him feel embarrassed. He looked at the ground, unable to think of an answer.


    "What''s wrong?" Maia asked him.


    "Nothing." He replied, pulling back his arm.


    Maia let it go but her feet stayed in place. A crease appeared between her eyebrows. For some reason, Tylen still didn''t meet her gaze.


    What was he supposed to say exactly? Even a fortune teller couldn''t give him answers.


    "Yo, lady. What did you tell him?"


    He watched as Maia walk past him, kicking the table of the gypsy who finally woke up from her daze.


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    "What rudeness!" She exclaimed and stood up. Hands on her hips, she glared at the redhead, "Mind your own business, dearie!"


    Maia sneered, "Ohohoho, that''s rich coming from you. Your livelihood is about butting into people''s business. Baseless fortune only misguide others into tragic paths."


    "Excuse me? Baseless? I''ll have you know that my fortunes are true."


    "Oh? And how so? Are you a rogue? Did you sneak into this kingdom? But then¡­" Maia crossed her arms and smirked, "None of your rings have a red jade. That tells me you haven''t even reach second-level magic for the Sight."


    The gypsy paled, "I¡ªI..."


    "That''s what I thought."


    The redhead snorted and turned her back on the gypsy. She placed a hand on Tylen''s shoulder.


    "Whatever she told you, we''ll do our best, Nyt. We made a commitment to you and you can count on us to see it through."


    Silence.


    Tylen''s head was filled with silence. The noise of the outside world didn''t reach his ears. Only the sound of his raging heart and of Maia''s voice prevailed.


    He sighed and closed his eyes.


    Barely a day had past and already, the dark thoughts in his head grew bigger. Was it all a mistake? Was he under false hope?


    Out of the abyss of his mind, the words of the Pirates swirled together.


    ¡­


    ''¡­ The woods? A child alone in the woods. Sure, she''s still alive.''


    ''¡­ You want a body. You do know not everyone leaves a body after he or she dies?''


    ''¡­ I''m sorry, Your Highness, but we could be on a wild goose chase. If she was alive, no one has seen her for 12 years.''


    ¡­


    Then, Tylen felt the warmth of a human body against him. Opening his eyes, he realized Maia had hugged him.


    "It''ll be okay, Nyt. It''ll be okay. Right now, you have to be strong. It''s not going to get any easier from here. Many doubts will continue to come¡­ more challenges will come our way too¡­ but believe in us. Rely on us. Rest assured, we''ll find a way."


    A cat caught the Prince''s tongue. He hadn''t even said anything but the redhead nailed the holes in his heart.


    "Thank you."


    The two words held all he wanted to say


    Maia let him go, a relieved smile on her face. He couldn''t help but return it.


    "Okay! The day is still young! We can do this!" She cheered, fist pumping the air.


    Tylen chuckled at her energy.


    She led him through the crowd, stopping when Maia noticed a young woman that could be Princess Ariene. She''d ask him about her and the Prince was more than willing to supply her with answers.


    For one, it seemed like their target was a foodie so they decided to move to the square and scout out the restaurants.


    "This really isn''t the Main Market for nothing. The number of people never waver and this is just one street! There''s still the other three. Not to mention, the square in the middle that connects them all. Then, there are the buildings for upper class shopping."


    Maia shook her head and continued, her eyes on the road ahead of them, "I get why you''d feel like this place is suffocating the hope out of you but remember why you hired us. Jewels are expensive but among the rich, they are abundant. They are in different sizes. Some of them have been turned into jewelry. That diamond could be any of them. We got lucky that it was untouched. Maybe we will be lucky in this journey too."


    The Prince could only sigh and tuck away the fear and doubts. As optimistic as people see him to be, those dark thoughts had always been there but for his Ariene he wasn''t about to let them bring him down.


    He tilted his head to the sky. A hazy image of her looking over her shoulder with a smile appeared. It was his favorite one. When she hit him with that look, he knew on the spot that he wanted to keep that smile in his life and to see it everyday.


    To this memory that changed his life, he whispered, "I¡­ I am never gonna give you up, Ari. Wait for me."


    When he came back to earth, the street still bustled with activity. The crowd still moved with hastened steps. The heat still bathed the people with sweat.


    All was the same¡ªexcept a certain redhead was nowhere to be found.


    Tylen jogged up the street. The umbrellas people held made it harder to see but his good height gave him a good view point.


    He reached the opening to the square but there was no Maia.


    People passed him, unconcerned by his sudden stop. He spun around and looked in all directions. Person after person, woman after woman, he searched.


    No apple red hair anywhere.


    The Prince went back to the street he left. He tried to call out to her but his throat was clogged. He began to hyperventilate as things became a blur.


    "Ma¡­" he croaked, blinking out the haze in his eyes.


    "Ma¡­"


    The combination of the heat and the lack of air disoriented him. A familiar memory of a situation seeped into his head¡­


    No¡­ no¡­, he chanted.


    "Ma¡­"


    He bent over, hands on his knees. Closing his eyes, he focused on deep breaths. He was at the market. He was surrounded by people. He was with companions. There was no immediate danger. There was no high beams falling down.


    He was at the market. He was surrounded by people. He was with companions.


    "Nyt? Nyt! Where are you?"


    The voice was sweet honey to his ears.


    "Nyt! There you are!"


    Tylen immediately straightened up.


    In front of him, safe and sound, was a red headed pirate. She stood a few meters away from him, feet apart. Her chest rose and fell quickly.


    At the sight of his face, she smiled and jogged up to him, "Nyt!"


    Maia never made it.


    The Prince watched as her eyes rolled back into her head. Her legs became liquid and her knees gave away. Then, she fell into someone''s arms.


    "Maia!" He screamed and took a step forward.


    Suddenly, a sharp object appeared on the side of his stomach, the tip threatening to break the skin.


    "It''s alright" the person who held Maia told the expectators. Then, he directed to Tylen his next words, "She only fainted from the heat. Carry on."


    "Don''t even think about screaming, Crown Prince," someone whispered in his ear. Tylen sucked in a breath.


    The kidnapper took advantage of his startled form and smirked, "I''ll be taking her with me."


    Then, the Prince''s vision became black.

 19 Cleon and an Unconscious Tylen

    Cleon sat on a stool.


    His right ankle rested on his left knee. His back leaned against the wall. Arms crossed over his chest, he scowled at the floor.


    It had been barely a day since they set out to help the Prince and they had been attacked.


    Raz had grabbed his arm, running.


    "Oi! What are you doing?!" He exclaimed and stumbled a step. His leader ran like a madman. He could barely keep up with her normal speed but this was a different level.


    She didn''t say a word and literally dragged him with her. The people they bumped into screamed in protest.


    An apple cart rolled by in their way. At the sight of them, the vendor raised his arms and shielded his face. Raz let go of Cleon''s hand and leaped over the cart.


    The crowd stopped.


    She pulled out of a dagger, landing lightly on her feet. The apple vendor opened his eyes to see not one apple fell out of place.


    Cleon grumbled. Of course, Raz would leave him behind to jump over the cart. She just needed to rub it in his face that he needed more training.


    Panting, he swerved around the apple cart and ran after her. He watched as Raz pulled out a dagger from a hidden pocket, lunging towards Tylen''s direction.


    Then, Raz engaged into a duel with a mysterious figure. People screamed out of the way as the man brought out a sword. Raz attacked in a way that made sure the sword didn''t swing in wide arcs to keep innocent bystanders safe.


    When Cleon stood a meter away, he bent forward with his hands on his knees. Any sort of confidence he possessed flew out the window. His leader ran the same distance as him and yet she faced off with a stranger like it was merely a casual stroll.


    Maybe he should take up Alec''s offer for extra training.


    After catching his breath, Cleon assessed the scene. How on earth did Raz spot the criminal? It was then did he see the unconscious prince on the pavement.


    "Nyt!" Cleon screamed, sprinting to Tylen''s side. He immediately checked his pulse. His heart rate beat steadily, making Cleon sigh in relief.


    "That''s good. Man, where is Maia when you need her? Maia!"


    He looked in all directions for the redhead. People trampled upon each other as Raz''s opponent fought brashly. His movements took the Rash of the Sea all over the market.


    Cleon shook his head at the memory.


    What was Raz thinking when she accepted this mission? It didn''t even have Captain Croc''s approval.


    The sudden thought of their Captain made Cleon remember the note he left for them to see.


    He winced.


    Even if he hadn''t read what Raz wrote, there was no way it would make the Captain agree. Hell, he didn''t even agree to help Celios''s Royal Family.


    Then, there was Scrooge, Mr. Stick-to-the-Rules. The Ytle Ship sailed miles away but he could feel Scrooge''s glare of disapproval in their direction. No doubt he''d persuade Captain Croc to punish them for their misbehavior.


    But they''ll deal with those problems for another time.


    Cleon sighed and looked towards the other side of the room.


    Crown Prince Tylen lied on a rickety bed made of bamboo, his body covered in a thin blanket. Hours have passed since he found him on that pavement. Thankfully, other than a lump on the back of his head, he was unharmed.


    An image of the knight appeared before Cleon''s eyes.


    He shivered. He had no doubts that Hayden wouldn''t let them live to see another day if something worse had happened to his precious prince.


    But Cleon will make it hard for him.


    He stood on his toes and dragged the stool under him closer to bed. When he reached Tylen''s side, he sat back down. Feet apart, he rested his elbows on his knees and leaned over.


    "We have never encountered this on a mission before," he began to whisper, "Yet, the moment you showed up in our lives, Maia has been taken away from us."


    The Prince didn''t stir.


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    He merely slept as Cleon''s eyes burned through his face, hissing, "I don''t care if we''re supposed to protect you, if something happens to her because of you, I swear I won''t let you off. Sir Burnt Wood can fight me all he wants, I won''t back down¡ªeven Raz cannot stop me."


    Still, Cleon''s words remained unanswered. The flare in his gaze diminished and only the face of a deadman lingered. Stuck in a room when all he wanted was to bolt out of here to find his friend, all he could do was wait and hope Maia was alright.


    The violent girl picked on him a lot but he considered her as one of his closest friends. For all the things she had done for him, he''d throw himself in a fire for her.


    "Everything alright?" A new voice asked.


    Cleon mistakenly turned his head towards the door. The visitor flinched at his hard stare. He heaved a sigh and closed his eyes.


    "Sorry about that, Lily."


    At the door was a young lady who held a small basin in her arms. She had light bronze hair that stopped in the middle of her back. The sun set behind her made her fair skin glow.


    "He hasn''t woken up yet" Cleon answered, opening his eyes.


    "I see," Lily replied, her feet shuffling against the hem of her brown skirt as she entered the room, "I''ll stay here and look after him. Don''t worry."


    He snorted and moved his stool back to its original spot, "I''m afraid I can''t do that, miss. Someone will cut my head off if I left him with a stranger. And I mean that literally."


    "I see" she placed the basin on a small night table. Then, she grabbed a towel and turned her gaze towards Cleon''s direction, "Would you like something to eat?"


    "I''m alright. Thank you."


    "Are you sure?" She tilted her head, "It won''t do any good if you merely wait for him to wake up."


    "I''m sure" Cleon sighed, his stomach growling, "I don''t have the appetite to eat at the moment."


    Lily sat on a stool next to the night stand. She dipped the towel into the water. Squeezing out the excess, she dabbed on the Prince''s forehead.


    "You must be really worried about him" she said to fill the silence.


    "Oh, it''s not him I''m worried about."


    The young lady peeked at Cleon from the corner of her eyes. The blue-haired teen looked out the window. His arms crossed over his chest. Every few seconds, his hands would twitch and his feet would shuffle.


    He moved as if he had an itch that he couldn''t be scratched off.


    "Then, who are you worried about?" The words were out of her mouth before she could process them.


    Cleon blinked then, looked at her. She bowed and blushed, refocusing on the Prince.


    "A friend of mine."


    Lily unconsciously glanced at him. She hadn''t expected an answer. His eyes were back on the window again.


    "Is it a girl?" She tried again, hoping he''ll answer as well.


    This time, his head didn''t move but he did gave her a reply, "No, I wouldn''t consider her one."


    Lily''s forehead wrinkled. What kind of girl could the person be in order to be acquainted with two handsome males?


    The patient also seemed oddly familiar. As if she had seen him before. A stray hair landed on his forehead. On reflex, she tucked it back. It was soft like silk. Her fingertips lingered on his skin. Her lips parted.


    Where had she seen him before?


    Her fingers paused from caressing his face.


    Could he possibly be someone from her past?

 20 The Kidnapperss Plan

    Maia woke up alone. She could feel a fading pain on her head. Whoever hit her in the head better be prepared for her wrath.


    Eyes closed, she took a deep breath and the smell of manure greeted her nose. She wiggled her feet and met no resistance. However, her shoulder muscles ached because of her arms that were wrapped around the back of a chair.


    Eyes opened, she turned her head to check her surroundings.


    Streams of light from two small windows near the ceiling barely lit up the barnhouse. One side had been divided into cubicles. The other had rows of wooden shelves. The place contained only hay to fill up the space.


    With the premises cleared, Maia slowly stretched her fingers to the rope around her wrists and studied its knot. Her ears remained alert for any sudden sound¡ªparticularly from the other side of heavy wooden doors in front of her.


    Once the knot loosened, she tilted her head up and scrunched her nose. The ugly expression lasted briefly before she let out an equally ugly sneeze.


    The empty air suddenly sparked to life. The sound of footsteps and wood against wood travelled through the nooks of the barnhouse.


    As the entrance opened before her, Maia''s eyes drooped and her head bowed.


    "Well, well, well¡­" A menacing voice echoed, "Our guest seems to be dreaming still."


    "Bo-oss" the teenager next to him stuttered, "are we really going to give her to the Nocti?"


    "And why shouldn''t we?" His boss perked an eyebrow.


    The lackey gulped, feeling small under the scrutinizing gaze. As the newest member of their group, he was still learning what he can and cannot say¡ªespecially around his boss who was twice his age, "Di-didn''t they ask for the Prince? Why did we ta-take the girl?"


    "Ha!" His leader cackled loudly. The sight made him bow his head and hide his blush. He felt a hand ruffle his ink-black hair, "You are misinformed, my subordinate."


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    Misinformed? The lackey immediately looked up, eyes alarmed at his mistake. On a mission with false facts? That was inappropriate! Such insolence!


    "They didn''t ask for the Prince?" He clarified.


    The wrinkles around his leader''s eyes crinkled with merriment, "They did."


    "Then, why¡ª"


    Patting the lackey''s head, the leader interrupted him in a low voice, "You do know the Prince is supposed to be on his way to Aurae, don''t you?"


    "Ye-es?"


    The leader''s excitement at his brilliance hissed out breathly between his teeth, "But he isn''t, correct?"


    "Ye-es?" The lackey''s eyebrows scrunched together, "That''s why the Nocti sent out the reward for any information on his whereabouts."


    He felt an arm wrap around his shoulders, pulling him closer to his leader, "Well, our sources gave us a tip. The real reason the Prince ran away¡­" the words were almost inaudible but Maia heard them clearly, "... was to elope."


    Maia choked on her own spit. Elope? She mentally gasped, who were these sources? How did they come close to the truth? Did they even know the Prince was engaged to Ariene? Did they know if she was alive?


    Flabbergasted, the lackey''s disbelieving eyes stared blankly at his leader, "What? The Prince has a lover?"


    "Yes!" His leader brimming with delight, "He was spotted entering an inn with a woman, what do you think that means?"


    ¡­


    An inn?


    ¡­


    A woman?


    ...


    Maia''s panic died down as soon as it rose up. She inwardly shook her head. She should have known better. Her kidnappers were still clearly amateurs.


    The lackey''s reaction came out in a rush, "So he really is escaping from the agreement? What about the union between the kingdoms? Aurae would declare war on us! And Celios will come to their aid! This is madness!"


    His leader squeezed both of his shoulders and shook him, "That''s why the Nocti are after him. To make things right! And when we deliver him to them, we''ll be heroes to our kingdom!"


    The middle-aged man laughed maniacally to the sky. Ever since his fallout with his previous crew, he had struggled to rebuild his reputation. The capture of Teralyn''s Prince was the perfect opportunity. Once word got out, he had his spies scout every corner of Teralyn. No doubt the Prince would keep out of sight and his hunch had given good results.


    Beside him, his subordinate remained silent. The teenager looked at the ground, processing the new information.


    "But¡­" He couldn''t help but point out, "We don''t have the Prince."


    That comment earned him a smack on the head from his leader who looked to him disappointedly. Clearly, the brat had a long way to go if he wanted to succeed in this kind of lifestyle.


    "You, idiot!" His leader berated, "This girl is his lover!"


    The lackey looked over to the girl tied to a chair, sleeping. She had one of the smoothest skin he had ever seen. Most beautiful females he had encountered possessed fair skin as they preferred to stay in doors. The one he stared at had a bit of a tan, a sign that she often spent her time under the sun.


    "A man who ran away from a political agreement for love is clearly weak to this love" his leader further explained but the lackey''s thoughts countered, with a girl that lovely, how could the Prince not be attracted to her? A red peony among a bed of white lilies.


    "Instead of the Nocti chasing after him, the Prince will be the one to come to them for his beloved!" The leader bellowed a laugh, echoing throughout the surrounding forest. It faded into the air until it was silent once more.


    The lackey realized his leader had stopped talking, jerking his head towards him. His eyes met a disdainful look of disappointment.


    "That''s genius, boss!" He quickly recovered, making up for his lack of enthusiasm. It did make sense. It was just a shame that someone else got involved.


    Luckily, his leader took it in good nature and slapped his shoulder, "Of course! I am, after all, a brilliant man."

 21 The Crown Princes Lover

    Maia''s ears picked up another cackle of laughter. It seemed like someone like to do it a lot.


    She smiled to herself. She found it amazing how some kidnappers talked a lot when their victim was asleep. They just made her work easier. This sounded like a good opportunity to ''wake up''.


    She began coughing. Looking around, darkness surrounded the barn. She couldn''t see anything.


    "Help!" Maia yelled, "Help! Anybody? Please help!"


    She choked from opening her mouth too wide. She squinted her eyes and hoped to activate her tear ducts. She panted, making sure it sounded labored and loud.


    Thuds hit the double doors in front of her, a soft moonlight shining through. One by one, they stepped inside.


    The kidnappers watched as her body shook, as her throat dried up and as her eyes filled with tears. She tried to pull her hands off the chair and tried to push her feet on the ground to stand¡­ but her strength failed her.


    She closed her eyes and slumped in her seat.


    "Water," Maia moaned. She bower her head, her shoulders dropping in surrender, "Water, please!"


    Soon enough, footsteps came closer. The blade of a dagger lifted up her chin. Maia''s eyelids fluttered a bit.


    "Who¡­," she said with a shaky breath, "¡­ who are you?"


    The small window her eyelids provided barely revealed the features of the man before her. The cold blade slid against her skin. A small prick hit the underside of her jawline. A drop of blood dripped out.


    "My, my, my¡­ what a prize," the man smirked. His nasal voice rumbled at the back of his throat, "What a beauty we have here, boys."


    Hoots of delight and laugh bounced against the walls. Maia''s right brow twitched at the sound of it. She prayed her ears would survive unscathed.


    "What¡­," she panted, "¡­ what do you want from me?"


    If these idiots had kept her feet free then, maybe they would also reveal their plans¡ªeven when she was awake. Somehow a lot of them liked to brag about their plans. It became the most effective to stall and to collect information. She only needed to use the right words.


    Maia kept her breathing labored and her muscles weak. Her head tipped over the dagger, making the kidnapper catch her cheek with his gloved hand. She shivered involuntarily. It felt cold against her skin.


    "Oh, we don''t want anything from you, dear" his thumb stroked her cheek. The leather against her skin felt rough, "Rather¡­ it''s your fianc¨¦ we''re after."


    "FIANCE?!" Maia exclaimed, straightening her posture and leaning her head back. If that didn''t sound like a surprised expression from a clueless person, she didn''t know what was. The kidnapper stepped back at the wide-eyed stare she attacked him with. Now completely conscious, she could finally see what he looked like.


    The man had straight dark green hair, its tips touching his jawline. His chin had a bit of stubble. By the facial lines and wrinkles, Maia presumed the man was at least in his mid-30s. He also had a mole near his corner lip, a distinct feature she remembered about him.


    "Don''t even try to deny it, lady," he sneered, leaning forward to match her eye level. Only a fool would fall for her trick. He had seen better acting skills.


    "Mister¡­" Maia closed her eyes and sighed, "Can you kindly point out where my fianc¨¦ is because as far as I''m concerned, he''s lost at sea."


    When she opened them, she gave the kidnapper a pointed look.


    He bellowed a laugh, beckoning his companions to join him, "Nice try, missy, but you''re not fooling anyone."


    Maia blew a raspberry, "Nice try, mister, but I don''t have a significant other. Wouldn''t I know that better than you?"


    She relaxed against the backrest of her seat, placing her right ankle on her left knee. Her tears had also stopped. They slowly dried up at the corners of her eyes. She let out an impatient breath. If he was as stubborn as she thought he would be, this talk would be a long one.


    The grass-headed oaf grunted at her demeanor, "I wouldn''t be confident, missy."


    "Going to hurt me? Don''t you need me for ransom?" Maia smirked.


    He pointed the dagger at her nose, "So you admit you have a fianc¨¦."


    "Don''t shove words in my mouth," she replied, kicking his knee and making him stumbled with a groan.


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    "Master!" Their audience screamed as they rushed to his side. They all wore matching dark gray outfits: wide leather belts secured their baggy trousers; sashes tied around their waists over their short-sleeved jackets and ankle boots over knee high socks.


    Only their "master" wore a cape over his shoulders.


    Even their clothes looked like they were made for amateurs.


    "I''m fine" he assured his companions, raising a hand, "It was a weak kick anyway."


    Maia snorted, staring deliberately at the knee she hit. She didn''t use a lot of force alright... but she didn''t need to. She only needed to dislocate something. The man straightened his stance but the foot of that knee didn''t move. He hid it well but she knew he put all of his weight on the other foot.


    He noticed her look. Maia couldn''t help but give him a half-smile.


    "Have you sent out the letter?" He ignored her and turned to his subordinates.


    One of them bowed in reply, "Yes, master. We have located the target at a farmhouse. As far as we know, he''s still unconscious."


    Their master stroked his chin, "It''ll be a while then before he''d respond."


    He sneaked a glance at Maia and teased a smile, "I wonder how much your Prince will pay for your safety and freedom."


    She choked on her own spit, "My who now?"


    Grass-head stepped forward using his good leg. His mocking smile grew wider. Even his companions snickered around him. The bewildered look on her face must have been comical.


    "Who else, missy?" He mocked, "Who else but Crown Prince Tylen?"


    ¡­


    ¡­


    ¡­

 22 The Last Laugh

    Maia had the urge to laugh. It had been the second time she heard those words. The difference was they said it straight to her face now. It still sounded just as ridiculous.


    "What?" She fake gasped, "The Crown Prince? What makes you think a low life like me has seen the Prince''s face? Let alone be engaged to him?"


    Then, she scoffed at their assumptions. No one in their right mind would come up with such a story. Such bold claims wouldn''t be believed by the people.


    "Oh, not this again, missy" the leader spat on the floor, "Don''t even try. We all saw you earlier with him."


    Maia pressed her lips together, "You have to be more specific, mister. I had three male companions with me."


    "It was the good looking one" a subordinate answered for her.


    The good looking one?


    "You mean Raz? I mean, Rash? Rash of the Sea?"


    No one moved but somehow the atmosphere changed. The name brought out an eerie silence and why wouldn''t it? Raz''s reputation composed of five men on the ground in five seconds, a silent murder of an evil baron, countless bodies drowned by the sea and tide after tide of catastrophes in her wake.


    "You were with the Rash of the Sea?" The same subordinate breathed out.


    Maia nodded slowly and bowed her head. She tried to hide her face by looking over her shoulder, mumbling, "Yeah, we''re in a relationship."


    The subordinates shivered while Grass-head immediately pulled on her ponytail, baring his teeth, "You said your fianc¨¦ is lost at sea."


    Her face showed no fear¡ªnot even from the smell of tobacco coming from his mouth, "Yeah, Rash of the Sea. Lost at sea. Same difference."


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    "It''s not."


    "Whoever said women made sense?" Maia shrugged and leaned her head back. In her mind, she commented on how easily men get pissed off and how they liked to pull women''s hair.


    Not that she hadn''t used those to her advantage.


    The leader let go of her hair, gritting his teeth, "Enough of this, missy! You have dragged this too long. Confess or we''ll have to take action."


    Putting away the dagger he held, he pulled out a long sword from his belt and pointed it at Maia''s chest.


    The red haired pirate looked unimpressed, "Oh my, I thought you said I was the Crown Prince''s fianc¨¦?"


    "So you¡ªarrgghh, enough!" Grass-head swung the sword to the side. It swooshed against the air then, it arched back to Maia''s neck, "Confess already! We saw you intimate earlier."


    "Intimate¡­" Maia looked up at the ceiling, thinking. It had been a long day. It was crowded too. They could have meant anyone, "Oh, the hug?"


    "Yes!" The leader pleased at their synchronization, "We saw it!"


    "Oh¡­ That''s not Rash."


    "Ha!"


    "That was Nyt, a new Phantom Pirate. Poor lad. He''s still unused to our missions. He''s easily excited, you know? So when we haven''t found anything yet, he becomes sad. Then, there was this fortune teller. Oh, did I want to hit her. She just had to open her big mouth and discourage him even more," Maia shook her head at the memory, "What else could I do but comfort him?"


    "A likely story!"


    She merely snorted at his skepticism, "You should listen to your story sometime, mister. The Crown Prince? With a peasant? Everyone knows the Prince almost never leaves the palace."


    Grass-head couldn''t see it but her words startled his subordinates slightly. Their shoulders slacken at the thought. Maia hid a smile. A little bit more and she could persuade them to her side or, at least, question theirs.


    If only Grass-head would do the same.


    "I mean, hardly anyone has seen the Crown Prince since the King died. How on earth would he come to know peasants? And mind you, I have never worked at Teralyn''s Palace. I doubt His Highness goes out to the market to buy his shopping."


    "Oh, but we have a solid source," their leader smirked. This broke the trance on his subordinates.


    Yet, Maia didn''t miss a beat, "That what? Crown Prince Tylen has a fianc¨¦e? Wouldn''t the Palace announce that if it were true?"


    "Ah, but the underground doesn''t work that way, missy" a mocking smile formed on the grass-head''s lips, "Everyone knows the Crown Prince should be on his way to Aurae but only his Knight is in the Royal carriage. It has been a race ever since to capture him."


    Maia paused for a moment. If they knew about Tylen''s scheme, it would only be a matter of time before it reached Aurae Kingdom.


    When she spoke, she spoke carefully, "There''s¡­ a bounty on the Crown Prince''s head? Has he offended anyone?"


    "We''re not sure on the details but someone had posted a job listing to bring back the Prince¡­ but he has to be alive."


    "I see¡­" Maia nodded and leaned forward, "...and you think I''m his fianc¨¦e how?"


    Unfortunately, Grass-head saw through her act. He bent forward to meet her eyes and said, "Keep your words cryptic all you want, missy. It''s no secret that the journey to Aurae is for his engagement with its Princess. Why else would he leave if not for another woman?"


    Well, they weren''t wrong, Maia mused in her mind, except that said person in question had been presumed dead years ago.


    She sighed helplessly, "Look, mister. I don''t know what screws you have missing in your head but without a shed of doubt, I am not Crown Prince Tylen''s fianc¨¦e."


    The leader had been trained how to successfully interrogate a subject. The sure way for him to win it was if the subject showed any unconscious sign of lying but none of them appeared on Maia''s hard stare.


    "Let''s see who will have the last laugh when the Crown Prince comes for you" he whispered and straightened his spine.


    Maia cackled, tears forming at the corner of her eyes. The kidnappers stood stock still. They merely looked at each other then, back at the lunatic tied to a chair.


    Her laughs suddenly stopped, "Oh! But this isn''t my last laugh though. It doesn''t count."


    "What makes you think you''ll have the last laugh, missy?" Grass-head snarled, the last of his patience dwindling.


    It was Maia''s turn to smirk, "Mister, if you think Crown Prince Tylen will come for me, you are greatly mistaken."

 24 The Return and the Duck

    The next morning, the sun greeted the sky once more. Its rays created a blanket of light for Terayln''s lands, burning brighter as time passed by. Not too long ago, a young man woke up from a dream. The image of his first love was so vivid, he could almost touch her. When he opened his eyes, the memory lingered in his vision.


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    "Ariene?"


    ===


    Later that day, near a farmhouse located a few blocks away from the market, a young woman held a jar of water on her head. She had gone to the river to stock up on the water supply for the day. Ever since she deemed herself old enough, she took over this task from her mother after the well they had in their farm dried up years ago.


    As she emerged from the edge of the trees that stood between the river and their farm, a young man jogged up to her.


    "Let me help you," he said.


    The young woman''s eyes looked up at the young man''s face. Strays of light bronze hair stuck out around her face. Despite her disheveled look, the young man smiled at her, a dimple appearing on his cheek. His soft blue eyes as inviting as the sky and his hands posed ready to reach for the jar.


    When she hadn''t said a word, he gestured to take the jar. She stepped back on reflex. The smile on the young man''s face dropped.


    "I¡­ I¡­" She stammered, feeling her cheeks heat up, "I''m alright. I can handle this. There is no need to help me."


    Then, she stepped around him, continuing on her journey but at a much faster pace.


    "Please, I insist" the young man caught up to her side. He walked sideways to keep his eyes on her, "It''s the least I could do."


    "Your friends have helped us quite enough. We simply returned their kindness. It was the least thing we could do" the young woman answered, her gaze on the flock of sheep their dog chased around. Her father guarded the door of the pen, ready to close it once all the sheep went inside.


    "They might have showed you kindness but I haven''t had the chance quite yet" the young man immediately countered, "Please give me that chance?"


    His tone of voice startled her that she whipped her head too fast. The jar of water on her head began to tip. The young man reached out and grabbed it, rebalancing it on her head.


    "That was close" he whispered in relief. He glanced at the young woman''s face. Her wide yellowish copper tint eyes stared at nothing while her face flushed beet red.


    The young man blinked at the sight, letting his hands stay on the jar. He''d seen other women blush before but the one in front him seemed different. He couldn''t place his finger on it but there was an innocence to her that the others didn''t have.


    A few meters from them, Cleon sat under a tree. He munched on an apple. It had only been a few hours since Tylen regained consciousness. He heard what Tylen called her and since then, he had seen the Prince scramble here and there, following Lily. He probably wouldn''t leave her side if it were possible.


    "Thank you" Lily kept her face bowed as she attempted to walk once more. Tylen reluctantly let go of the jar. His hands closed into fists, resisting the urge to take it.


    Cleon wished to barf.


    But that would waste a perfectly good apple.


    "Well, you don''t see that everyday," a newcomer said beside him. She leaned a shoulder against Cleon''s tree trunk, crossing her arms over her chest. The shadows that the forest provided concealed her presence. Her eyes followed the young woman as she tried to escape the young man''s attention.


    "That idiot has been infatuated with her ever since he woke up" the blue-haired pirate grumbled, "I have a feeling it''s because of the way she looks."


    Cleon admitted that he too had thought about the possibility. He''d known Lily from a previous they had. Their sheep had been stolen by rogues. They planned to sell half while eating the rest. Luckily, he and the others had been nearby. They saved every last sheep from such a fate. As compensation, Lily''s mother offered her medical services and hospitality if they happened to be in need of it.


    "At least, he acts like a gentleman around her unlike some people" another voice joined in. This time it came from Cleon''s other side. Unlike her companion, she crouched low on the ground and waited for the blue-haired pirate to notice her.


    Cleon snorted, "Any guy would be around the person they like."


    "Who do you like then? So we could verify this" the second voice teased him.


    Raz drew in a sharp breath, "Be careful, Maia. You might scare away Cleon."


    "How would that¡ªMaia?!" Cleon snapped his gaze towards his right. He found a grinning Maia who returned his wide stare with a crumpled nose. He fell off the tree root he sat on and landed on the ground. His apple flew as his hands and arms stabilized his new position.


    "Did you miss me?" The redhead pirate giggled.


    Raz hid a smirk behind a fist. She cleared her throat and said, "You need to work on your perception."


    They recognized Cleon on their way through the forest. He did have a hard to miss ponytail of blue hair. Instead of calling out to him, Maia devised a grand idea of sneaking up on him. She thought about jumping off a tree but that ended the fun easily. When she noticed how distracted he seemed, she chose a more casual route instead of a dramatic one.


    Not one to dampen her mood, Raz agreed to it.


    Cleon hung his head until his eyes glimpsed Raz''s criticizing coal ones.


    "That''s because you''re practically a ghost whenever you''re in stealth mode," he defended.


    His leader frowned, cocking her head, "Isn''t that the point of stealth?"


    "We are the ''Phantom'' Pirates, you know" Maia backed up, nodding.


    Cleon growled. His time had been quite peaceful when his companions were missing in action. Now that they came back, he expected a future full of his bum on the ground, annoyance in his ears and stony expressions aimed his way.


    Ah, the bliss of his normal everyday life.


    "Hey, you, strawberry shortcake" he snarled at Maia, "You''re okay, right? They didn''t do anything to you?"


    "Aw, Cleon. I didn''t know you cared so much" she cooed in return. The redhead straightened her legs and held out a hand, "Come on, get up. We have things to discuss."


    Cleon took her offer and pulled himself up, "I bet you tricked someone into spilling all their plans."


    "Kind of" Maia shrugged, "Raz already figured out most of them. Wait, where is Raz?"


    Both pirates turned their heads around, searching for a familiar figure. Cleon strongly wanted to grumble about how Maia didn''t notice their leader''s absence and how Raz never scolded her for it. Why did he have to receive unfair treatment?


    They immediately spotted their leader walking up towards the odd pair. When Tylen raised his hand once more, Raz intercepted it by grasping his wrist. Both parties jumped in surprised. The jar of water toppled over Lily''s head again.


    This time, Raz caught it with one hand. She nudged it a bit so Lily could reposition it. A gentle smile bloomed on her lips, "Do you mind if I borrow our companion for a while?"


    Lily gulped. Her memories of the pirate protecting her when she snuck off to follow them resurfaced in her mind. Never had she seen someone move with grace in the midst of battle. All the males she had witnessed before moved brashly and aggressively. The swift maneuvers that the Rash of the Sea made became embedded in her mind.


    "I don''t mind at all," she squeaked. Even in broad daylight, the pirate commanded a powerful demeanor. Albeit, a bit quiet.


    "Thank you. Be careful" Raz yanked Tylen back to the clearing.


    To say the Prince had been astonished at the sight of her would be putting it mildly. He had asked Cleon how long they should expect before she and Maia came back. In return, the blue-haired only grunted for him to wait patiently. Tylen felt at a loss on what to anticipate. Broken bones? Bleeding wounds? Swollen injuries? Yet, the lass moved as fit as a fiddle.


    She let go of his wrist, still walking towards the middle of the farmland.


    When Raz stopped, so did Tylen.


    Then, she spoke to him, the first word for her to utter since she materialized before him,


    "Duck."


    A rapier sword emerged before the Prince, ready to slice off his head.

 25 The Rolls and the Fire

    Tylen did as he was told.


    The sword barely missed the tips of his hair. He rested his hands on his knees and panted. His heart thundered to a race. The sun smothered his back with its heat. Sweat trickled down the side of his face, dripping on the grass.


    Yet, none of them sounded more absurd than his thoughts about the pirate wanting to take his life.


    "Now, roll to your right."


    Pain slammed through Tylen''s knees as he curved away from his position. The blade swiftly came down and hit the ground where the Prince previously stood. Raz didn''t rest. She spouted her next instructions, swinging, "Now, your left."


    Once again, the rapier sliced through the air until it met resistance made of dirt.


    Tylen shifted his weight onto his bottom, raising his hands in front of his face. Had the pirate gone mad? She was supposed to protect him, not offer him as a sacrifice to Luna.


    "How weak are you?" Raz seethed. She hovered the blade next to the Prince''s face. Her eyes had turned cold and hard while she watched him. It was yesterday when her companion had been kidnapped under the impression that she had a relationship with the Crown Prince. They came back to find the same Prince frolocking with his nurse.


    How much did the people spoil him?


    "Excuse me?" Tylen asked. He lowered his hands to meet the pirate''s stoic gaze, shivering as soon as his eyes made contact. The air seemed colder despite the hot sun.


    Raz squinted at him, "You have fast reflexes but how much training have you gone through?"


    "I''ve mostly learned the basics. It''s Hayden who went through advanced courses."


    The pirate barred her teeth and clenched her jaw. Her mouth barely moved as she spoke, "Are you to rely on Sir Darkwood for combat? What about you? What can you do?"


    "I''ve had defense training," Tylen said. Somewhere inside, he knew it wouldn''t be a satisfactory answer for the Rash of the Sea.


    At his remark, Raz pulled back the rapier and pointed it over her shoulder, "Then, let''s see how you defend yourself against a sword while unarmed."


    In one smooth motion, the pirate attacked the Prince.


    Tylen scrambled onto his feet and kept his eye on the sword. He dodged each swing Raz made in his direction. She aimed for his ribs, his shoulder, his legs¡­ the Prince kept a one-inch distance, maintaining the upper hand.


    Maia and Cleon observed from their spot. The blue-haired pirate immediately noticed Tylen''s footwork. The work of an experienced fighter. Maia, on the other hand, regarded the Prince''s overall movement. The strain each body part went through at the choice of action¡ªincluding possible weaknesses and openings.


    When Tylen achieved a clean streak of dodging the blade, Raz changed tactics. She crouched to the ground and swept her leg against his ankles. The Prince found himself flat on his back in an instant with a sword pointed under his chin.


    "Didn''t you say it would only be a sword?" He complained, flexing his feet. The ache around them almost made him wonder if the pirate had given him an injury.


    "And that is reason enough to be open against other attacks?" Raz scoffed. She bent forward until her face covered the entirety of the Prince''s vision, her voice hissing out of her lips, "Listen to me carefully. I will not proceed with this mission while my companions are at a risk because some bloke cannot engage in combat. We may be here to supply you protection but mark my words, where we''re heading with this journey of yours, you need better skills. How exactly do you plan to protect your princess against your enemies, hm?"


    Raz straightened her spine, sheathing the rapier back in its case, "We start your combat training tomorrow at dawn. After that, we leave. If you have any unfinished business, better resolve it soon."


    Then, she walked away without looking back.


    Tylen laid down stock still. The grass cradled his head and the sky gifted his eyes with serene clouds floating by. A big one blocked out the sun, saving him from blindness. The words of the pirate weighed heavily in his head. He had intended to take up more training. Unlike his best friend, he hadn''t been born with superior combat skills. Even when he had presented more effort, his swordsmanship barely improved. In the end, Hayden reassured him that he''d stay by his side and that he didn''t need to worry so.


    "Aw, don''t be so down in the dumps" Cleon interrupted the Prince''s thoughts. He sat near Tylen, hugging his knees, "Raz is a monster on two legs."


    "Ignore him. She simply wants us to be able to look out for each other" Maia reassured him as well. She crouched over at Tylen''s other side with a wide smile on her face.


    The Prince shifted his head in her direction, "Maia, how are you?"


    "I''m good. No need to worry" the redhead patted his shoulder lightly.


    "Am I really that bad?" Tylen asked, staring at the sky again.


    "You''re fast on your feet, I can tell you that" Cleon answered.


    He had heard the same thing from Hayden and their instructors. Was that all he was good at? Fleeing? The clouds continued to roll in the sky. They clearly had nothing to worry about whether they did it slow or whether they could defend themselves from attackers.


    Because no one attacked them.


    The Prince held up a hand to the sky, as if meaning to capture the clouds in his palm. They remained where they were and moved on with their day.


    Such an easy life, so far beyond his grasp.


    Did Ariene live such a life? If she did, would he be able to take her from it?


    ===


    Raz laid out a futon on the wooden floor. She and Maia had been given a room to spend the night. It only had one bed, enough for one person. The Rash of the Sea wasn''t about to take a ''no'' as an answer¡ªnot even from a redhead pirate.


    "Why not take the bed, Raz?" Maia said. She entered the room from its adjoined bathroom. Her damp hair soaked the night clothes lended to her by Lily. She accepted it, grateful to be rid of her filthy clothes for the time being.


    A light breeze flew through the window, making her shiver.


    "You deserve a proper rest tonight," her leader explained. Raz took the blanket and the pillows that had been provided and placed them neatly on the futon. Unlike Maia, she merely stripped off her outerwear and shoes, leaving her tunic and her trousers.


    "I think you deserve it more," the redhead argued, "You also spent the night in the forest. I bet you didn''t even sleep even when I took over as lookout."


    Raz chuckled, "How about this? We push the bed to the wall and pull down the mattress. That way, we both sleep on the floor."


    Maia contemplated the idea. It seemed quite fair compared to only one person having the privilege of the bed. The two girls pushed the bed until it hit the wall and placed the mattress next to Raz''s futon. They lied down, backs facing each other. Raz stayed near the window in case of an intruder. Yet, the night remained quiet and darkness wrapped them up in a blanket.


    ¡­


    ¡­


    ¡­


    Smoke engulfed the air as flames of crimson heat soared high up to the ceiling. Screams of terror echoed away from the room. Beams crashed against furniture, breaking them into splinters. Grasses of kindled fire soon covered the floor. They crawled over it and sprouted like weeds.


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    In the middle of it all, stood a little girl.


    Her entire body had been covered in soot. The dress she wore burned at the hems. Inexplicable pain seared her skin. She ran around the room of fire. Her hands touched any wall and searched for an exit. Despite the uncontrollable blaze, none of them caved in. They kept the room upright no matter how many scraps of wood fell from above.


    She coughed.


    She choked.


    Her vision began to blur and her knees caved in. She knelt onto the floor, wheezing what little air she had left. She could hear the others but no one heard her. She closed her eyes. Her fate had been sealed by the walls that kept her locked in.


    Silent tears rolled down her cheeks, her only source of water inside the inferno. They tasted salty against her tongue but her mouth had become so dry that it welcomed the tangy droplets.


    One by one, the flames crackled until they left no surface untouched¡ªincluding the little girl.


    Maia woke up, her eyes wide with adrenaline. She sat up and panted. Sweat trickled down her forehead. She wiped it off with the back of her hand. Then, she placed it on her chest. Her head felt light and her nerves trembled. Each time, the dream became more lifelike and each time, the same hopelessness weighed in her heart. Even awake, she could feel the fire creep up her skin, toasting her body.


    She licked her dry lips and focused on her breathing. In this room, there was no smoke. The air was clear and it tasted fresh from the trees.


    "Maia, are you alright?" Raz rubbed the sleep out of her eyes, sitting up.


    The redhead was a sight to behold. Her lips had gone pale and her hair had snarled up into a haystack. Raz could see her visibly shake from head to toe. One look at the frightened amber eyes in front of her and she knew.


    Tears welled up in those eyes when they stared back at her, "I¡ªI¡ª"


    Raz reached out and yanked Maia into her arms. She rubbed her back, smoothing out the goosebumps that rose on the redhead''s skin, and whispered into her ear, "Sshh, it''s okay, it''s okay. It was only a nightmare. It wasn''t real. I''m here. I''ll protect you."

 26 The Dawn of Enhanced Training

    Cleon closed the bedroom door behind him, stretching his arms upwards. He interlaced his fingers and pushed his palms as high as he could. His back curved from the activity, awakening his still half-asleep muscles. Although they had always woken up before dawn all this time, he never got used to it.


    On the other side of the corridor, another door opened and another pirate walked out.


    \"Say, Raz\" Cleon greeted his leader, \"I¡ª\"


    \"Where''s Nyt?\" She interrupted, passing him by.


    The blue-haired pirate quickly followed her stride. A rigid back and tense shoulders, Cleon wondered if she ever relaxed. Even her steps seemed calculated despite how casual her pace was. Then again, she didn''t become the captain''s sergeant for nothing.


    \"He''s in the bathroom, washing up,\" he answered with a yawn. Unbeknownst to Cleon''s knowledge, the Prince actually spent more time tidying their sleeping arrangement than getting ready for the day ahead. The blue-haired pirate simply left the room without organizing the sheets and pillows he used.


    \"Good.\"


    Both pirates descended down the stairs. Compared to Raz''s demeanor, Cleon shuffled his feet clumsily, his hands on the back of his neck, \"I''ve been thinking¡­ What if Lily did turn out to be Ariene? Then, our mission would be over and we could head back before Scrooge could find us.\"


    Raz merely raised an eyebrow, reaching the first floor, \"If it was her, that would be a big coincidence. Not to mention, very lucky.\"


    Cleon frowned at her lack of enthusiasm. She didn''t seem to think it could be possible at all. Would it be too much to ask for it to come true? He really missed the food back at the Ytle ship. Deelah always had the best menu laid out for the day.


    On their way out to the back, they passed by the farm owners, a couple that had been together for 30 years. White strands had begun to sprout on their head. Yet, they both had the energy of the young. They quickly told the pirates to come back for breakfast since they still prepared it.


    Raz led Cleon to the spot where she had attacked Tylen. She hinted no warning before her rapier slid off its case and flew to the blue-haired pirate''s head. Unlike the Prince, Cleon ducked and rolled. When he rose to a kneel, he had already pulled out his own basket-hilted sword, a hand me down from Alec. The hilt had already lost its shine but the blade had remained in good condition.


    He didn''t wait for Raz to make the next move, he leaped up and slashed against her torso, hitting nothing but air. His leader dodged to the side and aimed for his ribs. The blue-haired pirate quickly blocked it with his sword. He took a step back, shifting to a more advantageous position, but Raz was a step ahead and swung the rapier right where Cleon went, blocking his path.


    Cleon lost his balance. He landed on his bottom. With the number of times Raz tested his footwork, his bum had become immune to the impact.


    He stood up again and changed tactics.


    Tylen watched the duel from the back porch. It was the second time he''d witness these sessions. Nevertheless, they baffled him just as much as the first one. The fluidity in Raz''s form looked like a distant dream where he could execute the same.


    When Cleon fell to the ground the 5th time, coal black eyes glanced at him.


    \"Do you plan to stand there all day?\"


    The Prince gulped and walked up to the pirates hastily. Raz sheathed her rapier while Cleon hopped to his feet.


    Once Tylen reached them, the sergeant gave them instructions, \"This is how it will go. The both of you are a team. If you need time to discuss, you have 5 minutes to do so in between rounds. You must have each other''s backs. Cleon, you saw how Nyt did yesterday so you already have an idea about his fighting form. The same thing goes for you, Nyt. Neither of you are clueless about combat so I expect you can learn something from each other. Your five minutes start now.\"


    Raz distanced herself from them. She stood a few meters away, eyeing the forest. She made sure to cover the tracks they left before arriving at the farmhouse, both before and after carrying an unconscious Prince. She did the same thing during the rescue mission for Maia. Ever since her run in with the Nocti at the Stitz Inn, she took extra care about their journey. Deep inside, she knew it was only borrowed time.


    It wouldn''t take long before the Devils of the Night found a way.


    Cleon and Tylen ended their discussion with a nod. Both of them dashed towards the unsuspecting pirate from opposite directions.


    Each of their attacks had been blocked by a blade. Raz had taken out her butterfly swords. She tested the Prince on his blocking and Cleon on his footwork. When one of her blades almost slashed Tylen, Cleon would move to block it¡­ but this affected his footing.


    Raz squinted at Cleon''s strategy. Did he really not trust the Prince to do his own blocking?


    To prove this theory, she doubled the amount of attacks she aimed at Tylen. Like clockwork, Cleon''s sword was there to meet her blades. Then, she added variety to it. She went for the head, the arm, the legs then, switched the pattern. Just as she suspected the blue-haired pirate still moved clumsily and not only that but also he left himself wide open without notice.


    She sighed.


    Raz spun on her heel and jabbed Cleon''s ribs with the butt of her sword. Then, she did the same thing with his shoulder. He crippled to the ground, trembling from the impact.


    \"Before you start protecting others, you should learn to protect yourself. How useless would it be if you can be defeated this easily? In the end, you protected no one.\"


    Her words pierced and embedded themselves in the Prince''s mind. It hit home. She was right. He couldn''t possibly stand by Ariene''s side only to be overpowered by enemies. He would serve no purpose to be there especially with his plans. It also wouldn''t be right to have Hayden bear the responsibility.


    Even before, with Raz''s words, it meant his Knight didn''t protect only one person but that he protected two.


    How could he have lived like this for so long?


    The sword in his hand grew heavier.


    Had he been making excuses?


    He wrapped a hand over his other one. They both gripped the hilt. His eyes stared hard at the shining blade. Although he had never really used it a lot, he had taken good care of it. His best friend had given it to him once he turned eighteen. Hayden had told him he''d be more at ease to know he wasn''t unarmed.


    The Prince pursed his lips.


    The only thing hindering was himself and not his lack of abilities. Some of them could only be learned through hard work and determination. He just needed to believe in it.


    Tylen swung the sword towards Raz.


    The pirate crossed her blades to block his attack. She glared at the Prince''s face, noting his sharpened features. It seemed like he was ready to play. The corner of her lips tugged upwards.


    Raz spread her arms to push him off. Tylen already saw it coming and stepped back, digging his heel into the soil. He swung his sword towards the size, flipping it overhead. He had no desire to overpower the pirate. He knew his prowess. He only needed to familiarize his body into engaging in battles.


    One blade clashed against his and another flew to his other side. The Prince took another step to maneuver his sword and dodged.


    On and on, Raz kept attacking his sides. Then, she switched to his head. Tylen manipulated the blade to try different swings. When one of them lacked power, the pirate lifted off her sword faster to not completely knock it off his hands.


    Once satisfied, she aimed for his legs.


    Cleon watched from the ground. The two of them had practically circled the entire field with their dance. Raz had nudged the Prince''s sword a few times, clearing overpowering it. She had done this with him as well¡ªuntil she became dissatisfied with his performance of committing similar mistakes over and over again.


    Soon, Raz used a complicated move and swept the Tylen off his feet, his sword clattering next to him.


    \"Not bad,\" she commented, \"Your defense is better than you''ve implied. A little more and you can try attack positions. Get some rest for a while.\"


    Blades ready in position, Raz turned to Cleon and slashed them next to him. The blue-haired pirate yelped, scrambling to his feet. When he looked at his leader, he could almost see smoke clouding over her coal eyes with a small hot white flame.


    \"How many times have I told you to master your defense sword skills?\" Raz seethed. Her butterfly swords on either side, she stalked her way up to Cleon.


    Cleon backed away, raising his hands in front of his chest, \"That''s not fair! He had lessons from knights! Plus he''s far older than me!\"


    \"Yet, you want to pick a fight with a knight far more advanced than him. You''re too eager to attack when you can''t even defend your openings. If you want to catch up to Nyt, we need to enhance training.\"


    When the blue-haired pirate hit the porch railing behind him, he gulped. He swiftly raised his sword. Raz had him imprisoned. She purposely led him to this spot so he couldn''t move his body away from her.


    All he had to protect himself against his leader was his basket-hilted sword.


    Raz showed no mercy and blocked all possible openings Cleon could use to escape. Unlike with the Prince, her pattern of attacks shuffled. She expected more from the blue-haired pirate since she had overseen his training for the past year. Yet, even Maia seemed far better than him.


    From his viewpoint, Tylen now knew why Cleon had called Raz a monster.

 27 The Next Step

    Raz stopped when Lily emerged on the back porch. Cleon slumped to the ground. Sweat covered his entire back and pain cloaked his arms. His basket-hilted sword had never felt more heavy. His legs had molded into lead. Nothing could convince him to move from this spot.


    \"My mother wants to inform you that breakfast is ready,\" Lily told Raz. She nodded her head politely before heading back inside. Sheathing her butterfly swords, Raz glanced over at the Prince. She nudged her head in Lily''s direction¡ªa reminder about his unfinished business.


    Tylen walked up to the pair while Raz stared down at the pitiful blue-haired pirate. Maia also decided to join them. She saw her leader''s line of sight and peeked.


    \"Muscle cramps again?\" She greeted Cleon, resting her elbows on the railing. He redirected his glare at her. Maia merely grinned, \"Keep that up and we''d leave you right here.\"


    \"No, you wouldn''t\" the blue-haired pirate snorted.


    Raz placed a bent arm over the Prince''s shoulder, \"Hungry, Nyt? We can go inside. No need to wait for Cleon.\"


    \"Hey!\"


    Bluntly ignoring the protest, she led the Prince up the porch stairs and through the backdoor. The owners had prepared various meat-filled dishes for the pirates such as sausages and bacon. They also had bread and butter set aside at the edge of the table, a few servings of both scrambled and sunny-side eggs¡ªas well as various choices of drinks, some hot and some cold.


    Raz grabbed a glass and filled it with cold water, passing it to Tylen. For a while, the Prince felt startled but accepted it gratefully. The pirate smirked at this. Then, she poured one for herself and two others for her crew.


    A screech echoed from outside. It sounded ridiculous that Raz choked on her water. Even after all this time, Cleon still screamed like a girl whenever Maia healed his cramps. She pulled back a chair and took a seat. She prepared one plate with Maia''s favorites before the boys could get their hands on them. She placed it in front of the chair next to her.


    On the other hand, the Prince eyed the dining room. Lily and her parents couldn''t be found. Since they cooked the meal, they should have the first pick of the food.


    A lopsided smile creeped up Raz''s lips, \"It''s alright. Take a seat. I''ve already informed them to eat before we do last night.\"


    Tylen snapped his head in her direction. How could she tell that he''d been thinking about the farm owners? He got a wink in reply. Shrugging, he sat at the head of the table and helped himself. The sausages tasted tender and savory. Spices and sweetness bursted in his mouth. Even the eggs tasted delicious.


    He cut a piece of bread, offering it to Raz. She shook her head. She sliced the sausages evenly on her plate and lined up around two sunny-side eggs. With each bite, she made sure she had a chunk of meat and a piece of egg soaked in the runny yolk. Her mannerism seemed well-established. The Prince figured it was due to her swordsmanship. If the pirate tried tremendously, she could infiltrate a knights'' headquarters as a member of it.


    \"Have you talked to Lily?\" The pirate asked Tylen. She kept her eyes on her plate while she waited for him to answer.


    The Prince sighed, setting down a fork, \"She said that the owners adopted her when she was 10.\"


    A crease appeared between Raz''s eyebrows. She reached for an orange juice, \"A little bit older than when Ariene disappeared.\"


    Tylen nodded, \"She also doesn''t remember anything from her life before the orphanage. She only lived there for a couple of months before she got adopted.\"


    The Prince exhaled sharply. Since Lily had been adopted at a later age, it didn''t completely rule out that she wasn''t his Princess. The lost memories were of little help. It made him think more.


    \"Do you¡­\" he hesitated, \"Do you perhaps think it would be better to leave Ariene alone?\"


    Raz stopped drinking the juice and finally faced Tylen. The Prince gripped the knife and fork tightly, eyes on the center part of the table. The wrinkle on his forehead appeared much deeper than Raz''s.


    \"What do you think?\" She asked softly. Tylen clearly seemed troubled by the idea. She gave him her full attention.


    \"I¡­ I don''t know\" the Prince stammered, \"I''d always stayed hopeful that she was alive. Now, I wonder if she even wants that life back. Wouldn''t it only bring trouble to force someone into something they don''t want?\"


    Did she even want to see me?


    Raz pondered the idea. What Tylen said held the truth. It would be troublesome to bring someone who wouldn''t want to come. She watched the Prince''s expression change every few seconds, \"All that aside, do you want to find her?\"


    Tylen blinked out of his daze, \"Yes. Yes, I do.\"


    \"Is it really to bring her back?\" The pirate raised an eyebrow, \"Why not just keep in contact with her?\"


    The Prince''s answer came out without hesitation. He said it with as much being as he did when he told his parents that he wanted to marry her, \"I love her. I want her to be by my side.\"


    Raz sighed. Tylen needed to sort out his priorities or he might meet disappointment, \"Only if she accepts. Like you said, it wouldn''t be good to force her to come back. It would be her choice. As for you, if you came this far, that means you''re still troubled because of the lack of answers. What this journey will bring is uncertain but you need a clear goal.\"


    The Prince absorbed her words. She had a point. The journey contained factors that he wouldn''t be able to control, Ariene being the most of it.


    Still, he shook his head, \"I want to see her again. Just to know¡ªto be sure¡ªthat she is alive and well¡­ I''d take that more than anything else. I wouldn''t blame her if she doesn''t want this life anymore after what happened.\"


    Raz offered him a smile, \"Then, that''s what we''ll aim for. Now, what''s the orphanage''s name?\"


    \"Children''s Nest.\"


    \"That closed down years ago\" the pirate glared at the table. It was also located at one of the crowdest parts of the kingdom.


    \"It did?\"


    \"Yes, the owner''s daughter ran away to elope. Since then, she hadn''t been able to keep it running and had to shut down\" Raz explained. She finished off the remaining food on her plate and gulped down the rest of the orange juice.


    \"Can''t we track the owner down?\"


    The pirate pursed her lips, \"We can but I think we should avoid towns and cities for a while.\"


    \"Why?\"


    When Tylen noticed that she finished her meal, he scraped off the egg on his plate, topping it on top of a piece of bread. He took another piece and sandwiched it together.


    \"Word had spread in the underground about your lack of presence in the Royal entourage to Aurae Kingdom\" she explained, \"We''re being followed. That was also the reason Maia was kidnapped. They saw her with you and thought of using her to lure you.\"


    \"That''s¡ª\"


    \"Is there any place Ariene could have gone when she escaped?\" Raz cut off, \"Somewhere she''d go to shelter? If no one had seen her all this time, it might be a secluded location. Not a town or a village. She also wouldn''t have gone far. It would be near the Sol Palace.\"


    The Prince bit off the last of his sandwich and chewed slowly. Ariene loved adventure. She couldn''t sit still in one place. She mentioned several places she''d like to visit. At the moment, she could be in any of them¡­ but the pirate meant a place she could have immediately gone to after the fire. She could have gone to the mountains. It had a small village. It could be possible¡­ if she didn''t get lost. The same could be said about the docks. The only place she could probably go would be...


    \"The tower\" Tylen breathed out. Of course. The Prime Minister mentioned that she''d gone to the forest. She must have headed for the tower.


    \"What tower?\"


    A surge of energy elevated the Prince''s mood, \"She used to go to this tower in the Ahana Forest. She saw it as an adventure even when the elders told her to stop. The first time, she disappeared long enough for her father to warrant a search.\"


    The pirate rubbed her chin with her thumb, looking up at the ceiling, \"A tower in a forest¡­ Do you know where it is? There are a lot of towers in that forest.\"


    At this, Tylen shook his head, \"I''m not sure. I''ve never been there¡­\"


    Raz continued to think out loud, \"It might not be far from the Sol Palace but that could be dangerous if we were spotted.\"


    Of all places, Aurae Kingdom''s royal palace should be the last on their list but¡­ it couldn''t be helped that their mission involved a missing princess from it. It also happened to be the last time she''d been seen, dead or not.


    \"It could turn out to be a different tower\" the Prince added, \"I think we should scout it out. It may have any clue. Something others would miss because they didn''t know her well enough.\"


    The pirate let go of her chin and met his eyes, \"Alright, we''ll head over to the Ahana Forest after breakfast.\"

 28 The Journey to Aurae Kingdom

    Tylen and the pirates bid the farm owners and Lily goodbye.


    Maia provided them with a few herbal medicines she concocted as a show of their gratitude. Cleon also did a bit of hunting for them to have a lovely feast later. They didn''t have the cooking skills to prepare one so this would have to do. Raz took the liberty of defeathering the birds Cleon caught. She also gutted the others. The couple could do it themselves but she also wanted to contribute.


    The Prince, on the other hand, made a vow that if their farmhouse ever needed something. He''d be more than willing to help since Sir Hayden was a friend of his.


    It wouldn''t be appropriate to reveal his identity and so he resorted to using his best friend''s reputation.


    The four of them made their way towards the outskirts of town. It would be a day''s worth of journey to cross the borders between Teralyn and Aurae if they had a carriage, an idea worth taking into consideration. It would also be difficult to pass through it undetected.


    First, they''d need to traverse the heavily guarded walls around Teralyn.


    Each kingdom covered half of the continent, their borders at the exact middle. They built roads and bridges to thin out the passage into narrow lines. One wide road would be difficult to handle, especially if people decided to cause a commotion. They also categorized them to keep track if the carts held goods for trading.


    In between, a small terrain remained untouched. Most of the people banished from the kingdoms lived here. The underground also had a territory somewhere in it. They held secret passages in both kingdoms, allowing them to do any job they''d been hired for. Until now, none of the official knights found them¡ªneither the passageway nor the hideouts.


    The underground knew better. The reason they hadn''t been able to because they had the backing of a few officials. They needed their services to carry out their dirty work.


    \"How are we gonna cross the borders without getting Nyt recognized?\" Cleon asked. Both the legal and illegal paths would recognize the Prince''s face. Teralyn''s knights guarded their side of the trading routes and the people of the underground were hunting for him.


    Also, their missions mostly centered around Teralyn. They didn''t need to cross borders before.


    Maia clapped a hand on his shoulder, \"Relax. There''s a way.\"


    They reached the docks. Several ships and boats were in port, moored to posts. A lot of boats liked to negotiate with both kingdoms. Some sea creatures were more dominant in Teralyn''s that Aurae would like to cater to. The reverse also happened since Aurae had a lot of mollusks. They passed by angry traders, yelling at each other. Another ship had their load carried out to land.


    Raz and Maia walked side by side to a dock where a single-masted vessel anchored. Several sailors bustled on its deck, pulling up fishing nets and filling up cases with the catches from small fishing boats.


    One of them supervised the others by the lay-board, the piece of wood connecting the ship to the dock. He had a white beard and a few fine lines. His tan skin stood out from the white tunic and brown breeches. His black boots reached up to his knees.


    \"Fine morning today, good man\" Raz greeted from the end of the lay-board.


    The sailor glanced over his shoulder. His eyebrows raised at the sight of the pirate. It had been a while since he''d seen the familiar face. There had been a time when a couple of rouges ambushed their boats to steal the fish. The officials from the two kingdoms took too long to take action. Their boss decided to send a letter to the Phantom Pirates instead.


    \"Fine morning to ya, lad\" his gruff voice greeted back. He had been quite skeptical when he first met the infamous Rash of the Sea. The pirate didn''t have enough meat in his bones.


    \"Are you in need of any crew for your trip to Aurae?\"


    Tylen gaped at Raz. Was this their only way to cross the borders? Asking sailors if they could hire them for a day? Who would let strangers into their ship without question?


    \"Had any experience as strikers now?\" The sailor asked.


    Maia smiled next to Raz, \"The seas always had a way to provide for the needs of those who travel its waters.\"


    \"You catch a lot now, do ya?\"


    \"If aid is what you seek, we shall fulfill to the best of our capabilities\" Raz answered.


    \"No need for that, lad. If ya work for this crew, it''s us who should pay ya\" the sailor explained, \"Come aboard, me hearties!\"


    He gestured an outstretched hand towards the deck of their ship. Raz led the way, followed by Maia. Tylen climbed next while Cleon took the rear. They passed by the rest of the crew, bowing in greeting. The sailor walked next to them, stirring them towards a cabin.


    Once all of them had been safely inside, the sailor said, \"Ya can stay here while we finish up the deck. I can''t imagine what kind of job ya took to use our ship.\"


    Raz chuckled, \"Nothing you need to be afraid of.\"


    The sailor merely grunted in reply and left the pirates. They could hear him barking out orders, pushing the crew to work faster. Immediately, footsteps thudded above the deck. They also began moving at a fast pace.


    \"Am I the only one feeling a bit lost?\" Cleon asked out loud.


    \"How did you do that?\" Tylen added.


    The sailor hadn''t asked about their personal information. They merely had a few exchanges of words and already they had been taken in under their wing. On top of that, didn''t they have a ship? Couldn''t they ask the service of the other pirates?


    \"Hm? Oh\" Maia replied. She leaned her back against a desk, smiling slightly, \"We talked in code. You could probably guess that ''are you in need of any crew for your trip to Aurae?'' meant that Raz asked if we could board the ship.\"


    \"Yes, I gathered that\" The Prince remarked, a crease between his eyebrows, \"What about the rest?\"


    \"''Had any experience as strikers now?'' was about why we needed it. Strikers are expert hunters that trap large fishes. In other words, he questioned if it was for a job like were we targeting a different kind of fish.\"


    Such a code exists? Cleon wondered quietly. He had heard of other incidents but they had been more obvious than the one that just happened. Had there been other times he didn''t notice were code?


    \"And then? What about ''the seas always had a way to provide for the needs of those who travel its waters''?\" He cut in. Did Raz and Maia state a threat? Wrapped in a few carefully calculated words? Why else would the sailor agree easily?


    \"That''s simple. It meant ''yes, we need water transportation.'' If you want a longer meaning, you could add ''And your vessel is just what we need.''\"


    \"Amazing\" Tylen breathed out.


    \"At the end, Raz offered to return the favor if they agreed but the sailor refused. Instead, he said it''s them who were returning the favor after we helped them before\" Maia shrugged, peeking a smirk at Raz.


    So it turned out to be something simple instead, the blue-haired thought. He checked around the cabin. It didn''t have anything special like their Captain''s. The space was barely enough to fit the five of them. It had one single bed with a thin mattress.


    \"While we''re here, we''ll be helping out below deck. The knights rarely check on the people, they focus more on what the containers contain. If they ever come too near, just start lifting or moving boxes. Make sure they naturally hide your face\" Raz instructed them, \"We''ll be there by tomorrow morning. The fish need to be fresh before they hand it to their buyers.\"


    ===


    Hayden peeked out the window of the carriage. They had reached the outskirts of Aurae where a few villages lived. The houses in them were small and quaint, neatly arranged into rows. The streets were made of gray cobblestones that mostly fit one carriage.


    Various people had stopped to glance at it as they passed by. An apple vendor walked around her stand to get a better look. Children on the streets stopped playing to stare. Mothers and daughters on their way to the market also did the same. Each of them enchanted by the gleaming carriage.


    The Knight frowned. With Aurae''s lack of royalty, it was no wonder why the people of the village found their presence bewitching. His sharp eyes took note of the state of their clothes. Most of them had worn out from time and the sun. They didn''t have any luxury items on them. They lived a simple life. Yet, their sunken eyes and thin frames said otherwise.


    He would bet his entire fortune that the parliament barely paid these people any attention.


    If Ariene was indeed alive, how could she let these happen to her people? Her duty to them should come first. Alkas wasn''t any better. Ever since she arrived, he hardly heard a word of her contribution for the betterment of the kingdom. Was she waiting for the coronation before taking action? As the current Crown Princess, she could coordinate with the parliament about it.


    Hayden sighed. Then, there was Tylen.


    Judging by the faces of the people, they knew who the carriage belonged to. Hope and optimism shined in their eyes as they gawked. For them, Tylen must be a hero. Not only would they have a Queen back but also they would have a King. They must have been waiting all this time¡ªa chance for a change and hopefully for the betterment of the kingdom''s future.


    If only they knew that the savior they had been waiting for, left his duties to someone else and followed his own desires. If Aurae needed a hero, why couldn''t Tylen step up instead of chasing memories?


    The Knight knocked behind him.


    \"Sir?\" An attendant answered through the closed window.


    \"Please offer some food and gold to the people that bowed when we passed by,\" Hayden instructed curtly. It didn''t amount to a lot. He had been fortunate to receive such blessings after he left a similar village. It would be the least he could do.

 29 The Arrival of the Royal Carriage

    Alkas entered her room. Her blue gown trailed behind her, glittering under the light like the waves of the sea. The bodice fit her torso while the skirt hugged her hips before flaring out into an a-line cut. Bell sleeves gave her hands and forearms room to breathe. Her hair had been pinned into an updo, a diamond clip holding the main part in place.


    Once out of sight, she craned her neck. The parliament had given her a rough time. Since her desired date of coronation was within two months, the wedding needed to happen two weeks before it and another two weeks for the engagement party. The preparation time needed for all of them would be cramped.


    Nonetheless, the Princess held her ground.


    She sat in front of her dressing table, rubbing her right temple. She did get what she wanted but it would also need Teralyn''s approval. That would be another obstacle ahead of her.


    \"Your Highness?\" Melody knocked at the door.


    \"Come in\" Alkas sighed. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Now that the meeting ended, she should move on to other things.


    \"Your tea, Your Highness\" her servant placed the tea cup on her dressing table. It had been filled with chamomile tea and a bit of honey. She remained standing next to Alkas, carrying a tray.


    \"Thank you, Melody\" the Princess straightened her posture and lifted the cup to her lips. One hand supported the base while the other held the handle. The warm liquid flowed down her throat, melting the tension off her muscles.


    \"A letter also arrived while you were at the meeting\" Melody spoke up. She fished out an envelope from her pocket and held it out to the Princess, \"The Head Butler had given me the task of giving it to you, Your Highness.\"


    Alkas set the tea cup back on its saucer. She delicately took the envelope from the servant. A red wax seal of a crescent moon with the head of a howling wolf at the center and crossed swords at the back greeted her eyes.


    \"Who delivered it?\" She asked in nonchalance, opening her palm to the servant.


    Melody handed over a letter opener from the tray and placed it gently on the Princess'' hand, \"It came from a royal messenger.\"


    Alkas nodded and sliced the top of the envelope. She took out the parchment inside and read its contents swiftly. The corner of her lips curved upwards.


    \"Please inform the Head Butler and the Head Main to prepare for a guest tomorrow. Advise them to inform the Prime Minister as well\" she quickly instructed. She put the parchment back into the envelope and hid it in a drawer. Then, she focused on her tea again.


    The servant pressed her lips together. She debated for a while whether or not she should ask the Princess about it. In the end, she worked up the courage and said, \"Who are we expecting, Your Highness?\"


    Instead of a scolding like she expected, Alkas merely smiled and looked at her through the mirror''s reflection, \"Why the Crown Prince, of course. He has informed us that he will be arriving at the Sol Palace tomorrow morning. He is several towns away. Normally, he could reach us tonight but courtesy calls for him to give us ample time to prepare.\"


    Melody bowed respectfully, hugging the empty tray to her chest, \"Then, I shall inform them at once, Your Highness.\"


    \"Please do. You are dismissed.\"


    The servant walked out of the room as fast as she could without appearing rude. She shut the door, a soft tick came from the locks meeting together.


    The Princess finished her tea. She wondered what could Hayden have up his sleeve for this visit. Although the Knight and the Prince did have some similarities, did they truly believe that they could fool her?


    The rest of the day passed by swiftly. Soon, the sun had risen up again to greet a new day. Unlike others, the Sol Palace had brimmed into life even before it came. The cooks had woken up earlier than their usual time to prepare a grand feast for lunch. The Prime Minister had replied that he would be attending along with his apprentice. Therefore, they had more visitors to accommodate.


    The Head Butler had instructed the servants to prepare several rooms for the Crown Prince and his entourage. A number of servants bustled to get them done on time. They swept the rooms again and dusted the windows. The Head Butler inspected each room. The servants needed his approval before they could continue on with other tasks.


    Alkas walked out of her room in a similar gown to the one she wore yesterday. Instead of blue, this one had hues of warm oranges, depitcing fallen dried leaves. It accented her golden eyes as if they were two candlelights. Her black hair braided and pinned at the nape of her neck into a small bun. Short strands vined around the sides of her face, framing it in tendrils.


    The maids and servants bowed low whenever she walked by. At the top of the grand stairs, her eyes landed on Rowan standing near the last step. Beside the Prime Minister, a young man with disheveled black hair seethed about something. He wore a dark gray tunic, buttoned up to the neck where a jabot, ornamental white ruffles, peeked out. His skin tanned from hours working under the sun to accompany his family''s workers.


    \"Prime Minister\" Alkas greeted. She focused her eyes on the two men and climbed down the stairs. The Prime Minister she was used to seeing. The young man with him must be his apprentice. Youthful emerald green eyes looked back at her, unwavering.


    She offered him a polite smile, \"And this must be the new Duke of Quora.\"


    Rowan cleared his throat and gestured an arm towards the Duke, \"This is Duke Jameson Hawkins.\"


    James bowed near his waist level as the Princess reached the bottom step. He spoke in a civilized manner, \"Greetings, Your Highness. May the sun always shine on you.\"


    Alkas nodded her head to the side, \"The pleasure is mine, Duke Jameson. Shall we go to the courtyard? I heard the Crown Prince had reached the outskirts of the capital a moment ago. He would be arriving soon.\"


    \"By all means, please lead the way, Your Highness\" the Prime Minister said. He and Jameson stood back, letting the Princess take the first step. They followed her out of the main entrance and down the front stairs.


    The Sol Palace had been rebuilt to its former glory. An expert architecture had done a study on it previously and they had been able to use his work for its reconstruction. It took a total of 5 years to finish. Only the front patio had been spared. The same gemstones glittered like against the ashen marble. The fire had been put out before it could read them.


    The three of them walked down the winding path and headed for the gates. Various servants had been stationed at both of its sides to receive the carriage and the passengers.


    \"Your Highness\" the Head Butler greeted Alkas, bowing dutifully, \"A messenger had come by to say that Teralyn''s Royal Carriage is almost near.\"


    \"We are right on time then.\"


    Horse shoes clacked against the ground from a distance. Wooden wheels creaked against their hinges, needing a bit of oil. Four horses rounded the corner of a street and travelled towards a small hill. Behind them, they pulled a carriage made of pure gold painted in deep blue and silver. Two coachmen sat at the front while two footmen stayed at the back.


    The Athenine Household watched the carriage ascend the hill. As it neared the top, a coachman pulled the reins of the horses and slowed their pace. They only reached a stop once the carriage door faced the gates. The footmen hopped down, jogging towards the door. Both of them stood on either side. One of them grabbed the handle and the other stood by in case the passenger lost his footing.


    Everyone held their breath in anticipation.


    A dashing young man stepped out. His hosts first spotted his wavy dark brown hair. Then, they saw his black boots, white breeches and navy jacket with a black belt around the waist. When he straightened his back, blue eyes met theirs.


    He took a few long strides and bowed to the waist, \"I bestow my utmost greetings to the returning Princess of the Sol Palace. May the sun always shine on you.\"


    Alkas stepped forward, holding her skirt and tucking a foot behind and an ankle, \"On behalf of the Athenine household, I greet the Crown Prince of Teralyn. May the moon always light your path.\"


    Both of them returned to their appropriate standing posture. Neither of them spoke. Their audience waited but they paid them no mind. Their attention merely belonged to each other.


    Before the Head Butler could interrupt and redirect them to a proper place of discussion, the Princess beamed at the Crown Prince, \"Are we truly to behave like strangers, Tylen? After all these years?\"


    Hayden nearly winced. Now that she stood before him, he blanked out on what to say. He hid his hands behind his back, squeezing them tight. He resisted his instincts. Every nerve in his body screamed at him to attack. Yet, Alkas showed no sign of suspicion. Her mannerism was what he had expected.


    The Knight pressed his lips together and briefly glanced at the ground, \"It has been a while indeed. I am glad to see you are well.\"


    His nails started to dig into his palms. Oh, how he wanted to reach for her neck. This woman caused his best friend great pain. Now, she expected him to marry her after what she had done.


    Did it ever challenge her conscience?

 30 A New Day at Aurae

    \"Your Highnesses\" the Head Butler called out, \"I believe it would be far more appropriate to discuss this inside the drawing room. The rest of us shall take care of the Crown Prince''s possessions.\"


    \"Very well. Shall we, then?\" Alkas half-turned towards the winding path, waiting for Hayden to answer.


    \"It would be my pleasure.\"


    The Knight took a deep breath, walking up to the Princess''s side. He needed to cool his head. It hadn''t been five minutes since he arrived and he barely kept it together. They''d be seeing each other more often. His mind must obliterate his impure intentions and concentrate at his current task.


    \"If I hadn''t been in the fire, I would have thought this was the same infrastructure as before.\"


    \"The parliament had done well, I agree\" Alkas responded, \"I also felt surprised when I arrived. It may appear comparable to the one before but the inside couldn''t be replicated. Numerous items of rich history had been replaced while some hadn''t. Things with no substitute also exist.\"


    Hayden raised an eyebrow, \"Such as?\"


    \"Such as royal portraits and mementos. They all perished.\"


    The two of them entered the Palace and took a left turn. It led to a small drawing room. It also happened to be the place where men would smoke and drink coffee after a party. Along with them, the Prime Minister and the Duke followed inside. The men picked their seats around the coffee table, still standing. They waited for the Princess to sit.


    \"Tylen, please meet our Prime Minister, Rowan\" Alkas gestured towards the middle-aged man. After their brief exchange, she turned to the other gentleman in the room, \"And this is Duke Jameson Hawkins, his apprentice.\"


    \"You will be the next Prime Minister?\" The Knight asked. It didn''t seem like the current one was near retirement.


    \"I mostly assist Prime Minister Rowan\" Jameson explained curtly, \"He merely gave it as a title so I wouldn''t feel bad about being his errand boy.\"


    \"Oh, pish-posh, Jameson\" Rowan denied, \"You''re the best candidate to be the next head of the parliament. None of those geezers could stand a chance against you.\"


    \"You flatter me, Prime Minister.\"


    \"Would you all like to take your seats first before we continue with this ruckus?\" the Princess cut in, sitting down on a chair. The men followed obediently, \"I think this would be quite a long story.\"


    The Prime Minister immediately took over the conversation, \"Don''t believe whatever the boy says. I can''t say for sure if either of you, Highnesses, remember about several nobles trying to outbid each other to buy a piece of his father''s land years ago. Back then, Jameson had only been 12 years old. While the previous Duke of Quora fussed about who to hand the land over to, he walked up to his father and told him to lease it out instead of selling it. The moment I heard of that incident, I knew this boy could go the distance. He shall bring this Kingdom to great heights.\"


    Rowan sat proudly. He didn''t have his own son but he felt the pride of a second father. He had pestered the old Duke to have Jameson trained under him.


    \"That is quite a story, Prime Minister\" Alkas smiled, \"I''d be looking for when Duke Jameson takes over your position.\"


    \"Thank you for the recognition, Your Highness\" the Duke replied, tipping his head.


    Melody and the Head Maid knock on the door. They rolled in a cart full of finger food and a tea set. They silently moved around the table, placing the cups from the guests'' right sides. The pot had been given to the princess. She opened the lid. Steam of freshly brewed tea flew up to her nose. Once satisfied, she poured herself some tea.


    \"Would you like some, Tylen?\" She asked the silent Knight, \"I remember you liked black tea. We also prepared milk and sugar.\"


    As Hayden reached out for the pot, Melody cut in, \"Let me, Your Highness.\"


    She took the pot from the Princess and filled the Crown Prince''s cup. Then, she proceeded to do the same for the Prime Minister and the Duke. Hayden proceeded to add the milk and the sugar just the way Tylen preferred his tea. Each of them took a moment to thank for the food silently, inhaling the relaxing fragrance and sipping the warm drink.


    \"Prince Tylen\" Rowan cleared his throat and placed the cup on the table, \"You must be tired from the trip. Do you wish to retire for the rest of the day?\"


    \"I''d actually appreciate that very kindly, thank you\" Hayden replied truthfully. He quickly finished his tea.


    \"Then, please. Take your rest. Our Head Butler, Edmund, would escort you to your room.\"


    At the sound of his name from the Princess''s lips. Edmund entered the room, bowing to the waist.


    Hayden stood up, nodding at his companions, \"It has been a pleasure meeting you, Prime Minister, and you as well, Duke Jameson. I will see you later, Princess.\"


    He walked over to the Head Butler''s side. Together, they disappeared from their sight. Alkas picked up a biscuit. She bit into it softly. It seemed like the Knight''s strategy was to be discreet and aloof. Something Hayden did a lot.


    The Prime Minister sighed, his eyes on the doorway, \"The Crown Prince surely has changed.\"


    The Princess flicked her eyes at him for a second. She remembered that Rowan had met Tylen a number of times back when they were young. Since she hadn''t been around for years, it made her wonder if they had interacted during that time. Surely, that meant he knew about the switch.


    \"Time is a marvelous thing\" Alkas remarked, \"The last time he had been at the palace was the day of the fire. Being back here must have reminded him about it.\"


    \"I believe a number of citizens still think about it every time they see the palace\" Jameson added into the conversation, \"Each ruler had left their marks on it. A new stables, a new set of stairs, a new chandelier¡­ all of them perished in the fire.\"


    \"Except the front stairs,\" the Princess said. She gave the Duke her full attention.


    \"Right, the first king''s treasured part of the palace.\"


    \"But a new dawn had grown out of the ashes. None of it truly died¡ªonly reborn again.\"


    \"With you as its next phoenix\" Rowan raised his tea cup in salute, \"Hopefully, the Crown Prince would take the news of the changed wedding date lightly.\"


    ===


    Tylen pushed up a branch out of the way. Their sail at sea had gone smoothly as the pirates told him. He had lifted cargo over his shoulder, shielding his face from the authorities. None of them looked at him twice. The sailor also helped divert their attention.


    They stopped by a pub to eat their breakfast. He already missed the food from the Stitz Inn. Cleon''s praises held true. He probably wouldn''t find another place with the same cooking as Sister Aina.


    \"From here, it would be a short walk to the entrance of the forest\" Raz explained to the group while they rested after their meal, \"Keep an eye on each other. It would be easy to get lost and seperate from the group.\"


    The Prince took those words to heart, doing his best to not fall behind. Cleon had meant to watch him but the blue-haired pirate easily got distracted by his surroundings. It almost became the other way around.


    \"I can''t believe we''re actually here\" Cleon thought out loud. He had his hands behind his neck as usual, gazing up at the trees, \"I never thought we''d set foot in Aurae Kingdom.\"


    Tylen scrunched his eyebrows at him. They stood a few meters apart. Sometimes a tree would come in between them, \"Why is that?\"


    \"Hm?\" The blue-haired pirate glanced his way, \"That''s because our group had been assigned to Teralyn. Our missions had always been there.\"


    \"Only certain groups take on jobs for each kingdom?\"


    \"Yeah, that''s how it works\" Cleon shrugged.


    They continued walking. Tylen kept his eyes on Maia and Raz in front of them. Even if none of them knew this forest well, it would be those two who would remember where they''ve been and how to get out.


    \"Well, sometimes if there''s an urgent mission and we''re currently short on hand\" the blue-haired pirate spoke, \"The Captain would assign a group from a different kingdom. Not a lot of that happens though and never to us since we''re the elite group for Teralyn.\"


    \"The elite group?\"


    \"Yeah, like the best team Teralyn could possibly hire!\" Cleon yelled with pride. Then, he grinned at the Prince, \"You''ve made the right choice coming to us.\"


    Raz stopped walking.


    A crease appeared between her eyebrows, her eyes on the ground. She didn''t make a sound. Yet, the rest of the group immediately noticed the sudden change. They looked around. Tylen and Cleon unsheathed their swords, listening in. They positioned their backs facing each other while their gazes swept the trees. Maia crouched low, ready to roll out of the way in case the attacker came from above.


    Raz paid them zero attention. Her senses tingled. Someone was here. Her ears picked up the ruffling of leaves on the trees, the chirping of birds on their nests, the nipping of squirrels on their nuts... and a creak of a branch.


    She spun and raised her rapier. It clashed with another aimed directly at her back. Both parties stood with their feet apart. The weight of their attacks on full force, waiting on the other to back down.


    \"Lost your touch?\" The newcomer smirked, \"I''ve been following for hours now.\"


    \"Pirate Queen Deelah, what a surprise\" Raz smiled sinisterly, \"Have you gotten fat?\"

 31 The Pirate Queen

    Deelah barred her teeth and lunged, her raven black hair swaying and following her motions. Raz dodged and rolled, meeting her attack from below. Instead of pressuring her lower, the Pirate Queen stepped back and swung her rapier in a curve, from her back to the ground and up to Raz''s blade. This forced her to stand on her feet.


    Well, Deelah liked it better when her prey could run.


    She dashed straight towards the sergeant, aiming for her shoulder. Raz spun on her heel, attacking the Pirate Queen''s side. Deelah avoided it by a hair. Their blades clashed once more. When the Pirate Queen swung, the sergeant blocked. When Raz attacked, Deelah made her countermove.


    Maia walked over to the boys. She flapped her hand, signaling them to drop their stances, \"It''s okay. It''s only Deelah.\"


    \"Only Deelah?!\" Cleon exclaimed, his voice using a high pitch, \"She is Captain''s right hand, his second-in-command. How could you relax when he sent her to bring us back?\"


    \"Pfft\" Maia snorted and placed a hand on her hip, \"I''d be worried if it was Scrooge who came here.\"


    The sound of his name made Cleon shiver. No one punished a disobedient group like Scrooge. He wouldn''t even hear an explanation. What was wrong, was wrong. No matter what the reason may be¡ªwhich was a bit contradicting to the fact that they were pirates, criminals to the eyes of most people.


    \"Who is Scrooge?\" Tylen asked.


    \"He''s a sergeant like Raz. They both rank below Deelah\" Maia answered him.


    \"He''s a snooty, glasses-wearing, pain in the ass\" the blue haired pirate interrupted, \"He''s scarier than our Captain. Even if it''s supposed to be the Captain''s call to decide, once Scrooge spouts about what is the right thing to do for discipline, no one can argue against him.\"


    The Prince raised his eyebrows. It seemed like this Scrooge was quite the character. If he was in the same position as Raz, did it mean he also had the same level of skills? He stared at the duel. Neither party had the intention to back down. The Pirate Queen kept up her pace with a smirk on her lips. Her eyes gleamed with excitement. Raz, on the other hand, kept her cool. Her face remained impassive.


    \"Will they take long?\" He turned to the other pirates. Cleon crossed his arms over his chest, a deep scowl in between his eyebrows. He didn''t seem to hear Tylen.


    \"Not really. I think Deelah just missed Raz\" Maia smiled.


    At her words, the duel concluded in a draw. The Pirate Queen stretched out her arms backwards, her rapier still on hand, \"That was good exercise. None of our crew is as worthy as an opponent as you.\"


    Raz snorted, sheathing her blade, \"What about the Captain and Scrooge?\"


    \"Scrooge is a snooty, glasses-wearing, pain in the ass\" Deelah scoffed, repeating the words she heard earlier. She couldn''t agree more, \"And Captain Croc is a killjoy. He always rejects.\"


    She put away her rapier, placing a hand on her hip and pointing a finger at the sergeant. Her chocolate brown eyes blazed like volcanic lava, \"You are very¡­ very¡­ VERY lucky that I was able to persuade Captain Croc to let me go and fetch you. Scrooge already had one foot out of the office before I interfered. He would have dragged all of your asses back in a snap.\"


    \"Why did you even accept this mission?\" Deelah continued, throwing a hand in the air, \"You know very well that missions of this grade should go through the Captain. Guess what? He didn''t approve it.\"


    \"That would be my fault\" the Prince interjected. He took a step forward. The Pirate Queen shifted her gaze in his direction. He flinched. If what Cleon and Maia said had been true, he couldn''t imagine how much worse Scrooge could be.


    \"And who is this cupcake?\" Deelah glared at him.


    \"He''s the client\" Raz replied curtly.


    The Pirate Queen walked up to Tylen, assessing him from his shoes up to his head. She licked her lips. The Crown Prince could be comparable to a kid. She didn''t see him as someone suitable to call for a mission.


    She saw him visibly gulp and said, \"Don''t worry. Unless you''re Bon Win, I''m not interested.\"


    \"Who?\"


    \"A famous guy in Celios\" Maia muttered to the Prince.


    Tylen nodded his head slowly. Then, he began to tell his story, repeating most from what he mentioned from when he approached the pirates in a dark alley.


    Deelah held up a hand, a disbelief look on her face, \"Let me get this straight. You want your fianc¨¦e who had zero training to rise from the dead and take her place as your rightful Queen?\"


    \"She''s not dead,\" Tylen clarified, \"As far as we believe.\"


    He added the last one as a second thought. He knew not everyone agreed to his line of thinking. The three pirates had mentioned the same thing before.


    \"What kind of logic is that? It sounds like a person that doesn''t want to be found\" the Pirate Queen ridiculed him, \"What plans do you even have right now?\"


    \"We figured the first step would be to visit the tower the Ariene often went to. It''s in this forest. It was the closest place she could run to\" Tylen explained. His heart racing, a bead of sweat trickled down the nape of his neck.


    Deelah crossed her arms over her chest, \"There are like three towers near the Sol Palace. Each one is at an equal distance from it. Do you even have a hint which one could it be?\"


    The Prince shook his head reluctantly, \"We don''t but that doesn''t mean we won''t be able to find out.\"


    He almost choked from the desperation in his voice. Unlike before, they had a plan now. He didn''t want to throw it away.


    \"Look, even if you don''t help me, I will still go on\" Tylen continued. His hands started to sweat. He wouldn''t be able to use his full authority in this since it was a secret. If the pirates go back now, he''d have to continue on by himself. It had been his original plan but just remembering what happened since they left, he''d most likely not end up in Aurae Kingdom.


    \"We''re already here\" Raz cut in, \"Might as well check it out.\"


    The Pirate Queen cocked an eyebrow at her. They stayed silent, only their eyes conversed. The Prince had given them the choice to leave but it didn''t sound that easy. They could leave him and be blamed by the monarch for the abandonment or they could not leave him and be less blamed by the monarch.


    \"Fine\" Deelah huffed, \"We''ll look for the tower. If you find any clue, this mission stays. If not, I will take you all back to the ship and that includes you, Your Highness. Luckily, we have someone who knows this forest like the back of her hand.\"


    \"Let''s go, cupcakes!\" She announced, taking the lead, and marched deeper into the forest.


    ===


    Night time soon enveloped the sky. The trees offered little space for the stars to peek through. They would have stopped once the sunset began but Deelah had informed them that there was a small pond ahead.


    \"It''s better to be near a water source,\" she said. Her eyes zeroed in on Maia.


    The redhead raised her hands in protest, \"I drink my water, okay?\"


    The two of them took the lead while Raz and Cleon took the rear. They let the Prince stay in the middle. They huddled closed together. The group trudged through the darkness, no source of light among them. Ruffles of crushed leaves and hoots of owls flowed into their ears like orchestral music.


    \"Can you guys see where we''re going?\" Tylen thought out loud. He squinted his eyes and couldn''t make out any shape in front of him. He wondered how the two females decided on the path they''d take.


    A pair of glowing yellow eyes appeared before his sight. He jumped. They blinked at him. The black pupils dilated into a large round disk almost taking up the whole space of each yellow eye. Then, they crinkled at the corners, a soft laugh echoing from them.


    \"Surprised?\" Deelah grinned, \"I have cat vision. That''s why.\"


    The Prince remained baffled. He had never seen anything like it. He tried to seek any hint in them that linked to human features. He didn''t find any. They were perfect¡ªas if the Pirate Queen had gorged out a pair of cat eyes and popped them into her own sockets.


    \"Deelah is a shapeshifter\" Raz explained with a chuckle behind him, \"One of the rare talented ones too. Others can only change a part of their appearance. It''s usually just one part of the body like arms or hands. They would need to train for a long time if they wanted to master another body part. Even then, they couldn''t choose more than two at a time to use their powers on. There are some who could morph their whole body but they can''t limit it to a body part. It was everything or nothing. Only a few had been gifted to use both kinds of powers.\"


    \"Praise me more, Raz\" Deelah called out from the front.


    \"You''d be blushing too much if I did.\"


    \"Boo¡­!\"


    \"Are we there yet?\" Cleon whined. His feet ached. None of their past missions had called for him to walk this much in a day. He just had muscle cramps not too long ago. If they kept going, he''d lose one body part at a time.


    \"Almost, cupcake!\" The Pirate Queen assured him, \"I can already see the small clearing. It''s not that far.\"


    \"But you have cat vision\" the blue-haired pirate pointed out, \"Not only my feet but my arms ache from carrying these dead rabbits.\"


    Although the others couldn''t see him, he held up the prizes of their hunt. Their bodies had begun to rot. He could smell the reek of death from their corpses. If they didn''t hurry, his stomach would become upset and he''d lose his appetite.


    \"Here we are!\" Deelah announced.


    True to her words, they spotted a pond in the small clearing. The trees around it were sparse, coating the surface of both land and water with moonlight. A patch of white lilies glowed under it. A few fireflies fluttered in the air where predators couldn''t reach them.


    Raz moved away from the group and lifted off the pile of small branches on her shoulder. She placed them at a driest spot she could find. She arranged them in a convenient way for a bonfire.


    \"Cleon, skin those while I light a fire. That way we can cook them right away\" she instructed, not sparing him a glance. She focused on cutting the branches that were too long.


    \"Nyt, where are the sleeping bags?\" Maia asked the Prince, walking to a spot near Raz.


    Tylen immediately set them down where she stood. There were only three of them. Since one of them had to stay up and keep watch, they didn''t think about buying another. At this realization, he shifted his head towards the Pirate Queen.


    She had changed her eyes back to their normal state. She smiled at his concern, \"Don''t worry. I can take care of myself.\"


    Deelah seized the opportunity. Her bones cracked and her skin broke apart. Her nails grew sharper, curving up to the tip. The space between her fingers disappeared as they fattened up. Her canine teeth grew longer. The feline eyes were back but bigger than before. Her clothes had been exchanged for snowy white fur with ebony black stripes.


    A large white tiger had taken her place.

 32 The Ruby Noir

    The tiger roared out its cackles, catching the others''s attention. The satisfaction she gained from the Prince''s pale white face amused her. From her sharp vision, she could make out that he was close to fainting. She hadn''t been this entertained since Scrooge fell off the top of their ship''s mast and landed in the waters. His dark expression had earned a spot in her favorite memories.


    Deelah felt a pair of eyes burning a spot of her fur. She didn''t need to check who it was to know. Before the person could say anything, she raised her paw and saluted at the group. Then, she dashed off into the trees, hunting for her own food.


    "You okay there, Nyt?" Maia walked up behind him and patted his back, "You must have gone in shock."


    Tylen didn''t answer her nor did he glance her way. His mind was busy processing the sight he just beheld. He had heard of Celios and the magic of its lands. He read theories of how it came to be. Specific powers had dominated each section of the island.


    Citizens that originated from the center usually had elemental magic. The island''s essence of magic was strongest there. The outskirts of the island developed magical weapon users. They didn''t have natural abilities since the essence was faded at their parts.


    Shapeshifters usually sprouted in forests and places with nearby inland waters. In rare cases, if a baby was born in the middle of the night, it could develop abilities to become a shadow magic user. Some preferred this type of power and would opt to give birth in caves, hoping it would help.


    All of these he read and more. Yet, none of them prepared him for the reality of it.


    "Do you need to lie down? You can move one of the sleeping bags closer to the fire" the redhead continued when he still stayed silent.


    "I¡ªI''m good" the Prince finally stuttered. He cleared his throat, "I am merely amazed. I had never thought I''d witness magic in this lifetime, especially not today."


    "Make sure to say that again when Deelah comes back" Maia chuckled. She gestured him towards the sleeping bags. They laid them out just as Raz sparked a fire with two flat stones she carried in her pocket.


    Cleon pierced sticks into the chopped rabbits. Once the flames spreaded and grew taller, he jabbed the ends of the sticks in between the rocks Raz laid out in a circle around the fire. The four of them sat on the ground and watched over the cooking meat.


    "Will this be the first time you sleep outdoors, Nyt?" Maia asked, breaking the silence. She had her legs crossed and her feet tucked under her thighs.


    "Not really," Tylen answered beside her. His sapphire eyes watched the fire dance, "I''ve joined Hayden in an exploration once with other knights. We had to camp on the way because the road was blocked. It was raining too."


    "Well, you don''t need to worry about rains here" Cleon spoke from his other side. He had his legs bent and his feet apart, hugging his knees, "I heard there is hardly any rain in this kingdom. It could only happen 1-2 times a year."


    "Don''t say anymore, Cleon, or you might jinx it" Raz kept her eyes on the meat, especially the ones near the blue-haired pirate. She knew he hardly paid them any attention. When she thought it was okay, she''d hold on to the bottom of the stick and turn the meat over.


    By the time Deelah came back, they''d already finished eating. Raz sat on a huge rock under a tree nearby the sleeping bags. She took the first watch before anyone could protest. The tiger licked her lips happily, satisfied with her meal. She headed over to an empty spot near the fire and walked around in a circle. She shuffled her paws on the ground, then laid down. Her tail stopped swinging. She yawned once and tucked her head over her front legs.


    The sergeant played with a dagger, tossing it up and catching. Sometimes she''d look at the ground and target a fallen leaf. Only a few creatures accompanied her with their noise. She shifted her gaze towards the redhead, worry written all over her face. Thankfully, she hadn''t dreamed of a nightmare while on the boat.


    She hoped for the same to continue despite being in this kingdom.


    ===


    The next morning, the tiger jumped into the pond at the first sign of daylight. Her large frame rippled the water into waves that splash on the surface around it. Unfortunately, the nearest sleeper to the pond hadn''t been spared.


    "Ah!" Cleon woke up with a jolt. He shivered from the cold water. It was barely dawn. The frosty night air still lingered around the area. Since they were surrounded by nature, the temperature hardly rose up.


    "Deelah!" He screamed, standing up. The tiger didn''t seem to hear him and continued to float with its back on the pond. He marched to the edge and yelled, "Don''t ignore me! I know you can hear!"


    The tiger still didn''t show any sign of listening to him. The blue-haired pirate groaned. He walked around the pond to stand near her head. He took a deep breath, "I¡ª"


    Whatever Cleon had to say vanished along with the wave of water that flooded him. Maia sat up on her sleeping bag and laughed. The tiger looked at her, grinning ear to ear. At least, the closest to a grin that tigers could do. Deelah felt encouraged by her amusement and splashed more water at the blue-haired pirate.


    Cleon raised up his arms to shield himself.


    "Oi!" He protested. He merely received a roar from the tiger in return.


    "I think she said that you stink," Maia chuckled. More roars came out of Deelah, confirming her words.


    "You are all bullies. All of you."


    The tiger had her fun and climbed out of the water. She stood next to the blue-haired pirate. Cleon widened his eyes. A sense of dread clouded over his head. He stepped away but it was too late. Deelah shook her body, drying out her fur. Droplets rained on Cleon''s back. He let out another groan.


    "Ugh, Deelah!" He shouted, close to crying.


    The tiger snickered and morphed back into a human, completely dry, including her clothes. Deelah slipped off a wristlet and tossed it to Cleon, "Here. Go dry yourself."


    The band of the wristlet was made of gold. Embossed on it was a calculated design made of ancient symbols. An oval dark wine gemstone had been welded on one side. To a mere human eye, it seemed like an ordinary luxury ornament. To a trained one, it would only take one glance to know it was far more remarkable.


    "Oh, you have one too" the blue-haired pirate remarked.


    He slipped the wristlet on and rubbed the gemstone with his finger. Under his touch, a golden glow appeared within. The light turned the stone into a vibrant red shade. A gust of hot air swirled around Cleon''s feet. It shot up from the ground and circulated around his body, drying his clothes, his hair and his skin.


    Cleon sighed with satisfaction. He took off the wristlet once he was done.


    "Yeah, I snatched it from Alec" the Pirate Queen shrugged. She placed her feet apart and planted them firmly on the ground. Then, she stretched the sides over her torso, an arm reaching overhead.


    "Don''t you have one?" Raz asked from under the tree. Each group leader had one. It was an essential item for missions. Deelah, however, didn''t belong to a group. Only she and Scrooge went for solo job orders.


    The Pirate Queen shrugged, "I did. I lost it. That''s all that happened."


    Tylen stared at the gold wristband curiously, "What is it?"


    He had stood up and folded his sleeping bag during the commotion. He moved closer to the blue-haired pirate, his eyes trained on the wristlet.


    "It''s a Ruby Noir" Cleon held it up for the Prince to inspect, "The dark hue of the gemstone is because of its enchantment. Like the people in Celios, some minerals contain their own magic. This is one of them. Even without this band, it can actually produce hot wind. The band only controls the direction of it. It has been used in other magical weapons. All of them change the direction of the wind, depending on how it''s made."


    "That''s¡­ that''s amazing" Tylen stammered. First, he met a shapeshifter. Now, a magical item appeared. What did everyday life look like in Celios? His hands on his sides, opened and closed. He didn''t seem to know what to do about them.


    The blue-haired grinned widely, "Do you want to try it?"


    The Prince snapped his eyes away from the gemstone. The look of disbelief on his face was evident. The object clearly wasn''t made through science. Not any human could use it. How could it work for him?


    "But¡­ but I''m not Celian."


    Cleon snorted, "You don''t say?"


    "Look" he continued, clearing his throat, "You don''t have to be Celian to use this gemstone. Everyone has magic within themselves. According to the legends, Teralyn and Aurae were also once magical kingdoms. I never really believed it to be true until I used this wristlet. Other magical items might need more power from the user to control it but this is not one of them."


    He took Tylen''s hand with the palm facing up and placed the wristlet on it.


    "Why not give it a shot? What could you possibly lose?"

 33 The Ahana Fores

    The Prince slipped on the wristlet, his heart pounding. He closed the hand with the Ruby Noir into a fist. It shook too much for his liking. He already saw what the gemstone could do. It couldn''t possibly do something worse.


    It would work or it wouldn''t work.


    No need for him to be nervous.


    Tylen took a deep breath. His eyes caught the reflections of the sunlight in the ruby. His fingertips brushed its surface. It was smooth, similar to a polished jewel. He hadn''t touched it for long but the gemstone began to ignite inside.


    Its core flared like white hot flame.


    The temperature of the air around his feet increased. Soon, it rose up, crawling over his legs. The loose fabrics of his clothes fluttered from the hot wind. It surged through the holes and rolled directly over his skin. It seemed like he entered a furnace.


    "Let go of the gemstone when you''re done" Raz shouted from behind him. She shook her head. The others had forgotten to inform the Prince on how to use it.


    The moment Tylen lifted off his fingers, the atmosphere around him went back to normal. It may be gone but the sensation left an impression on his skin¡ªjust like the feeling after a person had gone for a swim. Their senses could still feel the waves of the water after they''ve left the water.


    "Wow" he breathed out. He didn''t know he held his breath the whole time. If the sergeant hadn''t called out to him, he might have fainted from the lack of air in his lungs.


    "Pretty neat, huh?" Cleon chuckled.


    The Prince took off the wristlet and handed it back to the blue-haired pirate. Before Cleon could grab a hold of it, a hand snapped it away.


    "You can borrow it after you''ve bathed" Deelah interrupted, placing the Ruby Noir back on her wrist, "I''d advise you to train first before that. Otherwise, you''d reek of sweat for the rest of the day."


    The Pirate Queen spared no time and took out her rapier. Both Cleon and Tylen unsheated their swords, crossing them together when they blocked her attack.


    "Such teamwork you have" Deelah smirked, "Let''s see how much Raz taught you."


    She swung her blade down then lifted it up. It slid against the two swords until the tip had been freed of their hold. She bent her arm and slashed the air in a wide arc. She charged too fast for the two boys to counterattack. They could only step back, avoiding her rapier.


    The Pirate Queen repeated this move several times. Each one had been executed from a different angle. Among the Phantom Pirates, her speed was unrivalled. Her opponents usually try to keep up by dodging until they''d find a way to retaliate. Often, they''d widen the distance, creating their own chance for an opening.


    Something the two young men didn''t know about yet.


    She backed them into the edge of the clearing.


    The Prince was the first to notice the trees. He used it to his advantage and hid. It left the blue-haired pirate open for fire. Deelah focused her attacks on him. When Cleon managed to stumble on a tree root and fell, she turned and swung at Tylen''s hiding spot. Then, she aimed for the pirate at her feet.


    Cleon rolled and ran for a tree. The Prince also did the same.


    The Pirate Queen laughed to herself. She glanced over her shoulder once and winked at the two girls. Then, she ventured further in the forest, on a hunt for her two new prey.


    Raz stood up from her tree, stretching her back muscles. Not only her back but also her legs had cramped. She flinched from the seeping pain that shot up. Worrisome thoughts had preoccupied her the whole night. It seemed that she went too deep to forget about shifting her position.


    Maia scrunched her eyebrows, crossing her arms over her chest, "Raz, did you even sleep?"


    "I can''t even if I wanted to," her leader replied with a sigh.


    The redhead continued to scowl. Even if Raz happened to be the most skilled one out of their group, she wasn''t immortal. She still suffered injuries. She still needed proper rest just as much as the next person. As a healer, Maia couldn''t stand her habit of taking over the entire night watch.


    As a friend, she felt concerned about her sleeping habits.


    "Please let Deelah and I take over tonight," Maia instructed. The tone she projected was the tone she used whenever she scolded patients, "I don''t like to do it often but I''d use sleeping powder on you if you won''t sleep willingly."


    Raz merely chuckled, stepping closer, "Don''t worry. Deelah already glared at me when she woke up. Although she didn''t say anything, I''m sure she''d knock me out with a punch if I try that again."


    "I would too if my fist was made of steel" the redhead scoffed mockingly.


    "Damn, Maia. How violent of you."


    "Thank you."


    Raz patted her head with a smile. Then, she pulled out their team''s Ruby Noir from her black vest. She handed it over, gently pushing the redhead towards the pond, "Go bathe. I''ll keep a lookout. I don''t think Deelah will let the boys come back soon though."


    Left with little choice, Maia huffed and did as told.


    The boys practically jumped to the pond the moment the Pirate Queen freed them from her training session. The cool water washed off their pain in their limbs and refreshed their hot skin. The three of them found another clearing, one that had no source of water. The scorching of the sun had been merciless.


    Whenever they landed in a crouch, the sun rays blocked out their vision. They''ve rolled around just to avoid several of Deelah''s attacks. Not only were they drenched in sweat but also damp soil clung to their skin.


    "Are all Teralyn males this weak?" The Pirate Queen rhetorically. She folded her arms over her chest, staring at their exhausted male companions.


    The two young men groaned from the pond. She cackled merrily at their misery.


    "I think Sir Hayden is currently the best swordsman" Maia said after she sipped from her canister. She twisted the cap back and wrapped it over her torso.


    Deelah turned her head towards the redhead, "Darkwood? The Shield of Hope?"


    Maia nodded, "The one and only."


    "Pity" the Pirate Queen breathed out heavily, "I would have liked to spar with him."


    "Maybe you can once this mission is over" Raz added to the conversation.


    The three of them enjoyed the shade of the trees. Besides their training, Deelah and Cleon managed to ensnare some rabbits for breakfast. Raz reignited the fire for cooking. They watched over the meat while the boys soaked in the pond.


    They would march again once they finished breakfast.


    ====


    The group trekked deeper into the Ahana Forest. Despite the place''s reputation, they encountered little to no problems on their path. It helped that most of the animals kept their distance from Deelah''s predator aura. They passed by trees, clearings, rivers and small caves. They spotted the top of several towers but the Pirate Queen denied a detour.


    She further stated the towers they were looking for were circular, different from the square ones they saw. They were built that way since they had better resistance to sieges. Since they were located near the Sol Palace, the kingdom took more consideration and thought into their construction.


    "None of these towers had been used for a long time though," Deelah explained. She took the lead like she did yesterday. This time, the group spread apart from each other, a tactic used in case arrows would target them, "Even before the fire, the three kingdoms haven''t been at war for centuries. They''ve most likely sealed the entrances. How on earth did your Princess even get in one?"


    Tylen tilted his head. He hadn''t been there when Ariene went missing. If he was, he would have gone with her in the first place, "I''m not entirely sure. Maybe the locks rusted with age and broke off easily."


    "Yeah, that seems possible" the Pirate Queen nodded.


    Cleon entertained himself by hopping from rock to rock. If there was none nearby, he''d opt for a tree root. Their hike offered little excitement. Oh, how he''d give anything for some bandits to ambush them. All he could do was try to jump and reach the lowest branches of the trees.


    Unfortunately, that slowed down their pace.


    "Cleon, stop playing around!" Maia scolded him. If he didn''t move faster, Raz would be stuck standing at the back.


    "Okay, okay" the blue-haired pirate rolled his eyes, "Just one last branch."


    He dug his heels on a tree root. Bending his knees, he leaped over a rock and clasped his hands on a branch. His body swayed back and forth from the momentum. He ignored the others''s looks of disapproval and laughed at his achievement.


    "Oh, don''t be such downers" Cleon complained, still hanging from the branch, "With Deelah, I hardly get any game from wild predators. I am very bored."


    "That''s because you''re a boring person."


    "Hey!" He glared at the redhead who snickered at him, "At least, I''m taller than you up here."


    Forgetting about Maia, he surveyed the area with his new viewpoint. The forest seemed different from this perspective. He could see over a few thick branches with large leaves. He also spotted bird''s nests from several places.


    Then, right up ahead, in a narrow space between two tall trees, a round tower loomed.


    Cleon cheered in victory, "I can see our first tower!"

 34 The First Tower

    Gray stones of 40 feet (12 meters) loomed high against the sky. Cobwebs filled out the hollow spaces in between blocks. Barely any clouds hovered on top of its clay asphalt roof. Weeds and tall shrubs surrounded its base. Rust crusted the locks and hinges of a thick oak door worn out through time.


    The group spread out in a line, matching the curve of the tower. Their eyes gazed up and down. Its height was no joke. From the bottom, they could hardly see the top. Anyone with low stamina wouldn''t be able to survive the climb.


    Cleon whistled, "That''s one tall tower."


    "Taller ones exist in Celios." Deelah shrugged from beside him, hands on her hips. She rotated her shoulder and craned her neck, "Who will be staying here? Because I am not passing the chance to exercise."


    "Cleon, Maya and Nyt will stay." Raz decided out loud,heading for the door, "I can''t really think if any of you could climb this high without fainting."


    "Wait." Tylen protested, "I''m not about to stay here if something inside leads to Ariene. How would you even know what to look for?"


    With a sigh, the Pirate Queen crossed her arms over her chest, "I hate to admit it but the cupcake has a point."


    "Well, I don''t feel comfortable leaving Maia alone with Cleon."


    "Hey!" The blue-haired pirate complained, "I''m more than capable of looking after her. If anything, whoever dares to attack us should be more scared of her than me."


    He shivered involuntarily. If they didn''t tell him what happened during the kidnapping, he would have completely forgotten about her darts. He didn''t witness it himself but Maia trained a lot with them on the Ytle Ship. None of the higher ups let her take on missions until she mastered it. She also had hidden ones under her clothes but enemies already knew to look there since assassins had the same tricks.


    Her beaded ''scrunchie'' would be the last place they''d look.


    "Are you also scared of me?" Maia fluttered her eyes, clasping a hand on Cleon''s shoulder.


    His body immediately bent away from her touch. His hand pushed it off, "Are you kidding? You can break any bone, any joint, any limb with just your bare hands, Pirate Sadist."


    Suddenly, Cleon''s clothes tugged against the side of his neck, slightly choking him. Then, his left arm had been twisted behind his body. Just a little more and his shoulder joint would be dislocated.


    "What did you call me?" A hot breath hissed in his ear.


    "I said you''re the most beautiful and angelic healer in the world."


    Maia patted his head, releasing his arm, "That''s better."


    In his mind, Cleon muttered the same words again, ''Pirate Sadist.''


    He felt grateful that the redhead didn''t have mind reading powers. She might have dislocated and placed his joints back several times over the year they''ve known each other. The phrase small but terrible never sounded more real.


    "Well, it''s only about 3 flights of stars, maybe a total of 60 steps¡­" Raz calculated, "It wouldn''t even take an hour to climb and swoop the place. You sure about this, Nyt?"


    The sergeant turned towards the Prince. She needed to assess how determined he would be. Tylen stared up the tower once more. At the top, a small window had been boarded up. Most of the towers had open windows and planks of wood inside to close it. He imagined Ariene sticking her head out of it.


    If she could do it then, they could too with less difficulties.


    He met Raz''s gaze, fully determined, "Yes, I''m sure."


    Cleon and Maia stood a few meters apart. They positioned themselves in a way that each of them could see half of the forest around them. They also could see each other from the corners of their eyes. Cleon had one hand on his the basket hilt of his sword. Maia, on the other hand, stood near the door, keeping her hands near her small pouches.


    Inside the tower, one vertical pillar stood in the middle. A spiral staircase made of marble surrounded it, along the walls of the tower. Clouds of dust had settled onto the corners and under the stairs. Its only source of light came from the oak door at the base. It could only last up a third of the tower before it would be in complete darkness.


    Deelah took the front. Raz stayed at the rear, Tylen in between them. Each step they took echoed upwards. When the sunlight could no longer reach the height they attained, Raz took out a flare stick. She pulled out the protective casing and scratched its top against the tip.


    Red light bounced against the walls.


    "Do you want to hold it, Dee?" Raz asked, offering the stick.


    The Pirate Queen glanced back, cat eyes smiling, "I don''t really need it. Although¡ªcan Nyt see the stairs? Maybe he could hold it."


    The Prince gazed at the flare stick beside him. He''d never held one before. Most of the time they could be found in ships. He hardly needed to use it for transport. Thus, he hadn''t been exposed to a situation with a flare before.


    "It won''t explode." Raz chuckled, "Take it."


    Tylen took it from her hand and held it in front of him. They continued their climb. Every few steps or so, they''d find a small spider crawling. The Prince noticed that Deelah essentially moved away from it every time. If the spider was on the wall, she''d walk closer to the pillar. If it had been on the pillar, she''d move nearer to the wall.


    The movement seemed insignificant. It surprised him to be able to notice it.


    "Ladder up ahead!"


    At the last landing of the tower, a ladder led to the trapdoor for the room on top. Poles of thick mahogany made up both of its rails and its steps. Stoppers of heavy rocks kept it from sliding off the floor. It also had its share of dust and cobwebs. Some had living spiders on them.


    "Raz, you go first." The Pirate Queen instructed.


    The sergeant smirked to herself. She walked up to the ladder and unsheathed a butterfly sword. With its tip, she stabbed a cobweb and twisted it into a ball. She did the same for the others. Once she finished, she threw them to a far corner and hid her sword.


    Raz climbed up the ladder. It felt sturdy under her weight. The trapdoor on top felt the same. An arm bent overhead, she hit it with her fist. Each knock sounded louder than the last. The hatch screeched with every inch Raz managed to push.


    Then, it popped out, landing against the room''s floor.


    The sergeant peeked overhead. More cobwebs clung to the ceiling. Beacons of light illuminated inside. Most of it came from the boarded up window. With its height, the sun had a clear path to shine down on the tower. The spaces between the boards may be small but they let in enough sun rays for people to detect the things around the room.


    Raz hopped off the ladder and landed on the floor, not making a sound. Tylen joined her in the room. He lifted himself up with his hands. Deelah came up last. The three of them gazed around the place. The room, bare of furniture, only had a closet and a few shelves. A medium-chest also occupied one side of the room while various trinkets laid around here and there.


    "How could a Princess leave in a tower like this?" The Pirate Queen asked, her eyes on the closet. Her hands grabbed the handles and pulled it open. Specks of dust hit her nose, making her cough, "Well, I can tell you that there''s no skeleton hidden in the closet."


    The Prince kneeled before the chest. The rusted lock fell off when he touched it. The hinges groaned as he opened the lid. His eyes met a pile of clothes, moldy bread and spoiled bottled milk, "Nothing in here either. It seemed like whoever came here before left in a hurry. I don''t think anyone would leave food behind if they had nowhere to go."


    The lid closed with a thud.


    The sergeant checked the shelves. Bottles of unknown contents filled the bottom of half. The upper part barely had anything except for a lone vase with a withered flower. She turned away and stared at the floor. No signs of struggle appeared such as scratches and blood.


    However, a scowl appeared on her face.


    She crouched and examined closer. Using her finger, she detected the patterns. Something seemed odd about the floor. Since they walked around the room, their footsteps cleaned off some of the dust. Yet, some patched seemed odd as if unnatural.


    "Maybe if we look outside, we could find something." Tylen said. He went to the boarded up window and picked up a plywood, placing it on the wall. His eyes squinted as the sun blinded his vision. The room instantly brightened. Every detail became clear.


    The moment he moved the plywood, Raz''s ears perked up. Her head snapped towards the window with her eyes wide in alarm. Standing up, she yelled,"Don''t!"


    She leaped towards the Prince. Pulling his collar, she dragged him to the floor. They tumbled together against the hardwood. At her warning, Deelah pressed her back against the wall near the window. She took out her rapier.


    Then, three arrows came flying into the room and crashed against the wall.

 35 The Ambush and the Enlightenmen

    The trapdoor closed with a thud, alarming Tylen. The arrows kept coming. They left no room for them to move. The spots they hit on the wall stayed in a close range. Even with the plywood as a shield, Tylen knew the tips would find its mark on his fingers.


    The ambush was clearly well-prepared. Someone had been waiting.


    Deelah vanished from her post.


    Crawling on the floor as a pest, she squeezed herself between the hinges of the trapdoor. Once she passed through, she transformed back into a human. She fell down with her feet below her. She kicked the assassins that stood by the ladder, landing perfectly. In haste, she left them behind and continued down the stairs.


    The Pirate Queen found Cleon and Maia engaged in combat. The two had their backs pressed against each other while a group in black cloaks surrounded them. The blue-haired pirate kept an eye on the nearest attackers. The redhead withdrew her hidden knives. She threw them at whoever tried to make a sudden movement.


    The battle wasn''t easy but they could hold them off.


    Deelah came out of the tower''s shadows as a rabbit. Sprinting through the weeds and the bushes, she stayed out of sight. When the plants became sparse, she turned into a chameleon and blended with the grass. She aimed for the forest where the arrows came from. She fumed in her mind since this form couldn''t give her fast speed.


    She needed someone to stall more time.


    When the trapdoor didn''t open, Raz knew Deelah had left. Her eyes darted between it and the window. She cursed their luck. The trapdoor just happened to be located directly in front of the window. It sounded too convenient for their attackers¡ªwhoever closed the door would have locked it as well.


    The set up gave them no time to try and escape.


    "Stay here." Raz sternly told the Prince.


    She took out her butterfly swords and rose to her feet. When no one else came for them, she knew that the two pirates below had been attacked. At first look, the tower didn''t seem to have any hiding spots when they climbed. They might have missed a hidden passage. Her worries about two made her focus more on reaching the top quickly so they could leave right away.


    She hissed at her mistake. How could a secret door pass by her sight?


    The sergeant rolled on the floor until she kneeled under the window. She gazed at the wall where the arrows landed. Since they had an expert shooter in their hands, it didn''t take long for her to notice a pattern. She stretched her arms to the sides and raised her knee slightly.


    Three arrows flew consecutively, one after another.


    Raz sprang into action.


    Her butterfly sword sliced the fourth one in midair. Turning on her heel, she faced the window. Her sharp eyes searched the trees. More arrows came out of nowhere. She stepped back and pushed a heel against the floor.


    Tylen watched Raz dance. For the nth time since he saw her in action, his mouth gaped. The sergeant really had superior skills. One by one, broken arrows littered the floor. Her butterfly swords flew around her like razor wings.


    The agility she displayed looked unreal. None of their knights had executed such prowess. He could barely see where her blades were. They became a blur of metal beacons. They moved faster than any arrow that came.


    Raz also stayed in place. Her feet absolutely planted on the floor, only her upper body moved. The arrows began to change directions. Their destinations had opted for a wider range. The shooters must have noticed that the sergeant had studied their movements.


    But no matter how high, how low, how near or how far the arrows aimed, they met their demise with her swords.


    The Prince could only sit in awe.


    The Pirate Queen ran until she passed by the archers. Since their eyes were on the tower, a sneak attack from behind would be her best chance. She crawled up a tree with light steps. She chose a branch that was a few meters from the shooters.


    They wore black outfits and cloaks, similar to the ones that attacked Maia and Cleon. The lower half of their faces were hidden behind masks. No sign or embroidery hinted her on who this group could be. However, their arrows made of carbon had silver tails. That gave her a hint.


    She counted a total of three. Like she predicted, their attentioned stayed on the tower. One of them stood up from his post and unexpectedly knocked on three arrows at a time. The Pirate Queen smirked. She figured Raz must have made a move.


    Not one to miss the action, she placed her weight on her rear feet. They lengthened and sharpened into claws while the front ones spread out on either side. Bronze and white feathers replaced the scale and a pair of wings sprouted. The head of an eagle replaced the large beady eyes. A loud squawk echoed up in the air and through the branches.


    Deelah flapped her wings with a thrust. She directed her path towards the nearest archer. She leaned back, letting her claws break out. It clung onto the shooter''s case of arrows. Her wings thrusted backwards, tugging it off his back.


    Caught off guard, the archer lost his balance. The eagle released the case as he fell to the ground. The others finally noticed her presence. Deelah didn''t waste time and headed for the second archer. She squawked at his face. Then, she clawed his eyes.


    The shooter screamed, blood dripping from his eyebrows. He dropped his bow and shielded his face¡ªexcept the eagle had other ideas. Deelah flew back. She gathered distance and momentum.


    In one hard flap, she glided towards the archer.


    The top of her head hit his face. The force of the impact pushed him off the branch. He met the same fate as his previous companion. The eagle left the now empty branch and flew towards the last shooter. He happened to be the one who used three arrows per shot.


    This time, the archer turned away from the tower and focused on Deelah. He already knew that the eagle wasn''t ordinary. He continued to use three arrows and shot them towards her. Deelah twisted to her side, the tips narrowly missing her feathers. As he reached for more, she flapped faster and hoped to reach him first.


    She aimed her head at his face but the shooter knew this tactic. He turned on his heel and hopped to another branch and forced the eagle to make a hard turn. If a bird had zero to little experience at being hunted, this would have slowed down its speed.


    Deelah considered it a clever tactic but she didn''t belong in that category of birds. Instead, she picked up her speed.


    When she flew closer, she tilted her body to the side. One wing pointed up while the other pointed down, she curved around the trunk of the tree and slammed against the archer. Whatever plan he had descended along with his fall. The eagle landed on the spot he last stood on. Her eyes gawked at the three bodies on the ground.


    Deelah could hear the sound of combat behind her. She guessed that Raz and Tylen must have joined Maia and Cleon. The fight didn''t last long enough for her to interfere. She swooped down, flying through the branches, and landed on human feet.


    She walked over to the nearest archer. His chest had already gone still. Picking up an arrow, she analyzed the material. Weapons like this didn''t come by easily. She crouched and pulled off the shooter''s hood.


    With it out of the way, she could see the side of the masks. Silver threads embroidered the symbol of a nighthawk near the ear. Its color matched the arrows. The Pirate Queen stood up. Her hand clenched into a first.


    "The Nocti." She whispered.


    Grass rustled from behind her. She turned around slowly. The group halted in their steps. Her menacing expression shocked them. Their gazes went to the arrow on her hand. Only Raz sighed in dejection.


    Deelah flashed her glare at the sergeant. She pointed the arrow towards her. Her voice came out low and sinister, "You knew about this."


    The rest of the party also glanced at Raz. Cleon and Tylen moved away. They didn''t want to be entangled with this conversation. Maia had a sympathetic look on her face. She already knew what was to come.


    "About The Nocti?" The sergeant replied, unbothered. Her eyes turned hard as obsidian. She kept a cool tone in her speech, "Yes, I know about them. We''ve encountered them twice now."


    "Twice?!" The Pirate Queen spat in outrage. She threw the arrow onto the ground, marching in Raz''s direction, "You know very well what this means! The Nocti aren''t to be messed with about this!"


    "So what?" Cleon interrupted. He scowled and crossed his arms over his chest, "We''ve dealt with them before. We''re not archenemies for no reason."


    Deelah scoffed impatiently. She pinched the bridge of her nose. Indescribable anger threatened to explode out of her. The words of an ignorant only triggered her more. She shoved her hand to the side.


    Fists on her hips, fire burned inside her eyes, "Let me say this in a way you can understand. You''re on a mission to find Aurae''s lost princess. You''re travelling around with the Crown Prince who is supposed to be at the Sol Palace right now. On top of that, the Nocti are on to you. And what''s the problem with that you ask?"


    The Pirate Queen took a deep breath. Yet, none of her muscles relaxed, "Let me enlighten you."


    Raz bowed her head. Maia walked up to her side, holding her arm. The sergeant used her free hand to squeeze the redhead''s. She had been a fool at her gamble. Captain Croc and Scrooge wouldn''t let her off easy for this.


    Ignoring them, Deelah proceeded to explain the situation, "That organization is not only our biggest rivals but they are also the underground dogs of Celios''s Royal Family! That means Princess Alkas knows about this. She is onto your plans. She knows your knight is an imposter. She also probably ordered this ambush."


    The blood drained on the Prince''s face. His mind instantly went to Hayden. He should have arrived at the capital by now like the Pirate Queen said. Pins and needles pierced his head. If anything happened to his best friend, Tylen might not be able to forgive himself.


    "You are basically one hair away from execution!"

 36 Maias Pleas

    Stunned silence stretched for miles. Only the sound of heavy breathing could be heard. Then, a breeze ruffled the leaves and grass. It provided an ominous feeling to the atmosphere. Gray clouds began to roll towards the sky, lightning rumbling overhead.


    Deelah exhaled sharply, her flared nostrils relaxing. She shook her head as she bowed it and touched the scalp. The heavy air felt suffocating. No matter what the others had to say, she needed to be firm with them. The mess included 3 royal families for cupcake''s sake.


    She lifted one finger, avoiding everyone''s eyes, "This mission ends here. We''ll stop by an inn for the night. Whether you want to continue or not, talk it out with the Captain. Mark my words, he won''t take this lightly."


    Finished with what she had to say, the Pirate Queen walked away from the group. She headed for a path that led to a nearby town. She didn''t wait for them nor did she care about the corpses. Either way, someone would come by to collect. Better to leave their handiwork for some entertainment value.


    Maia, Tylen and Cleon glanced towards Raz. Despite Deelah''s presence, they awaited her orders. She merely gestured the top of her head towards the Pirate Queen. Leader of the group or not, Deelah had higher authority than her as second-in-command. Not only did it mean that she assisted the Captain but also, in his absence, she took over the position as the head.


    When neither of the boys moved, Maia reluctantly released Raz and walked towards Deelah. She peeked over her shoulder once. Cleon nudged the Prince''s side at the sight of it. Tylen felt his lead feet move. The blue-haired pirate stayed hot on his heels.


    The sergeant occupied the tail of their line.


    Everyone kept quiet, looking like children that had been scolded. Maia''s eyes stared at the Pirate Queen''s back. Steady and strong, she couldn''t find her voice to speak. The rigid posture never relaxed. If Deelah suddenly spoke to her, she might just release a series of squeak instead of words.


    The most dejected from the group, unsurprisingly, turned out to be the Prince. His plan had been hasty, he admitted to himself. He had no one to rely on other than Hayden and they needed to split up. To request for the Phantom Pirates''s help had also been last minute. He had been in such a hurry, he didn''t go through the proper processing.


    Well, could he really be blamed? His best friend risked his life by pretending to be the Crown Prince. They had guessed it wouldn''t take long for him to be discovered. Time was of the essence. Tylen felt lucky that the group he encountered decided to help him at all.


    The trek lasted until night time fell. A small town stood near the outskirts of the forest. The inn they found only had two rooms available. Each one had cramped space, fitting only one bed. The first floor bustled with activity.


    Tylen sat in the corner. Defected shoulders, he bent his arms and rested his elbows on the table. His eyes casted downwards. He mulled over the events quietly. Again, the doubts in his head spoke louder.


    Maybe the mission really wasn''t meant to be. Hayden had already warned him before. His hands clenched into fists. Deep inside, another power broke through his second guessing. The need to search for answers. The need to have closure.


    The need to find Ariene.


    "Nyt?" A voice across from him called out.


    The Prince looked up.


    Maia''s eyes drooped at the corners. Some of her hair strands fell off the hair tie. They framed the sides of her face. The apple red shade enhanced her fair skin and the warm tone of her eyes. She kept her hands under the table.


    "I''m sorry things turned out this way." She breathed out, "Please don''t be so sad. I''m sure Captain Croc would see reason."


    "Do you really?" Tylen spat, using a low tone.


    The redhead gulped, "There''s¡ªI mean¡ªIt''s complicated."


    She bowed her head, sighing heavily. The Phantom Pirates had things they couldn''t talk about to outsiders¡ªeven among their group, only a few had been informed. The rift with The Nocti flowed deeper down the earth.


    It had been in everyone''s best interest to not accept jobs that may directly involve those nighthawks.


    "I thought so." The Prince went back to staring at the empty table. Their food order was still on its way. The others had other business to attend to. What they were, he hadn''t been informed.


    "I know you really want to find her." Maia continued to say, "Please don''t lose hope."


    Tylen gave her a small smile, "You''re like the only person who told me that."


    Maia''s breath hitched. Her chest squeezed, seeming to block her airflow. She didn''t know if the Prince was aware of the depth of his sapphire eyes. Their profound hue revealed the sadness he hid.


    He merely wanted to see the girl he loved again.


    Why did he have to go through so much?


    Small tears swelled at the corners of her eyes. She reached out and clasped one of Tylen''s hands in hers. She gripped it tight. With a hesitant voice, she said, "I''ve told you before that you could rely on us. Please thoroughly believe in it. No matter what setback we''ll face. I promise we''ll accompany you to the end."


    Cleon leaned against a pillar near the bar. Arms crossed over his chest, as well as his legs, he scowled. Among the three of them, it had been him who protested against the mission. Now, they faced its consequences. He couldn''t comprehend why his companions agreed to it.


    Sure, the time had been tight¡ªand it still was. But it didn''t mean the job wouldn''t disobey the rules.


    He proceeded to watch over the two. Deelah rested upstairs while Raz went somewhere. Even if the Prince had swordsmanship skills, he couldn''t bring himself to leave the redhead alone.


    Not after last time, at least.


    Her voice floated above the chatter around the room.


    "Please don''t give up." Maia began to sob, "The truth will come out eventually."


    Tylen squinted at her face. Something felt off about her statement. Somehow he picked up on an innuendo behind it. The expression on his face slowly morphed into disbelief. He leaned his head closer to hers.


    His voice came out in a whisper, "Is there something you know that I don''t?"


    The redhead pressed her lips together. She had done her best to sound indifferent. The words threatened to spew out of her mouth. She had to gulp them back down. Her tears spilled out, flowing down her cheeks.


    "I don''t know what to tell you." Maia answered in the same tone. She could only hope the Prince would believe her, "But¡­ I''d never intentionally hurt you. Please have faith in us. "


    Did they have something to hide?


    Tylen took his hand back. He saw her eyes widen in alarm. Standing up, he explained, "I need to use the toilet."


    Then, he proceeded to the back. His back disappeared from Maia''s sight. She buried her head in her hands. She cursed herself. Her self-control had actually dwindled for a moment. Now wasn''t a good time nor the place¡ªparticularly with The Nocti on their trail.


    They had been waiting for them to slip.


    If she hadn''t restrained herself, she would have placed the entire crew in danger.


    "What the hell are you crying about, strawberry shortcake?" Cleon scoffed. He sat on Tylen''s seat. He placed an ankle over his knee, resting his back on the wall. His arms stayed folded and his eyes swept around the room.


    He would have stayed on his post but¡­ Raz might think he made her cry.


    The least he could do was offer some comfort.


    "What have I done?" Maia whimpered behind her hands, "I can''t believe I just said those to Nyt."


    "Look," The blue-haired pirate groaned, "You tried to reassure the guy. There isn''t anything wrong with that. He is probably depressed. Over the years, this had been his only chance to seek out his fiance. Hearing how things turned out must have been quite the blow. Don''t beat yourself about it. It''s him who should handle his own turmoil."


    He sneaked a peek at the redhead. Why were girls so emotional? He thought. He heard her take a deep breath. He took it as a sign of her calming down. A weight lifted off his shoulders.


    Maia wiped the tears off her face, "Ugh, my period might be coming soon."


    Cleon closed his eyes and grimaced. "Please, Maia. I didn''t need to know that."


    "I''ll tell you when I have my period."


    "I''m begging you. Don''t."


    She laughed heartily. Nothing flowed out of her eyes anymore. She made a mental note to ask for some ice. Red swollen eyes looked unattractive. She also didn''t want the others to worry about her.


    "Thank you for cheering me up, Cleon."


    Maia smiled at him gratefully. He liked to act reckless and immature but he cared. Despite how many times she teased him about it, he always came to her comfort.


    Cleon snorted in reply, "Yeah, whatever."


    A barmaid came to serve the food. She placed them carefully on the table. Savory steam floated up their noses. It salvitated their palettes. Their stomachs grumbled in approval.


    Once the barmaid finished, she held the tray over her torso. Her brown eyes landed on Maia, "Miss, are you okay?"


    The redhead immediately shook her head and waved her hands in protest.


    "I am perfectly fine. There''s no need to worry." She explained, "I just remembered a sad memory."


    "Are you sure?" The crease on the barmaid''s brows deepened, "Did you not just have an argument with your boyfriend?"


    Maia gaped. Did she hear what she thought she heard?


    "What boyfriend?"


    "The gentleman you had with you."


    "Oh!" The redhead blinked several times. Her mind still felt surprised at the second time she had been mistaken to be in a relationship, "He''s a close friend."


    The barmaid looked unconvinced. She bit her upper lip, an indecisive expression on her face.


    "Look, if you have something else to say, just say it." Cleon cut in. He scowled, showing his irritation and impatience, "I can already tell if you don''t tell us, you''d keep worrying about it."


    "That''s true... " She mumbled. Then, she exhaled sharply, "I just thought to ask you if you know your boyfr¡ªcompanion left the vicinity?"


    Cleon bolted upright in his chair. He grabbed her elbow, clutching it tight.


    "What did you just say?"


    "I¡ªI¡ª" The barmaid stammered. She tried to pull her arm back, "I just saw him go out the back. One of our suppliers came after he left. The supplier said a man came up to him and asked to purchase one of his horses."

 37 Tylens Cries

    Deelah cursed.


    She stood on four paws at the edge of the forest. The Prince''s scent left her a trail. She merely needed to follow it then, she''d have him in her hands. Her claws dug on the soil. Her lips trembled, exposing her fangs.


    It would be so easy.


    Go back and inform the other that she lost him.


    The mission hadn''t been authorized by her or their captain. Tylen technically wasn''t their responsibility. He had been there when she rejected the mission. He knew her terms. He knew their affiliation had ended.


    Who was she to stop him from making his own path?


    He didn''t belong under her charge.


    Still, the white tiger growled.


    If she didn''t bring him back, Maia would be devastated. The guilt would eat the redhead up. The same would happen to her if she witnessed it. The Pirate Queen took a step forward. She repeated over and over again that she only did this for Maia.


    Her legs broke into a sprint.


    They led her deeper in the forest.


    ===


    Raz sent Cleon on lookout duty. She took Maia on the roof of the first floor of the pub. They say on the edge, Raz''s foot dangling. Her other leg was bent upwards and her arm rested on its knee. Beside her, Maia sat crossed-legged.


    She twiddled with her thumbs and stared at the other building in front of them. Her ponytail swayed under a breeze. Her eyes had been clean from tears but they still swelled. Her nose would sniff from time to time. The clog in it bothered her.


    The cool air welcomed the two of them in comfort. The sergeant had her head tilted up to the moon, its shine like a soothing blanket. She had been here when Tylen escaped. Her thoughts muddled with what to do next. The distraction caused her to slip again.


    Even if Cleon wasn''t as experienced as her, she believed he''d do a better job at being the lookout for the time being.


    A popping sound left Raz''s lips, "Well, this didn''t really turn out how I thought it would."


    It wasn''t like the sergeant didn''t think about the consequences. The worst outcome had been Deelah''s command¡ªgoing back to the ship. Let the Captain deal with Tylen and his request. They couldn''t just take him aboard the first time. The ship''s location and existence, at all, needed to be kept secret. They''d need to wait for the Captain''s permission.


    At the same time, they couldn''t sit idle.


    It would have been a matter of time before someone noticed the switch.


    It wouldn''t take long for the Nocti to locate them either.


    They needed to keep moving.


    In the end, Raz resolved to wait for the crew to come for them instead.


    "Did you really think after the Nocti appeared, we wouldn''t be dragged back?" Maia said in one breath. She blew on her fringes, leaking out her frustration. She had Tylen in her grasp and he slipped right through her fingers.


    "I did." Her leader replied with a sigh, "What I didn''t expect was the Prince''s move."


    The redhead shook her head. She pressed an elbow against her thigh, lifting a hand up and burying her face behind its palm, "Maybe we should just kidnap him¡ªalong with Hayden."


    "I don''t think Teralyn would take that lightly." Raz chuckled, ruffling Maia''s bangs.


    She swatted it away immediately and straightened her posture. Her amber eyes squinted at nothing. Rubbing her chin, she said, "Well, we already have Celios on our backs. It wouldn''t make much of a difference."


    The sergeant snorted. She stared at the redhead in amusement, "That''s because Celios is more discreet. Teralyn would be different."


    Maia looked back at her, skepticism evident in her face, "Their Crown Prince? Missing? I don''t think they''d openly announce it."


    "Maybe not but they''d dispatch every knight possible." Raz pushed her forehead with two fingers, "Celios has something to hide. That''s why they wouldn''t do something like that."


    The redhead pouted. When Raz continued to smile, she rolled her eyes. She lifted up her knees and hugged them, her ankles still crossed. Her voice came out soft as a whisper, "But, at least, they''d be much safer with us."


    Maia''s gaze swept around them. It landed on a spot she lingered on for a while. The silhouette was tiny but she recognized it. Sadness weighed on her shoulders. The color in her eyes dulled down.


    The sergeant peeked from the corner of her eye. She noticed the redhead''s demeanor and followed her line of sight. It didn''t take long for Raz to figure it out. She raised her eyebrows upon realizing it. She exhaled sharply through her nose.


    This night might turn out to be a long one.


    ===


    The soles of Tylen''s boots tapped against the stone pavement. A white horse walked with him, the reins in his hand. He kicked every pebble that came his way. After a long run, wind blowing on his face, he pulled the horse to a stop. His mind went to his best friend.


    He asked himself, ''What would Hayden say?''


    Alone in the middle of a forest, his knight wouldn''t hesitate to slice him. The Prince winced at the thought. Hayden''s menacing face scared him even if his best friend wasn''t around. He stirred the horse back to town. He couldn''t tell which path he took so he ended up in another part of town.


    A few locals helped him find the pub.


    If Maia wouldn''t give him some answers, maybe Raz would. Then, maybe Cleon. Maybe even Deelah. He had to try before making a decision. He had to hear them out first. His impulse would only get him into more trouble.


    He led the horse to the stables and paid the keeper.


    Then, his feet drove him towards the backdoor where he escaped. He stopped in front of it and pressed his lips together. The pirates would have noticed his missing presence by now. It might be a better idea to use the front entrance. That way, if anyone stayed behind, he''d be spotted easily.


    Tylen passed through the alleyway. A few residents loitered near it, smoking their cigars. He covered his nose and mouth with a hand. He had never been a fan¡ªneither was his mother. These days it only reminded her of his deceased father.


    After passing them by, a voice floated from above.


    The Prince pressed himself against the wall. He glanced upwards, spotting a boot a meter away from him. He scowled. It seemed like a peculiar place to talk. Were they looking for him from there?


    "Do you miss the palace?"


    Maia blinked out of her daze. She hadn''t noticed her lack of attention. Blood rushed to her cheeks. Since she had been caught, there was no use to pretending. She gulped down the lump in her throat.


    "Am I really that obvious?"


    Raz chuckled humorlessly.


    Silence engulfed them. The sergeant left the redhead to her thoughts. It was only natural for her to think about the Sol Palace¡ªespecially now that they were here. On the other hand, as her leader, Raz had been worried if it would trigger the nightmares.


    "It has changed a lot." Maia thought out loud, her voice barely audible.


    "It has?" Raz raised an eyebrow, squinting at the small silhouette in the horizon. What kind of laser vision did her companion have?


    The sergeant felt a nudge to her side. The redhead dug her elbow before she shook her head, "Not physically. Its ambiance."


    "Ambiance?"


    Maia rolled her eyes, "Do I have to explain everything? I mean, it feels different. That place gave me so many memories. Before, it made me happy despite criticisms. Sometimes I''d catch Alkas glaring in the middle of a role play from behind her history book."


    "And now?" Raz gazed at her side profile. The moon light illuminated the redhead''s features. Her amber eyes glowed against her fair skin. Her apple red hair contrasted her complexion, making her more pale.


    "Now... " Maia mumbled, her eyes drooped on the sides again, "How did things turn out this way?"


    A small whimper rumbled in her chest. Several emotions ate her insides. She didn''t know which to listen to first. Both sets of fingers clawed her scalp. Now, her head screamed at her from all sides.


    "You''re worried about the Prince." Raz declared. She had heard about Maia almost breaking down. Cleon didn''t have the best narrative skills but she got the gist of it. Until that moment, she hadn''t known how much it disturb the redhead.


    "He has a right to know." Maia sobbed, a tear trickled down her cheek, "I don''t know how long I can keep this up."


    The sergeant reached out and pulled the redhead to her side. She nuzzled her nose on Maia''s hair. Tightening her hold, she said, "No matter what happens, I swore to protect you and I will. You''ve always seen me as your knight in shining armor. Might not be bad to keep that in mind."


    "Thank you, Raz, but what are we gonna do about Tylen?"


    Raz raised her head, shaking it left to right. She should have known Maia would be more worried about him. She pressed her lips together and considered their options. They were already in knee deep trouble. The best they could do was keep it at the same level.


    "How about this?" The sergeant began to say, "When Deelah takes him back, we can ask the Captain to let him into some of our ship''s secrets."


    The redhead lifted her head, a crease between her eyebrows, "What if he comes back willingly? Will we still do that?"


    Raz looked up, biting her inner cheek, "I said that because you were worried about him trusting us. If he reaches out to us first, it might not be necessary. It is dangerous to speak of it."


    The Prince, in question, inched away from his spot. He couldn''t hear everything but he heard enough. His body began to tremble. Thousands of questions exploded in his head. Only one stood out differently from among them.


    His intention from when he stepped into town had been answered.


    If he asked them now, they wouldn''t tell him anything. If he said he overhead them, they would probably just tell him to pay it much attention. But¡­ but how could he? The pirates seemed to know more than he initially thought. And Maia¡­


    Maia knew the most of it.


    How could she ask him to believe in them?


    All this time, she seemed to understand him the best. He fell short on various occasions but she still supported him. Now¡­ Now, what had those been for?


    His mirror images of her and Raz shattered before him. Pain rippled around his head. He clutched it. Were they actually helping? Or were they leading him on? Did they want to create a mockery out of him?


    They clearly knew something¡­


    ¡­ what should he do now?


    A silent cry escaped his lips.


    He called out Hayden''s name. He longed for his best friend, his chest squeezing. It labored his breathing. What would be the right thing to do? How would he even know they spoke the truth if he asked?


    Just how many lies and deceit could he take?

 38 The Second Tower

    Hooves sped through the trees.


    Tylen had snuck through the backdoor like he wished. He paid for some bread, water and carrots. Then, he raced back to the stables. The keeper widened his eyes, startled by his sudden reappearance. The Prince gave him a tip before he took back his horse.


    From there, it had been a race between him and the pirates.


    Whether the pirates would tell him or not remained unclear. What the Prince considered certain were the sergeant''s words.


    ''When Deelah takes him back, we can ask the Captain to let him into some of our ship''s secrets.''


    Those became his only hope.


    The locals helped him again to find the second tower. Tylen carried a lamplight on a pole and hovered it near the horse''s head. When his arm became strained, he switched the pole to the other one. He had to be careful not to drop it. His sack of food tied on the saddle, it bounced in rhythm to the pace.


    The Ahana Forest seemed quiet. Only a few hoots and crickets pierced through the silence. Any creature that had been on his path ran away. Neither him nor the horse could see more than a few feet beyond them. The Prince pulled on the reins, slowing down.


    It wouldn''t end well if a big tree came out of nowhere.


    His horse continued to gallop, following the path that had no grass. The town folks informed Tylen that they often used this path to reach the sea. As long as they followed it, they''d find the tower. The moonlight shimmered in between branches and leaves¡ªenough to inform the Prince about the time of day.


    At a small pond, he climbed off the horse and let it drink. It lapped on the fresh water happily. Tylen broke a piece of bread and ate half.


    He couldn''t tell how far they still had left. Neither could he tell how much time he had left before Deelah found him. If luck was on his side, maybe he''d reach the tower first and check it out. Then, he could take it off his mind.


    It would leave him with only one tower left.


    The Prince fed the horse some carrots. He patted its head, "How are you, boy? You must be surprised by your new owner."


    He didn''t get an answer as the horse licked his hand clean. Tylen chuckled and brushed his palm on its mane. Then, he gazed on the trail ahead. It would still be a couple of hours before they''d reach the second tower. Would Deelah intercept him by then?


    He checked on the horse''s condition. The previous owner had informed him that they''d been travelling the whole day. It must be worn out and tired. Sighing, the Prince tied the reins to a branch. He sat near the tree and leaned his back on its trunk, crossing his arms over his chest.


    The horse bent its knees and joined him. His head tilted up, Tylen closed his eyes. Drowsiness flooded his body. The adrenaline rush had drained away. He fought against his sleepy consciousness, knowing he needed to remain alert.


    Soon, the both of them slept soundly that night.


    ¡­


    ¡­


    ¡­


    A white tiger stared at them, standing a few meters away.


    Puffs of air exhaled sharply from its nostrils. Deelah figured the Prince must have thought they''d leave him alone. He already mentioned before that he''d proceed without them if they''d go back. Reason and conscience fought in her mind. It gave her a headache.


    A man who could risk stupid things for love was both admirable and disagreeable.


    As stupid as Tylen seemed to be, his loyalty to his love was rarely seen. It came above all. The Pirate Queen had met many people, all kinds of men and women. A person with his resolve can be counted with her fingers. A love that stood the test of time and death...


    A number of people would have wished for something like it.


    The tiger tucked its legs.


    It wouldn''t hurt to catch the Prince at the tower, would it?


    Maybe then he''d be more convinced to come to the ship. Deelah''s consciousness drifted, thinking about how to persuade the brat willingly. Then, her head filled with dreams of purple cupcakes. She could almost taste them.


    ===


    The next morning, the Pirate Queen left before the Prince and his horse could wake up. She yawned, her dry lips cracking. Whichever form she took still had her basic needs. She''d go for the pond but the sound of a river was close by. Between the two, she''d rather drink from the river.


    She maintained a good distance and followed the horse''s pace.


    Her stomach grumbled. She''d have a feast after this mission. The hunt had been quite a workout. She could still last for a few hours. After that, even if they hadn''t reached the inn, she''d find a meal.


    If her instinct was right, they''d reach the tower before lunch.


    Sunlight peeked from above. The green grass gleamed vibrantly under her paws. She dodged in between trees, her path more crowded than Tylen''s. She challenged herself and trained her agility more. For a bit of fun, she might just switch forms along the way.


    The leaves and branches thickened at an area. The sun could barely be seen. Black smoke surged from above. Birds flew off the branches and escaped. The tiger''s eyes widened, picking up speed.


    ''No, no, no, no¡­'' Deeah chanted in her mind.


    She gritted her teeth and pumped up her legs. She needed the smoke to stay behind her and as far as possible. The smoke formed into a cloud, almost covering the forest in darkness. She cursed at the compressed trees in the area. Unlike the first tower, this one had a smaller clearing.


    Unfortunately, it was also at the densest part of the Ahana Forest.


    The black fog continued to chase her. It stayed hot on her heels. A coil of it would try to snatch her leg. She''d shuffle her paws and evade it. It continued for hours. The smoke became irritated.


    It sent more ropes of itself and surrounded all directions, leaving no room for escape.


    The Pirate Queen spat. The back of the second tower was in sight. She jumped and twisted her body. She faced the black fog, growling at it. She guarded the edge of the clearing.


    Seeing her stop, the smoke slowly diminished. It concentrated on one spot and formed legs. Slowly, it worked its way up until a man stood in its place. Dark blue eyes against pale skin glared through a pair of glasses. The forest stood still as he approached the tiger.


    "Well, well, well." His crisp voice said, "Look at what we have here."


    His navy blue trench coat''s hems fluttered behind him. The front of it widened and revealed his black vest, including his trousers. He smirked at Deelah, his glasses glinted, "If it isn''t the Pirate Queen."


    The tiger rolled its eyes. In the next second, Deelah morphed into her human form. She crossed her arms over her chest, "What are you doing here, Scrooge?"


    The Shadow Prince bowed his head and shook it. His corner lip curved further upwards.


    "Captain wondered what took you so long." He glanced back at her, "When I found the mess you left at the first tower, I figured you''d be here. Although¡­"


    He tilted his head to one side. His eyes steeled into hard jewels, "Why are you alone?"


    ===


    Tylen unmounted from his horse. The second tower stood before his eyes. He hardly believed that he made it. It looked like an exact copy of the first one. The difference between them would be the wild plants surrounding them.


    This one had less of it. It seemed more clean cut and well managed.


    The Prince tied the reins of his horse on a tree. He fed it some carrots and gave it a bit of water. Patting it a bit, he headed for the tower. His heart thumped in his chest. Fear and hope mixed together inside of him.


    The door had no luck. Its creak came out soft. He lifted the lamplight he carried. The same marble steps loomed up to the top. His boots stomped upwards.


    The previous tower''s events flooded in his mind. What would he do if it happened again? Would there be more of them waiting here? Did they figure out their route? He didn''t have Raz''s prowess against flying arrows. Would the ambush be different this time? Could he stand against it?


    He stopped halfway.


    Should he go back?


    Tylen stared at the stairs before him. He was here. He was so close. His thirst for curiosity and answers could be reduced. He only needed to reach the top.


    The faces of his loved ones materialized before him. His mother stared at him with concern. His grip on the lamplight tightened. If something happened to him, she''d be devastated. He knew it.


    The Prince closed his eyes, turning around. He couldn''t risk his life when he already saw the danger. If he kept his back on the stairs and the tower, it wouldn''t tempt him to go back. His mother stayed at the front of his mind. As long as she stayed there, he could do this.


    "Oh, my!"


    Tylen''s eyes snapped open. Someone stood a few steps below him. A basket of fruits near her chest, the young woman clasped a hand over her mouth. She had the same bewildered expression on her face. The light from the lamp illuminated her features.


    Wavy bronze hair framed her face, flowing over her chest. The basket hid how long it was. The white dress around her body had worn out in time. The sleeves slipped off, showing her skinny arms. Round hazel eyes radiated like candle light.


    Breath hitched, the Prince fell into a loss for words. ''


    Could it be¡­?

 39 The Woman of Mystery

    "Are you alright?" The young woman asked.


    She tilted her head. The hand on her mouth dropped a bit. The young man before her had gone pale. He also seemed scared out of his wits. She lifted a foot¡­ then, hesitated. Would it be okay to approach him?


    Tylen forgot what air was. His hands and feet began to tingle. His mind had gone blank. If it hadn''t been for the warm light, he would have suspected that he looked at a ghost.


    "Sir?" She spoke again.


    This time she slowly climbed a step, keeping her eyes on his face.


    When he didn''t react, she continued onwards until she stood next to him. His sapphire eyes followed her movements, as if afraid she''d disappear. The young woman blushed under the scrutinizing gaze. She''d never seen a pair that burned intensely at her. She didn''t know what to make of it.


    "Please respond." The young woman whispered, her head bowed. She tucked a stray hair behind her ear, "If you''d like, you can rest at the top. It''s not much but you seem to need it."


    "Um¡­" The Prince gasped. His chest began to rise up and down again. He gulped the lump down his throat, "What''s your name?"


    The young woman blinked in surprise, raising her eyebrows. She bit her bottom lip and avoided his stare. Would it be okay to answer him? She gave him the side-eye through her fringes. The flare in his eyes had been replaced by strong curiosity.


    It probably couldn''t hurt.


    "It''s Aria."


    ===


    Tylen couldn''t recall how he ended up at the top of the tower.


    He sat on the floor, his legs tucked underneath him. The place had the same built as the first tower. What made it contrast with the other was the cleanliness. If the previous tower had cobwebs and dust, he found none of that here. Every furniture, every trinket and every object had been thoroughly taken care of.


    The window had no board up. Instead it had its own wooden covers. They stood ajar, letting the morning sun inside. The sound of pouring water caught his attention. He looked away from the sky and towards the corner across from him.


    Aria positioned herself with her back towards him. She wore a warm brown dress. It had no filling or more layers. The hem contained a few cuts. Her worn out black shoes peeked underneath.


    The color of her clothing enhanced the shine of her bronze hair.


    Clothes aside, her physical condition seemed healthy but too thin. Her skin had its natural glow like her hair. Something not easily achieved if she stayed in this tower her whole life.


    The Prince cleared his throat, "Pardon my intrusion."


    The young woman''s back stiffened. She almost spilled the fresh water from the jar. Each moment he talked startled her. Most of the time, his quiet demeanor compared to an empty pit¡ªunmoving and empty. It made her on edge.


    "It''s quite alright." Aria replied. She placed the jar down and grabbed the wooden cup of water. Turning around, she walked in his direction. She sat an arm away from him and handed over the drink, "Please, you must be thirsty for travelling this far. It''s fresh from the river. I collected it earlier."


    "Thank you." Tylen accepted her offer. He discovered how parched his mouth felt after he drank the water. It tasted rich and cool, "Refreshing."


    "I''m happy it''s to your liking."


    The Prince rubbed his temple. The blood in his head must have rushed back up too quickly. The drink helped him be at ease, waking him from a daze. The woman said her name was Aria, correct? She seemed to be a little out of place in this forest.


    He glanced at her, the sun rays glistening behind her. Her hair gleamed like new coins. The hazel color of her eyes appeared soft in this lighting. She clearly was a beauty in this hollow forest. What would a girl like her be in this place?


    "I should apologize again." Tylen began to say, "But¡­ may I know why you''re in this tower?"


    Aria''s eyes turned into fear. She pressed her lips together. Worry lines materialized on her forehead, "Are you a knight from the Sol Palace?"


    It was the Prince''s turn to be astonished.


    "I know this tower is the property of the monarchy. I''m sorry for using it without permission."


    Her uneasiness now made sense. These towers did belong to the Royalty. Only the commanders of their troops could make use of them even without needing the Crown''s permission¡ªonly to inform them. None of the parliament nor the nobles could do what she did. She must have thought he''d kick her out.


    Tylen shook his head, "Your secret is safe. I do want to know why you''re in this tower. A lady like you should be in the town. This is not a suitable home."


    Aria smiled sheepishly, "I do have a residence in a nearby town. I am just fond of this tower. I''ve grown attached to it."


    "May I know the reason why?"


    Deafening silence fell into the room. The only sound came from the wind rattling the window covers. The young woman gazed at the floor. She played with her hands on her lap. Her voice dropped to a whisper as she recalled her past.


    "This tower has a caretaker. She only came once a week. Her son loved this place and wanted to be knight and guard Aurae Kingdom from here. When he became old enough, he had left to train and his mother wanted to keep this tower clean for him to claim one day."


    Aria took a deep breath. She exhaled gently, "I was only a child when she found me here. I woke up and had no memory of how I got here. My head and my body were in so much pain. I could barely move. I quivered on this floor, nowhere to go. She brought me to the town and searched for a doctor. He could only cure the pain but he warned us that I''ve been cursed¡ªdestined to die young."


    Tylen leaned forward, entrapped by her narrative. None of his other muscles moved an inch.


    "He didn''t mean to let me hear the latter part. He thought I was asleep. Since then, I stayed by the caretaker''s side. I''d go to this tower with her and have met her son. Sometimes I live here for a bit when I''m in need of some solitude."


    "Is one of those times now?"


    The young woman chuckled under her breath. She peeked at his face, "It is. The doctor''s words haunt me. Another year would pass. Then I wonder, how young did he mean? I come to this tower out of gratitude for what it gave me. It''s my sanctuary."


    The Prince fell at a loss for words. He didn''t know where to start. One by one, the pieces fit like a puzzle. Yet, something inside him said to be cautious. Somehow he doubted things would be this easy.


    Since when did he think like that?


    Didn''t he long for answers as soon as possible?


    What held him back now?


    "Then, I am grateful for your invitation to such a precious place." He settled as an answer.


    Aria grinned, touched by his thoughts. She stood up and brushed the front of her skirt. The buttons of her bodice skewed, a sign that it was too small. Her sleeves also seemed to stretch the fabric, "You are welcome to stay as long as you like but I do have some chores."


    Despite his hesitation, Tylen didn''t leave. His mind flipped and turned for anything that could help him relieve his confusion and questions. He helped around the tower, asking anything that came to his mind. He avoided any mention about the Royal Family, afraid that it might scare her off.


    If she remembered something of it, she wouldn''t have chosen to distance herself without reason.


    The Prince forced his mind to work double time. The curiosity gradually ate him up. His sanity threatened to go to the edge. He really needed to be more patient. His lack of it had already caused him to be in various troubles.


    "Is something wrong?"


    Tylen whirled from the window, a rag in hand. He found Aria at the center, a broom in her hand. She had tied up her hair into a bun. A white bandana swept her fringes away. She seemed more youthful in this look.


    She raised an eyebrow, waiting for his response.


    "Yeah¡­" The Prince nodded. He scratched the back of his neck, "Everything''s fine."


    "Alright." Aria went back to sweeping. The bristles scrapped the floor, creating a scratching sound. She turned around and checked for areas she missed. The top button at the back of her dress remained open, revealing her shoulder blades. A string of fabric dangled from the neckline.


    The rag fell off Tylen''s hand. His knees buckled and he held on the windowsill for support.


    His sense of sight must be deceiving him. Shaking his head, his lips turned blue¡­ but he couldn''t look away. A spot of tan skin contrasted against Aria''s fair complexion. It stood out between the opened back portion of her clothing. It attracted him like a bee to pollen on a flower.


    He knew that mark.

 40 A Candiate for the Throne

    Sharp pain pierced through the Prince''s head. His vision became blurry as well as his memories. They became hazy and cleared up, alternating between the two multiple times. He leaned on the windowsill as he blinked. Black spots peeked from the corner of his eyes.


    Was the sun too hot?


    The fatigue hit him without warning. His feet became unsteady. The lightheadedness made his head spin. The floor seemed to tilt. The walls also followed. His body grew heavy, threatening to topple over..


    "Oh, dear!" Aria shouted.


    She bottled to his side and wrapped his left arm around her shoulders. Hugging his torso from behind, she supported him back to where he sat. She moved quickly and grabbed another glass of water. She held his head from under his chin, tilting it up. Some of the water spilled but she felt his Adam''s apple bump her fingers.


    Then, she stood up and took an old newspaper, using it to fan him.


    Tylen focused on his breathing. He closed his eyes, opening his mouth partially. He hoped it would help gather more air. The toll from the journey since he joined the pirates must have caught up with him. He wasn''t used to these conditions.


    When his head felt better, he peeled his eyes open. The walls around the tower no longer spun. The floor also became stable. He shifted his gaze towards Aria who watched over him with concern. Still feeling a little weak, he moved his lips.


    Aria stared at him in confusion. She couldn''t hear what he tried to say. She kneeled and leaned in until her ear was close to his face. His breath tickled her skin, followed by a faint voice.


    "Ari¡­"


    "What is it?" She asked, thinking he had a request.


    "Ari¡­ Ariene¡­" the Prince managed to mumble, "I-I missed you¡­"


    The young woman turned her face towards him. Frown lines appeared between her brows. She spotted a small smile on Tylen''s lips. Unless someone stared closely, it seemed hardly noticeable. His eyes also exhilarated in delight and love.


    He picked up her hand and cupped it against his cheek. He took a deep breath, forcing himself to speak, "Ari, you don''t know... how long I-I waited to see you again¡­"


    Aria felt lost. She lifted her free hand and flipped the backside towards his forehead. His temperature felt fine. Her hazel eyes darted around his face and noted the beads of sweats that trickled down his temples. She wiped them away, smearing the palm of her hand.


    Eyes shut, the Prince brushed his nose on her wrist and memorized her scent. He gripped her hand tight. The fragments from the fire replayed in his mind, "Not a day has gone by without me regretting how I failed to help you. You deserve much better, so much better¡­"


    "I think you''re mistaken¡­" the young woman said, shaking her head, "I think you mistook me for someone else."


    Tylen moved her hand away from his face and pulled her closer. His other hand moved to her back, crawling over her exposed skin. His fingertip found the birth mark even without seeing it. Aria''s face became hot. The gesture felt intimate, especially with their noses almost touching.


    "This¡­" the Prince whispered. He let her hand go and brushed her hair off her forehead, "I didn''t see this often because you disliked having your hair tied. This birthmark still looks the same from my memories¡ªa little butterfly, just like you were."


    Aria gasped, forgetting to breathe. His finger on the spot of her mark torched in fire. The heat spread like vines to the rest of her back. It captured her senses and so did his passionate eyes. They stared at her as if a moth to a flame.


    "Come back with me," Tylen pleaded, "I don''t want to part with you again¡­"


    His hand left her forehead and traced her face with its fingers. It went below her earlobe, tickling the young woman. He didn''t stop until he cupped the nape of her neck. He added pressure and nudged her until their nose touched. Tilting his head, the Prince parted his lips.


    He could almost taste her.


    A thud echoed in the room and vibrated the floor. The trapped door laid open. Heavy boots stomped the ladder. Bushy dark hair peeked from the hole. It rose up slowly until a whole head reached above floor level.


    The face of a man in his late 30s appeared. His brown eyes stared down, presumably watching his steps. He grumbled to himself with a shake of his head. It made him sound deeper than normal. He looked up once his chest made it through.


    "Aria¡ª" His gruff voice died down at the sight of intimacy.


    A young woman hunched over a man her age. Their faces hovered close together. A hand rested on Aria''s open back near the dress''s lock. Both of them glanced his way, shocked by his presence. They had been stuck in their own little world to notice any sign of his arrival.


    The newcomer narrowed his gaze at the stranger. He noted the sapphire eyes and copper hair. The hair color was common among the people of this continent. The eye color, however, had a vibrance rarely seen in Aurae Kingdom. The silver flecks in them had been associated to a royal bloodline.


    The face shape also reminded him of a deceased king.


    "Prince Tylen." He stated suspiciously, exhaling sharply. He continued the climb and landed on the floor. He wore tan breeches and smock. A brown belt tied around his waist with a broadsword.


    He closed the trap door, black cape swinging behind him.


    "Prince?" Aria snapped out of her daze. She leaned back and rose to her full height. Her head darted between the two, questions appearing in her face. Did they know each other?


    The man stood beside Aria. Strong tired eyes stared down at the Prince. He pressed his lips into a straight line, "I suppose, I should have suspected this after hearing about you in the underground."


    "Jack?" The young woman called softly. She peered at her companion, "What do you mean?"


    "Princess," he replied, twisting his body towards her. His gaze softened, "You never knew why I called you that."


    Aria scoffed playfully, "Wasn''t it because you thought I had the looks of one?"


    "That is correct." Jack nodded curtly. He sighed gravelly, "I knew this day would come. I can''t hide it from you anymore."


    "Hide what?" The young woman demanded, flickering her eyes towards Tylen, "Does it have anything to do with him?"


    Jack and the Prince exchanged a look. An ominous feeling unfolded in the air. Aria stepped back with trembling hands. Her breathing became labored. She watched the two of them carefully.


    "Apologies for my rudeness," Jack began to say. Bending one leg, he kneeled and bowed his head, "I am Jack Kenley. I have looked after Lady Aria since she was 9 years old."


    The Prince pushed himself off the wall. He sat with his back straight, eyeing the man before him. Nothing about his features seemed familiar to Tylen. 12 years had passed since he last been to Aurae, he could only conclude the man was a resident here.


    But he found it peculiar how Jack recognized him.


    "How do you know who I am?" The Prince asked, proceeding with caution, "How do you know her? I haven''t heard about you in her stories."


    Jack stood up in attention. He placed one hand on the hilt of his sword and the other at his side. His expression became stern, "I was an apprentice knight for Aurae Kingdom when the fire broke out in the Sol Palace. All the knights know about the two Royal Families. We were supposed to in order to protect them."


    Tylen glanced at Aria. Then, he returned his attention to the apprentice knight, "So you recognized who she is during your travels? Is that what you mean?"


    "Yes, that is correct." Jack nodded in affirmation, "I don''t take care of her like the old woman does. I''m just assigned to guard the ports near here so I only see her occasionally. As you may have gathered, the Princess has no memory of her past. Since the Athenine Family had fallen, I didn''t think it would be wise to bring her back just yet and hid her among the townsfolk as best I could. When the Parliament gave up the search, it became easy."


    The Prince rose to his feet. The ache in his head numbed into a dull throb. He clawed his scalp using both hands, ignoring the pain. He needed to think and process the information. With the knight''s statements, what seemed like a dream slowly turned into reality.


    His heart elevated, staring at Aria. All the longing and hope projected in his gaze. His emotions went into a frenzy and turmoil. Tears built up behind his eyes. He couldn''t identify which to feel first. His arms yearned to hold his lost love¡ªhe couldn''t ask for anything better other than she was alive and well.


    The search came close to a conclusion.


    "So you''re telling me¡­" Tylen breathed out, "She''s really Ariene?"


    He looked at the knight. He needed that affirmation, the last push to make fall over the edge. He craved to hear those words directly for the pieces to fall into place. With them, the remaining doubts in his head would dissipate. The negativity would disperse and clear his track of mind.


    Then, the only hurdle left would be the Parliament and the Elder Princess.


    Jack pursed his lips, understanding the Prince''s intentions. He moved his feet apart and summoned every ounce of conviction that he could muster. Staring straight into Tylen''s sapphire eyes, he said,


    "Yes, she is Princess Ariene Athenine, a candidate for Aurae''s throne."

 41 None of our Concern

    "What makes you think I found Raz and the others already?" Deelah blinked her eyes, feigning innocence. She bit the tip of her tongue. This stopped her from talking more about her bluff. Bringing them was her mission and this intruder needed to disappear.


    No way would she let him take it from her.


    Scrooge raised a skeptical eyebrow. The lens of his glasses glared under the sun, "Then, who took care of the Nocti back in the first tower?"


    "Me, of course." The Pirate Queen scoffed with a flip of her hair.


    The Shadow Prince remained unconvinced. He found four scenes in that area¡ª 1) the pile of broken arrows at the top of the tower, 2) the unconscious men near the ladder, 3) more of them at the tower''s base, and 4) the three archers in the forest.


    Based on his calculations, he deduced that the ambush happened while the target/s were in the tower. A path from the top, to the base and to the forest seemed like the cleanest route. There were also more broken arrows than whole ones. It meant that someone stayed long enough near that window to cut them apart.


    Only one person came to Scrooge''s mind as a suspect.


    "You do know I can recognize Raz''s work anywhere." The Shadow Prince reminded Deelah. He tucked his hands inside the pockets of his trousers, smirking, "Unless you miraculously achieved excellent agility with blades."


    The Pirate Queen hung her head and glared at the tree branches. If only this stingy blueberry had lesser talent and skills then, she could use her rank against him. Unfortunately, since he came from direct orders of the Captain¡ªand did everything by the book¡ªhe currently had the upper hand.


    "Fine, fine," the Pirate Queen raised her hands in surrender, muttering, "We did meet up in the first tower but we have separated."


    The corner of Scrooge''s lips twinged, "Did you have a disagreement? I would expect better from you as second-in-command."


    Deelah crossed her arms over her chest. She shook her head, "Why do I even bother trying to bait you? They''re in an inn. I''m here to pick up the Crown Prince"


    The Shadow Prince closed his eyes, facial muscles twitching. He pointed his face to one side as the scowl deepened. It was his signature look of disbelief laced with ridicule. The habit appeared whenever he heard something ridiculous.


    Then, he scoffed and faced the Pirate Queen with mocking eyes, "And why are you chasing after him? He is none of our concern. He is not an official client."


    He placed emphasis on the last two statements, taking his time with each syllable.


    There it was. The retort Deelah predicted. She licked her lips, clicking her tongue. How should she explain the situation to the Ice Cold Blueberry? No matter how she turned and flipped her statements, she could already hear him shot them down.


    "He is not Captain''s client." The Pirate Queen corrected, "But he is for Raz, Maia and Cleon. Captain''s orders or not, the Phantom Pirate name has been entangled with the Crown Prince. Now, we could either walk away and leave him or we can make sure he gets back safe."


    "Safe?!" Scrooge exclaimed. His voice became sharp as knives, "What is ''safe''? That man has already committed a grave crime by sending an imposter to the Sol Palace. The moment his knight stepped foot and declared himself as the Crown Prince, they both signed death warrants. It would only be a matter of time before they are discovered."


    He stepped closer, sneering, "After all... Sir Hayden would not marry the Princess, would he?"


    Deelah clamped her mouth shut. She exhaled sharply through her nose. Nothing about the Shadow Prince made her like him¡­ but she knew he was right. The Crown Prince and his Knight had created a mess. Nevertheless, she couldn''t blame them for resorting to this method.


    "Scrooge, I just think you don''t understand why people stake their lives for the ones they love," she began to say, "Even more so, for a chance to recover someone they lost."


    Both the plan and the execution were questionable. It had holes, many of them. There were better solutions but they worked with what they had and what they wanted. From there, they already accepted the consequences. A prince that had been cooped up inside the castle desired to take matters in his own hands.


    He would not be able to sit still and wait longer.


    He, himself, needed to take action¡­


    ¡­ and his Knight, a loyal friend, supported him in it.


    "Also, we know the situation better than they do." The Pirate Queen added. She dropped her tone to a whisper, "We have the bigger picture in this. They can''t see what we do. You and I both know that if they learned what we kept secret, things wouldn''t turn out this way."


    Scrooge waved his hand, brushing away her words. His manner of speech turned severe, "The point of them being secret is to protect them. If we act like we know things, we will be discovered. The best way is to stay out of it. Hence, why this mission should not have been accepted in the first place."


    Deelah unfolded her arms. Her hands itched to wring his neck and snap it in half. She could almost imagine herself doing it. That had been the agreement when they had the discussion. The best way for them to stay low had been to appear oblivious and ignorant. They wouldn''t be able to step on anyone''s business or toes. Thus, the majority of others would also leave them alone.


    The problem rested in the fact that it was outdated. Times and circumstances had changed. It wouldn''t be right to go back when the situation already became this way.


    "Again, Scrooge," the Pirate Queen called out, "We''re only to escort the Prince safely. Our arrangement had been to bring him back to the Ytle Ship together."


    "Then, why are you running after him?"


    "Because he misunderstood¡ª"


    "So he left on his own accord?" The Shadow Prince indicated, his patience wearing thin, "That should showcase his decision, should it not? Instead of taking our side, he ventured on his own. He broke the unapproved contract and it is now null."


    Deelah bit her lip. She regretted saying anything.


    "The best course of action right now is to rejoin Raz and the others." Scrooge concluded.


    The Pirate Queen gave him a look, "Why don''t you go ahead while I settle things with the Prince?"


    "Dee¡ª"


    "That''s an order, sergeant." She spoke firmly, pointing a finger at him, "Captain Croc''s orders was to end the mission and to bring the group back. That group does not include me. If I leave to do things on my own, that would be reflected as MY disobedience to the Captain. You and the others will be unscathed."


    It couldn''t be helped anymore. She''d have to act alone from here. If the events in the first tower would be repeated, the Prince would be in grave danger. Official mission or not, she couldn''t turn a blind eye and neither could the others.


    They had something, he didn''t.


    Compassion.


    "Are we clear on that, Scrooge?" Deelah added when he didn''t say anything, "If it ticks you off so much, you can even tell the Captain about it yourself when you see him. I''ll confirm it when I get back."


    The Shadow Prince frowned disapprovingly. He wrapped a hand around the hilt of his sword, gripping it tight. It took all of his strength to not attack the shapeshifter. He initially intended to drag them all to the ship, especially her. He hoped the Captain would open his eyes and find faults in her authority.


    Alas, she still held a position as second-in-command. She had no reason to follow his orders¡ªonly the Captain''s which she already chose to ignore. Whatever consequences that lay ahead would be between them and out of his hands.


    Hopefully, it would lean towards his desired outcome.


    "Fine." Scrooge sighed reluctantly with a hiss, "I''ll take the others while you do your defiance. May the Captain have mercy on you."


    The Pirate Queen simply rolled her eyes. She turned around, heading for the tower. She didn''t bother to exchange farewells. He didn''t deserve one. Besides, when it came to that blueberry, only Raz knew how to deal with him since they practically grew up together.


    Only she and Captain Croc developed the patience for it.


    Deelah stopped in her tracks, her back becoming rigid. The Shadow Prince had stepped around halfway when he noticed her change in demeanor. They both stood still and listened to the air. A gust of wind flew by. Branches swayed from it, startling birds in their nests.


    Above them all, the sound of horses rose. Their cries and hooves pierced through the air. Their figures came around the tower and darted to another part of the Ahana Forest. Bags and satchels clopped against their sides. The passengers crouched low, their eyes hovering over the horses'' heads.


    Like a burst, they vanished as soon as they emerged.


    The Pirate Queen blinked.


    "Did I just see two horses, two men and a woman?"

 42 Meeting Old Friends

    Hayden almost resisted to step out of his room.


    He couldn''t fathom another day in the Sol Palace. For the most part, the people in it had left him alone. He spent the past two days isolated from the rest and they granted this wish. Unfortunately, it was impossible to keep at it longer. He missed the outdoors.


    When dawn broke, he wore his garments composed of a white tunic and brown breeches. His black boots reached up to his knees. He made his bed quickly and grabbed his sword, tying it to a belt. He took a black cloak and wrapped it around his shoulders.


    He opened the door, greeting the guards on either side of it. He informed them that he''d be at the palace grounds for some exercise. Then, he left without a second look back.


    The air outside was cool. The grass was trimmed accordingly. His feet led him to the familiar stables. He could hear the horses inside of it but he ventured further until he stood next to it. A faction of trees had been planted nearby, marking the path to the garden.


    His cobalt eyes swept around the place. From this viewpoint, he searched for the rising sun. He located it through the hues of the sky. It looked farther than it did back home.


    How Aurae became the Sun Kingdom was something he had always wondered. He figured that since Teralyn took up the east, it should be their kingdom''s title since the sun rose from their side.


    He sighed.


    He took off his coat and hung it on a nearby tree branch. He also unbuckled his sword, opting to do a few light stretches first. He started with his legs and worked his way up. A group of female servants passed by while they carried baskets of washed laundry. Their eyes flickered in his direction, trying not to stare for too long.


    Hayden hadn''t noticed the attention.


    Once he was satisfied, he unsheathed his sword. The Teralyn''s crest was embossed at the base of the hilt. His order of business was basic attacks. Hayden faced a tree. He imagined it as a person, marking where the head would be and down to the feet.


    He swung his sword. The tip pointed at either side of the head. Then, it went down to the knees¡­ the torso, the ribs and top of the head.


    "Master Hayden."


    Hayden''s blade stopped in midair. His entire body went rigid. He knitted his brows and, slowly, turned his head at the source of the voice. His eyes widened the slightest bit.


    The old man walked up to him, wearing full armor. Aged lines covered his facial muscles but his gray eyes shined in youth. He had a salt and pepper beard that covered his chin and bottom of his cheek, including the top of his lip. His short hair spiked upwards. He wore a pleasant smile on his lips.


    "Master Hayden!" He bellowed, spreading his arms, "It has been so long since I last saw you. You''ve grown so much! And a handsome young lad at that!"


    Hayden pulled his arm back and held the hilt of his sword with two hands. The tip of it stabbed the ground. He kept his face composed, blinking his eyes. The scowl on his face deepened.


    "Apologies, good sir." He began to say, "But I think you''ve been mistaken. I''m not Sir Hayden."


    The old knight chortled a laugh and slapped Hayden''s arm, "Good one, brat! You think this old geezer won''t remember ya? My, you were just this scrawny stubborn thing back then. You also didn''t like to sit in one place too long."


    Hearing those words, Hayden pressed his lips into a thin line. Of course, he remembered the knight before him. During his days in the Sol Palace, Aurae''s knights had been the ones who entertained him while Tylen played with Ariene. Their quarters were a bit far among the palace grounds. He thought that there would be minimal chances for encounters.


    Not to mention how much he''d change over the years.


    He doubted any of them would recognize him.


    He should have stayed in his room.


    If he wanted to go out, he shouldn''t have stepped outside.


    "I really am not Sir Hayden that you speak of. He is still in Teralyn, finishing up some business."


    "You''re persistent, aren''t ya?" The old knight snickered. He clasped both of Hayden''s shoulders, saying, "It''s been what? 12 years? You''ve grown into such a fine young man. Knighted at the age of 16 too! Always knew you had it in you! How''s Tylen, by the way?"


    Before Hayden could open his mouth to speak, another voice interrupted the scene.


    "Your Highness!" Edmund, the Head Butler, called out from an entrance of the palace.


    He walked over at a brisk pace. His tail coat fluttered behind him. His leather shoes grazed the grass, moving away from the winding path. He stopped a few meters away from the knights and bowed to the waist.


    "I apologize for the interruption, Prince Tylen and Sir Allen." Edmund said. Then, he straightened his posture, "We haven''t been informed that you had woken up, Your Highness. We prepared breakfast at the earliest. Please step into the dining hall once you''ve freshened up. The Princess shall be joining you."


    Hayden stepped back, letting the hands on his shoulders drop. He cleared his throat and nodded at the Head Butler, "It''s my fault, Edmund. I left my chambers unannounced¡ªexcept for my guards. I''ll be there shortly. Thank you for the hard work."


    "I shall inform the staff and the Princess immediately. Please, excuse me."


    Sir Allen frowned at Edmund''s retreating. His gray eyes shifted to the right corners, gazing at the young man beside him. It may have been years since he last saw the two boys from Teralyn but he distinctly recalled their differences in features. Even if Tylen managed to train better at swordsmanship, they had key traits that wouldn''t be replaceable.


    Their hair and their eye colors were the top examples.


    He crossed his arms over his chest, the metal plates of the armor scratching one another.


    "Do you mind enlightening me on why the Head Butler addressed you as Prince Tylen instead of Sir Hayden?" The old knight questioned with narrowed eyes.


    Hayden sighed. He picked up his belt and buckled it around his waist, tucking his blade back in its case. Then, he took the cloak. He rewrapped it around him while meeting Sir Allen''s stare.


    "That''s because I am Prince Tylen. I have already mentioned your mistake twice. Sir Hayden did not come with me on this journey."


    Sir Allen shook his head, unconvinced, "No, that''s not possible. There is no way those two would be separated. Hayden, you, know this very much. You vowed to be by your prince''s side from young. It was the reason you gave us, knights, when you asked to be trained during your stays here previously."


    A smile threatened to spread on Hayden''s face.The memory replayed in his mind once the old knight spoke about it. He had watched them from afar in the beginning. Then, he tried to mimic them. On the next visit, he brought his wooden training sword and tried to follow alongside their routines.


    He thought that he had hidden himself well¡­ but Sir Allen had actually been watching him the whole time.


    "Unfortunately, we don''t get everything we want in life. We had our own matters to attend to and needed to part ways. As such, I shall bid my farewell to you, Sir Allen." Hayden bowed his head to one side, smiling gratefully, "It has been pleasure seeing you. I shall tell Hayden what you have told me. I''m sure he''d appreciate your enthusiasm."


    He didn''t wait for a reply and strode back to the Sol Palace.


    He was unconvinced that Sir Allen would forget the matter. He could only pray that the old knight would choose to remain silent. It would be a huge amount of trouble if someone believed his claims¡ªeven Teralyn hadn''t known about the switch. It would be a mess that they couldn''t clean up.


    Hayden took the same route he used earlier on. He glanced around the corridors and rooms. Most of the design interior matched the ones in his memories. He peeked at a hallway that he passed by and halted in his steps. The color, the lights and the structure looked the same as usual but a wave of sadness washed over him.


    It once contained family portraits of several generations.


    Now, its walls were barren¡ªsave for a couple of still life paintings.


    A hazy replica of a young Tylen ran up to him from the end of the corridor. His sapphire eyes gazed at him in accusation. He pulled on Hayden''s breeches and pointed to the most recent addition of the collection.


    "How come Ariene is not in that picture?" His squeaky voice complained, "Isn''t she also a princess? Why doesn''t she have a photo here?"


    The image faded as soon as it came and Hayden went back to his walk. His worried thoughts flooded his mind again. The idea of Tylen abandoned some woods surfaced at the front. Another scene followed with the Prince out in a dark alley, sitting on the floor and under the freezing rain.


    Just like before, he shook the imagery out of his head,


    He had no use for them.


    At the same time, he had now concluded (''admitted'' should be more accurate) that he acted more like a mother than a best friend.

 43 Chess Moves and Exploits

    The dining hall consisted of one long table. It could accommodate up to 40 guests with red velvet chairs. The table itself had a cream table cloth with several golden candelabras and tableware. The interior also had a gold hue. Red heavy curtains hung from the ceiling, covering the top space in a series of loops.


    The Princess sat at the head of the table, the 41st seat. For this day, she wore a navy blue dress with silver trimmings. The colors matched Teryaln''s crest. Her black hair surrounded her head in a wide braid. The tail had been tucked underneath, situated at the nape of her neck. Her ladies'' maids inserted several flowery pins for feminine touch.


    Her knife cut into her pancake. The syrup oozed over the side and onto the plate. She stabbed the piece with her fork, cleaning off the syrup before taking a bite. She sliced her sausage into thin portions while she chewed.


    Alkas glanced at Hayden from the corner of her eye.


    The knight ate quietly. His utensils hardly made a sound against the ceramic plate. She noted the amount of butter and syrup on his pancakes. She hid a smile, knowing those were Tylen''s which was different from his. At the same time, she gave him a bit of credit for his acting ability.


    "Tylen." The Princess spoke up. She placed her knife and fork down, lifting the napkin on her lap to wipe the corners of her mouth, "There''s a meeting with the parliament later today. It would be our utmost pleasure if you could attend. It''s about our engagement."


    Hayden grabbed a water goblet and sipped. He used the diversion as an opportunity to think. Truth be told, it was only a matter of time before it happened. He normally attended such discussions with Tylen so he obtained a good grasp on proper behavior.


    "The parliament was set up by father''s royal council." Alkas continued when he remained quiet. She used a soft tone and explained the situation, "Most of them are his advisors. They expanded it and elected its own chief people after I left the continent. The big group is the parliament while this small group of elected officials became the Regency Council in the absence of the monarch."


    She cleared her throat and placed the napkin back on her lap. Then, she set her elbows on the table, lacing her fingers together under her nose.


    "They''re not all easy to deal with like the Prime Minister," she sighed, "I was hoping that we could portray a united front between us. We will become the Sovereign once we ascend the throne. It would be a lot more complicated when our two kingdoms talk about the unification. I thought this would be a good start to persuading them to trust in our authority."


    The knight nodded his head at her key points. It must have been hard to handle the council on her own. Most of these matters, as well as political, were handled by the men of the royal family. This became so since the education of both genders were vastly different.


    An example of this was Tylen''s parents.


    Queen Tatiana was the only direct descendant of the throne. If she hadn''t married, the crown would be passed on to her uncle who was second-in-line. King Jairo started off as a Queen''s consort until the royal court acknowledged his capabilities to rule. The kingdom experiences two coronations because of this, one for a Queen and one for a King.


    An opposite example would be Aurae''s current monarch.


    King Andre took the initiative and allowed women to rule over the kingdom¡ªeven unmarried. This was a common practice in Celio. Since the stone recognizes who was worthy to wear the crown, the power there did not base on gender. The royal court relented when Aurae''s stone was unearthed.


    Once it was activated, the Celian priestesses warned them of disasters if the stone remained dormant. It held the powers of the Kingdom''s lands. It cannot contain them for long and needed a host. If not, the magic would become unstable and destroy anything in its path.


    As such, Alkas would have been the first lone Queen of Aurae.


    It would have been true, at least, if the monarch hadn''t persuaded Teralyn about the engagement.


    Some of the nobility still held opposition to this decree. A number of them held onto traditions. To quiet them down and not cause a riff, the engagement had been negotiated as a compromise. But the Princess needed someone who had a status above the parliament and that was someone was Tylen.


    Hayden pressed his lips together. He recalled how long their talks went in preparation for this switch. It still amazed him up to this day.


    The Crown Prince didn''t have the rationality when it came to his emotions but he did know how to see through these chess moves. All those years he spent with scholars and advisers paid off. It took a toll on his physical training but the Prince figured that he needed these skills more with what the future had in store for him.


    Tylen had given Hayden all the information he had to know¡ªincluding his viewpoints.


    This meeting would become the knight''s test to see if he passed the Prince''s expectations.


    "Tylen?" Alkas called out. Hayden already finished drinking but he still stayed silent, glaring at the middle of the table. She figured that the knight had trouble thinking of an excuse to reject the request.


    "I apologize. I was deep in thought." Hayden replied quickly, "I agree on your opinions and will attend the meeting."


    He went back to his meal and finished the pancakes. Before this, he had been concentrating on how to not gag them out. They were far too sweet for his palette.


    "It must be hard to be away from Hayden." The Princess remarked, chuckling. She hooked a finger in her tea cup''s handle and raised it to her lips, "I''m sure he is fine. If anything, Hayden would be more worried about you, Tylen."


    The knight exhaled sharply with a close-mouthed grin on his lips, "I believe so as well."


    The rest of their breakfast time finished in silence. They agreed to meet at the ballroom before they''d go to the meeting. They decided that it would be better if they went in together.


    Hayden walked around the palace and re-familiarized himself around the place. He memorized the possible exits and routes. Each time a servant passed him by, he''d stop to admire the decorations and greet them. He started from the upper floors and worked his way down.


    From the pathway to the kitchen, he rounded a corridor.


    A sharp arrow of nostalgia hit him.


    It was the same passage where he found a collapsed Tylen. The debris from that night already vanished. The hallways looked much brighter and cleaner. He walked through it, stopping at the spot the Prince lost his consciousness. He hadn''t thought about that incident in years. It was a challenge to get them both outside.


    He lifted Tylen off the floor and supported his wait. He took the Prince''s arm, wrapping it around his shoulders. The water around them at the time made it difficult. He had to take careful steps as the clock ticked. More beams and lamps fell off from the ceilings and the walls. The fire seemed to close in and trapped them in place.


    They had no room to escape.


    "Si¡ªPrince Tylen."


    Hayden whirled around and watched Sir Allen approach.


    The sense of d¨¦j¨¤ vu flooded him harder. It was almost like a replicated moment from that time. The old knight came up to them when hope had seemed lost. He saved them from that fire. The two of them owed Sir Allen their lives.


    Yet, here was Hayden, lying to his face.


    Sir Allen stopped in his steps. His eyes swept around the hallway as if he knew what Hayden had been thinking about. He sighed gravelly and glanced at the young man in concern.


    "It''s not much but if either of you are in need, please don''t hesitate to call for my help." The old knight whispered. He checked the empty space again, in case of eavesdroppers. Then, he leaned in closer, "I don''t know what''s going on but I am not entirely on anyone''s side. If your best friend is in trouble, I''ll gladly leave this place and look for him."


    Hayden stayed rooted in his spot. He felt flabbergasted by Sir Allen''s choice of words. He curled his bottom lip inwards, biting it with his upper teeth. His wary cobalt eyes stared at the old knight.


    "He''s doing fine," he responded carefully, "His companions are reliable."


    Sir Allen nodded his head, "Will you be attending the Royal Council meeting?"


    "We have several things to discuss, including my engagement."


    "Well, then¡­" The old knight huffed. He rubbed his right temple with two fingers, "That group is a doozy. You have to be careful around them. You never know who''d have hidden motives against you."


    Hayden furrowed his brows, "Do you perhaps know anything about these noblemen?"


    "A bunch of Power Hungry Fools." Sir Allen snorted. He shook his head at the young man, "Before the Princess came back, a number of them fought for more power. They took advantage of the monarch''s absence and looted a lot of wealth as well as lands."


    Aurae Kingdom had more dark days than cheery ones. A lot of the common folk yearned for the Princess''s return. They saw her as their glimmer of hope against the wretched members of the council. To them, the future Queen was their redemption.


    The only person that could save them from this gloomy atmosphere.


    "I don''t know everything in that council." The old knight admitted, "But I do know some rumors about the involvement of pirates that sabotaged their underhanded exploits."


    At his last statement, Hayden raised his eyebrows. He had a feeling that the pirates Sir Allen mentioned were the same ones he knew about. Just how deep was their influence? Did they perhaps have eyes and ears in every kingdom?


    "That sounds intriguing¡­" Hayden commented. He cleared his throat, "Care to share more about it?"

 44 The First Meeting with the Parliamen

    Alkas gazed out of the ballroom, an impassive look on her face. She had her hands folded neatly onto the windowsill. The window itself had thin black bars that intersected together into rows of diamond shapes. A smooth patterned glass covered it like a prism. When the sun hits through it, beacons of rainbow light would beam on the floor. It offered her a good view of the front lawn.


    The playroom from her childhood also had the same window design. It helped mute sounds from the outside. That was the case but it seemed like she had a sixth sense back then. She''d hear faint laughter and whenever she''d glance outside, she''d find Ariene running across the field of grass. She would listen closely after that and watch her sister''s expression.


    She never directly heard it from that spot.


    She didn''t have to anyway.


    Anyone in the household would recognize the Younger Princess''s gleeful voice.


    The sound of leather boots on a marble floor echoed in her ears. She pried her eyes away from the landscape and shifted them towards an archway. Her expression remained indifferent as Hayden walked into the room. Not even the presence of Sir Allen wavered her.


    The Princess stepped away from the window and greeted the gentlemen with a curtsy.


    "There is no need for that, Your Highness." The knight objected quickly. He almost reached out a hand to straighten her up but thought better of it.


    Alkas smiled politely, holding her hands together over her stomach, "I am merely expressing my respects, Sir Allen. Your hardwork and devotion as a knight has been embedded in my mind since I was young."


    "I quite agree with that." Hayden added. He moved sideways so he wouldn''t block the knight''s path, "Even I haven''t given my due respects. Please allow me to."


    He faced Sir Allen and bent his upper back forward. He stayed in that position for about two seconds before he straightened up his spine, saying, "Hayden and I are truly grateful for all that you''ve done for us."


    "Prince Tylen, this isn''t¡­"


    "Now, now, Sir Allen. What''s done is done. There''s no need to protest further." The Princess chuckled. She placed on foot towards the other doorway of the ballroom, "Will you be escorting us?"


    "Ah, ye-yes!" The knight grunted. He stood at attention, staying near Hayden''s tail, "Since Sir Hayden isn''t around. I have offered my servers to the Crown Prince. I believe as the host country, it is my duty to be his aid around here."


    "And you wonder why we offer you our respects." Alkas mused.


    Hayden offered his hand to her and she accepted it. Together, they walked towards the exit. The passing servants stopped in their tracks to watch the royal pair. They bowed and curtsied respectively. The group passed by the drawing room, heading for the set of doors under the grand staircase.


    They lined up an entire wall. All of them were made of oak. Depending on the size inside, some only had one door while others had two. Two royal knights stood at the ready near a double set. A few knights could also be found beside them, posing as each parliament member''s guard.


    Muffled discussion could be heard from under the closed doorway. A boisterous laugh resounded at one point. The Princess hid her chuckle behind a cough. Hayden glanced at her, his eyebrows raised. She merely shook her hand.


    In no time, they stood before the entrance.The two royal knights knocked the end of their spears on the floor twice. It didn''t take long for the chatter on the other side to die down. These two thuds did serve as the announcement of the monarch''s arrival to the scene.


    When they opened up the doors for the Prince and the Princess, a group of men welcomed them by standing in their seats.


    The courtroom was brightly lit. Wooden furniture and decor mostly decorated its interior. Colors of red and gold adorned the finishing touches such as the curtains and the frames of the lights. A large painting of the previous Crown hung at the back wall. The obsidian eyes of King Andre watched over the proceedings.


    The floor had a set up with five sets of long lecterns. There were two on the left and two on the right. The ones nearer to the walls rose higher than the platforms in front of them. Short stairs had been provided on each side of the lecterns for the upper benches. On the other hand, the lower ones had been divided in the middle.


    The last lectern was pushed against the back wall. It stood slightly higher than the front platforms but lower than the back ones. It had the royal family insignia embedded at the center. Instead of a bench, it housed three armchairs. From the viewpoint of the entrance, the lowest chair was placed on the left. The center stood about two inches higher while the right one had an inch difference.


    At the foot of the lectern sat a small desk for the secretary to take notes.


    Hayden steeled his nerves as he felt all the eyes in the room dart towards him. He continued to escort Alkas. Both had their backs straight and their chins up. He spotted Rowan near the lectern they headed for. The Prime Minister stood at the left end of the platform, an arm resting on the counter.


    He bowed his head slightly as the pair passed him by.


    Duke Jameson was positioned at Rowan''s right side. He smiled politely when Hayden made eye contact with him. Next to him, a middle-aged man didn''t share the same sentiment. His gray eyes squinted at the hand that held the Princess''s. A deep frown stretched the edges of his lips.


    Once Alkas and Hayden reached their destination, the knight stepped aside to let her climb up before him. Then, he positioned himself beside her.


    Except for the Prime Minister, everyone took their seats after the Princess sat down.


    Hayden noticed Sir Allen''s absence. He laced his hands together and placed them on the desk. He admired the wall furnishings near him. A small metal covering of an exhaust caught his eye. He quickly looked away before he could stare at it for too long.


    "Well, I hope everyone has been well." The Princess addressed the parliament. She folded her hands on her lap and smiled gently. Then, she gestured a hand towards Hayden, "Please let me introduce my fiance, Prince Tylen from Teralyn."


    "It is a pleasure for you to join us, Your Highness." Rowan responded, "As the future king, it humbles us that you''re already interested to participate in our kingdom''s affairs."


    "Yes, it is quite nice." The same middle-aged man grunted. The roots of his black hair had turned white recently. The wrinkles on both sides of his mouth gave him a permanent frown. The bags under his eyes also hollowed with folds.


    "Prime Minister, kindly proceed with the list of our agenda today." Alkas instructed.


    Rowan bowed to the waist in her direction. Then, he spun on his heel and faced the rest of the parliament members. He projected his voice at a high volume. He made sure to pronounce each syllable with clear distinction. He couldn''t allow anyone to misunderstand his words or there would be confusion.


    Alkas leaned her head towards Hayden, whispering, "Since this is your first meeting with the parliament, it might be better if you spend more time observing. I will ask for your opinion from time to time so be ready. A few of them might talk to you directly as well. It''s a battlefield with words of mouth."


    The knight wondered why the Princess told him these things. Their kingdom didn''t have a parliament but they did have a royal council. As the ''Crown Prince'', it was part of his duty to meet with them every week. ''He'' didn''t need a reminder about what happened in these proceedings.


    Still, Hayden merely nodded his head. He refused to draw more suspicion by questioning Alkas about it. He still kept it in mind. He shifted his attention to the exhaust unconsciously. When he gazed at it squarely, a pair of old eyes stared back.


    It winked.


    "Lastly, it seemed that more sightings of bandits had been spotted around the kingdom." The Prime Minister announced, "A group of knights reported a mass of unconscious bodies near the first tower in the Ahana Forest."


    Duke Jameson raised his eyebrows, "Unconscious?"


    "Some of them turned out to be dead but a large number were alive." Rowan explained, "The peculiar part of it is the nighthawk symbol on their masks."


    "Bah!" The middle-aged man exclaimed, "It must be those Phantom Pirates. They always created havoc, stealing the wealth of the lands."


    "Pardon me for my intrusion, Marquess Elliot," Duke Jameson cut in, "I believe that group has a different insignia. Wasn''t it a silhouette of their ship?"


    The Prime Minister approached their bench, facing the door, "Jameson is correct, Elliot old man. The nighthawk belongs to the Nocti."


    The Marquess slammed a hand down on his table, his gray eyes glistening.


    "It''s not about the symbols. It''s why these men were in our territory and why they were unconscious." Elliot raised a finger, "The only reason that I can think of is related to the Phantom Pirates. Only they can create such a scene. From my understanding, none of our knights reported a dispute against this group, yes? They merely found the bodies? Then, who do you think caused them to be left in that state?"

 45 The First Meeting with Old Friends

    Rowan dropped his gaze to the floor, a knowing smile on his lips, "Forgive me for speaking out of turn, Marquess Jenkins, but¡­ aren''t you a little too early to jump to conclusions?"


    He placed a hand on the table of the Marquess and the Duke. He tucked his chin and twisted his neck towards them. Unwavering eyes assessed Elliot Jenkins. He wasn''t fond of the pirates but compared to the Nocti, he preferred the former. They stood out as the lesser evil between the two.


    "Prime Minister, these are bandits that we speak of." Elliot countered, showing his palms, "For a group as powerful as the Nocti, only the Phantom Pirates could be at their level."


    Murmurs of agreement echoed in the room. The Marquess had always been vocal about his opinions. A few members saw him as an unbreakable figure. Even at almost 55 years old, the old man stood with unwavering power. Others would have passed on the title already but he hadn''t done it. As such, the younger generation looked up to him as their senior.


    "That maybe be so, Marquess Jenkins." The Prime Minister lamented, "Concrete evidence is still better than presumptions. Is this hatred perhaps related to the time that the pirates broke into your house and exposed the stolen relief goods for Mulberry Town?"


    The tide of discussion took a turn. The parliament had been divided into two groups. A few raised a different opinion. Yet, none of them interrupted the conversation. How could they dare?


    If they became too obvious and offended the wrong person, they could lose their lands.


    "I have clarified that matter, Prime Minister." The Marquess defended immediately. His hand clenched into fists, "The transport needed some help so I offered my home as storage. It worked out well because I also wanted to add my own food donations."


    Rowan tapped his chin, "It stayed there for a week, yes?"


    "Because¡ª"


    "I think we''re going a little off track here." Alkas spoke up. She raised her chin and looked down at the two grown men, "Are there any evidence about the Phantom Pirates''s involvement, Prime Minister?"


    Her eyes narrowed. It seemed that the cleanup group had been tardy. They should have stood by when it happened. Perhaps they had fallen along with their comrades? That meant they had done a miscalculation.


    More importantly, when did they plan to inform her of this? If the Prime Minister already knew about the incident, it could only be a matter of time before the parliament discovered her involvement.


    Rowan stepped away from the Marquess and addressed the Princess. The cold golden eyes did little to waver him, "I am afraid not, Your Highness."


    Jameson frowned, "Didn''t any of them wake up?"


    The Prime Minister spun on his heel, "A few did, Duke Hawkins. Regrettably, none of them seem to recall anything of the matter. That had been our last hope. We identified archers but didn''t find their arrows¡ªonly scratches at the tower''s top room. Why had they done such a thing to an empty tower? We may never know soon."


    The Duke blinked, "How is that possible?"


    "Celian Magic." The Princess supplied for the confused minds, "A person only needed to get their hands on the right item for such a spell. It was probably a memory erasing powder."


    Her shoulders relaxed, hearing the news. The pirate''s precaution had also worked in her favor.


    The parliament flew into another uproar. Magic could only be the explanation. Life in Aurae had always thrived even without such a thing. Now that it presented itself, it only incurred chaos. Unkempt members spoke out of turn and shunned magic, forgetting that Alkas was in the room.


    Hayden listened carefully. Cold fear dripped down his spine. What were the chances that a report about the Phantom Pirates reached the ears of this court? And could Tylen be involved? He could care less about the practice of magic in the kingdom....


    ¡­ when it could also be the only thing that kept the Crown Prince safe.


    "That sounds like something only the pirates can get a hold of." Marquess Jenkins insisted with the wave of his hand, "Celios is not forthcoming when it comes to sharing their magic. It would be chaos around here if they did. That narrows down the people that could have obtained it."


    "Oh, Marquess Jenkins." Hayden voiced out, "I would beg to differ. Underground trading among the kingdoms is not unheard of."


    Heads shifted in his direction, including the Princess''s. She hadn''t expected that Hayden would take the initiative and direct the attention to himself. For someone pretending to be another person, he surely took risks.


    The Marquess scowled, clearly displeased by the intrusion, "That may be true, Your Highness, but if my memory isn''t failing me, that pirate group is composed of civilians from the three kingdoms. The Nocti is the same. Since the latter are the victims, it eliminates them from the suspects."


    "Let us not forget that these bandits have many enemies." Hayden defended. His muscled solidified on the armrests, "If concrete evidence against the pirates is absent, that also meant any use of magic, other than the powder, was also unfound. An item like that can be easily obtained from the right person and at the right price."


    "Prince Tylen is correct, Marquess Jenkins." Alkas added to the argument. The corner of her lip curled upward, "Celios is also aware of this illegal trading. I shall send word that another case had appeared."


    "I shall do the same for Teralyn to keep a lookout if a similar incident had occurred."


    The Prime Minister hid a smile. In his eyes, the Princess had done well at siding with the Crown Prince. The core of power shifted towards them. The parliament expressed their approval at the alliance. Only the Marquess fumed in his seat.


    Why did they need to arrange a marriage with Teralyn? If it were up to him, the sovereignty should remain from their own kingdom. Qualified candidates could be found in various lands of Aurae.


    An outsider, who hadn''t contributed to his own kingdom''s prosperity, was unneeded.


    Before Elliot could open his mouth, urgent knocks interrupt from the doors. The occupants gazed towards it. Interruptions rarely occurred unless absolutely crucial. Alkas rested her chin on the back of her hand, her elbow supporting it from an armrest. The Prime Minister headed for the entrance.


    He cracked it open by an inch and hissed at the intruder.


    A second later, his eyes popped out of their sockets. His hands and his legs trembled as the blood on his face drained away. A lump formed in his throat. Whatever he intended to say came out in chokes. He stepped back, his hand dropping from the doorknob.


    Then, his head snapped to the Princess. A turmoil of emotions squeezed his heart.


    "Out with it, Prime Minister!" Marquess Jenkins shouted, slamming his hand on the table. Rowan acted as if he''d seen a ghost.


    The door opened.


    The rest of the parliament realized what frightened the Prime Minister.


    A young woman stood in front of a knight. The simple commoner dress she wore did little to deteriorate her delicate features and stature. She had a radiant glow to her. Her wavy bronze hair had been tied to a ponytail. What compelled them the most was her eyes.


    The round hazel eyes drew them like a moth to a flame.


    "Is that¡­" Jameson stammered.


    Elliot glared at Rowan, "Prime Minister, would you please explain what is happening right now?"


    "I am unsure of that myself, Marquess Jenkins." The Prime Minister gulped.


    Another figure emerged from the doorway. Polished copper hair glinted against the lights. Worn out black trousers and tunic fit crumpled at excess fabric. Stone cold face, sapphire eyes swept across the room. They took everything in¡ªfrom the shocked faces to the confused stares.


    A hand on the hilt of his sword, Tylen entered first.


    Hayden stood up from his seat but no one paid him attention.


    Alkas kept an eye on both of them. Her lips hardened to a thin line.


    The silence around them seemed to multiply in space. Any sudden sound would echo.


    "Greetings," Tylen began to say. He bowed his head politely, "Pardon our intrusion."


    "Young man." Marquess Jenkins rose to his feet, stomping the end of his cane on the floor. His knees wobbled from the motion, "Are you aware of your actions? One doesn''t simply walk in the middle of a meeting."


    The Crown Prince shifted his focus towards Elliot. He took a step forward, passing by the Prime Minister, "I would like to ask the same thing to Princess Alkas."


    His head snapped at the podium. The indifferent expression on his face became bleak. He had waited for this moment. Now that he saw her face, inexplicable rage boiled in his blood. The feelings he had suppressed pumped out of his chest. Her golden eyes held no sympathy. She sat, unmoving and uncaring. She acted like her sister didn''t just rise from the dead.


    It gnawed the premises of his mind.


    Tylen''s voice dropped to a taunt.


    "Are you, Princess Alkas, aware of your actions that night when your younger sister died?"

 46 The First Meeting with Sir Jack Kenley

    "Boy, who are you to be addressing Her Highness directly?" Elliot spat back, his frown deepening.


    He had never seen such insolence. How did the knights let this man in? Judging by the color of his eyes, he came from Teralyn. The only person the Marquess could think of was the Prince''s personal knight. Unfortunately, his behavior only worsened Elliot''s impression about their neighboring kingdom.


    Tylen bowed to the waist, "I apologize for my abrupt approach. Let me introduce myself."


    He straightened his spine and placed a fist over his chest. His gaze flickered to Hayden, ashen horror on his best friend''s face. The Prince offered him a reassuring smile, "I come from Teralyn. I am Sir Hayden Darkwood, Prince Tylen''s Sword and Shield."


    Alkas''s golden eyes crinkled in amusement. It happened subtly that it would be difficult to notice. She had wondered if Tylen would admit to their ploy. Although¡­ if this disturbance went downhill, it would be Hayden''s name that would be raked through the mud.


    Had that incurred in the Prince''s head?


    She glanced at the young woman for a split second. Their eyes met at that short time. The Princess couldn''t deny the uncanny resemblance. Surely, everyone thought the same. It had been twelve years since that fire. Why would she appear only now?


    Where did Tylen even find her for search parties to come up empty?


    Stepping down the podium, Alkas kept her back rigid and her expression stoic. She walked over to the center until she and the Prince stood meters away from each other. She held no judgement despite the bitter aura aimed at her. In this scenario, at least, one of them should be level-headed¡ªand Tylen didn'' fit in that description.


    "Do forgive my good friend, Marquess Jenkins," she glanced over her shoulder, "This is the first time we''d seen each other in years. I''m certain Hayden had only acted out of impatience."


    Elliot scrunched his nose and sat down, "That is solely up to you, Your Highness. If you want to forgive him then, so be it."


    Alkas giggled with her lips closed. She turned back to Tylen, "You had a question for me, Sir Hayden?"


    Tylen swallowed his previous statement. Other than his memory, he had no other confirmation of the Princess''s intentions that night. Ariene didn''t even remember her past. It would be his word against Alkas''s¡­ and this turf belonged to her.


    He forced himself to calm down. He could handle that on another time. At this moment, he merely needed the parliament to acknowledge Aria as Princess Ariene. It would be enough to stop the marriage and to prevent Alka''s coronation.


    He gestured his hand towards his companions, "I come here as the liable person for these two subjects of Aurae. I met them at the Ahana Forest, among its towers. They have a remarkable story that I deemed worthy for this court to hear."


    "A tower in the Ahana Forest¡­" Duke Hawkins whispered. Then, he amplified his voice, "Excuse me, Sir Hayden. You wouldn''t happen to know about the unconscious members of the Nocti found in the forest?"


    The room revived in discussions. Theories had been formed by several noblemen. Suspicions rose from the timing of the intrusion and the report. A few strung together the possibilities as one unproven truth, connecting the Nocti, the Phantoms Pirates and Hayden''s group. The tower mentioned must also be the same one.


    Tylen lost contact with his mouth.


    "The Nocti were in the Ahana Forest?" He croaked.


    Hayden lowered himself into his seat. He saw through Tylen''s lie immediately. He should have realized it sooner that it had been them who tangled with the Nocti. More importantly, he should have known that his best friend would search those towers. When Ariene went missing for a day, she had been found in a tower. It would be the first place to look.


    Jameson raised a skeptical eyebrow, "You hadn''t seen them near the First Tower?"


    "Ah," the Prince nodded in understanding, "The tower I speak of is the Second Tower."


    "So you never encountered the First Tower on your journey?" Elliot questioned, "What were you even doing in the Ahana Forest, Sir Hayden?"


    "I had been travelling through the towns when I heard it was faster to arrive at Sol Palace through the forest," Tylen replied without hesitation. He had practiced this answer on their way, "I chanced upon the Second Tower for some rest when I discovered that it was occupied."


    Seizing the opportunity, he strolled back to the doorway and placed a hand on Aria''s upper arm.


    "We only have one request and that is for you to hear us out. This could determine the fate of both our kingdoms. That should be enough reason to grant it."


    Alkas felt the provocation but she stayed upright. Ariene was dead, her mind chanted. That fire had taken her sister''s life and she refused to look back. It would stay in the past where it belonged. Eyes in the room fell on her. This involved her family. Therefore, it should be her decision.


    She took a deep breath, "Very well. Please enlighten us."


    Spinning on her heel, the Princess strode back to her seat on the podium. She sneaked a peek at Hayden. His face showed indifference but the lines between his brows indicated worry. It seemed that his best friend hadn''t informed him of this plan beforehand¡ªa reckless move on Tylen''s part.


    The Prince nodded at the person behind Aria.


    He nodded back, brown eyes closing briefly. He closed the doors and passed between the two. His cape swayed behind him as he walked further into the room. His tan breeches and smock had been freshly cleaned. His normally bushy dark hair had been trimmed.


    He craned his head at the benches. Dubious faces stared him down, creating pressure on his shoulders. This only made him more determined. He puffed out his chest and spoke with a booming volume.


    "I, Sir Jack Kenley, stand before you today to testify that this young woman," he declared, shuffling his feet to one side. He offered an open palm to a pair of hazel eyes, "Is none other than, Princess Ariene Athenine of Aurae Kingdom."


    Collective gasps echoed softly. It was one thing to speculate about the possibility but it was another for someone to openly claim that it was true. To hear the words out loud had shaken everyone awake. They slowly sank in and the idea that Aurae could have another ruler became more apparent.


    Aria gulped, clinging closer to Tylen. She hid half of herself behind him. The Prince placed a hand on hers. He rubbed the back of her hand with his thumb.


    Hayden covered his face behind his own hand. He wouldn''t be the only one who noticed the exchange. Tylen might as well confess his true identity. Otherwise, it would seem that he had betrayed the two kingdoms by being affiliated with his best friend''s ''dead'' fiance.


    Marquess Jenkins stomped his crane on the floor several times. He shouted above the rest. A bold statement shouldn''t be ignored nor should it be believed right away, "Pray do tell¡­! What testimony do you have to offer us?"


    Sir Jack faced the parliament once more. He mimicked Tylen, placing his fist on his chest.


    Then, he began to narrate the same story he told the Prince.


    "I am a knight assigned at the ports near the Second Tower. Twelve years ago, an order came from the regency about Princess Ariene''s whereabouts. Every knight needed to keep their eyes peeled in case she surfaced from the ashes."


    He cleared his throat. Sweat trickled down the nape of his neck, "When I met Lady Aria, I recognized her immediately. She had an old woman with her and they often visited the tower for cleaning. It hadn''t been long since the fire broke out so I was positive that Aria was the missing younger princess."


    The occupants of the bench near Hayden mumbled heatedly with one another. These two noblemen had encountered Ariene as a child and witnessed her rare display of intelligence. They had high hopes for Aurae with her presence¡­ and the story held promise so far.


    It did raise one question though.


    "I had watched her grow all these years," Sir Jack continued, "You may wonder why I never brought her here before now? When King Andre died, hushed whispers travelled the lands of ill intentions against the younger princess. A few prestigious families and nobles hoped for her death since she was an illegitimate child."


    He shook his head at them.


    "A defenseless child would not be able to stand among them!" His nostrils flared out of anger. The gruff tone in his accent strengthened, "As a former knight of the Sol Palace, I could not take the risk that she''d fall into the wrong hands. I had planned to bid my time until she came of age. The moment when she received the rights given by her birth and his father''s will and testament."


    He made a complete turn, spreading his arms like an eagle. He challenged the parliament with his glaring eyes, "Tell me what do you have to say! The once dead princess had risen out of the darkness! Would you refuse to give her this chance now?"

 47 The First Meeting With Prince Tylen

    The room went quiet. Division among them hadn''t been a secret. During King Andre''s reign, their favors between the two princesses had caused disputes. No one dared to confess or to deny the knight''s claims. It would only put them in peril, maybe even losing their parliament seats.


    "My dear, would you let me look at you?" Rowan said softly, approaching Tylen and Aria.


    Sir Jack dropped his dramatic antics and watched the Prime Minister. The rest followed his line of sight, hearing Rowan''s voice. Hayden could hardly believe his ears. Did it mean that Tylen had been successful?


    Then, what is this ominous feeling at the back of his mind?


    Something was wrong about this situation.


    Tylen looked over his shoulder and assured Aria with a nod. Rowan had been the person who always believed that Ariene was alive. Although several accounts proved otherwise, the Prime Minister hoped for it to be true. She moved away from Tylen, her hands still raised after she released his arms. Her hazel eyes landed on Rowan.


    A tender smile stretched on the Prime Minister''s lips as he reached out to touch her wrists. The pulse underneath soft skin made him whimper. Firming his grip, he gazed at her with utmost sincerity, "You look just like your mother."


    Canna, a woman with a golden heart as Rowan remembered her. She slept in the outer wing of the palace during her stay. Ariene had refused to leave her mother behind when Andre announced her as a Princess of Aurae Kingdom. That woman always smiled. She never showed loneliness or displeasure.


    He kissed the back of Aria''s hand, memories replaying in his mind.


    "Aren''t you a little too early to jump to conclusions?" Elliot shot back at the Prime Minister. The same question had been used against him earlier, "Why don''t we hear what the young woman has to say? If she is indeed Princess Ariene then, she would be able to supply her own account of what happened."


    Aria froze upon hearing those words. The air seemed to suffocate her instead of letting her breathe. She never had an audience before today. The weight of their attention could crush a person''s bones.


    Rowan leaned back, straightening his posture. He patted her shoulder and squeezed it in comfort, "Don''t be afraid, my dear. Just be honest. I would stand with you."


    "I¡ªI¡ª" Aria stammered before him. Her legs shook under her skirt. She peeked at the parliament from the corner of her eye. Her vision blurred as she refocused on the Prime Minister. She gasped, panting for breath, "I¡ªI only came here because of Sir Jack and Pri¡ªSir Hayden."


    How could such a man side with her so easily?


    Marquess Jenkins narrowed his eyes. Now, this seemed interesting, "You¡­ won''t offer anything to convince us that you are Princess Ariene?"


    Aria looked at him reflexively. She shook her head, "I have nothing to say since I don''t remember anything from before I woke up in that tower. I merely trust their judgement."


    "You have¡­ no recollection of your past?" Alkas raised an eyebrow, blinking in surprise. She scowled at Tylen, "You expect us to accept her as my sister when she doesn''t even have her memories? I consider you as a friend, Hayden, but this just seems suspicious."


    "Her Highness is correct," Elliot grunted. He addressed his fellow members, "Are we to believe that this child is Princess Ariene? Similar features do not eliminate the idea that she is someone else. Sir Jack''s story is one-sided. It''s easy to fabricate a false account when there are no others to contradict it."


    Another round of discussion commenced. Tylen glared at the podium. What a cold tone¡­, he mused to himself. Was that the way a sister should act after learning that her sibling could be alive? Could be in this room? Alkas hadn''t seemed surprised at all.


    What could be her reason? Did she truly believe Ariene was dead?


    Or did she undeniably know that Ariene was dead?


    As if she could read his thoughts, the Princess smiled.


    It sent a shiver down the Prince''s spine. He quickly took the idea out of his mind. Cradling the side of his head. No! He objected strongly. Ariene wasn''t dead! She was alive! And she was with him! Right here, in this courtroom!


    While turmoil descended among the others, Jameson flickered his attention to Rowan, "What of the Prime Minister''s opinion? How do you know for certain that she is the Younger Princess?"


    A blanket of hushed voices enveloped the room. The Duke observed his mentor through harsh lenses. As the Prime Minister, Rowan had always acted objectively. He took the position as the neutral party in most arguments, mediating them. He showed his hand by siding with the visitors.


    If he wasn''t careful, he could lose their trust.


    Rowan stepped forward, bowing low. He maintained that poise as he supplied his answer, "I had always wished Princess Ariene was alive. I remember the image of a little girl who ran to the forest vividly. She reminded me of no one but Ariene and I held onto that hope."


    "I had accompanied her during her life at the palace," He added as he unbent his back and raised his chin, "I had also been there when King Andre went to pick her up. You can think whatever you want of me but I had always seen both princesses as my nieces. I only have their well-being at heart."


    Marquess Jenkins exhaled with exasperation, "That is not the point, Rowan! Your ideals have blinded you to reality! This is unusual coming from you. You had only met her today!"


    "I was the one who told Prince Tylen about Ariene''s escape!" The Prime Minister confessed, shutting Elliot''s mouth, "He had informed me of his plans on conducting his own search. Among the living, Tylen is the only one who never gave up."


    He twisted his neck towards the doorway, "It''s him that I trust. If he says this young woman is Ariene then, I believe it."


    Then, he faced the podium where Hayden sat. He titled his head to one side, closing his eyes and nodding. He had almost slipped in his fit of passion. He hadn''t said a word about his suspicions before¡­


    ¡­ and he wasn''t about to do so now.


    "Then, let''s hear it from Prince Tylen." Alkas lifted a hand towards her left. She offered an encouraging smile, "I hadn''t known that you''ve been searching for my sister. It was the night of your engagement so I understand that you couldn''t accept her death."


    The Crown Prince rolled his eyes. Her innocent demeanor didn''t fool him. Aria went back to his side and he grasped her hand. He wasn''t about to let anything happen to her. Alkas could be plotting her next scheme as they speak.


    "I have spent my days in this palace, Your Highness," Hayden sighed. He looked at his best friend, piercing him straight in the eye, "It''s Hayden who had done most of the work. Let him tell it."


    Tylen licked his lips. He gripped Aria''s hand one last time as Sir Jack joined them. He let her go and walked over to the center, clasping Rowan''s shoulder on his way. He stood with his feet apart and arms behind his back.


    "Before I begin," he said, "I swear on my life that Aria is Princess Ariene."


    "Bold words, boy!" Marquess Jenkins growled, "You could lose your life if she turns out to be a fake."


    "I am well aware," Tylen responded, locking his jaw, "I could also tell you that no one else in this room loves Ariene more than I do. All these years, I never had the chance to prove it until recently. You could be skeptical of strangers and their accounts but mine holds value because I would not rest until I am certain if she''s dead or alive."


    Hayden sank against the backrest of his chair. Tucking his chin in, he watched his Prince through hooded eyes. The noblemen near him had caught the implication in his best friend''s statements. He dared to glance at Alkas, wondering how she reacted.


    He found a subtle curl at the corner of her lips.


    "Then, out of everyone...," Jameson taunted. He rested his elbows on the table and laced his hand together. The tips of his fingers hovered below his nose, "You should be able to prove that she is your true fiance, Prince Tylen?"


    "Without a doubt."


    Anything Hayden held on to keep their secret slipped off his grasp. The admission triggered offense against the parliament, the monarch and the kingdom. All the nobles reacted bile displeasure. Fists slammed on the desks, shouts bounced off the walls and chaos hovered in the air.


    Elliot stood up, boiling with rage. He lifted his cane and pointed it at the Crown Prince.


    "Explain yourself, boy! Do you mean to say that you fooled the entire kingdom by having another pose as you? You let this¡ªthis imposter meet Her Highness, dine in her home and join this meeting?" The cane wobbled in his grasp, "Didn''t you know this could mean treason?!"

 48 The First Meeting with Princess Alkas

    Duke Hawkins stood up and supported the old man back to the bench. The cane hit the table before Elliot pulled it under. The continuous debacle of this foolishness needed to end. The Marquess couldn''t understand why the Princess let this drag on. If it were him, he would have dismissed it after 10 seconds of explanation.


    Who would want to hear bogus testimonies?


    Jameson''s sharp eyes snapped towards the real Crown Prince. The sound of affection had given his identity away. Only Prince Tylen held such feelings towards the Younger Princess. To think that he had gone that far for his feelings.


    Who would see that as a healthy one?


    Tylen shut his eyes, furrowing his eyebrows. He realized his mistake a second too late. Either way, they couldn''t pretend forever. The reveal merely happened earlier than expected. All could be forgiven once he proves that Aria was Princess Ariene.


    He gazed forward and panted for air. He pushed off the invisible pressure on his back. He had to be stronger than before. Ari needed him to be. If he felt that tension then, she also did but with added weight. Her memories were lost. For that, they wanted her to do more in order to prove her birthright.


    "It is as I said¡­" his hands clenched into fists, "I would not rest until I''m certain if she''s dead or alive. Hayden is my right hand but this is something I had wanted to do myself."


    "So you just decided to let Sir Hayden," Duke Hawkins spared a glance towards the podium, "To pretend to be you on his stay here? Why would you need to do such a thing when you can just inform the delay of your arrival?"


    "This was a discrete mission." Tylen answered, "No one knows of it other than the both of us. Besides¡­, would you have let me search for Ariene? I know my own mother won''t."


    "She was declared dead years ago!" Elliot exasperated, "That''s what happens when someone doesn''t reappear after a number of years. It is for everyone to move on. Of course, we wouldn''t have approved such faulty searches. We had spent the years before doing so!"


    "Then, you must understand the measures I needed to go through in order to do it!"


    The Prince''s chest rose and fell rapidly. He hadn''t expected them to understand but he had hope they would respect his decision. None of his intentions had been hostile.


    He strode towards the Marquess'' bench. The sound of his footsteps echoed. A dark cloud crowded around him. He hissed, using a threatening low tone, "That day had been the time I asked my father, King Jairo, to ask for Princess Ariene''s hand in marriage from King Andre. It hadn''t been an hour since I heard the good news when that fire struck."


    Tylen placed his hands on the table and leaned down. He met Elliot''s eye level, "Not only did that day take people I love but I saw her murdered right before my eyes! I ran into the palace to take her out but I couldn''t reach her in time! Not a single day passes by that I don''t regret my failures."


    The Marquess'' face remained cold. The Prince took a deep breath, heading back to his previous spot. The silence rang loudly in his ears. He stopped halfway and stared at the doors, "When the Prime Minister informed me that she could have escaped, I realized my efforts that night didn''t need to be the end of it. I had to go."


    Turning slowly, Tylen faced the podium. Hayden looked back at him with encouragement.


    They exchanged a nod.


    Hayden stood up from his seat and climbed down the podium. He no longer had to sit by Alkas. He stood near the bench, hands behind his lower back. His gaze flickered to the small exhaust window at his eye level. It didn''t have light inside but he did recognize Sir Allen''s silhouette.


    The Princess rose to her feet, capturing everyone''s attention. She had been thoroughly patient that they wondered if she''d lash out now. She had been the direct victim of the switch and it came from her trusted friends. She took her time stepping off the podium, letting them wait.


    "I also lost a sister that night, Tylen." She began to say, "Unfortunately, I never had the chance to look for her. I had a kingdom to someday rule over and take care of. I swept up to Celios for training. Although people would disagree, I admire your courage for taking the risk."


    Golden eyes melted into a soft butter. She reached out to touch his shoulder, "I know we don''t always see eye to eye. It was hard to accept that my sister and my father were gone but I did my best. If you somehow found her¡­"


    She gazed at the door where Aria stood by, "Then, I''ll gladly accept her."


    "Your Highness¡ª"


    Without looking back, Alkas raised a hand, "I mean it, Marquess Jenkins. You can put into debate her rights as a princess but I will not let my sister feel unwelcomed here."


    Tylen experienced inner conflict. He didn''t believe the act but having her on their side was an advantage. The image of her pushing Ariene down that hallway still shone vividly in his mind. His trust for her died then. If Aria would stay in this palace, he would not leave her side.


    The battle would have just begun.


    "Can I meet her?" Alkas asked the Prince, hope carved on her face.


    He nodded reluctantly and led the way to the doors. Aria had been watching from behind Rowan. The Prime Minister stepped aside when they approached. She held her hands together over her stomach, fidgeting. The tremor intensified once they stood in front of her.


    Tylen advanced on her first. He took her hand and kissed the back of it. Then, he met her worried gaze, "It will be alright. You''re not alone. I''m here, Rowan, Sir Jack and Hayden¡­ we guarantee your safety."


    Aria gulped. Pressing her lips together, she swallowed the lump in her throat.


    "Will you please not keep my sister to yourself, Tylen?" A chuckle came from behind the Prince.


    He sneered at the floor. The false sincerity left a bitter taste in his mouth. He had to bite his tongue, suppressing the urge to curse. He composed his facial expression before turning on his heel. He held up their joint hands and escorted Aria towards the Princess.


    Alkas opened her arms with her palms facing the ceiling. Gentleness radiated off her face, intending to ease Aria''s nerves, "Don''t be shy. I won''t bite."


    Not wanting to leave a bad impression, Tylen gave Aria a push. She stumbled a bit but regained her footing. Her hazel eyes twitched at the corners as she stepped in the Princess''s embrace.


    Alkas met her halfway and squeezed her tight. She closed her eyes, inhaling deeply. She absorbed the warmth under her touch. She counted from one to five. She couldn''t hold onto Aria for long while in front of an audience.


    She chuckled softly and released the young woman. She kept her at an arm''s length away. She took everything in as if Aria would suddenly disappear. From the bronze hair to the light freckles on the nose, Alkas memorized it all.


    Aria could only see her. No matter where she looked, she only saw a royal. Thick lashes framed her eyes. Red tinted painted her lips. The Princess glowed like the light at the end of the tunnel. The clothes and jewelry she wore only emphasized her natural beauty.


    How could someone this magnificent be her sister?


    Alkas grasped both of Aria''s hands, as if wanting to reconnect, "When did you know for certain that she is Ariene?"


    Tylen kept his grimace in cheek. A bit more of this and he might vomit. Nonetheless, he responded accordingly, "It was when I saw the birthmark on her back."


    "Excuse me?" Alkas blinked, tilting her head to one side. She whirled her head in Tylen''s direction, "What did you just say?"


    "She has Ariene''s birthmark, the one that looked a butterfly."


    Alkas gasped and dropped the hands she held. The picture before her shattered into pieces. Her mouth stayed open but nothing came out. She took a few steps back as she darted her attention between the two. She became hollow inside.


    Only her beating heart indicated that she was alive.


    Tylen went to Aria''s side. He wrapped an arm behind her shoulder blades, pressing her close to his side. His head bowed as his sapphire eyes hardened. He didn''t know what game Alkas wanted to play now but he did sense the danger.


    "Your Highness, what is it?!" Elliot exclaimed from the bench.


    "I don''t know what you mean, Tylen¡­" The Princess breathed out, focusing on him. She began to shake her head. The disbelief she felt projected out in every word she uttered. It came out almost inaudible but it had been enough for everyone to hear.


    "Ariene never had a birthmark."