The Pirate and the Princess | Niki x Puffy

4.- The Pirate

Niki moved out of her brother's arms and tousled his hair, to which he swatted her away.

Her eyes darted around looking for the quickest way away.

She walked down to her parents, wrapping them both in a hug. Her mother kissed her forehead and her father patted her arm.

She spotted an alley off to the side and ran through her head whether or not she'd be able to make it fast or stealthily enough.

The long dress and unstable heels we're working against her.

"How are you feeling?" Kristen asked, pulling Niki's attention back.

Niki saw her opportunity. "Honestly, I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed. Would it be okay for me to take a brief walk?" When her mother began to look skeptical, Niki quickly added, "I'll stay close! I just need some air from the crowd."

Kristen looked to her husband, worry evident in her eyes. Phil shrugged and called over one of the guards. He was short, with soft pink hair and a youthful face marked by a scar running from the center of his forehead down to his chin. Niki figured he couldn't have been much older than Tommy. "Please escort the princess wherever she wants to go, but make sure she's back as quickly as possible."

Niki mentally cursed. Why hadn't she figured her parents would make sure there were eyes on her, even if not their own?

The guard quickly nodded and bowed to the king, before walking to stand by Niki. He smiled at her and she gave a small wave back.

She figured she might as well make the most of it. Partial freedom was better than no freedom.

She began walking, trying to ignore the guard following close behind her. As she traveled, the businesses and shops turned into homes. The large brick walls and tile roofs stretched on the main road, and further along other streets. A sea of residency.

What am I doing?

Thinking about houses to avoid the obvious?

"For the record," the guard behind her said. "I thought your speech was really good." Niki looked back at him, surprised he was speaking. "I was reviewing the plan for the new water system, and I think it'll really help the farmers. My dads run a hotel down in Sanguis and really suffered from not being able to provide food to their patrons. I really appreciate all that you've done."

Niki stopped walking and turned back to smile sadly at him. "Well, I can only really take credit for one of those things. I created the system, but my brother did most of the speech. I'm more of a background analyst than a public spokesperson." She shrugged.

The guard chuckled. "Well regardless, many thanks to you. I only started working at the castle so I could help my parents out. Hopefully their business will start to pick up again and I can go home." He smiled wistfully, lost in thought of a life he dearly missed. The guard came out of his thoughts and quickly apologized. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to get all sappy."

Niki waved him off and resumed walking. "No worries, I appreciate your honesty. What's your name kid?"

"Michael" he replied. "It's nice to finally meet you Princess Niki."

"You as well Michael." Niki grinned and looked up, finally beginning to register where they were.

They had made it to the harbor. Niki completely forgot that the main road they had been taking led directly to the sea, but they had walked all the way. It was empty and quiet there. Everyone had gathered at the center of town to hear her speak, leaving the outskirts alone, which is exactly what Niki wanted.