The Pirate's Game (Updating)

The Endgame

Raven had once heard that in chess, the endgame was all that mattered. The end result, the last move, the final part of one's plan.

It was what decided your fate.

*

Raven's jaw dropped with confusion, horror, and more confusion, unable to even comprehend what had just conveyed to her. Though before she could ask any questions or protest Seth's unusual answers, he quickly wrapped his arms around her back and pulled her up to his chest. Then he leaned down and set his lips upon hers, and she could not deny how much she was savoring their intimate encounter.

When he finally pulled away Raven could not help but watch him warily. She kept thinking he was going to withdraw his previous claims about being an upright naval officer, to claim he had only been cruelly joking.

"How...how can you say these ridiculous things Seth? There is no way this is plausible! A Naval officer? You kidnapped me, played countless mind games aboard that pirate ship, and then confessed to your true identity! How can you also claim to be a righteous law-biding man too?" She demanded.

Seth's green eyes gazed at her gently, and after a moment he shrugged at her question.

"What, a man of the Navy cannot play an undercover pirate in order to stop their schemes? You see Raven, my particular past leaves me with the skills to play any type of scoundrel. I have no problem stealing, lying, or fighting if it proves to be a means to an end. And this end here? Well, aside from being sidetracked by a vicious storm, I suppose my mission of putting an end to that particular pirate ship still succeeded."

Raven simply stood there, feel too lost for words. He laughed again, though a bit softer this time.

"You know Raven, even back there on the ship you were in good hands. I would never let anything bad befall you." He whispered softly.

She just shook her head with disbelief.

"Then why did you torment me so?"

He chuckled, though his expression betrayed a measure of guilt.

"I...I thought it might be fun to tease you a bit, since it fit well with my played character. Besides, I did truly believe you could handle my games of wit. To be fair, you most skillfully did as I predicted."

She scowled at his nonchalant answers.

"Then why did you kidnap me in the first place Seth? Why did your men not arrest the pirate's when they attacked!?" She demanded angrily.

Seth laughed again at her frustration, though it appeared he was understanding of her distress.

"Well, honestly I was uneasy about the kidnapping, but was unable to stop them at the time. When our ship attacked I had just informed one of my Naval connections to follow us in order to reach the pirate's hideout. I had no manpower to hinder their efforts, so I merely had to keep my cover. They were headed to ransom the Governor's daughter from a nearby island, where I had my own men headed to cut them off."

Then he paused momentarily.

"But then I saw you Raven, and your determination to spare your sister any such fate. I quickly decided to take you along instead of the misses and spare her unnecessary distress, as well as reacquaint myself with you." He snickered playfully.

Raven's eyes narrowed at him with even more frustration, though her heart was calming at hearing his reasonable answers.

"Why did you not relay this information to me sooner and spare my heart so much grief back on the island!?" She hissed.

Seth cracked that same old mischievous smile he always wore, and leaned back down close to her lips.

"I saw little point in trying to defend myself then. You were not likely to suddenly believe such a tale without any sort of proof. Besides, I never claimed to be a great man dear princess, only a decent one. I enjoyed our games, and my role in teasing you. Although I do apologize for it, I never meant you any harm or hurt. How could I honestly? That day you saved me from the police as kids, truly inspired me. I wanted to help people too, I wanted to be a savior just like you. How fortunate then, that I could in return rescue my dear rescuer!" He whispered.

Raven scoffed with annoyance. So that was his true aim! To even the score from so long ago! To play hero after she had gone and saved him first.

"So princess tell me, does our engagement still stand?" Seth inquired curiously.

She frowned.

"What engage-"

Oh right, the whole getting married on the beach thing.

"Oh, um, well... It depends." She replied.

"On what?"

Raven smiled, amused by his somewhat charming attempt to court her hand still.

"Well on your new proposal of course. I expect this one to be proper, and full of ceremonial traditions. I shall also have to gain Linda's approval of you, and a proper wedding party. The beach was quite lovely, but far below the means of a successful Naval officer." She replied.

Seth's eyes lit up with hope and amusement, looking impressed by her counter. Then he stood up straight, bowed like a true gentleman, and offered her his arm to hold. Raven nodded and proudly put her arm around his.

"Thank you good sir."