Pirate Princess

The gallows

After talking to my father for quite some time, I finally managed to escape and get back to my rooms. I needed to think of another plan, since the one I had made last night had become meaningless.

If I could just get a hold of Orion's weapons, they would surely help me. They probably put them in the armory, therefore that should be my first step. Second step would be finding the clothes I arrived here in, they would allow me to be more agile than I was in my current gown.

I snuck out of my rooms and walked across the castle, trying to seem lost in my thoughts, like I was simply taking a walk. I arrived at the armory without any inconveniences and shut the heavy door behind me.

I let my gaze wander around the room and noticed a familiar belt that was carelessly thrown into a corner. Orion's gun and his saber were still attached to it, which made my task a lot easier. I grabbed the belt and hid it in the layers of tulle under my dress. Maybe this gown was not so inconvenient after all.

I slipped out of the armory just in time, merely seconds later I heard the familiar voices of two servants excitedly talking about something. I gave them a graceful smile as I walked past them they curtsied politely.

The next step would be finding the clothes I wore on the ship. I prayed, they hadn't thrown them away. Luck was really on mise side today, because I found them well preserved in the laundry room. They were probably seen as useful, since garments were expensive.

I arrived back in my chambers and locked the door behind me, a quick look at the clock told me I did not have much time left. I had no idea if my plan would work out but I tried to suppress my doubts because this was my only choice.

My heart was racing as I put the familiar fabrics on and I could almost smell the salty air. I buckled Orion's belt around my waist and looked at myself in the mirror. I looked like the most tidy pirate ever, with my intricate hairstyle and my overall clean appearance in contrast to the worn out garments and weapons on my belt. Fixing a strand of hair, I let out a shaky breath. This was it.

I looked out of the window, down onto the courtyard and noticed that the trial had already begun. A big crowd of curious townsfolk had gathered and were watching the henchman prepare the gallows. I shuddered.
My father and James were standing next to each other on the tribune and seemed rather cheerful for such a grave occasion.

And then I saw him.
He was standing there, surrounded by soldiers that were watching his every move. His hands were bound and his face showed no expression. He looked strangely calm and collected but I could tell he was nervous by the way his fingers fiddled with his handcuffs. If only there was a way to reassure him, everything would be alright but I wasn't so sure of that myself.

Suddenly my father stood up and began talking, I had no time to lose.

I rushed towards the door and quickly opened it, slipping into the hallway.

"My princess, what are you wearing?" I heard a familiar voice behind me. No, no, no, no, please, no.

I spun around and saw Faye, my maid, looking at me in disbelief.

"Oh no, Faye, uhm...I..." I sighed an gave up, I couldn't think of a believable lie, to explain my appearance. Instead, I finally chose the truth.

"The pirate does not deserve to die, I need to stop the execution."

Faye gave me a questioning look: "Pardon me, your majesty but didn't this pirate kidnap and torture you? He does not seem redeemable to me" My mind was racing, I really did not have time to explain everything to her, they could place that rope around Orion's neck any moment.

"While he did kidnap me, he never hurt me" I explained quickly "in fact, he was actually really kind and somehow made this ship feel like a home to me. I think...I think I may have even fallen in love with him"

Faye's eyes grew bigger and bigger with each word I said: "Have you caught a fever, your highness?" she asked concerned and I shook my head in annoyance: "I have to go now, I can not let them hang him"

And with those words I started running. Across the hallway, down the stairs and towards the gateway, that led onto the courtyard. I glanced towards the gallows and my stomach twisted when I saw Orion up there, close to being executed. His eyes were closed but his lips were moving, like he was saying a silent prayer.

I pushed through a crowd of townsfolk, that was too focused on the trial to really notice me.

"And for these crimes, on this day, this man shall pay with his life" I heard my father's voice say.

"NO!" I shouted as loudly as I could, stepping onto a big stone next to me, so I was visible to everyone. I held onto Orion's gun with shaking hands and pointed it into my fathers direction.

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It's me, hi. I'm the problem, it' me...
I'm so sorry for taking so long to update...
But uhm I guess: Tadaa! Here's another chapter🌝I hope you like it🦋