Caged (Book One)

Chapter Thirty-Six

An unknown crew member ducked their head, quickly boarding the ship, until a hand stopped them.

"Excuse me, are you sure this is the right ship?" He was asked. Noah quickly ran up to them, with a smile he flash a paper,

"Sorry! He was busy speaking with me, I was giving him orders to deliver to the prince." Noah shoved the unknown man onto the ship, before being shoved aside by another unknown man.

"The Moons signed that?" The crew member asked. Noah nodded again.

"You know I'm their footman. Safe travels!" Noah quickly backed up, giving them a wave.

The two unknown men ducked down below deck, before shoving each other behind large boxes.

"What the hell are you doing?!" Aiden harshly whispered, pulling down the fabric that hid his face. The other one lifted his hat, revealing Philip.

"I had to make sure Kristine would be safe! Don't tell me you aren't here for Eveleen." Philip hardly whispered back. Aiden gave him a push,

"You're a coward and a traitor! I should throw you overboard!" Aiden threatened, both of them peeking around the corner making sure they weren't spotted.

"I'm not a damn traitor! I was being manipulated by that foul woman, Florina."

"Like I'm supposed to believe that!" Aiden spat. Philip lifted his hands up in surrender,

"Look, we both want to protect the girls. Don't you think it's a little weird that Fred wants them in Selle?"

"Of course I think it's weird!" Aiden quickly peaked around the corner again.

"Then let's both work together, we can help each other with this. I promise I mean no harm." Philip told him, lifting his hand for a shake. Aiden glared at him, before grabbing his hand.

"Fine but if you seem even a little suspicious, I will end you." Aiden threatened. Philip nodded, following him around the box.

"By the way, do you know anything about sailing?" Aiden asked, just dawning on him they are pretending to be crew members.

~~~~~

It was only one night of sailing for them to arrive at Selle. Known as the capital city, where the Royals are. Right by the border to Whitefall. Kristine anxiously waited beside Eveleen as the boat was parked.

"It's kind of exciting, don't you think?" Kristine whispered. Eveleen sighed, quickly looping her arm around Kristine's as they walked off the boat to the dock.

"Far from exciting. Don't be naive here, Kristine." Eveleen warned as they were greeted by a small group of soldiers. They all saluted Fred as he strode up behind them.

"Ladies, this way." Fred smiled at them as he led them to a carriage that was waiting for them. Eveleen reluctantly stepped in before Kristine.

"Where are we heading exactly?" Kristine was the one to ask first. Fred gave them a wide smile as he leaned back.

"The castle of course!"

"Oh great!" Philip muttered as they watched the carriage ride away.

"Should we follow them?" Aiden asked, scanning the area around them.

"Gee, I don't know. We may run past them." Philip spat. Aiden turned to give him an unamused look.

"I don't see you coming up with a better plan!" He spat back, turning to point to a large tower in the distance, "Chances are they are going to the castle, come on." Aiden started walking towards where the carriage went. Rolling his eyes, Philip followed.

"What's the deal with you anyway? All of a sudden you care about Kristine?" Aiden asked, walking to the sidewalks to avoid the road.

"I've always cared about her! Just had some very inconvenient things to tend to." Philip told him.

"Uh huh." Aiden mumbled.

"Yeah and what happened to you making it your mission to kill her because she hurt your poor feelings?" Philip smirked at him. Aiden stopped in his tracks, slowly turning his head to Philip.

"What, the hell did she tell you?" Aiden spoke so quietly, Philip took a careful step back.

"ALECARIO! WOOO!" A crowd shouted, marching down the street right past Aiden and Philip.

"It's Alecario Day?" Philip mumbled. Aiden was looking back down, clenching his fists.

"The fuck is that?" He asked. Philip carefully looked him over, glancing between him and the crowd marching past them.

"It's a celebration day, dedicated to the king or queen

returning to the throne." Philip calmly explained. Watching Aiden sigh, before he stomped past Philip,

"Find the castle yourself." He hollered as he turned a corner. Philip's shoulders sunk, based on the reaction, confirmed Kristine lied to him. Again. Shaking his head, he followed the marching crowd. It'll be the quickest route to the castle as they celebrate.

"What's with the people?" Kristine asked, looking at the parade of people they rode past. Eveleen sighed, wanting to sink into the seat more.

"It's Alecario Day, are you not from around here?" Fred asked.

"It's basically a welcome back party for royalty." Eveleen explained. Kristine tilted her head, watching the crowd.

"They do all this just to welcome them back? How strange." She mumbled to herself.

"I agree it's a tad over the top. Father feeds off the attention and grovels." Fred seemed irritated as the crowd hollered loudly. Eveleen rubbed her temples, trying to ignore everything as the carriage arrived at the castle's front steps.

"Welcome, Miss Eveleen and Miss Kristine." Fred opened the doors, holding them out for the two to exit first.

"WELCOME BACK, KING MALIK!" The crowd cheered loudly, as the King stepped out of a carriage right next to them.