Chapter 11

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As Sebastian sat by his desk, speaking to his wife, a knock was heard on the door.

It was Leonore.

He entered the private study after being given permission and paused when he saw the princess.

It seemed he wouldn't be able to speak freely.

He bowed, his signature unhinged grin on his lips. "My lady"

Celestiel returned his greeting, watching them curiously. She waited patiently to hear what Leonore had to say but was disappointed when he walked around the King's desk and leaned in to whisper something in his ear.

The king didn't lean away. Instead, he listened patiently. And when Leonore was done, he bowed to the couple and left again.

Celestiel looked at the king, wondering if he would offer an explanation. But all he did was focus on the pieces of parchment spread out on his desk.

Mildly disappointed, she looked out the window. The king still didn't want her involved with his business matters and though she was quite fearful of what she would hear, she had hoped the king would tell her.

She laughed at herself. How long had they known each other? She had already decided to trust the man. Yet, he didn't trust her enough to let her know about what he did.

Did she really want to know though? She thought back to her visit to Nycren.

She thought of how horrid and pitiful the man Reagan carried looked. She thought of the indifference on her husband's face as he saw his subjects carrying the half dead man.

It was obvious he knew of the scheme...if he hadn't ordered it himself.

Then why? Why did she still want to know? Why was a part of her still willing to get so close to this man she barely knew? Why did she trust him?

As these thoughts passed through Celestiel's head, Sebastian lifted his head to look at her.

He saw the blank and thoughtful look on her face. He had sensed her curiosity the moment Leonore entered the room and wondered why she hadn't still asked him about it.

Seeing that she wasn't going to say anything, Sebastian cleared his throat, bringing her attention back to him.

"There's going to be a storm tonight"

Celestiel took a few seconds to process what the king said and when she did, her brows furrowed. "That means we won't be able to sail tonight then?"

Sebastian nodded. "The tides will rise and we will have no choice but to camp at the fourth sea until tomorrow"

"Is the fifth sea far from the fourth? If we keep sailing through out the day, wouldn't we be able to leave the fourth sea by sunset?", Celestiel asked worriedly.

"Unfortunately, the fifth sea is quite far from the fourth. At most, we'll be at the fifth sea by dawn", Sebastian explained. "Even if we do manage to leave the fourth sea by sunset, we would only be sailing right into more dangerous waters"

"I'm afraid I don't understand, my lord", Celestiel told the king.

"Myriads are especially hostile to visitors after sunset. The fifth sea harbours more myriads than the fourth", Sebastian patiently said. "It's more reasonable to camp at the fourth sea and if we're attacked, we'll have a higher chance of surviving than if we were at the fifth sea"

Celestiel's frown deepened. "Then why don't we turn back and camp at the third sea?"

Sebastian's brows rose. " The third sea is almost completely water. Having nowhere to anchor the ship, it'll be most likely that it will sink. I'm afraid that isn't the best idea. Besides, at night, the air of the second sea is poisonous and it spreads to the third sea. Don't forget, wife, myriads also reside in the third sea. Returning there will be suicide"

Celestiel pursed her lips anxiously.

They were stuck between three seas resided by myriads. It was unfortunate.

Sebastian watched the thoughtful look on the princess' face which slowly turned to hopelessness.

"Don't fret, princess", Sebastian told her. "I have a strong crew. We will survive"

"But we're going to have to fight. Blood will be shed. Death is inevitable"

"Death is a natural occurrence, Celestiel", Sebastian looked back down at the parchment on his desk. "Death is always inevitable"

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Soon, they arrived at the fourth sea.

Sebastian and Celestiel made their way out to the main deck and found Aletta, Reagan and Leonore waiting already.

Sebastian stretched out his hand for Celestiel to take and she took it. He led her off the ship, and into the ankle high water.

The further they walked into the water, the deeper it got. When the water had risen to just below their knees, Sebastian stopped walking.

"The seaweed seeds", was all he said. He popped a small, round black pea sized seed into his mouth and chewed.

Handing one to Celestiel, he said, "Chew"

Celestiel hesitated, observing the small object. "What does it do?"

"It gives humans the ability to breathe under water for a few hours", he explained.

Celestiel turned to find Reagan and Leonore doing the same thing.

Glancing at Aletta who still held her own seed, she put the seed in her mouth and chewed.

Her face instantly squeezed up, the bitterness in her mouth spread across her taste buds and almost made her gag in disgust.

Sebastian had made it look like it had no taste.

He turned to her. "Don't let go of my hand"

Celestiel nodded, obediently. "I understand"

And with that, they dived into the water.

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Author here!
Don't forget to vote for this chapter and comment your thoughts.
Do you think Celestiel is too naive with the king?
This chapter is dedicated to my dear annoying sister. She's my first fan, always reading my drafts and commenting on them.

Love you💜 YegaAdebija

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