IV. The Impact of Her

~ Twenty-Nine ~

Moments later, another group of guards entered with the prisoners.

The pirates walked in a straight line as the guards walked beside them. Their hands were chained. A locked, metal chain was placed on their necks. That connected them with one another. They dragged their feet as they entered.

Sweat and blood drenched their worn-out clothes. Bruises and whip wounds covered their skins. They were already thinner than before. And the lack of rest was evident on their faces.

My right hand slowly curled into a fist as I turned to the captain. I specifically gave out orders that the pirates shouldn't be treated with hostility. But it was clear no one listened to me.

The captain finally caught my glare and lowered his head in shame.

"Is there something wrong, Your Highness?" Gonzalo whispered.

"Why are the pirates in such a terrible state? I thought I was clear when I ordered that they should be treated well," I gritted my teeth.

"That is not how we treat our prisoners, Your Highness. I merely corrected your wrong decision," Gonzalo replied.

I held my breath in. I didn't want to explode in front of everybody. But Gonzalo's constant interference went past my bottom line. At this point, I was extremely exhausted by his actions.

"Your Highness," Gonzalo leaned closer to my ear, "Calm yourself. You have to keep a levelled mind–"

"Stay. Away. From me." I gripped tighter onto my chair as I held onto the very last bit of sanity within me.

Gonzalo was quick to step back and the loud chatter of the nobility filled my hearing. The advisors kept their conversations amongst themselves. The jury remained silent, tight-lipped.

I looked over to the families and not one of them showed any emotion. But the pain was visible through their frozen expressions.

Once again, Gonzalo leaned towards me and whispered, "Control your emotions, young prince. They do not deserve your sympathy."

Irritated, I covered my mouth with my fist and replied, "Is this what you whisper to James as well? You have done nothing but to whisper into his ear throughout this entire debacle." I added," Most especially, when I am in the same room as him."

"This reminder is solely for you, Your Highness."

"Well then, I have no use for your advice at the moment," I slightly turned my head to Gonzalo's direction. "Your words are poison. They served their purpose during the matter. I suggest that you keep the rest to yourself."

Defeated, Gonzalo bowed and returned to his prior position.

The pirates knelt in a straight line before us. Only the leader dared to raise his head slightly. He found me and locked eyes with me before he turned away.

The guards then struck the ground with their spears thrice. It echoed throughout the whole room. Everyone grew silent.

James then stood from his chair and took a few steps forward.

I briefly turned to Elizabeth and she looked at me as well. We shared assuring glances before we reverted our attention back to James.

"Lords and ladies of the court, royal advisors and the respected jury," James turned to every group in the audience, "I present to you, the prisoners," James continued as he pointed at the pirates. "Today, their fates are in the hands of our beloved prince." He turned to me and asked, "Would you like to present your declaration before us?"

I glanced towards the audience and everyone anticipated my words. I cleared my throat and replied, "I believe you still have a royal declaration before mine, Your Majesty."