IV. The Impact of Her

~ Thirty-Two ~

Pride. Joy. Contentment. Relief.

A sudden flush of emotions rushed through my body as I watched everything unfold.

The guards assisted the pirates as they built the foundation of their new homes. Some of the guards helped the families as they went through their supplies. The smiles on their faces were gratifying to see.

And somehow, this sight gave me a reason to be proud of my decision. Especially during this difficult time in my life.

It wasn't as simple as it looked like. It wasn't about a cheap pardon for those who tortured me. I only wanted to return what was wrongfully taken from them: a life.

However, a part of me still wished that I could do more for them. As much as I wanted for them to live amongst our people, it wasn't a possibility. I knew all too well that society would never allow such a thing. Even if that was who the pirates truly were: our people.

I also didn't want to cause more trouble than what I already did. I already gave James enough of a headache to ponder upon. And I also didn't want to be an instigator of trouble for the nobles.

After some time, the captain and the guards returned to me. "Your Highness," he greeted as they bowed.

"Is everything done properly?" I asked.

The captain nodded. "All resources have been evenly distributed. We also taught them how to make sturdy houses with the help of the supplies we provided."

"Splendid job, captain," I smiled as I glanced over the ecstatic exiles. "Shall we go, then?" I asked as I turned back to the men. "The sun has begun to set. The path can be perilous in the dark."

The guards bowed and walked ahead of the captain and I. But before we could follow, a call caught our attention. We turned our heads, only to find that the pirate leader was on his way towards us.

The pirate was a few feet away from us when he asked, "Why?"

My brows furrowed. "What do you mean by that?"

"Why did you make that decision?" the pirate leader asked another as he stood before us. He continued, "Out of all the possible verdicts that you can think of, you bestowed a punishment of exile?"

My brows furrowed even more as I got even more baffled by his questions. I didn't expect that the pirates would complain after I spared their lives.

I questioned, "Shouldn't I choose the path that doesn't involve death? Less blood shed?"

The pirate scoffed before he smirked. "You technically imprisoned us for eternity. It is a fate worse than death," he replied. He continued, "Your verdict is highly unpopular with the nobles. They can easily come here and slaughter us all."

"And do you truly believe that I will allow that to happen?" I snapped. "I didn't make this decision on a whim. Each step has already been laid out in my head."

"Even if you instruct your guards to keep an eye on us, that doesn't guarantee our safety," the pirate leader complained. He added, "I saw how your father reacted to your declaration. And he wasn't pleased about it. I am certain that James will do anything to undo your decision."

I was absolutely offended. Instead of gratitude, the pirate leader gave me nothing but criticism. My high spirits were dampened by the weight of his protest. But I couldn't judge him, nor invalidate his worries.

After years of being unheard and discarded like useless beings, I understood why the pirate leader remained uneasy. I also understood his point that James could do anything possible to antagonise my plan. He could easily turn my current success into a sudden failure.