Siren's Kiss

03: The Omega Prince

Prince Ciel wasn't a stranger to Drake, for he had crossed paths with the Siren Prince before.

More than once...

The first time they met was during a chance encounter at a bustling port. Drake, then a younger lad assisting his father, first discovered the existence of the Siren Kingdom.

Dark waters. A ship drifted, filled with select Pirates, among them was the young Drake and his father, the late Captain Garrick Stormare. As soon as they reached the shore, Drake found himself at work, helping to unload crates of goods from their ship at the bustling port town of Lirendale. The town was alive with activity, celebrating a festival. Drake looked up to watch the array of exploding lights and colorful fireworks.

"Stop dawdlin', Drake!" Captain Garrick called for his son. "We'll deliver this, exchange it for a doubloon, and set sail to the north."

"Yes, father."

As they worked, Captain Garrick regaled his son with tales of the Seven Seas, spinning yarns of daring Pirates and legendary sea monsters that lurked beneath the waves. Drake listened with rapt attention, his imagination soaring as he envisioned himself sailing the high seas, seeking fortune and glory at every turn.

"Ciel!" a woman yelled from afar amidst the crowd, she looked around frantically, scanning every face of the child that passed by. "Ciel, you disobedient child! Just wait until I get my hands on you---"

Drake furrowed his brow as he watched, Garrick shook his head. "Aye, children go missin' in the port every day. Why someone'd bring a child to this place is beyond me understandin', I tell ye. But I know me son won't go missin' on me, eh?" his grin widened, clapping the young Drake's back. "Think ye can hold the fort while I talk business?"

Drake nodded his head and puffed his chest. "I'll stand watch, father."

He watched as his father and his first mate disappeared into the crowd, probably looking for their business partner. Drake was left alone to watch over the loot with some of the crew members. As the minutes passed by, Drake felt bored and saw the woman yelling earlier, she was still looking for her child.

"Oi, how long are ye going to hide there? Yer mother's lookin' for ye."

From behind one of the larger crates, a small pale face peered at him. Drake had noticed him earlier but didn't say anything. The boy put a finger to his lips asking for silence. Drake did as asked, not sure why he complied but feeling compelled to.

"Is yer name Ciel?"

"Ciel" stepped out from behind the crate and stood in front of him with his chin held high. Gazing at his whole countenance, Drake understood why he agreed to keep silent earlier.

This boy was pretty. Not just pretty. But extremely beautiful. Like a porcelain doll, this "Ciel" had exquisite facial features and flawless skin. Drake had never seen anyone like him, and he was captivated by the otherworldly beauty that seemed to emanate from every pore.

"She isn't my mother," Ciel had finally spoken. "She's my nursemaid."

"Yeah? Well, yer nursemaid's callin' for ye. Why won't ye go to her?"

"Because she won't let me explore the island."

"Maybe it's for the best that ye don't."

"But I came to explore the island."

The corner of Drake's lips curled upward. "Where're yer folks?"

"They're around."

"Around?"

"Just around."

Sighing, Drake glanced at the crew members, who were in their own world, laughing and waging bets. He shrugged and rose from the barrel where he sat, and approached Ciel. "Do ye want to see my favorite place?"