DARK PARADISE

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟔

My first morning aboard the ship was filled with the crew's lively chatter and bustling energy. The sun bathed the deck in a warm light, and the crew went about their tasks with an easy camaraderie. I was still adjusting to life on the ship, trying to blend in with their routine. My simpler attire and more formal manners set me apart from their relaxed, informal style. Despite my efforts to stay unobtrusive, I noticed a few crew members casting curious glances my way.

Armin's serious expression interrupted the morning's easy rhythm as he descended from the crow's nest.

"Jean, take a look at this," Armin said, handing over a telescope.

Jean peered through it, his relaxed demeanour shifting to a concern. "That's the royal fleet," he said, lowering the telescope. "They don't come out this far unless it's something serious."

The crew's chatter dwindled as they gathered around, watching the imposing vessel with its crimson sails and golden crest approach.

Hitch's gaze darted between the approaching ship and me. "What's going on?" she asked, her voice tinged with worry.

Armin's face was serious, "Yesterday at the harbour, I'd heard whispers about a missing princess, King Emyr's daughter, I thought it was just bullshit, but now it seems that it might be true."

Connie frowned, considering the implications. "If they're out here that means they've probably scoured the entire kingdom by now."

Hitch's eyes darted to me again, "Y/N, where did you get all those jewels you have from?" she asked, trying to keep her tone casual but it was clearly full of suspicion

I felt a knot of tension in my stomach. "They're mine," I said, failing an attempt to sound relaxed.

Armin's eyes narrowed. He glanced at Hitch, a realisation dawning. "Wait a second—the jewels, the way she talks and acts..."

Hitch's expression turned serious, "Are you thinking what I'm thinking?"

... fuck.

Armin nodded, "It's possible, everything adds up."

"We need to get her out of sight. Now." Hitch replied.

Armin quickly took charge, "Let's move, we'll hide her out until the inspection is over."

As we hurried to a less conspicuous part of the ship, a striking figure appeared on deck. Tall and imposing, his dark hair was tied back, a few strands left loose, framing his face. His eyes, a vivid and penetrating green, swept across the ship with a mixture of authority and intense curiosity. There was a potent blend of danger and allure in his presence, the kind that made you feel as if he could command both the sea and your deepest desires with a single glance.

Hitch and Armin led me into a storage room and shut the door behind us. I heard the man's deep authoritative voice giving orders and making decisions. A shiver ran down my spine as I realised how intense his presence was.

In the dimly lit room, I looked at Hitch, my stomach churned as my pulse quickened. "H-Hitch, how do you two know?" I stuttered trying to grasp the situation.

Hitch's eyes narrowed slightly, her frustration evident. "We pieced things together—the jewels, your behaviour... It all pointed to something. I'm assuming you've run away for a genuine reason and that's why I'm choosing to help you. This ship is a refuge for us too."