The Weight of Scales

Chapter One

Gorgeous buildings were either stacked or are too close to each other, lining up against a grand harbor. A beautiful build was station in the middle of this line. Fine white stone walls, with blue decoration. It was covered in an off black ceramic tile roof; to which could camouflage during the night. Giant iron lanterns were on either side of the entrance way. This building was the harbor's main shipyard station. It provided for those who needed a passport to cross the sea, or for sailors to receive an identification charm.

It was as if the day was just any normal day. Sea breeze coming from the East. Dirty white seagulls with a few ocean blue feathers tailing the sky above. Weathered crates lining up against the edges of the docks. Navy ships docked at port. White and black sails tied up. While men, hard at work, walked back and forth hulling supplies.

The large port was rather busy; more decorated patrol officers roaming the harbor. Most were carrying rifles in their right hand. While others who looked as if they carried a higher rank with their medals and their fancy military uniforms. They gathered themselves in front of what appears to be the royal naval lead ship. It was breathtaking. The wood from a very very rare tree in the North. Along with a man carved out with a sword pointed forwards in the front of the ship. The sails seemed to be have been woven from the most exquisite hands in the entire kingdom. And as for the flag to identify this ship. It was covered in white and blue colors, whereas the blue was the background and the white drew out two different objects. A knight hold his sword, with a bat like wing was attached behind him. Nobody really knows the story behind the symbol. Though, some may believe it was from a war centuries ago.

All of the men in uniforms decided to get in their designated places. Along with the remaining bystanders and sailors to stop in their tracks.

Dark brunette slicked back, with a nicely shaved undercut. That was only thing that could be seen walking through all the men in uniform. Though the individual was quite tall compared to some soldiers. Skin was this gorgeous deep tan tone. Eyes green as a forest. Perfect dimples to go with this individual's smile. A white tailored uniform was on the shoulder; where the gold threads could be more blinding. A light weighted silver sword sat on the right hipbone. With small little engravings giving the sword character.

Once at the bottom of the blank that led up to the main deck of the ship. An older gentleman was waiting. A little shorter, and a bit rounder. However, the white in his mustache will tell you how old he was. Along with the amount of medals above his heart. His small trench coat lay cozy on his shoulders. And his military hat under his left arm. He took out his white gloved hand for the esteemed individual.

"Your Royal Highness," the older gentleman spoke; somewhat gruff voice from his aging beard, "we are ready to set sail." The two engulfed both of their hands together to shake. The taller and handsome man that stood there was non other than the Prince of Dommina, and the heir to the throne. For his father still sits on the throne, this is cocky Prince decided to take a leave of absence to decompress from his duties. Potentially see the world outside of the capital and palace walls.

"Splendid, my friend!" the Prince whipped over to the gentleman's side and patted him on the shoulder. Almost knocking him forward. Though, his other hand swung and halted in the air to feel the breeze. "I can't wait for this to be an actual adventure outside of the kingdom!" with excitement in the sentence, the boy felt compassion and anticipation for the journey he would take on. Though a solemn thought lingered in the back of his mind thinking about bringing a few girls for his enjoyment. But his father refused to that request. For this trip would bring the best out of the Prince to see the real world. Along with not knowing where it might take him.

All, but not all, climbed aboard the royal ship, and ready themselves to depart from the port. Untying the vessel from the dock. And letting go of the sails. Men almost yelling at each other as they were giving out directions. It was a busy ship.

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What feels like forever and stuck in the middle of the ocean, everything seemed to be boring to a particular individual. However, both boat and crew were not that far away from shore. If there was seagulls flying over head, that is a sign of land near by.

Most of the crew were snuck into the bottom levels of the ship. Either lounging or working. Both worked. Peace, with the sound of waves in the background. It was tranquil for most.

For the Prince, he was hiding in his quarters. As if he didn't want to go outside for fresh air. Or he was just too lazy to step out of his comfort zone.

The quarters were laid out where a queen size bed would fit. To which it was supported by ropes tied and held by the ceiling, so that it would sway in balance with the ship. A light toned wood desk sat directly in front of the bed. Only by 10 feet away. Just not to hit each other. Small baskets of small scrolls are bolted to the floor. And two giant trunks full of royal clothes. But some pieces of clothing were already on the floor. Making a simple mess.

On the dark rosy colored bed, there laid the prince. Shirtless; still in his trousers and boots. This man apparently did not care for covers. He was lying on his left hand, as it was underneath the back of his head. Whereas the right hand is gently on top of his toned abs. The room was somewhat lit from the swaying elegant lanterns. For the rays of the sunset lit the room. Peaceful snoring filled the space. Mouth partly open, with a small amount of drool on the corner of the mouth.

The captain barged himself into the Prince's quarters; unannounced. To which surprised the sleeping man. "My apologies your highness, I was quite....expecting....you to still be awake." The gentleman spoke, all while he was a bit disturbed at the view he had just witnessed. With sleepy eyes and rubbing them to open, the prince sat up. "Please, you may call me Nikolai," the young man responded with soft and husky voice; he looked up at the captain and smiled, "it sounds like there's a party happening outside."

Loud chatter came from outside on the deck. As the men were getting ready for something exciting. The sound of clinking beer bottles made it clear that the crew were having fun. Drunk men sleeping so nonchalantly against boxes. Or against the walls of the ship. Sloppy dancing around barrels. And ugly laughter filled the now night sky.

To which left a Prince joining in with the fun, and eventually wasting himself to the alcohol.

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For hours, it was nothing but drunk sea chanties, slur conversations, and loud snoring. The candles in the lanterns seemed to be so bright, that almost everyone couldn't see. Water splashing itself on the sides of the ship. Swaying like a mother rocking her child to sleep. Stars shined ever so brightly with the moon.

The ship was close enough to a small rustic village that sat against the water. Sturdy wooden docks stretched itself across into the part where the shallow waters met the deep. Boats docked, tied, and secured to their posts. Buildings in the village were all lit up by lanterns outside and in. But there was one in particular that was roaring with cheering and laughter.

An Inn was the largest out of the other buildings. Upon entering, the bar was all the way in the back, against a wall. Two staircases on either side leading up to the rooms. Round tables, small and large, filled the rest of the room. Most of the guests were men; maybe some scum pirates. But there was one lady that stood out like a sore thumb. To which nobody could miss her.

"How may I help you, gentlemen?" The lady started questioning the uniformed men who walked in, making the room go silent. The lady had her hair up with a red and black patterned silk scarf. Wore a white off shoulder shirt. With her musty brown skirt snugged around her waist. Along with fake gold hoops. She has a sense of charm towards her guest. But when it came to men in uniform, she it knew there was some business going to go down.

The captain went up to the lady, and handed her a small bag of gold coins. "Our mutual friend is asking you to take a bird home." he answered the woman, as his eyes started to fan around the room. Making everyone return to loud chaos.
The woman took the coin bag, and checked the accuracy of the coins, before giving into the offer. Her eyes flashed back up to the captain with a mischievous look on her face. She then clicked her fingers in the air to signal her crew.

"Where is this bird are we talking about?"