Desires of Men ~SEQUEL TO THE LIFE I LIVE~

What Isn't Reality

Albert looked down at the chest of gold, running his finger over the shiny coins with awe. He'd never seen so much money in his life. Picking up a few, he felt their smooth surface before letting them drop back onto the pile. Suddenly, two of the Heart Pirates come up from behind him and took the chest by the handles.

"Hey! What's the big idea?" They ignored him and exited the tent. Albert, confused to what was happening and angry that his gold from telling fortunes was being stolen, ran after them.

"Give me back my gold!" He cried, trying to pull the chest from their grasp but they were too strong. Their steps took them closer and closer to the yellow submarine docked at the harbor. The captain was leaning against the hull, arms crossed and a small grin on his face.

"What is the meaning of this?" Albert demanded when the two men dropped the chest in front of the pirate. Pushing off the wall, the captain crouched down and picked up a few coins.

"Acting upon our deal." He said. Albert cocked his head.

"What do you mean?" Dropping the coins and closing the lid, the captain looked up.

"The conditions of helping you were very clear. You would relinquish half your profits to me. Did you forget?" He chuckled darkly.

"Now, just one minute-" Albert went to pick up the chest but Law put his foot on the top, preventing him from moving it. The con looked up into the man's cruel eyes, seeing something there he didn't quite like.

'Maybe I shouldn't have made that deal.' He thought.

"Unlike you, I don't easily forget agreements." Nodding to the two pirates, they took the handles once more and brought it aboard the sub. Albert started to scramble after it but Law's sharp voice stopped him.

"You'll get it back once we divide it up. Until then, I suggest you go find something else to do. Maybe a palm reading or two." He chuckled, heading back inside the vessel. Albert was left outside, gawking at the captain who didn't seem to notice his anger. Clenching his fists, he bared his teeth.

The nerve of that pirate! How dare he just take the gold away from him. He was willing to bet he wouldn't see a single coin returned to him. They were just robbing him of his money...

Suddenly, shouting rang out through the town coming from the direction of the castle. A man, dressed in the official robes of a scribe or scout, ran as fast as possible to the center of the market. Stopping to catch his breath a moment, he drew a long breath.

"Her Majesty, The Queen has given birth to twins! A boy and a girl! The celebrations will commence on the morrow!" A great cheer rose up from those around and they scuttled off to tell the rest of the people.

Albert watched as the man began to run back to the castle, but he was still too stunned to move. His prediction had been right. Or, at least, lucky. He'd no idea what gender the baby would have been, but some kind of god was on his side if this was the result of his stalling the day before with the king.

The runner stopped in the middle of the road, seemingly forgetting something, before turning around and running back. He glanced at all the faces of those around him, finally landing on Albert. Running up to him, he bowed slightly. Albert raised his eyebrows. He'd never been bowed to before.

"Master Seer, the King requests your presence at the castle." He waited for his answer.

"Ah...oh, yes. Yes, of course. Please, escort me there." With a nod, the runner lead the way to the castle.

'Things are getting serious now.'

~~~

'You lie, silent there before me.'