Lost At Sea

Chapter 1, In Which I am Kidnapped by a Pirate

My mother died in childbirth, and my father was distraught at her death. He loved her very much, and me as well, but he knew nothing of bringing up a child. However, for one reason or another he refused to get me a governess. I was brought up primarily by the servants, who taught me to truly believe the values that the Caspian royalty professed. Most of the royalty would say pretty words, but they didn't believe it themselves. I was taught to be genuine with my words, not recite them.

The principles I was taught were things like the fact that I was a servant to my crown, I had to act with dignity and poise since I represented my people, I had to bear the burden of the crown as well as any other responsibilities because I reflected my people, and if I were a uncultured, selfish pig it would say that my people were uncultured and selfish as well. I knew my duty as princess, and I knew my people were counting on me, as crown princess to bring honor to our country's name.

My father taught me much about governing a people, battle strategies, and the royal ways. He never taught me to actually use a sword, but he made no comments when the general's son taught me to use one.

Thus I was a princess, well versed in proprietary, war, and duty to my country. I had been betrothed to a foreign prince since I was but a toddler, but I've still yet to see his face. But I knew I was destined to marry Prince Devereux, so I never allowed myself to get too close to a man so I would not have to feel heartbroken when I married another. It worked quite well, since I naturally had a guarded heart, and none of the men or boys piqued my interest. I remember one such day in particular:

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Nicholas, the General Lavoshky's son, was spending yet another evening with me, passing on everything he learned that day from training. I thirsted for knowledge, any knowledge, and I enjoyed the feeling of power that wielding a sword gave me. After all, take away one's title and money and the only thing you can judge a body by is their skills and character.

I was about 11, and Nick was almost 13. He had finally begun his growth spurt, so we were fairly even in height.

"Now, let's see if I can remember how to do this. It was really cool!" Nick paused our sparring for a moment. He closed his eyes and I could tell he was visualizing whatever he was about to show me. I could read him like a book, since we had been best freinds since I could crawl.

Finally he said "I've got it. Now hold your sword tight, I'm going to disarm you."

I laughed. "Good luck with that!"

He smirked. "Thanks, but I don't need luck. You are no match to my superior skill."

"Ha! I'm every bit as good at swordfighting as you are!" I replied.

Nick hid a smile, almost as though he knew something I didn't. For a moment all you could hear was our swords clashing, but suddenly he twisted his sword near the hilt of mine, and despite my firm hold it went clattering to the ground.

"How did you do that? That was amazing!"

He took a step closer to me. "Glad you liked it. I can show you how to do it if you'd like."

I shook my head. "No, I want to see you do it again. I'd like to figure it out on my own."

"As you wish princess." He said in a-dare I say it-husky voice.

I gave him a strange look. I couldn't deny that the way he'd been acting lately had made me a little uncomfortable, but I tried to tell myself it was just nerves. What kind of nerves I don't know, but that's the excuse I came up with.

I took my stance, more determined than before, especially since I knew what he was planning. Yet once again, he twisted his sword just right and it fell out of my hands.