Blossom in Full Bloom (Book 4: The Pink Blossom Series)

Bon Voyage

When everything was caught up,... paperwork... meetings, the King and his family left Wistal. The days went like a blur, after that. I knew I would be given the new jurisdictions and duties, in a week's time.

I thought it would be nice to have a break in the port town. This time, I asked Father for permission. I didn't want to get in anymore trouble, right now.

He agreed, so I would have to be back before the sun went down, it was an unsaid rule. That gave us a lot of time to get out there and enjoy.

After informing my attendants of my plans, we headed out on horseback.

The ride was still awkward for Desti and I. I still didn't know what to say to him. Desti was most likely confronted by King Izana, as well. Which would explain his silence towards me. I didn't know how long I had felt this way about him, but I couldn't imagine, going through life without him.

We arrived in the port town and we all felt quite hungry. Desti volunteered to get us something to eat, while we browsed through town.

"Anything you might be looking for?" Kat asked.

"Not unless they are selling wakizashis." I answered.

"You are doing well. Your technique is improving, but you still need to increase your speed though." I listened as she continued on, to explaining more technique. I was sure that these moves weren't going to be difficult to learn either.

Something caught my eye, at the docks. It looked strangely familiar. Wait a second... I've seen that ship before!

"Hey, Kat! Isn't that your ship?!" I pointed out, while still staring at it.

"What?!" She was caught with surprise.

"That is it, right?" I had to be sure. She would know if it was her ship. I was only on it once.

"Yeah... That's it." When Kat confirmed it, I got a great idea.

She has a ship, that means we could go anywhere by sea. Even Obral! It's perfect! "Then let's get my own wakizashis from Obral!" I insisted. No way, was I passing up this chance to get my own.

I left towards her ship. I assumed she would follow me, sooner or later. I climbed aboard it, marvelling at it. The men all stopped and stared at me. It looked like they were about to force me off the ship. A man walked over to me, demanding me to explain why I was here. Kat stepped in, leaving everyone in surprise.

"Kat?!" The man was shocked at Kat's sudden appearance.

"I'll explain everything later, but first..." Kat was talking to him, but I tuned it out.

I was having a good look at the ship and the crew, but then I snapped back at her halting voice. "... take us out of port! Now!" Why was she ordering them around like that. That is the job of the captain isn't it? Unless... she is the captain.

"Yes Ma'am!" The men answered.

A whistle was blown and many more men appeared.

I made my way to the bow of the ship after we left port. I looked out to the horizon and felt the wind blow through my hair. I felt like I might fly away. Especially, when the ship increased it's speed.

"It feels amazing, doesn't it?" I hadn't even noticed that Kat was standing next to me. She seemed to have longed for this too, not that I blame her. Before I met her, this was her life.

"Mhm." I closed my eyes, taking in the scent and the sensation on my face, welcoming it wholeheartedly.

"Captain!" I heard someone call to Kat. I guess I was right, she is Captain.