All is Fair in Love and Piracy

Chapter 3

  I woke up alone in my bed. I dressed quickly in my shoes and cloak not caring about my appearance. I ran towards the dock where I knew my Laurence would be helping load the ship for departure. I couldn't help but carry nerves for my dream. It had seemed so real and true that I could not help but to question it. I could not bear to loose him. He was the only thing keeping my heart from shattering after my mothers death. He was my best friend. I would do whatever it takes to protect him. I arrived at the docks and saw the crew for the ship loading crates that were to be sent to nearby islands and country's. The country of Les Vagues may be small but we are plentiful we have the perfect climate and soil for growing all kinds of plants and animals. I spotted Laurence standing to the side staring at the ship. I walked over to him and hugged him. I noticed him jump a little but quickly regain composure when he saw it was me.

  "Don't you need to place your stuff aboard?" I asked him. He smiled at me seeing that I was in a better mood than last night.

  "I am not bringing much. Everything I need is already on board my love. We will be leaving on about half of an hour" he spoke and I sighed as I held him. Too soon I had to let go because the ship was ready to leave. I had just gotten engaged and now I must let him go. Before the wedding was supposed to be spent by each others sides not an ocean apart. I stood on my toes and gave him the biggest kiss I could give. I held it for a few seconds longer than I should have because letting go was too hard. I needed him safe. I need it.

  "Be safe Laurence. I need you to come back for me. We still have so many adventures to take together. I love you" I said to him and he smiled confidently.

  "I will be safe my darling fin. I love you more than the moon loves the stars" he said as they yelled for him to get on board. He quickly swept my into his arms and kissed me before he walked onto the ship. I let a tear fall with fear for his life. I watched him and he watched me until we were both far enough apart where we could not see each other any longer. I turned around rubbing my eyes as I made eye contact with a man. He looked to be in his mid 20s with darker hair and hazel eyes. He nodded in my direction then looked away. I felt a chill run down my back. The ship behind him was a smaller ship but looked as if it were designed for speed. There was a small crew of about four or five men that I could see. I looked up to the flag and let my mouth widen at the emblem.

  "Pirates" I spoke softly as I looked around for the man I made eye contact with earlier. We are a peaceful country where being a pirate is pardoned temporarily in exchange for peace. We have never had an issue with a pirate attack but then again we haven't seen pirates on our shores since my mother was alive. I pulled my hood up and made my way closer to the ship. The closer I go the more my nerves because unsettled. There was a moment where I paused before a hand rested on my shoulder. I jumped and turned around quickly to come face to face with the man.

  "I understand you have a temporary pardon on piracy is that right princess?" He asked me in a kind gentle voice. I wouldn't never expect a pirate to be so polite.

  "Yes sir" I sputtered out. I saw the man smile a little but nod.

  "Thank you. Your country is doing us a great kindness" he said as he walked towards his ship. I turned towards the castle and briskly walked to the closest entrance. As soon as I was out of sight I sprinted to the throne room to my father. He was luckily alone having a late breakfast.

  "Father" I yelled. He peeked up and set his piece of bread down as he listened. "There are pirates" I breathed out. "The captain... he approached me and thanked us for the pardon" I said feeling oddly excited. He sat up straight and smiled softly.

  "It seems they are not causing any harm my daughter. We will treat them as we treat our own citizens. With respect and kindness." I smiled at him as he made a decree. I was walking out when I felt the surge of loneliness hit me. He was gone. Lost at sea until word sends that he has reached his destination. I could only hope and pray that he was okay. As I made my way down the halls two of the cooks children ran up to my tugging on my skirt.

"The pirates. They talk of the lost relic. Princess the relic is real!" They exclaimed to me happily. I smiled and patter there little heads before thanking them and bidding then farewell. I walked to my room where I was determined to stay until I received word from my love.

  Days had passed and I was held to my vow. I stayed in my room until I got a letter from Laurence. I hurriedly opened the delicate envelope hoping that it was a writing from my love. He was safe. My dream was just that, a dream.

I unfolded the note and was met with unfamiliar handwriting.

Princess Delephine Anne-Marie Dentel,
We are contacting you from the country of Luciva on behalf of sir Laurence James Cartel and his family. We sadly regret to inform you that Mr. Cartel has been discovered in a sleep-like state on the shores of our island. His ship and crew were not discovered. We have been unable to awaken him from this slumber though his heartbeat is still there. We currently have our best medical professionals on the way to his aid so we have good expectations. We welcome you to travel to our island if you see necessary.
King Lipton 3rd.

My hands began to shake. He was injured. He was in danger and I was unable to prevent him from it. My love. My dream...

"My dreams was real" I said softly. I grabbed the nearest thing I could and threw it at my door. "They did this to him." I said raising my voice. I called my handmaid into my room. I had her help me out of my clothing and into a pair of riding pants and a plain white button up shirt. I slipped on my boots and grabbed my cloak putting it on as well. I was going to find them. I rushed to the throne room with my letter and barged in. I no longer cared for my fathers guests. There were two young men in the room. They looked to be merchants from our town. When they saw it was me they bowed as I walked past. I quickly handed the note to my father. "If you gentleman don't mind. I need to see my father for a while. It won't take long I just need to make a request." I said and they both excused themselves and left the room.

"Darling what is this about" My father spoke bitterly. I could tell he was irritated with me. I pointed at the letter which he began to read. When he finished he looked at me with wide eyes and said the only thing I needed to hear. "Go to him"

"Thank you father." I said bidding him farewell and hurriedly walking out the doors. I was not to follow my fathers instructions but rather my mothers. I ran back to my room grabbing a small pouch of money that I kept in my room in case I needed it. I looked around for anything that I may need and a glimmer if silver caught my eyes.

I looked over my mother sword which sat above my bed with such awe. It was a long silver sword with a handle designed to be covered in intricate waves. There was a sudden feeling in my gut as if pulling me towards the sword. I stood on my bed and grabbed the hilt of it pulling it off of its resting place. I touched the blade against my fingers feeling the sharp edges press into my fingertip. Without thinking I attached it to my hip and ran out of my bedroom door.

My eyes held a look of determination and I began to leave the castle. They would not get away with this. I would find the relic. I will save my fiancé. The pirates will pay. I pulled my hood up over my head as I left the castle. The sun held high beating its strong rays of light down on me. I felt a strong gust of wind push me forward towards my desired destination. When I reached my goal I saw two men boarding the small ship. There seemed to be no one else around other than them so I quickly followed being sure to make the smallest amount of noise as possible. The men entered an area below deck while I hid behind two crates that were backed up into a corner.

I needed to wait until the boat left the shore until I would reveal myself. I needed to find this relic. So I would follow the only lead I had. I had boarded the pirate ship.