ENDLESS SAIL

1st, CHAPTER

The guards were already too late when they arrived at the scene. They searched the bushes but I knew it was too late. He had escaped, I have let the vile man roam the castle grounds. And it was my fault! I had help him get out of that ropes!

I looked down, ready to order the royal soldiers to go and hunt the man but they had their mouths open when they glanced up at me.

The royal princess... in nothing but silky evening dress, hair in complete tangles, a unflattering scowl sculpted on her delicate face, feet planted apart, and hands gripping tightly on a crossbow.

❝ CHAPTER 001,
S W A L L O W E D. ❞

"How is my father?" My voice echoed in the equally hollowed and spacious space of the chamber. Four pair of eyes greeted me. A particular pair of eyes looked guarded and careful, as if waiting for an ounce of mistake─a mistake that would come from me. But this is the castle. This is our kingdom. This is my territory. I do not make mistakes, even if it was, it would be considered right.

I set the rules and standards, not follow them. Again, this is my territory. She doesn't belong here, and she would understand in a matter of seconds. I would make sure of that. She'll have no choice but to bow down and remove that sly smile on her face.

The said person bowed and curtisied when I reached their area, as if it was enough to mask its true intentions. Even when distressed, I am expected to mind my manners─atleast every royal princess are expected to do so─and I guess the same goes for her as well.

Showing emotions and expressions might just cost you your life in this game we're all participating in, if you're not careful.

And I intend to survive.

"I greet you, Your Highness."

I curtisied in return. "Aunt Senara," once I am queen, I am not expected to bow down to anyone else except to the king. I would relish my aunt's reaction to it, but before then, I must wait and be patient. As I've always been. "I see you have visited my father."

I look to the side and there laid my father, looking paled and sweat beads forming on his forehead and neck.

"As soon as I heard, I came immediately." She replied with a straight voice, face impassive. We both know the face and expression hiding that mask. She must be delighted to see my father's situation.

I grit my teeth and nodded once, saying nothing more. I did not come here to listen to her, I had come to check my father's progression. But I just had to ask her. . . about a secret. . . that only me and the royal physician knew.

Or atleast that is what I know for now. Now that she's here, flesh and all, I must make sure that she learned nothing.

"And where did you hear this news?"

It was so quiet you might as well hear a pin drop if it were to fall. The tension could be felt in the air. But Lady Senara refused to back down from my accusing glare.

"I'm his sister. I have the right to know if my brother is sick─"

"Your King." I corrected. "He is your King." I walk to my father beside his bed, and took one long look at his frail body before looking back at my aunt. "Is that your explanation?"

"Corinthia, I know that you're weary and in panic but you must be calm for the sake of your father. . . the King."

"In panic?" I chuckled disheartedly. "I assure you, I am perfectly calm and relaxed. Nothing is going to happen to my father." Even my ears could determine the lies that passed through my own lips.