Fair Warning, This is pure fiction and grammar isn't the best since English isn't my first language. Please be advised.

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Isla Bonita: 1877

Crystal

His dark piercing eyes bore into mine, causing my heart to tremble. His tall frame loomed over me. Already considering myself to be rather short, I felt like a child in front of him, my head just reaching his shoulders.

“You’re coming with me.” His voice was deep and mesmerizing; the words seemed to hum in his throat before they escaped his pursed lips. He had a strong accent with a slight lith to it. I gulped heavily, taking a step back and shaking my head.

He has the wrong person. He has the wrong person, my mind kept screaming in fear. I lifted my eyes upwards, daring a glance at him through my veil. The first thing that caught my attention were his eyes. I had never seen such deep silver eyes in my life. I had the strange feeling that he could see straight into my soul, and I didn’t like it at all. It was like he was invading my privacy, delving into my deepest thoughts.

“Save the princess!” Someone’s voice bellowed in the background, under all the ruckus of the fight.

He moved closer to me, pressing the tip of his sword against the top of my elegant white dress before ripping it in two with a yank. My eyes widened in pure shock

“Now that’s more like it, hate royal dresses, too much of a mess,” he said in a monotone. Fear thrummed through my veins as he once again moved closer to me.

“Who... What do you want from me?” my voice cracked. The strange man lowered his stance tilting his head to the side as his silver eyes turned darker. A smirk had blossomed across his sun-tanned face before he answered.

“What do I want from you? Nothing, my dear witch, but you just became my hostage and sure as hell, I will make your father pay.”

My heart stopped at his words.

Before I continue with anything, I need to go back, back to this morning, where everything, and I mean everything, changed for me. The story of how I, Crystal Bay the daughter of a farmer and a housewife, ended up meeting the strangest and most mysterious man I have ever met in my life and how he changed my world.

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“Crystal, raise your arms a bit higher you’re giving your attacker too much power over you. You’re leaving your head open to a fatal blow. Keep your shoulders loose and your sword high, that will protect your face and draw more power to your blade when you slice down,” my brother Alex instructed me as he placed his hand under my arm lifting it a fraction higher. I nodded at him before cutting my stick through the air. I could feel his eyes following my movements, and I relaxed a little as I turned to face him.

“Thanks,” I replied, truly grateful for his guidance. I lowered my stick, finished with the day’s lesson. He simply shrugged at me and began walking slowly toward the well that sat next to our small cottage home.

“You’re very good at fighting, better than me,” he contemplated, as I kept pace next to him, nervously rubbing my hands together.

“Well, I have a great teacher,” I told him as my cheeks flamed red in embarrassment from his offhanded comment. Alex chuckled, pulling the rope firmly to raise the water bucket. I lifted my gaze and smiled genuinely at my older brother who I happened to admire greatly. He was very handsome with long brunette hair, dark chocolate eyes, a narrow nose, and thin lips. Very tall with broad shoulders and strong cheekbones that he had inherited from my mother. Compared to him, or anyone, I’m just a plain pitiful woman. All I know is how to harvest and to fight.

My brother had an outgoing personality while I shied away from people. While Alex courted women, I hid from men. All I wanted was to hide myself away and read all the books that God could provide.

“That’s right, you have an amazing teacher,” he agreed,

“What Mom and Dad don’t know won’t kill them,” he faux whispered, patting my head and causing me to slouch away.

“Oi, don’t pat my head. I hate anyone touching me,” I grunted as I rubbed the top of my skull. Alex rolled his eyes and donned a knowing smirk as he finished pulling.

“I know if you keep that up, no men will want you.”

“I don’t want to fall in love or marry. My love is in books and not some reality that will never happen.” I said as I watched him cup his hands inside the bucket to take a sip.

“That is why you will remain a spinster for the rest of your life. Especially after what happened with him long ago,” he murmured the last words under his breath, but I could hear well enough.

Him? Who’s Him? I wonder but turned around to leave him be.

“Where are you going?” He yelled after me. I shrugged at him not having not yet decided upon a destination quite yet.

“Away from you. You don’t have to point out the obvious.” I hissed, deciding to head for our cottage. I sighed once more, looking up at the cloudy sky, before placing my hands on my hips.

It felt as if there was something missing in my life. Why didn’t I remember much about my past? I tried hard, to remember. I wondered if I had been in some sort of accident in the past that would account for my absence of memories. Since the age of eleven, I had forgotten much of my life. I only remembered most of my childhood. And, it felt like I was waiting, but waiting for what?

That bothered me daily, but I tried to accept it and go on normally with my life. Either way, my heart felt empty because of my lack of memories.

“Take out the sack of rice out the back.” my mother, a tall, lean, beautiful woman yelled from the kitchen, snapping me out of my thoughts. I sighed, shaking my head.

Maybe it is nothing.

“Yes, mother.” I blew my sweaty hair away from my forehead and headed to my right in the direction of the ajar door.

Our cottage was small. We had only three beds, one for my parents, one for me, and one for my brother. Each bed was in a separate room. The front room was large. Next to it there sat a small kitchen with a burner and a back door. Within the kitchen, there was a dining table and four brown wooden chairs.

The best thing about our cottage was the trees that surround it. No one really came to visit unless Mama or Papa invited friends over because it was in the woods and not easy to find.

As I approached the door, I picked up the large brown bag that was leaned against the wall, swinging it over my shoulder as I went.

“Papa brought a lot of rice this time around.” I moved toward the kitchen, my mother stopped her chopping and turned to look at me. Her light green eyes sparkled brightly as she smiled. My eyes were the one good feature I got from my mother.

I have dark green eyes, and for that reason I love them. I think it is the only appeal I have.

“He grew lots of crops this year,” she said as she turned, her dark curly hair bounced along. I rolled my eyes.

“Every day is the same. Papa goes to work while you stay behind and watch over us. You know I’m twenty-four, and Alex is twenty-six we aren’t children any longer.”

“In a mother’s eyes, you are never too old. I still see you both as children. Besides Alex is going to marry soon so I’ll just enjoy the last bits I have with him before his fiancée takes him away from me.” Something in her tone seemed sad. I frowned, lowering my head.

“Don’t worry mama. I will never leave you.” I dropped the sack of rice and moved to wrap my arms around her waist, placing my cheek on her warm back.

“Silly girl, you have to be wed someday. Remember, marry off with love, and let him respect you and treasure you, okay?”

“I know. I need to love him dearly then. I won’t marry at all. I will always be by your side.” A strange, eerie sensation passed through my heart.

As if on cue, a loud gunshot sounded, causing my mother and I to jump in fright.

“Please, your Highness,” a male voice pleaded at the front of the entrance. Without hesitation, we rushed out, and right before our eyes the king of our lands stood in front of our cottage next to his beautiful white horse.

“Mr. Bay, taxes are taxes, and yours were overdue long ago. I want the money I gave you paid off, and that’s an order,” The king said. I turned to face the old king. His hair was gray and curly, his eyes were a dark color, and his face wrinkled when he smiled. He was wearing the most expensive clothes I had ever seen. Dark black tight pants and a red jacket.

“I don’t have the money, give us a week, one more week,” my father begged falling to his knees to bow down in mercy. My eyes widened, and I moved closer to him.

“Papa, don’t do that, he’s a worthless king. He won’t...” I knew I had made a mistake as I heard a hiss coming from the king. My father lifted his aging face, his dark brown eyes pierced right through me, giving me a cold glance.

“Father,” I gulped, as I felt a tug on my hair, causing me to wince in pain.

“Insolent child, you dare speak to the king like that?” I turned to see an evil older man with dark skin and dark eyes.

“He is a terrible king. Most people of the land know that they are just too scared to speak up the truth.” I spat, but once again I had dangerously overstepped my boundaries. The next thing I knew my face had made contact with the ground. I found myself at eye level with the king’s feet. He bent his knees and grasped my chin to examine me. I tried to snatch my head away, but, it was no use, his grip tightened further.

“Ugly child, you have here, and I don’t mean her speech. I’ll teach her a lesson in respecting her elders. Mr. Bay, I shall take your daughter as payment and all your old debts are erased.” After making his decree he stood abruptly and mounted his horse, with a dark chuckle.

“Oh, pity one, your father just sold you to me,” he said.

I thought my heart had stopped beating.

Sold? What? My mind tried hard to process his words.

“Take her and lock her up with the rest of the slaves.” The king shouted.

“No, Jason do something!” my mother yelled at my father. I felt hands wrap around me and lift me up. The motion snapped me out of my spell and panic rose in my chest.

“Papa! Mama!” I yelled, looking back. My eyes were greeted with the sight of my father looking the other way, and my mother on her knees begging for him to stop them. A feeling erupted inside of me that I couldn’t even name.

“No, no, no, save me, save me,” I begged, as I tried to escape their grasp. But, the king’s men were too powerful for me to shake off, all logic had escaped my head. No use, I was sold, and my father hadn’t even lifted a finger to stop them.

I shed no tears as I rode in the small cart filled with other young girls. It broke my heart. I bit my lower lip, while I scraped the wooden floor with my fingernails. I could feel the cart bouncing rhythmically, causing our bodies to bounce up as well.

“I don’t want to go. I don’t want to be the king’s Concubine,” a young woman who looked to be in her late teens cried out beside me. An older woman moved next to her patting her back trying in vain to soothe her.

I felt numb; I don’t know how to process all that had happened. All I could feel was my heart thumping hard against the inside of my chest.

Did Papa sell me to that dirty king? Why? Those questions and hundreds more filled my head, but no answers would come. All I could keep seeing inside my mind was the vision of my Papa looking away from me as I was dragged away. My mother calling out to me. The memories repeating over and over again like a bad dream. Why couldn’t I just wake up?

I lifted my dead gaze to look at the other girls whose fate seemed to be linked with my own. Their dresses were covered with dirt. Their hair was messy and a foul stench hung in the air surrounding them. Was this what I was to become?

They must have been in that cart for days, compared to me. My heart broke for them.

The cart stopped abruptly, causing all of us to jerk forward, rather painfully. I actually hit my shoulder against the bars, eliciting a small whimper of pain from my lips.

“Eii,” I yelled, rubbing my elbow. This sudden pain caused me to awaken and I realize that soon I would be alone with the king. That this wasn’t a nightmare, but reality. The thought itself made me sick to my stomach.

God, please help me. I beg you. I don’t want to be his woman. Panic arose in my chest, the thought of that old man or any man touching me made my stomach churn.

“Welcome to your new homes, you filthy wenches,” one of the king’s guardsmen shouted as he opened the bars.

We were all chained together, so no one could escape even if they wanted to. I jumped down and moved forward to give space to the other girls. My eyes beheld an old gray castle. The surrounding field had the most beautiful green grass I had ever seen. Beyond the castle was an open ocean. Watching as the waves hit the shore I felt comforted, but I felt out-of-place at the same time.

“Welcome to hell. The king will treat each one with his total respect, starting with you,” the guardsman said as he grabbed my neck and pulled me back, causing me to wince in pain.

“After he cuts out that tongue of yours first,” he laughed cynically, as he let go of me. Without a word, I glanced out toward the ocean, then suddenly my vision went dim, my eyes blurred. I closed my eyes and shook my head trying to make out my surroundings.

Not again.

I opened my eyes once again, not daring to move. I think, I saw a large ship, but it was hard to tell since a large fog had appeared from covering the waters.

“Start moving wench.” I heard the guardsman say as he shoved me forward, not noticing the ship coming back in sight.

Bayou

“Captain Bayou, we are too close,” I heard one of my crew members shout, as the rough seas made my ship, plunge down, as though we were going to sink at any moment. I leaned forward, placing my foot on top of the smooth plank, and grasped the rope of my flag. I took out my telescope and peak through it. I can see his castle,I smirked widely, anticipating the thrill of the night, feeling it rushing into my blood.

I move my telescope to the right, only to see a group of girls being forcefully pushed by the king guardsmen towards the back of the castle. I sigh, lowering my telescope and shrug it off.

“Oh, I’m going to get my witch soon!” I silently sang, turning to face my crew before I jumped down, and made my way towards the wheel.

“Head straight mate, we wouldn’t want to miss our princess’s engagement party. After all, they need the guest of honor to attend. I’ll make sure this engagement party will be one that no one forgets,” I yelled with enthusiasm, making everyone laugh in joyful laughter.

I turned to stare at the castle once again.

“We will have a hell of a time tonight.”

Finally, we reach land, and I couldn’t be any happier.

The wind picked up, in the crisp autumn night. I could almost taste the spices of it on my tongue. The sound of the waves was music to my ears. Waiting has been one of the most pleasurable things in life, just waiting for the right moment and for everything to turn out the way I wanted it to, instead of rushing toward it.

I rubbed the bottom of my stubbly chin, while I leaned against the back wall of the castle, hiding from the king’s Guardsman.

“Are you sure no one can spot our ship?” My father, Max, asked as he snuck up to me. He kept looking about in frantic paranoia trying to determine if we were being followed. I turned toward my right, seeing a large dark rock off the coast, and concealed behind it, my ship. Not even a speck could be seen.

“If it is, then you can sail it next time.” I challenged. Max’s brown eyes widened at my challenge.

“Hell, that would be a treat, you never let anyone aboard Hart without reason or sail it. Deal.” He stretched out his right hand, I glanced down and took it, a smirk forming on my lips.

“Aye mate, she is after all my only love. Let see,” I only stated, looking straight into the brown eyes of the only close friend I have in this God forsaken world.

“You live a sad life considering the ship as your love. It’s a shame really, and here I raised you, and you treat me like I’m just an old shoe, I should hit you,” he grumbles, but then he goes quiet, taking a hold of the end of his hat and tilting it down.

“Quiet, someone is coming,” he whispered hastily. I chuckled silently tilting forward to look at the side.

“Those old dog ears of yours haven’t failed you yet.” I teased, grasping my sword and pulling it up. Max made a grunting noise but didn’t bother with a retort.

From the shadows, one of the king’s guardsman appeared in sight, wearing his red uniform and a ridiculous over the top, black hat. Without hesitation, I moved swiftly and took out my sword getting into a defensive position.

“Bayou, no killing allowed,” Max yelled out while I caught my prey by surprise. The guardsman stopped and our eyes locked.

“E’llo there mate, what a beautiful night we are having don’t you think?” I teased.

“Stop right there,” he yelled, I rolled my eyes and sighed.

Like I haven’t heard that one before. Will they never learn? Without hesitation, I moved my feet rapidly hitting the guardsman with the butt of my sword, knocking him unconscious.

“You know how to spoil a good, fun,” I spat, turning to head deeper into the castle. Max rolled his eyes, and took off his hat, showing his long, dark, black hair, streaked with white. Even though he was obviously older than me, he was still young-looking. Strong cheekbones, and a somewhat flat nose, with very thin lips. I could start seeing some lines around his eyes, though.

“Is my job Bayou, is my bloody job. Good boy, you didn’t kill any people today,” he said in a mocking tone.

I just rolled my eyes at him. He shook his head, but I didn’t say anything else, stopping at the edge of the opening of the castle, I watched as most of the locals, or the high-class anyway, draped in their fancy clothes and heavy makeup, handed their invitations to the guardsmen. Everywhere those damn guardsmen surrounded the castle.

Max whistled out.

“Security is tight tonight, how do you plan on passing that mate?” he asked, I smirked, as I adjusted my annoying tie. I was wearing a patronizing black dress coat and vest. I felt claustrophobic wearing so many clothes so tightly.

“When I give you the signal, you and the rest barge in,” I told him while I walked forward picking out my victim. Max’s eyes narrowed.

“Hey you bastard, how the hell am I suppose to- Oh, Whatever, you’re always a dic...” but his words were cut off from my ears when I found my victim. She was standing next to an old narrow tree, which faced the entrance gates. An elegant beauty. Her dark hair was tied in a bun, and she was wearing a ravishing green gown, now, if I could just take off her elegant gown, and make her wear some pants and my shirt, then she would look outstanding. I licked my lips, liking the idea.

But there was no time for those thoughts, I moved rapidly, looking down and changing my facial expression into one of confusion and disarray.

“Damn it, where did that invitation go.” I bumped into the young woman, causing her to tumble forward.

“Excuse me?” she asked irritated by my conduct. I turned, giving her a nervous laugh.

“Sorry, I’m not being a gentleman. My mind is most scattered, to not notice such a beautiful woman on my path.” I told her. Her expression changed, as her thin cheeks tinted red.

“Is all right, did you lose something? I heard you murmuring to yourself.” I smiled at her brightly, turning on all my innocent charm and rubbing the back of my head.

“My invitation, you see I have my fiancé waiting inside with her father. I lost my invitation somewhere. I swear I had it in my ****** pocket when I left the carriage earlier.” I lied to her.

Her dark brown eyes dropped in a petulant way. I mentally cheered.

Got yah, my smile spread even further.

“Oh, I have my fiancé, I am waiting for him, but I can get you in.” Now was my chance to act.

“Oh? You don’t have to, is too much trouble, I will handle my own.”

She shook her head.

“No, it’s okay. You mustn’t let your fiancé wait.” I bowed, placing my right arm in front of my stomach.

“You are an Angel. God will bless you many times.” I praised, making her smile.

“You’re too much, let’s go,” she waved her hand in front of her face.

“Only telling the truth,” I added more sugar to the coating. I moved my arm indicating for her to slide her own under. She glanced up at me, and I gave her an encouraging smile.

“It is the least I can do. I wouldn’t be a gentleman if I didn’t. Plus, I won’t bite... much.” I played it off with a wink. Her cheeks tainted even more as she nodded and linked her delicate arm underneath mine.

We walked up to the guardsman, and she smiled at him giving him her invitation which was elegantly handwritten on a tanned scroll, the guardsman took it and rolled it down, thoroughly inspecting it for authenticity.

“Enjoy the party.” Was his only acknowledgment. I nodded at him and turned toward the young lady.

“Stay outside and wait for your fiancé, when he comes, go and sight-see with him. Is a gorgeous night plus these balls usually are a bore. Come a few minutes before King Drake announces his daughter’s engagement.” I warned her. I didn’t want her to see what was going to take place here soon. The least I could do for her kindness was to keep her out of harm’s way. Her eyes sparkled.

“That’s a great idea and so romantic. Thank you,” she said, turning to face the guardsman.

“My friend will enter. I will stay a little longer outside.” The guardsman nodded, stepping aside to let me through. I turned to face the woman. I bowed keeping my eyes fixed on the young woman.

“Thank you my fair lady.” I winked. I believed if she could have, she would have melted right then and there. Without a word, I adjusted my suit while a dark smirk spread across my lips. I cracked my neck to the side as I strode through the entrance.

Women are so gullible. Now, to find the one I’m after and make her father’s life a living hell.

The hallway was long and filled with guards. Finally, I had reached the large ballroom, made up of large painted windows all around, as well as many dancing partners, performing the waltz.

I rolled my fingers, as my eyes landed on the person I wanted, King Drake himself.

I bit my inner cheek, watching him laugh and enjoy this day.

Then my eyes landed next to him, to examine the girl standing in front of a white feathery chair.

A small figure, from what I could gather, she would mostly likely only reach up to my mid-chest, barely passing my shoulders.

She wore a long elegant dressing gown that shone in the candlelight. Upon her hands were white gloves and, oddly enough, a thick white lace veil which obscured any discernible view of her face. I went into the dancing throng of guests, trying hard not to stumble with them before finally reaching the front. I moved swiftly to position myself at the side of the stairs to better spy my prey.

She is a small thing. I thought she was taller from the rumors flying around. I crossed my arms, taking notice of how many times the princess rubbed her hands together. She looked nervous.

Maybe she is being forced? I licked my lips, keeping a close eye on her.

Let’s see if you survive with a pirate, you little witch.

Crystal

I can’t believe this. I can’t believe this. I am going to lose my life. I’m going to lose my life. See, books are safe, books are safe! I chanted in my head, nervously rubbing my hands together, my cheeks felt on fire. I hated, nay, loathed being the center of attention, being forced to watch some of the locals turning to stare at me, murmuring about how mysterious and beautiful I look.

Maybe if I unveil, they will run away? I am pretty ugly. A sudden funny picture appeared in my head, of them scampering away after seeing my ugly face. I mentally giggled. Then I heard the king’s laughter, snapping me back to reality. The fear came back two-fold.

I turned to stare at the king and gulped heavily once again. It had all started when I had entered this God-forsaken castle and met the princess two hours ago. I hated that woman already.

While we walked down the back of the castle, I heard complaints from the other girls. I kept my eyes straight forward, trying not to show any emotion at all. I felt like I should die at least. Tonight... Oh God, I had heard wretched stories about how the king stole a young girl’s innocence. I shivered, and my stomach lurched. I was to be his first victim in this. I had never thought my life would change in a matter of hours. I kept quiet until the guardsman grabbed my arm roughly. I bit down a painful groan and turned to face him.

“Don’t know why the king wants you first, thank goodness your tongue will be cut off,” he growled, abruptly shoving me inside of something. I grunted falling hard on my behind, atop the stone floor.

“This is your new home. The king will come by after the engagement party, enjoy.”

After all the girls had been placed inside, the guardsman shut the cell with a large pin lock. The other girls huddled together, while I moved toward the far corner, bunching my legs together. I was trying my hardest to keep strong. I knew I could not break. I had read books where the damsel in distress always cried and whined, which was a source of great annoyance to me, so I would not do that. I was better than that. No prince would save me. Heroes didn’t exist at all. My life wasn’t a fairytale, and I was facing one of the harshest realities of growing up. I was no royal. Just the daughter of a poor farmer and his wife.

I didn’t know how long it had been, but suddenly we all heard footsteps coming down the hallway. I lifted my face, and when I did, a woman stood there, looking straight at us.

“Bring them out!” she ordered.

The guardsman nodded, and opened the gates. One by one we all left the cell and stood to face the woman. She was elegant and beautiful. Her eyes were deep hazel, and her long blond hair was braided down her back. Her face looked like those beautiful dolls and was not natural. Her face was accentuated by her narrow nose and high cheekbones. She was wearing a long silver dress. She folded her hands before addressing us.

“Hmm,” she started, eyes searching each one of us.

“Can you help us?” A young woman asked in a pleading voice, as she started to cry. The woman stopped and turned to face her.

“I will permit for all of you to take a bath and eat. Save you all, I cannot, I can’t go against my father’s orders.” Now that caught us by surprise. I didn’t know it, but how could she be the princess?

“Princess Drea?” everyone said at the same time. She nodded, and then her eyes landed on me, my heart started to pound harder.

“Take them to the basement and make the maids attend to them, no one is allowed to lay a finger on these girls, but the woman with the green eyes stays behind.” I was taken aback at her sudden words.

Why me? Do I have a sign, saying pick on me for today? The guard nodded at her orders and bowed.

“Yes, princess.” With that, he released me and started to direct the other girls. As soon they left, the princess walked up and started to inspect me, placing her hand on her chin.

“Hmm, turn around,” she told me. I hesitated.

“I said turn around.” Her words became harsher.

“No. What do you want with me?” I asked her. She became agitated, she took a hold of my chin, forcing me to look at her.

“Don’t you dare speak to me in that tone,”

“Oh, like you can speak to me like that as well, last time I check we are all human. You need manners, spoiled princess or not.” I snapped at her. Oh, that ticked her off, her eyes hardened, and then she slapped me across my right cheek, snapping my head to the side with the force. I hissed in pain.

“Know your place, I am the princess of the lands, and you are an ugly peasant girl,” she spat, exhaled slowly, and her expression changed into a calmer visage.

“You will do, then. I want you to pretend to be me. I have to leave for the next three months. Keep your face covered and do not speak. If you are discovered, then you are on your own. My father will hang you if he finds out you are an imposter, but if you pull this off, I can guarantee your freedom.” She sounded honest and serious. I stared at her.

“I don’t I believe you,” I replied back, something in her look was dark, and I didn’t like it.

“Then don’t. You have no choice in the matter unless you want me to ask my father to take you now, it is no issue for me,” she shrugged without a care. My eyes narrowed at her words.

Does she even have a heart? I have no other choice. There is no way I will be going to his bed tonight. I’d rather die. With that thought swirling through my brain, I lowered my head in shame.

“Whatever you ask of me, princess.”

So now I stand next to my enemy, sweating badly. The ballroom was huge and elegant. The stone floor was polished finely and the room decorated with no expense spared. I had always thought my first ball would be a pleasant event, not that my only thought would be surviving it.

Never will I enter a ballroom ever again.

I could feel my cheek still burning from the princess’s slap earlier. What had I gotten myself into?

While everyone danced, I stood there feeling scrutinized but not by the civilians. It was like an unknown force was spying on me, sending prickles up the back of my neck. I shivered, not liking this at all. Was it not already enough that the king could catch me any moment? I tilted my head, in the direction I felt I was being watched from, but no one was looking. The closest person I could see was a young man wearing a dark suit who stood staring squarely at the dancing people, the opposite direction of my public prison. I frowned, lowering my head.

I’m being too paranoid.

“Now, now,” I heard King Drake finally speak as he stood from his royal chair, and clinked on his goblet with his ring. Everyone halted, even the musicians stopped playing.

“Thank you all for coming to my beautiful daughter’s engagement party. Come here my daughter,” he waved at me. I breathed in and out, trying to relax my heart that was beating frantically against my ribs. The whole ballroom began to clap as I slowly made my way over to him.

“The prince shall arrive at any moment, but I wanted to congratulate my daughter in advance.”

He turned to face me and stretched his arms out to grasp my veil.

Oh no, God, please help. I prayed. It seemed that God had heard my prayer, a gunshot echoed through the ballroom, causing everyone around to yell in panic. I didn’t know if I should breathe a sigh of relief or panic.

What is going on today! It has been nothing but utter madness from start to finish. I didn’t move an inch. All I could do was stare at the king with wide eyes.

“PIRATES!” someone yelled, snapping me out of my panic. The king and I turned to see the band of pirates surrounding the ball goers brandishing their swords at them. Everyone gathered around with fear.

“What the bloody hell is going on here?” King Drake screamed, I took the moment of distraction to take a step back, only to hear a dark laughter echoing on my right.

I turned to see a tall man wearing a pirate hat, his leg resting on top of the chair. He tilted his hat up before he spoke.

“Mate, before you announce your lovely daughter’s engagement, you must have the guest of honor to show up. Don’t ya think?” the man spoke with a deep accent.

“Who the hell are you?” King Drake snapped at the pirate.

“Who the hell I am? Aye, my king, I did come straight out of hell, to drag you back with me. If you value your soul, then hand me your precious daughter.”

He lowered his leg down swiftly and began to walk in my direction, reaching up to me. I felt frozen.

“Excuse me? Don’t you want gold? You haven’t answered my question.” The king placed his dirty hands on my shoulders. The pirate snapped his fingers, his eyes rolling to the ceiling.

“Gold? Oi forgot that small detail, thank you, my king for reminding me. You heard the king,” he shouted to his crewmates, and everyone shouts.

“AYE CAPTAIN!” I swallowed hard, when I saw the guardsman rushing onto the scene.

“Our king!” they all shouted.

“Don’t stand there you gits! Get rid of them.” I couldn’t avert my eyes away from the pirate. I was not sure who was worse him or the king.

Then I heard a war cry, the guardsmen, and the pirates had begun to fight. All the ball guests dropped down to the ground in panic as the guards and the pirates’ swords clashed.

I moved away from the king’s grasp, running toward my left, only to reach a dead-end.

“Stupid wall,” I grunted, hearing a low chuckle behind me.

“You can’t get away from me that easily, princess,” his voice rang deep. I turned around and plastered myself against the wall, heaving hard.

His dark piercing eyes bored into me, causing my heart to tremble, his tall appearance made me feel smaller than normal. I barely reached his shoulders.

“You’re coming with me.” His voice was deep and mesmerizing his accent a deep purr in his throat. I gulped heavily, taking a step back and shaking my head in protest.

He has the wrong person. He has the wrong person! My mind kept screaming in fear. I lifted my eyes upwards, daring a glance at him through my veil. The first thing that caught my attention were his eyes. I had never seen such deep silver eyes in my life. I had the strange feeling that he could see straight into my soul, and I didn’t like it at all. It was like he was invading my privacy, delving into my deepest thoughts.

“Save the princess!” someone’s voice bellowed in the background, under all the ruckus of the fight.

He moved closer to me, pressing the tip of his sword against the top of my elegant white dress before ripping it in two with a yank. My eyes widened in pure shock

“Now that’s more like it, hate royal dresses, too much of a mess,” he said in a monotone. Fear thrummed through my veins as he once again moved closer to me.

“Who... What do you want from me?” my voice cracked, the strange man lowered his stance tilting his head to the side as his silver eyes turned darker. A smirk had blossomed across his sun-tanned face before he answered.

“What do I want from you? Nothing, my dear witch, but you just became my hostage and sure as hell, I will make your father pay.”

My heart stopped at his words.

My body betrayed me, again, I couldn’t move, I felt frozen. He moved and wrapped his large arm around my waist, and hoisted me close to his chest, causing me to gasp in surprise.

“Little witch, please be a good princess, and be kidnapped in a decent matter,” he then hoisted me up as though I didn’t weigh anything and placed me on his shoulder.

“Put me down, you bloody pirate,” I shouted, wiggling hard. He just laughed.

“I wouldn’t move too much if I were you, you’re making me feel things I shouldn’t, but I don’t mind, doubt you do,” he teased, causing my eyes widen.

Then he turned to face the king. I couldn’t see what he was doing, but I could hear everything.

“You have a week, meet me at the Old Moon Island of Blood if you want your pure, innocent daughter back.”

“Don’t you dare kill her,” the king screamed at him. My eyes widened in pure shock when I felt his hand on my behind as he spanked it.

“Oi, you vile man!” I screamed, hitting his broad back. He just laughed, but I could feel his silver eyes turning dark.

“There’s far worse than death when a woman gets kidnapped by a pirate. You should know that since you do the same. So I don’t guarantee she will return to you pure as before.”

No. No. My heart and brain shouted.

“Pirate, you have the wrong person I’m not the princess,” I shouted, as I kept hitting his back, but nothing. He just started walking off, avoiding some of the king’s guardsmen, that tried to attack him.

“Stop lying. It’s bad manners to lie didn’t your father teach you that? Wait, never mind, and I told you, witch, be a good little girl and be quiet.” I lifted my gaze to see everyone fighting, while the king did the same, unable to come to me.

“I’m not lying, really, I’m not a princess, you’re kidnapping the wrong person,” I cried out, but my pleas fell on deaf ears, all I could think was that I was being kidnapped by a bloody pirate.