The atmosphere instantly shifted.The pirates raised their heads and looked at me, confused. The nobles continued their mumblings. My family, especially James and Gonzalo, turned to me. Their heavy gaze drilled down on my back.I did my best to maintain my composure. But my inner emotions were too tense, it was about to explode. And all I could do was to slowly grip onto my chair.My page resumed, “As the future ruler of Western Wind, I was taught to listen to my people and their needs. And these pirates are no different. They only want to provide for their families. But their abilities - their knowledge - were limited to the sea. And with no one to assist them, they resorted to violence.“Therefore, I changed my punishment from death to absolute exile. I hereby banish them to the northern borders of Western Wind. No one is to step in or out from the forgotten island but the ruling monarch. Signed, Robert Dex.”The nobles stood up in uproar as my page stepped aside. The pirates looked

Pride. Joy. Contentment. Relief.A sudden flush of emotions rushed through my body as I watched everything unfold.The guards assisted the pirates as they built the foundation of their new homes. Some of the guards helped the families as they went through their supplies. The smiles on their faces were gratifying to see.And somehow, this sight gave me a reason to be proud of my decision. Especially during this difficult time in my life.It wasn’t as simple as it looked like. It wasn’t about a cheap pardon for those who tortured me. I only wanted to return what was wrongfully taken from them: a life.However, a part of me still wished that I could do more for them. As much as I wanted for them to live amongst our people, it wasn’t a possibility. I knew all too well that society would never allow such a thing. Even if that was who the pirates truly were: our people.I also didn’t want to cause more trouble than what I already did. I already gave James enough of a headache to ponder upon

Elizabeth grabbed onto the wall and spread out her shield; a desperate attempt to save the room.As the commotion died down, Elizabeth let go and fell limp.“Elizabeth!” I panicked as I caught her in my arms.Elizabeth groaned as her nose bled. I pulled out my handkerchief and wiped the red liquid off her face.“Why would you use too much of yourself?” I scolded Elizabeth.Elizabeth coughed as she held the cloth in place. “If I didn’t do that, then all of us would have perished. And this room would have exploded,” she argued amidst her groans. “And besides, I’ve meditated for years, cultivating myself. I am well-prepared for these kinds of situations.”A loud thud came from the centre of the room. We looked and saw James, with Mother in his arms, lifeless on the cold floor.Immediately, we rushed towards them. We shook them both in an attempt to awaken them. I wiped off any blood that dripped from their noses and mouths. Meanwhile, Elizabeth checked them for their pulses.“Are they al

That was the answer I feared to hear.I couldn’t believe how James was absolutely confident in his decision. Without any hesitance, he simply left the overall governance of our kingdom to Gonzalo? The time of our return was uncertain. The same can be said for Mother’s recovery, as well as Elizabeth’s.“Are you sure that Gonzalo can handle everything? That seems to be a lot of trust and responsibility, placed on one’s shoulders,” I expressed my doubt.James then explained, “I already explained everything that he needs to do. Gonzalo is aware of what he can and cannot do. Also, based on the amount of time that he remained by my side, Gonzalo is all-too-familiar with how I manage everything.”I stared at James, baffled and shocked. The amount of time that he and Gonzalo spent together shouldn’t be the basis of one’s confidence in another. And with how Gonzalo has acted recently, I didn’t expect that James would still trust him to that extent.However, I understood why James had to make t

The eyes of each soldier widened in horror, especially the captain.I shouldn’t have to suggest this in the first place. As the heir to a kingdom, I was to be protected and surrounded by soldiers at all costs. However, if we remained here and argued endlessly, we wouldn’t be able to leave this place.As much as I was supposed to be protected, I should assure them that all would be well. If I stayed at the back, they wouldn’t proceed. The sight of the tunnel’s mouth already scared them.What more if we ventured further into the dark, shadow-covered path?Without another word, I headed towards the entrance.“Your Highness,” the captain called as he ran up to me. Blocking the tunnel, he protested, “You shouldn’t be at the front. It is too dangerous for you.”“A king stands at the front line, leading his soldiers to battle. As future king, shouldn’t I do the same?” I asked.The captain replied, “You’re only a prince at the moment, Your Highness. Your position is too fragile.” He continued