Chapter 27 UNKNOWN INTENTIONS

Sixteenth hour

Waters of Ramenia

A ship drifts through the raging sea, on deck the ship a company of Knights vested in purple armor struggle to keep the sail of the main mast and foremast in order. By the starboard, close to the bridge, Prince Phil stood still, clenching hard on the shrouds while gazing at the beauty of the setting sun. “You are pretty good at hiding your fears Prince.” Barbra assured as she approached Phil

“It’s not good enough if you noticed”

As soon as Barbra got to Phil, she clings unto his hand, “First time at sea?”

“First….First time on a ship actually” Phil spoke confidently, trying to keep the pressure arousing through him on check

“I find that fascinating and hard to believe”

“I get that a lot, on so many things”

“Then there’s more to you that meets the eye.”

“You will be very disappointed Commander”

“Let’s start with you calling me Barb other than Commander”

“I’ll do so when you start calling me Phil”

“Fair enough”

“Now I’m curious as to how you ventured your way into the courts of high men and attained second in command”

“The men stood no chance against me”

“Interesting, I would like to try that out myself”

“Anytime Phil, besides you should try the sea food, they are great.”

“Will do just that”

Barbra gazed at Phil then drew her lips closer to his ear, “I’m intrigued on seeing a Prince who loses sight of his fears because he’s under pressure from standing too close to a woman” she whispered softly then walks away.

Phil gazed at Barbra as she treads towards the struggling Knights then he smiled before looking back at the sea. Like it was planned, Tony and Sri Ivan approached Phil then stood beside him, staring at his cheerful expression. “She will make a great princess” Tony suggested

“Ohh yes she would” Phil agreed then realizes what he had said “What? No, no-no” Tony and Sri Ivan immediately burst out in laughter, coercing Phil to glare at them “I will have your heads” he counted his words

“He’s fully into her” Phil said confidently

“I agree with you Tony” Ivan supported with a straight face

“Really? You two have been watching me?”

“Just give the order your highness and I’ll deliver the message of your undying love to her.” Tony spoke with passion

“There is no love dying Tony, you are being too nice, nothing good will come from it.”

“Come on Phil, I’m trying to be of help here.”

“No” Phil rejected then treads towards the cabin underneath the bridge

“I’m serious Phil” Tony assured as he follows Phil “I’ll do anything you ask”

“Permission to cut Tony down your highness” Sri Ivan asked

“Granted”

“Sri Ivan you traitor”

Mid-day

Kingdom of Lance

Lance Castle compound

King Eric and Prince Richard strolled through a garden of rose discussing, when their attention was suddenly drawn to a fair skin, tall slim Sri, with short curly blond hair; riding towards them with haste. Immediately the Sri got to the garden he dismounts his horse then bows with a knee touching the ground, “My lord, your highness” he greeted

“Rise Roderick” King Eric ordered

“I have a report from the harbor” Roderick said as he straightens up

“Go on” King Eric ordered

“Three days ago, three ships suddenly went up in flames”

“Three ships can’t just go up in flames Sri Roderick” Richard assured

“Then this was a well-planned incident, was there any outside ship.”

“Yes my lord, a ship from North Farancia”

“King Isaac’s Kingdom?” Richard asked curiously “I find that strange”

“Have you sent a report to their harbor?” King Eric asked hastily, trying to cover up Richard’s question

“No my Lord, there were warriors on board the ship when it went up in flames”

“How could you tell?” asked King Eric

“Through the armor on the burnt up bodies”

“We need to report to North Farancia father”

“Agreed, take charge of the lost goods on our ships Roderick; I’ll take care of King Isaac.”

“One more thing my Lord”

“What?” King Eric asked curiously

“A man named Rashik Lum-at was caught fleeing the burning ships the night it happened. He testified to being involved in the act as well as the chaos of the second district”

“Permission to interrogate him personally, father.”

“Do what you will Richard, but he must be executed publicly in two days’ time.”

“Walk with me Sri Roderick” Richard proposed as he steps further into the garden