The Announcement

I lay down on the pallet, its worn fabric cradling my weary body. James carefully wrapped the thin blanket around us, his movements slow and deliberate. The night air was sharp, a biting chill that crept through every crack in the tent. In James’s embrace, warmth chased away the cold, his touch reassuring against the encroaching darkness.

Resting my head on his chest, I listened to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. Though he tried to hide it, I saw the brief flash of pain in his eyes as he shifted, the faint grimace betraying him. My gaze drifted to the narrow slash across his chest.

“James, are you in pain?”

He looked down at me, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

“I have survived worse, love,” he replied, attempting reassurance in his tone.

With a gentle hand, he lifted my chin, guiding my face toward his. His deep blue eyes held mine. At that moment, the world outside faded. It was just us. He rolled onto his side, wincing slightly but undeterred, pulling me closer into his protective embrace.


His lips brushed mine softly. The kiss was slow, deliberate—a quiet exchange of affection that made my heart race. His breath mingled with the cool night air, and as he carefully tucked a stray strand of hair behind my ear.

His fingers lingered on my cheek, as though memorizing every detail of my face. There was a deep, unspoken connection between us—one that words could never fully capture. In his arms, I felt safe, cherished, and loved in a way that seemed to transcend everything.

When he finally pulled away, the warmth of his touch lingered on my skin. I felt the blush rise to my cheeks under his gaze, those piercing blue eyes that saw right through me. He leaned in once more, kissing me with a tenderness that left me breathless.

“Get some sleep,” he murmured.
“We have a long day ahead.”

The next morning, a sudden commotion outside jolted me awake. Voices rose in alarm, hurried footsteps breaking the peaceful dawn. James and I sprang up, the remnants of sleep falling away as adrenaline surged through us. He grabbed his sword, its weight a familiar comfort, and we stepped out of the tent into the crisp morning air.

The camp was alive with tension. People gathered near the center, murmuring anxiously. James approached Thomas, his voice calm but edged with urgency.

“What is going on?”

Thomas turned to us, a mixture of relief and concern in his expression.

“Captain Blackthorn has been defeated,” he announced, the words hanging heavily in the air.
“The villagers of Vespera are calling for the return of their princess, offering a reward to anyone who brings her back.”

A ripple of excitement spread through the camp. James stepped closer to me, his hand finding mine, squeezing gently.

“We need to move quickly,” he whispered in my ear, his tone low.
“This changes everything.”

Thomas approached; his usual kindness was tempered by a hint of suspicion.

“Mind if I join you?”

James nodded, motioning for him to come closer. Thomas glanced between us; his brow furrowed.


“I’ve been thinking about the announcement,” he said, his voice casual, though probing.
“The news about Blackthorn and the reward for the princess.”

James and I exchanged a glance, sensing the direction of the conversation.

“It is a significant development,” James replied carefully.
“It changes a lot for everyone.”

Thomas nodded slowly, his gaze sharpening.

“It does.”
“I cannot help but notice certain things about you two.”
“The way you carry yourselves.”
“It is not typical for wanderers.”

I tensed, feeling the weight of our secret pressing down. James’s hand tightened around mine in silent support.

“Thomas,” James began, his voice steady.
“There are things we cannot discuss.”
“For your safety as much as ours.”

Thomas narrowed his eyes.

“I have heard whispers.”
“Stories of the princess escaping Blackthorn’s ship last night carrying his child.”

His gaze locked onto mine, searching for confirmation.

“Isabella, are you the princess of Vespera?”

My heart pounded, the truth weighing heavily on my tongue. I took a deep breath and nodded.

“Yes, Thomas.”
“I am.”

His eyes widened, but there was a flicker of understanding.


“You should have told us?”
“We could have helped.”
“We are certainly embarrassed to have let the princess sleep on the ground.”

James interjected quickly.

“It was too dangerous.”
“The fewer who know, the safer it is for everyone.”

Thomas nodded thoughtfully.

“I understand.”
“My family and I are loyal to the princess.”
“We would never betray you.”

A wave of relief washed over me.

“Thank you, Thomas.”
“Your support means everything.”

With a solemn nod, he pledged his help.

“We will do whatever we can to get you where you need to go.”
“You have our word.”

Hours later, as the kart pulled up to the outskirts of a small town, Thomas leaned out, his face creased with concern.

“Are you sure we cannot take you further?”

James shook his head firmly.

“No.”
“It is safer if we do not stay too long in one place.”

Thomas sighed but nodded.

“Good luck to you both.”
“Stay safe.”

Thomas and his family disappeared into the distance. James turned to me, his voice low.


“Isabella put your hood up.”
“We need to stay unnoticed.”

I obeyed, pulling my cloak’s hood over my head, casting my face into shadow. Together, we approached the inn, the heavy door creaking as James pushed it open. The warm, smoky atmosphere greeted us, along with the hum of voices. Pirates filled the room—rough men with sharp eyes and coarser words.

James kept his hand on his sword, his posture tense as we approached the innkeeper. The man eyed us warily but nodded when James requested a discreet room. Leading us up a narrow staircase, he showed us to a modest, quiet chamber.

“Thank you,” James said, handing him a few coins.
“Safe travels,” the innkeeper replied before disappearing down the stairs.

The door closed. James checked the room for any dangers before turning to me.

“We will rest here for the night.”
“Get some sleep, Isabella.”

I watched as James took his place by the window, his eyes scanning the streets below, always alert.