Ilona and Mason walked back down the hill and past the Pirate King's manor. She felt a familiar pang of sadness as she almost always did when she was preparing to leave her family. As usual however, the excitement of an upcoming adventure greatly outweighed any negatives.
"May I tell you something?" Mason asked as they grew closer to the docks, "Something rather... embarrassing."
Ilona looked up at him, intrigued, "What is it?"
"I've never sailed on a ship like this," he answered quietly, eyes glued to the forest of masts ahead of them, "I've never really been anywhere. I... I'm somewhat nervous about it all."
A little giggle escaped Ilona before she could stop herself, but when she met the Prince's gaze, her eyes were kind.
"You have nothing to be afraid of," she assured him, "I've done this all my life."
He swallowed hard and nodded. "I have every faith in you."
