After leaving the castle, I was greeted by the king who was waiting in a carriage with guards all around. If I could say one thing, the guards had improved since I had arrived. For that, I was very thankful.
"So, are you ready my boy? Hard to still call you a boy when you look like such a man now!" The king laughed after we started moving and I smiled back.
"Even though it was over eight years of growing in a new body, this feels natural. And yes, father, I am ready. I have prepared everything that I can, but I still don't think it will be enough. I really needed more time to be able to improve on the designs I have, and I am going to be field-testing everything," I said, looking out the window at the people we passed by.
They all looked happy, even though they all knew there was a threat of impending war. I really liked these smiles. They were people who trusted me to keep giving them a reason to smile. There were so many things that I wanted to protect, but I would bear it all.
"You can't save them all. The reports that have come back talk of an unkillable army. Each time they die, a red light shines out of them, and then they are brought back to life. Each time, they become more monstrous and become less human. Your only job is to retrieve the royal family, but even then, your main target will be Princess Lilliana. King Jagar sent a letter that we received 2 nights ago requesting an alliance in the form of their second child's hand. Michael Jagar just wants you to get his daughter to safety, and hopefully raise an heir that can one day take their kingdom back."
I just stared at the man who had taken over my role of father at some point. He had just hoe'd me out to make another alliance! To a falling kingdom! Couldn't I just, I don't know, rescue her without marrying her?!
"Wait, what about Marcella?"
"I still expect you to marry my daughter. You did bed her last night, did you not? Lydia said that this would be a good time in her cycle to get pregnant, so we made sure the servants gave you both the good wine I drank to conceive Marcella!" The king laughed, and I just stared at him like a deer caught in the headlights. Sneaky bastards! "Oh, and don't worry, we told Marcella beforehand so that she had the choice if she would like to try to conceive before you left since we heard about your deal with the elf. Great work there! I had actually been in contact with their elders and was trying to figure out how to help them. You did it as a side thought while you were preparing for war. Truly amazing and I am glad you planted a seed in my daughter!"
My mind was spinning as I processed the king's words. The complexity of court politics, the web of alliances—it was overwhelming and definitely not how I'd imagined any of this going. The talk of 'planting seeds' and arranging another marriage felt surreal and uncomfortable, though not unheard of in a world where political marriages were commonplace.
Still, it wasn't as simple as that for me. Marcella and I had grown close—there was a genuine connection there, not just a political arrangement. And now to be tied to another, to Princess Lilliana as a means of securing her safety and her kingdom's future, felt like a heavy burden.
"I did what I thought was best, given the circumstances," I said, finally finding my voice. "But I won't lie and say I understand or agree with everything that's happening. Marrying Princess Lilliana... It's not just about politics. There are lives at stake, emotions, futures... Including mine and Marcella's."
The king nodded, his demeanor sobering as he met my gaze. "I know this isn't easy or fair, Gideon. But these are desperate times, and desperate measures are needed. We believe in you, not only because of your skill as a craftsman but because of your heart. Protect Princess Lilliana, bring her here, and we can navigate the future one step at a time, but it is not uncommon for a man of power to take more than one or two wives. This is the start of something bigger than you can't see right now. If we can connect the five corners of the world, we can stop war and senseless violence under your guidance. I believe in you son, so trust in the choices that we make for you."
Understanding and acceptance warred within me as I absorbed his words. The king's faith in me was empowering yet heavy with expectation. The knowledge that my personal desires had to be set aside for the greater good was a tough pill to swallow, but not unexpected given my position.
"I'll do what must be done," I said quietly, more to myself than to the king. "I'll protect Princess Lilliana and fulfill my role. But I won't forget the promises I've made—to Marcella, to Daelen's people, or to myself."
The king laid a hand on my shoulder, a firm grip that spoke of solidarity. "You're a good man, Gideon. A prince among men, soon to be a king amongst kings. Hold fast to those promises. They are the beacon that will guide you through the darkest nights."
The carriage rolled on, carrying us swiftly towards the docks where a ship awaited to take me to Corundum. I was set for battle, my mind awash with plans and preparations, and my heart torn with new allegiances.
As the shore came into view, the salty breeze mingled with the scent of adventure and danger, I knew that this was the beginning of a crucial chapter in my story. The choices I made from here on out would shape not only my destiny but that of an entire world hanging in the balance.
The ship loomed before me, the 'Stella Maris', was the same one that I had come on, and Captain Gaius was waiting for me. I said my goodbye to the king and then strode up the gangplank, but my head was swimming. I was almost glad to have two weeks before I got to Corundum, but I couldn't waste time.
"Prince Gideon!" Gaius called as I got onto the ship with Alex and two other servants to bring my clothing and some other things.
"Captain, it is good to see you again," I grinned, shaking the man's hand.
"Looks like the king got the better end of the deal, yes? What would your father say if he could see you now?" Gaius laughed, and I joined him.
"Fuck that bastard. He is the reason I have to get back on this damn boat! Last time was bad enough with the two storms!" I laughed, and Gaius patted my back.
"I don't mean to burst your bubble, princess, but we are going to be sailing with the wind, and she is going to be a bumpy ride! Don't you worry, I will get our boots to the next shore, I just hope we are attached to them! The next few months are bad for sailing, but if you need to get to a place, then I am your Captain!"
Not a single word that was said made me feel better about this trip, and I was already thinking about the sleepless night I was going to have. Resigned to my fate, I tried to maintain a semblance of cheer. "Well, Captain, if anyone can get us there in one piece, it's you. Let's hope the winds are at least somewhat in our favor."
Gaius barked another laugh, clapping me on the back once more before turning to shout orders at his crew, preparing to set sail. The bustle of the ship filled the air, a cacophony of shouts, the creaking of ropes, and the snapping of sails.
I turned to face the open sea, the waves promising an arduous journey ahead. Yet, as the Stella Maris began to pull away from the dock, carried by the forceful current and the expertise of the crew, I couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope amidst the trepidation.
The journey would indeed be rough, but it was necessary. The trials ahead—whether they be the taming of treacherous seas or the navigating of human conflicts—were the forge in which my mettle would be tested. I was ready to embrace each challenge with the resolve of a craftsman shaping his masterpiece.
The shoreline of Havenby receded into the distance, becoming a faint silhouette against the setting sun. I watched until it was nothing but a memory, steeling myself for the chapter to come.
With every crashing wave against the bow, I reminded myself of my mission: to rescue Princess Lilliana, to protect a kingdom under siege, to secure alliances, and perhaps most pressingly, to confront a father who had lost his way to darkness. The stakes could not have been higher, and I found a defiant determination burning within me.
"Let the storms come," I murmured to the sea. "I am Gideon Von Alphonse Rose Vienerstien, and I will not falter."
The Stella Maris surged forward, slicing through the ocean towards the fabled lands of Corundum and the uncertain battles that lay ahead.