The King's Command
News of Nastela’s betrayal spread throughout the Brelia Kingdom. The entire army, led by King Orson himself, marched to Nastela. The city was no match for the full strength of Brelia. Rath dishonored their alignment with Nastela and didn’t offer any support in the purge. Governor Lucius took his own life before the city was taken.
Miranna was left without a sole ruler. Many captains attempted to sieze control, but none with enough power to keep it for very long. Without a strong voice to keep order amidst the chaos, the island fell into a state even more lawless than before. Realizing this put Miranna at the mercy of an invading force, the pirate crews voted 5 captains to rule. ‘The Black Hand’ unified the pirate crews into one fleet terrorizing any ships that strayed too near.
Brelia welcomed you home with a large parade. Citizens lined the streets and cheered for the return of their two princes; the future of their nation. Riding through the cobble streets of Brelia was surreal. Peasants, merchants, and nobility alike greeted you as heroes. King Orson was so overjoyed in having his two sons back that he threw a feast for the entire city. You tried to enjoy the abundance of food and drink, but something was different. Before your mission, you would have eaten and drank throughout the night. You think back to the words Lady Myrr spoke, There is more to life than drinking and fucking. You sit alone sipping at your wine.
“This is a rare sight. The Prince sitting alone drinking in melancholy. I thought you would be enjoying your reunion with Natalie.”
You look up to see Caitlyn. Her blonde hair, though tied back, has a few strands loose near her eyes. Despite most noble women wearing fine dresses, she wears light leather armor.
“During our journey, her and Harlan got… involved. I’m not in the mood to discuss it. How’re you holding up?” you ask.
“Me? I’m fine," she replies. "I’m more concerned about you. It’s not like you to not enjoy a party. Did the death of that pirate queen really mess you up? Listen, I never did thank you for saving my life. I know the mission didn’t exactly go as planned, but it all worked out in the end. Brelia is safe and we have you to thank for it.”
“It doesn’t feel as if I did anything special. At least nothing more than anyone else would have done in my position,” you reply.
“But you did something. You didn’t let fear of failure bring you to inaction. I know you haven’t been the most responsible prince, but when faced with tragedy you determined what you thought was the right thing to do. That’s the best any of us can ever do.”
“I suppose you’re right. I just can’t shake the feeling that there’s more to life than what I’m experiencing. I have everything I should want, but it still doesn’t feel like enough. I just feel like there’s more out there,” you say.
Caitlyn sits next to you and takes your hand.
“I think you’re exactly where you need to be.”
She pulls near and kisses you. The restlessness inside you quiets for a brief moment as you lose yourself in the embrace.
“Sorrow doesn’t look good on you, Prince. You can’t sit and wonder about the things you don’t have. Enjoy what you have or go chase what you desire. You can’t live a passive life. The choice is up to you.”
She gets up and leaves you alone. You pour another drink.
Miranna was left without a sole ruler. Many captains attempted to sieze control, but none with enough power to keep it for very long. Without a strong voice to keep order amidst the chaos, the island fell into a state even more lawless than before. Realizing this put Miranna at the mercy of an invading force, the pirate crews voted 5 captains to rule. ‘The Black Hand’ unified the pirate crews into one fleet terrorizing any ships that strayed too near.
Brelia welcomed you home with a large parade. Citizens lined the streets and cheered for the return of their two princes; the future of their nation. Riding through the cobble streets of Brelia was surreal. Peasants, merchants, and nobility alike greeted you as heroes. King Orson was so overjoyed in having his two sons back that he threw a feast for the entire city. You tried to enjoy the abundance of food and drink, but something was different. Before your mission, you would have eaten and drank throughout the night. You think back to the words Lady Myrr spoke, There is more to life than drinking and fucking. You sit alone sipping at your wine.
“This is a rare sight. The Prince sitting alone drinking in melancholy. I thought you would be enjoying your reunion with Natalie.”
You look up to see Caitlyn. Her blonde hair, though tied back, has a few strands loose near her eyes. Despite most noble women wearing fine dresses, she wears light leather armor.
“During our journey, her and Harlan got… involved. I’m not in the mood to discuss it. How’re you holding up?” you ask.
“Me? I’m fine," she replies. "I’m more concerned about you. It’s not like you to not enjoy a party. Did the death of that pirate queen really mess you up? Listen, I never did thank you for saving my life. I know the mission didn’t exactly go as planned, but it all worked out in the end. Brelia is safe and we have you to thank for it.”
“It doesn’t feel as if I did anything special. At least nothing more than anyone else would have done in my position,” you reply.
“But you did something. You didn’t let fear of failure bring you to inaction. I know you haven’t been the most responsible prince, but when faced with tragedy you determined what you thought was the right thing to do. That’s the best any of us can ever do.”
“I suppose you’re right. I just can’t shake the feeling that there’s more to life than what I’m experiencing. I have everything I should want, but it still doesn’t feel like enough. I just feel like there’s more out there,” you say.
Caitlyn sits next to you and takes your hand.
“I think you’re exactly where you need to be.”
She pulls near and kisses you. The restlessness inside you quiets for a brief moment as you lose yourself in the embrace.
“Sorrow doesn’t look good on you, Prince. You can’t sit and wonder about the things you don’t have. Enjoy what you have or go chase what you desire. You can’t live a passive life. The choice is up to you.”
She gets up and leaves you alone. You pour another drink.
