The Princess and The Pirate

Lillian’s voice bounced around the castle, panic and fear following the rebounding echo. Her shrill screams leapt off stones and ancient suits of polished armor. It rustled the hanging banners and tilted the flames of the night torches.

Guards! Guards! PIRATES!

Jacqueline heard her. Pirates? “We need to follow that!” she exclaimed, slightly amazed at herself that she was now chasing after pirates instead of running from them.

Magnus grabbed the Princess’s wrist, shaking his head. Why would she want to throw herself into danger? “No, Princess, we have to—”

“That’s Kyle,” she said with a soft sternness. Her strong demeanor surprised Magnus, but he could see something warm behind her eyes. Was it hope? “If you don’t go, I’m still going.”

“Wait, a pirate? That’s Kyle?” He suddenly looked like a mortified father, completely against whomever their daughter brought home. “Surely, Prin—”

Holding up her hand, stopping his paternal speech, Jacqueline gently pulled her wrist free of his grasp. The shock and disapproval slowly subsided. “There will be all the time in the world for that discussion, General.” She turned and ran after her cousin’s echo without another word.

“Princess, wait!” Magnus shouted as he followed, slow and broken, never having to limp into battle before. He could feel Carl and Kathleen spinning in their graves at the thought of their only daughter in love with a pirate! Surely, this news would have killed them again!

And for once, even though Magnus could feel the scorn of Sofia’s eyes, he thanked God for never having any children.