Princess Helena, I know shes your friend, but dear cousin you should be wary of others the Crown Prince especially. Dont get too close to him. Im serious, Rhia.

At the Dimitris repeated warning, Rihannan nodded. Truth of the matter, the Crown Prince was the true king of Chrichton. He was a man of cruelty, someone who knew how to wield his strength, power and influence. He satiated himself in desires of trampling those who dare disobey his ruling. Over time, nobles feared him and dared not defy him.

He was a fierce man, but he had a fault, a weakness. He loved his sister, Helena, to death. Unlike Arundell monogamous culture, Chrichton men engaged in polygamous relationships. The old king had sons from concubines without rights to succeed the throne. Only he and Helena had true rights to the throne a direct descendant born of the same mother. To Helena, the Crown Prince gave her full affection. She was Rihannans best friend. Therefore, the Crown Prince refused to touch her.

Stop nagging too much. Lets go in. Rihannan smiled and grabbed his arm, leading him towards the mansion.

But Dimitri did not stop. He continued his banter until he sat down at the table with his uncle.

Right, what do you think the outcome will be against the naval battle with Arundell?

The conversation which began with a friendly banter of daily trivialities quickly turned to the topic of work in quick succession.

Yes. What do you think will be the outcome of this naval battle against Arundell? the Marquis asked.

Dimitri laid down the fork and knife in his hand and looked at the Marquis.

The odds are in our favor, as expected, Dimitri said.

Everyones certain of our victory, but I think there are other ways to look at it, the Marquis sighed. Arundells king, hes placed a lot of effort building his naval strength over the years. Lexington was given an aggressive commission to ensure a smooth supply of wood for shipbuilding last year. Isnt that right? And while our navy is strong, we have no experience inside Arundells water borders. If hes prepared, truly, the outcome will be different.

Not long ago, the Grand Duke of Lexington passed away, much to everyones surprise. He had no children, no heir, and therein lies the problem. Thus, the need to appoint a new Duke rose. Both Arundell and Crichton reached out, attempting to place their influence in The Republic of Lexington, a small but resource-rich country.

Rihannan knew Igor was unaware of the envoys exchanges between the two countries in connection to Lexington in the past. But it was different this time, it seems. And the result was his victory. While Chrichton cared only for the thrones heir, Arundell won the hearts of Lexingtons nobles. Thus, when a new Grand Duke was appointed at last, he favored Arundell.

Crichton immediately noticed their mistake of overlooking the importance of the aristocratic council.

Im worried. Everyone is careless to underestimate Arundell, the Marquis added.

By his own volition, the Marquis was right. Crichton was a war veteran in the sea. It was only right that the Crichton natives believe theyd win the war, but the Marquis knew well how dangerous it was to underestimate an enemy. Past experience told him so.

Dimi, you need to take extra care to assist His Highness. There is more than meets the eye with King Igor.

As the flow of the story moved to Arundell, Rihannan remained mute and quiet. Dimitri noticed her solemn silence and immediately threw an off handed-remark.

Assist? Dimitri questioned, his eyes incredulous. Dont speak nonsense. Ill only toss myself around the ship and go on an adventure.

The Marquis face turned sour. Dimitris speaking nonsense again.

Rihannan laughed beside him. You havent given up your dream of becoming a pirate?

In their youths, Dimitri often pronounced to the world his dream of becoming a pirate and traveling the vast world. His little cousins who knew nothing of his grand aspirations cheered him on. Hed be a great pirate, theyd say.

Yes. I wont be bound by this place. I want to live freely. Youll see.

Rihannans lingering smile faded. A year from now, she knew hed be forced to become Crichtons king against his will. His dream of sailing the world would end up in pieces shattered