"A ship is always safe at the shore,
but that is not what it is meant for,"

~Albert Einstein

"Isaac?!" Felipe widened his eyes as he made out the facade of the man sitting at the table across the bar. 

Isaac smirked at him before he disappeared within the passing commoners. Felipe took a stand in haste and excused the commoners aside, rushing to the table. He wanted to be certain he didn't just have a hallucination. He asked the middleman, who was now clearing the table, where the man went. 

"Oh, Isaac? He went to the back,"

A chill ran down Felipe's back as he rushed towards the backdoor. He went past the drums of rum and alcohol, following the shadow. He knew he killed Isaac a while ago but how was he alive? His mind, consumed with oblivion and a tint of fear, he burst out of the back. He looked around before getting hit in the head with something. His body plopped to the ground as his vision blurred. He saw the slight outline of Isaac, lingering before his eyes. 

"I'll see you soon,"

His eyelids fell before his pupils, as he lost consciousness. Philip reached him just in time. He saw Felipe's unconscious figure lying on the ground. 

"Felipe! Are you alright?!" 

Philip panicked, looking for someone who couldn't hit Felipe but it was too late. All he could see were commoners and robes wandering across the town. He grunted as he realised he had no time to waste and pulled Felipe over his shoulders, Felipe's chest heaving onto his back as he clutched his arms and legs. 

"Now I'll have to walk. Great. This is the worst day ever,"

*A few hours later*

"Ugh!" Felipe grunted as he awakened before Felipe and Cecilia. 

"Where did he go?" He suddenly questioned as he sat up.

"Who?" Philip was perplexed as well now.

"Isaac,"

Cecilia and Philip were astonished as if the floor under their feet had shaken like a stampede. They both exclaimed in union

"Isaac?!"

"Wait, do not tell me it was only me who saw him,"

"You were. You killed him, Felipe. How could he be around us?" Philip crossed his arms, still astonished.

"I have no enlightenment of that. But what I am aware of is that I saw him and the middleman even answered me when I asked him where Isaac went. He even knew Isaac!"

Philip's face was smeared with astoundment and ambush. Cecilia's eyebrows knitted as well.

"He said he'll see me soon though," Felipe said out of nowhere.

"We better be certain he is Isaac then,"

"Ouch," Felipe said, forming an annoyed grimace over Philip.

"Alright, alright, I believe you. We just have to find out how he's alive, and why didn't Father Aaron tell you about it,"

Felipe widened his eyes as if he had figured something out. "Wait, you are right, his brother spelt the man, he certainly knows something more about Isaac,"

"Alright, but do not kill him, Felipe,"

Felipe nodded before Philip exhaled. 

"Alright, good luck confronting Father about it,"

"What? Don't tell me you're going to do as he says, Felipe! You can't leave him alive. He might send you to the dungeon," Cecilia said while taking a seat next to Felipe in front of the lake where they met each other every day. 

"I deeply think he would've done that if he wanted to since it has been almost a week since I killed him. He wants something else from me,"  

Felipe had concern and worry scattered all over his face. Cecilia tilted her head at him. 

"What are you wondering, love?"

"I'm worried he might try to hurt Philip or Sapphirus again, what if they end up getting poisoned or worse because of me? Or what if he comes for you?"

Cecilia looked into Felipe's eyes as he finished speaking. She reached her palm out to place it on his cheek and placed it. Felipe placed his palm on hers. 

"Felipe, I know how precious they are to you and me but do not freight, Sapph already has someone to protect him and Philip has you," 

Felipe looked into her eyes with silence and patience for her to finish. 

"I understand your mind is occupied with our wedding as well, that he might be waiting to wreck that, that he might tear your worth off you, all over again. I do not know how to comprehend this either but what I do know is that I am not giving up, even if some calamities are to be overcome with sacrifices and disputes,"  

"What?" 

Felipe grew confused as she said this.

"Think about Philip. His father Maelios has always kept him in the dark and expected him to do everything he is asked and expected of. It is all out of protecting him from the torment Adonius has put him through. Yet, Philip won't give up, not only for himself but for us all. He needs to be free, just like all of the others,"  

Evening fell soon as Felipe parted his ways with Cecilia and got home. He kept thinking about what Philip is about to do and tried figuring out how to prevent him from getting thrown into the dungeon. All of a sudden, an idea struck his mind and he rode off to Philip's palace immediately whilst getting into his robe.

*Present day* (A week later)

"Felipe? What do you think you're doing?" Philip asked while yanking Felipe's arm off his neck.

"My Apologies, your pretty Highness, for being mad at you," Felipe twirled his dagger between his fingers and put it back into the belt he wore. 

"So whose letter was that? Hers?" Felipe asked, looking through Philip's study and peering at all the accounts he had written, his pearl-like writing attracting all his engagement. Philip scoffed with a smile and looked at Felipe admiring his writing before walking back to his bed. 

"Ahh, I wish. It was about her though,"

Felipe flicked his eyebrows and scoffed lightly before smirking at Philip. 

"Who was it then? Sapphirus?" 

Philip nodded as he took his upper garments off, revealing his broad shoulders and perfectly contoured back. 

"What are you doing?"

 Felipe plopped himself on the window sill, crossing his arms, frowning as Philip. 

"I am about to dye my hair, Felipe, after a refreshing bath," Philip took a stand in front of the mirror. 

"What colour?" 

"Black," 

"Blonde would suit you," 

Felipe tried to suggest but Philip interrupted him. 

"Spare me the fact that I am different and I look ethereal with any hair colour I have Felipe. Now, tell me what brings you here at 5 am," 

Felipe stood up before walking to the side of the mirror and leaned his shoulder on the wall beside the mirror in front of which, Philip was carefully dying his hair after returning from a relaxing bath. Felipe waited for him patiently as Philip finished bathing as he felt like his patience was being tested. 

"There might be a way to prevent you from getting locked up after all," 

Philip frowned at Felipe while continuing to do what he is onto. 

"You just read about your cousin, didn't you?" Felipe asked while carving a severe gaze on Philip with his dragon eyes. Philip stopped applying the dye to his hair and sighed angrily while clenching his jaw. 

"Felipe, I told you already. I do not need your help, I am doing fine even if my life is on the line along with yours and Sapph's," 

Philip's firm tone failed to convince Felipe. 

"Well, I'm afraid it is too late for that, Phil," Felipe took his weight off the wall. 

"Why in the world would he not send you to the dungeon or come for you to kill you since he would've done it already if he wanted to?" Philip asked, annoyed. He was tired of foraging for an answer as well.  

"Philip, do not worry about him, just worry about the wedding. I will take care of Isaac,"  

Philip scoffed in annoyance as he heard that. He wanted to do everything he could for Felipe.

"You my everything as well, Philip. Do not forget that,"

He neared Philip and placed his palm on his shoulder, a request pondering upon his face.  

Philip grew speechless at what Felipe had just declared and finally gave in to those teary and unpretentious, angelic eyes. 

"Alright, you win. But you do know that she is my evil cousin and that she almost tried to hand me a poisonous baby snake when we were 10 once and told me it isn't poisonous?" 

Felipe chuckled softly. 

"Well, the scenario was worth the view when she finally told you it was a poisonous baby," 

He stopped giggling when he noticed that Philip was still serious. "Ahem! She still sends her apologies though," Felipe said, pursing his lips to subside the laughter that was wanting to burst out of his throat. 

There was a small moment of silence but it broke when both of them just burst out laughing out of nowhere. 

"Those were the times," 

Philip exposed his box smile after the laughs stopped slowly. 

"Now please, enlighten me upon what part she plays in this?" Philip sighed as he continued to apply the dye. 

"I have no knowledge of that but Felicia might," 

Philip was utterly shocked and a bit infuriated to hear this name pour out of Felipe's mouth as his hand suddenly stopped the application. 

"I am well aware this infuriates you but it was not me who asked Felicia to do this and besides, it's not like she is going to appear before Adonius himself. All I want you to do is go to her today and ask her what she's up to before you go meet Laira along with Sapphirus," 

Felipe assured Philip. Philip looked at the mirror as he continued to apply the colour. 

"Fine. I'll go to her," 

With that Felipe sighed and walked up to the window through which he broke in. 

"Apologies for the broken window though," 

He smiled innocently before jumping out the window and riding back to his place.

After sunrise, Philip walked down the flight of stairs, heading to the dining room, where his mother Scesia sat. He went up to her and hugged her warmly, greeting her with a pleasant morning and sitting across her at his place. 

"Philip?! Did you dye your hair again?" She exclaimed as she looked at his black, messy hair.

"Yes, mother. It is because of my love to explore," 

Philip raised his chin up cheekily. He proceeded to have breakfast before Maleos arrived and took his seat. 

"Morning father," Philip said formally. 

Maleos greeted him back and dug in. 

"So, you're going to be meeting Laira today I suppose," Maleos mentioned while digging into breakfast. 

"Indeed. We have some very critical matters to discuss," 

Philip began feeding himself as well. 

"Oh my, Laira and critical matters? That is a terrific pair,"

Maleous was quite surprised upon hearing that. 

Philip chuckled and shook his head, agreeing with what Maleos said. After half an hour or so, Philip finished and raised himself and left the hall. 

"You know he isn't happy about the wedding," Scesia interrupted while looking down at her plate. 

"I know, love. But this decision is-"

 "For our good? Yes. You have been saying that forever, your majesty," 

She left, leaving her plate lonely, infuriated with her king's acts. Maleos sighed as he placed the fork and knife back on the crockery. 

"It is because I can't lose my family or have my family lose me," 

It saddened him, even more, to get reminded of the fact that there was nothing he could do about it. After some time, he finished eating and left as well. Philip understood how his father felt but the fact that Maleos' hands were tied infuriated him even more. That is why he was willing to do anything to fix it all, be it sacrificing his respect, or his life. At first, he wanted to wed for his empire. Now, all he truly cares about are his friends and his family. He was willing to do anything for them now. 

Thinking about liberating them all from the clutches of the monster, Philip got on his horse and rode off into the woods to meet Felicia. He thought he'd find her by the chalet but she was nowhere to be found. He did find something in the chalet when he went in. He found a crumpled paper under the covers and opened it. 

"Philip, I won't be able to come to the chalet for a few days but if you want to see me, then come to the palace. We can meet there in secret," 

"Alright, let's head there then," 

With a sigh, he rode off to the palace. When he arrived at Ardalia, he was engraved by how the people were prospering, none of them being homeless or accused wrongly of crimes. It was as if he had reached the land of living peace.

"No wonder this isn't in Adonius's bloody possession," He mumbled as his horse walked slowly towards the palace. 

In a few moments, he felt a pull on the reins and a hand guide the horse to the green hills, farther away from the palace. The hand released the horse as Felicia came into view. Philip got off the horse and went up to her while holding the reins in his fists. 

"I assume you had to dig something up nonetheless of me trying to stop you, Felicia," 

Philip stood face to face in front of her, standing in front of her eyes. 

"Philip, neither am I apologizing to you about it nor am I telling you the reason behind it," 

Felicia crossed her arms, staring into the sun, that was about to drown under the ground. 

"Alright, tell me what is it that you plan to do after I'm targeted?"

Philip finally gave in, trying to calm down.

"I met up with Laira and she suggested something most fitting for the plan. She has someone in mind who can be held hostage, such that Adonius won't be able to do anything but call the wedding off," Felicia was certain this could work but Philip was not taking it genuinely.

"Are you utterly insane?!"

Philip yelled, panicking with the fear of losing his cousin. 

"Philip! This is the only way!" 

Felicia freed her arms as she neared his figure.

 "You don't get to yell back at me! I'm the prince of Quiddenberg!" 

He grabbed her arm while clenching his jaw. 

"I do if I care! Your life is on the line! If you die, then everything will be in vain!" 

both grew silent as Felicia told this with a crack in her voice. She was quivering with fear too. It was not only because she was worried about him, but also because she was in love with him and yet, she couldn't tell him as she wasn't ready to choose between her motives and him yet. 

"Please Phil-" 

She tried to say when she was cut off by feeling his lips crash onto hers. She widened her eyes at first but she melted into his arms as one of them wrapped around her waist and the other one slithered up to her back, those fingers wrapping around the back of her neck. He withdrew after a few seconds and looked deeply into her eyes. 

"I am aware this is sudden but I can't afford to keep my feelings to myself Felicia because I love you and you are the last person I desire to lose," 

Philip said, still looking her in the eye as his gaze softened. 

"Philip, I-" 

Felicia tried to say something but Philip put his finger on her lips. 

"Hush lass. I know what you are about to say. But let me assure you that you do not have to choose between your motives and me. Just think as though I was one of your motives and you finally have me, bellowing in your arms now," 

He leaned closer to her lips again indulging in a deep and passionate kiss after saying the last phrase again. 

He pulled away and looked at her with lust-filled eyes. 

"Let me take you, Felicia," 

It was now time to go meet Laira in an hour. Philip tried to rise from bed and sit upright but was pulled down by Felicia, who slept beside him, their naked frames under the covers.

"Just for a few moments, please," Felicia said shyly as she snuggled the side of her head into his chest. 

"Alright, I just hope my crazy cousin doesn't kill me again for being late," 

Philip chuckled as he played with Felicia's orange hair, letting his fingers travel her back and arm. 

"Phil?" 

Felicia looked down, her cheeks as red as apples and roses, as that word escaped her rosy, soft lips. 

Philip's eyes widened and he looked down at a bright red Felicia. 

"What did you just call me?" 

"Phil," 

Felicia put her fingernail in her mouth, biting it out of nervousness and looked up at him. 

Philip got lost in thought but snapped out of it and asked, "What were you going to say?" 

Felicia lay her head back on his chest, taking his other hand and playing with his fingers. 

"Why do you love me so much?" 

"Because you make me feel the strength I've never felt before. You make me feel like I can conquer my fears one way or another. That is why," 

He looked into her eyes, his gaze travelling to her lips before getting on his side and wrapping her frame in both his arms. He pecked her forehead before Felicia snuggled into his chest more as he chuckled feeling her warm face, knowing how red she was. 

"I love you, Phil,"

***

"Well, I must say that I find Philip to be a good cousin but taking such a risk and putting his life on the line doesn't seem to make him look like one," Laira said while filing her nails, to her closest friend, one of the maids, Julia. 

"Well, he's doing it for his only friend, your highness," Julia protested innocently before Laira nodded. 

"I assume he doesn't seem to care about himself so much," 

Laira flicked one of her fingers as she said that. 

Julia just replied, "Which is why you are going to help him, your highness," 

With that, she left. 

Laira finished filing her nails and sat up at the study she was sitting in front of. She had a lot of catching up to do but was more conflicted and worried about Philip. She closed all the books and changed into the fancy, navy blue gown kept on a mannequin beside the mirror for her to present herself in front of Sapphirus. She sighed before putting a little makeup on and aligning her crown to her neatly tied hair on her head. She curled a few flicks beside her forehead and took a look at the dressing table in front of her. A ring lay there, untouched with a red ruby on it, held together with a silver design. She took the ring and wore it on her right hand, on the ring finger and left her room while clutching the fronts of her gown to the throne room. She plodded softly towards her seat and set herself there comfortably. In a matter of time, her parents, Nicholas and Armada joined her. 

"Early again, I see," Nicholas said as he clutched the edge of his long cape and swung it wide before settling on the throne. 

Laira spared a smile at him while greeting him as well. 

"Thank you, father. A very pleasant morning though,"

 Nicholas nodded while adjusting to the throne. 

"So, how are studies going Laira?" 

"They're boring but that doesn't stop me from swallowing its content like it is breakfast, lunch and dinner all the time, noted that they won't help me spend time with the both of you either," Laira replied in detail. 

"Darling, you don't have to be so peculiarly rude about it," Armada indulged. 

"Perhaps, we can fetch you a royal tutor if you like, child," 

Nicholas tried suggesting but Laira just snapped at him with anger. 

"Father, why must it be so hard for you to understand that the problem is not with me being unable to understand what I read? Instead, I have a problem with this boundless pressure that you apply to my everyday life," 

The two of them looked at each other, exchanging a glance and being left speechless. There was a moment of silence when Armada changed the topic and broke the silence as she cleared her throat. 

"Ahem, this gown looks magnificent on you, darling," 

Laira looked at her with an annoyed smile, as sarcasm flowed through her tone. 

"Thank you. It is my pleasure to accept this gift of yours, mum," 

Armada frowned, not understanding what she was talking about. 

"I don't understand child. I was not the one who gifted you that,"  

"Then who was it?" 

Before she could get an answer, an unknown voice echoed across the room. 

"I did!" 

Laira's gaze travelled to the source of the voice and she was quite dazzled after setting eyes on the one and only, Prince Sapphirus, walking down the hall, nearing Nicholas's throne.

Laura was astonished by how handsome he looked while he walked up to the throne very slowly. His blonde hair shined under the rays that entered the room. His eyes glistened as he looked ahead of him nearing the throne. His gaze felt like flames of honour were bursting through his veins. It was as if time stopped when Laira laid her eyes on him. He was someone Laira had never even seen in her dreams. 

Laira couldn't take her eyes off him. She was completely enchanted by his charming looks. Her heart almost stopped when he kneeled to one knee and placed his right hand on his heart and heard his deep, attractive voice. 

"Your majesty, I am Prince Sapphirus of Vasilia, here to owe you the pleasure of tutoring her highness, Princess Laira, temporarily," 

Laira found it strange that this terrifying and disrespectful prince, as the people knew him, was respecting her. Laira smirked as she thought it was because of the presence of the elders. The fact that she had never met him after turning 10 had made her feel that the rumours she heard were true. She assumed that he'd give all kinds of perverted looks and take her straight into bed but little did she know she was wrong. 

As Sapphirus looked at her, she waited for him to drag his eyes below her face but he kept looking into her eyes while Nicholas spoke. Sapphirus waited patiently for him to finish, still piercing his gaze upon Laira's frame. 

"Yes your majesty," He replied after Nicholas finished. 

"An astounding focus too," Laira thought to herself. 

"Ahem. If you seem so focused on finishing what you're here for then you might as well run along," 

Nicholas slouched, feeling uncomfortable upon Sapphirus's stare grazing on Laira. Laira stood up and Sapphirus followed her to her room after bowing to his Majesty. After they entered her room, Laira called Julia before closing the doors. 

"Make sure no one lurks around Julia," 

Julia nodded and left after closing the doors. 

"You put up quite an act your highness," 

Laira took her shoes off while walking up to the huge balcony, the sunrays adding a glow to her brown eyes. Sapphirus scoffed lightly and walked up to her, stopping beside her and resting his palms on the marble railing. 

"You are a believer when it comes to rumours, your highness," Sapphirus said, admiring the view of Sila. Laira smiled nonchalantly as she scoffed before looking down. 

"I do believe them, based on a few interpretations, your highness,"

Laira turned around and leaned on her lower body, the part above the bell-shaped lower part of the gown she was gifted. She crossed her arms and lapped her right leg over the left. Sapphirus smirked and leaned closer to her ear, his fragrant breath cold and chilling on her ear, making her flustered. 

"I'd like to know what those interpretations are....in detail,"

 A chill ran down her spine as his breath continued to fan her ear. She tried to remain calm but was flustered, her cheeks flooding with the shade of crimson. 

"Flustered already, princess?" Sapph smirked as looked at her lips and then back into her eyes. 

Laira looked away, hiding her face, not willing for his eyes to fall on her crimson cheeks. 

"I'll be honest. I didn't know you fluster. Instead, I thought were the complete opposite as per the rumours I've heard coming here. I heard you were bold and not to offend you but some kingdoms even assume you've shared your bed with other princes," 

Sapphirus tilted his head, his gaze stabbing through the clouds in the sky. Laira's expression went numb and she turned to Sapphirus. 

"That is the most heinous rumour I've ever faced, your highness," Laira smiled lightly, continuing to look down, her fingers beginning to fiddle with her gown. 

"I know that. Or why else would you fluster, just upon my voice fanning your ear?" Sapphirus asked before finishing, "Similarly, I have faced rumours of the same kind. People think I am my father but I am truly not,"

He squinted his eyes and leaned towards her eyes while saying the last four words, smiling assuringly. Laira flicked her eyebrows, smiling stupendously, waiting for him to add more. 

Sapph retrieved his upper body and sighed. 

"Alright, you heard right about me. I shared my bed with a lot of women, even with maids. Some with pretty eyes, some with skin as soft as the feathers of the swan, some with hair shinier than gold, some with hands as fragile as glass, some..."

Laira's heart was breaking upon hearing his words trail off, describing women. She retrieved from the support she took on the balcony and proceeded to head in until suddenly, she felt a fist wrapped around her wrist. 

"...but none with hair as bold as copper..."

He began stepping closer to her while every detail escaped his unscathed lips as she backed up with each step.

"...none with eyes as royal as the navy blue..."

Another step

"...none with skin as soft as the dove..."

Another step

"...none with lips as pink as the rose..."

He stopped as she hit the wall in her room. His hand extended itself towards it, his palm placed on it, flat. His gaze was serious as it pierced through her doe eyes.

"...and none as enchanting as you,"

Laira looked down, filled with regret about what she had said. 

"My humble apologies your highness. I never should've judged you," Laira said as she looked up back into his eyes. 

"I do not wish to have your apology. I was longing to see this mark you still have on your wrist. What I wish for, is to have you," 

He took her wrist, rolling the sleeve up a little, the mark on it visible, the same as his, the mark of unconditional love. He leaned towards it and placed a peck on it, a bit long. He then leaned closer to her face as she closed her eyes, waiting for his lips to land on hers but she opened her eyes after feeling them on her cheek instead. She got annoyed but her cheeks flushed with crimson as he smirked, looking at her lips. 

"You better get your act together because your brother can show any moment now," 

Laira nodded as he backed off and her curiosity got the best of her as she remembered the gift she had received from him. 

"I do feel curious while trying to ask why you gifted this gown to me," 

She cleared her throat. 

Sapphirus smiled as he took a seat in front of the tea table.

"As you already know, the colour you're wearing, represents royalty and princess or not, queen or not, a woman like you, is royalty to me, given the fact that they need to be treated with respect and dignity as well, not like some object of pleasure," 

Sapphirus poured himself a cup before continuing 

"On the other hand, I fancy you, princess," 

Laira's eyes widened as she heard that and mustered up the courage to ask him something.

 "But do you love me?" 

Sapphirus smiled as he looked down. 

"Yes. To be exact, I had a pretty massive fixation on you when we were 12. The fact that you were always there for me, even if it was only through letters, no matter what, whenever I had some sorrows to hold onto, has led me to have these feelings for you," 

"Then what is the problem?" 

"Your brother,"

"Alright, you do not get to hurt my sister," Philip said, a little irritated with the two teasing each other lovingly.

Sapphirus nodded and cleared the air. 

"I did once but I promise to not make the same mistake again. I deeply regret drifting away from her. I have only communicated with her through scrolls and admired her paintings after that. I know it sounds impossible that I was able to decipher her attitude and personality but if it wasn't for the way she writes, in her letters, I never would've had the pleasure to fall for her," 

Philip wasn't extraordinarily alright with it because of everything he had done to protect his sister but he can't stop her from feeling loved. 

He sighed and placed his fingers on his forehead. He gave it a thought until he assured them of something.

"Sapphirus, you have been one of the best friends I have ever had since we were children. I know how happy she'll be with you and I have no objection if you steal her from me,"

He licked his lips in conflict.

 "But," Philip said, "You will have to wait till we take Adonius down," 

Sapphirus agreed. "Alright, the plan now,"

The three of them sat around the tea table in her room. Laira sat up and cleared her throat before saying, "So, I had words with Felicia and she suggested I hold Sapphirus captive when you are locked up and propose your release in exchange for Sapphirus's freedom from my 'fake' clutches," 

Philip shook his head, disagreeing with the plan. 

"No, He will torment you and search every inch of the world to find him and when he finds out about what we did, he'll lay waste to your kingdom and marry you off with him and that is what we want but not in his presence. Trust me, you do not want him to take everything you have over Laira,"  

"There is another way though,"

 Sapphirus smirked, looking straight ahead, and fiddling with his fingers.

 "But first, there's something you need to know about him," He proposed. 

"But why are you being so sudden about this?"Laira asked. 

Sapphirus looked down and seemed a bit anxious. 

"You don't have to tell us if you don't want to," Philip assured. 

"No, I'm willing to tell you this," 

Sapphirus exhaled, calming down.

"It goes way back to my grandfather, Arceus. During his era, princes were forbidden to marry commoners and peasants but no matter what the law was, love always overtook it. He fell in love with a peasant and married her secretly at the church, which was abandoned years ago in the woods, lying to the priests about her being a princess. It didn't take more than a few months for them to know that she wasn't a princess and they cursed Arceus's still-to-be-born son, Adonius," 

Sapphirus looked up at Laira and took a glance at Philip. 

"What was that curse?" Laira asked. 

"That the child he'd bore, would grow up to be infertile," 

~ To be continued