Chapter 48: An Act of Resistance





My life was turning to a cliché point wherein I had to marry a man I didn't like just to save my family and land. And to make it worse, I would be marrying the younger brother of the man I love. It could have been written in some cringing romance novel in the library as an interesting plot in its story. It was just that, it was happening in my life where pirates and rulers were involved.



I clenched my fists as I stare at my mother's back. I thought I could get some strength and courage from her to make my decision. But her weak sleeping form was the only thing I got. I couldn't wake her up for I knew that she was crying all night and this sleep was much needed. I couldn't afford to waste it. At that moment, I knew I had to rely on myself.



I had only until the next day to announce my decision; only the rest of the night to think about how I would save the East Land and the Crimson family. I knew that whatever I decide would somehow ruin me. And it was frustrating because why do I have to break myself just to save the important things and people in my life.



I sighed and kissed my mother's forehead before I silently left her room. It was already late at night and the visitors were already resting in the rooms provided for them. I was surprised to see Tarnus on the hallway pacing silently while deep in his thoughts. He straightened when he saw me approaching.



"Lady Primrose," he murmured as he touched my arm gently. Before he became a protector of the East Land, he was first my friend and I appreciate him staying by my side at this unfortunate situation.



"You must be tired after maintaining the security of the East Land. You should rest," I said.



He gave me a weak smile and gently pulled me in his arms. His embrace was comforting, almost protective. We stayed like that for a moment, enjoying the warmth his body provided.



"I know you are suffering. You are just hiding it well in front of these people. Primrose, please know that you always have me. You don't have to face it all alone."



I looked up at him and saw sincerity in his eyes. I knew that he was always at my side and he would do anything just to keep me safe. But I couldn't rely on him in every situation. I needed to show everyone that I was also capable of dealing with the Mainland.



"Oh, Tarnus! I know that, and I am grateful everyday because I have you – I have a friend like you. And as much as I want to stay under your protection, I can't do it right now. Not when the East Land is in the verge of chaotic turn. I have to stand and do something. I have to protect my people. I have to protect you."



Tarnus stared at me questioningly. He seemed to be confused by what I had just said.



"Lord Caleb was like a father to me. And if you are hurting then I want to share your pain. Primrose, let me help you –"



"You don't understand," I cut him off. "My father's death left the East Land in uncertainty. I can't just let them take everything away from me. I have to make a decision."



He looked baffled as he examined my face. He could sense that something bad is going to happen and there's no way for him to stop it. He wanted to protect me. But he couldn't shield me from everything – not when the whole Mainland was against me.



He combed his fingers through his hair in exasperation and paced the hall. He breathed deeply and walked back to me.



"What do you want me to do, Primrose?" he asked, finally deciding to let me do what I had to do.



"My mother, the East Land, and the pirates – they need us. Help me in protecting them," I answered determined. "I want you to trust me, Tarnus."



His expression softened as he stared at me. He knew that I needed him. And I knew that he wouldn't fail me.



With a deep sigh, he nodded. He looked determined. If only he knew what we would all face in the morning.



After making Tarnus promise to rest, I went to my own room and welcomed a sleepless night in my bed. I didn't know how the East Land would react when I announce my decision in the morning or what my mother would say if she finally comes to her mind and realize what's happening. Is my father going to be disappointed of his only daughter? Would Tarnus feel betrayed after he offered me his protection? My heart started to beat faster as my thoughts danced into a forbidden territory. Would the Skull of the pirate world care at all?



I hurriedly brushed it off my mind. I realized that what I saw in the woods when I was attacked was probably a fruit of my longing and imagination. Maybe it was an Eastern soldier who saved me. And that what I should remember was the moment the Obsidian sailed away and left me on a sinking Pirate City with the other injured pirates to die. My heart weighed heavier in my chest like it was begging to just bury itself to the ground because of the pain it felt. But I couldn't let it cower away as I summon all my strength and suppress the emotions that weakened it. When pain and betrayal strike, I began to doubt memories. I started doubting my heart. And now, I couldn't trust it. I knew it was time to lock it up.



The morning came unforgiving. The day would not stop on its track for anyone. It came to me as a violent hand that pushed me out of my safety and face the rulers of the Mainland. It was a death sentence.



I dressed myself in another elegant black gown, one which my mother insisted of me wearing in a few formal occasion but I continuously refused to because I didn't want to intimidate anyone by how it was delicately and perfectly made with precious jewels as its ornaments. I still didn't like wearing it. However, this day was different and this gown was like armour for me to use in facing the rulers. The gown held power, and power was what I would be showing them.



The servants, upon seeing my presence, informed me that the visitors were being served their breakfast in the dining hall. Apparently, the huge hall was transformed into a feast in order for the East Castle to cater the taste and needs of the rulers, definitely showing how important they were in the Mainland. I tried to stop the scowl that start to form on my lips. Such a waste of hospitality!



I sighed and with my chin held up high, I entered the dining hall. The chattering ended the moment I entered the room. Their attention was focused on me as I made my way in the center of the long dining table, to the unoccupied chair that was reserved to the master of the castle.



However, I didn't sit down when I reached it. And instead, I addressed all of them with scrutinizing eyes and motioned my hand for them to take their seats. They immediately did and waited for me to speak.



"I hope you enjoy the hospitality of the East Castle. It is just unfortunate that the ruler of the East Land can't join us for he's lying dead on his coffin down the hall." They remained silent. But then, some had the audacity to continue eating so I spoke again and said, "How did they find the guards who were the escorts of my father again? With their throats slit open and blood-drenched armours? Some had arrows on their chest that pierced them through their back? The way they described my father's death sounded like an ambush. And as we all have our breakfast, I hope the justice is on its way to capture the criminals."



By the time I was finished with my colourful introduction, silence remained in the room and the foods were left untouched. I had to tell the servants to bring the leftovers to the people of the East Land who needed it. After all, these foods were gifts to us by our land. And it is for us to take.



"I hope you had a good sleep last night, my lady," Lord Boris greeted me and sipped on his coffee. He wasn't bothered at all by what I had just said.



I smirked at him and said, "Ofcourse, I had a good sleep. I had a very comforting conversation with Lord Magnus West and I can't wait to talk about it."



Lord Magnus looked at me knowingly. He seemed to dislike the way I dragged his name in making a scene on breakfast. He should get used to it though. That was if he really wanted me to become his dear daughter-in-law.



The other rulers regarded me and Lord Magnus in confusion. They were utterly curious about what we had to talk about after the meeting. I guessed there's no sense in keeping them in the dark. After all, the best way to counter a deadly secret is to make it known.



"I decided to accept the marriage proposal of Lord Chester Weston of the West Land. And with him, we would be the rulers of the Eastern domain."



Shocked gasps and whispers echoed around the hall. Lord Chester looked at me, surprised. He clearly had no idea how his father manipulated me into coming to this decision. I started to move and walk away from the room since I had already done my purpose. I saw Lord Boris stood up and followed my exit. He immediately caught my arm the moment we were out of the room.



"Seriously? Is this the best solution you can think of?" He was clearly disappointed with what I had just declared.



I sighed as I looked back at him. He was the one who told me that things would get worse after my father's death. And now that it was starting to go down this fast, even he was surprised at how things were turning.



"I don't want this," I choked on my words as I controlled my tears from escaping my eyes. There was no sense in explaining my actions. Not when I had no choice but to do it.



His annoyed expression faltered as he had a glimpse of the weakness that was creeping inside me. Gone was the irritation in his face when his hand reached up and touched my cheek. He stroked my skin gently like at that point, he could only see my vulnerability.



"I know, little fire," he answered softly as he stared into my eyes. "What's making me mad right now is that you're choosing to marry him after rejecting my proposal. It's just that – why him? If marrying a Lord's son is your plan, then why couldn't it be me? You can use me."



I stared back at him with sadness visible in my eyes. He was there, standing in front of me, offering his own self and reputation at my feet. But I couldn't take it. I just couldn't drag him down with me. And I didn't know everything about him. It was better to take a familiar enemy than risk making strange new ones. That way, I would have an idea of how I would handle myself.



"We are just beginning to know each other, Lord Boris. It is too early for us to break the good relationship we created just because of a forced marriage. I can't let you do that for me."



"I understand," he yielded which brought me relief. "However, I'm still annoyed at how these people are playing you. If you'll allow me, I want to do something to mess with them a little."



I frowned in confusion as steps were nearing by the door. But then, I owed him this one and whatever he was about to do, I knew that he wouldn't bring me harm. So I shrugged my shoulders and said, "Make them suffer."



I didn't have time to react when his hand was suddenly grabbing me on my waist and his other hand was at the back of my head pulling me into a deep, lingering kiss. His lips were soft, with a hint of coffee he was drinking at breakfast. I closed my eyes and savoured it, welcoming the warm feeling of being in someone's arm.



Our lips remained connected even when the door of the dining hall opened and the visitors scattered around us with a new level of shock on their faces. I smirked on his lips when I completely understood what he was aiming to do. Surely, the West wouldn't like it. And it didn't take long to confirm it when Lord Chester Weston made his way from the crown and shouted, "What the fucking hell?!"