Chapter 20
Eugene was awoken to the sound of someone screaming, someone he recognized as Rapunzel. His guard had already left his post and this gave him the opportunity to slowly lift himself up. The pain in his body was immense but he pushed it aside afraid something was happening to his beloved. Slowly he moved out of the bed and hugged the walls of the room until he reached the doorway. Opening it up cautiously he looked about. No one seemed to be below deck and he made his way to the stairs leading to the upper deck. He could hear voices and footsteps followed by shouting. Moving as fast as he could he climbed the stairs and when he got to the top, he collapsed on deck.
"Prince Rider!" Samuel quickly rushed to his side.
"What's going on? I heard Rapunzel scream," Eugene said, seeing most of the crew looking over the rails at something in the water. Some of the men tended to a wet something not far away.
"You would not believe me if I told you, sir," the man told him.
"Where is Rapunzel?" The former thief demanded.
"She and the man left at the helm were swallowed by the Kraken," Samuel said. Eugene shook his head. That couldn't be possible.
"Then who is on deck?" Eugene asked.
"Hook Hand. Somehow he got up on deck," the guard explained.
"Take me to him," Eugene demanded. Samuel was about to argue that the Prince Consort was in no shape to go anywhere when the Captain demanded they both come over to him. The sailor quickly helped Eugene up and they walked over to the Captain who was standing with the men helping Hook Hand.
"I want an explanation," the Captain barked.
"I'd like one as well. I'm afraid I'm in the dark as much as you," Eugene said. The skipper shook his head and then barked to the men on deck.
"I want these two thrown in the brig! On the double!" Pointing to Eugene and Hook Hand when he said this the crew froze.
"Now!" He commanded.
"But sir…" Samuel was silenced.
"With the Princess dead, he is no longer a Prince Consort to be, he is a wanted felon. Hook Hand knows something about her death and isn't talking. I want them in the brig now!" Quickly and quietly the group aided the two men back below decks and into the cells. Once locked inside they returned topside where the Captain ordered the ships to get underway. They would wait around no longer as the sun began to crest over the horizon.
The Queen walked through the streets of the capital city, doing some shopping. Her handmaidens had been thrilled at the opportunity and were excitedly helping her pick out cloth for a new dress along with jewelry that was to her liking. Inwardly the Queen was concerned why the ships hadn't reached port yet while outwardly she tried to look happy. The sun neared the mid-way mark and no word. She had just gotten her daughter back and now it seemed that they were never meant to be together. The entire kingdom was upset that their Princess had been kidnapped and everyone was eagerly awaiting news from the royals as to what had become of her.
"Your Majesty! Two ships approach in the harbor!" One of her most trusted handmaidens shook her from her thoughts. Quickly the Queen picked up her dress so that it would not touch the ground and ran for the docks. Not a very queenly thing to do but her staff quickly followed. When they reached the docks, Eugene was on a stretcher, his hands chained together, his eyes shut as the ship began to unload. Hook Hand was walking behind him, with no injuries to speak of, his hands chained together.
"What is the meaning of this?" She demanded when the procession stopped upon seeing her.
"He is an outlaw your Majesty, one I trust you will deal with appropriately," the Captain bowed.
"Where is my daughter?" The Queen asked.
"Taken by the Kraken in the middle of the night. I am sorry, your Highness. We could do nothing to save her. I even lost one of my own men," the Captain explained. At the news, the Queen collapsed and quickly the crew grabbed her. They then marched on to the palace to tell the King.
To Be Continued…