Hello, all! Welcome to chapter 8 of Three Wishes! This chapter has actually been ready for a little while, but I... totally did not forget that I had it ready for publishing. I'm not forgetful, not at all! Either way, it's here now, and I hope you enjoy it!

Cap10FroggerGuy: Hehe, I'm trying! I'm glad you're enjoying it ;)

HyperboiB: I hAVE TAKEN NOTE OF THIS. I'm so glad I've been encouraging you! That's one of the main reasons I write, to encourage others and make people smile. It makes ME smile to read your reviews, and I thank you for that! Happy Sunday!

OLS: I AM COMING FOR YOUR SOUUULLLLLLLLLLL. That's all I have to say to you ;)

Sneaky Shados: Shado, I am SO GLAD you made mention of the dragon, because I love it too. Ngl, the thought of Bequeath being this super huge dragon and tripping over his wings just NINJAS MY GO. Love it.

BlissfulBlossom7: I'm so glad you're enjoying it! ;)

As always, if you enjoyed it, feel free to drop me a review! I love to read them!

Nya forced down a yawn, trying not to look as bored as she felt. "Sure, these meetings are boring, but they are sure important. Pay. Attention." She glanced back at the advisor who was talking, noting how her father looked just as bored as she felt. Oh good, at least it wasn't just her. "I wonder how Jay is doing..."

Before she had much of a chance to dwell on that, however, there was a strange sound that drew her attention. No one else in the room seemed to notice, but she excused herself for a moment and stood, going to the window. What she saw made her pause in surprise.

What appeared to be a huge, mechanical dragon was parading down the streets, surrounded by dancers and drummers and animals of all sorts, from all over the kingdoms. At the docks, she could just barely see the tip of a magnificent ship. The sail (from what she could see from the window) appeared to be a deep purple and blue, dashed with hints of orange and silver. It was... well, even what little she could see was incredible.

This time, her father DID notice that something was going on. "Nya, what's going on out there?"

She tried to suppress a sigh. "Another prince." "I thought we were trying to put a stop to this, not continue bringing more in!"

Ray frowned. "Another one? Odd." He also stood, prompting everyone else to stand. "All of you, get going and work on those things we were talking about."

His advisors all bowed, some looking distinctly displeased, which was something that Nya hadn't been paying much attention to. When he turned to leave, she followed after him, bunching up her skirt in her hands. "Father, what was all that about? As far as I could tell, there was nothing for them to be displeased about."

"Nya, dear, they're all just reluctant to allow Captain Soto to become the heir. Apparently, they're as apprehensive as you are..."

Her eyes got wide. "But- shouldn't that say something? Maybe this isn't the right decision. Maybe there's someone else-"

"I am sorry, Nya, but there isn't anyone else. We've been through this already. You're too smart for all of them, and Captain Soto is your best shot." He shook his head. "Besides, we can't show weakness here. You know that."

"Yes, I do, but who said that I have to be married? I could rule Kaiyo alone! I've been training for this my whole life." Desperation climbed up her throat, but she pushed it down. "Father, Dad, please trust me that I can do this."

"It isn't done. It's the law in all the kingdoms that the heir must be married in order to have someone to balance out the distribution of power."

"But- we're pirates! Who says we have to follow the rules?"

"I do." He stopped walking and turned to face her. "One day, you'll understand. If we don't want the other kingdoms to turn on us, or if we one day require their help because of the border, we have to follow their example in some things. This is one of them."

"Dad-"

"Nya! It's decided. Unless someone who happens to be a better fit comes along, you will be marrying Robert Soto." He sighed, putting a hand on her shoulder. "I know you want what's best for Kaiyo, and I do as well. This is going to happen, but I promise, it will work out."

Nya listened to the sounds of commotion and drums outside, taking a deep breath. "Speechless... again. I can't do anything about this..." "Okay. Since I obviously can't argue about it, we should... go figure out what's going on out there."

Her father nodded. "Yes, we should."

Her hands clenched into fists, but... once again, there was nothing she could do. Each time she tried to bring it up or argue about it, he shut her down. "Why can't he understand? I don't want to do this. Please hurry, Jay..."

When they reached the doors, her father gestured quickly, and the doors opened. Her maid (a young woman by the name of Delara) and a few soldiers were already standing outside and watching.

"What is going on out here?"

"Your majesty, it would seem that it's another noble of some kind. We don't know exactly who, though." One of the guards snapped to attention. "Should we allow them into the palace, sir?"

Nya stood beside Delara and watched the parade. It was almost ridiculous how... over the top it was. If this was what they thought would win her hand, well... they were very wrong. It wasn't like she would have a choice with any of that, though.

King Ray nodded. "Yes, allow them in and bring them to the throne room. We will greet them in there."

"Yes sir."

Nya exchanged a glance with Delara and followed him inside, already thinking about this new development. "Unfortunately, it's very likely that I will actually like him... I wonder if there is anyone who I will be completely happy with."

The entrance into the city was... well, in Jay's opinion, WAY overdone. There was a lot of pomp and pretense to it that didn't feel exactly him, but that was fine. Nadakhan seemed to enjoy the sights of the city (not that that was surprising, considering he had lived in a teapot for... who even knew how long), and the people LOVED it. When they drew near the gates of the palace, they were almost immediately let inside and escorted to the throne room.

The throne room itself was... beautiful. It had steps that led up to the two thrones, one that he assumed was for King Ray, and the other that was presumably for Nya. Even the thought of her made him smile. The room around was filled with tapestries and treasures, and it was clear to him that not only were they certainly a pirate kingdom, they were a very rich pirate kingdom. It was incredible to see. The only thing missing was, well... their Royal Highnesses, King Ray and Princess Nya.

He fidgeted with his sword (all the while trying to think about where in the world he would use it). "Where are they? This is taking forever!"

Nadakhan stood perfectly still, looking completely at ease and relaxed. "This is a thing they do. Do not fidget and stop talking. Try thinking about something else while you wait."

Jay frowned, feeling distinctly like this was a huge waste of time. "Does it normally take this long? I should have asked Nya about all this before I did it... to be fair, though, I didn't exactly see this coming."

After a little while, he settled for thinking about the sword (which was still a complete mystery to him as to how he would use it), and Nya. The thought of Nya certainly kept him occupied for a little while, but he'd never been good at staying still. He couldn't help that he had a constant feeling of needing to move around! Before he had a chance to shift, however, the doors on the other side of the room opened and King Ray came through, looking just about as frightening as he had imagined.

The king was wearing what appeared to be a captain's uniform, but in red and blue. He had a sword at his waist, and his hand was resting comfortably on the pommel, as if he knew how to use it (which was more than Jay could claim). His eyes were golden, like dying embers and he had dark, curly brown hair. He was taller than Jay was, certainly, and also taller than Nya. All in all, the stories about him seemed to be true. He wasn't a man to be trifled with.

Jay swallowed and bowed. "Your Majesty. I- uh-" "What are words again? NO, DON'T BLANK NOW!"

Nadakhan took a small step forward and bowed as well. "King Ray. It is an honor to meet you."

"You as well. What is your name?"

"Oh, I am but a servant. This is Prince James of the Imperial Walkers. He has journeyed far to see your beautiful kingdom."

This was so obviously a hint, and Jay jumped on it gratefully. "O- oh yes. What he said. May I say, it does not disappoint."

"I see." King Ray finally stopped in front of them, eyes on Jay. "Thank you, I am very proud of Agrad myself. Tell me, what brings you here, however? I have never heard that family name."

"We're not very well known, as we... keep ourselves separated. For multiple reasons." He said all this in a rush, feeling like he was blowing it, but not wanting to back down. Nya needed him, and he would not disappoint.

"I could only assume that was the case." The king crossed his arms, looking Jay up and down and sizing him up. "So what brings you here, then?"

Jay opened and closed his mouth for a second, trying to figure out how to phrase it without sounding weird. "Well-"

Before he could say anything more, the doors behind the thrones opened again, this time admitting Princess Nya. She was wearing green and blue leggings with a train in the back that billowed when she walked. Her long hair was braided down her back and had silver strands woven through it, giving her what almost seemed like.. a hint of bling each time she moved her head. She had a tiara in her hair as well, and when she glanced at Jay, she tilted her head to the side a bit, almost as if she recognized him.

"Gentlemen, may I introduce my darling and heir, Princess Nya."

She curtsied to them. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

"You as well." Jay bowed, noting how tense she seemed. Was something wrong? Did she recognize him?

"Now, Prince James, back to what you were about to say?" King Ray looked over at him, only a hint of curiosity in his eyes.

"I-" "Just tell the truth, or at least part of it." "Well, I came here to see you, Princess Nya." Jay smiled at her, a warm feeling spreading through him. "I had heard tell of your beauty, but I had to see for myself."

She raised an eyebrow, his mannerisms striking a sense of deja vu. "That's odd, I've never even met him before this and he already reminds me of someone..." "I see. Anything else, besides that?"

"Well, that and the nightly festivals." His mind raced for a way to tell her it was him. "Genie magic, ugh.." "I heard that the dancing and the food is unparalleled."

That struck something in her. "I- I wouldn't know. I've never been." "Well, I have been. Just once..." "I have heard the same things as you, however."

Just as the first time he had heard it, the thought that she had only been to it once sparked anger in him, but he pushed it down. With any luck, this would be able to change things. "I was wondering, your highness, if I could stay here while doing business in the city." "Please say yes, please say yes. If he doesn't, there isn't much more I can do..."

King Ray thought for a moment, looking at Nya. "I believe that would alright, considering you're here only for that. Feel free to stay as long as you'd like, we have plenty of room. I will be leaving on a diplomatic voyage soon, however."

"Thank you for your hospitality." Jay hesitated. "It's greatly appreciated." Speaking like this was beginning to get... well, odd, but he pushed past it. It was for Nya. It was all for Nya.

"Of course." With a final look, Nya turned and disappeared, a feeling she couldn't quite place still in the back of her mind. He seemed so familiar...

After ordering a servant to prepare rooms for him and his man, King Ray also took his leave, probably to go do some kingly stuff.

When he was finally by himself (with Nadakhan, of course), he sat down heavily, burying his head in his hands. "I blew it."

"Not really." Nadakhan sat down as well and folded his hands. "You are in the palace, are you not?"

"Well... yes. But still! I don't have much of a plan beyond this!"

"Does that really matter? You know what you need to do."

"Yeah. I have to help her get out of her engagement. The problem is... I don't know how."

"Why are you doing all this, truly? You say she is engaged, correct?"

Jay sighed. "Yes, but unwillingly."

"How far are you willing to go to help her?"

He glanced at Nadakhan, a bit confused. "What do you mean by that?"

"It is just something to think about, not anything in particular." Nadakhan raised an eyebrow at him, shrugging infinitesimally. "How far would you go to release her from this?"

Jay was quiet, not really feeling a need to respond. How far would he go, and why was he doing this? He cared, that was for certain, but did he... love her? For the longest time, he just sat there and thought, trying to figure out what his plan was. Eventually, he figured out a step one.

Step one was simple. Find where she was and convince her that it was him and not some random person named Prince James. Once he did that, then he could figure out a way to help her out of her engagement. Whatever that took... he would do it without hesitation.