Dawn came all too soon.
Melody stretched and shook her arms out, trying to wake herself up. The previous night's impromptu outing took up most of the night, and they had barely made it back to the castle without being detected. The only thing that pulled Melody out of the warm, comfortable bed was to check that the trident was still there, and not some dream. Satisfied that it was still tucked safely away underneath the large canopy bed, she began getting dressed for the day.
Right on time, Constance knocked on the door before coming in to assist.
"Mornin' Miss! Ready for the big tour?" She was a bundle of energy, and Melody felt guilty for being inwardly annoyed. She was normally a morning person herself, but running on a couple of hours of sleep made a noticeable impact on her mood. The only indication that Constance heard Melody's grumble of a greeting was presenting her with a big mug of steaming chocolate.
"Why don't ye try this before attempting at a conversation?" She winked. "Ah know a sleepless face when ah see one."
"Thank you, forgive my lack of energy this morning. I didn't sleep well," Melody half-lied.
"Ahh, tis no trouble Miss. Just want to make sure you're prepped for the busy day ahead. After your tour of the kingdom, you and the duke will return here to prepare for the grand ball," Constance chose a cream-colored day dress with pearl buttons and a matching hat from the wardrobe. "Today is supposed to be nice an' sunny, ah think this will do nicely."
The ball.
That was the absolute last thing that Melody wanted to do today. She would almost rather face Ironbeard himself than go to that. It would just be too awkward, and she had to figure out a way to let the duke down gently in view of his generosity. After all, he seemed nice enough.
Jim met Melody at the top of the grand staircase to escort her to the carriage.
"You look lovely this morning, Princess," he complimented her. Although she felt like death walking, Constance had helpfully done her makeup to cover up the dark circles under her eyes and make her look more normal and alert.
"Thanks, I just can't wait to get this whole trip over with," she kept her voice down as they descended the stairs.
"I know, but gotta keep up appearances in the meantime, right? Isn't this all part of your diplomatic duties?" He tried to cheer her up.
"Yeah, something like that," she chuckled ruefully. "If we can leave tomorrow, though, that would be ideal."
"Let's just get through tonight," he gave her arm a reassuring squeeze.
The guards opened the heavy doors to the foyer and they continued down the pathway to the regal carriage waiting at the end. The blond haired duke was standing at the open door of the coach, and when he caught sight of her, his face warmed with a smile.
"Princess Melody, allow me to introduce myself," he politely kissed her gloved hand as she held it out to him. "I am William, Duke of Arlington, and it is my great honor to host you this week. I sincerely appreciate you making the journey, and I hope you have been able to rest sufficiently."
"Thank you Sir for your hospitality, my stay thus far has been most comfortable," she curtsied respectfully. "I do hope you do not mind that my bodyguard accompanies us on our trip today?"
"Please, call me William. And of course, your safety is of utmost importance. Now come, come! We mustn't waste time - I have much to show you!" He helped Melody into the carriage before entering himself. As one of the guards on duty closed the door, Jim made his way to the front of the coach, mounting the seat next to the driver. He was suddenly glad for the lessons that Henley had drilled into him about proper etiquette.
The carriage rumbled along the cobblestone streets of the marketplace. The duke had bought something from every vendor they visited, and the merchants seemed most appreciative for the business. They snacked on various foods that they had purchased while touring the village. To Melody's surprise, the duke seemed very down to earth, not at all snobby or stuck up like she had thought he would be. And he seemed well-liked by his subjects. She was certain he would make some other lady very happy someday.
It was past noon as they approached a quiet lake not far from town. Graceful cranes stood in the shallower parts of the water, dozing peacefully after what must have been a full feasting of fish. The carriage came to a stop and Jim opened the door to help Melody out. She tried to hide her smile in his direction as she was doing her best not to give undue attention to her bodyguard in front of the duke. William led Melody down a path to the water and began pointing out various birds. Apparently he had a hobby of bird watching.
"Princess Melody, I must confess to you something," he suddenly turned serious, making Melody nervous about what he had to say. Surely he didn't suspect anything romantic between her and Jim?
"What is it William?" she smiled pleasantly, feigning innocence.
"I must confess that, today is not our first meeting," he avoided her eyes, looking nervous himself.
"Whatever do you mean?"
"Do you remember dancing with a boy 6 years ago, at your birthday celebration?" He looked sheepish.
Realization dawned on her.
"You...you were that boy?" She couldn't believe it. The boy who freaked out when Sebastian pinched his hand in self-defense and made a complete fool of her? She had done her best to block that day out of her memory; she now realized that she had never bothered to get his name.
"Please, I beg your forgiveness for my past mistakes," he explained hurriedly. "I was just a boy, I was spoiled and over dramatic. I never should have ruined your party the way that I did."
Melody didn't quite know what to say. Having a cruel reminder of that day right in front of her this whole time... and now he was apologizing?
"Well, I must admit, I did not see this coming," she started fanning herself as she thought of her next words. "I really appreciate you telling me this, and I accept your apology."
"Thank you, I have felt so badly about my actions since that day. I never expected to get a chance to see you again, but I just couldn't forget you. You really were quite charming, I'm sorry it took me so long to see it."
Melody felt uncomfortable with him doting on her, especially with Jim not ten paces behind them. She felt so guilty. What was she going to do?
"Shouldn't we be heading back for the ball soon?" she changed the subject, hoping he wouldn't be too hurt by getting cut off.
"Oh goodness, you are quite right! We shall head back straight away," he picked up the pace and led her back to the carriage. Melody stole a quick glance at Jim, who eyed her inquisitively. She would have to tell him later about the revelation.
Back at the castle, Jim watched as the duke helped Melody step down onto the stone pathway before she was whisked away by Constance to prepare for the ball that evening. He knew he had no right, but he felt a twinge of jealousy just the same. What had he gotten himself into? He bowed quickly to the duke before heading off to look for Silver at the docks. He didn't need much time to get ready for the ball, and he knew that Melody would no doubt be surrounded by ladies in waiting until evening fell. So he figured he would spend the next few hours keeping Silver company since he wasn't allowed to leave the ship.
After boarding the Rising Tide, Jim went straight to the galley, knowing that was likely to be where Silver was spending his time. Sure enough, he saw the familiar silhouette in front of the flames of the furnace; something was boiling on the stove and Jim's stomach growled loudly. The old pirate looked over his shoulder expectantly.
"Is dat Jimbo ah hear?"
"Thought I'd keep you company while I had some free time," Jim replied as he sat down at a nearby table. "And maybe some of your fine cooking?"
Silver laughed good-naturedly at that.
"Isn't those royal folks feedin ya?" he joked, even as he set a bowl in front of Jim.
"Yeah well, nothing quite compares to your unique cuisine," he slurped down the stew quickly. "Plus, I need to talk to you about something..."
Silver stopped what he was doing and sat down opposite Jim.
"What is it lad?"
"Let's take a walk, I don't want anyone overhearing this."
Up in the crow's nest, Jim related the events of the previous night, telling him about the trident and how the Sea Stone led Melody to it. Silver scratched his chin thoughtfully.
"Ah never heard of any of the stones belonging to a specific weapon. That is curious, ah must say."
"But what do you make of the effects that the stone is having on Melody? It was like she was possessed! What if the stone tries to overtake her?"
"Never you mind about dat. Yer lassie's got a strong will and quick wits about her. It would take a lot more than dat to control her, ah reckon."
"I'm still worried about her; you didn't see her," Jim looked back at the castle, turning his back to Silver.
"Tis only natural lad, ye can't help your feelings for her," Silver patted Jim's shoulder before staring out at the sea.
"Aye, what in Nebula's name?" He squinted at the horizon, focusing his cybernetic eye on something in the distance.
"What is it?" Jim shaded his eyes against the setting sun.
"Well ah'll be, dat's my ship!"