After a day of rest, it was finally time to disembark the Rising Tide and grace the shores of Arlington. As the gangplank descended, Melody and Jim stepped onto the bustling castle grounds. The air was filled with the sounds of distant laughter and the fragrance of blooming flowers, creating an atmosphere of both excitement and formality.
Jim, carrying a small bag of essentials, stood by Melody's side as they navigated through the lively courtyard. The towering castle loomed ahead, a symbol of aristocracy and power. Melody felt a mixture of anticipation and anxiety, knowing that her meeting with the Duke would set the tone for the diplomatic relations between their kingdoms.
As they approached the castle entrance, a middle aged woman with a warm smile, strawberry blonde hair, and freckles approached. She curtsied gracefully before Melody, introducing herself as Constance, the lady-in-waiting appointed to attend to Melody's needs during her stay.
"Yer Highness, welcome to Arlington," Constance said, her voice carrying the politeness expected of a castle servant. "I am at yer service, ready to assist with anything ye may require during yer visit."
"Thank you Constance, it is a pleasure to meet you," Melody acknowledged the greeting with a nod, appreciating Constance's courtesy. She then gestured to the servants following behind, towing what was left of the cargo that had not gone overboard. "Please accept these gifts as a token of peace and goodwill from the Kingdom of Tirulia."
"Arlington thanks ye kindly, miss! The Duke extends his welcome and hopes that ye have made a full recovery from yer illness," Constance curtsied again. "Now, I'm sure ye are both exhausted from the voyage! Allow me to show ye to yer rooms."
Constance led the way into the castle, her footsteps echoing softly against the polished stone floors as they ascended to the third floor where the guest chambers awaited. Their first stop was a modest suite designated for Jim's stay. It exuded a quiet elegance, with warm wooden furnishings complemented by intricate tapestries adorning the walls. A large four-poster bed stood as the centerpiece, inviting weary travelers to rest.
"Mr. Hawkins, this be yer chamber," Constance announced, her voice carrying a hint of formality as she swung the door open. "I hope it suits yer preferences. If there's aught ye need, feel free to ask."
Jim entered the room, his gaze skimming over the familiar yet foreign surroundings. "It's perfect, Constance. Thank you."
A polite smile graced Constance's lips as she nodded in acknowledgment. "I'm pleased to hear that. The balcony provides a fine view of the courtyard below."
Jim made his way to the balcony, the cool breeze of the evening air brushing against his skin as he peered out at the sprawling castle grounds. "Not bad at all. I appreciate your help, Constance."
"Ye're welcome, Mr. Hawkins. If ye require anything or have any questions, don't hesitate to let me know. I'll be nearby," she replied before withdrawing, leaving Jim to his thoughts.
Alone in the quiet expanse of his chamber, Jim allowed himself a moment of respite, his mind wandering to the days that lay ahead. He couldn't shake the feeling of unease that lingered within him, the weight of their mission pressing down on his shoulders. With a resigned sigh, he turned his attention to the view beyond the balcony, steeling himself for the challenges that awaited.
Meanwhile, down the hall, Constance guided Melody to her own suite, the rhythmic click of her heels punctuating the silence. Jim's deliberate avoidance of her presence did not go unnoticed, leaving an unspoken tension hanging in the air. Yet, Melody remained composed, her gaze steady as she prepared to face the uncertainties of their diplomatic venture.
The royal guest suite was quite spacious and airy, with white marble flooring and gilded paintings hanging throughout depicting various ocean inspired myths and legends.
"Yer Highness, this is yer chamber," Constance said, gesturing towards the elegant room. "A space befitting a royal guest."
Melody nodded appreciatively, taking in the luxurious surroundings. "Thank you, Constance. It's beautiful."
"I'm glad it meets yer approval, Yer Highness. The view from this room is breathtaking," Constance replied, leading Melody toward the balcony doors.
As they stepped onto the balcony, Melody's eyes widened at the expanse of the sea before her. "It's stunning! I can almost hear the waves from here."
"Aye, the sound of the ocean has a calming effect. Many find solace in its melody," Constance remarked.
Melody smiled, grateful for the thoughtful accommodations. "I appreciate your help, Constance. It's all a bit overwhelming, but you're making me feel at home."
"That's what I'm here for, Yer Highness. Now, would ye like some time to freshen up before meeting the Duke? I've taken the liberty of drawing a fresh bath."
Melody nodded. "Yes, that would be wonderful. Thank you, Constance."
Constance curtsied. "I'll be just outside if ye need anything. Don't hesitate to call."
Melody acknowledged her with a smile, and Constance left her alone to prepare for the formal meeting with the Duke.
Jim turned on the tap, letting the water run until it reached a warm temperature. The grandeur of the castle struck him as he splashed his face, realizing the stark contrast to the improvised life he'd been leading on the Rising Tide and the Odyssey, respectively.
He took a moment to appreciate the array of soaps and oils displayed in ornate containers. Choosing a fragrant one, he lathered up and washed off the remnants of the sea voyage and island escapade. The fresh scent wafted around him as he dried off with a plush towel. Jim noticed a slight beard had started to grow during their journey. Spotting a razor among the provided amenities, he decided to scrape away the rough edges, giving himself a cleaner look.
Looking at himself in the mirror, Jim couldn't help but smirk. He felt almost civilized again. The thought crossed his mind that Melody might appreciate the transformation. Shaking off the notion, he sighed, attributing his newfound interest in personal hygiene to the influence of the refined atmosphere surrounding him.
Sinking into the extravagant bed, he soon succumbed to a peaceful slumber, the softness of the sheets and the comfort of the surroundings contributing to a much-needed rest.
Melody sank into the opulent bathtub, a marvel of decadence that resembled a giant oyster shell. The walls were plated with lustrous abalone, shimmering with an array of iridescent hues—silvers, blues, purples, and greens—that danced in the soft glow of candlelight. As she eased herself into the hot water, she was enveloped by a cloud of bubbles, their delicate fragrance of lavender wrapping around her like a comforting embrace, soothing her frazzled nerves.
Nearly drifting into a state of blissful relaxation, Melody listened to the gentle lilt of Constance's voice, carrying the strains of a sea shanty from the other room.
"But I dream o' ye, my darlin',
when the night's are long.
Where the river meets the ocean banks,
that's where I belong..."
Half-awake, the thought briefly crossed her mind about how much Constance's accent reminded her of Silver's, the enigmatic pirate who had come to her aid. Pushing the thought aside, Melody focused on the task at hand, reaching for a fragrant bottle of shampoo to wash her hair.
Her hair freshly cleansed, she moved on to scrubbing the sand off her body. As she lifted a leg to begin scrubbing, her hand brushed against something unexpected—a scaly, coral tail. Panic surged through her veins as she quickly submerged her tail beneath the bubbles, praying that Constance hadn't noticed the sudden anomaly. She briefly considered sending the lady-in-waiting on an errand, hoping for a moment of solitude to assess her predicament, but the logistics of escaping the tub proved daunting. The sheer drop from the rim of the tub to the floor below and the absence of any nearby footholds left her stranded, reliant on the small set of stairs that had allowed her entry into the water in the first place. Resigned to her aquatic confines, Melody sighed inwardly, realizing that she was at the mercy of her own enchantment—for now.
Feeling trapped, she summoned her courage and called out to Constance. The servant hurried in without delay, her presence a welcome relief in the opulent but stifling atmosphere of the bath chamber.
"Princess Melody, do ye require any assistance getting out?" Constance's voice was warm and solicitous, her concern evident as she glanced at the precarious steps by the tub. "I must warn ye, these steps can get mighty slippery. 'Tis a wonder why they'd design 'em so treacherous. Sacrificing safety for a bit o' gold, it seems a foolhardy choice, if ye ask me."
The servant's boldness, though unexpected, would have drawn a laugh under different circumstances. Yet, in her current dire predicament, amusement was a luxury she couldn't afford.
Melody hesitated for a moment before speaking, her voice carrying a tone of urgency. "Constance, I need you to trust me before you help me out of this tub."
Constance, a bit puzzled but willing to assist, rolled up her sleeves and reached out to help Melody out of the bath. However, the moment she saw Melody's tail, shock registered on her face, freezing her in place for an instant before she unintentionally dropped Melody back into the water. Water splashed everywhere, causing Constance to slip and fall on the hard marble floor.
Melody resurfaced seconds later, her expression concerned as she witnessed Constance gingerly picking herself up from the floor. "Oh, Constance, are you alright?" she asked, genuine worry in her eyes. "I should have warned you or explained better. This is my fault."
Constance, still recovering from the surprise, assured the princess, "I'm fine, Yer Highness. Just caught me off guard, is all."
Melody nodded, acknowledging Constance's words. "I should have prepared you. Please forgive me. It's not something I can easily explain, but I trust you won't reveal my secret."
Now composed, Constance nodded back. "Of course, Yer Highness. Yer secret is safe with me." Analyzing the situation with a level head, she realized that they had another problem. "Milady, I fear that I lack sufficient strength to lift ye without risking injury to both of us."
Melody considered their options, her mind racing through various possibilities, but always returning to the same idea, one she disliked. She hesitated for a moment before turning to Constance with a reluctant sigh.
"Constance, I think we must fetch Jim," Melody finally admitted, her voice tinged with resignation. "He already knows my secret."
"Absolutely not, Yer Highness! In yer current state of undress, it would be most inappropriate. My apologies, but I simply cannot abide!" Constance refused vehemently.
Melody pressed her lips into a thin line, her frustration evident. "I agree it's not ideal, but do you have a better idea, Constance?"
After a moment of contemplation, Constance relented. "Very well, milady. I shall fetch a nightgown for you to wear. That way, you can maintain your modesty while Mr. Hawkins assists you."
Melody sank back into the bubbles, a sense of dread settling over her like a heavy shroud. The inevitable encounter loomed before her, promising an awkwardness that would persist even if she and Jim were on better terms.
Jim stirred from his sleep, groggily rubbing his eyes as Constance's persistent knocking penetrated his dreams. He swung his legs over the edge of the bed, raking his hands through his hair. "Yeah, yeah, hold your bullydouses," he muttered, stumbling towards the door.
Opening it, he was met with Constance, a mix of urgency and embarrassment on her face. "What's goin' on?" Jim asked, still half-asleep.
"The princess needs yer help. It's urgent," Constance replied, her gaze averted, unable to look him in the eye.
Jim's drowsiness instantly evaporated as concern took over. "Melody? What happened?" He didn't wait for an answer as he quickly followed Constance to Melody's room.
As they entered the bath chamber, Jim's eyes widened at the sight of Melody sitting in the cold tub, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she avoided his gaze.
Constance quickly explained the predicament to Jim, her words tumbling out in a rush as she detailed Melody's request for assistance. Jim's initial surprise gave way to understanding, and he nodded solemnly as he took in the scene before him.
"Alright, let's figure this out," he said finally.
Jim navigated the slick marble floor cautiously, sidestepping the puddles with deliberate steps. Approaching the tub, he maintained a calm demeanor, offering Melody a reassuring smile as he spoke.
"Alright, Princess," he said gently, his voice a soothing presence in the tense atmosphere. "I'm going to get you out of there. Just put your arms around my neck, and I'll lift you up."
Melody looked up at him with a mixture of embarrassment and gratitude as she wrapped her arms around his neck before he carefully lifted her out of the water, his strong arms supporting her heavy tail.
As Jim carried Melody over to an armchair, their eyes locked for a brief moment. In that instant, he couldn't help but relish the sensation of her skin against his own, a fleeting connection that sent a shiver down his spine.
Trying to divert his attention from his swirling thoughts, Jim attempted to lighten the mood with a joke. "Well, Princess, we haven't even been in Arlington for a full day, and already your secret's out. Talk about making an entrance."
Melody's response was meant to be lighthearted, but her words carried a subtle jab at Jim's avoidance of her. "I suppose that's what happens when you leave me unattended," she quipped, her tone tinged with playful sarcasm.
Jim, momentarily taken aback by Melody's remark, couldn't find a suitable response. Instead, he carefully set her down into the armchair as Constance began drying Melody's hair with a towel. Jim's mind raced with a mix of emotions, unsure of how to navigate the awkwardness that lingered between them.
Constance turned to Jim and gestured towards the cabinet. "Would ye mind helping me with the puddles, Mr. Hawkins? There should be some extra towels in there."
Jim nodded in acknowledgment, grateful for the distraction, and retrieved the towels to wipe up the water from the floor.
Meanwhile, Melody, now wrapped in a warm towel, expressed her gratitude. "Thank you both for your help. I wrongly assumed that this only happens in sea water."
"Oh, don't ye fret, dear," Constance replied while Jim gave a curt nod.
"You know Constance, you're taking this revelation remarkably well," Melody observed.
Constance chuckled softly as she continued drying Melody's hair. "Well, Yer Highness, I've served in this castle long enough to learn that stranger things happen than a princess having a fish tail."
Jim's eyes narrowed as he caught sight of a familiar device glinting on Constance's wrist, previously concealed beneath her now pushed-up sleeves. Without a second thought, he abruptly stood up, his brows furrowed in suspicion.
"Maybe a little too well..." he said, his tone tinged with disbelief.
Before Constance could react, Jim reached out and grabbed her wrist, pulling her closer to examine the device. Constance gasped in surprise, her eyes widening as she watched Jim scrutinize the object.
"Jim! What are you doing?" Melody cried out, equally taken aback.
"She's not who she claims to be," he maintained his intense gaze on the lady-in-waiting. "Where did you get this?"
"Jim, what is going on?" Melody was confined to her chair, feeling helpless as she observed the unfolding interrogation.
"This is a holo watch," he lifted Constance's arm, his grip gentle yet firm. "It's a device that allows the wearer to alter their appearance."
Melody finally grasped that her bodyguard's heightened caution had a valid basis. Yet, her curiosity grew, intrigued to witness the device in action and discover Constance's true form.
"Constance...?" Melody prodded for an explanation. "Whatever it is, I'm sure we can figure something out. After all, I trusted you with my greatest secret."
With a heavy sigh, Constance relented. "Alright, let me explain meself," she looked pointedly at her wrist, then at Jim. He reluctantly released her, assuming a defensive stance as he placed himself as a protective barrier between Melody and this new potential threat.
Constance deactivated her device with slow, deliberate motions. The holographic disguise dissipated, revealing her true form. Melody's eyes widened, but she made sure not to overreact. She intended to reciprocate the same understanding that her lady-in-waiting had shown her.
Taking in her bear-like, alien appearance, Jim momentarily dropped his defense. "You're an Ursid...just like..." Silver. His brow raised, not quite believing what he was seeing.
"Aye, ye've got a sharp eye, lad. Ye're not from Earth either, are ye, Mr. Hawkins?" Constance deduced.
"No, I'm from Montressor," Jim confirmed. "Now, what are you doing here?"
"Tis a rather long tale of wandering among the stars…" Constance sighed.
"Tell us more, Constance. How did you end up here in Arlington?" Melody prompted her.
Constance took a deep breath, her gaze drifting away as she delved into her past. "Years ago, I ran away from home, searching for someone who didn't want to be found. I joined a crew of buccaneers, hoping the stars would eventually lead me to the person I was looking for. Fate had other plans, though. Our ship crash-landed on Earth about a decade ago, and I was the only one who made it out alive."
She glanced at her wrist, where the holo watch once concealed her true appearance. "In order to survive, I disguised myself, blending in with the humans, and got a job here at the castle. Stranded on this planet, my quest for a sense of belonging brought me to Arlington."
Jim furrowed his brow, a skeptical expression crossing his face. "There's still something that doesn't quite add up. Earth isn't part of the Intergalactic Federation, and as far as I know, there are no recognized ports for spaceships here. What was your crew doing near this planet in the first place?"
Constance hesitated, her eyes darting between Jim and Melody. The weight of an unspoken truth lingered in the air, and she knew she had to reveal more. "Our ship was pursuing a lead, a rumor about a powerful artifact with the potential to alter the balance of galaxies. It was said to be hidden on a distant, uncharted planet. Earth."
Melody's eyes widened in surprise at the mention of Earth. "Do you mean the Sea Stone?" she blurted out, unable to contain her astonishment.
"How did ye know? Unless…" Constance quickly worked out the meaning of Melody's question, while Jim shot Melody a scolding look, his expression tight with concern.
Melody winced at Jim's reaction, realizing her mistake. She bit her lip, chastising herself for revealing yet another secret so soon.
"Yes, Constance, we know of the Sea Stone," Melody decided she might as well tell her the truth. "It's a family heirloom which I've been entrusted with safekeeping."
"I promise I mean ye no harm, Princess," Constance bowed her head in submission. "I abandoned that quest years ago, nothin' good ever happens from chasin' legends."
"I believe you, Constance," Melody grasped the woman's hand in her own. "Thank you for telling us the truth."
Constance nodded gratefully, before looking up again. "Mary."
"Mary?" Melody and Jim echoed in unison.
"My real name is Mary Reade," the Ursid explained.
"I just have one last question, Mary," Jim continued his interrogation, starting to relax his guarded stance. "Have you ever come across Captain Ironbeard in your travels?"
Mary's eyes darkened at the mention of Ironbeard, and a shadow of concern crossed her face. "Aye, I've heard of him. Ruthless, cunning, and with a hunger for power that surpasses most. His pursuit of the Four Stones leaves destruction in its wake. I wanted no part in it, especially after what happened to me former crew."
Jim's expression softened, a mixture of sympathy and curiosity evident in his eyes as he leaned in. "Mary, what really happened to your crew?"
Mary hesitated, her gaze drifting to the floor as she wrestled with her memories. "We were searching for the Sea Stone," she began, her voice tinged with regret. "We thought that if we got to it first, we might have a chance at taking on Ironbeard and his crew. But we underestimated his ruthlessness. He ambushed us on the way to this planet, outnumbering and outgunning us at every turn."
Jim's brows furrowed with concern as he listened intently, his mind racing with questions. "And your crew... what happened to them?" he pressed gently, sensing Mary's reluctance to continue.
Mary's jaw clenched, her hands trembling slightly as she recounted the harrowing events. "Ironbeard showed no mercy," she whispered, her voice barely above a murmur. "They boarded our ship, and slayed several of me crewmates. As we tried to flee to Earth, his ship opened fire, even with some of his own crew still aboard. They gunned us down, which is how we ended up crash landing near Arlington."
A shiver ran down Jim's spine at the grim reality of Mary's words. The brutality of Ironbeard's actions weighed heavily on him, igniting a fierce determination to stop the pirate captain at any cost.
"I'm so sorry you had to go through that," Melody murmured, her voice laced with sympathy, as her eyes betrayed her apprehension.
Mary nodded solemnly, a haunted look in her eyes. "Just be careful, ye two," she cautioned. "Ironbeard stops at nothing to get what he wants. And if he's after the Sea Stone, you can bet he won't hesitate to do whatever it takes to claim it."
Jim's jaw tightened with resolve, his gaze hardening with determination. "Then we'll stop him," he declared, his voice firm with conviction. "No matter the cost."
Author's Notes:
Song lyrics in this chapter are from "I Dream of You" by Ye Banished Privateers; I highly recommend listening while reading!
A "bullydous" is a type of non sapient space creature often used for pulling carts, similar to a horse. Dr Doppler has one named Delilah, which he used to help Sarah and Jim escape from the burning Benbow Inn in the movie.