Pirate Chronicles

After the talks about our wedding, the conversation became serious once more. Prince Bernard was able to get information about what will happen to Beckforth.

"The House of Daragiel was stripped of the royal title. The monarchy's royal line was transferred to the House of Absalom, are you familiar with them?" the prince asked.

"The Absaloms are the original royal line of Beckforth. To my knowledge, King Stefan's great grandfather usurped the throne," King Peter informed. "One of the reasons why I was hesitant to form an alliance with them."

"The Kingdom is back to its rightful ruler then," I said. "Do you know them?" I turned to Jacob and asked him.

"I've met Lord Adrien and his family once. They're a very respectable family. They did not involve themselves in governing and politics when I was there. They also declined membership in the House of Lords," Jacob replied.

"Speaking of the House of Lords, what will happen to it? Most of the Lords were involved in the corruption of the overseas territories. What will happen to them?" I asked.

"From what I gather, the Lords and nobles involved in the corruption will be stripped of their titles and exiled to the territories they victimized. Those nobles that opposed Prince Eric and were punished unjustly will get their titles back," Prince Bernard replied.

"How about the corrupt governors of the overseas territories?" Sandlot asked.

"Since the nobles that put them in their positions will be punished, so will they. They will be stripped of their titles and they will be imprisoned based on the severity of their crimes," Prince Bernard answered.

I sighed in relief, "That's very good to hear. That means the people can finally live in peace and prosperity."

"And the slave trade? Will they be able to be released and returned to their families?" Zaki asked.

Prince Bernard nodded, "Yes. But, in my opinion that would take a while. First of all, they have to locate those people. As I was told, they were sold not just in Beckforth but to their allied countries."

"At least the new monarchy will see to it that corruption stops," Thom responded.

"That was indeed the goal of the new monarchy. However, a corrupt government is very difficult to change. Officials who were used to doing it will eventually participate in it again," King Peter said.

Jacob smirked, "That's where we come in. That's the purpose of Labyrinth pirates."

Queen Catherine beamed, "I really like how you think, Captain Jacob. I am so glad Editha will be under your care from now on."

*****

True to Prince Bernard's words, the deeds were all completed even before the end of the next day. He came to the manor's grounds before lunch and handed the documents of property transfer to me.

"Are you really sure that this is what you wanted to do? This land is your inheritance," he said.

I nodded, "Father would be happy. He loves the people in the manor."

"You really refuse to be grounded?" he asked.

I nodded again, "I want to do what I want to do."

Prince Bernard chuckled, "Would you look at that? How time flies! You will be getting married soon."

"And soon you will too," I commented.

He shook his head, "You know I do not desire to marry. I do not ever want to clip the wings of the woman I love."

"And what of your heir?" I asked.

"Let the monarchy end with me. I was thinking of making Francua a republic where the masses have a say on how to run the government. So, I wouldn't be needing an heir," he explained to me.

I chuckled, "Republic of Francua… It does have a nice ring to it."

Bernard smiled, "I'm glad you liked it. I'll go now. Your HUSBAND had been looking at me with  watchful and somewhat jealous eyes. I do not want to be at the receiving end of his sword. I heard he's a genius when it comes to fighting." I chuckled in response and looked in Jacob's direction. He was indeed watching us!

After Prince Bernard left, I called ALL the manor personnels for a meeting. I want to bid them farewell and give their deed of the land. They listened attentively as I began to make the announcement.

"I want to let you all know how grateful and blessed I am for knowing you. You have been a family to me since my birth and you have loved me like a daughter, sister, and friend. My heart was overwhelmed with your desire to stay and watch over my father's grave. I could not thank you enough for that," I began as tears threatened to fall from my eyes.

I swallowed hard before I continued, "I would like to transfer my inheritance to all of you," I raised the documents. "Here are deeds of the land. Each family will have a portion of the estate where you could build homes, till the land, raise cattle, and plant crops.."

After I said that, I heard our cook cry, "You're not leaving us, are you Miss?"

I gave her a smile and nodded, "My only wish is for you to leave my father's grave where it is so each time I come to visit, I could pay him my respects."

My maid servants shook their heads, "You're really leaving us, Miss?"

Sid, our stable boy responded, "Miss, we could build the manor again if that is your wish. Just stay," he said.

I looked at Brenlyn and Charles and saw them wipe their tears as well. Brenlyn took a deep breath, "We all know Lady Editha… we all know her sense of adventure… we all know she won't stay," she said as she wiped her tears. "But whether you like it or not, I will go wherever you go," she told me.

"As will I," Charles said. "I promised your Father that I won't be leaving your side if something happens to him. That I intend to keep whether you like it or not."

"Do you know combat skills?" Jacob asked Charles right away.

Charles nodded, "Yes, sir. I do. As a matter of fact, I am the late Lord Richard's sparring partner. I may be of age but I could still move fast like a stag."

Jacob smiled, "And you won't leave Editha at all? You will protect her at all costs?"

"With my life sire. That is what I promised her father," Charles answered.

"I accept. You will sail with us and be her protector," Jacob replied.

"How about me sir?" Brenlyn asked. "I could also protect the Lady and be a governess or a nurse to your 'would be' children."

At the mention of children, all of our personnels inquired at the same time. "Children? With whom? Since when? When is the wedding? Where will the wedding happen?" they all asked at once.

Jacob cleared his throat and explained to them everything. At first, my personnels interrogated him with such coldness but Jacob charmed them away so that at the end of the day, they were closer to him than to me.

The next day, they prepared a feast for us knowing that we will leave for the Eastern Port. They gave us their blessings and bid us farewell. Three days after, I was back on Labyrinth sailing for Canupeer where I will wed Jacob, the man I love the most.