After Dark (Prompts)

The Pirate - 11

A/N: Mature content ahead.

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The pirates did not stay long on ground because there was a lot of goods to be shipped to another land and the days were spent on procuring provisions for the trip and loading the items on their vessel.

However, the entire crew was cautiously gathering information where they can about the King. There was no news and it was unsettling to Yeo Wol. Normally, there was something -- the government focusing on other criminals, new laws or taxes that the rulers were planning on implementing, an attempt to capture the pirates -- something. But now, there was nothing, which Yeo Wol took to mean that things were going on inside palace walls.

She wanted to believe that the land would finally be at peace and her beloved husband was safe, but they did not live in such a time.

Jang Sa-jung walked beside Yeo Wol as she made her way to the ship after discussing with a merchant. "Any news from the Palace?"

Yeo Wol's lips tightened before she shook her head. "Do you think the King is hurt?"

This was something Jang Sa-jung had considered. Seeing how enamoured the King was with the Captain and their child, being injured was the only reason he would not keep in touch with her. "He could be. But, I know him well enough that if he truly is ill, he would send someone to tell you."

"Perhaps there are things that are going on that prevent him from sending word," Yeo Wol mused.

"We should set sail," Jang Sa-jung stated, not knowing what else he could say to calm the worry in his Captain's eyes.

"We should," Yeo Wol agreed. "When we arrive here, I'm sure my husband would be at the docks waving at us."

Eun Dong watched as the ship sailed away from the mainland before he rushed back to the Palace to report the activity to the King. "They have left, Your Highness. The Captain is in the ship and she is looking well."

Jeongjo nodded, breathing a sigh of relief. The past few days that he had been back had been extremely difficult. On the first night, he already wanted to rush back to Yeo Wol, bury his face on her shoulder and sleep, but he couldn't. As soon as he arrived at the Palace, his trusted guards told him of the assassination attempts they had uncovered.

If he were selfish, he could just come up with a plan that would have him give up his throne and he would elope with Yeo Wol in some far off village to raise their child. However, he had not discussed that with the Captain and he knew she continued to love travelling. Add to that, there were many improvements that he still wanted to implement to eliminate hunger in his people.

However, keeping the throne was exhausting. Even if they survived this attack, there would be another and another until he died. Also, giving up power willingly did not ensure that he could live a peaceful life. Whoever the new ruler would be will still find him and end his life and Jeongjo was not willing to risk that for the Captain and their little one.

Eun Dong saw the heavy sigh the King let out. He admired the ruler but never wanted to the burdens he carried.

King Jeongjo turned to him. "Thank you for taking on the mission I had asked," the King started. "I hope to survive this but if I don't... please know that I would eternally be grateful that you and the other guards have pledged to watch over my dearest Captain. I may not be here to express it but I am thankful."

Eun Dong bowed deeply. "It is my honor, Your Highness. But I pray you survive. I am sure that this is what the Captain wishes as well."

The King smiled wryly but said nothing.