The Witch's Pirate! (Book 1)
Chapter Two: Invitation

Bayou

“Captain Bayou, we are too close,” I heard one of my crew members shout, as the rough seas made my ship, plunge down, as though we were going to sink at any moment. I leaned forward, placing my foot on top of the smooth plank, and grasped the rope of my flag. I took out my telescope and peak through it. I can see his castle,I smirked widely, anticipating the thrill of the night, feeling it rushing into my blood.

I move my telescope to the right, only to see a group of girls being forcefully pushed by the king guardsmen towards the back of the castle. I sigh, lowering my telescope and shrug it off.

“Oh, I’m going to get my witch soon!” I silently sang, turning to face my crew before I jumped down, and made my way towards the wheel.

“Head straight mate, we wouldn’t want to miss our princess’s engagement party. After all, they need the guest of honor to attend. I’ll make sure this engagement party will be one that no one forgets,” I yelled with enthusiasm, making everyone laugh in a joyful laughter.

I turned to stare at the castle once again.

“We will have a hell of a time tonight.”

Finally, we reach land, and I couldn’t be any happier.

The wind picked up, in the crisp autumn night. I could almost the taste the spices of it on my tongue. The sound of the waves was music to my ears. Waiting has been one of the most pleasurable things in life, just waiting for the right moment and for everything to turn out the way I wanted it to, instead of rushing toward it.

I rubbed the bottom of my stubbly chin, while I leaned against the back wall of the castle, hiding from the king’s Guardsman.

“Are you sure no one can spot our ship?” My father, Max, asked as he snuck up to me. He kept looking about in frantic paranoia trying to determine if we were being followed. I turned toward my right, seeing a large dark rock off the coast, and concealed behind it, my ship. Not even a speck could be seen.

“If it is, then you can sail it next time.” I challenged. Max’s brown eyes widened at my challenge.

“Hell, that would be a treat, you never let anyone aboard Hart without reason or sail it. Deal.” He stretched out his right hand, I glanced down and took it, a smirk forming on my lips.

“Aye mate, she is after all my only love. Let see,” I only stated, looking straight into the brown eyes of the only close friend I have in this God forsaken world.

“You live a sad life considering the ship as your love. It’s a shame really, and here I raised you, and you treat me like I’m just an old shoe, I should hit you,” he grumbles, but then he goes quiet, taking a hold of the end of his hat and tilting it down.

“Quiet, someone is coming,” he whispered hastily. I chuckled silently tilting forward to look at the side.

“Those old dog ears of yours haven’t failed you yet.” I teased, grasping my sword and pulling it up. Max made a grunting noise but didn’t bother with a retort.

From the shadows, one of the king’s guardsman appeared in sight, wearing his red uniform and a ridiculous over the top, black hat. Without hesitation, I moved swiftly and took out my sword getting into a defensive position.

“Bayou, no killing allowed,” Max yelled out while I caught my prey by surprise. The guardsman stopped and our eyes locked.

“E’llo there mate, what a beautiful night we are having don’t you think?” I teased.

“Stop right there,” he yelled, I rolled my eyes and sighed.

Like I haven’t heard that one before. Will they never learn? Without hesitation, I moved my feet rapidly hitting the guardsman with the butt of my sword, knocking him unconscious.

“You know how to spoil a good, fun,” I spat, turning to head deeper into the castle. Max rolled his eyes, and took off his hat, showing his long, dark, black hair, streaked with white. Even though he was obviously older than me, he was still young-looking. Strong cheekbones, and a somewhat flat nose, with very thin lips. I could start seeing some lines around his eyes, though.

“Is my job Bayou, is my bloody job. Good boy, you didn’t kill any people today,” he said in a mocking tone.

I just rolled my eyes at him. He shook his head, but I didn’t say anything else, stopping at the edge of the opening of the castle, I watched as most of the locals, or the high-class anyway, draped in their fancy clothes and heavy makeup, handed their invitations to the guardsmen. Everywhere those damn guardsmen surrounded the castle.

Max whistled out.

“Security is tight tonight, how do you plan on passing that mate?” he asked, I smirked, as I adjusted my annoying tie. I was wearing a patronizing black dress coat and vest. I felt claustrophobic wearing so many clothes so tightly.

“When I give you the signal, you and the rest barge in,” I told him while I walked forward picking out my victim. Max’s eyes narrowed.

“Hey you bastard, how the hell am I suppose to- Oh, Whatever, you’re always a dic...” but his words were cut off from my ears when I found my victim. She was standing next to an old narrow tree, which faced the entrance gates. An elegant beauty. Her dark hair was tied in a bun, and she was wearing a ravishing green gown, now, if I could just take off her elegant gown, and make her wear some pants and my shirt, then she would look outstanding. I licked my lips, liking the idea.

But there was no time for those thoughts, I moved rapidly, looking down and changing my facial expression into one of confusion and disarray.

“Damn it, where did that invitation go.” I bumped into the young woman, causing her to tumble forward.

“Excuse me?” she asked irritated by my conduct. I turned, giving her a nervous laugh.

“Sorry, I’m not being a gentleman. My mind is most scattered, to not notice such a beautiful woman on my path.” I told her. Her expression changed, as her thin cheeks tinted red.

“Is all right, did you lose something? I heard you murmuring to yourself.” I smiled at her brightly, turning on all my innocent charm and rubbing the back of my head.

“My invitation, you see I have my fiancé waiting inside with her father. I lost my invitation somewhere. I swear I had it in my breast pocket when I left the carriage earlier.” I lied to her.

Her dark brown eyes dropped in a petulant way. I mentally cheered.

Got yah, my smile spread even further.

“Oh, I have my fiancé, I am waiting for him, but I can get you in.” Now was my chance to act.

“Oh? You don’t have to, is too much trouble, I will handle my own.”

She shook her head.

“No, it’s okay. You mustn’t let your fiancé wait.” I bowed, placing my right arm in front of my stomach.

“You are an Angel. God will bless you many times.” I praised, making her smile.

“You’re too much, let’s go,” she waved her hand in front of her face.

“Only telling the truth,” I added more sugar to the coating. I moved my arm indicating for her to slide her own under. She glanced up at me, and I gave her an encouraging smile.

“It is the least I can do. I wouldn’t be a gentleman if I didn’t. Plus, I won’t bite... much.” I played it off with a wink. Her cheeks tainted even more as she nodded and linked her delicate arm underneath mine.

We walked up to the guardsman, and she smiled at him giving him her invitation which was elegantly handwritten on a tanned scroll, the guardsman took it and rolled it down, thoroughly inspecting it for authenticity.

“Enjoy the party.” Was his only acknowledgment. I nodded at him and turned toward the young lady.

“Stay outside and wait for your fiancé, when he comes, go and sight-see with him. Is a gorgeous night plus these balls usually are a bore. Come a few minutes before King Drake announces his daughter’s engagement.” I warned her. I didn’t want her to see what was going to take place here soon. The least I could do for her kindness was to keep her out of harm’s way. Her eyes sparkled.

“That’s a great idea and so romantic. Thank you,” she said, turning to face the guardsman.

“My friend will enter. I will stay a little longer outside.” The guardsman nodded, stepping aside to let me through. I turned to face the woman. I bowed keeping my eyes fixed on the young woman.

“Thank you my fair lady.” I winked. I believed if she could have, she would have melted right then and there. Without a word, I adjusted my suit while a dark smirk spread across my lips. I cracked my neck to the side as I strode through the entrance.

Women are so gullible. Now, to replace the one I’m after and make her father’s life a living hell.

The hallway was long and filled with guards. Finally, I had reached the large ballroom, made up of large painted windows all around, as well many dancing partners, performing the waltz.

I rolled my fingers, as my eyes landed on the person I wanted, King Drake himself.

I bit my inner cheek, watching him laugh and enjoy this day.

Then my eyes landed next to him, to examine the girl standing in front of a white feathery chair.

A small figure, from what I could gather, she would mostly likely only reach up to my mid chest, barely passing my shoulders.

She wore a long elegant dressing gown that shone in the candlelight. Upon her hands were white gloves and, oddly enough, a thick white lace veil which obscured any discernible view of her face. I went into the dancing throng of guests, trying hard not to stumble with them before finally reaching the front. I moved swiftly to position myself at the side of the stairs to better spy my prey.

She is a small thing. I thought she was taller from the rumors flying around. I crossed my arms, taking notice of how many times the princess rubbed her hands together. She looked nervous.

Maybe she is being forced? I licked my lips, keeping a close eye on her.

Let’s see if you survive with a pirate, you little witch.