With Kaelen's last word leaving her lips, the room exploded into chaos. Aryn surged forward with such startling speed that even Cassien barely caught his arm in time; Darius whipped around to plant his hands against the prince's chest, muscles straining against his unexpected strength.

"What have you done? What is he planning to do with her? How!?" Aryn roared, his body trembling with rage.

Aryn's usual calm composure was completely cracked, and his entire being seemed to radiate with a silver aura that leeched to the others. Feelings of fury and desperation rushed through everyone in the room, and Naomi staggered back in an effort to break free from his emotional influence. Even Thom jolted awake in his chair, his bearded face contorting into an expression of anger, though with no real source.

"What's going on?" Thom demanded, scanning the scene before him. "Why are we holding Aryn back?"

"Aryn, you need to pull back," Cassien forced his voice to be as mild as possible. "As much as I'd like to let go - if she's right about this, we need more information."

"He's right. C'mon, Ryn," Darius urged, vein throbbing on his forehead.

"I don't need your backup," Cassien snapped at Darius.

Darius narrowed his eyes. "The hell did I do?"

"Don't play stupid," Cassien scowled, grip loosening on Aryn who was still barking at Kaelen. "You tried to involve Naomi into your stupid fucking plan."

Darius's grip slipped as he craned his head around to glare at Naomi. "You told him!?"

Before Naomi could respond, Aryn broke free from the two men in a violent jerk, slamming down on the foot of Kaelen's bedside railing in a thunderous rattle. Thom gripped the crooks of his elbow, pushing back as he continued. "If it turns out that you were involved in this, I'll-"

Darius rounded on Naomi, his seafoam eyes smoldering with anger. "Really, this is my fault for thinking you wouldn't immediately blab to the guy you're fuc-"

"Don't speak to her that way," Cassien stepped in between the two, his voice low and lethal. "In fact, don't speak to her ever again."

"W-wait, hold on now," Naomi stuttered, fighting back against the wave of irritation that crashed into her. "We're wasting time fighting when we should be focusing on Seraphine!"

"You don't scare me," Kaelen stabbed her finger towards Aryn. "If I were you, I'd stop wasting my time on empty threats."

Aryn let out a disbelieving laugh, his silver eyes flashing. "No? Did you forget exactly whose land you're on right now?"

The arguments and accusations collided over and over, like a storm of complete fury rolling into itself. Each person shouted over the next, angry gestures becoming dangerously close to becoming physical altercations; Naomi, breathless and desperate, squeezed her eyes shut as a weight brewed deep within her chest. At its peak, she let loose a wave of radiance so bright it momentarily blinded the room, stunning everyone in their tracks. Glass tinctures rumbled, some spilling to the ground in shatters, and the railings on every cot trembled.

"Stop! Talking!" Naomi shouted at the top of her lungs.

Every head whipped towards her, speechless and freed from Aryn's influence. Naomi clasped trembling hands behind her back, taking in a deep breath as the ringing cleared from her ears. Surprisingly, it was Thom who broke the deafening silence first.

He let out a low whistle. "Well, that's one way to break the spell. I say we listen to the lady who just casually let loose the power of the sun."

Darius pushed back his streaked hair, recomposing himself. Cassien took a step back towards Naomi, giving her an apologetic look. Even Kaelen held back a gulp, sweat beading at the back of her neck.

Alistair had mentioned to her that the Calypsans held powers, though it seemed he failed to mention the extent of their strength. Even at such a light outburst, the magnitude of force expelled from the annoyingly dainty woman surely could've been disastrous if she had intended it to be harmful. Kaelen knew she had to be very careful, no matter how much they irritated her so that her true motives wouldn't be discovered.

Aryn took a deep breath, pinching the space between his nose as his aura noticeably withdrew, reining in his own anger to a controlled stance. "That was…. Thank you, Naomi. I apologize for losing my posture, and involving you all in it. Let's do this properly."

He steeled his gaze onto Kaelen. "Speak plainly, and don't even try to hide anything."

Kaelen let out an exhale from her nose, body tensing. "I just told you-"

"No, you didn't. You were obtuse and deliberately vague about the future of someone I care above all else in this world. Not only that, but the very idea that he's trying to resurrect a long deceased goddess is absolutely unfathomable. So I'll ask you one more time," Aryn's face darkened, and though he kept a strict leash on his magic this time, Kaelen could still the edge of his temper threatening to boil over. "Try again."

She had to be strategic with her words this time. Enough for them to take the bait and earn some semblance of their trust, but not enough that made her more suspicious than she already was.

"...The princess has been comatose this entire time because she's been suspended by magic," Kaelen explained, her voice steady. "It gave Alistair the power to keep her controlled and unconscious, to prevent her from using her future sight."

Aryn's porcelain skin turned paler than one would've thought possible. "Suspended by magic..? How?"

"She was stabbed, wasn't she?" Kaelen said rhetorically.

Naomi felt a jolt of horror through her at the memory of finding the silver-haired princess soaked in blood. "She was stabbed with a dagger."

Kaelen only nodded in response. "From what I understand, it was an artifact that linked her to his powers, which I assume you know by now is blood based. So the blood soaked into the dagger's metal has essentially linked her to him until he either releases her, or kills her through that connection."

The prince staggered back slightly, his expression sickly, unspeaking. Even Cassien couldn't find the words to express how deplorable it was for Seraphine to have been held against her will, all this time.

"Let's say for the sake of things, you end up being right," Darius said slowly. "How do we know this isn't some ploy to just backstab us? Why exactly are you looking for revenge?"

"You don't. On the flip side, why shouldn't you believe me if I have information that would help you stop him? I'm your best shot if you want to get within spitting distance of him." Kaelen threw him a pointed look. "As for revenge - look at me. Where I am. What other reason do I need?"

Her lie came out smoothly as she had practiced, though Alistair hadn't confirmed to her what his end plan was for the princess. In fact, she didn't know much at all besides following his instructions to a T, but it didn't matter - all she needed for them to take the bait.

The members looked at each other uneasily, though Cassien and Darius appeared wholly unconvinced. Still, as unnerving as it might be to trust a former officer of Alistair's, if it turned out her word about Seraphine's fate was true, her inside knowledge could be their greatest asset.

And so, Prince Aryn left without another word, waiting in stillness for what was to happen come sunrise. His dread was palpable, his anticipatory grief inescapable. Even the hallowed halls of Calyspa Castle seemed to drip with utter depression at the passing of the prince's presence, his aura almost physically alternating the environment around him. If it was true that Seraphine had been trapped in her body all this time under Alistair's cruelty, Aryn couldn't help but believe that death might be a mercy.

**

No one heard from Prince Aryn until the late next evening, departing from the princess's chambers with hollow eyes and a face painted with anguish. For the next seven days and seven nights, the city of Tudor became shrouded in silence, save for the toll of bells each evening to signify a moment of mourning. From every balcony, windowsill, and the highest point of Calypsa Castle, Serafina flower petals - so silver in colour that it appeared almost pale lilac - poured out in remembrance for their late princess.

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The funeral was held in a private cathedral attached to the castle, away from the eyes of the public, though citizens were permitted to mourn outside castle boundaries; only a handful were permitted into the intimacy of the stony chambers. Aryn stood in front of a coffin carved from marble stained a deep crimson - Seraphine's favorite shade - with gold scripture and intricate designs sketched upon the surface. The wide glass stained windows from above appeared to throw the room into a kaleidoscope of brilliant dusky tones, and somehow even the faint scent of Serafine blossoms made it through the interior.

Aryn stood still as a statue as he recited Calypsan prayers to the audience, though his usual soothing tone was flat and monotone, face emotionless. Naomi couldn't stop twisting the black fabric of her attire, struggling to push the image of Seraphine bleeding out in the halls on the night of their attack. If she had been there faster, if she hadn't had a fight with Cassien that day, if she-

She felt a warm, strong hand grasp onto her fidgeting hand, stroking a small circle against her knuckles in reassurance. Naomi didn't need to look up to know Cassien had been watching her anxieties, doing whatever he could in such a moment to provide some comfort. She felt bad that she was the one being comforted despite the prince suffering the most - though for a selfish moment, Naomi allowed herself the brief respite.

For the remaining days of the Accord, Naomi and Cassien did what they could to shoulder the burdens of politicking, overseeing new directives and leading council meetings in Aryn's absence. Thom pitched in where he could despite his father still being the current Marquis, while Darius and Finneus managed the remaining preparations aboard the Ghost Ship. Kaelen, though her information proved to be correct, was kept under close watch. It was decided that she would join their group under strict protocols, much to Cassien's displeasure.

Naomi had barely been able to pry Cressida's hands off her arms once she revealed their plans, even more so when she had insisted her friend not to follow. Naomi had prepped as much as she could beforehand if the worst was to happen to her; the fate of Monroe's duchy written away in a sealed envelope to be left behind with Cressida. On the final night of the Accord, when all remaining nobles readied for their last banquet at Calypsa Castle, the members of the expedition arrived in the underground harbour for their departure to Seraveth.

Cassien stood at the edge of the dock with the rusted iron of the Ghost Ship's key between gloved fingers. He uncorked the vial of Kavlier's blood, careful to only spare a single drop of it onto the metal. As soon as the liquid made contact, an audible sizzle foamed on the key, and its rusted exterior seemed to morph into a gleaming red key. Cassien reached out into the open air as the others - save for Aryn who had not yet appeared, and Kaelen blindfolded - watched, seemingly inserting it into nothingness and twisted.

The air around the teeth of the key seemed to growl and swirl in visible greyness before changing into a ghostly shimmer, rippling, as a sleek ship made of darkened wood and steel coalesced from nothing but mist and air. Its some transparent black sails unfurled displaying no insignia, with lanterns flickering black fires along the railings of the ship. Every surface of the ship seemed to glow a hue of dark grey-green, and despite the rocking of the waters, not a single groan or creak emitted from it. It was not an overly large vessel, but their supplies and extras had been stored away under the deck with room to spare, and the bed occupancy more than doubled what bodies they actually had aboard.

Cassien tucked the key back into his pocket as he turned to the group. "Welcome aboard."

**

Naomi's quarters were tucked near the rear of the ship in a narrow but cozy room with a single bed barely wide enough for two. It had a single lantern tucked into the wall itself, a single two-cabinet dresser, a small writing desk with an armchair. She had just finished squeezing the last of her and Cassien's belongings into a corner of the room when a knock sounded at the door.

"Coming!" Naomi called, smoothing the folds of her dress as she opened the door. Her face dropped at the sight of Darius looking down at her with a deadpan expression.

"Darius," Naomi forced a neutral smile. "Can I help you with something?"

He crossed his arms. "Yeah, you can. Why'd you go and blab to your loverboy?"

"Don't call him that," Naomi huffed.

Darius's mouth curved into a smile that Naomi found akin to a troublesome fox. "Do you guys use pet names instead?"

Naomi resisted the urge to bite back. "Look, I'm sorry if it caused you any trouble with Cassien. But did you honestly expect me to keep secrets from him?"

After a few moments, the rogue shrugged, a curl of white hair drooping. "Yeah, okay. I get it."

Naomi was surprised. "That's it?"

"Yup."

She raised a brow suspiciously, but thought it best to not pry further. Darius didn't seem like the person to hold grudges, anyway. "Okay… Well, thank you. And again, I am sorry."

Darius leaned in a little closer, one arm propped against the door frame. She could see the lean of his muscle flexing slightly beneath his leather jerkin, the smokiness of his scent.

He flashed a dangerously charming smile. "You know, duchess, I'm quite a forgiving man. Maybe you could show me just how sorry you are though…?"

There it is, Naomi groaned inwardly.

Naomi gently pushed him back with two fingers, giving him a humorous smile. "Sorry, that's the best you'll get from me."

"I tried," Darius clearly looked pleased with himself. "Anyway, I just thought it was best to clear the air before we set sail. Trust and friendship and all that."

"That's very mature of you."

"Yes, well, let's hope your ice duke feels the same way. Think he's escorting Kaelen onto ship right about now."

Naomi nodded. "I guess it's best if she doesn't know how the ship works. But we're not keeping her blinded the entire time, are we?"

"Probably not. Though that's up to how your boyfriend's feeling."

"He's tough on the outside, but he's a softie," Naomi laughed before pausing. "Is Aryn… Do you know if he's still coming?"

His expression turned somber ever so slightly. "I would give him a little more time. But he'll show up - Ryn's not one to abandon things no matter how hard it is for him."

Naomi nodded, though she didn't respond. She could only hope that the prince was up to the task.

**

The group eventually regrouped on the deck, with Kaelen sitting near the stairs to the helm, copper hair tied back and dressed in Calypsan blue leather armour. Her wrists were loosely shacked as a precaution with Thom on first guard watch - not that she could escape anywhere. Finneus was solitary as ever, hands readied at the wheel of the ship to set sail as soon as the word was given. His dark blond hair and tanned, masculine face was exposed for once, his bronzed helmet set aside.

At last, Prince Aryn arrived with Darius beside him, his sharp features dulled with exhaustion. His usual regal attire was replaced with a dark green coat more suitable for the seas, and a waterproof red mantle clasped over his shoulders.

He paused, meeting their eyes. His voice was quiet and collected as he spoke. "I apologize for delaying our departure - there were some late minute preparations. But I want to thank you all for everything this past week, and for whatever comes next."

Aryn raised his fist over his heart. "I swear to you as both your prince and your friend that I will not allow personal matters to interfere with our mission."

The others exchanged a brief, understanding nod to the prince, requiring no words nor forgiveness. Each one of them knew the hardship that had been endured to get to this point, and exactly what was at stake. With his promise spoken, Darius began to steer the ship away from the underground dock and outwards into the open waters of Tudor. Naomi could see the ethereal black mist that hovered begin to rise, drifting up to curl around the surface of the ship like a thousand tendrils. She glanced down, startled to see that despite their bodies remaining clear, everything else seemed hazy in a blur of grey.

She felt a squeeze of Cassien's hand beside hers. "Don't worry. No one can see us."

As the ship slipped out from beneath the island's caverns and into the open seas, the city of Tudor seemed to shrink in the distance, the dark starry sky as its canvas. Serafina petals that had been poured out for the last week were scattered on the surface of the waters, slightly wilted but still luminant. Naomi pushed her hair to one side, inhaling the salty breeze of the sea and adjusting to the gentle rock of the ship. The two of them stood silently at the head of the ship, simply watching and wondering if they would see the capital ever again. Then, a single blot of orange rose from the heart of the city, then two, three - hundreds of bright sphericals of light began to float outwards and into the night sky.

Naomi's breath caught in her throat. "The lanterns. I can't believe I forgot this was last night."

Cassien turned to her, the orange reflecting in the depths of her pale blue eyes. "I didn't."

He reached inside his coat and pulled out a flattened sheath of paper, creased and painted with colourful motifs. Cassien carefully unfolded it until it puffed up into the shape of a lantern.

"I had a feeling you'd rather have the real thing this time," Cassien murmured, passing it to her.

Naomi was speechless as she held it precariously, as if it were more delicate than porcelain. She could barely contain the delight that spread across her face at the possession of her very first lantern. She turned to Cassien, rising to the tips of her toes, pressing a tender kiss against his lips.

"Thank you," Naomi whispered in a trembling voice, her heart throbbing with utter affection. "Will you make another wish with me?"

Cassien tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "My first one already came true. I probably shouldn't get greedy."

A shy smile tugged at her lips. "Who knew you were such a romantic?"

Naomi held the lantern outwards with one hand as she summoned a spark of radiance from the other into the base of the lantern. It ignited with a soft whooshing sound, pale gold glowing behind the gauzy paper. She leaned forward to whisper a wish before turning to Cassien with a playful look.

"Come on. Don't leave me hanging."

To her surprise, he leaned away from the lantern and pressed his lips to her ear, voice rumbling in a low voice that no one except her could hear. Naomi nearly let go of the lantern out of shock at his words, her face flushing a deep shade of red. She smacked his shoulder with a spare hand, an uncontrollable giggle escaping from her lips.

"..Such a guy!" Naomi whined, though she couldn't stop laughing.

As her laughter faded, they held the lantern together, their gazes never breaking from one another's. They released it at the same time, the lantern drifting upwards into the sky to join the thousands that shimmered across the sky like fireflies.

The warm lights billowed higher and higher until they intertwined with the twinkling silver of the stars - and Naomi swore for the briefest moment, a single star was brighter than even the moon; as if Princess Seraphine herself was watching over them.

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