The ache spreading across my chest at the sight of my former home surprises me. I’ve done nothing but relish the warm sun on my cheeks and rhythmic rocking of our ship for the past five years.
The castle of Montalaya looms large above us, nestled in emerald painted trees on a tall cliff. A heavy mist coils around the base of the kingdom. Stepping from the swaying vessel, my boots sink into the soft sand. Allister grasps my elbow, his dirt-stained fingers bruising my flesh. “Remember whose you are.”
“I’m a pirate.”
He jerks me close, his lips brushing mine. His warm breath smells like rum. “I didn’t ask–”
“I heard you.” I glare, unflinching.
“Good,” he says, releasing my arm with force. “Don’t forget where you belong.”
I finger the empty pendant at the base of my neck.
Water splashes and swords clink as Allister’s ragtag crew disembark behind us. We ascend the hill into the enchanted forest. Deep jade colored leaves sway on branches. Teal bushes almost sparkle as they wave in the mist. Purple vines hug thick tree trunks. Just beyond the edge of the forest, in the clearing, we see men in shining armor standing guard before the castle.
Allister wastes no time. Raising his sword, he screams, “Spare none, claim all!”
The whole gang charges, but the growing ache in my chest paralyzes me. It’s now pounding, beating, clawing, and demanding escape. My sword slips from my sweaty palm and I collapse. My necklace swings in the breeze. This is the very place I tossed away the precious jewel so long ago when I no longer wished to belong to Father.
I begin frantically pawing at the dirt with my ship-calloused hands.
“Daughter.”
At the sound of his voice, my fingers go still on the damp earth. I hadn’t heard anyone approach. I keep my eyes locked on the ground, reluctant for the man I once called Papa to see what I’ve become.
His sandal clad feet before me are streaked with dirt. A stark contrast to the hem of his royal robe fluttering in the wind.
I still can’t look up, but it doesn’t matter because he kneels beside me, his magnificent garments now pressed into the mud-laden moss. “Is this what you’re looking for?” The king opens his palm under my downcast eyes to reveal the radiant ruby set in our family crest. A priceless gift given to me by royal decree on the day I was born. My claim to the kingdom and proof of my true identity.
“Delilah!” Allister’s shout startles me. I bolt upright. My father is old and gentle. I could easily snatch the gem and return to Allister.
As if hearing my thoughts, the king stands and whispers, “You need not seize it. It’s yours to have.”
I take the gem and turn away.
“Daughter, look at me.”
Head bent forward, back turned to my father, I murmur, “I can’t. I’m no longer your daughter.”
Allister enters the thicket and instantly spots me. “Delilah, you missed–” His eyes grow wide at the sight of Father and he begins a slow clap. “Well done, my pet. You found the king.” He spits a brown stream of tobacco on a flower bush. His blood-soaked garments and dark eyes send shivers up my spine. He’s hardened, no longer the innocent child of my youth. It terrifies me, yet I take a step towards him.
The smooth ruby in my hand is cold. Nothing like before when it throbbed with life as it hung around my neck. Is it broken?
It doesn’t matter, it’s still worth plenty. I take two steps toward Allister. I’ll give him the last piece of me if it’ll keep my father safe.
I hold up the crest for him to see. “Leave the king be. I have something far more valuable. This pendant will make the entire ship rich for decades.”
Suddenly, my father stands at my side. His hand tenderly clutches my arm above the purple bruise from Allister’s rough hold earlier. “You need not protect me, Kaiya.”
An ugly laugh bursts from Allister’s lips. “Kaiya, is that what he calls you?” He brandishes his sword. “Come Delilah. Hand me this valuable thing of yours, then I will decide what to do with your precious father.”
I tug against my father’s hold, but he leans close to my sea-soaked hair and whispers in my ear. “You may see yourself as dirty and undeserving, but your identity never once changed in my sight. The gem in your hand will never fill your empty heart without love and mercy attached to it.”
“Don’t tell her lies. She’s mine.” Allister lunges forward, the sword slicing through the air, straight for Father’s neck. I slam my eyes shut as a heavy blanket of dread engulfs me. A body crashes to the ground and I dare not open my eyes. I thought coming here to reclaim what was mine would make me feel better. But who I am is nothing without Father.
Then, I hear his voice in my ear, “It’s okay, Daughter. You’re home and safe now.”
Opening my eyes, I see Allister facedown at my feet. An arrow protrudes from his back.
The clawing ache inside finally escapes, and I crumple into Father’s arms. Sobs wrack my body.
“You need not be afraid. Those who are with me are far greater than those against me.” Stepping out of the embrace, Father says, “Look around.”
There in front of us, mingled among the rustling mossy trees, stand a dozen men in green. Staggered around the cliffs, are warriors on horses camouflaged in brown. In the clearing, I see my crew bound and encompassed by a circle of armored men.
“This life you’ve been living isn’t what you were made for. I’ve saved you, but you must choose. Will you stay or leave once again?”
“I’m not fit to be in your kingdom. I’m a pirate, not a princess.”
“Look at me.”
Slowly, I surrender to his invitation, expecting to see disappointment.
But as my gaze collides with his radiant face, I only see love. I see myself as what I could be, not what I am.
Tears have collected in the creases of Father’s eyes. “I’ve known loss and what it can do to a soul. But the force even greater than pain is love. My love for you has never changed.”
Looking down at my dirty hands, I observe the ruby. Not even a speck of filth clings to its sparkling surface. Like it’s immune to the muck of me. Understanding floods my soul. Relief and gratitude replace the hollow spot in my chest. I am Kaiya. Forgiven and loved. With a nod, I hand the pendant to my King-Papa.
With all the gentleness in the world, he clasps it on my necklace. And just like the surrounding forest, the gem takes on energy and life. It pulses against my chest right where my full heart dances wildly, sparking a host of passions that went dormant years ago.
Papa stretches his hand out toward the castle. “Welcome home, Kaiya.”
