Tension filled the air as Seonghwa watched the pirates walk into the ballroom escorted by Mingi and a few other guards. It was just Hongjoong and Yunho, which he had to admit impressed him. He figured they'd want to bring guards of their own.

The captain looked so small next to Yunho, but he had an air of command around him that could probably fool some people into thinking he was of noble blood.

He glanced at his father. The king appeared to be calm, for now. Seonghwa hadn't given him all the details, wanting to do it when they were all together, but he had assured his father that the pirates would be able to help.

"Your Majesty." The two pirates said at the same time, bowing low.

"Welcome back to Twilight, gentlemen. I hear you are here under different circumstances this time." The king said, inclining his head a little.

"Yes, Sir." Hongjoong said, taking one step forward. He looked at Seonghwa, and when the prince nodded, he explained everything that had passed to the king.

His father's face stayed neutral for the entire story and he didn't interrupt. When the room fell silent, Seonghwa exchanged nervous looks with the pirates.

"I don't know what you expect me to say, Son. We already had this discussion." The king turned to look at him, a sad expression on his face.

"But, Father! He is holding Hongjoong's wife hostage. He planned this all. He was going to take her even if we didn't agree." Seonghwa said, he face turning red.

"My hands are tied. There are rules we must follow. You must learn this if you are to make a good king someday." His father's voice raised a little.

"So, you are just going to abandon your daughter, my sister, to a mad man?"

Hurt flashed across the king's eyes, but he stood up straight. "You have much to learn." His voice was cold. "I'm sorry you had to travel all this way for nothing, but I cannot help you." He turned to the pirates, ignoring their shocked looks. "You may take what you need to re-provision your ship. Please leave before the week ends."

"Father." Seonghwa said in a commanding tone. "If you don't do something, then I will. I don't care what it takes. I will not abandon her."

The king did not respond. Seonghwa didn't know if he should take that as a good thing, or a bad thing.

.

.

.

.

Yunho bit his lip as he waited for someone to speak after the king had left. He watched as Yeosang stepped out of the shadows. It was like he had materialized there. "So, what's the plan?" he asked softly, standing close to Seonghwa.

The prince turned to face Hongjoong. "Can you sail us to Volkin? If I bring some of my guards to fill out your crew?"

Yunho's eyes widened in surprise. He couldn't believe the prince was actually going to disobey his father.

"Yes." Hongjoong said simply, returning the prince's stern gaze. "But what do you expect to happen when we get there?"

"We get back what is important to us."

"I've been studying Volkin. It's a small, relatively poor nation." Yeosang said. "They have a powerful army, but I think I might be able to get a small team in. I've been working on a few things for the past few days."

"So, you've been planning to go all along?" Yunho asked, impressed.

"Yes. I saw the way that man would stare at her. Wooyoung feared him too. I will not leave them at the hands of that monster. Mingi, will you go with me?" Seonghwa asked, looking at the captain of the guard.

"It would be an honor, Your Highness." Yunho watched the man bow low, admiring the look he gave the prince when he stood. "How many men do you need?" He turned to Hongjoong.

"I'd say at least ten, maybe more if you can spare them."

Mingi nodded then walked out of the room. Yunho watched him go, tilting his head slightly.

"Sir," Yeosang said quietly, "Are you sure it's ok to bring Mingi? He's the head of the royal guard."

"Father will be fine. There are plenty of other guards here to protect the palace." The prince's gaze softened as he glanced at the wizard. "Now, I must go see Mother. We will meet you on the beach this evening, Captain. Give a list of supplies to Yeosang, and we will see it gets taken care of."

Hongjoong and Yunho bowed again and left the room.

"Are you sure about this, Captain?" Yunho asked, glancing down at his friend.

"No. But what other option do we have?"

.

.

.

.

Seonghwa knocked softly on the door to his parent's room, then entered, bowing his head quickly. "Mother?"

He heard her hum in response and he rushed to her bed and knelt by the side of it, taking her hand. She still looked so sick, so pale. She was barely breathing.

"Mother, I came to say goodbye." He said quietly, leaning in close. Her eyes opened a little and her forehead creased with worry. "I'm going to get her back. I'm going to bring Kita home." The queen smiled and nodded her head slowly, her eyes shutting at the same time.

Then, Seonghwa felt her skin go cold. Her hand fell limp in his own. "Mother? Mother!" He cried out, sitting on the bed and holding her close to him.

The door burst open and the king came in followed by several guards. They slid to a stop and the king flung himself on the side of the bed, burying his face in his queen's stomach.

The two men who were supposed to be the strongest in the kingdom, broke down, cradling the queen and reaching to each other for support.

.

.

.

.

An announcement was made later that evening, informing the kingdom that their queen had passed. Black flags of mourning were raised on every flagpole. The people wore black themselves, mourning their beloved queen.

The king locked himself away in the palace after giving Seonghwa his blessing. Kita leaving had caused the queen to take a turn for the worse. Now he blamed the other king and wanted to make him pay.

Seonghwa and Yeosang stood on the deck of the pirate ship, watching their home disappear behind them. The wizard shifted so his clock could hide the fact that he was holding the prince's hand.

"We'll get her back, Hwa." He said, looking up at the prince.

"Yes. We will."