Everyone in the prison cell had fallen asleep in their dreams, except for Will. The guy was still faithfully staring at the moon outside the iron-fenced prison window. His mind drifted to think about what he had experienced this afternoon. He had no idea how Commodore knew about the legend of the mermaids, especially Poseidon's trident. He didn't mention it at all.
On the other hand, in his heart, he felt very sorry for Ashley. Although he didn't reveal about his people, Will felt he had to be responsible for covering up their existence. However, Ashley has been kind enough to help at a time when her life is hopeless.
Now he knows again, what will happen next. Either execution for the umpteenth time, or maybe the tolerance for leaking the secret of the existence of the mermaids. Unknowingly, Will slowly closed his eyes until he finally fell asleep in the cradle of a dream.
***
Inside the palace, three young girls in beautiful dresses and low cleavage were pampering Lord Courtney. Two girls massaged her legs and arms, while another girl gently fed the grapes.
They were not only employed as Lord Courtney's servants but also as sex slaves that he could enjoy whenever he wanted. But tonight is different.
The man seemed to have completely ignored the existence of the three girls. He looked indifferent as he looked straight ahead. Not at all excited, even refusing when the girl who fed him gave him a third mouthful of grapes. This made the girl feel a little offended.
Unexpectedly, he waved his hand, a sign that he was telling them to leave. The three girls looked at each other. Without asking, they immediately left, leaving Lord Courtney alone.
Not without reason. His mind drifted to the events of the day before. Where he stared intently at Will's sister. Yes. Samantha. The middle-aged man could see a cruel and courageous figure at the same time in the girl's eyes. He could also feel the hatred in her eyes.
Something he rarely saw. Most of the girls would be afraid or even liked if he approached them. Fear because of his power, love because of his wealth and throne. But unlike Samantha, the girl didn't hesitate to show her hateful side. It made the middle-aged man feel challenged.
"Hey, you! Come here."
A guard who was standing by the door immediately approached. Lord Courtney whispered something to him which the guard nodded. After receiving the order, he went away and invited two other guards to carry out the tasks assigned by his master. While Lord Courtney smiled as he watched the three guards walk away.
***
Samantha was about to fall asleep beside Sam when a sudden knock on the door woke her up. She immediately got up and walked out of the room. The girl was a bit surprised when she found three palace guards visiting the house for the umpteenth time.
"Now what?" asked Samantha sarcastically and matter-of-factly.
One of the guards glanced at his partner, "Lord Courtney told us to make you go to the palace. He has important things to say about Will's release."
Hard to believe. Either happy or suspicious. Was it that easy for Lord Courtney to free Will after repeatedly punishing him?
The girl looked confused. There was a slight smile growing on his face that looked doubtful.
'He is the ruler of the Royal Caribbean. Of course, it's easy to decide what he wants,' thought the girl.
"Okay. Wait, I have to tell Alberta to look after Sam."
Without waiting for the guard's approval or response, Samantha closed the door. She immediately ran towards the back door and out to Albertha's house which was only one house away.
It was a fortune and a blessing that they were able to have such good neighbors as Albertha. The widow with one child happily complied with Samantha's request. She immediately carried her sleeping child to Samantha's house.
"I thank you so much for all of your help. I always bother you."
"Don't think about it. I know you're in trouble, hurry up before Lord Courtney changes her mind."
Samantha nodded with a smile. She grabbed the coat hanging from the wall and put it on as she ran.
"I'm ready!" she said as she opened the door.
Three royal guards and one young girl walked toward the palace. Several male fishermen who were still working saw them.
"So pity for Will and his family. They have to deal with the rulers of Royal Caribbean."
"Yeah. They shouldn't be causing any trouble, considering they're just commoners."
It's a common thing when you become the subject of public gossip because of your publicly publicized problems. Both, Samantha and Will would have realized that, but they hadn't thought about it.
'To hell with their mouths,' said Samantha to herself.
The palace gates opened as the four people walked closer. The girl quickened her pace. Making the three bodyguards find it difficult to keep up with the girl's speed. She couldn't wait to bring Will home.
One guard directed her to go upstairs until they came to a large double door that had luxurious carvings. The girl's face suddenly changed. Even though this was the first time she had entered the palace, the girl had a hunch that there was something dangerous in the room.
She could not at all guess the contents of the room behind the double doors. A meeting room, or a private room?
One of the guards told her to wait while he stepped into the room. The door opened slightly as the guard entered, but Samantha couldn't see clearly. She didn't have a clue at all.
Shortly after the guard returned, he ordered Samantha to go inside and left. Now she is just alone. Confused between going forward or back.
The girl took a deep breath. Completely self-assured that what she was doing was for Will's sake and nothing would happen. Confidently, she began to walk towards the door.
"Welcome, Miss Smith!"
Samantha was completely shocked by what she saw. She did not expect that she would enter the private room of the highest minister of the Royal Caribbean. Even more surprised to see a large table full of delicious food and the best wine with two luxurious chairs facing each other.
"No need to hesitate, I know you must be hungry. Let's enjoy a luxurious dish that you rarely find," he said in a teasing tone.
Seriously! She is in danger.