Chapter Text
"...and furthermore, you must never speak out of turn when meeting another royal. It is considered to be extremely rude. Do you understand?"
No, Jared does not understand, nor does he truly care to, but he will at least pretend that he cares.
The rantings of a posh man make for tedious listening. Jared twirls his amulet in his right hand. This man is in his presence to demonstrate the expected mannerisms of a Prince. Jared is not interested. What he longs for--more than anything else--is to see the world, and he cannot do it here from a throne. His father demands much of him; his mother sits away in silence. She does not dare oppose her King, no one does.
It's an unspoken rule in this castle. What King Gerald says, goes. No questions asked. It has been this way since the deaths of his brother and sister. They were younger than him, with no chance of attaining the crown under normal circumstances. Their best bet was to marry a ruler of a neighboring country, but fate was not kind to them. They died out in sea, a horrible storm. Jared still mourns their losses to this day. Their memories live on in him.
He smiles weakly as his amulet heats up. The Amulet of Eathos, named after the planet in which they reside. It's said to contain considerable power, and is thought to be traced back to the dawn of time. No one knows how it was made, but they know who it was made for. Only those of the Padalecki royal bloodline can wield it, to touch upon it safely without going mad, blind or worse. It's purpose is also shrouded in mystery.
Magic exists within The Amulet, but Jared does not want to be responsible of whatever destructive power resides inside of it. He knows only three words which act as "spells".
lód, Ogień and Leczyć: Ice, Fire, and Heal, respectively.
Jared's never had to say those words to protect himself, and he hopes that he never gets the chance. There were more words to activate the power of The Amulet, though they have long been forgotten by the Royal Family, and there are no written records of them, just those three words. How very...unfortunate. Or should Jared say convenient?
"I understand, Mark," Jared lies casually with a smile. "Thank you very much."
"Oh, Your Highness, our lesson has not concluded--"
"It has now. If you'll excuse me..."
Jared maintains his polite smile until he leaves the room wherein he allows himself to frown. He does not wish to learn more on which fork to choose for eating a salad, or how to do a proper bow. Jared desires more. There must be more than this boring, uneventful, luxurious life! He realizes how insane he must sound right now, wanting to trade in his riches for adventure. He cannot say that he hasn't had an extensive education. Charting the skies, reading and setting coordinates, survival, the works.
He knows what to do when stranded in unknown or uncharted territory. He's not stupid like the rest of those royal idiots his father surrounds himself with. As Jared stews in his resentment for this lifestyle, he bumps into a solid mass.
"It would be within your best interest if you watched where you were--" He doesn't finish that sentence. Jared looks up, finding out the person he just bumped into was actually his father, King Gerald Padalecki. The man looks at his son, brows furrowed. Jared smiles sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck. "Oh! Father, I didn't see you there."
"Jared, why are you not attending your lessons with Mark?"
The Young Prince stutters. "Mark? O--oh, he decided that--that the lesson was to be ended early because I...because I was doing so well, and, uh..."
"Your Highness, Your Highness, please wait! The lesson has not yet concluded!" Mark calls behind them; Jared closes his eyes, groaning silently. He turns around, false smile in place. Mark bows to the King. "Greetings, Your Majesty. I was just--"
"I know what you were doing, Mark," Gerald replies. "You were doing your job." He stares blankly at Jared then. "It seems that I need to have a talk with my son."
Jared says nothing. He only wallows in the misery that he has inflicted upon himself. Moments later, he sits in his bedchambers, listening to his father berate him on his behavior. His mother is here also, but, as usual, she is submissive to Gerald. Jared feels pity for her...and sadness. He loves his parents greatly. He understands that they desire the best for Jared, but about what he desires? What if he desires the sea? What if he desires to sail among likeminded men like him?
They're dreams, nothing more. The possibility of Jared going on a life-changing adventure is slim to none. He's extremely envious of the men who were born out of the Royal Family, the commoners, the normal people. They are free to do as they wish, not being tied down by Princely duties and trivial lessons.
"I'm 18. Do not speak to me like a child..." Jared grumbles, staring out the window.
The King growls. "Then perhaps I would if you stopped acting like one! This is a serious matter, Jared! This isn't one of your games!"
"But it is a game! A game of pretend. You want me to pretend to be something I'm not! This isn't my wish, you know that. I mean, how idiotic is it that there is more than one fork to eat with? And please, don't get me started on the bowls of water!"
"That isn't the point! It's to show grace, decorum, and decency. You lack every single one, but you will learn. Even if I have to force you myself."
"You can't!"
"If I must!" Gerald roars back. His outburst causes Jared to recoil. The King's nostrils flare in anger. "I will do whatever it takes to make you understand how important your position is. You will remain in this room until the festival tomorrow, or I will have someone chain you to your bed. Do you understand me, boy?"
Jared understands this time, but he does not like it. He loathes it. His hands ball up into fists, and he sneers. The Amulet of Eathos glows blue faintly, and his father takes a few steps back, eyes wide. He grabs the Queen's hand before--
(lód!)
Jared yells the word, and a wall of thick magical ice separate him from his parents. He curls in on himself at his window seat, drawing his knees to his chest. He hangs his head as his father pounds at the ice, screaming for him to stop the madness. Jared does not listen. He can't. Not now.
"I understand..." he whispers.
****
It isn't the wisest course of action, as Kane pointed out not too long ago, but it is the only one that makes sense. They need that Amulet...and the boy as well. There is no way around it. Jensen slams his fist on the tome he's been reading from for the fifth time tonight. How could he have missed this?
The previous scrolls and tomes he's read made no mentions of the Padalecki bloodline, or The Amulet. But suddenly, this one book tells him that in order to gain all he's ever wanted, he will need to bring aboard an extra passenger. It's a hard decision to make, but it's not everyday that Jensen gets to discover an ancient treasure on an island that's considered by many to be a myth.
Jensen mumbles to himself as someone knocks on the door in the Map Room. "This ought to be important. Enter!"
The person on the other side is revealed to be his First Mate, and his best friend besides, Christian Kane. Just Kane. "Captain, I've informed the others of our destination. They're prepared for opposition from the Erodan forces, but it shouldn't be a problem."
"How's the ship's condition?"
"She's as good as new. We've lost a cannon from the battle with the Gernoshians, and kitchen hand, yet everything else is operational."
"Good. This is good. Thank you for the update," says Jensen as he looks over the map coordinates. "Is that all?"
"Yes..." Kane hesitates, then says, "No. Not really."
"Then what is it?"
"Jensen--Captain--is this really the best idea? Is there any other way to go about entering Terran without kidnapping the next heir to the Erodan throne?"
"I told you want I know." The Pirate Captain says in a warning tone.
"Yes..." Kane attempts to quell the incoming argument. "I know, but you've just found this book--"
"In the vault of a deceased Sorcerer filled with traps, and other useful information. What is your point?"
"All I want is for you to take all of this with a grain of salt. Please."
Jensen hums as he picks up the tome again, flipping open the passage about The Amulet of Eathos and the Royal Family. Apparently, they weren't originally from Eroda if this book is anything to go by. Why else would The Amulet tie into Terran? Could the two lands be related? There must be more to this tale than what's being shown. Jensen takes a seat in his chair, propping his feet upon his desk. He takes a swig of rum from the bottle under the desk.
"We will arrive at Eroda, capture the Prince, and enter Terran." He declares. "That's the end of that."
Kane swallows. "And what of the Prince after he has outlived his usefulness?"
The Captain grins. He takes his hidden dagger from his boot and stabs the table once. "We're pirates, remember?"
****
This event is (while Jared hates to admit it) fun. Everyone is indulging in the festivities, eating, drinking, laughing, playing games. Just generally enjoying one another's company. He and his parents are seated upon a stage. His father is in the middle with a larger throne than Jared or his mother. The King always makes sure to upstage everyone, even if it's just a simple chair. It sucks, for lack of a better word.
"Stop your slouching, Jared," Gerald commands. "And smile for once. You're not a prisoner."
In an act of teenage rebellion, Jared slouches more, pouting and crossing his arms over his chest. "Oh, but I am a prisoner. I cannot speak, I cannot walk around, I cannot truly enjoy what everyone else is doing. I might as well be a vegetable."
"Please, don't be so dramatic. It's unbecoming of you."
"You always find something else to chastise me for. 'Jared, your crown is crooked. Jared, you must never overeat. Jared, don't say explicit things. Jared, don't be so--'" He stops then, watching as a rather handsome commoner walks with treats. He and Jared lock eyes, and the man blushes while Jared smiles. "Oh, my..."
The Queen giggles at her son's brief moment of admiration, but the King is less than pleased.
"I do not sound like that, and please, stop gawking at that man. He'll get the wrong idea, and I would have to be the one to behead him."
"But father, I want him to get the wrong idea. I'm starving!"
"Jared, don't be so lewd with your tongue!"
"It isn't the only thing I can do with my tongue. Just ask Justin, the servant boy."
"That is quite enough!" Gerald nearly yells, face flushed red in half-anger and half-embarrassment. He takes off his crown momentarily, smoothing back his hair. "You will cease these activities with these...men, and you will find a lovely noblewoman to have beautiful children with."
Jared's eyes roll in his skull. "I'd rather have multiple noblemen toss me on a hay barrel, and--"
"Jared!" His mother squeals with a small laugh. "Please."
He stops there, only because his darling mother commands of him. It would be unwise to go against her as well as his father. Still, Jared is thankful for the rare moments he gets to see her smile and take control like that. She truly is amazing. It's a shame that she has to follow on every word her King demands.
Jared does not hold it against her. He can't. He loves his parents dearly despite his attitude. And Jared sits there, in his chair, as the festival rages on around him, watching all of his subjects laugh and bow to him and his family.
Hours pass, and the evening approaches. The sun will be setting soon, but for now, it paints an eerie red glow over the land, yet Jared could only describe it as magnificent. It's as if the clouds and the sky are on fire, burning steadily across the atmosphere. He feels like he could reach out and touch them if he wanted. But alas, it just isn't meant to be. Man and all other winless creatures are to stay on land forever more. He wishes to be a bird...or a dolphin at the very least.
As night falls, Jared's father finally allows him to have his fun. He keeps a watchful eye on his son, making sure he does not run off with an innocent blacksmith or a weakwilled guard. Jared plays by the rules for once, and he behaves, for his father's sake. He dances with the commoners, men, women and children alike, smiling gracefully. They praise him for his poise and dancing skills. See? His Prince training has produced results. He can be this way if he wants to...but he doesn't.
And then it happens.
The sound is as loud as thunder, and the ground quakes beneath Jared's feet
A large explosion rocks the festival.
It was the sound of a cannon being fired. They're being attacked.
Jared's fear is confirmed when he sees men sprinting towards the festival, all brandishing swords and yelling to the top of their lungs. He watches in slow motion as the men attack the guards, cutting them down one after the other. These men are skilled, and have been trained well. Another cannon fires, and it hits the structure next to him.
He falls, crawling away before a pillar can flatten him. Jared hears his father calling to him as he and the Queen are escorted away to safety by the guards. The King yells for Jared to hide.
The Young Prince listens, picking up his robes the fall to his feet. He runs away, dodging the men who are attacking his home. Some shout to each other to "find the boy." Jared knows that they are referring to him. Why, he does not know, but he cannot allow them to have him. He runs and runs until he comes across a small barn on the other side of the field where the festival was taking place.
Jared sprints inside, and shuts the doors behind him. He barricades it with sticks, tools, shovels, anything he can truly find! He clasps both hands over his mouth as he hears men running past his hidding place. Jared backs away slowly when they pass by, letting his arms fall to his sides.
All is well, he thinks, until he feels someone behind him, and then darkness takes over him.
****
Well...it worked. Jensen and his men got what they came for, and he's beginning to regret it immensely. This kid--this damned, pretty little posh kid--is absolutely beautiful, and not in the way most would say. He has a strange aura about him, like he just somehow radiates it. It's a power that might prove to be Jensen's downfall.
He has a habit of indulging in the pleasures of the flesh with "strange" or "difficult" partners; they develop feelings for him. But perhaps this time, Jensen thinks as he watches the Prince sleep soundly in his bed, if he were to allow himself to have him, he might fall in love. The pirate shakes the thought out of his head. Impossible. There is no one who can tame his wild heart, not even a spoiled child.
Jensen watches over the slumbering Prince; the cracks in the shutters shine light upon his face. It makes the pirate sucks in his teeth. Dumb kid. So pretty. Probably isn't even aware of just how pretty he really is. Jensen spots the light from the sun reflecting off of something on the bed next to the boy. He squints, getting up from his chair. He stands over the boy, looking at the object.
The Amulet of Eathos.
"The Amulet of Eathos..." He whispers. "I've got you now."
The Amulet is a small, round blue stone pendant with strange symbols carved into it, runes that Jensen does not understand. He shuffles closer to the bed, kneeling down until he's leveled with the Prince. The young one's breathing has evened out; he's fast asleep. Jensen stares at him, then at his necklace. Why ever would he need the kid? The damn key to Terran is right in front of him!
Jensen reaches out slowly, attempting to grab hold of The Amulet. When his fingers come into close proximity to the object, it glows a faint reddish color, and shocks Jensen. He stumbles back, shouting out a curse. He falls onto his ass, taking down various other objects with him. The damn thing nearly burnt off his fucking hand! The loud noise that Jensen creates causes the Prince to stir in his sleep, and he eventually awakens.
Well...shit.
Their eyes lock as Jensen sits on the floor. The Young Prince sits up, eyes almost bulging out of their sockets. He's terrified, and Jensen doesn't really blame him. Waking up in nothing but your underwraps in an unfamiliar environment is definitely terrifying. Jensen stands to his full height; the Prince feebly covers up his body with the blankets, eyes darting around the room.
"Oh, come now, Princess," Jensen smirks. "I'm not here to deflower you...though if you're a good boy... "
"You stay away from me, you brute! Where am I? Where are my clothes? Where are my parents?"
"Blah blah blah blah, could you hold off on the questions for just a moment so we can get acquainted better?"
The Prince blushes, and tosses one of Jensen's pillows at his face. "You disgust me! I demand to know who you are. I am Prince Jared Padalecki of Eroda, and I will--"
"Your title holds little meaning here, Princess," jests the pirate. He grins, sitting on the bed. "So you'd best not keep throwing it around as if it holds weight. As for my name, well..." He sighs. "I have too many to count."
"Then give me one." Jared growls.
"Oh! Fiery! I love this trait. But since you're being polite about it, I'll give you a list. Jensen Ackles, Captain of the glorious Pala, Breaker of Hearts, The Swashbuckling Scoundrel, Handsome Devil, Hellspawn, Dean Winchester, The--"
"Bastard of the Sea..." Jared finishes, mouth ajar and eyes shining bright. "I've heard tales of you."
Jensen's not going to lie: he's intrigued.
"Really?" He asks. "Well...what did you hear?"
Jared smiles, and Jensen just can't deal with it. He doesn't know how. He is too cute. "Well, it's just...they say all of these things. Such amazing things like how you're a kidnapping piece of shit with no fucking regard for other people's lives!" Jared's tone shifts, and he sounds angrier. "You're a no good, despicable pirate, what else will sane people say about you!? You are a thief, a murderer."
Jensen takes all of this in. He scoffs dismissively, shrugging off the boy's feeble insults. He'll learn soon enough that he doesn't give two fuck's how anyone views him. Especially some royal with a silver spoon stuck up his ass! Yes, it's true. He has pillaged, killed and stolen from hundreds of men and women, and he'll glady do it again.
"Do you honestly think I give a shit about you or your opinion on me, boy?" Jensen grounds out playfully, pushing Jared back on the bed. The Prince scurries away to the headboard, trying to escape him, but Jensen advances. "I don't. I don't care that you're royalty, and I don't care if you cry, or scream, or beg because I took you for a purpose, and you will help me."
Jared stares up into Jensen's eyes fearfully. "What do you want from me?"
"I need you...and that rock around your neck. It's the key to finding lost treasure. It's going to make me very rich soon, and it's the reason you're still alive. Don't worry, though. I didn't murder mommy and daddy."
"Then take it," Jared demands, taking it off and showing it to Jensen. "And return me to my family!"
Jensen draws back slightly. He tries keeping that smug smirk on his face. "Oh, that won't fool me, Princess. See, I know what happens when someone other than you touches it. The little bugger shocked me earlier." He grumbles. "Now, I will say this again, just in case your ears have stopped functioning. I need you, and if you want to survive here, out at sea with dozens of brawny pirates at my disposal, you will listen. I have the ability to make our journey quite unpleasant."
"You're not a very nice pirate." Jared whispers.
"I know. None of us are, Pretty Boy. That's why we're called pirates."
"The stories of faring the sea make it seem...brighter."
Jensen looks him over. Jared seems to be a tad bit saddened. For what? Might have something to do with getting kidnapped against his will by a band of pillaging outlaws.
Jared and Jensen stare each other down for a long time, neither of them saying a single word. Jared's fiery gaze intrigues Jensen. By the Gods, it even turns him on. This eternal flame that this boy possesses in his heart is enough to drive any man wild, but from what Jensen has observed so far, he can tell that this will not end well. For the both of them. Finally, Jared sits up, straightening his posture. He clears his throat, and opens his mouth, forming words.
What a brave little Prince.
"Here's the deal," Jared speaks with an air of confidence. "I will cooperate with you in exchange for half the treasure--"
"Oh, fuck you."
"--and to see my return safely to my parents with full amnesty for your crimes. You and your lot will leave with your heads still attached to your bodies."
Jensen rises, drawing one of the two swords on his back, pointing the tip of it at Jared. "You'll not get half of my treasure, brat! You can fuck off straight to Hell! Your family is already wealthy!"
"You need me, Bastard of the Sea. Half."
"I'm not negotiating with a child! 5%."
"My Amulet will disintegrate you into dust if you try touching it again. Half."
Dammit!
"15%. Who the hell do you think you are?"
Jared smirks at him. "We've already had introductions, remember? Half."
"20%. I'll not go any lower than that, you greedy little fucker."
"Greedy? You should check your reflection sometime before hurling insults. Half, or I throw myself to the sea and you'll not get anything from me. No me, no treasure. No treasure, no immunity. The clock is ticking, Captain..."
Son of a whale's bullocks, he's good. Jared's not a damn Prince. No, he's more than that. He's a fucking con artist, and leech...and it does nothing to assuage Jensen's attraction to him. Cheeky little fucker. He glares into Jared's eyes, taking note of their tendency to change color depending on the lighting. This kid will be the death of him, but little does Jensen Ackles, Jared Padalecki will prove to be his salvation.
Honestly, in all of Jensen's years of traveling the farthest reaches of the world, he's never met someone as foulmouthed and straightforward as himself. Jared is on his way to becoming a match for him, a force to be reckoned with. It'll be satisfying to knock the damn royal down a few pegs. He's not cut out for life at sea. At least that's what Jensen assumes. Jared doesn't exactly look the part.
Jensen soon sighs, putting his cutlass into its sheath on his back. He then props up his foot on the bed, grabbing onto his very expensive, very sharp dagger. He knows what he must do now. He grasps Jared's right wrist; the boy doesn't flinch, he only continues to swear at him with that determined look. Fuck him.
"Do you swear on your life that my men and I will be unharmed once we return you to Eroda?"
Jared's eyes light up, but he keeps his poker face strong. Good boy. Impressive. He's won this battle. "I swear. You have my word."
"Good."
Without warning, Jensen uses his dagger to slice the middle of Jared's palm. He yelps, and bleeds a little on the bedsheets. Jensen sucks in his teeth as he cuts his palm as well. Jared's taking this very well. The pain will subside. It always does. He grips Jared's hand tightly in his, allowing their blood to mingle. A sign of deep trust. A Blood Oath. To seal the deal, Jensen puts his other hand on the back of Jared's neck, and pulls him in until their lips meet up for a kiss.
Jared, obviously, does not appreciate this. He breaks away, and slaps Jensen in the face. The Pirate groans silently, but smirks. It's getting harder and harder to hate this boy. Seriously.
"You pig!" Jared exclaims.
Jensen grins brighter. He is just a sin in the best way. "You're not familiar with Blood Oaths, Princess? A kiss is always required to complete the deal."
"I'm not a Princess, and it was probably just some convoluted plot to get me to kiss you!"
"Oh," Jensen grabs a small cloth, tying it over his hand to staunch the bleeding. He puts the same hand over his heart in faux agony. "You wound me! You would think so little of me?"
"You already know the answer to this question...pervert."
He does, but he was secretly hoping it'd be different this time. Jensen exhales sharply through his teeth, putting his dagger back into his boot. He calmly walks over to one of the two wardrobes in his room, producing several articles of clothing. Clothing he can no longer fit. A white, long sleeved tunic, black trousers with matching boots and belt, and a short leather jack to top it off, also black.
It's funny. All black. Jensen was going through a strange phase many years ago. A pirate in all dark colors. A walking cliche. He dumps them all on the bed in front of Jared, crossing his arms. The Prince frowns.
"What's this?"
"Clothing."
"Obviously. You expect me to wear this?" Jared takes the tunic in his heads, bringing the cloth to his nose. He scrunches up his face accordingly. "Oh, Gods! When's the last time these clothes were washed!?"
Jensen scratches at his beard in thought, looking up into the ceiling. "Hmm...let's see. When did the Svaderim War end again?"
"Three years ago."
Jensen snaps his fingers with a smile. "Three years it is!"
"You are the worst pirate I've ever met!"
"I think you mean the only pirate. What's the matter, Princess? Is it too restricting for you? Would you prefer your now wet, tattered robes?"
Jared clutches the tunic fiercely, willing himself to calm down. Those robes were extravagant, the cost of which could buy at least 5 servants! "I think I'll manage just fine, thank you. I don't put it past you to have groped me in my sleep."
"Just the once." Jensen admits with a shrug.
Jared glares at him in disgust. Again. Of course he would do something like that. His deviant behavior knows no bounds. Jared eyes the garments near him, quietly awaiting for the perverted pirate to exit the room. He waits 10 seconds, not uttering a word, and an additional 10 more, Jensen still standing there, arms crossed over his chest and smirking.
Oh no.
No, no, no, no, no! He's is not about to--
"Excuse me." Jared spits sharply.
"You're excused."
Oh. A jest. How unexpected. (Sarcasm)
Jared sighs. "Leave the room, please. I must change."
"Not a chance. This is the Captain's Cabin. I'm the Captain." Jensen hums. He's aware he's being childish. He cares not.
"Jensen--Captain," Jared corrects himself. If they are to be working so closely together, he might as well try to be civil with him...even if that proves to be difficult. "I am your 'guest' aboard your 'marvelous' ship. If you would please allow me to change in private, I would most appreciate it."
The pirate does not back down. "I'm the Captain, I do as I please."
Jared grimaces. "My patience is wearing thin with you."
"As is mine. The longer you stall, the longer I have to look upon you, though I must say, it's not a problem on my part."
"Just leave the fucking room so I can change!"
"My, my, my! Do you kiss your mother with that mouth of yours, boy?"
"I can do worse things with my mouth, I can assure you." Jared threatens. "If you do not leave right now, I will call upon strong Archmagic to burn this vessel into the water."
Jensen is briefly shocked by Jared's claim. He become a fascinated as The Amulet shines a brighter red than the color before. That damn thing holds more than Jensen cares to know. He growls under his breath, and leaves Jared in the Captain's Cabin alone, throwing over his shoulder, "On the deck. You have five minutes."
When the door closes, Jared quickly jumps out of the bed, rushing over to the shutters near the wall. He throws them open, staring at miles upon miles of water, waves calmly splashing amongst the side of the ship. Jared plots an escape. He could steal a rowboat in the dead of night, and get to a port.
However, he realizes several flaws in his plan:
1) He couldn't possibly get anywhere in such a small boat out in the middle of the ocean with no compass or map.
2) He would most likely die without food and supplies, as well as shelter from storms.
3) Both 1&2.
Jared slams the shutters closed, and walks back towards the bed. He stares at his palm. It's still leaking blood. The Prince sighs through his nose, closing his eyes.
(Leczyć...)
The Amulet of Eathos glows a faint green, and Jared's wound closes on its own, mending itself. These spells, or whatever they are, come in handy. It is a burden to be the only member of his family so far to be able to interact with his damned thing. Wherever they're going, Jensen says that he "needs" Jared and The Amulet. Why?
What secrets lie beyond that are tied to this cursed object? Curiosity gets the better of him, and just like that, Jared decides that not only is he in this quest just for the treasure, but for the truth behind The Amulet. And if he's to play a role in all of this, then Jensen needs to tell him where their destination is.
With that in mind, Jared hastily dresses himself, buckling his belt over his jack. The fucking clothes manage to smell even worse When They're worn. Ugh. When he slips into the boots, he discovers that they're one size too big. Jared huffs. Figures. He has a feeling nothing will go according to plan during this voyage.
Eventually, the Prince exits the safety of the Captain's Cabin, and treks up the few stairs that lead up to the deck. He puts a hand up to shield his eyes from the sun. It's higher up in the sky. It must be late morning, or early afternoon. The smell of sea salt is stronger up here, and it tickles Jared's nose. He giggles, leaning over the rail as the ship presses on.
All he ever wanted was to explore, to venture off from the boring mundane tasks within the castle and into dangerous jungles and perilous caves. Jared's finally getting his wish. When he turns around to find Jensen, he spots several other men on the deck, tending to their duties. Jensen wasn't lying when he said they were brawny and gruff. These are the type of men parents warn their children to keep away from. They stare at him.
Most mind their business. Some whisper to themselves. Few openly stare at him, and make lewd comments that he's the Captain's new "Bedmate". Hmph! Not in a million years! Jared would never willingly lay his hands on Jensen. He's vulgar, crass, bad news in general...but also a ruggedly handsome man with gorgeous green eyes and a smile that can charm a Priest out of his robes.
Just the same, Jared shakes the inappropriate thoughts from his mind, and continues to search for Jensen. He told him to be up on the deck, and here he stands.
On the deck.
With Jensen nowhere in sight.
Jared turns towards the other side of the ship, near the wheel. Perhaps he is navigating! Oh, the mere thought excites the Prince to no end! He's never been on a ship this large before, let alone on water. He's read so many books, scrolls and tomes on sailing, but he's never seen it in action. Now's his chance! Yet, as he begins to ascend the stairs, he hears two voices. One is Jensen's, and the other he does not know.
He recognizes that it's considered by many to be very rude to eavesdrop on other's conversations, but he's curious, as always. So, Jared listens.
"He will definitely prove to be a problem for me during this voyage." Jensen mutters.
Another man speaks then. By his tone, Jared can tell he's smiling. "I can imagine."
"I mean, who does he think he is ordering me around like he's back in that damn castle. I'm the Captain of this ship! I could cut him down just for that."
"Yes, you could...but you won't."
"What makes you so sure I won't?"
Jensen tone shifts from angry, to slightly annoyed. Not at the other man though. But maybe...at himself? It's a strange thought, and Jared brushes it off as he goes back to listening in on them.
"Call it a hunch." The unknown man says. "They way you talk about him is...no, nevermind."
"No, please say what's on your mind." Jared can hear the unsheathing of a sword, and he quietly crawls up the stairs, but still away from view. He spots Jensen holding one of his cutlasses, holding it up playfully at the other man who is steering the ship. He's tall with broad shoulders and long dark hair. "Come on. I dares ya!"
The man chuckles, casually lowering Jensen's sword from his face. "I was gonna say...well, the way you talk about him, you make it seem like you're looking to bed him. From what you're telling me, he's more than a match for you!"
Jensen sucks in his teeth, putting his sword onto his back once more. "I am not a 14 year old girl, Kane! I do not wish to be responsible for capturing the virginity of a posh--"
At this point--
"Bratty--"
Jared stands up--
"Spoiled child!"
And announces his presence for Jensen and the other man. He goes up the stairs quickly, clearing his throat for emphasis. They jump, startled, but it seems Jensen has jumped the highest. He turns around, slight fear in his eyes. Fear? A mighty Pirate Captain showing fear? His crew would be very disappointed in him. Jared smirks in his mind, and outwardly as well. He's caught him in the act.
"How long have you been sniffing around here, boy?" Jensen says in a deep voice, trying to regain his sense of authority.
Jared ends up smiling. Why is this Captain being adorable right now? It makes no sense. He's supposed to hate him. "Just got up here. You weren't on the deck."
"Yes, well, as you can see," Jensen waves an arm towards the other man. "I had other business to attend to. This is my First Mate, Christian Kane."
Jensen's First Mate sticks out his hand, bright smile on his face. He doesn't seem to be like all the other pirates around here. So, Jared shakes his hand. "Chris would do just fine. Or Kane. I'm not picky about it. How do you do?"
"As well as I look." Jared jokes.
They laugh, but Jensen breaks it up, continuing with the introductions. "Yeah, okay. Kane, this is...uh...Princess Pada-Something."
"I am a Prince, you ass!"
"I call a rock a rock, and a bird a bird."
"You are such an asshole."
"Talk this way to me in front of my crew one more time, and I'll throw you in the brig for an hour." Jensen grins, but he seriously means it. "Call it a timeout, and peace and quiet for me."
Jared rolls his eyes, and walks back to a railing, leaning over it. He looks out to the horizon. Nothing but blue skies and clear waters. Being out here, out in the open like this spurs him on, making Jared want to run around aimless and free. But alas, he cannot. Not on a boat filled with tons of men stronger than he is. Jared turns around again when he hears Jensen addressing the crew.
"'Ey, boys!" He yells. They all stop what they're doing to listen. "We have a new guest aboard the Pala! Welcome Princess Jaredina Pada-Something!"
The moronic men who follow Jensen's every whim roar and cheer like beasts. Already, he can tell that this will not end well. Jared braces for more insults and the butchering of his name, but they never come. Instead, Jensen says this,
"How's about we give 'im a taste of what real music sounds like, aye?"
The many men clamour once more, throwing up their hands in joy. Suddenly, they begin singing a song. A sailor's song. Jared knows of this song, but the words have been altered.
"Weigh-hay and up she rises.
Weigh-hay and up she rises.
Weigh-hay and up she rises.
Weigh-hay and up she rises, early in the morning!
What will we do with a Drunken Sailor?
What will we do with a Drunken Sailor?
What will we do with a Drunken Sailor, early in the morning?
Weigh-hay and up she rises.
Weigh-hay and up she rises.
Weigh-hay and up she rises, early in the morning!
Throw him into bed with the kidnapped Princess.
Throw him into bed with the kidnapped Princess.
Throw him into bed with the kidnapped Princess, early in the morning!"
Jared glares at Jensen, the man who started this all, for encouraging his crew to change the lyrics to further make him uncomfortable. Jensen only grins back at him.
Bastard of the Sea. He truly lives up to the title.