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"His death needs not be the end of you both... rather the beginning of it... you know?" shrugged Taff coming over to the rooms and bringing the chocolate tart, coffee, and selection of herbal teas

"It is said... the royal dragons have the ability to spare a human life by giving them a half of their heart. It is what your father did for your mother... before my very eyes... when you were born. Though I seriously doubt your father will consent for you to do such a bond with a mercenary who has a habit of getting himself wounded and killed and collecting death warrants on a daily occasion.." trailed off Taff slicing the tart and bringing the strawberries dipped in chocolate.

"You may want to consider a slavery sentence that ensures he remains chained at your feet and service rather than scurry away back into death's arms." suggested Taff getting a glare from Calico for making such a suggestion "I am sure he would look quite handsome in manservant attire, trailing after your every whim...He used to be the master at arms too. He will be a fine tutor for you, in matters of swordsmanship" grinned Taff adding a touch of tease at it

Ryiah's gaze was drawn by the chocolate covered strawberries. They were her favorite yet her appetite was gone. The arguments they had put forth presented her with seemingly no other recourse. She couldn't let her people down... not when both her father and Pentre had been horrible leaders. How could she sacrifice them for one man, whether she loved him or not?

Sadness welled in her eyes and she finally stopped pacing. Unable to convice herself any longer that she was willing to run away if need be. That wasn't who she was. Finally, she looked to Calico, her glance moving across Taff as well. The warlocks words, the jesting tone, seemed to not affect her own dark mood. "Fine..." she said after working through the lump in her throat.

"We will go with your plan, Calico." Saying nothing else she dipped into one last curtsy and turned to leave the room, the dessert untouched. There was no reason for her to celebrate. If the others had anything else to say, she would have stopped to listen, yet continue out after.

It was a much more subdued Ryiah that would enter her chambers once she reached them, and she sank onto the bed as if in a daze.

"I thought you would see it my way..." sighed Calico sitting and eating the dessert and coming to take the helm so that Morgan could get some rest, the two men taking turns and trusting each other's navigational skills enough for the matter, for they were both equally interested in reaching the shore.

"We have an agreement commander, I am surrendering and accept a charge of kidnapping the princess and the royal commander of the armies... but my men are to be spared, they were merely following orders after all" remarked and reminded Calico

"You have my word on it... Calico... it's your head we are all after, not your men's ones yet" smiled Calico raising manacles and chains to shackle the main like a proper prisoner.

Ryiah changed out of her formal dress into one still of her station, but a bit easier to move about in. She wasn't sure what her situation would be to begin with, would she be taken into custody? Or able to freely return? Around her shoulders she draped her mothers deep blue cloak, the rich fabric falling about her shoulders, the hood back to show her bright red hair falling down around her face, framing her vivid amber hues.

Finally, she emerged from her quarters to see Calico already in chains. She didn't stare, nor try to have him released. Instead, her demeanor tired and resigned, moved to stand before Morgan, chin lifted and eyes flickering dangerously. "How is this going to go general?" She asked. "Will I be taken in chains as Calico, or returned freely?" She proffer her hands as if mocking the man, knowing he valued honor yet remembering his hate for her early on in the venture. Now was his chance.

Her back straight, the breeze created bynthe ships movement at it slid ever closer to the Tellirin Empire, tugged and pulled at Ryiah as if to urge her to run as she had previously considered. She ignored the impulse, keeping her gaze upon the acting Captain.

Morgan dropped a knee before Ryiah.

"Your royal highness, Calico has admitted breaking out of the dungeons, poisoning the king, stealing this imperial vessel, kidnapping the crown princess and the royal manservant Taff, and assaulting the royal navy officers.

I have his confession written and signed and it will be an honour to escort you back to the safety of your quarters at the royal palace now that I have ensured your rescue and your safe return and the capture and confession of the culprit" smiled Morgan watching Taff follow suit with the gems well wrapped up

Lips pressing together, Ryiah's gaze flicked to Calico. At least half of the charges were false, but it was his own plan. Ryiah finally looked down at Morgan, gesturing him to rise and dipping her head in a nod. "Very well..." she murmered. "I will allow the escort. Though it gives me to pleasure to travel in your company." She couldn't help the honesty, unable to hold anything but contempt for Morgan for multiple reasons, not the least of which he would wield the blade that killed her rider.

Moving toward the prow of the ship, avoiding Calico, she stood watching the horizon where the empire would soon come into view, it's harbor no doubt heavily manned and guarded night and day, as well as the rest of the city. It would have been on high alert ever since her own quick escape, and the stealing of the Nonesuch.

She knew that there would be plenty of danger to her from Pentre and his men, who had formed the coup in the first place, framing her for the death of her father. But with Morgan willing to back Calico's story, Pentre would have little choice but to allow her own freedom.

"You should be thanking me for services rendered, your highness, my blade shall tear this carcass to retrieve from his chest the last gem that you require.

At least I'm saving you the heartache of yielding the deadly blow" muttered Morgan walking by her

"Calico and I have always been serving the emperor and the kingdom... except I follow my orders unquestionably where he follows his own code of conduct, trespassing the lines between good and evil one too many times" muttered Morgan

Ryiah's gaze flicked to Morgan as the man moved to walk beside her. She said nothing as he spoke, though her eyes flashed a bit. Finally she shook her head, the amber gaze going to him. "I cannot thank you for the task you have set yourself. Yet I do thank you for your protection." She forced the words out, reminding herself she must be gracious, despite her anger and sorrow.

"Following orders unquestionably, while indeed a mark of loyalty, is not always to be commended, Captain." She added, her voice stiff. "Especially when the orders given are not just, nor are they based on truth, as were your intial orders to capture me. If Calico has done wrong, he has also done enough right to warrant another chance. Keeping one's ideas so totally rigid as to be unbending can lead to mistakes in judgement."

When she appointed generals and captains of her own, they would be trained to follow orders for sure, but also to think for themselves, and not hesitate to act should their ruler become a tyrant. She wanted her men to be loyal to her because they saw her as a good ruler, one they wanted to follow, not because they felt it their duty.

"The army demands obedience and doing one's duty, your highness. It is up to our kings and queens to pass fair and just judgement. To refuse orders whilst in service to the crown, it is high treason, punishable by vanquishment and death" explained Morgan patiently

"We cannot let the men choose and pick which commands to follow, it would lead to more revolts than are already out there in the open and weaken the kingdom" commented Morgan

"We can only hope... one day... a fairer ruler shall rise and this injustice and bloodshed shall end, a ruler we can follow willingly, rather than merely out of sworn duty" agreed Morgan tugging Calico's chains from time to time.

Ryiah said nothing else for a long while, seeing no reason to continue arguing with the man. Whenever Morgan rattled Calico's chains, her gaze involuntarily dropped to him, and her stomach would clench in anger, though she tried to hide it by jerking her gaze back toward the sea and the coastline.

As her destiny drew nearer, the ship approaching the main city harbor she felt the ripple of uneasy nerves nearly incapacitate her. Fighting past it she lifted her chin, taking a deep steadying breath. Soon she would have full use of her dragon form, and she would make good use of it. There would be blood and prices exacted for the wrongs done to her and her people.

Guards began assembling as the ship began its docking procedures, clearly waiting for explanation, ready to take anyone and everyone into custody should anything be deemed amiss. As soon as the gangplank was lowered, Ryiah began moving forward, head held high and not looking back. The guards who spotted her first shouted in quick recognition, having orders to arrest her on sight.

Her orange amber hues spit angry fire as they began to rush up towards her, not even giving her a chance to reach her beloved empire’s shores. Unflinching, Ryiah said nothing as they surrounded her, but then muttered "Fools the lot of you. I am your rightful ruler. This betrayal will be rembered."

"Back to the palace... I have the culprit already and her highness is clear of any wrongdoing" informed Morgan taking sharp and quick command of all men

"Send the city into immediate curfew I do not want the princess harmed in any way" urged Morgan flagging down his lavish carriage, opening the door for Ryiah

"Please... if you would do the honors, princess..." invited Morgan bowing briefly and respectfully having the men tie the prisoner to the carriage itself for him to run on foot and keep up at that as was the standard military procedure

Ryiah considered demanding Calico be allowed to ride as well, her frustration mounting as she saw him tied to the back. He shouldn't be treated thus for crimes be didn't commit. He should be free with a ship of his own and his past crimes wiped clean for the services he had done her. Yet here he was heading to death instead. Her jaw worked, yet she knew he would not want her interference. So, with a somewhat cool glance to General Morgan she acquiesced and climbed into the carriage, settling against the plush interior and pulling her cloak around her, wishing for it all to be over.

The ride wasn't a terribly long one, for which she was glad, because it meant Calico wouldn't be dragged as long. The castle was soon reached, guards riding alongside the carriage in defense of herself and the pirate. Soon the group was ushered into the grand entrance hall, lined with sculpture and statues as well as lavish murals and tapestries. The richness would only grow the further they went inward. Ryiah's father had never been one to skimp on opulence and the show of it. She kept her gaze straight ahead, knowing they were being escorted toward the throne room. Obviously the imposter King did not wish to wait for an explanation.

Pentre looked at Ryiah surprised she was there but letting Morgan provide the parchment which he dutifully read before addressing the princess

"Ahhh your highness.... our apologies for this entire misunderstanding. Clearly you had no part in your father's passing, you are welcome to stay here or return to your quarters if the presence of your captor unsettles you" offered Pentre

Ryiah lifted her chin. "I will stay. And I want my manservant Taff brought here." Her gaze shone with barely contained anger. She kept reminding herself to keep to the plan, not wanting to ruin it now by an ill placed word... or slap to Pentre's face, which would do no good anyway.

Ryiah's gaze slipped down to Calico, faltering a bit as sadness jolted through her. How could she allow this? What choice did she have?

"Of course, of course your highness..." nodded Pentre waving the guard to summon Taff, who came in with haste, parcel wrapped in his arms

"Ahh my apologies, your grace, your highness I was tending to various chores..." excused Taff coming to kneel by the princess feet, dutifully, before moving to a corner, always lurking in shadows and edges, unnoticed in his chores.

"You may seat at the throne your highness, it is a matter of days before you come of age and the realm is indeed yours to command and the crown yours to bear and the power, yours to yield" pointed out Pentre inviting Ryiah to take the golden seat with red velvet cushions, bringing the execution warrant for her counter signature

"The people must know that you have indeed avenged your father's death by executing the culprit after all... no better way to clear your good name and reputation, than avenging your kinsman" assured Pentre

Ryiah nodded to Taff as he came into the throne room, then moved forward to take her seat upon the throne, proffered by Pentre himself, which surprised her slightly. She slid her gaze over the man assessing him for a moment before turning her attention to the paper thrust before her.

Heaviness dropped over her, making her hands nearly tremble. She had to sign the death warrent for her own rider? Could she bring herself to do this? Hard enough to stand idly by while another man slaughtered him. To save your people Ryiah... she reminded herself bitterly, knowing the look in Calico's eyes. She had to. It was his own plan. Taff's words from earlier. Perhaps said so flippantly now seemed the only thing she could focus on. There might yet be a chance for her rogue rider. There had to be. "The one responsible for the death of my father will indeed be held accountable. And vengeance taken." She murmered softly.

Taking a deep breath and holding it. She took a pen, and signed her name to the paper before she could talk herself out of it. Her name, with its curls and flourishes, stared up at her as if in reproof and she knew she would never forgive herself for the act.

Wordless, she handed the paper to Tron and looked down coldly at Calico, her heart feeling as if it slowly turned to ice.

Pentre took the parchment and presented it to Morgan who waved a guard and collected the silver heavy axe.

Calico remained kneeling with the head bowed.

"May I address the royal court with my final words at least?" asked Calico hesitant looking at Ryiah to grant him such request

"If her highness wills it...." trailed off Pentre letting her take her position of power.

"I do..." Ryiah whispered, her gaze first on the axe then on Calico, her stomach sickening.

Fingers clenching tightly over the armrests of the throne, Ryiah waited to hear what the pirate wanted to say.

Calico knelt before the throne dutifully

By my innocence, I so swear,
and by my word of honor too,
that I have one heart to give
one truth to uphold
one life to live
one chest to offer you
and no other woman has,
nor ever shall another be
mistress of any of it
save for you alone
my empress, my queen

Calico gazed at Morgan who held an axe on this occasion and nodded his consent.

"Be steadfast and quick in your deed, in your fulfilling your orders..." nodded Calico leaning the head forward to expose his neck and receive the mortal blow.

Taff knew he had to act quickly to complete the enchantment that Calico had already set in motion with his declaration. Throughout the trial, he had already been placing the storm seeds around to enclose the circle around Ryiah and Calico.

"...Sendara....
take heed of my voice
I the warlock so summon you
come take the heart that's yours
so freely offered, with it...
break your curse
one half of his, one half of yours"

Concluded Taff, finishing off what Calico had no longer chance to recite.

Pentre looked wide eyed, the full recital of the words finally coming to mind as the ones needed to break the curse. This was indeed the sacrifice, not only had he not been able to stop it but he had actually facilitated.

"No, no no, halt, halt the execution!" shouted Pentre trying to stop Morgan at all costs and foil the event, but it was much too late, Morgan had lifted the axe already and hacked at the youth, neck and chest struck down as Calico had instructed and shook his head heavily, retiring and leaving the room altogether at the tragic loss.

Through the spilled blood that was now quickly coating the otherwise marble impeccable floors, a the dark red glowered, the crimson light that emanated from where blood was spilled, brighter, sparkling from his chest all the more so to bring back the emperor, first as a misty form, then becoming more solid, the return of the emperor at last free from its curse.

The red misty fog scattering through the palace, through the city and kingdom wise to release the chained dragons that they may freely take up their true form

"No, no, no, this is a disaster" muttered Pentre furious, his eyes glaring at Taff now that he had revealed himself.

"Emris.... I should have known this..." complained Pentre narrow eyed staring wearily at Sendara and her father in its dragon form.

The gore of the killing surged through Ryiah, her eyes riveted to the pirate as his death was achieved even as Taff spoke the last phrases and she felt as if something unlocked within her. Heart feeling rent in two, tears breaking through her barriers to fall down ashen cheeks, Ryiah shifted.

This was her own choice, her mind never once blacking out, she was Ryiah Sendara Her form was magnificent, ebony black and purple, her claws glittering as ferociously as her teeth. Standing now over top the remains of her rider, the smell of blood hot in her nostrils, Sendara eyes grew wild with pain. Her bond with the rider leaving a place so raw inside she felt she could nearly go mad. Instead, she focused the rage on Pentre, who's gaze now widened in fear.

Noticing nothing else around her Sendara took one shuddering step after another until she gazed down at Pentre. Steam poured from her nostrils and slightly gaping paw to curl around the man's face. "Now shall justice be done, and wrongs righted." Her voice boomed through the head's off all within the room. Which seemed the smaller because of the dragons suddenly within it.

With that her jaws would flash downward to end the guilty man before her, just as he had allowed Calico's life ended take his own punishment. Should her jaws end his life and blood spring forth to meet her maw, she would roar with a savage misery tempered by triumph. Then her gaze would return to Taff, and her body to her fallen rider, standing protectively over him, though he no longer needed protecting.

Her heart still shuddering with too much emotion, she lifted a paw to place over it, her hues watching the warlock closely. Instict told her what to do, yet she needed to see from him, that it could still work.