Perryn's POV:

She seemed to tense up, before letting her shoulders droop in defeat.

I jumped to my feet, “And Louis realized who you were, so you want him out of the picture so that no one finds out who you are.”

I paced behind her, my emotions in a jumble, “You’re still alive! Everyone thought you died, but here you are. I’ve seen portraits of you, I don’t know how I didn’t recognize you!”

She still didn’t move from her hunched position on the ground. I sat beside her and gently placed my hand on her arm.

“Serah.” I said quietly. She sighed, then turned, wrapped her arms around my waist, and buried her face into my chest. Her shoulders shook gently with her sobs, so I wrapped my arms around her and held her.

I tilted my head slightly when I heard footsteps. Behind us, approaching, was Louis.

In my arms, Serah went silent and soon tensed up as well. I almost sighed, she can’t even have five minutes of peace and quiet, can she?

We untangled ourselves from each other and turned to face Louis.

I glared at him bitterly, but he stretched out his arms as if for a hug, “It’s been a while, brother.”

Serah began to growl a warning as Louis took a step towards us, but I stuck out my hand and placed it on her shoulder, “He’s my brother.” I said under my breath, “Let me handle this.”

She looked wary.

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“Trust me.” I pleaded.

Finally, she nodded reluctantly.

“This is sweet, Perryn. You have found the princess of Arcadia and have her wrapped around your little finger. If she wasn’t shooting dagger looks at me behind your back right now, I might just—“

I cut him off, “What do you want Louis?”

His fake smile vanished instantly and he glared at me, “The throne, Perryn. The throne.”

I waved him off, “Other than that.”

“You ran away!” He snapped.

“I did not. You tricked me, and then tried to kill me. It’s too bad your plan didn’t work out though.”

He smirked, “That’s not what Father and Mother think.”

I froze, “Why do you want the throne anyways?” I asked, attempting to change the subject.

He straightened up slightly, “Why do you think?”

“It can’t be anything good.” I spat, “You’re a terrible leader. Persia will be in ruin with you as a king.”

Louis waved me off, “That’s what all of you think…”

“Maybe we’re all right!”

“No!” He snapped, “You’re wrong, as always Perryn. And so is Father. He was wrong about us when we were little, and he is wrong about us now. I will be the better ruler.”

“What are your plans?” I asked finally.

“Easy. Kill you. Tell a sweet dramatic story to Mother and Father about how you tried to save my life while I was hanging off a cliff or…” His eyes flashed to Serah, “…Or fighting against a pirate captain who happens to be the missing princess of Arcadia…And then I will become king.”

He smirked triumphantly.

I hesitated, “What if I just never return?”

Serah made a sound in her throat but didn’t say anything.

Louis seemed to be considering this, “If you never return, then I won’t tell anyone about the pirate princess.”

“I’m right here, you know.” Serah snapped, tired of staying silent. She turned to me, “And you said it yourself, Persia would be in ruin with him as king. In case you forgot, we live in Persia. This would affect all of us. So why would you stay?”

“You said you hated the royal life.” I said simply, “If Louis tells anyone you’ll be dragged back into it.”

I looked back at Louis, “And besides, I’m getting the hang of just living out here.”

Louis stomped towards me, even as Serah began to protest, “Deal.”

I shook his hand quietly, nodding my agreement. Serah watched helplessly as a wicked grin crossed Louis’ face, “I would say I’ll see you soon, but I hope we never do.”

I scowled, “Now get off this island.”

He turned sharply to the alley.

“Louis.” Serah said finally, a scowl on her face.

He tilted his head in her direction.

“You better keep your end of the deal.”