Princesa Argentina.

   “The piratas live the way they do because it is all they have ever known. They worked for what they have in the way they know how to. We cannot blame them for it.” Nael explainined, holding his own views and perspective of the whole piracy. “They were not afforded the advantages we have, and thus, they have resorted to this life.” He would not judge them for doing what they knew how to in order to survive in the world. “Though their loyalty to the cause is admirable, indeed. They are very much determined.”

   Smiling gleefully, he nodded. “Of course it did, hermana. Your food got me through it. And for that, I am grateful to you.”

   The principe did not think that their parents had high hopes of them being alive. After all, Nael had been missing for nearly a year now; Paula, a few months. The complete silence could convince anyone of their fates. “I do not think so. I fear that they may think that we are no longer alive.” At least, he would, if it were he who was in the position. “Which is why I wish to let them know.”

“Not at all; we can’t judge them or anyone to be frank; it’s on each human being’s conscience the side they pick. It’s what they know as you say.” She replied to her brother. “I actually admire that. The determination and perseverance. It means they don’t give up and that’s brave, Nael. I say we take that from them. We can’t give up.”

“Say it. My food is pretty much amazing.  It has magical powers” she teased, a giggle escaping her lips.

Paula shook her head. “No, that can’t be possible. I think they know what happened and maybe they are doing what they can to find us. But yes, we have to find a way to let them know we are alive…without risking the freedom we have.”

“Yes, just make a list of what you need and show it to me before you go,” even though Paula didn’t seem like the plotting type, the warehouse was still the heart of the Tulach’s operation and sending a royal there was always risky, with or without supervision. He didn’t want to skimp on precautions, especially now that recent events had left most of the pirates on edge.

He understood what she was saying, still it did not ease the uncomfortable feeling in his gut. He was an extremely private man, he was meticulous about his space and he valued his independency. He knew Paula was just trying to help but her kindness simply felt misplaced, too overbearing given their relationship. “If it’s something that brings you joy, I’m not going to stop you,” he said, yet his brow remained furrowed signaling that he still wasn’t at ease with the matter. His gaze turned to the side, a silent conflict playing on his features for an instant, “When you can, I’d like you to go and pick a room from the Pavilion for yourself. You are still free to use the kitchen and spend time here however you like, at least when I’m around,” he didn’t like going back on his word but perhaps letting her this close so soon had been misguided, born out of longing for someone who was no longer around and never would be again.

Paula nodded, happy that she could be able to cook on a new place. Maybe one day, she could show Eli about her culture and make a list. Hopefully she wasn’t causing any troubles asking for this, because that was the last thing she wanted to do, bring problems.

AT his words, Paula gave him a grin. She actually loved it, it was a passion, plus a way to try new recipes and maybe keep updated her traditional ones. “Not only brings me joy, makes me feel close to my family. My dad loves my alfajores and my mom taught me the original recipe for the carne empanadas. Plus it will give me the chance to feed my brothers real Argentinean food.” She smiled.  “Do you think we could ever make a pit with charcoal and fire to make an asado? I mean that’d be pretty awesome if we could” she said remembering when was the last time she ate her favorite meal, or even drink her mate. God, she missed her mate so much.  But she was going greedy, so she just shut up, she didn’t want Eli to think she was actually greedy or annoying by requesting so many things.

Eli’s request made her stop and look at him. “Oh…I thought I was going to have a spare room here…I mean that’s fine with me…”she said softly. “But it’s very nice of you to let me use the kitchen. I mean it. Thank you” she said politely, trying to understand why the change, yet she was going to respect his decision.

Cyd reminded himself that being over protective of a full grown man who he hadn’t spent time with in over a decade was ridiculous. But he also found himself offended by the implications of several of the things she said. She was not Eli’s keeper. Eli was a goddamn adult. And the idea that men needed women to keep them in line because they were all stubborn. His voice was passive and bland as he spoke, “You’re assurances mean nothing and are worth nothing to me. You are not his keeper and you should not act like you are. The appropriate people will help him and you will stay out of their way.” Because she was the Royal. He shook his head, “Being stubborn is a human trait found equally among all genders.” He raised an eyebrow when she called herself annoying, but said nothing further, since he agreed with her. He nodded and turning spoke as he began to walk, “If you managed to bring anything from the other island I’d grab it. It might not make it back to you if you don’t.”

Paula couldn’t change, and didn’t want to change her kindness, well, maybe to anyone she didn’t know, but still it was hard to do that, it was on her essence, it came natural on her to help others, to give them comfort; and the way this man treated her, so rudely (or that’s how she felt it) was something that could make her stop. “I’m aware I’m not his keeper. I might be young and sometimes naïve if you want to but I do have common sense.  There’s something called kindness and something called well-hearted. Or good-hearted or kind-hearted, frankly I don’t know how it’s pronounced since my English sometimes is not as good as I’d wish. There are so many ways to help someone. To take care of someone. I know there are people that are qualified to do that task, but I want to help too, maybe not with medical terms, because I have none, but with kind words, or reading someone…that’s one way to take care too.” She said to the man. “Agreed. I can be very stubborn sometimes.  But I found out from experience men can be pretty stubborn. For example my dad. I was the only one he’d listen to if he got sick. Pretty funny when you are sixteen and lecture your dad , the king of a nation, to stay in bed because of the flu. “ she said with a small smile at the memory of that day.  Nodding as she came back from that memory, she did grab her things before jump off the ship. “I do. Let me grab them before getting out  of here” she informed him.  Once she did what she said, she looked at her ship keeper and smiled. “I’m ready to go”

   The recollection had a small laugh leave Nael’s lips, remembering fondly of what was. “I remember. Dad was stubborn indeed. Only you could ever get him to listen to you.” It was her special power that way, to get people to actually listen to her rather than put up a fight. Out of all of them in the family, it was only her who had the sheer stubbornness to not back down in kind.

   Nodding his head timidly, he replied, “I know, hermana. They are not all bad.” At least, Nael saw what the piratas were trying to do. He could put himself in their shoes and imagine what this - what they all did - was for. It was for a cause they thought was worth fighting for. And he was the last person to ever judge them for it.

   “Indeed. I feel like I have found myself again. It took a while, but I definitely am okay now.” 

   Fingers fidgeted, as he glanced down to allow his saddened gaze to linger. “I suppose, with all of us here, Mom and Dad have no one else. All their children, gone.” It was heartbreaking, just to think about it. “I just wish to let them know that we are fine, that we are alive.” he said, before lifting his gaze up, teary-eyed as he spoke now. “I cannot imagine what must be running through their heads.” Dios mio, how much he missed his parents now.

“What can I say? I always had that effect in him.” She laughed. She knew she was her dad’s favorite, she was the only girl and sometimes she took that in advantage when her dad did not want to listen. Truth was that with kindness and some stubbornness mixed together, she could achieve a leader of a nation make her listen.

“That’s good to know, I mean that you know. Some are too brave for this world. They risk their lives for a cause…that’s admirable”

Paula made a sigh of relief as Nael told her he found himself again. “Oh those are really good news! Pretty sure my food had to do with that” she teased. At the mention of their parents, the sadness took over Paula. “I’d wish we could find a way to tell them Nael. Do you think they know? I can’t even imagine how dad and mom are right now…Mateo was the last De la Fuente and he’s now captured. I just hope they keep their sanity and don’t do anything stupid”

Dark eyes were turned towards the new island opening before them. The parrot perched on his shoulder and Paula stood at his side in case he needed help, “So I’ve heard,” he replied, his thoughts clearly elsewhere as uncertainty twisted in his gut. He still felt groggy and confused but for a different reason than the fever. It was as if he had lost time, he knew in their lives getting comfortable somewhere was never wise, still it had been almost exactly a year since he had first arrived on the Tulach Island. And somewhere without him noticing, it had started resembling a home for him.

They made their way to their designated new maison and it did indeed look a lot more impressive than the last one. Stepping over the threshold and into the vast empty space, he had to stop for a moment and just try to let it all sink in. “I can—,” he cleared his throat, “I can call someone to escort you if you want to go pick up some supplies from the warehouse,” there probably wasn’t anything in the kitchen right now.

Paula had been nothing but kind to him since she became his ward. She had gone out of her way to check on him and made sure he was taken care of. Eli wasn’t completely sure why. She owed him nothing and they still barely knew each other. It was something that was starting to bother him, “But Paula,” he started, turning towards her, “I want to make it clear to you that you don’t have to. You are not my maid, I don’t want a maid,” even the thought felt insulting to him, “This is not about ‘turning the tables’ or anything like that, not with me.”

As she took in the new view, she smiled. It was quite bigger than the other island, and for her, it seemed more beautiful. The Argentinean princess looked at her watcher and gave him a soft smile. She hoped he’d get better soon; she wasn’t an expert on a lot of things, but one thing she was sure of how to take care of someone that was hurt, her instinct told her what to do. And even if she didn’t have to, she did care about the man that was taking care of her. He was her keeper, and if he wasn’t in good health, she couldn’t live with that on her conscience.  Despite everyone could think of her, Paula was a kind woman.

Paula was still in awe when they reached the new location for them. It was simply beautiful, nearly close to the maisons outside the city of Buenos Aires. As he spoke, Paula’s sight became brighter. “Would you do that for me?” she asked politely. It gave her joy that she could be able to cook for Eli and for herself; being in the kitchen meant a lot to her.

Since she was born, Paula’s generosity and kindness showed up, her parents raised her to be like any normal kid, despite being born royalty. It was also something that came natural for her yet not everyone understood it. She hoped Eli would understand that this was who she was; a young passionate woman that was kind and generous that didn’t judge anyone for anything. As he spoke again, she turned to face him and shook her head. “Oh no, no, I know I don’t have to, but I want to. Can you see the difference? I’m not your maid, I know that.” She started, “But I’ve been raised like any normal kid. I know how to make my bed, to clean and I love cooking. If I could live on a kitchen, I would, seriously. ”she said to him. Why was so hard to understand that she was simply kind and that she wanted to? “You know...kindness still exist, even if you don’t believe it” she said with a soft smile.

   Despite the kidnappings, the piratas remained to leave the royals untouched and unharmed. It was one of the things he was certainly most grateful about. Because the soonest the piratas resorted harming any one of them - especially his hermana - Nael was quite certain he would lose it. 

   “That is good to hear that you are okay. Unfortunate for your watcher, though. Eli, was it?” He had met the pirata before, but only briefly. “If you took care of him, then I am sure he was well taken care of.” Paula had one of the biggest hearts he’d ever known, and she was every bit as selfless as she was caring.

   “Me? I am fine. Spent some time for myself, but all is well now.” he reassured his sister. There was nothing to worry about him. 

   Her revelation was not as daunting as she perhaps thought it to be, mainly, because Nael already knew that Mateo was here. He had caught wind of it before the lockdown ensued. “I know.” he lamented, the sadness unmistakeable. “We are all unfortunately together now.” And though their togetherness sounded like a good thing, it was not. It only meant that no one was left with their parents anymore. No de la Fuente heir. “I hate to think about it, but what of our parents? Their hearts must be in pieces.”

It was a good sign that pirates wouldn’t harm them, though they didn’t behave to have a punishment, yet it was a relief. If someone dared to damage either Nael or Mateo, she’d lose her mind for sure.

“It really is. I made a promise to keep an eye on Eli. I have experience taking care of men who are probably too stubborn to do what doctors say. Remember one time dad got the flu and he had to stay in bed? Mom couldn’t reason with him, but I did. I have power over that man” she said, in the end laughing at the memory.  “But yes, he will be taken care properly. Not all the pirates are bad.” She said with a grin.

“Yes, you. And hey that’s really good, gives you time to focus on yourself, to be back to who you really are” she nodded.

“I have some mixed emotions, Nael. I’m happy that he is here, but at the same, sad that he is here, it meant he was finally caught.” She said with sadness. “Mom and dad are destroyed for sure. There’s no De la Fuente there if something happens to mom or dad…Damn it. “

“It’s not. Just a name.” Named after the mother of Roman Tulach’s children. But those weren’t details that were necessary to spell out for people at the moment. Cyd’s face showed recognition before he pushed it away. He nodded, “The other surgeons have been taking good care of him. He’ll be alright if he does what he’s told and let’s himself rest.” He gave Paula a more considering look, “He’ll stay in the infirmary until he’s well. It has more supplies there. And he will be fine soon enough.” Eli and Cyd had a history that bound them up together. Closer than brothers or soldiers. Now that they’d been able to reunite Cyd would not allow anything further to harm the surgeon. “Come on, let’s get you off this ship.” So the Captains could hide it from prying electronic eyes in the sky.

“It’s a very strong name though” she said tilting her head. As she mentioned who her watcher was, she could see the pirate’s reaction; a sigh of relief escaping her lips as he said he was going to be good. “I’ll make sure he does what doctors say. Men can be stubborn when it comes to resting. They need us to keep them in line” she said to him. “It’s understandable why he’ll stay there, but I can assure you, once we are in land, he will have to do what the docs say, otherwise he’ll have to deal with me, I can be pretty annoying if I want to” she informed the pirate. She was going to make sure Eli was going to do what the doctors said for sure. “Yes please. I need to put my feet on the sand, not that I didn’t like the trip but…” she shrugged.

   “It’s good to be reunited with you again.” he whispered into her ear, giving her back a comforting pat, before finally pulling away. 

   The two Argenteneans had been close and tight, more so when they had arrived in the isla. It had only ever been the two of them, family, sticking by one another. There was no one else to rely on but each other.

   “Are you alright? How did the trip fare for you? Did they hurt you in anyway?” Nael immediately asked, wanting to ensure his hermana’s safety.

“Same. “She said with her eyes closed, enjoying the moment. They have been through a lot since they’ve been kidnapped so it was natural they’d worry about each other. But now Mateo was there too, so she had to worry about him too. What if he got into trouble and then was punished? She has seen the punishment and she hated it.

“I’m good. No one hurt me, they treated me decently. My watcher got injured and with fever so whenever I had the chance, I took care of him. I know what you might say, but you know me, I can’t see anyone hurt, Nael…I just can’t. But how are you? Did anyone do anything to you?” she said and then asked to her brother.  “Nael…I don’t know how to say this, but I will say it…” she started saying. “Mateo is here too”

waves: favorite season and why?

“Summer! I love going to the beach, dive into the ocean even though the Argentinian ocean is colder than the island one, but I love it. I love hot weather, less clothes so there’s that.”

❌ A memory the muse doesn’t want to remember

"It has to be when my abuela passed away. I was very close to her, we used to cook the three generations of women, mi abuela, mi mamá y yo”

Once he had realized where they were going something had uncoiled inside of Cyd. Finally being told the destination had solidified it. But then the news of the traitor had come and all that released tension had recoiled tighter and tighter. He’d gone down and spent time with Eli, with Aoife. Kept himself busy. Slept very little. Paula de la Fuente had at least not been a bother to him. He’d gotten rather lucky with the three Royals he’d had to babysit in their bunk room. He looked down at her and nodded his head, a simple nod. “Isle D’ Alessio.” It wasn’t the actual name of the island anymore than Isle Tulach was actually named that. But he said it because that’s what it was called. “I never asked. What Pirate is responsible for you?”

Paula’s mind focused on the moment the ship was slowing down, finally getting to destiny, though it wasn’t the destination she wished. “Sounds very Italian.” She said, wondering what her Italian friends would think of that name.  “True, you haven’t. His name is Gaal, but I think everyone calls him Eli? He has been nothing but really nice to me. I’m actually worried about his health though. Hopefully the fever is gone, but he is still injured.” She said with a worried tone.