𝓒𝓸𝓶𝓯𝓸𝓻𝓽 (one piece x reader)

Chapter 19: Cold, Hard Reality

Jigao was a neighboring country that was a trading partner as goods would be exported and imported to and from both of our kingdoms. It wasn't a well known country, but because of this they were pretty financially stable and their kingdom focused more on military power and strength than anything.

"Okay, and? What we're they discussing?"

"To further the wealth and prosperity of both kingdoms," Maki stated at the ground before looking up into my eyes with her green ones, a look of worry plastered on her face. "They're planning on setting up an arranged marriage between you and the Prince of Jigao."

My eyebrows immediately furrowed at the idea, not believing that my father would go so far just for the sake of the country, "They can't do that I'm not even near Sinthaya, I'm free. My father has no control over me anymore."

Maki nodded, listening to my words, but her worries failed to vanish, "Yes, but Jigao is famous for their strength. They plan on sending men to come and hunt you down."

My lips pursed at the thought, sure they were strong, but I'm sure the crew would be able to handle it...right? I recalled the time I had gone to visit the combative kingdom and I shook my head in denial.

They can handle my father, yes, and many small fry no doubt, but an army that large? No doubt they'll all come at once and they're very well trained, I remember watching them spar.

Maki noticed my worries as she quickly grabbed my hands and looked at me desperately, "I didn't come to tell you to come back. I just wanted to warn you! We agreed that one of us should go tell you so that you didn't get hurt."

One of my eyebrows rose at the last sentence the girl had spoke, "'We'?"

She smiled in response as she nodded her head gingerly, "Everyone found out so we talked about it without the his majesty knowing!"

A bubble of fear rose in my chest at her words, "Hang on, my father doesn't know?"

Had it just been just Chen, the King of Jigao, and his army I probably wouldn't have worried as much. I knew that Luffy and them were strong enough to fight them off.

My eyes linger on the girl in front of me as she smiled at me reassuringly.

But who knows what they'll do to her if she goes back now, considering my father already knows right now and the soldiers are on their way. Not just her, everyone who helped conspire this plan.

My father isn't the type of man to hurt someone innocent—especially one of his people—but because of him still grieving over my mother's death he could easily be manipulated. And if there was one thing that retched Chen was good at, it was manipulating.

My heart ached at the thought of my people risking their lives to warn me so I could continue to live mine freely and with the thought of a certain blue-haired princess, I made a decision.

"I'll go back with you."

Maki looked at me, bewildered at the claim, as she tried to refuse. Stating that she knew how happy I was traveling the sea with my new friends.

I placed my hands on her shoulder with a soft smile and determined eyes, "It's okay, Maki. I've made my decision. You're all my people and as your princess it is my duty to protect you to the best of my abilities."

Tears started to form in the maid's eyes as her lips pursed together, slowly transforming into a pout before the tears eventually rolled down her cheeks, "Is it selfish of me to feel relieved, Your Majesty?"

I chuckled slightly, wiping her tears away as I pulled her into a hug, a feeling in the depths of my chest causing my lips to twinge into a frown once the girl couldn't see, "Not at all, Maki."