Read Online Once a Pirate (Mystical Realm Series Book 1) by Sarah Snyder - Free Book Online

smile, unused to being complimented. While she always knew her family loved and was proud of her, there was little need for glamour or pretty clothes in her small town. And, Richard never seemed interested in Anna’s appearance.
    “I have a gift for you,” Friga came toward Anna with a sly smile.
    Anna watched the woman’s approach as she pulled a small object from her pocket. Friga held out the item, a glass globe filled with swirling blue, green, black and silver clouds. “Oh, Friga,” Anna exclaimed as she grew entranced by the constant swirling item. “It’s beautiful.”
    “I’m pleased you like it,” Friga nodded her approval as Anna placed the globe on the stand by her bed.
    “Thank you,” Anna smiled gratefully.
    “You’re welcome, child.” Friga smiled. “Take your time and come down when you’re ready. I’ll inform Prince Char.”
    Anna nodded at the woman, grateful for her understanding. She turned away from the door Friga closed behind her and returned to her window. Anna looked off into the distance, seeing rows of lights heralding the arrival of dozens more guests. She didn’t relish the idea of being in such a large crowd, always preferring her own company and solitude over socialization, but Anna knew she was expected. As Char said, even if she didn’t enjoy the pomp and glamour of the ball, it was a distraction.
    ***
    “Do you think she could ever be happy here?” Char asked of his caretaker, restlessly pacing the floor of his office.
    “Of course, Highness,” Friga smiled reassuringly.
    “She just sits in her room staring out the window,” Char complained. “Perhaps, she would be better off somewhere else.”
    “You wish to send her away?” Friga asked with concern.
    “No, of course not,” Char shook his head. “But, it isn’t about what I want; it’s about what’s best for Anna.”
    Char had considered the option for days, since Anna cried in his arms. He did not want her to leave, but his concern for her well-being grew by the day. Anna rarely ate and sat up at all hours of day and night staring out the window. Char knew she was in pain, but surely there was a better place for her to recover than as a hermit in a castle.
    Anna requested freedom to come and go as she pleased days before, but only left the castle one evening. Since her return just after dark that night, she hadn’t ventured from the grounds; rarely leaving her room. Char was glad he didn’t need to pace his chambers awaiting her return as he had then. However, he now worried over Anna’s decent into a deeper depression. Char wanted to help her and if that meant sending her away, so be it.
    “It is best for Anna to be here with you, Highness.” Friga argued.
    “She may be happier elsewhere. There may be others who know the right things to say and do to bring her from this darkness she’s in,” Char insisted. “There are many lands in the realm far nicer than Meridelle.”
    “Anna is trying to accept the loss of her family and her entire world, Highness. Sending her away from all she has known here would be a mistake.” Friga patted his arm. “It will take time, but she will find happiness again.”
    “I hope so,” Char mumbled distractedly, thinking over the sad woman in his care.
    The gray woman placed her hand on the doorknob in preparation to leave, but turned back. “You have an interest in her,” Friga announced knowingly.
    “Anna does not need my interest, Friga,” Char shook his head with a sad smile.
    “And, what is it you feel she needs?” Friga asked.
    “She needs my patience, my friendship,” Char paused, “and my protection.”
    “Anna will be down shortly, Highness,” Friga excused herself. “Is there anything more you need?”
    “No, Friga,” Char waved her out. “Thank you.”
    Friga bowed her head as she exited the office, Char following her shortly after. He stood at the base of the large stairway leading to the upper levels of the castle, greeting guests as they