Chapter 28 Trouble (b)

I held her hand and looked at the captain, determined to find a solution. "Is there another way for us to take to avoid the pirates?" "There's another route where we'll need to circle the Island of Dangling Trees," he informed. "Although I would like to tell you that should we take that route, we'll be spending an additional week out here in the sea." I looked back at Mother who was still worried. I gave her a reassuring smile, gently caressing her hands. "If there's no other way to go around those pirates, we're taking that route," I agreed, turning back to the captain. He bowed and walked away. "If pirates are blocking the way back to the kingdom," Mother and I faced each other. "Doesn't that mean our kingdom is also in peril? Is your father even aware of this?" "Mother," I quickly cupped her face, "Calm down. Don't torture yourself with too many worries." I held her hands once more, "