Where Her Heart Truly Lied

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Pirates of the Caribbean. I am nothing but a mere fangirl. (This is my first time actually posting a fic. Please review)

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“Is this where your heart truly lies, then?” Norrington asked her.

“It is,” Elizabeth said, her chin sticking up slightly, defiantly.

Commodore James Norrington stared at Elizabeth, considering his options. His eyes flicked over to Will Turner, the blacksmith who had so openly professed his feelings to his fiancé. His fiancé.

“Well I am sorry I cannot allow you to break your promise.”

Elizabeth’s chin fell. “What?”

Will’s heart sank. But what had he really been expecting? The small flicker of hope that he and Elizabeth would be allowed to be together faded. He could not bring himself to look at her.

“Commodore,” Elizabeth pleaded. “Please. Please, I love him.”

“Elizabeth?” Governor Swann said.

Will raised his head and slowly turned it towards the woman he treasured. He walked over to her. “Elizabeth?” he said softly.

Elizabeth jumped, startled to find Will so close to her. “Will, I agreed to marry Commodore Norrington to save you. I would not have done so willingly.”

Norrington’s lips parted. Governor Swann looked frantic.

Elizabeth put a hand to Will’s face and caressed his cheek. “Will…”

She was so independent, so defiant, not caring what people thought, because she followed her heart. And Will would follow his. He leaned down to kiss her.

“Elizabeth!” Both Governor Swann and Norrington had cried out.

A splash was heard and when the others turned to see what had happened, they noticed Jack Sparrow was gone and off swimming to the Black Pearl.

Elizabeth and Will looked back at their opposers.

“Elizabeth, you will come with me,” Norrington said, stretching out his hand, more concerned about her than Sparrow. “I have a feeling our wedding will be sooner than later.”

Elizabeth’s lip curled in disgust and there was fire in her eyes as she glared at Norrington. She took a deep breath and turned and looked back at Will. He was glancing down at the ground, shoulders slumped, looking every bit defeated. Elizabeth tilted her head and leaned in, pressing her lips to Will’s.

A shocked silence filled the area around them. Nobody spoke a word and the remaining soldiers looked nervously at Norrington, who was staring furiously at Will.

Elizabeth pulled away and whispered, “Remember that, Will.” She turned back to Norrington. “Of course, Commodore.” Nose up in the air she walked down the steps and past him without another word.

Will on the other hand could only stare in front of him, trying to take in what had just happened. The sound of Norrington’s voice broke his concentration.

“I hope you enjoyed your first and only kiss from her, Mr Turner. Good day.” He turned on his heel and left. Governor Swann and the rest of the soldiers followed suit.

Will stood there for a few minutes, before bringing his hand up and gingerly touched his lips.

Wedding bells rang out across Port Royal. A fortnight had passed and Elizabeth had seen neither hind nor hair of Will. She assumed he was keeping himself locked up in the Blacksmith’s shop. Elizabeth had not been allowed near it. An escort was with her wherever she went.

Two nights ago an engagement party was held for her and Commodore Norrington. Elizabeth had appeared in an emerald green dress, her hair up in a bob on the top of her head. Her father had thrown it and all night the women kept telling her how lucky she was to be marrying Norrington and secretly how envious they were, or in a low whisper how envious so and so was for so and so had been eyeing him for some time. Elizabeth would have gladly given up her place. Instead she was given an onyx pendant from Norrington, a love token, which he carefully fastened around her neck. Norrington had attempted to kiss her once, but Elizabeth had replied, “On our wedding day,” and he respected her wishes. But as today was her wedding day she knew she could hold off no longer.

There was a knock on her door and her father’s voice called out to her. “Elizabeth? Elizabeth, it’s time.”

“I’m ready,” she said.

Governor Swann stepped in and oh what a sight he saw. His only daughter looked stunning in her wedding dress. The pale pink gown had a square collar, bell sleeves and a waistline that dipped in a v-shaped pattern. Intricate designs were embroidered into it and white roses were attached to the hem and seams. The dress, no doubt, was enhanced by hoops and a petticoat, and a corset. No doubt, Elizabeth had argued when the corset was presented to her. Her hair was done up in intricate knots, forming a nest on top of her head. Small tendrils of hair snaked down her cheeks and a loose strand down the back of her neck.

Governor Swann stepped up to his daughter and kissed her once on both cheeks. “Oh, Elizabeth. I never thought this day would come. I am so proud you are my daughter.”

“Thank you, Father,” she said quietly.

Governor Swann pulled the veil down over Elizabeth’s face and offered his arm to her. “Shall we?”

Elizabeth and her father walked down the aisle to the awing and whispers of wedding guests. Norrington followed suit in his dress uniform, with an aunt on his arm. Two bridesmaids and groomsmen proceeded after them, followed by Norrington’s immediate family, as Elizabeth only had her father.

The ceremony was long and formal. When the vicar nodded to Norrington, a ring was produced and he proudly slipped it on to her finger. Elizabeth remained stiff and rigid, looking down at the piece of gold that was now her curse; the one thing that would bind her to Norrington forever. Tears welled up in her eyes that could have been mistaken for tears of joy. They were pronounced man and wife and the guests clapped and cheered. She and Norrington proceeded up the aisle and stepped into a carriage, where they were whisked away to Governor Swann’s manor where a breakfast would be held.

All morning the church bells of Port Royal rang out, a constant reminder that Elizabeth Swann was about to become Elizabeth Norrington. Will Turner hammered away in the Blacksmith’s shop trying to drown out the sound. But it was no use. The bells still tolled. Will had done his best to avoid Elizabeth these past weeks. And while he had often spotted her, she had not seen him. He was certain that was painful for her, but he was just as sure it would do her no good to see him before she was married. Consumed with pounding away at a sheet of metal, Will jumped when a great cheer rose up. It was done. Elizabeth was now married. And he knew now, in the pit of his stomach, that all hope for them was lost.

After a long and tiring day, Elizabeth was brought back to Commodore Norrington’s home. It was not as grand as her father’s but was extravagant none-the-less. Elizabeth’s things had been brought the night before. She now stood in the doorway of her husband’s bedroom in a thin, maroon coloured, nightgown.

Norrington was significantly undressed himself. His jacket and waistcoat had been set aside, his belt was gone and he remained only in his trousers and a cotton shirt, the collar down, top button undone. His wig was gone as well, revealing deep brown locks that swayed with his head movements. Elizabeth stared in awe at him. He really was quite handsome.

“Well Elizabeth,” Norrington said, and his cheeks flushed slightly as he stared at her. “Here we are.” He stepped toward her and his heart caught in his throat. “You look lovely.”

“Thank you,” she said and took a step back.

Norrington stopped in his tracks. “I know you’re nervous, Elizabeth. I am as well.” Though the man spoke the words, he certainly did not look it.

“How is that, Commodore? When I know you’ve been with other women before?”

Norrington blushed furiously. “I assure you I have not. Elizabeth there is only one woman I would ever want to be intimate with and she is standing before me now.” He stepped forward again and brushed his hand over her ear, pushing some of her hair back out of her face. “And please, address me as James, as I am your husband now.”

Norrington slowly brought his face closer to hers. “And you are my beautiful wife.”

He held back, waiting for her reaction. When she did not do anything, he leaned forward and gently kissed her. As it was deemed inappropriate to kiss her at the wedding, his first kiss with her would be here. And he had longed for it so! There was a mild response from her. He kissed her again.

Norrington’s lips felt clammy against Elizabeth’s, but she quickly kissed him back. She felt his hands on her waist. One moved away and next she heard the door shut, before it was placed back. His thumb brushed over her hip and she felt the kiss deepen. Elizabeth had kept her hands to herself, responding only somewhat with her lips, but now her stomach knotted. She was trapped in his bedroom and she began to panic when his grip on her waist tightened. She pulled away.

“James,” she said. “James, I can’t. Please. Not tonight, please.”

Norrington could not mask the disappointment he felt. He released her from his grasp. “Of course, Elizabeth. I do not want to make you feel uncomfortable.”

“Thank you,” she said, backing away towards the door. She fumbled for handle. “There is always tomorrow.” She gave him a quick smile, turned the knob and her back on him and was out the door. She hurried across the hall to her bedroom and shut the door, turning the key in the lock. She slumped down on her bed. Tonight she was lucky, but how long would she be able to put him off for? As long as I can, she thought.

Elizabeth went over to the window and looked out over the sleeping town. The moon was bright tonight and it cast a watchful, pale, blue beam over Port Royal. The windows were dark, the lanterns turned down for the night. Save one window. She saw the faint orange glow of a lantern coming from a building, but she could not make out which one it was. Elizabeth had not often seen Port Royal from this angle before and she decided to make a game of it. Who was still up? She closed her eyes and tried to imagine what the buildings looked like from the front and where they were. There was the Baker’s, the Butcher’s, the Tailor’s and across from that- Elizabeth’s eyes snapped open. She knew who was awake.

Grabbing her robe and wrapping it about her, she opened her window. Elizabeth looked down. She was on the second story of the household and it would be a long drop to the bottom. Using clothing and bedsheets, she formed a make-shift rope, which she used to climb down the side of the house. When her feet touched the ground she crept along the wall to where the main gate was. She tried the gate. It was not locked and thankfully did not creak. But of course it wouldn’t. Norrington kept everything in perfect order. Once she was safely outside the walls, Elizabeth ran and did not stop, for she knew she was running to Will.

Will Turner had gotten through many of this week’s orders throughout the day and even managed to finish off a sword. He had worked so hard that even Mr Brown stopped to acknowledge Will’s craftsmanship, something the man rarely did anymore. Will was touched, but he knew he was only producing so much because it distracted him from Elizabeth. Will was still working when Mr Brown bade him good night, ignoring the suggestion that he too get some rest. (He doubted Elizabeth would be getting any). But at long last sleep overcame him and he nodded off, collapsing gently on to the table he was sitting at, the hammer still resting in his hand.

Will’s ear twitched and he awoke to a tapping sound. He lifted his head and discovered he was still clutching the handle of the hammer like it was a stuffed toy. He removed his hand and flexed his fingers which had gone white. The persistent tapping continued and Will turned to the window. His jaw dropped and his blood ran cold. Elizabeth was staring at him. He was dreaming. He had to be dreaming. But no, she was waving at him, beckoning to him. It was no dream. She was really here! Will’s heart skipped a beat and he ran to the door where he found her already waiting for him.

“Elizabeth,” he said softly, a confused expression on his face. “What are you doing here?”

“Will,” she sighed, drawing in ragged breaths, as she was still recovering from her run. “Will, I came to see you. I had to see you.”

“You should be with your husband.” He began to close the door. He did not want to shut Elizabeth out, but propriety stated that he had to.

“Will!” Elizabeth called out, her voice cracking. “Will, please don’t shut me out like this! I came all this way to see you. I couldn’t do it! I couldn’t… give myself to him. Will I ran away from him!”

The door stopped. “You ran away from him?” Will’s voice was heard and a moment later, the door was open wide, light flooding out over the street, bathing Elizabeth in its glow.

“Elizabeth, why?” Will looked worried and he stepped aside to let her pass through. He bolted the door and went about closing all the shutters. It was very late, but who knew who might wander by and if they saw Mrs Norrington on her wedding night with William Turner… he shuddered to think of the consequences that would befall them.
“Because,” Elizabeth said quietly, watching him run about. “Because I wasn’t his to have.”

Will’s shoulders slumped and he closed his eyes, brow furrowing. “But don’t you see, you are.” He turned to face her and it was then that he noticed her attire. He could not help but stare at her a moment. And as he glanced over her, he noticed that her nipples were taut from the cold. He blushed and looked away embarrassed.

Will cleared his throat and his voice seemed muffled as he spoke. “You should sit by the fire. It will keep you warm.” To avoid casting another glance over her, Will turned to a shelf crammed with numerous tin canisters of various shapes and sizes. “Would you like some tea?”

Elizabeth took a seat on a stool by the forge. “No, thank you,” she said softly gazing at the dying embers. She was stricken at Will’s behaviour. She expected him to jump for joy and take her into his arms when he saw her. She knew he loved her, so why was he being so distant, so cold? It was because he was a perfect gentleman. He would never on his honour, take another man’s wife. Wife! How she hated that word. Elizabeth Swann had dreamed of marriage since she was a little girl, but it was to be to someone she loved, not to someone who forced her to marry him. And eight years ago she knew deep down, when she saw a boy float by the Dauntless on a piece of drift wood that that was her future husband. She had loved Will Turner the first moment she laid eyes on him and her love had only grown over the years. Elizabeth drew her arms about her and leaned in closer to the fire.

“Just as well,” Will said, replacing the lid on a canister a rat had jumped out of. “We’re out.”

He looked back at her and his brow creased. Elizabeth looked so downtrodden. He knew she must have gone to great lengths to come here, but what did she expect from him? She was married now and they simply could not be. And yet… Will opened his mouth, about to say something, when he shook his head.

“Elizabeth… Elizabeth, you need to go back to him. Where do you plan on going? Where can you go in Port Royal? You can hardly hide. When he finds out you’re missing…” But Will could not finish this sentence. “Elizabeth you need to go back.”

Elizabeth’s heart fell into the pit of her stomach. But he was right. Where could she go? She met Will’s eyes, a sadness quite evident in her brown orbs. “You’ve been avoiding me, Will.” When Will looked away she rose from the stool and walked over to him.

“I did not want to marry Norrington!” she said, her voice frantic. “If I could have gotten out of it, I would have. Please, Will, you have to understand. I did it for you! I married him for you! If I had not have said yes to him, you would be dead. Will do not be angry with me. I could not stand to have you angry with me.” Her bottom lip quivered and she worked hard to fight back the tears stinging in her eyes.

That statement broke Will’s resolve. He turned his head sharply in her direction and his gaze softened as he stared down into her face. Guilt flooded him and his fingers itched to take her in his arms and hold her to him, but he remained firm and did not touch her.

“Elizabeth,” he said gently. “I am not angry with you. But you need to understand something. You haunt my dreams at night; I see your face everywhere I go. It is difficult enough to carry on, without me physically being with you.” Will paused and then added quietly, “It is taking all my strength not to reach out and touch you.”

Elizabeth’s heart skipped a beat. He did still love her. After all the hurt she had put him- them- through, he still loved her. “Then touch me, Will,” she whispered, rising on her tiptoes to bring her lips closer to his.

Will straightened up. “Elizabeth, I cannot. You are married. You are somebody else’s wife. You are-” he tore his eyes away, “-Elizabeth Norrington.” He practically spat the name out. It broke his heart to say these words, when she was so eager to have him.

“On a slip of paper!” she cried, bouncing back on to the balls of her feet. “Not in my heart!” She stared at him, her eyes searching his for a reaction.

Will remained motionless. He could not bring himself to do it. It was wrong. This sort of thing simply was not done.

“Fine,” Elizabeth said after a moment. “I’ll go then.” She turned sharply on her heel and began to walk away, biting her lip to keep back the sobs that would rack her body at any moment.

Will stood there staring glumly after her. The woman he loved, who was so close only a minute ago was walking away from him. And now most likely forever. Two words formed in his brain: opportune moment. Will took two long strides towards her and caught her arm. In one fluid motion, he whirled her around to face him and before she could say anything he closed his lips over hers.

Elizabeth was momentarily stunned, but when she realised what was happening, she melted into his kiss, responding hungrily and wrapped her arms around him.

Will held her close and rubbed her back. He could actually feel the heat emanating from her body. He moved her backwards, away from the door.

Elizabeth did not hesitate, but followed as the hands on her waist guided her further back into the room. She felt the kiss deepen and then something else. The tip of Will’s tongue had pushed against hers. She snapped her head back.

“Will!” she exclaimed.

Will blushed. “I’m sorry. I got…” he paused trying to find the right words. “A little caught up in things.”

Elizabeth smirked. “I’m not opposed.” She bit her lip, eyeing his mouth. Elizabeth flicked her tongue over Will’s bottom lip.

Will’s breathing hitched and a small moan escaped lips. His mouth quickly found hers and they were caught in an intense kiss once more. But the gentleman had not entirely left him. Will did nothing with his hands, other than have them placed on Elizabeth’s back or leaving them on her waist. There was a bark from outside and startled, they quickly broke a part.

Elizabeth laughed nervously. “A dog. It was just a dog.” She put a hand to her heart, which was still beating quite rapidly from the shock. Will chuckled along with her.

When their laughter had subsided, Elizabeth said in a serious tone, “I should go,” and held up a hand to keep Will from protesting, as it looked as if he were about to. “You’re right, Will, I do need to return… home. I’ll come visit you tomorrow night.”

Will clasped her hands in his. “And the next night?” he asked, brushing his thumb over the backs of her hands. He leaned down and pecked her on the lips.

She smiled. “And the next night.”

Another peck from Will. “And the night after that?”

Her grin grew wider. “It seems the tables have turned Mr Turner and you want me here after all.”

“I’ve wanted you here many a night, Elizabeth,” he said sincerely. Of course once he realised what he had just said, a look of utmost horror came over his face.

“I’m so sorry, Elizabeth!” he said, fumbling over the words. “I don’t know why I said… I-” Elizabeth’s lips were against his once more.

“And the night after that and the night after that.” Elizabeth stared at him looking quite amused. “I love you Will Turner.”

Will passed his thumb over Elizabeth’s cheek. “I love you… Elizabeth Swann.”

Elizabeth’s eyes gleamed with happiness and she reluctantly took several steps back from him. She turned towards the door. Will rushed over to her and helped her raise the bolt on it.

“Elizabeth?” he grunted, lifting the piece of wood. “What about Norrington?” He dropped the block on the ground and brushed his hands on his trousers.

“I’ll deal with him,” was the reply. Will did not look too satisfied with this answer and Elizabeth sighed. “I’ll put him off. He retires early and so he should be asleep by eleven, like the rest of the town. I shall visit you at eleven every night and be gone by morning. No one will know.”

“I will leave the lantern on for you,” Will said, a determined look in his eyes. This was not the way he wanted to be with Elizabeth, but it was the only way he could be. And he was fully aware of it.

Elizabeth gave him a tender look. “It was how I found you tonight.” She slipped her arms around his waist and drew him into a hug. “Goodnight, Will.”

He rested his chin on the top of her head. “Goodnight, Elizabeth.”

They stayed like that for a few minutes and finally Elizabeth left. Will watched her as she scurried down the street, not taking his eyes off her until the night had swallowed her up.

When Elizabeth came down for breakfast in the morning, she was practically glowing. Norrington was sitting in a high backed chair, pouring over his morning mail, while munching on a biscuit. He set both things aside and rose from his seat when Elizabeth entered the room. He had never seen her look so sunny. Perhaps it was best he did not force the issue of spending the previous night together. A loving smile crept over his face.

“Good morning, Elizabeth,” he said. “Did you sleep well?”

“I did,” Elizabeth said kindly, as a chair was pulled out for her by a butler. “Thank you. And you, James?”

“Quite nicely,” Norrington said, sitting back down. He shuffled his papers. Yes, there was a definite change in Elizabeth. She had only said three things, but those three things were the sweetest words Norrington had ever heard. Her tone was light and cheery, not distant and forced as it had been these last couple of days. Her posture was different as well. Elizabeth was no longer rigid. She sat there, every muscle relaxed, smiling and laughing as she chatted with a maid, chestnut locks bouncing lightly with each giggle. Her eyes no longer held a cold gaze, but were sparkling with delight. Yes, he had made the right decision not to press issues last night. It only meant that tonight showed more promise.

But Norrington was very wrong on that account. Elizabeth arrived at his chambers, the same time she did the previous night, once again dressed in the same maroon nightgown. And she remained as unresponsive as before, her only reply to his touch was the briefest of kisses. When he began to get too close, she would push away and ask for him to hold off one more night, always with the promise that tomorrow would be better. But tomorrow never was. For two nights he was pushed away and it was getting harder for him to keep letting her go. But Norrington respected his wife and would continue to do so. Elizabeth would come on her own time and by the fourth night, at last it looked as if she were finally ready.

Three nights, she had put him off. Three nights she had visited Will. They had never done anything more than kiss, cuddle, and talk late into the night. They were in total bliss with one another, but there was always the lingering, unspoken question: when was she going to give in to Norrington? Elizabeth knew she would have to do something and quick, lest Norrington grew suspicious of her. Tonight, this fourth night, she would act and hopefully convince her husband that she wanted him, that she needed him. Elizabeth finished brushing her hair and proceeded across the hall to Norrington’s bedroom. She knocked lightly on the door.

Norrington opened it slowly. He let her in and shut the door. But he did not say a word to her and his eyes flicked over her briefly. He noticed she was wearing a white nightgown tonight. He wondered what that signified. More likely than not, she had chosen it because it was no longer their wedding night and therefore, the maroon nightgown was not needed. The colours signified passion and love. It was common for a bride to wear red on her wedding night, but theirs had long since passed.

Elizabeth noted the downtrodden look on his face, all the signs of lost hope etched into his features. Elizabeth gulped and then took a step towards him. She saw how Norrington glanced at her curiously. His eyebrows were raised as she continued to move forward. Elizabeth slipped her arms around his waist.

“James,” she said softly, gazing up into his eyes. “Kiss me.”

Norrington stared down at her, his arms limp at his sides, motionless, speechless. He could not believe what he was hearing. Was this it? Was this really it? Elizabeth had yet to act this way in front of him and now here she was, holding him. Dammit, man! Do something! Norrington placed his hands around her shoulders.

“Of- of course,” Elizabeth, he stammered, still baffled by the change in her behaviour. He approached her lips slowly and then gently kissed her. And got the most sensational response! Elizabeth was kissing him back, tugging at his lips with her own. As he slid his hands down her sides, Elizabeth moved hers up to his chest. They broke a part and stared at one another. He watched as she cocked her head to the side and looked at him expectantly. She looked so cute.

“Elizabeth,” Norrington breathed. “Oh, Elizabeth.” He kissed her once on the forehead, and then on the cheek, a peck on the lips, before he pushed her hair back and began to kiss her softly along her neck. One arm was wrapped about her and the other hand was trailing over her hip.

“My sweet, Elizabeth,” he murmured in between kisses.

Elizabeth murmured something inaudible and began to undo the buttons of his shirt. She heard him inhale sharply and then shiver as her fingers happened to brush over the bare skin of his chest as she did so. The kisses along her neck grew firm and hardly a moment had passed before he was sucking at the base of her neck. Elizabeth squirmed, but it only encouraged him to continue to do so.

Norrington switched to the other side of Elizabeth’s neck, kissing her hard. His hands slid up her sides, creeping higher and higher, itching to caress a breast.

Elizabeth felt his hands move up her body and she pressed herself to him to keep him from touching her chest.

Norrington stopped at this. He brought his head up and looked down at her. He could feel her fragile body against her and it made him shudder with excitement knowing that only a thin sheet of material was covering bare flesh. He brought his lips to hers and kissed her passionately, Elizabeth responding with intensity that he never knew existed in her. And when her tongue slipped into his mouth that was it for him.

Elizabeth felt something hard against the inside of her thigh and she jumped. She pushed herself away from Norrington and quickly glanced down. She gulped when she saw the evident bulge in his trousers. She took a step back, unable to look away.

“Elizabeth,” Norrington gasped. He gathered his wife up in his arms and laid her on the bed. Hovering overtop of her, he undid the button on his trousers.

Elizabeth’s eyes went wide and she rolled over on to her back and pretended to cry.

Norrington stared down at her stunned. What on earth had brought that on? “Elizabeth?” He moved himself off of her. “What’s wrong?”

“Oh, James!” she fake-sobbed. “Oh, James, I can’t! I’m so sorry, but I can’t! I thought I was ready! I- I- I-!” But whatever else she had said was lost into another bout of tears. She buried her head into a pillow so he would not be able to see she was not really crying.

Norrington reached out and rubbed her back. He felt her shrink away. “Hush, Elizabeth. It’s all right. It will be okay. We’ll get there one day. Go on now, it’s all right.”

When Elizabeth left the room, hair covering her face, shoulders slumped, Norrington hung his head. They were so close! He leaned his head back against the headboard and sighed. He looked down at himself. Would they ever be able to make-love? He could still feel her lips on his. He could still feel her body against his. Norrington closed his eyes thinking of Elizabeth and it was not long before he could feel his manhood stirring again. Ah, why not?

Norrington pulled his trousers the rest of the way down and wrapped his hand around the shaft, pumping vigorously.

Will had been pacing anxiously in the Blacksmith’s shop, the bits of dust he had kicked up as he walked swirling about him. Elizabeth was late and he had begun to worry. Had Norrington found out? Did she get hurt on her way over? He ran through every possibility he could think of in his mind. If Elizabeth were not here within the next five, no four, five was too long, minutes, then Will would go out and look for her himself.

There was a rap on the door and Will rushed over to it, flinging it open. Elizabeth was there and Will’s heart unclenched and the tension left his body.

“Elizabeth, you’re- mfgh!”

Elizabeth threw her arms around Will’s neck and kissed him deeply, ever so desperate to get the taste of Norrington out of her mouth and the feel of Will back in.

Will’s arms slipped around her waist and he nudged her back, using her body to close the door. Unfortunately only when she was satisfied did she pull away. He cocked his head to the side.

“You’re all right, then?” Will asked.

Elizabeth nodded. When she pulled away from Will she did not leave him completely. Her fingers were still kneading the back of his neck. “Yes, I’m fine. I’m sorry I was late.”

Will smiled. “It’s fine.” He pulled her closer to him. “I’m just glad you’re here. I was getting worried.” He nuzzled his nose into her hair. “You look different tonight,” he murmured.

“I felt it was inappropriate for me to keep wearing the nightgown intended for my wedding night,” she replied stiffly.

Will chuckled. “So it has not happened yet?” There was a twinge of relief in his voice.

“No,” Elizabeth said, giving him a squeeze. ‘No.”

There was a somber tone to Elizabeth’s voice, Will noted and he glanced down at her, pushing her back a bit so he could gaze down at her face. “Elizabeth, what’s wrong?”

She sighed. “It’s getting harder to put him off, Will.” She looked away.

Will put a hand on her cheek, drawing her face back towards him. “We’ll figure something out.” He leaned down and kissed her. “I promise.”

Elizabeth’s lips pursed and she nudged her head towards Will, eager for another kiss.

Will closed his mouth over hers, kissing her softly. He brushed her cheek with his fingers and then allowed them to run through her hair. It was an interesting feeling, having Elizabeth’s silky hair coursing through your hands. He broke away from the kiss and leaned down to kiss her swan like neck, which had been something he had been longing to do for some time. The curve of her neck, the way it seemed to shine when the light hit it was very alluring. But Will stopped before he even got started, having noticed the bruises along the side of her neck.

“Elizabeth?” he asked straightening up. “What are those marks on your neck?” Will could not hide the pained look on his face.

Nor could Elizabeth hide her guilt. “I have to-” she stammered. “I have to let him kiss me sometimes, Will. To keep him from getting suspicious.”

Will let go of her and turned away. He walked over the table opposite the forge and suddenly became very interested in a set of nails. “Is that what you were doing tonight? Keeping him from getting suspicious.”

Elizabeth had followed Will like a dutiful dog. “Will, you don’t understand!” she said hotly. “We kissed. That’s all that happened! He wanted to go further, but I stopped him. I wouldn’t let him. I couldn’t let him.”

“But you still kissed him,” Will said setting the bag of nails down.

“Yes!” she said exasperated. “Because I had to! You would have done the same if you were in my position. There is no call to get jealous!” She placed her hands on her hips. When Will did not respond, she went and settled herself down in a pile of hay. She picked at a piece of straw.

“Will, we need to leave. I can’t hold out much longer against him, and neither can he.”

Will sighed and went to lie down beside her. “Where do you want to go?”

“Anywhere,” she said, dropping the straw to take a strand of Will’s hair between her fingers instead. “As long as it’s away from here.”

Will shuffled closer to her. “Okay. I’ll work something out. Just try to hold out for a bit longer.”

Elizabeth nodded and moved up close against him. She caressed the side of his face with her hand. Will placed his hand over top of hers and moved it away to kiss her wrist, before dropping it.

Elizabeth draped her arm across Will’s middle and placed her head on his chest. “I love you.”

“I love you too.”

Elizabeth closed her eyes and it was not long before she drifted off to sleep.

Will stared down at her, brushing his hand through her hair. He knew Elizabeth was exhausted from running back and forth across town and spending late nights with him, only to get up early in the morning. He would let her sleep and wake her when she needed to go.

“I do love you,” he whispered. “I’ll get you out of here.”

Will hugged her close to him. His eyelids grew heavy and he had to fight to keep them open. Well… maybe it wouldn’t hurt if he closed them. Just for a little.

There was sharp rap on the bedroom door of Elizabeth Norrington. A maid stood outside holding a shopping basket. “Mrs Norrington?” She knocked again. “Mrs Norrington it’s ten thirty and you’re still not downstairs. Mrs Norrington? Is everythin’ all right?”

The maid sighed and went downstairs to the parlor where Norrington was. “Excuse me, Sir, but I cannot seem to rouse the Missus. An’ I really ‘ave to get the shoppin’ done. ‘Ow late did you intend on lettin’ ‘er sleep til?”

Norrington uncrossed a leg and set his book aside. He looked at the clock on the wall. “It is rather late. She’s already missed breakfast; I don’t think it would do her good to have her miss lunch.” He turned back to the maid. “Go on now, I’ll wake her myself.”

The maid gave a small curtsey and disappeared. Norrington finished the page in his book, before he headed upstairs. He knocked softly on her door.

“Elizabeth? Elizabeth it’s time to get up now. I’ve let you sleep in quite late.” There was no sound from within. “Elizabeth, darling, please get up. Are you ill? Should I call for a doctor?” He tapped again.

A scream was heard from outside and Norrington turned sharply. He rushed to the staircase and half way down he had met the maid who had just left, coming up. She was holding a hand to her chest and trying to catch her breath. The shopping basket was no where to be seen.

“Commodore Norrington!” she heaved. “It’s Mrs Norrington! I think someone kidnapped ‘er!”

“What?!” Norrington cried. “What on earth are you talking about?” He turned round and took the remaining stairs to the top, two at a time. He hurried down the passage to Elizabeth’s room, banging on the door. “Elizabeth! Elizabeth!”

The maid struggled to keep up with him. “ ‘Er window’s wide open an’ there’s a rope made of clothes and sheets hangin’ down from it!”

Norrington was only half paying attention, but he stopped when he heard of the home-made rope. “It was leading from the window, you say?”

“Yes, Sir. Made out o’ ‘er clothes and sheets.”

Norrington’s gaze darkened. “Now why would the kidnapper stop to make the rope? Wouldn’t it make more sense if he already had one?”

The maid looked at him perplexed. “I don’ know much in the art of kidnappin’, Sir,” she said honestly.

Norrington stiffened and rolled back his shoulders. “Elizabeth,” he said. “I’m coming in.” He tried the handle. The door was locked. He stood there, rattling it for a moment before turning to the maid.

“Give me your keys,” he said darkly.

The maid fumbled for the chain of keys hanging off of a string. She handed over the one to Elizabeth’s room.

Norrington unlocked the door and threw it open. He walked into the room and peered around. There was nobody here. But sure enough, the window was open and Elizabeth’s rope was dangling from it. Deep lines creased his face as he frowned, staring at the object.

“Clean that up,” he ordered the maid, unable to tear his gaze away. “And I want those windows locked. From the outside.”

He turned on his heel as the maid mumbled a “yessir” and marched out the door. He knew where Elizabeth was. And it was time to retrieve his wife.

Will stirred and slowly opened his eyes. He found he had to wait for his eyes to adjust to the light, as the room had gotten considerably brighter. Elizabeth came into focus. She was sleeping, her back was to him and he found that his arm was around her, resting just beneath her bosom. His cheeks reddened, but there was a small smile on his face. He moved his hand and brushed her hair back so he could place a soft kiss on the back of her neck, then wrapped his arm over her waist and pulling her to him. He closed his eyes, ready to slip groggily back into slumber.

*CLICK* *CLACK*

Will’s eyes snapped open and he sat up to find the barrel of a rifle at his forehead. And not just one. Now that he was awake, Will realised he and Elizabeth were surrounded by soldiers all with their rifles pointing at them. He reached out and shook Elizabeth.

Elizabeth opened her eyes and then quickly closed them. It was immensely bright in the room and she rubbed her eyes, stifling a yawn. What time was it? She looked over and a shocked cry escaped her throat when she saw the soldiers. Panic welled up in Elizabeth. It was day time, she and Will had slept the night through, she had not gone home. But if the soldiers were here… where was Norrington?

“What’s the meaning of this?” Will demanded, though he felt stupid for doing so, because clearly it had something to do with Elizabeth. And finding her here in her nightgown would not make this situation any better.

“I’ve come to collect my wife.” Norrington stepped between two soldiers who did not lower their weapons. His emerald green eyes had clouded over with pent-up rage and it was obvious he was trying to keep his voice steady. His gaze met Will’s own furious one and it only made him angrier. He had won! He had Elizabeth and this should not be happening.

“James!” Elizabeth had spoken up and Norrington looked over at her, his anger now mixed with feelings of hurt and betrayal. He didn’t say anything. He just stared at her.

“James, this is not what it looks like. Nothing happened, we fell asleep,” Elizabeth said quickly. She had never seen anyone look so angry before. Not even Barbossa looked this bad.

“I have heard the rumours that I am not able to make my wife lie still,” Norrington hissed. “And now I know why. So this is why you were never ready, is it? ‘Oh, I can’t tonight,’” he mimicked, “‘Because I’m going to see Will!’”

His focus was now back on the boy in the hay. “I should have you shot right here.”

Elizabeth moved over to Will. “You have no reason!”

“I have every reason!” Norrington snapped. “He is sleeping with my wife!!!”

“You have no legal reason,” Elizabeth said darkly. “And we were not-”

“I may have,” Norrington interrupted. “This morning Mr Brown was found passed out in his kitchen. It looked as if he did not even make it to bed?” Norrington paced behind the soldiers, hands clasped behind his back. His voice was calm and casual, eerily so, as he sounded like he was a man who was about to happily deliver a death sentence.

“I don’t suppose you know about this, do you Turner? Perhaps you slipped something into his drink that would keep him out all night and most of the morning so you could have midnight shenanigans?”

“That’s absurd!” Will cried. “Mr Brown is like a father to me!” But Mr Brown was also a drunk and Will had often had to take the heat for him before. He could not really see a way out of this one.

“And Elizabeth is like a wife to me- oh wait- is a wife to me. And you should not have taken her innocence!”

“I didn’t!” Will started.

Norrington looked at Will like he was some kind of an idiot. “Do you really expect me to believe that? When she is here, in her nightgown, in a bed of hay and with you holding her so close while you two slept! Do you know where your hands were when you woke up this morning?”

Both Will and Elizabeth’s cheeks flushed and neither had anything to say for the moment.

Norrington looked at the soldiers and nodded his head. One of them reached down and snatched up Elizabeth. Will tried to take hold of her, but two of the other soldiers held him back.

“Let her go!” Will demanded.

Norrington’s head snapped towards Will. “How many times must I tell you to remember your place? You should have left with your friend Sparrow.” His brow furrowed.

“James!” Elizabeth said angrily. “You-”

“And you-” Norrington said, rounding on her. “You need to as well.” He walked up to her and brought his face in close, so that their noses were almost touching. “You’re my wife,” he said in a dangerously low tone. “And I think it’s time we consummate this marriage.”

Elizabeth spit at him and Norrington brought his face back. He brought one finger to his cheek and dragged it under his eye. He flung it off. “We’ll do it the hard way, then.” He spoke in a low voice to the soldier who had his arms about her. “Bring her back to the house. And bind her when you get there.”

“Stop it!” Elizabeth shrieked, as she struggled against the officer who began to haul her away. “Let go of me! Don’t touch me!”

“Don’t touch her!” Will repeated as Elizabeth was being led out of the shop. “Norrington, you bastard if you-” He received a blow across the face. It was delivered by Norrington.

“You will be silent and pray that worse things don’t befall you,” Norrington said, before he followed Elizabeth out.