This is a revised version of what I published a few years ago. I finally decided to pick the story back up and try and finish it. I wasn't too happy with the direction it was going and I have changed a few things from the original to fit the plot better. Since this is my first story, my grammar and such are quite amateur so please forgive me. I'm not entirely sure how to find someone to edit my work...

I intend for this to be a short and sweet fic somewhere around 16 chapters. Yes, Gold and Belle fall fast and their relationship progresses quickly. I did that on purpose. I wanted my first fic to be less serious. I will accept constructive criticism and look forward to your thoughts!

Captain Gold is one of the most feared pirates in the Caribbean; driven by revenge. Annabelle French is a merchants daughter sailing to Port Royal in search of her missing father. AU


On Stranger Tides

Chapter 1

Annabelle awoke rubbing the sleep from her eyes and stretching her cold limps; the sway of the ship immediately reminded her of her surroundings. The Duchess had sailed from London four weeks ago heading to her father's temporary home in Port Royal. She would have been there with him if her mother had not taken a turn for the worse in England. She had stayed behind and tended to her mother as she lay dying from the latest sweep of the flu. Shortly after her passing, Annabelle received word that her father had gone missing. The officers at her front door informed her that they had no further information to give her. She knew her father worked in the Royal Navy in his youth, and was close friends with the King of England and many other Royals in the kingdom. She was certain his disappearance had to do with her father harboring secrets from his time in the service; it was the only explanation she had. Annabelle was young when her father was serving the King at court and always brushed her off when she would ask about his day. Even now, as an adult, she could only guess what he did during his time...

But that was years ago. Her father retired a few years back and moved to the countryside to live out the rest of his days in peace. One afternoon there was a letter with the royal seal and before she knew it, her father was on the next ship to the Caribbean.

After her mother's passing, Annabelle went to live with her Aunt who begged her to stay in London were it would be safe. Annabelle refused to listen, being as stubborn as ever. She was her own woman now, her family had no hold over her decisions and after loosing one parent, she was not prepared to lose another. So, she stood watching the rising sun on the horizon bringing back the warmth to her body. She made her way across the deck to see if she could have breakfast with the Captain. She was getting tired of staying in her quarters all the time and wanted some company.

The Captain of the ship was a good friend of her mothers and agreed to provide her a comfortable quarter for the journey. It was unlike the finery she was used to in London, but she never complained about what was given to her; just grateful she could get a passage on such short notice.

Annabelle smoothed out her basic white dress and carefully tucked her thick brunette hair into a neat bun. Her mother prized her as most mothers did, showing her off in society looking for a good husband. She had many men ask for her hand in marriage, as she was considered exceptionally beautiful, even at 16. She refused them all of course, only wanting to marry for love and not to be sold as some property. Now, 22, she was considered an old maid to some but she was hopeful to she would find the right man one day. At least that's what she kept telling herself.

Annabelle looked in the mirror in the hallway to examine herself. Her name fitted her, with her bright blue eyes, delicate face and slightly curvy body. Annabelle hated only being noticed by her looks and only seen as a trophy to sit along a mantel. No, she knew the value in love. She had seen it first hand with her parents who had been so fortunate to of found each other.

Shaking her head, she moved towards the Captain's quarters to enjoy breakfast. She spotted him immediately and smiled. He was an older man, in his 60's with gray hair, harsh features from the sun and a hearty laugh that reminded Annabelle of her father.

"How are you today, my dear?" Captain Thomas asked.

"As fine as I can be." She answered shortly and took her seat at the table. After a few minutes of silence Annabelle cleared her throat.

"When will we reach Port Royal?" She asked. The Captain looked up in surprise, not expecting her to engage in conversation.

"I would estimate another week or so given we continue with the good weather." He responded and smiled.

Annabelle half smiled back, nodded and continued with her breakfast in silence.

Another day passed and Annabelle prepared for bed, slipping off her dress and remained in her chemise. She grabbed a book from a shelf and settled into bed. With the candle lying next to her, she quickly continued her story she left the night before. It was the same routine, over the next few weeks, eating meals with the Captain and reading on her bed. She didn't feel the need to exchange pleasantries with anyone on the ship.


In what seemed like forever, the Captain announced their arrival at Port Royal one early morning. Annabelle practically jumped from bed and gathered her items to check into port. Another friend of the family, Ms. Potts, met her on the docks and fetched her things into a carriage to take her to her fathers home. It was a fairly short ride as the port was small compared to London. Annabelle stayed silent the entire ride to the house, she looked out the carriage window to take in the sites.

"I remember my first time here..." Ms. Potts mentioned.

Annabelle looked at Ms. Potts and smiled. "I knew it would be beautiful here but I never imagined anything like this! Papa described it the best he could in his letters, but they don't do the island justice."

Ms. Potts nodded in agreement and they continued their ride in silence.

They arrived to a small estate near the governor's home. Ms. Potts took her things and slapped her hand when she tried to carry her bags in. Annabelle liked her immediately. Once they were in the main parlor of the house Annabelle broke the silence once again.

"Is it always this hot here?" Annabelle laughed and desperately wanted to remove her corset.

Ms. Potts chuckled. "Yes dear, but you'll get used to it." Annabelle sighed and went to her room.

She settled in quickly and dismissed the maid that showed her to the room. Ms. Potts informed her that dinner would be ready soon and she quickly changed in a more appropriate dress for a lady of her stature. Once she felt presentable, she made her way to the formal dinning room and took her seat next to Ms. Potts and her grandson, Neal.

Silence entered the dinning room soon after dinner was served as if no one knew what to say. After the first course was done Annabelle cleared her thorat.

"Your letter was very vague, Ms. Potts. But you mentioned something about being able to help me find my father?" Annabelle asked taking a large sip of her wine.

Ms. Potts stopped mid bite and started to look a little pale. "Yes dear I do believe there's someone who can. Are you sure you want to do this? Isn't it a bit improper for a lady to be dealing with this sort of thing?"

"And what exactly should a lady like myself do? Sit here and wait for a stranger to tell me any news while I cross stitch and attend social gatherings? No. I am his only child...the only family he has left. I would rather risk my life to help him then sit here and do nothing!" Before Ms. Potts could say an thing Annabelle excused herself from the table and left.

Ms. Potts set down her silverware and followed her to the library. " Forgive me Miss...I was just trying to protect you."

Annabelle sighed. " I know...you have been good to my family. But I need to know everything."


Annabelle had changed from her ornate dress into a simple black one so she wouldn't stand out as much. She added a large cape to hide her face from anyone who would recognize her in case there were any pirates looking for her. Ms. Potts had told her everything she knew and pointed her in the direction of a man who could help her. Before she left with her coin purse, Ms. Potts stopped her again and pleaded that she stay. There was something about the way she said it that frightened Annabelle. Stop being so paranoid. She made her way into town and came face to face with an old wooden door that lead to a popular bar for the local workers. It was bustling with live music, laughing patrons and lots of booze. She kept her cloak tight, noticing she may stick out a bit and to give herself some sense to security. She quickly and quietly went to the back of the bar and to a guard.

"I'm here to see Mr. Henderson, please." Annabelle asked. The man was a foot taller than her 5' 4" height. He laughed.

"And what would a young maiden like yourself want with Mr. Henderson?" He asked.

Annabelle sighed, and removed a pouch filled with coins and placed it in the man's hand. "I believe that's private, Sir."

The man raised his eyebrow and nodded, "This way milady." He counted the coins as they made the way to back.

"Henderson! You have a visitor!" The man shouted.

"Send him away. I am busy at the moment…" a man in the distance shouted.

"Please Sir. I desperately need your assistance!" Annabelle called out. "I can pay!"

A man appeared from another part of the room, dressed in clothing covered in dirt. His face worn and tired as if he never had a decent night's rest.

"Hmm. Yes, yes. A woman such as yourself in this part of town much really be desperate then." The man stumbled on a chair, clearly drunk. He waved is hand, letting the guard know it was safe to leave.

"What can I do for you Miss…."

"French." That made him sit straight up.

"Ahh, are you by chance Maurice's daughter?" He asked skimming her body with his eyes. He was obviously impressed with what he saw.

Annabelle nodded feeling exposed.

The man stroked his chin. "And I'm guessing you are in need of assistance with finding him?"

"Yes. I was told that they suspect he was taken by pirates." Annabelle whispered.

The man laughed, "Not just any pirates, milady."

Annabelle sighed, "What does it matter? A pirate is a pirate."

The man's smile left his face. He stood, holding onto the table for support. "Not all pirates are the same milady. You would be wise to remember that."

Annabelle gulped. "Can you help me? I can pay."

The man laughed again. "A woman like you would not last on a ship crewed by pirates."

Annabelle shook her head. "I'm a lot stronger than I look. I can handle a few pirates."

Henderson studied her carefully. "Hmm, doubtful. But since you already have the money and yer Maurice's daughter, I will help you. I am sailing tomorrow morning for Tortuga where pirates go to…enjoy themselves…" The man laughed clearly trying to make her feel uncomfortable.

Annabelle blushed.

"There I will take you to meet Captain Gold. The pirates accused of taking your father, as the rumors go, is a revile of Gold's. He may see the value in having Maurice's daughter aboard his ship. Although, I can not make any promises milady."

"I'll take what I can get. Thank you." She turned to leave, retrieving the details on a piece of paper he handed her and paid him. She practically sprinted out the door and back to safety of her father's home.

Once there she packed a light bag and left a note for Ms. Potts thanking her for her kindness. Dawn was approaching fast so she left the house and went on foot to the docks. A few fisherman were out preparing for their catch, and in the middle of the docks was Mr. Henderson and his crew ready to board a small ship. Annabelle boarded before anyone could see her and found a safe hiding spot in the back of the storage compartment.

She wasn't going to take any risks with these men on this ship. They were practically pirates themselves, only disguising themselves as sea merchants or fisherman. Annabelle fixed her trousers and white top getting used to the foreign clothing. She had to steal some of Neal's clothing, they were a little large but they would do.

She laid her head down on the cold wooden floor, using her bag as a pillow to catch some sleep. The crew was set to arrive in a few days making her situation bearable.


They arrived in the evening in Tortuga and Annabelle waited until all the crew had left ship. She slipped on a large hat and found Mr. Henderson waiting for her outside on the docks.

"Yer not wearing that are you? Gold is a busy man, you need to make it worth it for him to see you." He looked a little annoyed.

"This is all I brought with me...I didn't think a dress would be practical." She crossed her arms over her chest, clearly upset he didn't mention it before.

Mr. Henderson had a few men who had stayed behind go a grab him a chest. Inside he pulled out a red dress and threw it at her. "I expect double for the hassle, this was meant to be a gift."

Annabelle nodded, paid him and changed in his quarters to put on the dress. If that's what you could call it. It hugged her form and had a large opening on the side to show her legs and boots. There was a black leather corset that cinched in her waist that made her breasts look much larger. She felt she was on display for all the world to see and desperately wanted to get back into her other clothes.

Annabelle went down to the docks, aware of the eyes on her, but pretended not to notice.

They said nothing as she followed him to the back of the city. She only glanced a few times around the town, seeing half naked woman pushed up against walls and touched in unholy ways. Annabelle closed her eyes and took a deep breath. You can do this.

Mr. Henderson stopped and whispered. "I can't take you any further that this. Gold doesn't like unwanted visitors. You may have a chance for an audience just remember to keep your head down and only speak when spoken too. Do you understand?"

Annabelle nodded.

"Good, than may God be with you milady." Annabelle muttered a thanks and collected her nerves. She entered in what appeared to be a bar, she was then immediately escorted to the back of the establishment.

"I've never seen you here before," A man from her right asked."What are you doing here sweet thing?"

"I am hear to speak with Captain Gold." Annabelle whispered. She was ignoring him. She needed to find a way to the back.

The man laughed and took off her hat, grabbing her chin."What is a fine lass like yourself want with Gold?" He asked scanning her quickly. "Entertainment perhaps?" The men around him started to laugh.

Annabelle felt sick. "It's none of your business."

The man frowned and stroked her cheek. "Such strong words from such a small thing like you."

"Will you take me to him?" She asked, removing her chin from his grasp.

The man laughed. "Aye! Maybe the Captain can find something useful to do with you." He grabbed her by her wrist and dragged her to another guarded door. He pounded the door quickly.

"Captain! We have someone here that would like to speak with you."

"Than you may intrude and leave the scum at the door," the Captain yelled with a Scottish accent. Annabelle nearly froze right there, this was now all very real.

The man pushed opened the door and shoved Annabelle through sending her to the floor and scrapping her knee. She whimpered a bit, composed herself and stood. In front of her sat the famous Captain Gold. He was of average build and height, but had the most beautiful hazel eyes she had ever seen. She quickly noticed she was staring and immediately looked at the floor hoping he didn't notice.

The Captain observed her for what seemed like hours. He had a small smirk on his face as he rose from his desk and walked towards her. Annabelle noticed his right leg was lame as he used a cane to get closer to her. He still frightened her...

He said nothing as if afraid to break the silence. She could feel his breath on her forehead and she started to blush, feeling uncomfortable at his stare.

"Are you one of Madame Mills' new girls?" He asked softly. He touched her hair with his fingers mesmerized by the softness.

Annabelle shook her head. "I'm not a whore if that's what you mean."

Gold stepped back a little in surprise and started to laugh. "Aye. Of course you're not. You are too pure. But that dress leaves little to the imagination."

Annabelle blushed again and bit her lit. She was unsure of what to say in return.

"How may I be of assistance to you, Miss…?"

"French. Annabelle French." She whispered.

"Miss French…related to Maurice French perhaps?" He asked becoming more interested.

Annabelle lifted her head and took a step forward. "Yes."

He studied her with a smirk still on his lips. "And I suppose you've come here asking for my help?"

"You are Captain Gold, are you not?" She asked quickly.

He raised an eyebrow, "Aye, I am Miss French."

"Than you know what value I hold here." She answered and continued to build up her strength.

'Aye. You are quite valuable." Gold said, never taking his eyes off her. Annabelle shifted under his gaze.

"So you will help me then." Annabelle stated.

Gold laughed. "Such a strong, beautiful woman. A rare quality these days, but I'm afraid all I can do for you is use you in a trade. The rival pirates will want you as a way to force information from your father. He's not speaking at the moment, or so I am told. So you see, Miss French, if I help you... it will only hurt you in the end."

"And what would you get out of the trade?" Annabelle asked.

Gold's eyes flashed with anger. "I don't believe that is any of your business!"

"What if you rescued my father?" Annabelle suggested.

Gold laughed, " You can't be serious."

"I am. If my father is in your hands... not only will it give you an advantage, but I will persuade him to tell you everything he knows." Annabelle responded.

"Hmm, yes that is if I can." Gold whispered, impressed with Ms. French already. It appears the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

"Are you not the fearsome pirate I've heard of? You're Captain Gold!" Annabelle pleaded.

"Aye, but I don't willingly enter such hostile situations without weighing the options." Gold sat down at his desk and continued to write. He knew he was starting to get to her.

"If you stay here Miss French, I will trade you with Blackbeard's crew." Gold stated. "I suggest you leave Tortuga immediately or find another pirate willing to do your bidding."

Annabelle grabbed a sword by the wall and pointed it at Gold. "You will help me Gold. I am of more value on your side."

"It's not wise crossing blades with a pirate, Miss French. Put that away before you hurt yourself." Gold continued to write as if unaffected by the sharp blade near his throat.

"No."

"My patience is running thin, dearie." Gold muttered, sending shivers down her spine but she didn't step down. She could already feel the tears streaming down her face.

"I'm not leaving without you helping me find my father." She whispered.

"And what makes you think a little sword here will change my mind, hmm?" Gold asked.

"I know what I'm doing. My father taught me well." Annabelle yelled back.

"Well enough for a pirate, Miss French?" Gold went for his sword and clashed his metal with hers. Annabelle stepped back and got into form.

Gold lifted his sword against his chest. "Hmm, proficient foot work as best."

Annabelle lunged and Gold blocked her with ease. "You know dearie, as fun as this, I'm afraid I have an early morning and must be going."

"Only if I go with you!" Annabelle stepped forward again and nearly cut his arm. Gold was surprised and lunged forward himself. Annabelle ducked and swung again with another miss. They continued going back a forth for a few minutes testing each others boundaries.

"Take me with you Gold." Annabelle panted and went for another strike.

"You can't trust me, Miss French." Gold smiled and blocked another attack.

"That maybe true, but you seem like a man of your word." Annabelle jumped from his attack.

"Now now dearie. I haven't agreed to anything yet." Gold laughed and ran after her.

"A deal then?" Annabelle asked as she blocked another attack.

"What kind of deal did you have in mind?" Gold asked.

"What do you want?" Annabelle asked. Gold had Annabelle pinned to a wall, his free hand to her sword. She had the blade to his neck. Gold examined her face slowly looking at her with curiosity.

"I want many things Miss French." Gold answered.

"Rescue my father and I promise he tells you everything." Annabelle responded.

Gold shook his head. "We've already been over this dearie."

"Then tell me what you want!" Annabelle yelled.

Gold opened his mouth, but shut it as if unsure of what to say.

"You must promise to stay with me forever when this is done. It's been such a long time since I've had myself a maid." Gold smiled.

Annabelle loosened her grip and continued to breath heavily. "That's it?" She asked.

"You have my word." Gold stated.

Annabelle nodded. "Then you have mine."

Gold smiled and grabbed her before she collapsed to the ground.


Let me know if this is worth continuing. :)

Alyssa Marie