Chapter One: Escape

I tossed and turned in my bed, trying to get some much needed sleep. I knew what was coming soon, but I wasn't quite ready. But I had to be. Eventually I decided that sleep would never come and just laid in my bed, faking sleep, and listening to the night. The door opened, and I opened one eye. "Miss Genevieve?" a hushed whisper asked. "Are you ready?"

I threw off the covers and sat up. "Yes, I am."

Estrella, my lady's maid, helped me out of my nightgown and into a pair of breeches and a loose shirt. Then she slipped my nightgown back over my head. "just in case" she whispered. She braided my hair up on my head and handed me a hat and a satchel. I hugged her quickly. "Thank you. For everything."

I listened at my bedroom door, making sure no one was outside. Quietly I tiptoed out the door, making my way to the kitchen. The house was quiet, my father was working late, and everyone else was in bed. Except for Estrella and I of course. I snuck into the kitchen, making sure that no one was following me. Why are you being so paranoid? I rummaged through the cabinets, searching for food for my journey. I heard footsteps approach. Oh no. I stepped into the shadows as father opened the door. "Who's there?"

I stayed silent, praying he wouldn't see me. He did. "Ginny? What are you doing?" Thank goodness Estrella had the foresight to put my nightgown back on over the clothes.

"Lizzie's not feeling well" I lied. "I'm getting her some tea. I didn't want to bother anyone."

He seemed to accept my explanation. "Next time use a candle. You'll kill yourself wandering around in the dark"

"Yes father." I hugged him for what I knew was the last time. "I love you father."

He was surprised, I could tell. "I love you too Ginny. Now go on back to bed quickly, you have a big day tomorrow"

I faked a smile. "Yes, I will. Goodnight father."

"Goodnight Ginny."

He went back to his study and I breathed a silent sigh of relief. I wiped away the tears that were forming in my eyes. I finished filling my bag and left out the back gate. I'd left a note for Lizzie, telling her why I was leaving. She'd understand. I walked down the street, leaving my old life behind. I never looked back.

A week later I was famished. My food had run out the day before. Now what am I supposed to do?

Ten minutes later I was running through the streets of Port Royal, my home. But this this was new for me. I'd never been chased by angry merchants before. I only took one apple! I held my hat onto my head, making sure none of my hair was poking out. Letting them know that I was a woman wouldn't help things. I didn't pay attention to where I was going, which was a bad idea in hindsight. I found myself at the harbor, with no escape route, other than the ships. Oh well. I was planning on hopping a ship anyway. I climbed aboard the nearest empty ship and made my way down to the cargo bay... At least I think that's what it's called. I moved some boxes around to create a little nook for myself, making sure I was hidden well enough not to be discovered. I fell asleep as soon as I finished