Hey guys! I really should not be posting a new story because I have sooooo many on the go...but eh... I couldn't help myself. I loooove the PotC series a lot (not the 4th. I pretend that movie doesn't exist XD) I've been dying to post a PotC story, for the longest time. I've just always forgotten to get down to it. But here it finally goes.

Disclaimer: I don't own anything to do with PotC or it's accolades. I do, however, own my OC: Alice Grey and any characters or story-line that isn't from original work.

Don't forget to F/F/R :D

- One -

Wedded Thoughts

c. 1720

The grandfather-clock at the end of the hallway chimed. Seven times. Seven in the morning... Alice Grey did not want to get up early for anything. Even if it was to be another beautiful day outside, with the sun shining and the sky clear. But today was a special day… it was the ceremony for James Norrington's promotion to 'Commodore.' This was simply something too important to miss. Alice wasn't allowed to skip the ceremony - not that she wanted to. She would get a chance to see him.

Her father had been trying to set up a match for her for quite sometime. Almost a year and a half. But it seemed like there weren't 'worthy' enough men in Port Royal to qualify for her hand. He was such a picky man when it came to which gentleman was good enough to marry his daughter. If Alice had her way... well... she tried not to let it show. The Grey's had moved to Port Royal almost eight years ago – when Alice was eleven, still innocent and care-free. The crossing from England had been long but pleasant enough. Not too horrid, from what she could remember. The waters had been calm and the weather good. But even still, traveling for so long across water, was set to unsettle a few. Setting up a new home in an exotic, foreign place had been one of the greatest adventures Alice had ever partaken on. She loved adventure – but now they had settled into life on the island and adventure never seemed too close. She had had too grow up too fast once everything had found its proper place.

Norrington had been the man her father had been eyeing for her hand… but his (her father's) friend and employer, the Governor Weatherby Swann, was making sure that Norrington ended up with his daughter, Elizabeth – Alice's best friend. Ever since meeting Norrington for the first time, Alice had always had a liking – a loving admiration for him. She definitely pushed her father forwards in his plans… but of course, they had always fallen through. She didn't hate Elizabeth for it – she knew that she didn't have any control of what was being done – but Alice still felt some sort of animosity at the situation. Especially the fact that James Norrington probably didn't even know who she was. Even when her heart was on the line, everyone tried to side-step her wishes.

She glanced through her wardrobe… her family was of the title 'Lord,' but they still weren't as well-off, or as powerful as the Swann's. Alice's wardrobe was not nearly as lavish as that of Elizabeth's, something that often embarrassed her when the two girls were out and about - especially when they came into contact with James. Not that she had much choice in the matter. Their seamstress worked tirelessly. It was a gift when her father ordered them new clothes all the way from their native England. Alice sighed and picked out her nicest one - a pale blue gown of heavy material - and called for her servants Amala and Erica, to come get her ready.

She felt underwhelmed when she looked in the mirror afterwards. There was no way she could catch the eye of Norrington looking like she did… she was too simple looking – or so she felt herself. Her parents and older-brother Daniel, who was married already, all complimented her on the way she appeared. She had always assumed they had just never wanted to hurt her feelings... She had never found herself extraordinary... but she had the time to look in the mirror and find all her flaws.

Muddy brown hair, which reached her lower back. Pale greyish-blue eyes, a little too big for her liking. A light dusting of freckles on her nose. Alice found herself to be plain and unextraordinary. This thought only upset her when she really thought of it. At times, she often forgot her self-image. Some days she did feel quite nice. Elizabeth – in her opinion – was a very beautiful young woman. Alice tried not to be jealous… but it was a small envy she couldn't help.

The carriage ride up to the fort was short and simple. They were announced at the gate and once they passed, the whimsical music for entertainment was heard. People were milling about everywhere. Her father wandered off to talk to Weatherby, her mother to gossip with some of her friends, and her brother immediately began to strike up conversation with his wife. Alice flitted over to Elizabeth, who was fanning herself in the heat and looking extremely uncomfortable.

"New dress? You look absolutely stunning!" Alice hugged Elizabeth who groaned slightly. "Is something wrong?"

"It's the dress," she gasped slightly. "It's from London… but its too tight. I'm not quite sure what the new trends are... but this is unbearable."

"Here," Alice turned her friend and looked at the lacings at the back, her eyes widening. "Er… there's a slight problem."

"What is it?" Elizabeth sounded close to expiration. "What's wrong?"

"Er… I wont deny that these laces are incredibly tight… but this must be a new style of gown… I have no idea how to fix this… it's extremely complicated. Theres laces... strings... bands... I've never seen this type of contraption before."

"Dammit," Elizabeth covered her mouth but didn't apologize. "Well, thank you for trying. I think I'll survive till later... then I'm burning this wretched thing."

Alice sighed and put her hand in the crook of her friends arm. "So, today Lieutenant Norrington is to become a Commodore. That's a very big step up in the world. The benefits will be great. He will now command everyone in the army here. The navy will be at his beck and call. Captain of our best fighter ships."

Elizabeth shrugged without a care. "Sometimes we all take a step up. Some deserve it more than most. Hard workers, especially… like a blacksmith, for example."

Alice didn't get to question her friend about her meaning, when a trumpet blared and everyone began to scuttle into place for the ceremony. A few moments later and soldiers began to file out, with the band playing a navy tune on their drums. The spectators got in line behind the soldiers, ready to spectate the rather lavish ceremony. Norrington came out from the fort, dressed in dark blue and gold, and walked between the soldier's arched swords. After being commemorated, he was able to receive his newly commissioned sword at the end. Beautifully done, by the best smith of Port Royal. He eyed the sword with delight in his eyes but a stern look on the rest of his face. Holding it up to gleam in the sun. Alice watched him in fascination – butterflies beating like crazy in her stomach. It was all done fashionably.

The whole affair didn't take long at all. Alice felt Elizabeth wavering beside her, wheezing for breathe against her tight bindings. When the ceremony was complete, the band began playing their happy tunes again, and everyone began to mill together once more, eating, drinking, and laughing.

Alice and Elizabeth sipped on champagne and eyed Daniel brother with his wife – many people stared at the couple with looks of disgust. Alice felt her cheeks grow hot as people stared at her brother and his wife with animosity. Daniel had done something unconventional and highly scandalous… less than a year ago, he had married Roseanne Parsons – a coloured girl from the island. Because of the improbability of the situation, the two had wed in secret. Since then, Daniel's job at the towns bank had suffered slightly. Roseanne had almost been fired from the bakery in which she worked. Their relationship was completely and highly frowned upon. Their father had thrown a fit at first – he had been ready to disown Daniel... until he met Roseanne and saw what a lovely lady she was. Though it still bugged him that people gossiped about the whole affair, he couldn't deny his son such a lovely woman to be his wife. Alice was completely in love with Roseanne – she was so happy her brother had found someone so wonderful and warm-hearted.

Elizabeth went off in search of some hors d'oeuvres and shade and Alice pressed through the gaggle of people as they walked about, hoping to go talk to a few of her other friends who were in attendance.

"May I have a word?"

She turned, and felt her lips part in surprise as she came face to face with none-other, than newly appointed James Norrington himself. Alice curtsied and took the arm that he offered her, walking him slowly around the enclosed area.

"I must say you look absolutely lovely, Alice. I am very happy you could have attended today's festivities. I can't imagine what other more exiting and important things could have been asking for your time." He gave her a kind squeeze of the arm.

Alice solicited a small smile. "Why thank you, Commodore. You are most kind to say so. I am glad to have attended such an important moment, sir. Nothing else could have begged my attention away from this. It has been a well deserved day for you."

They stopped away from the crowd of people. James turned to her with a tender smile. Her words had truly made him very happy, and she was glad to have done so – to have caused his attention. She had always thought he had never paid her any mind. Especially next to a woman like Elizabeth.

"I must admit… I hadn't actually expected to see you here," he paused when she raised her eyebrows. "I mean, because there are many people here, and lots of excitement – I hadn't expected to be able to talk to you with everyone every where."

Alice felt her heart skip a beat. The butterflies had become faster in her stomach, and her breath caught. "You've wanted to speak to me?"

He nodded, taking her hands in his. "I have… it has come to my attention that your father would favourite a marriage union between you and I."

"He has said so..." She couldn't believe her ears. She deeply wanted to know what his true thoughts on the matter were. Why was he bringing it up? Did the idea disgust him? Alice was growing was extremely nervous.

James smiled kindly. "Well, I must admit that I am being overtly forward. But the thought of such a union brings me the utmost pleas-" he stopped, his eyes moving from her to look at something over her shoulder, his smile dropping from his countenance. "Would you excuse me one moment, my lady."

"Oh… yes, of course." He hadn't been asking her. He was stating it.

She turned and saw that Weatherby was giving the commodore a very thoughtful look. James made his way up to him, shook his hand, and a few words were said. James then turned off and walked towards the edifice, disappearing into the shadows. Weatherby began to make his way over to Alice and offered her his arm.

"Alice, my dear. Don't you look wonderful." His voice was kind, gentle, and fatherly. Alice had always respected Weatherby Swann. He was such a kind and caring individual. Elizabeth and he loved each other very much. Something Alice loved.

"Thank you, Governor Swann. That is so kind of you to say."

Weatherby patted her hand as he led her into the crowd. "I hope you are having a good time here? You seemed quite engrossed with the new Commodore. He is a very-"

Alice turned her head and felt instantly cold and sick. James had Elizabeth's arm tucked into the crook of his, leading her to the wall to talk. So that's what he had left her for. Weatherby had wanted to pull his attention away from Alice so he would give it to Elizabeth... she felt extremely nauseous.

"- Lieutenant Theodore Groves." Weatherby nodded his head to the handsome lieutenant in blue who smiled and took Alice's hand, kissing it.

"Lady Grey. It is so wonderful to see you again."

"Lieutenant," Alice felt her breathless at the situation. They were pushing her towards someone else to give James and Elizabeth the chance… she wanted to scream. How could the father of her best-friend do such a thing? She needed to talk to her father about the issue...

Groves kept talking to her, but her eyes were not on him, causing him much distress as he hastily stepped towards her. She was very occupied with what was going on between her hearts-desire, and her best friend. "I must say. You look absolutely ravishing. I was hoping I would get the chance to talk to you, and I'm very glad that-"

At that precise moment, Elizabeth slipped over the wall.