Here is chapter two!
Chapter Two- A Caged Swann
One Month after Jack's revelation
Rain trickled down elegant windowpanes, a fine mist gathered outside a magnificent white mansion. One particular window emitted a soft glow despite the late hour. Its occupant was curled upon a window seat, morosely gazing into space. Her mind was not entirely anchored in reality, all thoughts fixed upon the events that had transpired the last four months. The woman sighed, a faint trail of tears evident on her pale face.
Elizabeth laid one delicate hand upon the chilled windowpane, smiling cynically at the reflection of her visage. Sitting up she allowed her gaze to sweep across her bedroom. Once a place where she dwelled in comfort and security, now a mere cage….restricting her freedom. Her slim figure made its way over to regal doors leading to a picturesque balcony. These to had transformed, the doors now imprisoned by barricades.
An overwhelming feeling of despair washed over Elizabeth, and with a cry she threw herself upon her soft frilly bed.
She had desperately tried to re-enact the new pirate-like skills learned from her adventures. She had tried to escape off the very ship that Norrington had forced her upon. Most of all, she had attempted to save her fathers life…
In the end, all had been to no avail. She had been guarded too well, had not been able to save her weakening fathers life.
Norrington's actions hadn't been much of a surprise to her; he had always harbored a ruthless gleam in his eye. After he had intentionally tricked them all in order to steal Davy's heart, and therefore regain his status in society..it was clear that he had succumbed to the dark side. Now that she thought of it, all the betrayals that had occurred…Tia and Barbossa…that was to be expected too.
What had been decidedly unexpected had been Will, the thought of which caused her to grimace at the ache that it caused.
Turning her soft cheek she watched as tears formed iridescent pools on her comforter.
Closing her eyes, she desperately tried to veer away from thoughts of Will. Unfortunately, this caused her to envision Jack….gasping back a sob…she whispered.."Jack.."
When they had rescued him from Worlds End, her heart had felt a confusing mix of hope and anguish. On one hand, there he was… all in one piece …alive despite his journey into purgatory. When he had turned to gaze at her being held at knife point, she had felt an odd burst of hope of rescue blossom in her heart. Then she remembered how outnumbered they were, and finally realizing that Jack looked worse for wear. Tears had slipped down her cheeks, as the two of them had shared a moment that seemed to last an eternity….his eyes…. Deep brown pools, somehow conveying forgiveness for the unspeakable acts that she had inflicted upon his person.
Her latest thought caused Elizabeth to laugh sardonically. Why would Jack forgive her? She had always relied upon him to save her life, countless times…And what had she repaid him with? Her own betrayal.
A sharp knock on her bedroom door made Elizabeth jump…breaking her reverie.
"Ma'am. You best be getting some shut eye. You have cause to be in high spirits tomorrow eve for the ball" The maid stated.
Elizabeth despondently sighed, ah…the ball. A ball to announce her forced engagement to Governor James Norrington.
Finally she drifted off to sleep, from the sheer weariness her emotions had left behind. Before fully succumbing her last thought…
If only I could escape…break free of my cage. If only…Jack…
::Wipes brow:: Wow, these two first chapters were quite depressing. No worries, the story shall pick up from here on!
