Her father burst into the room, and stopped dead in his tracks at the first glimpse of his daughter. "Elizabeth," he breathed "just look at you. You look just like your mother." A sadness washed over her at his words. She looked in the mirror again and saw the truth in her father's words. 'Oh mother. I wish you were here. You would understand…' Her thoughts were broken up by her father's hands placed on her shoulders. "My darling girl, you truly are a vision. You make me very proud." Governor Swan said beaming. She met his eyes and attempted a smile, but she could not speak. She knew words of pleading were useless. "Elizabeth," he lowered his voice, "this is the right thing. You will see. I am only doing what is best for you. You must understand that?" Her smile faded. Best for me…
The ride to the cathedral was all too quick. The moment the carriage stopped her heart began to beat wildly. She glanced around for last second escape routes, but found none that weren't guarded by soldiers, or led to the ocean. The ocean… William… "Elizabeth? Her father said. "Are you ready?" NO! Her mind screamed in frustration as she placed her hand in his and was led out of the carriage.
She could already hear the bridal music playing as she walked into the cathedral. Her grip on her father's arm tightened. He glanced at her as they approached aisle. He placed his hand over hers. "Everything will be alright, child." He whispered. Her face had gone pale. Her fingers like ice. She looked into her father's eyes. "Father, please." She begged. "This isn't right. I… I don't…" she stuttered. Governor Swan turned and held his daughter. "I love you Elizabeth. Everything will be alright." He wiped a tear away from her cheek. "It will all be over very soon."
She felt like she was being pulled down the aisle. Although she kept up with her father very well, it was not of her own accord. Her feet seemed to have a mind of their own. With each step her breath quickened. She kept her eyes down, not willing to meet anyone's gaze, though she could feel them all on her. Most of all, her husband to be. The bridal score seemed to be a cheery one, and its echoes bounced all around her, but she couldn't hear it. She heard nothing. Nothing but her own heartbeat. Before she knew it, they were at the altar. She felt her father embrace her. She heard the Commodore bow to her father. She felt her father place her hand into his hand. The moment her skin touched his, her eyes flew to his. His stare bore into hers. After a moment, he gave a quick bow to her, and through no thoughts of her own, she curtsied in return. He placed her hand on his arm and turned to the priest. "Shall we begin?"
The ceremony was a blur. She knows she said what she was supposed to, because her father had to call out to her to remind her. "I do." She said in a whisper. At her words, she felt the Commodore instantly relax, like he expected her to refuse. She jumped when he came in for a kiss at the end. He smiled. "May I kiss the bride?" he asked with a chuckle. She gave one nod. He came in slowly and brushed his lips against hers. It was passionless. Cold.
The reception was beautiful. The wines were old and crisp. The dinner was intricate and delicious. The atmosphere was breath-taking and expensive. It was entirely appropriate and expected for a political wedding. And that's when she heard it. "Elizabeth?" A voice. His voice. She knew it was him. But how? Where? She scanned the room and saw nothing but patrons enjoying themselves at her expense. She relaxed. Easy girl… she thought. He's not here. He will never be here. She drank another glass of wine. James glanced at her. "Are you well?" he asked. She put her glass down. She cleared her throat. "Fine." She said. He chuckled. "You are doing well, Elizabeth." She nodded and picked at her food.
After a while she slipped away to the balcony. She breathed the salty sea air. She felt as though she was suffocating. The night was coming to a close, and she knew she would soon need to retire to his home. She looked into the night over the sea. William… why did you leave me here? She felt a hot tear roll down her cheek. Why did he leave her? She savedhis life. He said he loved her. He rescued her. Was it all a lie? A lie to earn his freedom? No. She thought. It was real. It had to be. "Mrs. Norrington?" The sound of her new name brought a chill to her spine. "Madam?" the soldier called again. "The Commodore is ready to leave." She gripped the side of the balcony until her knuckles went white. She gritted her teeth. Is this my life now? He calls and I am to come running like some dog? She exhaled and turned to face the soldier. She set her shoulders. "Please inform the Commodore that I am not yet ready to depart." She said calmly. The soldier's eyes went wide. He shuffled nervously, cleared his throat, and left. She sighed and turned back to face the open ocean.
She heard the sound of boots approaching. He stopped just behind her. "Elizabeth." He said curtly. "We are leaving." Her back stiffened, but she would not face him. "As I informed your officer, I am not ready to leave." He smiled, and walked to stand beside her, facing the ocean. "Do you know why I asked for your hand?" he asked. She stood silently. "It is because of your strength. As a child, you were a curious sort. Always wanting to know more about the world. As you grew into the fine woman you are today, that curiosity remained, and a sort of strength and nerve developed as well. I have always admired your spirit." He turned to face her and took a step closer. "But there is a time and a place for spirit, Elizabeth. And when I tell you to do something…" he brushed his lips against her ear, "… you will do it."
