The creative juices are simply flowing today. Another new character introduced here. I think you're going to love to hate him. :) I may wait a bit to post the next chapter. And don't worry, in the next one you'll see good old Cap'n Jack... on one condition, send in reviews!
Two weeks had passed since Arabella arrived in Port Royal. Elizabeth had been more than hospitable to her. There was a change in Elizabeth since they had met. Arabella noticed her increasing tiredness and the fact that she was becoming more on edge like everyone else. Even while wandering through Port Royal, Arabella picked up on the tension that seemed to increase with every moment. Deep down, she felt that something was coming. To be sure, governing any portion of land had its difficulties. This was different. Within the past few days, Elizabeth was changing. What was going on? Will. Arabella knew it was Will. She had to figure out a way to go after him, a way to save him. Today that prayer would be answered, although not the way she had hoped.
Arabella had taken a liking to the room Elizabeth had offered to her. It was small area compared to most of the mansions many rooms, but it still held its own beauty. She felt she had already imposed enough on Elizabeth and declined one of the larger and more furnished rooms Elizabeth had suggested for her. She was used to simplicity and saw no need to change that. A comfortable bed, although much larger than ones she was used to lying in. A writing desk off in the corner with a bookshelf beside it. Arabella loved to read and write. And what had become her favorite place all her own in the mansion, the spacious terrace closed off by the beautifully-carved French doors. Arabella spent most of her time being out there embracing the breeze that rolled in from the water as she thought about helping Will.
Those thoughts were interrupted as she heard Elizabeth come shuffling down the hall at a fierce speed. She skidded slightly as she stopped outside Arabella's door, breathing heavily while resting a hand against the door frame.
"Quickly. Go to the safe-room and stay there until I come for you. Lord Elbridge has demanded an urgent meeting with me and I fear he knows. If anything happens to me, I need you to stay safe."
"What do you mean 'happens to you'? What's going on, Elizabeth?" Her heart started to pound as though it were about to hammer straight through her ribcage. She lost her balance when Elizabeth grasped her hand and started to run.
"There's no time to explain. I do not know what he wants, but I do not trust him. When I was younger, he used to work under Cutler Becket. He was the one responsible for finding and executing the pirates Becket discovered, or created," she said with a sour tone. "Now that he heads the East India Trading Company itself, there's no telling what he may do. I don't want to give him any reason to… You must stay safe."
Arabella's stomach lurched. This was it, wasn't it? Whatever transpired at this meeting may give her the opening she needed to go after Will. She headed through the corridor once again into the safe-room and waited.
Elizabeth paced around her office. So many thoughts were running through her head about what Elbridge could be after. She bent her left arm up and grasped her shoulder firmly as her free hand combed through her hair. She was almost unaware of the stinging sensation in her bottom lip caused by the force she had bitten down on it with. Her eyes grew wide at the sound of a sturdy knock on her door.
"Come in!" she said, startled. Elizabeth stood tall and silent, not blinking or breaking her stone-faced stare at Lord Elbridge as he entered the room.
He was much taller than she remembered Lord Beckett to be. His shoulders were broad and he walked with a heavy sense of arrogance, his nose always turned up as he held his head high. His dark eyes were large and rested deep in their sockets. His hair was pulled back so tightly that it seemed to make his brows arch higher than normal. No mistaking, he had the same demeanor and cruel lack of compassion as Beckett. Even knowing what happened to Beckett, he still believed in the idea of 'good business'...
"Governess," he said with a curt nod.
"Lord Elbridge. Let us get to business. What is it that is so urgent?"
Elizabeth sat behind her desk and gestured to the empty chair before her. Elbridge sat down with a smug look of satisfaction across his face and he rested both of his hands over the tip of his cane. This look unnerved Elizabeth, even though her face did not show it.
"I shall cut to the chase then. Something of interest has come to my attention," he said slyly, twisting one of his rings as he eyed it. "It seems that one of the King's governors is holding down another occupation... as a pirate. It would be a shame for the King to hear of such an atrocity." He noticed Elizabeth tense up and continued. "Although, my silence, like most things can be kept for the right price."
"And just what price might that be?" Elizabeth spat out. "I have nothing to give you that you would want. If you think that I am going to keep a loyalty to the East India..."
"Oh, forgive me, milady. I completely forgot another interesting tidbit of information. Apparently the Flying Dutchman has taken on a new captain..." He smiled as he saw Elizabeth's eyes widen.
"Make your point, sir," she said through gritted teeth. Her fists clenched under her desk.
"Your fellow pirate, Jack Sparrow, was spotted and captured, along with a certain compass and a map charting the location of the Fountain of Youth. The map however, has been destroyed. Don't think that Beckett did not divulge information to me before his passing in case something were not to go according to his plans. I would use the compass myself, but why put myself in danger instead?"
"How do I know you're telling the truth? You could be bluffing." She let out a small gasp as Elbridge pulled a small black and gold box from inside his coat. "You're absolutely cruel. What about Sparrow? If you have him, why not just have him do your bidding?"
"Unfortunately, Mister Sparrow disappeared. He may be a fool, but not fool enough to walk blindly into my path twice. Therefore your husband's fate rests in your hands. You find a way to bring your dear husband here to help me find Sparrow or I shall find his heart and destroy it. Deliver Mister Turner to me or find out just how cruel I can become."
Arabella had been listening not far from the door. She had heard enough and quickly made her way back to the hidden room and waited for Elizabeth. Not long after she reached the room, Elizabeth came to the door. Her face was pale and her eyes were bloodshot, possibly from crying.
"Are you going to find Will?" Arabella blurted out. She covered her mouth and exhaled when Elizabeth's expression made her realize her words.
"So you were listening. You remind me so much of Will. I don't know what to do. He'd always be here, and now... I do not want you to get involved with this. I'll figure something out. I'll find Jack."
"Jack? Sparrow? From what you've told me… Why would you seek his help after what he's done?" Arabella could see the pain in her eyes. She had to think of a way to help. "This compass... it sounded important. Did he give it to you?"
"No," Elizabeth sighed. "He doesn't trust that I won't give it back to Jack."
That entire night was painful. Neither of them could sleep. Arabella stayed in Elizabeth's room. She didn't want to leave her alone. She also didn't want Elizabeth running off without her.
"Are you still awake?" Elizabeth whispered.
"I was waiting until I knew you fell asleep. I'm sorry if I'm keeping you up. I wish I could do something. There must be something."
"I've tried to convince myself that very thing, and so far I have been entirely unsuccessful. Listen to me, keeping you up with such things. Do try and rest. Lying awake at this hour is doing neither of us any good. Goodnight."
Arabella sighed as Elizabeth brushed her hand over her hair and closed her eyes. She knew that it would be pointless to attempt sleeping. Arabella spent the night familiarizing herself with the cracks in the ceiling. Elizabeth was under more than enough stress as it was and she did not wish to add to it. There was only one person who she knew she could talk to, if only she could reach him. She had to reach him. She knew it was impossible. The mere mention of his name would cause uproar. She feared the worst for him, for all of them.