Dear readers and reviewers, I know that you all have mourned over James's death, but it had to be. I did not agree with the way they killed him off in AWE. He died without honor...but in my story he died protecting his wife and unborn child. To me, that is the most honorable way to die. I know it is painful to read his death, and trust me I was balling when I wrote it. But in the end, you shall see my reasons...Thank you for all reviewing...Batman'ssidekick15, Olivegreeneyes, NorringtonLover, ForeverACharmedOne...thank you everyone...


It was barely midnight when Lord Beckett called me into his office. I could not see from my eyes for they were filled with tears. My head reeled at my thoughts. James, my poor sweet James was dead now.

"Well, well Countess…who is going to save you now? You're dear James is no longer here to protect you and the Baron has been sent to England."

I sputtered more tears, my hands tied behind my back, unable to wipe away the wet dew on my face. Davy Jones had also entered the room and for just a moment, I thought I saw a tear twinkle down his cheek. My curly hair covered my face, my shoulders hunched over, and the floor beneath me containing marks of my fallen sadness.

Lord Beckett raised his hand to my chin, stroking it as he viewed my crestfallen state. "I think I shall save you…because of these." He held up the parchment I had signed only seven months ago when I thought my James was dead. Little did I know that he was alive and well…but in seven months he would be truly dead to me. My signature on the parchment challenged my nerves, making me cry in utter frustration.

"I shall marry you when we arrive in England and you will conceive our child."

I stopped crying at that moment, seeing everything click before me. Why hadn't he killed my child when he had the chance? He had paused for only a moment to see James step in front of me…it was a trick. But if he wanted me so badly, why didn't he kill the child now…instead of keep it? I buckled over onto my knees, seeing all the odds and ends piece themselves together. Lord Beckett could not have children. He was going to use mine and raise it to be just like him. Lord Beckett's seed had run out some how and now…now mine was going to be the descendant of a man unworthy of me.

Lord Beckett stroked my hair, as if trying to make me succumb to him. "You can defy me, Brenna, and I will lock you in the brig. Or, you can sit down at the table and have tea with an unexpected guest." I glanced over to the table and there sat Will Turner, looking shamefully at his teacup. Will Turner had told Lord Beckett about my husband's treachery. I was betrayed in every sense of the word by a man James had gone to save.

Numbly, I was able to balance myself and find my way over to the table. My hands were untied then, blood rushing into the crevices to fill them back with my soft skin. I sat down; pouring some tea and watching the sugar dissolve in it. My thoughts jumbled all together, my hands shaking. I could never be happy. I could never just have that life that all women were capable of having.

"Davy Jones has informed me of something most unnerving."

I said nothing, only biting my lip to keep from crying even though stray tears found their way down my face.

"Apparently, before your husband decided to be brave and set free the crew of The Empress, he kissed Elizabeth before he set her free, correct Mr. Jones?"

The man nodded, unable to take his eyes off of me, staring at me…his eyes blank and translucent.

"It seems that you James never did love you."

I didn't care that he had kissed her because before he died…James said he loved me. The only man that ever risked anything for me and who was willing to bow out of my life when my pride was at stake. With that, I was escorted to a leather couch where I eventually found some sleep…but my dreams were haunted. James appeared to me everywhere in them, holding me, loving me, begging for my forgiveness.