(A/N) Enjoy!
DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN POTC!
"You wanted to see me?" James said as he walked into the study.
"Yes, please sit." Elizabeth said with a smile.
"What's this about? Six O'clock in the morning, an urgent message from the Governor, nearly made me jump out of my skin."
"Didn't mean to scare you, but it is rather important."
"What is it Elizabeth?"
"I have made a decision. I am leaving Port Royal." James sat back in his chair, not too surprised with the decision.
"What made you lean that way?"
"Last night, sitting in the dining room, Jack, Bill, and Will were arguing, and I realized I liked it, I liked the sense of family, I don't want to miss any arguments, nothing."
"Very understandable." James then went silent, but quickly spoke up. "Who are you going to appoint as Governor?"
"That's why you are here." Elizabeth then pushed a piece of paper towards him. "I am appointing you."
James was now truly shocked. "I…I don't know what to say."
"You can say you can accept…" Elizabeth said with a smirk.
"I accept." James stood up and extended his hand. Elizabeth ignored his hand and rounded the desk and hugged James.
"I know you'll do a fantastic job…"
"I promise…I'm just going to miss seeing you."
"I promise I'll visit." The hugged each other for a long time, from what was almost a forced marriage that wouldn't have been happy if it had succeeded, to a strong and reliable friendship. "Now, I have to tell Will, Jack, and Bill."
"Alright, I will be back later, to make it all official." James then let go of her hands and walked out of the study.
XXXXXXXX
"What did she ask you here for?" Jack asked Bill as they sat down in the parlor.
"Just said everyone should be here. Even the staff is here." Bill said. Then Will walked in, taking a seat next to Bill.
"Did she tell you what's going on?" Will asked.
"No." Jack said. At that moment Elizabeth walked in. She had a somber look upon her face, her decision was made, and it was done.
"I asked everyone here because I have made my decision." Elizabeth allowed a moment of silence, "I will no longer be Governor of Port Royal." A few gasps from the staff was all she heard. Jack had a huge smile on his face.
"I have decided that being Governor is not what I want. I want to be with my family." Elizabeth then looked at Will.
"I have already appointed a new Governor, so your job's are secured." Elizabeth said to her staff.
"Who is it?" Estrella asked.
"Commodore James Norrington will be assuming the position of Governor of Port Royal. Tonight he will sign the papers and we will be on our way. James is a fair man, he will treat you all well. Thank you all of coming." Elizabeth then watched as the staff dispersed, leaving Jack, Will, and Bill.
"Are you surprised?" Elizabeth asked.
"No." Jack said. "How are we leaving tonight?"
"I already sent word to the Pearl, Gibbs is making sure it is up to par." Elizabeth smiled.
"I have to have a word with Mister Gibbs…" Jack mumbled.
"Why?" Will asked.
"Because he should only be taking orders from me! Captain!" Jack said as he crossed his arms over his chest.
"Elizabeth are you sure about this?" Will said as he stood up.
"Very. I noticed last night. The argument you all had, it was something I would miss if I had to stay here."
"Elizabeth, I have a question…" Jack sheepishly walked over to her. "As you know I have a few, incidents on my records here…how about getting your father a good old fashioned pardon?"
"We all have pardons." Elizabeth said. "It was the first thing I did. So if we ever come back, we won't be shot or hanged." Elizabeth then hugged Will. "I have to finish getting the papers together. The Pearl should be pulling into the harbor as we speak."
"Are you alright on your own?" Will asked.
"Yes, I'm fine." Elizabeth smiled. For the first time, Elizabeth meant exactly what she said, she was fine.
"Alright, we'll be back in a few hours to get you." Will then leaned over and kissed her. Elizabeth watched as Will, Jack, and Bill headed to the harbor.
Elizabeth sighed in relief and headed upstairs. "Estrella!" Elizabeth shouted at the stairs.
"Yes miss…" Estrella curtsied.
"Please bring me up some tea when you have the chance." Elizabeth asked politely.
"Sure." Estrella then bustled off into the kitchen.
XXXXXXX
"That's the last of it." Elizabeth said to herself as she located the last bit of money that her father had kept hidden. "Now where is my damned tea?" Elizabeth muttered to herself as she walked over to the window and gazed through the panes. "I'll miss it here…" Elizabeth whispered. Elizabeth wrapped her arms around herself as a she felt a chill go up her spine. The door opened behind her, and Elizabeth didn't bother to look. "Just leave the tray on the desk, Estrella."
No sound. Elizabeth found that odd especially since Estrella would have said something. Elizabeth quickly turned around to find nothing. What had opened that door?
Elizabeth quickly stepped onto the hall and screamed.