Author's Note: Thanks for reviewing! I'm starting to plan this out, which means there might not be any updates for a little while. Also, I am entering exam period now, so expect even more delays. Anyway, keep your reviews coming.

Chapter Six: The Princess

She was beautiful. Jack swallowed; god, she was beautiful.

"What... what do you want from me?" she asked, voice trembling. She was plainly terrified, those wonderful amber eyes filled with fear.

He blinked. She had no idea who she was, none at all. She didn't... she didn't even recognise him. He felt a strange pang in his chest.

"What are you w-waiting for?" she demanded, on the verge of tears. "You wanted to speak with me, didn't you? Well... why aren't you t-talking?"

It was strange that even working as a bar wench, she still looked... royal. Completely beautiful, with perfect hands, flawless skin, and something about her he couldn't quite but his finger on. She didn't deserve to be here, she deserved to be in Evaneta, she was a princess.

"Carmen," he breathed.

"For the last time, I'm not Carmen," she replied, shaking her head. "I'm Lainey!"

Jack decided it was best not to disagree right now. He had made up his mind and now he had to get this Lainey girl to come with him. "Alrigh', Lainey then." He paused. "I'm, er, sorry 'bout yer mate, luv-"

"What do you want?" she repeated.

He licked his lips. He stepped forward to touch her arm reassuringly, but she shrunk back, squeaking slightly. He froze, deciding to try and stop scaring her. "Lainey, how 'bout we go for a walk?"

Tears flowed down her beautiful face. "You're kidnapping me."

"Well it's not much o' a kidnappin'!" Jack had snapped. "Yer'd be better wi' me if yer ask me anyway, sounds like the bloody Poelles didn' tell yer anythin' 'bout anythin'..." She had flinched, but her eyes were fixed behind Jack. He lowered his eyebrows, glaring at her. Threatening her seemed like the best idea. He drew his pistol. "Come wi' me, lass."

Her lips trembled. "Please-"

"I'm sorry, Carmen," Jack sighed, already going back on his own idea, lowering his pistol. "Just come wi' me, please, luv. I'm not goin' ter hurt you." She blinked, then her expression softened. He was getting through to her! He extended his hand to her. He swallowed again. "Yer must not fear me, savvy?" He thought back to the last time he had said those words to her. She didn't remember.

"Why do you keep calling me Carmen?" she asked, though this time she didn't sound scared or angry.

Jack scratched his nose. "Yer could say it's a long story, but we've met before, on the royal fleet yer were sailing with when yer were eight years old."

"Royal fleet?" she repeated in wonder.

Jack chuckled, smiling at her confused face. "Yes, yer see, Carmen-"

"Sparrow-" she said suddenly, her eyes wide.

Jack raised his eyebrows. Then something heavy collided with the back of his head, causing his eyes to widen in shock. The world slipped sideways, and he felt consciousness draining away as he fell to the floor. He could see the blurred figures of Carmen and Poelle, who, he deduced, had obviously hit him with a plank. They were running, running away.

"Carmen..." he breathed, then all went dark.