Word spread quickly about Elizabeth's return to Port Royal. In a matter of weeks, the whole of Jamaica had heard the news. Every day she was getting new visitors at the mansion, all welcoming her back and all asking the same question: where had she disappeared to? She of course never told them, for it would take much too long. And more importantly, telling could put her life in danger, as well as the whole pirate race. Shipwreck Cove was their headquarters, and well-defended as it was, no power could truly match that of the crown of England. But thankfully, she had helped to destroy one of the crown's main tools: The East India Trading Company. She no longer had to fear answering her door and being arrested, and that was a huge comfort.

About two months had passed since her return to Port Royal, and she was quite content with her life. It hadn't taken very long to slip back into the richness and comfort of the old days, though she always knew that it wouldn't. And in truth, the old days were not so very old at all. She had been twenty when Captain Jack Sparrow had first sailed into her hometown and changed her life drastically. And she was a new twenty-one when she had set off to once again seek his help, this time to save her fiancé. And as she stood right now, gazing out her bedroom window at the ocean waves crashing against the shores of her little town, she was still twenty-one. And she still had much of that year to live. It was currently the middle of March, and the day of her birth fell at the very beginning of the year's closing month.

"Miss Elizabeth?"

She turned around to see one of her maids, Emily, standing in her doorway, posed in a slight curtsey. Elizabeth smiled. She had finally convinced the members of her household to call her by Christian name, even if the title Miss had to be added. As much as she loved to hear her name as Governor Turner, it was just far too proper for the people that lived with her and so wonderfully took care of her. Outside the mansion, she of course was known as the proper governor, but inside there was no need for such.

"Good morning Emily," she said lightly.

"Good morning Miss." Emily came to stand at her full 5'6" and smiled at her mistress. "Your breakfast is ready downstairs in the dining hall."

"Thank you. Will you please give dear cook Mary my gratitude?"

"Aye Miss." She gave another curtsey before disappearing down the hall.

Elizabeth continued to stand for a minute and just stare out into the hallway, listening to Emily's footsteps grown fainter and fainter. She sighed and walked over to her vanity, examining herself in the mirror. She smiled at what she saw. She once more had her pale, healthy skin, and her hair was back to its original silky waves. One of the first things she had done on her return to the mansion was taken a bath. She had not had one in weeks, and the feel of the warm water caressing her worn skin had been heavenly.

She tossed her hair over her shoulder and shook her head slightly to spread it out. Then, satisfied, she walked out of her room and started down the hallway. Once she had reached the staircase overlooking the large foyer, she came to a halt. Carefully, she stepped over the top step, for it was broken and always emitted quite a loud and irksome squeak when stepped on. It was her fault though, for at age twelve she and Will had been running up the stairs and she'd tripped and banged the step up…as well as her knee. But it really was her dress's fault, for it had been much too long for someone as athletic as her. Elizabeth smiled and shook her head at the memory.

As soon as she reached the dining hall, the powerful smell of freshly made pancakes and rich maple syrup welcomed her graciously. She breathed in the sweet smell and sighed. Meals on the Black Pearl had certainly been more exciting and eventful than ones in Port Royal, but the food here was much…better. Pirates indeed had many wonderful skills, but cooking was not one of them. She herself was no exception, which was exactly why she had a cook.

Elizabeth seated herself at the head of the long ornate oak table stretching through the dining hall. Her breakfast was then brought to her by Emily, who curtsied and said she'd thanked Mary. Before she left, she filled her mistress's glass with fresh milk, causing Elizabeth to sigh slightly. Because of her pregnancy, she wasn't allowed any alcohol; apparently it was bad for the baby. For the past two months she hadn't had a drop of wine, which was torture.

She looked at Emily pleadingly. "Is there still no chance of getting even a sip of wine, Emily?"

She shook her head. "No Miss, I'm sorry. I would love to let you, but you made me promise that I wouldn't let you have any under any circumstances."

Elizabeth sighed. "Yes, I know. Thank you Emily."

"You're welcome Miss." She curtsied and hurried out of the room, most likely going off to do the laundry or make the bed.

Once alone, Elizabeth began to eat her breakfast, stopping occasionally to savor the food's wonderful taste. In a matter of minutes, she rose to her feet and carried her plate into the kitchen. Mary was quite surprised to see her, and told her most diligently that she did not have to bring in her own dishes; that was Emily's job.

"Oh Mary," she replied with a laugh. "I feel so worthless when I do nothing."

"But you must stay off your feet, Lizzie!" she said.

Elizabeth rolled her eyes. Of all the maids and workers at her mansion, Mary was the only one who truly took to heart that she could call her mistress as she pleased. Elizabeth found it quite amusing that her shy and protective cook would be the one to call her Lizzie, and Lizzie…not even Elizabeth! She didn't mind though, she rather liked it and thought it a gesture of familiarity.

"Mary, really. I'm only three months; I'm fine."

The young cook sighed and shook her head. "I may be sixteen Lizzie, but I know my fair share. I just think you should take it easy."

"I know Mary; I will. But what does this have to do with my bringing you dishes?"

Mary shrugged. "I trailed off a bit. I just know that you were planning to sail to Singapore soon…"

Elizabeth swiftly pressed her hand over the younger girl's mouth. "Not so loud," she hissed.

Mary nodded dutifully and was then released. "I'm sorry Lizzie."

"It's fine." She smiled.

Elizabeth adored Mary; she was her personal favorite of the mansion. And she was such a sweet girl; it was hard not to like her. She was so overly protective of her mistress; it gave such a huge sense of comfort to Elizabeth. And Mary was true and loyal, which was exactly why she had been trusted with all of Elizabeth's secrets. She had just so desperately needed someone to tell, and Mary was there to listen. At first she had seemed wary and doubtful, but when Elizabeth had showed her the chest she believed every word.

"Please don't go!" Mary pleaded. "It's so dangerous!"

"I know," she replied. "But I have to go. Don't forget; I'm the King of the Brethren Court and I must lead the meetings."

"But I thought those were in Shipwreck Cove."

"They are. But I need my ship and crew."

"Oh Lizzie!" she exclaimed. "Please don't go!"

"I have to. It's my burden that I am forced to bear."

"Then take me with you!" she pleaded.

"Absolutely not," Elizabeth said sharply.

"Oh please!" she begged. "I can't let you go off alone. I have to protect you!"

"Mary, I'll be fine," she said, reaching out and running her fingers through the younger girl's soft black hair. "Besides, I'll only be gone a few days. Brethren Court meetings are known for being notoriously short."

Mary looked up at her desperately, but she knew the answer was final. She averted her gaze and nodded dutifully. "Alright."

Elizabeth smiled. "Good girl. Why don't you go down to the market and get some more herbs and imports?"

She nodded again. "Alright." She paused for a minute and then looked up at her mistress. "Will you come with me?"

"Of course. Let me get my hat."

"Mary smiled. "Aye Lizzie. I'll meet you at the entrance door."

A few minutes later the two girls were walking along the streets of the little town; the taller one dressed in a beautiful green silk gown, and the smaller wearing her red cotton dress and grease-stained apron.

Occasionally someone would stop to greet them or wish them good day, to which they smiled and returned the gesture. By now Elizabeth had gotten quite used to being called Governor; it had taken a while, but now she basked in the praise and respect showered on her. She of course didn't let it show for propriety's sake, but she rather enjoyed the attention.

Mary pulled out a little piece of paper from the pocket of her apron and examined it with her eyebrows creased. "I made a list of some things it might be useful to have on hand," she explained to Elizabeth, who was attempting to read over her shoulder.

"Oh. And what might those things be?"

"Maybe some parsley and tomatoes and a few dozen hen eggs," Mary read from the list. "Also, I think the kitchen is low on cinnamon and ginger."

Elizabeth nodded. "Alright." She looked up at the busy market ahead and sighed. Dropping a few coins into the younger girl's hand, she said, "Prove to me that you're the best inside and outside the kitchen."

Mary smiled. "Aye Lizzie."

The Governor watched as the young girl walked off and disappeared into the crowd. She smiled and began to follow her, a list of things to be done before she sailed forming in her mind.

(A/N:) Lol. I hadn't planned on updating so soon, but I just had to...seeing as it's my birthday :) And this story is about Elizabeth Swann (or Turner lol) who is played by Keira Knightley, and her 23rd birthday was today too. Well...yesterday for the people in England. Lol. It's only 10pm in California ;)

Chapter 10 is done. Expect it up in a few days...but maybe I'll wait until I get a few more reviews -hint hint- Lol. Please let me know what you think!

-Elizabeth