Some months passed, and Edward hoped from island to island, all over the West Indies. Sometimes, it was amusement, sometimes it was work. But things in the West Indies were getting tense.

First, it started with the current state of Nassau. What had once been a flourishing settlement was turning into a fetid passel of drunk swashbucklers. It was still independent and still a pirate hub. As long as those factors continued, there was hope. But not very much of it.

Then there was the issue of a pardon coming from England. Any pirates could be pardoned, free and clear, and return to Europe. Edward recalled hearing about this pardon as soon as he had landed in Havana from Woodes Rogers himself. It sounded like a good deal, but the way he had made it sound, the deal wasn't as sweet as one would thing. He wasn't lying, that Edward knew for sure, but he didn't trust the deal either.

Edward still wrote to Caroline, when he had the chance. This recent stay in the Great Inagua, he managed to write a decent letter, talking as much as he could about his excursions without giving out too much information to endanger himself or Caroline. He still didn't quite understand the Assassin's order, or what the Templars were on about, but he did realize it was sensitive business, and too much information getting out could cause needless causalities. But he wanted her to know that he cared and that while things hadn't gone according to plan, he hadn't abandoned her. Things had taken and unexpected turn.

The Inagua became a hub for Assassins and Pirates. Many of Edward's friends came and went frequently. Including Mary. Mary taught him a lot, and took a risk in helping him learn more about the Assassin's ways. She defended helping him time and time again, and Edward knew she was risking her neck for him. But she knew a lot, about the Observatory, and about the way the world worked. Edward hadn't met anyone with a view like hers before. It was a challenge, and he enjoyed it. It had been a long time since anyone had challenged him.

His feelings were changing towards her, but he kept a lid on it. Mostly for her sake. She was in a delicate position, and Edward wouldn't jeopardize it. But he did, more often than not, catch himself thinking of Mary being the one at the Inagua with him, rather than Caroline. He tried to push those thoughts out of his mind before they became too much. Sometimes, that didn't happen. But he never imagined acting on those urges or thoughts.

When Edward wasn't at the Inagua, he had a favorite tavern, The Old Avery, he spent his time at. One barmaid, Anne, was his favorite to see. Not in the way that he wanted to see Caroline again, or the ways he thought about Mary, he just liked her company. She was sharp witted, quick tongued, and took not one ounce of shit from anyone. They were fast friends, and not just in the professional sense. Edward would while away the time, talking with her, when writing his letters home didn't quite work out as he'd hoped. She was one of the few people that was neither pirate nor assassin that he called friend.

But, back to that pardon. Edward still didn't trust it, but it was obvious this was the beginning of something much more sinister. Edward wasn't sure of their exact plan, but he knew the British Crown couldn't be doing this out of a benevolent disposition. This was only going to get worse. But his preoccupation with the Observatory was of far more importance to him, than a pardon he had no intent of taking.

In the meantime, after taking on Prins, Edward took it easy. He worked on getting the whole cove fixed up. Not just his main residence, but providing other things for the sailors that passed through. And it was quite the wonder. Despite his lackadaisical attitude about most things, he was at least attentive to his home.

And Edward liked to throw parties. Pirates, Assassins, they all showed up, and many things (that will not be discussed further) happened at these parties. Edward abstained from women, but he did find himself consuming more rum than conventional wisdom would allow for. Which was then followed by getting into fist fights, and shooting matches, which meant wasting ammo. But no matter the headaches or rumbling stomach the next morning, it was always worth it to Edward. Everyone needed to blow off steam.

After one of these such parties, Mary, dressed as James, showed up, waking Edward early in the morning. He had passed out in a tree, of all places, still holding a rum bottle. Mary sighed and shook her head, but nudged Edward awake. Edward groaned, dropped the bottle, and rubbed his eyes to wake up.

"Morning Sleepy Head," Mary said. Edward rolled his eyes.

"Yeah, yeah," he answered.

"Still partying and the like until you've rendered yourself stupid from it?"

"Why not?" Edward said, tumbling from his branch. Mary laughed.

"So this is how a pirate king lives?" she questioned.

"Why not?" Edward asked. "My life, my terms. Self-made man and all that entails."

"You're just wasting everything," Mary said.

"Am I?"

"Eventually, you will."

"And who are you to say? You surely aren't my wife."

"Who ever said anything about you having a wife?"

"Um, no one…I mean…" Edward stuttered and stumbled over his words.

"Ah, I see, married are we?"

"In God's eyes, I am, but she left me some time ago."

"I understand," Mary said. "That fact may not do much to detour me, but I would hold that one close. Pirates don't have much respect for any ideals higher than plunder."

"You're definitely right about that," Edward said. Mary smiled.

"Maybe I've been wrong about you," she said. "You do have a heard and ideals after all."

"Well, let's keep that as our little secret," he said. "No, as it is, I am having yet another party tonight. And you should be there."

"I'm not sure that's a good idea, Edward," Mary said.

"Oh come on!" Edward pleaded, "It will be fun. Everyone needs to cut lose once in a while."

"I have to be in Havana—"

As Mary started her thought, Edward tried to roll swiftly out of his perch. But rather, he tumbled and crashed down, landing face first in the sand. Mary burst out laughing.

"Nevermind," she said, "for that display I will show up to the party tonight."

"Great!" Edward said, brushing the sand from his face. "I need some intelligent company around here, anyway. And, if my memories of Nassau hold, you can hold your liquor as well as any other pirate I know."

"I suppose you're right, about needing time to myself."

"That's the spirit!" Edward said, as he brushed himself off. He had a goofy, but happy, grin on his face. Mary smiled back, actually smiled. She liked the idea of spending time at Edward's hideout more than she anticipated.

That evening arrived, and in no time, the beach surrounding the hideout was littered with pirates; drinking, shouting, whoring pirates.

Mary, being who she was, had long since grown accustomed to these antics. It was easy enough to avoid joining in. There's a girl waiting somewhere for "him" or none of the girls here struck "his" fancy, and if all else fails, "there more for you lads." Those excuses generally worked with the men around her. They were usually too drunk to care, and left Mary to her devices.

Not to say she was a stick in the mud; quite the contrary really. She let loose when she could afford to, and drink until the other men wandered off with their conquests. However, that evening, Mary found herself up in Edward's home, with many others, enjoying the better selections of Edward's spirits. A few women of pleasure found their way in as well, not that it mattered any to Edward. He wasn't focused on that.

A few men were strewn out around the house. Some even invaded the guest house. Edward and Mary were in the dining room, sitting next to each other; Edward at the head, and Mary to his left.

"I'm glad you came, James," Edward said, still referring to her in the masculine around others, even if they were sauced and elbows deep in a "Dancer's" tits.

"I am too, actually," Mary answered, her hair tied up and her red bandanna masking her identity. Edward smiled a bit.

"Needed a chance to cut loose?"

"Something like that," she answered.

"Been too long since I've been able to enjoy anyone's company," Edward said, "my crew, Adé…"

"Even a woman?" Mary asked, half joking. Edward smirked.

"Even a woman."

"None of them appealing enough to you?" she asked. Then she caught herself. Maybe the alcohol was getting to her now. She never would've even considered that a question to ask, before. She swallowed the lump in her throat.

"Definitely not a question of that," he answered, "getting married changes a person."

"I can agree with that," Mary answered, "No one else ever seems…enough."

"I suppose that's one way to say it, "Edward answered, "Sometimes, there's the exception, but even then, it's no guarantee."

Mary stared at him, not sure what to say or how to react. He couldn't…

"Don't talk such shite, Edward," Mary said.

"You know I'm not," Edward said. Mary felt her face flush, but she kept her cool.

"You're a stubborn arse, and you only think of yourself."

"Yet you keep swooping in to 'save' me."

"I do not."

"You do so."

Marry huffed.

"I'm not fighting with you like a child," she said.

"But you just did."

"Shut up," Mary said, crossing her arms over her chest. Edward leaned in a bit.

"The amount of effort you exert makes a man wonder…"

"You only wonder because you know who I really am."

"Partly, yes," he answered, "but even if you were a man, it'd still be curious. No one has ever taken such an interest before."

Mary fumbled for an answer, but the words wouldn't come. And even if they did, she felt no conviction. In truth, she cared deeply for Edward, despite him being senseless, reckless, and self-serving. Deep down he was a far better man than even he gave himself credit for. Maybe that was enough for Mary.

"Alright, fine, you win…for once," Mary said.

"I know," Edward said, "now concerning what I have won."

"Oh piss off," Mary said, "just because I got sentimental doesn't mean a damn thing."

"Maybe so," Edward said, "but I think you'd be lying to yourself if you said that you didn't want anything."

Curse him for being right, she thought. She had to be honest with herself. It had been far too long, period. And there were worse choices than Edward…

Nest Mary knew, Edward had wrapped his arm around her, and pulled her closer, and eventually into his lap. Mary felt her heart rate speed up, and realized how small she actually was compared to him.

"B—but…" for the first time, she stammered in front of him. For the first time, she felt shaken.

"But what?" Edward said.

"Your wife…" Mary said, surprised it was a struggle to mention even those words. Where was her conviction when she thought she would feel it the most?

"Odd moment to have a conscience," he answered, reaching up tot stroke her cheek.

Mary nuzzled his hand, her heart racing and her skin tingling. She turned her head, and, beginning to give in to her desires for Edward, softly kissed his fingertips. They were rough and hardened by life at sea; a contrast to the feel of her lips against his callouses. Edward gently ran his fingers down her neck, and a small sigh escaped her lips before he pulled her into a heated kiss.

Mary wrapped her arms around Edward and straddled his waist, her inhibitions starting to sink away. Edward ran his hands up her body, tugging at her shirt. She started rocking her hips against him, feeling him through their clothes…thick…hard…needing…

A twinge of guilt suddenly flared in Mary's stomach, as she realized where her emotions and desires were leading her. She broke the kiss, gasping.

"Edward…no…I can't…"

"Mary, please…I need you…" Edward said, burying his face in her neck, his lips brushing her skin as he pleaded with her to stay. Mary shivered, hearing Edward beg for her, but she had to find her resolve.

"No…I…Edward…I can't," she said, pulling herself from his arms. Edward disappointedly let go of her.

"I understand," Edward answered, letting her go. Mary barely looked at him as she hurried out of the house.

Edward didn't push any further. He knew that wasn't his best judgement call, but he was beginning to care less and less about that. Caroline had walked out on him first. Edward knew he hadn't always been the best husband, but he had tried. He had worked hard, and even remained faithful for all this time. He even chased this dream of riches at sea for Caroline. He wanted to give her a good life, and let her be the respectable wife and matron she'd been born to be.

She often said she was happy with how things were. Edward had a hard time believing that. Not after how she grew up. Caroline lost her station to marry him, and he wanted to give it back to her. But then she walked out…

Edward sighed and rubbed his temples. He was fed up with being the good husband to a woman who didn't care. But then he met Mary.

Now had "Mary" truly been "James" then of course, they'd most likely remain close friends James had been there to give him a swift kick in the pants when he needed it. And that happened often. But once he knew the reality, it shifted things for him.

In Swansea, Edward had always been the bad boy, or what have you. Go to the pub, get rip-roaring drunk, get into a fight, then take a pretty girl home. Edward had always passed for being older, and had his first "adventure" at 14. He was still convinced the lass he walked home knew he was young, and still a bit green, but she never let on that she knew.

He walked her home several nights thereafter. The rest is history, as they say.

Mary was yet a first. A lot of firsts. She was the first to believe in him. The first to see him as more than another peasant. The first to try and understand him. The first to capture his mind, body, heart, and soul.

Mary, meanwhile, found her way back to the pub. She was greeted by a few "Oy Kidd!" remarks, and a few offers from some of the women still looking to make a few reales that night. Mary ignored it all.

She utterly hated how she felt at that moment. She was vulnerable, exposed, and driven by passion, not reason. She had been down this road once before. Years ago. She had been married before, to a fine, upstanding man that loved her, and she loved him. She had even been carrying their child. A child that was wanted and loved from the very moment that Mary knew she would be a mother.

But then, she lost her husband at sea, and lost their child soon after. Once she recovered, she vowed never to risk herself like that again. She was on a ship to the New World as soon as her body allowed. She assumed a male pseudonym, James Kidd, and created a back story. Her mother had found herself in the midst of a night of passion with the legendary William Kidd, and James had been raised in the shadow of that legend. James had been pruned for life at sea, and was finally fulfilling his destiny in the King's Navy. But James soon had enough of that royal shit, and abandoned his post, becoming a pirate. Within a few years, he had been part of building Nassau (along with old friends and compatriots, Edward Thatch, Ben Hornigold and Charles Vane), and running with a few other former privateers, now pirates. That was when he first met Edward Kenway, a surly, boorish man who had more brains, ambition, and wit than a person like him should have. But he made it work.

Eventually James found the Assassins, quite by accident. It almost cost him his life, actually. James and one of their initiates had gotten into a hand to hand outside of a pub one night. He couldn't remember the full story, but it ended with a wrist blade to his neck, and hoping to whoever was out there he would live to tell the tale. Next James knew, Ah Tabai came out of the bushes, broke up the fight, and was impressed with James' skill. Apparently, James was a possible commodity to their cause. Ah Tabai spent the next few weeks trying to convince James to join. Eventually, James decided that he would align himself with the Assassins, to further his ideals and life here in the West Indies. The reasons the Assassins did what they did, and the reasons James forged this new life, were perfect together. James was a fast fit.

Ah Tabai, to this point, was the only person who ever knew about James' double identity. And out of respect for both James, and for their goals, Ah Tabai never let on that James was really Mary. And James was able to keep it that way.

Until Edward Kenway. Edward bleedin' Kenway.

Sure, Mary had just revealed herself as a strategic measure, and damn it worked to their advantage. But she didn't realize there would be these…repercussions. Now that Edward knew Mary was a woman, he treated her like it. Not in a belittling way. He knew Mary could shank him in his sleep, so fast he'd be dead before he could feel it. But he smiled more, he relaxed himself a little, he was kinder. The correlation was undeniable.

Sure, Edward was handsome as the devil himself, but that only carried so much weight. Many handsome men were ugly in character. Edward was no prince charming, but he had drive, passion, wit, and charisma. He had all the potential in the world, he only lacked direction. Mary tried her hardest to give him that, as she believed in him. He fought her, resisted, sometimes he even poked back at her. He was frustrating and irksome. She almost gave up on him, but she never did. Edward needed to know what kind of person he truly was.

And somewhere along the way, Mary fell hard. She couldn't pinpoint when, she just knew that one day she looked at him and her breath caught in her throat. Her heart rate sped up. Thankfully, she had quite the poker face.

Somehow, Edward saw through it, and she let him get her in a situation like the one tonight. She didn't feel violated, and he had done nothing wrong—hell she wanted everything he had done—but she couldn't risk being that vulnerable again. Not after she had worked so hard.

She paid for a room at the pub, and dashed up the stairs. When all of the windows and doors were shut and locked, Mary untied her bandanna and stripped down. She needed to remember she was a woman, even if she was going to bed alone that night. Letting her body breathe was definitely a welcome reminder.

Mary had no idea how long she slept, but when she awoke, it was midday. She dressed quickly, returned the key to the bar keep, and tried to scoot out of Edward's hideout unnoticed. She hopped on the first ship that would take her on and sailed off for Tulum by way of Havana. There was a lot that she needed to catch up on.