Chapter One

Welcome back and, to newcomers, welcome! I have decided to rewrite the entirety of the Princess Pirate series due to my dissatisfaction with it. This version has more detail, more intimacy and longer chapters (except this one, but this is more of an introduction). I hope you enjoy them!

Disclaimer – I do not own Pirates of the Caribbean but I do own Leticia Hanover.

It has long been known that women were always inferior in common society, back in times where pirates roamed the waters and shillings were currency. It is also commonly acknowledged that women accepted this – then there were some that did not.

Leticia Hanover was the youngest child of five – all fathered by King George III. Up until she was thirteen, she resided in England, before being relocated to Port Royal in the Caribbean, along with her elder brother, Prince Edward. She was told it was to protect her but everyone involved knew that she had no use in England, being a woman, so her father had gotten rid of her. Edward moving away to have a private life with his wife, Victoria, was the perfect opportunity.

Whilst hurt by her father's wishes, Leticia embraced the move away. She saw it as a fresh start and it all started with the voyage on that beautiful ship.

Leticia had been introduced to Elizabeth Swann almost immediately after boarding the ship. The Governor's daughter was polite and three years Leticia's junior, with pretty blonde ringlets and freckles. The two got along remarkably well for two girls that had been practically shoved together and Leticia quickly grew fond of the younger girl.

They were only a few days from Port Royal at the maximum on the day Elizabeth spotted the wreckage. Leticia was entranced by the song that the girl was singing at the front of the ship, overlooking the sea and clearly in her own little world.

Leticia and Elizabeth had both learned lots about each other; like Leticia loathed being a Princess and Elizabeth had an odd yet intriguing fascination with pirates. It was for that reason that Leticia didn't interrupt the song, wanting to hear all of it. Of course, others apparently had a problem with that.

Mr Gibbs was paranoid and very superstitious, from what Leticia had learned from her observations. She liked watching people because it was more entertaining than being in her own life and Mr Gibbs was fairly amusing. Naturally, he frightened Elizabeth with his scary speech but Leticia did not care.

Lieutenant Norrington was the next to intervene. Leticia thought he was admirable, with his keen senses and abrupt orders but he was also stiff and she couldn't picture smiling at all. His attitude towards Elizabeth left something to be desired and Leticia found herself stepping in.

"I think it would be rather exciting to meet a pirate," Elizabeth stated as Leticia appeared at her side. The Princess hid her pleased smile at the rebellious nature of Elizabeth's words and waited for the Lieutenant to reply.

"Think again Miss Swann: vile and dissolute creatures the lot of them. I intend to see to it that any man that sails under a pirate flag or wears a pirate brand gets what he deserves: a short drop and a sudden stop," Norrington told them. He was, of course, referring to hanging, but Elizabeth's younger mind didn't understand. Mr Gibbs was quick to clear her confusion.

"Lieutenant Norrington, I appreciate your fervour but I am concerned about the effect this subject will have upon my daughter," the Governor stepped in quickly. He was an older gentleman, widowed, and Leticia imagined he was very soft, with a particular care towards his daughter.

"And I agree with the Governor. I'd rather these stories were kept from my sisters ears," Edward snapped as he too appeared. He was as stiff as the Lieutenant, with a white wig and elaborate clothing. He shared Leticia's blue eyes but that was all the two had in common.

"My apologies Governor Swann, Prince Edward," Norrington said apologetically and walked off. Edward glared at Leticia, who stared back resolutely. It was considered improper to be so astute but she did not mind. Edward did.

"Actually, I find it all fascinating," Elizabeth argued in a gentle voice. Leticia raised an eyebrow at her brother but he just shook his head warningly. Recognising that she was going too far and that risked her hopeful freedom upon arrival in Port Royal, Leticia straightened her features and neglected to speak again.

The Governor and Prince left them by themselves, with Edward throwing Leticia one last warning glance, and Leticia sighed miserably, leaning against the rail.

"I don't like him," she said childishly. Elizabeth smiled comfortingly and placed a hand on her shoulder.

"Everything will be better when we make port – I can tell," the young girl told her and Leticia had to smile in reply. Even though Elizabeth couldn't guarantee a better wellbeing, she was still trying her best to make her new friend feel better. And Leticia appreciated it beyond belief – as she'd never had someone like that before.

Before long, it was the discovery of William Turner that prompted a sight Leticia never thought she'd see. Elizabeth had discovered an intricately designed medallion hanging around the soaking boy's neck and promptly stolen it, much to even Leticia's horror.

"You can't take that! It doesn't belong to you!" she hissed, making sure not to be overheard by any crewmembers. Elizabeth looked at her beseechingly.

"Leticia, if they find it on him, he'll be hanged for piracy." Leticia looked hard at her newfound and only friend, the brown eyes pleading silently. The older girl then looked at Will Turner, his brown hair dripping and skin too pale for a person of health and she sighed.

"Make sure absolutely no one sees it," she finally agreed and the relieved Elizabeth hid the chain in her skirts. Leticia felt like rubbing her head but didn't, for fear of looking 'un-ladylike', as her brother would scold her. Instead, she turned away and inhaled sharply at the sight that met her eyes. Elizabeth's gasp told her that she'd spotted it too.

Disappearing into the mysterious fog that continued to surround them was a magnificent ship. It was all black, with tattered sails and an air of danger. The only obvious conclusion was that it was a pirate ship – and no one had seen it except for the two girls. It was a secret they would keep for years to come.

"Your Highness, you must wake up, or you'll be late."

Twenty one year old Leticia Hanover opened her eyes at the sound of her maid, Emily's, voice. She opened her eyes grudgingly and let out a low moan at the harsh Caribbean sunlight pouring through her open windows onto her bed.

"What will I be late for?" she asked in a voice muffled by her sheets. Emily gave a small laugh before gently pulling them away. The maid was a nice, natural beauty. She was dressed in the same uniform as all of the maids in the royal household wore and had red hair mostly hidden under a cap. Her eyes were gentle and green and she was in her mid thirties.

"Captain Norrington has his promotional ceremony today, Miss," Emily informed her, which made Leticia climb out of her comfortable bed. James had become a friend, despite no intention on her part to become his friend, and she had to show up. If that was not enough motivation, Edward would have her head if she neglected her royal responsibility to be present.

She hadn't planned on speaking much to James Norrington but found that, once she had, he wasn't as dull as one would assume and he was actually very good for her – at least, in Edward's opinion. James made her remember she was a royal and had to behave in such a manner, much to Leticia's dismay. All the same, he was her close friend.

"What am I to wear?" Leticia questioned her servant, who produced a large box previously unseen by the Princess.

"Your brother has selected a dress for you; the latest style in London, he says," Emily replied and Leticia was immediately wary. The last time her brother had provided her with the 'latest style', she had been unable to walk due her feet becoming three times their normal size from swelling. Her doubts were quickly forgotten when Emily removed the lid of the box with a flourish. Inside was a beautiful dress and accompanying hat that Leticia was sure would look divine.

Surely Elizabeth's company and the pretty dress would make the experience more bearable. Leticia was sure it wouldn't be too bad.

The next chapter will be much longer and Jack will be in it! Leticia's meeting with him has been changed, by the way, as I thought it was very Mary-Sue-ish for her to meet him by stealing Elizabeth's fall. Anyway, enjoy and review please! Love, Bianca :) x

P.S – I will take down the original stories eventually, but they stay where they are for now, hence the title change.