Summary: Decisions made will effect everyone. Who will Elizabeth choose in the end?
Disclaimer: I do not own them.
A/N: Yes it is an AU fic.
Chapter 1
Will was heartbroken. In only a matter of a few hours Elizabeth would be married to Norrington, and he would be left to return to the swill soaked blacksmith. He had enjoyed the adventure with Jack, even starting to believe he could be a pirate. Jack, though had sailed away, also deserting him to his drab life. Sighing, Will went to wash up before the ceremony. He would not miss Elizabeth looking so beautiful, even if it did tear at his heart.
Elizabeth sat in silence as many maids rushed about the room. Several were placing the finishing touches on her dress, as yet another did her hair. She felt as if she loved Will, but her promise had been to James. He was a fine man, even allowing Jack a head start before giving chase. Elizabeth had waited six months for his return, though her heart longed for Will each and every day of it. Her father often reminded her of proper manners and such, scoffing at her looks towards Will. With barely blinked away tears Elizabeth walked to the door. It was time though, and she wasn't ready.
Will stood at the back of the crowd, knowing he would go to her if he were any closer. The vows had been exchanged, and a ring placed on her finger. She was married now and there was nothing Will could do about it. He turned to leave, and came face to face with a stern looking man. In a split second his hands were in cuffs, a document being read as to why. Will heard nothing; not the gasps of the crowd, nor the charges as they were told. The only sound he heard was the clicking of the cell door as ir was locked.
Elizabeth stood in her nightgown in James Norrington's room. She had fulfilled her promise and married him. A part of her did love him, as had been kind to her as she had grown, but was love enough? The door opened and Norrington stepped in. "You are lovely. Your mere presence lights up the room."
Elizabeth smiled at the compliement. "I have loved you for a very long time, and only in the last seconds of seeing you did I truly know just how much. I will make you happy."
"I know you will James." The candles were blown out, and the day ended for them, but inside an office another was deciding their fate.
Lord Cutler knocked on the door to Norrington's home and when the butler answered, pushed his way in. "I must speak with Mrs. Elizabeth Swann at once," he demanded.
The butler stared at the rude man. "Mrs. Norrington is having breakfast with her husband, and do not wish to be disturbed."
Lord Cutler pushed past the butler again. "I care not for their wishes." Upon reaching the dining room doors, he swung them open, several men coming in after him..
"What is the meaning of this intrusion?" Norrington asked, on his feet as he stepped to Elizabeth's side.
Lord Cutler stepped forward, shoving a document in his face. "It is quite clear. I have come to arrest your wife for treason, conspiring with a known pirate, and several other small charges."
"She'll not go anywhere until I have investigated this matter." Norrington said, stepping in front of his wife.
Cutler motioned for his men, who pushed Norrington out of the way. "Oh, she will go, and tomorrow at dawn her and her accomplice William Turner will hang for their crimes."
Elizabeth struggled, her pleading eyes staring at James. "I will see you free my love."
Cutler turned swiftly around, facing him. "I suggest you present your own defense Commodore. I have reason to believe that you too were involved in this, though I do not have enough proof yet." Norrington was left standing in both shock and horror as Elizabeth was led from the room in shackles.
Will sat in his cell, cold seeping into his very soul, though the night was not chilly. His thoughts were not on death, for he did not fear death. His thoughts were instead of how he would die without ever knowing the love of Elizabeth. It was what he longed for since he was a boy. His musings were interrupted though when he heard the footsteps approaching.
Will stood up in his cell, hoping that they were coming to tell him it had been a terrible mistake, and that he was free. He listened but all his ears heard was shouting, and it was Elizabeth. Will half expected to see Elizabeth ranting at one of the guards to set him free, but he was not expecting to see her shoved into the cell beside him.
"What is the meaning of this?" he yelled, and Lord Cutler turned to face him. "Your lady friend here will share the hagman's noose with you. The people of Port Royal must learn that helping pirates is a crime, and you two will be the shining examples of their fate if they should."
Will was speechless, but that could not be said for Elizabeth. "I am the Governor's daughter, Commodore Norrington's wife! Where is my trial? Or have you condemned me to death without so much as a jury?"
Cutler brought his face up to as close as the bars of the cell allowed. "Your father is right now being questioned as to how his daughter was involved in such an escape and yet he knew nothing about it. As for Commodore Norrington, he too will be faced with questions of his actions. Let us hope he has the correct answers for them, lest he join you in your fate."
Cutler marched out of the room, slamming the door closed behind him, leaving the room in darkness. "Elizabeth, do not worry, we shall get out of here." Will was trying to sound optimistic, but Eizabeth was not falling for it.
"Just how to you propose to get through these bars? How do you think even if we did that we would get out of Port Royal? Do you have plans to commander another ship?"
Will had no answers. He wanted to say Jack would be here to help him, but he had no hopes of that. As if Elizabeth could read his mind she spoke. "Where is the infamous Captain Jack Sparrow now?"
Frustration took a hold of Will, and he let out a yell. "This is not how I pictured it at all."
"Pictured what?"
Will swallowed the lump in his throat. "I wanted to tell you how much I love you. How I have loved you since I first laid eyes on you nine years ago. Since that day I have dreamt of you each night. My thoughts are filled with your laughter, my happiest memories of your smiles." At Elizabeth's stunnned look Will's confidence fell. "I only wish I had told you sooner, Mrs. Norrington."
A/N: Yes it is short, and yes I will update next week.