Disclaimer for Entire Story: I do not own Pirates of the Caribbean, as I'm sure you all well know. But I tip my hat to its creators, and hope they don't mind me playing in their sandbox.

Warnings for Entire Story: Language, blood, violence, and mentions of child abuse later on.

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Black Pearls

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The sky was pitch black as Jack Sparrow came into Port Royal, his boat slowing sinking the entire way. As he stood on the mast, the wind tugging at his dark brown dreadlocks and the moon lighting his way, he glanced around the port, which was deadly silent. There didn't seem to be any guards, or if there where, they hadn't seen him arrive. Which was good. Jack didn't want to alert anyone of his arrival. And he really wasn't in the mood to pay a dock-master only to steal it back later.

As the small fishing boat, the Jolly Man, hit to the ocean floor with a muted thud, Jack leapt off the mast and landed on the nearby dock with such ease it looked as it he practiced it. He glanced back and watched as the boat finally came to a halt, the only thing above water a small part of the mast. He stared at it for a moment. Something didn't seem right.

Only a few seconds later, Jack was grinning as he grabbed a nearby rope that was attached to the post and tied it to the mast. He hoped it would confuse whoever passed by the next morning.

That accomplished, Jack straightened his hat and went on his way. His plans were to steal - no, commandeer, he corrected himself - a fast ship. There was rumors that the Black Pearl, his beloved ship, still in command of Barbossa, was haunting the nearby waters, and he wanted to find her. Of course, he would also need a crew, but he would worry about that later.

First though, he needed to steal some money. Just in case things didn't work out the way he planned - which, he had to admit, was often, even though he was Captain Jack Sparrow, Pirate Lord of the Caribbean. That was why Jack arrived at Port Royal so late at night, so no one would see him sneak in.

Now he just need to find a house that would be easy to break into.

An hour or so later, Jack found himself sneaking into the rich district of Port Royal, where houses were large enough to houses more then a few families, but only held a few people. That was what he hated about the rich - they could give enough money to feed a family for a few years and still have plenty left for their own greedy needs, but they did nothing. It was why he felt no qualms about robbing them.

Of coursed, it helped that he was a pirate, and apparently, had a heart as black as coal.

He had already avoided a few guards, but they seemed to act ease, confident that no one would try and break into the mansions of the rich and power. Jack snorted softly. He would show them - or technically, he hoped he wouldn't.

Looking around with a critical gaze, Jack grinned as his sights landed on a large home, all the lights out and with no guards around it. That seemed perfect, everyone seemed to be asleep. And even if anyone woke up and saw him stealing, they would run screaming and he would make his get away easily.

Breaking into the house was easier then he thought it would be. The back door to the kitchen was unlocked, and he slipped inside without anyone seeing him. His mouth watered at the sight of food - breads, fruits, fresh water, cheeses and dried meats, and he could only imagine how these people ate. He couldn't help but grab a handful of grapes before he silently made his way through the house, promising himself he would go back for more after he was done.

Popping some grapes into his mouth, Jack peered through the darkness. Whoever lived here was well off - there were fancy decorations everywhere, ones that they probably didn't even bother looking at unless they were showing them off to someone. But there was nothing that he could easily steal, no small items or trinkets that he could carry without having attention drawn to himself. And even small items he would have a hard time selling until he got back to Tortuga.

Finishing off the fruit he had, Jack made his way to a closed room. Opening the door without a sound, he peered inside. It seemed to be an office, and a grinning, the pirate went inside. Men usually kept their coffers in the office, hidden in their desk, a safe, or behind some books. This might be the jackpot.

His dirty hands moving books aside, Jack searched the bookshelf in almost total darkness and silence, the rustling of paper the only sound. He couldn't even light a candle as that would give him away. The only light he had was from the almost full moon, its beams streaming through the large windows.

Sighing quietly, Jack turned his attention to the desk, looking through the drawers. He hated the fact that he was reduced to nothing but a common thief. He remembered the days when he and his crew charged through a quiet town, loudly cheering as they fought off guards as and torn through homes in search of treasure. Yes, those were the days. The good old days.

At that thought, Jack shook his head, as if trying to shake the thought away. Damn it, he was starting to sound like an old man. He wasn't that old!

"..."

Okay, maybe he was. He certainly didn't feel old, though.

"Damn it," Jack cursed softly as he closed the desk drawer. Nothing. He looked to the ceiling. It looked like he'd have to search some rooms. If anything, the lady of the house was bound to have some jewelry that he could pawn off.

He left the office like he found it, shutting the door as quietly as he could. Jack was actually surprised he hadn't heard anyone moving around. Maybe the family had left the house alone, sailing or something of that nature, whatever it was that rich people did when they had time. Really, that was all the better for him.

Sneaking up the stairs, it took Jack a few tries before he found something that looked like a woman's bedroom, the door opening with a small creak, and couldn't help but that be glad that the room was empty. In fact, it looked as if it hadn't been touched in awhile. Maybe the lady of the house died recently? He shrugged, why would he care? He just came to steal, not worry about some dead woman.

Leaving the door open so he could listen for anyone coming, Jack immediately went to the dresser, which had a small jewelry box on top, just sitting there. Picking it up, he carried it over to the made bed, the moon's light not reaching the dresser. Open it with a tiny creak, brown eyes narrowed as Jack grinned. "Lovely," he whispered as he ran a hand over the gold, silver, and gems that rested inside. All of them looked expensive - perfect. Not wanting to waste any time, he started pulling things out - rings, bracelets, earrings, and necklaces - and stuffing them into a small sack that he carried around for such a time.

One piece in particular caught his sight, and lifting it into the air to get a better look, Jack eyes went wide as he glanced over it. It was a surprisingly simply necklace, with a silver chain and small gem at the end, held in silver. But what really caught Jack's interest though was the gem itself - a black pearl. He hadn't seen very many before, as they were rare, and at first glance, it looked like a black, round stone. But a closer look, and they were quite beautiful. It was why he had renamed the Wicked Wench to the Black Pearl after Davy Jones brought her back.

Turning it in his hand, Jack wondered if its owner knew of its value. He might keep this one for himself.

As he looked it over, Jack suddenly felt cold metal touch his neck, causing him to freeze instantly as he recognized the feeling of a blade at his throat. "Put it down," growled a voice in the darkness. "Now."

Slowly, Jack did as he was told, the sword, which he believed to be a short sword, staying at the side of his neck as he placed the necklace on the bed, while at the same time discreetly stuffing his sack inside his coat. "Now, now, lets not be unreasonable," he said, slowly turning to the one who caught him. "I'm sure we can..." His jaw dropped, and even though he knew that he looked like a total fool, he couldn't help himself.

"How dare you try and steal my mother's necklace." The sword was still at his neck as its holder, a young woman who looked to be in her late teens or early twenties glared at him, her incredibly dark eyes flashing dangerously, and not even caring that she was standing in front of him in only a glowing white nightgown, which contrasted sharply with her long raven black hair. "You won't get away with this, you rotten thief."

~o0o~

She wasn't sure what woke her up. But once she was up, Isabelle Bennett was wide awake.

Blinking sleepily, Isabelle sighed as she turned onto her back, staring up at the ceiling. She was so bored, she couldn't even sleep. Her father was on a trip for the Royal Navy, taking his wife and son with him, and leaving her all alone save for the servants - and none of them ever talked to her. All she had to do while they were gone was dress up and attend tea parties, listening to other girl gossip about nonsense. It was driving her insane! At least she had her lessons before, but her father ended them once he though she had learned everything they had to offer.

Well, at least she could practice, but doing that by herself wasn't entertain either, since her favorite thing to practice required another person.

Closing her eyes, Isabelle turned to her side, sighing again as she decided to try and fall asleep again. There was no using moping over the fact that she didn't get to do much. After all, that was her world. A world full of tea parties, arranged marriages, and false smiles.

A creak made her dark brown, almost black eyes snap open. Not moving, Isabelle listened carefully. No one else was suppose to be here, and the servants slept in a different part of the house, never coming near her unless she called for something. So who was moving around?

Slipping silently out of bed, Isabelle didn't bothering to put on her slippers or dressing gown as she crept over to her door, cracking it open and poking her head out. Her eyes went wide as she saw the door to her mother's room was open, moonlight pouring through, and she could hear the jingle of someone moving something that sounded like... jewelry!

It didn't take her but a moment to make a decision. Isabelle wasn't about to let some thief walk off with her mother's belongings, which was all she had left of her. Bring her head back inside her room, Isabelle carefully made her way to her wardrobe, opening it without a sound and reaching inside. She pulled out a long, thin black case and placed it on her bed. With a deep breathe as she reassured herself that she had to do this, Isabelle opened the case.

The short swords handle gleamed in the light, and Isabelle hesitate a moment before picking it up and pulling it out of its sheath. This wasn't the practice foil she kept downstairs - the one her father had bought her that would never cut anyone no matter how many times she might try. No, this was a sword that Isabelle had made after selling a piece of jewelry that she would never wear. It was made for her, and only her.

Keeping the sword at her side, Isabelle slipped into the hall, making her footsteps soft as she made way for her mother's room. The door was still open, and as she quietly entered, she saw the thief lift up a necklace to the light, and she held back a gasp. It was her mother's favorite necklace, which her father gave to her when they were engaged. Her mother had never taken it off, not until she'd gotten ill. It was also extremely valuable since the gem was a black pearl. Her father had promised it to her when she turned twenty one, which was only a few days away.

Lifting her sword, Isabelle had no problem resting it against the side of the thief's neck. "Put it down," she growled lowly. "Now."

It took a moment, but the thief did as she said, place it on on the bed. "Now, now, lets not be unreasonable," he started, turning towards her slowly. "I'm sure we can..." As he caught sight of her, the thief's jaw dropped. It was at that time that Isabelle finally got a good look at the man. He looked to be in his late thirties, with dark brown hair all in dreadlocks and equally dark eyes lined with kohl. He also looked very grungy, like he hadn't changed or had a good bath in days.

"How dare you try and steal my mother's necklace," Isabelle hissed as she glared at the thief, not letting her sword fall an inch. "You won't get away with this, you rotten thief."

Getting in control of himself, the thief lifted his hands in surrender. "Now calm down, missy. I be sure we can work this out. Now if yeh just put down the sword -"

"You're insane if you think that will happen," said Isabelle.

The thief shrugged. "Well, I did try." And the next thing she knew, Isabelle was blocking a sword that came swinging at her. "I promise I won't hurt ya to badly, love."

"And I promise the same," snapped Isabelle.

Chuckling, the thief started to make his way towards the door, swords still pointed at one another. "Don't wanna hurt your feelings, love, but you don't stand a chance."

In answer, Isabelle jabbed towards his chest, which he just managed to block. "Never underestimate an opponent," she said, quoting her old teacher.

"You think this wise, little lady?" asked the man. "Crossing blades with a pirate? With Captain Jack Sparrow?"

Pirate. That one word made things a lot worse. Pirates weren't just thief's, they were murders, law-breakers, men who didn't care about anything that society had taught her. Isabelle forced a grin. "I think that I can manage."

Raising an eyebrow, Sparrow watched her for a moment, the silence overwhelming. Then he jabbed, and Isabelle didn't hesitate to parry before striking his sword, the clang of metal filling her ears as she advanced on him. It only took a few quick attacks for her to force the pirate into the hallway, though he managed to block them all.

"Not bad," Sparrow said, she could barely see him in the dark hallway. "How is it that a young lady like you knows how to use a sword?"

Seeing a glint of metal coming at her, Isabelle blocked the next strike and sent back her own. "I'll have you know that I don't just attend tea party's, sir," she spat. "And I happen to be the daughter of an Admiral."

"Ah, a Navy brat then," said Sparrow with a raise of his eyebrow. "How interesting."

Ignoring the insult, Isabelle went on. "Now I would ask that you drop whatever you stole from my mother room and leave before I call for the guards."

"Not many guards around - and I'm sure that I could be out of here before they even close," said the pirate confidently.

"Not if I don't let you." At this, Isabelle opened her mouth to scream. "He -"

A hand was over her mouth before she could even finish her cry for her, and Isabelle's eyes went wide as she was pressed against the wall, Sparrow looming over, looking angry. "That wasn't very nice," he growled as he took her sword and tossed it to the side, letting it fall with a clatter. She couldn't help but glare at Sparrow as he leaned forward. "Now listen, love. You have plenty of money, that's obvious. It won't hurt you to lose some jewels that you can replace later. So just let me go, and forget this ever happened."

"Mm hm hn mm."

Frowning at the mumbled reply, Sparrow lifted his hand up, but just barely, so he could slap it down if she started to scream again. "Repeat that, love."

"Those belonged to my mother," Isabelle answered lowly, and her hot breath hit the dirty hand. "I won't let you steal them. Take what you want out of my jewelry, or I'll show you where the money is kept. Just don't take those."

Sparrow looked down at her. "Your mother... she dead then?"

"Since I was a child." It hurt to answer that question, even though Isabelle barely remembered her mother. She had died when she was eight, of sickness. The clearest memory she had of her mother was her reading to her, the black pearl necklace hanging around her neck since she never took it off.

For a few long moments, Isabelle stared up at the pirate. She couldn't help but look to the beads were in his beard, his his hair, and then there was a strand of items hanging from underneath his faded-black tricorne along with what looked like a long, thin bone. He looked... strange, even for a pirate.

"Fine," Sparrow finally said. Moving slowly, he reached into his coat and pulled out a small sack, letting it drop to the floor with a thud. "You have your mother's jewelry back. Now you need to give me something in return."

"Then let me go, and I'll get you whatever you want," Isabelle said slowly. She also wanted to get her sword, to make sure that Sparrow would leave, one way or another.

A scream pierced the air before they could even move towards her room, and both Isabelle and Sparrow looked towards the stairs. Her personal maid, Mary, was standing there, a lamp in one hand and her other over her mouth, which didn't stay there long as she lifted it to scream again. "Help! Help! Guards, help! Thief!"

"Damn it," Sparrow cursed, and then he was off, sword in hand as he pushed past the Mary, racing down the stairs with heavy footsteps as the sound of guards came closer to the house, forcing him to move fast. She heard the door slam open, and then... he was gone. Almost as if he was never there.

Stunned, Isabelle waited a moment too long go after him, because Mary was soon at her side, blocking her way. "Are you alright, miss? Did he - did he try to take advantage of you?"

"What - no - I'm fine," Isabelle insisted, staring at the stairs. "He didn't hurt me."

"Oh, thank heavens." The maid didn't touch her, but looked around nervously. "We should get you downstairs, miss, and I'll get you a cuppa tea and your dressing robe."

"But -"

"Really, you should have some tea, miss, I'm sure you're in shock," insisted the maid.

Sighing, Isabelle followed Mary downstairs, focusing more on the sounds of the guards chasing after Sparrow then the maid's blathering about how scary it must have been to be attacked by that thief and so on. Strangely enough though, Isabelle wasn't all frightened by the entire scene. It had actually been a little... exciting. Still, she let Mary lead her to the couch, forcing her to sit there while she went to get the tea started.

"Is everything alright?" The butler was coming up to her fast as he could, which wasn't very fast since he was old. "I just heard from Mary - Miss Bennett, were you hurt?"

"No, everything's fine, Edward," Isabelle assured him. "Nothing manged to get stolen, and he didn't hurt me."

"Oh, it was so scary," said Mary said as she brought in her dressing robe. "I'm surprised you're so calm about it, Miss Bennett. That man looked so frighting! And he had a sword! Are you sure he didn't hurt you, Miss?" she asked again as she handed her the robe.

Grinding her teeth together, Isabelle nodded just as there was a knock on the door. Edward went shuffling over to open it. "Yes?"

"Am I to understand this is the home that was just robbed?" Glancing towards the door, Isabelle could see a man about ten years older then her standing at the door, dressed in a Navy officers uniform save for the usual white wig that was absent, showing off his dark brown hair. His hazel eyes instantly went to her.

"Why, yes it is, sir. Please, come in."

Slipping on her dressing robe, Isabelle stood as the officer entered the room, two guards at his side. "Miss? My name is Captain James Norrington. Are you the lady of the house?"

"No, Captain," Isabelle answered with a shake of her head. "My name is Isabelle Bennett, the daughter of Admiral Matthew Bennett, who is out of the country at the moment with my stepmother. I was the one who found the... thief." For some reason, she was not willing to admit that Sparrow was a pirate.

"I see you have not been harmed," Norrington said with a nod. "I'm glad that the brute didn't hurt you. My men are after him as we speak. I know you might be in a bit of a shock, but do you mind if I ask you a few questions?"

Shaking her head, Isabelle swept a hand towards the couch and chairs. "Not at all. Please, sit."

Isabelle sat back on the couch as the Captain sat across from her, the guards at his side. Mary handed her a cup of tea, and offered some to Norrington, but he politely declined it before starting his questions. "Could you please tell me what happened?"

"I woke up and heard someone in my mother's room," started Isabelle. "I went over to see who was there, and the thief was trying to steal my mother jewelry. Foolishly, I tried to stop him, but he simply pinned me to the wall and told me not to get in his way." The lies were flowing like water off her tongue, and she hoped the Captain didn't go upstairs and see her sword. It was the reason she was lying and not saying that the thief was actually a pirate. "Then Mary found us and screamed, causing the thief to drop the stolen goods and run."

"Why on earth did you try to stop him?" asked Norrington with a frown. "You could have been seriously hurt."

"Captain Norrington, that jewelry is one of the few things I have left from my mother - I wasn't going to let him steal it," said Isabelle with her head held high. "I did it without thinking, but I'm not sorry I did."

"...That was a foolish thing to do, Miss Bennett," commented Norrington. "But, it was very brave of you to do that."

Blushing lightly, Isabelle sipped at her tea. She hadn't been complemented like that before.

"Can you tell me what the thief looked like?" the Captain went on.

"Dark hair, dark eyes - there wasn't very much light, sir, I can't tell you much," Isabelle said, stretching the truth only slightly.

"Did anyone else see the thief?"

"I did, sir," spoke up Mary. "But I didn't see much either. It was dark..."

"And you're certain that he didn't steal anything?"

"I'm certain, Captain Norrington," Isabelle said with a nod. "Is there anything else?"

"No, I think that's all we need for now." Norrington stood, and after she set down her cup, Isabelle stood as well. "Though, I would like to ask you a favor."

Blinking in confusion, Isabelle asked slowly, "And what is that, Captain?"

"Tomorrow morning, there is going to be a ceremony at Fort Charles, where I am going to be promoted to Commodore." Norrington seemed to puff up a little in pride, but then he hesitated. "I was wondering if you come - as my guest?"

"Oh, well -"

"What is going on here?"

Snapping her head towards the door, Isabelle was immediately on edge. "Father."

Matthew Bennett stepped into his home, his gaze immediately going to her. Isabelle was glad that she had inherited nothing from him - not his bright blue eyes, or his pale blond hair. It wasn't because her father was ugly, in fact, he could see why her mother had fallen in love with him. But she thought it made him look cold. At his side was his wife, her stepmother, Rose. She had her light brown hair piled high, and her dark green eyes narrowed when she looked to her.

"Bell!" Racing from his mother's side, Isabelle was soon jumped by a small blond boy, who looked only ten, with bright blue eyes. "Bell, I miss you!"

Smiling, Isabelle ruffled the top of her half-brother's head. "I missed you too, Johnathan."

"Mary? Take Johnathan to his room," called out Rose. "He should be in bed."

"But Mother, I wanna talk to Bell!"

"It alright, Johnathan." Pressing a kiss to the top of his head, Isabelle gently pushed him to Mary. "I'll talk to you tomorrow, alright?"

Finally nodding in agreement, Johnathan waved to her as Mary lead him upstairs. "Good night, Father, Mother! Night, Bell!"

"Admiral Bennett and Mrs. Bennett, I assumed?" Norrington said after Johnathan was going, nodded to him with respect. "My name is Captain James Norrington, sir. I'm sorry to say that a thief broke into your house earlier, and attacked your daughter. Thankful, nothing was stolen, and your daughter was unharmed."

"I'm glad to hear it," said Matthew before looking to his daughter. "I see you aren't too shaken up, Isabelle."

"I'm alright, father."

"And what is this invitation that you're extending to my daughter, Captain?" asked Matthew.

"I'm to be promoted, sir," Norrington explained, "to Commodore. I was inviting Miss Bennett to the ceremony at Fort Charles tomorrow morning."

"Ah, I see. I'm sure my daughter is delighted about the invitation, Captain, and would love to come." Her father gaze towards Isabelle didn't waver. "Wouldn't you, Isabelle?"

"Yes, Father," said Isabelle, and she nodded towards Norrington. "Thank you, sir. I'll be there tomorrow."

Norrington smiled. "Wonderful."

"Good, good. Isabelle, why don't you head to bed," said Matthew, "while I talk to the Captain. I'm sure you're very tired."

Nodding, Isabelle said her goodnight before heading up the stairs, waiting till she was out of sight before she raced down the hall, to the spot Sparrow had held her against the wall. She sighed with relief when she saw her sword still on the floor, hiding in the shadows. Picking up, she quickly went to her room, not wanting anyone to see her weapon. She placed it back in its case and hid it once more in the back of her wardrobe. It was only then that she could relax a little, leaning against the closed wardrobe. She couldn't imagine what would happen if her father found out she had a weapon, or worse, had fought with Sparrow.

At the thought of Sparrow, Isabelle frowned. Why had she protect Sparrow? He was not just a thief, he was a pirate, and he had tried to steal her mother's jewels. So why hadn't she told the Captain what he was, or what he looked like?

Gasping, Isabelle shot up. Her mother's jewelry! It was still in the hallway! She couldn't let Rose find it - she'd been trying to get her hands on it since she married her father.

Out in the hallway, it took Isabelle moment to find the jewelry that had almost been stolen, the sack half open as its content spilled onto the floor. Scooping out her mother things and gently placing them back in the sack before returning them to her mother's room, promising herself that she come back tomorrow to fix the mess. She was glad to see that her mother's black pearl necklace was still there, and she closed the door quietly, ready to head back to bed.

It was by chance that she heard the a familiar voice drifted up the stairs as she started to head back to her room.

"... sorry to hear about your father's death, James. Lawrence was a good man, and a wonderful officer of the Navy."

Pausing, Isabelle turned to the stairs, silent as she continued to listen. It seemed that her father knew James' father, which really didn't come as a surprise to her. Her father had been an Admiral in the Navy, and knew many high ranking officers, and many of them owed him favors.

"I'm sure he'd be happy to hear that, sir."

"Do you remember my daughter? I believe she was five when you last saw her - when we were both station in England."

Now curious, Isabelle crept over to the top of the stairs, kneeling down and peering through the railing. Captain Norrington was still there, sitting and talking with her father, though his guards were gone. Rose was sitting nearby, watching silently as she usually did.

"Vaguely, sir. She's grown into quite a beautiful young woman," said Norrington carefully. "Looks like her mother. Pardon me for asking, sir, what happened to her?"

"Gabriella got sick a few years after we moved her," Matthew explained, not even sounding sad. "Died when Isabelle was eight years old. I married Rose a few years later." And at that, Rose looked smug.

"I'm sorry for your loss."

"Thank you... James, did your father ever tell you of a promise we made?" asked Matthew.

"No sir, I can't say he did," Norrington said in confusion. "May I ask what it was?"

"... When your father was younger, when you were about five or six, if I remember correctly, Lawrence got into a bit of trouble." At this, Norrington went stiff, but Matthew went on. "This was when he had just gained the rank of Admiral, while I had been Admiral for quite a few years and had many connections, and of course, much more family money. Lawrence came to me one day and admitted that he had taken his son with him while going after a pirate - Teague, if I remember correctly. And while fighting said pirate, his son was knocked overboard and for some odd reason, was rescued by that same pirate."

Pausing for a moment, Matthew took in Norrington, who was starting to pale, and then went on. "He was disgusted, and asked me for my help, to make sure that no one knew, and to make sure that no one on that ship told anyone. He was willing to do anything. So, we made a deal."

"And what deal was that, sir?" Norrington forced out.

"I'm glad you asked," said Matthew. "I would pay off anyone who saw this rescue, and make sure that it was never put on record, effectively erasing it. In return... Lawrence would promise his only son to the first born daughter I had, and they would marry once you were both twenty-one years old."

Clasping her hand over her mouth, Isabelle hold back her gasp. No, he wouldn't.

"And I am please to inform you that my daughter will turn twenty-one in a matter of days." Matthew chuckled. "I was going to ask for a favor and have an old friend track you down, but it seems I don't need to do that anymore. How long have you been in Port Royal, James?"

"I don't believe that," growled Norrington as he ignored the question. "My father would never do a thing like that!"

"He would if he was ashamed of his son," said Matthew smoothly, and that seemed to shut Norrington up. "And believe me, James, he was very ashamed. And of course, if you don't believe me, I can always show you the deal that he signed."

"But I can't do that," said Norrington with a shake of his head. "I can't marry your daughter - "

"So you would rather shame your father even more then marry my beautiful daughter?" Matthew interrupted, his voice cold. "I'm sure Lawrence is rolling in his grave now."

"Its not that, Admiral Bennett. But I am not going to be part of my father's past dealings -"

"Did I mention," interrupted Matthew again, "that if you don't go along with your father's deal, then I will forced to tell the Royal Navy about the rescue. I'm sure that they would not like to learn that their new Commodore was saved by a pirate - a former Pirate Lord, of all things."

At his side, Rose looked practically gleeful - she had been wanting her husband to marry Isabelle off for years. Isabelle, on the other hand, was sick. How could her father do this to her?

"It shouldn't be a problem for you to marry my daughter, should it, Captain?" Matthew went on. "Unless, of course, you're married already. Then, then that certainly would be a problem."

Norrington gulped visibly before shook his head, looking sick himself. "No, Admiral Bennett. I'm not. I ... I was going to ask a young lady for her hand, though. I've already asked her father, Governor Swann -"

"Don't worry. I'll make sure that he understands," said Matthew smoothly. "Is there anything else that might stop you from marrying my daughter?"

"...No, sir."

"Well, that's wonderful to hear," chuckled Matthew, as if this wasn't blackmail, but a game. "Shall we announce your engagement at your ceremony tomorrow? I'm sure that your peers would be delighted to hear it. And of course, my wife will take care of the wedding arrangements." He smiled. "Don't worry, James, I'm sure in time, both you and Isabelle will grow to love each other."

Standing, Isabelle took a step backwards, her hands still covering her mouth as she shook her head in shock. She was being promised to the Captain, who she had just meet. How could he? How could her father do this to her? She had hoped that he would let her fall in love on her own, like he did with her mother. But it seemed she now had no choice.

She was to be married to James Norrington.