Siren Song: Curse of the Black Pearl

Dead Man's Chest preview

I want to thank everyone who supported me for this first story, and as a little gift to you all, the first chapter of the next book: Dead Man's Chest

Roxanne looked at herself in the mirror. Personally she thought she never looked better. Her hair was done up in bune held in place by a carefully placed, delicate but ornate series of flowers. The rest of her hair cascaded gently down her back, though it would mostly be hidden by the long train of her veil. Her dress was a light gold color, with ornate patterns of flowers and swirls on the bust and skirt, it fit surprisingly comfortably.

But, Roxanne still had mixed feelings about the wedding itself. She wasn't getting cold feet if that's what you think. No, she made a promise, and she would keep to it. But she was still feeling the way she did seven months ago. Conflicted and confused...

Turning her head to look out the window she saw the wedding area nearly finished, but in the distance, she saw storm clouds, and she grimaced. Oh how she loved the unpredictability of the weather in the tropics.

"Roxanne?" Said woman jumped a little, and turned to the door where her pseudo Uncle stood.

"Yes?" She forced a smile.

"It's time." Roxanne nodded and stood, grabbing her bouquet from the stand. She carefully picked her way down the steps, and stood before the wooden doors that would lead her to her future.

"You'll do great." Uncle Weatherby smiled as the servants made a few last minute adjustments on her, one handing her a bouquet of white orchids. She took a deep breath, and smiled at him.

"I know."

"You're sure about this?" He asked, for what seemed like the millionth time. Roxanne straightened herself, and put on a smile.

"Absolutely."

And the doors were pushed open, and they started walking towards the alter. The space had been decorated wonderfully, with beautiful flowers from the island contrasting beautifully with the white. On the right side of the seats, sat James's family.

They'd sailed out from England for the ceremony, which Roxanne thought was very thoughtful. On the left, were Roxanne's chosen "family", though she'd really just allowed everyone else to plan the wedding, since it had given her headache with all the things she'd been forced to plan.

So instead, she'd just dumped it on Elizabeth and Uncle Weatherby, favoring instead to run around with Victoria in her last months of "freedom".

When they made it up to the altar, Roxanne followed as they had practiced, and stood opposite James, who was practically beaming. The old Minister began his long droning speech, something she'd had to suffer before when they'd gone to weddings as children.

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here on this beautiful day to witness the union of James Norrington and Roxanne Swann in holy matrimony. This is a day of great celebration and reverence, on which we come together before before God to recognize and commemorate the sacred love and dedication shared between these two people. It is wonderful to have family and friends here to join us today." Roxanne didn't even know a majority of these people...

"The bride and groom would like to thank their guests for being here, and would like you to know that each of you were invited here on this day because you have played an integral part in their intertwining lives."

"As the Bible reminds us in Corinthians, "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres. Love never fails."

"In the time that James Norrington and Roxanne Swann have spent together, they've built the sturdy foundation for a lifelong relationship. After a great deal of thoughtful consideration, they have decided to bind themselves to one another for the rest of their lives."

"May you all remember and cherish this sacred ceremony, for on this day, with love, we will forever bind James Norrington and Roxanne Swann together."

"Who gives this bride today?" Uncle Weatherby took a small step forward, still smiling.

"I do." The Minister nodded before continuing.

"If there is anyone in attendance who has cause to believe that this couple should not be joined in marriage, you may speak now or forever hold your peace..."

Then, out of absolutely nowhere, the doors were kicked open by a gang of marines barging in, weapons drawn.

Oh hell no...

"What in the world..?" James put his hand on his sword. A man stepped forward, his white curls powdered perfectly, and he radiated an aura that made Roxanne's skin scrawl.

"Governor Weatherby Swann, it's been too long. Apologies for arriving without an invitation." Uncle Weatherby stood as he spoke, stepping towards the man.

"Cutler Beckett?"

"It's Lord now. Actually." Lord Beckett smirked, and Roxanne rolled her eyes.

"Lord or not, you have no reason and no authority to interrupt this wedding!" Uncle Weatherby snapped. Roxanne looked to Victoria and Elizabeth, who looking just as confused.

"In fact, I do. Mr. Mercer?" Lord Beckett continued, and man who looked nothing like how a clerk would expect to look, brought out a wooden box. Lord Beckett took out a paper, and read it off.

"The warrant for the arrest of one Victoria Turner." What... Roxanne snapped her head back to Victoria, frowning. Victoria had always been a trouble maker, yes, but nothing to warrant an arrest!

"This warrant is for Elizabeth Swann!" Uncle Weatherby cried out in surprise, and Roxanne nearly dropped her bouquet. What was going on?

"Oh, is it? That's annoying, my mistake..." Lord Beckett sighed. "Arrest her then." And on that order, several marines headed down the row, much to the distaste of the guests.

"On what charges?!" Elizabeth demanded, struggling in their grasp. Victoria stood up instantly, hurrying after them.

"What in gods name is going on here?!" Roxanne demanded, but she went ignored, much to her anger.

"Aha, here's the one for Victoria Turner!" Lord Beckett handed the other paper to Uncle Weatherby, much to his disbelief. "And I have another one for a Mr. James Norrington, and one Roxanne Swann?" Now Roxanne dropped her bouquet out of surprise.

"What are the charges?" Elizabeth demanded again, and Lord Beckett raised an eyebrow.

"I don't believe that was the answer to the question I asked. "

"Lord Beckett, in the category of questions not answered– " James started, but Roxanne cut him off.

"We are under the jurisdiction of the King's governor of Port Royal and you will tell us what we are charged with!" She demanded, stepping forward, and feeling furious.

"The charge..." Uncle Weatherby started. "Is conspiring to set free a man convicted of crimes against the Crown and Empire and condemned to death for which the..." He trailed off, dropping the papers.

"For which the punishment, regrettably, is also death." Lord Beckett finished, stepping towards Roxanne. "Perhaps you remember a certain pirate named Jack Sparrow?" Roxanne blinked in surprise, and opened her mouth to speak.

"Captain!" Victoria huffed, and Beckett looked over his shoulder at her, amused, while James took the opportunity to stand closer next to Roxanne, gently grabbing her hand.

"Captain Jack Sparrow. Yes, I thought you might." Lord Beckett smirked.