Sea Bound Soul

CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER 4

A PROPOSAL

There my nervousness only grows. Other women and also men, all of extreme high rank gather under the stone walls.

My door is opened and I step out first, then my father, ignoring the few eyes that turn my way and expand my paper fan.

But I walk down the pathway but stand back from where everyone else mingles... I do talk to some of them, ask them how they are. There is a sweet, older woman I talk to. I have seen her around the court many times. She has such a pure heart. She remembers my name even, asking me how I am doing these days. I respond to her, seeing the future commodore in the distance, and my heart jumping almost at the sight.

Soon the ceremony starts. Men in red uniforms come out in lines on either side of the courtyard. There are wooden benches set at the sides but I stand up, as there are not enough seats for everyone.

I fan myself subtly as the sun escapes from the tops of the stone walls.

The men walk down in the center, soldiers dressed in black filling the courtyard in formation.

The two red coats in front of the line play two ceremonial drums I sync.

I look down when I remember I am still wearing the pirate medallion. But luckily it is hiding under my collar.

I breathe... Or attempt to. My corset doesn't feel too comfortable.

Traditional customs of a promotion ceremony take place.

Then Captain Norrington, dressed in a blue coat with golden cuffs, beautifully expensive what he wears, white trousers and socks and all, wearing a white wig and black hat, finally enters the courtyard, as the soldiers in red step aside in two lines with their bayonets in hand, holding them out at an angle, allowing the captain to walk through. I watch as he steps forward with perfect posture, though I can see in the man's eyes he is slightly nervous. He walks until he stops at where my father stands. The captain is still, with pride but also humbly.

I use my fan more than the other women here do, trying to get air into my lungs. The heat and humidity also does not help.

But I look up as my father carefully takes the sword, in sheath, from its box, holding it vertically to the captain.

James pulls the sword out as my father holds the sheath. He observes the blade and hops it from his right hand to his left, holding it in the air.

As I watch I try to not look terribly uncomfortable, as the captain is closer to me as he stands by my father.

Once the ceremony is over all of the men and women who attended stand around as musicians play, and butlers bring drinks on trays.

As I walk around nervously, not really sure of what is to come and also not talking to the other women like I should be, I see a few of them, whispering and eyeing me.

I ignore them and look ahead, my steps becoming a bit tiresome, and my hand going to my stomach subtly as I try to take a deep breath.

But I try to look descent, and proper like the other women.

I look left when I see someone heading my direction, trying not to make eye contact.

I look away and feel my palms almost become sweaty. But I pretend I do not notice him approaching me, that is until he clears his throat quietly.

I look at the nervous commodore, his dark thick eyebrows almost slouched in an anxious way but trying not to look so. His green eyes look into mine that are the color brown. "May I have a moment?" He asks politely, with a subtle bow of his head. His voice is deep and reflects authority; proper and gentle, but also stern.