Norrington's Darling

Hanging

POV: Zuri Sparrow

My chest was tight. I could barely breathe. I hated the constriction of the corset beneath the elaborate dress I wore—it was one of Elizabeth's. I had nothing like this myself.

But despite the horrid feeling of the corset, I concentrated on it. It kept me from openly sobbing, or thinking about the death that was to come in just a few moments.

I watched, detached from the scene with my heart in my throat, as Jack was lead to the gallows. I stood between Elizabeth and her father. Elizabeth grabbed my hand and squeezed as my breath hitched in my throat as Jack glanced—just barely, but it happened nonetheless—toward us.

The governor appeared to be satisfied with the capture of Jack Sparrow, but there was something about Norrington that didn't seem right. He was composed as always but kept shifting his position. He seemed to know something about this was wrong.

"This is wrong...," Elizabeth muttered.

Her father shot her a look and looked uncomfortable. "Commodore Norrington is bound by the law." He paused. "As are we all."

Norrington looked down.

"...impersonating a cleric of the Church of England..."

I remembered that very vividly. I pushed the image out of my mind, tears blurring my eyes again at the thought I would never create mischief with my brother again. It was by luck I had been granted clemency and would not be hanged with Jack as a branded pirate.

I'd rather be hanged.

"...May God have mercy on your soul."

My stomach swooped. This was it. This was where I would lose my brother—for good. My lower lip trembled and Elizabeth squeezed my hand.

"Governor Swann." William Turner's voice jolts me from my horrified thoughts. "Commodore. Elizabeth." His eyes fix on her. "I should have told you every day from the moment I met you. I love you." Then he just walks away.

Norrington looks rather stunned as he stares after Turner. Elizabeth puts a hand to her abdomen, suddenly white as a sheet.

"I can't breathe!"

The governor kneels down as Elizabeth falls flat on her back. "Elizabeth!" Norrington stoops down beside him, his bright green eyes wide.

Then Elizabeth jerks up—just as Will throws his sword to catch Jack. My heart leaps to my throat as I am torn between checking to see if my friend is alright or running to my brother. The governor gives Elizabeth a look as Norrington leaps up and runs after Jack and Will. Despite my dress and tight corset, I manage to run after him.

Norrington corners Will and Jack. His eyes are frosty as he speaks. "I thought we might have to endure some manner of ill-conceived escape attempt...but not from you." I suddenly realize how close Norrington and I are and my heart starts beating faster. I had thought I was beyond the crush I'd had for years—right up until he proposed to Elizabeth—but apparently not.

Governor Swann looks outraged. "On our return to Port Royal, I granted you clemency. And this is how you thank me? By throwing in your lot with him? He's a pirate!"

"And a good man!" Will interjects. Jack looks smug. "If all I have achieved here is that the hangman will earn two pairs of boots instead of one, so be it. At least my conscience will be clear."

Norrington's voice is coated thinly veiled anger. "You forget your place, Turner."

Will shakes his head. His voice is quiet. "It's right here. Between you and Jack."