Emerald Seas

Chapter 19

Kate was staring at the waves at the very back of the Dauntless. Where the hull of the ship left behind tracks in the waves, wishing the path they left behind could lead the Endeavour to her, like a breadcrumb trail. With a weather eye on the horizon, she waited like there could be a small sign of the blue and yellow hull showing up upon the sealine. But those were only foolish hopes.

Weeks had passed by quickly, they must have been close to the Caribbean by now, it would only take a few days before they'd arrive in Port Royal. Kate had still no map in her possession but she counted the days. Time was running out and Kate had failed more than once to escape as they were on land for just a few hours, at the ports to resupply. Governor Swann always accompanied her, the guards keeping a close watch, or he made her watch Elizabeth. Going around the island with Elizabeth made it impossible to escape.

After dinner, Kate moved on deck and raised her sight high up as she heard a voice call from the crows nest. Her heart made a jump when she recognized what the sailor said, there was land in sight. Within the hour, they would arrive at another port to resupply. There was something better about this time than all the other times. She knew Governor Swann was paying a visit together with Elizabeth. It would take a whole evening and night for them on land, they would not return before the morning. Governor Swann couldn't leave her behind since he was too afraid that when she'd be alone on the ship she would escape. So he had to take her with him, he had to.

An hour later the ship almost arrived at the docks. Elizabeth next to the Governor granted her a big smile once Kate arrived.

'Ah, Miss Florence' Governor Swann bowed his head slightly. Kate felt like he had been on good terms with her, so she was hopeful she could come with them.

'We are ready to set foot on land' Governor Swann took Elizabeth by her small hand.

'Unfortunately, you will be staying behind on the ship' Governor Swann spoke underneath his breath. Kate's sight moved away from the town in the distance and her winded eyes met the Governor's.

'Stay behind?' Kate whispered. Governor Swann nodded softly.

'You heard me correctly' he smiled faintly. Elizabeth pulled her father by his coat.

'Father, I would like another day with Katherina' Elizabeth's brown eyes moved from his to Kate.

'No sweetheart, she will stay behind. We have a long evening ahead of us' the Governor seemed to have a hard time saying no to her.

'Governor Swann, it is my very right to step foot on land and I ask you to let me accompany Elizabeth' Kate stepped forward, her strict eyes pierced his. For the first time in days, she decided he did not deserve her calm and well-mannered side any longer. Suddenly the Governor took Kate by her arm rather roughly, leaving Elizabeth and some sailors behind he took her to the side of the ship.

'Listen, I wish it were different. I have allowed you on land at all the other ports' Governor Swann watched her, his eyes too strict.

'Yes, like a dog following its master everywhere he goes' Kate whispered almost sarcastically underneath her breath with a strict tone to her voice.

'You mean more to us than that Katherina, you know that' for a moment he tried to take her hand, trying to play with her emotions, but she had enough of it so she pulled it out of his reach.

'Weatherby, I am not your possession nor your wife, you can not make me do something I do not agree with' Kate hissed. He took her forearm in his large hand, gazing into her eyes, soon it started to pinch by the tight grip he had on her. Kate moved it out of his hold roughly.

'Let me remind you of the fact that I have a tongue and I am perfectly capable of using it' Kate crooked her head into the direction of his men staring at them from a distance. Then suddenly something inside the Governor snapped. His eyes turned dark and Kate tried to keep her strict face even though it scared her how his eyes had changed. It seemed like he was not going to let her spoil his secret as he took her arm once again and moved her into the direction of Mr. Gibbs.