Hurrah for the Pirate King (closed)

With a wince, the leather of Ramsey’s boots struck too loudly on the brick path that walked along inside of the high wall. He knew immediately, it wouldn’t fall on deaf ears. When he opened his eyes to see the damage, a none too surprised guard stood just a short distance in the gaslight glow of the garden. Just by the disheveled look of the guard in the ill fitting uniform, it was clear he was a hired hand for the evening’s festivities. Knowing he was in trouble & thinking he can out class a hired hand, Ramsey pulled his sabre and pointed it at what he was sure an underprepared guard.

The guard had a pistol.

Ramsey had literally brought a knife to a gunfight.

“Halt,” the guard called stating the obvious with the pistol raised and aimed at Ramsey, “Who goes there?”

Ramsey staring once more down the barrel of his own demise, and did what came naturally. That is, of course, try to win his opponent over with his boyish charm.

“Why, good sire, can you not tell I am just a guest to this function tonight? Did you not notice I am dressed as such?” Still with the sabre in his hand, he wave across the dress he was in. It was, of course, quite elegant for a seafarer. Long blue coat and gold buttons no different than that of Captain of a british ship. Black pants, well polished boots, clean white shirt, even a fine plumed tri-corner hat. All of which, tailored to perfection. It did a lot to accent his lean, tall, and strong frame honed from years at sea; and his blue eyes and sandy brown hair seemed to only brighten in the colors of the guise.

The guard was not so impressed. “Then why not take the front gate?”

“Well, I did good sire,” Ramsey lied, tried to look as though he was quite calm, even though there was a pistol in front of him and a blade at his side. “I entered but not just before sundown, wandered around these fine grounds to take in all of its grandeur. Yet I grew lost, followed a path I shouldn’t, and now I find myself in such darkness. So may you point the way to the main house so I once again can join the party where I am sure I am so well missed already?”

“I saw you jump the wall,” the guard replied suspiciously.

“What this wall?” Ramsey asked looking at the ivy covered brick. “Surely not. It is but ten feet high, one could injure himself jumping such a thing. What foolishness indeed.”

“I saw you then,” the guard demanded.

“For what, I may ask, would I do such a thing? Just to attend a Governor’s dance? You, sire, surely have seen the Governor and his wife, you would think such people would have to entice visitors, not put up walls to keep them out. Such foolishness, indeed.” Starting to feel like he is losing the guard, Ramsey smirked, “A dance I am already dressed for, I shall say. ”

“You said already,” the guard replied, continuing to point the pistol at the man. “Where did you steal that from, boy.”

“Steal? Boy?” Ramsey faked his astonishment, he crossed his arms, the sabre in his grip and moved in his hand as if it wasn’t drawn. “I assure you, my dear friend, this is my own uniform, cut to my own size for my own duty. It is offensive to think you would suggest I cannot pay for my own outfit for the Governor’s dance; or to suggest that my rank is not worthy of such a uniform. I shall have a word with him right now and have you released from your duties post haste.”

Ramsey, now assuming he could just stun the man by feigning acceptance, started making steps to the house.

“Halt,” the guard commanded.

Ramsey did and raised a cheeky eyebrow, yet still staring down the barrel of the pistol. “If you keep me from the a warm pastry, I shall have a further word with your master.”

“You shall not pass. You could not be a guest, otherwise you would not have the sword. We confiscate all weapons. You wear stolen garb and felt you could just jump over the wall to enter.”

“Alright, my good man,” Ramsey continued, “I will admit that I did jump the wall, but I assure you, this .. garb … is not stolen. I procured the original fairly, and paid for the tailoring myself. Surely even your simple eyes can see that.”

“My simple eyes,” the guard parrotted, “these eyes happen to know that is the jacket of a British Navy captain. I know the rank when I see one. The insignia is no different than their ships that sail all throughout these seas. The crest on the buttons suggest they are from a long standing crew. You sound not a bit British, American if I can so guess. Seeing as you do not look a day over twenty, there is in no way that you can Captain a ship for the King. Besides stealing such an outfit, how else would a cabin boy be wearing it here.”

Ramsey smiled, then spread his arms out wide, the sabre still brandished in his hand. “My apologies good sire, I did not think I would come across someone so observant. Please beg you to forgive me.” He bowed, formally, but still eyes on his foe.

The guard smirked and nodded his head. “Your name, then before I dispatch you, cabin boy.”

Ramsey lifted himself up and his smile grew much wider. “You will not wish to know my name, as it will put fear into your bones, I will assure you of that.”

“Try me,” the guard snickered.

“This is where I would expect your skills of observation could help you further,” Ramsey said, setting the point of his blade into the ground, leaning against it, and crossing a leg comfortably. “I am in fact a captain.”

“Nah, boy,” the guard scoffed.

“Indeed it is true, haven’t you ever heard of The Boy King?”

The guard knitted his eyebrows then pulled back the hammer of the pistol in answer.

“Now Now, hear me out, surely you have heard of me. I am no other than The Boy King, Captain Ramsey Argyle of the good ship IronWood and it’s faithful crew of hardy souls. Terror of the seas. Faithful companion of Neptune and Davey Jones both. Surely you heard of me.”

There was a pause before the guard answered. “You mean the pirate ship with the hole in the hull down by the docks.”

Ramsey waved his hand away, “just a scratch really. Seems we had a disagreement with a Portuguese fellow nearly a fortnight ago.”

The guard seemed to spend a little more time considering the situation. With the pistol still cocked and pointed, he asked “Is it true you killed your first Dutchman at the age of five?”

Ramsey waved his hand in the air, the sabre waving naturally with it. “Rubbish and rumors. I was closer to ten. I was old enough to have hairs growing, if you know what I mean.” He gave a laugh and rolled with just another story about his youth. It was not true, of course, but one does not become legendary with the truth.

The guard gave a long look to Ramsey before saying. “If you believe your name alone will get you into the dance, you are in for a surprise. I know well enough that a man with a blade, no matter how fast, will fall when struck with a bullet. I’ve been given strong order that none shall enter this party uninvited, none shall be welcome unless approved by the Governor himself. It is what I am hired to do, and you have given me no reason to stand down … No Reason At All.”

Ramsey let a long sigh. Without his men, he knew he was beaten. He could not defeat a guard with a loaded and cocked pistol, no matter how fast he was with his trusty blade. There was little choice but to admit defeat.

“So … a gold coin then?”

“Two,” the guard replied quickly lowering his pistol. “I need your blade though. We confiscate them at the door.”

Ramsey scowled, and sheathed his blade and remove the belt to hold it. “This weapon means the world to me, so best take good care of it.”

“Then best make it three coins, so you can expect it back.”

Ramsey handed the man the toll. “And you call me the thief.”

The guard smiled and bowed, “pleasure doing buisness with you Captain Argyle, enjoy the dance.” Before Ramsey had time to walk off the guard called, “best enter through the garden entrance. Otherwise the governor would expect you to be announced to the court when you entered.”

Ramsey smirked, tempted by being announced to those he intended to rob. Yet again, he was in this place alone, and any success would rely on keeping to the plan. Whatever that may be.

“Lady Norrington,” A quick knock rapped on her door.

Anwen sighed heavily as she responded with an unenthusiastic, “Yes?” from her vanity dresser.

“Your father wants you downstairs, guests are arriving.”

Anwen could hear the rush in her servant’s voice. “Please tell my father I’ll be down shortly.”

“Commodore Bloxham should be here shortly…” said her servant lowering her voice just a miniscule.

“Thank you Matilda, I’ll be there shortly,” Anwen repeated her words grimly hoping this would make Matilda leave. She heard Matilda leave her door and Anwen sighed as she adjusted the corset of her dress.

Anwen looked at herself in her vanity mirror. Sparkling blue eyes, just like her mother, red stained plump lips, her golden locks braided and held up as to make her braids look like a crown. A string of pearls rested heavily around her neck along with a pair of pink pearl studs resting on her ear lobes.

Anwen Marilyn Norrington is the only daughter of Lord Henry Norrington and Lady Elizabeth Norrington. Her father wanted to name his only daughter after his Welsh roots and thus the name Anwen, But as time went on many called her Anne, which the lady preferred anyways, the only person who called Anwen by her given name was her mother. But she was never around.

Her father took the post of the royal governor of Port Royal, the epicenter of shipping commerce in the Caribbean Sea, about a decade ago when Anwen was just about to enter her double digit years. Originally her mother and her two eldest brothers made the trip to Port Royal along with Lord Norrington and Anwen but the family was soon split. Her two eldest brothers went back to England for a formal and traditional education.

Her mother found herself unhappy in the Caribbean Sea and with a slew of chronic ailments that kept her in their mansion most of the time, she made the voyage back to England in less than 4 years the family moved to Port Royal. Her mother was to return back to Port Royal when her health improved but preferring the more cultured England she has yet to return back to Port Royal for a permanent stay. Her mother visited for a brief time couple of years ago and thus now their relationship are only through letters and packages sent to her from England.

Anwen inquired about returning back to England herself as she missed the rest of her family. But she was told as a lady she wouldn’t need the formal training and education her brothers needed and was made to stay in Port Royal as the family representative and take on the duties that her mother would have had to.

Anwen was not happy about this, but she knew she had no choice. Her father at least dotted on the young woman as she was the only family he had on the island. He allowed her to be educated, taught both Latin and French as well as mathematics and science. She also took the liberty in reading as much as she could which was not always easy for a lady who lived in the Caribbean.

Alas, Anwen found books on law and government as a way to quench her desire to read. She found the writing of law and government dry, but for someone who had reread most of the books in the town library she found it adequate reading material. For a young lady growing up several thousand miles away from her home country of England, Anwen was a well educated lady.

Yet, she longed for adventure. A handful of years ago she was allowed to go visit her mother and brothers in England. She thought she would find herself in love with her birthplace. She found herself enjoying the culture of England but the general structure in her life was unchanged aside from the fact her mother would constantly criticize her every move.

Wherever she went Anwen constantly lived a sheltered life surrounded by people who carried no imagination or passion. Ladies her age only cared about their future husbands. While women who were already married were obsessed with carrying a male infant.

Anwen wanted more in her life, she wanted to travel, to see the world. She didn’t want to be tied down to a man and have her only duty to be giving as many offsprings as possible.

Anwen was just about to enter into her second decade on Earth and her mother was keen to get her married. Her father on the other hand cared less as he wanted his daughter to stay with him. But with her mother’s insistence, Anwen was currently courted by Commodore Bloxham. Bloxham was a well regarded Commodore in the Royal Navy with a prominent family in England. He is highly regarded for his skills and is the youngest Commodore in the Royal Navy.

Anwen didn’t mind Commodore Bloxham. They had less than a decade apart and he was a good looking man. High cheekbones, kind hazel eyes and a well built body to keep up with his work in the Royal Navy. An intellectual as well, the two had many things to talk about but Anwen was far from interested in marrying Commodore Bloxham. She had no desire to marry anyone at the moment. She knew once she married Bloxham she would be tied down to him and obligated to make his heirs. Something she she had no interest in.

Anwen heard Matilda’s footsteps coming up their grand staircase and Anwen sighed. She knew Matilda was purposely making noise as she went up the stairs to let Anwen know of her immediate arrival.

Rather than waiting for Matlida to call for her again, Anwen stood up from her chair and made her way out of her bedroom. Matilda smiled at the young lady, content that she did not have to knock on Anwen’s door again and pretended she had a task to do in the upstairs bedroom. While Anwen wearing a navy blue dress embroidered with lace and small pearls that was sent from her mother, made her way carefully made her way down to the party.

The corset of her dress was tight per the instructions of her mother, which made every step difficult. The guests she walked by all greeting her and commenting on her beautiful dress. She tried to get her father’s attention but he had a long line people wanting to talk to him. With no desire to talk to anyone, Anwen went outside to breathe the fresh air and made her way to their grandeur backyard.

As she stepped into the cool night breeze she felt someone staring at her. From the corner of her eye, she saw Commodore Bloxham. But who intrigued her more was a young man wearing a long blue coat with gold buttons making Anwen assume he was a Captain of a British ship. Compared to Bloxham, there was something comforting about him, he wasn’t staunch and analytical like Bloxham.

There was ease and almost a bit of playfulness in his eyes. She had never seen this man before which was generally uncommon for Anwen as she frequently visited the ship harbor to exercise her tireless legs.

Anwen gently furrowed her brows, her eyes still on the mystery man.

And then as if he felt her gaze, he stared right into her eyes. Despite the distance between the two she could feel his deep blue eyes right on her own blue eyes. She felt her cheeks with heat, she wanted to look away but there was something about him, something mysterious, something desirable that she couldn't stop.

Her gaze on him only interrupted by a guest who admired her dress.

“Argyle you say?”

“Indeed, the one and only,” Ramsey replied to the older merchant.

The old man eyed him from over top of glasses hung low on his nose. His fat rolls around his neck seemed to glisten with sweat from the only slightly noticeable heat. His long black coat and ruffles of his standing only making the merchant look all that more uncomfortable. “Is it true you left an entire crew hanging by their britches from a mast as you plundered their cargo?”

With a grand smirk, he shrugged, “was only three men actually, sir. And but an hour, no more. I am not a monster.”

The old man coughed wetly. “If you came here to cause trouble, I will be sure to turn you into the authorities.”

Ramsey’s eyes, of course, were constantly roaming. Not in short because he couldn’t help to see all the riches present at this party; but because he couldn’t help to let all know exactly who he was as well. An ego can be such a fragile thing. “I am no different than you, sir. I am just a simple trader. Well … maybe not simple, but us merchants must stick together, no?”

The bubbling man started to impress on the young pirate the misgivings of his assumptions, the duty of good honest men, and the ever vigilant eyes of God judging them. Yet the deaf ears it fell on were attached to the mind that was drawn to a vision across the way.

“Who is That?” Ramsey exclaimed.

The fat man blubbered from the interruption but couldn’t help but to look across to where the Pirate referenced. “Whomever do you mean?”

“There,” Ramsey stated while pointing. “The bird in the blue” The girl was elegant, beautiful, and seemed to utterly glow around the stuffy and sweaty dead that wandered through this dreadful party. Not only that, she was studded with wearing so many jewels that a weaker woman would be crushed under the weight.

The merchant huffed in disgust. “That, my boy, is one I highly recommend you avoid.”

Ramsey couldn’t contain his stare. She was stunning. She was radiant. She had a way of turning this place from a dreary piece of affluent society to one of grandeur and grace. Ramsey couldn’t tear his eyes away, there was so much about her that made him enamoured, engrossed, and excited.

The tight corset she wore likely had some influence on his desire as well.

“I warn you, boy, she is not of your kind.”

Ramsey waved his hand away, still staring at the girl. “Pish Posh, old man. Do you not respect that love could conquer all?”

“It is your own demise you will conquer. That is none other than Lady Norrington, daughter of the Governor himself.”

That moment the girl’s eyes found his. He didn’t for a moment look away, ashamed at his glare. As his smile grew, he could see her color change. A change that only embolden him to act. “Lady you say?” Ramsey practically sneered, and started towards the girl.

“Captain Argyle! She is of the highest regard, and but a child. It will be your head if you try to buggar such a pure thing.”

Turning around to face the old merchant. “I wouldn’t think to bugger the girl. And when you could choose so many other great words, my good friend. Introduce, yes. Converse, charm, amuse, of course. Entice, bewitch, tantalize, I am powerless not to. Captivate, court, engage, if she wished. But then of course … she chooses to be buggered, I must oblige.”

With a flourish, he spun and briskly parted the masses towards the woman. He had not known what he would say to her, but that hadn’t been a problem for Ramsey in the past. Why should that hold him back now.

Just as he nearly arrived at her side, he passed a man carrying two glasses of wine. Grabbing them from the stranger, her spun, approached the lady, and offered up his most charming of smiles. “Good evening, milady. I seemed to find myself with hands full of too much drink. I am wondering if could be so kind to take one from my possession, and perhaps join me in finishing such a refreshment?”

The man whom he stole the wine from furiously tapped Ramsey's shoulder in disgust. "Sir! I must beg your pardon."

Ramsey grinned devilishly without looking away from the girl. "Don't mind him, he's with the help."

From the corner of Anwen’s eyes she could see the mystery man she had just locked eyes with coming in her direction. She tried her best to look engrossed in the conversation with the plump middle aged lady who had just come by to admire her dress. Anwen barely paid attention to her name but she smiled and nodded her head. Nevertheless this interaction didn’t hold long as neither party were genuinely interested in the other.

Weary of meeting the mystery man’s eyes again, she once again searched for Commodore Bloxham. He met her eyes and she was sure he smiled at her, despite being caught in a group of stuffy old men all applauding Commodore Bloxham of his accomplishments. Commodore Bloxham seemed to be leaving the group but he stopped just as the moment Anwen was approached by the mystery man.

“Good evening, milady. I seemed to find myself with hands full of too much drink. I am wondering if could be so kind to take one from my possession, and perhaps join me in finishing such a refreshment?” Holding two glasses of wine, he offered one to Anwen.

Surprised, Anwen opened her mouth trying to respond but her eyes quickly studied the young man in front of him. He was well built but not buff and muscular. He looked dashing in the long blue coat which paired well with his blue eyes and the gold buttons shimmered in the night light. He exchanged some words with the server but Anwen barely paid attention as she tried to formulate a proper response for the mystery man in front of her.

“I…I guess so,” Anwen’s voice was weary at first but found its strength at the end. The young woman carefully studied the young man’s clothes again and she was sure that he was a captain of a British ship. But which one? She was almost certain that she had met every captain that frequented Port Royal.

As a lady she waited for the young man to introduce himself, holding the glass of wine, she kept her lips pressed. Naturally her eyes wandered over to see where Commodore Bloxham was, he was still standing with the middle aged men but there were now several young ladies attempting to garner his attention.

Anwen had no true desire to be in Bloxham’s company but seeing him with other women placed unease on the young woman. She glanced over back to the mystery man in front of her, her hand carefully holding the wine glass that her lips had not yet touched.

With all his brilliance and swagger, Ramsey still hadn’t been able to break through on the girl the way he hoped. Not only did it seem she dared not to laugh at his humor, his bravado only seemed to garner a simple ”I guess so. Not only that, but she seemed to be more interested in the fellow in the proper naval attire surrounded by powdered birds than Ramsey’s own handsomeness. Simply not the introduction he was hoping for.

It was time to turn up the charm a little more.

“My dear, I don’t think we have been properly introduced,” he said removing his hat with a flourish. “Although, I am sure you have heard of me, since so many in these parts have. I am none other than the renowned Captain Ramsey Argyle of the good ship IronWood and it’s faithful crew of hardy souls and sailors. Soon to be the so embraced around the Caribbean that they all shall crown me the Boy King of all the Merchants about. Surely you have heard of me, if not from those who sail these seas with me, but all of your lady friends whom have been so flustered by my magical brilliance.”

He took a long bow to finish the introduction, “yet I am nothing beside the glowing beauty that is you, miss. Thank the stars the winds sailed my humble ship to your shores, so I could have the chance to move my vessel into your port … or what have you.”

Anwen raised her brows, carefully listening to the young man in front of him. She found him handsome and attractive. He was a well built man but not overly muscular, his blue eyes contrasted with his sandy brown hair and sparkled in the night sky. His voice was pleasant, not too deep nor sounding too condescending.

Yet there was something that Anwen couldn’t pinpoint that made her…distrust him, possibly it was because he seemed to young to be wearing the coat of a captain. If Anwen had truly deciphered his age then the only way he had become captain of a British ship is through nepotism. Which granted is what fueled most career advancements but his boisterous attitude made her wonder that despite his titles and accomplishments perhaps his behavior was more alike to a child.

Anwen watched the man in front of him remove his hat with flair, to which if he had watched, she rolled her eyes.

“Although, I am sure you have heard of me, since so many in these parts have. I am none other than the renowned Captain Ramsey Argyle of the good ship IronWood and it’s faithful crew of hardy souls and sailors. Soon to be the so embraced around the Caribbean that they all shall crown me the Boy King of all the Merchants about. Surely you have heard of me, if not from those who sail these seas with me, but all of your lady friends whom have been so flustered by my magical brilliance.”

Anwen pretended to listen carefully at first when the man in front of her spoke. Despite the physical attraction she felt when she first saw him she held no real interest in him until he said his name.

Captain Ramsey Argyle

It was a name Anwen had heard before. She went through her memories, trying to pinpoint where this recollection came from...

The Boy King

Another recollection rang in her brain and Anwen tried to connect Captain Argyle to the Boy King but there was a haze around both that disallowed her to make the connection.

Captain Ramsey Argyle had finished his introduction and was intently looking at Anwen to respond, but her ears were only now holding onto his last words,

but all of your lady friends whom have been so flustered by my magical brilliance

Even for a lady well educated in manners, Anwen couldn't help but roll her eyes and give him an uninterested sigh.

"It seems my lady friends have not yet had the honor of being flustered by your magical brilliance," her words were sharp but her tone was mild as she attempted to hide her condescending attitude.

Anwen pressed her lips thinking about the next words she wanted to say to him. Holding the glass of wine carefully in her hand she gently swirled the translucent mixture, as if trying to find an answer at the bottom of the wine glass. She then looked into Captain Argyle's attire and into his eyes.

The Boy King

It finally clicked for Anwen. She had heard that name before from conversations she overheard at the port and with the people that came to visit her father.

He's a pirate

Her instinct was to shout and scream that a pirate, a well known notorious pirate had infiltrated a party thrown by the Royal Governor of Port Royal. He was on the most wanted list and would, with no hesitation be sentenced to death. Unsure of what her next move should be, Anwen took a sip of her wine in an attempt to both delay her response and make sure she does not do anything rash.

As she felt the alcohol gently burn the back of her throat, a rather interesting thought came to her mind.

Why would a well known pirate come to a dance where he would be arrested and sentenced to death? Anwen had decided that the man in front of her only gave her this speech about being the Boy King because he wanted to impress her. This disappointed Anwen as he was genuinely good looking and seemed good company, but she had no desire to be in the presence of an imposter.

"Well, its an honor to meet you Captain Argyle," Anwen said his name loudly and carefully. She then whispered very carefully so only he would hear his next words, "If that is who you really are," she furrowed her brows and rolled her eyes again.

"I don't know what game you're playing here, but I know thats not your real name. So if you please, leave the premises on your own will or else I will have you escorted out," her words were blunt but she kept a perfect and calm demeanor on her face as she didn't want to arouse suspicion. Anwen was sure that the man in front of her had just arrived from Britain and as a prank decided to come to the governor's dance as a means for him to brag to his friends.

Common it can be when the days and weeks go by where a ship will sail without seeing the passage of another. Far less frequent that is around the Caribbean, but when doing a grand crossing it could be a fortnight before one could hint at anything but the blowhole of a whale over the long stretching waters. What makes a good merchant is that when one sees a fellow boat that is trying to make distance, the merchant diverts as well. Either you are perceived as a threat, or you are heading to the threat. Either way, when one avoids you, you avoid as well.

What makes a good pirate is that when one tries to make distance on him, he takes on the chase.

He tried to sound indignant, but put on a show of it by slapping his hand against his chest. “I am wounded, I am pained. I’ve been called villain, repugnant, and once even disgusting. But never … and I do mean never been told such an offense like that to suggest that I am not my own self!”

With a smirk his tone changed, trying now to turn the tables and win the charms. “I would forgive you for such travesty, though, because clearly you are cloistered so well in this castle.” He waved his hands as he spoke, careful not to spill the glass of wine, but only holding the liquid just inside the glass with his skillful movements. “I did understand you are the governor's daughter, are you not, my sweet? And the great broods of guards who protect these walls are there as well to protect you delicate and chaste; far from the dirty and start creatures I spend all my time with. Not unless they brought one of my wanted posters in would you recognize my mug.” He stopped in that instant as if in a change of thought, and rubbed his face slowly. “Though they really didn’t catch my likeness well, too big with my nose … not that it’s small in anyway, I have had not complaints.”

By this time he had noticed that there were occasional glances over to the a group of British sailors. The real thing. Likely not ones to be messed with either. If there was a portion of her that was disinterested in him, it was turned to an interest in one fellow in the bunch. He should bring up his guard, should protect himself from what that may cause, but his mouth had other plans.

“So … who’s that wanker in the uniform?”

Anwen raised and furrowed her eyebrows, watching the man who claimed to be a notorious pirate animatedly talk to her. Her skepticism about his identity remained especially as she couldn’t think of a reason why a wanted man would willingly walk into a house filled with soldiers.

Anwen rolled her eyes as the supposed pirate continued speaking. Although she had to admit, unlike the other guests, he kept her entertained and to a girl uninterested in the party, wanting adventure from her monotone life, the words the mystery guest spoke of, struck a cord in the young lady.

She tried to think if she could recall one of The Boy King’s wanted poster, but her mind was blank and what was able to recall had features nothing like the strikingly handsome man in front of her. She had to stop herself from giggling though when he mentioned about his nose. There was something quite personable about the man in front of her.

The supposed Captain Argyle had noticed Anwen looking in Commodore Bloxham’s direction and when he asked her about him, her face turned beet red. She was embarrassed that someone had noticed her curious glances at the Commodore.

Anwen glanced at the liquid in her wine glass, she thought about taking a sip of the fermented grape juice in the name of liquid courage to continue her confrontation with the assumed imposter but instead, she just swirled the wine glass in her carefully kept fingers.

Anwen smirked, attempting to sound more confident and uninterested that she really was, “He’s someone who would arrest you in a second…if you truly are who you said you are…” Anwen said with furrowed eyes.

The two held each other’s gazes, both of their blue eyes looking only at the other. Anwen never put much thought into eye color, but at that moment as she stared into Ramsey’s eyes she couldn’t help but blush. There was something both dangerous and electric about him. Anwen’s stomach turned as she realized she was hooked on him, but that was the last thing she wanted him to know.

Anwen bit the inside of her cheeks as she regained her composure, taking a long sip of her wine, finishing the remnants of it in one big gulp. “As I was saying, he’s a Commodore. From the attire you are wearing,” Anwen referring to Ramsey’s British captain outfit, “…you should know him. He’s also the man currently courting me. As you said, I’m the Governor’s daughter. Nothing less than a Commodore interest me.” Anwen said a bit sternly, her words mere lies about how she truly felt. But she wanted him to know that she was not interested in Ramsey, or at least…she wanted to hide her interest in him not just so he knew but also for her…

Anwen thought about taking a step away from Ramsey and walking away from him, but something kept her right in front of him. She had to know, she was curious, she needed to know…was he really the Boy King?

Attempting to act neutral and cold as she could Anwen opened her lips again, “Do you have proof you are who you say you are? As you said I live in protected walls…” Anwen looked up and looked around the Governor’s mansion. She had come to see the property similar to a prison. Although she was allowed to leave the mansion from time to time, the majority of her time spent was inside, surrounded by marble pillars.

“My delicate and chaste upbringing and nature makes me…naive…” Anwen said sarcastically as she teasingly flattered her eyelashes. She said her words mockingly, but as she said them, she realized how true they were and they burned her mind.

“So, unless you want me to go over to my future fiancé over there and let him know we have an unwanted guest,” Anwen said as she glanced at Commodore Bloxham. “Give me proof that you say who you are…” This time Anwen’s voice was far from any sarcasm and although quiet so only the two heard their conversation her words echoed in Ramsey’s ears.

The lady was fetching. Maybe even intoxicating. Maybe not so intoxicating than the wine they drank, but enough that his interest continued. In all her attempts to be aloof, the hard exterior was now beginning to show some cracks. The way she chuckled at his words. The way she turned more attention to him as his demands grew louder.

The way her cheeks flushed, drawing out that rosy pink color that only seemed to make her golden locks twinkle in the in lamp light of the ballroom. The way her full lips upturned, wet with wine and playfulness. The way her eyes seemed to try to hide her interest in him, but couldn’t hide that the intrigue was real.

Intoxicating. Surely intoxicating.

Yet, there lie the challenge she set forth. Prove himself as … well, himself.

“Proof?” he balked. “Do you ask a baker to prove he can make a loaf of bread? Do you ask your mother to prove she bore you from her own womb? When you grace the presence of the King himself, do you wish him to present the Royal Jewels for inspection …” he stopped with a smirk and raised a hand. “Don’t answer that, milady, because I am sure the King would present his Royal Jewels to you if you asked.”

He thought maybe the best chance he had was a change in subject. Of course, she already brought such a thing to his attention, so he just slipped along with that as he let the story move on.

“But enough about your interest in the King, let’s talk about your suitor.” Ramsey emphasized the last word, raising his voice to a higher pitch and cheekily giving a long lovelorn sigh like he himself was crushing on what is now become his rival for the lady’s interests.

“Now, I can see how a wet eared blimey would want to pursue a delicate flower like yourself. You are, without any doubt, the most ravishing thing in the Caribbean, and every man to sail across the sea would want nothing but watch you step down an aisle to agree to become his wife … or at least to pretend to it is your wedding night at least. But surely, there must be something about him that makes you choose him over someone much more adventurous, witty, dashing, and I do dare say handsome …” he brushed his own hand across his clean shaven face and charming smile, only to emphasize that the only person he intended to describe was himself.

“Tell me then, why did you choose the Commodore, milady? Surely not for this unappealing looks or his lack of attention to you like he does this night. There must be something that caught your eye, wasn’t it.” He grinned and tilted his head inquisitively. “Did he read you the poetry that is the British Navy Regulations book? Did he dazzle you with his profound knowledge of maps? Maybe he gave a gift of sand, taken from some remote beach in … I don’t know … Canada. You say he is nothing more than your future fiancé … was he so bold to announce to you in a whirlwind of surprise his intentions to intend to be yours that it made your innocent heart a flutter?”

Almost in mid breathe, he stopped, his eyes shot open wide, and let out a large gasp. “That’s It!” He exclaimed. “I see your game, my sweet sweet lady. You wish me to get myself arrested, don’t you? No other way to prove myself than to allow your little sailor boy throw me into stocks until I am hanged. You found me so repugnant to have me ended, and allow your bland lover the pride that he save your chastity for himself.” He shook his head slowly, feigning his disappointment. “And here I was, just moments myself from proclaiming my intentions to intend to be yours as well.”

Anwen raised her manicured brows and carefully scrutinized the words falling from the man's mouth. She was still unsure of how she exactly felt about the man claiming to be the notorious Boy King.*

Her image of pirates were dirty men who preyed on the weak and used violence and trickery to steal from others. Men who only looked for women with loose morals as they only desired a women's company for the night. Uneducated men who are too lazy to get a proper job and henceforth undergo the unseemly life of a pirate. The man in front of her didn't fit her image of a pirate. He was dressed well albeit he’s wearing the jacket of a British Navy captain and thus giving the illusion of holding a proper station in life. There was something mysterious, something so unfamiliar, unexpected from her interaction with the man in front of her…the supposed Captain Ramsey that kept her pulled to him.

Anwen cocked her head to the side when Ramsey balked about her asking to give him proof regarding his declaration that he is indeed Captain Ramsey or otherwise known as the Boy King. She had heard stories about him, that he had killed his first Dutchman at the age of 5. The thought of killing someone always disturbed Anwen and her continued interaction with the man in front of her seemed odd, out of her nature, out of her usual routine to talking with people all wanting tell her praises about her father in hopes to get on the good side of the Governor through his daughter.

“But you know a baker baked the bread because you have the bread…” Anwen said trying to string her words together and make a point. “And you know your mother is your mother because you resemble her…” An image of her mother appeared in Anwen’s mind. There are several portraits of her mother in their mansion, she always looked as though something was not right, her lips always pursed and wearing the best jewels money can buy. Anwen always assumed her mother was judging her, questioning every single one of Anwen’s movements whenever she looked at her mother’s portraits.

“And you know the King is the King because of his…” Anwen cocked her head to the side again as she tried to make sense of what Ramsey was trying to say. All her mind was thinking of was refuting his statements.

When Ramsey changed the subject to Commodore Bloxham, Anwen’s lips pursed as she sighed loudly. She now regretted mentioning him as a part of her did not want Commodore Bloxham involved in her relationship with Ramsey. Granted she knew very well that with one word to Commodore Bloxham that Ramsey is notorious Boy King that he would be sent away for good.

Anwen rolled her eyes and sighed loudly again when Ramsey praised her looks. This wasn’t the first time a man had tried to win her over with his description about her beauty. She knew very well that she’s blessed with good genes and as the Governor’s daughter, desirable for any man traveling the high seas.

She glared at Ramsey when he mentioned the word, “wedding night”. Now that she was being formally courted by Commodore Bloxham she was starting to become ever more curious about the interaction a woman and a man have in the bedroom. Being the stereotypical high born woman, Anwen was still a virgin who had never been yet properly kissed.

Despite her chastity, Anwen was curious about sex and whenever she visited the ports her eyes always roamed around to look for the women well known to sleep with men, especially pirates for money. With her upbringing, her initial reaction was to be disgusted with these “immoral women” but there was something intriguing, so different from her world that made her curious about the life of a wench. These women always dressed nicely, had the attention of men and always seemed to be in smiles. She very much preferred her life over the life of a prostitute, but she could never deny that she wondered what happened with a pirate and a wench behind closed doors.

“But surely, there must be something about him that makes you choose him over someone much more adventurous, witty, dashing, and I do dare say handsome…”

Anwen couldn’t help but smile when Ramsey started talking about himself. Her mind did question for a moment why she had chosen Commodore Bloxham…

The man in front of her, claiming to be the Boy King was just as or perhaps even more handsome than Commodore Bloxham. Ramsey also kept Anwen engaged, even if much of what he said made her eyes roll. And every so often Ramsey made her smile…something Commodore Bloxham had not yet accomplished.

As Ramsey kept questioning why she chose Commodore Bloxham and not any other man who wished for her hand in marriage, she glanced over at Commodore Bloxham and started to second guess why she agreed to be courted by him.

He had never read her poetry as Ramsey asked.

Anwen had asked him about what life was like being a Commodore in the English Navy as a way to get to know him better…but his responses tended to be one word answers with very little description.

He had given her gifts, flowers and pretty jewels. Things that she was already surrounded by.

And no, he wasn’t bold when it came to his affection. Although it was well known in the Port Royal community that Anwen was being courted by Commodore Bloxham that was only because her father made sure every person he talked to knew about it as he was getting tired about the constant requests to court his only daughter.

“You found me so repugnant to have me ended, and allow your bland lover the pride that he save your chastity for himself”

As Ramsey spoke these words, before Anwen could fully comprehend what her lips were saying they began to move and her voice came out,
“No, thats not it.” Anwnen wondered what part of Ramsey’s words she intended to contradict.

Was it the part that she found him repugnant?

Or was it the part that she found Commodore Bloxham bland?

Anwen never clarified but she bit her lips as Ramsey slowly shook his head and said,
“And here I was, just moments myself from proclaiming my intentions to intend to be yours as well”

Anwen carefully studied the man in front of her, both of their sparkling blue eyes intently looking at one another she knew she should look away but something kept her eyes locked on his. Words started brewing in her head but she waited to speak till she could think of the appropriate words to say.

“You have only just met me, what makes you want to be mine?”

These words weren’t the exact words she had wanted to say, but the last words Ramsey said to her intrigued Anwen and she wanted to know more.

“As you said, I am the most ravishing thing in the Caribbean. I have had many men, ask for my father’s permission to court me…what makes you ever think that I would take your words seriously? Especially if you proclaim to be the man you are…” Anwen had a sparkle in her eyes, she knew very well that she was acting in a manner her mother would disapprove in and it excited her adventure craving nature.

“If my father ever found out that I was conversing with you, he would not only have Commodore Bloxham take you into custody, but he would make sure that you face the maximum punishment of whatever crimes you have committed. If you are as smart as I’m assuming a notorious pirate has to be, I would be the last person you would speak to and especially tell that you’re The Boy King.” Anwen said her last words in a whisper so only the two could hear.

“And anyways, I refuse to believe you are the man you say you are,” Anwen stopped for a moment as she took a breath, “till you give me some proof. For if you truly are Captain Ramsey Argyle of the IronWood” Anwen let him know that she knew more about him than she cared to admit, “then you wouldn’t be careless enough to ever walk in to the Governor’s mansion and tell the Governor’s daughter who you are without…” Anwen struggled to finish her sentence and from the corner of her eyes she glanced at her father and then at Commodore Bloxham.

“Without a reason…why on Earth would you tell me that you’re The Boy King?” Anwen said in a genuine matter, her head cocked to the side again as she posed Ramsey a question in hopes to quench her curiosity in the man in front of her.

Ramsey could watch this girl talk until the the sun breaks over the sea. Quite unexpectedly, she replied with a more grounded set of concerns, more direct rebuttal. She was not some cloistered maiden whom knew only of the finer things, but she could hold the argument with him as good as any strong willed woman. Even if most the strong willed women Ramsay knew used far more curse words, and held far fewer teeth. But that was the point as well. It wasn’t just the words she spoke, the rest of her made such a defense a treat. From her soft eyes, her smooth cheeks, her supple lips, to the way the light evening air blowing through the room toyed with her hair; she could challenge him so intelligently like she was for all of time. Watching reject his advances was unbelievably fetching.

Of course, if she did so naked it would be that much more fetching. But, alas.

She completed with a question, a grand question indeed, one that if Ramsey was keen would make him consider the answer for quite some time. But, alas.

“Why on Earth would any pirate do anything, my sweet lady? Because it can be done.”

He grabbed a glass of wine off of a tray from a passing waiter and took a quick swig before narrowing the distance between he and the object of his affection. “I will let you know a secret,” he spoke quieter with the sweetness of the drink on his breath. “I learned the secret to being a great pirate by accident. As a cabin boy I was foolhearty and witlessly threw myself into a fight. I won the battle but it was seeing my fellow crew mates lift me up for the foolishness that made me so educated. Bravery, milady. That is the the real jewel of the high seas. Without bravery, no man can ever be rich. Bravery is all I know. All I know is that if we do not try to seize a passing ship, we will never seize that ship. All I know is if we do not try to run a naval blockade, we will never run that blockade. Careful steps and common concern, that is the life for a tailor. Plans and practice, leave that to the farmer. But bravery … aye, milady, that is the life of a pirate. That is what I show you to prove who I am.”

He moved even closer, nearly at a whisper now, and so close that they were nearly intimate without touching.

“Don’t ask me about what I think of your father or your suitor or of the gallows or any of the other men. Thinking about such things is what tailors or farmers … or Commodores do. Ask me to be honest and I will tell you all, starting with how beautiful you are. Ask me to show you want it is to be brave and I will show you.”

He could hear some rumbling behind him, no doubt someone becoming uncomfortable with how close he was to the Governor's daughter; but a pirate was nothing if he wasn’t brave.

“All I know is that if I do not try to win your heart, then I will never win it.”

Anwen felt the gaze of a passerby as she continued her conversation with Ramsey. Her father was still occupied with the guests wanting some face time with the Royal Governor of Port Royal. But she knew that people were starting as they became curious about her ongoing conversation with the man in front of her. As the governor’s daughter everyone in Port Royal kept their eye on Anwen and especially on the people who kept her company. Everyone wanted to be in the inner circle of the Norrington family and many tried by attempting to garner favor with Anwen.

Anwen pressed her lips, her eyes on Ramsey and then her surroundings. Anwen considered walking away from Ramsey, but whenever he would open his lips and words left his lips she was drawn back to him and then when she gazed in his blue eyes there was a hold he kept her in.

“Why on Earth would any pirate do anything, my sweet lady? Because it can be done.”

Anwen couldn’t help herself but smirk at his response. It wasn’t a response she liked nor did it quench her curiosity, but it was a playful and teasing response, something she was not accustomed to and made her smile. Anwen had to admit, she likes the brazen, carefree attitude Ramsey carried. He was perhaps foolish, but he was brave and a man who took chances. Something she craved all her life.

Yet she quickly tried to hide the smile as she did not want the man in front of her to think that she could easily be swayed with words. She was still very curious, somewhat uncomfortable as to why he told her he was a notorious pirate, a man who surely would be sentenced to death for his past crimes.

Why would he come to a place crawling with officers, men who would place Ramsey in handcuffs in a matter of seconds if they knew of his presence…

Anwen watched as Ramsey picked up another glass of wine. The server offered one to Anwen but she gently shook her head and just placed her empty wine glass on the tray. She didn’t realize how holding onto the wine glass steadied her as it allowed her anxious hands to hold onto something. Anwen pressed her plush red stained lips together as she glanced back at Ramsey who opened his mouth again to speak.

Not only did Ramsey open his mouth he also took another step toward Anwen, leaving very minimal room between the two. In any other circumstance Anwen would have taken a step back, kept distance away from such an obtrusive guest. But she didn’t move and she allowed to be wrapped in Ramsey’s words.

“I learned the secret to being a great pirate by accident. As a cabin boy I was foolhearty and witlessly threw myself into a fight. I won the battle but it was seeing my fellow crew mates lift me up for the foolishness that made me so educated.”

Anwen didn’t expect Ramsey to talk in depth about his history that it almost startled the young lady. Her innocence wanted to believe every word Captain Ramsey said but her suspicions made her wary of his words. She still did not believe that the man in front of her is indeed the Captain Ramsey Argyle. No man especially a wanted man would be foolish enough to attempt to infiltrate a gathering at the Royal Governor’s mansion, or so Anwen thought.

“Bravery, milady. That is the the real jewel of the high seas. Without bravery, no man can ever be rich. Bravery is all I know.”

Ramsey’s words vibrated loudly in her ears as for a moment she released his gaze on him. But she quickly met his blue piercing eyes again and she knew she was in trouble…she was finally officially caught in his web of intrigue. The words “bravery” left Ramsey’s tongue in such a subtle yet seductive manner. They drew her to Ramsey.

It wasn’t as though she didn’t think that Commodore Bloxham wasn't a brave man. Anwen knew Commodore Bloxham was a man of honor and bravery. He held the title of commodore in the English navy.

Yet…Commodore Bloxham’s image of bravery, how Anwen viewed Commodore Bloxham didn’t arouse her or excite her at all. It would be a lie to say that Anwen held no attraction to Commodore Bloxham as she did agree to their courtship and subsequently their assumed engagement and wedding. Commodore Bloxham is a handsome man and Anwen saw a comfortable and prosperous life with him. But she knew it would never be anything close to as exciting and intriguing as she felt being in Ramsey’s presence.

“Careful steps and common concern, that is the life for a tailor. Plans and practice, leave that to the farmer. But bravery … aye, milady, that is the life of a pirate. That is what I show you to prove who I am”.

Anwen smirked again as Ramsey finished his sentence. She never viewed pirates as being brave. Instead she viewed them as scoundrels, law-breaking menaces who only brought terror to the sea and land, men who needed to be punished to the highest extent of the law. But, now with Ramsey’s words Anwen was slowly viewing pirates in a different manner. Nevertheless she still couldn’t believe that the man in front of her is an actual pirate. Dressed in a navy uniform, well groomed and able to carry a conversation without saying ‘argh’, the man in front of her was nowhere near Anwen’s image of a pirate.

He can’t really be Captain Ramsey Argyle.

Ramsey then took another step closer, making the people who weren't already looking at Anwen turn their heads and study the Royal Governor’s daughter with this mystery British Royal Navy Captain. Anwen held her breath as she felt the warmth of Anwen’s breath trace her body.

“Don’t ask me about what I think of your father or your suitor or of the gallows or any of the other men. Thinking about such things is what tailors or farmers … or Commodores do. Ask me to be honest and I will tell you all, starting with how beautiful you are.”

Anwen fidgeted with the sapphire ring on her middle finger on her left hand and looked at how it sparkled in the night light. It wasn't odd for the opposite sex to comment on her beauty but she felt her cheeks fill with heat and turn ruby red as Ramsey spoke. She finally met Ramsey’s gaze just as he started to say,

“Ask me to show you want it is to be brave and I will show you.”

Anwen’s mind raced as she tried to think of a witty yet playful comeback, but her mind stopped and could only look at Ramsey and take in his presence as he said,


“All I know is that if I do not try to win your heart, then I will never win it.”

Anwen locked eyes with Ramsey’s piercing blue eyes as he spoke and she felt her lips quiver. Perhaps it was the wine she had on an empty stomach, or perhaps it was the corset that was pinching her waist, or perhaps it was her attraction to Ramsey, but at that moment all Anwen wanted to do was to take Ramsey’s hand and run with him, escape from the pillar walls of the Governor’s mansion. She was sure that if she didn’t then she would never get the chance ever again to be in the company of such an intriguing and seductive man.
But before Anwen could say anything and react to the words Ramsey had just spoke, Commodore Bloxham approached the duo.

It seemed that Ramsey noticed the tall and imposing man prior to Anwen and she quickly met Commodore Bloxham’s gaze as he cleared his throat, announcing his presence.

“My dear Lady Norrington,” Bloxham said with authority in his voice. He raised his hand as if he was about to embrace her by putting his arms around her, showing Ramsey as well as everyone at the party his intentions to marry Anwen. Yet, he stopped himself as he did not find it appropriate to show any public display of affection and the duo at most had only embraced each other when they took part in the social act of dancing.

Anwen quickly took a step back from Ramsey as her eyes reached to Bloxham. She felt as though she had been caught in doing something illicit and pressed her lips together, unsure of how to explain her current situation.

“Would you care to introduce this man to me, my dear?” Commodore Bloxham continued as he furrowed his brows, scrutinizing and studying the man in front of him. As a Commodore of the Royal British Navy he was sure he knew every Captain of the Royal British Navy that arrived at Port Royal, but this man in front of him was not someone he recognized.

Anwen opened her lips and trying to find her voice. Her mind spun as she attempted to string a sentence together. If she wanted to out the notorious pirate, the Boy King she had her chance. All she needed to do was let her vocal cords vibrate the words, but she hesitated.

She felt her earlier desire to run, to leave the party with Ramsey flutter but her lips refused to tell the Commodore, the man she intended to marry what could be his most notable arrest…

Do the blimeys not know when they are not wanted?

Throughout all of history, they act as they they can invade and take over. So many of those times, they do so without regard to those who have already found a good home. Do they not realize that one has already planted a flag in solid groud … well, maybe not planted the flag directly, but the ground is softened enough that it could be planted (over and over again).

Oh boy did Ramsey ever have her too. As much as she tried to hide it, he could see the see that glimmer in her eye, that quiver in her lip, that catch of her breath. One more glass of wine, one more silky smooth suggestion, and he would have her snuck into the closet where his fingers could be dancing amongst her well protected wetlands.

Yet the beefeater was here, and didn’t have an idea that he was not at all wanted.

“Would you care to introduce this man to me, my dear?” The heavy breathing englishman at his shoulder said.

Ramsey let out a long, very animated sigh. He dipped his head to the side, looked overly forlorn, and dropped his shoulders. He shifted his feet, so his full body turned to the Commodore, and offered his hand. He moved like an actor trying to play a depondant child from a stage grander than all of Atlantis.

The finally he spoke to the Commodore is a fast, staccato approach washing over the man with his words: “May I be so bold to suggest the poor girl need not spend such of her generous time to skip beyond what would be common decency … at least in the free Americas, mind you … to offer himself to be introduced directly. In long awaited societal approaches from outside of the great sea, if one needs to want to know a someone, they do so ask that someone direct; but then again I fully understand if you feel there is a need that such a beautiful creature whom has the voice of a songbird you will take every chance to hear it - but then again let me be the first to speak.”

The Commodore raised an eyebrow.

Ramsey took it the blimey was confused. “Shorter sentences maybe,” he teased.

The Commodore opened his mouth to speak, but Ramsay interrupted.

“Captain Ramsey Argyle, the newest man to Port Royal to court the lovely Lady Norrington.”

The Commodore furled his brow and huffed, “Court? The Lady?”

“Yes the Lady, unless ,” he took a double take between the man and the girl as if shocked. “You don’t believe that I am here to court you, do I? That is … I understand the rumors of the King’s Navy are quite true but …”

“The Lady,” the Commodore grunted angrily. “Mind yourself sir or I will have to....”

Ramsey broke the man’s speech again with a smile and an open hand “Ohh, of course, you are the one the Lady spoke of. The one that intends to intend to be her bride. Or … she your husband … whatever you English call it.”

“Sir,” the Englishman asserted. “You will show respect when the lady is near.” His raised voice now seemed to draw attention of the others in the room, and the group that seemed to hover with the Commodore were now moving to fall in beside him. “Now, if you are not proper than I shall have you removed from this place.”

“Oh, beg your pardon sir,” Ramsey smirked lowering to a slight bow, “but I have already introduced myself by name, should not you do as well?”

He again knitted his brow confused, showing how Ramsey’s introduction washed over his consciousness before an understanding of the pirate reached him. Instead the uniformed sailor stood tall, clicked his heels and bowed slightly. “I am of the Royal Navy, Captain of the HMS Gateshead, Protectant of the Port Royal waters, Commodore Lesley William Bloxham; and you shall respect me as such, sir.”

With a raised eyebrow, he looked at Anwen and asked, “You’re suitor’s name is Lesley?”

Ignoring Ramsey’s comment, Bloxham continued. “And I wish to know where you have taken your garb, as it clearly is outside of the uniform code.”

Ramsey looked down at his coat and smiled, “I am quite proud of it, of my own design, as it is respective of my rank as well, do you not think?”

“Rank?”

With an animated sigh, he dropped his shoulders. “I do hate repeating myself, but since you are so kind in asking ....” Ramsey stood tall, mimicking the Commodore’s move to attention, except he clicked his heels twice. “I am of the Free Navy, Captain of the good ship IronWood, Protectant of my own arse and the arses of my men, and the newest resident of Lady Norrington’s heart, Captain Ramsey Argyle.

The mention of Anwen made the Commodore’s face grow red again. “The Lady … is Spoken for.”

Ramsey smirk, “he who speaks first isn’t always he who speaks best.”

One of the other sailors standing next to the Commodore leaned in and spoke quietly. “Argyle. He is the one wanted in Barbados for Buggery.”

Ramsey eyes grew wide. “I’d never!” Leaning slightly to Anwen he said only loud enough for the ensemble to hear. “I promise you miss, it is just a misprint. It should have said burglary. Besides, the lady who made the claim meant nothing to me.”

“You are a Pirate,” the Commodore stated.

So there they stood - now all aware of the situation - now all aware of what is likely to come. The only saving grace Ramsey had was they all stood waiting for his response. So he took a quick turn to the lady and gave a quick nod. “Till we meet again, milady.”

And the chase was on.

Ramsey rushed deep into the crowd. His size made him quick and agile, which in a room full of sweaty merchants and nobility made for easy escape. He lept over chairs, slid under tables, spun around banisters. He toyed with the pursuing soldiers, yelling and screaming for his arrest. He would hide behind fat old women in heavy dresses, causing the english pursuers to rudely push the ladies aside. He danced about the ballroom floor, sometimes skipping around the sailors in tune to the band that kept on playing. As sure as he was that he will ultimately leave the ball untouched, was as brave he was to torture the angry men of this place. All the while watching for Anwen, to see how amused he could make her, to see how much he could tantalize her hopes with him.

Finally, the room filled with the hired guards. Most stood by the exits blocking the route. Ramsey starting to feel the threat grow spotted the one he recognized from his entry over the wall. In his hand held Ramsey’s beloved sword, but still sheathed as if ready to return to it’s owner. Ramsey charged the man, standing alone at an open window and just before he leaped at him, Ramsey shouted “Make It Look Good” and the two tumbled together outside. Lying on the ground, he handed the guard another gold coin, the guard handed him his sword, and it was off.

Waiting on the other side of the wall was two of his men, sharing a cigar and a bottle of rum.

“How’d it go Captain,” one asked.

The other asked, “Find where they keep the jewels?”

Grabbing the bottle from them and taking a winded swig. “For the love of Neptune, I knew I forgot to do something.”

One of the other pirates and shrugged. “I guess you have to go back then.”

Anwen watched as Ramsey introduced himself to Commodore Bloxham. Anwen was intrigued in their interaction as it was obvious that Commodore Bloxham was agitated by Ramsey’s presence. From what Anwen knew of Commodore Bloxham, there was not much that made the Commodore at unease.

Anwen could have never guessed the words to leave Ramsey’s lips.

“Captain Ramsey Argyle, the newest man to Port Royal to court the lovely Lady Norrington.”

Anwen’s eyes grew large, she wanted to refute Ramsey’s statement but Bloxham spoke on her behalf. Ramsey proved to be a far more intriguing man than Anwen ever expected.

Anwen watched at Ramsey and Bloxham continued their back and forth with one another. It was obvious that Bloxham had little patience with Ramsey and wanted nothing to do with Ramsey. While Ramsey himself was enjoying the little back and forth with the English captain.

It wasn’t until Ramsey started saying these words, Anwen started to wonder where Ramsey was attempting to go with his words.

“I do hate repeating myself, but since you are so kind in asking …I am of the Free Navy, Captain of the good ship IronWood, Protectant of my own arse and the arses of my men, and the newest resident of Lady Norrington’s heart, Captain Ramsey Argyle.”

Anwen had to hide a smirk when Ramsey said his last words.

Surprisingly it angered Anwen when she heard Bloxham say, “The Lady … is Spoken for.”
The way Bloxham said it in a strong and boisterous manner made Anwen wanted to counter that statement. Indeed she had agreed to their courtship but Ramsey was proving to be an intriguing man, a man she had never met before, a man that actually made her smile.

Anwen gasped and her eyes grew large when Bloxham finally said, “You are a Pirate.”
Anwen glanced at Ramsey and then at Bloxham. For a moment Anwen thought about taking Ramsey’s hand and running out of the governor’s mansion together, but everything happened so fast.

Anwen did make sure to smile at Ramsey when he made a quick turn and gave a quick nod to her, “Till we meet again, milady.”

Anwen watched as Ramsey skillfully made his was past the crowds. Bloxham quickly rallied his men and tried to catch the Pirate, but it was evident that this was not the first time Ramsey had crashed a party and made it out safely. Anwen stood back and continued to watch Ramsey.

So he really was who he said… Anwen smiled to herself. It had been sometime since Anwen had some jolt in her life and she was quite happy with Ramsey’s appearance in her mundane life.

After the fiasco with Ramsey occurred, the party resumed as normal despite Commodore Bonham trying to tell Anwen’s father to close the party. The Governor wouldn’t hear of it and the party went on, but Commodore Bloxham went to go take care of the security of the mansion and left Anwen alone.

The night ended with Anwen making small talk to the men and women only wanting to talk about the supposed intruder and if Anwen talked to him. Anwen made little comments here and there but she said very little about her interaction with Ramsey.

Ramsey stayed on Anwen’s mind for the next several days. Her father with Commodore Bloxham’s insistence tightened the security on the Governor’s mansion along with the security on the whole island. Bloxham was on a mission to get Ramsey. Anwen longed to see Ramsey again and she made it a habit to take a walk to the port and spend some time in the harbor but whenever Bloxham’s men would spot her they urged her to return back to the safety of the Governor’s mansion.

It had been a week or so since Ramsey crashed the Governor’s dinner. Night had already fallen and Anwen was getting prepared for bed. The moon was full and brightly lit up the night sky. From Anwen’s window she could see the reflection of the moon on the now dark sea. Anwen’s golden hair was braided to keep it in place as she slept. A golden cross laid on her chest as a thick white laced nightgown was wrapped around her body. A pair of French windows rested in Anwen’s bedroom and she had the windows open, allowing the sound of the waves crashing onto the rocks to fill her bedroom. But when her maid, Matilda came into her room she hurriedly closed the windows with furrowed brows.

“Lady Norrington, you must keep your windows closed,” Matilda’s voice was strained and coarse as she attempted to hold back from scolding Anwen.

Anwen sighed loudly, “But I like hearing the waves crash as I go to sleep,” Anwen added as she rolled her eyes.

“And that is how pirates make their way inside the residence,” Matilda said with a heavy sigh, unable to understand why Anwen couldn’t just behave and listen to the precautions ordered by her father.

“He wasn’t actually that bad…” Anwen muttered under her breath as she looked out her window, wondering at the moment what Ramsey was up to.

Matilda had heard what Anwen said under her breath but she pretended to have not heard it as she didn’t want to argue with Anwen.

“Come along now Lady Norrington, you have a long day waiting for you tomorrow,” Matilda said as she turned down Anwen’s bed and peeled the heavy duvet and blankets of Anwen’s bed allowing her to crawl into bed easily.

Anwen sighed as she walked towards her bed. She wanted to stay up longer and watch the ocean from her window but she didn’t have the energy to counter Matlida. Anyways, she had perfected the art of crawling out of her bed despite the creaky floorboards in her room.

Matilda smiled at Anwen and Anwen reciprocated. Matilda was the closest thing to a maternal figure in her life. With her father being her only relative on the island, Anwen grew up with Matilda being the closed thing to a mother despite their class differences.

Anwen climbed into her bed and Matilda tucked her in. “Good night Lady Norrington and although I know you want the curtains opened, I must insist to close it.”

Giving no verbal response Anwen sighed loudly as she rolled her eyes and laid in bed on her side so she could face her window. She watched as the moon hid behind her heavy curtains. Matilda glanced at Anwen, hoping to get a smile from her, but Anwen had already closed her eyes. Matilda knew Anwen was only faking her sleep, but she quietly exited Anwen’s room and closed the door.

Hearing her door closed Anwen opened her eyes again. She waited to hear Matilda go down the flight of stairs and back to the kitchen to check on the kitchen staff. Once she heard Matilda’s heavy footstep touch the last step Anwen counted to 100 in French, just in case Matilda returned to check on Anwen. By the time Anwen reached 30 in French Anwen’s mind went to Ramsey’s blue eyes. She didn’t believe it when Ramsey told her that he was a pirate. She couldn’t think of a reason why a wanted man would enter the governor’s mansion filled with law enforcement. She wondered of the places where the notorious Boy Captain had visited. She wanted to hear about all the foreign lands, its people, the food, the geography…

With her mind lost in Ramsey but sure that enough time had past, Anwen carefully made her way out of her bed and towards her windows. She at first only wanted to open the curtains so she could see reflection of the moon on the sparkling ocean, but when she reached her window and peeled back the curtains she decided to also open her windows again. Making sure to not make much sound Anwen undid the lock on her window stealthily and slowly opened her window making sure not to make it creak. She sat at the nook by her window, covering her slender body with a cashmere blanket, her eyes looking up at the moon. She leaned against her cold window, as she sighed deeply. She allowed her lungs to deeply breathe in the cold night air and her nasal passages to take in the salty scent of the sea. A scent she had come to love. She had just pulled her blanket closer to her body when she was sure she heard a commotion outside her window.

The first thing her mind raced to?

The notorious Boy King, Captain Ramsey Argyle of the IronWood.

But could it be? Would Ramsey be foolish enough to attempt to enter into the governor’s mansion again despite the added security? From what Anwen had heard there were now three times as many guards surrounding the governor’s mansion and they were told to use their firearms if they ever felt threatened. Since this new order, Anwen frequently heard the loud popping sound of gun powder flying out of pistols and rifles throughout the night.

There was no way Ramsey would risk his life…or would he? He was by far the most brave man she had ever known, or so she assumed. There was a twinkle in his eyes, a demeanor he held that was both troubling yet arousing. His stance was always flexible as if he had no roots to where he stood, always on the move. There was a far contrast from Commodore Bloxham that Ramsey held that intrigued Anwen, perhaps even aroused, but alas she would never admit this to any living soul.

“I am not bloody risking my life for this bloody plan?” Boggs complained.

“Who says you are risking your life,” Ramsey laughed, “at worst you are risking your drunk.
At worst, you are risking a few coins to bribe the guards. At WORST, you risking getting lice from banging those governor’s maids.”

“At worst, I could be getting a bullet through my head or a rope around me neck.”

“But just think how nice the ropes are in this port, my friend?”
Boggs groaned and turned the ox cart down the road heading to the back of the Governor’s estate. “Tell me again what I am supposed to do?”

“Distract, that is all. That place is absolutely lousy with guards these days. They are expecting someone to jump the walls again.”

“So if they are expecting someone to jump the wall, why exactly am I jumping the wall captain?”

“Because,” Ramsey smiled as he patted his crewman on the shoulder, “they aren’t expecting four someones.”

From behind them in the box of the cart came a dumber voice. “I thought theres were three of us.”

“Three distractions, Mongo. You, Boggs, and Ipswich. Then me pulling up the rear.”

“Where is Ipswich,” Boggs asked.

I pointed behind us, “front gate. He gets the fun bit. Trying to talk his way in.”

“And me?” Mongo asked.

“We drop you off up here, and you just break through that wood door up there.”
Mongo nodded and slid his way off the cart. He wasted no time, and started slamming his fists on the door - it’s weakly designed structured started to crumble.

Boggs drove on and rounded another curve. “If this is supposed to be a robbery, I don’t understand why I have to head for the servants quarters. Ain’t going to be much there.”

“Did I not mention the maids?”

He smirked. “Captain, I’m all for buggering a good lass in me day, but I don’t quite like raping folks, let alone those who done nothin but work for the rich folks.”

Ramsey shook his head, “I don’t think you need to force them girls to do anything. You just leave your pants here, and when they get a look at you, they will be more than happy to open up … so to speak.”

Actually, Ramsey’s plan was just to have Boggs run around naked, distraction enough to draw attention no matter where anyone is.

“Three men making distractions, and you?” With a moan of disgust, Boggs sighed, “and what exactly are you planning to do?”

Ramsey smirked. “Bird watching.”

…

Sitting on top of the stone wall, Ramsey breathed into his hand. Luckily any lingering smell of rum was gone, and a little liquorice made a sweeter smell that normal. He wiped his palms across his his black pants, which matched the black cotton shirt that billowed over his torso. He gripped his fingers and sat, putting an ear to the air and got the idea of how well the plan was going.

Shouts erupted near where Mongo broke through a door.

Calls for order came from the front of the complex.

Ramsey really expected screams from the servent quaters, but that grew quiet quickly … and not so quiet anymore. Seems Boggs is finding things more congenial than expected.

As the ruckus was meeting it’s apex, Ramsey knew it was time to make his own move.

Jumping off the wall, he walked slowly across the grand lawn towards the main house. With every guard either consumed by Mongo or Ipswich, and more than a couple servants consumed by Boggs, it was like he had the place to himself. Approaching the residence, he was about to head for the garden doors to begin an exploration of the place; but spotted something from an open window. In the moonlight, he saw a silhouette that was unmistakably young and feminine.

“Nah, it couldn’t be this easy,” he whispered to himself, and closed the distance until he could spy directly up to the Governor’s daughter. With a shake of the head, he chuckled at his luck. Such a pleasant view on such a beautiful evening, the girl draped into much lighter clothing than when they first met, but in the night’s darkness he couldn’t make out the full detail of her form. Deciding to push his luck he creeped until he was just under the window. It was at this time, he noticed a bit of lattice and climbing vines moving upwards to her room. Luck indeed. Maybe she deserved a visitor this night, and it a setting that would surely seal the deal.

He took a few rungs up the lattice, gripping the vine tightly, but moving so not to draw attention or to alert her … not quite yet. His hand closed towards her window. He reached, just a breath away from her touch, and … The lattice broke.

He felt his feet falter first, and the vines and wood slash at him as he started to tumble. Just as he felt he was about to slam into the ground, it was like something reached out of the night and grab him by the ankle. His head swayed above the ground, his feet far above him. As he looked up at himself he noticed his pants were now torn to shreds. Only the tangle of the legs of the garment around one of his ankles saved him from crashing into the ground. He hung now in just his shirt, boots, and white britches a few feet below Anwen.

And of course, this would be the point she noticed him there.

With a wave and a smile he called to her, “Beautiful night to hang around, isn’t it milady?” With a casual swipe of his hand across his undergarment he commented, “ I hope you don’t mind but I thought you would like something to look to other than the night sky.”

Anwen didn’t think her worry as to the origin of the commotion she just heard outside her window had anything to do with the man who had been on her mind ever since they met.

Her curious nature made her get up and look out of her window and to her surprise, it was him…

The notorious Boy King, Captain Ramsey Argyle of the Iron Wood.

Although the night air was cold, Anwen’s cheeks flushed with heat as Anwen’s eyes grew large as she looked down and her eyes took in what it saw.

Her broken lattice, the vines that had neatly grown onto the structure of the Governor’s mansion with parts now torn and shredded to pieces, and of course Captain Ramsey Argyle in his shirt, boots and white britches. Her eyes squinted as he called to her,

“Beautiful night to hang around, isn’t it milady?”

“ I hope you don’t mind but I thought you would like something to look to other than the night sky.”

Anwen took the blanket that was covering her body and held it tightly against her as she waited for someone else to hear the commotion of Captain Argyle breaking the lattice by her window. But when she heard no yelling or the rushed voices of soldiers coming to take the trespasser Anwen finally gathered her words and managed to form a sentence.

“What…” Her brows still furrowed as she couldn’t think of what else to say, “What on Earth are you doing here? Captain…” Unsure of what to call him Anwen bit her lips, “If you’re caught here you know you’ll be shot to death at once. This is the last place you should be.” Anwen said in a scathing manner, making sure to keep her voice down.

She was unsure if her scornful attitude towards Ramsey was because she had no desire to see him and make his acquaintance again or if she truly was worried for his safety.

The last thing Anwen would ever want is Ramsey to be injured or worse to be killed. She knew very well that by just entering back into the Governor’s mansion Ramsey was risking his life.

Still hanging from his torn pants and hanging upside down, he crossed his arms and tried to look indigent. “My dear lady, if it was that I would only do what I should do, I would have the most tedious life. Likely spend my days cooper’s apprentice, or a cheese maker. You wish me to be so boring do you?” He brushed his hand into the air, as if to wave off her concerns … and still as if he was standing upright and not hanging. “If I wouldn’t know any better, you wish me to leave you alone so I could marry some old horse face creature named Alice whom brings little Argyles into the world so they can be cheesemakers. You would do that to me? Cast me aside to be married to some creature like that? To Alice? … Alice?”

Finally, he bent at the waist and pulled himself up until he could reach the point where he was caught on the lattice. As he worked on where he was caught he continued. “And don’t be worried for my well being milady. There is a well thought out plot to keep much of the guards here occupied. You may think we pirates are nothing but tricksters, bruits, and rapists; but we are also quite intelligent.” Finally unhooking himself he starts to climb upwards. “Well, to be fair, one of the plans is to send a man to trick his way through the front gate but that surely will not work. And I did send a bruit to break through the side gate. And Boggs is visiting your servants miss, but I am sure when you ask them in the morning, they wouldn’t likely use such words like rape … not with a man like Boggs.”

He cleared the railing and and now stood in front of her. He still wore the silken black shirt as it billowed over his form. At his side was his trusty steel where he rarely removes it from. His boots still shown on his feet in the glimmering moonlight. But the white britches are all that stood between his manhood and her, something he either drew attention to or acted as if he noticed. At first at least.

“It is a cool night out my dear Anwen. Might I trouble you for your blanket? If it is all you have, I wouldn’t mind sharing it with you either standing here … or sharing your bed as well. Whichever would make you most comfortable.”

Anwen fought hard as she attempted to hide her smile as Ramsey talked about what his life might be if he was a cheesemaker and had little Argyles with a horse faced woman named Alice. There was a spontaneity and child-like wonder in Ramsey that Anwen relished and was perhaps even attracted to.
Of course Anwen would never admit to the latter but she would admit that Ramsey kept her entertained.

Anwen furrowed her brows and brought the blanket covering her body closer to her as Ramsey continued to make his way up to her window. For a moment she contemplated screaming for help or even perhaps closing her window but she didn’t. Even though she was in the company of a notorious pirate, well known to harm and kill innocent people and wreak havoc all in the name of piracy…Anwen didn’t fear for her safety.

Was it her naivety that allowed her to assume she was safe?

Or was it Ramsey? Despite the reputation of the Boy King, Ramsey had never uttered an abusive or uncivilized word toward Anwen. His actions and words might not be the most appropriate…but he never caused any harm towards Anwen nor made her fear her safety.

Finding solace in her soft cashmere blanket Anwen pressed her lips together as she watched Ramsey clear the railing and stand in front of her. His silken black shirt blew in the wind and she couldn’t help but wonder what was underneath his shirt. As she leaved on a tropical island it wasn’t rare for Anwen to find a man without a shirt on if she walked along the docks. Although she had never said it aloud, there was something satisfying about a man who kept his body maintained and whose chest and abs were chiseled and nicely sculpted.

Anwen’s eyes then went down and to his side to where his sword hung. She placed little attention to it as her naivety allowed her to assume that Ramsey would never harm her. Her eyes did place heavy attention to his white britches. Her eyes grew large as she realized that in his attempt to climb up Anwen’s window, Ramsey’s pants must have gotten torn. Her eyes blinked really fast as she realized that there was only a thin fabric standing between his manhood and her and she quickly looked away with flushed cheeks.

“It is a cool night out my dear Anwen. Might I trouble you for your blanket? If it is all you have, I wouldn’t mind sharing it with you either standing here … or sharing your bed as well. Whichever would make you most comfortable.”

“I…” Anwen stuttered her words. She quickly handed Ramsey her cashmere blanket as she wanted her eyes to not stop wandering to Ramsey’s white britches. And right as the cashmere blanket left Anwen’s side, she felt her body shudder as she was now in just her laced white nightgown. Her perky breasts felt the absence of her blanket and her nipples rose to attention. Anwen bit her lips as she leaned against the nook at her window again and bit her lips.

“What is it that you want? Why are you here?” Anwen quickly tried to put a sentence together as she crossed her arms as she regretted giving her cashmere blanket to the pirate standing in front of her. She tried to find warmth by bringing her arms closer to her, but she failed and she was tempted to close her windows but that would be an invitation for Ramsey to stay and she still hadn’t decided if she actually wanted Ramsey to be in her room.

“You have no right being here.” Anwen kept on muttering words hoping that something she would say would make Ramsey explain himself.

If there is one thing about Ramsey, it is that it takes quite a fair bit to surprise him. Who would believe that this girl and her soft blanket would do just that. Of course, he didn’t expect the proper girl to do anything to reveal herself in anyway to him, but when she tossed him the cashmere, it took him a moment to react. The chill of the night had an immediate (and noticeable) affect on her. As her sweet berries filled to further ripeness, Ramsey raised an eyebrow and smiled wickedly.

“Thank you for the blanket my beloved.” He gave her a wink before answering her pondering on his arrival. “Would you believe I am a grand fan of the poet Shakespeare? He once wrote a wonderful story how the fairest of creatures would stand out on her balcony and pine for the man whom will become her love. So,I only assumed you would be wafting wanton words across city to your Commodore in hopes that he would …” he stopped and waved his hand in the air trying to look overly pompous, “... file the proper documents with the authorities so that he can be allowed a conjugal visit to your chambers.”

He slid the blanket around his shoulder and wrapped it like a cape, doing little to cover his exposed britches. With that cloth in place he smuggly stepped closer to her giving her space to not scare the little rabbit away, but wanting to drawn towards her charms.

“Maybe, I found your company so delightful that I wished to see you again, and the only way I know I would be allowed to do so would be to be as daring as I was the moment you laid eyes on me and let your little heart go pitter patter.” With a smirk he added, “and as beautiful as you were the other night, you are absolutely radiant … and quite upright to see me too.”.

Ramsey leaned slightly forward, as if to invade her presence that much futher; but did a quick turn allowing the blanket to fly about in a flourish. “Maybe I came to this place to be a proper pirate. To learn where your father hides his jewels and coins, so that come time to leave this little port we can do so with pockets as full as our bellies” Turning back to face her, he placed himself against the railing of the balcony once more to look at her. “Of course, I wouldn’t enter your chambers uninvited. I may be a lot of things, but I am no brute … at least, not with one who unburdens herself of her coverage.”

The cold night air was starting to bother Anwen and she glanced at the open window. She knew that closing the window would solve the problem of her being cold. But she still couldn’t decide if she wanted Ramsey in her bedroom, at night, when she was only wearing a nightgown. The only people who had ever seen her in a nightgown were Matilda and her father when she was a child. She felt vulnerable and exposed as she leaned against the sturdy frame of her nook, her arms still crossed and her hands pressed against her breasts.

When Ramsey mentioned Shakespeare, Anwen’s eyebrows rose and she cocked her head to the side. She had no idea what point he was trying to make till he mentioned the the Commodore. Anwen bit her lips as she sighed and rolled her eyes. She knew that Commodore Bloxham when compared to other suitors and even previous suitors he seemed the most benign. A loyal and honorable man. From a good family with equally good genes. Despite the age difference and her being a woman, he never talked to her in a condescending manner, which was important to her. She knew that women were the inferior sex in society’s eyes, but it annoyed her when she would be brushed aside as just the “Governor’s daughter” when she was more than fully capable of doing of her father’s job.

Commodore Bloxham had all the qualities she needed and was looking for in a husband. But then there was Ramsey, Ramsey Argyle, The Boy King, the man currently wearing her cashmere blanket as a cape around his neck standing in her bedroom at night. Anwen had to cover her mouth with her left hand to hide her chuckle as her eyes watched Ramsey. She held her breath for a moment when he stepped closer to her. Something about being in his vicinity, being so close to him always made the young woman both nervous and excited.

“No, I do not believe you to be a fan of the great poet, William Shakespeare. I didn’t even know that pirates could read,” Anwen tried to keep a disdain in her tone but it would be a lie to admit that was all she was feeling.

“If you remember that I am being courted by Commodore Bloxham…” Anwen pressed her lips together and chewed the inside of her mouth as he said his name. She was unsure if her nervous habit was because she said another name’s man in front of her night visitor or if it was because she worried about the rumors that would spread if word got out that The Boy King visited Anwen’s room.

“You really shouldn’t be here.” Anwen added, “I am not properly dressed for company,” Anwen glanced at the open window and annoyed with the cold finally closed it, not shut all the way, but enough so the breeze wouldn’t bother her. She had the option of reaching for one of the many blankets on her bed but that would have required her to get up and take several steps to her bed. Closing the window only took an exaggerated movement with her hand.

Taking a sigh of relief with the cold night breeze gone from her room, Anwen looked back at Ramsey. She still had her hand crossed covering her bosoms as she didn’t want to show that Ramsey was welcomed in her room.

“If you wanted to see me again, you should have inquired with my father’s secretary like any other person,” Anwen said with furrowed brows as both knew that would never be possible. “And no, my heart did not go pitter patter when I laid eyes on you,” Anwen quickly retorted. Her nostrils flared just a touch which was her tell for a lie, which she tried to cover by sucking in her cheeks which was another one of her tells. But she quickly breathed heavily out of her nose and pressed her lips together.

Her heart sank when Ramsey talked about his departure. She couldn’t explain it into words why she felt the sinking feeling. Perhaps it was because everyone around her always left. She stayed at the port, being the loyal governor’s daughter but family members, new and old friends, they were all just visitors to the port. Only Anwen was the permanent resident. Or perhaps it was because she was starting to develop feelings for The Boy King. He at least kept her life interesting and he intrigued the sheltered young woman.

“You’ll never be able to walk around this house to learn where my father hides his jewels and coins. And anyway, you should know better than anyone, The Great Boy King,” Anwen stopped as she prepared herself to say the next words, “I am his greatest treasure…” Anwen muttered under her breath but just loud enough for Ramsey to hear.

“Could not read? I am appalled milady!” He feigned shock and put a hand to chest. “Inquiry with a secretary? No pitter patter of your sweetest little heart?” He placed the back of his hand against his forehead and swayed precariously against the railing of the balcony like one who may faint shortly. “I do believe I have been shot at, attacked with a sword, bound & beaten, roughed up within an inch of my life … but never had someone applied such a horrible attack on me as you. How dare you suggest that I could be anything less than a man who must inquire about an attendance with a governor’s daughter. This after you so rudely suggested I marry that horse face Alice not so long ago.”

”And anyway, you should know better than anyone, The Great Boy King, I am his greatest treasure…”

Ramsey raised an eyebrow and ended his playacting. He shifted and crossed his arms, and relaxed back against the railing. The smirk on his lips was nearly onto a laugh. Her words danced along her lips as if she wasn’t completely in belief of it; but undoubtedly the truest thing she stated. In the two short interchanges with the socialite, he enjoyed the way she seemed to give him every opportunity to be at his most daring; but it would be difficult for him to say he didn’t find himself smitten with her. She was sweet, beautiful, and showed a spark of rebellion under that firm exterior. Now, she left the door open for him to gush lovingly and affirm his desire to sweep her off her feet in the most romantic and poetic ways.

But that wouldn’t be Ramsey’s way.

“Oh, my goodness,” he chuckled, “Your highness … if I didn’t know any better, you are nearly begging me to compliment you on such strong terms. To hope that I affirm your assertion that nothing in this house can be as valuable or rewarding as your loveliness. I am sure you have heard such assertions a hundred times from your own father, and a million times from any one of your suitors … except for Your Commodore of course, he would likely need to have his first mate write it down for him in small words. Yet here you are laying such a statement out to have me agree.”

He pushed himself from the railing and started to walk closer to her. “Is that what you wish miss? You wish me to say that you are more than the greatest jewel in this home, but in the whole of the port? In the whole of the caribbean? Is it that you wish me to say to you that the pleasantness of your face and the sweetness of your smile are so infectious that I neary spent a moment since we first met thinking of you? Are you hopeful that I intend to leave this place imagining what it would have been like to be so daring to pull the stubborn laces of your nightgown and gaze upon the flesh of the most beautiful woman I have ever met; so slowly lay you down, to hold you like a lover, and pleasure you until you agree to be my beloved from now until all of time? Or do you wish me to admit I would throw myself at the mercy of my pursuers just so that you will allow me a kiss before I am sent to my death.”

He had stood directly in front of her, a wide smile on his face. “All of that maybe true, millady, but you will never get to say such things just to see if I will say it.” With a slight shrug he added, “maybe if you got me drunk.”

Anwen rolled her eyes as she listened to Ramsey’s exaggerated words. She was laughing in the inside but she didn’t want Ramsey to see that he was entertaining the young lady. She needed Ramsey to understand that despite her not yelling or screaming for help that he was not welcomed in her room, or at least she was sure he was not welcomed.

“I didn’t say anything about you marrying Alice,” Anwen mumbled, “And anyway I’m sure a man like you is incapable of being loyal to one woman. You must have a harem of women you enjoy spending your nights with. I’ve heard about pirates and their loose morals.” Anwen continued muttering.

Anwen noticed the raised brow from Ramsey and she herself furrowed her brows. Wondering if and how her words about describing herself as the greatest treasure in the Governor’s mansion affected Ramsey. She knew her statement was bold, but she also knew it was true. The Governor’s mansion was filled with countless of priceless pieces from England, but they were all replaceable. Her mother might disagree to the latter statement at first but at the end everyone knew that it was the offsprings of the great Norrington family that held the greatest wealth.

Of course Anwen never saw herself as that, but from a young age it was instilled in her that the world was a scary place. That it was necessary for her to either be inside safe in her house or be surrounded by guards. With her father’s insistence she learned how to use a pistol but she never had one on her so she didn’t understand why her father went through the trouble to teach his only daughter. Her two older brother did make sure their only younger sister knew how to use a sword prior to their separation.

Their mother was not keen in having Anwen learn how to use a sword, but when she saw how loving and caring Anwen’s brothers were to Anwen she didn’t interfere. Although her mother would never say it aloud, she knew that Anwen was making the greatest sacrifice in the family by staying and living in the Caribbean as the Governor’s daughter. Anwen’s mother, Lady Elizabeth Norrington had high hopes for Anwen as she was blessed with beauty, just like herself, but equally impressive was her sharp mind. Anwen’s mother knew the latter was both a gift and a curse for Anwen as women were regarded as fragile and whose main role is to produce offsprings. But Anwen’s mother was sure that Anwen would secure a formidable marriage, which was what Anwen’s family hoped with Commodore Bloxham.

Anwen raised her eyebrow when she heard Ramsey chuckle. She knew made a bold statement when she declared herself the greatest treasure in the governor’s mansion. But she didn’t expect him to chuckle about it. Anwen quickly furrowed her brow, annoyed that Ramsey was mocking her declaration.

“Your highness … if I didn’t know any better, you are nearly begging me to compliment you on such strong terms. To hope that I affirm your assertion that nothing in this house can be as valuable or rewarding as your loveliness. I am sure you have heard such assertions a hundred times from your own father, and a million times from any one of your suitors … except for Your Commodore of course, he would likely need to have his first mate write it down for him in small words. Yet here you are laying such a statement out to have me agree.”

“I am not and shall never beg for you to do anything.” Anwen quickly said in a strong tone. She felt her own cheeks turn red as she huffed. “And I do not need you to affirm anything. I just thought if you truly are the great pirate that you declare yourself to be, I assumed you would be well versed in this manner. But it seems that I was mistaken,” Anwen added as she glared at Ramsey.

“And Commodore Bloxham is a far greater gentleman than you and he would never,” Anwen started her sentence and she finally realized the burning heat from her cheeks and fluttered her eyelashes. It occurred to her that she was allowing Ramsey to play and tug with her emotions. She pressed her lips together and sucked in her cheeks, promising herself not to engage anymore with the man in front of her.

Anwen furrowed her brows and continued glaring at Ramsey as he continued to speak.

“Is that what you wish miss? You wish me to say that you are more than the greatest jewel in this home, but in the whole of the port? In the whole of the caribbean? Is it that you wish me to say to you that the pleasantness of your face and the sweetness of your smile are so infectious that I nearly spent a moment since we first met thinking of you? Are you hopeful that I intend to leave this place imagining what it would have been like to be so daring to pull the stubborn laces of your nightgown and gaze upon the flesh of the most beautiful woman I have ever met; so slowly lay you down, to hold you like a lover, and pleasure you until you agree to be my beloved from now until all of time? Or do you wish me to admit I would throw myself at the mercy of my pursuers just so that you will allow me a kiss before I am sent to my death.”

As Ramsey talked Anwen realized that her hands which were still across her body to keep her body warm as she had given Ramsey her cashmere blanket, were now in a fist. Anwen wanted to respond to Ramsey with words that would cut through his swagger.

“All of that maybe true, millady, but you will never get to say such things just to see if I will say it.” With a slight shrug he added, “maybe if you got me drunk”

Unsure of how to respond to Ramsey’s words, Anwen chewed on her tongue as she attempted to formulate a proper response but unable to string together the proper words her right hand came undone from the crossed manner it was in around her body and she slapped Ramsey across the face.

Anwen’s eyes quickly grew large and showed regret as her mouth opened wide as she realized what she had done as her right hand touched Ramsey’s rough cheek. She knew she should apologize but her pride wouldn’t allow her to string those words together. Instead she quickly retracted her right hand and went back to her crossed arms stance. Her conscious knew she had the right to slap him, but her manners knew that it was not the right thing to do.

“I told you, you shouldn’t be here.” Anwen added again, hoping that the words she managed to string together would suffice when in reality she wanted to apologize for slapping Ramsey across the face.

A flash of fire went across Ramsey’s eyes when she slapped him. But just as quick she seemed to show some remorse for it. The anger was natural, very natural for him or any man. Yet Ramsey, for all the violence that was part of his duty never raised a hand against a woman … even that saucy 2nd mate on BrineBeard’s crew when she pulled a dagger on him.

Ramsey stayed silent. Letting his cooler head prevail as it should. Needless to say, her reaction was not what he was going for. While he was used to some taking issue with words he uses, he thought he had properly read the girl on the way she accepts his advances. This was a step back. A firm step back.

He thought she, much like so much of the nobel class, can be won by a few well placed compliments in order to indulge their pretentiousness. So many of them felt above the common folk that if one simply recognized where they think they see themselves, that is enough to win favor. Yet she was humble, and intent on remaining so. Even the way she revealed herself as her father’s jewel seemed to suggest she didn’t believe herself to be her true worth.

He assumed her to be cloistered as well, a naive little flower kept under glass and safe from wrongdoing men. So many times, those too can be broke with the suggestion of something intimate that can come from a little debauchery. His suggestion of what he would do if he could relieve her from her nightgown was intent to suggest just that.

More than anything, he failed to recognize she had a fire in her as well. It takes inner strength to strike a man. She found just that.

Not to mention, his cheek hurt like the dickens. This was no soft flower.

Ramsey rarely accepts defeat; but in that moment he considered a strategic retreat. Give her this battle for this night, then consider his options. That is, until she stated:
“I told you, you shouldn’t be here.”
Which of course made Ramsey continue the fight.

A smile grew on his face, and he shrugged.”Maybe I shouldn’t. It does seem as though you believe I am only here for the treasures. Since you are your father’s greatest treasure, maybe I am only here to steal you away. While that could be true, I don’t steal women whom wish not to be stolen. Regardless of what you may have heard about the ladies of Havana.”

He turned away from her and moved to the edge of the balcony. “Besides, as much you are your father’s greatest treasure, you aren’t the greatest jewel in this city. At least from what I have heard. I have my eyes set on another. Maybe you heard of it … The Eye of the Deep, the infamous silver pearl of Caracas. Lord Blackwood’s manor houses it on the north shore … for now at least.”

Ramsey took a long deep breath and leaned against the railing as if preparing to depart her company. “Maybe it is better I raid that compound instead. I am sure they would give me an enjoyable fight. Maybe Lord Blackwood has a daughter as well.”

Anwen’s cheeks stayed hot and her hand was stinging from slapping Ramsey’s face. She had yelled and showed aggression in the past, but never in her life had she ever physically attacked anyone. For a second she feared for her life, she was worried how Ramsey, the notorious Boy King, a fearless, atrocious pirate would punish her for her outburst.

But Ramsey did nothing, he didn’t go for his sword, he didn’t raise his voice, he didn’t raise his hand, he did nothing,

Anwen was relieved at as she was ready to scream for help to save herself from any physical violence Ramsey might afflict on her, but as more time passed and Ramsey didn’t viciously react to Anwen slapping him, Anwen was growing weary.

She expected Ramsey to react, he should react to Anwen slapping him, why wasn’t he?

To cut the silence in the room and ease Anwen’s anxiety, simple words muttered out of the young lady’s lips, “I told you, you shouldn’t be here.” As if those words would be enough to defend her from, who she assumed was a violent pirate.

Ramsey smiled at Anwen’s words which made Anwen furrow her brows. She was still waiting for Ramsey to react to her slapping him and the only reaction he had shown was a faint smile, the exact opposite reaction she assumed would occur…

”Maybe I shouldn’t. It does seem as though you believe I am only here for the treasures. Since you are your father’s greatest treasure, maybe I am only here to steal you away. While that could be true, I don’t steal women whom wish not to be stolen. Regardless of what you may have heard about the ladies of Havana.”

Anwen listened to Ramsey’s words with her eyebrows still furrowed and her arms glued tightly around her as if she was in a straightjacket so she couldn’t inflict any further damage to Ramsey.

She loosened the tension in her face when she saw Ramsey walk away from her but the furrowed brows quickly returned as Ramsey continued speaking.

“Besides, as much you are your father’s greatest treasure, you aren’t the greatest jewel in this city. At least from what I have heard. I have my eyes set on another. Maybe you heard of it … The Eye of the Deep, the infamous silver pearl of Caracas. Lord Blackwood’s manor houses it on the north shore … for now at least.”

Anwen had heard of the ‘Eye of the Deep’, the infamous silver pearl of Caracas and saw it with her own eyes when it arrived to Port Royal. There was talk that the Governor, Anwen’s father, was to receive it as a gift or that he would purchase it but for reasons unknown and kept away from Anwen, it never arrived to the Governor’s mansion.

Anwen had little care for pretty jewels and treasures. She had seen plenty of jewels as the Governor’s daughter living on a Caribbean island, an integral trading post in the New World and surrounded by pirates. Of course she liked to look at them and had the appropriate reaction of “oohs” and “aahs”, when looking at sparkling rare gemstones, yet none of them really excited her.

It seemed as though Ramsey was just about to leave her and Anwen was ready to walk away from him when he muttered his last words,

“Maybe it is better I raid that compound instead. I am sure they would give me an enjoyable fight. Maybe Lord Blackwood has a daughter as well.”

Anwen clenched her jaw and rolled her eyes when Ramsey mentioned Lord Blackwood’s daughter, Lindsay Blackwood. Anwen was familiar with her and Lindsay always tried to be on Anwen’s good side but Anwen had very little care for the Blackwood daughter. Although close in age, Anwen and Lindsay are two very different people. Anwen preferred going to the docks to explore and people watch. Lindsay preferred going to the docks to look at the good-looking, handsome soldiers and perhaps pirates. Anwen longed for new books and novels from her favorite authors back home while Lindsay had little care for scribbled words.

If Anwen wasn’t the Governor’s daughter, Lindsay would have done everything in her power to make sure Anwen’s life was a living hell. Not because Lindsay disliked Anwen for any reason, but because she knew Anwen was a rival. Lindsay was crushed when she heard about Commodore Bloxham courting Anwen as Lindsay herself had her eye on the Commodore. And although it wasn’t in Anwen’s nature to dislike anyone, she was no fan of Lindsay Blackwood. She couldn’t just let Ramsey leave after his mention of her…

“Perhaps you should raid Lord Blackwood’s manor. And yes he does have a daughter and from what I’ve heard she’s very….” Anwen pressed her lips together as she strung her next words, “…very friendly to good looking men,” Anwen said with a gentle scoff.

“I’m sure she would give you an enjoyable fight…as you put it, Captain Ramsey,” Anwen said with a sigh at the end. Anwen tried not to sound disappointed in Ramsey’s assumed departure of her mansion but as she finished her sentence she almost wanted to reach out for his hand, or even just the sleeve of his shirt. There was something oddly intriguing about Ramsey, an attraction she felt towards the young man that she couldn’t deny, yet she knew she had to keep it a secret.

“And I’m sorry,” Anwen muttered quickly as she chewed on her bottom lip, she hadn’t yet apologized about slapping the young man and like any well-mannered blue-blood she knew she had to. The apology seemed out of place and it was, but it had to be said. Out of all the words that had ever left her lips since Ramsey arrived in her life, it was the most gut-wrenching and she wondered if he accepted her apology.

Ramsey’s smile grew as he listened to the lady speak of his plans to rob the Blackwood estate. Not so much the surface that suggests he could find what he wishes at that place; but more what lie underneath in her reactions. There was disdain, and not direct so much at him, as it was at the other woman. He let her apology pass without comment, there is no need to point out that which likely didn’t come easy for her.

However, the rest he couldn’t let pass, not in the least.

“My dear Anwen,” he gleaned, “if I didn’t know you better it seems I chose the home of a rival. I haven’t seen you look so off put by someone since … well … me. I am suddenly curious of whether or not this daughter of Blackwood might have also felt your hand slapped across her face.” He raised an eyebrow and seemed to look of in contemplation. “My goodness, that would be a sight to see, two of the finer ones of this port, having a good old fashioned brawl. So beautiful … so … so beautiful.”


Ramsey whipped the blanket that kept his modesty to a gentle limit and started to fold it up for his coming departure. “But fear not, my beloved sweet Governess. If it is your wish I do not lay a hand on this lesser girl, then you have my word she will remain unplucked by my hands. Besides, there is little more pathetic in the Caribbean than a finer lady who cannot keep her legs closed for every Tom, Dick, and Coxswain. No matter how good looking they are.”

With a smirk he added, “but it is good to know you find me good looking.”

He offered the blanket to her now, folding and ready for whatever she needs - as long as it wasn’t covering up those beautiful curves under her nightgown he had grown to appreciate so well. Luckily the effect wasn’t so much his skivvies hadn’t shown his appreciation for them.

“Alas, it is time to leave you. Leaving you here cloistered to this balcony. Left to dream of what fun I might have breaching the walls of that citadel, looking up at the stars picturing that good looking pirate whom didn’t steal your father’s greatest treasure but instead stole your heart. And when I am killed by their guards and the Eye of the Sea rolls from my cold dead hand, know that it was meant to hang from your pretty neck.”

He had a thought, and as an attempt to tease her he added it. “Unless you wish to join me on my mission. You know the Blackwoods, and their home, you surely could help me along the way. You are no pirate, but I could always bless you with such a title for an evening. With of course an invitation my choosing.” He winked on the last comment. Of course he had no expectation that she would do anything other than watch him leave. No fine lady would consider such a thing. But even if he does fail, it will as a minimum give him reason to tell her it would have been different with her by his side.