A Rising Sun of Pursuits

[~Charlotte~]

Handing her a red fan she'd laid aside, Victoria followed her new friend down to the hall, smiling a little in the darkness, her dark lashes low as they scampered through the corridors. Little did they know they were being watched...

They soon came to the entrance hall, and Victoria smoothed her dress down...
"I'll go first...then they'll announce you...just go in and smile and do what you please...if you need anyone to talk to, come to me or Charles." She gave Evelyn's arm another little squeeze before the guards opened the door and someone cried out,
"Her Grace, the Duchess of Gloucester!"
People murmured and some cheered as Victoria floated into the room, diamonds around her neck twinkling, her dark eyes sparkling with delight as she headed straight towards the King, who kissed her affectionately on the cheek. The came Evelyn's turn...
"The Lady Evelyn O'Malley..."

[~~*Buffy Bloom*~~]

Evelyn cursed under her breath. Captain. Captain Evelyn O'Malley. Oh this was unbelievable...bravery, it was something she had to go through with now.

She composed herself, lifted her head up, her bright emerald eyes shimmering, and she glided in with an enticing smile on her ruby-red lips.

There was an audible gasp of awe as she made her entrance. Her tall, slender body wrapped in dark red satin, and the shape of her waist embraced by the luxurious corset was quite glorious. She walked straight over to her beloved and kissed him, "Look at you...all dressed up..." she whispered.

Rory blinked several times and tried to pull himself together. He was in complete amazement. He swallowed thickly, his mouth agape, "Evelyn...you're bl**din' deadly."

[~Charlotte~]

Charles, Victoria and practically everyone else gazed on the splendid figure of Evelyn for a moment before continuing with their business at the ball. Many people congratulated Victoria on her new title and she thanked them cordially. Nell embraced her warmly, and even Louise offered her a haughty smile. She even had little kisses from her tiny cousins Mary and Anne, the Duke of York's children, and after the little family reunion...then she headed towards the man she loved, still smiling at him, though somewhat shyly.

From his corner, Frederick was watching darkly. He stared at his sister and then he stared at Evelyn. His groin ached with desire. His heart burnt with selfish greed and gluttony. He wanted everything he could possibly have...and he was going to try and get it this night...

Will on the other hand could not express in words what his heart felt when he saw her beauty enter the room. He could only smile at her, and though he saw her kiss Rory, he did not take his eyes off her for a moment. He gently took her hand and bent low to kiss it, saying nothing, but hoping his was a suitable token of is worship.

[~~*Buffy Bloom*~~]

Jack was wearing his usual attire. He wasn't one for jackets and waistcoats. His eyes lit up as Victoria came to him, looking as wonderful as ever, "Do you ever abstain from being so incredibly beautiful?" he asked with a flirtatious, charming smile.

Rory still didn't like the way Will acted around Evelyn, and the way he looked at her so adoringly. But he had other problems at hand, so he didn't act upon it.

Evelyn didn't know quite how to react, she smiled sweetly, "You've got this English gentleman role sussed, Turner." she said humorously. Though she did mean it, he really did look the part, in fact, he looked very striking. And his pleasant, respectful manner always did kind of make her smile.

[~Charlotte~]

Laughing lightly, Victoria took his hand and did not answer his question. She posed him another one...
"Do you dance Jack Sparrow?"

Will grinned back at Evelyn, and was about to say something about the size of the room or the decorations, when someone interrupted the conversation...
"My Lady O'Malley..."
Frederick smiled at her handsomely. Reginald hovered behind him, twitching nervously. His sister was glowering at him from her place near that damned pirate...
"Might I request the pleasure of your company for a moment? I have something which I believe would interest a lady of your tastes..." he spoke eloquently, without a hint of threat or malice, bowing slightly to her. As he did so, he clicked his fingers behind his back. A signal.

[~~*Buffy Bloom*~~]

Jack bowed down flamboyantly, "But of course, my Lady..." he said with an overly done British accent. He took her hand and led her to the centre of the hall to dance. The string quartet played a lovely minuet, rich in vibrato and dynamics.

Evelyn narrowed her eyes, her mood had changed. His elaborate wording didn't gloss over his baseness. "I'm not yer Lady, and I'm disinclined to acquiesce to your request." replied Evelyn bluntly. She despised him so very much and was itching to smack him.

[~Charlotte~]

The conniving man decided to try another tactic...
"Oh..." he said, sounding disappointed and pouting, looking for once like his little sister "I'm sorry to have offended you. It's just...well...it was our Mother's you see and I know that Victoria...and myself of course, wanted you to have this gift from us, as a personal thank you...but it's far to expensive and delicate to bring in here..."
he trailed off, looking sad. He hoped the lies about his sister would tempt her, tricking her...

Will regarded the man suspiciously, glancing at Rory a few times as Jack flounced off with his lady...

Victoria was stifling giggles as she assumed the position of a waltz with Jack. Charles, now dancing nearby with Louise gave a hearty chuckle at the sight. Catherine danced with the Admiral, who greeted the pair with a smile and quick raise of his eyebrows. He was shocked to see them still together, and also that the King was letting his cousin indulge in this little fancy she had...still, he could not help but like the absurd Captain, dancing in the most bizarre and exaggerated fashion he had ever seen in his life from his one good eye.

[~~*Buffy Bloom*~~]

Evelyn paused in thought, he was clearly up to something, but it'd be a shame to let such an expensive gift go to waste...

She gave Rory a reassuring look and then started to walk passed Frederick, "Well, come along then...as it's so thoughtful..." He had caught up beside her, she kept an eye on him. She didn't trust him at all.

Rory took a step forward, but stopped himself. He watched carefully as they left. Frankly, he was worried. He didn't like the idea of that jerk being near her.

The two were just about to leave when a man approached Evelyn, informing her that the King had requested a performance from her. Remembering her promise, a smile crept upon Evelyn's lips. "Oh yes..." she turned to Frederick, "If you could wait, I'm called for." she walked away to speak to the quartet, giving them the music to accompany her.

And the show began. The lights dimmed slightly, and the room went quiet. The music began, enticing and alluring. A rich, seductive voice began to sing, "There was a time...I don't know when, I didn't have much time for men, but this is now and that was then...I'm learning..."

She slowly moved around, her body complimenting her voice, "A girl alone, all on her own, must try to have a heart of stone, so I try not...to make it known my yearning...I try to show, I have no need, I really do, I don't succeeeeed...." She lifted her head slowly, her eyes fixed and twinkling, "Sooo....leeet's...brriiiing on the men, and let the fun begin, a little touch of sin why wait another minute? Step this way it's time for us to play, they say we may not pass this way again, so let's waste no more time bring on the men..."

She began to perform directly to the men, flirting with them, teasing them, Rory, Charles, Jack, the Dukes...each of them owned a moment of her song.

"I always knew, I always said,
that silk and lace in black and red
will drive a man right off his head, it's easy...
So many men, so little time
I want them all, is that a crime?"

"No!", the men cried out in protest.

"I don't know why they say that I'm too easy..." she grinned at them and gave a mischievous wink.

"They make me laugh, they make me cry
they make me sick, so God knows why...
We say bring on the men
and let the fun begin
a little touch of sin
why wait another minute?
Step this way it's time for us to play
they say we may not pass this way again
so let's waste no more time
bring on the men!"

Her Celtic voice was soaring now, and she seemed to be singing particularly to Henry at this point,
"They break your heeeeart!
They steal your sooooul,
take you apaaaart
and yet they somehow make you whole!
So what's their game?
I suppose...a rose by any other name
the perfume and....the prick's the same!"

There was an instrumental break as she began to let her body take over. She spun around and sat on the King's lap, leaning into him as she began to sing again...

"I like to have a man for breakfast each day...
I'm very social and I like it that way,
by late mid-morning I need something to munch...
so I ask over...two men for lunch.." she mock gasped.

"And men are mad about my afternoon 'tease'.
They're quite informal I just do it to please..." she swayed toward Nell, and glanced back at Charles,
"Those triple sandwiches are my favorite ones,
I'm also very partial to buns!
My healthy appetite gets strongest at night,
my at home dinners are my men friends delight.
When I invite the fellas over to diiiiiiine...." she held on this note, and groped Charles,
"They all come early...in bed by nine!
So let's bring on the men
and let the fun begin
a little touch of sin
why wait another minute?
Step this way it's time for us to play
they say we may not pass this way again
so let's waste no more tiiiiime..." she used wonderful ornaments, and leapt up an octave, she took in a breath and finished the song,
"Bring ooooon the....meeeeen!" the music accelerated and came to an exciting end.

[~Charlotte~]

The room erupted in applause. Nell was laughing hysterically. Louise looked outraged and looked to Victoria for comfort, but the Duchess only laughed along with Nelly and cheered as loud as the rest.
"My word my Lady, you put Nell to shame with your act!" cried the Duke of York, who received a biff over the head from the pretty red-head. Charles was wiping beads of sweat from his head, grinning broadly. He knew Evelyn would make the evening spectacular and now he knew that it had been the wisest of decisions to ennoble her.
"That was wonderful!" cried the Queen, shaking Evelyn's, her eyes swimming with admiration...here was a woman who acted like a King.

Will was smiling, and wolf whistled loudly, much to the Admiral's amusement, his fears momentarily forgotten with the dazzling performance. The only two who looked unhappy were Reginald and Frederick. Still quite calm, the man spoke again,
"Wonderful...truly wonderful! You never cease to delight us...and now I must present you with our gift, which I hope you will wear for the encore..."

[~~*Buffy Bloom*~~]

Evelyn winked at the Queen and bowed in thanks, "I'm glad you enjoyed it." She received the applause with a beaming smile on her face. Now that was something she truly enjoyed. She blew kisses to her crowd of fans.

Forgetting her doubts for a moment, she nodded to Frederick, "I'd be delighted to." She walked with him, following him with curiosity. Something to wear, a dress? No, he had said delicate.

[~Charlotte~]

Frederick led Evelyn down a dark corridor just off the hall, towards a guest room. As the pair walked past, Reginald followed them to the doorway, then glanced into the shadow. A pair of eyes looked back at him. The younger man nodded. Showtime.

The de Bourbon boy continued to be charming, chattering to Evelyn about the gift, giving little hints and clues...until finally they arrived in the candlelit room. On the bed was a black velvet box. He picked it up and turned to her, opening it. A magnificent diamond choker.
"For you..." he said, grinning proudly.

James Hook stepped out of the shadows and into the entrance of the hall. He looked much like any other courtier, but one man noticed him. Charles Laurence kissed the Queen's hand, looked up, and saw what was to happen. He saw the man staring at the Duchess of Gloucester, a vicious look of hate and lust on his handsome features. Victoria was too busy laughing at something Captain Sparrow had said as they were still entwined on the dance floor.

"NO!" he cried, but it was too late. The windows smashed as at least 50 pirates stormed the banqueting hall. Women screamed, men roared with rage, soldiers were shot down like cannon fodder. Hook marched forward, plunging his wicked weapon in the belly of some poor courtier...
Victoria glanced up, and her face fell...

[~~*Buffy Bloom*~~]

The brilliance of the diamonds reflected in Evelyn's eyes. She reached out a hand, but didn't touch the beautiful item. Taking her hand back, she managed to look away from it and glance at Frederick. Was this really for her to take?

~~

Rory quickly leapt into the fight, it was instinct. His sword was at hand, and pistols were at the ready. He may not be the world's most energetic man, but he certainly got going in a fight. Swift, harsh and experienced.

Jack held Victoria protectively and moved back, "Get out of here, now." he said to her as he pulled out his cutlass. He fought off an approaching pirate. He wouldn't let anyone near her, and the anrgy look on his face showed that he wasn't playing around. This was a war.

[~Charlotte~]

Frederick smiled back at the woman before him, a warm smile...his father's smile.
"Shall I put it on for you?"...he began to move behind her, unclasping the delicate little chain, draping the huge heavy stones over her pale neck...
"These were meant for my mother...but as you know...she died. I hope to pass them on to another Duchess of Norfolk..." he said, his black eyes boring into the back of her neck...

~~

Victoria stepped away from Jack and turned to flee towards her apartments, hoping to barricade herself in. People shrieked in horror as dirty pirates filled the hall, fighting with guards and soldiers. The King was surrounded by men; most fearing this was an assassination attempt on his Highness. The Queen and most of the ladies had been pushed into a corner for their safety, surrounded by Buckingham, Monmouth and the Duke of York, each brandishing a weapon, ready to protect the women. Will was amongst them…but suddenly he realised there were two noticeable people absent..
Where were Frederick and DuFrain?
Then it all clicked.

Hook watched Victoria, his eyes never leaving her, though he continued to slaughter anyone in his path. He gestured his Bo’Sun to join him, and looking directly at Jack spoke quietly to the man…
“Kill him.”
Then he turned and went the way he had come, leaving the hefty figure with the toothy grin to fight the other pirate Captain...

[~~*Buffy Bloom*~~]

Evelyn lifted her head and saw her reflection in the mirror. It was superb, the twinkling stones glistened, embracing her neck. Then she saw the man behind her and turned around, "I'm choosin' to ignore what yer implyin'. You can't buy me." She almost spat the words out. The familiar feeling of disgust swept over her. So this was all it was about. Dangling a pretty necklace in front of her and hoping she'd fall into his arms. Ha! Never.

~~

Jack turned to see what was going on, he was targetting. Narrowing his eyes, he readied himself for the combat about to take place. He may not be a physically built man compared to his opponent, but he had his wits about him. Witty Jack would not be defeated. He flashed a smile, his golden teeth shining. "Give me your best shot, you bulk of meat!"

Rory span round to strike another attacker and realised it was Will. He frowned, Evelyn was no where to be seen. The worry was visible in his face. Another pirate ran at him, he swung round and parried the attack.

[~Charlotte~]

Frederick finished putting the necklace in place, a familiar sneer on his lips. He had flushed to a deep beetroot shade, anger filling him up, consuming him, and feeding his voracious appetite for everything…especially this woman. He moved in front of her and snarled at her,

“Once upon a time…” he spat back, “You belonged to me…you were nothing but a poor little gypsy girl from Ireland whose family got lucky with that bastard usurping Queen Elizabeth…and it was only my meddling Aunt who thought I could marry better…make myself a Prince. A King. And NOW! Now I am nothing, and everyone loves my little sister…they wanted to make her Dauphine, Queen of France, Queen of Portugal…or the little puppet Queen of England!”

His anger was fierce and demonic…the bitterness of all the years was erupting now as his desire for Evelyn rose. Her refusal had tipped him into the beyond and into the gates of hell…he slapped her hard across the face and shoved her back onto the bed, kicking her harshly and beating her around the head once more…

“I will have what I want for ONCE!” he screamed, ripping at her skirts, pulling them away in one swipe leaving her bare, pinning himself on top of her, using one hand to hold her wrists and the other to tear at her skirts. The room became stiflingly hot, as though it was filled with flames and they were in the depths of that dark underworld itself…

~~

Will stared at Rory for only a moment, emitting all his fears through his facial expression. He pushed his way past pirates and men, swords clashing and swiping as he ran towards the corridor, having no idea which way to go…he slammed into a figure who tumbled to the floor witha cry. Pulling himself up...he saw it was Reginald, looking very guilty...

~~

The Bo’ Sun pounced at Jack, and being the man he was, had no intention of keeping to the rules of engagement. He pulled a pistol from his belt and fired it straight at Jack. But it did not hit its target. The bullet thrust into the chest of the Admiral, who had thrown himself in its path, sparing the pirate Captain’s life. He lay gasping on the marble floor, clutching his wound as a pool of blood began to seep through his shirt and onto the floor…

~~

Victoria fled down the corridors, glancing back once or twice as her heels clattered noisily on the ancient floors. She turned a corner and leant up against the wall to catch her breath. She popped her head around to see if she was being followed, and apparently she was not…
Sighing with relief, she leant back against the wall…as a Hook reached out of the shadows nearby and grasped at her waist…
“Darling…it’s been far too long…” crooned James, his face so close to hers she could feel his breath upon her lips. She gave a little shriek of fear, and to stop her cries, he plunged his mouth on top of hers and kissed her…