England, the Golden Age. The heyday of what people called pirates.

Pirates sank, robbed, and destroyed countless ships, leaving nothing and no one behind.

They had freedom, unlike you. You were like a beautiful doll sitting behind a shop window. They could look at you, but not touch you. No, your dear father didn't pamper you—he kept you locked up. You were only able to leave your room on holidays and special occasions.

And your father, a true man, a Duke, made the most important decision of your life. You were to marry Lord Abivin. He was a complete failure. Old, decrepit, fat, and perpetually smelly, yet such an outrageously rich lord, he was now to become your husband.

They arranged everything so quickly that they didn't even have time to finish your wedding dress. And does it matter? Of course not.

The lord lived in the north, very far away—a three-month sail. So he prepared a huge ship to carry your belongings, and you were to be married there.

You watched the crew meticulously scrub the floors, preparing everything for the wedding, which was to take place at sunset, with drinks, loud songs, and delicious food.

You weren't happy at all. Every minute flew by too quickly. And then it was—the ship set sail, the sun set too quickly. Somewhere inside, you were saying goodbye to the freedom you'd never had, to your identity, and to your name, for the lord had already given you the most offensive nickname—doll.

Your hands rested on the bulwarks, staring into space, minding your own business. Suddenly, you felt Lord Abiven's hand rest on yours, intertwining his thick fingers with your thin ones.

He reeked of alcohol, sweat, and a foul stench that was beyond words. You wanted to jump overboard. In ten minutes, this disgusting man would be your husband.

"Pirates! Prepare the cannons!" one of the sailors shouted, distracting everyone from this important event.

6You prayed silently, hoping for a quick death. The pirates had proven far stronger than the entire crew, and the lord had abandoned you, fleeing to the cabin.7

5You barely had time to process what was happening: everyone was screaming and panicking, but unlike them, you stood your ground. Your gaze caught on the young pirate whose name you learned after the pirate captain pointed his sword at you.

4William. The name was beautiful, resonant, and perfectly suited him. The man paused, looking at you, your dress, the ring on your finger.

However, Jack's orders came first, so he had to sling you over his shoulder to transfer you to the Black Pearl. “I’m so sorry,” William said, almost in a whisper, carrying you and fighting off the sailors.