You Stole Me Heart

Our tale begins in one of the most prominent cities in the country, Labrynna. Huxley was one of the most advanced civilizations in the world. There are mines and crop fields to work in the outer parts of the town and inside the factories are advancing into a new world of industrialization. The town is crowded and constantly has gloomy skies due to the large amount of smog from the factories. This was a difficult change, but the people adapted quickly. The opportunities to advance economically in the town, although advanced, are very minimal.

The city and its country are not ruled by a monarchy. The monarchy had ended one hundred and ten years before our story. It all started when the last King of Labrynna, Rhoan Bosporus Huxley, living in Huxley, passed the throne to the people by his voluntary choice. It shocked the country. Nevertheless, they rejoiced at the opportunities that this succession meant for the country. This sudden change threw the country into complete chaos for years. After revolutions, it is common for people already to have a structure or an idea in mind. Rhoan had just left, and major changes occurred. Since the people were looking for some order, they accepted what came after. As Huxley had been the capital of Labrynna, it was the first to create the structure and the rest of the country followed in line. Each of the large cities formed its own local government. Each town created with its wealth a law-enforcing branch, judicial branch, tax systems, class systems, and society guidelines. They created new courtrooms with the head of the government as the presiding judge and locally funded militias. Since Huxley was wealthy and near the sea, it had its own Militia and its own Navy.

Huxley is surrounded by the sea. There are clusters of old stone buildings that are completely isolated on a small island connected by a natural bridge to Huxley. The structures are rich in history and when navigation expanded the prospect of wealth and opportunity, criminals took to the seas, always intercepting the gold that was being transported from port to port. Deadman Island was its name. Deadman Island was where Huxley's finest port was found. It had everything that sailors dreamt of having! Taverns, saloons, the best brothels, stores of all supplies needed onboard, and lumber. Most importantly, some of the town's greatest shipwrights lived on Deadman Island. The island is also composed of many secret alcoves and areas where ships could dock hidden away from the large port and its inhabitants with a lot of lavish vegetation and large hills. This was ideal for any pirate ship that wanted to restock incognito. This port was the opposite of its attached. It was dangerous. Full of ruffians and poor devils down on their luck. It was the home of some of the gruesome pirates that plagued the world.

The town is currently governed by an elected official from the wealthy class. The Lila district was the closest to the old castle which had now been occupied by the governor's family and it was comprised of the wealthiest in the country. Every six years there was a new elected official. Governor Victor Eason is the current one and the longest to be elected. No one has dared to run against Victor since he is a cold and calculative man. He is ambitious and some even described him as outright cruel. He is a short man of only five feet four, who over the years has gained weight. He has auburn-red hair that reflects his short temper and green eyes that send chills to those around him. Now, at the age of forty, with three grown daughters, he had become even more ambitious. At the age of nineteen, already a wealthy merchant and aspiring politician, he married Lady Kendra Huxley. Lady Kendra Huxley was and still is a beautiful woman who inherited the long golden hair that is associated with the wealth of the royal family and the cerulean eyes that stood for their wisdom. Every royal member had these features. She is a tall woman with fair skin and a favorable character. Her disposition had everyone aiming to win her heart. She is the last living decedent of Rhoan B. Huxley. Originally, Victor had married her to gain part of the influence the Huxley family still held. Victor eventually falls deeply in love with his wife; however, his narcissism and egoistic personality rarely allow him to show her any affection aside from cold, distant, and formal interactions. Their marriage was blessed with two daughters. First, there is Lady Isolda Huxley Eason. An adventurous yet honest soul. Isolda, now at the age of one and twenty, was a beautiful slim girl who inherited her mother's looks. Tall and gorgeous, like a true Huxley was what everyone said. She had quite a charming smile on her soft face. Her waist was small, and her skin was soft and delicate. A few years after Isolda was born, their second daughter, Lady Nara Huxley Eason, joined the family. She also inherited her mother's golden hair and cerulean eyes. Nara's blonde hair only reached to her shoulders and, although equally beautiful to her mother and sister, she preferred to keep it at that length. Due to her shy disposition, she tends to look insignificant compared to her elder sister even if she was as tall as her. At the age of eighteen, Nara is quiet, delicate, and a perfect lady who only lives by her father's orders. He did not have a male heir, unfortunately. After the birth of their second daughter, Kendra had a challenging time conceiving again. The doctor had recommended her after the difficult birth to refrain from any pregnancies. This fact devastated Victor. Although Victor loved his wife, his obsession with an heir led him to conceive a child with a lowly maid who became his mistress for months. The young woman was named Kimberly Clarke. Kimberly eventually gave birth nineteen months after her second daughter was born. Kimberly died during childbirth, and her child was quickly taken to Victor's home where she was named Lady Kyla Clarke Eason. Kyla, now at the age of seventeen, has a mix of violet and green eyes. Although close in age, Nara was slightly taller and less developed than Kyla. Kyla, on the other hand, is very well matured all around her body yet short, just like her father. Kyla inherited her father's auburn hair, which reaches all the way to her lower back. Wild and rebellious, Kyla had always been at odds with her father. She does not care about duties or propriety. She inherited her father's short temper and stubborn personality. However, as opposed to her father's cold demeanor, she is a gentle soul. Eventually, Victor resigned himself to obtaining a male heir as the years passed by. He continued to have mistresses but refused to father another child for fear that he would get cursed with another daughter. He put little importance on it now, since he could gain a lot of connections through arranged marriages. They are all aware of his ambitions, so they stay clear of his path. Besides, the members of the Lila District all respect Victor and want his favor. He always finds a way to support society's agenda and further oppresses the people to keep power.

There is a legend of a crew that originated from this town when the Monarchy ended. It was forged from bloodshed and tragedy. The "King of Black Hearts" crew and both their captains were legendary for their atrocious crimes. They preyed on everyone. They did not respect authority, gender, class, or race. They would go on devastating raids on towns, commit arson, kidnap or rape women, torture, and defile their victims. The crew would bathe in their prey's blood and keep the skulls of their victims as trophies. Their captain had been depraved, ruthless, and had only one evil purpose; to see the world burn in his wake. The crew was considered a death omen to those who set eyes on them. Wherever they went, the crew could make mortals tremble in fear. Some would say that they would release themselves just by seeing their flags. Although very human, they were cursed with immortality until their dark purpose was fulfilled. The men could get shot or stabbed directly in their chest, in their head, and even in the gut, and they would not die. One day, the original captain vanished and was succeeded by a much more heartless man. He preferred to remain in the shadows and slowly quench his thirst in the shadows. Ever so vigilant, always watching. This pirate captain did his best to avoid the ports and towns and their invisibility slowly became their shield.

People forgot over the years of the terror that lay beyond the waves, only becoming ghosts to scare young children into submission.

Of course, not everyone believes that a legend is based on truth.

Deadman Island 1795, Midnight (3rd P.O.V.)

On the horizon, far away from any Navy lookout on the island, a large vessel at high speeds. The black Man-of-war style ship was made from expensive carved wood, the best of the best, carefully primed and painted with black paint creating the back massive body of the vessel. The sails are created of one of the finest fabrics dyed in a charcoal grey. The years and the sea have not been kind to the sails, yet they flew in the wind with pride. The ship had a slightly unique jolly roger decorating the tallest masts. It was a black flag, decorated in the center was a pure red heart. In the middle of the heart was a sideway skull with a large hoop earring. Right below the heart, there were two swords crossing, forming an x shape. Although the ship was massive in size, it moved swiftly and fast regardless of if there was any wind to feed the sails. The men who manned the crew were working hard to steer the ship into the largest alcove to the west of the port. As soon as they had arrived at their destination the crew began to disembark one by one, quietly into the night. There was something eerie about this night. The night was still and calm when the clock on the center square marked midnight. Most inhabitants from Huxley are now safely in their homes, deep in slumber while Deadman Island had a morbidly empty and dark feel to it. The port was empty, and there was only one light lighting it on the other side of the street. To the far shore of the port, near the west alcove, stood a small empty tavern covered in complete darkness. The tavern was not isolated completely but the homes and businesses surrounding the area were masked by the darkness of the night, which was unusual. A certain feeling of dread subconsciously told others to stay inside their homes, or they could sense the stop coming in from the East. The waves and the waters were the only things that were restless.

The small tavern had seen only extraordinarily little traffic all through the evening. There was no customer in sight, and there was not any sign of a life form except the owner of the rundown business, Mrs. Hawkins, and two of three of her employees. Mrs. Hawkins had run the tavern with her husband for over thirty years before the man had fallen ill and passed. At her age, she began to struggle to effectively manage it. Isolda, as a high-class young lady, had no idea of what challenging work was to keep a tavern, but she found herself desperate to learn. It was not so much for the necessity or even the fact that she was bored. Everyone who knew Isolda knew she was always looking for adventure. She passionately believed that as a noblewoman, her duty was not to her father but to the people in need. She would see how people struggled. She loved listening to servants talking and sometimes she would dress in a lower-class gown and wander the town along with Gabrilla. More than a servant, the young girl was her friend, her confidant, and her support. Isolda, skilled in needlework bought some fabrics and made herself some cotton gowns to assimilate in the town. She purposedly traded one of her expensive garments with her abigail to use that as an example and dissect. One day, Gabrilla came into Isolda's room crying and they spoke about her great-aunt and the struggling situation. The young woman was thinking of leaving her position to help her aunt, but Isolda produced a better idea. Although protesting, Gabrilla had helped Isolda arrange to meet with the elder woman. All three of them came to an agreement, both Gabrilla and Isolda would help the elder woman. Mrs. Hawkins did not pay Isolda or Gabrilla for their aid since she was struggling financially. Instead in exchange for discretion and the opportunity to feel useful she promised to pay Gabrilla a salary for her added work. Both women took the time to teach Isolda how to clean, cook, and serve drinks without spilling. There was a bartender who took care of most of the drinks, but she served them to the tables around the tavern. Upstairs, the tavern had a few rooms for rent. She took care of removing the sheets and taking them down to the laundry room. Mrs. Hawkins's establishment remained open to the public only until 1 A.M. Afterwards both young girls would sneak away back to Huxley Castle.

With an hour to go Isolda was bored out of her mind. She was wearing a brown linen petticoat with a matching skirt billowing down her hips. Both her apron and her stomacher were also basic white linen. Her long hair was neatly tied up. She had long ago removed her day cap since she had a little more freedom here than at home. The night was too still for her liking. She had been here only a few months, and she personally adored it, but the stillness of the night was too dull.

"That old bag is probably somewhere upstairs messing around with her overweight Persian cat to check on the damn business," she quietly cursed.

She was alone with Jack, the bartender, as Gabrilla was taking a quick nap in her great-aunt's quarters. She did not count Jack as someone in her company since he was a serious man who did not like the idea of two unmarried women working so late in a tavern. Since there was no one to tend to, he excused himself to use the chamber pot. Completely alone Isolda leaned on the counter after cleaning it for the fifth time in that hour and sighed. She was trying to make up her mind about ditching the place if no one showed up. Just as she was about to give up, she heard a couple of heavy footsteps near the front entrance. She looked up with a sigh of relief and quickly positioned herself to make herself look busy. She normally did not tend to the customers at the tavern but when Jack came back, he could quickly serve them. The steps got closer and louder. Those are the longest seconds she lived through the night, every step making her insides twist with excitement. The door to the small building began to slowly creak open. Six figures entered the room, with a dark and dangerous aura around them making the atmosphere around her feel uncomfortable. She shook her head, released herself from the shock, cleared her throat, and smiled brightly as she said,

"What will you gentlemen have tonight?" with a sweet and seductive tone.

She leaned onto the counter and waited patiently. She felt a strange sensation. She was uncomfortable but she pushed her instincts aside and continued to wait. She only had to wait until Jack came back. Five of the figures that entered the room had scattered but her attention only remained on who was the leader. The pressure in the room seemed to gravitate to him with his powerful aura. He looked at her and shrugged at his men. He turned around and glared at each one of them, they laughed briefly and then he turned his attention back to her. She did not realize how close he had gotten. He was now standing in front of the counter. With a smirk across his face, the handsome man lowered his face, beautiful deep blue, almost sapphire-colored eyes pierced a gaze at her, it was not burning with desire and lust, his eyes were void of any feeling. He motioned her to come closer with his finger. She followed his instructions subconsciously. He moved his mouth towards her ear and whispered,

"I was kind of thirsty for rum, but I think you just made me thirsty for you, sweetheart."

With that, he reached for her face and caressed her face. The caress was emotionless, quick, rugged, and rough. Her instincts were screaming at her louder this time and she was able to ignore them no longer.

"What?" She had whispered as she quickly backed away from the man trying to process her situation.

She felt that she was in danger. She had never dealt with this situation on her own. Usually, Jack was there with her. He had been a street brawler before and was able to bring order to the tavern when needed. Some of the regulars would also aid in subduing any rough customers. There was no sign or sound from Jack or anyone else. Bored with her reaction, he retracted and moved a tavern stool where she was standing, sitting right in front of her. He rested his left elbow on the counter to support his head as he leaned on it. His right hand was resting readily near his left thigh. Isolda could deduce that although he was relaxing, he was ready for any danger moving his way. He looked like he was waiting or expecting something from her.

Her eyes moved up and down, analyzing the figures in front of her. The man sitting in front of her was young and attractive. His oval-shaped face was neatly groomed. There was no shadow or dirt. He was tall, around six feet two, from what she could tell when he had walked in. She had noticed as well that he wore cream-colored trousers tucked away into his large brown boots that almost reached his knees. On his waist rested a deep blue sash and a thick large leather belt holding his cutlass and his pistol. He was lean with broad shoulders. Even with the white loose cotton shirt, the velvet waistcoat, and the unbuttoned long dark jacket, she could see the outline of his chest and arms. Long brown locks of hair were hanging out from the large black Bicorne hat he was wearing. She could also see his beard was nicely kept short. Isolda could tell he was a sailor who had traveled far due to the exotic feathers decorating his hat. His mere presence intimidated her. From fright, she moved her eyes towards the rest of the men. There was one leaning on the doorway. He was a couple of inches taller than his leader, but his features were less fearsome. His silver hair hung freely across his head as he stared at her, amused. He kept a clean face with only barely visible stubble. His aqua-colored eyes showed far more emotions than the empty pit she saw in the other man. This man was wearing a dark grey linen shirt with black trousers and black boots. He also had a red sash on his hips and was also seen as heavily armed. Her eyes shifted to the next couple of men, who were walking towards the brunette. Both are as tall as the leader and extremely fit. One of them had his long straight golden hair tied up into a low ponytail and the other one had wavy short golden hair. Both had their light blue eyes locked all over her with grins across their faces nodding in agreement with their leader. Since she could still feel the brunette's gaze staring at her intensely, she was unable to look closely at what they were wearing, but if her deductions were right, these men were pirates and they were dressed in tightly tucked linen shirts, white with brown breachers and either boots or buckled shoes. So, she turned towards the side door that led to the kitchen to see if she could catch a glimpse of Jack. However, her eyes stumbled upon the remaining pirates. The last two figures had an air about her that screamed ancient and mythical. One was a woman. She had a mixed complexion. She has an in-between creme and caramel-colored skin, black hair, and dark eyes. She was short and a little bit overweight. If it wasn't for the soft features on her face and her delicate physique, Isolda would not have been able to tell she was a woman. Her choice of wardrobe was completely different from the rest. She was wearing a blue and white striped short-sleeved shirt with black trousers hugging her large hips. Her partner was tall, slim, and dark-skinned with strong features and dark eyes. He, like his partner, had a different choice of clothes. He was wearing green with a white striped shirt, black pants, and oversized buckled shoes.

She had been focusing on the other four men and she had not realized that these other two had subdued Jack. She screamed in shock as she noticed his figure on the floor near the doorway with blood soaking the wooden floor. She placed her hand on her mouth as tears of fright began to consume her. They all laughed at her.

"Gentlemen, what say ye if we take her along with us?" The brunette turned around to face the rest of the men. All responded more eagerly than Isolda expected and feared. She looked around desperately for a way out. She bolted as quickly as she could towards the door where the silver-haired man was, hoping she could squeeze through him if she fought. As she made it past the leader, she was stopped by one of the golden-haired men. He glared at her and grabbed her upper arm, pulling her back and restraining her. At this point, Isolda was screaming for help as loudly as she could. Gabrilla or Mrs. Hawkins could hear the commotion and seek some aid. The leader, frustrated, and what looked angry, stood up and quickly flew to her. He took her from his friend's hand and threw her against the floor. Pain shot through her body, originating from her back.

"Lady Eason!!" Gabrilla had entered the room screaming, and Isolda heard her continuously screaming at the men to let her go. She heard the maid's elevated and alarmed voice. She was unsure of what to do. At the mention of her name, the men had gotten even more eager to plunder the small tavern and her along with it.

"Woman, come quietly with us unless..." he pulled out a large cutlass sword and placed it by her throat. "You prefer to die ..."

She was startled with fear and completely overtaken by the need to survive, so she only nodded her head in agreement. At that moment, she felt herself being picked up with ease, like a sack of potatoes. She managed to shoot a glance back at Gabrilla. The place was swarmed instantly as if there had been more men waiting quietly outside the establishment. They were emptying everything in the kitchen and the tavern. One of the men who had swiftly come in had reached for Gabrilla. She stretched out her hand towards Isolda before she was carried out. She was too petrified to fight further from the grasp, so she managed to ask quietly,

"What do you want with me? Who are you??" The brunette man who had hold of her only smiled and whispered something in her ear, her eyes widened with fear, as if there had been any hope of survival or even of escaping. It all drowns in the echoes of his name.