BACK IN HIS MANSION, the Governor had a much-awaited discussion with his daughter:

"Has the Commodore made his proposal?"

The latter revised herself to explain the very precarious situation that had happened to her. The father, despite wanting to offer his daughter a marriage of love, which would last a long time unlike his own— even if it was long and prosperous until the death of his wife seventeen years ago— wanted seeing her married to the Commodore, like most of the people of Port Royal who didn't live under a rock.

All but one: William Turner, who couldn't avoid rumors about one of the island's up-and-coming celebrity couples. Did people have nothing else to do but talk about fictional couples who will never see the light of day? he wondered.

Asteria's wound was healed and it was not difficult for her to forget the events of the morning, except for one. Her second encounter with Captain Sparrow had impressed her far more than she could have imagined.

Asteria firmly believed in destiny, the one with a capital D and high expectations. Nothing happened by chance, and nothing would happen if it wasn't written on the lines of her hand. The latter had a passion for the Milky Way and the stars.

Indeed, her mother, who died so long ago, was an astronomer in secret. Few people knew about the scientific tendency of the governor's wife. She had ogled this at her daughter, despite the fact that she had never been able to know her except inside her own womb. Thousands of books and years of research brought together in a notebook: the one that Asteria kept close at hand from time to time.

The name Asteria had not come by chance to Mary when she was pregnant.

"Ella? Lyrae," she asked looking at her husband, her eyes filled with compassion and love.

"Why do you care so much that our child has a star name? It would then no longer be unique if it bore the name of something already created," he asserted.

"Weatherby," she said, placing her soft hands against the face of the man in love with his wife. "The stars are the most beautiful creation in the universe— until the birth of our daughter. But, if you want a compromise, why not give it a name that signifies the stars without necessarily being one?"

"Do you have an idea in mind, Mary?"

And everything made sense, as much as the Big Bang, in the mother-to-be's head, as if the light bulb in her brain had been turned on.

"Asteria."

Asteria spent her day staring out the same window as earlier in the morning, the waves crashing against the shore. Turbulent waves in which she had found herself. Surprisingly, that was where she had felt most free. Every hour there was a knock on his door,

"The Commodore is here!" announced the governesses.

But the young girl wanted to remain in complete silence, hearing only the muffled sound of the sea. She was lost in that space of time when the Commodore's request had not been pronounced; yet it was, and one day she would have to face his words well.

The inhabitants of Port Royal were struggling to recover from this day filled with unpredictable events: between the first floods, the ceremony and the almost tragic death of the governor's daughter. No one knew where to go.

Will was unaware of the last event which had much more meaning and gravity— for him— than the water which was rising little by little from his house. The latter lived near the coast, closer to danger, and that hardly frightened him.

He had always had this feeling of having been born in water. Born in water and it would stay there. He wanted to die at sea. Find his father. Everything came back to water. And when the Governor had evoked this similar desire in young Asteria, it had sparked this small flame of hope that burned deep in her heart. Navigate, anywhere! Sail in Eden! Oh, the sea! Take the helm and travel near the woman he liked. But his daydreams often caused him to detach himself from the real world, in which he had to work hard in order to try to survive as best he could.

He was not the poorest blacksmith, and was lucky enough to enter the royal mansion often, but nobility did not interest him.

Then the news was told to William, who could hardly believe it. But all the same, he didn't want to put himself in this misogynistic position of a valiant knight going to save his young lady, although the time allotted to save her had already passed. His concern was too great for him not to act and come against Asteria to inquire about her.

A woman's reputation was far more noble, chaste and dear than that of a wretched blacksmith, he told himself.

He would then see the young Asteria approaching his window, not too close to fail to fall a second time, even if he would like her to fall in love, head first. Not obsessively.

Will liked Asteria, but being in love with her was quite different. To fall in love with her, he wished to wait for the moment when they could both speak without restraint about convictions and the crown, speaking like two human beings, perfectly equal and free. Surely, she would be, against the helm of the boat, talking about how much she cherished the stars (he was the only one who was aware of this).

She would gaze in wonder at every bright star on Earth as Will stood before his brightest luminary.

This is how Will wanted to be loved, and if she didn't share the desire, he wanted to see her happily married with a man who would take care of her delicate soul.

After she had been groomed, Asteria remained in front of her dressing table. Her room was relatively large: enough space to raise an entire family.

This luxury was not the prism of Asteria. Like monarchs, she didn't care how big her bed was or how big her wardrobe was. She had noticed that most people's possessions did not look like them. Everything had been done for them, they were only passive. But she had counted on representing her fantasy in her room. Hence the numerous works on the stars and the world.

Hundreds of books lying around, as if a woman could know everything. As if the world was offered to her by reading words because she was not capable of knowing all the ills of it.

She was examining his features and was unhappy with his reflection. Women only got what they wanted with their beauty, and she hated that. If her eyes were set an inch too far, would it hurt her? The women— the woman, were more than pretty dresses and fake smiles.

Cursed pretense, she thought.

However, the young girl was indeed the Princess of Cleves of her time. Desirable and desired, against his will. Too immersed in her thoughts, she did not hear the murmurs of William who was waiting for her at the bottom of her window.

A single tear left Asteria's cornea, as the blacksmith slipped through her window before she could tell.

"Miss," said the latter, held against his window. She jumped and turned her head when she saw Will.

"My God! You gave me one of those scares. And how many times may I remind you? It's Asteria."

The young man nodded, although he wished to remain respectful. He noticed the tear that was born near the sovereign's eye.

"Are you weepy?"

"Why would I?" she announced, before turning her head back to her mirror. Why lie, she knew she was able to confide in him. "I would so love to be more pleasing to the eye, and at the same time, I hate women getting what they want through beauty favors. I'm worth more than that. Nevertheless..."

"What's in a name? What we call a rose would be as fragrant by any other name," Will replied, looking in the direction of the shelf full of books.

"Shakespeare. My father gives me access to the most delicious works," she confessed with a smile.

"Beauty has nothing to do with success, if that's what you're looking for. Ask a toad what beauty is: he will answer you that it is his toad with two big round eyes coming out of his little head... Ask the devil he will tell you that beauty is a pair of horns, four claws and a tail."

"It's very true. The subjectivity of attractiveness is certainly present in the heart of every individual."

She smiled at William, happy to share a discussion far more constructive than the hundreds she had been able to follow while having tea with some marquises or talking with Norrington.

"You scared me, young Ophelia. When I learned of your fall, I believed in your loss. If one day death presents itself to you, welcome it with bouquets of various flowers and it will surely let you take some."

It was then that we heard Asteria's father heading towards her bedroom. She motioned for Will to leave just in time before the monarch arrived.

The father entered and Asteria wondered about his presence.

"I... I just want to spend some time with you, Asteria. You are my dearest pearl. It's true that it's very rare for a father to give his runner-up so much affection, but I'm proud that you're my daughter, you're so caring, thoughtful, intelligent and so spontaneous! I couldn't ask for better than you. I'm not asking you to respond to my confession, you've had a hard day. I just wanted you to know my deepest feelings. And heck the Commodore if that's what you want, I only want the best for you."

Weatherby gave her a sincere smile and was about to leave when her daughter stopped her.

"Father, I would also like to have my say. You have been the best mentor and support a girl could ever dream of."

She hesitated to confess and adopted the same spontaneity as with Will.

"No one will ever be able to fill the absence of a mother, as much for you as for me. I pity every day that she is not there, for not having received the affectionate maternal love. But you knew how to give me enough to flourish in an environment in which I have the chance to live. Thank you for that. And... now that mother is gone, I only have you. I cannot bear to lose you."

Asteria had pronounced these words in a tragic way and let show through the suffering which weighed on her.

The father almost shed a tear before leaving the room.

She found herself alone, left to herself after so many emotions. She genuinely enjoyed Will and their lively discussions. And his father's statement wasn't that surprising, but hearing that sweet praise had calmed her mind.

Asteria chuckled in delight, and stared at the ceiling, sad that she couldn't see the stars tonight.

Last night, a new day dawned on Port-Royal. The days were often mundane, and there were few occasions when they resembled the previous one that Asteria had been able to experience. In her dungeon in Babylon, she felt like she would never get out, and yet she dreamed of feeling the terrible wind against her hair, pushing back her bold eyebrows.

However, it looked like the days were going to be interesting: A ball! Oh yes, a ball tonight! shouted the population.

A ball? It had been an eternity since the young girl had danced. Twirled in all directions rhythm of frenzied string instruments. The violin is her favorite. It was said of her mother that she was an excellent pianist and that she had inherited it. But there were few occasions for her to exercise it.

The last time a ball was held in her home, she was fifteen. She liked being able to go astray like a lunatic, because she was not old enough to have to hold herself perfectly. Oh, you know, it's the age! Let's grant her this fantasy, her father had confessed, gazing at her in the distance, happy to see his daughter dancing like a windmill.

Although she was delighted with the news, Asteria knew that this ball was not going to be the same celebration as her younger years. Now seventeen years old, she had to be an elegant and beautiful young woman.

The Commodore would surely be there, and she dreaded the moment when she would have to face him. But he had tact, maybe he would leave her, at least for this evening.

Going down to the kitchens where governesses and servants crowded, Asteria noticed her father, drinking tea in the family living room.

"Father!" she exclaimed, beaming.

"Ah! Asteria! You're up anytime soon!"

"Indeed. And, I wanted to bounce on your words, I also want to spend a lot more time in your company, if you allow me," she confessed.

The father was moved, and motioned to his daughter to take her in his arms. It was very rare for an accolade like this to happen, but when it did, you had to cherish its essence.

"Did you hear, we are having a ball tonight!" said the Governor.

"I heard, yes..."

"...is that the reason you woke up so early, Asteria?" the father asked, playfully.

"It could be..." she smiled, letting the blood pressure drop from her chest in a delicious laugh. "Who is invited?" she resumed.

"You want to know if I invited the Commodore, do you?" sneered the parent.

She sighed.

"Yes."

"Well, I did invite him. Asteria, although I understand the situation in which you are, he is a very charming and honorable man, moreover, he was useful during all his servitude at Port-Royal and at my command. Not inviting him would be beyond comprehension."

"I understand, father, do not forget that he remains a longtime friend, I have not lost all compassion. Nevertheless, I despise the fact that you invite only a few marquises. How many will we be, ten?"

"About, yes."

"Why not invite more people? After all, how long has it been since we hosted a ball of such magnitude that the Baltimore Islands envied us. We should celebrate, hold a huge dance!"

"It is true that I agree with you on this point; why not invite your cousins ​​from England? Oh yes, how lovely they would be!"

"First, inviting them is too late an idea, they will never be able to reach the Caribbean in such a short time, although I would like to believe in a miracle and in the progress of Science. I was thinking of inviting the people instead."

At these words, all the governesses uttered a cry of hope and a gleam rose in their pupils. Cries of amazement echoed in the room. This kind of request had never been made by a noble. Never, until now.

"Have you lost your mind? We do not know these individuals, nor their intentions. They could steal something from us or kidnap you. No way."

"Not so much as we don't know all the lords you invite to our doorstep and feed at the beak, thinking their wealth discounts them for wickedness. It is quite the opposite. These individuals are generous and pure in heart. Villains will be found everywhere, regardless of rank, regardless of blood. And believe me, we brought in persons far worse than the common people."

The father was intercepted by his daughter's insurance. Deep down, he only wanted to make her happy, and he was going to give in to her whims. It was so hard to tell her no.

"Agreed, but if a single misfortune happens, it will only be your fault."

The Governor hated to sound like that, but authority had to be exercised, however reluctantly. Raising her daughter was like running a country.

"I will take full responsibility. Have I ever disappointed you?"

"Never, Asteria."

"So, let's party!"

She smiled and rushed through her house:

"Hey, everyone! Well-dressed or as you are, come to the ball tonight and dance to the top of your lungs!"

Governesses had never been so happy. They had never been to a ball, apart from poor festive dances and folklore in the lower people. A royal ball was a fantasy. From ear to ear, all the people put on their finest attire: husbands tenderly happy to be able to take their beloved to dance all night long. All that hard work rewarded.

Asteria, vehemently taking care of the organization of the party, was so happy to be able to bring everyone together in one place. Much like the courthouse six years ago, all classes would be scrapped to be mere humans, enjoying the festivities. She liked seeing people and talking to them, meeting other personalities.

For her part, after preparing the party, Asteria decided to show off. Not for the Commodore or anyone else. For her.

She grabbed a splendid dress. Very light green, it pulled on the pearly white. Decorated with country wild flowers, they remained in the same colorimetry. Embroidered with darker green lace, the contrast was harmonious and condensed. The neckline was like a soft wave, revealing the girl's entire bust. The fabric was a line from one shoulder to the other, with nothing over it. The sleeves were short and puffy, like the little sprigs of a lily of the valley. At the waist, there was some adjustment that showed off the body of the Venus. The puffy skirt was massive, yet suited Asteria's stature. She would get noticed, without doing too much.

She treasured her family jewel and added a few pearl adornments.

She had her hair done, chatting promptly with her governesses with a few innocent laughs. Her very long brown hair was loose, though it was topped at the back of her skull. Like a half ponytail, one part of her hair was higher than the other, adding dimension and volume to her mane. Hair styled in beautiful, refined curls, small locks trailed in front of her face and acted capriciously: well, all the trouble the servants had taken, they couldn't keep them in place. Asteria's hair reflected a portrait of her character.

Ready, the young girl descended the steps of her home, already hearing the burst of laughter from the supporters and the social conversations. The dapper music resounded throughout the castle and it was a honeyed melody tickling his ear. At the bottom of the stairs, she only marveled at such versatility.

Amazed by all this social landscape, she saw all the colors. The attires consisted of the mantua with the stiff bodice. Some women wore the robe à la française, featuring a tight bodice with a square neckline. Large ribbon bows were placed on the front and were richly trimmed with all kinds of laces, braids and flowers.

Poorer women had a more relaxed style, moving away from heavy fabrics, such as satin and velvet, towards Indian cotton, silks and damasks. Moreover, these dresses were made in pastel, lighter shades, which exuded a warm, graceful and childlike appearance.

Asteria noticed the toilet of the moment: the front was fitted to the body by means of a tightly laced bodice, while the back fell in loose box pleats called 'Watteau pleats' since their appearance in Antoine Watteau's paintings.

Women wore jewelry such as pearl necklaces, ribbons or lace frills tied high on the neck. Clothing was made in muted colors, light, airy, asymmetrical patterns, and playful styles. Wigs remained essential for substantial men and women and were white; the natural hair was powdered to achieve the fashionable look. The costumes were distinctly quaint.

The men wore French clothes, consisting of three parts: the jerkin, a jacket and breeches.

The waistcoat was the most decorative piece, richly embroidered and displaying patterned fabrics.

Breeches stopped at the knee, with white stockings worn underneath and heeled shoes, which had large square buckles.

Men's coats were worn closer to the body and did not look like skirts. They were also worn more open to show off the waistcoats worked by the best couturiers. The coat petticoats remained wide and were stiffened with buckram, horsehair, and other means to fan out over the hips. The front edges of the coat curved back slightly to reveal more of the vest. The fabrics worn by men were mainly silks, velvets, brocades, and woolens.

Upper-class men carried a cane as part of their outfits, suspending it by a loop from one of their waistcoat buttons to allow their hands to properly hold snuffboxes or handkerchiefs. Wigs of varying styles, and wide-brimmed hats with upturned tricorn ornaments were an essential part of the 'domino', an elegant costume for masquerade balls, were worn by different age groups. Asteria had taken part in a 'domino' ball once, and it had been one of the best nights of her life, without any doubts or regrets.

Advancing to the rhythm of the ropes, the young girl did not leave people indifferent around her. She was quickly spotted by her first suitor.

"Good evening, Miss Swann," said the Commodore, in an officer's uniform.

"Good evening, Commodore. I see you haven't taken off your uniform."

"No, I'm staying here for the protection of Port-Royal."

He approached her, whispering in her ear.

"Your father has entrusted me with your protection this evening. Your appreciation is generous and humanistic, but it is no less dangerous," he whispered.

Asteria was stung with a brief rage, hating her father's betrayal. Was that how he perceived things? Didn't she trust him?

"I don't need no protection!" she announced before abruptly leaving.

Annoyed, she had a heavy step and almost went into dancing couples.

Not looking where she was stepping, she bumped into a young man before he turned around.

"Good evening, Asteria."