Note*~

Hello! This is my first Robin Hood BBC fic, and I hope to make new friends here. :) The story takes place postseason two/preseason three.

In the story, the bold words represent that French is being spoken.

Many thanks to Laelyn24 and Speedy Speck for their time and thoughts on the project. ^.^ Couldn't have done it without you. :)

Hope you all like the story! ^.^ Reviews would be nice... :3

Hostage

Chapter One

The Kidnap

~*~

"Lady Audrey? Lady Audrey!"

'Audrey' quickly turned her head to look out the window and realized she was looking at Pierre, the captain of the guard. He was outside of the carriage, and she realized the horses had stopped. She tried to look him in the eye, but his face had an intimidating expression.

Did she gave herself away? Did he found out that she was actually Christine, the real Lady Audrey Montagne of Ventadour's handmaid, and that she was in the lady's place? She hid her face from the rest of the servants and guards so that they wouldn't recognize her. The two women had the same blond hair and were approximately the same height, but Christine's eyes were gray and Audrey had emerald green. Audrey was in Christine's place, and she was in the servants' carriage. The maid was wondering how the noblewoman was putting up with an entire world that she didn't knew anything about. Knowing Audrey, she must be having the time of her life. She wouldn't have trade places during their time at sea on the boat if Audrey wasn't so persistent and stubborn, but they were good friends. The reason why Audrey wanted to swap places was because she "wanted to know more of the outside world". It was hard not to refuse, partly because Christine gave up due to her meekness.

"Milady, I thought we could use a stretch of our legs, the sea must have exhausted you," the captain began. "Come, you must be hungry. We should eat a little."

Soon, Christine felt stretched and relaxed and was eating slices of apples and walnuts. The sun was about to set, the light shinning off at the horizon. It was a long journey from France to England. Christine didn't like boats, since the sea made her feel seasick. They were in England because Audrey was making a visit to her English friend, Lady Diana Brandon of Millbrook, daughter of Count George. It was going to be her birthday, and Audrey was worried about not being on time for the celebration.

Looking at the corner of her eye, the maid saw the real Audrey standing beside her in Christine's dress. The "maid" gave off a mischievous smile. Christine gave off a warning stare, making sure Audrey wouldn't do anything out of the ordinary. The noblewoman closed her eyes and nodded as if to say "don't worry, I got it all under control."

"Christine, I need some water... please," the maid felt guilty for say the order, since it felt out of place for a servant to say it, but Audrey did the chore with enthusiasm and brought back a glass of water.

The two women were the best of friends. They knew each other since childhood, and once Audrey was old enough, she requested Christine to be her personal handmaid. She loved her position and adored the friendship between them, but there was one big difference they did not share. Audrey was more brash and outspoken. She loved the social scene, while Christine was more withdrawn. She sometimes was afraid to speak out her thoughts and was nervous whenever she was in the middle of a conversation. She'd stutter, break eye contact, but being with Audrey made her feel relaxed whenever she was with her. This made her thankful for their friendship.

"Captain Pierre?" asked Christine, hoping she sounded like Audrey to keep up the facade.

"Yes, milady?"

"Where are we now? Are we close to Lord Brandon's castle?"

"We'll be there within the hour. A town called Nottingham's about a mile from here. Once we're through Nottingham, Millbrook Castle will be right in front of us."

"Thank you, Captain."

She looked at Audrey, and the two girls had identical expressions of joy. Audrey was going to be on time for Lady Diana's celebration!

They were packing up their small picnic, until Christine heard a rustle in the bushes. Turning, she learned that there was nothing in the greenery.

Maybe it was a rabbit...?

Turning to the door of the carriage, she stepped on the stool and entered. All of a sudden, the clanging of metal was heard!

"We're under attack!"

Christine's heart raced and her face was against the window. The maid could feel her chest rise.

Audrey!

The noblewoman was in the carriage behind her and that's where the men were fighting! What was assaulting them? Why would they want to attack them? They were just visiting the country to visit Audrey's friend, they did no harm!

Soon, not a sound was heard. What could have silence the violence? Did they manage to make peace, or did the attackers killed everyone? A teardrop was across Christine's cheek.

No... Audrey...! Don't die, please...!

The door to the carriage opened, presenting a pale man in black armor. His hair was a dark black, and his eyes had a sharp stare that was endless and threatening, even scarier than Pierre's! His large size frightened Christine, she couldn't heave a breath. The man reached for her arm, dragging her out of the carriage.

"You're coming with me!"

English.

She understood what he said. Christine's half English mother taught her the language when she was a little girl.

A blindfold was over her eyes and soon, she was in another carriage. She heard the sound of locking, and she hammered at whatever she could feel. Sobs were heaving out of her body, tears flowing out of her eyes.

"Please! Let me out...! Please...!"

The carriage was moving. Moving away from Captain Pierre, the servants... Audrey. The teardrops flowed and damp the blindfold. Moving away from her cheeks.