It had been a week since my arrival in France and I was trying my best to accept my husband. I wasn't as silent as I had been. We had started a habit of going riding after lunch. I had also taken to learning the art of baking, just to give me something to occupy my time. I was adjusting quite well though I still longed to be back in England. Today; I was going to the village to run a few errands but I would go in the clothes of a commoner so no one would suspect I was the wife of one of the most hated men. I slipped off after telling Chauvelin where I would be and when I would return. I had no clue my life would soon be hanging in the balance between of life and death.

When I got to down to the village; I started my shopping. I saw two soldiers watching me intently. I tried to ignore their prying eyes but they kept following me. All of a sudden; I was grabbed and my basket of fruit fell to the ground. I was about to shout for help when a hand flew across my mouth and I was dragged into an abandoned alley.

"I haven't done anything illegal officers" I pleaded. "You're right little tart because we won't be arresting you if you give us what we want" the one in front of me answered, stroking my side. "What could you possibly want from me" I asked. "I would think you would know exactly what it is we both want" the one behind me replied as he licked my neck. Now I knew what it was they wanted.

"You two soldiers are mistaken. I'm not a prostitute. I demand you release me at once" I told them. They didn't listen and the one in front of me said "Why don't you take the first taste of her Mercier?" "I think I shall Copeau. See to it we're uninterrupted." the one called Mercier replied. He came out from behind me, dragged me a little further into the alley, and backed me into the wall. I gave him a swift kick in the middle and started to run but I was grabbed by Copeau and he asked "Where are you going sweetheart?" "HELP" I shouted at the top of my lungs. It didn't seem like any time and the two began knocking me around and one stabbed me. I clutched my side and fell, trying not to die right here. Just then; I heard a voice say "Don't leave me Cassidy" before I blacked out.

Chauvelin's P.O.V

I had gone to town to find Cassidy after she didn't return when she had told me. Just then; I heard a cry for help. I knew that shout anywhere. "Cassidy" I murmured, turning my horse in the direction of the cry. I followed the shouts to an alley near the market. Quickly; I tied my horse and saw Copeau. "What is the fuss Copeau" I asked.

"Mercier and I subdued a street walker raising her voice against the regime" he answered. I saw the girl on the cold cobblestones and she was breathing hard. "Look at me" I whispered to the girl and I saw it was Cassidy. "Don't leave me Cassidy" I whispered again.

"You know this tart" Mercier asked. "Yes and she's not a tart or renegade. This is my wife, Cassidy. She was running errands and she dressed like this is because she was trying to avoid danger. If she dies; you not only answer to me but her father as well" I answered, picking her up, mounting my horse, and prepared to take Cassidy to the house. "Mercier; Copeau; pay for anything Cassidy brought and then get the replacements and get them to the house then I'll deal with you two later" I threatened before taking off and break neck speed back to the house and then rushed inside, carrying her up to what was supposed to be our room.

I had the maids remove Cassidy's clothing so I could clean her wound and keep it covered until a doctor could stitch it closed. A servant had already gone to fetch the doctor. Carefully; I cleaned Cassidy's wound and whispered "I should have gone with you my love. I feel terrible. A husband is to protect his wife and I promised your father I would keep you safe. I fear I have dishonored my wedding vow. I only pray you will forgive me for not going with you my love."

The doctor arrived promptly and got to work on mending the wound. I refused to leave and I held her broken body close to me. Her breathing had calmed and as I looked at her bruised but angelic face; I could have sworn that she had actually smiled. The doctor finished and I paid the fee plus a bonus for his troubles. He was shocked by the extra but bowed and left the house but not before leaving a healing balm I was to apply to Cassidy's wound and bruises to help them heal. All I could do now was pray Cassidy would live.

For the next day or so; I dared not to leave her side, only when I needed to. The second day; I spent at her side with endless bowls of ice water to cool her burning skin from a minor fever along with applying the healing balm. How I longed for Cassidy to awaken and smile or even just complain about me being close to her. I didn't care what she would say. I just wanted to hear her voice. I decided though that word of this encounter with my soldiers would never reach her father. I continued my vigil over Cassidy, turning away all visitors. 'Please Cassidy; let me love you when you awaken' I prayed, holding her hand gently.