A/N: New update! Also guys, 120 followers and 41 favs! That's crazy!

"No matter how far you go, man cannot escape his fate." – Amphiaraus, Hercules (2014)

Ch. 9: Jailbreak

"Jane," Maura called out as she reached the meadow. It was a little bit dangerous what she was doing, but deep in her heart, Maura didn't wish to leave Jane alone. Though they were pretty far from the destroyed camp, there was still the risk that Centurions could return for scavenging. She heard a wolf howl, giving her a chill down her spine. She took in a deep breath, trying to calm herself as she entered the meadow.

Before she could even call Jane's name once more, she stopped at the sight of Jane sitting by a small campfire, tossing a couple stones into the meadow. "You shouldn't be out here," Jane stated to the princess.

"Nor should you," Maura retorted as she dismounted her horse. She walked over to Jane and sat next to her. Jane didn't glance over at her but continued to toss the stones into the meadow. "Are you okay," Maura asked tentatively.

"Do I look okay," Jane snipped back. Maura bowed her head and Jane sighed, tossing the stones aside then glanced over Maura who was looking away from her. The bandit ran her hand through her hair, undoing in her ponytail. "I was fifteen and I was keeping an eye on my brothers while Ma was looking for work. A storm was coming and I wanted to look at it briefly so I stepped out of the cottage, checking for Ma and then I heard his voice," she took in a deep breath then released it. She took a small glance over at Maura whose eyes were back on Jane. She looked away and continued, "Hoyt and some Centurions arrived at the cottage. I told my brothers to run and the Centurions went after them while Hoyt had me cornered. He punched me straight across the jaw and I fell unconscious. It wasn't until later when I awoke pinned to the floor."

She then opened her hands toward Maura, revealing the scars in the center of her palms. Maura's hazel eyes softened at the sight.

"He had two daggers. One through each hand," she explained. A chill ran down her spine as she continued, "I remember the pain and how excruciating it was. I was ready for him to kill me and then Korsak came in. He tackled Hoyt to the ground and they struggled. I don't remember much after that…just someone whispering that this would hurt. I wasn't sure what they meant until they pulled the daggers out. I passed out and didn't wake up until much later with my hands covered in bandages."

"May I," she inquired, gesturing to touch Jane's hands. Jane gave an unsure expression until she whispered, "I won't hurt you." With those words, Jane nodded softly with Maura taking her hands gently. She ran her fingers along the scars, making Jane reflex from the tickle causing Maura to state, "Your hands are functioning well especially from a blow like that."

"Ma had a doctor come and they said usually people with the damage I had on my hands wouldn't be able to move their hands. He said that whomever fixed them did a miracle."

"You mean Vince never did it?"

"I'm not sure," Jane confessed. "Korsak said he did but I've seen the man sew and he's horrible. It wasn't Melanie either." She then pulled her hands away from Maura, looking down at them. She took in the sigh and whispered, "A monster made these and I'm marked by it. That's why I never told you about what happened. I'm ashamed of them for their ugliness…"

Maura gave a soft sympathetic expression. She leaned over, taking Jane's hands with hers and raised them to her lips, kissing them gently. Jane's heart constricted at the gesture, trying to pull her hands away from Maura. No princess should kiss these scarred hands and yet, here was the princess doing that. "These hands are not ugly, Jane. These hands are beautiful for they are part of a beautiful soul," Maura expressed quietly as if it was a secret.

Tears formed in Jane's eyes and Maura wiped them away. Her hand rested on her cheek, rubbing her thumb on the smooth skin. "You are very special and I'm grateful to have you as my…friend," Maura expressed to the bandit. She's beyond a friend…you can feel it in your heart, she thought simply.

Jane closed her eyes, turned her head slightly and kissed the inside of Maura's hand. She then pulled back to look down at Maura. Tell her, Jane told herself causing her to pull back from Maura. "I have something to tell you," she confessed to the princess. Maura gave her friend a curious look as Jane stood up from the ground and sighed, asking, "Do you remember anything about the day your mother died?"

"I remember only a little bit but Jane, I'm a bit confused."

"What do you remember?"

Maura continued to gaze at Jane unsurely whose attention was back toward the water. "I remember being with someone…. and I remember a little girl with me. She wrapped her arm around me protectively…I thought it was another one of my dreams," Maura explained.

"It wasn't a dream though," Jane retorted.

"What?"

Jane ran her hand through her hair then looked down at her ring on her right hand. She pulled it off and turned back to Maura, handing it to her. The blonde took it from the brunette and examined it slowly, making her recognize the emblem on it the ring. "This is my family crest," she whispered. She glanced up and asked Jane, "How did you get this?"

"I was five years old," Jane started. "Frankie and I were playing when we heard the bells. I made Frankie go back to the house when I noticed a glow from the distance. I also heard the horses and my curiosity got the better of me. I ran over to see what was happening, taking shelter in the stables and there, I saw the Black Knight. He scared me and I made enough noise to catch his attention to send two soldiers. I wasn't sure what to do and then a hand was placed over my mouth."

Maura stood up and Jane continued to tell her tale, "I struggled but then they told me that they were my friend. I turned around and there was a hooded figure and I was about to run from them but they pleaded not to, pulling their hood down to reveal their face. I don't remember much except the grey eyes and it was a woman. They then moved aside to reveal a little girl, three years old with blonde locks and hazel eyes.

Maura's eyes widened in understanding as she whispered, "You…you were the one who protect me."

Jane gave a small nod. "The woman protected us, Maura by killing the two soldiers. She then picked you up and disappeared into the night. She gave me that ring as a reminder and told me that one day the debt will be paid," she finished. She then turned around and looked at Maura who was still trying to understand everything that Jane told her. "Maura, I'm so sorry," she whispered. "I never meant to keep it a secret from you but, learning everything now. I realized that the woman was the assassin you were searching for. My father knew her I bet and now, all our answers are gone. The things you wanted to know about your mother gone and…"

The princess then stopped her by placing her fingertips on Jane's lips. Jane froze while Maura said softly, "All this time." She smiled and lowered her hand then moved closer toward Jane, hugging her gently. Jane wasn't sure what to do next but return the hug, still feeling a bit tense. Sensing this, Maura rested her head on Jane's chest and said, "I don't blame you. You saved my life even back then. You were always my guardian angel."

Jane smiled at this and Maura raised her head. Their eyes locked and they began to lean forward toward each other with their faces getting closer and closer until they heard, "Jane! Maura! You out here?"

They let out soft sighs and backed away, knowing the voice all too well. "We're coming," Jane shouted back. She then looked down at Maura and said softly, "Let's go. I think they're looking for you."

With Frankie, they returned back to the Robber. As soon as Angela saw Jane, she engulfed her in a huge hug. Jane returned it while Angela expressed how sorry she was and once she was done, she smacked Jane's shoulder and demanded, "Don't do that again."

"Sorry Ma," she whispered.

Angela smiled and everyone began to go to their quarters to sleep. Maura climbed up the staircase then stopped at the sound of flute music coming from the room next door. She closed her eyes, taking in the melody before she approached her room, pushing the door open to her room. Immediately, her eyes caught the sight of the table.

On the table was small pile of scrolls and books that she never seen before. She looked around, trying to find some sign that someone was in her room but when she couldn't find one, she took a seat and began to open each book. As she began to read, she began to think about Jane and how close they were.

These feelings she felt were so new and she was unsure of how to approach them. It wasn't because Jane was a woman but the fact that she and Maura were from different classes and the possibility that Jane wouldn't return her feelings. She knew people would think that their feelings for each other would be ludicrous but she didn't care.

The thought of losing Jane as a friend and not returning her newfound feelings, that scared her more.

It made her heart ache.

Now, unknown to the princess, Jane was thinking the same thoughts. The bandit paced in her tent back and forth, unable to sleep after the intimate moment with Maura. Her heart never felt so full before especially with Maura showing that she didn't care for the scars. She cared about Jane as a person and it made Jane realize that she might be falling for the princess.

She stepped outside and peered up to see Maura at the window, continuing to gaze down at her books. Jane took in the sight and for the first time, she felt at peace. It felt like there was no Hoyt, no war, no hate or anger but she felt happiness and love.

It's possible that I could be falling for her, Jane thought happily, and I don't mind it at all.

She then noticed Maura looking out the window and spotting Jane. The bandit wanted to hide, feeling embarrassed for being caught but she didn't. Instead, she stood there with a goofy smile and gave a small wave. Maura smiled back and returned the wave before blowing the candle out for the evening. Jane began to walk back to her tent, but stopped, feeling like someone was watching her.

She glanced around briefly but didn't see anyone. She shrugged the feeling off and began to walk back to her tent. As she entered and the light from her tent went off, curious eyes continued to observe them, stepping out of the shadows by the tavern. She glanced up at Maura's window briefly then at Jane's tent, she saw the exchange but, oddly, she wasn't surprise.

She could feel the connection the two had. It reminded her of her connection to her husband but she feared that the connection would not survive the war that was coming for her husband didn't last long after their marriage.

R&I

The next morning, Jane awoke and entered the tavern to see Korsak and Alexandra gathered at a table with Cavanaugh surprisingly. "Sir, you're awake," Jane pointed out as she approached the table.

Cavanaugh gave a small smirk, "Yes Rizzoli. Your mother as well Chang, the princess and Alexandra helped me immensely in my recovery."

Jane then glanced down at the table to see a drawn out map with a Centurion seal on it. "Where did you get this," Jane inquired as she took a seat.

"Rondo," Alexandra answered.

Jane turned around to see Rondo at the bar top with her Ma, being fed. He looked up from his plate as he chewed then swallowed. "I swiped it from this drunk Centurion who had it hanging from his pocket but it looks like the prison camp that you're looking for," he explained.

The bandit turned and looked at the others. "So what's the plan," she inquired.

"Nothing at the moment," Cavanaugh answered. "We need to figure out where it's located."

"So we wait," she inquired unsurely.

"We wait," Korsak retorted.

"Good morning, everyone," Maura greeted. She descended down the stairs, reaching the main floor to join everyone and Jane smiled at the sight of her. Maura returned the smile and Jane pulled a chair out for the princess. "Thank you, Jane," Maura expressed.

"You're welcome."

They continued to smile at each other while Angela served breakfast to them. Jane and Maura both leaned in for a utensil until their hands touched. They pulled back quickly as if touched by hot flames but Korsak and Cavanaugh did not notice it. Blushes ran up their cheeks and they smiled at each other until they heard someone clear their throat. They looked up to see Alexandra gazing at them.

They looked away from each other while Alexandra pointed to the map, bringing their attention back to it. "It looks like that's pass the Gallows River in the Northern Fields. It's secluded off by the hills," she explained.

"You sure about that," Jane inquired curiously.

"I'm sure," Alexandra asserted. She then glanced at Jane's sword and asked back, "You ever killed a person before?" Jane gave a defensive look and Alexandra continued, "I'm not trying to be intrusive but you know that those guards are going to try to kill you especially if you're doing a prison break."

"I…No, I never killed a person," Jane answered finally.

"Nor have I," Maura added. She then touched Jane's shoulder and said, "We hope we don't need to."

Alexandra frowned, giving a quick look at Vince and Cavanaugh. She then took the map from Korsak and informed the group, "I'll make you a map to direct you toward the camp."

"Maybe you should go with them," Cavanaugh suggested to Alexandra causing to halt in standing up.

Jane and Maura watched as Alexandra clinched the chair and replied coolly, "I'll make you a map." She then stood up fully and walked away from them.

Jane took a quick glance, watching her walk off and questioned, "What was that about?"

Korsak shrugged and looked at the two women, "Be ready. Once we have the map, we're going to do a jailbreak."

"Your Majesty, as agreed we brought an assassin for your son's betrothed," Cavanaugh spoke to the king. It had been exactly three weeks since the truce was made between the Doyle Court and the Order.

King Patrick the First looked down at the assassin beside Cavanaugh. The hood was still up and was dressed in ceremonial white clothes with a black sash wrapped around the waist. These clothes represented that this assassin was still an apprentice unlike Cavanaugh who was dressed in a light gray, which represented a normal assassin status. The king gave a curious look at the assassin then ordered, "Reveal yourself." A small bow of the head came from the assassin and the hood was pulled down to reveal a very young girl. He raised a curious brow and asked the girl, "How old are you?"

"Sixteen, Your Majesty," she answered calmly.

"Your name?"

"Alexandra MacCoughlan, I was from the shores."

The king looked over at Cavanaugh whom touched her shoulder. "She's one of our best," he explained. "That's why our Master sent her to you."

"She's an apprentice still," the king argued.

"Though I am an apprentice, it doesn't mean I'm not capable to protect the princess, Your Majesty."

"Very well," the king answered, still unsure about the young assassin but impressed by her answer. He then gestured toward the other door, "She's waiting for you in the other room."

Alexandra bowed her head to the king and gave a light pat on Cavanaugh's shoulder. She then began to walk toward the door to the other room. She took in a deep breath, released it and knocked on the door. She waited until she heard a female voice state, "Enter."

She pushed the door open and entered inside unsurely. When she entered, she noticed another young woman, around the age of eighteen, wearing light purple gown. She had pale skin, with her light brown hair resting along her shoulder with a silver pendant around her neck. Hazel eyes looked at her, doing a quick once over before she questioned aloud, "You're the killer?"

"Assassin," Alexandra corrected smoothly. She then bowed her head, "I'm Alexandra MacCoughlan."

"Hope Martin," the other replied simply. She then turned back around with her back facing away from the assassin. "I don't know what the king told you but I told him and my betrothed that I don't need a guardian, let alone an assassin as my guardian," she explained.

"I didn't volunteer myself for this," the assassin retorted.

"Then we'll stay out of each other's way. Agreed," Hope asked coolly.

"Agreed."

"Here's your map," Alexandra handed the map to Jane as she mounted her horse. She took in the sight of who was going to the prison camp. Korsak and Jane were going with Maura joining them as well as Frost and Frankie. "Be vigilant," Alexandra told Vince.

Korsak nodded then kicked the side of his horse, jolting it to charge with the others following behind. Tommy and Angela walked up to Alexandra, watching them disappear into the forest with Angela praying softly, "Bring them back to me."

Once out of the sight of the tavern, they rode for several miles until twilight arrived. "How much farther," Frankie inquired finally as he looked around.

Jane looked out and stopped her horse, making everyone else halt. "We're here," she answered quietly. She dismounted her horse and gazed out into the distance to see several tents, a giant cage on wheels and finally soldiers everywhere. "There are the prisoners," she pointed out quietly.

Frost dismounted his horse as did the others and he crouched next to her, gazing at the same direction. Immediately, he spotted his father in the cage with blood splatter covering his tunic. "Pop," he whispered as he began to move forward.

Jane grabbed the collar of his tunic, pulling him back swiftly. He frowned at her and replied, "We don't know what we are getting ourselves into."

"My father is down there," Frost retorted.

Maura touched his shoulder. "Jane's right," she told him. She glanced back out to the field filled with soldiers, "We need to think this out because if we charge at them, everything we've done would be for nothing."

Frost took in a deep breath then lowered his head. "You're right," he replied. "I just…"

"We know," Jane assured him, giving his shoulder a light squeeze.

"So far, I counted five men by the main tent," Korsak informed them.

"I got about ten more spread among the camp and two guards around the prison wagon," Frankie added.

"We need to take them out quietly so we can get the others out," Jane explained to the others.

With this everyone went into their positions, they first moved closer toward the camp with Frankie and Korsak set up with their bows. Maura pulled her hair back as did Jane but before they could put their hoods up, Jane touched Maura's hand. "Be safe," Jane pleaded to the princess.

Maura gave a soft expression, touching her cheek gently then kissed it. "I'll be okay," she reassured her friend.

"Ready," Korsak whispered.

Maura and Jane pulled back, placing their hoods on and answered, "Ready."

R&I

They began to sneak up on the camp. Maura, Jane and Frost began to approach from the side where only a few of the guards were stationed. They watched as a soldier approached the bush they were hiding by and Frost grabbed him immediately, placing his hand over the soldier's mouth and choking him out.

They pulled the body then moved forward, spotting another soldier with Maura wrapping her arm around his neck and covering his mouth, knocking him out. Jane did the same gestures until they reached they were close to the prisoners. "We need to take them down at once," Frost whispered.

"That's too dangerous," Maura replied.

"Then what's the plan?"

"Draw them closer then we'll hide them in the tent," Jane suggested. "We'll do it one at a time."

Maura peered out, seeing the two guards in front of the cage. She then looked over at Jane and nodded to proceed. Jane peered out next to her and let out a whistle causing one of the guards to interrogate, "Did you hear that?"

"No," his friend retorted.

"I heard something."

"Then go check it out," he retorted.

The soldier huffed and began to walk toward where Jane whistled. He drew his sword, holding it a defensive manner and approached the tent. He peered inside quickly to see no one there and shouted back, "There's no one here." When there was no reply, he turned around to see that his friend was gone. "Nathanial," he called out, walking back toward the cage. "Must have went to do something," he mumbled then he glanced at the cage, seeing the normal prisoners then noticed an unfamiliar hooded one. He shrugged it off and turned back around, facing away from the door until he felt an arm wrapped around his neck from the cage. He struggled and was about to shout when Maura and Frost came out of the bushes, placing her hand over his mouth.

The soldiers struggled for a bit longer until finally, he stopped moving. "He's out," Frost whispered, making Jane release her hold on him. The man slumped and Maura moved his body into a bush.

Jane removed her arm from the hole in the cage, pulling out the keys from behind her back and unlocked the door. "Let's go," she told the prisoners.

As they all exited the cage, Frost noticed his father and engulfed into a tight hug. "I thought I lost you," he mumbled to his father.

Oliver hugged his son back and replied, "I'm okay."

Jane passed her sword to the lieutenant with him taking it. They began to move out toward the hillside until they heard a loud shout, "The prisoners are escaping!"

"Run," Maura shouted.

Soldiers drew their swords and began to attack with Jane, Frost, Maura and the lieutenant. At the sight of trouble, Korsak and Frankie began to fire arrows at the soldiers. "Archers in the trees," one of the lead Centurions shouted.

Soldiers directed their archers toward Korsak and Frankie firing at them. Frost and his father reached the hillside, disappearing into the trees. Maura and Jane continued to fight, clashing the swords with their enemies. "Maura, get out of here," Jane shouted to the princess.

"I'm not leaving you," Maura shouted back.

Soldiers were surrounding them, closing in even though Frankie and Korsak continued to shoot arrows. They drew their swords, preparing to help them but they stopped when Jane shouted, "Go!"

They gave unsure expressions until they heard a loud neigh in the distance. Vince turned to see a black horse riding toward the prison camp with its rider. Seeing the sight, he looked Frankie and ordered, "Go!"

"What about Jane and Maura," Frankie demanded.

"They have help, trust me."

Jane and Maura were back to back, taking each other's hand. Maura gave Jane a light squeeze and Jane returned it, preparing to fight for their final breath until they heard, "Hold your breath!" Quickly, they took in a deep breath and held it as a loud boom came causing a dust cloud to form.

They were blinded but held each other. They heard blades crashing and shouts until the smoke began to clear to reveal the rider was off the horse. They were several soldiers on the ground, bleeding out which caught Jane's attention. She watched as the rider ducked a sword swinging at them before they reacted with a leg sweep, making the soldier fall onto his back. Maura blocked an attack then noticed another soldier about to shoot an arrow at the rider.

"Look out," she shouted.

The rider turned swiftly as the arrow flew toward them with the rider catching the arrow, picking the bow from their back and returning the shot. Jane watched in amazement and awe as the arrow hit the archer and the rider jumped back onto their horse with their hand out to Maura. The princess was hesitant until she recognized a ring on the rider's hand.

Maura took the hand immediately with Jane shouting, "Maura?"

"Get on," Maura placed her hand out to her friend. Jane gave an unsure look but took her hand, still fighting the soldiers off.

"Come on, Rizzoli," the rider barked. Jane's eyes widened in surprise and climbed onto the horse and the rider jostled the horse, charging out of the camp with arrows flying at them.

They charged through the forest until they reached the rescue group and escaped prisoners who were waiting by the river crossing. "Thank God," Frankie shouted at the sight of them and the rider.

Jane hopped off the horse, helping Maura off then asked immediately, "Are you okay?"

"I'm okay," Maura answered, trying to collect herself.

Though she heard this answer, Jane began to look over Maura until she noticed a red stain on her shoulder. "You're bleeding," Jane whispered, examining the cut on her shoulder.

Maura glanced over at her shoulder, looking at the cut. "An arrow must have hit me," the princess replied.

"I say we keep moving," they heard. The group looked over to see the rider remove their hood to reveal a pony tailed Alexandra.

"You," Jane mumbled.

Alexandra ignored the comment, glancing back as she held the handle of her sword tightly and added, "We're not far away from the camp and they can catch up at any time. If we don't, we might get ambushed."

"I agree with that," Korsak answered, hopping back onto his horse.

Jane glanced over at Alexandra who took the reigns of her horse and began to lead them back to the tavern.

They returned to the tavern and immediately, Angela was leading all of the prisoners to the bar maidens to get looked over and bandaged. Women and children who thought they lost their husbands, fathers and sons ran to them in joy and sat beside them.

Jane looked at Maura and said to her, "We need to close that wound."

"I'll do it," Maura told Jane.

"Is that a good idea?"

"I've read about it. I can do it."

Before Jane could argue about it, Angela shouted, "Oh my goodness, Janie! Let me look over you!" She then grabbed Jane, dragging into the tavern, leaving Maura alone.

She dismounted her horse, looking down at the cut in the cloth. She entered the tavern and took a seat at a table, taking a needle in her hand and placed it over a flame. She grabbed a thread, preparing to close the wound until she heard, "That might sting especially if you did it yourself." Maura looked up to see Alexandra who took a seat. "I'll help you," Alexandra told her. Maura gave an unsure expression to Alexandra but handed the needle to her. There was no warning and Maura let out a loud gasp in pain as the needle hit pierced through her skin.

Gently and slowly, Alexandra began to close the wound. She listened to Maura, trying to go at a simple pace until Jane took a seat with them. The bandit looked at Maura, taking her hand as she assured, "It's almost done." She then looked up at Alexandra whose eyes were still on the needle and skin. "I thought you weren't going to come," she questioned.

"I wasn't," Alexandra answered softly. She then looked up at Jane and continued, "I had a bad feeling in my gut as did Angela and I decided to go after you. I don't like leaving my tavern especially at that far."

"But you did and you stopped over half of those centurions without any hesitations. You either incapacitated or killed them. How did you even learn how to fight like that," Jane inquired.

"None of your business," Alexandra answered. She then pulled out a dagger and cut the string then grabbed a bandage, wrapping it around Maura's shoulder.

Jane looked at Maura then at Alexandra and stated, "I want you to train me." Angela's jaw dropped slightly while Alexandra peered up from the bandage. "Why," she questioned.

"I saw what you could do," Jane answered. Alexandra rolled her eyes, returning to Maura's wound while Jane bit the inside of her cheek. I should have figured that this would be difficult, Jane thought out. She took in a deep breath and continued, "You caught an arrow and returned it to the archer, hitting him. Did you learn that from my father? From…the assassins?"

Alexandra froze and Maura glanced up at her. The older woman stood up from her chair and looked at the two women. She then looked at Maura, "Keep it covered and you need to redress later tonight."

"Thank you," Maura whispered.

"I want to know," Jane demanded.

Alexandra clenched her jaw, glancing down at Jane then at Maura. She closed her left fist then placed the needle down on the table as she stood up. She began to walk away, making Jane believe that she declined the request. But Maura noticed Alexandra stop at the stairs and nudged Jane who looked up at Alexandra. "The skills I earned are not something you need to know but, I will think about your request," she replied.

"Thank you," Jane told them.

"And Jane," the bandit looked up at Alexandra who stood at the railing of the second floor. "Know your place especially if I'm going to train you and understand that what I might demand...may involve blood on your hands," she informed Jane directly.

Jane didn't answer but watched as Alexandra disappeared into her room. Maura bit her lower lip, glancing at her bandage.

"So you and Sir O'Rourke will handle the dirty work while I do the diplomatic part."

"Hm…interesting proposition, Lord Fairfield."

"So do we have an agreement, Lord Hoyt?"

"I believe we do…we definitely do."

Woo…long chapter! Thanks for reading! Please review, my friends! We learned a lot especially getting a flashback! What happens next? You'll see!