I had already trudged up the stairs and passed down a hallway when I was pulled into a room. I was pushed against the wall and choked by a hand around my neck. I could make out Beckett's face as my tears dried on my face.

"What are these?" Beckett said, holding up many papers.

I recognized them immediately…they were the many love letters that James had written to me in the past few weeks. I couldn't say anything, for I couldn't breathe as I was being held against the wall. He threw me upon the ground, letting pain well up inside of me. I whimpered as I slowly stood to face him. His face was grave, but held amusement.

"So you have found a lover?" He said coming close to me.

I stayed quiet.

"I ensure you a good home with wealth and a fortune that exceeds most women your age. I shower you in gifts, I wait on you hand and foot, I give you anything you want and this is how you repay me?"

Silence.

"Whore, answer me!" Beckett ordered.

"I am no whore! Only a woman who had never been loved and craved it as a child craves sweets."

He laughed at me. "I love you! Isn't that enough for you, slut?"

I wasn't hit by his names but by his misunderstanding of what I was telling him. "You don't love me for me! You love the thought of owning me, of having me, of keeping me as a secret jewel only you can have and no one else!"

"That is what women are supposed to be. That's what your mother trained you for. Do you not understand? You have been promised to me!" Beckett hollered in my face.

He came close to my face, pulling my chin to face him. He made me kiss him, but I couldn't stand it. I squirmed in retaliation, but his grip was stronger than mine. He pulled off my sleeve and relished in my skin that shown in the candlelight. He then pulled off my upper dress, revealing my corset.

"If I can't have you, no man can…and there's only one way to ensure you marry me…" He said, pulling the stitches of my corset.

I couldn't take it. I screamed louder than ever, but he cupped my mouth as he pulled the rest of my dress off. I continued to scream, even if it was muffled, as he pulled off my corset.

James was walking towards the door, when he heard a scream. It couldn't have come from Baroness McEllister for it was a young scream filled with fright and sadness. He had heard enough of them to know. Without any permission, he set off looking for the scream. He traveled down hallways and corridors but it didn't take him long to find where it came from, knowing he had heard those screams in battle. He came to a door that was shut, and pushed on it, but it wouldn't budge. There was a struggle behind the door, and he heard Brenna's voice.

He kicked the door open, letting the door swing on its hinges. The sight in front of him was almost nauseating. He saw his letters scattered on the floor, Brenna's dress, corset, and hoopskirts on the floor. Chairs and the guest bed were pushed and moved around as if there was a struggle. He found Beckett somewhat undressed and Brenna passed out in his arms, only in her chemise. With anger filling him, he walked up to Beckett and punched him, knocking him out. Brenna fell to the floor with him, but James caught her before she hit her head on the wall that was close to them. He gathered her lifeless body into his arms and carried her to a room that had a bed in it. Lying her down, he sat by her side, not willing to leave even if forced.

Aw James...my hero...