Author's Note: Sorry... chap. 2 got lost...long story. Thanks to Jessica for being my beta... here's chap. 2...3 to follow and 4 the last one later this week... Feedback as always. Meg

D'Artagnan stood outside Jacqueline's door hand raised to knock when her voice sounded.

"No! D'Artagnan!"

He paused confused when she continued, this time screaming loudly.

"NO!" Her voice was strangled slightly, as if she were crying.

He waited no longer rushing in without knocking to see her, eyes closed, tears running down her face tossing in bed. Her long curly hair was down and it was completely soaked, as were the bed sheets.

He gently shook her. "Jacqueline, wake up."

Her eyes flew open. The grief and pain changed over to confusion as she stared at him. He leaned down closed to her face.

"Are you all right? I heard you scream." She could feel his breath on her neck and she shivered.

"I've dreamt of this." She had grabbed him, aggressively put her mouth on his, and caused them to fall back on the bed. Jacqueline's face flushed and she shook the images away as she avoided his eyes.

"Bad dream is all." She looked back up at him. "What are you doing here?" He gave her a disbelieving look, but did not push.

"I came to talk to you."

Jacqueline suddenly realized she had on very little clothes and the sheets had fallen to her waist. His eyes told her he had noticed and she pulled the sheets back up.

"Turn around please." D'Artagnan turned and he could hear the rustle of clothes as she dressed. "You wanted to talk to me about?" She prompted. He turned back to face her.

"Duval gave us leave for a couple days." He braced himself for her protest. She looked shocked but said nothing, giving him time to continue. "I made arrangements for us. We will stay at this cottage. It is secluded, so you can be yourself. We will relax a little."

She frowned remembering. "We'll petition his majesty…We'll ask for exile." We…she shook her head.

"Why would I need to relax?" She tried to laugh.

D'Artagnan grabbed her arm forcing her to look directly into his eyes. "Jacqueline, we both know you're not alright. You're loosing you concentration, you slack off in fights… you are heading for a breakdown." He lowered his voice now. "Let me help you."

She started to protest again when images shoot before her eyes. D'Artagnan, pleading for her to surrender, the battle, and then him laying on the floor dead. She looked down at her hands as her determination faltered.

"Fine, I will meet you in an hour." He smiled at her grateful he did not have to hit her upside her head and drag her there himself.

Jacqueline pulled out her trunk, where she hid her dresses. She occasionally bought one to add to her collection. It was the one frivolous thing she allowed herself to do. At least I get to wear them once she thought to herself as she packed.

D'Artagnan walked down the hall. His concern for Jacqueline had reached its peak now. His memory replayed the palace incident. Nothing, well…until she threw the sword in the river…Sword, powers, river… Those were the same thoughts he chased around the previous night. He remembered the exchange between them after the sword had been disposed of.

"I can't help feeling there's something your not telling me."

He had been grinning like a fool, happy, and content. The almost memory of their shared kiss replaying in his mind, and causing him to fantasize on what it would be like. She had smiled at him, something she did not often do, which caused his happiness to grow. Then her words came.

"I think in this case, some things are better left unsaid."

D'Artagnan balled his fist. NO! Some things were NOT better off unsaid!

Somehow he would make her talk; make her tell him, what she would not at the river. She needed to tell him or else she would never get over this. He wanted Jacqueline back, the one who he loved. The fearless, courageous, headstrong woman. He would find a way to make that happen. He stopped at his door realizing his musings has cost him time, and he would now be late meeting her.

Jacqueline stood by her horse waiting. D'Artagnan should be there any time now. Her mind ran over the scene from earlier. Her nightmares replayed.

"I heard you scream." He had said. What did he hear? Jacqueline suddenly felt uneasy. Here she was about to go off with him, alone…anything could happen.

Images flashed. Their lips locked together. D'Artagnan's body lying on the ground. Finally, Siroc's words echoed in her mind. "You killed him, Jacqueline."

That would never happen, she could never hurt d'Artagnan. He was the only real friend she had. But what if… her unease grew stronger and she almost turned to leave when d'Artagnan appeared.

"Ready?" He asked as he grabbed her trunk stacking it on his and putting them both on the third horse. She only nodded slowly as they climbed onto their horses.

Once they were outside of the town he turned to her. "Jacqueline, I worry about you." She could hear the love radiating from his voice.

His voiced echoed in her mind. "Jacques, Jacqueline, I love." She frowned. Is that real? She felt confused now. She realized he was watching her, waiting for a response.

"I will be fine, a couple days rest…" She trailed off flashing him a smile that echoed the one he usually gave her. He stared hard at her a minute, but did not say anything more to her relief as they headed down the road.