M content

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Her sleep was eventful, full of nightmares; she talked in her sleep, although nothing was understandable. He tried his best to calm her down, patting her hair and her back. It saddened him to think about what she had to endure.

Early morning, sun was shining just above the bed. She opened her eyes slowly and saw William looking straight at her.

"Morning dear," he said as he kissed her neck.

"Morning," as she yawned.

He propped himself over her, grinning. He always woke up hard, needing her body. Just by the look on his face, she knew he wanted her again. Still sleepy, she opened her legs willingly as he guided himself slowly inside her, trusting slowly, entering an inch at a time. He couldn't help but find her beautiful in the morning light.

He heard knocking on the door and Wilkins' voice from the other side. He yelled at him to come back in a moment. She looked at him and smiled. He fastened his pace, moving her legs higher, finding quickly his release. He kissed her mouth deeply as he pulled out of her.

He stood up, got dress and looked at her, still under the covers.

"You should get ready, dear. We'll be leaving soon."

"William, you will have to either found me a lady's maid, or help me tied my stays and dress. Which do you prefer?"

"Clearly, I prefer taking your clothes off than put them back on. I'll see who I can find downstairs," he said before leaving the room.

She stood up and started to gather her things when she heard a knock on the door.

"Come in!"

A young lady entered her room, explaining she was sent by the Colonel. The maid surveyed the room; and stared at the blood she saw on the sheets. Charlotte lowered her gaze and felt embarrassed. She felt her heartbeat in the wound; the M shape scar wasn't healed properly. Probably the morning sex opened the wound; hence the blood on the sheets. She was lucky William didn't notice yet. He would find out soon enough though.

After she was presentable enough and put a new bandage on her thigh, she got downstairs in the tavern and sat down next to Bordon and Wilkins, who were finishing their breakfast. Both men tried their best not to stare at her bruised face. A plate of porridge was served and she ate with appetite.

"Good morning, Lady Charlotte. I dare to ask, how are you feeling? Are you in a lot of pain?" Bordon asked, with sincere concern.

"Quite good, the pain is not too bad, I try not to think about it. Quite frankly, I'll feel even better when we'll be back in the Fort. When will we be leaving?"

"Take the time you need to eat," said Bordon as he rose from his seat, to meet with Tavington outside to plan the travel ahead. He bowed his head to her as he left Wilkins with her.

"I wanted to thank you, for your assistance and your presence yesterday. And don't worry, I didn't tell William you helped with my clothing. It's better if he doesn't know."

He sighed as he felt relieved.

"You really didn't deserve the treatment those rebels made you suffer. Be sure that every dragoon will be looking for revenge on your behalf."

She nodded her head, and pushed the plate in from of her. They rose from their seat and found the Colonel outside, prepping the horses for the ride.

"Lily, we found you a horse, but we couldn't find a lady's saddle. I know you'll be able to manage the ride," Tavington said.

"Yes, of course."

Wilkins offered his help but she jumped easily on the saddle. She was an accomplished rider. On their courtship, the colonel took her out as often as he could. He knew she really enjoyed it, but it was a way to have time alone with her. She was surprisingly agile and would often win the friendly races they would do.

They were soon on their way. On one side, she felt quite protected in the middle of all those soldiers, but on the other side, she couldn't help but look at the tree line yet again. They reached the Fort and she sighed in relieve, feeling like a huge weight had been lifted from her shoulders when the gate close behind them. She heard Tavington shout orders around, but she wasn't listening. He grabbed her waist and helped her down the horse. She followed her husband as he led her to their room. She sat on the edge of the bed, tired, exhausted.

"Doctor will be here shortly to make sure you are fine. I'll go and ask for a bath to be brought for you. Will you be okay by yourself until later this afternoon?" he asked as she nodded her head. He kissed her cheek and left.

She laid on her side on the bed and quickly fell asleep. She was woken by Florence pulling her arm. She was introduced to Doctor Mackenzie, an old man with white hair. Florence was helping her to undress to her shift so he could assess her bruises and make sure she was physically fine.

His exam was quickly over and she entered the warm bath that was set up for her. The water was perfect to end her journey. Her muscles relaxed themselves and she closed her eyes.