"Runaway?" I said not above a whisper as I slowly contemplated the reality of such an event.

"You're pausing.." Bash mentioned, moving closer to me. Turning my head away from him I spoke,

"I'm not pausing..."

"You are pausing" His hand rested under my chin, turning my head back towards his. "You should pause to think more often." I began to speak rather quickly, my voice shaking slightly as I tried to figure out what I wanted.

"If I was pausing, which I'm not, it may not be for the reason you wish Bash. It may be for a way to better word such terrible things." He let out a deep sigh at this.

"Oh Mary..." It was his turn to pause, but as he cocked his head to the side gazing into my eyes I knew what was coming next "You and I," He began, a small smile tugging at the sides of his lips, "That is what you have chosen."

"I never said such a thing."

"It never is what you say Mary that shows the truest of your heart. You spend your time rationalising every situation for the better of those who surround you, but never yourself. I offer you an escape from that, I offer you true freedom."

"There is no such thing."

"We will make it so." He clutched our hands together between our bodies. "Have a little faith."

Was I to be so reckless as to agree with him, to believe in his promises? Was I merely looking for a change of scenery, one where I needn't worry about the endless charade of court? And what of dear Francis? Is my laps in thought of his face and his kindness a sign from the skies, pushing me towards a future with his brother? And what future will that be? Will it be as Bash imagines, or will we tire of each other when the risk is taken away?

...

"Kiss me." I spoke so softly, that I needn't open my eyes.

Nothing happened.

I opened my eyes and saw his pearly blue staring back at me. Should I repeat it? I wasn't sure. The two words came over me so quickly that maybe he didn't even hear them and I was only thinking them. "I shouldn't..." What ever he was contemplated was short lived as he pulled me into his arms with his lips softly resting upon mine. The softness was short lived as he drew me closer to deepen the kiss. Bash's hands were clutching the sides of my dress so fiercely that when they ripped it came as no surprise. The days it took to make the silken dress had now gone to waste. We pulled at each others clothing, until we stood there bare. He pulled us to the ground, his kisses grazing the length of my body as my back arched in anticipation...

"Mary?" Someones voice broke through the haze of what was only a dream. I shook my head to try and rid myself of the scene. But my body was still pumping with adrenaline that it needed a release. "Mary?" The voice asked again.

"Yes Greer?" I managed.

"Are you ok? You were making awfully odd noises." I nodded, as I brushed my hair over my shoulder. "I must have fallen asleep whilst reading again. Reading about sworded men always seems to give me nightmares." I tried. A knock sounded from the door.

"Come in." I called.

As he walked into the room, I knew. We'd leave tonight.