"Murder!"

The words came sooner than she had hoped. Jocelyn quickened her pace down the corridor, her heels echoing on the stone slabs that lined the passageway. She could hear above her the screams and shouts from the servants and guards, as more and more people were woken in the house. Her plan was to leave via the servant's entrance to the back courtyard, this would give her a faster exit towards her carriage and escape. She arrived at the entrance to the servant's passageway and pushed on the hidden door but found it barred. Disbelievingly she pushed on it for a second time but still she could not open it. Doors were being flung open the floor above her and down the corridor, the party were gaining on her. She had to get out. Thinking quickly Jocelyn headed towards the ballroom, this was the closest room to the front door.

She gained entrance easily, almost too easily and shut the door quietly behind her. The chandelier that usually lit the space at balls and parties was devoid of light, the drapes that lined the tall windows were drawn and the room was eerily quiet. Jocelyn looked around the room as best she could. Her eyes had not yet adjusted to the darkness and in her blindness she bumped into a low table that barred her way. She caught it deftly before it toppled over but her reactions weren't quick enough to catch the ornament that fell and smashed on the floor. Shards were sent spiralling across the polished surface a large fragment slowing to a stop in front of a man's boot.

The scared woman looked at the boot and recognised the style and shape instantly. Jocelyn stared at the owner with a steely expression. He had his sword in hand and it was raised in an inciting way.

"I warned you Jocelyn." Aramis said hoarsely.

"As I you." She replied

"I am not the one trying to flee."

"Is that what you think?"

Jocelyn attempted to feign courage but failed miserably. Aramis would not let her go easily, he had sworn to stop her and he would try. She knew what she had to do and to accomplish it would take great strength and courage. No matter how much she loved the man in front of her, he was an obstacle to her goal and one that had to be removed. Pushing her emotions aside she retrieved a blade from a shadow box on the nearby wall and engaged Aramis's challenge.

She thrust and lunged her sword with elegance and poise. Her dress and heels should have rendered her slow and clumsy but she had the grace and athleticism of a cat. Aramis found her a worthy opponent and retreated stealthily with every thrust of her sword. Not willing to allow her the advantage, he countered her assault with one of his own. He swung his own blade swiftly and deadly, forcing Jocelyn backwards. Their blades caught one another in a melodic harmony of steel on steel. Aramis' natural height and weight gave him the advantage but the woman was smaller, lighter and quicker on her feet.

As the swordsman thrust his sword deadly towards her throat, Jocelyn dropped to the floor. Blade still in hand she swung her legs far out catching her foes legs forcing him to the ground with a deep, soft thud. As quickly as his feet had been unplanted beneath him, Aramis found his foothold and pushed himself onto knee and boot. With a heavy swing of his arm he brought his sword down onto Jocelyn's who was still crouched on the floor. This move caught her by surprise and the quick witted woman had to move fast. Using both hands she tightened the grip on her own blade and met Aramis' blow. But he had the advantage now and with two more lunges he sent her sword clattering into the corner of the room. With the tip of his blade at her throat the fight was over.

Jocelyn sat on her haunches, breathing heavily but staring into Aramis' eyes with mild contempt.

"You've won." She said derisively, "What will you do with me now?"

"What has to be done."

Jocelyn closed her eyes and breathed in heavily, waiting to feel the cold steel against her neck penetrate her flesh. She was gratefully mistaken.

Aramis lowered his blade from her throat and stepped back defeated. He looked at her a combination of rage and love. The dedicated fighter could not go through with it. Aramis could never live with himself if he caused harm to Jocelyn, the only woman he had truly loved.

Jocelyn rose slowly from her position on the floor and stared into Aramis's eyes. She could see the torment within but knew that she had but a few moments to leave the house. Without uttering a single word or turning her head to look back, she turned on her heel and left.

~o0o~

Authors Note: I know this chapter jumps ever so slightly. However I didn't want to show the murder. I hope you like the story. R+R of all kinds welcome! Thanks Mrs-E x