Hi,

A/N: Thank you for staying with this series, your support means a lot to me! :3 A bit late, and I do apologise, but Merry Christmas! I'll try to get another chapter or two released before the new year.

! Spoiler Alert ! Disclaimer: All characters (except Annora and Marie) belong to Ubisoft, as do the cover images.

Haytham and Ann arrive in London, and are ready to settle in.

Enjoy! ^^

XXII

'In the name of liberty, I will fight the enemy regardless of their allegiance.'

February 1782

"Are you alright, Mentor?"

Connor quickly turned his eyes to notice one of the trainee Assassins standing beside him, his face displaying no emotion but his voice slightly concerned. Connor took a breath and nodded, looking back at the letter he held in his palm.

"It's nothing, I am just in the process of reading a certain letter... From a long lost love."

"I shall not disturb you then, I apologise."

"No, it's nothing, don't worry yourself about it."

The Native heard his apprentices' footsteps and focused on the text again, rereading everything to make sure he didn't miss a single word.

14th December 1781

Dear Connor,

We arrived this morning, luckily in time for Christmas. The journey was slightly uncomfortable, made me a bit seasick I must admit, but I loved the voyage nonetheless. It must have been my real Mother's blood taking over, I never told you, but she was a pirate for some time in her life. The winter here is very cold, and we are currently staying in an Inn until Haytham sorts out an accommodation of some sort. I will write to you again in the New Year, hopefully you are holding up well, and will reply when you can. I still haven't read your letter, I admit, I want to leave it for now, but I promise I will get to it when I feel the time is right. In advance, Merry Christmas Connor, from me... And your Father.

With love,

Annora Collet

London, two months prior, 10th December 1781

"Thank you for letting me send the letter," Annora spoke out as she turned to look at the man beside her. Haytham smiled, placing his palm on top of her hand, interlacing their fingers softly. They were the taking the carriage to a certain residence Haytham had received upon return to London from the Templar Order. "How was the reunion?" She asked after a while, their eyes meeting again. He sighed softly.

"Quite dull I suppose, they welcomed me back with open arms. I explained the whole situation, told them I eliminated Charles, a traitor to the Order, so they decided to promote me straight away to Master."

"Oh," she let out a surprised breath and felt as he squeezed her hand, "that's... Impressive to say the least. Congratulations?"

"I know it's sudden and unexpected, but I could not bring myself to decline the offer."

"I understand, I just thought you were planning to take some time off from the Order."

He raised an eyebrow at her, "I'm sorry Ann, I'm not leaving the Templars. Despite it all, they will be the ones who will support us financially, politically and give us a status. Remember we have a Manor all to ourselves thanks to them, as well as servants and money, the full package."

"I thought we didn't need any of that if we have each other," she said quietly then, lowering her voice along with her head. He noticed her reaction and moved along so he could be closer to her form, his hand let hers go and instead weaved itself around her waist, pressing her body to his in an embrace. Her breath hitched for a moment and then she remembered, she was completely under his control, he was her whole life since she arrived in England. She had nothing, and could only rely on him.

"This is a different world Ann, that's why I had you change your name and identity, so you could be accepted into this society. But we need money and status in order to be accepted as well. I will not let you become a beggar in the street will I?"

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean for it to come out that way. I'm thankful for everything, it's just I don't want to end up alone because you have so many things to do as a Templar."

"You won't be alone Anne, I'm always here."

"I know," she replied and he suddenly leaned in, her eyes closing as she felt his breath near her lips, soon enough meeting with them in a forceful yet passionate kiss. He had that kind of influence over her, and every time she wanted to speak of the Order he would assure her of his devotion to her and then silence her with his lips. She loved every one of his kisses, his breath mixing with her own like two contrasting liquors and his fingers finding locks of her hair to run through or caressing her skin with ghost-like touches. She would never regret giving into every one of them, but at the same time she felt like her lover was hiding more than she had anticipated since they arrived, and was more concerned for his safety than anything else, as well as their future. Yet whatever he was hiding, a part of her didn't care for any of it as long as he stayed with her despite it all. Still, she knew that with a rank came responsibilities, but she hated the prospects of seeing Haytham off in the morning only for him to return past her bedtime.

Some time later...

The Manor was situated on the outskirts of London, away from the bustling city and it's both poor and rich districts. It was a lovely house, a large and majestic French-style fortress with a homely and inviting feel. It was already lit up, several windows opened, light shining through, and a few people stood outside the doors as the carriage pulled close to them. Haytham jumped out, almost excitedly, and nearly ripped the handle off when he opened the door for Ann. He reached his palm out for her to take and she stepped out cautiously, still wearing her quaint and modest dress. The sky was getting dark, as it would during the Winter months, and rain was to be expected that evening. The woman let the Templar lead her over to the group of people, the coachman following close behind them in a nervous hurry. To her surprise, they all quickly bowed down in front of the pair, casting their eyes down to the gravelly footpath below. They resumed their previous position after a moment and a well-dressed woman, who looked to be in her late forties, took a small step forward and introduced herself.

"Lord, Milady, I am the Housekeeper here, my name is Edith and this," she reached her hand out, directing to a younger woman beside her who also took an equally small step forward and bowed again, her dress ruffling as she moved, "is Julie, she will be your personal maid," she directed her eyes to Ann who was slightly taken aback by such a declaration. The younger woman smiled fondly and spoke out in a soft voice.

"I am at your service."

"Butler Michael is currently out on an errand, but he wil certainly introduce himself to you, m'Lord, tomorrow. I apologise."

"It's not his fault we arrived so early," Haytham curtly replied.

"You must be tired from the journey, please rest tonight and I will arrange for you to meet the rest of the staff tomorrow morning as well," Edith continued with an uptight respect in her voice. Haytham only nodded in appreciation.

"Thank you. Thank you for all your hard work," Ann suddenly cut in and reached out to take Julie's hand, shaking it softly to everyones immediate alarm. The maid bowed down again and promptly removed her palm from the grasp.

"Milady!" Edith gasped but Haytham lifted his hand to silence everyone.

"Anne is not particularly used to our specific etiquette," he looked towards said girl but she quickly turned her head away, as if in shame, she only arrived and already made him look like a fool. "Please be sure to make her aware of it when you have a spare moment."

"Of course Master Kenway," Edith agreed and cracked a forced smile towards the girl, who took a step back and wanted everything to be over already.

"Now after you guide us to our room, I want a platter or two of snacks and sandwiches to be brought up to it as well as tea, we shall not be dining tonight. After doing so you are all dismissed to your usual routine."

Everyone bowed again before Haytham, then most of the staff including Edith dispersed to fulfill the assigned task. Julie smiled again and signalled to be followed through the front doors. They were traditional double glass doors, decorated with golden handles and ornaments. Anne trailed behind the man as they were led up the stairs. The entrance hall was decorated lavishly to say the least, and the golden ornaments and framed paintings astounded Ann wherever she looked. Haytham looked behind to see the girl meekly observing her surroundings, never expecting to be suddenly thrown into such a life. It was beyond any of her expectations in all honesty. A part of her felt like everything was too much, but it was one of those things she had to get used to and grow to love and appreciate. After a moment she caught him looking at her and quickly caught up, resuming her usual position beside him, yet something felt off. She seemed much more shy than usual.

"This is the grand bedroom, we had everything prepared for your arrival Master Kenway, Milady. I will see to the refreshments, it won't take long."

Haytham merely nodded and stepped through the doors to a massive room with white and gold panelled walls and perfectly still, polished wooden floors. In the middle of the room stood a carved king-sized canopy bed, all the fabrics shimmering in the candlelight. Ann followed and heard the door close behind her while Haytham already saw to taking off his jacket and hat, quickly placing it on a nearby set of hooks. He also took his shoes off, so Ann deemed it appropriate to do so as well. The man stretched, noticing the girl standing a metre or two away from him in a complete daze of confusion.

"Isn't this fantastic?" He asked, walking up to her and taking her hand and swinging it around slowly, her eyes fixated on his own as he sent a fond smile her way.

"It is, but..," she began, trailing off, unsure if she had the heart to tell him the truth.

"But what?"

"I feel like this," she slid her palm out of his and gestured to her surroudings with a somewhat dissapointed look on her face, "this is too much to take it. I liked our modest cottage, it was cosy, small and warm. I don't need all of this Haytham, I'm thankful, but I really don't need all these things."

His expression sunk for a moment, but instead of cowering away he reached his palm out again, this time brushing his fingertips against the surface of her cheek, his voice soft and pleading. "This is the only place right now where you can be safe. London is a dangerous place for unmarried women, especially for those of your uncomparable beauty."

"I understand, yet we could have lived in a smaller house and it would have been equally safe, would it not?"

"This house is guarded Ann, by Templar guards. This Manor, and not any other, is their gift, and without them we would have nothing," he slid his palm down her skin until it grasped her shoulder, bringing her slightly closer. "I know it's difficult to adjust, I know you need time and I am ready to give you all the time in the world, but I need you to promise you will try your best to like this place, no matter how big. This is your home Ann, you are the Mistress when I am away, and I want you to do this for us. For our relationship."

"I promise," she whispered, "just please don't leave me alone at night, I can't imagine you being anywhere else other than beside me."

"I'll do anything to make you stay, I will always be with you, you know that right?"

She nodded and pressed her palm to his chest, his heat beginning to envelop and invite her in already. He quickly closed the space between them and took her lips in his own, kissing her softly and very slowly. When he let her surprised form go he was quick to approach a nearby desk, upon it a stained glass bottle of what looked to be whiskey. Haytham was never much of a drinker, well at least not when he lived with her as she was usually not in possession of alcohol anyway, but she could understand he was stressed as much as she was. He poured himself a glassfull and chucked it down in one go, his actions as smooth as ever. He paused for a second and after what seemed to be a short inner battle, he grabbed onto the bottle and poured another shot, this time leaving it to rest on the oak tabletop. He looked towards the girl, her expression somewhere inbetween confused and worried.

"Want a drink?" He asked, she shook her head, still slightly dazed. He began to unbutton his shirt, his eyes following the womans movements the whole time as she quickly tiptoed over to the wardrobe and began to unpack her things.

"The Templar's are hosting a soiree in my honour, our honour, next week."

Her eyes dashed back to him while she carried on taking her various dresses out of the leather bag, carefully unfolding them in the process. "You told them about me?"

"I didn't have much of a choice."

"No, I didn't mean it in a bad way... It's just I didn't suspect you'd do it so early on."

"I only mentioned I found a companion on my travels and wanted her to accompany me to the party. I can't announce our relationship, not when the Order itself is in turmoil."

"Oh," she whispered, hearing his footsteps trail behind her.

"In this kind of society it's unusual, almost taboo, to live with a woman whom you're courting. If everyone found out we share the same bed it would not be a great start to your life here."

Ann sighed and closed the wardrobe doors, pushing the bag to the side with her foot, her gaze dissapointed. "I can sleep in a different room if you want, since this Manor does have about ten bedrooms."

"You know I didn't mean it in that way," he retorted, grasping at her arm with his palm, her body turning towards him. "I don't care what society wants us to do, I will do what I want to do. Yet I don't want you to face their wrath, so I must keep most of what we share hidden."

"I know, Haytham, I know. I will manage, you don't have to be so worried about me."

"But I am, especially since you only got here."

"Then teach me how to fend for myself. I don't need servants or cooks or maids, I can do everything by myself."

"They are here because they are paid to be here Ann, not by me but by the Order."

"Well..."

"If you are so desperate to learn then I'll be teaching you how to wield a sword properly, soon enough."

Ann lit up and threw her arms around his neck, whispering 'thank you' over and over again. He couldn't comprehend how someone could be so happy at such news, but he was glad she wasn't sulking anymore.

"I can't wait already," she said when she let him go, his smile soft and comforting like always.

"We need to get ready for the soiree though, I feel like it's going to be hard to teach you all there is to know about proper English social conduct in less than a week."

"I am a lady at heart, after Father," she countered, "I'm not a savage."

"I know Ann, it's just that everyone will be watching, and every little mistake you make will be discussed for the next few weeks if not more."

"Then I won't make any mistakes," she replied, smiling. He sighed good-heartedly and brought her closer, pressing his lips to her forehead.

"Let's pray you don't... I only want to see you smile like this, but there are some wretched people who will try to take this smile away from me. They will try to ruin you."

"Haytham..."

"I really don't want to see you hurt, I'm only protecting you Ann, and if you allowed me to I would never let you out. Yet you need your freedom, and it would be unjust of me to take it from you."

"Still, even if I'm free, my love binds me to you," she whispered and he brushed his thumb over the surface of her lips, his eyes glowing in candlelight, reflecting his soft and almost non-existent crows feet.

"I know, I belong to you Ann, like you belong to me, and that's how it will stay, no matter where we are or how far from each other. Trust me... I will keep you safe."

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Till next time!

AssassinSuzy