Hi,

A/N: Thank you for staying with this series, your support means a lot to me! :3 Two uploads in one day, because I felt I haven't updated for some time. This is a long one, but I hope you'll like it! :)

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

Haytham takes Ann to the Templar soiree, trouble soon ensues.

Enjoy! ^^

XXIII

'Our Creed does not command us to be free. It commands us to be wise.'

About a week later...

"Are you sure I look alright, this corset is really tight," Ann breathed out as she took another breath in. Julie, her maid, was tying the lace with no sound judgment of how Ann will be able to breathe, let alone dance.

"You will look beautiful Milady."

"I told you not to call me that, I don't like formalities, after all I thought we were friends."

"I apologise, Milady, but I cannot allow myself to neglect your status by calling you by your first name. It's a lack of respect."

"But no one knows, and Haytham wouldn't be angry even if he did find out."

"Please Milady do not make this so hard for me, I've never worked for anyone who wanted such things as you do."

"But we are friends?" Ann asked as she turned around, noticing Julie finished what she was doing. The woman had a pleading look in her eyes but reluctantly nodded her head, trying to empathise with the younger girl.

"It's a pain to be so alone, and it's even worse that I can't even leave the Manor grounds," Ann admitted, her voice less enthusiastic than before, "I know I shouldn't complain, but with the preparations for the soiree and Haytham's duties, I've barely seen him all week."

"This is merely a suggestion, but would you not want to speak to him about your troubles?"

"I've tried, but I can never find the right words to say, for what seems like the first time."

"I'm sure everything will work out fine, especially when he sees you in this new tailored gown, Milady. It's pure lace and cashmere, and it's decorated with pearls, and it's your favourite colour..."

"I know," Ann cut in softly, "yet I feel like this isn't who I am."

"Milady," Julie helped her put a hooped petticoat on, fastening it at the back, then slid on a colourful and patterned silk petticoat on top, Ann lifting her arms up to ease the process. "You should just consider this as a part of you."

"You're probably right," she replied and allowed the maid to finally slip the beautiful gown on her body. It fit her perfectly, shaping her waist and comfortably covering her arms to the elbow, the sleeves decorated with a large ruffled lace on the edge. Her hair and make up were already done, so Ann felt like more so like a doll than a human. She stepped into the light leather shoes and walked over to the full-size mirror, admiring what she had become. The girl sighed and saw Julie step up behind her, smiling as if she had just finished creating a piece of art of some kind.

"See, Milady, you look dazzling."

"Thank you, I guess I should stop complaining about everything. I would have never been able to feel as pretty as I do now if I hadn't come to this land and this house."

"Indeed Milady."

"Please Julie, at least call me Miss, Milady is far too formal for my tastes."

"Okay, if you insist."

Just as Ann was about to reply a knock came sounding from the door, Julie quickly running towards it, pulling on the handle and opening it with incredible swiftness. She gasped as Haytham stormed through with his arms wide open.

"Anne!" His voice echoed through the room, a ravishing smile crossing his lips. He stopped a small distance from her and his eyes travelled up and down her body, noticing the detail on the dress and how well it fit her figure, bringing out the soft curves of her waist and shoulders.

"What is it?" She replied, taken aback, but he shook his head.

"No I just... I just don't want to be late, but..." He hovered his hands in the air as if to attempt to take hold of her. He missed her for the past days, whenever he returned home she was already in deep slumber, and knowing how she used to struggle to fall asleep made him leave her be despite the temptation to wake her. They didn't even eat breakfast together like they used to. So now that she was there, right in front of his eyes, he couldn't embrace her and run his fingers through her hair or watch her smile, because Julie was there and because he yet again didn't have the time. He openly admitted this to himself and then noticed a gleaming object on the floor as his eyes travelled to the said floor, he reached out to pick it up, discovering it was a pearl that fell from her dress.

"Is something wrong?" She asked, nearing him and resting her palm against his forearm, noticing how he too was dressed in a dark suit, it's buttons plated with gold and his silk cravat a matching pattern to her dress. He must have thought everything out and had it all tailored, just for that one soiree. "Is it the hair? I-."

"No Anne," Haytham quickly assured her, "you look breathtaking, I'm at a loss for words."

Her eyes softened and she felt the blush settle on her skin like a blanket, she missed his voice. His arm tensed under her palm, he struggled to hold back from her. Her face was made up; her lips tinted with a bright red tinge of colour, her skin pale with powder and cheeks rosy with rouge. Her once free and wild dark blond hair was curled upwards and powdered, however was not heavily styled and left to flow quite naturally. It was decorated with pearls that matched the ones on her gown. To him she was more beautiful than any woman that he had seen throughout his lifetime.

"Thank you, I've never worn these kinds of ornaments and dresses so..."

"I feel honoured to be able to have you as my companion to the soiree Anne."

"Shouldn't I be the one to say that?"

"Here," he said, handing her the small pearl, "keep it as a reminder of how beautiful you look on this eventful day."

"Thank you..," she said, blushing again and taking it from him, their fingertips almost interlacing.

"I will take my leave Milady, your carriage is waiting outside," Julie spoke up and bowed her head as she made her way to the door.

"I told you to call me Miss," Ann exclaimed after the girl, the door closing behind her escaping form. "Why is everyone so uptight?"

"You are the Mistress of this house Ann, what do you expect them to do? They live to serve, it's how they earn their wage."

"I feel uncomfortable when someone addresses me in such a manner though."

"You will have to get used to it, love," Haytham replied, giving her a small smile before he took her hand in his and lifted it up to his lips. "You will be the most exquisite being at the soiree, I fear I may struggle to keep you from the clutches of other men."

"Then you will have to keep a watchful eye on me, good Sir."

"Indeed, or else you might be taken from me."

"Even then I would still belong to you, even if you were far away," she said, her smile breaking, her hand slipping from his own. "We must leave, you said you didn't want to be late." He noticed the change in her eyes and furrowed his brows in worry, but decided not to dwell on the matter since she was right, they had somewhere they had to be.

"Ann," he whispered, "I'm sorry."

"What for? You haven't done anything," she countered, looking away.

"I know I haven't been around, and I know that's what's upsetting you."

"It's only understandable Haytham, you have your duties, and I cannot keep you from them."

"I want you to know that no matter where I am my feelings won't change."

"I trust you," she looked up at him then and smiled, her eyes silky with understanding and submission, he never before realised how much control he indeed had over her, how much she was ready to give up for him. A part of him clenched in fear at losing her yet she was still there, she was always waiting for him. "I came to England with you because I knew you wouldn't leave me nor change how you feel. I came because I trusted you."

"Don't ever change Ann, don't ever stop trusting me." He reached out to hold her, his palms comfortably fitting to the curve of her shoulders, bringing her closer, hearing her straighten and tip toe to try to reach his height. He bent forward a little to help her, watching out for her gown, and let her hands hold onto his neck as their lips met in a soft embrace. His kiss was deliberate, careful as to not smudge her lip stain, but still powerful enough to speak a thousand words. They let their lips rest against each other for a few more silent moments before knowing it was time to depart. The Templars wouldn't wait.

An hour later...

Ann thought the Manor she lived in was large enough to get lost in, however in comparison to the one they had arrived at the Templars donation was a mere cottage. The windows were two storeys high, lights inside bright enough to heavily contrast with the already darkened skyline. Ann made her way up the steps, holding onto Haytham's arm just like he taught her. It was at that moment that she had to remember everything Julie told her about etiquette for the past week, every little detail was important and could determine the line between good behaviour and social disaster. Ann was nervous to say the least, but could feel that Haytham himself wasn't as confident as always. He led her through the doors, his back straight, his hair tied into a classic ponytail with a silk ribbon. He looked dashing, but she didn't want to admit it then and there. He told her he was worried she would be stolen away, but her worry of such a possibility was even greater. He was an older gentleman, finely dressed, with profound and incredibly attractive features for his age, with a highly desirable status and position in the social hierarchy. Any woman would easily want someone like him for a husband, and from what Ann could see there were many women at the ball who were either unaccompanied or did so not out of their own choice. As they crossed towards the grand hall Ann could already hear the orchestra playing well-known pieces and the laughter and chatter of all the attendees.

"Master Haytham Kenway and Miss Anne Collet," an attendant announced, his voice loud just like the echo that resounded past the music. Ann nervously gazed at the abundance of people, everyone dressed in ornate suits and wide, flowing gowns. Many were already dancing in the centre of the hall while many reclined in armchairs spread around by the windows. There was even a well-endowed buffet table while servants traversed the enormous glittering hall with platters on their hands. The walls were of pure white, decorated with gold embellishments while the floors were polished so that they reflected the light of the dazzling chandeliers that hung from the garnished ceiling. Everything looked so ravishing and perfect, so busy and full of life. Ann stood astounded with the sights, until she felt the pull of Haytham's arm wake her from the trance. He smiled softly, for a second his eyes the same as when he kissed her, pleading and loving. He slowly led her to the side, ripping her gaze away from all the people that looked so joyful during their dances. Haytham quickly found the group of the Templars that were hosting the soiree, his superiors, Ann bowing just like she was taught before them.

"This is Anne Collet, the girl I was telling you about," Haytham addressed the older men, the Templar cross hanging loosely from their suit jackets, blood red and gold shining in the light. Ann felt exposed, as if they were closely watching her every move, determining whether she was worth the hassle. Haytham too had a distressed look in his eyes, but managed to maintain a straight and satisfied smile as well as a monotone voice.

"You are indeed as beautiful as he had described you, Anne," one of the men answered, directing his eyes to the girl.

"Thank you, you are too kind Sir," she said, her voice light-hearted and polite, her fingers grabbing at the fabric of her dress and bowing down again in thanks. She heard an approving hum from the other Templars, and when she resumed her previous stature she craned her neck ever so slightly, trying to catch a glimpse of Haytham's expression out of the corner of her eyes. He wore a prideful smile, he was evidently satisfied with the way she responded and acted around the men who could make or break their wealth and status.

"Master Kenway also mentioned you were once an Assassin," another older man chimed in. Ann's eyes widened considerably and she could feel her lips parting in a gasp. She would have never thought of Haytham disclosing such information, he had no reason to as far as she was aware. They seemed to await an answer, one which she had no idea she had to prepare.

"I- I was, once, but only for a short time," she could have sworn she stammered through that whole sentence.

"What caused you to leave? If you don't mind me asking..."

"Haytham. I mean... Master Kenway... He," she took a breath, "the Assassins were getting weaker and weaker as Master Kenway's control over in America was getting stronger, he offered me a better life. Yes. Yes, a much better life than the Assassins provided me with." She gave them all a forced smile, never before feeling so overwhelmed by having to speak. What sort of explanation was that? She must have come across as stupid since all of her words played out completely differently than they did in her mind at the time.

"The Assassins were lacking in status, resources and manpower. Anne was still an apprentice, however they were unable to teach her any valuable skills without putting her at risk. They could not be trusted with her life, I even found her once, completely on the brink of death, and once I nursed her back to health she accepted my offer of a safer life as my companion."

"That is an inspirational tale Master Kenway, we are astounded with your hospitality," another of the Templar Masters chorused, the others chiming in with equal compliments.

"It is sad to hear that such talent could have been wasted Miss Collet, our deepest sympathies," another added.

"I am all fine now, thanks to Master Kenway..."

"Excuse my terrible interruption gentlemen!" A man suddenly approached the group, his hair a dark shade of auburn, combed back and tied into a ponytail, similarly to Haytham. He had a well contoured face and a stubble growing, and like all the men in the hall, was dressed in a fine suit with a jade waistcoat and a large white cravat intricately tied around his neck. Ann felt surprised and quite annoyed by the mans rudeness, but decided to leave it be, not wanting to draw attention to the frown that she so desperately wanted to display on her face. He looked around and caught Ann's stare, his own eyes seeming to glint with some sort of epiphany as if he had just witnessed something out of the ordinary. He smiled at her, his eyes softening and his lips opening as if to speak up again, however he was stopped.

"Francois! What a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance," one of the older men jumped at the opportunity to send the man a grin and reached out to shake hands.

"Indeed, as it is a pleasure to meet the host of this magnificent party. I am honoured to be here and thank you sincerely for the invitation," 'Francois' replied, a hint of reluctance in his voice at having to look away from the girl and exchange the hand shake with the Host.

"We are glad you could make it to England on time," another Templar reached out to shake hands with the mysterious man while Haytham and Ann observed the scene with incredible confusion. The Host evidently noticed this and gestured to the man named Francois, directing his gaze to the two. Yet he only blinked at Haytham before darting his eyes away and towards the woman. This time she noticed the incredible contrast in colour between his two eyes, one of them a hazel while the other a soft sage colour. It caused her to gasp, almost silently, however she couldn't tear her eyes away from the enticing contrast.

"This is Master Haytham Kenway," the Host said, unaware that Francois was barely listening, the silence of Ann's gaze much more intense than even the Bach piece played by the orchestra. Haytham's once maintained expression sank just slightly into a frown, wanting to take the woman away as quickly as he was allowed to. However neither the Host, the other Templars, or Francois himself was aware that indeed Haytham and Ann were a pair of some kind or the other, so they quickly assumed she was, well, available.

"And you are?" Haytham retorted, his voice wavering with anger which went by unnoticed.

"I," the man bowed to the girl, taking her palm in his, his grasp cool and delicate, "am Francois-Thomas Germain, soon to be Grand Master of the French Order." He pressed his lips to the girls knuckles and kept them there for a moment too long. Haytham was slightly surprised and vexed that the man, who looked to be in his thirties, was already planning to become a Grand Master, and let alone had the nerve to make it so obvious that he didn't care if Ann was accompanied by anyone, at all.

"I'd, however, rather know your name, Miss?" Francois asked the girl when he resumed his previous posture. She hesitated for a moment or so before sending him a shy smile.

"I'm Anne Collet," her reply was almost melodic and she swiftly bowed before him, returning the respectful gesture. Haytham tugged at her arm so that no one except her would notice and she turned her gaze to him as quickly as she bowed. He wanted, planned to, ask her to dance, but the opportunity was suddenly taken away from him. Ann too wanted to see what it felt like to be back in her lover's arms, gliding gracefully across the hall, but to their shock, Francois was quick to think of the same idea.

"Would you care to dance with me, Anne?" Francois asked, putting the couple into a very uncomfortable position.

"Master Kenway, you should come toast with us," one of the older Templars stepped in and gestured to the buffet table across the hall. Ann looked towards Haytham, her eyes pleading as if waiting for him to rescue her, however they both knew that a lady wouldn't deny a first dance, never, no matter who it is with. Haytham nodded, his eyes glazed with a remorse of some kind, regret almost. He didn't look happy with the decision at all, but had to endure such trials, after all he was the one who took the woman to the ball in the first place.

"Of course…I… Thank you," she replied, not sure what else to say. Francois took her hand, interlacing their fingers as he led her forward towards the other dancing pairs. The orchestra were beginning to play a tune suitable for the Allemande dance, one which Ann was taught by Julie and the Butler, who noted it was popular in the French court. She wasn't bad at it, but she didn't have enough time to master it either. As the two joined the other dancers they bowed to each other, just like before, and began to dance in a circle, their palms touching. Ann stepped under Francois' arm, and he did the same after which they both did a rosette, ducking under each others arms, the other pairs in the hall doing the same. The music was loud and Ann seemed to share a smile with the man here and there, trying to prove to everyone as well as herself that she was enjoying what she was doing.

"I've only just arrived and I already miss Paris, she is such a beautiful city," Francois spoke above the crowds whenever he neared her.

"I am sure you are right Sir, I heard many tales of the beauty of Paris and its court."

"Please, call me Francois, there was never a need for formalities. I understand you are a Templar Anne?"

"No… I am not part of any Order, I am merely well acquainted with Master Kenway, therefore I am in a way intertwined in the social aspect of everything."

"I see, have you considered joining our cause?"

"I will think about it, Francois, however I do not want to disappoint, so I refrain from joining anything until I settle in England."

"Are you too from Paris?"

"I'm not, no, I came from a much more distant place."

"That is?"

"America, I arrived in London only a week ago."

"I see..," he paused for a moment, slightly surprised that she travelled such a long way onboard a vessel filled with men. Most of them wretched. "I admire your courage then, it must be hard for a lady of your stature to sail such a distance."

"It wasn't too bad, I always enjoyed the sea."

"Interesting. What about Kenway? Are you only merely acquainted with him?" Francois chuckled softly at his own question, as if it was supposed to be rhetorical.

"I'm afraid I don't know you too well to tell you of my private endeavours."

"Indeed, it was wrong of me ask, forgive me. My curiosity often gets the best of me."

"Curiosity killed the cat Francois."

They continued dancing, sometimes joining others in a circle dance, sometimes trying the Minuet, even switching partners for a minute or two, for the next half an hour or so. Finally they bowed to each other as a gesture of thanks and detached themselves from the dancers. Ann quickly made her way towards the buffet table, however Haytham was nowhere to be seen.

"Guess he's gone off somewhere," Francois came up behind the woman, causing her to jump. She turned around to see him standing closely to her, a smile playing on his lips. "He must be busy with the Host, after all with respect comes responsibility."

"An area which you seem to be familiar with," she smirked under her breath and crossed her arms. He pretended he didn't hear her smug comment, the woman aggravating him due to her intriguing and unexpected wit and the fact that his advances went by unnoticed.

"We should resume dancing, I was rather enjoying myself," he admitted, watching the soft swing of her head from side to side, the skin of her upper back revealed, pale yet glowing in the bright candlelight of the hall. He hated not having what he wanted, thus he hated the woman but adored her beauty all the same. He knew if she only submitted he would quickly fall for her, yet something was telling him she was a rare challenge, an unattainable prize of some kind or another.

"I'll pass, Francois, but I'm sure there are many ladies just waiting for you to ask them to a minuet. Consider them and I'm sure they will come flocking."

"You seem quite determined to wait for Kenway," he ignored her remark completely and changed the topic, gritting his teeth at the uncalled for rejection. Ann turned to the side, not noticing Haytham emerge from a set of doors to her right. He was alone and within close proximity to her, however noticed Francois' intense glare at the girl, and how they were both oblivious to his return.

"That's Master Kenway to you, I don't mean to be rude but while you are with the English Templars he is your superior," she retorted with faked politeness, Haytham hearing every word and letting a sly smile form from the corners of his lips.

"Anne, Francois," he called out, both of them turning suddenly, Francois still scoffing at her comment while she gasped, at first afraid Haytham would scold her for saying such things, but sighing in relief when his eyes looked nothing but satisfied. "Thank you for waiting…"

"I'm glad you're here," she whispered as she stepped towards him, struggling to prevent herself from slipping her palm in his. He gave her a warm smile and bowed his head slightly, lifting his hand in the air.

"May I have this dance Anne?" He asked smoothly, her expression lighting up and a smile reappearing on her lips, her fingers grabbing onto his hand as she bowed down in the familiar fashion, however this time with her eyes vigilantly looking into his, afraid to break the gaze, afraid he would disappear again. They slowly walked towards the very centre of the hall, their palms pressed against each other, fingertips interlaced, as they danced in a small circle, their bodies closer than anyone else's, however their actions unnoticeable, as if they were in a different place altogether. Haytham didn't plan on switching partners, nor breaking contact with his beloved, so they continued slowly drifting to the soft and romantic tune of the orchestra, the guests around them not even realising something was off. Haytham admired the glistening emerald of Ann's eyes as they watched his own with care, sometimes dashing away to look at the movement of their feet or to observe the other dancing pairs, but only for a moment, as if out of coyness, her powdered skin unable to hide the natural rouge that was building up on her cheeks, her smiles bashful and playful, as if hiding something from him.

"How was… Francois?" Haytham asked in a profound voice, over the echo of the beautiful violins that resounded through the hall, as they swirled around each other.

"His curiosity was… How should I put this… Daring," she replied in an equally loud voice. "He relentlessly questioned where I was from, if I were a Templar, he even questioned the nature of our relationship."

"What a pest."

"I gave him the answers he was after, but I refused to disclose what I felt for you. I didn't want to risk upsetting you."

"You wouldn't have upset me, Ann, not when it would've have shut that bastard up."

"You seem to incredibly despise him even though you never even exchanged a word."

"You shouldn't be surprised, the look in his eyes was obvious…"

"You shouldn't worry," she replied quickly as they got closer, "I doubt he will bother us."

"He will be visiting the Manor though. The Host made me agree to teach him about the Order as I myself used to be a Grand Master."

"Made you? Did you have no choice in the matter?" Ann snapped, slightly worried that Haytham so easily let the man into their lives despite disliking him so much and telling her to stay away.

"I'm sorry, I couldn't have outright rejected the Grand Master…"

"You're worried about him apparently looking at me in some sly way but you let him into the Manor like that? I thought you were given a degree of control and choice in the Order."

He stopped dancing and grabbed her wrist, tugging her away from the dance-floor to the side so that no one would overhear her comments. He led her through the double doors he exited not that long ago and shut them, all in a hurry. She gave him a stern look and crossed her arms. "What is wrong with you?"

"You can't so openly question the Order," he hissed and then softened when he saw her flinch ever so slightly. "Please, I know what I'm doing and I won't let that man as much as even look at you."

"You say that now but what will happen when he does gaze at me? You'll throw him out?"

"Well…No I can't do that. I was just-."

"You know what Haytham?" She looked away and lifted her hand up to rest against her forehead tiredly. "I will let you do what you will. I have enough of this and I want to go home, with or without you."

"Of course you're going with me, I won't let you go alone..," he said, calming and feeling a tinge of regret, considering if he accidentally made a mistake when accepting the responsibility over Francois. He felt so wrong, Ann didn't display such disappointment for a long time, so he felt like it was all his fault. "Listen…"

"I'm fine Haytham, I'm just really tired."

"No," he grabbed her arms with his worn out palms and shook her softly, urging her to look back into his eyes, "I can't let you walk away like this, dismissing my mistakes."

"What mistakes? You did what you had to, I can't blame you for that," she replied, "please, I need time to adjust, it's been hard for me."

"That isn't an excuse to shut me out, you know perfectly well how it ended up last time when you took time away from me."

"Can we not go back to that?"

"Ann," he continued, "speak to me, tell me how you feel. If you can't tell me then who will help you? Who will console you?"

"Please Haytham, not here, not now."

"Let me help you god-dammit!" He growled, letting her go and turning away, her body flinching again. She looked at his back, already missing his eyes, knowing he just wanted to be there for her, knowing he craved an embrace as much as she did. "We're leaving," he added after a moment, opening the door and walking ahead, his steps fast and evidently aggravated. She struggled to keep up after him, following him through the halls to the doors they entered from at the front of the Manor. He almost jumped down the small set of steps, the carriage already waiting. The footman rushed to open the doors, slightly surprised at the frown that Haytham must have had on his face. The Templar stepped into the carriage, immediately turning to look out the window, resting his jaw against his palm, reclining on the small windowsill. He must have been resentful at her rejection, but all she wanted was time, all she wanted was to go back home and lay beside him and finally get some shut eye knowing he wouldn't leave in the morning, because the way things were it was as if they weren't sharing the same bed at all, she never knew he was there, it always felt empty.

She sat beside him, gazing to the side to notice his complete ignorance of her body beside his own. The door was shut swiftly and soon enough the carriage began to move. Ann closed her eyes and interlaced her fingers in a prayer-like fashion, worried of what might become of her. What if Haytham thought he loved her, but never did? What if he would get bored of her or had enough of her behaviour? Was that his way of threatening her into complete submission? The questions were too much for her, she hated having to doubt the one man who saved her life numerous times and the man who provided for her, the man whom she swore to love no matter what he did or how he acted. Of course those feelings would never change, she argued many times with her Father but nonetheless he loved her until his last breath and probably even after, but could such an example be compared to what she and Haytham had she did not know.

"Seeing as you need time I will use one of the guest bedrooms tonight," he suddenly spoke up after a long and deafening silence. She feared to look at him in case his eyes were burning into her, so she stayed silence, silently brokenhearted in a way. Maybe it was for the better, but she struggled to fall asleep, let alone when she was under such stress or filled with such loneliness. She knew she wouldn't manage without him, and in a way she felt like he was trying to make her realise this, make her feel desperate for him, so much that she would come begging to him, and she didn't understand why he acted in such a ruthless, sadistic, way. Yet at the same time in a sickening way it didn't as much hurt her as it made her want him even more. It felt like the journey home would drag on forever, and she hated having to wait for trials which she knew she had to face.

Please leave a review/fave/follow if you enjoyed this chapter and would like more! Thank you! ^^

Till next time!

AssassinSuzy