Chapter 2

My eyes widened as guards came toward me. "I am only trying to save your men from being slaughtered." I tried.

Francis took a step forward. "How would you propose we do this?" He asked me. "Don't listen to this traitor." The general said. But Francis lifted his hand, stopping the guards and shutting up the general. "Continue." He told me.

"There are two main entrances to Calais. The main entrance and one for merchants. They both meet in the middle. We would be blocking the only exits." I explained. "How do you know this?" Francis asked. I stared at him for a moment as I thought of an excuse. "My family are simple merchants, your majesty. I use to travel to Calais when I was a child." It wasn't a complete lie. When I was younger I went to Calais, not by choice. We had broken one of our wheels for the carriage and needed to get it fixed.

Francis nodded, then waved toward himself. "Join us."

I didn't expect to be talking strategy with Francis and the generals. I only wanted to get away from those men. But it was nice to know the new strategy rather than follow orders during the middle of a fight. When we finished discussing all the generals and guards left the tent. But I stood there trying to spend as much time as I could away from those men. Francis noticed I hadn't left the tent yet. "Are you sure you are feeling alright? You look pale."

"No your majesty. I-" I debated telling him or not. I don't see what Francis could do for me if I did. I think he would just tell me to not let it bother me. I lifted my chest a little and tried to sound as manly as I could. " I was actually wondering if I could guard your tent tonight. The men who guard your tent always fall asleep. I do not feel safe leaving the prince of France unwatched."

Francis stared at me blankly. I didn't know if he was suspicious of me or thought I was some freak. My request was quite odd and as I thought about it more it was a completely ridiculous thing to ask of him. I raised my hands to try and take back what I said, but Francis spoke before me. "That's fine with me." He turned toward the exit. "Walk with me?"

I slowly nodded and followed him out of the tent. When I was outside of the tent I could feel the cold start to tickle my body. "Do you have anyone waiting for you at home?" Francis asked, striking up a conversation as we walked. "Yes, your majesty." I paused. I almost said a husband but managed to catch myself. "I am married."

"Well, I hope we can end this war quickly so you can get back to her."

I nodded, hiding my giggles when he said her. But he continued. "I have a wife at home. I'd rather be with her right now. I constantly worry about her."

"I'm sure she is a strong woman," I reassured Francis. He smiled. "She is."

When we made it to his tent he faced me and nodded. "I'll count on you to keep me safe." With that, he turned back and went inside of his tent. "Always, Francis," I whispered.

I sat on a small crate that was sitting in front of the tent. It wobbled slightly as I sat down. I sighed. I didn't mind this, but I was practically using Francis, although I was watching over him at the same time.

The sun had set and the moon hung high in the sky. That was the only light source, other than the dying fire in the middle of camp. I was hoping those men had fallen asleep or are finding entertainment amongst themselves. It was truly disgusting how these men had families but could still want to do a sinful thing like that.

I could feel the full effect of winter and the snow on the ground as my body began to shake. I wrapped my cloak around my body and tightened it, hoping it would give me more warmth. I wasn't use to having to deal with situations like these on my own, or not having people to make sure I was all right. I had told everyone I was going to visit relatives. No one questioned me, but I half wanted them to. To stop me from doing something so stupid, so dangerous.

My thoughts were interrupted when a gust of wind slapped me in the face. I flinched at the sudden extra cold feeling. I wish I was back in my warm bed. I shook my head trying to put it out of my mind.

Suddenly I felt a hand on my shoulder and I was pulled back. My back slammed into the hard, snow-covered ground. When my eyes managed to adjust I saw the men from earlier. My eyes widened and I tried to move away, but only backed into another man. "I don't want any trouble. Please. I'm guarding the prince." I said as I attempted getting up, but I was pushed down. "You think by protecting the Dauphin that he'll protect you?" The main man snickered. "Men have enjoyed each other's company for years. Let's just have some fun before we go into battle tomorrow." The man reached in and rubbed my cheek with the back of his hand, his bony knuckles rubbed against my soft skin. I slowly nodded and moved my body upward, acting like I knew what they were talking about. But I quickly brought my foot up and slammed it into the man's face. He yelped and flew onto his back. I forced my body up and tried to get away, but one of the other men tackled me to the ground. I gasped as all the air was released from my lungs. The man who tackled me got on top of me and lifted my arms above my head. I tried using my legs to kick them but it was no use, they were stronger than me. The main came over and towered over me. My heart began to speed up when I saw his bloody nose. "You stupid boy. We could have done this the easy way."

The man kneeled down next to me and pulled my hair that was tied into a ponytail. He began pulling his pants down and reaching for mine.

"Stop! Don't touch me!" I screamed. The man on top of me threw his fist into my face. The pain surged through my head. I groaned as my eyes lost focus of the men. When I regained focus the man on top of me placed his hand over my mouth. The main man started to touch my body while the other held me down. I tried yelling even though his hand covered my mouth, or even tried to move my body around but it was no use. Suddenly the man reached my thighs and was moving in between my legs. He stopped suddenly, his facial expression completely changed as did his aura. It was almost deadly. "I see you have a dirty secret, boy."

It felt as though a large weight had dropped in my stomach and my heart was beating wildly against my chest. This was really happening. I joined to protect Francis, but I couldn't even protect myself. I could feel the man's cold fingers start to touch my bare skin. I shuddered as he touched right between my legs.

"What was that noise?" I heard someone say. I tried looking to my side to see who it was. I saw a silhouette of Francis in front of the tent. I tried to squirm away, but the man on top of me pushed himself down harder. My chest screamed as more weight was added onto it.

"Where's the man who was guarding my tent?" I heard Francis ask.

"I'm not sure, my lord." A guard responded.

I could hear Francis sigh. "I guess he actually wanted me unguarded." My eyes widened. I screamed as loud as I could against the man's hand. The man on top of me glared at me and squeezed my hands tightly. I yelped.

I watched as Francis' silhouette disappeared from my sight. Did he really not hear me? Was this really going to happen?