Chapter 11: Annalise

She woke early the next morning and smiled down at the sleeping Jameson. She felt horrible for being such a burden to him. No wonder he was so cautious with her, the first woman he loved was murdered. That also explained Allaree... she shouldn't have been pushing him. And she shouldn't have asked about Kyria. She couldn't help but wonder if her father was punished. She couldn't ask Jameson, maybe she'd ask the lieutenant, he would know. And if not she would have her father arrest him for the murder of Kyria... and Jameson's unborn child. She shook her head. She shouldn't be so jealous of a murdered girl but she couldn't help but want to be the one to give Jameson children.

She'd make him breakfast, as an apology for being so difficult. She went to the cook stove and noticed the water bucket was empty. She sighed. She couldn't go to the well in just her chemise but she couldn't put on her gown without help either. She thought of waking Jameson but she caught a glimpse of his shirt on the chair and so she grabbed it pulling it on. It came almost to her knees and the sleeves went inches beyond her fingers but she smiled as she put on her boots. She grabbed the bucket and walked out the door around back to the well. It was hard work getting the water but she managed and when she reached the front of the house a voice startled her. "Princess... what are you doing?"

She looked at the blushing lieutenant and shook her head. Her dress was far from appropriate. "We were out of water."

"Surely the general could have gotten water."

She smiled. "He is still sleeping. I may have pushed him too far last night."

The lieutenants eyes widened slightly. "That explains you're choice of attire."

She laughed awkwardly. "Nothing of the sort. I just can't tie my own corset and didn't want to go to the well in my chemise. His shirt was the best I could manage on my own."

He nodded. "I see. So he is sleeping?"

"Yes."

"Then I will have to ask you to come with me."

She took a step back, "I can't go anywhere without, Jameson."

"Come on, princess. I mean no harm."

"I'm sorry, Lieutenant, but you've my answer." She said in the firm voice of a royal heir.

"I've always respected you. Treated you well. I loved having you at the fort. Jameson treated you horribly and would rather spend his time with lose moral girls like Allaree. Come with me and I will show you respect." She dropped the bucket, water splashing all over her and took off running back around the house. "Damn it, princess. Don't make me chase you! It will only make me mad."

"Stay back!" She yelled at she rounded the corner. She ran towards the window hoping she would be able to wake Jameson who slept just on the other side but just before she reached it she was tackled to the ground. She hit hard on her hip and a shirk of pain escaped her.

He straddled her pinning her down while placing a hand over her mouth. "Princess... no, Annalise, if he calls you by name so will I. I don't want to hurt you, Annalise. In fact I only want to protect you. Come with me, I'll take you somewhere no one will find you. What do you say?"

He uncovered her mouth and she screamed. "Jameson!!"

He slapped his hand back across her mouth. "I really wish you wouldn't have done that."