"What are you doing?" Bash was slipping off his boots and had removed his surcoat.

"Relax," Laughing, he un-tucked his shirt. "Our clothes will dry faster if we hang them in front of the fire."

I froze and looked down at my gown. "I don't think that's a good idea. What if someone sees us and gets the wrong idea? What if the royal guard finds us?!"

Bash smiled, then saw the worry on my face and strode over to me, taking my hand. "Don't worry, Mary. I'm paying the stable boy to alert me if there is any sign of Francis or his guards. They aren't going to find you."

I couldn't tell if the concern in his eyes was for me, or if he really was afraid the guards would come, but I trusted him. I trusted him with my life, and I don't think I completely realized it until I leapt off that cliff into the river. I suddenly realized the way he was looking at me and that he hadn't let go of my hand, and a warmth rose to my cheeks. I slid my hand out of his grasp and took a small step backwards.

Bash walked back over to the fire and pulled his shirt over his head. He kept his back to me as he hung his clothes on a chair, but I averted my eyes anyways. I sat on the edge of the bed, but the dampness of my gown made it hard to get comfortable.

"Alright Bash, turn around so I can undress." I grabbed a blanket off the bed to wrap myself in once I had changed. "Go look out the window or something."

I watched him go to the window while I placed the blanket on a chair, then I began to unlace my bodice. I was halfway done when Bash shouted:

"Mary, quickly, grab your things! They're coming!" Bash scrambled around, putting his clothes and boots on and gathering his sword and bag. He turned out the lantern

"If you're joking this is not funny!" I tucked the laces of my dress under my bodice and put on my hooded cape.

"I am not kidding, Mary! The guards are on their horses coming down the path. We'll have to go out the window once they are around the other side of the inn. Make sure you leave nothing behind that they would recognize as yours!" Bash took a quick look out the window and handed me the blanket I had set down. "Get ready. And take this."

He held my hand as we stood next to the window, out of sight. We listened to the sound of hoof beats grow louder and then softer. After taking another glance out of the window, he put his bag on the other side.

"Are you ready?" I nodded and we both jumped as the door burst open. Bash stepped in front of me and shielded me with his body.

It's over, I thought. They are going to throw Bash in a prison cell for attempting to escape with me, and Francis is going to keep me under watch. We won't get the chance to escape again. Bash's body relaxed and I peered around him. I sighed in relief when I saw it was just the stable boy. Bash put a finger to his lips and nodded at the boy, tossing him a small pouch of coins. The boy hurried out the door shutting it behind him.

"I left the horses saddled up just in case." Bash helped me climb out the window. "I had the stable boy bring them to the back of the building if the guards came. I'll be right there."

I hesitated for a second, watching Bash turn away from the window and hoping this wasn't the last time I was going to see him. If he got caught I wouldn't know where to go or who to trust. I didn't know which way Scotland was, and I was afraid I would be recognized if I asked for directions. I'm sure Francis would search even more frantically if he knew I was by myself, and without Bash I was sure to be caught. I realized how much I really needed Bash by my side if I was going to escape France.

The sound of voices startled me out of my thoughts and I started to run towards the back of the inn. I saw the stable boy with the horses and hurried towards him. Once I got there, he provided me a wooden crate to help me mount the horse, and I thanked him for being such an enormous help. I couldn't take my eyes off of the corner of the building, waiting for Bash to appear.

My horse's ears were swiveling and he pawed at the ground, sensing my anxiety. I was about to ask the stable boy to check on him when I heard a shout. I closed my eyes and prayed that the guards didn't catch him as I saw Bash dart around the side of the building.

"Go!" He spoke in a loud whisper and pointed to a small path behind us.

I gave my horse a kick and she took off, eager to get away from the uneasy situation. I looked over my shoulder to make sure Bash was following. To my horror, I saw a guard on foot rounding the corner. Bash turned to look and his horse sped up towards me. I eased my horse into a faster gallop and soon Bash was riding next to me.

Despite the situation, Bash grinned at me as we escaped into the night.

Thanks for reading! This is my first fanfiction and I will try to update every 1-2 weeks. Feel free to give me your feedback!

Reviews are very much appreciated :)

-Searchingforatlantis