Jason stood on his rooms balcony with an uneasy frown as he watched the sun rise to start a day he wanted to skip. He glanced down to the court yard to see Lucas giving his men an early drill to prepare them for the ugly event that would take place today. Today was the day he would punish the father for the murder of Henry by giving him 20 lashes within the center of his village. Jason shook his head with gritted teeth. Having to punish a father who only wanted to protect his daughter from some pig left Jason with unease, but having to do so while the security of his estate was possibly endanger from its own people made him question if he was good enough to be a lord. The stress had kept him awake the entire night and not even the soft presence of his wife could comfort him. He rubbed his his face and sighed heavily. "I could really use some coffee right now," he muttered.

Brienna had felt Jason's restlessness during the night so she was not at all surprised to find him tired and lacking energy. She wrapped her arms around his waist and laid her head against his back willing him to feel her understanding.

"I know what is on your mind. The girl, Aylen is going to stay inside with the cook. I would prefer she not see you in the light as the man who -" She stopped and sighed. "I would prefer she not watch." Brienna kissed his shoulder blade softly and thought more on the day's events to come. Moving to stand in front of him she reached up and kissed his lips softly.

"Today is going to be a rough day for everyone. I'll get you some coffee." Brienna embraced him a moment and then walked out of the room closing the door softly behind her.

Jason smiled softly as Brienna left the room with promises of coffee. He chuckled softly and sighed. "Really got lucky didnt I?" he mumbled to himself before walking over to his dresser. He changed into darker clothing and sighed as he checked himself within the mirror.

"Ugly bastard aren't ya?" he chuckled dryly as he saw his exhausted appearance. Bags rested under his eyes, he could do with a little bit of a shave and his skin looked a little pale. He shook his head and walked away towards the window as he pulled his black leather gloves on. The captains had told him the gloves would help keep a grip on the whip. He looked to the gloves with a frown and clenched his fist. "Hope I wont need to do this again," he said to himself.

Brienna walked into the kitchen and saw William drinking a cup of coffee. She instantly pulled her robe closed more tightly. His eyes brightened when he saw her. The cook was down in the cellar getting the days' meat and vegetables for breakfast. Brienna gave him a half smile.

"Good morning William. Enjoying your coffee?" She asked as she poured her two cups and put them on a tray to take up. Glancing up she could have sworn she saw a hunger in his eyes. Looking up again it was gone in a flash. Her mind sent up an alarm and she felt herself stiffen in fear just a little bit.

Staring at her just a little too long William took another drink and said, "Tis the sweetest of nectar's in the morning with the exception of one." His eyes showed her more than she needed to see and she became very uncomfortable and picked up the coffee tray and turned to leave. As Brienna left the room she heard his chuckle. Hurrying she took the coffee to Jason.

Jason rubbed his now scruffy face and thought for a moment. "Maybe I should grow it out," he muttered to himself before hearing the door open. He turned and smiled as he saw Brienna enter with a tray of coffee. He stretched his arms wide and grinned. "My angel has returned with the nectar of love!" he chuckled as he walked to her. He gently took the tray from her hands and rested it on the table before handing her a cup of coffee, but as he looked to her face he could sense a bit of unease. He took his coffee and raised an eyebrow. "You okay? Something happen?" he questioned as he took a sip. He held back his shutter of pleasure and kept his attention on Brienna.

Brienna smiled at her husband and shook her head as she reached for the cup and took a sip of the warmth the coffee provided.

"No, I just didn't expect to see William in the kitchen this early or I would have dressed first." Sipping her coffee she had to agree. This morning the coffee was without a doubt what they both needed.

After finishing her drink she got dressed and fixed her hair into a soft half updo that was common for the time and she set about going through the rooms one by one and cleaning them out of personal belongings. Fully aware that the punishment was not going to happen til the afternoon she decided to keep busy. She enlisted Aylen's help to keep the girl's mind off of things to come.

Jason walked through the court yard with his a few of his captains, finishing a quick update on the days punishment. Where certain guards would be placed, the level of alertness and other annoying things that made Jason more tired. "My lord!" Jason looked away from one of his captains and spotted Lucas waving him down. Jason nodded and looked back to the captains.

"That should wrap it up gentlemen, so if you would excuse me I need to speak with Sargent Lucas," the captains saluted and left Jason as Lucas approached. Lucas gave a quick salute and grinned as he saw Jason's appearance.

"Not the best of days for you is it my lord?" he asked. Jason gave him a glare before sighing and rubbing his neck.

"Knock that lord crap out Lucas, today is not my day," he groaned. Lucas nodded.

"Of course, I can understand. Today looks like a bleak one," he said as he looked up to the clouds that began to slowly take up the sky. "Anyway Jason, I wanted to speak with you about the preparations of me escorting your wife, Brienna. Are you sure this is needed? She was the queens guard, dont you think she can handle herself?" he questioned. Jason nodded before speaking.

"I understand she was the queens personal guard and I know she can handle herself in a fight, but Im not taking any chances. You are to stay by her side no matter what. She gives you crap then tell her you have strict orders from me to escort her at all times, no exceptions," he said before looking at Lucas with a more serious look. "Can I trust you with this?" he asked. Lucas sighed before saluting him.

"Of course, I will stay by her side no matter what," he promised. Jason smiled and thanked him before the two separated. Jason went for a walk to clear his head and Lucas went to find Brienna to follow his orders.

Brienna and Aylen were elbow deep in one of the bedrooms. Her father had used it as a storage room and she couldn't believe how much junk was in there. She found everything from old horse tack to cuff links. She was more than a little flustered at the disorganization of the room. When Lucas opened the door she looked up at him questioningly.

"Jason is out with the captains or solving problems elsewhere. I'm sure someone outside can tell you exactly where he is." Looking down at an old time piece she picked it up and then picked up the damp cloth full of shoe shine with her other hand.

"My father was an incompetent fool! No one does this to their things!" She forgot about Lucas entirely and went back to work.

Lucas grinned as he leaned next to the rooms door and chuckled. "Tell that to my sister, little girl cant keep her things together," he said before looking around the room. "Though I will admit she isnt this bad," he said before giving a nod towards Aylen. "Good to see you about, Brienna will have plenty for you to do," he chuckled.

It occurred to Brienna that Lucas was not looking for Jason. "Lucas why are you here? Is there something you need?" She stared at him curiously.

Lucas scratched the side of his neck and chuckled nervously. "Well, no I dont need anything. Just, well, standing here, watching you clean," Lucas said with a nervous grin. He was never good at making up excuses on the spot. Plus, he wouldn't admit it but Brienna sort of... scared him a bit. He has seen what she does to those who piss her off, those poor handsy guards. "Are you wearing a new perfume? Smells lovely," he said quickly in hopes to change the conversation.

Brienna stood up dusting off the bottom half of her skirt. "Jason sent you to be my guard didn't he?" The deer in the headlights look was all the answer she needed. "Excuse me Aylen I'll be right back."

Brienna passed Lucas at the door, "Come Lucas." She calmly walked outside and scanned the area for her husband. Viewing him further out speaking to someone near the field she headed straight for him. As she approached, the other made haste and quickly she was facing her husband with Lucas few feet away.

"Husband, considering my former profession in the castle I would take it that you have hit your head and need medical care. If you have not then surely it must be sun stroke to have addled your brain so. I return your Lucas to your care. Do not waist his time nor insult me with a guard in my own home again."

Brienna glared at him hard for a moment then turned on her heels and went back towards the house.

Lucas walked to Jasons side and both of them watched as the furious Brienna returned to the house. The two sat in silence for a few moments before Jason sighed and crossed his arms. "Well, that was quick. I was suspecting it to take more than, maybe a half hour, but she chewed me out in a record time of 15 minutes," he said before glancing to Lucas with a raised eyebrow. "Couldnt make up a story could you?" Lucas lowered his head and shook his head.

"I didnt have time, the smell of death was thick in the air when she caught on," he said before looking to Jason. "You nearly lost a Sargent today," Jason chuckled and patted him on the shoulder.

"Days not over, we arent done yet," Lucas' eyes widened as he looked to Jason as if he was mad.

"What do you mean?" Jason grinned and placed a hand on his shoulder.

"How stealthy are you?" Lucas could only feel dread as he saw Jasons grin.

"She will certainly kill me and you if she catches on," Lucas shuddered at the thought of Brienna catching them. Jason shook his head and frowned.

"Yes, but you will most likely be the first to go so I'm willing to risk it. Good luck my man and remember, stay out of her sights. May god be with you," Jason quickly spun around and marched away in a hurry. Lucas watched him leave and felt his his eye twitch as he was forced into the deadly role of Briennas unwanted guard. He sighed and shook his head before making his way back to the house to hide around every corner Brienna was around.

Brienna had returned to the room to find Aylen sorting things into piles. Diving right back into the task at hand she said to the teenager. "Let me know if you see anyone following me ok? My husband is a little overprotective and he might need a lesson in husbandry."

Not certain that she understood properly Aylen nodded and smiled at the unusual wording that Brienna had chosen. After another hour Aylen stood and stretched. Brienna stood up and grabbed a couple of piles of things that needed to be taken to different places. Knowing he was there she called out to him. "Lucas come in here."

Lucas froze in fear as his face grew pale at the sound of her voice commanding him to enter the room. "How in gods name?" he muttered to himself as he took a deep breath and entered the room. He stood at attention in Briennas presence and avoided eye contact, scared that her very gaze will pierce him like a sword. He gave a nervous smile and looked around the room. "Oh, look, this isn't my room. Must have made a wrong turn. Oh, Brienna, what are you- oh never mind, its useless now," he mumbled with a lowered head.

Brienna just shook her head at his failed attempt to think up a good excuse. Instead she thrust two piles of things at him and gave him orders. "Take this pile to the kitchen and that pile to the barn please and when you get done I have more so hurry."

Brienna had decided that if she was going to be stuck with him he was going to make her work load lighter. She smiled at the look on his face but managed not to laugh until after he had gone.

Jason chuckled as he tasted the cooks soup of the day and nodded with approval. "Perfect," the cook nodded and continued on with his work before the door opened with a annoyed looking Lucas coming through. Jason crossed his arms and shook his head as he saw him carrying several things into the kitchen. Lucas only looked to him with sadness and Jason chuckled. "There is no winning with that girl," he said and patted him on the shoulder. "Go ahead and have a few of your boys follow her while you do her chores for her," he ordered as he walked towards the kitchen door. Lucas groaned and placed his work load onto the table before turning to Jason.

"Jason, I understand you want to make sure your wife is safe, but dont you think this is a bit much? Why so much security?" he asked. Jason sighed and pulled Lucas outside of the kitchen with a frown.

"Look Lucas, there have been a few possible threats to the estate and I want to be extra safe when it comes to security, especially when it comes to my wife. Plus," he paused for a moment as he looked around to make sure it was clear and spoke. "With William here I'm a bit hesitant to leave her alone with him on the estate," he finished.

"Why not just send him off if your so worried?" Jason shook his head and sighed.

"I was thinking it would be fine, but this morning Brienna had a little encounter with him that made me rethink this whole thing," he said with a frown. Lucas thought for a moment before sighing and nodding his head.

"Very well Jason, I will have my men keep an eye on her. I will also have two of my men stay within range of William," Jason nodded and patted his arm.

"Thank you my friend, I'm very thankful," Jason said and smirked. "Now you better finish that work load of yours, don't want to keep her waiting," he chuckled before leaving Lucas alone. Lucas sighed heavily and lowered his head.

"I really need a drink," he muttered before going back to work.

The rest of the morning she kept Lucas and every man who dared step into the house running errands all over the property. She even sent Adam the stable boy all the way over to the lake to check the temperature of the water. She was figuring that by the time lunch was over the men would run from her. Aylen had a hard time from giggling in front of them. She dutifully backed up everything that Brienna said to the annoyed men.

Brienna was having a good time messing with the men and she was getting a lot of work done with their help. When she came down to check on lunch the cook grinned at her from ear to ear.

"Lowdy Missus Brienna you have those boys cursing under their breath and everythin'. I'm havin' a good time watchin' 'em."

Brienna replied happily, "I'm glad to hear that. If my husband keeps it up things will only get worse for them all." Brienna chuckled at the older woman's laughter as she walked outside and caught one of the young men trying to sneak away from her.

"Please ring the lunch bell for me." She said politely with a grin. The young man quickly jumped up and did as told. He was hungry since Brienna had had him run into the village three times already.

Jason could only watch with pity as the guards suffered because of his orders to watch over Brienna. He shook his head and chuckled as the dinner bell rang and several of the guards sprang into action towards dinner. He quickly followed them and met Lucas half way there. Lucas gave him a glare while Jason could only give a apologetic smile. "You doomed us all," he whispered as they entered the dining room. Jason chuckled and patted him on the shoulder as he took his seat.

"Think of it as another drill," he said with a grin. Lucas and a few other guards who heard him seemed annoyed but ignored it and stood at attention within the dining room.

Lunch went off without a hitch and Brienna thought about the afternoon's upcoming events. She glanced up at the girl and then at Jason. As soon as everyone was done Aylen was set to the task of cleanup with the cook. Brienna went outside with Jason and waited for the prisoner to be brought outside for his lashings. She watched his face as he waited and she knew he was dreading the task he was set to do. She squeezed his hand reassuringly and kissed his cheek.

Watching her husband as the man was brought out and set in chains to hold him while he was lashed. The prisoner's shirt was removed. She wasn't sure who was going to suffer more from this. Her husband had not grown up with this kind of punishment being prevalent. In his time period lashings were considered inhumane. She looked on in worry over him.

Jason gulped and stared at the man he would soon be punishing. A sick feeling filled his gut, but he held it all down as the crowd from the village gathered around to view the lashing. He tried to avoid their eyes filled with dread or worry. He looked to his wife one last time and sighed as he stepped forward to adress the crowd.

"We are here today to witness the punishment for an unlawful act that resulted in the death of a man you all should know. For his crimes he will receive 20 lashes to the back and a three year imprisonment within the dungeons. Murder of any kind shall not be accepted within these lands and all those who commit this act will face punishment. Let this be a message to those who seek to take another's life within these lands," he finished before stepping back and taking a whip from one of the captains.

He took a deep breath and walked behind the prisoner with a grim look. Gripping the whip tightly he reeled back the whip and gulped before giving him his first lash. The whip cracked and the mans body tensed up as a line of blood began to run down his back. Jason could feel his body grow heavier and his gut become unsettled, but he forced it all down and continued on. Each crack nearly made him flinch and blood began to drip onto the ground below the prisoner. It felt like hours had passed before finally he reached the twentieth lash. As he finished the punishment he watched the man slump forward as he groaned in pain. Jason felt sweat cover his face as he took a step back and handed the whip to the captain. His hands trembled and his breathing seemed heavy, but he kept himself composed and took his wife's side. "Take him away and treat his wounds," he commanded with a dry voice before clearing his throat and looking to the crowd. "Now, go back to your village and return to you duties," he ordered before turning back towards the house and marching away without his wife by his side. He just wanted to get away from the scene.

Brienna oversaw the prisoner's return to the cells and she had Lucas take Aylen for a walk before she could see her father's condition. She had to force the girl to go. The doctor was waiting in the cell with all of his things set up already.

The prisoner was unconscious as he was brought in and laid on his stomach on the bed. The doctor wiped off the blood and what was left visible were angry and deep rivers that invaded the landscape of the man's back. Brienna had the doctor use alcohol to clean out the wounds. For this she was glad that the man was unconscious, if he were awake the screaming would be heard all over the property. After this was done the doctor wanted to put
leeches on his back to clean out the impurities of his spirit and Brienna stayed his hand.

"No, I want this salve put on his wounds instead. Fill the wounds completely with it. I'll bring more tomorrow." The doctor didn't want to listen to her and started pulling leeches out for his procedure when William came up behind the doctor and said,

"You were told to do something differently with this patient. Do you intend to listen to her or do I need to make you listen?"

Brienna was as surprised as the doctor was and she was also grateful because she had used thsremedy before at the castle and it was a well known medicine because of her. It had worked many times and she was certain that leeches were a waste of time.

The doctor glared at William but put the leeches away. He seemed hesitant to listen to a woman and a carpenter so he pursed his lips and got up and left. Brienna sighed and got on her knees and started to apply the salve to the wounds on the man's back. Brienna looked up at William and wondered if ehs had been seeing more into his words than had been intended. She decided to give him another chance.

"Thank you for that. Out here people don't listen to women much unless there is a class difference and the doctor still sees me as a child and a woman. They also don't have the information on new medicines until they have been around for a long time it seems."

She made sure the man's wounds were treated in entirety and she stood up and wiped her hands off. She took the salve with her so she could make more. The fresher it was the better it was in most cases.

Brienna turned to leave and William walked next to her as she closed the cell door. When she turned around William was right in her face. Not an inch between them. Pushing him back she heard him say,

"You know married women can take lovers if they choose and not get caught." He let her step away from him and his husky chuckle stayed in her ears as she went up the stairs in a hurry.

Lucas sighed as he searched for Brienna and looked to two of his men who were following him. "Really, no one has seen her?" he asked. The two guards gave sheepish smiles and shrugged.

"Most were just scared to follow her sir," one guard said as he rubbed the back of his head. The other guard only nodded with agreement as they continued on. Lucas rolled his eyes and looked back forward. As they rounded a corner a door to the dungeons opened and Brienna hurried out with an uneasy look on her face. She quickly left down another hallway, but before Lucas went to follow her he saw William walk out with a cocky smile planted on his face as he watched Brienna hurry away. He chuckled and left in another direction. Lucas frowned and pointed to William.

"Follow that man, if he goes near Brienna then make up something to take him away from her. He is not to be near her, no matter what. Understood?" both the guards saluted and quickly began to tail their target at a safe distance. Lucas sighed and rubbed his temple as he began to follow Brienna once again. "Maybe it is good to have an escort for her," he mumbled to himself.

Brienna hurried upstairs and into her's and Jason's bedroom and shut the door. She didn't realize how shaken she was until she dropped the salve and broke the jar. Irritated at her own shakiness she got down on her hands and knees and started cleaning up her mess. She grabbed out an empty jar from the stuff needing to go to the kitchen that she had placed in the corner and put almost all of the salve in it. She was not even aware that her husband was watching her until she looked up and saw his eyes.

Jason watched in silence as his wife cleaned up her mess and tried to find his own words before quickly coming to his senses and clearing the few tears that had filled his eyes. He rose from the bed and cleared his throat before walking to her and helped put the rest of the spilled salve away. He was still finding it hard to find his words, but he rested his hand on hers and smiled warmly with red eyes. "Are you okay?" he asked with concern.

Brienna nodded and gave a half smile. "I was in the cell medicating the prisoner's back." She stood up and looked at him and fidgeted a moment. "We need to get a new doctor. This one doesn't listen to women and his remedies are old and don't work. He wouldn't listen to me until William threatened him." At this point her voice got lower. "The doctor refused then left, so I did it myself."

Jason nodded and rose to his feet. "I will make sure to have him replaced with someone more qualified for the job," he said and noticed the uneasy look in her eyes. He couldnt help but frown and gently wrapped his arms around her to bring her in for a tight hug. His mind was still filled with todays event so all he could think of doing was this. It was to ease both her and himself, but no matter what he felt his body tremble slightly at the memory of the man being dragged back to the dungeon covered in blood. "I-is he alright?" he whispered, nearly choking from worry.

Brienna saw the pain in her husband's eyes and she nodded and pulled him ot her more tightly. She kicked off her shoes and pulled his jacket off and climbed onto the bed and pulled him in next to her. "Come and let me hold you. He will heal. There will be scars but I cleaned it and put a good healing salve in it."

Pulling him into her arms she felt him hold onto her tightly and she wrapped her arms around him and running her hands through his hair. "You did well today. I know how hard it is. You showed strength and mercy. What I mean is that by carrying out the punishment yourself you showed strength and by using a whip in good condition instead of the knotted or clawed ropes you showed him mercy. People remember that." She held onto him trying to ease his pain and to comfort his mind and heart.

As he listened to his wifes soft voice try and comfort him all he could see was the prisoners slumped form being dragged away with a small trail of blood behind him. He held her closer and rested his forehead onto hers. He couldnt see what he did as an act of mercy. He knew things were tough in these times, but the pain he inflicted, the fear and sadness in the crowds eyes and his own trembling body only made him doubt himself. He scoffed slightly with tears now threatening the edges of his eyes.

"I must look pathetic. Most people in this time are used to crap like this or worse, but here I am, shaking and crying to his wife like a child," he said feeling his warm tears run down his face. "Do you think Im really fit enough to be lord of this damned place?" he asked with uncertainty.

Brienna had a sad smile as she thought on her answer. "I think that there are many men who forget how barbaric some of our punishments can be. At the castle I saw more punishments performed on a daily basis than most property owners ever have to hand out. The executioners and few others who are trusted to perform these punishments often turn cold. It's the only way they can deal with the inhumanity of it all. The fact that it effects you so much just tells me that you wouldn't dole out these acts unless they were absolutely necessary. Yes I think you are exactly the kind of man this place needs."

Brienna kissed his tears away and said, "Even the strongest of us need to cry once in a while. It is a sign of strength to show that you have a heart and that you care."

Jason seemed to be at a lost of words as Brienna spoke and could only hug her tighter as he buried his head into her shoulder. His tears continued to flow, but her warmth began to ease his world. "Please, always be my light. I wont make it in this world without you," he choked out before sobbing softly in their embrace. He just wanted comfort and this was the only person who could give it to him.

Brienna held Jason and the sun went down but they never went down to dinner. Neither of them felt like eating and so she helped him undress and she did the same. Once back in bed her arms open to him she held him close to her bare skin. He could hear her heart beating steadily. Brienna clung to him as much as he did her. In the back of her mind she heard William's words again and it made a shiver crawl up her spine.

As Jason held his wife close he could feel her unease and looked to her with a concerned frown. He remembered her mentioning William earlier when she was tending to the prisoner. "Brienna, is everything alright?" he paused before continuing. "Are you having problems with him again?"

Brienna didn't want to lay this on him right now. Not after what he had had to do today and most certainly not after she had pushed away the guards so much. Not seeing another option she told him what had happened earlier in the cells. She watched his face when she told him what William had said to her.

Jasons eyes widened as Brienna spoke and all he could do was grit his teeth with anger. "That filthy rat bastard!" he growled as he sat up in bed. "The balls on this guy! I swear Im about to tear them off!" he swore with rage as he looked to Brienna. "You wont have to worry about William again, he will not step a foot near you again. Hell, he will not step another foot on this estate, Im sending him away! This ends now!" he growled. "First thing in the morning Im kicking his ass out," he promised with his fury filling his mind.

Brienna hadn't wanted to upset him and she had done just that. "Okay you can handle him in the morning and I'll even let you assign someone to follow me for a couple of days if it pleases you. Please calm down. I hate to see you so angry. I'm afraid your heart will bust right out of your chest." She pushed him back against his pillow and she lay across his body with her head on his heart listening to it beat faster and harder the more angry he got. She raised up and began kissing his neck and lips. "Please my love it worries me."

Jason took a deep breath and sighed as he nodded his head. "You're right, Im sorry. It is just the thought that bastard talking to you like that pissed me off to no end. I wont have it," he said and smiled warmly towards her. "And dont worry, my heart is not ready to burst any time soon," he chuckled before pulling her in for a kiss and laying his head back onto his pillow. The day was a rough one, but at least he can fall asleep with his guardian angel.

@joker892

A tired groan escaped Jason as he laid back in his studies chair. He lazily looked through a few documents and reports that had come up in the morning and frowned. The punishment from yesterday was still fresh in his mind and he could not get rid of his guilt. Causing a man that pain was something he never wanted to do again. His wife was able to help ease his nerves, but she couldnt help him sleep.

Brienna had gotten up early and was in the cells changing the bandages and cleaning the wounds on the girl's father. He was still not fully conscious but he was moaning in pain. She was fully focussed on his treatment. She hadn't paid any mind to anyone else, namely William. While she was focussed on the patient he snuck down into the cells and was only a few feet from her.

Lucas watched as William entered the dungeon and frowned. He came around the corner he had been hiding behind and walked towards the door with his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. As he reached the door he snapped his fingers and the two men he had assigned to watch him appeared from the other hall. The men quickly made their way to Lucas and bowed slightly. "Apologies sir, we failed to divert him away from Lady Brienna," one guard apologized. Lucas shook his head and looked to the men.

"Calm yourself, I figured this William would be a slippery snake to deal with," he said and carefully opened the door so he wouldnt make any noise. "Im going down there, keep watch out here," he said before entering the dungeons and keeping to the shadows.

William had snuck up on Brienna and grabbed her around the waist and had pinned her up against the wall. One of his hands covered her mouth as he was trying to kiss and touch her. Brienna was fighting him. He had large bloody scratches on his neck and cheeks and she was kicking him with all she had. She wasn't going to let him get away with this she was able to get a good kick in to his groin area and he slipped a little letting her touch the ground and get her footing. That allowed her to push him away from her and she decked him hard. She came back shaking her hand in pain but she was certain it was worth it.

Brienna was breathing hard as her guards came in. She pointed to William who was moaning on the floor holding his junk. "Where were you guys?"

Lucas had heard something happen and rushed down to the cells as he shouted for his men to hurry down, but as he came to the scene he was shocked to see William on the ground groaning and holding his groin. "Slimey bastard," he hissed as he yanked William to his feet and slammed him against the cell. Soon his men arrived and restrained William while Lucas turned to Brienna with shameful eyes. "Forgive me, we should have reacted faster," he apologized. "Throw that bastard in the cells!" he barked to his men who happily tossed him into a vacant cell and locked the door.

"Are you harmed in any way?" he asked with concern.

Brienna shook her head. Her pride was hurt that he had caught her off guard and that he had touched her more privately than she would have ever allowed anyone but Jason. But physically she was fine.

"I need to get some air." Brienna hurried up the stairs and out to the stables. She got onto the back of her stallion. She rode him bareback in her skirts which is no easy feat. "Heeyah!" She called out as she kicked him. Tthe steed nearly flew as he exited the stables.

Jason tried to rub his exhaustion from his eyes as he walked to his studies window. The urge to fall over and pass out grew every second, but he forced himself to stay on his feet. He let his eyes run along the estate, but paused as he saw Brienna rush to the stables. He raised an eyebrow in confusion, but soon felt worried as he saw that she was in a hurry. It was as if she was trying to get away from something. Jasons heart dropped as a thought came to his mind. "William!" he spat before rushing to his door, but stopped as one of the guards had entered.

"My lord!" he said with surprise as the two nearly ran into each other. "My lord there has been an attack on your wife, we have arrested the man, but Lady Brienna has left-" before he could finish his report Jason had pushed pass him and bolted down the hallway. His rage towards William was rising with every second, but the worry for his wife was much greater. He burst from the mansion and grabbed a horse from the stables. With no hesitation he spurred his horse forward and began to travel down the path Brienna had taken. As he continued he started to become frustrated as he couldnt spot her. "Brienna! Brienna!!" he shouted as he continued to search for her.

Brienna had waded out into the chilly water. She had to get the feel of his hands off of her body. The tears that rolled down her face were mostly from anger at herself. She could hear Jason yelling. She didn't answer back. She wanted just another minute before she had to tell him what had happened. She was shivering and she walked all the way in and up to her neck. Her dress was left on the ground near the edge of the lake. She was cold but knew she had to do it. If this was all she needed to do to keep that animal from invading her mind she would do it.

"Damn it! Damn it, damn it damn it!" he growled as he continued his search for his wife. The idea of that bastard touching her sent rage into Jasons soul, but his rage only fueled his worry. "Please, please where are you?" he muttered as he spurred his horse along even faster. After a minute or two went by he rode over a hill that overlooked a pond. Instantly he saw his goal and leaped from his horse. "Brienna!" he shouted as he sprinted to the water. He entered the water up to his waist and looked to Brienna with scared and worried eyes. "Brienna," was all he could say as he found himself without any words.

Brienna could hear the panic in his voice and she moved towards him with her head down a little. She was ashamed. She felt that she could have been more aware and avoided it altogether. She walked into his arms and put her head on his chest as she wrapped her arms around him. Her tears slid down his shirt. She smirked slightly, "You should have taken your clothes off if you were coming in. You are going to freeze." She looked up at her husband and let him see the bruising that was already setting in on her jaw, neck and arms where William had been fighting with her.

Jason was at a lost for words. As he saw his wifes injuries all he could feel were his tears building up within his eyes. He gritted his teeth and hugged her closely as he felt himself shiver from shame, rage and the cold water. "Dont worry about me damn it!" was all he was able to choke out as he held her tighter and let his tears fall into the water. "Forgive me, forgive me, forgive me," he muttered several times in her ear with a shaking voice.

"Forgive you for what? I was the one too preoccupied to notice that he had slipped into the room behind me." Brienna was starting to freeze in the colder air. "We should get out. I need to dress and you need to get home and change. We can talk more about it there." Brienna moved out of his arms and headed to the shoreline. As her body left the water more bruisis appeared on her shoulders and upper back. She stooped over and picked up her dress and pulled it over her head and smoothed it down. She then turned around and started wringing her hair out. Her horse was looking at her with a mouth full of grass and she slapped it on the hind end and sent it home.

Walking over to Jason's steed she climbed up and let him up in front of her and placed her arms around his waist. She closed her eyes and buried her face into his back.

Jason glanced back to Brienna for a moment and gritted his teeth in anger. Without any words he spurred his horse forward and began to ride back to the estate.