It's the height of the American Revolution. You're a widowed colonist, trying your best to raise your toddler son, keep your home out of enemy hands, and stay out of this wretched war. One day, you happen upon a wounded soldier, in need of help a...
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"The scent of your skin is something I'll come back to, I'll hold it for as long as my lungs will let me. When the night is bitterly cold and dark and all the clamor of war has settled to slumber, I'll remember your beguiling bouquet, wafting in and out of consciousness as you tended to me. I can't imagine a waking moment without your splendor. You've stricken me... to the core, "he gave a small laugh and looked down,
"To the core," he repeated, "My Cora..."
"Oh, Thomas," you sighed devotedly, "Will I ever see you again?" You straightened his tie as you whispered. The air was still brisk in the morning glow. The sun had only started to wake the world around you, summoning the doves that quietly cooed above you.
"In your dreams, I expect," he smiled slyly before whispering in your ear, "And don't think I don't know how salacious they are."
"How terribly rude, you rascal!" you slapped his chest lightly with an embarrassed laugh. He laughed along with you, pulling you closer for a fervent kiss.
"Lieutenant!" a jarring voice rang from the trees. Your heart leapt into your throat. Quickly, you pulled away, smoothing your hair with a poor attempt to look nonchalant.
Thomas stiffened immediately, his posture erected to that of a proper soldier in nothing flat. His salute was equally as composed, although the flush of his ears gave him away to more discerning eyes.
The Colonel stood for a pause, flanked by men of lesser rank. His stare felt as frigid as the ice from the dawn's frost. Gone was the veneer of obliging adorations that were showered over you for so long. It quickly disappeared with cold contempt.
"Cora, how grand of you to see the Lieutenant off in such...," his gaze traveled to your lips, still ruddy from your impassioned kiss, "...fashion," he continued.
You stammered a nervous reply.
"He's been a great patient," you swallowed loudly, "very brave and never once uttered any complaint."
Thomas' lips stretched slightly. He knew just as well as you what a handful he was from the start. It was only now that you realized how different he seemed to you then. So awful and arrogant, yet beneath that facade rested someone with more tenderness than you ever encountered.
"It's not becoming of a soldier to show any cowardice, much like it's not becoming for a widowed woman to allow a stranger into her house," The Colonel simpered, closer to you now. He circled you slowly, like a serpent making his prey before he strikes. Thomas' eyes followed his every move, though he remained silent and at attention. You took a deep breath, reminding yourself to watch your tongue, lest it be carved out like Sadie's.
"I only did what any subject of the crown would do," you replied with a forced smile, "We all must do our part, yes?"
The Colonel stopped behind you, leaning in closer to speak. His foul breath imposed on your flesh as it hovered just below your ear.
"And what part was that, my beauty," he questioned quietly,"- healer or whore?"
You gasped and turned to meet his gaze. Those cold eyes burned with scorn, only to be coupled by his callous sneer. In that moment, you knew there would be no more airs, none of the pretense of dutiful subject nor woeful widow. His jealousy would stamp out any hope of living in peace during this war.
You opened your mouth to answer but none would come. You felt stripped of any poise, as if wounded by shame, but your eyes never left his, not even when he began touching you.
"A pity," he sighed, curling a strand of your hair between his fingers. He laid it softly against your breast, purposefully and perversely. Thomas let out a loud cough. The Colonel spun around with flair.
"Caught a cold, have we, Lieutenant?" he asked smugly.
Then a loud bang came from the cabin as the door slammed shut. Sadie stood on the porch with Samuel in her arms. She scowled at the Colonel.
"Ah, Master Samuel, my fine boy!" he traipsed up the steps to the two of them. Your heart clenched in your chest. Sadie's eyes darted over to yours. You in turn looked at Thomas who returned your glance wide eyed.
The Colonel bent over, addressing your son loudly. His voice was playful but threatening.
"Be sure to be a good lad for mummy. These are difficult times and one never knows when one's enemies should appear, hm?" With a passing glance at Sadie, he waltzed back down the stairs, hands clasped behind his back.
"Take their hog," he suddenly ordered.
"What?" you shouted, startled, "you can't!"
Sadie placed Samuel on the step and raced to your side. She fumed at the Colonel. He ignored her, setting his sight on Thomas.
"Lieutenant," he ordered. Thomas gulped, looking from the Colonel to you.
"No you can't," you grabbed the Colonel's arm, pleadingly, "That hog is all we have to get us through winter." The Colonel, wrenched his arm away with disgust.
"Yes, a hard winter it will be. All the more need for nourishment for my men, the king's men." He emphasised the last statement with a knowing nod before turning to Thomas once again.
"Lieutenant!" he shouted sharply, "Do not make me ask again or I will have you hanged for insubordination." Thomas glanced at you with an abundance of regret before moving towards the stalls.
Sadie ran to block his path. Her eyes were wild with astonishment. Thomas' only held that same apologetic gaze.
"Step aside, savage," another soldier yelled, aiming his rifle right at Sadie. She stared at the soldier for a moment then spat on the ground before stepping aside.
"No! Please!" you shouted again. Your pleas spun from Thomas to the Colonel. Desperately, you grasped at his crimson cuff, begging.
"You'll sentence us to death! We'll starve without that hog!" Tears started slipping past your lids.
The Colonel seized your hand from his, as if removing a pest from his pristine attire. He twisted your wrist painfully as he glared at you with another sneer.
"Your allegiance is to the crown, is it not?" he seethed, "Or has your frolicking about like that filthy pig made you forget?" Your resolve started to wither at his words. You watched in horror as Thomas led the hog out with a rope.
"Ah,well done!" the Colonel praised with a clap of his hands. The conflict in Thomas' eyes was overcoming. He was trapped, just as you. Playing a part for survival's sake. But to what end? To be ripped apart by death or duty?
"Shall we take our leave then?" The Colonel asked his men with a triumphant smile before turning to you.
"Always a pleasure, Cora," he said, kissing the very hand he bruised.
