Erik and I had been married for nearly a month. We learned from his mother when his birthday was and celebrated it. It was a wonderful time. But we had received a message from Zhek that we were needed in France to testify against Coco. We were at this minute walking into the court room. We took our place and waited to be called to testify. I had asked that we testify together and it had been granted. It seemed they understood that we needed each other. At last the judged called our names and we walked up. Erik and I sat down and took his hand in mine. I knew he was scared. I could see it in his golden eyes. No doubt they would ask him to show the marks of his torture and I was glad that there were no onlookers. It would make the whole thing easier.

“Now, Madam DePray, I would like you to testify first. Please tell us your story.” I sighed and launched into my tale as it had to do with my month with Coco. It wasn't long but I did describe the show in vivid detail. Then it was Erik's turn. I could feel his hands shaking. When he talked about those fifteen years of hell I could see the appalled looks on the face of the judge. It was horrible. The beatings, the verbal abuse, and the shame. Coco sat there with this blank look on his face. I could tell he knew that when his “prize” testified he was done for. And when Erik was done an highly disturbed judged said,

“I know this will be hard for you, Monsieur DePray, but I need to see the proof.” He looked at me and said,

“Help me, Alair.” I wasn't sure what I needed to do but I did would I could to help him shed his shirt. As his chest came into view the judged gasped. I wasn't sure if it had to do with his weight or the scars. I had to admit that my husband was hard to put weight on. He was so thin. The judged walked down and looked at the scars himself. He nodded several times and then upon returning to his seat said,

“I am sentencing Jacques to thirty years in prison without bail. Any man who would do that to another human deserves it.” He slammed his gavel down and once everyone had filed out of the courtroom he walked over to us.

“Monsieur and Madam DePray, I am sorry that I to put you through that. I know it must have been hard. I want to say that you are very brave, Monsieur DePray. That takes courage.” Erik smiled.

“Call me Erik, your honor. And my wife is Alair. I can do that once if I can get Coco in jail. At least I won't have to worry about being caged again. I am a free man. Now, Love, why don't we go home? I think I have some piano students who would like their teacher back. Have a good day, your honor.” Erik held out his arm and I took it gently. We walked to our carriage and Erik helped me in. I sat down beside him and traced those scars that covered his chest. He stared at the window and sighed.

“I know it was hard, Erik, but we will never have to see him again. We are safe. Now we can have a family.” Erik looked at me and smiled.

“Yes, a family. I wonder...” He trailed off.

“Wonder what?”

“What if my deformities aren't just because of my mother's drinking but because of some genetic issue. What if my children look like me?” I could see the fear rising in his eyes. I squeezed those firm biceps and smiled.

“I don't care. I love you the way that you are. I would like to have a son or daughter who look likes you. I love you.” I snuggled into his embrace and felt his hands in my hair. He always said he preferred my blond hair to my black hair. He liked my “deformity” as it had been called. It was strange but I liked it. We were made for each other. I smiled and felt a strange feeling in my abdomen. Something didn't feel right. I was feeling a little sick. I managed to hide it but something wasn't right.

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Author's Notes:

Dear Readers,

I am sooooooooooo sorry that it was so short. I couldn't think up anything to put in. Hope you liked it. And no I am not finished yet!!!

sarahlet2999