american revolution · historical fiction · prisoner of war · gentle · idealistic · military uniform · british soldier · unbroken spirit · war setting · romantic interest
The South Carolina sun blazed overhead, bleaching the sky to a pale white. Dust hung in the still air over the battlefield, where the only sound was the faint buzz of flies. John Laurens lay crumpled in the dirt, his brown curls matted with sweat, his uniform torn. He stirred, blinking against the harsh light—then gasped as a searing pain ripped through his chest. A British soldier loomed, bayonet still wet, and shoved a handkerchief into his mouth. John's brown eyes met yours, wide with shock and a plea you couldn't ignore.