A/N – Thanks for all of your comments! I really appreciate it! Doralupin86 – Thanks! Kikimoo – Courtney is married to Aj. Jason kind of blurted it out because he wanted to get her away from Courtney. He wasn't really thinking about details. Ilovedana53 & Virgy15 – Thanks! AJ will start behaving.

Chapter 5 – Prelude to a Kiss

Jason perused the room. He had thought he heard two voices. "What are you doing?"

Emily ran at him and hurled herself into his arms as Jason laughed. He finally put set her onto the ground before taking her in. "How have you been dear sister?"

"Wonderful, I had a grand time. What have you been up to?" She pulled him over to a sofa and sat.

"The usual."

"Which means you are still not betrothed." She shot him a pointed look.

Jason rolled his eyes. "Not you too."

Emily grinned. "Fine, I'll drop the subject. I heard something about you rescuing someone."

"Her name is—well, we don't know what her name is but we call her Ella."

"What is she like?"

Jason shrugged. "She's very pretty."

Liz's heart jumped as she quietly listened.

"And she seems like she's smart."

Emily nodded. "Do you like her?"

Jason frowned. "What do you mean?"

"Jason!" Emily said exasperated. "You know exactly what I mean."

Jason grinned. He has always enjoyed teasing her. "She's nice, and I don't hate to be around her and that's all I'm willing to reveal at the moment."

Liz smiled.

"Well, I'm glad that you found her then. When do I get to meet this Ella person?"

"She's going to come to Cody's party. I suppose you want to come as well?" He figures that if they both attend, that they'll stick together, and he'll have less to worry about. Although, it's mostly his friends and guards, so they won't hurt them. Some of the parties had gotten a bit wild when lots of alcohol were involved, so it will be interesting how his sister reacts when she hasn't been exposed to those kinds of antics.

Emily's eyes lit up. "Really? I can go?"

Jason shrugged. "You can keep her company if it pleases you."

Emily nodded, trying not to appear overly excited. "Now go, so that I can change."

Jason stood. "You have twenty minutes, Emily, and not a millisecond more."

"Okay, I'll be ready." She waited for him to leave and then sprung into action, running to fetch Liz who popped out wearing a smile.

"I think he likes you," Emily said grinning. "I'm going to change then we'll find something suitable for you to wear."

"Help me undo my dress," Emily said turning around.

Liz assisted her and then they went to her room.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi

Jason and AJ watched Emily and Liz descend the staircase. He is completely enthralled with Elizabeth and had to look away as to not reveal his interest in her.

"You look lovely," AJ said smiling at the two women. "Shall we go?" He is beyond in need of a drink and he wants to avoid Courtney on his way out.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi

AJ walked with Elizabeth and Jason traversed the path with Emily.

"She looks beautiful, doesn't she?" Emily whispered.

Jason nodded.

AJ sighed. "My brother tells me I was a bit gruff with you earlier and that he thinks I should trust you. Considering that he usually has impeccable instincts, I will take this time to apologize if I have offended you."

Liz smiled. "Thank you, Prince AJ. That means a lot to me."

"Please, it's AJ when we're alone."

She nodded.

They got into the carriage and were on their way.

"Cody's gatherings are a bit legendary. Don't drink a lot and try to stick together" AJ warned.

The women nodded as Jason made a mental note to make sure that he keeps an eye on them. Most of the men who will attend are not worthy of either of them.

They came to a clearing within the forest and the carriage stopped.

AJ grinned. "We're here." The doors swung open.

"Let the festivities begin," Johnny said grinning. He helped the ladies out and then they walked a little further in the wooded area.

There is a large bonfire raging and people have already started to gather and drink. Johnny grabbed two cups and filled them with some liquid. He handed them to Emily and Elizabeth and then the three men left them to sit on some stumps.

"This is horrid," Emily said making a face. "Good Lord, I might grow hair on my chest."

Elizabeth laughed. "I will take your word for it. We will discretely dispose of it in the bushes."

Emily nodded.

Nikolas snuck up behind her and she jumped.

"Nikolas!" She hugged him tightly.

Jason's eyes narrowed as he watched the exchange. A slew of people arrived and blocked his view of them momentarily.

"Nikolas, this is my friend, Ella."

"Please to meet you, milady," Nikolas said kissing her hand.

Elizabeth watched Nikolas drag Emily off and sighed. While no one was paying attention, she discarded the liquid and then sat by a tree observing.

"Nice move," a man said eying her empty cup. "I won't tell anyone your secret hiding place if you agree to dance with me later."

Liz smiled. "I guess I can agree to your terms." He is handsome and charming.

"I'm Ewen." He held out his hand.

"Ella." She shook it.

He kissed it, lingering for a moment too long. "Delighted."

Jason moved closer. He is very much aware of Ewen and doesn't like him at all. He has a bad reputation for using his privilege to get what he wants.

"It's a beautiful night." He gazed at the stars.

"Yes, it is," She giggled at his attempt at small talk.

"How about I get you something a little more civilized." He took her cup.

"Okay."

When he walked away, Jason took the opportunity to slide next to her.

"Hi."

"Hi. Be careful, Ella, not everyone is as nice as they seem."

She noted his stern expression but isn't sure if he is jealous or being genuine. "I will be careful."

"Good."

When Ewen saw Jason, he gulped and then is relieved when the Prince left and made haste to join Ella.

"Thank you," Elizabeth said taking the cup of wine. She tasted it. "Much better."

Ewen smiled. "Glad you like it. Did I see you talking to the Prince?"

"Yes, I'm staying with the royal family."

Ewen isn't sure what to make of it, but figures he'll just have to go a little slower than he normally likes due to their involvement.

They drank more and then a lively song is played. Ewen grinned. "Drink up and then we'll dance."

Elizabeth downed the wine as fast as she could and then Ewen pulled her up. Joining some other couples, he twirled her around and they danced with abandon. Elizabeth is laughing and having so much fun.

Jason quietly watched. She is amazing. The way her eyes sparkle brightly when she laughs is mesmerizing. She glows when she is happy. He doesn't even realize that he had stood and is heading toward them. The next song is much slower, so he made his move. "May I have this dance?" He tapped Ewen on the shoulder.

Ewen nodded, "Milord…"

As he stepped away, Elizabeth smiled, and Jason tugged her against his chest. She is feeling quite giddy as the wine goes to her head. Leaning forward she laid her head on Jason's chest and closed her eyes. He savored the closeness as they slowly swayed to the music and then he cursed himself for even going there.

Elizabeth finally pulled back. "Sorry, I don't think that I'm used to drinking." A blush reddened her face.

Jason is struggling internally as he gazes into her eyes. "Just get yourself together before you do something rash." The harsh words had left his lips unchecked and he instantly regretted it when tears pricked her eyes.

Liz tore away from him and ran into the forest towards the carriage, feeling embarrassed and just wanting to flee.

Jason ran after her and spun her around. "You can't run off like that."

Liz almost growled. "What is your problem? Why do you hate me so?"

Jason clenched his jaw. "I don't hate you."

Liz pushed him. "You were being disrespectful, and I will not tolerate it." Her eyes are breathing fire. "If you don't hate me, then why were you being so intolerant with me?"

Jason took a deep breath and stuttered for a moment and then yanked her toward him and his lips crashed onto hers. A gasp left her as he ravished them, and when she felt his tongue lightly touch her bottom lip, she quickly retreated in shock as she touched her mouth. Breathing heavily, she panicked and headed back toward the party. "I can't believe he kissed me," she muttered. She doesn't have any reference point and has no idea what is expected of her next, but she is quite sure that she had never been kissed before and her body is tingling, and her brain is all fuzzy. Starting to take off in a run, she collided with Ewen who then steadied her.