A/N – Thanks for the comments. ABCSOAPSFAN1963 – Thank you! Carly or Sonny will not be in this one. Kikimoo – They are gone over each other. LiasonLuv – That will play out in a bit. Starhine – You'll get more time. Blue-Eyed Disaster – Welcome! Glad you are enjoying it! Lrobinson01, ilovedana53, doralupin86, Virgy15 – Thanks for your comments!

Chapter 7 - Aftermath

Elizabeth got dressed and went downstairs for breakfast. The only ones in attendance were Queen Monica, Jason, and AJ.

"Where is Princess Emily?"

"She is on an errand. She'll be back later," Monica said smiling at Liz. "How was your night?"

Liz blushed. "It was fine, thank you for asking."

Monica glanced at her youngest son and wonders why he finds his plate so interesting.

"Elizabeth had a suitor," AJ said grinning.

Jason glared at him.

"Oh, do tell." It isn't often that they are so eager to share.

"It was Ewen."

Monica threw her hands up. "That cad! Why on earth did you let him get anywhere near her?"

"She's a grown woman, mother," AJ said rolling his eyes.

"Did he do anything untoward?"

Before they could answer, a servant interrupted. "Excuse me, Queen Monica, I hate to disturb you but the Duke of Cambridge is in the foyer and he's quite upset and insists on speaking with King Alan."

"About?"

"It has something to do with Prince Jason."

Monica sighed as she eyed her son who is avoiding her gaze. "Tell him I'll be right there."

She waited for someone to say something, but it's still quiet. "Well?"

Jason sighed. "Ewen was being very rough with Ella and forced her to kiss him, so I punched him."

Monica fought a smile. This is better than she had expected. "I see."

She strode out of the room with a pep in her step. AJ and Jason jumped up to follow and then Elizabeth did the same but chose to stay out of sight when they got there.

"Is there a problem Phillip?"

The Duke bowed reverently. "I'm sorry to disturb you, my Queen, but my son told me that he was attacked by Prince Jason last night."

"Did he now?" Monica said eying Ewen who averted his gaze. "And pray thee do tell why this attack occurred."

"He said that out of nowhere the Prince attacked him and that it was born out of jealousy."

"Really? Because that certainly is not what I've been told. Perhaps Ewen can enlighten us."

Ewen rolled his eyes and then focused on her. "My Queen, it was simply just a misunderstanding. I was merely getting to know Lady Ella when Prince Jason mistook my amorous actions and sucker punched me."

Jason moved forward shooting Ewen a death glare. "Seriously? None of your doublespeak can overshadow your inappropriate behavior last night."

Ewen sputtered. "What business is it of yours anyway?"

"I came to Lady Ella's aid because she was having a hard time fighting you off. She fell to the ground trying to escape your clutches."

The Duke studied his son. "Ewen is any of this true?"

Ewen returned Jason's glare. "Honestly, father, this whole thing is just ridiculous. To go to war over a vacuous trollop is beneath both of us."

A growl left Elizabeth's lips as she relinquished her hiding place and balled up her fist. "Vacuous trollop? There is nothing vacuous about me!"

Jason grabbed her from around the waist and dragged her backward. "Ella, please," he whispered in her ear.

She pushed away from him and pointed her finger at Ewen. "In the future, know that it's impolite to force yourself on someone else when they clearly are not returning your affections." She stormed from the room as the Duke shook his head.

"I'm sorry to trouble you, Queen Monica, and I apologize for my son's rash behavior."

"See to it that he is dealt with appropriately." If he had a firm hand on his son from the onset, Ewan would be so despicable.

Jason took off to see where Elizabeth went, finally locating her in the gardens.

"Ella are you okay?"

She turned to face him; her eyes glistening with tears. "Actually, no I am not." She threw her arms up. "I have no idea who I am. I could be just about anyone—a criminal even. God forbid, suppose I am a vacuous trollop? I think that would be a fate worse than death."

Jason tried not to laugh at her theatrics. "I think I could tell if you were."

"Seriously, Prince Jason, maybe I just don't belong here. It would kill me to bring any kind of ill will upon your family when all any of you have done is show me every kindness."

She turned from him. Just being in his presence is unbearable when she doesn't understand why her body betrays her every time he nears.

"First, when we are alone, please just call me Jason. I'm sorry if I've been short with you at times and hope I didn't do irrevocable damage."

She turned around. "Maybe it's appropriate that you should question my existence and not trust me because you have no reason otherwise."

Jason sighed. "Ella, you are like a breath of fresh air. You have given me no reason not to trust you. The truth is that I have become rather fond of your presence." He moved closer.

"Really?"

"Really." His fingers lingered on the side of her face. "How is it that you've managed to draw me in without even making any effort to do so?"

Ella felt like she was melting, and when Jason's lips touched hers, they felt like they were meant only for her.

"Jason," she said breathlessly before his tongue dove into her mouth and Liz got caught up in their passion. With every flick of his tongue, her resolve went spiraling away laying her bare.

Jason abruptly tore his mouth away and retreated backward, leaving Liz a little dizzy and off-balance.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have kissed you like that." While he doesn't completely regret it, she is a lady, and it would be deemed inappropriate.

Liz is at a loss for words. There wasn't any experience in her life that has been that exquisite.

Jason bowed and then left her standing there with no coherent thoughts as her fingertips rested on her lips.

Queen Monica had watched the whole exchange and made a mental note to make sure that Ella and Emily are chaperoned going forward. While the turn of events is pleasing, the expression on Ella's face after that kiss implied that things could get very out of control if they aren't monitored.

She turned to find her husband observing her.

"What is it that has you so totally captivated?"

"I believe our son fancies Ella."

Alan smiled. "Really? Why that is very good news indeed."

Monica nodded. "I think we should have a party and invite all the known royalty. Surely someone will recognize her, and then we can find out to whom she belongs."

"I will give the decree."

"In two weeks', we shall find out if Ella is suitable for marriage to our son."

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi

The next day Elizabeth's father set out on a quest to find his daughter unable to accept that she may be gone forever. He would go to the ends of the earth to find out the truth of her disappearance if necessary. She owns his heart.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi

Emily steered Elizabeth into the study. "Did you get one too?"

Elizabeth nodded.

"What in the world is going on? How am I supposed to accidentally bump into Nikolas if I have a chaperone watching my every move?"

"We will just have to put our heads together and figure out a way to give them the slip."

Emily grinned. "I really like you, Ella. Did you hear about the party?"

"No, what party?" She isn't sure she wants to know after barely surviving the shame of the last one.

"We are having a party for all those with royal lineage in the land."

"Is it to announce that Prince Jason will be betrothed?" Her heartbeat quickened.

Emily shrugged. "I haven't heard anything of the sort."

Elizabeth relaxed a little.

"So, how is it coming with my brother?"

Elizabeth blushed.

"That good huh?" A grin lit up her face.

Liz nodded and they dissolved into a fit of laughter.