A/N – Thanks for all your comments! This story has been really fun to write. They are definitely a slow burn but soon that will accelerate!

Chapter 8 - Courting

Monica motioned for Jason to sit next to her. "My son, do you wish to court Lady Ella?"

"Yes. She is the one."

Monica smiled at his certainty. "Good. Tonight, you will visit her in the sitting room and get to know her more."

Jason nodded. "Yes, mother."

"I will have a guard get you when the time is appropriate."

Jason understands the rules of courting. His declaration must be taken seriously. "Isn't this a bit improper since I am unable to request permission first?"

"It may be unorthodox, but under the circumstances, we have no other choice. I am looking out for her best interest and I believe that Lady Ella's permission has already been granted."

He stood. "Is that all?"

"Yes, but please be careful with her. She is still young and inexperienced. Although, I have a feeling that you two will find a way to see each other despite the safeguards."

He gave his mother a look.

"I have eyes, Jason. She is a lady and you will need to mind your manners."

"Of course, mother." He practically ran to the hallway to avoid a continuance of the conversation.

She sighed as she wondered why her boys couldn't be as obedient as Emily.

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Emily and Ella went to the marketplace where Nikolas's booth is quickly spotted. "There he is," Emily said under her breath.

Liz nodded. The two chaperones trailed them a safe distance behind as the girls plotted on a way to ditch them.

"I am going to pretend to faint from sunstroke. You make a run for it while they attend to me," Liz said smiling.

"That's awfully clever."

AJ and Jason observed from afar. "Those two are up to no good. I can tell," AJ said smirking.

Courtney approached him. "AJ, what do you think of this fabric?"

Jason slipped away from them and tried to get closer.

Elizabeth collapsed in a heap and the two chaperones yelped and tended to her as Emily ran over to Nikolas's booth and slipped through the back.

Jason sighed. If his parents found out about Nikolas, heads would roll. He then chuckled as the two women tried to get Ella upright, but she kept plummeting back into the grass.

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Emily kissed Nikolas hard. "We don't have a lot of time, but I couldn't resist."

Nikolas grinned. "I've missed you so much."

"And I, you." She kissed him again but this time her lips lingered.

She took a step backward as she smoothed her dress. "Until next time."

Nikolas watched as she took off with a huge smile on his face. He is in love.

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Jason fell in behind Emily. One of the chaperones had noticed her absence and Jason figured that he'd cover for her. When they made it to Ella, he lifted her which totally catch her by surprise. She recovered quickly before anyone noticed she had opened her eyes. They hurried back to the carriage. Just feeling her body pressed against his is sweet torture.

Elizabeth pretended to stir right before they arrived. "Jason?"

"You can drop the act," he whispered. "I'm on to you both."

Ella smirked and then continued to feign exhaustion.

He put her down in front of the carriage and the chaperones helped her inside.

Jason stopped Emily for a moment. "You need to be more careful."

She smiled and nodded before getting inside.

"Nice work brother., AJ said coming up behind him, "but I think it's time we had a little chat with Nikolas."

Jason nodded and they headed over to his booth.

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"Milords, how can I be of service?" Nikolas asked.

"You can start by keeping your mouth off Princess Emily," AJ growled.

Nikolas sighed.

"Nikolas, you know the rules. You are not suitable for her and if my father finds out, you could be beheaded and will bring shame upon her," Jason said quietly. Luckily, they hadn't attracted an audience.

"She is worth the risk. I love her."

"But your love can never come to be. It is just the reality of this world. The longer you two keep this up, the more her heart will be irrevocably broken," Jason added.

"I don't know what to do. I just can't give her up."

AJ grabbed Nikolas's shirt. "We are trying to save you. If you continue this affair, we will not cover for you any longer. You will be on your own."

Nikolas nodded. "Then so be it. I am willing to die for love."

AJ rolled his eyes and walked away. To him, his devotion is mindless gibberish.

"Is that what you think Emily wants, for you to die? Suppose she does something stupid as a result."

"What would you have me do then?"

"I'll arrange for you to set up business somewhere far away."

"I don't think I can leave her."

"Stop being selfish, Nikolas," Jason yelled. "Do this for her or you are going to ruin her life."

While Nikolas knows he is right, it doesn't make it any easier to walk away. "I'll think about it."

"You have a week to decide. If you say yes, be prepared to leave the day after the party."

Nikolas nodded and sighed heavily as watched walked away.

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Emily and Elizabeth fell onto the bed laughing.

"That was so awesome! And leave it to my brother to be chivalrous and rescue you."

Liz grinned. "He is all I can think of as of late."

"We have to find a way for you to steal a few moments with him."

"Do you think it's wise?"

"You helped me today, so tonight, I will return the favor."

Liz watched Emily think.

"I will send Jason a note to meet me in the garden after everyone retires, and then I will fake an illness in my room and of course that will result in everyone scurrying my way. You will slip out and meet him."

Liz smiled. "Are you sure?"

"Positive…"

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The whole meal Emily and Liz couldn't stop smiling.

"You two are awful happy this evening. What are you up to?" Alan asked. He is happy that his daughter has a friend to confide in.

"Nothing father. We're just being silly."

Chatter abounded and Alan had been impressed when Elizabeth was able to quote some literary scholars during the discussion. Clearly, she had been schooled well for a girl.

Once everyone had finished and parted, Emily slipped Jason a note, and then she and Liz went into her room to wait.

Much to her surprise, a chambermaid interrupted and came to Liz's room to make sure she has dressed appropriately. A guard appeared. "Please follow me, milady."

Liz is confused by the turn of events but dutifully followed. She was led to the sitting room and instructed to sit. Her chaperone entered the room and then, to her surprise, Jason appeared.

She smiled.

"Good evening, Lady Ella, I hope this evening finds you well." He sat across from her.

"It does. How about you?"

"I'm good."

"While I don't mind your presence or the conversation, what is this all about, Prince Jason?"

He smiled. "I must have lost my touch. I am here to court you properly."

Liz grinned. "Well, this is indeed a nice surprise."

They chatted for an hour before Jason bid farewell.