A/N – Thanks for all of the comments. Kelsey – Glad you are enjoying it. In fact, glad everyone else is.

Chapter 14 – Saving the Day

The next day Elizabeth was sullen. Having to say goodbye to him was beyond difficult. Breakfast was very quiet.

Jeffrey watched the pathetic display and shook his head. You would think someone had died.

"You do realize that you will see each other soon, right?" he said before taking a sip of his tea.

Jason and Liz nodded.

"Well, you can either sit here and mope or take a walk before he leaves," Jeffrey said smiling.

Liz's eyes grew wide. "Without Ruby?"

"You have ten minutes." They couldn't do that much damage in such a short time, at least he hopes not.

Liz and Jason jumped up from the table and ran to the meadow where they plopped onto the ground laughing, and then held each other tight as Jason laid onto the ground.

"Kiss me."

He slowly kissed her making sure to convey all he felt for her, and when he pulled back Liz looked flushed.

"You take my breath away."

He kissed her again and for the next five minutes, they memorized each other's mouths.

Jason finally stood and helped her up. "Come on. We don't want your father to be sorry that he allowed this."

Liz nodded. They walked hand in hand back and then Jason got his things and as he retrieved his horse, Johnny approached. He had been staying with a friend in town. "You ready to go, Milord?" he asked as he smiled at Liz.

Jason nodded. Turning to Liz one more time he kissed her gently. "Until next time." His eyes quickly perused her.

"Until next time."

Watching him ride away is pure torture. She wiped a tear away and then solemnly returned to the house.

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Two days later

"Lady Elizabeth, come on. We need to go," Georgie called out.

"Coming…" She hid Jason's last letter in one of her books.

She raced out to the carriage and climbed inside. It's a beautiful day. Ruby and Georgie are accompanying her to the outdoor market.

She half-listened to their chatter as she gazed out the window. Somehow, she needs to help Emily but doesn't know how.

Upon their arrival, they vacated the carriage and Elizabeth smiled at the festive nature of the market as they walked around and shopped. They purchased a few things and when Elizabeth got to the end of the row, she had to catch her breath.

"Nikolas?"

He looked up at her and smiled. "Ella?"

Elizabeth ran over to him. "Actually, my real name is Elizabeth."

Nikolas nodded. "Emily told me about your memory loss. I'm glad you're back to normal. How is she by the way?"

Elizabeth couldn't hide the look of sadness that came across her face. "I'm sorry Nikolas but Emily is rather ill."

Nikolas frowned. "Please, tell me everything."

"She took sick after she found out you left. She has barely eaten anything and just lays there."

He felt the bile build in his stomach.

"I'm afraid that they don't think that she will get any better."

He clenched his fist. "Are you saying that she is dying?"

"Nikolas, please, you have to go to her. If she hears your voice or sees your face, maybe she will fight," Liz said as tears began to fall.

"But, if I go back there, her father—"

"Nikolas, do you want to save her or not?"

He nodded.

"Then let's go. We must not waste another second. I'll come with you and will plead your case to the King."

"I can be packed in a half-hour."

"My house is on the way." She explained how to find her. "I will go home and pack."

Nikolas nodded and made note of the location.

Elizabeth hurried back to her carriage.

"What are you up to?" Ruby asked.

"I found a way to save Princess Emily."

Georgie smiled. "Really?"

"I will need to go to her. Father won't be back for three days. I can make it back in time. I just need for you to cover for me."

Ruby grimaced.

"Please, Ruby, this is a matter of life and death."

"Why can't he go on his own?"

"Because I might need to help save him."

Ruby thought for a moment. She hates to have to lie but she understands the urgency.

"Okay."

Liz breathed a big sigh of relief. "Thank you."

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Liz packed quickly and ran outside to Nikolas's carriage.

"This is Cooper. He's going to drive the carriage."

Liz smiled and then climbed inside, watching as Nikolas sit across from her.

"What's the plan?" he asked as the carriage jerked to life.

"When we get to the castle, let me do the talking. I'll get you up to see her."

"I'm a little nervous."

"That's understandable, but if I have to throw my body in front of you, I promise that no harm shall touch you."

Nikolas studied her carefully. While he appreciates the sentiment, there is no way she'll be able to stop the King if he chooses to kill him.

"You probably think that I am just uttering kind words, but I assure you that I am willing to fight."

Nikolas nodded. "Thank you."

Liz leaned back. They will reach the castle by nightfall. Hopefully, they will make it in time."

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The carriage pulled up and Liz jumped out. Nikolas followed as they made haste into the castle.

Jason was coming down the stairs. Emily is not doing well at all and he is exhausted. When he looked up and saw Elizabeth running towards him, he's shocked. "Elizabeth?"

She hurled herself into his arms and he hugged her tightly. "What are you doing here?"

He noticed a movement and looked up. "Nikolas?"

Nikolas bowed. "Prince Jason, I came as soon as I heard about Emily's condition."

Liz and Jason pulled apart.

"But if my father finds out—"

"Save your breath, I'm not going anywhere. I will not have her death on my hands."

Jason saw the determined look on his face. "Okay."

They headed upstairs.

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Monica is sitting on the bed next to Emily while the King gazes out the window. Their daughter is young and impressionable, and they regret not watching her more closely.

"Elizabeth?" Monica said in shock. The King turned and watched them walk towards the bed.

Monica stood. "What's going on?"

Nikolas bore an apologetic expression as he moved past her and cradled Emily in his arms. "Emily, it's me. Please open your eyes and look at me."

"What is the meaning of this?" Alan demanded.

"Emily open your eyes now," Nikolas demanded.

Her lashes slowly fluttered as her mother gasped. "Nikolas?" she said weakly.

He smiled. "It's me. I need you to fight. Please don't leave me," he said tearfully.

Alan is beside himself. "Someone answer me, now!" He does not like the familiarity they share.

Monica snapped out of it and glance at her furious husband. "Alan, be quiet. This is the first time she has spoken in weeks."

"Who are you?"

Nikolas stared at him hoping that his death isn't impending. "My name is Nikolas, and I'm in love with your daughter."

Alan and Monica are stunned.

"Are you of nobility?" Alan asked.

Nikolas sighed heavily. "No, but I love her and would do anything for her."

Alan's fists clenched. "Blasphemy!"

"Alan, follow me right now," Monica demanded.

Alan glared at Nikolas but finally relented and followed Monica down the hallway into another room.