A/N – Thanks for the comments, everyone! Kikimoo – I totally agree re: men and sex back then

Chapter 15 – Fighting for What's Right

Monica glared at Alan. "What do you think you are doing?"

"I'm protecting our daughter. I don't know how this happened, but I will not allow it to continue!"

"Our daughter's heart was so broken, that she almost died from losing him. Why is that something that you do not comprehend?"

"Please do not tell me that you are okay with our daughter dating a commoner," Alan said incredulously. "You know the rules."

"Damn the rules," Monica yelled. "Would you rather her be dead?"

Alan didn't answer. He is just beside himself.

Monica started to cry. "I cannot lose my daughter, Alan, if that means going against everything we know, then so be it. Sometimes rules are made to be broken. It's not like it hasn't happened in previous monarchies."

Alan stared at her. No solution doesn't end in heartache in his opinion. "She is too young to marry."

"Then let him court her. Maybe, in the end, they will not even fancy each other anymore, but if you give your consent then maybe our daughter will have a fighting chance."

"Leave me," Alan said softly.

She touched his arm and then left the room.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi

Nikolas smiled at Emily. He had gotten her to eat some broth which pleased everyone.

"I'm sorry," Emily said weakly.

"I'm the one that is sorry. I left you because I thought I was saving you. I don't want to ruin your life."

"How could you possibly ruin me?"

"You know the rules."

"My heart knows no such rules—just love," Emily said emotionally.

"Shh, you must rest. I'm not leaving."

Jason and Liz watched them from across the room as they sat on a bench holding hands. "Does your father know you are here?"

"No. I'm going to try to beat him home."

"When will you leave?"

"The day after tomorrow."

Jason nodded. "Where did you find Nikolas?"

"The marketplace."

"Thank you," Jason said gratefully.

"You are most welcome."

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi

They quietly ate; even Courtney is on her best behavior. AJ had filled her in on what was going on and the need to remain still.

Alan could barely eat. He is very set. Monica had Nikolas eat in his quarters so Alan would not be agitated further. He finally broke the silence. "I'm surprised that your father allowed you to travel back here so soon," he said to Elizabeth.

"He doesn't know, sir. Emily was foremost on my mind and she needed help," Liz said staring at her plate.

"So, it is you who is responsible for bringing Nikolas here?" Alan said sternly.

Jason glared at him.

"Yes, it was I, and I don't have one regret."

It was Alan's turn to glare.

"I mean no disrespect, my King, but considering that Emily is on the mend, I thought her life was more important than protocol."

"Thank you, Elizabeth. We are very grateful," Monica said smiling.

"Speak for yourself, Elizabeth is just as rebellious as Emily."

Monica scowled.

"Father, please do not take out your ire on Elizabeth, she did the right thing and I would have done the same," Jason said.

"Perhaps none of my children are fit for the throne," Alan said angrily. "You can't keep your hands to yourself," he said to AJ much to Courtney's chagrin, "and you laugh in the face of century-old rules and tradition," he said eying Jason. "I bet you both knew of their dalliance and even encouraged it," Alan yelled. "You both are an embarrassment." His fist pounded on the table making everyone jump.

"If that is how you really feel, father, then you are going to be a very lonely man in the coming years," Jason said standing. "I will not subject Elizabeth to your sharp tongue any longer." He held out his hand and a shaky Elizabeth placed hers in it and let him lead her to the study.

AJ stood and led Courtney away as well.

Monica clenched her fists and glared at Alan. "Do not return to our bed tonight. You will find no comfort there. I can't even stand to look upon you right now." She got up and strode away.

Alan threw a cup across the room. He knew he had gone too far, but right now; he didn't have it in him to fix it. What they all failed to realize is that if he can't stop what Nikolas started, they may lose Emily anyway. His presence could cause dire repercussions.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIi

Jason sat across from Elizabeth. "There is something I wish to discuss with you."

She nodded. Considering how upset he is with his father, she assumes that it is something about that.

"When I sat with your father about courting you, he made some valid points about whether or not life as a Princess would suit you."

Jason is second in line for the throne, so it is more of a possibility that she will be a Princess than a Queen. It depends on what title is bestowed upon them.

"Really?"

"You are smart and have lots of things you wish to accomplish. As my father stated, there are traditions and rules to be followed and I need you to be sure that you are willing to subject yourself to that life."

For once, Liz is at a loss for words. She understands what Jason was implying but at the same time, she couldn't fathom how she could possibly give him up.

"Shall I take your quietness as a sign of uncertainty?"

Liz took a deep breath. "Jason, there are times when you have to take a leap of faith. I know I had certain lofty goals, but when I met you, everything changed. It's not as though you make me want to give up my dreams. It's just now I have new dreams of a life spent with you. Besides, even though I love medicine it's just not a field that I will be able to pursue. Part of it was me being rebellious."

"Against social norms?"

"I know how that sounds considering the traditional role that I would have to play here. Maybe I'm just growing up and coming to terms with it."

Monica cleared her throat to alert them of her presence

"Mother?" Jason asked.

She took a seat next to Elizabeth on the couch and grasped her hand. "Elizabeth, you don't have to give up all of your dreams. You can still help people and study. Maybe it's time for a change in the monarchy and you can help Jason create new rules."

She paused and glanced at Jason who is eying her suspiciously. "We haven't told you this before but the reason your father was teaching you how to run the kingdom was because you are next in line to be King."

Jason frowned. "But what about AJ?" He thought that they both were being trained.

"AJ feels he is not well suited for it and has decided to relinquish the throne. He doesn't want the responsibility," Monica said sadly. AJ's heart is just not in it.

Jason stood. "No. That is not right."

AJ had been listening in the hallway. "But it is, my brother. We both know that you are more suited for it."

Jason didn't know what to say. It was nothing he had been prepared for.