A/N – Thanks for the reviews! Merry Christmas everyone!

Chapter 24 – Match Makers

Elizabeth left and went into the sitting room to reflect for a moment and was surprised that Courtney was in there.

"Hello," Courtney said smiling. "How's your Prince?"

"He's doing much better."

"I heard you had quite the adventure."

Liz smiled. "That I did. I also heard that you have some big news."

Courtney smiled although Liz could detect some sadness.

"Courtney, what's wrong?"

Courtney isn't used to having someone she can. "What I'm about to say will stay in this room right?"

Liz nodded.

"I'm scared. I never thought this would happen to me. My body is changing and I'm worried that AJ won't find me attractive anymore."

Liz got up and sat next to her. "You are beautiful. I don't think that will be a problem."

Courtney smiled. "Thank you for saying that. It's just that I don't fit in here. I don't think anyone likes me and AJ just tolerates me."

AJ stood frozen in the hallway listening.

"AJ will love this baby and will be there for you."

"But what if I want more than that? I love him. It has always been him from the moment I laid eyes on him and he first spoke to me, but I'm afraid he will never love me as I do him. We were basically forced to marry. I am not who he wanted."

When Courtney began to cry, Liz held her.

AJ feels like a complete ass. He left and went to talk to Jason.

"What if you let Emily and me help you."

Courtney pulled back. "What do you mean?"

"Let me handle all the details but Operation AJ is about to be in full effect."

Courtney grinned. "I will do anything."

A determined Liz headed to Emily's room.

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Jason's interest is piqued when AJ strides into his room. "What is it, brother? You look a little worse for wear."

AJ sighed. "I just overheard my wife talking to your betrothed."

"And?"

"She poured her heart out and says she loves me and thinks I will never feel that way about her. What drove the knife in deeper is that she said I never wanted her."

Jason grimaced. "That had to be rough to hear."

"I just don't know how to change my view of her."

"Brother, you're going to have to find a way. Maybe you need to court your wife."

AJ chuckled. "That is a bit backward isn't it?"

"It is but you need to find some way to connect beside sexual relations."

"I see your point."

"Are you even okay with the—relations?" It's an awkward conversation, but Jason needs to at least know if they connect on some level.

AJ smirked. "She's a wild hellion in bed. so we are good in that area."

"What don't you like about her then? Maybe we should start with that."

"I don't know. I guess part of my dislike stems from her temper, although sometimes that can be hot."

Jason smiled.

"There are times that she embarrasses me a little bit with the things that she blurts."

"Go on."

"I think I just like her better when she doesn't speak."

Jason laughed. While he understands what AJ means, Courtney is funny even though she isn't necessarily trying to be.

"So, if she worked on that, you'd be more agreeable?"

AJ shrugged. "Probably…"

"Well, that is a start, but you will also have to change as well."

"How so?"

"You can't be automatically gruff with her like you normally are and will have to exhibit some patience. Go out of your way and compliment her. I fear that Courtney is very insecure. Maybe if she felt better of herself, and felt you really cared, she would be less awkward."

AJ thought about that for a moment. "Okay."

Jason smiled. Now they were getting somewhere.

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Liz rushed into Emily's room. Nikolas is tending to her and the chaperone is nearby.

"Elizabeth, how is Jason?"

"He's resting, but he will be fine. Your mother is making him be extra cautious."

Emily relaxed a little. "Good." She is still weak but is growing healthier every day.

"I have a project," Liz said smiling.

Nikolas saw the look on her face and thought it might be best if he made himself scarce. "Should I go?"

"It is kind of girly, but it's up to you."

"Have fun. I'm going to go take a walk."

The minute he passed through the doorway Emily patted the bed next to her. "Come sit and tell me what is going on."

"Well, we are going to help Courtney get AJ to fall in love with her."

Emily just stared at her at first. "What?" How in the world are we going to make that happen?"

"Well, I do know that AJ has said he'd try to be closer with her now that she is with child."

"Go on."

"Emily, Courtney is just insecure, but she assured me that she is in love with AJ. Unfortunately, she has no hope that he will ever be in love with her. So…"

"You thought that you could help Courtney transform herself?"

"Yes. With your help, I think we could pull it off."

Emily thought for a moment. "Okay. I am in. Where is she?"

"I'll go get her."

Liz ran downstairs and soon came back with Courtney. They gathered on Emily's bed.

"Where do we start?" Courtney asked.

"Well, first, we need to tell you what you've been doing wrong and right. Can you handle it?"

Courtney took a deep breath. "If it means that I could have a real chance with AJ, then yes, I am ready."

Emily spoke first. "Courtney, you just seem to have a knack for saying the wrong thing at the wrong time."

"Really?"

"Yes. I think it's because you are not stopping to think before you speak and consider how your words will be received."

"Okay. I do tend to blurt. It's because I get nervous."

Liz smiled. "How about you count to five in your head before you speak or just take a moment to think about what you are going to say."

Courtney nodded. "I will try. I think the blurting has become a habit that I'm not even aware of doing."

"It will take practice but trust me. I think that will make a good impression on your husband. Sometimes saying less is more," Liz said.

"Okay, what else?"

"You need to start believing that you deserve to be loved."

"That is a bigger challenge. Let's face it. I hardly have any friends. No one in this castle remotely likes me, and my parents didn't even care one way or the other. It's hard for me to feel worthy."

Emily glanced at Liz. She hadn't realized how bad it was.

"Courtney, to be honest, I really don't know you very well, and then there is our age differences which made me stay away. I'm sorry if that offended you, and I don't think anyone hates you. You are just different than what my parents are used to—that's all. Different doesn't mean you are bad or unlovable."

"She's right, Courtney. We don't want you to become a totally different person. I just think we are refining you a little. There is a certain playfulness and forwardness you have that makes me smile. Never hide your strengths. It's hard enough being a woman in these times. You must learn how to present yourself so that when you do speak, you command attention, and it doesn't distract from you in any way."

"I think I understand what you mean."

"You have to think about who you are speaking to. I talk to my parents in a different way than I'd speak to you. I can practically get them to give me anything," Emily said grinning.

Courtney laughed. "I know what you mean."

"So, just consider your audience. When we're at dinner, you might talk in a different way than you would when we are just shooting the breeze since the King and the Queen are there."

"I like it when you discuss things with the King. He respects you for it, But I don't think I could do that."

"Courtney, I'm a total bookworm. Not everyone is like that. What do you like to do?"

"I love decorating and designing clothes."

Emily and Liz looked at each other. "Really?"

They were flashing back at the dress she had worn at the party which was hideous.

"Yes. that is where I am usually. I'm quite friendly with the seamstress, although she ruined my dress at the last party. Sometimes, she just doesn't get my vision."

Emily and Liz grinned.

"Maybe you could help design something for us," Emily said.

"I would love that. I've always wanted to dress you."

"Really?" Emily said.

"Yes, I think with your skin tone and hair color that you would look beautiful in burgundy."

"I never wear it."

"I know but you should try," Courtney said enthusiastically. She turned to Elizabeth. "And you would love divine in a deeper blue color or green. It would make your eyes even more stunning."

Liz grinned. "Thank you, Courtney. At dinner, I want you to practice."

Courtney nodded nervously. "Alright."

"And Courtney," Emily said grabbing her hand, "please consider us friends."

Courtney's eyes brimmed with tears. "That means more to me than you'll ever know."

When she left, Emily sighed. "I feel bad that she felt so out of sorts here."

"I know. She's not that bad."

"This is going to be so much fun. It will be so nice to see AJ be happy."

"Yes, it will."