Elizabeth and Jason have huge responsibilities requiring them to make several sacrifices. What happens when their paths intercept and their fate is chosen?
A/N – I hope you all are well. I'm so busy but feel it's time to get back on the horse. For now, one chapter a week so I don't get overwhelmed. I made up my own "world" but it's kind of middle-age-ish. At the heart, it's about love as always, so while it's not canon, their love always will be. Let me know what you think.
Chapter 1
Stormy clouds crowded the sky as lightning lit up everything around her. The last few months had turned clear water to blood as never-ending battles scarred the land. Darkness clung to the ancient stone walls of the castle, permeating every crevice, as Elizabeth paced the dimly lit chamber. The flickering candlelight cast shadows on her determined face, accentuating the weariness etched into her features. She glanced at the map spread across the table, tracing the borders of her once peaceful kingdom, now stained with the blood of her kin.
Francis, her loyal guard, stood silent by her side, his weathered eyes reflecting the turmoil that mirrored hers. He had become more than just a protector; he had become a confidant in these trying times. Elizabeth sighed; her mind heavy with the weight of decisions that would shape the destiny of her people.
As the storm outside raged on, mirroring the tempest within her soul, Elizabeth's thoughts drifted to the proposal that lay before her. An unholy alliance with neighboring factions, an unthinkable compromise that went against the principles her father had instilled in her. The ancestral castle, once a symbol of strength, now echoed with the haunting memories of her family's demise. The Silanians want their land, and at this point, she's willing to do anything to save it, even if it means brokering deals with kingdoms that she never thought she'd befriend. God, she wished that the rest of her family were still alive, but unfortunately, the barbarians had slaughtered them, and she was the only one who had survived. While she understands the importance of her responsibilities, it's not how she saw her life playing out. She was the youngest, which would normally mean that she wouldn't have to worry about anything. Gone are the days when she could joyously frolic and worry about girlish things.
She glanced at the portrait of her father, a highly regarded man with eyes that seemed to pierce through time itself. In her solitude, she sought his guidance, grappling with the burden of leadership that had unexpectedly fallen upon her shoulders. The weight of a crown she never imagined she would wear pressed down on her, but the fire within her remained extinguished.
"Elizabeth, you bear a responsibility greater than any before you," Francis said, breaking the heavy silence. "Remember, strength is not solely measured by the might of a sword. Your father would be proud of the leader you've become."
He had watched her go from a child to a woman in a very short period. What she is considering will test her beyond what she is used to, and he hates that she must sacrifice so much, and wonders what she had promised to save what her family had worked so hard for. It's typical of Elizabeth to shove her pain down. She had been doing it for months, putting everyone else's needs ahead of hers. At first, no one was sure she'd adapt, but she worked hard to learn strategy and focused on making her father proud.
Slowly, she turned to face him. His words resonated with her, and a glimmer of determination sparked in her eyes. She had fought to learn the art of war, to command armies, and to instill a sense of preparedness in her people. "We leave at first light."
Francis nodded. "Aye."
"Georgie has already packed my things." Her handmaiden is always by her side, so this trip will be no different. Elizabeth doesn't think she would have gotten through the last year without her. Not only does she help Elizabeth dress and stay on schedule, but she also is a valuable sounding board.
"The trip isn't terribly long, and their soldiers will meet us halfway." This is a secret meeting of several kingdoms, all of which are trying to stave off the barbarians. They'll have to work together to hold off the huge army that is currently gathering. Such an alliance is unheard of.
"There is safety in numbers."
He nodded and then his lips slightly curved up. "Are you riding in the carriage and wearing robes?"
Laughter rang out and he couldn't help it and joined her.
"Bite your tongue. I will dress for riding and will dare anyone who questions it." It's not proper for a Queen, but she doesn't care. If they are attacked along the way, then she is not fighting in a dress.
"I have learned to pick my battles with you, and on this topic, none is necessary. You should be comfortable." Rules are sometimes made to be broken. Usually, it's when common sense trumps protocol.
"Thank you."
"You should get some rest," he said before taking leave.
With a renewed resolve, Elizabeth faced the storm outside, her mind forging plans that would not only defend her land but also reclaim the honor stolen from her family. The alliance, however distasteful, seemed to be the only path to survival, and she steeled herself for the sacrifices ahead.
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Jason strode into the great hall and made his way to the battle room. So much weighed heavily on his mind, because so much was at stake. No matter how many they killed, more enemies appeared like locusts. He had seen so much death that it had numbed his senses. Not much fazes him anymore.
Alan met his son's gaze, a mix of determination and sorrow. "Have a seat."
"Is AJ coming?"
"No." His oldest son is a disappointment, and practically useless, but hopefully with good advisors, he'll lead the kingdom one day. Hopefully, he'll mature and find his way soon. "Have a seat."
Jason moved toward the chair.
"The meeting is on the morrow, and will change everything."
"How so?"
"I need you to help secure the region."
"Aren't I already doing that?"
Alan almost smiled. There is much to admire about his son, but unfortunately, he spends so much time fighting that it's all he knows. "Yes, but I am asking you to do something that will change everything. It is above and beyond anything I have asked of you previously." Sometimes, responsibility comes at a high cost.
Jason accepts that he won't be King unless something happens to his brother AJ, which is why he has so heavily focused on protecting the kingdom instead of leading it. The throne was never his ambition.
Alan sighed heavily. "Please, sit."
Jason shifted his weight before finally plopping onto a chair wondering why his father seemed so uncomfortable when he usually speaks with ease.
"Guildenhall has been struggling to fend off the barbarians since the King was killed."
Jason's eyes narrowed. "I am aware that the only surviving daughter was made Queen." He can't imagine how difficult it must have been for her to put aside her grief. His family is what keeps him human instead of a killing machine.
Alan nodded. "Our alliance with them has been shaky in the past."
"That is more a reflection of grandfather than you." Edward Quartermaine had made a lot of enemies over the years. He was ornery and showed no mercy when it came to building enough currency to provide for his people. Sometimes, that meant that he made enemies. He wasn't one to cower or back down.
"Yes, but the grievance still hangs in the air. Anyway, I have asked Queen Elizabeth to consider a more permanent alliance."
Jason can barely compute what he just said. "What do you mean?"
"Their people need a leader who can help them get past this trying time, and let's face it, I'm not a fighter, Jason. You know battle and strategy. Elizabeth is fierce and clever, but she doesn't have the experience you do." He had heard wonderful things about her and couldn't wait to be in her presence.
"You want me to go there and train their army?"
"That's part of it."
Jason blinked a few times. "Father, what are you asking of me?"
"I want you to marry Elizabeth and be King of Guildenhall."
Jason rose to his feet. "No!"
"Jason, I am not asking you."
A tone he had never heard in his father's voice shook him to his core. "Does mother know what you ask?"
"Yes."
He had wondered why his mother had been so melancholy. Now, it all makes sense. "Why?"
"It's the only way to secure a lasting peace. Guildenhall needs a leader who can command both respect and strategy. Elizabeth needs a partner who understands the intricacies of warfare, someone who can help her rebuild what was lost. If the barbarians get past there, it will bring war to this kingdom. You need to stop them."
Jason paced across the room, his mind racing. Marrying a queen from a neighboring kingdom was a political move he had never imagined. He struggled to reconcile his duty to his family and kingdom with his desire for a life of his choosing.
"I have responsibilities here, father. The threats we face are relentless. I can't just abandon everything I've fought for," Jason protested, his voice edged with frustration.
Alan nodded solemnly. "I understand, Jason, but consider the bigger picture. This alliance will not only strengthen Guildenhall but also create a united front against our common enemies. Your skills are needed there, not just on the battlefield but in the intricate dance of politics and diplomacy."
"What if something happens to AJ?"
"Either Emily will be the Queen, or you merge the kingdoms."
"I can protect them without marrying her."
"I'm sorry, but this is the only way that will secure our alliance moving forward."
"And Elizabeth agreed to this?"
Alan averted his gaze.
"You didn't tell her?" Seldom does Jason raise his voice to his father or lose control, but he's so upset that he can't hold his tongue. "What does she think will occur?"
"She agreed to an alliance and that I would share my proposal during the meeting."
Jason is livid. "You don't even know if she'll give final approval. What if she doesn't?"
"I don't think she will refuse it. She's smart. It might not be what she wants, but she knows she has no chance without our shared army." After Elizabeth's family had perished, Sean of Donely stepped up to be at her side. He helped her grow into her role and made sure she was taught to protect herself. Francis was handpicked by him.
Jason's eyes pressed shut. "I don't know how to be King." All he knows is war and strategy. The pomp and circumstances make him uncomfortable.
"You are a leader, son. Look how much you have accomplished thus far. There is no doubt in my mind that you can do this. I will help and Sean was the King's advisor. He'll be there to guide you as well. These are trying times, and we are facing extinction. They don't let anyone live and show no mercy. If we don't stop them—" He doesn't even want to continue for the implications are far too grave.
The room fell into a heavy silence as Jason grappled with the enormity of the decision before him. He thought of his family, the kingdom he had sworn to protect, and the young queen facing the daunting task of rebuilding her shattered land.
"This is a lot to take in."
"I know, but I have faith in you that you will do the right thing. We can't show weakness and your reputation precedes you. I think you understand that we must band together to defeat them."
"I do." He just would have never guessed it would lead in this direction.
"Good. Then you'll do it?"
He doesn't like being forced into a marriage, but the situation is dire. "Yes, but Johnny comes with me. When?" He has several men who are just as good as him, so he has no fear that they will be able to handle whatever comes their way. "And what of my desires? Do they not matter in this grand plan?"
His father's gaze softened. "Your happiness matters, but sometimes sacrifices are necessary for the greater good. Elizabeth is a remarkable woman. You might find common ground, and who knows, you may come to care for each other."
Finally, he sighed, a reluctant acceptance settling in. "I will go to Guildenhall and will do what needs to be done for our kingdom, and the alliance. But know this, Father, I do it not for the throne, but for the people who depend on our strength."
Alan nodded, a mixture of pride and regret in his eyes. The fate of the two kingdoms hung in the balance, and Jason Quartermaine, the reluctant heir, prepared to face a future not of his choosing. As the storm outside continued to rage, mirroring the angst from within, Jason steeled himself for the path that lay ahead, one that would shape the destiny of Guildenhall and the Quartermaine legacy.
"You will be crowned soon. When it's time for you to enter the meeting, Johnny will get you You may go."
Jason left the castle to head to the gardens so he could process everything.
Johnny O'Brien joined him along the way. "What did he want?"
Jason glared at Johnny, but the tension broke, and he almost chuckled. The absurdity of the situation isn't lost on him. Amid battles and bloodshed, Jason found himself facing a different kind of war—one of alliances, politics, and the unpredictability of the human heart.
"You can't say anything."
"You know I won't."
"He's marrying me off to be King of Guildenhall."
Johnny stopped in his tracks making Jason halt. "What the hell is going on?"
"Survival." Jason began to pace. "While I understand the circumstances, I never fashioned myself to be King of anything." It doesn't even sound right rolling off his tongue.
Johnny clapped Jason on the shoulder. "Come on, mate. You've faced worse odds on the battlefield. A queen can't be that intimidating."
Jason shot him a skeptical look. "You haven't seen her in action. She's not just any queen. Elizabeth is a force to be reckoned with. I've heard stories of her leading charges and outsmarting the barbarians. This isn't going to be a walk in the garden."
Johnny raised an eyebrow. "You'd prefer a walk in the garden?"
Jason sighed. "I'd prefer a fight I can understand. This... this is a different kind of battle, and I'm not sure I'm equipped for it."
His friend sat down beside him on the stump. "You adapt to every situation, Jason. This won't be any different. Besides, there's always a chance you might find something unexpected in this alliance."
Jason shot him a skeptical look. "Like what?"
Johnny grinned mischievously. "Love, perhaps?"
Jason scoffed. "Love is for poets and court jesters. I'm a warrior."
Johnny couldn't help but laugh at his friend's expression. He had fought alongside him in numerous battles; and watched as men surrendered at his feet due to his lethal reputation, and this is the first time he has sensed fear. "Are you scared she'll stab you while you sleep?"
"Maybe… Others have wanted to do it in the past. What if we hate each other?"
"Maybe you should consider that you could end up conquering her heart."
Jason rolled his eyes. "Have you seen her?"
Johnny shook his head. "No, but I met her sister who was blonde and very beautiful."
"May God help me."
A laugh spilled from Johnny's lips. Jason isn't partial to blondes. "You'll be fine."
"You're not the one being forced to marry someone and wear a robe and crown instead of armor and sword."
"True, but I'm going to thoroughly enjoy your downfall."
