A/N – Thanks for reading and for the comments. I'm losing my mind with the news that Kelly Monaco (Sam) is out at GH. I'm so happy. Supposedly, she was blindsided, and rumor has it she'll be killed off and it's part of the Lucky storyline. Her last air dates are in the fall.

Chapter 5

Elizabeth pondered for a moment. "Yes and no. I like being able to continue my family's legacy and help people, but it is a huge responsibility, and it will be nice to have someone by my side who is strong and smart to help." The burden shows itself more on some days than others, but it's always there.

"Jason hates all the royal aspects of his life, but even though he's a pain in my arse, he's a good man. He is respectful and has a good head on his shoulders. I think he'll make a fine partner for you if you let him in."

Liz focused ahead. "It will be hard to do that, I have no reference, but I wouldn't have said yes if I wasn't willing to try. I will do anything to help keep my people safe, even if that means sacrificing my life."

"Why?"

"They believed in my family and are willing to fight for me just as much as I am willing to do the same for them. They are my family now, and I don't want to be wiped off the map."

AJ thought for a moment. "You are very different than what I expected." His brother is in for quite the surprise.

She smiled. "Did you think I was some vacuous witch?"

He grinned. "No. I thought you'd be snooty and full of yourself, but you're not."

"Well, to be honest, I thought you were going to be a spoiled brat, but I like you, AJ."

"And I you. By the way, I am a spoiled brat, but trying to be reformed."

"Good. This war is going to change things. As much as I want to believe we can win, there is a chance that we will all be slaughtered."

"It's okay to be humble. It's smart. Sonny is arrogant and thinks no one can defeat him. Jason will use that to his advantage."

"I've heard a lot of stories about his battles."

"The crazy thing is that they are all true. He is larger than life."

"You know, you could be too, but in a different way. Find your niche. Find something you'll enjoy doing and turn it into something that can help."

When he looked away, her eyes narrowed. "You already have something. Tell me."

"No way."

"Come on, AJ. Everything you share with me is between us."

He contemplated if he should spill and then just gave up. "Fine. I figured out how to make a smaller catapult that's easier to trigger." The large ones are hard to maneuver and it's a slow process. The smaller one will go just as far but is easier to get up the mountainside.

"Really? Have you told Jason?"

"No."

"Why not?"

"It's not perfected."

"Promise me that you'll work with him on it. Something like that could be in our favor." There had been rumors of odd weaponry in the Far East, but none had made it this far. To their knowledge, the Silanians are not using them. They are more into savage brutality.

"No one takes me seriously. I've tried in the past and was laughed at." He likes to build things but was never encouraged to do so.

She eyed him fiercely. "Then we'll make them listen. You'll have to demonstrate it though. Can you build one quickly?"

"With help, I can do it in a few days."

"Then you will build them under secrecy. I will provide you with skilled workers."

"Okay."

"You'll demonstrate and then, we can train people to build them."

AJ nodded.

"You're nervous?"

"Yes. The attitude is that bigger is better."

"I think Jason will surprise you."

AJ laughed. "Yeah, right."

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Johnny and Jason along with a band of others shifted direction.

Jason has a lot on his mind. They don't have enough time to get everyone up to speed, but he hopes they are somewhat trained already. He's just not sure what to expect.

They went into a forest and then slowed.

"Stop thinking so hard."

Jason shot his friend a look. "We have a lot to do."

"And we'll do what we need to. You always come through."

"There is even more at stake this time."

"I agree, but with everyone coming together, we'll be fine."

He's worried that Elizabeth will not approve of his training style. He's strict and hard on people, but that's usually what it takes to prepare them for battle.

"Are you scared of her?"

Jason shook his head. "You're ridiculous."

Johnny laughed. "She doesn't bite. I like her."

"Who don't you like?"

"Claudia…"

"That goes without saying. I'm not good at talking to women." He's more of a doer.

Johnny, knowing where his mind went, grinned. "You'll be fine. She won't let you get away with brooding."

"Why do I feel like I'm going into slaughter?"

"You are, my friend, but making up can be enjoyable too."

"You have a one-track mind."

"Aye, and it has served me well."

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When Elizabeth's convoy finally reached the castle, a crowd had gathered to greet her.

AJ watched as they interacted. It's obvious that she is loved. His eyes flitted to the bridge as a man on a steed galloped toward them and then stopped.

Elizabeth smiled when she spotted him. "Jaggar! How is everything?"

He smiled. "All is good, Your Majesty. We have been making preparations for battle."

"Good. This is Prince AJ."

The rumor had spread, and Jaggar's smile dropped as he eyed the controversial Prince.

AJ smirked. He's used to that kind of welcome. "Good day."

"Good day, Prince AJ."

Liz can tell that Jagger isn't pleased. "Give me a little while to settle and I will send for you."

"As you wish." He hopped on his horse and left.

"He loves me," AJ said sarcastically.

Liz chuckled. "He'll come around."

"I'll believe that when I see it."

She eyed Sean fondly.

"Welcome home, my Queen."

"Thank you. You are a sight for sore eyes."

He smiled before whispering, "Tiffany is already working on the plans." She is his beloved wife.

"That is perfect. Everything is going smoothly. Shall we meet on the morrow?"

"Yes. I think it will be best so I can keep you up to date."

Liz doesn't know what she'd do without him. She finished greeting her people and then they went inside.

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Jagger quickly made his way to the throne room.

"I hardly come in here unless necessary."

She gazed around the room.

"It's hard not to see my father's hand everywhere."

"Yes."

"Do you trust me?"

His brow furrowed. "With my life." Truth be told, he's in love with her, but due to his station, his feelings will never be revealed.

"Good. Do not believe everything you hear. All will be apparent soon. Prince Jason is on his way."

Jagger groaned.

"He will help us to win this battle. I need you to work with him."

"As you wish."

She wonders if it's jealousy, disdain, or a little of both. "I think with his tutelage, we will have a good chance to win this battle."

Jagger is aware of Jason's greatness, but he still thinks he's a pompous ass. The very few occasions he's encountered him were in bars after battle. He always acted as though it pained him to speak.

"We've known each other for a long time."

"Aye."

"I can tell that deep down you don't like him."

Jagger averted his gaze. "What I feel doesn't matter."

"It matters to me."

His gaze snapped back to her, searching for something in her eyes that wasn't there. "I won't disrespect him. I give my word."

"I want you to be honest with him. No one is perfect. If you have worries, let them be known. That is not disrespectful in any way."

He nodded. "Okay."

"There will be changes, but I need you to know that I am on board. No one is forcing me. I will always do what is best for my people."

"I don't doubt that."

"Good."

"You seem unsettled about whatever this decision is."

"Aye. It's not a perfect situation, by any means, but if it saves us, I will deal with it."

His instinct is to protect her and it's hard when he has no idea what is happening. "If you need to talk, you know I would never speak out of turn."

Liz's expression softens. "I know and thank you. I'm not at liberty yet, but you will know soon."

"When will he arrive?"

"Maybe in a few hours."

"I will tend to his horses and brief him in the morning."

"Thank you."

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Georgie helped Elizabeth get ready for bed. It had been a long day, but they were happy to be home.

"Prince Jason was spotted, so he shall arrive shortly."

"That is good news."

"You don't have to speak riddles around me. I know you are tentative."

Liz climbed onto her bed. "The next few weeks will determine a lot of things. I'm just praying that everyone is up for the challenge."

Georgie moved closer. "Jason will be in another wing for now. After the wedding, he will be moved next door." There is a door that adjoins them.

Liz nodded. "Tomorrow, I will have to rally the troops and make introductions. Jagger will handle most of it, but I want my expectations to be clear."

"Are you going to continue to work with the archers?"

"Yes. I have something else I'll be working on with AJ as well."

"Stefan arrived earlier."

Liz is pleased. "Good. I can't wait to see the new armor the Cassadines have invented."

"I hope they will protect us well."

"We are going to be very busy making them among other things." Thankfully, Alan had sent some forgers to aid in the preparation.

"Get some sleep. We will talk in the morning."

Liz got settled as Georgie blew out the candles in the room. Tomorrow will be a very long day.

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Jason slid off his horse. He's tired but eager to start working.

Jagger approached the group. "I am Jagger. I lead the army."

Jason nodded. "We'll be working together closely."

"Yes. Elizabeth explained that I am to ensure that you get what you need."

Johnny shook his hand. "I'm Johnny."

Jagger is aware of him too. "The servants will tend to your horses. If you follow Hannah, she'll show you to your rooms where you can bathe and then eat if you so desire."

"We could eat," Johnny said.

"All right. I will see you in the morning."

Jagger left so the men followed Hannah.

"He seems alright," Johnny said.

"We shall see," Jason said. He gets the feeling that Jagger will be icy to him. The question is why?

Once they had eaten, Jason was escorted to his room by a lady named Delores.

"Your bath is ready and everything you will need is in the other room."

"Thank you."

"Are you in need of anything else?"

"No. That will be all."

She nodded and left. Everyone had begun to gossip when word spread, that he was arriving. He's a mystery to most, and his handsome exterior makes many hearts flutter.

Jason quickly got out of his clothes and slipped into the hot water. It soothed his aches and pains from riding, and he soon felt relaxed enough to sleep.

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The next morning, everyone met in the dining hall.

"Good morning," AJ said with a big smile.

Liz grinned. "Good morning. I hope you slept well."

"I did."

Jason looked up from the other end of the table and nodded which she returned.

Normally, there wouldn't be such fanfare, but Liz thought it would be a way to get to know everyone.

Bread was placed on the table along with meat, cheese, and fruits. In another hall, the soldiers and staff ate.

Elizabeth has some female soldiers which is frowned upon, but it always caught people off guard. Hannah and Delores, among others, were well-trained. And while most think that they are just ladies in waiting, their skillset is far above normal. Sean believes in cleverness and strategy.

Jason is aware they exist but doesn't know who they are. While he's all for surprising the enemy, using women and putting them in danger is not something he is used to, and he is sure that he and Elizabeth will butt heads over it eventually.

It doesn't faze Stefan because his mother uses female soldiers as well.

When Sean joins them, Jason can tell that he and Elizabeth have a strong bond.

Most people left the table except for Jason, Johnny, AJ, Stefan, Sean, Francis, Jaggar, and Elizabeth.

They moved closer together.

"It's important that we stop rumors as much as possible," Jason said.

"I agree," Elizabeth added. "No one outside of this room needs to know our plans until right before the battle."

"Is there a leak?" AJ Asked.

Jagger nodded. "Yes. I've planted several lies, but we're unsure who it was."

"Aside from the servants, who else was around?"

Jagger sighed. "Clergy, a doctor, and guards."

"Any suspicions?"

"Yes." Elizabeth is not going to like what he says next. "The doctor was here during two of the times I planted information."

Liz shook her head. "Tony was loyal to my father."

"He didn't like you taking over though," Francis said.

Liz is gobsmacked. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"We were not certain."

Jaggar cleared his throat. "I have been keeping an eye on him. There is a young guard that is mainly assigned to him. If it turns out that Tony is betraying the throne, the guard is probably the one helping him."

Liz squares her shoulders. "I need proof. I won't accuse without it, but if he is the leak, he will be dealt with swiftly."

Jason is glad she is at least agreeable to it.

A guard announces someone.

"Your majesty, everyone is gathered in the square."

"Thank you, Logan."

Liz stood, so everyone else did. "I will announce to the soldiers that Jason is now in charge with Jaggar's help. No matter what, we can't hide his presence."

"Agreed," Johnny said.

They headed outside.

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Everyone quieted when Elizabeth appeared.

"I decided on a course of actions that hopefully will assure us victory against our utmost enemy. Prince Jason of Mayvn has agreed to come here and teach you before the battle."

Everyone is surprised but pleased. Jason's reputation is formidable.

"Therefore, you must listen and do your best to follow his directions. It will be hard work, but everyone in town will be expected to pitch in. I will be meeting with various groups all day. This will be our hardest battle, but I have faith in your abilities. Failure is not an option, and disrespect will not be tolerated."

All the soldiers yelled, "Aye," at once.

"Jason?"

He moved next to her as mostly everyone stared at him in awe.

Johnny eyed everyone carefully, as did Jaggar, to see if there was any dissent.

"For the next three weeks, I own you. You'll prepare physically, and mentally, and your brotherhood will be strong. I will be tough and at times, you will despise me, but as long as you refuse to give up, you will continue to have a place in this army. Also, what happens here, stays here. To have an edge, you must keep our plans quiet. You never know how far our enemy's ears extend. There will be two rest days a week for you to spend time with your family. The rest of the time, you will stay on the castle grounds. Does anyone have a problem with that?"

No one moved.

"Good." He eyed Stefan who began to speak.

"We have developed lighter armor. You will all be fitted in the next week. While it might seem weaker, it's not. The barbarians don't wear armor, so they can move and attack more freely. The aim is to protect vital areas, but still allow for quickness."

The soldiers are intrigued. The Cassadine's reputation is as scary as Jason's.

Jaggar stepped forward. "Go home, say goodbye to your families, and then meet at the training field."

The men got up, but a few dissenters were left behind.