A/N – Sorry, I forgot. Hope everyone is well. Thanks for the comments!
Chapter3
Georgie eyed Elizabeth at the royal table across the room as Johnny plopped beside her. "What happened in there?" She can't quite read Elizabeth's expression, but she doesn't look thrilled.
He grabbed a goblet of ale. "They are to marry."
"What?" she said, fixing him with her stare.
He grinned. "Jason will help lead the army."
"Wow." No wonder Elizabeth is quiet and not interacting. She doesn't like to be forced into things.
"She doesn't look happy."
"I agree."
"He's not that bad once you get to know him."
Her brow rose. "Does he always look like he's annoyed," she said as she studied Jason who also is just sitting there not conversing.
"Pretty much, but when he's comfortable with you, he lets his guard down."
She slightly smiled. "You know him well."
"Aye."
"I just worry so much about her."
"And I about him." In his mind, he and Jason had hit it off right away, but his friend would probably tell a different story.
"Are you coming with him?"
Johnny nodded before gulping his beer.
Her eyes twinkled with mischief, making Johnny laugh.
"I think I'm going to like you, Georgie."
"And I you."
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The air buzzed with lively music, laughter, and the clinking of goblets. Elizabeth took a deep breath, determined to put on a facade of regal composure.
She scanned the room and noticed Johnny and Georgie engaged in animated conversation. Johnny's infectious laughter resonated, and Elizabeth couldn't help but smile at the camaraderie forming around her. Perhaps this union, forced as it may be, could yield unexpected alliances beyond the political realm.
She caught Jason's eye. His expression remained stoic, but there was a subtle acknowledgment in his gaze. The tension between them was palpable, a silent understanding of the challenges they were thrust into.
Helena, ever the provocateur, nudged Elizabeth. "Dance. Smile. Never let them see you fret."
Elizabeth raised an eyebrow. "Smile? I thought you hated smiling."
Helena chuckled. "It's all an intricate game. You can't let them see your apprehension. A queen must project strength, even when she feels weak."
When Elizabeth shrugged, Helena pulled Elizabeth outside to a parapet.
"Why are you so sour?"
Liz rolled her eyes. "I don't like to be forced into things."
"He's delicious."
"There are more things to life than male company."
"Says the one who has never had it."
Liz threw up her hands. "I'm not discussing this with you."
Helena grinned. "Fine, but you need to put on a fake smile. Jason always looks backed up, so no one will question his countenance, but appearances are everything."
"I'll try."
"Drink some wine and dance. I know that there is a decorum involved here, but you are in safe company and there are far darker days on the horizon." She likes Liz. From what her spies tell her, she has done a good job at such a young age.
"I'm scared if I start drinking, I may never stop."
Helena smirked. "I'll be attending your union, and I will offer troops to stay and fight."
"Thank you."
"Maybe someday, you'll return the favor."
Liz nodded.
"Good. Let's get back in there before they think I threw you over. I have a very bad reputation."
Liz finally grinned. "Or we can let them wonder."
A laugh left Helena's lips. "Despite what everyone thinks of my family, you would have made a fierce daughter-in-law. If you end up offing Jason in his sleep, we'll talk."
Liz shook her head. Helena is too much.
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Alan stood and raised his chalice. "I would like to propose a toast to the union of our kingdoms."
Cheers are heard throughout the room.
"Of course, please keep the knowledge to yourself and do not mention it in passing. The element of surprise will be in our favor."
A servant approached carrying a pillow with a ring on top.
Jason nervously stood and then urged Elizabeth to her feet. "This ring was my grandmother's. You probably would have liked her."
"I've heard great things about Queen Lila." She did so much for the poor that she is legendary.
Jason sucked in a breath. "Marry me?"
"Yes."
Her hand is shaking as he eases the circle of rubies onto her finger. "It's beautiful."
The room erupted in cheers again and the musicians began to play.
"I think I need some air."
He led her to the same parapet that she had been on earlier.
Her emotions were all over the place and she tried to shove them down so she wouldn't cry.
Jason shifted his weight, unsure of what to do or say. This is unchartered territory for them.
Claudia sauntered toward them. "Well, look who it is, the happy couple."
"Not now, Claudia," Jason said.
She smirked. "Elizabeth, I'd be more than happy to take him off your hands. He's probably too much for you to handle anyway."
"Perhaps you should leave and take your well-used assets with you."
Claudia grinned. "Touche." She went back inside as Jason pinched the bridge of his nose.
"She is maddening," he muttered.
"Agreed, but she did beckon a question.
He crossed his arms across his chest. "Go ahead."
"What do you expect of me on the wedding night?"
A deep sigh left Jason's mouth. "If you don't want to, I'm not going to force you."
She blushed, spiking his curiosity.
"I know what they expect, but I don't want to force anyone to do that," Jason said as he avoided her gaze. From the looks of it, she doesn't have any experience, unlike Claudia who has been well-bed.
"Thank you." She's surprised since usually, it's expected regardless, but she suspects that the next morning, they will be looking for signs.
As if he read her mind, he said, "I'll take care of it."
She nodded, wondering what he had in mind. "I will hold you to your word about me ruling."
"Trust me, you'll never get a fight from me on that subject."
Monica moved toward them, hooked her arm around Liz's, and led her back inside as Jason stayed to get some air.
Johnny joined him. "Are you okay?" he said before touching his shoulder.
"No."
"Sorry. Do you at least like her?"
"I don't know. She is very guarded." He does admire her, but their interactions thus far have been
"As are you."
"True."
Johnny looked over the edge. "She has been through a lot. I spoke to Georgie for a while. Things like what happened to her changes you."
Jason nodded.
"So, you'll have to be patient."
"I'm not the best at that."
"I think you're better than you realize. She's not going to throw herself at you like most women do. You're going to have to work hard to be in her good graces."
"This is overwhelming."
"I know. You'll be fine, Jason. Be happy, it could be Claudia."
Jason groaned. "I need a drink."
Johnny grinned. "Let's go."
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In the quiet sanctuary of the chamber, the weight of the day began to settle. Georgie's comforting presence offered a momentary respite from the facade of strength she wore during the day.
As Georgie wrapped her arms around Elizabeth, the tears flowed freely, a release for the pent-up emotions that had been held at bay in the public eye. The vulnerability that Elizabeth rarely showed to the world found solace in the friendship of her handmaiden.
Georgie murmured soothing words, a gentle reassurance that echoed in the dimly lit room. "You're not alone, Elizabeth. We're in this together. Tomorrow is a new day, and you'll face it with the same courage that has brought you this far."
Elizabeth nodded, against Georgie's shoulder. The fear of failure, the burden of leadership, and the ache for her lost family intertwined in a complex tapestry of emotions. Georgie's presence was a lifeline, grounding Elizabeth amid uncertainty.
"I'm scared, Georgie. Scared that I'll make a wrong decision, that I'll lead our people astray," Elizabeth confessed, her voice muffled by the fabric. "It's too much."
Georgie pulled back slightly, cupping Elizabeth's face in her hands. "You won't. You've guided us through darkness before, and you'll do it again. Trust in yourself, and trust in the allies you've gained. Jason and Johnny might be the key to turning the tide in our favor."
When Elizabeth still looked unsure, she said, "I know you, and believe in you, so does everyone else. You have proven your fearlessness."
"Maybe so, but that doesn't mean I'm without fear."
Georgie sighed. "If you were, you'd be a fool. I think Jason can help us. He's fearless and the best of the best. Johnny is good too. They'll whip us into shape."
"I hope so."
"Cry now and get it all out. You have a big day tomorrow."
"Okay."
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Stefan spun around, surprised to see his mother approach. "Why are you still awake?"
"I have a lot on my mind. Much is at stake."
"I think she will be fine."
Helena sighed. "I hope so. I have grown a wee bit fond of her."
Stefan grinned. "I didn't know you had it in you."
She shrugged. "Call me sentimental."
He laughed. "Never."
She rolled her eyes. "Do you think sending Stavros is in bad form?"
"No. He's vicious and will give the barbarians a taste of their vial medicine."
"Sonny must die if this ever is to end. He encouraged them and fed them secrets."
"I agree."
Helena would love to rip him apart and display his body on a stick. "Talk to your brother. I'm sure that Jason has a bone to pick with Sonny, but if he can't get to him, Stavros must."
"Okay."
"Tell him to have someone specifically watch Elizabeth's back so that no harm will come of her."
"Agreed."
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Jason watched the sun rise above the mountains. So much rides on this alliance that he's afraid that he'll ruin it with his obstinance. Sighing, he wonders if this would even be an issue if he had killed that traitor Sonny Corinthos when he had the chance. The man had defected, traded battle secrets, and married into royalty after bedding Princess Samantha. Jason shook his head. Thankfully, he has many tricks up his sleeves, but because of Sonny's defection, it has cost many lives and soon, Jason hopes he'll get to slit his neck.
The unfortunate part is that many lives will be lost, but he hopes that they can defeat their massive army and bring peace back to the land for however long it will last. Unfortunately, there is always someone waiting to take something they have not worked hard for.
Johnny entered the room. "Come eat some breakfast. It will be a long day."
Jason nodded and followed him to the dining hall. To his surprise, Elizabeth and Helena were sitting together laughing and conversing.
"Should I be afraid that they get along so amiably?"
Johnny laughed. "Maybe…"
When Helena leered in his direction, he had to swallow his bile.
"She would eat you alive."
"I have no doubt."
They sat at a table and were quickly joined by several other men as Elizabeth watched from afar.
Helena, with her sharp wit, continued to share her insights on Jason, much to Elizabeth's amusement. Jason, for his part, listened with a stoic expression, occasionally grunting in acknowledgment when the conversation turned to him. Johnny chuckled beside him, enjoying the rare moments of levity.
As Helena sipped her tea, she fixed her penetrating gaze on Elizabeth. "You'll be an enviable team if you see fit to bond completely."
Elizabeth arched an eyebrow. "Bond completely?"
"He's not that hard to figure out," Helena said before sipping some tea.
"Oh?"
"He's quiet, strong, probably opinionated, and a stallion in bed."
When Elizabeth's brow rose even higher, Helena laughed.
"There are rumors."
"And you believe them?"
Helena smirked. "In his case, yes. He smolders. If I were a few years younger."
"A few?"
Helena's eyes narrowed. "You are pushing my tolerance."
Elizabeth laughed.
"Anyway, even though he's quiet, he listens which is perhaps his greatest strength."
Elizabeth nodded, understanding the importance. She never thought she'd be sitting around talking to Helena so casually. The woman is an enigma, but at heart, she is protecting her family and her kingdom just like Elizabeth.
"He doesn't rush to judgment either. While I suppose he can have a temper occasionally, his ability to maintain composure is legendary. You'll be in good hands. I don't believe there was a lot of inbreeding like the Spencer family, so you should be safe."
Elizabeth raised her hand to hide her smile. Helena can never resist a quip about that family.
"He's smart too but doesn't want to rule. You will have to continue to play that role, but at least you won't have to bear the entire burden of protecting everyone. You'll be an enviable team if you commit to your bond."
"I will never stop worrying, nor do you."
"You see through me. My irritable countenance has served me well; that and my ruthlessness. At heart, you are an artist, but you have proven to be cunning due to the circumstances. Don't hold your tongue if you feel you have something to offer today. Assert your authority when necessary. Just because they have penises, doesn't mean they are better."
When Elizabeth almost spit out her tea, Helena practically cackled.
"Oh, I can't wait until you allow Jason to have his way with you. Trust me, sex is one of the most wonderful experiences you can have. With the right partner, it's downright extraordinary. Besides, Jason is a forever kind of man. Don't turn him away for a long time. It helps them fight harder when they know something decadent is waiting for them at home."
Elizabeth swallowed hard.
"And don't be scared. You'll rise to the occasion just like he will. There is a connection there already, even if you are both too pigheaded to admit it."
As they prepared to leave for the meeting, Helena offered a parting piece of advice. "Be careful who you trust in the heat of battle. Rely on your instincts when it matters."
"Okay."
Alan is pleased when he catches the couple stealing glances,
"I like her," Monica whispered. "They will make beautiful children."
Alan smiled. "If their pride gets out of the way,"
"I have a feeling that fate will resolve any issues they may have." Elizabeth had already left a good impression. Jason needs someone that will keep him on his toes, and she thinks Elizabeth will keep him balanced as well.
"Now, we just need to stave off the barbarians."
"I have faith in our son."
"As do I."