A/N – Thanks for the comments! Glad you like the backstory.

Chapter 7

Georgie joined Elizabeth in her room. "Are you still mad?"

"No. I think we've come to an understanding." While they still have a ways to go, they don't have time to concentrate on their relationship.

"Really?" Elizabeth had muttered for almost a half hour before seeking Jason out.

"It's complicated, but I understand him more now."

"Well, that's good, right?"

"Yes." She is still nervous about the whole thing. There is so much unspoken.

Georgie shifted her weight. Usually, she would hold her tongue, but if this is going to work, Elizabeth needs to air her thoughts. "Do you think you can make it work with him?"

Liz threw up her hands. "I don't know. There are moments when I see his soul, but they are fleeting."

"He's not used to revealing it." When you are constantly in battle, you tend to shut off your feelings which Jason seems to be a pro at. She has always paid attention to people and their behavior. Not only is it smart to keep Elizabeth safe, but knowledge is power.

"I know he's a good man, but will that be enough?"

"It could be far worse."

"True." Elizabeth wandered over to her window. "My father always wanted me to find love."

Georgie smiled. "You were the light in his eyes."

Liz smiled sadly. "Aye." She would have never guessed that her most current suitor would be the one chosen to occupy her heart. While it has been difficult to picture, she realizes how complex Jason is and is starting to warm to him. However, she has no idea if he is feeling similarly.

"I think you could be a formidable couple."

"I hope so." She doesn't want to let her kingdom down. Failure is not a part of her vocabulary.

Georgie understands where she is coming from. Elizabeth has had the weight of the country upon her back for quite a while. Maybe that is why she respects her Queen so much. She has seen her in tears, angry, but there is a wise side to her that surprises many. "Your father would be proud of how much you've grown and accomplished quickly."

"I still ache for my family."

"And now, you are about to start one and make new memories. I'm sure they watch over you."

"I'll need all the help I can get."

Georgie grinned. "So, I gave your partially made dress to the seamstress."

Elizabeth giggled. "What did she say?"

Georgie rolled her eyes. "What do you think? She had never seen such a design and wondered if you were mad under her breath."

"My favorite response." Her dress is beautiful, and fashions change all the time. When conceiving it, she envisioned the painting of her mother's dress and then made it her style.

"Well, I think it suits you and Jason will have no complaints."

Georgie helped her unzip her dress.

"You know, I want you to be happy too."

"Even if I have to follow Johnny to be with him?"

"Johnny isn't going anywhere. He will always be by Jason's side." She does admire their friendship. They are brothers in the heart where it counts.

"And I, yours."

They hugged.

"You are my honorary sister."

George grinned. "Do I get a crown?"

"If Johnny is your true love, I will lend you a tiara."

They laughed.

"Deal."

They shook on it and then went to bed.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiI

Jason took a walk and encountered Jagger.

"Good Evening."

Jason nodded.

"That was some speech you made."

"It was necessary."

"I wasn't sure that I could work with you."

"I'm used to my reputation proceeding me."

Jagger nodded. "You are a complex man."

"I thought I was pretty simple."

They both smile before getting lost in their thoughts. When they reached the top of a hill, Jason studied the valley below. For a moment, he imagined the fighting and was silently planning before taking Jaggar off guard. "How long have you been in love with her?"

A small sound escaped Jagger before his jaw dropped and then snapped shut.

"It's the way you soften around her and look at her."

"Are you going to tell your brother?"

Jason shook his head. "What made you fall for her?"

Jagger is confused for a moment and then his eyes widen and then a slew of curse words fly out of his mouth.

Jason frowned. "What?"

Angrily, Jaggar moved closer so no one could hear him if they had been followed.

"It's you. She's marrying you and not AJ."

"What?"

"Don't lie."

Jason sighed. "We are trying to throw the enemy off."

Jaggar stumbled back a few steps truly accepting that he would never know her affection. Silently he paced as Jason watched, ready to defend himself in case Jaggar attacked.

"I didn't pay much attention to her because of her youth, but when she needed to rise to the occasion, she did in spades, and she impressed me with her tenacity to be a good leader."

Jason nodded.

"She's beautiful inside and out; fragile in some ways and stoic in others. She has compassion but has no problem with being assertive. I've never seen a woman at her age be so balanced and strong. It also doesn't hurt that she is lovely to look upon."

Jason wonders where he's going with this.

Coming out of his reverie, Jagger pointed his finger. "She also loves to draw and paint but gave it up to rule. Perhaps you could use that idea for a gift. Oh, and if you hurt her, I will find new ways to torture you."

"Why would I want to hurt her?"

"Because you are a dumb oaf just like every other man and will find a way to screw it up."

Jason sighed. "You may be right about that."

Jaggar slightly smiled. "Perhaps in a different life, I would fight you for her."

Jason smirked. "And you would still lose."

"Arrogance is weakness."

"Confidence is everything."

Jagger shook his head. "Get some rest." He needs a stiff drink first.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiI

Tiffany finished brushing her hair and then turned to face her husband who was lounging on the bed. "What do you think of the union?" AJ gives her pause. She still thinks he is unworthy but will do her best to be there for Elizabeth should she need anything.

Sean sighed. "I've been holding something for you that is of the utmost level of secrecy."

She rushed to his side. "Is she okay?"

"She is resolved."

"That doesn't sound good."

He continued in hush tones just in case. "It could be. I am still unsure of it."

"I'm listening." She put her hand on his chest to soothe him.

"Elizabeth is not marrying the brother you think."

Her eyes grew big. "Do you jest?"

"No."

"Wow." She lay next to him. "I—that is some news."

"I know."

She thought about their interactions. "He is clueless when it comes to women, isn't he?"

Sean chuckled. "Completely."

She clucked her tongue. "However, they will make beautiful babies."

He laughed as he tugged her closer. "He will frustrate her to no end, but they will make a formidable union and once she shapes him up, he will be a fine King."

"I hope so. All he knows is battle."

"Isn't that good?"

"What do you mean?"

"He will protect her with his life. We don't have to worry endlessly once we win this war."

"You think we'll win?"

"We have a chance now. After the wedding, you will return to Mayven with the royal family."

She sprang up. "Absolutely not. I will worry endlessly about you."

"Tiffany…"

Tears sprang into her eyes. "Please…"

He swallowed hard. "I'm sorry but if we fall and she survives, I need you to help her."

She cried as she melted against him when she felt his arms around her.

"It will be okay."

"Life without you will never be okay."

"Put it this way, you can finally make Crowley a happy man."

She gasped and pushed him. "That is an awful thing to say."

He laughed. Crowley looks like he's been around for centuries and walks like it too.

She muttered as she blew out some candles and then returned to bed.

"God, I love you," he whispered as he embraced her.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiI

Elizabeth and AJ strolled in the gardens while Georgie followed behind them.

"Are you and my brother getting along?"

"Yes." It's not at all what she thought courting would be. It was all business as agreed, but her heart longed to find love like her parents had.

"Are you giving him a small gift?" It is tradition to give something from the heart to bless the union.

She groaned. "I forgot."

"May I be of some help?"

"Aye."

He motioned for her to sit on a bench. "You must make a dangerous trek to the top of the highest mountain."

Her head jerked making him chuckle.

"I heard you are an artist."

"Aye. It's been a while though."

"Did you manage to see the painting of Lila while you were at our castle?"

"Yes. Her eyes are stunning." Liz had practically memorized it.

"Give him a sketch or a painting, maybe something he can hang up in the study."

Liz smiled. "That's perfect."

Emily ran toward them and plopped down. "You forgot to get me."

Liz and AJ grinned. Emily had busied herself helping plan the wedding.

"I didn't realize that you were invited," AJ said.

Emily playfully shoved him hard. "Very funny."

"What have you been up to?"

Emily snickered.

"God, do I want to know?"

She nodded.

AJ crossed his arms across his chest. "Go ahead."

As Emily explained how she had put something awful in Stefan's tea that stained his lips, AJ and Liz couldn't stop laughing.

Stephan cleared his throat. "I knew it was you."

A yelp left Emily's lips as she jumped up.

Stefan couldn't help it and laughed. "The joke is on you because a Cassadine always gets their revenge."

Someone moved closer. "Must I step in and defend her honor?"

Stefan spun around and then embraced Nikolas. "I didn't know you were coming."

"I accompanied Stavros."

"He's here?"

"Yes. You'll find him in the study probably getting a drink."

Stefan took off.

Nikolas eyed Emily. "Princess, it's nice to see you again."

Emily's head tilted.

"You don't remember?"

She thought for a moment. "Ah, I believe I put a frog down your shirt several years ago." She can't help but notice that he has matured quite nicely.

Elizabeth bit her lip.

Nikolas grinned. "Aye. That is why I'm going to do the same to you."

She gasped as her eyes grew big and then she took off with Nikolas hot on her heels.

"I don't like the way he looked at her," AJ muttered.

"You could have a double wedding."

AJ's mouth dropped open.

"I can see the resemblance between you and Emily right now."

He shook his head. "If I married Irina and she married Nikolas, my father's heart would stop beating."

"Your father just wants you both to love and be loved."

He snorted. "You clearly don't know my father at all. Sure, he looks all warm and nice when he's speaking to Mother but deep inside, he's ruthless."

Liz's face hurt from laughing. "He's a pushover."

"Only for women. The rest of us be damned."

She shoved him. "I'm going to tell him that you said that."

AJ's eyes narrowed. "You wouldn't."

She darted up and ran as stunned staff members watched her avoid AJ and run the opposite way. As she flew around a corner, she came to an abrupt stop as she swore she ran into a brick wall.

Jason smirked. "Need help?"

AJ lunged for her, and Jason stepped between them.

"I can't let you do that."

AJ rolled his eyes. "Step aside."

Jason widened his stance. "No."

They realized the staff had gathered and were watching intently.

"We shall fight to the death then," AJ said devilishly. To his surprise, Jason grabbed Elizabeth, threw her over his shoulder, and ran toward the castle.

A gasp went up from the crowd and Elizabeth couldn't help it and burst out in laughter.

"Release the Queen," AJ cried out.

Several people began to laugh because the whole thing was ridiculous and scandalous. They couldn't stop smiling because they hadn't seen Elizabeth be so playful in a long time, and her parents were not that playful, at least not in front of others.

An older lady smiled. "Our Elizabeth is back."

"Aye," several people said.

Jason put Elizabeth down and ran into the castle as AJ grabbed her.

Liz plopped onto a bench as she tried to catch her breath.

Jaggar was off to the side watching. As much as it pleased him that she was having fun again, the implications of the upcoming union are weighing heavily on his heart.

"Are you okay?" Tiffany asked.

"Yes."

"Liar."

He grinned. "You know me far too well."

They held each other's gaze for a moment.

"I'm sorry she is not yours to have." While Tiffany means that because Jaggar has been good to Elizabeth, she truly doesn't think they are meant to be. She's curious about Jason, and after seeing them all being playful, he has potential, but his countenance does make her wonder.

"Me too. I think she will be happy with him."

Tiffany's brow rose.

"I know the truth."

"I see."

"And he knows I love her."

Tiffany's eyes widened. "That must have been some discussion."

"Let's just say I didn't hide my expressions well enough."

"He is smart."

Jaggar rolled his eyes making her grin. "Too smart."

"Do you think she'll be happy?"

He sighed as he stared at the ground. "I think he's a good man at heart."

"Did that hurt?"

He shook his head. "Very funny…"

"He's complicated, but I think he will respect her."

Jaggar muttered under his breath.

Tiffany touched his arm. "Be honest with yourself. You loved Sarah. She loved you. When she died, you were heartbroken, and so was Elizabeth. You helped each other grieve and she became the extraordinary woman you know today, and you unintentionally fell for her."

Jaggar spun on his heel as though turning away from her would make her statement false.

She touched his back. "What are you going to do?" He seems so tortured.

"I don't know. I guess I fight but afterward…"

"Oh, Jaggar. It will break her heart.

His body jerked and he turned toward her, his eyes blazing. "What about my heart? I have given my all to her and the people of Guildenhall." He plopped onto the grass. "I can't do this anymore. I don't have much more to give."

Tiffany wiped a tear away. She had no idea that he was feeling so badly. "I'm sorry. You must find a way to get beyond this or it will tear you apart."

Jaggar sighed heavily. "I know, but I think it would be easier if I weren't here."

"How about we see how things go?"

"Fine." His mind is already made up. After the battle, he'll take leave.