A/N – Thanks for the comments! Sorry that I'm late. I haven't been feeling well.

Chapter 8

Georgie giggled as she ran into Elizabeth's room.

Liz collapsed onto the bed on her back and Georgie followed.

"I don't think I've laughed that long for a long time."

It was quiet for a few moments as Elizabeth thought about her family.

"I'm surprised Jason played along."

Liz's head lopped to the side. "I agree."

"Maybe he removed that thing out of his behind."

Liz laughed. "We can only hope. Should we call the royal guard to check on him?"

George gave up trying to hold it in and her laughter burst throughout the room.

Liz sighed.

"Is he getting to you?"

"He's making me more curious."

"I think you both have many layers. Sometimes, you have to take a risk to find love."

Liz's eyes narrowed. "Just what is Johnny making you risk?"

Georgie giggled and then turned red as Liz's eyes grew larger.

Georgie turned a deeper shade as she laughed uncontrollably.

Liz perched herself on her elbow. "You better tell me."

Georgie wiped her face. "There's nothing much to tell."

"Have you kissed?"

A smile lit up Georgie's face. "Yes, a little."

"And?"

"I thought I would implode. He is very skilled."

"Scandalous," Liz whispered.

"Soon, you will experience yours."

Liz groaned. "Nothing like a forced kiss in front of everyone."

"Maybe you should ask him to practice."

Liz clucked her tongue. "I don't want him to think I'm a trollop."

"You are betrothed. I don't think it would be a chore."

Liz rolled onto her side. "I do feel lonely sometimes."

Georgie's smile faded as tears pricked Liz's eyes.

"It's not all the time, but I miss them, and—"

"What?"

"I always imagined Sarah being by my side and everything else. We had issues occasionally, but now I realize it was petty and unimportant."

Georgie gets it. Her sister Maxie drives her nuts. "We'll all be there for you. You are loved. I know it's not the same, but you could have Maxie as a sister." Maxie is a free spirit who never stops talking or being mischievous, so trouble always finds her. "I hope you know that you are mine in my heart."

They warmly embraced. "I don't know what I'd do without you."

"Let's hope you never find out," Georgie said as she stood. "Face it, you'd be a complete mess—probably would wander around the castle muttering to yourself and heavens knows what you'd be wearing."

Liz finally smiled again. "Aye."

"Sweet dreams."

"You too."

Liz sighed when the door closed. Nighttime is the hardest. Tomorrow is a big day, and she hopes it will not end in a disagreement.

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Jason eyed his brother as they ate some meat. "What's wrong with you?"

AJ frowned. "Why do you ask?"

"You're acting like a little girl," Johnny said, making AJ scowl.

"I am not."

"Oh, yes you are," Jason said. "Have something to say?"

AJ schooled his features. "I've fallen in love with the Queen and I'm taking her from you. Your presence is no longer needed here."

Liz gasped. "AJ!"

He laughed. "Good morning."

She shook her head. "Don't listen to him. I'm running away with Johnny to see Georgie's reaction."

Johnny choked. "Are you trying to get me killed?"

Liz smirked. "Maybe…"

Johnny laughed.

"Tell him, AJ."

Jason's brow ticked up when AJ took a huge swig of ale. "Go on."

AJ closed his eyes as he took a deep breath. "I found a way to make smaller catapults that shoot further and are easier to manage."

No one spoke for a minute or so. It was not something they had expected to hear.

"You built it?" Johnny asked.

AJ nodded.

"Why didn't you say anything prior?" Stefan asked as he sat.

"I—people don't always take me seriously, but I think it will help."

Jason eyed his brother. He's not used to AJ being timid or putting himself out there like this. Their father often dismissed him instead of listening.

AJ looked away as he waited for the rejection.

"You can show me after we finish," Jason said much to AJ's surprise.

"Thank you."

"You still fight like a girl," Jason said.

Liz eyed him. "Hey!"

"Was that offensive?"

She nodded. "I'm sure I could take your brother."

Johnny laughed as AJ's jaw dropped. "I'm sure you could."

AJ shook his head. "Just for that, our dalliance is canceled. I will not be treated this way in my soon to be castle."

"I could put him in the dungeon," Francis said before biting into a bread loaf.

Liz grinned. "Tempting…"

Jason watched them do battle with words. She is quick-witted, so he is not sure he'll be able to keep up with her. Catching her eye, she slightly smiled, and he returned it before turning his attention to Jagger.

"We're going to go look at AJ's newest invention. Are you interested?"

Jagger shrugged. "Sure."

Liz is pleased that Jason included him.

They chatted for a while and then everyone headed outside.

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Liz smiled when the catapult came into view. AJ had done a fine job. She had never seen someone so nervous though. She swore he was going to fall over.

Jason is surprised but pleased. It wasn't that he thought AJ wasn't capable of more, it was that his brother didn't normally show any interest in most things.

Liz and Francis observe as AJ helps them understand how everything works. After about fifteen minutes, Jason spoke.

"It's good."

AJ smiled. He couldn't even explain how good it feels to be taken seriously. While the usual perception is based on his actions, the low expectations always hurt his pride.

"Can you demonstrate how far it will go?"

AJ nodded.

The brothers discussed a few things as they prepared to move it. Jason suggested one change AJ hadn't thought of, so they tried to figure out how to make it happen.

"Well, this is interesting," Francis said.

Liz smiled. "I love it. I think they needed this."

"You're probably right."

"You know that I'm fighting, right?"

"Yeah."

She slowed. "You can say it."

"I would prefer you to go to Mayven, but I know you won't. Just—be careful. We need you."

They faced each other. "I'm more appreciative of life than I was before. I won't take unnecessary risks, but I want to fight for everything my father stood before. There will be no peace if we retreat."

"Aye."

"But I'm sending you to Mayven."

Francis's head jerked. "What?"

She laughed. "That was funny."

He shook his head. "Queens…"

"Just be glad I don't lock you in the dungeon for safekeeping."

"I can pick locks."

"So, you think."

Francis finally smiled. "I will be careful but I refuse to leave your side."

"So be it." She will feel safer with him there.

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One of the guards ran forward.

"There is a strange woman at the gates with several others."

"Go get Jason."

He ran off and Francis motioned to Jaggar who wasn't far away.

"What's going on?"

"We have a visitor."

"Let's hope it's not a trick."

They made their way to the main entrance.

Jason jogged forward.

"How do you want to handle it?" Elizabeth asked.

"I would like it if you took cover. You don't have to go far, but I don't want you in direct danger."

She nodded and left them.

Jaggar and Jason moved forward with weapons in hand.

"I come in peace."

"Who are you?"

"A friend."

Sean pushed past them. "Selina."

"Sean…"

"Thank you for coming."

"They need to be stopped so we will do our part. I brought a cart full of thunder bombs." Her kingdom is small and could be a target again.

Jason smirked.

Liz peeked from her hiding place. "What are thunder bombs?"

Selina's attention went to Elizabeth. "Your Majesty."

Sean motioned to Elizabeth to come out. "This is Selina Wu. I sent a message hoping it would get through. Her people have battled other barbarians before and have some unique methods."

"Thank you for coming," Liz said as she eyed the women.

"Thunder bombs can be catapulted and then explode, making a loud noise and there are shards of metal inside that scatter, some at far distances. We used them for random strikes when our fighters were not around. It is intimidating and most effective at injuring them."

"Do the barbarians use them?"

"Not that I know."

"Thank you for your generous contribution. Perhaps you can come rest and eat before you continue your journey."

"Thank you."

Jagger and Sean led her inside while Francis showed them where to put the thunder bombs.

"This is coming together nicely," Elizabeth said.

"Aye," Francis said. The more help the better. They are going to need it."

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Jason listened to every word Selina and her men said over dinner. They had some interesting techniques which he thinks will work very well. He wishes he had more time to develop some of their ideas, but there are enough other options he can work with.

While Jason was working on strategy, Elizabeth decided to take a walk in the gardens. It is a special place where she and her mother used to come and talk, sometimes sketching the flowers. It represents peace, and she retreats there often. When she finally found a place to sit, she heard a movement and jumped to her feet.

"It is I," Stavros said before showing himself and partially bowing. He had been surprised by the degree his mother wanted to be involved in this battle. She isn't known for being gregarious; quite the opposite, but the little waif of a woman standing before him had penetrated his mother's thick skin. It is a rare event, but he likes that it makes her more human.

"Stavros, I heard you were here but had yet to lay eyes on you." While he is handsome, he's also ruthless, cunning, and known for his quick temper.

"I like to lurk around and listen. It always proves to reveal the hidden."

She arched her brow. "Anything I should know about?"

He smirked. "Aside from a few dangerous liaisons, it's mostly girls pining over Jason and Johnny."

She rolled her eyes. "Well, I do appreciate you coming to help."

He shrugged. "My mother had taken a liking to you. Furthermore, I am to make sure that no harm will come to you."

"I have guards."

"Aye, but my mother doesn't like to take chances. I hope you will not have a problem with it." There is no way Helena would accept anything different.

Part of her doesn't like him but the other also knows what the man is capable of and that he's a formidable asset.

"You will get no fight from me."

He smirked. "Good." While she had acquiesced quickly, he did not doubt that she probably had no problem voicing her displeasure when necessary. He hasn't met many women whose tongue is not loose.

"Is there anything you need?"

He shook his head. "I'm fine. Mother sent me with all the necessities."

"I never thought I would like her."

He grinned. "That is a common sentiment."

Liz chuckled. "Maybe I could visit her one day."

He laughed heartily. "That what be a sight."

"Why?"

"The castle we live in was once occupied by Dracula. I'm sure the people within our kingdom will think you were kidnapped so Helena can drink your blood."

Her eyes narrowed. "Seriously?"

He couldn't help it and laughed again. "Yes. There are lots of rumors."

"I'm sure you like that people fear you."

"I do. It keeps them honest." Fear is an effective way to make sure everyone stays in line.

"I see. I bet the castle is fabulous."

"Aye." He can see why his mother is taken. There are many sides to Elizabeth, and while his mother would have loved to match her with Nikolas, he doesn't think they are suitable. The family is much too dark for her bright light.

"What do you think of our chances?"

He studied her for a moment. The brightness in her eyes had been replaced and seemed to grow darker. "I think with a lot of cunning and trickery, we may be able to take them down. Confusion always leads to chaos."

She nodded. "Francis is sticking to my side as well."

"Good. In the heat of battle, it's good to have more eyes."

A smile crept onto her face.

"What?"

"You're different than I expected."

He laughed heartily. "You should believe the rumors."

She shrugged. "I think most men like you are complex. No one has just one side." Most people are intimidated by him, but for some reason, she doesn't feel uneasy at all.

"Even vampires?"

"Especially vampires."

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The next morning, Jason watched as Elizabeth practiced using an arrow. She was patiently training a few of the staff.

"She's good," Jagger said before standing next to him.

Jason nodded.

"Time feels as though it's flying by."

"Aye. The men are doing better."

"What if it's not enough?" It's hard

"I can tell who can lead and be more effective. We'll utilize what we have. The other kingdoms are sending more men who are skilled. They'll be here in about four days. It will give them time to learn our strategy." They are also sending food supplies to help feed them.

"That will help. I worry about her?"

Jason fixed his gaze on Jagger. "She seems quite capable?"

"Aye. She'd be mad to hear me say it, but in the heat of battle bad things happen."

"If it makes you feel better since she will be on the roof, they are building something that may help protect her."

"What?"

"I spoke with Stavros and Stefan last night and they helped me develop it."

"Okay." He likes neither man but does respect their fighting abilities.

"They will have some of the blacksmiths build a shelter of sorts. The steel should be effective in case there is a barrage of arrows coming at them. We'll also have some shields higher up on the wall"

"What about if we want her to retreat?"

Jason shifted as his gaze went back to his betrothed. "I will discuss an exit plan with her and make sure she can safely execute it. It would help if you or Francis were involved because you know the lay of the castle."

"I will spend some time coming up with it. There are tunnels, but she'd just have to get there." They do have some secret passages that lead down to the dungeon, but that would require her to use the nearest passage which could be tricky. They may have to figure out a better way.

"Stavros will be up there with her as well."

"We have much to do."

Elizabeth caught sight of them and smiled.

The men return it and are surprised when she takes a break and moves toward them.

"Anything wrong?"

"No. We were just planning."

"I was wondering something."

Jason shrugged. "Ask."

"Can you shoot an arrow?"

His head tilted. "Yes."

"Fancy a competition?"

He gave up and smiled. "The only problem is that I will have to kill everyone witnessing it if you win."

She rolled her eyes and grabbed his hand and tugged him forward. "You'll do no such thing."