A/N – Thanks for the comments. Sorry that I'm late again. It has been a crazy week.
Chapter 9
Georgie finished hanging up a few of Elizabeth's dresses. Her wedding gown is almost complete, now they are making some new sleep gowns as well.
When someone grabbed her when she left the room, she yelped before being dragged back inside.
"What are you going?"
Johnny grinned. "I missed your lips."
She blushed as she grinned. "Aye. I feel the same."
They shared a brief but hot kiss.
"Are you on a break?"
He nodded. "Yes, but you need to come with me."
He grabbed her hand and pulled her into the hallway.
"Johnny, I have chores to finish."
"Trust me, you're going to want to see this."
She sighed loudly as he led her outside. When they finally turned a corner, she froze.
"What is going on?"
She watched as Liz and Jason picked up their bows.
"Contest."
Georgie's eyes grew wide. "Heavens bells."
Johnny chuckled. "You think he'll let her win?"
She pushed against him. "She doesn't need the help." Her head tilted when Jason made a bullseye.
"What was that again?"
"How good is he?"
Johnny shrugged. "He does well, but it's not his specialty."
"Then I would wager that Queen Elizabeth will beat his trousers off."
His jaw dropped. "Georgie, that is so scandalous."
She giggled. "If Elizabeth wins, I get two kisses.
"Well, I cannot resist a challenge. I up your kisses by two. If Jason conquers the Queen, I get four."
They shook on it before Georgie yelled. "Let's go Your Majesty."
Jason frowned and rolled his eyes when Johnny yelled, "Let's go, Red Devil."
Jason pulled back the bow.
"Interesting stance." He stopped and glanced at her. "What?"
She shrugged. "Just saying…"
He shook his head and then blocked out any noise and chatter. When the arrow whizzed toward the target, Elizabeth held her breath as Jason smirked.
Johnny grinned. "Bullseye!"
When Elizabeth got in position Jason cleared his throat.
She lowered the bow. "What?"
When he reached over and pushed her curls behind her ear, it almost made her shiver. "I don't want you using it as an excuse later."
"Funny," she said before ignoring him.
She grinned when the tip found the center.
"Tie. How shall we break it?"
"Johnny?" Liz called out.
He jogged toward them. "Yes, Your Majesty."
"Do you mind helping us out?"
His eyes narrowed. "Doing what?"
She smiled and led him in front of the target. "Georgie?"
Georgie ran toward them, already knowing what Elizabeth wanted. "Here you go."
Liz took the apple from her hand and placed it on Johnny's head. "There."
"Your Majesty?"
"Yes, Johnny?" Liz is having a hard time not laughing at his expression.
"Um, who's up next?"
"I think I'll go."
He groaned. "I have a better idea." He grabbed Georgie and put the apple on her head. "There, that's better."
Jason shook his head as Georgie tried not to giggle.
"My life is in your hands," Georgie said.
"Your life is always safe with me." She took the position and pulled out a special arrow before lining up.
"I could push Georgie at the last minute," Johnny whispered to Jason.
"Johnny!" Elizabeth yelled.
He moved behind Jason. "Sorry."
She clucked her tongue before getting into position again.
Instead of closing her eyes, Georgie eyed Johnny.
"If you end up with an arrow in your head, I'll still think you're beautiful."
Georgie grinned just as Liz released and a second later, the apple split in half and fell to the ground as the arrow landed in the bullseye.
"Nice shot," Jason said,
"Thank you."
"Johnny?"
"Yeah?"
Jason faced him. "Assume the position."
Johnny quickly whispered. "I don't have a death wish."
"You will if you don't get over there."
Johnny muttered under his breath the whole way, and then Georgie gleefully put the apple on his head.
"Perfect. It was nice knowing you," she said before walking away.
Johnny's attention went to Jason who was glaring, and he gulped. His eyes slammed shut, so he missed Jason's smirk.
To Liz's astonishment, Jason's arrow arched around the apple and hit the center.
Johnny frowned and grabbed the apple. "What happened?" He turned around and grinned. "Brilliant."
Sean and Stefan chuckled as they watched.
Jagger moved forward. "Jason, it's time."
Jason nodded, so Jagger raised his hand and a man on the castle roof sounded a battle cry. Jason wanted to make sure people responded quickly.
Elizabeth is surprised because she didn't know about it. Francis is right at her side and leads her toward the castle.
The din around them rose as people hurried to get into position.
Liz ran up some stairs and stood near the shields at the front.
Men scattered in different directions as they moved into place, some making a formation in front of the castle.
Jason paces as he watches. The archers were in place and when everyone finally stilled, he yelled. "Faster next time. Run it through your mind. Have weapons at the ready."
Jagger made a motion, and everyone returned to their chores.
Francis stopped Elizabeth and they watched as Jason mounted a horse and rode towards them.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing, Jason asked that you stay."
She nodded.
Soon, he appeared.
"We need to discuss your exit plan."
When she began to object, Jason moved forward.
"If things go badly, you will be of more use to your people if you stay alive."
"Jason…"
"I won't budge on this."
Her eyes were as big as slits. "Don't order me around."
Francis crossed his arms across his chest.
"I'll bet a few schillings on Jason," Johnny said.
"That's a bad bet."
The couple continued to stare as everyone watched curiously.
Jason finally broke the silence, his voice getting softer. "Please. They need you more than me. I would be clueless if something happened to you."
She sighed.
"We had a deal. You manage everyone while I fight battles and boss everyone around."
Her head shook, but when she glanced at Francis who nodded his head, she threw up her hands. "Fine. What do you need me to do?"
"Thank you." He grabbed her elbow and moved her forward. "We were trying to figure out the best exit strategy."
"Why can't I just go inside?"
"They'll be expecting that."
She frowned. "What other choice do I have?"
"Well…"
Jaggar waved them over to the edge and pointed.
Elizabeth slowly peeked over the side and then whipped back around. "You want me to climb down there?"
"Yes," Jason said moving closer.
"But—" she gasped when she looked over the side again. "What if I fall?" It's not only a treacherous descent, but there are rocks and the poison mote below.
"You won't," he said confidently. "That is why we are practicing."
"Thank goodness I didn't wear a dress."
He gently moved her closer. "There is a window further down. You will ease inside and then go down the hidden staircase."
She gnawed on her lip.
"You'll be fine. I'll be right ahead of you," Francis said.
He moved into position and went down a little way so he could be a buffer between her and death.
Elizabeth's foot found the first wrung and she began to move but lost her footing at the fourth wrung.
Jason lunged forward and grabbed her, easily pulling her up, and then noticing her breathing was shallow as he held her against him. "You're fine."
Francis's head pops up. "Are you okay?"
She nodded as she tried to slow her heartbeat.
"Plan B," Jason said.
"What is that?" Liz asked.
He bent lower. "Put your arms around my neck."
She quickly did so and then yelped when Jason yanked her up his body and then moved her legs to wrap around his waist. "Hold on."
Francis sat on the wall and watched as Jason moved onto the ladder with Elizabeth gripping him tightly.
"I won't let us fall and neither will Francis."
"Aye," she said, hoping it sounded convincing.
Georgie peered over the wall as she watched Jason quickly descend and disappear.
Once inside the room, Jason smiled when Liz didn't let go.
"You can open your eyes now."
Slowly they opened under his watchful eye.
No words were said as their gazes locked.
He wasn't sure if she was upset, but it had shaken him that she had almost fallen.
Finally, she loosened her grip and Jason allowed her to slide down his body.
Her hands smothered her tops down as she gathered her wits.
"Was that okay?" Jason asked.
She nodded. "I just need a moment to catch my breath."
He waited patiently until she spoke again, hoping she wouldn't back out.
"That was awful and exciting at the same time."
He nodded.
"Do you like to do things like that often?"
"Yes."
"Why?" While she likes riding her horse, tempting death is not her idea of fun.
His eyes danced with amusement. "It is a nice rush."
"I prefer my feet on the ground if I'm not on a horse. Shall we go?"
"Yes. Now, you get to practice with Francis and then Stavros." They need to make sure that all bases are covered.
She groaned. "I will need a drink once we're done."
He chuckled. "I will make sure that it is waiting."
When they reached the roof, everyone clapped.
"Francis, it's your turn," Jason said.
Francis gathered Liz in his arms and then headed down.
"She said she wants a drink when she's finished."
Georgie grinned. "Aye, I'll go set it up."
Stavros moved forward. "Good idea."
"Hope you're not afraid of heights," Jason said.
"Hardly."
"Take good care of her."
Stavros smirked. "It's my pleasure." He enjoyed the darkness in Jason's eyes as he strode ahead.
Once Liz returned, he lifted her.
"Do vampires fly?"
He grinned. "Supposedly…" He maneuvered onto the wall.
"You weren't planning on it this time, right?"
"We shall see. You never know when it will be necessary."
Her grip tightened as he started to descend.
"I have to say, I would have never guessed that we'd be in this position."
She eyed him. "You need to focus on your feet and hands."
"I can do all three."
She shook her head and then yelped when a gust of wind swayed them.
"We're fine." They had anticipated it, and he knew what to do.
They stilled for a long moment and then he increased his speed.
She found herself in the room a few seconds later and then Stavros released her before holding out his arm. "Shall we?"
She rested her hand on it, and he led her to her room. "Why are we going there?"
"It's time to eat and Georgie sent for you."
"Aye."
When they got to her door, he slightly bowed before leaving.
"Thanks for the lift," she called out.
"You're welcome," he said before disappearing around the corner.
Elizabeth rushed inside and Georgie handed her a cup.
Liz took a long swig of wine before sighing, "Thanks."
Georgie smiled. "Jason asked and I couldn't disappoint the future King."
Liz rolled her eyes.
"How was it?"
When Liz blushed, Georgie's grin grew wider.
"I have no nerves left, but he is comfortable."
"I knew it."
Liz plopped onto a chair. "That was exhausting and all I did was hold on."
"Well, hopefully, it won't be necessary." Her heart had been thundering out of her chest when Jason grabbed Liz.
"Aye." She will sleep well tonight.
IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiI
Stavros took the letter from his horseman and then poured himself a drink.
"You already know who this is because no other woman is speaking to you."
He grinned. His last girlfriend threw a knife at him, and he enjoyed punishing her over and over.
"Focus…"
"You know me too well, mother," he muttered.
"I just wanted to make sure things are progressing and to ask if you need us to bring anything."
Stavros thought for a minute and had an idea.
"I will leave in a few days in case I'm needed for strategy."
There is a tight window between when the battle begins and the wedding to prevent word from spreading, so they will leave the night of the wedding to assure her safety.
"Things are a bore here. I might have to go into the villages and eat some children."
Stavros laughed before sipping his drink.
"By the way, if you don't marry soon, I will arrange a wedding, and I'm not sure you'll be happy with my choice. Claudia is available." It pained her to write that, but she needed to make a point.
Stavros groaned before he continued reading.
"I mean it. I don't understand you and Stefan's aversion to being betrothed, but I'm over this nonsense. Make it happen."
He can almost hear her muttering which amuses him.
"Have you heard if they kissed yet?"
He laughed again as he shook his head.
"Those two need more help than I can give. Tell Elizabeth I said hello."
He ripped up the note and began to write. "Dear royal child eater, I have not found a wife, I don't think they've kissed but they seem enamored. Stefan should go first due to the birthing order. I'll pass on the message. Bring that special knife for me so Elizabeth can carry it.
"Your favorite child…"
IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiI
Elizabeth's eyes narrow as Georgie leads her onto a parapet obscured by some trees.
"What are you up to?"
A smile lit up Georgie's face. "You will eat with Jason now and AJ for dinner. Tiffany thought you needed some alone time."
Liz shook her head as she sat.
"He will be here shortly. Enjoy."
Liz chuckled as Georgie darted away and then sipped her glass of wine. "Delicious."
"I prefer ale," Jason said before sitting across from her.
"Georgie has already grown accustomed to your tastes."
He took a big gulp and then eyed her. "What?"
"I was just wondering if you have any servants you're bringing."
Jason shrugged. "I hadn't thought about that. Isn't Johnny hard enough to account for?"
Liz grinned. "Perhaps."
He studied her for a moment. "I have something for you."
Their dinner is placed before them which consists of lamb, rice, and vegetables.
"Oh?" She is surprised but glad he's trying.
He nodded before they began to eat. After a few bites, he continued.
"At a port, there were some merchants, and something attracted my eye. It's beautiful in the sun. They say you are an artist, so I thought it might interest you." He had brought it along and was going to see if I wanted to give it to her. Since they are getting along, he thought it was time.
He pulled a pouch from his pocket and handed it over.
Elizabeth wiped her mouth and then her jaw dropped. "Oh my,". She took it out and held the red piece of glass up. "It's beautiful."
He is pleased. "It's from a place called Murano, Italy." He has always wanted to go there, but travel is rough, not only are the roads unkept, but there are a lot of dangers.
Her eyes lit up. "Oh, I want to go to Italy. There was a man who joined us several years ago who had made the journey and he told me wonderful tales of his adventure."
"If it gets safer to travel, maybe we can consider it later."
She smiled. "Thank you."
"We have a cabin in the hills, if we make it past this battle, perhaps we can spend some time there. It will be nice to get away after such a stressful event."
A nervous twinge goes through her body. Spending time alone with him when she doesn't know what to expect gives her pause.
"I won't let anything happen to you."
She nodded and then gazed at the stone again. "I shall keep it near my bedside, so I can look upon it often."
"Truly?"
"I wouldn't lie to you and say I liked something I didn't. Honesty is good." She had discussed marriage a lot with Tiffany and was given some advice.
"What else have you learned?"
She smirked. "I don't know if I should tell you all her secrets."
"If we're going to work together, we should."
She playfully sighed. "Well, Sean said never go to bed and lay in anger, but Tiffany said that was poppycock and sometimes, he needs to suffer."
Jason almost choked on his beer. "Why suffer?"
She laughed at his fearful expression. "One must pay for bad decisions that negatively affect their partners."
His eyes had a mischievous glint. "And what about if you cause the fight? How do I punish you?"
Her brow furrowed. "That's not how it works."
"No?"
She shook her head. "Tiffany said that the man should always apologize and beg forgiveness, that they do so many ridiculous things, it adds up until they drive you insane."
"Does she love him?" he said incredulously.
Liz couldn't help it and started laughing and soon Jason followed.