A/N – Hi. I'm sorry I'm so late. The last few weeks have been overly hectic. Hope you enjoy the chapter. More guests will be arriving and then the celebration begins.

Chapter 11

Maxie squealed when she spotted Elizabeth, and they met in the middle with a big hug. The queen is one of the few people who can tolerate her incessant energy, so she's happy to see her whenever her travels take her to Guildenhall.

"How are you?" Liz asked pulling back to peruse her. While she is very cute, it would be a mistake to think she's proper. One of the interesting aspects of her personality is the consistent presence of trouble in her life. She is quite known for her outrageous exploits.

"Okay. Mac still thinks I'm giving him gray hair."

Liz chuckled. "That is the goal."

"Exactly…"

"I heard you're getting married."

"Yes."

Maxie strolled alongside her. "I didn't see that coming."

"Me either."

"AJ is okay, I suppose. Too bad you didn't get the hunky brother."

When Liz didn't say anything, Maxie continued. "I would like to go over some things with AJ."

Liz abruptly stopped. "What?"

Maxie grinned. "Maybe he needs to understand that if he hurts you in any way, the wrath of Maxie will find him."

"I'm scared to ask what that means."

Maxie held up her hand. "No need… It's best if you don't know."

Liz grinned. "I see. Who have you been stalking?"

The brightest smile lit up Maxie's face. "Lucky Spencer."

"Seriously?"

"Yup. He just does it for me."

"Are things serious with him?"

"Oh yes. Mac isn't a fan, but he said he'll support what I want. What do you think of him?"

Liz pulled her over to a bench. "I hear a lot of things. I'm not sure your heart will be protected, but it's your life. Just take your time. There is no rush."

Maxie sighed. "I—it's not as if anyone is knocking on my door."

"Well, how would you know? You're never home."

Maxie laughed. "What if he's it?"

"Maxie…"

"You know I leave everyone twisted." Try as she might, she always seemed to pick the wrong men. It's almost embarrassing at this point.

"I think the right person will not only calm and give you focus, but they will support and believe in you. You can't be who you think they want. Does Lucky make you feel special?"

Maxie shrugged.

"There's your answer right there. He'll be here for the wedding. I want you to observe only. Give him space and see what he does." She is quite certain he will have a wandering eye.

Maxie sighed. "Fine…"

"What?"

"Do you always have to be so smart?"

The sight of Maxie rolling her eyes made Elizabeth giggle. "Come on, let's find your sister. You'll want to know what she is up to." She can't wait to see Maxie's face when she realizes Georgie is with Johnny.

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Jason worked out several men who were the strongest. It's brutal but necessary. They stopped to get some water, so he sat on a stump.

"They are coming along," Stavros said.

"Aye."

"I didn't know vampires came out during the day," AJ said as he joined them.

Stavros made a face. "Nothing about the Cassadines is normal. You should know that by now."

"True."

"I received word that Sonny is aware of the marriage."

Jason eyed him. "Good. Do you think the timing will still work?"

"Aye. It took longer to reach him than I thought. If we do it a few days prior, there is no way he'll know before the battle."

"Once the fighting begins, all will be apparent."

Stavros nodded. "How are we going to isolate him?"

"His ego will not allow him to stay back once he realizes I am there. He'll want to be the one to kill me."

"True, but he can always have his men bring you to him," AJ said.

"Aye."

Jaggar joined the conversation. "You should have someone alongside you at all times. They can sound an alarm if you are compromised in any way."

"That is a good idea," Stavros said.

"I can do it," Johnny said.

"No. You're needed elsewhere." Besides, Jason will be a target, so they can't afford to lose both men.

"What about Micah?"

He is one of the more promising fighters, so he's competent enough that Jason won't have to save him, and if it starts going to hell, he can get Jason out.

"Okay."

Stefan will be on the hills with the catapults. They had covered them with leaves to try to hide them. Once they start slinging them, the barbarians will try to rain arrows, so there are also some shields and places to hide so they are protected. Things are falling into place.

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Tiffany was busy with food preparations for the celebration. At this point, things are moving along nicely.

Sean approached her. "How is everything going?"

"Uh, it's going but someone else is arriving today."

"Who?"

"The Lady."

"Oh…." She was in her early twenties and he had never met her before, but while there were several women of her status he was made aware of, he knew exactly who his wife meant. Some say she is difficult, and others don't mind her. It was a love-or-hate kind of thing without much gray.

Tiffany rolled her eyes. "It will be fine. I have someone setting up her room now."

"Well, it will certainly stir things up. She isn't fond of Claudia."

Tiffany smirked. "I am aware of that which is why I sat them close to one another."

He shook his head. "You are asking for trouble."

"I know. I'm willing to take the chance though. Someone needs to put that thing in her place."

Sean chuckled. "Aye."

"I heard that Lucky Spencer has been eying her."

"God help her."

"There will be plenty of fine choices for her to make." Her brother is very strict but motivated for her to become betrothed."

"What about Jaggar?"

Tiffany laughed before giving him a quick peck. "You're funny."

"What?"

"She would eat him alive."

"Women…"

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After lunch, Helena handed over a present to Elizabeth. "Don't get all mushy on me." It's customary to have several days of celebration and gifts are handed out, however, Helena wanted to be the first.

Liz smiled as she opened a box and her head tilted. "Oh, how nice. I get to threaten my husband if he gets out of line." The ornate knife felt light in her hands.

"Nonsense, you have minions for that. Why get your hands dirty?"

Jason eyed Johnny making him laugh because of his crazy expression.

"It's beautiful in a dark way." She rocked the box, so the light caught the pattern in the handle.

"It's for your protection," Stavros said. "Underneath is something that will hold it onto your leg. Helena never goes to battle without it."

"I think she sleeps with it," Nikolas said making everyone chuckle.

Elizabeth smiled. "Thank you. I will cherish it and wear it confidently."

"Is that a good thing?" Jason whispered.

Johnny barely held in his laughter, loving that his friend was uncomfortable.

Suddenly, the men stood as a beautiful exotic-looking woman sauntered toward them.

Stavros is transfixed, wondering who she is and if she is spoken for. Stefan and Helena noticed.

Elizabeth met her halfway. "Good day, Lady Gia."

Gia nodded. "Good day, You're Majesty." She had been friends with Sarah and was very saddened when she died. However, she wasn't that familiar with Liz who is younger. While it's odd to see Liz in such a high role, she loves that a woman is in charge, one who has adapted quite well to her circumstances from what Gia could gather.

"Are you famished?"

Gia shook her head. "I will be fine until supper."

"Come meet everyone."

As soon as she neared the table, her gaze locked with Stavros whose eyes danced wickedly, as Gia wonders what he is on about.

Liz made some introductions and then Gia sat beside her while someone brought her something to drink. Saving the best for last she asked, "Have you met Stavros?"

"No, I don't think I have."

"It's an honor to meet you, Lady Gia."

"Likewise." He's handsome, but there is so much gossip about his family that she isn't sure what to think. Marcus would probably have a heart attack. That made her smile just as wickedly as him.

Helena is intrigued. She will have to get more information before she will approve of anything. Lord Taggert can be difficult and is known to be very protective of his sister. However, he is an honorable man, so she comes from good stock. Gia is more of a mystery but does not appear to be a pushover which is a must in Helena's eyes.

Elizabeth showed her the present.

"It's beautiful." She admired it for a few minutes. "It looks very old too."

"Yes, it is."

"Impressive. Do you know how to use it?"

Liz nodded. "Yes. Francis was very diligent about training me to protect myself." It was exhausting, but he and Jaggar had taught her so much. She went from fearing the same fate as her parents to feeling relatively safe.

Gia smirked. So far, Elizabeth seems impressive. It's a relief that she isn't weak and vacuous.

Liz felt as though she had just forged a good bond. "Are you trained?"

Gia laughed. "Have you met my brother?"

"Kind of. I was just a kid though."

"He's ridiculously overprotective and I spent hours learning combat and how to wield a sword. While it did make me feel confident, it wasn't something I was completely akin to."

"Understood."

They began to walk together. "I heard that you like to wear pants."

Liz grinned. "Yes. It's much easier to maneuver without being so restrictive."

"Aye. Marcus hates it when I wear them, but it's so freeing. I refuse to be put in a situation where my dress limits my ability to defend myself. It's so archaic that we must be so dainty and proper constantly. Granted, I love to look beautiful when appropriate, but some of the fashion is just unreasonable."

"Aye. I think we will get along famously. Did you bring pants?"

"Aye."

"Do you like to ride?"

She nodded.

"Good. We are checking out some places we can use to attack the barbarians on the morrow. Would you like to attend?"

Gia's smile is infectious. "Most definitely. Marcus isn't due here for another day. What he doesn't know won't hurt him."

Liz chuckled as they shook on it. "Come on, let me show you around."

Stavros watched with interest.

"You like?" Stefan asked.

"Aye."

"She's beautiful."

Stavros shot him a look to see if his brother is interested.

Stefan held up his hands. "Relax. I have no intentions toward her."

Stavros glanced at the door as the two women went into the hallway.

"Good luck with her brother."

"Do I look worried?" Marcus is no match for him, nor would he be interested in that fight. It sounds boring.

Stefan shook his head. It's amazing to him that they are related because they are so different in every way. Stavros likes power while Stefan has no use for it. For that reason, he is not next in line. He had seen the pleased look on his mother's face when Stavros revealed his interest in Gia, which intrigued Stefan as well. She usually doesn't like anyone, but he could already see her wheels turning in her head. It will be interesting to see his brother fall in love.

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AJ walked with Elizabeth around the courtyard.

"I heard a rumor that Irina will be here in the next few days." They are getting closer to the celebration before the wedding.

AJ grinned. "That is good news indeed."

"I knew you'd like it."

"Although, I can't lust after her until our ruse is revealed."

"True. She will not be aware of that scandal."

He chuckled. "I feel like a used rag."

"You said it."

He shook his head. "You're going to make a beautiful bride, Elizabeth."

She blushed as they came to a stop. "I just hope no one hears my knees knock together."

"Are you nervous?"

"In theory, no, but it is a huge step, so I'm sure my stomach will be bitter."

"Aye. Are you carrying the knife?"

She grinned as they moved forward. "Wouldn't you like to know?"

"Seriously though, am I in danger?"

"Maybe…"

Francis is watching them curiously.

"Should I have brought a guard?"

Her eyes danced wickedly. "Maybe…"

He sighed loudly. "It won't be the first time I've been threatened with a sword."

"You will have to tell me about your exploits when we are in private."

He made a face. "I cannot not sully your ears like that."

"You're no fun. Can't you pretend that I'm not the Queen?"

"Like I could forget… You're constantly reminding me."

She pushed his arm. "Have you spoken to your brother today?"

"No. Should I?"

"I just worry."

AJ smirked. "He's getting to you, isn't he?"

"You aren't worried?"

"Aye. I hate battle. Although, this is the first time I would have been willing to stay. My father has sent word reminding me that I should be prepared to leave after the wedding."

"Well, he can't lose both of you. I understand."

"I feel like a coward."

She touched his arm. "You are not. If it weren't for you being here, we wouldn't have the new catapults, which are working fabulously."

"It's amazing how many ideas for torture and maiming the Cassadines have." Their suggestions for what to fling at the enemy were frightening.

"And you want to marry one."

He smiled. "Aye."

She shook her head. It will be a delight to see AJ squirm and pine over Irina. She is looking forward to meeting her.

"Well look who it is, the lovebirds," Claudia said sarcastically.

They almost groaned.

"Hello," AJ said politely.

"Hi, Claudia."

"Queen Elizabeth, how are the preparations going?" She could care less but it's proper to chat uselessly.

"They are going well."

"Where is the future King?" she asked quietly.

"He's quite busy at the moment." Elizabeth could picture the disgusted look on Jason's face if he knew she was asking.

Claudia's eyes sparkled. "Well, I'm sure we'll run into each other soon. Is that Stavros?" she said as she looked off in the distance.

"Yes."

"He's delicious too."

Gia moved closer. "As if his mother would ever allow him to touch the likes of you."

Claudia spun around. "Why look who it is, the ice princess. I don't think you're capable of thawing out."

Gia's head tilted. "You have been thawed over and over like a rutted pig."

Francis stepped in between since Claudia looked downright vicious. "Ms. Zacchara, perhaps you'll let me escort you inside."

Claudia's nose flared. "One day, you'll have no one to protect you." She hates Gia because Claudia thinks she's stuck up and spoiled.

"I have no problem knocking you on your ass. Be gone, no one wants you here."

Liz bit her lip as Claudia stomped away.

"That was absolutely spectacular," AJ said.

Gia smiled. "Why thank you."

"I might have to sit you close to me or Jason to ward her off," Liz said.

"I would be happy to be a buffer. Is Jason scared of her?" She can't imagine him being afraid of anything.

AJ grinned. "Aye."

Gia's brow rose. "Interesting… There is one good thing about that."

"What?" Liz asked.

"If he's misbehaving, you can use her as a threat."

Liz grinned. "Thanks for the idea, but I'm partial to the knife."

They laughed, well on their way to friendship.