A/N – Thanks for your support and comments. Things are shifting before the big event.

Chapter 12

Dinner was a raucous event. The wine and ale were flowing freely, and dancing soon began.

Elizabeth is having a blast. She is in good company and is free to be herself.

Jason watched as she and AJ danced around the room with Georgie and Johnny.

"She's beautiful, isn't she?"

His attention snapped to Gia.

When he didn't answer, she moved closer and continued. "I'm very observant, so why don't you tell me what is going on?" She had seen the looks between him and Elizabeth and there was only a friend vibe between the Queen and AJ."

Jason drank a swig of ale. "Try not to look."

She grinned. "I'm a woman. It's all we do."

"Aye."

"So, you're not going to say?"

He shook his head.

"Fine, I'll go to the source." Noticing Elizabeth was heading to the parapet to get some air, she quickly caught up with her.

"Hey," Elizabeth said as she closed her eyes to welcome the cool air. The one thing she loves is that even if it's warm during the day, it tends to cool off in the evening this time of the year.

Gia smirked. "Since Jason was less than forthcoming, perhaps you can enlighten me."

"What?"

"Is he single?"

Liz slowly nodded.

Gia chuckled. "Are you having an affair with Jason?"

Elizabeth's cheeks turned beet red and she stuttered, "What—what—where did you get that idea?"

"I saw a few looks and there is no heat between you and AJ, so what's going on?"

Elizabeth sighed. "Fine, but you mustn't tell a soul."

"You have my word." Now she is very intrigued.

"I'm not marrying AJ. I'm marrying Jason."

Gia's eyes widened. "Seriously?"

Elizabeth nodded.

"Why the ruse?"

"We don't want the barbarians to know he will be King."

"Ah…" She leaned against the wall. "So, I take it this was arranged?"

"Aye."

"Interesting. It's a smart move though. Jason is quite a catch."

Elizabeth is slightly uncomfortable. "I suppose."

"He is gorgeous, smart, and can protect you, I mean, your sister would most certainly have tried to go there."

"You're probably right about that." She isn't sure that Jason would have returned Sarah's interest though.

"This is a lot to ask of you both. Are you worried?"

Liz sighed. "A bit. We clashed at first, but we have come to a truce."

"Have you kissed?"

When Liz turned red again, Gia touched her arm. "Elizabeth, there is no shame if you do. I know you're young and inexperienced. Having feelings toward a man is natural. His dreamy blue eyes are lethal. How are you supposed to fight that?"

Liz laughed. "I'm not sure what to expect, but Jason has been very kind and has assured me I am safe with him."

"Handsome and noble… Can I make a suggestion?"

Liz's eyes narrowed. "I'm scared to say yes."

Gia chuckled. "It will not be offensive. I think you should get that kiss out of the way so you can be more comfortable around each other."

When Liz groaned, Gia burst into laughter.

Jason joined them. "I thought I'd rescue you."

While he was speaking to Elizabeth, Gia answered.

"Oh, thank you. She is relentless."

"Gia!" Liz said.

"Elizabeth has something to ask you," Gia said before practically running away.

Liz shook her head.

"What was that about?"

"You don't want to know."

He studied her for a moment. Her eyes are slightly glassy from the wine. "I think I do."

"I had to tell her that I was marrying you."

It's obvious she's uncomfortable because she's using her hands more.

"Okay." He isn't sure what the big deal is because Gia knows to be discrete.

"Fine. I'll tell you," she said before throwing her hands up. "She thinks we should kiss and get it out of the way." She didn't dare look at him and instead stared at the floor.

Jason smirked. "Really?" He took a step closer. "Is that what you want, Elizabeth?"

Her body jerked due to his tone, and she spun away.

His hand moved up her arm before he gripped it firmly and turned her. "Is it?" She is bright red.

"I—I never have."

Their gaze is locked as their souls do battle.

His hand slipped behind the nape of her neck to pull her closer. "Just do what feels right."

She nodded and then closed her eyes and then suddenly, there was air between them, and she almost lost her balance.

"I'm sorry, am I interrupting?" Helena said.

Elizabeth peeked around Jason and glared.

Jason cleared his throat and whispered, "I'll meet you in the gardens when you leave."

"Okay."

He spun on his heel and strode past Helena into the other room.

Helena smirked. "When I realized you were here, I only interrupted because people were behind me."

Elizabeth watched as several people moved into the area. "Thank you."

"Were you about to—"

"Yes."

Elizabeth's tone is so intense that Helena laughs long and hard.

"I'm sorry but find someplace more private to explore next time."

"I need more wine."

Helena shook her head. "I wouldn't do that if I were you."

"Why?"

"Because you'll want to remember every second of it."

Liz breathed out harshly. "Aye."

"Elizabeth?"

"Yea?"

"Everything will be different after it happens. It's a good thing not bad."

"I'll have to take your word for it."

"Aye. It will bring you closer and you'll truly start your journey to love."

Liz closed her eyes for a moment. "Suppose it's awful?"

"My dear, there is nothing awful about that man, but you can take the knife and get rid of him if he offends."

Liz giggled. "Thanks."

"Come on, the night is still young."

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIt

Johnny and Jason sipped their ale in the corner as they watched the festivities.

"Why do you seem all wound up?"

Jason shot him a look. "I'm not."

"I know you well. You are."

"I don't want to talk about it."

Johnny shook his head. "Jason, just tell me. You know I won't say anything."

Jason explains what happened with Gia and instantly regrets telling him what happened afterward when Johnny's face curves into a large grin.

"So, you're going to do it?"

"I can't back out now."

"Do you want to?"

Jason sighed heavily. "No."

"She's curious. It's a good thing."

"Yes and no."

"Explain." There's no telling what is going on in his head.

"I just need to focus, Johnny." Allowing his feelings to grow for her puts even more pressure on him.

"I get it, but you should nurture your relationship as well. It's just a kiss."

Jason shook his head. "Is it just a kiss with Georgie?"

Johnny smiled. "No."

"I'm awful at this."

"I don't think you are as bad as you think."

Jason took a long drink before eyeing his friend. "I guess time will tell." The physical part is not hard for him, but when you add feelings to it a field of thorns springs forth.

"I know what you're thinking, but if you take your time and let things grow, it won't be as hard as you think. You'll make mistakes, it's our nature, but you'll learn how to deal with it—together."

"I think I'm sweating."

Johnny laughed heartily. "Come on my friend, you need to go stretch and prepare."

Jason rolled his eyes as Johnny pulled him forward.

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Elizabeth rushed into her room. "Georgie, help."

Georgie followed her across the room. "What?"

"Give me a sprig of mint."

Georgie stopped in her tracks and then realized why she wanted it. "Holy moly." She rushed to retrieve some and delivered it as Elizabeth fought with her hair.

"How much time do we have?"

"Not long. He's probably already there and I don't want to keep him waiting."

Georgie grabbed her arms. "Take a deep breath. It will be okay."

"I'm nervous. Suppose I'm awful at it?" She hadn't felt this insecure for a long time.

"Elizabeth, you will rise to the occasion. It will be fine. Let him show you." Johnny had been so sweet and tender with her the first time and she swore her toes had curled.

Liz tried to calm herself and then took one last deep breath. "I can do this."

Georgie grinned. "Don't overthink it. Just feel."

"I can do that," Elizabeth said before rushing past her.

"I'll be waiting right here." There is no way she's going to bed.

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Jason paced back and forth wondering what was taking her so long. He spun when he heard someone rushing toward him and then Elizabeth appeared, tripped, and ended up in his arms.

Slowly, she opened her eyes when she realized she never hit the ground.

An amused Jason is grinning. "Hi."

"Hi."

"Do you always fall like this?"

He made sure she was stable before letting go.

"Only when I'm nervous."

"Relax," he said before moving her against him. When he began to rock like they were dancing, she held onto him as he lulled her into a relaxed state.

"This is nice," she said before wishing she had stayed silent.

"Aye." He pulled back to look at her. "Elizabeth, look at me."

She took a deep breath before their eyes met and then almost gasped. The look in his eyes was something she had never seen before and had no reference for. It made her feel so many things.

His hand slipped to her nape. "We'll go slow, okay?"

She nodded.

"I won't do anything you don't want to. Okay?"

"Okay."

"May I kiss you now?"

Her breath caught in her throat, so she nodded. It seemed like it took an eternity before his lips softly pressed against her. He retreated and pressed again and then, and when his tongue swiped across her lips, she jumped back.

He froze waiting for her to say something.

Her chest is heaving. "What—what are you doing?"

"I need you to trust me, please."

She shut her eyes to gather herself. "Okay." Her body felt so heightened, and she wasn't sure she could maintain control.

"Trust me."

He eased his hands against her face. "You're so beautiful."

She almost melted.

Slowly, he pressed his lips against hers again, building to more before flicking out his tongue which made her gasp, giving him an opening.

He tried to be gentle, but her lips were so perfect that his intensity increased until he heard a slight whimper and slowed it down again before giving her two more chase kisses and then pulling back.

When her eyes flew open, a tear rolled down her cheek leaving him stunned.

"Are you okay?"

She is beyond overwhelmed. That kiss was everything.

"Elizabeth."

When he moved forward, she took a step back.

"I—I don't know what to say."

When she continues to back up, he moves forward again. "Don't run from me. Please, talk to me."

She gulps in some air and then freezes.

Jason remains still waiting to see what she is going to do. She has him totally on edge.

Suddenly, she ran towards him, jumping into his arms, kissing him wildly and it was his turn to moan as the passion built, and then she was gone.

She had ripped herself away from him and then ran toward the castle as a shocked Jason was left to wonder what the hell had went wrong.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiI

Georgie jumped up when Liz ran into the room. She is surprised to see tears and stares as Liz catches her breath.

"I think I made a fool of myself."

"What's wrong?" She hugged Liz tightly to give her some support. "Was it awful?"

Liz shook her head. "No."

Georgie led her to a chair. "Tell me everything."

"He kissed me, and it was sinful."

Georgie grinned. "Go on."

"I jerked back when his tongue flicked out because I was shocked."

"Okay."

"He was very nice and asked me to trust him and we tried again. It was so amazing. I thought I was going to burst, and I was so overwhelmed when he pulled away that I wanted to run. I just—my body was feeling things I had no reference for."

Georgie gave her a minute to gather her thoughts.

"It was just so big, and I—"

"Elizabeth!" Georgie said. The wait is killing her.

"Sorry. I'm such a trollop."

Georgie is stunned. "What happened?" She can't imagine that Jason would take it that far.

"I jumped on him, and he caught me, and I kissed him—hard."

Georgie clapped her hands together. "And?"

"I ran."

"Holy Moly."

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Jason spent a few minutes pacing back and forth and then headed to the barn and took out one of the horses. He needed to go fast and get his head on straight. The last kiss was more than he was prepared for, and he is sure that Elizabeth feels the same, but he has no idea what to do next.

While he was lost in his thoughts, Georgie talked Elizabeth down.

"It sounds like it was fantastic."

"Georgie, it was—oh my heavens, you must want to kiss Johnny all the time."

Georgie chuckled. "Aye."

"Why did I wait so long?"

"It happened when it was supposed to."

"How can I face him?" She couldn't believe she had pounced on him.

"Go talk to him now. Don't let it fester. He's probably thinking he went too far."

"He didn't. I just—Georgie, will you help me find him?

She didn't have to ask Georgie twice. Her friend ran to find Johnny who went to talk to a few people.

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Liz had changed into a pair of pants and walked around her room. Every second that went by, she grew more anxious.

Georgie burst into the room, her chest heaving. "He went for a ride."

"Oh." She had not expected it.

"Go after him, Elizabeth. Johnny is waiting for you in the stables."

Liz took a deep breath and then hurried into the hallway.

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Elizabeth relished the wind as it caressed her skin. Her mare is going full speed, and she can't remember the last time she rode him hard.

Johnny had made her promise to turn around if anything went wrong because she had refused assistance. She knows the surrounding area like a book and has frequently gone to the lake area at the base of the mountain.

Jason was under the water freeing himself of the day's sweat and enjoying the freedom the water provided.

Elizabeth saw his horse and slowed.

At that moment, his head breached the water and Elizabeth held her breath at the sight. His body, what she could see of it is magnificent. He is lean but very muscular. When he wiped the water away from his eyes, their gaze locked, and she swore everything around her froze.

He can't believe she's there and has no idea what to make of it. Her face is blank but, in her eyes, he saw fire.

The mare grew restless and started to object to their pause snapping her out of her haze.

"Halt, Bronte."

Quickly she hopped off and watched as he neighed at the other horse and then took off.

"Bronte!"

Jason is grinning. "Does he always have that attitude?"

Liz put her hands on her hips. "No. He has been surly lately, probably because I haven't had time to ride him."

When Jason started to move forward, she gasped and turned around much to his delight. Knowing he got to her was making him puff out his chest a little more.

He got out, dried off, and put his pants on.

"You can turn around."

She did so and almost choked when his body came into view again.

His eyes danced merrily before putting on a fresh loose tunic. "Is everything okay?"

She nodded.

"About earlier…"

She held up her hand. "I'm sorry I attacked you and ran."

He grinned. "Your kind of attacks are always welcome."

She chuckled. "I feel like an idiot."

He moved in front of her. "You're not. I get it."

"You don't think I'm sordid?"

Her face turned slightly red, and he was mesmerized by it. His hand cupped her cheek. "No. We are to be married shortly. You never have to be shy with me. There is no judgment here."

Her eyes fluttered shut. "Thank you."

"I have to admit, your ambush was spectacular."

Her jaw dropped as her head jerked back. "I can't believe you're teasing me."

Jason shrugged. "I couldn't resist."

She shook her head. "I will never live that down, will I?"

"I'll think about it after I tease you a few more times."

"Fine."

"I'll make it up to you."

"How?"

He pretended to think for a moment. "Well, for one, I won't make you walk home."

She rolled her eyes. "Go on."

He leaned closer and his eyes slightly narrowed. Pausing momentarily, he eyed her soulfully and her eyes softened, so he knew he had permission.

The kiss was sweet and gentle, totally different from the last but just as good.

She couldn't believe how much he made her body respond so quickly, and when he retreated, she stared for quite a while.

"What's going on in that brain of yours?"

"I—do you feel as I do; like that was—everything?"

"Aye." It felt bigger than anything he had experienced before. "I don't have a reference for it either."

That made her feel more at ease.

She held out her hand and he squeezed it.

"Come on. We should head back."

To her astonishment, Bronte suddenly appeared.

Her eyes narrowed. "Were you scared I'd cut you up into tiny pieces?"

The horse neighed and then Johnny approached.

"Missing something?"

She shook her head. "Nope."

Johnny grinned. "He's sorry. He looked pitiful as he chowed down on some hay and had some refreshments."

Jason smiled.

As the horse approached Liz, she crossed her arms and they stood nose to nose.

Neither moved as Johnny laughed.

"That's not much of an apology," Liz said.

The horse nudged her and then leaned in for a hug.

Liz sighed. "Pain in the butt." She rubbed him a few times and then mounted it.

Jason hopped on his horse and then Johnny said, "The last one to the castle is a girl."

Liz glared as she urged her mare to move, and it took off. She laughed the whole way and at the last second, Jason made his move and barely beat her with Johnny coming up last.

Jason grinned at this friend. "Lady O'Brien has a nice ring to it."

"I'm never going to live this down."

"Nope," Liz said as they headed to the stables.