A/N Thanks for your patience! Things are moving along. Is it wrong that I hope they have killed off Sam for good on the show?
Chapter 13
The next day was spent preparing for the first round of parties. The seamstress brought dresses for Elizabeth to try on. Jason is helping them put some tents up outside so everyone can share in the festivities. Tiffany is going nuts trying to put the finishing touches on everything.
AJ rushed toward Elizabeth. "She's here."
Liz grinned. AJ looks flustered and scared. "Good. I finally get to meet her."
"I think you should look sad around me so I can get her sympathy."
"You are ridiculous."
"Too much?"
Liz giggled. "What am I going to do with you?"
"Break up with me in front of her?"
Liz bit her lip as Irina made her way inside.
Helena warmly embraced her daughter and then they headed toward Liz.
"If I stare and can't say anything, elbow me."
"I'm gonna elbow you alright."
Helena smiled. "Queen Elizabeth, this is my daughter Irina."
"It's very nice to meet you," Liz said.
"I've heard many good things," Irina said.
"Well, I've heard the same about you."
Irina's eyes shifted to AJ.
"Hello, Irina," AJ said softly.
She smirked. "Hello, AJ."
Helena's eyes narrowed which almost made Elizabeth laugh.
"I hear congratulations are in order."
AJ nodded.
"Well, of course, I wish you the best." She notes that AJ seems a bit more reserved than the last time she had seen him. Maybe it's because he will be King. While she thinks he is handsome, his reputation precedes him, making her unsure.
"AJ came up with a new design for the catapults. I don't know what we'd do without him."
"Ah. That's good news. Perhaps you could show me at some point. I'm always fascinated by weapons of war."
"Anytime," AJ said with a smile.
Helena grabbed her daughter's elbow. "Why don't I show you to your room?"
Irina nodded just as Jason moved toward them. He is probably more her type, but he is mostly standoffish, so she ignored him. At least AJ made her laugh. "Hello, Jason."
"Hello," he said as he moved closer. "I'm sorry for interrupting, but may I borrow my brother?"
AJ glanced at Elizabeth. "I shall see you later."
They left, so Liz followed Helena and Irina.
"What were those looks for?" Helena asked.
"I have no idea what you're talking about."
"I wasn't born yesterday."
Irina grinned. "I am aware of that."
Helena clucked under her breath.
Stefan entered the room, immediately spotted them, and held out his arms, so Irina ran ahead.
"Keep your fake soon-to-be husband on a better leash."
"Hmm… I don't know. I think they'd look good together." Liz is enjoying this a lot.
"Bite your tongue."
"What do you have against AJ?"
Helena muttered and then stopped. "He's breathing." She knows of his exploits and failures and is not impressed.
"He's trying. You must admit the catapult idea was great and he will be King. He understands the challenge and has matured."
"I'll believe it when I see it."
Liz sighed. "Would it be so bad for them to find love?"
Helena rolled her eyes. "She's too good for him."
"Probably but behind every great King is a fabulous Queen."
That made Helena chuckle. "Aye. Is he seriously interested?"
"Aye."
"Well then, I shall do my best to make him feel as uncomfortable as possible."
Liz shook her head.
"If he passes, I will consider letting him court her." It will be odd to be linked to Alan's kingdom but strategically it will bind them further.
Liz almost feels like praying for AJ due to Helena's wicked expression.
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Elizabeth went to the highest level of the castle and looked out on the land. Soon it will be damp with the blood of their enemy and her people.
"Are you okay?"
She spun around, surprised to see Jason move toward her.
"Georgie told me you came here and hinted that we could steal a moment."
Liz smiled. "Did she?"
"Aye."
She still isn't sure how to greet him or interact, so she leaves her hands at her sides.
"Time is moving quickly."
She nodded.
He stopped right in front of her. "You look—" he isn't sure how to put it, "—maybe nervous?"
"I—I'm unsure how to approach you or if affection is welcomed unsolicited."
He smirked. "I thought I already said you may kiss me at will."
She chuckled. "I'm sorry that I doubted you."
"You are forgiven," he said before gently kissing her.
"Thank you."
He held her against his chest. "In a few days, you're stuck with me."
She giggled. "Aye."
"Tell me how you see the world." He had watched her for several minutes before interrupting her thoughts.
She pulled back and held his gaze. "I don't think I've ever been asked that before."
"I want to get to know you better."
"Are you sizing me up?"
"I guess in a way. If I understand you more, I can give you what you need. Isn't that how it should work?"
She nodded, surprised that he was so insightful.
"I—I just want peace and for my people to flourish. We are but a tiny spec in this world. Everyone is important to me."
"Aye."
"What do you want?"
"I suppose in a way I've become a weapon of war. It's what I know and I'm good at. Peace has always alluded me."
"By becoming King, your level of fighting will greatly diminish."
He sighed. "I will just have to get used to it."
"Maybe you can find something you like to do."
"I do like working with my hands. I don't want to just sit on a throne. I'd go crazy."
"I agree. You can still work with training the army and keeping them up to task."
"True." He shifted for a moment. "Do you want children, Elizabeth?" It's expected, but he'll never do anything that makes her uncomfortable.
Her gaze dropped as she mulled it over. "I guess it's something I don't dwell on, but I think so. It's a way I can carry on my parent's legacy and the love of a child is so pure." Having children can be dangerous, so it does scare her a little.
"Aye."
"And you?"
"It scares me as well, but I wouldn't deny you. It will be a new adventure."
She smiled. "Well, in that case, we will follow whatever direction the wind takes us."
"I like that."
They spent a few more minutes in an embrace before heading back.
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Elizabeth's eyes are swimming in tears as she observes Johnny and Georgie dancing. He had suddenly decided to embarrass her, cheered on by the men, as his body contorted in ways no one had seen before.
Jason snuck a few glances at her and chuckled.
Gia grinned. "You can't help but look. It's good that you only have a few days left for this farce."
"Aye."
"I'm happy for you both."
"Thank you."
"I hope you can tolerate me visiting from time to time."
Jason chuckled. "You are taken with her too?"
"Aye." She laughed. It's not normal for her to get along with women, but Elizabeth didn't judge and was immediately receptive. There was no jealousy or ill thoughts, so she accepted the gift that her friendship brought.
He glanced toward the dancefloor and spotted Stavros moving toward them. "I'm not a fan of dancing, but if you need assistance…"
Gia followed his gaze and laughter burst from her mouth again. "Are you scared of his intentions?"
"Aye. He looks pompous and full of himself."
She had tears in her eyes.
Elizabeth snuck a look and chuckled.
"What?" Francis asked as they danced.
"Jason looks pained, and Gia is laughing hard."
Francis eyed them and grinned. "Look who's moving closer."
Liz noticed Stavros. "Ah, now it makes sense."
Jason sighed. "Good luck with that."
"He is rather hot," Gia said openly admiring him.
When Jason shuttered, she lost it again.
Stavros is stunned because Jason isn't known to be funny. Immediately, his jealousy rose but then fell because Jason's demeanor was not flirtatious. Quickly, he dodged several people to reach the table.
"Good evening, Lady Gia."
She wiped at her eyes. "Good evening. Please excuse the tears. I didn't realize Jason is so funny."
Stavros's brow rose.
"You'll just have to trust me," she said after she giggled.
"May I have the pleasure of a dance?"
She rose. "Aye."
When she left, Emily plopped beside her brother and was pleased when he handed her a drink.
"Thanks."
He nodded.
'What were you too talking about? It's quite the scandal right now." Everyone is talking about his interaction with Gia."
He shrugged.
"Mom and Dad arrived before dinner but ate in their room."
"They are probably tired."
"Aye."
"I filled them in about AJ and the catapults and father was impressed."
"That's good." He will mention it too. AJ's success will benefit all.
She kissed him on the cheek.
"What was that for?"
"I'm proud of you for encouraging him."
"It's what I should do."
"Aye, but he didn't give you a reason to." Their relationship has always been complex, so getting along so well is exciting.
Jason shifted uncomfortably making his sister chuckle.
"You are the worst at taking praise."
"Aye." He doesn't like that kind of attention or being the focus. His brother deserves praise for his invention.
Johnny ran over to them, grabbed Emily's hand, and whisked her off.
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The next morning, Monica and Alan joined everyone for breakfast.
Monica and Elizabeth hugged before they sat.
"How was your trip?" Liz asked.
Monica made a noise. "Long carriage rides are not my cup of tea."
"That is why I choose to ride my mare."
"I'm too old for that, but I used to love it."
"Where does Emily get her horse issues from?"
A gasp came from Emily making Elizabeth giggle.
Monica grinned. "Her Aunt Tracy."
AJ laughed.
"Ah, the infamous Aunt Tracy? When do I get to meet her?"
Jason almost choked on his drink.
"What?"
"Let's just say Tracy is an acquired taste. She is far away so can't attend the wedding," Alan said.
Nicholas perked up because Robin entered the room. She smiled when she spotted him.
Elizabeth knows her so they share a hug.
"Congratulations."
"Thanks."
Robin is surprised about AJ and Elizabeth but also understands the circumstances. She took a seat next to Nikolas.
Monica and Tiffany discuss what is left to do while everyone chats until Jason groans when Claudia, John, and Anthony move forward.
Jason is just relieved there are no seats across or next to him.
John acknowledges Jason who nods, and they sit at the other end of the table. Robert and Anna arrive next.
The next few days will be a joyous celebration.
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Sonny paced back and forth in his room. There is lots to be done still but the need to scourge Guildenhall from the earth is at a high.
Sam handed him a glass. "This will calm you."
"I'm not nervous."
"I know. You are just eager to conquer."
Sonny nodded and then drank the strong liquid. "Have they located Jason?"
"Not yet. They appear to be hiding him." Their scouts had gone up north where Jason was supposedly fighting.
"Anything else?"
"Our spies say there will be a celebration in a few days. However, I don't know the occasion."
Sonny put the glass down. "We shall strike in four days to catch them off guard." They'll need the extra day for travel.
"We will use tomorrow to pack rations up and then move at nightfall." It will take a few days to get there.
They already know the lay of the land, so they will be ready to go upon sight of the castle.
"If something should happen to me, put the other plan into place. One way or another, Guildenhall will be destroyed. I prefer them bowing at my feet before they are slaughtered though."
She kissed him passionately. "I love it when you smolder."
He lifted her and headed toward the bed with a lot on his mind.
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Jason, Johnny, Jagger, AJ, Francis, and a few Kings met in a private room.
"Who else is coming?" Francis asked.
"King Spencer has arrived as well," Johnny said. Unfortunately, he brought his son.
"The Cassadines should be here any minute.
On cue, Helena, Nikolas, Stavros, and Stefan entered the room.
Helena took a seat next to Elizabeth.
Shortly after that, Luke and Lucky strode into the room.
Greetings are made and then they get down to business.
Jason cleared his throat. "We believe he will start moving tomorrow. At least that is what I would do."
"Aye," Robert said.
"On the morrow, we send our lookout men to keep an eye on them," Sean said.
"On the other side of the mountain, we will move men into position so they can come up from behind," AJ added.
"Are we attacking them while they sleep?" Helena asked.
Jason smirked. "Aye."
"Good. We need to keep them guessing."
"If they try to fight back, they'll lose even more men," Stavros said. The one thing he likes about Jason is that he's willing to be ruthless. They took advantage of one hill because there had been a slide on top. If catapults were used against them, they could press against the hill, and objects would probably fly over them.
"I brought a few hand canons and gunpowder," Luke said. Several times a year he goes on adventures to acquire things.
"Excellent." That is used at closer range, but they could set up some stations to the side to offer protection. "We brought extra powder as well for the arrows." It will allow the fire to stay lit until it reaches the target. Mrs. Wu had also left a canon which they will use to spray shot and shrapnel at the enemy should they get closer.
They hope that once they stop the torrent of weapons and fire on the initial assault, the barbarians will back down a little since it's nighttime. Should they attack further, they will be in for a rude surprise. Various traps have been set around the mountain. Tar has already been laid in several areas which can be lit on fire. Rags have been soaked with oil and littered across the fields so they can be set afire too. Pointed pieces of wood were driven into the ground surrounding the castle and several trenches were dug and covered to serve as traps. The Barbarians might have more men, but the ingenuity of the kingdoms is about to surprise their enemy.
"What about Elizabeth's safety?" Alan asked.
"We have it covered," Jason said. Alan is impressed by how thorough they are being.
"Good. With that said, I want to have the wedding tomorrow afternoon instead."
"Why?" Elizabeth asked.
"Thursday, we will need to do the coronation."
No one spoke. Everyone understands that it needs to happen before the battle, but they didn't realize it would be a public affair.
"The people deserve to be a part of it. We're already not being forthcoming. They can process everything overnight and then first thing in the morning, we will do the coronation. Everyone not fighting will then take leave." They have long journeys and need to be home by nightfall. He glanced at Elizabeth. "Is that alright?
Liz and Jason locked gazes. "I suppose we can move things around." She is a little overwhelmed. It will change the course of her plans, but she understands the urgency. "
Helena cleared her throat. "People will be surprised. However, they have come to respect Jason. You can hold a lottery for those who can be in the chapel." With the number of soldiers and townspeople gathered, there is no way everyone will fit inside.
Tiffany sighs. "Alright, we'll make the announcement tonight." The staff will probably be up very late to make this happen.
Helena leaned over to whisper to Elizabeth while other side conversations commenced. "Tiffany looks like she's going to be ill. Perhaps we should get her a drink to calm her nerves."
Liz grinned. "I already saw her gulp one."
Helena chuckled. "Are you ready?"
"Aye."
When Liz slightly blushed, Helena's grin grew wider.
"I assume you've made some headway?"
"Aye."
"That is good news."
"We are doing well."
Helena grinned. All things are coming together indeed.