A/N – Thanks for sticking with this one. I hope the holidays were kind to everyone. I apologize for my absence but I had a lot going on. I hope everyone is safe. I took some liberties with the King Consort title since this is my fake world. In reality, he'd be Prince Consort.

Chapter 17

Jason lay still as the sun began to rise. He had slept on and off, but the battle about to be fought was weighing heavily on his mind. Elizabeth is curled against him, and he must admit, it pleased him greatly. Loneliness is something he had learned to live with. Normally, royal couples have separate bedrooms, but he doesn't think he's okay with that. They are stronger together. Most feel you rest better on your own, but when he slept, it was more peaceful than normal with her beside him.

She slightly stirred and he observed as she started to move. A slightly pleased moan left her lips.

"Good morning."

Her eyes sprung open and a smile graced her face. "Good morning."

"Are you okay?"

"Yes." She felt as though she could still feel him inside her. "I may be a little sore."

"We have a lot to do today, a nice bath might be in order."

"Aye." She sat up and stretched.

Jason got up and pulled on his underwear and then pants.

He handed her the robe. "Sorry that I ripped your gown."

She smirked. "I'm not."

A smile lit up his face. "You are full of surprises."

"You have brought something out inside me that can't be taken back."

"I am fine with that. I have something to ask you."

She noted his seriousness and gave him her full attention.

"Are you sure you are okay with me being called King?" It is not the norm. While he won't have power, the title would imply that he does since being a King is considered superior to that of a Queen.

"Yes. Not only would you have been King of Mayvn, but we need some normalcy. I am traditional in one sense. While I may be the face of the monarchy, you will take the lead in family matters. It's a lot of pressure to lead a country and a family, so I don't want to do everything. You are more than capable. When we are together like this, we are just husband and wife. Is that pleasing to you?"

"Aye."

"And I will welcome your guidance in decision-making. We do this together."

"I will do my best."

She smiled. "We can figure it out along the way. Should something happen to me, it is written that our eldest child will succeed to the throne. However, if we have no children, since I have no other family alive, even distantly, it has been decided that you will be King proper."

He didn't even want to think about it, but he nodded.

There is a knock on the door and then it slightly opened.

"Shall I run you a bath, Your Majesty?" Georgie said quietly.

"Aye. I will be right there."

When the door shut, Jason pulled her against him, and they embraced for a long moment.

"I'll see you soon," Jason said.

"Okay." She retreated, taking one more lingering look before leaving.

He turned and stared at the bed, sighing heavily. Their union is hard to put out of his mind, but he needs to prepare for the coronation. Luckily, since he is a consort, it's a less elaborate ceremony.

He watched as water was brought in for a bath and then sighed.

IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiI

Georgie waited until they were alone and then grinned. "So?"

Liz blushed. "It was otherworldly."

"I knew it would be. I can't wait until after this war is done to hear Johnny's intentions." He comprises most of her thoughts.

"I'm sure you will approve."

"Aye."

"How is the mood?"

Georgie started getting her coronation garments ready. "I would say people are scared but hopeful."

"Good." Sometimes fear is a great motivation.

"Last night was very eventful."

"Do tell."

Georgie chuckled. "I witnessed a very close moment between Irina and AJ."

"Splendid."

"And Gia kissed Stavros."

Liz's eyes snapped open as she soaked in the water. "Really?"

"Aye. It was quite scandalous."

"I admire her command of the situation."

"I could be wrong, but Helena seemed pleased."

"Gia is a formidable woman. Stavros would be lucky to have her by his side."

"Well, it will be interesting since Stefan declined the throne, Stavros is the next in line."

Georgie put her dress behind the changing curtain.

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Alan entered Jason's room. "You look good."

"Thanks."

Alan grinned due to the pained look on Jason's face. "It's not that bad. You won't have to wear a crown."

"The robes are bad enough."

Monica had already had it made in anticipation. It was velvet and trimmed with ermine.

"It's not that bad."

"I guess."

"My coronation was hours. Yours should be much faster."

"Thank God."

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Elizabeth observed as her crown was placed on her head. Thankfully, she only had to wear it on special occasions. Flaunting wealth and position gives her no satisfaction, but traditions can not be ignored.

"You look beautiful," Monica said moving forward.

"Thank you."

"Are you nervous?"

"I'm more nervous about the battle."

Monica nodded. "I will warn you that Jason will probably take leave after the ceremony to prepare."

"What does that mean?"

"He needs to focus and get into the fighting mindset."

"I suppose that's understandable." She understood that fighters usually had to turn off their emotions, but she wished they could spend more time together.

Monica patted her hand. "Have faith." She understood the mixed emotions Elizabeth must have. Every time Jason went off to war, her heart sank.

"Hopefully, there will be some peace after this."

"I pray that as well." War is a necessary evil, but it has been relied on too much and has cost every kingdom greatly.

"I'm ready."

She slowly turned around fully prepared to embrace the future.

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Jason recited his pledge to Elizabeth and accepted his new role as King Consort. The entire ceremony was a little over a half hour. Once it was completed, they appeared on a balcony.

Cheers filled the air as they waved.

Elizabeth held up her hand to quiet them. "Thank you for officially welcoming King Jason to our fold."

The cheers loudly permeated around them.

Her hand rose again. "We are on the brink of war, and I want you to know that I appreciate your sacrifices. They have tried to rid the world of Guildenhall, but we will always fight for freedom, peace, and a better life for all."

Cheers resounded again and then she looked at Jason for a moment and he held up his hand.

"I will do my best to protect Guildenhall, and support our Queen in any way necessary. You have my loyalty, and under her rule, we will flourish. Tomorrow, we fight for our existence. Go home and spend a while with your families, and pray that winning is in our favor."

Sean stepped forward. "To Guildenhall!"

Everyone chanted as Elizabeth took a moment to take it all in. This could be the last time they gather like this, which is hard to accept.

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Once they had moved inside, servants took their robes and her crown, and they were glad to be relieved of the heavy clothing.

"Monica explained that you need to leave and prepare. While I understand, I will miss your presence."

He moved into a side room for privacy. "I will miss you as well. Please do everything Francis and Stavros tell you if you need to flee."

"I will."

When tears pricked her eyes, he dropped her hands and held her face, gazing at her for a long moment before kissing her soundly. It quickly grew passionate before he finally retreated to catch his breath.

"Please be careful."

"I will do my best to return to you."

Her arms flew around his neck as she stood on her toes and kissed him with everything she had.

He gripped her body and slightly lifted her to gain a better angle. Their tongues dueled as they torridly kissed.

"Elizabeth…"

Her eyes shut as she slipped down his body. "I know…"

He was surprised when she handed him a small handkerchief, lifting his hand so he could smell it.

"Lavendar?"

"Aye. It will remind you of me and it's calming."

"Thank you."

She took a step backward. "See you later."

He nodded. "See you later."

After he disappeared, she let her tears flow.

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Jaggar knelt on the side of a mountain. The wedding was hard for him, but he finally had closure. For now, he will concentrate on the battle at hand. If they can strike hard in the dead of night, it will give them a big advantage.

For now, they wait for the enemy to set up their camp and later, they take out as many as they can.

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Monica was in tears after she left her son. Alan did his best to assure her, but she couldn't be consoled. Emotionally, she is exhausted and hopes Jason will be well-rested and ready for battle.

AJ helped Emily into the carriage and then turned to nod at his father. It's not good for them to travel altogether. They had learned from the mistakes made before. AJ got inside.

"Everything will be different now."

"I know."

"Are you ready for it?"

He nodded. "I feel stronger than I did before. Jason had my back and Irina…"

Emily grinned. "I like her."

"Good. If I am lucky enough to ask for her hand and she accepts, then she'll need an ally."

"I think mom likes her too."

AJ smirked. His mother is a romantic. "And dad?"

A slow grin eased back onto her face. "She's a Cassadine, so that gives him pause."

"She will make a fine Queen though. She's smart and will help me not to make stupid decisions."

Emily chuckled. "Wait until they find out I like John."

AJ gagged. "Why, Emily?"

"He's handsome, his smile lights up my world, and he has a great sense of humor."

"I don't think the rest of us have your warped vision."

She punched him in the arm.

"Ow."

"You deserve that."

"How dare you hit the future king."

She laughed heartily. "You will always be my brother first. It would be good to remember that.'

He shook his head. "I have a dungeon made especially for him."

She clucked her tongue. "You will do no such thing, or I will tell Irina about some of your questionable dalliances."

His eyes narrowed. "You wouldn't."

"Oh, I most certainly would."

"Evil…"

"Mother taught me well."

Inside, he is proud of her but wishes she had better taste.

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Jason sat on a hill scanning the land to ensure their enemy wasn't encroaching.

Johnny plopped next to him.

"I hate war," Jason said quietly. Most would think that wasn't the cause since he is so good at fighting.

Johnny sat quietly, letting Jason process and get out his frustrations if needed. Every time they fight, they hope it's the last time.

"It must feel different since you have something more to look forward to."

"Aye." Elizabeth had come out of left field, but now he has more hope for the future. "I don't want to let her down."

"You won't."

Jason sighed heavily. "I hate the smell of death in the air. Hopefully, it will be more them than us."

Johnny nodded.

"I want Sonny."

"I know. I just don't want you to die doing it."

A flash of anger contorted Jason's face. "You think that ass can beat me?"

"No, but he can distract you."

"My senses will protect me."

"Let us help you, Jason."

He rolled his shoulders. "I mean it."

Jason gave a curt nod. "We will hear the attack from here. Get a second line of defense ready in case they surge."

"Aye."

It's not likely, but he won't take any chances.

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Jagger watched as night fell and various fires lit up the sky. Tar had been splattered all over the fields in preparation and would greatly aid their quest. They had caked the smaller catapults with mud to help resist the fire. Wool was also used because it's difficult to light, especially on their barriers. Barrels of water were scattered on the roof of the castle to put out any fires. There isn't much wood up there aside from arrows and the barrels. They had done their best to protect Elizabeth and those fighting with her.

After the stroke of midnight, he motioned for everyone to take their positions. Holding his hand up, he sliced his arm downward, and a hail of fiery arrows lit up the night over the camp as spotters yelled a warning. As they struggled to awaken, fire lit up tents in the front and soon balls of steel rained down on them, crushing those in their wake. Screams of pain filled the air as those uninjured reached for weapons, but the men had already retreated, quickly going into the woods as the hillside protected them. Hopefully, they will waste lots of ammunition.

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Helena sighed as she got into bed. The journey always exhausted her to the bone. She had made Stavros promise once again that he would protect Elizabeth. She recalled the conversation.

"I will, but it will cost you."

For the first time in ages, her jaw dropped.

With a wry grin, he said one word, "Gia", and Helena rolled her eyes.

"Fine." She could work with Gia, but AJ is still giving her pause.

"I'd ask you to shake on it, but I value my fingers."

A sigh left her lips. "Maybe I should have sent you to live with Natasha, so your sarcasm would be kept in check. He gets it honestly, but sometimes, she wants to throttle him.

He considered that for a moment. While the woman is his half-sister, she is nuttier than an almond. Father had sent her away, so his mother didn't stab him in his sleep. She was sent to their castle in Kievan Rus. Thankfully, she suffered from some mental affliction and didn't like leaving the grounds.

"That would have been interesting, but I don't think it would have primed me to be King."

"True, but sometimes, when you anger me, I dream of it."

He chuckled. "If you would like to visit…"

"Bite your tongue."

Her children are going to be the end of her. That much is sure.

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Elizabeth quickly crept into Jason's room. While she will always try to respect his wishes, being apart on the eve of battle was a deal breaker.

He knew the instant she moved forward, already keen on her gait. Making sure to keep still, he waited to see what she'd do.

After stepping on a small riser, she whispered, "Sleep well, my husband. "I believe in you, so be safe."

Her lips lightly brushed against his forehead. She retreated trying to figure out how to climb over his body without waking him.

"What are you doing?"

She yelped and almost fell back but he was quicker and pulled her on top of him.

"Hi."

He smirked. "Hi."

She wiggled next to him and got under the covers.

"Elizabeth…"

"You said you sleep better with me at your side, and I will feel better knowing you are well-rested."

"So, you thought tempting me would knock me out?"

She blushed as she giggled. "Just sleep, Jason."

"Fine."

Temptation will occur upon his return. She snuggled against him as a pleased sigh left her lips, and her eyes shut when she found her sweet spot. "I know you will be gone before I wake. Just know that I'm always with you."

"And I, you."

Before long, they finally dozed off with the war heavy on their minds.