A/N – Thanks for hanging in there. I've been pretty sick for the last few weeks, but I am finally coming around. Stay safe out there.

Chapter 20

Karen cleansed Jason's wound again. His head is no longer bleeding, and the wound still looks angry, making her wonder if the infection will end up taking him.

When they hear some grunts from outside where Silas is checking the perimeter, the Priest goes out to check and watches as Silas kills a barbarian.

"Are there more?" They don't have enough weapons to deal with that.

"No. He probably was trying to escape."

"There could be more."

Silas sighed heavily. "Aye. I will stay on watch. We'll take turns."

The priest went back inside.

"What's going on?" Karen asked.

"Someone was lost, and Silas sent him down below where he belongs."

She smirked. "There might be more to come."

"Silas is handling it."

She sighed, knowing how exhausted everyone was and wondering if they had chosen the wrong place to lay low.

"You worry too much."

"Aye, but it has never failed me."

He nodded. "Are you hungry?"

She shrugged.

"I'm going to go look and see what I can find."

"Okay."

She stared at the man who could bring much danger. He had saved her when no one else cared what happened to her. To this day, she has nightmares of what the barbarians did to her and her people. It's not something you get over easily. Her body was not her own, and they took whatever innocence she had, making her feel that no man would want her. She has been given another chance and hopes Guildenhall will be her refuge.

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Alan is going crazy waiting for news, when he finally sees a winded guard stumble into the meeting room, he raises his hand to quiet everyone.

AJ tenses as he watches. If anything happens to his brother, he doesn't think his mother will survive.

"What have you found?"

The man is almost shaking, knowing the King will not be pleased. "Your Majesty, I'm afraid there is no sign of him anywhere. They fear he has been taken."

Alan is dumbfounded.

AJ clears his throat. "What else?"

"He did rid us of Sonny, but he may be injured. They are about to send out men to search."

"And Elizabeth?"

"She is well, but a man named Manny almost kidnapped her. Prince Stavros saved her."

AJ and Alan glance at each other. All those in the room know the story of how Queen Elizabeth's family was slaughtered and what Manny had done.

A priest stood. "I will go say some prayers. We mustn't give up hope."

"Is that all?"

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"You may go."

He hurried off, motioning for one of the guards so he could send him to get the Queen.

AJ got up and looked out the window. "I feel in my soul that he is alive."

"Aye. No other answer will do."

Now, he must tell his wife what has happened.

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The search group went to the last place Jason was seen and studied the area. Unfortunately, the fire had done some damage, but there were some drag marks.

"They went in that direction," Stavros said.

"Aye," Jagger said before noting the area next to it. "Horses…"

Johnny eyed the woods. "If it were me and I knew that barbarians were around, I would go into the woods."

Stavros looked in that direction. "True." He mounted his horse. "We'll go in that direction for a spell and see if we find anything."

They don't know what they'll find but are prepared for battle. Hopefully, the barbarians hadn't taken him because they would surely kill him for bragging rights. It just doesn't feel like that is the case.

The carriage caught up to them.

"We're going into the woods. Take the outer trail and meet us on the other side. Just hold by the woods until we signal you to come"

The man nodded and took off. It's a longer route but an easier journey.

Jagger got on his horse and caught up with Stavros to develop a plan.

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Elizabeth is shocked when Helena enters Jason's room.

"You can stop staring with your mouth open and greet me properly," Helena said.

Liz jumped off the bed and was quickly swallowed up in a hug.

"I'd ask how you are doing, but my guess is not well."

"I'm scared."

Helena nodded. "He is tough and will fight to get back to you."

Liz turned and moved to the window. "He's out there somewhere, possibly being tortured, and I feel helpless standing here surrounded by walls and comforts."

Helena moved next to her. "What is your gut feeling?"

"He's alive."

"Good. Have you been resting?"

Liz shook her head. "Unfortunately, sleep evades me."

Helena held out her hand, which Liz grasped. "Come, lay down. I will have Georgie bring water to make tea to help you sleep soundly. If we get word before you rise, I will wake you."

"Okay," Liz said before getting under the covers. "Thank you for coming." She needed the support more than she realized. Having someone strong like Helena around her is more than helpful. It makes her want to be strong.

After watching Liz, Helena went to the door and gave a handmaid some instructions. Tea is just what Elizabeth needs to relax.

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A few hours later, Monica and Alan rushed inside the castle. "Any word?" Monica had been distraught when Alan broke the news and insisted on returning to Guildenhall. AJ stayed so he could take care of things.

Stefan moves to greet them. "No, I'm afraid not." Monica looks exhausted and worried, and Alan is sullen. "The search group left over an hour ago. I don't think whoever took him made it far. We should have news soon."

Monica says a silent prayer.

"What are you doing here?" Alan asked as he realized the oddity.

Stefan smiled. "My mother is Elizabeth's biggest fan."

Alan's face softened. "It gives me pause." Helena is usually not so caring.

Stefan chuckled. "I keep waiting for it to wear off, but she is still taken."

"And to think, it only took a tiny woman to conquer her ill countenance," Irina said as she approached them. "Hello, Your Majesty's."

"It's good to see you," Monica said before embracing her.

Irina nodded.

"What is going on?" People are rushing around every which way.

"There are a lot of injured. It's overwhelming, but everyone is trying to assist."

Monica pushed her shoulders back. "I shall change and join you." It will take her mind off Jason, and her help is needed.

Irina smiled. "Thank you. I'll have someone meet you at your room and guide you to the room."

Monica hurried off as her things were brought in from the carriage.

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At the edge of the woods, the search group stopped. They could see there a town up ahead.

"The area was destroyed by the Salinians. Supposedly, most were killed," Jagger said.

"What do you want to do?" Johnny asked.

"I think we should wait until dusk. Remain still and look for any movement. Storming them could cause harm to Jason. We wait. If you see movement, snap your finger. One snap is the left, and two is the right," Stavros said.

"We'll slowly advance and overcome. Do not engage unless you have to," Jagger added.

The men tied the horses down and waited.

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Silas sighed. Another day is passing with no sight of the King's guards. Jason was still not responding but was alive. Tomorrow, they will attempt to travel.

"Where are you going?" Karen asked.

Silas motioned toward the door with his head. "I want to check out the area before the sun goes down."

"Be careful."

He nodded and left.

"You should rest," the priest said.

"I know, but—"

"Karen, you're exhausted, and we will probably have to move tomorrow."

She sighed as she wiped Jason's brow. "Okay."

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Stavros's brow narrowed as he watched a man leave a shack. He's convinced that it's where Jason is being held, but they don't know how many others are around. None of this makes sense. He motioned for Jagger.

"Send two men to grab him. I'm going for the shack."

"Aye."

Johnny moved towards him. "I'm coming with you."

"Keep up," Stavros said as he navigated around a tree." The other men pointed arrows at the shack and the man.

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When Silas turned to go around the house and found an arrow pointed at his head, he was stunned.

"Who are you?" Jagger asked.

"Silas. I mean no harm."

"Where is he?"

They heard a yelp from within the shack, so Jagger knew Stavros was inside.

"In the house."

"Why?"

Silas sighed. "Karen insisted we help him. There was a battle not too long ago. Prince Jason was captured, and Karen helped him."

Jagger nodded. It was the story Jason had told them. "Why here?"

"It wasn't far from the castle, and we thought it would be safe temporarily. If you hadn't come, we would have tried to make it to the castle tomorrow."

"He's still alive?"

"Aye."

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When Stavros burst into the shack, Karen leaped up and put her body over Jason to protect him. The priest held his hands up, and Johnny gasped and ran to Jason's side.

"We were sent by the Queen," he said as Karen tentatively moved. "What's wrong with him?"

"He was hit over the head and has cut. I treated it as best I could, but he has not awakened."

Johnny put his fingers against Jason's throat, making sure that he was still alive, and was pleased when he felt his pulse. "You didn't kill him?"

She frowned. "I would do no such thing. He saved me once. I guess we saved each other. The barbarians had captured him, and I helped him survive."

Johnny is stunned. "Why were you in the area?" Life had taught him to question everything.

"There wasn't much left of my village, and after hearing about Jason's, I thought I could start over there."

Jagger watches her, wondering if they can trust her.

Stavros shifted his stance. "We'll leave at first light." It's too dangerous to leave at night. They are on a hill, and God knows if there are more barbarians lurking about.

The other men moved closer, and Silas was brought inside and shoved down against the wall.

Johnny motioned for Karen to sit next to Silas.

"Please let me stay and help him."

Johnny eyed Stavros, who nodded. "Stand, please."

She did, and he made sure she had no weapons.

"I truly mean him no harm."

She returned to Jason and looked at his wound. "I need to retrieve some water."

Jagger moved toward the door and then held it open.

She followed him outside and then pointed to the well.

"You are not at all what I expected."

She smiled. "Jason is important to me, and I'm sure he is missed."

"Aye. I'm Jagger."

"Karen…"

She filled the pottery she was carrying, and Jagger insisted on carrying it.

"Jason is married to the Queen of Guildenhall now."

She is surprised. "Wow. That is unexpected."

"Aye. It's complicated."

"Are the kingdoms merged?"

"No. I'm sure she will want to meet you. Maybe you can stay around and see if you'll like there." She is quite pleasing to the eye and seems very nice.

She eyed him for a moment. He's very handsome. "I won't make any hasty moves, but I would kill for a proper bed."

He grinned. "I'm sure that can be arranged."

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Monica entered the room just as Elizabeth stirred.

Elizabeth focused, first spotting Helena at the window before noticing Monica.

"Hello. We came as soon as we heard."

"I understand."

They embraced.

"Have faith. Jason is strong."

Elizabeth's eyes pricked with tears. "He's not invincible."

"He likes to think so."

"Aye. I want him back and safe."

"We all do. Have you eaten?"

She shook her head. "I will have Georgie bring you some soup."

"Thank you." Arguing would be rebuffed, and she needs to be strong for her husband.

"I'm going to go check with Stefan. I shall return shortly."

Elizabeth watched her leave.

"I'm glad she was here for you." While she still doesn't fully understand Helena, the fact that she supported Elizabeth meant a lot.

"It's still hard to believe she likes me so."

Monica turned toward Elizabeth. "Aye. You are good at taming beasts."

Liz's jaw dropped. "Are you insulting your son?"

Monica smiled. "Aye. Some beasts have beautiful hearts."

Liz nodded. "If they found him, they won't return until morning."

"They will find him. I should check on Francis."

"I saw him on my way up here. He was directing the guard."

She is so grateful that he's okay. "I guess we wait."

Monica sat in a chair. "And pray."

Elizabeth closed her eyes, said a prayer, and then exhaled loudly. It will probably be the longest night of her life.

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Ric eyed his brother's body. Grief is not what he is feeling. Sonny got himself killed, so now everything will be his. He'll make Sam's father see his value.

Sam sniffed. "What now?" Her father was far away, and the army was decimated.

"I'll handle things. They are burying the dead in a mass grave." Most of the fighters came from various lands and were alone.

While she is upset she lost her toy, Ric is easy on the eyes, too.

"I'll arrange for his burial."

Ric nodded. "Princess?"

"Yes?"

"I know I'm not him, but I will take care of you for as long as you'll have me." He can't wait to take her to bed.

"Thank you."

She hurried off as Ric went to his room. When he opened the door, he was surprised to find someone inside. "What are you doing here?"

"Sonny promised me a lot of money if I helped him, and I plan on keeping my end of the bargain."

"What could you possibly have that he wanted?"

"I can get into the castle and take Elizabeth."

Ric's brow raised.

"I know how to access the tunnels and her basic schedule. Sonny was willing to pay me a lot."

Ric smirked. "How much?"

The man spouted some numbers, making Ric whistle.

"That's a lot."

"Aye, but it's worth it. If you take her, Jason will follow. With him dead, you can rebuild the army and finally take Guildenhall."

Ric likes the sound of it, and since he doesn't have to lift a finger, it's perfect. "You have a deal."

They shook on it, and then the man turned to leave. "I'll be in touch."

"How fast?"

"We must let things settle for a while. People will grow lax. I will send word when the time is right."

"I am not the most patient man, but it will be worth the wait."