A/N – Sorry everyone, work is kicking my butt

Chapter 21

The men carefully laid Jason on the floor of the carriage. It won't be the most comfortable ride, but it will have to do.

"May I ride with him?" Karen said softly.

Johnny, Jaggar, and Stavros communicated silently before nodding.

"Thank you." She settled and then put Jason's head on her lap to try and absorb any jarring.

Jaggar slipped inside and Johnny and Stavros rode their horses. He perused Jason with a frown.

"What's wrong?"

"His coloring looks all wrong."

Karen eyed Jason. "It will return; he just needs nutrients. I hope they can get him to wake up."

"My mom always said that sleep is good for healing."

"Aye. Rest is good."

"Do you have any family left?"

She shook her head. "No. We were the last from our village. I have such fond memories. Fortunately, they can never be taken away." Her attention went to him. "How about you?"

He shook his head. "None. Elizabeth has been very good to me and her father was before he was killed."

"What is she like?" She had heard many good things and the younger woman intrigued her.

He smiled fondly. "She's smart, beautiful, and fair."

Her eyes narrowed. "Did you fancy her?"

He sighed. "Aye, but she was never mine."

She understands unrequited love. "It must have been difficult for you to see her with Jason."

"It was. I even considered leaving."

She wonders if Elizabeth knew of his love. "But now?"

His eyes danced wickedly. "I may have to stick around."

She smiled. "Aye." So far, she thinks he's very nice and handsome. It has been a long time since she flirted with love. Maybe change doesn't have to be such a bad thing.

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When Stavros came into view leading the caravan, Irina ran back inside the castle to get Elizabeth.

She quickly ran into the courtyard and waited for them to get closer.

Helena approached them. "Breathe, Elizabeth."

She let out the breath she was holding. Her stomach is turning as she waits.

Stavros dismounted and handed the reins to a servant. "He's alive."

Elizabeth shocked him by hugging him. "Thank you."

"A woman had been tending to him. Apparently, she helped him when the barbarians took him."

Liz is surprised but remembers Jason mentioning her when he told the story.

At this point, Elizabeth felt faint as she finally caught a glimpse of the carriage. Stavros waited to ensure she was steady before turning to face his girl.

Gia pulled Stavros inside. "I need to feed you." He looks tired but very handsome.

He smirked. "Okay." He's happy to see her and hopes they'll spend a few more days together before he must leave. Due to the barbarians hiding, he will accompany his mother, and she won't leave until Jason awakens.

Johnny hops down from his horse and immediately is embraced by Elizabeth. "I knew you'd miss me."

She slightly smiled with tears in her eyes. "Thank you."

"He means a lot to me too, you know." He can tell she has been going crazy and is relieved they found him.

"I do." She admires their friendship and knows Johnny wouldn't have given up. It was something that helped her when her mind drifted too far.

The carriage came to a stop.

"Do we need a transport?" Francis asked as he shook Johnny's hand.

"He's on one."

Francis moved forward and motioned for a few more guards to assist.

The doors opened and Jaggar jumped out before assisting Karen.

"My legs feel like jelly."

Liz approached them and couldn't help it as a sob left her lips as she embraced Jaggar.

"It's okay. I think he'll be fine."

"Thank you," she said before pulling back and wiping her eyes. "Hello," she said to Karen.

The pretty woman bowed. "Your Majesty, I did what I could to bring him back to you." She is shocked when Elizabeth warmly embraces her.

Georgie appears. "Come. Follow Marjory. She will take you to your room and you can have a bath. We'll also find some clothes for you to wear."

"Thank you for your kindness."

The transport slid out and Liz immediately went to Jason and perused him. He's paler than usual but looks peaceful. She gently kissed his forehead and then stepped back so they could take him.

"We'll get him washed up and the doctor is here."

Liz took a deep breath just as Helena embraced her.

"We all will be saying prayers."

The priest moved forward. "Hello, Your Majesty. I am Horace, a priest."

Liz held out her hand and he gently shook it.

She watched as another man moved forward. "I am Silas."

"Hello. You took care of him?"

He nodded. "Aye."

"Are you related to Karen?"

He shook his head sadly. "No. We are the last of our village."

"I am very sorry to hear that. You are welcome to stay. I will have someone show you to your quarters."

"We appreciate your kindness."

She watched them leave and then allowed Helena to lead her back inside.

Monica ran towards the stairs. "Elizabeth!" she said, as she hesitated. "Is he in his room?" She is surprised that Elizabeth isn't with him.

"Aye, they are cleaning him, and the doctor will look him over before we can go in."

Monica hugged her. "We shall go together then." She led Elizabeth to the room where they waited for the doctor to exit.

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Johnny practically inhaled Georgie's mouth as they torridly kissed.

"God, I missed you."

She grinned. "I missed you too." She laid her head against his chest.

"Georgie?"

"Yes?"

"I want you to be my betrothed."

She jerked back. "What did you say?"

"I—we're perfect for each other. Do I have your heart?" She is the best thing that has happened to him, and he'd be a fool not to make her his.

"You know you do."

"I want to throw all caution to the wind. Will you marry me?"

Georgie grinned. "Yes." It is the best question ever asked, and she can't wait to be his wife. With all the dire news and sadness that hovered in the air, she needed to feel his love.

He kissed her passionately. "Now what?"

She laughed. "I'll get back to you on that." There is so much going on that planning will have to wait.

"Okay."

She couldn't wait to tell Elizabeth.

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Slowly, Elizabeth entered the room. Just seeing Jason lying on the bed unconscious and so still, made her hold her breath until Monica squeezed her arm.

"He needs to hear your voice and feel your touch." She had been in this position before. It isn't the first time Jason has been hurt, but it is surely the most dramatic.

Liz took a deep breath and then moved closer.

The doctor slightly bowed. "Your Majesty. I cleaned his wounds. They took very good care of him." While he's concerned about Jason's lack of response, at least the wound isn't as angry.

"Why does he still sleep?" Liz asked.

"He needs rest to let the body heal. I'm sure the battle took a lot out of him."

"He has already been unconscious for a spell. Will he awake soon?"

"While I can't guarantee, his pulse is strong and his heart sounds good. The infection is almost gone as well."

Liz breathed a sigh of relief.

"That is good news," Monica said. She kissed Jason on the cheek. "I love you, son. You're going to be fine." She wiped a tear away and faced Elizabeth as she gathered her strength. "Lie next to him and rest, Elizabeth. I think it will help him come back to us."

Liz needed to feel him as well. She walked around the bed and climbed onto it before getting as close to him as possible. "Jason, I'm here and need you to be okay." Her lips brushed against his cheek before she perused his body and her gaze stopped at the sight of his bandage. Another tear falls as she imagines the pain he must have endured. He has sacrificed so much for freedom and deserves to at least enjoy it.

"He'll be okay," Johnny said as he moved into the room. He had to see Jason again for himself now that he didn't have to worry about protection. Again, he wasn't there when Jason needed him and it's an awful feeling.

"I hope so."

After grabbing a blanket from the end of the bed, he waited until Liz was situated before covering her.

"I'll check on you soon."

"Thank you, Johnny."

Her eyes fluttered shut and she fell into a deep sleep nestled against Jason's side.

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Helena sipped some tea. Jason had been home for a day and still hadn't awakened. Elizabeth barely left his side.

"She looks pale. I'll take her some soup shortly because she needs to maintain her strength," Irina said.

"Aye. I'm worried about her."

"Just keep an eye on her."

Helena looked up. "Are you leaving?" She realizes she has been so focused on Elizabeth that she hadn't noticed her daughter's restlessness.

"Aye."

Helena's head tilted. "Home?"

Irina smiled and shook her head. "No."

"Oh, heavens no! Please tell me you are not going to visit AJ."

Irina giggled. "You might as well get used to the idea."

Helena sighed heavily as she muttered under her breath.

Stefan chuckled knowing that just the thought of Irina and AJ is killing her.

"Maybe you need to get to know him instead of listening to rumors."

"Well deserved rumors…"

Irina put her cup down. "People change. You have. Please give him a chance."

Helena grimaced. "You are asking a lot."

"He wrote me a letter." Her mother's eyes rolled, making Irina giggle. "It was sweet."

"Then he probably didn't write it."

"Mother!"

Stefan cracked up. She is too much. After the seriousness of the last decade, it's wonderful to see his mother's humor.

"Begging is beneath you."

Irina scowled.

While she'll normally fight harder, she is tired and not up for the fight. "I will try. I think."

Stefan got up and kissed her on the head. "You are softening as you age."

"Do not make me send you down to the dungeons."

His laughter filled the room as he disappeared into the hallway.

"Thank you. I know it's hard, but he is growing and humble."

"You're taking a chaperone."

"Georgie said that won't be a problem and has someone in mind."

"Be safe."

Irina jumped to her feet. "I love you. Thank you for supporting me, mother."

"I am proud of you, Irina. I don't say it often, but I am. Your happiness means everything to me."

Irina embraced her. "Thank you." Despite her mother's well-known reputation, she admires her greatly and learns everything possible from her. Growing up, she begged for stories and Helena loved to tell elaborate tales. It bonded them beyond what people thought was possible given the Queen's demeanor.

"I will miss you."

Helena absorbed her energy. She loves her children, and while she can be difficult, efforts were always made to convey her reasoning. Truth is something you sometimes must search for, and she wanted to make sure they thought things through and considered people's motives. "And I you. Your brothers aren't nearly as good company." Men spend way too much time brooding.

Irina smiled. "And they know it."

Helena grinned. "Go on, you don't want to keep him waiting."

Her mother's ability to change her expression from happy to disgust so quickly, made Irina break into a fit of giggles as she left the room.

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Elizabeth sat up and yawned.

"It's about time," Gia said. She had observed them for a while. Elizabeth fretted in her sleep and Jason remained still.

Liz smiled. "Hi." She gazed at Jason who was still asleep.

Gia moved closer and touched his forehead. "He feels normal."

"Aye. I wish he'd open his eyes." How she longed to see blue and hear his voice.

"He will soon."

"I'm impatient."

Gia grinned. "I understand. Georgie is on the way up here. They want to change the sheets.

Liz slid off the bed. "I probably should eat something."

"I will accompany you. Monica is speaking to one of the servants in the hallway, so she can sit with him until you return."

Liz nodded. Since she doesn't want to leave him alone, Monica's presence will do. She gently kissed him on his brow and then left the room.

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Jaggar sat next to Karen at the table.

"Hello."

She smiled. "Good day. What have you been up to?"

"I checked on some of the injured, rode my horse, scratched my head a lot because I couldn't understand a word one of the servants said due to his accent, and then tripped and fell onto a bale of hay which thankfully no one witnessed."

She giggled. "You've accomplished a lot today."

"Aye." He loves her smile.

"How are you getting along?"

"I'm okay. I have no idea what I will do for the rest of my life, but I'm looking forward to the adventure."

"Is there something you love?"

She sighed heavily. "I always did what was necessary, not what I wanted. I do like to sew."

"I'm sure that would be welcome here."

"I used to draw beautiful gowns when I'd have a moment to myself. My father thought it was a complete waste of time, but my mother encouraged me. I miss them sometimes."

"How long has it been?"

"Four years. The barbarians forever marred the earth there. It was hard walking away, but there was nothing left." They had wandered for a while before she realized they weren't far from Mayven.

He took a chance and reached over and held her hand. "What I like the most about Guildenhall is that we all band together like family and look after each other."

She gazed at their joined hands. "Then I will look forward to making new friends."

He smiled. "It's a start." He has plans for her and hopefully, their friendship will grow into love.

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Gia watched as Liz picked at her soup.

"Why are you frowning?"

Gia rolled her eyes. "You need to eat, not play."

Liz dropped her fork. "It's hard when I don't have an appetite."

"I get it, but you can't let yourself go. Jason wouldn't want that."

"I know. I never thought I'd miss him so much."

Gia grinned. "That must have been some wedding night."

Liz blushed. "You are bad." She swallowed some broth. "I never dreamed I'd have a chance at a great love. My heart was so broken, but the heavens had a kingdom open their heart to me, sent me good friends, and now Jason to heal it. I'm so tired of crying and worrying."

Gia nodded so she'd continue. Sometimes, being a royal can be lonely. You must watch who you confide in, and some people think they are entitled to what you have. The nice thing about Guildenhall is that they treat Elizabeth more like family. It's quite remarkable how much they allowed her to grieve and grow.

"The battle was so stressful, and we lost good men, sons, and husbands."

"They died for a good cause, but it doesn't make it hurt any less."

"I'm tired of burying my people because of war."

"Aye. Maybe this battle strengthened everyone's bond. We came together and supported each other. Now, knowing that we fight as one, maybe fewer people will test us."

Liz savored the flavor of the tea. "I hope you are right. Maybe we should finish this and take over the barbarian's castle and land."

Gia smirked. "That is an interesting idea."

"It's the only way to create a protected border."

"When are you going to talk to everyone?"

She shrugged. "We need some time to recover, but I want to run it by Jason first."

"It is good for you to agree." Their relationship is unusual, and communication will be the key to its success.

Liz ate some more. She normally doesn't worry about such things as being an aggressor. Jagger usually handles it, but if that is the only way to secure her kingdom, she'll do what she must. She is tired of just reacting.

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After taking a walk in the gardens, Elizabeth went back upstairs.

Georgie hugged her. "The bed is turned down. You should rest."

"I do need to feel him at my side."

"The doctor thinks it will be any time now."

"I can't wait to see those blue eyes."

Georgie smiled. "I've been meaning to speak with you about an urgent matter."

Liz sat on a bench and brushed her hair. "What's that?"

"Well, Johnny wants to marry me."

Liz gasped. "He asked?"

"Aye."

"Oh, Georgie," she said as she stood and embraced her. "I'm so happy for you."

"I'm beyond happy."

Liz thinks for a moment and has the perfect gift. "When?"

"We haven't gotten that far, but are the gardens available?" It is so beautiful there and while common folk don't normally get married on the castle grounds, her relationship with Elizabeth is anything but common.

Liz grinned. "That is a fabulous idea. We have a lot of planning to do."

"Aye. I have no idea what to wear and there is so much to do."

"I will help, and I know Tiffany will as well." Tiffany and Mac have always treated Georgie as their own.

They hug again.

"You are going to make a beautiful bride."

Georgie blushed. "Thank you. Did you ever think we'd be this happy?"

"No, but that makes it even sweeter. Go say goodnight to your heart."

"Sleep well."

"And you…"

Liz crawled onto the bed and lay against the man who had captured her heart. After several minutes, she fell asleep listening to his heartbeat.

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As the light of my morning sun shone through the window, Jason's eyes fluttered open and winced due to the brightness. Realizing he's in his room, he is shocked. As he gathers his wits, he feels someone pressed against him. Elizabeth... His eyes shut as he savors her energy.

"Elizabeth," he says softly.

She jerked into a sitting position looking dazed. "I could have sworn I heard your voice."

"You did."

She gasps as his beautiful eyes open, and she bursts into tears.

"What's wrong?" he asked before tugging her against him.

"You've been asleep for days." Her head rose so she could stare into his eyes. "How do you feel?"

"I have a pain in my head and stomach and my head weighs several tons like Johnny's."

She chuckled. "That's about right. You know I must go get the doctor now." While she hates to leave his side, he needs to be examined.

"Give me a minute." He needs to hold her.

"You will get no argument from me."

"We won, right?"

"Aye."

He sighed. "Good."

They stayed wrapped together for a while longer and then Elizabeth had a guard find the doctor. Her husband has a lot of healing to do. Hopefully, there will be no ill effects. She smiled. He's back and finally, her world doesn't feel so off-kilter.