Morning

The tiny kitten sat up on her hind legs, trying to reach the string Elizabeth was teasing her with. After a moment, Morgan jumped so high, she lost her balance and tumbled backwards.

Elizabeth laughed and reached to scoop her from the ground and hold her in her lap. “So precious,” she cooed, scratching Morgan’s belly.

Someone cleared their throat. Elizabeth looked up to see a smiling Alexis standing a few feet in front of her with Jason Morgan at her side. Elizabeth immediately stood and set Morgan down on the soft green grass. “Alexis, I did not hear you approach.”

“It seems you were slightly occupied,” Alexis replied. She touched Jason’s arm. “Elizabeth, you remember my nephew from yesterday. Jason, this is the princess.”

“My lady,” Jason said, nodding his head.

“Please…Elizabeth,” she prompted. She twisted her fingers and smiled nervously. “Thank you…for the kitten. She’s…she’s wonderful.”

“You’re welcome…Elizabeth.” Jason shifted and glanced at his aunt. “Was that all?” he asked. “I do not like to leave Alexander with all the chores.”

Alexis frowned. “I thought you two might use this opportunity to get to know one another—”

“It’s all right, Alexis,” Elizabeth said. “I’m sure Jason has many responsibilities at home. If he must leave, I understand.” She smoothed her hands over the fabric of her white dress. She felt so foolish—she’d put on her best dress, had even done her hair. “Thank you again for the kitten.” She crouched and picked Morgan up. “I’ll just go inside.”

“Wait,” Alexis told her. She touched her elbow. “This could be your only time outside all day.”

“Mother asked me not to stay out too long,” Elizabeth replied. “She gets nervous when I’m not in my room.”

“You are in your room all day?” Jason asked, curiously. “Why?”

“Because my mother worries for my safety,” Elizabeth replied simply. “I was only able to convince her to let me in the gardens this morning because I was meeting with you.”

“I can stay,” Jason offered. “My brother is capable of doing the chores without me. I just prefer to oversee him.”

“I do not wish to keep you from your responsibilities,” Elizabeth replied, her voice adopting a stiff and cold tone. “Good day, Mr. Morgan.” She nodded in Alexis’s direction. “Alexis.”

Elizabeth exited the gardens then and Alexis sighed. “That girl has more walls than this entire castle,” she murmured. She looked at her nephew. “Jason—you do not understand the female gender at all do you?”

“I don’t believe so, no,” Jason replied. “Did I do something wrong?”

“Well…you do not know Elizabeth so perhaps you did not recognize the signs. She was looking forward to today, Jason. I built you up in her mind and I think she wanted to at least…talk to you today,” Alexis replied. “She wore her best clothes, did more with her hair then just tying it away from her face. She wanted to make a good impression, Jason. And the only thing you could say was, is that all?” Alexis shook her head. “You have no common sense.”

“I didn’t mean to hurt her,” Jason tried to assure his aunt. “I just…I did not know what to say to her. She is a member of the royal family—”

“She is Elizabeth, the woman you’re set to wed in five days’ time,” Alexis reminded him. “And I thought you didn’t wish to marry a stranger.”

“I do not—”

“Then do not treat her as one.” Alexis tapped her chin. “Stay here. I will catch up to her and bring her back.”

“Alexis,” Jason protested.

“Wait here,” Alexis instructed sharply.

——

Elizabeth was just opening the door to her rooms—Morgan tucked inside the crook of her arm—when Alexis called her name. She turned. “Yes?”

“Please come back to the gardens,” Alexis told her. “Jason—he was nervous about meeting you. It is not so easy for him to speak with the crown princess.”

“Is that all that I am?” Elizabeth asked softly. “Just a princess?”

“No, of course not. But you should come back down—give him the chance to apologize.”

“I…give me a few moments. I want to change,” Elizabeth said. “And leave Morgan up here.” She disappeared into her rooms.

——

When she reappeared in the gardens fifteen minutes later, she wore a more basic tan, long-sleeved cotton dress. Her hair was down and she was without the kitten.

Jason was standing alone in the gardens but he immediately straightened when he caught sight of her. “My lady, I apologize for my rudeness before.”

“Where is Alexis?” Elizabeth asked, rather than acknowledge his apology.

“She never returned. I fear that she is too angry with me,” Jason confessed. “I treated you rather badly and I would like to take it back.”

Elizabeth sighed. “It is all right—I was not very nice to you either yesterday. I might have said some things about you that I did not mean. I spoke in anger.”

“Yesterday was a bit of a surprise. I was not expecting to be brought here and told I was to marry the crown princess of Rhigwyn,” Jason admitted. “I do not hold it against you.”

“Why did you give me the cat?” she asked curiously. “You hardly know me and I can’t imagine Michael going into any detail about the incident.”

“He only mentioned it in passing. My aunt elaborated further on it. I hope it wasn’t too forward…” Jason cleared his throat. “My sister loves animals—there is always a cat or dog trailing after her and every time one of the farm animals dies, she cries. I was thinking more of her when I gave the cat to Alexis for you.”

“Even so, it was very kind of you.” She sat on one of the stone benches. “You mentioned your sister. Is she younger?”

“Her name is Chloe and she is fifteen,” Jason replied. “There is also Alexander, he’s twenty. Do you have any siblings?” He hesitated. “Other than your brother?”

“No, there is just Nikolas. My mother only had a second child to ensure the throne would stay in the family should something happen to my brother,” Elizabeth told him. “But Nikolas is twenty-five and healthy. I do not think my services will be required.”

Jason tentatively sat down on the bench across from her. “Do you want to be queen?”

“No,” Elizabeth said immediately. “It is has never been my dream. To be queen would to be locked up in these walls forever.”

“You mentioned that yesterday—asked if I could put you in such a large cage that you wouldn’t realize you were trapped. What did you mean?”

“I meant that I thought Michael was trying to keep me in check even more so than he was before. Lucas Spencer is the captain of my father’s knights. He is a good man but he fears women with strong minds and he would insist I stay indoors like everyone else in my life. I would be reduced to no more than an instrument for Lucas’s heirs,” Elizabeth said. The longer she spoke, the more her voice trembled.

“It will not be like that with me,” Jason leaned forward, trying to assure her. “I give you my word.”

“You don’t wish to have children?” Elizabeth inquired, arching an eyebrow.

“Well, of course I want a family,” he responded. “But—I don’t understand, my lady, you do not wish to have one at all?”

“I have not decided yet,” Elizabeth sighed. “I just don’t like that because I am a woman, I am expected to have children.”

“Well…yes, that is unfair,” Jason agreed. “But if you were in your brother’s place, you would be expected to have a child would you not?”

“Yes and I would still resent it. I feel sorry for my brother’s wife. She is no more than sixteen years old and thrust into a future she was not ready for. She is married to a man she met the morning of her wedding. Nikolas is nine years older and she is so far from the home she grew up in and to make matters worse, she will be queen one day and she must have a son or the direct line to the throne will be ruined.”

“My lady, how can you not want a family?” Jason pressed.

“Because I have never been part of a family,” Elizabeth said coldly. She stood. “I did not have the opportunity to grow up as you did, Mr. Morgan.”

“I should think that would make you want one of your own all the more,” Jason argued. He stood, towering over her. “I’m sorry you grew up in a privileged home with everything that you could want but—”

“It never ceases to amaze me the perspective peasants have of a life like mine,” Elizabeth seethed. “You, who own your own home and can and go as freely as you wish. You answer to no one and do not have to remain locked away in your room.”

“My lady,” Jason hesitated. “I do not mean to anger or insult you. I—I do not have much experience with your gender beyond my family and a friend. I confess that I only met the woman I was previously engaged to…a few times. And they were not royalty.”

Elizabeth sat back on the bench, her head bowed. “I apologize,” she said softly. “I often forget my place. Please…sit down. I wish—I wish to know more about your family and your home.”

Jason obeyed her request, keeping his eyes on her. She clasped her hands loosely in her lap and kept her eyes down. “What is it you want to know?”

“I have never been further than these walls,” Elizabeth admitted. “But I often go to a turret and it has a rather magnificent view. I can see part of your land from there and it looks so beautiful. There is a stream that runs through it, yes?”

“Yes. We have a good part of the forest on our land and the stream runs through that. Mother and Chloe do some of their washing there if we’re having trouble bringing water from the well. The house isn’t very large but each of us has our own rooms. My father often talked about adding more on but he never…he never managed to do it.” Jason cleared his throat. “My brother is not meant for the life he leads now. We always expected him to attend the university but when my father died, we needed him at home.”

“Of course,” Elizabeth nodded. “A son’s first duty is to his family.” She glanced up then but quickly averted her eyes. “Will he go now? After…the marriage…I mean. Members of the royal family attend free of charge. Male members,” she added.

Jason clenched his jaw. “We don’t accept charity.”

“But it would not be charity,” Elizabeth protested quickly. “My brother attended the university that way and my father did as well. Michael attended university once my mother was promised to my father. It’s just simply the way things are. You said it yourself — you always intended for your brother to attend the university. Why should he not reap the benefits of this marriage? Someone ought to be happy after all of this.”

“I appreciate your words, my lady, but I assure you that my brother would agree with me. He would rather pay his way.”

Elizabeth nodded. “All right then. I only…I only wished to inform you of the possibility. It is of course, his decision in the end.”

Jason shifted and glanced at the position of the sun. Alexander would almost be finished the morning chores. He hoped that his brother remembered to check on the sheep. They were due to lamb soon.

“If you need to be getting home, I understand. I did not wish to keep you,” Elizabeth interrupted his thoughts.

“Alexander is not accustomed to doing the chores by himself,” Jason said with a shrug. “I was merely wondering if he’d remembered to check on the sheep.”

“Sheep?” Elizabeth repeated. Her eyes lit up. “What other sorts of animals do you have?”

“I wouldn’t have thought you to be an animal person, my lady.”

“Could you…please not call me that?” Elizabeth requested. “I so rarely get to hear my own name.”

The idea of not hearing one’s own name was a foreign concept to Jason—almost as foreign as calling a princess by anything other than a formal title. But she’d asked and his father had always taught him to honor women—especially those who were important to him.

And as the woman he was set to marry, she’d become rather important to him. “All right, Elizabeth. Have you ever seen barn animals?”

“Only dogs, cats and horses, I’m afraid,” Elizabeth admitted with an embarrassed smile. “But I read as often as I can and sometimes there are sketches.”

“Sketches can’t compare,” Jason shook his head. “My favorite place anywhere is the loft in the barn. It was where my parents lived when they were first married before my father built the house. It’s a little run down but sometimes when I’m there late, like when a foal is born or a calf, I go sleep up there and I get to wake up and go right to work.”

“I’ve never met anyone who works for a living like you do,” Elizabeth confided. “I think it is so…I think it is incredible.”

“We kind of have to work hard if we want to do more than make ends meet,” Jason remarked. “My sister needs a dowry. Not one the palace provides,” Jason added when he saw Elizabeth open her mouth to respond.

She pressed her lips together and flushed. “I seem to be insulting you with every word out of my mouth.”

“Well, you’ve never had to work for anything in your life. I don’t suppose you’d understand the pride behind something like that.”

The words—although said without judgment and scorn—stung her. She cleared her throat. “I have an appointment to meet my mother for a fitting,” she murmured. “I am grateful that you took the time out of your busy day to come see me.” She stood. “Good day, Mr. Morgan.”

“I did not mean…” Jason stood and followed her to the entrance of the garden. “I am sorry if I said something to upset you. I did not intend to.”

“No…it’s all right.” Elizabeth shrugged her slender shoulders and sighed. “You might as well get used to the fact that I often forget my place. I have already done it a few times in front of you. Your family is your family and I will be sure to keep myself aware of that.”

“I do not mean for you to do that,” he protested. “They will be your family, too.”

“They will be your family,” Elizabeth corrected. “What makes you think they won’t treat me the same way you do?”

“And how do I treat you?” Jason inquired.

“Like I am some dainty doll in a case rather than the woman you’re engaged to marry.” Elizabeth met his eyes briefly before looking away. “Princess is just a title. It is not who I am. Good day, Mr. Morgan.”

Late Morning

Caroline Benson turned to the side and studied her reflection in the three-paneled mirrors. “It feels a bit loose in the back,” she murmured. “Georgiana?”

The petite seamstress tucked a loose piece of russet-colored hair behind her ear and placed a small hand at the small of the council member’s back. “Yes, it does, Lady Benson. It’s odd as this gown fit perfectly just two weeks ago.”

Georgiana Matthews circled the woman with a practiced eye, her coffee gaze taking in all the stitches and seams of the midnight blue silk gown. Georgiana reached up and adjusted the plunging neckline. “I could take it in, my lady, but I think that you ought to look into gaining the weight back.”

“It’s been a trying time,” Caroline sighed. “One thing after another in the council room. I hardly have time to sleep much less come to these fittings.”

“The dawning is too important to miss for the future head of the High Council,” Georgiana teased. “My lady, if you do not take more care for your appearance, how shall you ever marry?”

“I have no need for marriage,” Caroline remarked stiffly.

“Where did you find the design for this dress?” Georgiana asked curiously. “This dress seems so simple for someone of your position and aspirations.”

“So?” Caroline asked haughtily.

“You cannot be seen in a gown that is out of season.” Georgiana shook her head. “My lady, you are one of the most eligible women in the kingdom and people’s opinions matter. You must be almost as well-dressed as the Queen.”

Georgiana moved over to her sketching table and started making some quick movements with her pencil. “Your name must be on the lips of everyone for days—you must stick in their minds, Lady Benson. For the King appoints the head of the council and you will want the good word of the Queen when he makes that decision.”

“You are right, Georgiana. What do you recommend?” Caroline asked, stepping down from the stool and crossing to her.

“The fabric and the color will stay the same.” The pencil was moving as fast as lightening and gradually, a strapless dress was beginning to appear on the paper. A heart-shaped bodice with a tight waistline—the skirt flared and was long.

“It’s rather daring don’t you think?” Caroline asked hesitantly.

“All the better.” Georgiana picked up the sketch. “I’ll be right back. Wait here—I can make some of the adjustments on the dress now.”

She exited and Caroline nervously paced the room. She was nervous about this ball. Nervous about the Dawning.

Nervous about seeing Jason again.

She braced a hand on the small of her back and started to pace. It’d been over a year since she’d left home. The first winter had been difficult. She’d been lonely in her new home. It was much larger than the one she’d left and due to the snow, she couldn’t very well wander the village and get to know her new surroundings.

She’d missed Jason the most during that time—couldn’t understand why he was being so difficult and unrelenting. It wasn’t as though they would have to live in the village full time. A few months out of the year—nothing more.

But he’d remained stubborn on the matter. She could stay and marry him or she could go and fulfill her dream of being a council member.

In the end, it hadn’t been a hard decision. She was the youngest female council member in the history of the realm and she was destined to be the first female leader of the council.

She would not give that up for a thousand Jasons. He could not understand her dreams and she could not understand his. It was better this way.

Now after another winter had passed and they were coming to the end of the spring, Caroline felt more at home within her new life but she could not fight the rising sadness at the thought of attending Jason’s wedding in five days. He would be marrying a woman even less suited for him than Caroline could ever dream of being.

Yet Caroline was terrified that the princess would end up being the woman Jason loved more than his family home.

“I never thought I would find you here of all places.”

The arrogant drawl came from the doorway to Georgiana’s shop and Caroline spun to find AJ Quartermaine leaning against the doorframe, a cocky smile firmly set on his lips.

Caroline arched a slim eyebrow and tried to look as stern and disapproving as she could with the revealing neckline of her dress. “Oh and why is that?” she asked coolly.

“I always thought of you as neutral,” AJ said, stepping forward. He dragged his eyes from her bare feet up the long line of the gown, past her slim waist and small breasts to her face. “You ought to dress like that more often, Caroline.”

All too aware of her shortcomings, Caroline crossed her arms self-consciously over her chest. She had no hips, her arms were too long and her breasts were almost unmentionable.

Her elbows were too knobby as well but that was neither here nor there.

But Caroline Benson cared nothing for being attractive. She only wished for power.

“Is there something you wanted to talk about, Lord Quartermaine?” Caroline demanded as she slid her feet into her plain shoes.

AJ swaggered over to her, that damned smile still present. “Ah…so formal, dear sweet Caroline.” He flicked a piece of her light blonde hair over her shoulder. She’d left it down when removing her earlier garments, Caroline belatedly realized.

“State your business or leave,” Caroline said firmly, taking a step back.

“It’s quite simple, actually. You are in the need of an escort for the ball Saturday and I am in the need of someone to escort. Why not combine our two predicaments?” AJ suggested.

“I would rather eat dirt than be seen on your arm,” Caroline spat.

“So much venom,” AJ shook his head and continued to smile at her. “Everyone in the kingdom knows your shame, Caroline.”

“My shame?” Caroline echoed scornfully. She tried to laugh it off—but the sound came out bitter and strangled.

“That you and the eldest Morgan son were set to be engaged when my grandfather passed away.” A shadow flickered over the Quartermaine heir’s face but it was gone as quickly as it appeared and he continued. “Your number was called up and the fool wouldn’t allow you to have your cake and eat it too.”

“Jason had responsibilities,” Carly remarked coolly. “I knew that he would never leave his home.”

“Yes but you are still a single woman and everyone knows that you will more than likely remain that way. After all—you are twenty-four and few women marry after that age.”

“A woman does not need a man to be complete,” Caroline retorted. “I never intend to marry.”

“So that you may pine for the future prince like Lady Alexis pines for Lord Corinthos?” AJ shook his head. “Everyone knows that Michael Corinthos has only loved one other person in his life and Brenda Barrett has been dead for nearly twenty years. And once your dear sweet Jason is married to the princess…”

“It matters not to me what Jason does or does not do. He could marry Elizabeth, fall madly in love and have a brood of children and I would not give a damn,” Caroline retorted hotly. Her eyes were lit in fury. “What is it that you want from me, AJ? To remind me of my past? Well, what if one were to remind you of your precious Keesha—”

“Do not utter one more word,” AJ seethed in a low voice. The smirk was gone from his countenance and every muscle in his body was tensed. Caroline was almost positive that if she’d been a man—he would have hit her.

“You can throw my painful past in my face but you cannot handle a little payback?” Caroline demanded. “You are a hypocrite, Lord Quartermaine. You may think that you are a better man than Lord Corinthos—that you are more cunning, more intelligent and more lethal—and perhaps you are. But never forget that you both have one weakness in common. You both mourn for women who never loved you.”

“And you lust for a man who only wanted your land,” AJ hissed. “Who would want you, Lady Benson? You look more like a teen-aged boy than a full-grown woman.”

Caroline lifted her chin defiantly in the air and pressed her lips together firmly. “Beauty is overrated,” she managed to say in a strong and clear voice.

“Perhaps one day you will believe that.” AJ spun his heel and slammed out of the dress shop.

Caroline heard a sound behind her and a furious Georgiana stepped back into the main room. “I did not want to appear until he left, my lady, and I most apologize. But I feared if we were to come face to face, I might have stabbed him with my shears,” the young woman seethed.

Caroline closed her eyes against the first rush of tears and fought them back. It was one thing to have come to terms with her looks in her mind. But it was quite another for a handsome man to point it out to her.

No matter how vile he was.

She cleared her throat and took a deep breath. “It is all right, Georgiana. Lord Quartermaine is one of those people who know exactly which button to press to hurt someone.”

“Luckily for you, you also possess that quality.” Georgiana set her sketches down. “The difference between the two of you, my lady, is that you never attack. You merely defend.”

Caroline nodded wearily and sighed. “Let’s get on with this. I would like to return to my home and lay down for the remainder of the day.”

“Yes, of course, Lady Benson—but if I might just say one last thing. Lord Quartermaine is mistaken—you are a beautiful woman and it only takes the right man to see it. You just have not found him yet.”

Caroline smiled and felt her heart lift a little. “You know, Georgiana—perhaps you might call me Caroline. I feel you are the closest thing I have to a friend in my life.”

Afternoon

Contrary to the opinions of some men, the future queen of the kingdom did not spend her time planning some grand ball or an elegant gathering of local women. Instead, Princess Emily of Rhigwyn’s everyday life resembled that of her husband’s sister. Most of her days were spent in the elegant suite of rooms assigned to her and her husband.

Each day was longer than the one before and she longed for the emerald green fields of her childhood home. But this was her future. This was her home now.

Emily smoothed out the canvas of her embroidery project and straightened one of the stitches. She was so tired of endlessly sitting in this room, trying to think of ways to fill the time. She embroidered, she sewed, and she knitted. Day after day.

She knew how she was expected to spend her time. She should be taking every opportunity to conceive the heir to kingdom. The sooner the better, for if the king were made to wait too long for his grandson, well, one could argue that Emily was barren and their marriage would be invalidated.

Unhappy as she was here at the palace, Emily did not wish to leave Nikolas. Though he did not care for her the way she wished, he treated her with respect and the nights that he did reach for her…

A flush rose in her pale cheeks and she dipped her head, hiding her smile. She was alone in the room but she knew it was not proper to think about those nights, much less speak of them.

But those were the nights Emily could pretend her husband loved her and they were the highlights of her life here—the only moments she could remember being happy. He was so kind and gentle and—the flush deepened. They always made love in the dark but she could still feel the rippling muscles of his chest under her fingers.

Her heartbeat quickened as she realized night would be drawing close. Would Nikolas reach for her tonight?

The door to their rooms slid opened and Nikolas entered, his head bent down as studied a sheaf papers in his hands. Emily used the moments between that and when he looked at her to school her features back into the polite mask she wore as a rule.

“Good afternoon, my lord,” she said politely.

Nikolas glanced up, his mouth tightened at the use of proper titles. His mother and father treated each other quite the same way. He did not think they even slept in the same bedroom now—and quite wondered if they ever had.

He didn’t want that for his life but it seemed he was destined for it. “Good afternoon, Emily. Have you eaten lunch?”

“Yes, my lord.” Emily set her embroidery aside. She hesitated. “Was there something that you needed, my lord?”

Nikolas sighed and shook his head. “No, I will just sit here with you and go over these papers. They are plans for the Dawning,” he told her.

Emily nodded. “Is it true that the princess is one of the chosen?” she asked, intrigued.

Nikolas sat down and poured himself a glass of water. “Yes, she is set to wed Jason Morgan on Saturday. Do you know of him?”

“Of course. His land borders my own. Chloe was one of my closest friends before I left.” Emily clasped her hands together in her lap.

“Why do you not visit with her?” Nikolas questioned. “You could send word and she could come here for a few days.”

“I did not want to be a bother.” Emily shifted uncomfortably.

“This is your home,” Nikolas said, his voice bordering on impatient. “You are the princess. Nothing you do or say is a bother to anyone.”

“Well…perhaps one day.” Emily stood. “I am quite tired, my lord, I believe I will nap before supper.” She gathered her things in her arms before disappearing into their bedroom.

Nikolas scrubbed a hand over his face, resigned to a lifetime of awkward days and loving nights.

——
“Mother!” Chloe called, excitedly. She rushed into the kitchen. “Jason’s coming up the road.”

“Go help your brother finish his chores and tell Jason to come see me,” Susan instructed as she wiped her flour-covered hands on her apron. She moved to the cabinet and pulled a plate of cheese and some bread so that Jason might eat.

When Jason finally entered the kitchen, he’d already put his horse back in the barn and cleaned up from the dusty ride. “Hello, Mother. Chloe said you wished to speak with me.”

“Sit, eat. I can’t imagine you took time during your visit.” She took a seat and her son did the same. “How did it go?”

“Parts of it went well,” Jason admitted. “It seemed at times, however, all we could do was insult one another. I told her Alexander wanted to go to the university and she remarked that members of her family go free so he could take advantage of that.”

Susan’s face lit up. “Well, that’s wonderful news. Alexander could start as soon as next fall.”

Jason frowned. “You cannot accept something like this, Mother. Alexander will pay his way through, just like we always intended.”

“I suppose you said something along these lines to the princess.”

“Yes. She said that she had never met anyone who worked for living as we do and I said that we had to if we wanted to make more than ends meet.” He hesitated. “I might have said that since she hadn’t worked a day in her life, she wouldn’t understand the kind of pride that can be attached.”

Susan closed her eyes. “Oh, Jason. How could you say something so cruel and unnecessary?”

“She was flaunting her privileges,” Jason protested. “I had to say something to put her in her place.”

“Perhaps she was trying too hard,” Susan allowed. “I can only assume she wanted to make a good impression on you and perhaps she was trying to make marriage to her sound better. As though you’d be able to benefit.”

Jason shook his head. “I don’t understand.”

“I get the feeling that she might not think highly of herself. My sister has often said the princess is rarely seen and very withdrawn in public. She was born only to assure the throne stays in her family. It must be very difficult to know your entire existence is based on that fact. Perhaps she thought she’s not enough for you.”

“That’s ridiculous,” Jason shook his head. “She’s very beautiful and articulate. She asks about things Caroline never even thought of. She wanted to know about this place, the land, and the animals. How could she think that I’d need more in order to be comfortable with marrying her?”

“I think that’s a question you should ask someone of her age. Perhaps Chloe might be able to provide some insight. Young girls often do strange things when they’re infatuated.”

Jason blinked. “Infatuated?” he repeated. “Elizabeth is not infatuated with me. This is merely a political alliance for her.”

“For her family, yes,” Susan agreed. “But how can you know what this means to her unless you ask?”

“I won’t see her until the wedding. How can I ask her something like that?”

“I think that you should give Alexander more responsibility around this place. Perhaps he could prove himself by taking on the majority of the morning chores for the next few days.”

“Are you suggesting that I visit Elizabeth again?”

“Perhaps.” Susan smiled and touched her eldest son’s cheek. “Out of the three of you, you are most like your father. You love like he does and most of the time, you have a very good head on your shoulders. But your father always had to take the hard way around when it came to understanding me. We were fortunate to have love but it took time to develop that. I want you to have the love that your father and I shared.”

“As you said…it takes time. It could not possibly develop in five days, which is there is before the day of the dawning.”

“But you already care for her. And I can see that you are attracted to her. I think you should have the opportunity to expand on that.”

“I will return to tomorrow on one condition,” Jason said. “You come along and meet Elizabeth.”

“All right,” Susan agreed easily. “I will go and visit with Alexis afterwards then. I should very much like to meet my future daughter-in-law.”

Evening

Gia unwound Elizabeth’s braid and reached for the silver-handled brush on her vanity table. “Your new friend seems to be settling in well,” the maid remarked as she watched Morgan make a little bed for herself.

Elizabeth watched it through the mirror as well and smiled. “After wanting a kitten for so long, it is almost hard to believe I have one.”

“That Jason Morgan must be a very kind man to think of a woman he hardly knows.”

Elizabeth pressed lips together and looked away. “He is kind,” she allowed, “but he is like everyone else I have ever known Gia.”

“I know that you wish to be treated the same as everyone else, my lady, but you would be remiss if you did not remember—you are not like everyone else and that is why they treat you as such.”

“But I am not just the princess to him—or I should not be. I am to be his wife and I don’t know if I can survive a marriage like that. Nikolas and Emily can barely be in the same room but a few moments before she flees.” Tears wet her lashes and she closed her eyes. “I live a life of solitude as it is. I do not wish to live in the middle of the nowhere with a man who has more respect for my status than affection for me.”

“I feel for you, my lady, but what can you do? Force him to love you?”

She hesitated. Her powers. She used them so rarely since she’d accidentally blown up a small portion of the stables when she was twelve. There were times when she’d been so angry that she’d been forced to relinquish the argument just to calm herself. Her powers were tied to her emotions.

But she often used them to just heal little scratches on her hands from framing her canvases and she wondered if they wouldn’t be of some help—

No. She must never be discovered for enchantresses such as herself were shipped to work camp upon discovery. Women with powers were feared in this world and if she were found out…

“There.” Gia finished the new braid and fastened it with a ribbon. “Will you be needing anything else?”

Elizabeth sighed and shook her head. “No, that will be all.”

——

Mirielle patted the side of her perfectly coifed ash-blonde hair and tightened her robe around her body as she joined Michael on the sofa of her sitting room. “Honestly, Michael, this could have waited.”

“No, it could not have.” Michael slid his hands into the pockets of his pants. “Lady Davis has indicated her nephew wishes to visit with your daughter over the next few days.”

“They can visit in her sitting room under supervision of course.” Mirielle rose and sighed. “It will be liberating to know she is out of this palace and we will be out of danger.”

“Danger?” Michael echoed. “What is this danger you speak of?”

“Well, one never knows when she might snap,” Mirielle remarked. “She could kill all of us with just a look.”

Michael peered into his half-sister’s wide blue eyes—eyes that her daughter had inherited. “You really believe that, don’t you?”

“Of course. I am only grateful that we were able to keep her locked away so effectively.”

“I have never been ashamed to call myself your brother before, but in this moment…” Michael sighed deeply. “I came to request your permission for your daughter to visit with her betrothed but I see that you consider her something to suffer through. It is the order of the High Council that Elizabeth may come and go as freely as she pleases and see Jason Morgan whenever she likes.”

Mirielle narrowed her eyes. “You take too many liberties, dear brother,” she seethed. “I say who my daughter sees and who she does not see. You are lucky that we do not contest this ridiculous betrothal. What do you propose I do? Let the peasant move into her bedroom?”

“I propose that you remember who is in charge and who is not,” Michael retorted. “The High Council is the law of the land. You answer to us. This is the way it has always been and this is the way it always be. You would do your best to keep your distance from Elizabeth and I do not wish her to know just how much her own mother fears and loathes her.”

Day One
Morning

Alexis Davis walked briskly from her large and elegant home to her personal stables. She’d sent down a message earlier for her fastest horse to be bridled and readied for the journey to her sister’s home.Susan Davis was her elder sister by a good ten years-she’d been married to John Morgan almost before Alexis could remember. But she’d always been happy–something Alexis envied seeing as how she was nearly thirty and destined to remain a spinster.Susan had three children whom Alexis couldn’t adore more if they were her own. Jason, the spitting image of his father; Alexander, who had more aspirations and dreams than any other young man Alexis knew; and dear sweet Chloe, the youngest at fifteen.

John Morgan had been killed in a farming accident nearly five years ago and it had thrown the entire family into a tailspin. Alexander had been fifteen and preparing for university but with his father’s death, he elected to stay at home and take on more of the responsibilities. Alexis had offered to pay for Alexander’s education many times or donate to Chloe’s dowry but Susan had always been counting on Jason to marry well and with Robin Scorpio, it would have been exactly the union she’d hoped for.

Of course if Jason were to marry the Princess, it would solve their problems even further. Alexander would attend the university free of charge and Chloe would not even need a dowry. And Elizabeth could be happy in the life Alexis’s family would provide for her.

Her stable hand, Kyle, was waiting out for her outside of the stables, the reins of her favorite horse-Zeus-in his hands.

“Good day, Kyle. How are you this morning?” Alexis asked, taking the reins from him and stroking the dark hair of the beast.

“Good, Miss Davis. Miss Maximilliana has agreed to marry me,” the young man announced proudly. Alexis smiled at him, knowing that he’d been pursuing Maximilliana Matthews, one of the chambermaids up at the castle, for some time.

“Well, that is very good news,” Alexis replied. She slid onto the horse and stroked its mane. “I am off to see my sister. Please be here when I return to wash Zeus down.”

“Yes, Lady Davis,” Kyle replied obediently.

She kicked Zeus’s sides and took off for the main road that would lead her to the Morgan Estate.

—

If one wanted to find the crown princess of the realm, they would need to look no further than the highest tower of the castle. She sat on the edge and looked out over the main road, tracking the comings and goings of pretty much anyone. The view was wide and vast and she enjoyed it there.

She’d been doing it since she was old enough to hide from her governess and she knew that as long as she lived in the castle, she’d do it.

With her marriage to Lucas Spencer looming ever so more closely, she knew in her heart, she’d never escape these walls.

“This is hardly the place for a girl who should be at a dress fitting.”

Elizabeth turned and smiled brilliantly at her elder brother. The heir to the throne was a tall and handsome young man with coal-black hair and deep caramel eyes. He looked remarkably like their uncle Michael and yet was distinctly his own person.

“Hello, my dear Nikolas,” Elizabeth greeted. She slid off the edge of the tower and embraced him. “It is good to see you home. How was Emily’s visit to her family?”

“I think it did her good to return to her childhood home,” Nikolas remarked, casually tousling his sister’s curly brown hair. She let the long length of it hang down her back, only tying it away from her face. “Mother is looking for you.”

“She hardly noticed that I was gone,” Elizabeth replied. “She cares only for this wedding. But I do not wish to speak of weddings and other silly things. I want to know more about your trip. Was the Quartermaine Estate as vast and beautiful as they say? With rolling green hills and streams filled with pure, cold water?”

Her eyes were lit up with excitement and it happened so rarely these days that Nikolas immediately told her of all his adventures at his wife’s family home, doing his best to describe the beautiful landscape. She’d never been further than the village outside the walls of the castle and he knew it saddened her greatly to face marriage to someone who would never take her anywhere.

“It sounds so wonderful,” Elizabeth said wistfully. Her eyes found the edge of the Quartermaine lands. It was a confined view, blocked by trees and the horizon. “I think I could really enjoy living in such a place.”

“You and my wife both,” Nikolas said ruefully. “Since we began preparing for the trip home to the palace, Emily has withdrawn again and not speaking much. I wish that she wasn’t. I wish that she would talk to me.”

“Have faith, dear brother,” Elizabeth said, touching his hand in comfort. “It cannot be easy for her to uproot herself from the only home she has known and be married to a man she only met the morning of the ceremony.”

“It has been six months,” Nikolas argued. “Six months of waiting for her to get used to her new home and to her husband. She does not love me, Elizabeth, and I fear she never will.”

Elizabeth laughed then. “Life is very long, Nikolas. You cannot say a thing like that. Why, I might even learn to love Lucas.”

“I doubt that,” Nikolas told her. “He is not the man I would have chosen for you. Not at all. You do not need the captain of the guard.”

“Who would you have chosen?” Elizabeth asked pointedly. “If you were the king and it were up to you ?”

“Well, I would have asked you who it is you wished for,” he responded. “And it if that was suitable enough, I would have given you that. I only wish for your happiness, Elizabeth.”

“There is no one I wish for,” Elizabeth admitted. “I have yet to find someone who makes my blood run hot and all of the nerve endings in my skin stand on end. I want someone who excites me, who challenges me…” she sighed. “Who does not live inside a castle.”

“Where do you come up with these things?” Nikolas asked. “What makes you think love is like that at all?”

“Who are you to say that it is not?” Elizabeth responded in kind. “You do not say that you love Emily, only that you want her affection. Who says that love is not exciting and challenging and passionate? And why should I settle for less?”

“Because our father has decided you will marry Lucas and I do love my wife, Elizabeth. I am insulted that you think differently. I love her very much. And my respect for her knows no bounds. But it is not the excitement and hot blood you speak of.”

“And why must there be only one kind of love?” Elizabeth demanded. She sighed and folded her arms across the light blue silky material of her dress. “Why must I learn to love Lucas rather being able to marry the man I love?”

“You say that there is no one that you love,” Nikolas reminded her. “How do you know that Lucas will not be that man one day?”

“I cannot imagine Lucas loving anyone so passionately. I can’t even imagine Lucas being so passionate at all,” Elizabeth said with a sigh. “It matters not since I am marrying him in a month’s time whether I wish to or not.”

Nikolas kissed his sister’s forehead. “You think too much and you want things you can never have. Maybe you should…learn to accept the reality of your life,” he advised her.

“You’re probably right.” She tucked an errant strand of hair behind her ear and gave him a small smile. “I should get back to the fitting. Excuse me, brother.”

She moved away and headed over to the stairs leading down from the tower. When she’d disappeared inside the castle, Nikolas sighed. He did not like seeing her so unhappy and he feared that she would forever be that way if this marriage were to go through. Lucas was a good man but he did not understand Elizabeth, did not understand her stubbornness, her streak of independence. Her yearning for more than a life in the castle.

It was true that Nikolas would not have chosen a man like Lucas for his sister, but he wasn’t sure if anyone could make Elizabeth happy.

—

CRACK!

Jason Morgan swung the axe over his head and brought it down one more time, effectively splitting the wood in half. He set the split pieces aside and pulled another log on top of the trunk he was using to steady it.

“Jason!”

He swung the axe again and planted it deep inside the log before turning to see his sister hurrying towards him on the path from the house. Her long golden hair streamed out behind her and she looked upset. Worried, Jason abandoned his chores and met her halfway. “Chloe? What is wrong?”

“Aunt Alexis is here and she has…she has some news. You must come to the house at once,” Chloe told him. She tugged on his shirtsleeve, which was torn after a disagreement between himself and one of the cows.

“News?” Jason echoed as he let the blonde pull him down the path. “Is it the sort of the news that put that sad look in your eye?”

“She has come to break your betrothal,” Chloe remarked softly. “You and Lady Robin will not be marrying in six weeks time.”

Stunned, Jason stared at her. He shook his head. “You must have misunderstood. Alexis knows how much this marriage means to Mother. She would not break it-”

“It was decided by the Supreme Head of the High Council himself,” Chloe reported in a hushed voice as the approached the dilapidated porch of the simple one-story home John Morgan had built during the early years of his marriage.

“Michael Corinthos? What interest could he take in a betrothal like this?” Jason replied.

“I cannot tell you that at this time.”

Jason glanced up at the doorway to see his aunt there, looking at him sternly, her brown hair pulled back tightly, her mouth set in a determined line. “I see that Chloe was unable to keep this to herself.”

Chloe flushed and clasped her hands behind her back. “I am sorry, Aunt Alexis. I only wished to tell Jason as soon as possible. But he does not understand and nor do I.”

“Why does Michael Corinthos care about my marriage?” Jason asked.

Susan Morgan and Alexander joined the trio on the porch. Susan sighed. “Jason, I know that living out here makes it easier for you to forget this but…you are noble born. We do not live in the style of most, but Michael Corinthos concerns himself with you because of that.”

Jason shrugged. “Being of noble blood does me no good. It does not do the chores, it does not set food on the table so why worry about it?”

“It is because of your noble lineage that I come. Your presence has been requested at a sequestered meeting,” Alexis informed him. “So, clean up and saddle up. We must go as soon as possible.”

Jason shook his head. “I cannot just leave. I have responsibilities, chores-”

“Alexander can take care of that today. Your presence has been requested by Michael Corinthos himself. You must go,” Susan said firmly. She touched Alexis’s shoulder, her eyes turning a darker shade of blue and going slightly distant. “Yes…you must go.”

Recognizing the telltale signs of one of his mother’s visions, Jason dropped his objections and moved past the crowd in order to wash and change.

—

“Has anyone seen the princess?”

Michael’s voice boomed over the stables and his niece cowered in the corner, clutching one of the small kittens in her hands.

Elizabeth, the crown princess and second in line to the throne, was all of seven years. Her long hair was tangled, her white dress smudged with the dirt of the stables.

One of the stable hands nervously pointed her out to her uncle and he crossed the stables to kneel in front of her. “Hello, Beth,” he said softly. He reached for the tabby kitten in her hands but she shook her head and shrunk back.

“She is mine. Dillon told me I could keep her!” she complained. She gestured towards one of the children of the stable hands who squeaked and dived into a bale of hay when Michael’s eyes roved over him.

“Beth, you know that animals are not allowed inside,” Michael told her quietly, reaching for it again. She stubbornly shook her head. “They breed infection and spread germs. You know how your mother feels about it.”

“She is mine,” Elizabeth whispered. Her wide sapphire eyes filled with tears and she hugged it a little closer, being very careful not to squeeze the small animal. “She already loves me.”

“Why not keep her here in the stables and you can come visit her?” Michael suggested.

“I cannot visit her…Mother is always watching and so is Nanny Audrey. I want her in my room where she can sleep on my bed and keep me company on my window seat,” Elizabeth said stubbornly.

“Honey…you cannot keep her.” Knowing that he was running out of time to bring his niece to her parents, he tugged the kitten out of her arms.

“No!” Elizabeth cried. “No, please Uncle Michael! Don’t take her!”

“You!” Michael ordered to young Dillon Hornsby who had peeked out of his hay. “Take this animal wherever it is you keep them.”

Dillon hesitantly took the tabby from him, his eyes trained on the softly sobbing princess. “Yes, my lord,” he muttered hastily, a little bit of disdain in his voice for the uncle who had ripped the kitten from his niece. But one glare from the council member had him scrambling to the other side of the stable.

“I hate you!” Elizabeth cried. She stood and glared at him, her eyes darkening so quickly that even Michael found himself stepping away. Young children who had magical powers were dangerous because they were unable to control their emotions. It was part of the reason young sorcerers were taken and schooled and enchantresses were…well, it was best not to speak of what happened to unfortunate little girls who had special powers.

“Elizabeth, you should have known you would not be able to keep it,” Michael chided. He put a hand on her shoulder but she jerked away from him. “Please, calm down.”

She did and her eyes lightened to their normal sapphire shade. But they were cold and she was looking at him differently than before.

“I will never forgive you for this,” she said softly and yet with a touch of frost in her voice. She’d become her mother-his sister-and the realization saddened him quite a bit.

Michael found himself thinking of that day more often than he would like. He thought she might grow up and eventually she would love him like she once had. Twelve years had passed but she’d never forgotten.

He was seated in his private rooms, in the sitting area. He was about tell Elizabeth of the broken betrothal and her meeting with Jason Morgan and as always, when he was preparing to meet with her one on one, he thought of that day when she’d been so young and trusting and all she’d wanted in the world was a kitten.

“My lord?”

Michael glanced up and stood. “Beth, I am glad you came so quickly.”

Her eyes were disinterested, her hands clasped in front of her, her hair tied neatly back. She was every image of the perfect princess and none of the child she’d been once. “You requested my immediate presence. What is it that you wanted?”

“I wanted to be the one to tell you that you will not be marrying Lucas Spencer in a month’s time.”

A flicker of surprise crossed her face but it was gone almost as quickly as it had come and she shrugged. “And what is it that you want in return?”

Michael frowned. “What?”

“I doubt that you are acting in my best interests,” she said quietly. “So what is it that you want?”

“Maybe I did it so that you could be happy,” Michael said defensively, disregarding that he had only broken the betrothal so that she would be free to marry Jason. He had his own reasons for believing Elizabeth to be the chosen female in the legend.

“You have never taken an interest in my happiness, why start now?” Elizabeth asked bluntly. “What do you want from me, Michael?”

“Elizabeth…” Michael sighed. She would not listen to him about her part in a legend and her duty to her world to marry a man she’d never met. She didn’t trust him, didn’t like him. She would not take kindly to that news.

“Take a walk with me,” he said instead. He’d walk past the spot in the gardens that he and Alexis had decided on and see if she had brought Jason with her.

“I do not want to.”

“It is not a request,” Michael said pointedly. “Come.” He wouldn’t placate her any longer. Her marriage to Jason would not be a request but an order if he had to do so.

He started out of the rooms and glanced back only once when he realized Elizabeth wasn’t following. He gave her a stern glare and she sighed, falling into step beside him.

——

Barbara hesitantly knocked on Robin’s sitting room. The two women occupied separate wings of the house.

After a moment, the tiny young woman opened the door and smiled hesitantly. “Barbara, is there something you wished to speak to me about?”

“Yes. May I come in?”

Robin stepped aside and let her guardian enter. “Is there word from my parents? Will they be able to attend the wedding?”

Barbara sat on the sofa and patted the seat next to her. “Sit, my dear.”

Robin’s lower lip trembled and she clasped her hand together, nervously. “Has…has something happened to them?” she asked fearfully. She didn’t feel that she should lose her parents so soon after losing her aunt and uncle.

She’d been left in Malcolm and Felicia Scorpio’s care nearly three years ago after her parents had been given an extremely dangerous mission in the neighboring kingdom of Derwyn.

But soon after they’d left, Malcolm–or Mac as he’d been affectionately called–had been called to stage a mission near the northern borders of Rhigwyn. He’d taken his partner and wife with him, Felicia Jones-Scorpio. Felicia was the widow of Frisco Jones, Anthony Jones’s brother and it was deemed appropriate that the then fifteen year old girl would reside with Anthony and Barbara.

But just weeks ago, Mac and Felicia had been killed and Robin had been counting on more regular visits from her parents now that their mission was coming to an end. Robin sank onto the seat next to her guardian with trembling hands.

“Oh, darling, it is nothing like that all. It’s just…the High Council has broken your betrothal to Jason. I am so sorry that I alarmed you,” Barbara sighed. “Are you terribly disappointed?”

“Not especially,” Robin admitted. “I am of age and should be getting married. Jason is a nice man and I am sure he will make a good husband for any woman. But I do not love him and I am content in remaining here until a husband is found for me.”

“Well, you are taking this much more calmly than I had anticipated.” Barbara smiled and patted Robin’s hand. “Good. I will let the council know of your cooperation and I will begin making new contacts.”

Robin nodded. “Thank you, Barbara.”

—

“Aunt Alexis, what are we waiting for here?” Jason asked, sliding his hands into the pockets of his pants. He’d barely stepped foot into the main village of Rhigwyn in his entire twenty-four years much less the private gardens of the castle and to say he was uncomfortable and out of place would be an understatement.

“Michael is meeting us here and I promise we will explain everything,” Alexis pledged. She sat on one of the stone benches and sighed. “Are you disappointed about Robin?”

Jason shook his head. “No. I had only met Robin a few times. You and I both know that I was really marrying her for Chloe. She deserves a better kind of life and the only way that will happen is if the Morgan name has more respect attached to it,” Jason said.

“Chloe is a wonderful girl. She will find someone.”

“And Alexander. Alexander wants to attend the university,” Jason reminded her. “But we cannot afford to lose his help yet. We needed this.”

“But Jason, you do not care for Robin the way a man should care for his wife,” Alexis chastised.

“I would have treated her just as my father treated my mother,” Jason snapped, insulted.

“I am only saying that you do not love her and settling for less is unfair for the both of you,” Alexis replied with no trace of apology in her voice.

“Some of us are not allowed the luxury of marrying for love.”

Someone cleared their throat behind them and Jason turned, his eyes settling on a petite brunette in a silk sapphire dress that matched the shade of her eyes. She was tiny, would probably come no higher than his biceps and he could probably span her waist with his hands.

The moment her eyes found his, thunder crashed and the bright blue of the sky turned to coal-black. Multitudes of stars shot through the inky darkness before it abruptly returned to the spring day it’d been only a moment ago.

Elizabeth blinked. “What was that?” she asked softly.

Alexis stood and folded her arms tightly across her chest. “That was the sign,” she said softly. She looked at Michael, who seemed a little stunned.

“Sign of what?” Elizabeth demanded. She moved away from her uncle and stalked over to Alexis. “Sign ofwhat ?” she repeated. “Who is this?” she gestured towards Jason.

“Elizabeth, this is my nephew, Jason Morgan. Jason, this is Elizabeth, the crown princess of Rhigwyn.”

Jason bowed slightly. “My lady.”

Elizabeth’s eyes narrowed and she looked towards Michael. She shook her head and took a step back. “No. Michael…”

“What is going on here?” Jason asked. He frowned, not liking the paleness of Elizabeth’s already light skin. “Are you all right, my lady?”

“This is why you broke my betrothal?” she demanded scathingly. “You wished for me to take a walk with you-would not take no for an answer-and you bring me to meet Alexis’s nephew.” She glared at her uncle. “What does he have that Lucas does not? Is he more noble? Is he more worthy? Will he put me in such a large cage I will not even realize I’m trapped?”

Alarmed, Alexis put a hand on the young girl’s shoulder. “Elizabeth, you do not understand what is going on here.”

Elizabeth shook the hand off easily and stepped away, moving backwards, never taking her eyes off her uncle who’d yet to speak a word. “I understand completely. Lucas would have let me have too much freedom. He does not quite understand me but he might let me have some liberty. We cannot have that can we now?”

“Elizabeth, do not overreact,” Michael said finally. “There is something going on here that you are not aware of–”

“You know…when you told me I did not have to marry Lucas, for one moment I thought that you loved me. That you were doing this for me because you knew how much I hated this…” She shook her head, tears shining brightly in her eyes. “But then I remembered. I remembered who you are. And who you will neverbe.”

She turned on her heel and stalked away. Alexis started after her but Michael put a hand on her elbow. “She will not listen to us and she will not accept an explanation. Not right now.”

“Then perhaps you might offer me one,” Jason spoke up. “Why was she so upset? And what happened here a few moments ago?”

Alexis sighed and looked towards Jason. “The simplest question to answer is why she is so upset and it is purely because-”

“Because twelve years ago, I took her kitten away,” Michael said softly, regret in his eyes. “Her mother would not have allowed her to have it inside the castle but she wanted it so badly. And I took it away. She has never forgiven me for that.”

“It is not as easy as it might seem to be the princess,” Alexis tried to explain. “She spends most of her time locked in her room and unable to leave the grounds. It is a very lonely existence.”

Jason nodded. “And she thought you were controlling her life even more so by bringing her here. But surely she misunderstood your intentions. You do not mean to arrange a betrothal between the two of us.”

“Why not?” Michael asked pointedly. “You are the nephew of a high-ranking council member. You are descended from the original captain of the king’s guard. What makes you so unworthy of marrying the princess?”

Jason swallowed hard and glanced at Alexis. “Surely you are joking,” he said quietly. “She is the crown princess, second in line to the throne. I may have the blood of noble men past, but I am just a farmer now.”

“Under normal circumstances, you would not have been the first man I would have chosen.”

“Normal circumstances,” Jason echoed. “And what makes these circumstances abnormal?”

“Have you heard of the legend behind the Aurora Dawning?” Michael asked conversationally.

“My father studied it quite closely,” Jason answered. “I know that it is due to occur in seven days, on Saturday night at midnight. The legend is that unless two specific people are celebrating the consummation of a holy union, the realm will be cursed with a thousand years of damnation.” He hesitated. “Do you believe that the princess and I are these two people?”

“We not only believe it, but we now know it. What happened here a few moments ago proves it,” Michael replied. “Now, it matters not to me whether the two of you agree with it or believe it yourself. It is the decision of the High Council that you will wed Elizabeth seven days from now.”

Alexis sighed. “Michael, it is not Jason that you need to speak to like this. It is your own flesh and blood.” She looked to her nephew. “What do you think of all this?”

“I know of the legend and I know what is to happen when the two people meet,” Jason responded. “It is my duty to my family and my home that I do as the council wishes.”

“Splendid,” Alexis said with a smile. “I will see you home and we will explain everything to your family. Michael, perhaps you should see to Elizabeth.”

“She will not listen to any explanation I will offer so I await your return. She will take it more calmly if it came from you.” Michael nodded to Jason before walking away.

“He speaks of her as if she were not his family, his sister’s daughter,” Jason said, a little disturbed. “Has he really no heart like they say?”

“Michael is a good man and he loves his family very much. He has always had a strained relationship when it comes to Elizabeth. Come, we will retrieve our horses and head for the farm.”

“Does he really think it is all because of a kitten he took from her?” he asked skeptically as Alexis led him towards the stables.

Alexis shrugged. “It is possible that it is where her distrust of him started, yes. That day has weighed heavily in his mind for a long time, Jason and I believe if he had a chance to do it again, he would give her the kitten if only for her to smile at him once again.”

—

“I can explain it to my mother,” Jason told his aunt once they rode their horses into the barn on the estate. He slid off and started to unhook the bridle. “You should go and talk to the princess.”

“Jason! You are back!” Chloe called from the corner of the barn. She poked her head out. “Come quickly! Lady is having her kittens!”

Jason smiled and shook his head. “Would you like to see some of the new additions to the family?” he asked his aunt. He moved towards the corner of the barn where the cats gave birth to their kittens and the dogs to their puppies. Chloe was an animal lover and always had a cat or dog trailing after her.

He squatted down as one of the tabby cats was giving birth to her sixth litter. Surrounding her were other various sized cats. “She is doing well. By now, she should not even need supervision.”

“I think these will be the most lovely yet,” Chloe said gleefully.

Jason glanced at one of the short-haired orange kittens watching the scene with a bit of interest. “Alexis.”

“Hmmm?”

“Did she ever…get the kitten she wanted?” he asked her.

Alexis frowned a little. “No. The one she picked out stayed in the barn and she visited it a lot…the cat died giving birth to a litter of kittens. She was inconsolable.” She shook her head sadly. “Michael kept track of the cat, believe it or not.”

Chloe frowned. “What are you two talking about?”

“Nothing.” Jason stood and paused only to sweep the tiny orange kitten into his hands. “Alexis, I will see you off.”

“Good day, darling, give my love to your mother and brother,” Alexis said to Chloe before following Jason to Zeus. “What are you doing with that cat?”

Jason grabbed one of the horse blankets-one of the smaller ones for the foals-and delicately wrapped the kitten in it. “No one should be denied something they seem to want so desperately. Perhaps…you can find a way to give her this.” He held the bundle out to his aunt.

“Oh, Jason…” Alexis took it from him. “This…I did not expect anything like this. She…she will adore it.” She kissed his cheek. “You know about the legend, but do you know what the shooting stars represent?”

He frowned. “They’re not part of…what happens?’

“No…it’s actually very old folklore. Shooting stars…it is said that if a man and woman see a shooting star the first time they meet…they will know the truest of loves.”

“I…did not know that,” Jason said lamely. He stepped away from his aunt and cleared his throat. “I should go speak with my mother.”

“I should get back as well. I will find a way to give the kitten to Elizabeth, you have my word.”

Afternoon

Elizabeth was seated in her window seat of her sitting room when a soft knock sounded on her door. “Come in,'” she called listlessly.

Her handmaid, Gia Campbell, entered. “My lady, I was wondering if you were in need of anything.”

“No. I do not think I’ll be needing you for the rest of the day, so you are free to do as you wish.” Elizabeth smiled a little at the only person in her life she might consider a friend.

Gia hesitated. “My lady, you seem…a little sad. Is everything all right or is too bold for me to ask?”

“I will not be marrying Lucas Spencer,” Elizabeth remarked. She glanced at Gia. “And I believe my uncle is already at work on another betrothal.”

“Well, my lady, you did not wish to marry Lucas,” the young woman said hesitantly. “Would this not be a good thing?”

“Yes,” Elizabeth admitted. “But he is arranging a betrothal between me and a man that I do not know and have only met this afternoon. At least…I knew Lucas.”

Gia smoothed her calloused hands down her gray skirt and cleared her throat. “Who is he?” she asked.

“Jason Morgan, Alexis’s nephew,” Elizabeth replied. “I have no doubt that he will know how to deal with me and would have more free time to control me. That must have been Michael’s primary motive for doing this to me. Lucas would be away often and I would have too much freedom. That cannot be allowed.”

“My lady, perhaps you are looking at this the wrong way,” Gia began. She sat primly on the edge of the window seat. “Surely, you should get to know this Jason Morgan before you make that assumption. Lord Corinthos would not do this to you without some sort of reason and I do not believe it is to control you.”

“Michael Corinthos cares for no one and he most especially does not care for females with a strong mind,” Elizabeth retorted quickly.

There was a knock on the door to her private suit and Gia hurried to open it, revealing Alexis. She was holding the horse blanket in her arms. “Elizabeth, I would like to speak with you.”

“Yes I suppose you would,” Elizabeth replied. “Gia, you are dismissed for the day. Thank you.”

“Yes, my lady.” Gia curtsied and left the room.

“Before I tell you what it is you need to know, I have something for you.” Alexis sat on the window seat, placing the bundle in her lap. She delicately separated the folds to reveal the small orange kitten.

Elizabeth’s eyes widened and she looked up at Alexis. “Is…is she really for me?”

The elder woman smiled. “Yes. Here, take her.”

Almost before the words left Alexis’s lips, Elizabeth had scooped her up and was cuddling her in her arms. “Thank you…thank you so much.”

“It is not me you need to thank but my nephew.”

Elizabeth blinked and shook her head. “I do not understand. How could he have known that I wanted a kitten?”

“Michael mentioned that day…when you were seven. It weighs on him heavily, Elizabeth. I wish that you would forgive him.”

Elizabeth ignored that and smiled. “So your nephew sent a cat for me. He seems…very sweet.” She held the kitten up and the animal mewed in protestation of being roused from the sleep she’d been falling into. “Well, then I will call you Morgan.”

“Jason is a good man,” Alexis said. “The very image of his father, my sister’s husband. And you would greatly enjoy the land that the Morgans own. A lot of green hills, a small stream that feeds into the lake, a lush forest.”

“So it is true. I am to be betrothed to Jason.” Elizabeth set the kitten next to her on the window seat and Morgan immediately began exploring her new environment.

“It is not just a betrothal.” Alexis hesitated. “Do you know the legend behind the Aurora Dawning?”

Understanding blossomed in Elizabeth’s eyes. “You believe that Jason and I are the people that are spoken of in the legend.”

“The day turned to night when you met…you are the people that we are seeking. Seven days from now, on the dusk of the seventh day-you will be married. It is an order from the High Council.”

Content with her new life, Morgan bounded into Elizabeth’s lap and curled into a tiny ball to sleep. “Tell me about Jason,” Elizabeth asked, her small fingers stroking Morgan’s soft fur.

“He does not believe in controlling people-and he would treat you so kindly. Even if you were not the princess, he would treat you as though you are because my brother-in-law treated my sister like she was a queen. He does not know how to be any different.” Alexis patted Elizabeth’s knee. “He will do anything to please you-even if you wish to climb a tree and spend the night. You will have the independence you so long for…and a good husband with a close and loving family.”

“So you are saying that I will have everything that I have always wanted…except a marriage borne from love,” Elizabeth said softly.

“If there is any man out there that you might love, it would be Jason. You just have to give him the chance.”

“So what is to happen now?” Elizabeth asked, not looking at the council member.

“Well, I suppose that is entirely up to the two of you for the next few days. If you would like, I could arrange for Jason to come to see you again. You could get to know one another.” Alexis sighed. “Elizabeth, I wish that there were something I could say to make you feel better about all of this.”

“There is nothing you could say, my lady. My life is not my own to live how I see fit.” Elizabeth’s large blue eyes were sad then. “I came to terms with this long ago.”

“Then I will take my leave. Shall I send to word to my nephew?”

“If you like. I may as well take the opportunity to thank him for the kitten.” She smiled then, feathering her fingers lightly over Morgan’s soft fur.

—

Chloe set the basket of bread on the dining table and sat down with a large plop-very unladylike in deed. “You are marrying the princess?” she asked in a hushed tone.

Susan frowned. “Are you sure that you heard your aunt correctly?”

Jason nodded and handed the plate of roasted chicken to Alexander. “You know that Father studied the legend of the Aurora Dawning. You must have suspected.”

His mother nodded. “I suspected but I never dared to hope-and now you are betrothed to the princess. It is quite a lot to take in.”

“What is she like?” Chloe asked. “Is she devastatingly beautiful? Is she like the ones from the books? Kind and perfect and all that?”

“She is very pretty,” Jason assured his sister. “As for perfect and kind…I only met her briefly so I could not form an actual opinion.”

“Will you live here?” Alexander pressed. “Or at the castle?”

“I am not sure. It was not brought up. I would assume since she is only second in line to the throne that we would live here.”

“I would hope so as we can ill afford to lose you here,” Susan remarked. “But this is a very good thing to happen to our family-” she broke off and stood. “Someone is approaching the front of the house.”

Chloe jumped up. “I will go see who it is.”

Alexander followed before Susan even had to even suggest it. Once they were both absent, Susan stared at her eldest child thoughtfully.

Feeling strangely uncomfortable, Jason shifted. “Is there something wrong?”

“Chloe tells me that you sent a kitten home with Alexis.” Susan smiled softly. “My sister does not care for animals so who was it intended for?”

“The princess,” Jason admitted. “Alexis told me that she had wanted one as a child and it died while having a litter of kittens.”

“It was a very kind thing to do. She seems to have made quite a good impression on you,” Susan observed.

“She immediately assumed that Michael Corinthos was arranging a new betrothal for her after breaking her last one and I fear that she thinks I am going to control her-trap her so to speak.”

“It cannot be easy being a woman in the royal family. Not being the direct heir but not being an ordinary girl,” his mother said. “You will have to make an effort to gain her trust as I do not think she would easily give it.”

“I only have seven days, I doubt I will make much progress.”

“If you go about it right, it would only take an hour,” Susan said.

Before Jason could ask her for suggestions, Chloe and Alexander moved back into the room, Chloe wore a dazed expression.

“Who was it?” Susan asked.

“A royal messenger,” Alexander remarked. He guided his sister back into a seat. “With a letter for Jason.” He handed his older brother the thick cream-colored envelope.

With little ceremony, Jason ripped the side of the envelope off and extracted a piece of paper with the same material and color as its envelope. “It is from Aunt Alexis. The princess wishes me to return to the castle tomorrow at my earliest convenience so that she may thank me in person for the kitten.”

“Kitten?” Alexander repeated.

“He sent the princess one of the kittens born two months ago,” Chloe reported with a dreamy smile. “It that not the most romantic thing you’ve ever heard?”

Jason scowled. “I do not know that I can afford to give up more time. There is so much to be done-”

“I can handle it,” Alexander cut in. “You are to marry her in seven days, brother. You should get the chance to know her more.”

“Wouldn’t it be so wonderful if they were to fall in love for real?” Chloe gushed.

“Hush, Chloe. You must get your head out of the clouds and live in the real world,” Susan chastised.

Chloe folded her hands in her lap. “Yes, Mother,” she said meekly. After a moment, she glanced up at Jason. “Are you going to go?”

“It is a royal invitation-I doubt he has a choice,” Alexander remarked.

“It does say at my earliest convenience so maybe I could do the chores-”

“You’ll go after breakfast,” Susan interrupted. “You have an obligation to her now, Jason. And after all, she does want to thank you. Alexander can handle the chores.”

—

“I cannot believe how cliché it is for the princess to be the chosen one,” Laura sighed. She took her seat at the council table next to her husband, Luke. “What is Lucas supposed to do now? There is no other eligible woman worthy of him.”

“There is Lady Scorpio. With her betrothal to Jason broken, she is free,” her husband pointed out.

Laura snorted. “Robin Scorpio is hardly worthy of our son, Luke. Be reasonable.”

Barbara Jones sat down across from Laura and glared at her. “Robin is too good for your son and I would never consent to a marriage.”

“Well, I am glad that pettiness is still alive and well,” Skye Chandler murmured as she took her seat. She set some paperwork down to smile at Monica and Alan Quartermaine.

“Would you expect any less?” Monica asked dryly. She was only a council member due to her marriage into the Quartermaine family. The Quartermaines were one of the most privileged families in the realm and all eligible adults from their blood line served on the council.

“No,” Skye replied with a rueful smile.

“Here is the text you were searching for,” Jasper Jacks took his seat next to the redhead and slid the paper towards her. “What did you need it for?”

“Michael asked me to do some research on the Dawning,” Skye said. “Thank you.”

Michael entered the room then and as always, Alexis and Caroline were in tow. They took their seats at the head of the table. “I have spoken to the king and queen. The marriage is set.”

Ned Ashton sighed. “I cannot imagine that the princess took it well.”

“On the contrary, the princess enjoyed meeting my nephew,” Alexis revealed. “I have made arrangements for them to meet again in the morning.”

Barbara snorted. “The princess has never been a suitable member of the royal family. I have no doubt the news that she may live freely on a farm raised her spirits.”

Michael narrowed his eyes and leaned forward. “Barbara, I might remind you that you speaking of one in line to the throne.”

The redhead murmured her apology.

“Anyhow, the dawning is on schedule and we might turn to other matters concerning the realm,” Michael continued.