Brienna had gotten ready in a hurry. It was lucky she was used to getting herself ready for the most part. She thought about Lillian for a moment and she had a hard time not crying and as she calmed herself down she thought of her recent venture into adult life with a man and she blushed to herself. She knew the rooms were mostly soundproof because the walls were so thick but she still couldn't get her mind off of Jason. She glanced at herself in the mirror and smiled. She loved the dress Elizabeth had sent over for her. It was seductive and sweet at the same time. It had a sheer lace overlay that covered and yet complimented her curves. Her heart was full and she was wondering what he would say or think when he saw her. When she went out to the hallway she saw Samuel and Gregory and some of the others still running around. There were guests everywhere.What had happened had become common knowledge quickly and so none of the guests made a sound about the less than perfect attire of the help or guard. Elizabeth had sent her a note and it said something interesting on it. Jason was not required to work tonight. She wondered why and then it dawned on her. He was injured. She knew he was coming to the party so she checked with Samuel on the security of the property and to see where they were on all of that. Elizabeth saw her as soon as she entered the ballroom and smiled. She had had her maid had sent her in to Jason with hopes that things would progress and she was very aware that they had. Proof was written all over Brienna's face and she had no idea. Jason wore a large smile as he limped down the hallway towards the room he had awoken in earlier. The pain within his body still lingered, but the raging fire in his heart numbed his wounds as he hummed a few tunes to himself. The day had started out rather painful or annoying, but now his world seemed to shine brighter than ever. His love for Brienna was now sky rocketing through the roof and he wasnt afraid to show it. He entered his room and gave a happy sigh as he limped towards the balcony that overlooked the court yard. As he reached the railing he looked down to the court yard to see guest flooding into the estate. He shook his head and rested his chin on his fist. [color=ed1c24]"Can't believe we are having a party after last night's nightmare,"[/color] he mumbled to himself and shrugged. [color=ed1c24]"Guess this is the past and people are less affected by shit like this,"[/color] he reasoned with himself. He took his attention away from the courtyard and simply looked up towards the sky. The sky was blue and the clouds lazily floated along the sky. It was peaceful and his smile only grew as he thought about her. He scoffed at the fact that he was able to literally fall into her life. Though as he thought about his smile slowly faded into a small frown. He had almost forgotten about his situation of being from the future and let his thoughts drift towards his family. No doubt his father is still searching for him in every inch of the woods, and his sisters are worried sick about him. His sisters. Jason felt his head lower as he remembered his littlest sister Emily. She must have been scared for life after seeing her big brother get torn away from her in such a horrifying way. Plus, who was going to believe her? The very idea of someone getting sucked up by a green portal from a freaking carved out boulder seemed insane to him. Yet it happened and only he and Emily knew it. He shook his head and sighed. For all he knew he would never see them again. Brienna was hurrying around finishing up last minute touches as guests arrived. She wondered where Jason was. She wondered if his shoulder had become more painful after their activities. Maybe it had started bleeding again. Her brow furrowed in worry and she turned as she gave an order to one of the maids and caught William's eyes on her. He had been watching her carefully and he was not happy. She walked over thinking that there was something that she needed to fix. [color=f6989d]"Hello William, is there something wrong? You look bothered about something."[/color] [color=0072bc] "You look beautiful in that gown Brienna but there is something more. You are radiant. There is a happy glow about you that wasn't there before."[/color] Angrily he took her hand and pulled her outside through the nearest door. [color=0072bc] "You've been [i]with[/i] him haven't you?" [/color] Immediately she became defensive.[color=f6989d] "Whether or not I have or not is not any of your business! What gives you the right to question me about who I spend my time with?"[/color] [color=0072bc] "The right?"[/color] William dropped her hand and walked a couple of steps away in frustration. [color=0072bc] "You don't understand that he is not like you. He is very different from us. It seems like he just fell out of the clear blue sky!"[/color] Brienna stumbled over what to say,[color=f6989d] "He is just like us and so what if he showed up out of the blue most people do. Why do you dislike him?"[/color] [color=0072bc] "Because he is going to hurt you!"[/color] William said. [color=f6989d] "No he isn't, you'll see."[/color] Brienna walked past him and he grabbed her hand and she stopped in her tracks still angry with him.[color=f6989d] "Leave me alone William." [/color] William went to kiss her but she anticipated that and she turned her face away from him. [color=f6989d] "I have work to do."[/color] She pushed past him and went back inside the mansion and took a deep breath once inside. William came back inside and went to get a bottle of whiskey. Brienna had disappeared already and he was determined to figure out how to change her mind about him. After a few minutes of wandering within his mind Jason had decided that he needed to clear his mind with a walk, or limp in his condition. He left his room and travelled through the halls with a distant look on his face. His earlier thoughts still bothered him, but he did his best to ignore them and continued down the hallway. Soon he came across a rather frustrated looking Brienna and smiled as he waved her down. [color=ed1c24]"Hey, Brienn- ow!"[/color] he winced as he made the mistake of waving with his bad arm. He held his wound and chuckled with bitter amusement. [color=ed1c24]"Really need to be more careful with that,"[/color] he muttered before limping towards Brienna. Brienna looked up and smiled seeing Jason. She was still a little rattled by William's behavior but she brushed it off. Walking up to Jason she slid her arms around his waist and hugged him. Leaning back she kissed his cheek and grinned at him. [color=f6989d]"It can't be that bad if you can forget about it." [/color] Noticing people's looks at her familiarity with him she pulled back and walked with him. She still had to keep up appearances. She was aware that she had to figure out how to be who she was and how to handle the relationship she was now in. Once inside the ballroom she pulled him to Elizabeth's throne where she was sitting. Elizabeth was grinning from ear to ear the instant she saw them together. She wondered what Brienna would say to her plan if she had any idea. Jason was happy to walk, or limp by Briennas side and didnt pay much attention to people's looks towards the two. He didn't care what people thought, but it was clear Brienna had to. He didnt blame her, she is the Queen's bodyguard so it's to be expected. Though once she had pulled him towards the Queen's throne he raised an eyebrow and gave a quick, respectful bow to Elizabeth. [color=ed1c24]"My Queen, it is good to see you," [/color]he said and leaned over to Brienna. [color=ed1c24]"Am I in trouble or something?"[/color] he asked in a hushed voice. Brienna chuckled softly. [color=f6989d]"No I think it is quite likely that you are to be praised. Samuel and the injured guard have been singing your praises from what I heard."[/color] Elizabeth loved being queen and she stood and within a moment or so the room quieted. Brienna quietly backed away from Jason and she stood next to the queen as she usually did. Elizabeth's enthusiasm rang out in her voice when she said, [color=f7941d]"I have an announcement to make. One of our guard has gone above and beyond what is expected today and he deserves to be rewarded. Jason you carried out an injured member of the guard out of battle knowing that it would likely be the last thing you did. I am happy that it was not. It has also been brought to my attention that you fought while severely injured." [/color] Elizabeth glanced at his injuries and then glanced at his eyes on Brienna and tried not to chuckle. [color=f7941d]"It is my pleasure to bestow upon you the title of Lord and grant you the deed to Avery Manor."[/color] Brienna's expression never changed but the light in her eyes got brighter. Elizabeth just elevated Jason so she could marry him if he asked her. When she looked up at Jason she caught his surprise and she wondered if he realized what it meant. Elizabeth handed him a deed and proof of his new title and lordship. There was a lot of clapping and the music began playing again. Jason stood within the ballroom as if he were a statue and stared at the deed with shock. Did that really just happen? He looked up to the Queen, then back to the deed, once again to the Queen and finally back to the deed. Yep, this actually happened. He let a smile crawl onto his face as he rubbed the back of his head with a bashful chuckle. Though inside he was hesitant. He knew he was just granted a huge honor, but he just became a freaking Lord! The title sounded too big for him to handle, but he looked to Brienna and coudn't help but feel his hesitation disappear. She seemed happy for him and her happiness spread to him. He thanked the Queen, gave a bow and limped over to Brienna with a grin. [color=ed1c24]"Lord? Can you believe it?"[/color] he asked with disbelief. Brienna nodded and kissed his cheek. She felt a lot of eyes on her and she pulled back and cast her eyes down for a moment. Turning to Elizabeth she relayed her appreciation in a look and Elizabeth nodded happily and motioned for them to go dance. Brienna took Jason's hand and let him lead her to the side of the dance floor. She knew he wasn't really up to fast dancing and she was content to be able to speak with him. [color=f6989d]"I do believe it. You deserve it. While fighting it is rare for people to bring one another back alive if it might cost the life of either. It was very brave of you."[/color] [color=f6989d]"Do you really understand what she gave you?" [/color]The look on his face told her he wasn't entirely certain so she continued on. [color=f6989d]"She gave you my father's estate and title. She elevated you in status so you are at the same level that I am now. It means also that you now have money and you no longer are part of the guard. You have a home and lands and you are nobility. You can farm your land and your employees will look to you now. They live on your property."[/color] And at that moment she didn't know how to bring it up- [color=f6989d]"William?"[/color] A very drunk William had heard the announcement and angrily stumbled up to Brienna and Jason and his arms were wide open and he declared quite loudly, [color=00aeef]"So I guess that means you are now going to m'marry Brienna doesn't it! You had better or I'll make sure the queen knows what you did!" [/color] Brienna looked around to see that the room was staring at them and making judgements on her virtue. She suddenly felt like a small bug about to be squished with a shoe. Jason simply stared at William with raised eyebrows as he watched him shout on about marriage and telling the Queen what he had done. Though he wondered what exactly he had done. He smirked a bit a glanced over to Brienna before seeing her uncomfortable look. A frown came to his face as he looked around the room and felt a bit annoyed by all the looks that were directed towards them. He looked back to William with a stern look before wrapping his arm around Brienna, pulling her in close and looked to the rest of the crowd. [color=ed1c24]"Well now that you bring it up, yes! Yes I will marry her!"[/color] he shouted even louder within the ballroom. His voice echoed and a large grin was planted on his face as he held his guardian angel close. He looked to Brienna with a softer smile and raised her head up with a single finger under her chin. [color=ed1c24]"All of the power and riches that have just been given to me can never come close to replacing you. Brienna, will you give me the greatest reward with your hand in marriage?"[/color] he asked softly. Brienna's eyes teared up and she nodded and wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him solidly on the lips. [color=f6989d]"Yes I will marry you. There is nothing I want more." [/color] From the cheers of the crowd Elizabeth's smile was exuberant and she was thrilled beyond measure. She looked at Samuel with a forced frown. [color=f7941d]"I'm losing my personal bodyguard. And at the moment I can't think of anything better."[/color] Samuel chuckled and nodded to one of the guards and he walked over and took William outside so he wouldn't make anymore scenes. [hr] Jason let out a sigh of relief as he watched the sun rise from the nights darkness and smiled. Today was the day. He stretched his limbs until a pop came to his ears and chuckled. [color=ed1c24]"Well, time to become a married man,"[/color] he said to himself before re-entering his room. Fancy, well made clothes were spread out across his bed he lifted up a nice looking shirt. He shrugged and proceeded to put it on. [color=ed1c24]"Not a suit, but it will do,"[/color] he said as he began dressing into his clothes. Once he was done he walked to a mirror and gave a cocky smile as he struck a pose. [color=ed1c24] "Looking good my Lord,"[/color] he chuckled and shook his head. He was still getting use to the whole Lord thing, but he knew he would get use to it in time. Soon a knock came to his door and he looked towards it with a raised eyebrow. [color=ed1c24]"Come in!"[/color] he said. The door opened and he smiled as he saw Samuel and Gregory walk in with large grins. They bowed and Jason couldn't help but smirk. [color=ed1c24]"Please don't do that,"[/color] he said with a chuckle. Both the guards gave their own chuckles and closed the door behind them. [color=39b54a]"Well Jason, how do ya feel?"[/color] Samuel asked. [color=9e0b0f]"Yeah, you must be feeling pretty good. You are to marry a blushing bride and ride away to your very own piece of land. What other rookie guard can say that?"[/color] he asked with a grin. Jason rubbed the back of his head and grinned. [color=ed1c24]"I will admit it is an amazing feeling, but I wish I could bring you all along with us,"[/color] he said. Samuel shook his head with a smile. [color=39b54a]"No lad, you are to start your own life with your beloved and live happily,"[/color] he said and placed a hand on his shoulder. [color=39b54a]"You have earned this Jason, so take this path with pride and joy,"[/color] Jason smiled and nodded. [color=ed1c24]"Thank you, you really are a good friend. Both of you are,"[/color] he said looking over to Gregory with a grin. Gregory chuckled and jabbed his thumb towards the door. [color=9e0b0f]"Well, enough talk then, it's time you go and meet the bride,"[/color] Jason took a deep breath and nodded as he followed the two out the door. Brienna looked at herself in the mirror. She almost didn't recognize herself. She was a little startled at how much her life had changed over the last couple of weeks. She had watched her mother become Elizabeth's companion and friend. Without her father around her mother had two choices. Stay at court with Elizabeth or live with her daughter. She didn't want to move in right away and she had never been on her own so she chose courtlife. Brienna had been happy to see her spread her wings a little and make friends at court. She was currently putting the finishing touches on Brienna's hair and she looked at her daughter in the mirror and tears threatened and finally slipped down her cheeks. [color=fff200]"I am so happy for you Brienna. You couldn't have made me a prouder mother. I am sorry I wasn't always able to show it to you when I should have. Sometimes it was better not to say anything around your father." [/color] Brienna stopped her by putting her hand on her mother's. [color=f6989d]"I know."[/color] Brienna stood and hugged her mother. [color=f6989d]"I'm so excited, and nervous and I can't wait. I had almost given up the idea of marriage. I was certain that I would stay by Elizabeth my whole life. I can't even describe the way he makes me feel mother. It's, it's just so...perfect between us."[/color] Samuel knocked on the door and broke into a wide grin when he saw her. [color=39b54a]"I am blessed to walk such a lovely lady down the aisle. Your husband to be awaits you and I must say he is a lucky man."[/color] Her mother chuckled and nodded. [color=fff200]"Yes he is."[/color] Brienna took Samuel's arm in hers and she let him lead her to Jason. When she saw him at the end of the aisle all she could think about was that they would never be alone again. She wouldn't have to run from her father or anyone else. Jason wouldn't leave her, she was sure of that. But what if it happened again? What if he got sucked out of her life? Her nerves seemed to just disappear when he looked into her eyes and she smiled reassured that her fears were silly. Jasons heart pounded like a drum as he laid his eyes on her. He was taken back from her beauty and smiled from ear to ear. This was to be his wife! She truly looked like an angel from heaven. He cleared his throat as she reached him and gave Samuel a thankful nod as he took a step back. Jason looked to Brienna's eyes and held her hands gently. [color=ed1c24]"So, ya ready?"[/color] he asked in a hushed voice. Brienna nodded. She was so happy and she was afraid that if she spoke she might cry. [color=f6989d]"Yes"[/color] She said quietly. As they turned to the Priest, Elizabeth watched on just a little jealous that she couldn't find someone to love that could be someone she was allowed to marry. Her eyes momentarily landed on her own love and she glanced back at Brienna's mother and saw her eyes shining almost as brightly as her daughter's. After the Priest spoke in latin for a while then in english and the vows were done he finally pronounced them man and wife and Brienna didn't hear any of it. She had been so focussed on Jason that she barely heard anything the man had said. Jasons smile was soft as he kissed Brienna deeply. His heart raced, his mind exploded and his world had brightened up just for him. As he pulled away from the kiss he looked at his wife and chuckled as he gently rested his forehead against hers. [color=ed1c24]"Well, its offical, you are stuck with me forever,"[/color] he grinned. [color=f6989d]"I can live with that." [/color]Brienna claimed. Her arms wound around his neck for a second kiss and there were roars from the audience and Elizabeth and Brienna's mother laughed. After a couple of hours of celebrating the Lord and lady entered a carriage and left to spend their first night as a married couple in their own home. A little giddy and ridiculously happy Brienna leaned into her husband's arms inside the carriage. The ride to their new home was a rather nice one. Jason and his wife simply talked or adored each others company as the carriage travelled along the dirt road. Though Jason did feel a bit uneasy as he recalled the last time he was travelling with a carriage, but as Brienna caught his sight he lost any worries and enjoyed the ride. Two hours had passed without any troubles and the newly married couple arrived. Jason stepped out from the carriage and quickily turned around as Brienna began to follow him. Jason smirked and before she could set a foot on the ground Jason gently picked her up and held her like the princess she was.[color=ed1c24] "No, Im carrying you to our new life," [/color]he chuckled and kissed her forehead. Brienna felt herself blush as she smiled probably the silliest grin she'd ever had. Wrapping her arms around his neck she looked at the manor. She hadn't been inside of it in over three years. Elizabeth had sent William and some of the others out to fix it to the standards that she wanted for Brienna and Jason. Pain in the ass that he could be, but William's work was impeccable and beautiful. As the driver opened the door for them Brienna giggled a little and her breath caught in her throat as she saw the inside of the front hall. [color=f6989d]"Oh! It's gorgeous!" [/color] She wiggled in his arms just enough to slide to her feet. She took his hand in hers and pulled him from room to room. By the time she got to the upstairs she was nearly in shock at how perfect it all was. Jason couldn't help but smile at Brienna's expressions. They were actually very cute and amusing, though as he looked at the rooms he was dragged through he couldn't blame her. Everything was perfect. The rooms were filled with the fanciest furniture he had ever seen and everything was practically sparkling! Their main room though sort caught him off guard. Their bed was massive enough to fit four people, a shining chandelier hung above the center of the room and the furniture was out of this world. He chuckled and spun Brienna around before wrapping his arms around her. [color=ed1c24]"Got to admit this place is nice," [/color]he said with a grin. [color=f6989d]"Nice? Oh, it's better than nice. It's jaw dropping. I guess this is Elizabeth's way of showing her appreciation."[/color] Feeling his arms around her she began kissing her new husband. It had been tough on them with her mother sharing her room the last week or so. No private time at all and now that they had that she was not going to let him off the hook. [color=f6989d]"I've missed you. We can finally be alone."[/color] Jason let a large grin spread onto his face and chuckled as he pulled her in closer. He gently ran his hands up her spine and placed a kiss on her lips. [color=ed1c24]"I was just thinking the same thing,"[/color] he chuckled and picked her up while keeping their lips locked together. He carried her to the bed and gently rested her onto the beds soft surface. He let his kisses travel down to her neck and slowly slid his hands up her legs and thighs. He could already feel himself become excited from the mere smell of her hair. Brienna chuckled huskily as her breathing became heavier with her arousal. Her hands wandered over his body and she began undoing buttons and discarding his clothing as quickly as her nervous hands could. She managed to kick her shoes off only seconds before her dress made it's way to the floor. Her slip was next and when she was finally nude she looked up at his eyes and saw the depths darken and the look of hunger was both thrilling and contagious. She automatically went to cover herself with her hands a little embarrassed. They'd only been together that one time and that was a few weeks ago. Jason looked down at Brienna and couldn't help but chuckle at the adorable sight. He slowly peeled her hands away and held them gently as he kissed her deeply. As he pulled away from the kiss her pulled her close to him to allow his manhood to make itself known to her. He cleared a strand of hair from her face and smiled softly. [color=ed1c24]"Its just you and me, nothing to be embarrassed about. Besides, I'm just as exposed as you are,"[/color] he said and gestured to his naked form. Brienna felt his maleness against her and felt her heartbeat quicken by double.Wrapping her arms around his neck she buried her face into his neck and began to kiss him as he lay her on the bed beneath him. [@joker892]