Joey bit her lip as she headed for her chambers, so far everyone she had asked had not seen Jen and that did not bode well. She could only guess that her father had chosen someone horrible for Jen, otherwise the blonde would have sought her out to spill the news. She frowned as she tried to think of a way she could help her friend.

She opened the door to her room and stopped up short when she found Pacey sitting on the edge of her bed. He held out a piece of parchment to her, "I tried to stop her, Joey. I did."

Her hands flew to her mouth and her eyes widened. "What did she do?"

"She's left." He stood and handed her the folded parchment. "She wanted me to give you this."

"She left? Left where? You let her leave?" She turned back toward the door. "I have to stop her."

"Joey, you cannot follow her." He took her arm and directed her to the bed. "Read her letter, I hope she can explain herself."

"Oh, what was she thinking? She cannot just run off on her own. I could have spoken to my father if her intended was so dreadful."

Pacey shifted his weight uneasily. "She hasn't exactly gone alone."

She raised an eyebrow in surprise. "She hasn't?" Joey took the parchment from him, unfolded it and began to skim through it quickly. "Dawson! She has run off with Dawson! She is out of her mind!"

Pacey tried to smile, "I think she is in love."

"With Dawson?"

"'Tis not impossible," he shrugged a shoulder.

"It's Dawson."

"All right, it is incredibly unlikely, but...she does."

"Why did she not tell me?" She began to read over the note once more.

"They were in a hurry," he watched her carefully, "And I think her feelings for him were sudden."

She sighed. "This is terrible."

He approached her side, "She was torn between leaving and staying with you, Joey. Dawson reminded her that if she didn't leave with him, she would be forced to leave with her intended and that there was no way for her to stay at your side."

She nodded slowly, still unable to believe that Jen had left with Dawson. "I hope she is happy."

"Perhaps it is better that they will not be here in the coming weeks." He tried to put a positive slant on the loss of her best friend.

She nibbled her lower lip lightly. "I hope she is safe...and with child before my father finds the two of them."

He chuckled, "They intend to marry when they reach Dawson's home. I think a child would suit Jen beautifully."

"There's not much that can be done about the marriage once Jen is with child." She smiled sadly. "I would have liked to see her."

He sat beside her, and wrapped an arm around her shoulders, "You shall see her again. I promise, love."

She was quiet for a moment. "Was she very happy?"

"She was terribly upset at having to leave," he replied. "But I think she was excited to be leaving with Dawson."

"I do not even want to imagine what Lady Ryan will have to say."

"She shall want Jen to be happy. Lord Winchester would not have made her happy in the least."

"Lord Winchester?" She shuddered. "Really? What was my father thinking..."

"I believe he was more interested in the alliance than Jen's feelings on that particular matter." He rubbed her arm, his eyes indecipherable.

"He will not be happy about this."

"As long as he doesn't make you marry the man, I do not care how your father feels." He scowled and dropped his arm from around her.

She bit the inside of her cheek. "I am sure my father will not force me to marry him." He remained silent, not at all comforted by her words.

She placed a hand on his arm. "Oh Pacey, do not worry so much. Merlin will speak to my father and tell him how necessary it is that I not marry so soon." She glanced toward the door and smiled faintly. "Instead worry about how my reputation will be ruined if anyone finds you here."

He wanted to bring up the fact that even if Merlin were able to give them more time she would have to marry eventually, but he didn't. "All right," he brushed his lips against her cheek and headed for the door. "I'll see you in the morn."

"Very well." She smiled weakly. "I love you, Pacey."

He froze at the door and looked back at her, eyes wide. "You do?"

She nodded, smiling faintly. "I do."

He grinned, his blue eyes alight as he tackled her to the bed, placing gentle kisses over her face and neck. "I love you too."

She giggled in amusement and then sighed as she brought her lips to his. He settled his weight above her, careful not to smother her and set to the task of showing her how much he loved her without words. Her lips parted invitingly and he welcomed the touch of her tongue.

"Josephine!" Lady Ryan's irritated voice invaded their moment. Startled, they broke apart as the hinges on the door squealed in protest as it was flung open by the irate older woman.

Pacey quickly cast a spell of invisibility over himself. Rolling away from Joey so she could rise, he held his breath. The spell would only last five or so minutes, and he crossed his fingers that the Lady Ryan would be gone long before then. In any case, if he had to, he could duck behind the bed before the spell wore out.

Joey sat up swiftly, eyes wide, face flushed, and chest heaving. "Yes, Lady Ryan?"

"Where is she?" The older woman's lips were set in a firm line as she scoured the chamber for any signs of Jen, completely ignoring the princess's flustered state.

"Jennifer?" Joey smoothed out her hair and dress. "I have no idea where Jennifer is. I have not seen her."

"I doubt that, Princess." The Lady Ryan folded her arms over her conservative dress, "This is the only place she could be after her audience with your father."

Pacey smiled to himself, a wave of mischief overcame him as he moved behind Joey. Blowing lightly against her neck, he smirked as she shivered involuntarily.

Joey swallowed and shifted uncomfortably. "I speak the truth. Have you checked her chambers?"

"I have checked everywhere," she frowned.

Pacey chose that moment to kiss the arch of her throat, the velvet of his tongue brushing over the flutter of her pulse point. She could barely suppress a gasp. "I--I really don't have any idea of where she could be."

"I suppose you have heard by now that your father has selected a husband for Jennifer." Lady Ryan frowned, "A poor selection at that. It does not surprise me that she has sought her own council. I must speak with her before she does something drastic, you know how Jennifer can be."

Joey nodded quickly in agreement. "I know."

He breathed hotly over her neck, teasing the skin with his tongue before pressing his lips to sensitive spot where neck met shoulder, and gently nibbled on the skin.

"Promise me if you see her you will send her to me immediately. I must reassure her of this match."

"I, uh, will be sure to."

Lady Ryan finally took a good look at her charge. "My dear, you're looking rather flushed. I do hope you're not coming down with something."

Joey swallowed. "I do feel rather strange."

"Here," she pursed her lips thinly and approached the bed, "Let me feel your forehead."

Joey sat up primly. "That's really not necessary."

Pacey smiled against her skin, his lips brushing a trail along her neck up to the sensitive lobe of her ear.

"Very well then, Princess. I haven't time to dally with you anyhow. I must find my granddaughter." She curtsied to Joey and took her leave.

Joey exhaled a sharp breath of relief once Lady Ryan was gone. Pacey faded slowly into existence, continuing his gentle teasing, biting lightly on the lobe of her ear.

"Oh, Pacey stop that," Joey said with a small sigh. "That was horrible of you to do that to me."

He grinned, placing one last kiss on her throat. "But it was rather amusing watching you attempt to keep a straight face."

"It was not easy."

He lay back across the bed, a feral grin on his face. "I'm proud of you, Princess. And don't pretend you didn't enjoy it either."

She blushed faintly. "You should not do that. It's not proper."

His smile faded a little. "Telling me you love me isn't proper either."

She smiled brazenly. "Well, I do not care."

"And I don't care if it's improper to kiss you." He caught her hand and pulled her closer to him.

"Well, you should," she smiled, "because the door is not locked."

He lifted his hand and flicked his wrist, instantly the door locked. "Not any more."

She tilted her head to the door, a faint smile on her lips. "I am impressed."

"That was the idea, love," he sat up and tugged her closer.

She grinned. "Then you have succeeded excellently."

He smiled, brushing her hair behind her ear, "You are so beautiful."

She gazed at him shyly, biting her lip. "As are you."

"I'm beautiful?"

Joey nodded. "Yes."

"I thought men were handsome, not beautiful." He brushed his thumb over her cheek.

She smiled. "Well, you are."

"Than you are something far greater than beautiful, Joey."

"You flatter me."

"I love you," he corrected with a smile.

"Do you really?" she asked quietly. She gazed down at her hands. "Because I have realized that I am quite jealous and I would not like it if you tossed up the skirts of some willing and buxom girl. Although, I probably should not say such a thing because it is most improper and I should not know such things...Actually, I am not quite sure what tossing a girl's skirt up will entail, but from what I can gather it is quite unseemly."

He smiled, "I love you, jealously and all. The only skirts I will ever toss up will be yours, I swear it."

A wide grin slowly came across her face. "Do you mean it?"

He kissed her with a smile, "Of course I do. Besides, you are getting the short end of the sick. I'm a mere sword-swinging sorcerer, a step above a servant."

She giggled and pressed a kiss at the corner of his lips. "Oh, Pacey, I really do love you."

"You are sure of this?"

"It is way past time." An insistent voice could be heard through the doorway.

"If she does not--"

"Insist upon it."

The two voices could barely be heard through the thick wooden door to the King's solar. Joey was quiet for a moment before knocking and pushing her way in. "Father, you wished to see me?"

He turned to Joey, startled, "Why, yes. I did."

"Is there something wrong?" she asked curiously.

"Please," he gestured to one of the high backed chairs, "Have a seat." She nodded and took a seat as he'd directed. He inhaled a deep breath, lines of worry furrowed his brow. "Merlin is ill," he said with a heavy heart. "We have no way of knowing whether he shall recover or not."

Her eyes widened in surprise, but she bit the inside of her cheek. "Oh."

"Dominic has become my chief advisor in Merlin's absence." He gestured behind him where Dominic stood, his dark hair shading his eyes. "Joey, I fear that Camelot is not as strong as it once was. The glory that existed in my grandfather's days has since faded. Neighboring kingdoms grow more confident by the day." He sighed, the weight of his burdens heavy on his shoulder. "I arranged Jen's marriage to be an alliance to strengthen our defenses if another grows so proud to think he can defeat the Round Table."

Joey gazed at her father intently. "What is to happen?"

"Lord Winchester now threatens to return to his home and ally himself with those who would wish to defeat Camelot." He couldn't meet her eyes, "I must provide him with a bride."

Her stomach dropped as she felt the implications of his words. She could barely bring herself to speak. "Me?"

"'Tis the only way." His frown drew deep lines around his mouth.

She sat back in her seat. "Are you sure?"

"Unless there is someone else you care for?" He eyed her hopefully, wishing his daughter had found someone better than the Lord of Winchester.

She shook her head slowly. "No, Father."

He pursed his lips and swallowed thickly, "Then you shall be wed a week from the morrow."

"So soon?"

"Lord Winchester was not pleased when his bride-to-be ran away rather than marry as was the King's decree." Dominic finally spoke up. "The man is quite irate."

She lifted her chin up. "Well, he has his princess now."

"Aye, and once he knows, he shall be very impatient to take his bride home." Her father seemed to have aged twenty years in that moment. "I shall hold him off as long as possible."

"Do not worry, Father. I will do what needs to be done."

He smiled weakly, "That is my brave girl."

She smiled pleasantly for him even though she felt sick. She had known this day would come, but she didn't dream it would be so soon with Lord Winchester as her intended. the man was as odious as when she was a child.

"You may be dismissed if you wish," The King offered, unable to deny her anything she would have asked of him that moment.

She nodded and climbed to her feet, heading for the door. "I shall be in my chambers if you wish anything more."

"I love you, daughter."

"I love you as well, Father." She smiled faintly at him before shutting the door behind her.

Pacey banged heavily on the door to Joey's chambers, panic seizing him. "Joey! Open the door!" He had sensed her upset from the fields where he had been practicing with the knights and had taken off at a run to find her. He grew impatient when the door didn't immediately open and he unlocked it with magic and threw the heavy wooden paneling open.

Joey raised herself off her bed quickly, wiping at her eyes. "Pacey! What are you doing?" She glanced around awkwardly. "If anyone catches you here..."

He slammed the door shut behind him, "I do not care." He came to her side, wrapping her in a hug, "You’re upset." She swallowed and she nibbled nervously on her lower lip. Oh, how she did not want to tell him.

He brushed her hair back from her face, looking into her troubled eyes. "What's happened? Is it Merlin?"

"My Father told me he is sick."

"We know of that already," his brow furrowed.

"Oh."

"Joey, what's wrong?"

She did not want to tell him, but she knew the news would travel around the castle soon enough with the wedding not far away and she'd rather he heard it from her. "My father was hoping for an alliance with Lord Winchester through his marriage to Jen. He threatens to not ally himself with Camelot now that Jen has run off."

"That is your father's problem, love." He caressed her hair, "Not something you should be in tears over."

"My father needs his alliance, Pacey and he will only agree to it on one condition."

Dread skittered down his spine, "What is his condition?"

"I am to marry him," she whispered quietly.

"Oh."

"A week from tomorrow."

He swallowed thickly, "So soon?"

She nodded slowly. "Yes."

His voice cracked when he spoke again, "I wish you and your husband well."

Her eyes watered. "I have no other choice."

"I know, Joey." He took a deep breath. "I always knew it would come to this. You did too."

She sniffled and pulled away from him. "You should go."

"I'd rather stay, if you let me." He held her hand.

She swallowed, her eyes melancholy. "You cannot be found here."

"Then I shant be found," he forced a smile and pulled her back into the cradle of his arms.

She bit down on her lip. "I do love you, Pacey. I do not think I can ever love him."

He tried to smile, "Well, that's a relief." He kissed her temple. "I love you too. With all my heart."

"I wish it did not have to be this way."

"Everything will be fine," he promised her, blinking rapidly.

"How can it be?"

"Don't ask," he smoothed her hair, "Just have faith."

She sighed. "Very well..."

"Is there any chance...mayhap Merlin will know what to do?"

"I do not know."

He sighed, "I don't know what to do here, Joey."

She frowned, tightening her hold on him. "Neither do I."

"I don't feel like going down for this evening's feast." He gave her a soft kiss and pulled out of her arms. "Change your dress. Wear one of those plain woolen ones and cover your hear. I shall be back for you in a few moments."

She eyed him strangely. "What for?"

"We will escape for the afternoon, just you and I and a sack full of Cook's best treats."

She offered him a watery smile. "Sounds wonderful." He winked at her and opened the door, checking the hall for people before slipping outside.

The smell of fresh hay filled the air of the large stable, most of the fifty stalls were filled with the magnificent and intimidating horses used by the knights and Joey bypassed each of them, stopping at the corner stall where her horse was kept. She pushed back the hood of her blue cloak and smiled softly at the chestnut gelding, running her hand along its satiny neck. "Fox, have you missed me?" she murmured quietly, as he nuzzled her hand. She smiled. "It's such a perfect day, I shall take you for a ride."

"Your Highness?" One of the younger knights entered the stables and searched her out. "Your father has commanded an escort for you. We await your leisure."

Joey sighed; she'd been hoping to ride alone. "Very well."

Rhys nodded, "Shall I call one of the hands to saddle him?"

She smiled faintly. "How else am I to ride him?"

"Right away, Your Highness." Rhys bowed deeply in his armor; a feat not easily accomplished, and turned on his heel to find one of the stable boys.

Joey frowned as she stroked the gelding's neck. "I do not need an escort to ride on the grounds," she muttered to herself.

One of the stable boys, with a shock of bright red hair scurried into the stall. He kept his eyes trained on the horse, not even daring to look at the Princess. He bowed after he'd finished, his eyes trained on the hay beneath his feet, before making a quick exit.

With annoyance, Joey led the horse from the stall. Using one hand to hold her long brown hair, she climbed on the horse with little trouble. A wicked smile came across her lips as she grabbed the reigns in hand. "Let us see what superb training my father's men have," she murmured. "If they wish to escort me, they shall have to keep up." She tossed her head back and leaned forward, her hazel eyes narrowing determinedly as she broke out into a full gallop.

She had a good five minute head start from the entourage of four men. Unfortunatly, she was no match for their war horses, and they slowly gained on her, calling out advice on how to control her "wild" mount. The forest was a mere few yards away, if she could just hold them back, she could melt into the woods for much needed solitude.

Joey urged Fox forward, biting back a smile and enjoying the wind in her hair as she raced ahead. She knew the paths in the woods like the back of her hand and she quickly lost them on a winding trail that was barely visible to the unfamiliar eye.

Once she was sure she was truly on her own, she slowed the horse down to a trot and patted his mane. "You were wonderful, Fox. It seems I have never a moment alone ever since that blasted wedding announcement."

She led the horse to a small clearing and climbed off, tethering him to a nearby tree so he'd be able to drink water from the creek that ran through there. She sat down on a rock that jutted out into the water and removed her slippers, placing them next to her. She dipped her toes into the cool water and sighed.

Married. She was to be married and if she did not detest the state enough, her husband would be Lord Winchester. She shivered, and not from the chill of the water. Joey could hardly imagine what being married to that man would be like. His manner hadn't much improved since that day when he first visited when Bessie was ill. Joey did not know if she could abide a man that could be so cruel. But what choice did she have?

She could not bring herself to blame Jen for this. She knew that if Jen had stayed, Jen would have been the one forced to marry the odious man and she did not wish that on her friend. She did not want it for herself either, but what choice did she have? Her father needed the alliance if they hoped to save Camelot.

"Perhaps, marriage to Winchester will not be so bad," she mused aloud. She forced herself to think optimistically. Mayhap, with a little guidance and time he might prove to be quite suitable… She shook her head. Joey would never be able to love the man. Of that she was sure. Her heart belonged to Pacey. Her eyes watered, if only they had more time. The wedding was less than a week away and yet, there was still no clue of where the danger lay. Merlin was growing weaker by the day and if something was not done soon, they might lose him.

She suddenly felt weighed down by all the problems she was forced to face and rose to her feet, putting on her slippers. She walked over to Fox and hoisted herself back onto the saddle. Turning him in a tight circle she urged him into a lunging gallop, breaking off into the woods.

The wind whistled in her ear as she strove to out race her problems, demons nipping at her heels. For a few glorious moments, she was free. She turned sharply and a loud gasp escaped her lips as she was unexpectedly deluged by a flood of visions. Her breath left her, everything was happening too quickly for her to make any sense of it. A dreadful cold swept through her and her eyes fluttered shut, the reigns growing slack in her hands as everything went black.

The horse continued on without her.

"This is the horse, Sire." Rhys caught the reigns of the gelding Joey had ridden into the forest. Once it had been established the Princess was missing, the King had ordered a search party to set out immediately, himself included.

His face paled as the horse was brought forward with no rider. "Where was it found?"

"About thirty yards yonder," he gestured to the east.

"You incompetent fool!" Lord Winchester admonished harshly from the King’s side, his face a bright red. He had insisted on joining the search party, furious at the prospect of losing yet another bride. "Find her!"

"Right away, my lord." Rhys nodded his head, already feeling guilty at having been eluded by a mere woman, his abilities as a warrior were under severe scrutiny. If the Princess were not found, he was sure he'd be cast from the Round Table.

Pacey's eyes narrowed as Rhys turned away, urging his horse into a gallop. Lord Winchester was proving not only to be ugly of face, but of personality as well. 'Twas not Rhys' fault that Joey had managed to elude her escort, she had been taught well how to escape those who would confine her. It would be best her husband-to-be learned that early. The thought of her married to that man made Pacey sick to his stomach.

"Are you all right, my boy?" The King questioned, noticing the pale pallor of Pacey's face. The young man had been acting strange since they'd set out.

"Yes, Sire, I'm quite fine."

Lord Winchester glared at the handsome young man who'd insisted on joining them. "I still do not see why this...apprentice has joined us. He is not even a warrior." He sneered.

"More warrior than you ever were," he muttered beneath his breath.

"What was that, Pacey?" The King asked.

"I was saying, perhaps we should search a little to the North." He said louder, shooting a dark gaze to the pompous older man at the King's right. He needed only to separate himself from the King and the other search party, and then find Joey himself. Even before word of her disappearance had reached the castle, he'd felt her distress. He could sense her off the to the west, still a good distance from where they currently were scouring the woods. If they found her before he did, there was little chance to find out what had caused her to lose her mount or the pain he sensed lodged in her heart.

"As you see fit," the King nodded. Unconsciously, he trusted Pacey's judgment.

Lord Winchester looked appalled as he reigned his horse to a stop. "Do you take orders from a mere child, my Liege?"

"I am no child!" Pacey glowered.

Lord Winchester deemed it unnecessary to acknowledge Pacey's comment.

The King straightened on his horse, his stature exuding his regal standing. "'Tis my daughter that is missing, Winchester." He said steely, purposefully leaving out the man's title. "This man was her friend as they grew up, he may know of a place she used to frequent. Additionally, he is the apprentice of the great Merlin and possesses powers you or I cannot fathom. I trust his judgment. As. Will. You." His last words were a command and left no room for argument.

Pacey couldn't help but shoot Lord Winchester a victorious look. The small entourage continued into the depths of the forest, the deep baritone of them men's voices echoing Joey's name. Pacey slowly began to hold back, wanting no one to notice when he made a disappearance of his own. Time was running out, and the longer he stayed with the search party, the more worried he became for Joey.

Finally, he got his chance to slip away, and slowed the horse to a walk. Once the last of the King's entourage disappeared from view, he turned his horse, Thunder, to the west and set a backbreaking pace through the woods, dodging trees, logs and shrubs at a dangerous speed. He hung a sharp left, letting his instinct guide him to Joey.

Moments later he tugged hard on the reigns, bringing Thunder to a halt, the horse let out a sharp neigh as Pacey slipped from the saddle to rush to where Joey lay on the soft leaves and pine needles of the forest floor. "Joey! Answer me..." when he reached her side he slid his hands over her body, searching for any broken bones while his eyes searched her face. "Joey! Answer me."

Her eyes slowly fluttered open and she smiled up at him weakly. "Pacey."

"I'm here, love." He brushed her hair away from her face. "Are you hurt?"

"No," she whispered with a shake of her head.

"Thank God," he slid his arms beneath her and lifted her into his arms, burying his face in her hair.

The smile that had been on her lips faded as she remembered what she saw. "Pacey," she whispered urgently. "I saw him. They're to the west of here."

"Saw who?" He pulled back enough to look in her face, confused by the fear her saw in her brown eyes.

"I've never seen him before." She shivered remembering the cold look in a pair icy green eyes. "But I felt it, Pacey. He's the one that poses a threat to Camelot."

"You had a vision of a man?" He frowned, "Is that what caused you to fall from your horse? What did you see?"

She nodded. "Oh Pacey, it was like nothing I've ever felt before."

He brushed a thumb over her cheek, "Tell me."

"It-It all happened so quickly, I can barely make sense of it now." She swallowed. "But it was him, of that I am sure." She shuddered. "The sun was shining yet it was cold, so very cold. I could feel it in my bones. And his face…" She shook her head softly from side to side, "I could see it so clearly…he is young, not many years older than Dominic. But his eyes…they were so cold and empty. He was evil, Pacey. Full of darkness and hatred as Merlin is with light and love."

"Are you sure it was him? Perhaps you hit your head." He smoothed his hand over the back of her skull, checking for bumps.

She met his eyes, her own solemn with the gravity of what she’d seen. "There is no mistaking him, whoever he is, he is our adversary. ‘Tis he who is slowly stealing from Merlin his life. And ‘tis he who seeks to destroy Camelot."

"Oh, Jo..." He frowned, holding her closer. He caressed her arm soothingly. "We have to go to Merlin. Tonight."

"I know," she said with a nod. "He will know what to do."

"Your father and Winchester are searching for you."

Her eyes widened in alarm. "Oh dear."

"I sent them on a wild goose chase. I wanted to find you first." He smiled softly, "They'd never let me near you otherwise."

"I am glad it is you that found me."

He gave her a soft kiss, "Do you think you can stand?"

She nodded. "I believe so." He released her and rose to his feet, offering her a hand.

"You there! Boy!" Lord Winchester's slightly nasal voice came from nowhere, quickly followed by the neighing of his mount as he yanked violently on the bit to bring his horse to a halt. "Get your hands off her!"

Joey frowned in annoyance as she climbed to her feet. "He was kind enough to offer me assistance."

Pacey scowled at the older man, "Merely doing the gallant thing."

"Address me, correctly you insolent pup!" Lord Winchester glared from atop his horse. It was a good thing, or he'd be forced to look up to meet Pacey's eyes. "You have no right to touch the Princess. You should be so lucky to kiss the hem of her skirt."

Anger turned his eyes a smoldering blue and he took Joey's hand, "You pompous--"

Winchester smirked, "Kiss the hem of her dress, boy."

"I will not, you self--"

"Kiss it." He commanded, withdrawing his sword and pointing it at Pacey's chest in challenge. "It shall humble you. You need to learn your rightful place. You take to many privileges."

"Oh my," Joey announced loudly, pressing the back of her hand to her forehead. "I feel faint."

Pacey was at her side in an instant, "We need to go back to the castle." He whistled, and Thunder pranced to his side. Effortlessly he lifted Joey into the saddle.

"She will ride with me!" Winchester demanded.

Pacey quickly mounted behind her, "I think not, old man." No matter that the man was his superior, he would not stand to watch Winchester touch Joey for the rest of the ride back to the castle. It was gut-wrenching enough to know that they were betrothed and that he would be touching her far more intimately than he ever had on their wedding night.

Joey gazed at Lord Winchester with innocent brown eyes. "I am already on this horse and I am feeling not quite myself from the fall." She blushed shyly. "I would be terribly embarrassed if I were to become ill before you my lord."

He let out a frustrated sigh, but was pleased at her modesty. "Fine, then. Your father is this way." He re-sheathed his sword and turned his horse back the direction he had come.

Joey let out a small sigh a relief, once they started moving. "Oh, why must you provoke him, Pacey?"

"He started it." He replied petulantly, his arms going around her to grip the reigns. "The man is insufferable. But you needn’t worry, I wont do anything to jeopardize your marriage."

"I am not worried about my marriage," Joey snapped. "I am worried about you doing something foolish."

"Such as?"

"Getting a sword plunged through your chest over nonsense."

"You think I would have let him kill me?" He repeated dumbly. "He could never have bested me."

"And if you had fought him what do you think would happen to you, Pacey? He is a lord."

"I know," he sighed heavily in defeat. "I would have kissed your dress."

"I do not like him anymore than you do, but it cannot be helped."

"I realize this," he muttered. "But I do not have to like it."

She smiled faintly. "No, you do not, but please try to refrain from provoking him again."

"Should be simple enough if I avoid him at all costs."

"Thank you."

"Anything for you, love." He murmured. She smiled softly and leaned back against the safety of his chest.

"I shall miss you fiercely when you go, Joey."

"I shall miss you too," she whispered.

He was quiet for a few moments. "How are you feeling?"

"I grow weary," she said with a sigh.

"It will get worse before it gets better, love." He nuzzled her neck. "Your father worries, and will most likely fret over you once we return. Then we must visit Merlin this eve."

A corner of her mouth turned down slightly. "Very well. I shall manage."

"You always do. Try and rest now. It will be a while before we locate your father. Winchester is getting us lost." He urged her to relax further against his chest, knowing she would need the energy later. She nodded, resting her head against the comfort of his chest and let the sound of his heartbeat lure her into a fitful sleep.