A/N: This is set in a medievalish time period, and I have made Forks and Pheonix into warring nations. If I get any details horrendously wrong, or spell something wrong please tell me. This is my first story excepting one awful failed attempt a few years back so please read and review.

Disclaimer: I own nothing, don't rub it in.

"I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will

be fought with sticks and stones."

- Albert Einstein

(EPOV)

"No."

Edward's soft but firm answer was accompanied by a dark glare, Aro stared back just as unyieldingly.

"What do you intend to do then? Will you be retiring? Are you going to finally settle down and start a family?"

A little humour entered Aro's voice as he questioned Edward, he knew he had him by the throat, Edward would never leave the Royal Force, it was all he had, they stayed like that, exchanging death glares for a moment before a growl of anger erupted from Edward, his patience stretched to breaking point.

"Honestly Aro, can't you see how I would be of better use else where? I'm a soldier, I need to fight."

"First of all you're a Lieutenant, not a soldier, secondly, we're in peaceful times and thank heavens for that, and lastly this is of the greatest importance, you would serve your nation best through this."

"What? By babysitting some royal brat?"

"You would do best to refer to your possible future queen in a more respectful manner," Aro's voice softened as he watched Edward's sullen expression "You're a good man Edward and a great officer but there's not much I can do for you, it was part of the agreement, they asked for the best and that's you."

Edward remained silent, staring at the floor.

"You're dismissed." Edward turned to leave "Oh and Edward? I wouldn't worry too much about missing out on the action, her highness, Princess Isabella isn't exactly going to be welcomed with open arms."

As Edward escaped back to his room his thoughts turned over his new title morosely, Personal Royal Guard to Princess Isabella Swan of Pheonix. Forks had been at war with Pheonix since Edward was five, twenty long years. Edward still remembered the day the officer had showed up at their house, his face drawn and anxious with the weight of the task he had been assigned, and Edward's mother, always so bright and happy and full of life, had crumpled like a delicate flower crushed underfoot, it had been only a couple of years later that she had fallen ill and quickly followed her husband. Those had been hard years, that Edward tried not to focus on them, he looked around his room for a distraction but it was the perfect military room, spotless, sterile and empty.

Sighing he leaned back in his bed trying to ignore the uncomfortable itch of new stitches drawing taut over his skin and turned his mind to the new treaty that had gained him his new title, King Carlisle Volturi had just succeeded the throne after the death of his much older uncle, the former King Caius. Carlisle was a great man, Edward had spent some time with him, and it never seemed enough. Highly intelligent, calm and kind, Carlisle would make a great ruler as would his wife Esme, who reminded Edward strongly of a softer version of his own mother. Carlisle and Esme had three children, Laurent, Jasper and Rosalie, Edward had met none of them.

The King of Pheonix, King Charles had succeeded the throne four years ago, after his elder brother King Marcus had announced that he was sick of the war and wished to retire.

Charles and Carlisle had met two weeks ago, to discuss the war they had both inherited, the meeting had gone on for three excruciatingly long days for it's citizens, until finally it had been announced that a treaty had been made but the terms would be kept private until a later date. Edward ofcourse knew what the treaty's terms were, Charles only child, Isabella was to be engaged to Carlisle's eldest son, Laurent. Carlisle had agreed to this very cautiously under the terms that both meet and agree to the engagement before hand, Charles agreed to send his daughter to Forks as long as she was given top security and under the warning that any damage to her would result in a full blown attack.

Which left Edward with his unwanted new title.

(BPOV)

'Married', Bella tried to fit her head around the horrific word as the carriage rattled noisily past lush green forests. As much as she tried she couldn't quite seem to get the word to fit in reference to her, she shuddered at the thought of this new fiancée she knew nothing of and tried to think of something else, anything else. Her cousin Alice, sensing her discomfort wrapped her arms around Bella.

"It's alright Bella, everything will be alright, you don't have to go through with this you know. It's not like the whole future of the kingdom rests on your shoulders, I hear King Carlisle is very manageable, I'm sure he and Charlie can make other arrangements."

Bella gave her cousin what she hoped was a reassuring smile but her thoughts lingered on what she had said, that was just it, it was as if the whole future of the kingdom rested on her shoulders. What was she suppose to do when she met this Laurent and didn't want to marry him as she knew she wouldn't, what was she suppose to say? Oh I'm sorry you seem very nice and all but I'd rather chew off my own arm then marry you. Even if Carlisle was very manageable she doubted he would take that very well.

"Let's play cards!" Alice announced suddenly.

Bella agreed but barely paid attention as she turned over her cards, her mind travelled back to Charlie, like Alice he had assured her that she didn't need to do this, but Bella could see in his eyes that he was worried she would say no. The last four years had aged her usually boyish and playful father, he hated the war and the stress lines that marked his face looked unnatural next to the laugh lines that crinkled around his eyes, they worried her and she wouldn't let her own selfish ways be the cause of them.

A rap on the carriage knocked her out of her musings, looking out the window she saw Emmett her personal guard riding next to them, "we'll be there in about an hour your highness."

Bella nodded, "oh and Bella?" Bella looked up surprised to hear Emmett call her by her nickname, he had been her bodyguard for five years now and Bella loved him like a brother but he usually only used her nickname in private, "don't worry it'll be fine, I'll look after you." With that he fell back, Bella let the curtain fall, how like Emmett, always trying to be the big brother and look after her.

After Alice won the third card game in a row she began fiddling with Bella's hair and clothes, straightening and pinning, Bella barely noticed, her attention now on the lovely city that rattled past them. They eventually arrived at the magnificent palace and Bella was quickly escorted past curious eyes and into a hallway, she stood infront of a pair of huge oak doors and waited as King Carlisle was informed of her arrival.

Suddenly the oak doors swung open and a booming voice announced "Her Royal Highness Princess Isabella Swan."

Bella winced as every eye in the room turned to stare at her.