A/N: Some interesting happenings!


I'm floating in a wooden rowboat in the middle of a small lake. There is mist all around; I can barely see more than a few feet around the boat, but I see the water is calm. The only ripples come from my unsteady movements rocking the little wooden craft. I'm confused – where am I? Why am I here?

Suddenly I hear voices. They're hushed whispers coming from far away and it frustrates me that I can't make out any words. A breeze flows through the air, shifting the mist but not improving visibility. I don't like this. It's uncomfortable not being able to hear or see properly.

The voices get closer and slightly louder but I still can't hear any words. Looking around I notice there's no oars in the boat. My only companion comes in the form of a leather sac sitting at the bow. I can tell there's something in it, and suddenly I don't care about the voices. I need to know what's in the bag.

As soon as I reach for it, one voice becomes louder and says, "Bella! Wake up!"

I sit up straight in my bed as I'm yanked violently into consciousness.

"What? Where am I?" I say, trying to get a grip on my surroundings. As I rub the sleep from my eyes, I notice several things. First is the pain in my abdomen. Second is hunger. Third, and probably most important, I'm not alone. Next to me stand Jacob, Esme, and a girl I've never seen before.

"Good morning dear wife. Or I should say good afternoon," Jacob jokes. I'm not in the mood for it.

"What are you all doing here?" I ask.

Esme steps forward. "I've brought my niece as promised. And I've also brought you an herbal tea that will help ease the pain," she says kindly.

I can't help smiling at her thoughtfulness. "You are a godsend. Jacob, tell Jessica to fetch whatever Esme needs to brew me another miracle potion." He looks put out but does what I ask.

"Hi Bella, I'm Alice," the girl says as she brazenly sits on my bed without invitation. Before responding, I study her carefully. She's very short, thin, and childlike, but there are a few grey hairs mixed in with her long black mane that hints at her age. She's still very young and pretty despite her eyes being a little too close together and her slightly crooked teeth.

I decide to ignore the presumption of intimacy for the moment. "Hello Alice, priestess of Avalon. Your aunt told me about you," I reply in a slightly formal tone. I think she gets the hint as she stands up and wrings her hands nervously.

"As she has mentioned you. I gathered you shared an intimate acquaintance or I would have never presumed…"

I cut her off with a wave of my hand. "Yes, I understand. Please don't worry yourself. A friend or family member of Esme's is automatically an intimate acquaintance of mine," I reply, letting her off the hook. She lets out a sigh of relief and resumes sitting on the edge of my bed. I meant what I said, but something about this woman irks me. I'm not sure what it is.

"I am very happy to meet you," she says hesitantly. I can tell there's something weighing on her mind.

"As I am pleased to meet you. Esme told me of your abilities to see the future. Tell me, what do you see in mine?" I ask.

She scrunches up her nose. "Esme was only partially correct. I can't always make it happen at will. Usually the messages are relayed to me in their own time and circumstances. It also depends on the person – some peoples' futures are easy to read, others are a complete mystery. But I can try," she adds unconvincingly.

I nod. "Please, I would appreciate it."

She reaches out and takes my hand in hers, enveloping it and pressing lightly on my palm. She closes her eyes in concentration. I realize my earlier assessment was incorrect – she appears much younger than I'd anticipated. Despite the very few greying hairs, she can boast a smooth, flawless complexion without lines or sagging.

Esme is busy at the table under my window preparing her concoction, not paying us any attention. I would guess that many people ask for Alice's advice and this is not an unusual situation for her.

Suddenly my mind's eye is drawn away from my surroundings. Random flashes of images float across my vision, but they're all memories.

My mother's face as she watches the priestesses of Avalon. The Bude marshes near Tintagel. Riding my pony for the first time and the broken arm after I fell off him. Dreaming of Edward's comforting arms. Playing with wooden figurines in the gardens at Lyonesse. My tenth birthday feast. Watching Angela's mother weave the most beautiful blue and white cloth. Edward saving me from the dragon in my nightmare. The first time I met Rosalie. Edward's green eyes. My wedding day.

After a few more seconds, the images cease and Alice releases my hand. Her eyes are full of surprise and sadness. Part of me doesn't want to know what she saw but my curiosity overpowers me.

"Did you see what I did?" I ask.

Her eyes snap to me in surprise. "What did you see?"

"Memories, things I saw in the past," I reply.

She gets a faraway look on her face. "Very interesting. I wonder what that means," she muses. "I can only tell you two things. First, you are destined to be the High Queen of England at your husband's side. The second is that your good deeds will be recorded and remembered for thousands of years after your death," she says quietly.

"Jacob will unite the tribes of Britain?!" I ask. My husband is a good man but I have my doubts of his ability to succeed where other more able men have failed.

Alice smiles mischievously. "I can't say anything more. Just remember my words," she warns.

I'm relieved when Esme interrupts our exchange. "Bella, your tea is ready," she says gently as she brings the clay mug to me. As I take it from her hands, she adds, "This is very powerful and its effects should be quick. Alice and I will depart now." She gives Alice a stern glance as I down the hot beverage.

XoXoX

"What on earth could possibly motivate you to leave at a time like this!" I yell at Jacob.

He sighs and runs his hands nervously through his hair. "It's not my decision, Bella. The king has ordered us north so to the north we must march," he replies in an irritatingly calm voice.

I cross my arms over my chest. "No. You can't leave," I state simply. As if it were that easy.

His brows furrow. "I am sorry, but we will be going in two weeks' time. There is nothing left to say," he replies sadly.

"You would leave your wife in this sieged pile of rubble? Look what happened with the army only a few miles away. Imagine what will happen when I'm left completely unprotected! I don't even have a personal bodyguard anymore!" I wail.

"I have taken care of that. Edward has proven himself a worthy protector – he will replace James."

Oh God. I feel the internal war between one side that wants to be alone with Edward, and the other that knows it's a very bad idea. I haven't seen him since my return to Caer Leon three days ago and I yearn for him. It's taken all my willpower not to visit him in the guests' quarters and throw myself at him. Well, willpower and strict instructions from Carlisle not to engage in intimate relations until I'm fully healed.

In a way his advice brings me peace of mind knowing I can't be intimate with Jacob either. Although he is my husband and part of me loves him, my heart has always belonged to my green eyed savior. Now that I know he's real I can't imagine what the future holds.

The faithful, adoring wife temporarily wins over the more passionate, carefree woman. "You would really leave me in this state? We just lost our baby," I lament, closing my eyes to fend off more tears. I was a mother for only one day but the loss is still difficult.

Jacob closes the distance between us and grips me in a tight embrace. "Bella, you know I don't want to go. Though I once dreamt of glory on the battlefield, that was lost the day I first laid eyes on you. I'd be more than happy to stay here and father hundreds of children with you. But I am the prince, commander of the Mercian army, and my duty has to be first and foremost to my king," he replies in a gentle voice.

I nuzzle into his broad chest and return the hug. "I can't believe your king would make you leave," I grumble.

Jacob laughs. "He's your king too, my dear wife." I think of Royce of Cornwall. William of Mercia is definitely superior though at the moment I'm still mad about the situation.

I sigh deeply. I know I can't win this argument. Jacob would move heaven and earth for me as long as he didn't disobey his father. I know this is the traditional role of noblemen and royalty, but I hate that I'll always be his second priority. This is not what I wanted in a marriage.

"Come, my dear. Have some tea and get some rest. We still have two weeks before I depart and there is much to be done," Jacob says as he untangles himself from my grasp.

EPOV

Sitting in my chamber in the stone tower of Caer Leon has allowed me time and space to contemplate a great many things. I have had very little to do, being treated as a nobleman in the prince's castle, which is not typical for me. I'm not entirely comfortable with this arrangement but to decline would be an insult to my host. As I contemplate how I can get out of this, there is a knock at the door.

"Enter!" I say loudly. Glancing over to the door, I see Esme and Alice have arrived.

"Edward!" Esme exclaims as she rushes to my side. I rise and hug my mother close, glad for her presence. I notice Alice is very quiet, which is untypical for her.

"Mother, Alice. It's very good to see both of you," I say honestly.

My mother pulls back and touches my cheek. "My dear son, Alice wishes to speak with you," Esme says. I see the warning in her eyes.

Without hesitation, Alice comes to my side and says, "Edward, do you remember what I told you the last time you visited me in Avalon?"

I smile politely. How could I forget? "Yes, you said something about brown ice."

Alice rolls her eyes at me. I love riling her up. "No, idiot. I said 'The watchful browns will lead you to battle with fire and ice.' That was important then, and it's even more crucial now."

"Alice, that's a pretty cryptic statement. How am I supposed to know what to do with that?" I ask.

Her eyes widen as big as clay serving trays. "When the time is right, you'll understand. But Edward, the time is soon. Everything's falling into place," she says with a hopeful expression on her lovely face.

I sigh and run my hands through my hair. "Okay Alice. I'll be extra mindful," I say diplomatically. Her responding smile makes me glad I'm not capable of being mean to her.

"Good. Now Esme, we must leave. The prince is on his way to talk to Edward," Alice says as she pulls my mother toward the door. Just as they open it to leave, the prince stands there with a surprised expression. How does she do that?!

"Oh, my apologies for the interruption. I came to speak with your son," Jacob says to Esme as he eyes Alice carefully.

"Certainly, my lord. This is my niece, Alice. She is visiting from Avalon. We were on our way back to the village," Esme says as she bows. I gather Prince Jacob is not as accustomed to informalities as Bella.

He nods his head. "I am pleased to make your acquaintance, my lady. Do not let me keep you from your plans," he responds as he strides into the room. Alice and Esme give me a quick wave and walk away.

I give a slight bow to Jacob. "My lord, to what do I owe the pleasure?"

Jacob laughs heartily and grips me in a tight hug. "There can be no formalities between brothers. And you, Edward, have done me a great duty by saving my wife from those Irish bastards. I am only sorry I did not come to thank you sooner, but as you know there has been a lot to do around here." He releases me from his grasp and takes a seat in my chair.

I nod my agreement. "Yes I see that. How does the lady Isabella fare?" I ask hesitantly. I want to know, but I don't want him to read too much into my question.

His face grows tense. "She's recovering from her ordeal, and seems to be in reasonable spirits considering the circumstances," he replies sadly.

Suddenly there is a knock at the door. "Enter!" Jacob and I yell at the same time, eliciting smiles from each of us toward the other.

Embry walks into the room and says, "My lord, the stonemasons have arrived and wish to consult with you."

Jacob sighs and rubs his temples. "Fetch them some food and tell them to relax until I get there. I have a few things I would discuss with Edward first," he orders. Embry bows in acceptance and leaves the room.

Jacob looks at me with tired eyes. "Such is the life of a man in charge," he jokes as he smiles wanly.

"What is it you wish to discuss with me, my lord?" I ask. I'm anxious to end this exchange as quickly as possible.

He nods to himself as if he's made up his mind about something. "Edward, you may not be aware, but Bella's personal guard was killed trying to defend her during the recent attack." I nod for him to continue. I'd met James once in the market. "I have been ordered to take our army north to fight the Picts, and I couldn't leave without being assured my good wife is protected." He stands and puts one hand on either shoulder, his gaze boring into mine. "I would ask, nay beg you to consent to be my wife's personal bodyguard. I could trust no other with this most important task."

A boatload of emotions float over me. I want to decline. If it were anyone else in the world I would have said no right away and been done with it. "I would be honoured, my lord," I say before my mind catches up with my mouth. What have I done?

His responding smile is brilliant. "That is the best thing I've heard all day! From now on, you are welcome to call me Jake. I will go directly to Embry and have him set you up in James' old chamber. He will fill you in on the details of this occupation. Oh my friend, thank you!" he gushes before walking out of my room.