A/N: In all likelihood it would have taken them much longer to travel to Bath from Caer Leon. It's a substantial distance for Anglo-Saxons, especially with a stop in between. But I don't want the travelling to take up too much of the story so I've shortened it considerably.

My Dearest Angela,
I hope this letter finds you well. I miss you, my dear friend, now more than ever.
My husband has marched north with the army to quell the Pictish rebellion, and I find myself lonely. I don't lack for company – this place is a bustle of continued traffic as we make the necessary repairs to our defenses. I find it overwhelming and exhausting. I have friends enough, but none I would consider as my confidante and loyal ally as you have always been.
There is much I have to tell you yet I cannot find the words to put on paper. I hope you will do me the honour of an extended visit. If you agree, I will send some guards and a carriage to bring you here safely.
I look forward to your reply!
-Bella

XoXoX

My dearest Bella,
Thank you for your letter. I am glad to hear you are safe and healthy!
I would love to visit, but I am in the middle of planning my nuptials. Yes you read that correctly – I'm getting married! Your letter has arrived at the perfect junction as I was about to send you an invitation to the wedding ceremony.
Oh my friend, my future husband is a wonderful man and I am absolutely smitten with him. His name is Benjamin and he is perfect. We met by chance one market day when I took some cloth to sell. He just moved to the area to become an apprentice carpenter, and when our eyes met I felt electricity course through my entire body. I love him dearly and cannot wait to be his bride.
I hope you can pull yourself away from your busy affairs to attend the service. The ceremony will take place at Glastonbury on the day of the fall equinox. Oh my dearest friend, please say you'll join me in celebration!
With love, Angela

XoXoX

I don't like the idea of travelling when so much is left undone. I've deferred most of the decisions regarding my castle to the masons though I gave them strict instructions to build a secret escape tunnel, and a few other things. I trust they will carry out my orders but I'm hesitant to leave at this critical juncture.

At the same time I refuse to miss Angela's wedding, so the workers will have to make do without me. I'm leaving Eric, the captain of the guard, in charge of the fort with Lauren as his consultant. She knows me well and I trust her to speak on my behalf as necessary.

As Jessica and I climb into the carriage and get settled, Edward appears outside the window on top of Lizzy. I try not to stare at the way his backside is propped up nicely on his saddle as he speaks to me.

"We'll be off in a few minutes. I just have to give some last minute instructions to our guard," he says with a smirk. I think he caught me ogling him and my face flushes with embarrassment.

"How long will we be travelling, my lady?" Jessica says nervously.

I'm grateful for the distraction. "We will ride through to Bath tonight and spend a few days there before heading to Glastonbury. We should arrive in four days' time," I reply.

I'm looking forward to spending time in Bath. It is a fascinating place built in the ruins of an important Roman city. Its location is ideal for merchants and as such has become one of the country's most prominent trading posts. It also boasts plenty of accommodations for travelers and houses a large population of industrial workers. Some of my finest pottery was purchased in those market stalls which exist in the shadow of an impressive military force. Of course, most of those troops will be marching north at the moment.

In addition to being a flurry of activity for trade, industry, and military purposes, Bath is strategically located at the meeting point of three separate countries. To the north is Mercia, to the west is the farthest border of Cornwall, and to the east is the kingdom of Wessex. Because of the great wealth generated, the city of Bath was a hot commodity for the kingdoms to fight over. As long as I could remember, it was technically in the hands of the kingdom of Wessex.

As the carriage jerks forward, signaling the beginning of our journey, I'm excited. Since my move to Caer Leon more than a year ago I haven't been anywhere else. Well, except for that one incident with the Irish invaders, but I don't count that as exciting travelling.

Within minutes I'm reminded why the actual act of travelling is not something I enjoy. My nausea isn't as bad as when I was pregnant but it's still upsetting. Luckily I had the foresight to bring Esme's stomach settling concoction to brew when we stop for lunch.

It's very early in the morning – not long after sunrise – and I'm pretty sure I spent nearly all my time travelling in the carriage watching Edward's form as he bounces in the saddle. At some point Jessica falls asleep which means I can ogle to my heart's delight. I barely notice when we arrive in Gloucester until we're pulling into the king's courtyard.

"Jessica, wake up. We're stopping for lunch," I say as I nudge her gently.

She jumps and opens her eyes, looking confused for a moment before settling her gaze on me. "I'm sorry my lady, I must have drifted off. I'm not a very good travel companion for you today," she says as she rubs her eyes.

I pat her leg. "Do not fret. If I could have fallen asleep, I wouldn't think twice about it. Please help unload our gifts for the king while I take care of the diplomatic stuff." She nods in acquiescence and leaves the carriage.

I'm right behind her. As I step down onto the finely manicured gravel courtyard of the king's castle – which sits conveniently in the shadow of the impressive Gloucester Abbey – I hear my father-in-law's welcoming voice floating through the air.

"Ahhhh, Lady Isabella! I was wondering when your caravan would arrive. Welcome to you, and your brave escort," he says as he eyes my travel companions curiously.

I don't blame him – I'm travelling with Jessica, Edward, the carriage driver, a man servant whose name I forget because he's new, and ten warriors. It seems extreme to me too.

"King William, it's wonderful to see you again. Thank you for the warm welcome and respite from travelling. I was very pleased by your invitation," I respond as I bow formally.

He clasps my hand as I rise, giving me a brilliant smile. "You are always welcome here," he says.

I smile back. "How did you know I'd be travelling?" I ask in a hushed voice.

He chuckles. "When the princess of Mercia makes arrangements to leave her castle, no matter the reason, word spreads quickly. You are carefully watched by the people, my dear. They love you."

I blush under his compliment. "Now you see why I must have such an extensive guard," I reply with a wink.

He laughs loud and hard, much like Jacob. "Quite right. Please, invite your entourage inside. They will be well fed. Tyler!" He beckons. A short, dark skinned youth runs forward and bows respectfully. "Ensure the lady's group are given food, water, and rest. Provide the same for their horses. Lady Isabella and I will take our meal in the garden today," he orders.

"My king, please don't forget my personal guard and lady's maid. Both will be with us as we break bread," I gently remind him.

He smiles at me. "And Tyler, bring enough for our meal to accommodate two extra guests. It seems the Lady Isabella doesn't trust me enough to be in my company alone," he jokes.

I'm sure any other man would have been offended by my insistence on providing for my staff at their kingly table, but I know William is a kind, thoughtful, jovial king. He's the sort of man who will listen openly and honestly while deliberating but will not tolerate questions once he's made a decision. And that's only for the major things; King William is great about not sweating the trivial.

As we walk toward his garden – a lovely square of wild foliage framed by a small orchard – he tells me funny stories from the feast of the summer solstice, once again admonishing me for not attending.

"I was sorry to miss it, but that was a trying time for me," I reply sadly.

He nods. "Yes, Jacob wrote to me about it. That was quite the ordeal," he says simply. I know he's baiting me so that I'll talk without feeling forced. I don't bite.

"But that is in the past, and this is now. And I absolutely adore your little slice of heaven here," I exclaim as I look around. We are seated at a wood plank table in the middle of the king's pretty wilderness within the castle walls. "However did you convince your gardeners to allow it?" I ask.

He laughs uproariously. "Bella, I am the king you know!"

I join his laughter for a moment before we are interrupted by Edward's presence.

"My lady, my lord. All our companions are resting and feasting. If you would prefer, I can join them…" he says shyly.

I gesture for him to join us. "Absolutely not. Please Edward, come. This is King William of Mercia. My lord, this is Edward. He's my personal guard," I state proudly.

Edward gives a formal bow as William says, "Your lady is correct. Come join us. Any man who can so selflessly put himself in danger to save another is very deserving of my table."

Edward hesitantly sits at a chair to my left as I say, "Did Jacob mention Edward's heroism in his correspondence?" I'm surprised. It's uncharacteristic of Jacob to give so much detail about anything.

William laughs heartily. "He mentioned Edward by name, but most of what I know came from the same sources that told me you were travelling," he says, amusement making his old eyes twinkle.

I can't help but laugh. King William's enthusiasm is infectious, and all throughout our meal I'm torn between ravishing the delicious food and choking from laughter at the hilarious man. I can tell Edward also enjoys his company, judging by the way his green eyes shine and the corners of his beautiful mouth frequently turn upward.

All too soon it's time to leave, and I feel sorry for it. I genuinely like the king. But the bulk of our journey is still ahead of us and we've rested long enough. Saying my farewells, we get back on the road and arrive in Bath well after sundown. By the time Jessica is done securing our quarters, I'm about ready to pass out. Thankfully she brings me some stew once I'm settled in my hut and shortly afterward I collapse on the bed at the back of the very small hut.

XoXoX

Waking in a place that is not your common bedchamber can be irksome, especially after a long day of uncomfortable travelling. I open my eyes, stretching the kinks out of my body, and slowly sit up to admire my surroundings. I frown when I realize how stark my little hut appears in the daytime. Last night I didn't care, so long as there was a bed and a roof. But now… I'll have to talk with the administrator of the guest quarters.

It's not the worst place I've ever slept. My straw and feather filled mattress is framed by a beautiful, if simple, bed frame that keeps it off the floor. There is one moderately pretty tapestry against the north wall, opposite a shuttered window on the south wall. The central hearth has barely glowing embers and there is a small table and bench by the door, which is opposite my bed. But the floors are dirty, the planks rotting in the corners, and I see no wash basin. This is not fitting for a woman of my station. Though I wouldn't normally be so uppity, I am keenly aware that we are in the kingdom of Wessex and I must present myself as the royalty I am.

I can't help but jump when my door creaks open, a hesitant Jessica poking her head inside. "My lady?" She says quietly.

"Yes, Jessica, please come in," I reply. She enters with her arms full of kindling, setting it down next to the hearth.

"How did you sleep?" She asks politely.

"Very well, thank you. Were your accommodations to your liking?" I ask.

She smiles and nods. "Yes, I was very happy to arrive despite the late hour. My hut is next to yours, although I share it with several other maids. If you ever need me and I'm not here, please come find me," she says worriedly. I think she feels badly about not being here when I woke.

"Jessica, don't worry yourself. We both had a long day yesterday – a little extra sleep did us both some good. Have you eaten?" I say.

She shakes her head slightly. "No my lady. Let me tend to the fire and then I will fetch you some breakfast," she replies as she bustles about adding the logs to the fire and poking them with an iron rod.

I stretch lazily and lady back down. "Grab some for both of us. You need to eat as well as I do, if not more so." She nods happily and makes her way out of the hut.

I take a few moments to close my eyes and revel in the pleasantness of a leisurely pace. Today I won't have to fight with stonemasons, argue with carpenters, or supervise the dozens of other repair workers at Caer Leon. I can relax, wander amongst the beauty of the crumbling Roman buildings, and enjoy some much needed solitude.

My mind inevitably wanders to Edward and the way his eyes bored into mine as we parted last night. He had a fierce look about him – there was something wild and carnal about the way he hesitantly walked away from me, his gaze never leaving mine. For a moment, I was tempted to invite him into my hut for the night, but my exhaustion and need for subtlety won out over my other conflicting feelings.

I can't wait to see him today. I wonder if he'll appreciate the beauty of this city as much as I do.