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Bon Voyage

Once the meeting had adjourned, riders were immediately dispatched to A Coruna to inform the British Naval ships waiting to escort the Royals back to their homeland to prepare for departure. A little less than twenty four hours later, Princess Isabella found herself bidding a tearful goodbye to her mother and brother behind the closed doors of her mother's chambers. Bella clung tightly to her mother's neck as sobs escaped her chest. Her mother rubbed her back comfortingly telling her that they would see one another someday.

"Perhaps some type of royal business will necessitate a visit of your husband with whom you can accompany back to our lands." She smiled through tears, cupping her daughter's cheeks between her hands, memorizing her features. The queen knew that more than likely several years would pass before they would be reunited once more.

Bella's heart ached as she finally forced herself to step away from her mother only to get lost in her brother's warm, strong embrace. She clung tightly to his neck, so much so that it might have choked a lesser man. Jacob chuckled through his tears at his sister's strong reaction before releasing her to kiss her forehead gently.

"We will see one another again, my sister. One way or another, the fates of England and Spain are much more linked than they were before. You know once I am on the throne, all you will need to do is ask, and the full Spanish Armada will be at the aid of your new land, my precious sister. I have a sneaking suspicion that it may be true even now."

Bella frowned at her brother in confusion as he smiled down at her. "He is a pompous ass of a man, who doesn't know how to love, but only someone without a soul could not worry about his own daughter. He's worried about appearances, but underneath the cold exterior, I believe he does care. He's having issue letting you go. I saw it in his eyes during the meeting yesterday. If you need the aid of Spain, I believe you will have it."

Bella cried harder as she hugged her brother's large chest, taking in a few deep breaths of his comforting scent. Jacob smiled sadly down at Bella, already missing his sister and best friend dearly even though she had yet to leave. He kissed her cheeks before using his thumbs to brush away the trails of tears.

The Queen helped her daughter straighten her appearance, hugging her one last time before watching her walk through the doorway of her chambers on her son's arm. Once her daughter was in the corridor walking toward the carriages waiting to take her and her new family members to the coast, the composed Queen melted to her knees, sobbing for the loss of her only daughter. She would not rise from her place on the floor until the evening meal when she would have to once again become the Queen and join her husband in the great hall for a public dinner.

Prince Jacob held his head high as he led his sister though the corridor arm in arm. When they reached the great hall, Prince Edward beamed their way, rushing to their side to take his bride in his arms. While Jacob hated to watch his sister leave their lands, he was so relieved that Edward ended up being the boy his sister had fallen in love with two years before. What promised to be an unhappy marriage on the part of both parties, turned out to be such a blessing instead. Jacob watched his sister's eyes alight with love when she saw her husband. She turned to Jacob, placing one last kiss on his cheek as she rubbed his forearm lovingly with her tiny hand before removing it and taking the offered hand of her adoring husband.

The large group walked together, greeting the King who waited with his advisors at the far end of the hall to make an official farewell to the royals. The Princess watched her father closely as he addressed the group, thinking upon the words her brother shared only a few minutes before his their mother's chambers.

King Charles shook the hands of the men, kissing the back of the ladies hands in a very proper and gentlemanly manner. When he came to Prince Edward and Princess Isabella, he paused, his eyes flashing with a confusing combination of veiled emotions. Charles never knew how to relate to his daughter. Sons were easy. Sons you can relate to over hunting, fishing, and other forms of sport, but daughters were different.

Charles had been raised to believe women were the weaker sex and should not be taxed with issues of state and higher education. It only served to create unneeded stress in their weak systems. It bothered him that his daughter was determined to insert herself in all the things that he had been taught women should avoid for their own welfare. It frustrated him that she couldn't just be happy in her position like her mother, but even he couldn't ignore the fact that his daughter's keen intellect had been a great benefit to Spain. He knew many of Jacob's best ideas had been derived from his sister. In spite of his prejudices in regard to women, even he could not help but be slightly impressed.

It wasn't that he was close with is daughter, in fact he often avoided her because he didn't like being at a disadvantage in how to address her, but it was a comfort to know she was in his care and safe. He was going to miss seeing her walking the halls of the Alcazar with her mother, brother, and ladies. He knew she was going to be safe in England, especially considering that her new husband was so unabashedly enamored with her. There was no doubt in his mind she would be adored and given everything she might desire as Prince Edward's wife. It did his heart proud to know that one day she would be Queen.

He hadn't handled the news well initially about his daughter's previous relationship with the Prince. He was determined throughout her life that Isabella would be preserved and kept save from the lecherous men of his court. He definitely didn't want her to be taken advantage of as he often did the ladies of the court. It might have been okay for him, but he certainly did not want his daughter tainted so. Once he got past the initial anger over the concealed relationship, he couldn't help but be somewhat pleased at the development, for if nothing more, his daughter would be adored by her husband, and probably all of England as well.

When he first made the match nearly a decade before, he was thinking purely of the diplomatic benefits. At the time, he never dreamed how powerful that tie to England would be. As an arranged wife, it would have been quite beneficial, but considering the feelings the English Royals had for his daughter and vice versa, he was quite sure that Spain and England would be fast allies for at least one generation past his own, perhaps even more.

He reached out a hand to grasp Prince Edward's gripping it tightly with a determined shake before leaning forward to pat his shoulder with his free hand. "Take care of my daughter, young Prince."

Edward nodded, "I promise, Your Majesty. She will be my number one priority."

Charles smiled before turning to address his daughter. He reached out for her hand tentatively, bringing it up to kiss the back lightly before lowering it to her side. He nodded at her solemnly as his hand reluctantly released hers. "Take care of yourself, my daughter. Be the good wife, daughter, and eventual ruler I know you shall be."

Isabella blinked back the moisture pooling in her eyes with a nod. "I promise, father. I will do my very best."

He smiled at her slightly, the most affection he had showed the girl since she was six. "I know you will."

He stared at her a moment more before squaring his shoulders to address the rest of the group. "Do have a safe journey. With any luck, we will not be needing your services in the near future, but I do thank you, King Carlisle, for you offer of assistance."

Carlisle nodded before nodding to the guards who began to lead their way to the carriages waiting outside. Charles watched them depart forlornly before turning back to his advisors to resume the strategy session his farewell had interrupted.

Jacob escorted the group to the courtyard where the carriages awaited along with all of the luggage headed to A Coruna for the voyage to England. Angela and Emmett were already waiting, along with the rest of the guards ordered to escort the carriages to the port.

Jacob shook hands one last time with the group, bidding them adieu, saving his sister for last. As the rest of the party loaded into the carriages, Edward and Bella stayed to share one last farewell with Jacob. After one last hug shared between siblings, Jacob escorted the newlyweds to the carriage, both he and Edward offering hands of assistance as Bella climbed into the carriage. With one last handshake, Edward climbed in behind her. With tearful eyes, Bella waved through the window to Jacob as the driver snapped the reins loudly, jerking the carriage into motion abruptly. Jacob waved as the carriage made a turn in the courtyard and disappeared through the gates and down the curvy lane that led to the flat county below. He slowly lowered his hand with a heavy heart before turning to return to his duties within the large citadel.

*****

The trip from Segovia to A Coruna was difficult for everyone. Normally the carriages would have traveled at a leisurely speed, the group taking many stops to eat and rest, but with the possibility of a threat looming, even if it didn't appear to be a true threat, kept the group moving at faster, jarring speeds. There were only four brief stops during which horses were traded out, and all of the passengers rushed to take care of needs, eat a quick bite of food and drink before clambering back into the carriage for more travel.

If it had been most other royals in Europe, the speedy and uncomfortable trip would have been met with much grumbling, but as Bella had already seen and was very grateful for, these royals were not as spoiled as the rest. They did what was needed with little complaint. The only one truly seeming to have difficulties on the trip was Bella's poor sister-in-law, Alice. The poor thing seemed green around the gills and more exhausted than the rest.

After nearly two straight days broken up by extremely brief stops to take care of everyone's needs, the group finally reached their destination, immediately boarding the massive frigate appointed for shipping the royals. In addition, they would be escorted by two gunships to protect them more thoroughly. An hour later, everyone was settled in their individual quarters and the ships set sail for England.

Bella stood along the rail at the stern, Edward behind her with his arms wrapped lovingly around her waist, watching her homeland grow smaller and smaller as they made way for England. When the shoreline could no longer be made out on the horizon, Bella turned to Edward, curling into his chest and nuzzling his neck. She finally looked up at him with a sad smile. Edward was just leaning in to kiss her softly on the lips when Alice ran up next to them, leaning over the railing to wretch into the churning waters below.

Both newlyweds instantly moved to either side of her to offer their assistance. When Alice looked up, her eyes were swimming with tears as she covered her mouth with a kerchief while the other rested atop her stomach.

"I am terribly sorry. I came to check on Bella when the movement of the seas made me ill."

Bella curled an arm around her new sister's back while supporting her forearm in her free hand. Edward smiled, nodding that he was going to go talk to Emmett who was standing along the far end of the deck, talking with one of the sailors. Bella smiled back with a nod before directing Alice toward a set of boxes tied tightly to the deck. Bella helped Alice perch upon the edge before sitting next to her, caressing her back comfortingly.

Alice looked up at her new sister through watery tears. "Thank you, Bella. I appreciate your care. I am sorry I have made this trip so difficult on everyone. Normally, I would not be so predisposed to illness while traveling by land or sea, but in my present condition…" She trailed off with a twinkle in her eye as Bella's grew large, a massive grin spreading across her face.

"Alice, are you?"

Alice nodded happily.

"Does everyone know?"

Alice smiled, rubbing her abdomen lovingly. "My parents and Jasper are the only ones to know yet. I was waiting until after your honeymoon to tell you and Edward. I was on my way to do so just now when my sickness disrupted the great opportunity."

Bella giggled, hugging Alice's tiny shoulders excitedly. "Oh my goodness! I'm going to be aunt! I'm so excited Alice. Do you know when you are expecting to deliver?"

Alice beamed. "My courses have been lacking for three months now, so we are expecting this little one to come around March or April."

Bella sighed happily, looking over at Edward who was watching their exchange with great intrigue. He so wanted to know what caused that beautiful glow to grace his Bella's face. Bella caught his eye gesturing for him to join the two ladies only to be accosted by his wife's arms as soon as he reached them.

"Oh, Tony! Alice has the best news! Tell him Alice!" She was so excited Edward couldn't help but chuckle at her exuberance.

His heart shuddered in his chest when his beloved sister informed him that she was expecting her first child with Jasper. Edward felt such relief and joy for them, knowing that Alice had been concerned when they reached their first anniversary two months ago without having conceived. She became desperately forlorn, convinced that she would not be able to bear Jasper an heir. Everyone did their best to comfort her, reminding her that the only person who can truly choose when a child would come was the good Lord himself. Edward was sure everyone was just as relieved as he that Alice's fears were now officially abated.

After spending an appropriate amount of time visiting with his sister and sharing in her joy, he suggested to his wife that they might benefit by retiring to their chambers to wash up a bit and change their travel distressed clothing. The two younger couples had stayed on deck to allow the King and Queen first opportunity to clean, but now they could no longer stand to wait to remove the gritty dust and sweat from their weary bodies.

The newlyweds carefully went below decks, checking in with the King and Queen before retiring to their own chamber where Angela was already waiting with water for them to clean themselves a bit with. She offered to stay behind and assist Bella, but the newlyweds dismissed her, her new husband being more than willing to assist as needed.

Edward smiled as he led Bella to the far end of the room where a basin sat on a shelf with a raised edge to keep the basin from falling to the floor in the constantly shifting seas. Before they had gone below decks, he had informed Emmett and the captain that he and the Princess were exhausted and would retire until morning in their bedchambers.

With a devious smile, Edward reached up to begin untying the laces along the back of Bella's dress, taking his time to caress the newly exposed skin of her shoulders as he worked to loosen the strings. As soon as the bodice was loosened enough, he pushed the fabric from his wife's shoulders, letting them fall to the floor. Due to their state of extended travel, the girls had chosen not to wear the decorative hoops under their skirts, much to Edward's relief, leaving Bella in only her shrift, stays, underwear, and stockings.

He made quick work of what was left of her undergarments, becoming readily acquainted with them the night before when he assisted her in preparing for their night alone. Between the newness of their physical relationship and the need for as long a sleep as possible before they had to depart the next morning, the simply kissed and caressed a while before curling up together and sleeping more deeply than either had done before. Edward, however, was desperately hoping that one night's rest was sufficient for his new bride, for his body ached to be united with her again.

Soon, his bride stood before him in all of her perfect glory. He sighed happily, until Bella began to cover herself in humility. Edward's hands quickly lifted to her wrists, pulling her hands away. "Please, my love, I want to enjoy the view of my wife's beauty. Do not hide my most beloved sight from my eyes."

She blushed, looking to the floor before glancing back up slowly. "Does that mean, my lord, that I may ask the same request? I feel you are far too clothed to suit my sensibilities."

Edward sucked in a deep breath, letting it out with a lustful groan. He so enjoyed this new side of his Bella, even though it was still presented shyly, she was beginning to be bold with him. He hoped to see more in the future. He smiled at her through lidded eyes as his hands moved to his shirt, tugging the material up, pausing in surprise when two tiny hands moved to stop him.

"You assisted me. May I assist you as well?" Bella asked with a smile as her eyes twinkled up at his excitedly.

Edward moaned lowly, feeling the bulge already apparent in his pants grow more insistent at her words. He nodded, reaching his hands out to caress her exposed flesh as she slowly and deliciously removed his shirt before kneeling in front of him to remove his trousers and underthings. Edward gasped at how erotic the position was as his wife's perfect mouth was right in front of his saluting manhood. He knew that they both needed cleaning first, so he reached for her shoulders assisting Bella to stand.

Bella looked upset at first, her mind obviously working in sync with Edward's. She desperately needed to feel connected to him again and have the heaven of their union help chase the sadness of missing her loved ones away a bit more. Edward smiled sweetly at her, leaning in to whisper in her ear as his hands caressed her sides before moving up to cup her breasts.

"We really need to clean up first love. I do not think that would be pleasant before I had a chance to wash up a bit. I would greatly like to revisit that idea later if you wished though."

Bella smiled, tipping up to kiss Edward's chin as he reached over into the basin to grab out the large sponge, squeezing the excess water out before bringing it to Bella's face, smoothing across the planes of her face, removing the grit residing there thanks to their travels. Once her face was clean, he slowly moved down her body to her neck, chest and arms, squeezing the excess water the next time he dipped the sponge over Bella's chest so he could enjoy the visual of the rivulets running down the planes of her stomach after rolling over the hills of her breasts.

Slowly and lovingly, Edward washed Bella's entire body, kissing the newly cleansed flesh as he went. When he was done, Bella took the sponge, giving him the same loving treatment. Their cleansing quickly digressed into loving caresses and intimate actions of one another's mouths.

Eventually they ended up on the thin feather mattress perched atop a wooden platform, Bella trapped beneath Edward's naked form. They moved instinctually upon one another, their bodies seeking the union without their express planning. Soon Edward pulled back with a loving look in his eye.

"Are you ready, my love?"

Bella looked up with a smile, only with none of the fear that she had felt that first night. Edward aligned himself with her and pushed in slowly, watching her face for reaction. There was only a slight wince as he entered her, which was a massive improvement over the pain she suffered on their wedding night. Within moments, they were moving together in sync. Bella was shocked by the intense feelings of pleasure pulsing through her body with each of her husband's thrusts.

Soon she was grasping his shoulders roughly, her nails leaving indentions and small scratches along his back as she shifted her grip, arching into him as she failed to stifle her moans of ecstasy. Edward moaned loudly, his head tossed back and his neck muscles clenching as Bella's they climaxed together.

Panting soon turned into passionate kissing again, as both were in awed excitement at how amazing their coupling had been. It was no surprise that Bella would be awestruck by the experience, having never had the experience before without the pain of her virginity hindering her pleasure. Edward's amazed contentment however was a bit more of a surprise. Never in his life had he ever had a climax so intense and perfect. There would never, ever be another woman that would ever compare to Bella.

After a second union, they curled together on the narrow shelf in relaxed post-coital contentment. They whispered oaths of love and visions of the future, laughing quietly between happy sighs before finally drifting off and sleeping until morning light awoke them.

The rest of the voyage continued in the same way. Every night the newly wedded couple would sneak off to their chambers to indulge in one another's bodies, learning something new and wonderful each day. Before the trip was over, Bella became comfortable enough to even attempt a new position, much to the pleasure of her husband who loved watching her above him as they came together. They were definitely enjoying the bubble of newlywed bliss, and both dreaded their arrival in England when the world of duty would encroach upon their little slice of heaven.