I'm back way earlier than I thought I would be, which is always a good thing :)

Anyway, I'm gonna keep it short this time, since you all know how much I appreciate you all already :)

Here's Chapter Ten

Chapter Ten

The Company of Canines

May 1833

An uncomfortable tug at her stomach forced her from her husband's side, and out of the comfort and warmth of her bed. The Prince noticed his wife's absence almost immediately upon waking. He had awoken at the sound of Dash's insistent barking. The dog was adamant that he should rise.

"Quiet, Dash!" he mumbled in irritation, he was truly exhausted since they had not turned in until past twelve the previous night. The dancing and mindless chit chat had continued long into the night, and they had been the last to retire at his father's insistence. The Prince groaned at the rude awakening, and rolled over onto his side, reaching out for his wife.

His hand fell onto the empty space that she usually occupied. His eyes opened slowly, his vision was clouded by the haze of slumber, as he scanned the room for her. She was nowhere to be seen. Worried, he pulled himself up and out of bed, grabbing his discarded robe as he went.

"Bella?" he called, hoping she would reply. She did not. He began searching for her then, when her little dog appeared at his ankle. He looked quizzically down at the dog, and felt rather ridiculous as directed his next question towards the pup.

"Where is she, Dash?"

The dog barked in reply, and scurried off in the direction of his wife's washroom. The Prince felt his eyes widen at the dogs intelligence, and hurried after it, hoping the young spaniel would lead him to his wife.

The stench of vomit was thick in the air, as he entered her washroom. He found her in there; sickly pale and almost sleeping beside the basin. Dash lay down beside her, cuddling into his owner's side. Worry built up in Edward's stomach at the sight of her, she appeared most unwell and he was at a loss for how to assist her.

"Bella?" he whispered towards her, hoping she would reply.

She whimpered and blinked open her eyes. Her eyes widened at the sight of her husband, and she became instantly ashamed that he had seen her in such a state. She hurriedly attempted to pull herself up to a more dignified position, only for her stomach to become unsteady at the sudden movement. Dash stayed by her side, unlike Edward, who leapt back in panic, as his wife lurched towards the basin, promptly emptying her stomach once more. He felt the urge to vomit himself, and knew he was of no use to her.

"I'll ring for Lady Weber," he stated, before hurrying from the room. He could still hear her retching, as he rang the bell. He waited a moment, his stomach in knots. He contemplated fetching his mother, but he knew he couldn't leave her alone in this condition. He would have to sit out the wait beside his wife.

Swallowing his nerves, he returned to her side.

"I will not be offended if you leave," she told him upon his arrival, "you should not see me in this state."

The desire to sprint from room lingered inside him, but he forced himself to kneel beside her. He had never seen her appear so sickly and he did worry after her heath, he was just concerned at the tenderness in his own stomach.

"I will not allow you to suffer alone," he stated, against his better judgement. She sighed, lacking the strength to say much more. She had never been struck by sickness in her life, and she had come to the conclusion that she did not enjoy the sensation one bit.

A knock sounded on the door, and her husband jumped up at the sound.

"I shall be back in a moment," he told her, before rushing off to greet Lady Weber. Only to find himself, upon opening the door, facing the head house-maid. She looked out of place in his wife's door way, she had probably never been here while they occupied the room. She curtseyed and silently awaited instruction. The Prince sighed, running a hand through his hair; he needed support and there were only a few people that he would allow to be privy to his wife's ill health.

"Fetch Her Majesty and Lady Weber," he instructed, hoping one of the ladies would be able to assist him. The young maid nodded obediently and turned to carry out his instruction.

It seemed as if an eternity had passed him by, as he sat before his sick wife, by the time his mother arrived. She was pale and worried, and inelegant in her attire, although she appeared rather a lot better than his wife. She shooed her son out of the room, and rushed to her daughter-in-laws side. It would not do for him to see his wife in such a delicate condition. Once he was away from her side, she spoke gently to the young woman before her.

"Isabella, when did you last have need of this bowl?" she asked, directing her gaze towards the basin beside her.

"Not long," she mumbled her voice hoarse and shaky. She focused her attention on her aunt and mother-in-law, trying to ride her thoughts of the uneasy feeling in her stomach. Her Majesty eased herself onto her knees, and Isabella was horrified by the indignity of it.

"Your Majesty, you mustn't," she protested meekly, and her aunt brushed off the comment.

"My dear, you are unwell, even the highest of us must assist those weaker than us," she replied before asking, "Do you feel able to rise?"

Isabella did not respond for a moment, readying herself for movement. After a few minutes, she slowly nodded her head. She felt almost confident that she could rise without incident. Her Majesty offered her daughter-in-law her hand, and gently assisted her. Isabella was paler than usual, with a sickly jade tinting her normally rosy cheeks. Her Majesty forced herself not to worry after the condition of Isabella's stomach, as she led her from the wash room and towards her bed. After her bout of sickness; Isabella was sure to need rest. She had made the right choice sending her son away; it would not do to have him pestering her after taking such a funny turn.

It was most likely their over activity that had caused Isabella's stomach to react as it had this morning. They were over-indulging; since they had arrived at court, they had not spent one night apart. A thought crossed Her Majesty's mind then, surely, it is not possible? She tried not to dwell on the idea's floating through her mind. It was too soon to tell, and over thinking the situation would only make for disappointment. Her Majesty helped Isabella into her bed, and resisted the urge to tuck her niece into the sheets. She is a child no longer, she reminded herself, neither of them are. Her son and his bride may still appear young, but they were wed, and with that came the status of adulthood. Isabella was not yet seventeen, and her son only just into his eighteenth year. They were barely grown children, it seemed wrong somehow to treat them as adults, simply because they were married; and married against their own wishes at that. Her Majesty did what she always did, however, and kept her opinion to herself.

She watched as Isabella's eyes began to droop, and rang the bell for a maid. She did not wish to leave her daughter-in-law without the necessities. A bowl and a glass of cold water were very much required in this situation. As Her Majesty moved herself away from Isabella's side, her daughter-in-law's little dog leapt up onto the bed beside his mistress. He crawled into the space beside her, nudging her gently with the top of his head.

Isabella reached out for her dog, petting him lightly, and took great comfort in his presence. A small part of her wished for Edward, as her tiny dog attempted to ease her suffering. She wanted her husband beside her, she may have tried to send him away, but she would have preferred his comfort than that of Her Majesty. That did not mean that she was not extremely grateful to have her mother-in-law beside her, she simply wished for the comfort only her husband could bring her. She had truly come to care for Edward. The blurred image of Her Majesty was the last thing she saw before she fell, gratefully, into slumber. It had been rather a long night; she had never been more willing to allow sleep to take her.

The late afternoon sun was well into its place in the heavens, when she finally awoke. She woke to the realisation that she was alone, accept for Dash, who still lay beside her, protecting her while she rested.

"At least you stayed beside me," she muttered down towards her little dog, and he raised his head at the sound of her voice. She petted his head, and he gazed up at her, his eyes almost worried.

"I am well, Dashy, I promise," she reassured him, before taking a moment to mentally assess the stability of her stomach. She had honestly not a clue, as to why she had taken such a terrible turn so early in the morn. Her stomach was calm now, if a little tender.

"I feel much better now," she added, when Dash looked unconvinced by her previous statement. The canine continued to gaze up at his mistress with a woeful expression.

"Oh, I give up with you," said she, her voice filling with laughter, after his expression failed to change, "you really are such a silly thing."

She stroked Dash's head, and stared up at the bed canopy. It was well past the time to rise, and she knew she could not stay abed for the remainder of the day without some consequence. She did not wish for the court to believe her unwell; she felt dandy now that she was well rested. Isabella lay still for a few moments longer, taking deep relaxing breaths, and pondered the idea of rising. After a moment, she found her gaze wondering towards where Edward normally lay. His covers were still disturbed, but he no longer lay beside her.

She was grateful, though saddened by the sight. She wished for him more now than she ever had in the past. His absence signified the change in situation. She was sure, that had they still been in Wales, he would not have left her. At Buckingham, however, her husband's attitude was almost completely different. He followed the rules here, and there absolutely was no chance that his father would allow him to stay beside his sick wife. His life was of more importance than his wife's; she was replaceable, he was not.

She sighed unhappily, she understood the reasons as to why he was not beside her, as he normally was upon waking, but that did not mean she had to like it. Isabella thought on it a moment and realised; the sooner she appeared well, the sooner he would be returned to her. She moved swiftly then, disturbing Dash most unforgivably. He huffed in annoyance, and leapt up off the bed. He stretched and wagged his tag, waiting for her to join him in standing. She peeled away the heavy cotton covers and reached across her bed to ring the bell. Lady Weber would be here within minutes, and she rose out of her bed, taking her pearl silk robe from the back of the chair at her vanity.

She headed into the washroom, with the intention to wash her face, she could feel the residue of sickness on her cheeks and she did not wish to be seen in such a condition, even by her ladies maid. Isabella had never had to pour her own water before, but she filled the basin with cold water that was left behind from her previous wash.

"What exactly do you think you are doing?" Lady Weber reprimanded the moment she saw her mistress attending to herself. Isabella rang the wash cloth out, folded it and placed it over the side of marble sink.

"I was merely washing my face," she replied, smirking at her friend, "is that forbidden?"

Lady Weber did not appear pleased by her mistress's sense of humour. She had been informed that Isabella had been most unwell, she had arrived only moments after she had fallen into slumber, and had found Her Majesty by her friend's bedside. Her Majesty had told her all there was to know, and Lady Weber was not happy to see her friend out of bed. She surely should be resting?

Isabella sighed; she could almost feel her companion's worry seeping into the air around them.

"Angela, I am well," she hurriedly reassured her, "whatever ailed me this morn, does not no longer."

Lady Weber looked upon her mistress, puzzled by the statement and the sight of her looking so well. Her Majesty had stated that the young girl's stomach had been most upset, but here she stood bright eyed and almost cheerful.

"Are you quite certain, my Lady?" she enquired, unsure but pleased all the same.

"I am," she replied hurriedly, "now, will you assist me or should I tend to myself?"

Lady Weber rushed to help her mistress then, through the process of washing and dressing. Isabella felt marvellous once dressed and prepared for the day. She wore a plain emerald frock, with small circles of blue detailing, and a simple gold chain with crucifix pendant. She smoothed down her skirt and checked her reflection in her vanity mirror, before venturing from her chamber. Lady Weber urged her to remain within her bedroom, but she refused. Hunger gnawed at her stomach, and at two in the afternoon, it was almost time for luncheon.

Isabella had wished to attend luncheon with her family, however, His Majesty had dismissed her back to her chamber. He did not wish to have his palace riddled with sickness. His Majesty did not like to treat his daughter-in-law, the daughter of his good friend, in such a way, but it was necessary.

Isabella was not best pleased; she felt like a naughty child being sent to the nursery with no supper. Lady Weber sat before her, after serving her the simple dinner that had been sent up for her. Isabella viciously tore at the bread and dipped the chunk into the rich broth. She was angered by her confinement; she had wished to leave Wales, only a week before, due to the lack of freedom, and now she found herself in much the same position.

Lady Weber tried to bring cheer to her mistress once again, and failed at every attempt. She sat silent and on edge, as she watched her irritated mistress eat her small meal. Once Isabella was done with the food, she reached forward and took the bowl from her.

Isabella rose then, and moved herself into an armchair. She sat, her back rigid against the chair, and stared out across the room. She was not pleased, and most certainly not amused. She could not think of a worse predicament than to be imprisoned in one's own rooms, with no entertainment at that. Now was she expected to past the time, when she was left with nothing to occupy her?

It was growing late, however, and Isabella realised then, that she would not be unoccupied for long. Her husband would visit her soon, and she was rather looking forward to seeing him. Then it stuck her like a painful blow, if she was to stay abed this day, would her husband be permitted to visit her?

She grew lonelier still at thought: she would be very lonely indeed if her husband did not visit her, regardless of Lady Weber and Dash's company. The little dog, as if he heard her mental complaint, wandered over to her. He put his paws up against her skirt and attempted to place himself upon her lap. The tiny spaniel could not do so alone, and taking pity on him, Isabella reached down and pulled him onto her lap. As she smoothed his fur, Lady Weber cleared away the dishes.

Arms laden with dishes, Lady Weber stopped before her mistress, and a thought stuck her. Isabella was irritated most of all by the lack of entertainment, if she could fetch her mistress something to occupy her time, it may lighten her sour mood.

"Is there anything you wish for me to fetch for you, my Lady?"

Isabella looked up, slightly confused by the sudden question.

"Perhaps a book or some needlework?" she elaborated, after a moment of silence. Isabella slowly smiled at her friends attempt at humour, "Lord knows of my hatred for embroidery, Angela."

Lady Weber chuckled; her mistress would never be a seamstress. She preferred reading and drawing, and on occasion dancing.

"I shall fetch a book then, my Lady," she told her, "I shant be long."

Isabella sighed once the heavy wooden door had closed behind her ladies maid. She slouched down in her seat, and prepared herself for a long and tiresome evening. She hoped her sickness would stay at bay and that she would be permitted to leave by the next morn. She truly could not stand the idea of being cooped up within her rooms for another day; she was not sure she could bare it. As the thought crossed her mind, her stomach churned unpleasantly. She forced herself upright once again at the sensation, although regretted doing so almost immediately. Her stomach lurched and she felt bile rising into her throat. Her poor dog landed, bewildered at his change in circumstance, as his mistress bolted for the washroom. He scurried after her, and yelped unhappily at the sight of her emptying her stomach over the basin.

Tears fell from her eyes, and she sobbed at the ache in her stomach and the rawness in her throat. Her stomach had never before been so wanting of sustenance; it ached and hunger tore at her insides once again. She leant back against the washroom wall and she knew, as she regained some semblance of strength, that she was most certainly not free of the illness that ailed her. She had been rather naïve to believe that her illness would leave after such a brief visit. She did not blame His Majesty for confining her any longer; she saw the need for such action now. She did not wish this sickness upon others of her acquaintance.

As she became lost in her thoughts, and attempted to calm her stomach after another attack, Dash crawled over to her. Laying his head upon her lap once again, she smiled down towards him and found she had to remark.

"You are the only constant source of company I have had this day," she thought aloud, "I must thank you, my ever faithful companion."

Dash did not offer her a reply; he merely licked affectionately at her hand. She laid a hand upon his smooth head, closed her eyes and prepared herself to move. As much as she lacked the desire to move; she could not rest on the icy marble tiles for long. Dash permitted her to pet him, and smiled a canine smile, which his mistress unconsciously returned. She was so fortunate to have been given such a wonderful gift. She could never thank Edward enough for Dash; the King Charles spaniel was surely the most special present. Nothing her husband could ever bestow upon her, in the years to come, would ever compare to Dash, or so she thought.

I think you were all expecting this to come, though what this is you will all have to wait until next week for the Confirmation.

Also, I need to mention that I've had a new banner made for this story over at Twilighted! It's amazing :D and I'm so chuffed with it! You must all see it! Well, if you want too :P - (https: /lh5 . googleusercontent . com/-iJhrv0HuWQ8 /T7kXzWD6AyI/AAAAAAAAAaI /ivfKaE1_wzM/s800/ Betrothalbyauntiepanda . png)

Hopefully that worked, if not the link is one my profile :)

Thank you all so much! Hope you enjoyed it :) Abbie :)