This is the Steward Gillen's POV . . .

XII

"You highness, the Cullens were not at their home," I reported.

"What?!" the King roared.

"The house was deserted and most of their clothing and possessions were gone."

He growled and started pacing.

"Also, some of the knights have disappeared from the barracks."

"What?!"

"The knights who were under Sir Edward's command have left the barracks. Their rooms were empty and their horses were missing."

He growled again, "They must've gone with the Cullens . . . Were there any departures from the city?"

"Some knights took a cart out of town. They said they were taking provisions to their relations."

He seethed.

"My King?"

"Leave me."

I bowed and departed but listened from behind the door.

"My enemies have escaped me," he growled, "The Cullens and, it seems, some of the knights. They're probably on their way to unite with their treacherous leader . . . Oh well, it matters not. I must focus my attention to the French invasion. I'll deal with the traitors later."


(BPOV) Midnight . . .

Edward had picked a semi-enclosed area for us to make camp. The carts were arranged into a sort of circle while everyone slept in the middle once the snow had been cleared. I found myself beside Edward, watching him sleep. He was very exhausted, despite what he would say. He had been running on no sleep for two days now. He told me that he was used to it but I forced him into rest. He had laughed at that act but still fell asleep shortly before everyone else.

I sighed, distracted, and listened to the night. Judging from the snoring I could hear, everyone in our caravan was asleep. All except for me. I had to admit though, I was glad it wasn't just me who talked in their sleep. I could clearly hear some people as they talked about what they were dreaming. Some were louder than others.

I lay, listening. I couldn't fall asleep, even though I wanted to. It wasn't that I couldn't sleep with the noise, it was just that I couldn't sleep. So, I resolved to watch over the weary body next to me.

I took in his appearance fully. His copper hair had grown darker during the winter; his naturally pale skin was slightly paler; his long fingers were curled slightly toward his palms as he lay on his side; his eye lashes (which were long for a man) rested against his skin; and his breathing was deep and almost musical.

I let out a quiet breath and wondered what he was dreaming about. I greedily hoped it was me, but then mentally slapped myself. Why would he dream of me? I'm nothing special.

Suddenly, Edward moved slightly. I stiffened, thinking he was waking up . . . but he didn't. I didn't know he was a mover in his sleep. He always woke up before I did. He moved again. Then, his hands reached out toward me and grasped my waist. A slight breath left me as he pulled me against him in his sleep, his arms wrapping possessively around me. I blushed deeper than I had ever had before but didn't fight back. Not that it would've done any good. Edward was incredibly strong.

He had a refreshing temperature; not too hot and not too cold. I wondered how I hadn't noticed it before. He whispered my name into my hair and I looked up. I smiled slightly. Apparently, I wasn't the only one out of the two of us who talked in their sleep. I closed my eyes and cuddled a little closer. Maybe now I could fall asleep.


(CPOV) Night . . .

Everyone was asleep save for myself and Dominic. Even Edward's knights were asleep on their horses. They were going to have sore backs in the morning. I looked at Dominic, "Why did you do this? You've left your homes behind."

"We're still loyal to your son," he answered, "and we know you've done nothing wrong. It's wrong for the King to lock you away on a false accusation."

"Thank you."

"There's no need for thanks. We're happy to do it."

"What about your families?"

"None of have any wives. The campaigns the King sent us on kept that from happening. No, our only families are distant relations scattered across the land."

"What of your family?"

"All I have is my father. He lives in a village not far from here. We should reach it by midday tomorrow."

"That's my home village." We turned in the seat to see Emmett awake. Rosalie was cuddled against his side, asleep.

"The one Edward might be in?" I asked in a whisper.

He nodded.

"Sir Edward?" Dominic asked.

I turned to him, "We think he might be in a village not far from the city. The village your father lives in might be it."

"Well, we'll reach it soon. I just hope my father still lives. His health wasn't the greatest last I saw him."

"Really? Shall I take a look at him for you?"

"You would do that?"

I nodded.

"Thank you, Dr Cullen."


(EPOV) Back in the caravan camp . . .

I woke up with a warm body in my arms and a floral smell enveloping me. I opened my eyes to find the first light of dawn. Everyone of the caravan was still asleep, including Bella as she lay in my arms.

I stiffened when I realized that little fact. She was snuggled against me with her head tucked in the crook of my neck. Had she curled into me when I was sleeping? . . . No, the way my arms were wrapped around her waist and the way her arms were folded in between us stated the opposite; I had reached out to her.

Her eyes fluttered open and met mine. She looked at me for a second, allowing the curtain of sleep to fade, then smiled with a raised eyebrow, "Surprised?"

"A little," I answered.

"Well, it wasn't my idea. You were dreaming about me last night."

"H-How . . . How did you know that?" My voice was a shocked whisper and I still hadn't let go of her.

She giggled a little, "I'm not the only one who talks in their sleep. You said my name."

I smiled a little, "It's possible . . ." My smile turned into a mischievous grin, "However, I've heard you say my name in your sleep more than once." She blushed and I chuckled, "I didn't say I didn't like that, Bella."

A small embarrassed groan left her and I, feeling bold, gave her a hug. I noticed we were both a little bold as she didn't make a move to leave my embrace. I decided to be even more daring. I looked around to see that no one was awake then quickly placed my lips on hers. She gasped in shock but got over it quickly. Her arms flew around my neck and she hugged me to her. The force made me gasp against her lips.

As soon as she realized what she had done, she pulled back, blushing, "I-I-I'm so sorry."

I chuckled again, "A bit of an overreaction there, huh?"

She blushed even more (looking like she wished she could crawl into a hole and die) and looked down, frowning at herself. I smiled and tilted her chin back up with my finger. After a moment, she returned my smile with an embarrassed one of her own.

"It's okay, Bella," I assured, "It's kind of flattering knowing I have that kind of effect on you." She gave a short laugh and I immediately felt like a barrier had just been broken down between us.

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