Disclaimer: I do not own any recognizable characters. No copyright infringement intended.
Author's Note: Happy Easter! I'm posting a couple of days early as an Easter Gift to you all. I hope you enjoy! Teasers for the next chapter will be on my blog later. Thanks, as always, to AgoodWITCH for her beta work!
I am placing a mild smut warning in this chapter…we have a small lemon that is in no way graphic, but I still thought I'd give the heads up.
The Demands of Duty
The official dinner that celebrated the newlywed's first full day at court was long and arduous. The aristocrats all acted as if they were the most important to walk the earth and 'surely she had already heard mention of them.' In reality, they were all blurring together in a sea of like minded, elevated noses. Only a few truly stuck out, some due to their genuine politeness and good will, and others due to the outright animosity of the daughters who had accompanied them, or in some cases, even the wives.
Edward hoped for the love of all that was holy that his Bella didn't believe that he had been involved with any of the wives. They were simply jealous hags, most envious of their daughters' sordid involvements with him in the past. While, yes, he had been less than scrupulous with many ladies of England, he had never been so low as to sleep with a married woman, much less ones nearly the age of his own mother.
Edward was so proud of his wife as she never faltered. She stood proudly at his side, politely conversing with the gentry that paraded past her in a seemingly endless procession. Even the sharp words of the envious 'ladies,' who did not in all honesty deserve the title in any respect, with whom had once shared his bed, were disregarded and passed over with more civility than even Edward would manage to muster.
Princess Isabella felt as though she had been emotionally scored by every biting, underhanded remark or innuendo she had been subjected to that day. She did her best to hide her true reaction from everyone, including her husband, but it had been a true test of her fiber to do so. She watched with a sense of unease as the group of ladies very near her age converged in a far corner of the gathering area, whispering while cutting their eyes in the direction of her and the Prince. As a lifelong member of a royal court, Isabella was no stranger to the world of gossiping courtiers with nothing better to do. Nobody had to tell her that she was going to be the newest target of their vicious banter. She simply hoped that their falsities would be transparent and her previous reputation of merit would take precedence in the minds of those hearing the hurtful words and the jealous strikes of her husband's previous conquests.
With one last reticent glance toward the quickly growing huddle of gossip mongers, Isabella sighed and focused on her duty at hand. She had no clue how many more aristocrats she had to meet, but she hoped that they were quickly reaching the end of the queue. She glanced at Edward casually to see a shadow cross his features as he glanced toward the crowd of gossiping ladies. In a flash, his eyes moved to hers, a look of apology filled his face before his eyes softened. With a causal air, he lifted his hand to his chin, stroking slowly. Bella suppressed a giggle, instead lifting her hand to graze across the emerald necklace that tugged heavily on her neck.
The weeks following Princess Isabella's official introduction to England were chaotic and stressful. The situation with France was becoming more confusing by the day as it seemed the French King could not make up his mind what he wanted to do. His flippant movement of his troops from one day to the next had the rest of Europe scratching their heads in confusion.
Jacob sent word that his friend had assured him that Spain was not the focus of King Louis' animosity, in fact he suggested that the whole thing was an elaborate show for the benefit of Rome. Apparently, the Pope had admonished him over his desire to take a new bride of an inappropriately young age after his wife's untimely death while giving birth to a stillborn son. The King's reaction, it seemed, was to throw a fit like a four year old and posture as if he would strike, when in reality he never had any real intention to do so.
Carlisle did not, however, want to leave his actions to chance, sending three naval ships to the Mediterranean in order to support either country that might come under fire. In the meantime, he and Edward were both forced to spend many hours in council with the King's advisors.
In the interim, Isabella was left at ends as she was forced to endure social luncheons with the Duchesses, Countesses, and other wives of the powerful men of the country. The only saving grace was the copious amounts of time she got to spend with the Queen and Princess Alice. She truly enjoyed their company, but the rest of the dowdy ladies of the land were boring her to tears. In all honesty, she would much rather be in on the meetings regarding France than twiddling around with the other ladies, sewing shirts and pillows and practicing their needlepoint. Sewing in general had always been something Bella hated in her youth, much preferring the absorption of knowledge to the tediousness of what was socially considered the more feminine talents.
One other relief was that more often than not, Emmett was by her side in some capacity. He still served as a guard, but in the eyes of the English court, he was more than a lowly guard, but rather a concerned family member charged with keeping his cousin safe. Somehow it all had managed to work to his advantage. Where in Spain he was nothing more than a step above a servant, in England he was given respect. He even had a few of the ladies of the court batting their eyelashes in his direction, hoping to capture his attentions.
Every night, Edward slept in Bella's chambers, just as they had planned. Not a night went by that they did not celebrate their love, neither of them ever completely sated. During the long days as they lived the separated lives of royalty with their own specific duties, they both often found themselves falling into torrid daydreams or fantastic memories of partaking of one another in the most intimate of fashions. Matter of fact, Edward had to find excuses to stay a bit longer at the meeting table on more than one occasion until he was able to beat back the physical manifestation of his erotic mental meanderings.
Within the walls that closed them off from the rest of the world, they easily fell into the pattern of dropping their royal mantles to once again be themselves. Many nights they would simply lay in one another's arms in the yellow flickering of the firelight as they talked about anything and everything that came to mind. Some nights they barely got any sleep at all after talking for hours before falling into one another again, seeking rapturous completion before their bodies finally succumbed to unconsciousness due to pure exhaustion.
On more than one night, their discussions would drift to babies. It was regretful that there was so much pressure upon them already to bear an heir. They knew they would be under deep scrutiny until Bella began blooming with child, as Alice had already begun to do. It thrilled Bella to see Alice's form slowly transitioning to accommodate the growing combination of her and Jasper within her very body. The miracle of the entire situation amazed Bella. She wanted so badly to carry Edward's child within her womb, caring for it most protectively until the time that the perfect combination of the two of them would be ready to join them in the outside world.
When Bella confessed to her great desire, that in all honestly, shadowed the pressure they were both receiving from the outside world, Edward smiled happily, pulling her closer to his side. He was pleased that the desire the bear his child was more than extrinsic, for he too desired to see his wife rounded with the product of their union for the pure joy of knowing that they had created something unique to themselves. This child would be so much more than simply an heir created out of necessity, but rather a beautiful manifestation of their love. It was so much more than he could have ever hoped to dream.
As the situation in France grew more tenuous, more and more pressure was put upon the English King to find a solution. It was ironic considering that his country was not the focus of the conflict, and yet, he was expected to solve everyone else's problems. The greatest of his woes though, was that it was increasingly appearing that he would need to send an official liaison to France to deal with the matter in a more forthright manner. He would go himself, but there were other matters of state that needed his immediate attention in addition to France. Thus being so, he was left with two other options, neither appealed to him at this juncture.
He was forced with a choice. He could either send his son-in-law, the strongest comfort to his relatively newly impregnated daughter, risking her health and wellbeing as she fretted over his safety in his absence, or his son, who was bonding quite nicely with his new bride. With any luck, he would be producing an heir of his own in the near future, which would be far more difficult to do with his bride in England while he is in France dealing with the unpredictable Louis. In addition to the inhibition in the creation of a grandchild, Carlisle was reluctant to put the heir apparent in potential danger if war broke out while he was on French soil.
King Carlisle knew what the more reasonable choice was, but the heart of his daughter was difficult to injure, particularly with her delicate condition. Countless nights he had discussed it with his Queen, his most dependable advisor in all matters of life and livelihood. She had suggested waiting one more week, and if it still seemed apparent that another envoy was necessary, that perhaps both men should be sent to look after one another and give peace to their wives that they would not be alone. She had also suggested sending Lord Emmett, trained as a guard, but not appearing as such. He could blend in quite easily as another aristocrat simply accompanying the Prince, but be a powerful defensive weapon in disguise.
King Carlisle sat back, reading the maps over and over as he pondered his options before sitting them back down with a sigh. In the end, he always went along with his wise and beautiful Queen's insightful suggestions, for she was the most intelligent woman he had ever known, although Princess Isabella appeared to be in equal standing with his own bride.
He settled back in his chair, scrubbing his exhausted face with dry hands as he glanced at the clock to see the unbearably late hour. He hated to wake Esme from her sleep to join her in her bedchamber, but he knew she would be far more upset if he did not. There were very few nights throughout their married life that they did not share a bed. He looked forward to the day, which he hoped would come soon, when his son would be ready to rule. For the good king already had plans to abdicate his throne, turning it over to his capable son, so he could actually enjoy his golden years with his wife, as they had done before the duty of the crown called them away from their Italian paradise. In the early days of his plans, when it was simply a dream, he had hoped to return to Italy, but now with the blessing of grandchildren on the horizon, he knew his wife would never agree to leave while they were in England. Instead, he hoped to buy some nice home, renovate it to their liking, and live there, far enough from the city to enjoy some solitude, yet close enough to visit when they so desired.
He looked over a few last papers, signing two official documents before slowly making his way to the quarters where his wife was waiting, feeling much older than his forty years. He undressed quietly in the antechamber, changing into the sleeping attire left out for him every night by Esme's understanding ladies before climbing into bed with his wife. Esme mumbled and shifted closer, jumping slightly at the cold intrusion of his toes against her calves, before finally relaxing back into the soft bed, sleeping much more soundly now that her husband's arms were around her.
Not much change occurred with the situation in France, so with a heavy heart, the King assembled his family to inform them all at once of his decision, taking the extra step of including Emmett as well. He felt great anxiety with his decision, but this was the burden of any king…the hard decisions always fell to him and him alone in the end.
As everyone took their seats, he saw recognition in their eyes, particularly those of Alice and Bella as they shifted anxiously in their seats. He came out from behind his desk to sit next to Esme on the settee, taking her hand between them as he let loose a long sigh before making his announcement.
"As Edward and Jasper are fully aware, things with France are still in disarray. The King's decisions are making little sense and since we are not personally involved, our allies are looking to England to find a resolution and ensure peace. The attempts at diplomacy so far from Spain have yielded little to no results, the same is true of Italy. It has been suggested that a more official showing in France might bring about a more resolute solution."
Carlisle watched as Bella's face crumbled, her quick intellect already deducing the coming announcement, while his poor daughter still sat in anxious ignorance. He paused, casting an apologetic look at Bella, who understood immediately, before looking carefully at Alice as he finished his proclamation.
"I debated for many nights the best course of action, knowing the weight my decision would bear on the spouse of whomever I sent. No option was simple, and all left one or both of my daughters in distress, but we do what we must. In two days time, I am sending, Edward, Jasper, and Emmett to France to see if they can reach some sort of peaceful accord with King Louis and end this insanity."
Bella began to nibble on her bottom lip as it began to quiver lightly, while Edward reached to grasp her shoulder comfortingly. She lifted her hand to rest atop his, twining their fingers as best the position could allow. Meanwhile, Alice immediately deteriorated into sobs, shaking her head as she grasped her stomach in a protective manner.
Carlisle wanted badly to soothe his daughter, but knew her husband could do a superior job as he knelt before her, cupping her face in his hands and whispering words of comfort. Carlisle waited for the worst of the upset to pass before he finished what he needed to say.
"I am terribly sorry to both of you, Alice and Bella. There is, however, a method to my madness. I hoped that the knowledge that they are going together to support and watch out for one another might give you peace. In addition, I have elected to send Emmett, due to his training."
Carlisle glanced at a shocked Emmett as he smiled slightly and continued. "Emmett will go dressed and presenting himself as another aristocrat, friendly with the prince and going along to see France, but will always be nearby and prepared in case the Prince or Duke need protection."
Everyone looked at Carlisle with confusion as he discussed a Duke of which they were unaware. He smiled with a chuckle as he crossed the room to lay a hand on Jasper's shoulder.
"This has been in the making for quite some time, son. There will be an official ceremony tomorrow at noon to officially entitle you as The Duke of Richmond."
Jasper blinked at Carlisle in shock. He simply couldn't believe that Carlisle had created a Duchy just for him. He was honored and humbled beyond all verbal recompense. Finally, after a great deal of time in a daze, Jasper stood to shake the King's hand.
"Your Majesty, words fail me. Thank you, my king."
Carlisle rolled his eyes, pulling him into a hug. "You only call me Majesty in the presence of everyone else outside of this room, but in these walls, I am simply Carlisle. You know this, Jasper."
Jasper blushed, nodding his head before turning to a shocked Alice. She smiled a watery smile before allowing Jasper to pull her into his arms where they stood in an embrace.
Congratulations were shared all around before everyone left to return to their chambers and discuss what was ahead of them as couples…well except for poor Emmett who had nobody to even miss him once he left, with the exception of his cousin. It made Emmett sad as he watched his friends and new royals interact with such familiarity. He knew they considered in as part of the inner circle, but still was not family and this made his heart ache as he yearned for someone to comfort that cold night.
Edward and Bella were quiet as they made their way to Bella's chambers. They both dressed for bed in silence before sliding under the sheets. Immediately, Edward turned on his side to envelope his slender wife in his arms, burying his nose in her hair.
"I don't want to leave you yet. In fact, I never want to have to leave you."
Bella sighed, cuddling closer to Edward's chest. "I don't want you to leave either, but I understand, probably in a way that Alice never could. The best way to solve any dispute is to first push for diplomacy. If your presence in France can save the lives of both their people, as well as the Spanish, Italian, or English, then what little discomfort I feel is of little importance. I have no doubt you will be safe. An English heir apparent killed on foreign soil would lead to war with England, which the French do not want, as well as Spain, as my brother would push for vengeance on my behalf. I do not fear your safety. I will miss you most desperately, though."
Edward sighed, suppressing the prideful tears trying to push forward as he folded his wife more tightly into his arms, kissing her temple reverently. "Have I told you lately how very much I love you?"
Bella tipped her head up with a small smile. Edward ran his right hand down her silken hair before letting his fingers trace the soft, beautiful planes of her face, his fingers drifting down to smooth across her lips lovingly. "Well, I do, more than words could ever relay. The words evade me every time I try to express how lucky I feel to have found you again. You are the epitome of an ideal queen, and yet the perfect woman for my heart and soul. As long as I live, I will never be able to thank God in heaven enough for creating you."
Edward slowly leaned down to capture the lips he had been teasing lovingly with his own, savoring the subtle sweetness. It pained Edward to leave his Bella, but he also knew that this would not be the first time that his duty would force them to spend time apart. His only hope was that these separations would be few and far between.
Their kiss deepened as the subtle sweetness transitioned into tangy heated desire. Bella's lips became more insistent as her tongue began to delve deeper into Edward's mouth. He hummed at the sensation, loving when she became bolder in their amorous interactions. His body quickly prepared for their union as his wife surprised him by shifting to lie atop him, her hands bracing her body to hover over them as her hair fell around their faces like a curtain.
He gazed up at her brilliant smile; her eyes twinkling with the mischievous glint that made Edward love her more every day. He smiled back in absolute adoration as his hands drifted up the gentle curves of her sides to grasp at the string tied in a bow at her neck to hold the neckline of her sleeping gown in place. Pulling it slowly, he loosened the neckline before cinching the material up her thighs and sides to rip over her head in one fluid motion, moaning as her soft feminine form was revealed to him.
His hips shifted below her as his body adjusted instinctually to the presence of his disrobed bride hovering above him, her body a siren's song, luring his lips and hands to caress and worship it. Listening to the call, his hands and mouth began to explore the soft exposed flesh of his bride. He could not even begin to imagine a time when he would not desire her with every fiber of her being. He knew that her ethereal beauty would slowly fade with the ravages of time, but his love for her was beyond the exterior. He knew as sure as he knew that the sun would rise the next morn that it would not affect his love for her.
They fell into the embrace of lovers as their bodies came together, merging into one blissful entity as their breaths intermingled in lustful pants. They moved in synchronicity, their bodies pulsing together in the dance of ecstasy that was older than any in history, as they reached their zenith in unison with cries of love and longing.
After panting together in a sweaty pile atop their bedding, they eventually adjusted to curl together once more before falling into a blissful sleep, thoughts of Edward's impending departure far from either of their minds.