Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight or any of its characters; they are all property of Stephenie Meyer.

Thank you Cullenfest for being the pre-reader for this story.

Please forgive any mistakes…

Note…my chapters are always around the 2000 word mark. I know that you would like them longer, but this allows me to almost guarantee that you get an update every week (and sometimes sooner)…so don't be dissing the length…lol

A tale

Chapter 14

Bella's POV

The trip to town was the most amazing experience I had ever had. I had a close friend to talk to, and even Lady Victoria was pleasant company when her husband was on hand, though why he made her happy I had no idea. The sights and sounds were far more vivid than I recalled from my childhood.

Every time I had glanced out the carriage window, Lord Edward was near…or Edward as Alice kept reminding me to refer to him, he was after all to be my husband. His great black steed Apollo would come over, jostling Edward's sword and scabbard as it hung on the pommel of his saddle as the creature moved to snuffle and nose at my hand as he plodded on tirelessly beside the wagon. His velvet soft muzzle mouthing at my palms.

Edward softly explained that the great beast was merely searching for a treat, and he moved closer and offered me a small yellowed lump to give the horse. I held out my hand and he gently laid it on my opened palm before curling my fingers around it so I would not drop it.

The very touch of his finger on mine made my stomach lit up with fluttering sensations that were far from unpleasant. The emotions I felt caused my face to flush red once more causing me further embarrassment, but Edward made no comment. Instead, the one hand that was not guiding his horse with his reins, clasped over mine tightly as his eyes searched my features.

His lips drew back into a glorious smile as he looked at me. His intense scrutiny caused my own smile to creep forth, pushing away any nervousness I felt. He ran his fingers gently over the back of my hand, and the feelings it drew forth were not very lady like. Without meaning to I squeezed his hand in return and to my shock he blushed nearly as crimson as I usually did.

I smiled shyly at him to lessen his embarrassment and we continued to travel like that for a few moments longer, Edward holding my hand, and me gently gripping his in return. A few steps later his horse mis-stepped and caused our hands to jolt apart, stirring us both back into action. Edward regained his senses first, showing me with his free hand how to hold the tasty morsel so Apollo would not nip at my fingers.

I did as he had shown me and was delighted as the large animal turned his head with his ears pricked forward, following the scent of the tidbit to my hand where he gently used his soft lips to retrieve it before crunching it with great zeal. Only a moment later the animal was actually thrusting his large head against me as if to ask if I had anything more for him. Edward and I laughed loudly at the same time only to fall silent as we stared at one another once more. Every time my eyes met his I felt as if my heart swelled up with emotion.

Edward pulled the reins gently, easing Apollo back slightly as the horse seemed to be trying to put his head through the window of the carriage, however he did not retreat far, just enough for him to avoid having the animal stumble into the cart tracks. Having him close made this adventure even more special than it already was.

We continued the whole journey this way. Edward helping me into and out of the carriage at each stop. He also offered me his arm and escorted me carefully along the walkways to the stalls. His protective actions reminded me of those few men I recalled from my childhood trips to town, and it dawned on me that Edward seemed just like those men that had stood out in my mind.

He was not presumptuous, he seemed concerned and constantly aware of what I was doing. His eyes were watchful as he took in those around me and he occasionally shifted his position around me if any unsavory characters came near, placing his solid frame between them and myself. I never felt so protected.

We journeyed through the small shops and open air stalls, admiring the wares of the merchants as Sir James spoke to Edward and Emmett about the lands that were beholden to Welshford. Lady Victoria had stopped to purchase some fresh supplies for her manor and Alice and I had moved forward onto another seller with his wares.

"Renee? Is that you?" A deep masculine voice intoned from behind me. I did not turn as I knew it was not me they were speaking to, but the voice became louder and more insistent.

"Renee? Excuse me…Renee?" The voice continued.

I finally turned around to see who was speaking and wondered if I could assist them to find this Renee person they were seeking.

"Oh dear! You're not Renee at all. Sorry my dear, you just reminded me of someone I haven't seen in years…from the side you look a great deal like her." My eyes widened as they looked over the older man. Could he be thinking of my mother Renee? It had been so long since she passed…my memories of her were dimmer than I wished…I knew I had her coloring…but did I look like her? I made sure to keep my composure in front of our company…but it was not without difficulty.

"I am sorry, kind Sir. But I have no idea whom you speak of." I told him gently. "I take it from you tone that she was a good friend?" I asked cautiously.

"Indeed milady." He replied bowing awkwardly as he took in the people who surrounded me. "She was my late wife's closest friend…before she…" The man paused as his eyes drifted to Sir James who stood nearby watching our exchange very closely. "Before she and her daughter moved away…" He finished gruffly. I nodded my head as if to agree with his explanation, when instead I was nodding, knowing that this man seemed to know that Sir James played a part in the loss of his family friend…if only I could tell him of her demise…but there was no way to do so without revealing myself, and endangering those who had worked to help conceal me.

"I hope your friend knows how greatly she is missed…I am sure she would be honored." I told him with genuine emotion.

"Aye." The man retorted as he wiped a work roughened hand across his face. The gesture was very unsettling…almost as if he was experiencing grief. I needed to move on before it became to hard to hold this mask for too long.

"I hope the day brings you good fortune." I said politely and I glanced back, seeing Edward smiling brightly at me. His smile was the distraction I required, and I allowed myself to smile in return, focusing on him helped me focus on who I was at this moment…I was Isabella Whitlock…eventually to be wife of Lord Edward Cullen. That realization brought on a new wave of emotions that plagued me through the rest of the journey.

How would Edward feel if he were to find out who I truly was? I was being a fool to allow him to be deceived…he would surely never forgive me for allowing him to think that I was something I was not. I was heartbroken…I did not deserve him…I was worse than those women that Sir James had taken and used…I was a liar….and I did not deserve him.

I hadn't realized how quiet I had become until Edward gently touched my arm to offer me something he held in his strong hands. I glanced at his face, smiling and framed by the rays of the sun as if he were one of God's very angels sent from heaven. Then I glanced at his proffered hand.

"A gift for my beloved…" He said huskily holding a small, red silken bag in his hand. I did not move and so he stepped forward to reach for my hand with his own, placing the soft bag into my palm. His actions still did not move me to action…my shock was too great.

"Allow me…?" He said softly as his large fingers moved to unfasten the delicate string that held the bag closed. The cord fell away and his finger nudged the fiery red silk away from something sparkling within. As the material was eased back my throat became dry. There, nestled into the unadorned fabric carrier was an object that seemed to glow as brightly as the sun…but in its hold contained the colors of a rainbow.

My eyes darted to Edward's exquisitely handsome face as my mouth fell open. His deep green eyes held many emotions…none of which were clear to me.

"Edward…?" I gasped softly as his fingers moved to lift the object from its miniature, silken sack.

He lifted it up and as he did the shape of the object took form. The golden cords, made from an endless number of small loops, cascaded downwards, settling into place, to display a beautiful choker necklace and pendant. The cords were intermittently joined with colorful gems of varying colors in a manner that let them flare out before the next gem pulled them inward again until they reached a large purple pendent at the bottom. The effect was stunning.

"I…I cannot..." I said flustered for words as Edward moved behind me, still holding the precious jewels in his hands. He moved his arms so that they encompassed me from behind as he lay the heavy jewelry against my collarbone and proceeded to gently move the hair away from my neck allowing him to clasp it into place.

"You can…and you must!" He declared gently. "It is an expression of my love for you...and in comparison to your beauty, it is nothing." He finished, gazing at me intently.

I could feel the blush heating my cheeks as I looked down at the ground. I swallowed thickly at the intensity of the sweet gesture, and the way it made my heart pound beneath my breast. His love….did he feel love for me…was love the name of what I felt for him? I could not yet name what I was feeling.

His placed a gentle finger under my chin and used it to lift my face to his.

"I…I am not worthy of your love my Lord." I said sadly, feeling a tear escape my eye to roll down my check. He had no idea of the crime I had committed. I wanted his love…but this would not be the way to gain it.

"You are worthy of so much more than just my love." He said softly as he allowed his thumb to capture the traitorous tear and smooth it away. I could not respond or I would confess everything to him here…he needed to know but not here…not like this…I would not cost him his dignity.

Alice came to my side, breaking into my reverie.

"Isabella you look exhausted…the travel has surely worn you out. I do believe it is time to return home."

I didn't get to respond as Edward seemed to agree with her, and his face took on a look of concern. He immediately told Sir James that our visit was finished, escorting us back to the carriage. Lady Victoria seemed irritated that her journey had been cut short, but she did not voice any complaint.

I refused to allow myself to glance out of the window least my eyes fall on Edward's form and I begged him for forgiveness. I willed myself to remain silent until we had returned to the manor and I could talk to Alice and his Grace, Emmett, seeking their counsel.

I laid my head back against the high back of the seat and eventually felt sleep over take me.

I jolted awake, unsure of how much time had passed, but there was excited shouting outside of the carriage and a rush of speech in many voices. As sleep cleared from my mind, my eyes locked with Alice's as the last phrase spoken by Sir James sank into my brain in all its clarity.

"Thank you for riding out to greet us with your news, lad. We will make haste. Lady Mary-Alice, time for celebrations are at hand…Your husband has arrived in Welshford and he awaits your arrival with much jubilance!"

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http:/ www . fanfiction. net/u/2719891/ who_doesnt_love_a_fairy_tale

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