A/N: A longer chapter, finally with some good lemons. :)

EPOV

I know this is a difficult time for Bella. She's been thrust into a role that although she performs beautifully, is not something to which she is accustomed. I feel for her.

At the same time all I want to do is return to Caer Leon and be done with all this nonsense. The mourning period is over, the king is buried. What else is there to do?

These are just some of the jumbled thoughts running through my head when my father enters my chamber.

"Edward?" He calls tentatively, poking his head around the heavy door.

"Come in. I was just having some supper while Bella meets with the monks. Apparently it's top secret information," I say as I roll my eyes.

My father sits across from me at the small table by the fire, though he does not partake in the food. "Son, I need to talk to you. I know we haven't had much time to speak as of late, but I sense something is amiss," he says quietly. My father is a master of intuition just like the rest of my family.

I take my time swallowing a large bite of chicken before answering. "What makes you say that?" I ask, trying to delay the inevitable.

He takes a deep breath and exhales slowly. "You rarely eat, well except for now apparently," he chuckles briefly. "You've stopped coming for Sunday dinner, and every time I see you I get the feeling you haven't slept very well, if at all. If I didn't know better I'd say you were in love."

I nearly spit out my food. "What? How did you come to that conclusion?"

He laughs and pats my hand. "Don't worry, I won't tell your mother. I won't even ask who she is. But Edward, all I want is your happiness. Does the young lady return your affection?" He asks.

I nod slightly. "I think so. But it's… it's difficult. There are so many complications," I whine sadly.

Carlisle's face grows somber. "There usually are. Look what your mother and I had to endure before we could get married," he sighs.

"Dad… I appreciate the pep talk but there's really nothing I can do," I say.

Carlisle's eyes narrow slightly. "Edward, have you told this woman how you feel?"

I hang my head in shame. "No. But-"

"No buts," he interrupts. "Look, I know you've seen your fair share of women. Maybe you even thought about marrying one of them. I'm not ignorant of the way the world works, and after all you are a handsome young man," he stops, looking lost in thought.

I try to stop this conversation in its tracks. "Dad…"

He refuses to be interrupted. "Shush, will you! I'm trying to get this out while I can. Edward, do you love her? Really, truly, would-die-for-her love?" He asks gently.

I take a moment to think. Even before we'd ever had a conversation there was fire between us. It's true that I've barely slept; every time I close my eyes I see her pouty lips and large brown eyes staring at me. And that kiss we shared at Bath… well, there simply aren't words to describe it. This woman, with her pale skin and flowing brown hair, have held me captive since I first laid eyes on her, or even before then if that's possible.

Do I love her? Yes. Unequivocally, irrevocably YES.

This revelation has me speechless, so all I can do is nod at my father. His eyes sparkle with my silent confession.

"Then don't let anything stand in your way, son. Move mountains, slay dragons. Hell – walk barefoot across an icy lake if you must. Just don't let her go. A life without love is no life at all," he says firmly.

Walk on ice? The fire I feel for Bella would melt it straight away in a battle of the elements…

Oh. My. God.

Alice's words ring in my ears: 'The watchful browns will lead you to battle with fire and ice.'

Bella's brown eyes. The fiery passion between us. Icy cold nights alone in bed. This can only mean one thing: my love for Bella was foretold. It was fate that drew us together, but to what end?

My father senses the shift in the room. "Son? Are you okay?" He asks.

I clear my throat loudly as my mind reenters the room. "Yes, I was just reminded of something Alice told me," I mumble.

My father nods but doesn't press me. "Well I've said what I needed to say. I'm going to talk to Bella about returning to Caer Went tomorrow. Hopefully you will find out what's going on before I leave. Your mother will undoubtedly want an update," he says as he chuckles. "Just remember what I told you."

"I will," I say hesitantly. "Thanks Dad."

My father nods politely and exits my room, shutting the door behind him. Left alone with my thoughts is a disconcerting feeling especially given my recent revelation.

I need to speak to Alice sooner rather than later.

JPOV

Resting my weary bones feels good after a full day of riding. We've been travelling for several days, heading back to Gloucester as quickly as possible. We can't use the Roman roads, unfortunately, which has slowed our progress considerably. It's simply too dangerous for a man of my status with so little protection.

I couldn't believe it when I saw Seth arrive at the battle site. I had high hopes my father would send him to relieve me, but when he told me the reason for his presence I felt a heavy weight drop on my chest. It took Seth and his manservant nearly two weeks to travel to Northumbria – no doubt the king is dead already. With my entourage of five men plus supplies, it will likely take twice as long to return.

I wonder if Bella has begun preparations for the feast to honour my father. No doubt she has – my wife is a meticulous planner.

Ah, Bella. My beautiful, kind wife. I've missed her sorely since leaving Caer Leon. It nearly broke my heart to go, but I had obligations to uphold. Even in her vulnerable state she still managed to be the most stubborn yet enchanting woman I've ever known. I've been gone nearly a year – I wonder how our reunion will turn out.

Will she hate me? Can she forgive me for leaving? Does she miss me as much as I miss her?

EPOV

My father's words ring in my ears as I walk into Bella's bedchamber. She summoned me a while ago but I needed to build up some courage before facing her.

When I enter her room, she is seated in a large, cushioned chair by the hearth. She gestures for me to sit in the chair opposite hers.

"Please Edward, sit down. We have much to discuss," she says grimly.

Could she have possibly overheard my conversation with my father? Oh no, what if she knows?

"I'm sure you're wondering why we're still at Gloucester," she sighs deeply. I'm relieved beyond words at the direction of this conversation. "There will be a huge celebration to honour the passing of King William and to celebrate the crowning of King Jacob. It will be on the spring equinox in several weeks' time."

King Jacob? He's returning from the north?

"Is something on your mind?" She asks, cutting through my thoughtful haze.

I clear my throat, trying to buy some time. "Erm, yes… Jacob is returning?"

She eyes me suspiciously and nods. "Yes of course. He's the heir to the kingdom," she replies as if I was an invalid needing to be reminded of things I already know. "What is it Edward?" She says gently.

I stare at the fire and take a deep breath before muttering, "Will you tell him?"

I hear a gasp of surprise before she replies, "Of course not!"

"Why not?" I ask as I shift my gaze onto her beautiful, flushed face. She's so beautiful even when she's uncomfortable.

"Because it's personal, between you and me. It doesn't concern him," she replies boldly.

There are dozens of things I could say in rebuttal. I could remind her that she's expected to be intimate with only her husband. I could call her a long list of inappropriate names, declare some intent I don't have to be honest with the future king, or call her out for being wrong even if I don't believe it. I should tell her that a happy couple doesn't have secrets between them.

A life without love is no life at all.

Without allowing my brain the time to think too much, I rise from my chair and walk over to Bella. I grab her hand and pull her so she's standing in front of me, and release it to caress her soft, beautiful hair.

"Edward, what is this? I thought…"

"Shhhh, love. Let's not think about this. Tonight, I'm yours," I coo gently and bend my face down to meet her luscious, pouty lips. She doesn't protest and accepts me eagerly.

Kissing Bella is better than I remembered. The moment our lips connect, I feel a sense of peace and belonging, like coming home from a long journey. Her lips move with mine so easily and with such ardour I feel lost in this moment of perfection. As her mouth parts to allow me entrance, I feel a growing fire inside my belly which can only be satisfied by Bella. I must have her.

I pull back and reclaim her hand, leading her toward the bed. Her beautiful brown eyes grow wide with understanding and as she bites her lip nervously I want to ravish her all the more. It's the sexiest thing I've ever seen.

"Come, don't think about it. Let's have tonight. We can worry about tomorrow when it comes," I tell her. She nods and follows me excitedly.

When we reach the bed, I waste no time on working to get her clothes off. Thankfully she's only wearing a simple tunic dress with no complicated bodice; I'm not sure I'd have the patience not to rip it off her. As I pull the thin material over her head, including the white cotton slip, I'm amazed at how breathtaking she is. Finally when there's only her shorts left, I pull them down her body slowly, allowing them to fall to the floor.

If I thought Bella was beautiful, I was wrong. This woman before me is perfection. Her flawless body rivals anything I've ever beheld before – Bella looks like she was carved from marble. And the blush that floods her cheeks makes her seem angelic.

She reaches for my scratchy wool shirt, tugging it at the hem. I oblige by holding my arms over my head as she struggles to get it off me. I love how her eyes nearly pop out of her head at seeing my bare torso. I know I'm a handsome man with defined muscles, broad shoulders, very little body hair, and strong arms. I love that she appreciates me. Which she does anew as she helps me remove my leather pants, looking like a starving wanderer as she eyes my strong legs and increasingly hard man muscle.

"Edward, you're…" For a moment I'm nervous. Did I misread her features? "You're stunning," she finishes. I know I'm grinning like a jackass but I can't help the way she makes me feel.

"I'm nothing compared to you," I reply honestly.

She blushes even harder and crawls onto her bed, allowing me a brief glimpse at her perfectly round behind that looks so delicious I could bite it. She lays down and rolls onto her back, spreading her legs for me. It's the only encouragement I need to join her on the bed.

I position myself on top of her, my legs between hers, propped on my elbows as my hands caress her face. I take a moment to let the moment sink in – feeling her naked body next to mine, the tingling in every cell of my body, and the heat flowing between us. My heart swells with love, and I know with certainty what I've been fighting for so long.

"Bella, I love you," I whisper as I stare into her beautiful brown eyes.

I love how her entire face lights up with my confession. "I love you too Edward. I think I always have," she breathes before grabbing the back of my head and crushing our lips together.

I take my time exploring her body, resting my weight on her as one hand caresses her figure. Her breasts are perky and firm, her stomach flat, her thighs milky and soft. I love every inch of her, from her chestnut brown hair to her tiny toes.

Of course I can't hide my excitement, which has been growing steadily since I first saw her naked form. I ache to be inside her, to fill her with my juice, to feel her climax on me. I yearn for it like I need air to breathe, but I don't know what tomorrow will bring and I want to worship this beautiful woman.

The decision is taken out of my hands when she begs for me to take her. "Edward, please, I need you," she moans into my ear as I nibble at her neck.

Hearing those words pushes me to a new level of hardness, and I can't resist.

Propping my body up with one hand on each side of her torso, trying to keep my weight off her, I position myself at her slick entrance.

"Is this what you want, Bella?" I ask, watching her squirm with anticipation.

She bites her lower lip and nods. It's more than I can handle.

As I lean down to suck on her lip, I push myself into her folds slowly. Past experience has taught me that with my size I need to be gentle at first to allow my partner time to adjust.

I inch my way forward, pushing steadily, and pull my head back to watch her face as I fill her completely. Her eyes roll back into her head as she emits the sexiest purring noise – I can tell she's enjoying me as much as I love her small, tight cavity.

I pull out and slowly reenter, picking up the pace each time. Soon we find a good rhythm, and Bella wraps her legs around my midsection which allows me to plunge even deeper. I know I'm not going to last long.

BPOV

I've never felt anything so amazing in my life. Edward thrusting inside me, his rod creating delicious friction, and the tension I feel building in my abdomen – it's absolutely glorious. And the way his face contorts like he's holding back just makes me want more. More Edward, more friction.

"Edward, don't hold back. I need ALL of you," I say as I dig my nails into his muscled back.

With a grunt he picks up the pace even more, filling me completely and emptying me almost simultaneously. When he leans down to kiss me, I know that's my undoing – my muscles contract as I squeeze him hard, feeling myself topple over a ledge of pure bliss and heat and Edward.

"Ohhhhhhh, Edward!" I cry out as wave after wave of pleasure takes over my body. With a few more hard thrusts he joins my orgasmic paradise.

"Oh, ungh, God!" He grunts as his hot liquid spills inside me.

Edward collapses next to me and our bodies lay intertwined in a sweaty, sleepy, happy mess.

EPOV

After making love to Bella and watching her fall asleep in my arms, there's only one thing on my mind: my father's other piece of advice.

Just don't let her go.