Hey all! Now I know that I promised this awhile back but I got sick with a virus that attacks the muscles of the body. So now I'm all better, no longer feeling like an 80 year old with arthritis. So put on your Sunday best because we're going to a wedding.

So please read, enjoy and review.

Chapter 21

BPOV

The sound of movement in my chamber alerted me that it was time to rise. I listened, as who I assumed to be Rose, draw the curtains allowing the sunlight in.

It was the day of the wedding, and that was foremost on everyone's mind. I knew in my heart that I should be happy, but I was not.

The following day, after the engagement party, I spent most of the morning with my parents. We had different views on how close Edward and I were, and I was told that I was not allowed to see Edward off, as Charles had confined me to his private study.

He assumed that Edward had a hand in my disappearance in the garden, but he never asked and I never said anything.

I sat there with tears in my eyes as Renee tried to comfort me. Upon Charles' arrival, I lashed out at him and we argued until Renee begged us to stop. I wanted to bask in my feelings for Edward without my parents assuming that we would make the same mistakes as them.

After leaving them, I searched for Rose, only to find her face down in my toilet. She waved me off; trying to convince me that she was fine, though I knew it was a lie. My thoughts were further confirmed when I saw her and Emmett in a heated argument.

"Bella?" Rose asked in a whisper, her voice bringing me out of my stupor.

Turning over, I looked at her, before sitting up in bed. I patted the space next to me and she climbed onto the bed.

"Sister, I need you to tell me the truth," I said to her, as she shook her head.

"I cannot," she whispered and I grabbed her hand.

"Why?" I asked.

"Because it will bring great shame on you," she said as I sighed.

"Please, I want to help you," I pleaded as she began crying. Wiping away her tears, she hiccuped before leaning towards me.

As the tears rolled down her face, she whispered her secret, baring her soul.

"Bella, come quickly!" Renee called to me as I entered her chamber.

As I closed the door, she reached out pulling me over to where her dress stood under a cover. This was the first time we would see the finished product. The designer, a rather fanciful man, bowed as I came to a stop before him.

"My Queen, my Princess. I give to you the Pièce de résistance," he said in a horrible French accent, as he revealed the dress.

With a gasp both Renee and I stepped back to avoid being slapped with the cloth. With a regretful smile, he quickly stepped away, as we stepped forward; all our attention on the dress.

I was stunned that something so grand and so beautiful could be made in such a short space of time. The petticoat was made of white satin; intricately trimmed with chatelaines of flowers, that came from the gardens, as well as bouffants of tulle with Honiton lace.

The train was of a silver moire antique, also adorned with bouffants of tulle, Honiton lace and bouquets of flowers from the garden. The bodice was embellished to correspond with the skirt portion of the dress. A wreath of breathtakingly beautiful, fresh flowers attached to Honiton lace, completed the ensemble as the crowning glory... the veil.

Stepping back, I stared at my mother as she continued to take in the dress with wide eyes. I knew she was stunned speechless, as was I. She wiped tears from her cheek as she tried to sob quietly.

"Mama, do you like it?" I asked as she shook her head.

"No, I love it," she said as the dress maker breathed a sigh of relief.

The sound of a carriage caught my attention as I walked along a corridor heading to my chamber to prepare for the wedding. Looking over the balcony, I watched as a woman was assisted out.

She was wearing a very regal dress, her blond hair neatly pinned and an air of importance clouded her. She stepped aside and Carlisle came out of the carriage next. I realised that she was Queen Gianna, the Greek Princess, who was married to Carlisle for political reasons.

Rose carried on down the corridor to my bedchamber, as I went in search of my Godfather and his wife. I found them in my father's sitting room, and I hesitated, but knocked before the door opened.

Charles' eyes widen as I entered, and I knew he was worried that I was still upset. With a nod, I smiled slightly towards him before turning to our guests.

"Isabella!" Carlisle said to me as I smiled.

"Oh, ma chère, look at you," he said, taking my hand in his.

"Carlisle, I am so happy to see you again," I said, making him smile. Turning, he gestured for his wife to step forward.

"Princess Isabella, I would like to introduce Queen Gianna," he said as we both curtsied.

"A pleasure to meet you," I said as she returned the sentiment.

"It feels as if I know you, as Edward has told me so much of France and the people," I said. I looked over at Charles, who refused to look back at me.

"Oh, indeed I feel the same, as Carlisle has told me so much about you," Gianna said with a smile.

"Speaking of which, where is my brother?" Carlisle asked and I frowned at him.

"He's on his way back to France, as by your order," I said as Carlisle grimaced.

"My order? I haven't spoken to Edward for quite some time," he said as Charles approached me.

"Isabella, why don't you go and prepare for the wedding?" he asked as I stepped away from him.

"Carlisle, I saw the letter you sent to him. I could not read it as it was written in French, but Edward said it was from you." I said as Gianna excused herself.

"Isabella I can assure you that I wrote no letter to Edward," he said, as my heart palpitated in my chest.

If Carlisle did not send the letter, then who did? And why would they want Edward gone? What would happen upon his arrival in France? Those and more questions bombarded my mind, as I tried to find some way to understand it all.

"Bella." I looked up to see Charles before me.

"Papa..." I trailed off.

"Bella, go prepare for the wedding. Carlisle and I will work this out. I need you to be there for your mother. Can you do that?" he asked as I shook my head.

"What of Edward?" I asked.

"We will do our best to get word to him. I promise you that I will do everything in my power to return him here safely," he said, and I knew I could trust him.

Hugging him tightly, I rushed towards the door.

"Bella!" he called before I could leave.

"Speak of this to no one," he said and I nodded.

The sky was clear and a light breeze helped to ease the heat of the day. I sat next to Renee in an open air carriage, as we made our way to St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle. The shouts of the people as they gathered along the route caught my attention.

Young men and women waved flags, or flowers calling out to us. I waved at a particularly energetic girl, who giggled along with her friends at my noticing them.

'God bless the Queen' was shouted, as we got closer to the castle. I had encouraged Renee to wave to the crowds and we did this until the carriage stopped.

Looking out, I spotted Rose, as she hurried to the side of the carriage. I exited first and a cheer came from the crowd as Rose fixed the skirt of my dress, I giggled at this. Next Renee exited, and a louder cheer came from the crowd.

I was my mother's maid of honour and as I fussed over her, the carriage drove away, allowing the crowd to have an unhindered view of us.

"Queen Renee!" A loud shout came and we spun around at the sound of it.

I searched the crowd, but there was no way to see who had called out. As I was about to turn back around, I caught sight of a familiar face. There in the crowd was Mama Cope, along with many others from our village.

"Mama," I said to her, making her turn in that direction.

I knew the exact moment that she spotted them, as she drew a breath. I watched as Renee took a step forward and the guards moved to follow her.

I stuck my hand out, silently asking them to stop. We all watched as Renee moved as close to the crowd as her dress allowed. Raising her fingers to her mouth, she blew a kiss to our friends. With tears in my eyes, I mimicked Renee, as did Rose.

Once back at my side, I cleaned her tear-stained face and made sure her dress was fixed. Traditionally, Renee would have been escorted down the aisle by her father, but I was honoured to fill the position of my grandfather, who had died years before.

Rose came over to help, and in the process had shed light on the happenings inside. Most of the Clergy members and the guests had already entered, and sat waiting. Charles and Carlisle waited at another entrance to be led to the altar.

The Queen Mother sat in Queen Katherine's Closet, above and to the left of the altar. It seemed she wished neither to be here or there.

Rose and Lady Susan both flutter around us, making last minute fixes before the Dean of the church called us to advance. Taking Renee's hand, we moved forward and waited.

The sound of the orchestra starting alerted us that Charles would now be making his way down the aisle to await his bride. The music played for a while and then ended, before it started up once again.

Taking Renee's hand in mine, we followed the Dean, making our way slowly down the aisle. Some people smiled at us, others such as Mary Alice stood with a neutral face.

As we made our way closer to Charles, I noticed Carlisle turn and look at us, before whispering to Charles with a smile on his face.

As we ascended the stairs to the altar, Charles turned and helped Renee. We stood there as the music came to a stop, only to start once again. It was then joined by the out-of-tune voices of those in attendance.

The wedding was beautiful, and I watched as my parents recited their vows, with tears welled in my eyes. Then, as they shared their first kiss as man and wife, my tears flowed freely.

As we exited the castle, the ringing of bells, along with the cheers of the people drowned out most of the chatter behind me.

Rows of carriages lined the pathway, and I watched as Charles and Renee were escorted to the very first. Carlisle, Gianna. the Queen Mother, and I were escorted to the next, and this went on as every carriage was filled.

The cheers carried on as we made our way back towards our castle. The atmosphere in the carriage was tense, as I refused to speak to my grandmother despite her many attempts to do so. Instead, I stuck my head out of the carriage window and waved to the people.

Pulling up to the castle, Charles, Renee, the Queen Mother and myself, were whisked away to take the official wedding photographs. I had never seen a contraption like it before, but I was excited to have my picture taken.

First up was the bride and groom, then I joined them. I posed with my father, then my mother, followed by a family picture. The Queen Mother only took two, first with our entire family and the second, excluded me.

We made our way to the reception, which was being held in the same room as the engagement party. I could not help but hope that I would see Edward waiting for me at the entrance. But alas, he was not, and the mystery of the letter remained unsolved.

The herald banged his staff, and as the doors swung open, I watched as my parents stepped forward.

"Introducing The Royal Highnesses, King Charles and Queen Renee of England."

I watched as the room was filled with beautiful music, as they descended the grand staircase. The members of the court all bowed as they made their way down. The music continued as Charles grabbed Renee and spun her around the room as they danced their very first dance, as husband and wife.

Making my way down the staircase, I was suddenly accosted by Emmett, who ushered me safely to the floor. Once the dance was over, we all applaud, as they took their seat at the head of a huge dining table.

The reception was in full swing and the members of court were fully enjoying themselves, as they drank, ate and danced the evening away.

I spied Charles as he made his way over to Carlisle, who stood in a far off corner. They whispered for a few minutes before Charles shook his head sadly. I rushed from my seat and intercepted them.

"Papa, Uncle, has there been any news?" I asked.

Charles looked reluctant to speak, but I refused to back down.

"Father?" I asked again, as he sighed.

"My dearest God daughter, would you do me the honour of a dance?" Carlisle asked as he grabbed my hand, pulling me away from Charles.

Carlisle and I had danced for a few seconds before I spoke. "Am I to be left in the dark about this?"

My statement took Carlisle aback.

"No one wishes to leave you out, but my dear; we know nothing more at this point. I have sent word to Edward, asking him to return here at once," he said as I sighed.

"I did not know you and Edward were close," he said as I paused.

"We are friends, and he has helped me through some very difficult times," I replied, making him nod his head slowly.

"Please do not ask your father about this matter anymore. He is officially off duty." Carlisle said, and I smiled. I realised there was naught I could do but wait. I knew Carlisle would not let any harm come to his brother, and that thought helped ease my mind.

The rest of the evening carried on without a hitch, and before long, we were all standing on the stairs outside of the castle. Everyone waved as the carriage that was taking my parents to Osborne for their honeymoon, disappeared into the night.

I stood there long after almost everyone had returned to the party, just staring into the darkness. Rose came and rested her head on my shoulder.

"Before you know it, they will be back," she said as I nodded my head. I felt so lost with them gone and Edward as well.

I decided not to return to the ongoing party, and was ushered along by my private guard with Rose at my side.

We were almost to my bedchambers, when a voice called out to me. Turning, I saw a figure in the shadows. The guards immediately reached for their swords, as the voice tisked at them.

"Princess," Mary Alice stepped out, which caused some of the guards to relax their posture.

"Mary Alice," I said.

"Quite a lovely party, are you retiring for the day?" she asked, with a fake smile plastered on her unnaturally white face.

"Yes I am. Now that my parents have been married, I believe it is time I caught up on some much-needed rest." I said as she came closer to us.

"Well, I am heading to bed myself, shall we walk?" she asked and I nodded tightly.

Looking over at Rose and then to Emmett, I turned and began walking.

"Oh dear, it has been such a day," she said as I tried to ignore her.

"And it was so lovely to see all my friends again, especially Queen Gianna," she continued, but the mentioning of the French queen caught my attention.

"Such a pity Edward had to leave," she said and I watched her out of the corner of my eyes.

"Well, upon his return, I shall inform him of the happenings," I said, which made her smile.

"Ah, yes ... indeed you should." The way her voice lowered caused a panic to rattle in my chest.

"Well, this is where we part," she said unaware of my growing disdain of her.

"Good night Princess Isabella," she said, turning away before I could even contemplate giving her an answer.

The info I used for this chapter came from two sources. The first source was the royal wedding of Prince Edward VII and Princess Alexandra of Denmark. And the second source was from the royal wedding of Prince William and Kate, which is the most recent English royal wedding.

Queen Katherine's Closet is actually in St. George's Chapel and was used by Queen Victoria at the wedding of her son Edward VII.

Questions: What is going on with with Rose and Emmett? Who wrote the letter? (I left a really big clue somewhere in there). Who here loves Mary Alice as much as I do?

Thanks so much for reading and I can't wait to read your reviews.

Cheltivia.