Fran beta's, and I add when she's done—this chapter, only 400 more words, BUT they are to your benefit! I felt I was cheating on the lemon so I made it more. 2browneyes and Judyblue are my fabulous pre-readers!
As soon as all vows have been said, the crowd erupts in loud cheers and applause. Not only are they free from a long-standing enemy, but now their honorable, yet lonely, king has finally found his queen. A night of celebration is to be had, but first, there is one more formality to attend to.
Lady Cullen's coronation.
Carlisle takes Esme's hand and faces the crowd, holding up his other. "If I may have your attention," he says, quieting the rambunctious crowd. "We would like to see this formality done as quickly as possible, so please maintain order, and we can celebrate soon." A round of applause meets his ears before quieting quickly.
Carlisle turns Esme to face the archbishop, who has moved into position, replacing the priest who had married them. In past times, this was a very formal affair, but in light of recent circumstances, the king has decreed it be shortened so that his kingdom can finally celebrate their victory with confidence that they are safe and secure, and embrace a queen that has taken ages to obtain.
As the archbishop starts the ceremony, the other newly married couple blends into the crowd, no longer wishing to be at the center of attention. They seemingly cannot keep their hands to themselves. Edward is holding his Bella tightly against him, his free hand roaming the expanse of her back, his lips occasionally finding her bare neck to place lingering, open-mouthed kisses. Chills race across the delicate skin, sending a surge to his lower extremity. For the first time in their history when it comes to his love, Edward will be doing right by her. That thought alone is sending his system into overdrive. His need for her is stronger than it has ever been.
For Bella's part, she is standing with a cordial smile aimed at the goings on before them, yet her body is tense and desperate beneath the façade. Every touch of his skin and lips upon her is maddening; her thighs are gripped tightly together beneath the layers of her gown.
"I am not sure how long I can wait," Edward whispers into her ear after another tortuous kiss to her neck.
Were it not for the firm support from his arm around her waist, Bella would have crumpled under the weight of his desperate confession. She turns her body so that she is in his arms. "Husband," she says as quietly as possible. "You are torturing me."
He pulls her even closer, placing a small peck upon her inviting lips, only to pull back slightly. "One dance, Bella."
Her brows furrow slightly, so he leans so that his lips brush against her ear as he speaks. "I will remain in this public setting for only one dance. As soon as it is over, I will throw you over my shoulder and carry you away if necessary."
He pulls back to read her expression, and it does not surprise him to find her pupils dilated with her lips slightly parted. "Yes, husband," she breathes, running her tongue over her lower lip.
Edward smirks and turns her body so that her back is to his chest as they catch the ending of the ceremony and are just in time to join in the raucous round of applause. Pleased that this final commitment is complete, Edward wastes no time in approaching his king and queen to offer congratulations.
He falls to his knees, and his wife joins him. "My wife and I would like to offer our allegiance to the King and Queen of Olympia. Should the people of Policia accept her reign, the bond between our two countries will be strong for the first time in many years."
While Queen Esme has already teared up, it is King Carlisle who surprises all in attendance. With no preamble, he grabs his former lead knight and pulls him to his feet, effectively bringing Isabella with them.
"My son," he starts, clapping a firm grip on his shoulder. "I have never been more proud of you than I am now." He angles his attention to Isabella. "There is no way the people of Policia will reject you as their Queen. Olympia swears its support in any way needed and will be your ally on all accounts. You are a brave woman, Isabella, and with Edward by your side, I have no doubt you will conquer whatever you strive for." He pulls them both into an affectionate hug.
When they separate, Bella says, "Your Highness, I accept your offer of support, and my kingdom will be a longstanding ally."
Voices begin to murmur in the background as the crowd comes to life now that the formalities are done. "Let the celebration begin!" Carlisle announces loudly.
King Carlisle and Queen Esme take the lead as the two couples move down the aisle and back into the castle where a feast has been prepared, the large crowd falling in line behind them. The Great Hall is decorated for a celebration with musicians in the corner already playing their tunes as the large crowd fills the space and spills into the hallways.
Some begin eating, some approach their king and queen and some start dancing. It is the latter in which Edward and Bella choose to partake, because just as Edward promised, it will be the only one spent in public company. For within moments of its ending, he has his wife on his arm and up the grand staircase.
Bella's quiet giggles echo down the hallway as Edward has her pinned against the wall, his lips are drawn to her open skin, which is too hard to resist. "Please, husband," she begs, unsure whether it is for him to stop or continue.
But he cannot stop, his member is hard beneath his breeches, and her breathy sounds are driving him mad. "I cannot. I need to be inside you," he says between nips and licks. "I burn for you, Bella."
Her head thumps against the wall as she fights to regain control. After several deep breaths, she catches his face between her hands. "Then have me, but not here. Take me to bed, Edward."
The desire in her eyes spurs him into action. He lifts her like the bride she is and charges toward her chambers. Kicking the door closed behind him, he approaches the bed and tosses her onto it, only to stand and begin ridding himself of the confines of his clothing. When he is completely naked before her, his body slides against hers as he braces over her, the puffiness of her dress frustrating him.
"How do I rid you of this nightmare?" he asks as he seeks skin underneath the garment. But when his hand finds purchase, he loses interest as his fingers follow the expanse of her thigh, seeking the warm moisture that is hidden within her center.
When contact is made, two bodies sigh simultaneously, but as his finger slips inside an unbidden moan builds inside her chest. "I have missed this," she cries as his movements speed.
Edward is so desperate to feel his wife beneath him that he slips out swiftly, leaving her stunned and panting heavily. "Wh—"
He shoves his tongue into her mouth to quiet her protests. When she has sufficiently settled, he pulls back and stares into her eyes. "This gown must go."
Bella sits up and turns her back to him. "Unlace it."
Edward smirks and jumps from the bed, retrieving his dagger, only to return and slit the laces so they part easily. When Bella gasps and turns to him with a stunned expression, he tosses the knife and attacks, stripping the offending material from her body.
The husband and wife tangle together in a jumble of naked skin, seeking hands and parted lips. Their passion burns hot as they race to soothe a need that can never fully be quenched.
He is braced over her, and as he buries himself inside her, she throws her head back in pleasure, his lips thirsting to taste all the bare skin that is spread beneath him. Her pert buds are like a beacon, calling him to suckle them, and his mouth greedily latches on, eliciting a moan from her parted lips.
Her thighs cradle his warrior-hard body as he thrusts into her at a torturously slow pace, each movement meant to drive her mad. His lips suck and caress across her breasts, and she writhes beneath him, her breaths choppy and strained. She grips his hair and tugs sharply, bringing his mouth to hers and shoving her tongue inside.
When they no longer have breath to maintain their deep kiss, he lifts and pierces her with intent eyes. "Show me, Bella," he groans as he thrusts slowly. "Show me what would please you." He rolls to the side and urges her to mount him.
Though this is new to her, Bella is so desperate to be joined with him again that she eagerly straddles his waist and envelops him again. He laces their fingers together and provides leverage as her body begins rocking over him. "Look at me, Bella," he growls as her eyes attempt to fall closed.
She snaps them open and locks onto his; the love shining there sends a surge of lust to where they are connected, and her movements speed. She moves over him, setting a pace that takes her breath, but she does not need it. She does not want it. She only wants him and this feeling to last forever.
As she falters above him, he moves her hands to his shoulders. "Grip me," he says through gritted teeth as he struggles to keep his seed from spilling. His hands then follow the curve of her waist and grips her hips to provide assistance, speeding her thrusts to an almost frantic pace.
"Ahhh, Edward," she cries as her passion explodes.
His jaw only clenches as he watches her shatter above him, committing the image in his memory so that he will never forget the greatest sight of his life. One he intends to repeat over and over again, in every imaginable way.
This is the way it should have always been with them.
Their destiny.
Husband and wife.
IDK how replies will be. I only have one chapter for next week so far; I still need to write the epi. I did get every one from Monday though, and I am trying to do Operation ones since I didn't get all those last time.
Thank you all for reading and leaving me love along the way. It truly cements my drive to write to know that's you're here, wanting my words.
Wanted Dead or Alive is open for preorder on Amazon under author "Faye Byrd" if anyone's interested.
See you Tuesday :)