A/N:

Nicole M Santiago the amazing person who first gave me the plot bunny for this story has her birthday today, and what better gift than to give her what she asked for? ;-) A chapter of this story!

Thank her for this update!

Title: The Duke & The Swan without Wings

Author: MarieCarro

Beta: Alice's White Rabbit

Pre-reader: Brierlynn03

Genre: Historical Fiction/Drama/Romance

Rating: NC-17

Summary: Edward Cullen, the Grand Duke and second son of the King, must find a bride. Isabella Sinclair, daughter of Countess Catherine and Duke Charles, was born out of wedlock and has neither titles nor land to her name. Could she be the bride Edward's looking for? But how is Isabella to marry a man of the royal family without a proper dowry?

Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.

{CHAPTER 5}

Carlisle's sabre swished dangerously close to Edward's face, and he quickly leaned out of the way and deflected his brother's swing of his sword. "Stop," he panted, out of breath from the exercise.

"That's the third time, Edward," Carlisle said, not as winded as his little brother. "You're usually better focused. Where is your mind?"

Edward stabbed his blade into the ground and sat down, not looking at his brother who, without hesitating, took a seat next to him. "I've encountered a problem I can't seem to solve on my own," he confessed as he removed his gloves. "I need to speak with Father, but I dare not as I fear his reaction."

"Will you tell me?"

It was quiet for a moment, apart from the sound of birds in the distance, as Edward contemplated it. The brothers had always confided in each other, especially since both of them knew all too well how dismissive and volatile their father could be with situations where the outcome would shine a negative light on their family.

Then, with a deep breath held within his lungs in anticipation, Edward told his brother of the events at Swanselm Castle. "I know the engagement can't be official before Father gives his approval, but she embodies everything I could ever wish for in a wife."

Carlisle grimaced in sympathy. "Except she is a bastard."

Edward sighed. "Yes." He peered out over the grounds around his estate, and his eyes landed on Esme and their sisters, walking around the gardens with all of their ladies. It had been his turn to entertain the family, so his normally tranquil home was filled with life and conversation. "How did you know Esme was right for you?" he asked.

As soon as Carlisle's eyes landed on his wife, they softened and filled with affection. "You want the full truth?"

"Of course."

"You already know our marriage was arranged. Neither of us had a say in the matter, and the first few years, we could barely remain in the same room without fighting." A wide, reminiscing smile stretched across Carlisle's face.

"Truly?" Edward asked in surprise. "You always appeared rather happy around the family."

"An act to keep the peace." He met Edward's eyes, the same shape and color as his own. "It wasn't until I saw the mother she was to Henry that I realized I loved her. It's a happy ending few others of our wealth and position get to experience, and I am grateful every day this woman, who was first and foremost raised to be a queen, not a wife and mother, happened to be perfect for me."

The two fell back into silence again, and a servant came forward to provide them with wine, which they both gladly accepted.

"What exactly made Miss Sinclair stand out to you?" Carlisle asked and effectively broke the quiet atmosphere between them. "Out of all the prospects you've been presented with, what was so special about her?"

Edward didn't even need to think about it before he answered. "Her kindness and pure heart. She didn't know who I was or what she would gain by making a match with me. Wealth and titles weren't her motives when she accepted my proposal, and despite believing I was disfigured, she treated me with respect." His heart sped up as his thoughts conjured up the image of the young, beautiful woman. "I know she would be a great duchess, and I'm already convinced everyone would adore her, servants and tenants alike."

"It's certainly a predicament you've got. If only there was a way to rid her of the bane of being a bastard. The Sinclairs were a respected family, and with Miss Sinclair being the only heir of Sunfield estate, if she'd been legitimate, she would have become a countess when Lady Catherine passed. A lower title, yes, but Father would have accepted a marriage between you," Carlisle mused. "Do you believe there is any merit in the possibility that the Duke of Swanselm took advantage of Lady Catherine?"

"After meeting him, there are few things I wouldn't put past the man," Edward replied with a grimace. "And Lady Catherine was betrothed to the earl, who clearly loved her. He even had her laid to rest in the family mausoleum."

Carlisle gave Edward a confused look. "Why ever would the bishop of Elmstown allow such a thing? If Lady Catherine wasn't a member of the family, her remains should have been transported back to Sunfield where her parents are buried."

Edward stopped in his tracks as the truth of his brother's words settled with him. "You're right. I wonder ..."

{TDTS}

"Miss Sinclair, there's a letter for you today," Philip announced formally, seeing as the Dowager Duchess and the duke were present, but when his back was to them and he only faced Isabella, he smiled mischievously. "It appears to be from Lord Masen."

Isabella had told him and Renée the truth of her betrothed's identity, and as the both of them wished to see her leave Swanselm and live the life she deserved, they'd sworn not to tell a soul what they knew.

"Thank you, Mr. Higginbotham," she said gratefully and accepted the offered letter before turning to the duke. "I wish to read this in my room, if you will allow it, Your Grace?"

"Do what you want, and stop bothering me with it," the duke spat out gruffly and refused to meet his mother's burning gaze.

"Charles, would you at least attempt to act as a man of your birth," the Dowager Duchess criticized. "You dishonor the family name with every word falling from your lips."

Isabella remained standing in the middle of the room, uncertain if she was dismissed or not, and she heard the duke's crude, muttered words as he passed her to pour himself a glass of brandy.

The Dowager Duchess stretched her lips into a thin, tight line of disappointment, and then nodded toward Isabella that she could leave.

Without lingering, she walked with hurried and eager steps toward her room, the letter clutched against her chest. However, just before she reached her sanctuary, Maria stepped into her path and eyed the letter.

"What is that?"

Instinctively, Isabella held the letter tighter to her. "A letter from Lord Masen," she answered with a shaky voice. She wasn't a good liar, so she hoped her sister would interpret her trembling for something else.

"Really?" she asked and held out her hand expectantly. "Let's see then."

Isabella's heart jumped in fear. She couldn't be certain His Royal Highness hadn't written the letter as himself, and she didn't want her sister's fingers anywhere near his words as they were meant only for her. "N-no," she stuttered.

"What was that?" Maria asked with burning eyes, clearly not happy with having a demand denied.

Isabella swallowed. "I said no," she repeated, but her voice was barely above a whisper. "It's my letter."

Maria narrowed her eyes, and for a moment, Isabella feared she'd make a leap for it, but before her sister had the chance to do so, Isabella quickly stepped around her and closed the door in her face. The lock clicked in place, and she breathed a sigh of relief.

With her heart racing in excitement, she opened the letter to see beautiful words written in an elegant penmanship.

Miss Sinclair,

With this letter in your hand, I have now made truth of my promise to write to you. I hope it finds you well, and know that I wish I could have taken you with me and not have left you behind with a man so ugly at heart it is beyond my comprehension he could sire such a beauty as yourself.

We spent but a short moment in each other's company, and yet I find myself longing to be in your presence once more. Your kindness was a beacon of light for my lonely soul, and I long for the day I can call you mine.

It shall be so. I will not have it another way.

There are infinitely more words I wish I could divulge with you, but in fear this will be opened by the wrong hands, I must be sparse with what I say. It is soothing to my mind, knowing you already know the truth.

I am doing everything within my power to shorten the time we have to be parted. I have spoken to my father, and as I expected, he wasn't pleased. As of right now, he can't officially allow our engagement, but I shall not give up.

He wishes to meet you. He had great respect for your grandfather, the late Earl of Sunfield, and he is willing to listen to you for that sake alone. Currently, he is visiting my estate, and an invitation for you shall reach Swanselm shortly together with my own coach and servants, as they will know where to take you.

I can't wait until I have you before me once more.

Yours truly,

Lord E. Masen

The hand holding the letter fell limply to Isabella's side as her thundering heart overtook her, and only one thought occupied her mind.

She was going to meet His Majesty the King, Thomas Cullen.

A/N:

It's time for Isabella to meet the King himself!

Let me know your thoughts on this

And once again, Happy Birthday to Nicole M Santiago!

Until next time,

Stay Awesome!