I had planned on keeping to the one chapter a week posting schedule, but then you all bowled me over with the response. It is a little funny that my beta (not on this fic though) Mizzdee and I were having a conversation yesterday about switching POV in a story that is completely in one person's perspective. I told her that for me, there has to be a specific reason for it, and used this chapter as an example. I think we'll all be happy to see this fic go back to EPOV. Thank you so much for the love on this. You won't get all of the answers you want, but you'll know what Bella does.

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 4

My sleep pattern was off, thanks to the afternoon I spent asleep in Edward's arms. I tried to read, but my mind kept drifting to him. Unlike the other vampires who had been by to try and "mate" with me, there was a genuine care and concern coming from Edward. His entrance into my room, complete with hands up in surrender and genuflecting to me was touching. Remembering what Edward told me, I moved to the front door, surprised that the male counterpart of my guard was not there. I turned to the tall strawberry blonde.

"I'd like to see Edward Cullen, can you take me to him?"

"I'm sorry, Little Queen, but we cannot," she said without looking at me.

"Well then, send word to him that he is to come here. Edward told me that I can go anywhere I like."

"Not this time, Little Majesty."

"I demand-"

"Bring her Tanya, the King commands it," the blonde man said.

"Yes, Brother."

The two women moved, flanking me as we walked the halls. When we neared the door, additional men surrounded us, and I began to worry. "We didn't have this many people with Edward and I this morning, what is different?"

"You will know everything soon, but your safety is paramount," the other blonde woman replied as we walked through the night.

Soon, we arrived at a beautiful home, though it was different than I would have imagined. The blonde man who had stood behind Edward at my arrival into this world opened the door. He nodded to the men surrounding me and they parted, my usual trio the only ones entering.

"She will be safe in here if you would like to stand down," the man said.

"You're Edward's father?" I asked before he addressed me.

"Yes, I am Carlisle Cullen, the king among princes," he remarked.

"I want to see Edward, where is he?"

"In his room, but you need to be made aware of something."

"Whatever it is can wait. No one has been forthcoming since Edward left me, so I guess he will be the one to tell me what is happening."

I ran up the stairs, Carlisle on my heels until we came face to face with a man who rivaled Felix in size. "Apologies, Little Queen. I should have been with him."

"Emmett, that is enough, no one expected you to remain for half a day while he visited with our future queen. You saved his life, that is what matters."

"His life? What are you talking about?" I gasped.

"Go inside and see for yourself," the king told me.

I crossed the threshold and was shocked by what I saw. Edward's arms were wrapped in bandages and bound to his torso, another bandage wrapped around his head.

"No!"

I raced to his side, wanting to offer him comfort, but afraid of hurting him. I felt an eerie calm overcome me and turned to see the male guard standing by the door.

"You can touch him. It won't hurt him, it will probably calm him better than I can."

"You did that?" I asked.

"Yes, my name is Jasper and I'm an empath. I can feel and manipulate emotions. It was why they included me in your service, so someone can help you cope with all the changes."

"What happened to him?" I asked as I climbed onto the bed and draped myself over him.

"He was attacked on his way home from your date."

"Were they caught?"

"Yes," Jasper admitted.

"I want them burned."

"I'm sorry, Little Queen, but that isn't possible. They've been reprimanded, but during the Choosing the young princes can't be punished for their behavior unless it is against you."

"Can I be alone with Edward?"

"Yes, Little Queen."

"Bella, Jasper. My name is Bella."