Thank you Fyrebyrd, 2brown-eyes, Gabby1017, and Ceceprincess1217 for prereading and to Sunflowerfran for editing. All mistakes are my own.

Dominion of My Heart

Chapter 1

The end of the season brings with it a somber mood. The crops harvested have given us our worst yields yet, and many of our people go hungry. The people of Adwen are suffering, and I fear there is nothing to be done about it. My handmaiden tells me the murmurings of the household are accusations against my father, for their king refuses to seek help from our neighbors to the north or south. Our alliance with Moira, my mother's homeland, has been strained since her passing, so they offer little in the way of assistance.

It is no surprise an army of men arrived not three days ago.

The far-off field is covered with brightly colored tents, fires blazing throughout their camp, and their horses freely graze in the pastures beyond. The men practice with their swords in the daylight hours and play music that floats to my window after sundown. I have watched them every day since they arrived, and every day, man after man is sent with messages for my father, only to be sent away. It is only a matter of time before they make their move.

Though, no one yet knows if it is to attack us or to offer help.

Perhaps, even if they were to claim Adwen, they might save what is left of her. As I've watched my homeland sink into despair, I know something drastic must happen, or many will soon perish. Father has warned us all not to stray outside the keep, not even to the courtyard for fresh air. So I am kept in my rooms ... in my temporary prison.

The sounds of heavy, hurried footsteps as they pass my chambers is enough to rouse me from my restless sleep. I pull the blanket higher over my head in an effort to block out the intrusion. When shouting voices begin to carry through my door, their tone of alarm evident, I throw off my bed coverings and huff in annoyance. But when a reverberating thump vibrates the shutters covering my window, only to be repeated over and over, panic and alarm surge through me.

A crashing sound, followed by what can only be described as a war cry, causes me to hurry from my bed. I fight my linens and bed curtains as I struggle to get to my feet, and I nearly trip as I rush to the window. Finally reaching my it, I throw open the shutters, and I am met with the sight of an army of men, the same men who have been camped outside our gates for three days, fighting their way into the courtyard. I watch with wide eyes and a thundering heart. Behind me, my door opens and closes.

"My Lady? Are you well?" The familiar voice of my friend and handmaiden is but a whisper.

"I am well ... for now," I myself whisper. I keep my gaze focused on the scene outside the castle walls.

"What is happening?" Angela's low, trembling voice matches the same dread rising in mine.

"I fear we are under attack." Still looking out the window, I watch as men on foot, as well a on horseback, charge through and into the courtyard.

She hurries to my side and takes my hands in hers, attempting to calm me. "I am sure your father has it all well in hand. His men shall protect you."

I turn to face her. "But do you not see? This is what we have all been so fearful of for so long. Someone has come to take Adwen for their own." My eyes widen as I consider the possibilities. "It could be King Aro's army. Angela, what if—"

"No, My Lady, we mustn't think that way. Your father's men are a formidable force. I am sure we will be protected." She looks past me and out the window before once again meeting my eyes. "We will be fine." She tightens her grip on my hands as she gently tugs me toward my bed. "Come, let us sit."

We settle next to each other, huddling close and holding on to one another for support. We sit in silence as we listen to the chaos raging outside my chamber doors. The faint far away sounds of metal on metal clashing over and over and the cries of men cause us both to cringe and hold on more tightly. I know not how long we wait, but eventually, the sounds of battle fade before ceasing altogether.

"Do you think it is over?" I whisper.

"It is certainly quiet."

I loosen my hold on my dear friend and stand. "I am going to go find out what has happened."

"No, My Lady, I should—"

"It will be all right, Angela. If there were any danger, one of the guards would have come to escort us to safety."

She nods her agreement and does not try to stop me.

Opening my chamber door, I peek my head out and into the corridor. My eyes widen at the sight before me.

No longer is one of my father's guards stationed outside my door. No, I am met with the eyes of a stranger, dressed in strange clothes, who is both taller and broader than any man I have ever seen. Our eyes meet, and while intimidating, he does not strike fear in me. We stand in mutual silence for many moments until he speaks.

"My Lady, it is best if you remain in your chambers for the night." His voice is deep, rough, but not at all aggressive.

"Of course," I whisper.

Just as I step back from the doorway, he speaks. "If you require anything, all you need do is ask."

I merely nod and close my door. My heart is beating furiously, and my breaths nearly match its pace.

"My Lady?"

"'Tis fine, Angela." I turn and face her. "I believe we are safe, but ..."

"But what?" She sits at the edge of my bed, her eyes wide and her hands gripping the blankets beneath her. "What is it?"

"I believe the castle is under siege."

I pick over the meager offering that is to break my fast. The small bowl of grains and the piece of under-ripened fruit are hardly enough to fill my stomach. If this is all I am offered, as a princess no less, I fear for what the peasants who work our fields and care for our livestock are dining on this day.

Early this morning, I was again reminded to stay in my chambers. When I opened my door at first light, curious to see who was standing guard, I was met with yet another stranger in strange clothes. And yet again, with an intimidating yet polite tone, I was told to remain in my rooms. Angela was in quite a state when she brought me my meal. Even at such an early hour, gossip was already being shared in the kitchens and beyond. With much excitement and a bit of trepidation, my friend relayed quite the tale of the events of the past evening.

It seems the army taking up residence in the castle is from Galon, and the crowned prince himself is here to claim Adwen for his king. But as my father still lives after their attack, I am unsure claiming our kingdom for their own is their goal.

According to the quiet chatter of the servants, my father is to speak later today with the leaders of the visiting army. The rumors are swirling about the reason for the meeting. Some say they are here to form a tentative peace agreement. Others believe they still plan to attack and conquer us. I am sure of only one thing; I will be glad when this is over.

The day stretches on in the familiar monotony I have come to expect. I spend my day between working on needlepoint and taking a break to watch the men in the field. While appearing to be battle ready, to me they do not appear to have any immediate plans to mount another attack.

I grow restless as the light of day begins to wane, and just as the sun disappears below the horizon, Angela enters my bedchamber. "Are you ready for me to dress you for bed, My Lady?"

"Yes, Angela, thank you."

She quietly assists me, unfastening and unlacing until I'm down to my shift. A knock gets our attention, and Angela quickly helps me into a robe before answering the door.

One of my father's servants steps into my sitting room. "Pardon me, My Lady, His Majesty has requested I notify you of a feast that is to take place tomorrow evening. His Majesty will be hosting our guests. He wishes to inform you your attendance is required, and you are to prepare accordingly."

I nod in acquiescence, wondering why I am to be present for the meal. In times past, when we've had visitors from another kingdom, I have been asked to stay away.

Father is incredibly protective of his daughters, even though he rarely shows us any affection. In fact, at times, it feels as though he barely tolerates the three of us.

Jane is the oldest at twenty-one summers. With her golden hair and her sharp blue eyes, I expected her to be married off many years ago in order to form an alliance, but it has yet to happen. Bree is nineteen summers, and her dark hair and blue eyes make her quite a beauty as well. And while she is much more timid than our older sister, she has a sharp tongue where I am concerned. I, myself, just saw my eighteenth summer.

While we are his most prized possessions, I sometimes feel as though we are just that—his possessions; something to be admired from a distance.

He lost our mother, Renée, when she gave birth to me. It is because of the circumstances of my birth that I am not very close to my sisters; Jane especially. She is the only one of us that has any memory of her and feels as if it is my fault she is gone. Bree does not remember our mother, but I sometimes feel she blames me as well. And then there is me, the daughter who never had the honor of being held by her at all, whether or not I could remember. I know my father misses his wife, but he rarely mentions her in our presence. His cold, unattached nature may keep him at a distance, but he is never outwardly cruel to us, merely withdrawn.

I bid Angela a good night and go back to watching from my window. A small group of six men are retreating from the castle, returning to their camp as the light of the waning harvest moon highlights their forms. They look large, even from this distance, and I wonder how many of them will be at the banquet. In my mind's eye, I picture several of them crowded around the tables in their leathers and furs while the rest of us are dressed in satin and lace. I am suddenly nervous about why my presence tomorrow is required. Deciding that worrying about it will not be helpful, I crawl into my bed. Sleep doesn't come easy, but I eventually drift off, dreaming of large, dancing warriors feasting at my father's table.

Dawn breaks through the window, and light seeps through the curtains around my bed, waking me. I sit up and stretch lazily. Most mornings I would lie abed and waste as much time as I wished, knowing I had nothing more important to do as a prisoner in my own rooms. But a sense of foreboding accompanies this sunrise. I can't shake the feeling that there's something different about the feast I am to attend tonight.

Another small meal of fruit and cooked grains, along with a cup of tea, has been left for me on my bedside table to break my fast. After using the chamber pot, I climb back into bed to eat, taking a moment to mentally prepare myself for the day to come.

Angela soon arrives to help me dress. She, along with several other servants, bring in a tub, followed by ewer after ewer of hot water. They prepare my bath with scented oils, and I'm soon submerged in the fragrant water. Angela stays behind to help me wash, especially my long hair. After being thoroughly scrubbed, I'm helped out of the tub and wrapped in a large linen sheet, and my hair is dried and brushed.

As Angela assists me into my shift, there is a knock at my door. Quickly grabbing my dressing gown, she guides my arms through the sleeves before answering it, leaving me to tie the belt at my waist.

I am taken aback when my sister enters, as I cannot recall a time when she voluntarily visited me in my rooms. "Sister," Jane says in greeting. "I've come to speak with you about the feast Father is insisting on holding tonight."

"Of course. Please, come in." I open the door just wide enough for her to push her way into my chambers. Her bright gold, flowing gown rustles as she walks past. Even what she deems a simple frock is much finer than most of my dresses. As the oldest, she has been the one to receive the finest fabrics and laces when they arrive from faraway places; a means to show off my father's wealth to any interested in aligning with our kingdom by taking her hand in marriage.

"I need to make sure you know your place tonight," she says pointedly as we both take a seat on the settee before the fire.

"Of course, Jane. I assume this banquet is to prompt an alliance of some kind? I hear rumor there is a Prince among them."

"We can only hope the rumors are true." She looks at me, her piercing blue eyes narrowed. "I need to know you will not try to gain anyone's favor."

My brow furrows in confusion. "We both know I am not one to seek attention. You have nothing to worry about."

"I know that, Isabella. It is bad enough seeing you is a daily reminder that you killed our mother. I certainly do not need to have any of these men take a liking to you and then have you following me to my new home," she says with disdain.

"No, of course not." With my whispered reply, I hang my head as the familiar feelings of guilt and sadness course through me.

"Very well. Now that you understand what is expected of you, I can concentrate on getting his attention," she says, rising to her feet.

"Oh, have you met any of them?" My curiosity is enough to raise my eyes to hers.

"No, and I am not looking forward to it. They all look like dirty savages to me. But," she says with a sigh, "perhaps they are from a wealthy kingdom, and I will at least be comfortable in my new home."

"I am sure Father will do what he can to make it advantageous for you."

"I am sure he will. Just be sure to put in a good word tonight with any you speak to."

If I were to speak my true feelings on my sister, our guests would run the other way, or worse yet, attack. But, if it means the prospect of peace for our kingdom, I will do my best. "I will be sure to tell anyone asking of your ... best qualities."

Seeming satisfied with my answer and excuses herself to prepare for the feast. Dwelling on tonight's possibilities, I realize the future of the entire kingdom may hinge on this single evening. Knowing I need to do my best to ensure a successful alliance, I call Angela back to my chambers to help me prepare.

When she returns, Angela brings another small meal to me. I nibble on a bit of cheese and a few apple slices along with a portion of bread. My already nervous stomach makes it difficult to eat much. When the tray of food is removed, Angela helps me into my undergarments and then my chemise.

"And now your favorite part, My Lady," she teases. She knows I hate dressing for formal events.

"Just get on with it, Angela. Sometimes I think you enjoy torturing me." She actually laughs at this.

"Ah, but think of how lovely you'll look tonight. Perhaps you'll catch the eye of Sir Jacob Black. I hear he's been waiting to ask your father for your hand."

I sigh, her words causing an uneasy feeling in my belly. As brave and noble as he is, Jacob has the personality of a bull. He is arrogant and throws his weight around to get what he wants. And I've also heard rumors of his keeping company with quite a few maidens around the kingdom. I have no desire to wed him. "Whatever Father decides, I must live with his decision. Everyone knows that. As a princess, I have no say in the matter. I will be married off to whomever he chooses for me."

"But a knight, My Lady! Surely as the youngest of three daughters, that is a good prospect, I would think."

"As I said, whatever my father decides, I must agree. Besides, I think he is more focused on marrying off Jane. She is the oldest, after all; well past the age when most princesses are wed."

"Yes, My Lady, but she has the personality of a viper," she whispers and gets a giggle out of me in return.

Soon, my gown is on, laced, tied, and arranged, and I am seated at my dressing table while Angela tends to my hair. If I did not have her assistance, I would be unable to brush it on my own. It has grown so long, it now reaches past my waist. She braids the upper section into a crown of sorts, leaving the rest to flow in waves down my back before placing my circlet upon my head. The three round blue stones match the blue of my gown. The garment has a low, square-cut neckline and long sleeves that flow out past my elbows. It has a low belt with a medallion just above my navel. The split in my skirt allows the white fabric of the other layers to show. It is beautiful in its simplicity. My sisters always choose extravagant jeweled gowns. I prefer simple. Well, as simple as is allowed for a princess.

A knock on the door alerts us that my presence is required. It is time to make my way to the banquet hall. I'm looked over once more by Angela, and she gives her nod of approval before leaving my rooms. A guard escorts me through the corridor, down a staircase, and through yet another passage. We arrive just outside the hall, and I wait to be announced.

A/N: Thanks so much for all the love you guys have shown for this one! It still blows me away that people want to read anything of mine. :) As much as I'd love to, I haven't had time to sit down and reply to reviews. I'm gearing up for TFMU, St Louis, and I leave TOMORROW! So, needless to say, I'm running around like a maniac trying to get everything done before I leave my family for nearly a week. Lol. But I do plan to be able to reply ... eventually. Just know, I read and treasure each and every one of them. Xo

I want to pass along a new contest in the works. Follow the Crime Crusaders Contest page, right here on FFN, and Twilight Fanfiction Crime Crusaders on Facebook for more details. Submissions begin July 1, so get those entries ready!

And now time for some recs!

Off the Grid by ghostreader24 is a recently completed story, and a very sweet Actorward taking a breather in small town Michigan.

Emergence by knicnort3 is a WIP that is super close to being complete. I'll admit, I'm several chapters behind, so I need to catch up, but it's a great read.

For weekly teasers and pics, be sure to check out my Facebook group, Sunshine Fics! 'See' you all soon!

Lots of love

~Sunshine