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

Chapter 3

As we walk arm in arm, I take several covert glances at him, attempting to discreetly study his strong features. I know I am caught when he tries to hide his blinding smile by turning his head. Even from behind his beard, I can see his amusement. Though, to his credit, he does not say anything about my perusal.

As we pass the field where the knights train, Sir Black is among the men, wielding his sword. The prince stands straighter, his free hand coming to rest over my own.

"A word, Your Highness?" Jacob calls out before we can pass him.

"Apparently, your father's most trusted man doesn't know his place, nor when to quit, does he?" His words confuse me, and it must show on my face. "Please excuse me for just a moment, My Lady," he says, placing another quick kiss on my hand before releasing me.

Watching him walk to the field, I cannot help but notice the strength of his form—his broad shoulders, the confidence in his gait, his head held high. My belly feels as if it is being invaded by a swarm of tiny butterflies as I look upon him, but it is not an unpleasant sensation.

Their exchange seems to get heated rather quickly, and soon they are joined by men from both armies. Anxiously wringing my hands, I turn to Angela. Her wide-eyed expression tells me she, too, is concerned about the exchange. I turn back to the men and watch with rapt attention as they get closer to coming to blows. When Jacob unexpectedly unsheathes his sword, Edward anticipates his move and already has his pointed at Jacob's chest before he can so much as lift his own.

With bated breath and a racing heart, I watch the scene unfold. Edward is flanked by many of his men, and Jacob falters before conceding altogether. He lowers his weapon, his grip loosening until his sword clatters to the ground. Not relenting, Edward nudges the end of his blade at Jacob's chest, leaning in to whisper to him. Only when Jacob raises his hands in surrender does Edward return his sword to its place. It is several minutes before Edward returns to my side, his attention still divided. Absentmindedly kissing my hand again, he keeps his eyes on the men in the field.

He mumbles an apology. "Please forgive me for needing to deal with ... that."

"There is no need to apologize, My Lord. Is everything ... settled?" My voice sounds timid, unsure if I have a right to ask such a question, and my heart is still pounding.

"It seems that Sir Jacob had some preconceived notion about an arrangement. He was not too happy to learn that it is now void." Once again making eye contact with me, he smiles and changes the subject. "Will you be riding your own horse today, My Lady, or would you like to join me on my stallion?"

My eyes are wide; his question is unexpected. I did not consider that he would have me on his horse with him. "I will ride my own, My Lord, but thank you for your generous offer."

"It was not generous at all, My Lady," he says with a laugh. "It was proposed for entirely selfish reasons."

When we arrive at the stables, all the horses are saddled and ready to ride. My horse, Moondancer, is among them. I approach her and speak gently. "Hello, beautiful." I stroke her head, down to her soft nose. "May I ride you today?" Looking around, I find the basket of treats and choose a small apple. Holding my hand flat, I offer it to her. She gently takes it, and I continue to stroke her. "If you are a good girl, there will be more where that came from." I turn to see I have an audience. With his cousins standing nearby, the prince watches me from the doorway.

"You do not fear her, do you?" the prince asks as he steps closer.

"No, I do not. I respect her. I have been riding her for a very long time, and she has always taken care of me, so I try to return the favor. She has always proven herself to be steady and true."

His smile is kind, his voice low. "Yes, respect is very important in every relationship."

Looking up into the dark eyes of my horse, I find a companion on whom I have come to depend. "I trust her," I whisper.

Several moments pass in silence, but it is not uncomfortable. Prince Edward takes a deep breath before breaking that silence. "As it should be," he says softly. "If you are ready, then, My Lady, we must leave so we do not waste away the day."

"Of course."

We all mount our horses, and as Angela and I are the only women, we are the only ones riding sidesaddle. It is not my preference, but here in Adwen, it is expected of us. As we ride along the well-worn path from the stables and toward the countryside, I notice our group is fairly large and almost entirely made up of men from Galon. I am otherwise distracted when the prince rides up beside me and decides to engage me in conversation.

"So, Princess, tell me a little bit about your home."

His question is unexpected. I am not prepared to speak, as my mind has been focused on the likely topic awaiting me when we reach our destination. My home, my home ... "Well, Adwen is—"

"No, My Lady, your home. Your family; your father and sisters. I know all I need to about your kingdom. It is about the heart of your home I wish to know. I do know you lost your mother many years ago. I am sorry for that, by the way. Losing a parent must be difficult."

His words seem genuine. "Thank you, My Lord, but I do not know any other life. My mother lost her life giving me mine. I have been told it was because she birthed my sister and myself so closely together. She is less than one year older. My oldest sister, Jane, tells me quite often that I am the reason we do not have a mother. I have carried that burden my entire life."

I pause, blowing out a breath. "Let me see, my father is obviously a busy man. He is not overly affectionate, but if we have need of something, he sees to it that the need is met. I know he struggles with the plight of our people. I have spent many days speaking with them here in the castle, and even in the market, though I am powerless to help. My dear friend Angela, well, she is not only my handmaiden but also my dearest friend. She is more a sister to me than either Jane or Bree. If not for her, I may go days without speaking to another soul." I turn to look at the prince and smile ruefully at the abrupt change in the tone of our conversation. "To hear me tell, my life sounds rather boring, does it not?"

His next words are spoken softly as his eyes meet mine. "No, not boring. Perhaps unfulfilled, but not boring. It sounds as though you have led the best life with what you have been given." His gaze lingers, but all too soon, he turns his attention to our path. "Ah, I think we have almost arrived."

We have reached the edge of a meadow full of wildflowers, and it is breathtakingly beautiful.

"I have lived here all my life, and I do not remember seeing this before. How did you find it?" I take in the sight spread out before us with wide eyes, knowing, for as long as I live, I will never forget this moment.

"We came across this place on our journey to your gates. When I first laid eyes on it, I knew I wanted to share it with someone special."

I look down, feeling suddenly embarrassed, unaccustomed to being spoken to this way. I look over my shoulder, and his men have fallen back. It is just the two of us at the edge of the meadow when two men ride into it and dismount. They quickly lay out a blanket and unpack a basket of food.

"My men will eat their meal just here, while you and I enjoy what privacy we can. Does that suit you?"

"Yes, My Lord."

I offer the riders a smile as they pass, and Edward assists me in dismounting. His hands around my waist are warm and strong as he gently lowers me to my feet. He leads us to the blanket spread on the ground amongst the wildflowers and helps me to sit. I settle into position, resting on my hip with my legs curled beneath my flowing, deep red dress. He sits as well, his feet flat and knees bent. With an arm lazily resting atop his knee, he observes me, a smile on his face.

The meal is simple: bread, cheese, fruit, and wine. There is only one goblet, so I assume we are to share.

"Your Highness—"

"Isabella."

"Beg your pardon?"

"Please call me Isabella. We are alone, and I prefer to hear my given name. I hear my title everywhere I go, and I do not hear my name nearly often enough. Would that please you?"

A contented sigh passes his lips. "It would please me immensely, Isabella. But you must call me Edward in return."

"Of course, Edward." This brings a smile to both my face and his.

"Well, Isabella, I have brought you here today to ask for your hand."

"My Lord?" I am sure my expression conveys my surprise, but he is quick to press forward.

"Come now, you promised to use my name."

"Forgive me, Edward, but truly, that is not done. It is my father you must ask for my hand."

"Yes, I am aware of protocol. The arrangements have been made, and pending your answer, the betrothal will be written upon my return."

"I do not understand."

"Isabella, I was sent here with instructions from my king. As the leader of our infantry, I was ordered to conquer. I offered your father a compromise, if you will. I'm allowing him to retain his rulership for now, in exchange for the hand of one of his daughters. Adwen gets the protection of Galon, and we, once again, gain access to the ports. My father might be disappointed in my methods and means, but I am sure he will be pleased with the outcome, regardless. He gets what he wanted from the start—access to the ports—and I get what I was hoping for. The fact that Adwen had three princesses was enough to garner my attention. In fact, it was one of the reasons I encouraged my father to allow me to make the decision to engage rather than strike, if the opportunity presented itself. My father might have preferred a show of force to gain what he wanted, but if there was any chance at an alliance instead of an attack, I wanted to take it. In the end, your father agreed to my terms, and I demanded Charles hold the banquet so I could choose a bride for myself."

He silently ponders his next words, his eyes searching mine. "I watched you all, you and your sisters, as you spoke with my men and how you interacted with those around you. Isabella, you are the kind of woman I want by my side. You are beautiful but not vain. Your comments on your gown last night told me as much. You are strong and confident. The way you carried on conversations with my men, who were strangers to you, showed me you can hold your own. And you are selfless. I saw it when you offered to dance with Emmett so your sister would not have to. Just today, your remarks about your horse proved to me that you are loyal when given reason to be."

He searches my face, perhaps waiting for my reaction to his words. "Isabella, under usual circumstances, our fathers would choose who we are to marry. In a way, this is an opportunity for us to choose for ourselves. If you do not wish to wed me, then I will go back to your father and accept Jane's hand. It will be a marriage of duty to our kingdoms. I do not wish to take her as a bride, but my father has given me no choice; if I am unsuccessful in forming an alliance , then we have been ordered to conquer, take all valuables, lands, and more than likely the people as well. Adwen will become a part of Galon. Isabella, your ears are the first to hear my request. I wish for you to choose. To choose me."

I have never given much thought to what it would mean to make my own choice, but I would be remiss to say it does not spark something inside me. Something exciting.

"I do not say these things to frighten or push you; that is not my intent. In fact, I am so enamored by you that I will wed your sister just so you do not lose your home. I offer you this; become my bride. Become the Princess of Galon, and one day rule it with me. I truly believe we will grow to care for each other." He says this with a smile, and it causes me to smile in return.

"So, the decision is in my hands?"

"I do not wish to take a bride who does not want to be with me. I will accept Jane's hand, simply because it is she or some other princess of my father's choosing. One is no better than the next. Do you understand my meaning?"

"I believe so. Please forgive me. This is all so overwhelming." My eyes are focused on my hands in my lap.

"I understand." He sits quietly, patiently, as he waits for me to collect my thoughts.

"When I received your letter last night, I was shocked. I knew what it meant. I believed that today was a way for you to inform me of the betrothal, not to ask my permission. I was honestly not expecting that. May I make a request?" I finally gather enough courage to look up at him.

"Of course. I cannot guarantee it will be granted, but you may ask."

"May I bring Angela to Galon? I do not know what the custom is in your land, but she is my very dear friend, and it may make the transition easier for me. She could still be my handmaiden if it is permitted."

"Of course, Isabella. If it is something that will help you feel at home, then, by all means, bring her along. Even if that thing is a friend." His smile is warm and inviting.

"Then I accept, My Lord ... Edward. I accept your proposal. I will be your bride." I feel suddenly empowered. Although my choices are limited, I smile as I realize I was able to make it for myself.

"I cannot tell you how much that pleases me." His smile matches mine. "Isabella, I have a request of my own."

"Yes?"

"May I kiss you?"

I look around, feeling my blush back in full force. All of our escorts seem to be busy with other things and involved in their own conversations. Even Angela appears to be engaged in a discussion with one of Edward's men. I look down into my lap. "I have never been kissed." Despite the fact that my voice is barely more than a whisper, he hears me.

"That pleases me immensely, Isabella." He gently grasps my chin in his hand and lifts, causing our eyes to meet. "I promise that every single new experience we share will be handled with care and gentleness." He leans in closer, only a breath away when he speaks. "May I kiss you?"

"Yes," I answer in a whisper.

It is feather-light at first, his lips barely brushing mine. I expect his beard to be rough, coarse, but it is soft against my skin. The hand under my chin moves to my cheek, gently tilting my head. His lips move against mine just a bit more forcefully. When his warm hand moves to the back of my neck, my head tilts back of its own volition, and I gasp. As my mouth opens to him, he takes full advantage and pushes his tongue inside. It is a strange but welcome sensation. I tentatively move my tongue along with his, allowing him to lead this dance, and it only seems to encourage him. Before I know it, he has laid me out beneath him, his arms surrounding me as he hovers above. It is only the laughter of his men and my dear friend calling my name in alarm that brings us to our senses.

"Isabella, I must apologize. I do not know what came over me." He helps pull me up to sit. "You are simply bewitching. You have put me under your spell. If I may be so bold, may I ask that we not have a long betrothal?"

"I'm feeling a little spellbound myself." I am still catching my breath, then I remember he asked me a question. "If we have a short betrothment, is that enough time? Do you not wish for your family to be present for the wedding?"

"I am sure they will understand." I believe there is hidden meaning behind the smile he gives me.

"Whatever you feel is best, Edward." The heat from his body still lingers on mine, and the thought once again causes heat to fill my cheeks.

Unfortunately, he notices. "That is simply beautiful." He reaches out with a single finger, tracing the neckline of my dress along the tops of my breasts. It feels sinful, and I am sure the bloom of color on my skin is only growing. "I cannot wait to see how far this blush of yours reaches." He leans in and kisses behind my ear before whispering, "I cannot wait to see everywhere it doesn't reach as well."

I am stunned silent. Foolishly, up until this moment, I have not considered the act expected of me. The marriage bed is an abstract idea, something I know of but do not have many details. I've only heard murmurings over the years about this or that. I know it is a painful, sometimes bloody act intended to bring forth children and satisfy the husband. I also know that in our kingdom, it is still witnessed by a large group of men. That thought brings all others to a halt.

As he moves to stand, I grasp Edward's arm. "Wait."

"What is it?"

"Where are we to be wed?"

"I would assume here, in Adwen. Why?"

"I have one more request. It is not about taking something with me, except perhaps my dignity. Do the nobility of Galon still take part in the bedding ceremony?" My face flames in embarrassment, burning even hotter than before. I am not sure if this is proper to discuss, but I must know.

His brows furrow in confusion. "The bedding cere— You mean they still practice that tradition here?"

"Yes, they have for generations. And I fear if we are wed here, then it will be expected."

"No, you will be the bride of a son of Galon, not of Adwen. I will speak with your father before I sign the contract. I will make every effort to protect you. You are to be my wife. I am one of the most feared warriors in all the surrounding lands, and if I cannot protect you, then I shall lay down my sword, as I will be no good to my men."

I cup his cheek and bring him closer. "Thank you. Your words bring me comfort. If no concession can be made, then I will do what I must. Just that you are willing to ask on my behalf means a great deal."

"I do not think you understand me. The moment I take you as my wife is a special, sacred moment, between the Gods and us. In Galon, the spilling of that blood is like the final vow between us. It is not to be shared with anyone else. The practice of the bedding ceremony went away many generations ago in my lands. I will speak to your father. Perhaps he is willing to negotiate." He kisses me quickly, chastely once more, before rising to his feet.

"Thank you."

"Anything for my bride. Now, we must get back if we are to arrive in time to make the announcement at the evening meal." He reaches out his hand and assists me in standing.

As we approach the men waiting alongside a curious-looking Angela, Edward cannot contain his excitement. "Men, please take a moment to look upon the promised Princess Isabella of Galon, House of Cullen. My betrothed."

I blush furiously as all the men present clap, whistle, hoot, and make all manner of noises. All the while Edward stands next to me, grinning and clapping himself.

A/N: *sigh* I think we all swooned over this one. I know I did. ;) I'd love to hear what you thought of it!

There's just under a week left to submit your entries for the Crime Crusaders Contest. A few entries are posted, so go check them out!

And the dates and location for next year's TFMU (TwiFic Meetup) has been announced! June 26-28, 2020 in Austin TX! I've already made a deposit, I'm already looking forward to attending. :) For more details, check out the TFMU Twific Meetup group on Facebook.

And now time for some recs!

Someone Else by MissLiss15 is a WIP I'm a handful of chapters behind on, but I'm anxious to get back to it. I think we can all see a little of ourselves in this Bella. Where I left off, I was definitely cheering for her!

Exposed by kdc2239 is one of my all-time favorites. If you like realistic, end of the world, pandemic type stories, this one is right up your alley!

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

Lots of love

~Sunshine