Thank you Fyrebyrd, 2brown-eyes, Gabby1017, and Ceceprincess1217 for prereading, and to jayhawkbb for editing. Please join me in welcoming her to my insanity! Please remember, all mistakes are my own.
Chapter 4
We make our way back to the castle on horseback, leaving most of our escorts—save Angela and a few others—at their camp, outside its walls. I then realize that this is most likely how we will travel to Galon. The thought of traveling such a distance and sleeping in tents for many nights both scares and excites me. I do not even know how long the journey is to my new home.
"My Lord?"
"Yes, My Lady?" he asks with a smirk.
"How far is the journey to Galon? And will we be traveling with your men and sleeping in tents?"
"Yes to the tents and my men. It is far too dangerous to travel so far without them. And it will take us just a little more than a fortnight. Do you think you will be bringing much with you? More cargo may add days to our journey."
"No, I do not think so. Perhaps a trunk or two. I do not really have much. Are my clothes suitable for the weather there? Being so far north, am I to assume that it is much colder?"
"Yes, it is colder, but we will have furs to keep you warm. Some of your gowns can even be altered, lined with the softest pelts we have. My sister can assist you in deciding what you will need."
"Sister? I did not know you had a sister."
"Yes, Alice. She is married to Jasper."
"Oh, I see. Is she close to my age?"
"Yes, she is nineteen summers."
"Oh, how wonderful! I hope she and I can spend some time together."
"Well, I'm not sure how much longer she will be feeling sociable. She is heavy with child and should be delivering soon. Perhaps another moon cycle, possibly two. All I know is she was miserable when we left Galon."
This puzzles me. Should she not be secluded? If she is nearing her delivery, how would he know she is not feeling sociable? "My Lord, is she not in her seclusion?"
He shakes his head once. "No. In Galon, bringing a child into the world is a blessed event, something to proudly show. She will be among family until she decides she is ready to take to her bed. We do not hide our women when they are with child. We enjoy showing them off." He leans in to whisper. "Just as I will enjoy showing you off when the time comes."
He only laughs at my expression. I'm surprised, shocked, and a little embarrassed about what he has said. The thought strikes me—I could be a mother by this time next year.
As we reach the stables, we slow our horses. A stable boy takes the reins from my hands and leads Moondancer inside. Edward has already dismounted and is at the ready to assist me. He wraps his large hands around my waist, his fingertips nearly touching, and lifts me effortlessly from the saddle.
"Thank you for today, My Lord. It was a very special day that I will treasure, always."
"You are most welcome, My Lady. I look forward to many more days such as this. Perhaps next time, we can be alone. We can recreate that kiss and see where it leads." He brings my hand to his lips for a kiss. "Until tonight."
"Until tonight, My Lord." I curtsy, and he releases me from his grasp. I watch him walk away with his men, laughing and smiling. It is a sight to see. He is a sight to behold, simply beautiful like this ... happy. I hope I am always able to bring him such joy.
Eric is there once again to escort Angela and me to my rooms so I can prepare for tonight. She dutifully and quietly follows along behind me as my thoughts drift to what I might wear. I should find out what the colors are for the House of Cullen. Perhaps I can match my gown to their banner.
When we reach my chambers, I run to my window, anxious to get a glimpse of their camp. The banners wave in the breeze, colors of green and gold.
Angela soon enters my bedchamber with a smile on her face. She walks toward me and throws her arms around me, embracing me tightly. "I am so happy for you, My Lady! This is so exciting. You will be a Princess of Galon! One day you will be a queen!"
I relish her hold, thankful I have someone with whom to share my happiness. "Thank you, Angela. Honestly, I have not given any thought to what it all means. I am so caught up in the excitement of the day and his proposal, I can only think of the wedding." I pull back and take her hands in mine. "He asked that we not have a long betrothal, though. I can only guess when we will wed."
"I am sure all of the details will soon be sorted."
"Yes," I say with a nod. "Starting with the announcement at tonight's meal. Speaking of which, I would love to show my support for my husband-to-be and his homeland. Do I own a green gown?" My eyes and smile are wide, and I am practically vibrating with excitement.
She laughs at my enthusiasm. "Perhaps, My Lady. Give me a moment to look." She releases my hands disappears into my wardrobe. "Are you going to tell me what else was said?" Her voice is muffled as she searches.
"In a moment. I want to see your face when I tell you."
"Well, watching you say your goodbyes, I can guess whatever he had to say was good. Aha! Found one! Oh, and it's beautiful."
She walks out holding a rich, green gown. A few simple adjustments need to be made, but I think we can do it. Angela is looking at me inquisitively, anticipation clear in her eyes.
"Angela, how would you feel about traveling with me to Galon?"
"My Lady? I am to go with you?" Her hopeful expression makes me smile.
"If you wish it. I will not force you to go, but it is my greatest hope that you join me. It was one of only two things I asked for, and Edward readily agreed. He wants to make me happy, Angela. He seems like such a good man. He's not at all like the savages so many believe those of Galon to be. Although his appearance may be intimidating, he has been nothing but kind to me. I truly hope we are a good match."
"I am sure God will bless you. And yes, if you will have me, I would love to come with you."
This sets off a new round of laughter, hugs, and squeals. When we finally calm, it is time to get to work. "Now, let us see what we can do with my gown. Can you find me a generous length of gold cording?"
"I think so, My Lady."
"Good. You search for that, and I will attempt to ready myself otherwise." She nods and leaves my rooms. I struggle to brush out the tangles in my hair from my earlier ride and am still battling with it when she returns. The sight causes her to giggle.
"My Lady, please allow me. I would hate for you to pull out half of your hair." She takes the brush from my hands and gets to work.
Before I know it, I'm brushed and braided, with some of the gold cording woven through my tresses. The green gown replaces my red one, and all I need to do is work on the lacing. It is an off-the-shoulder style, with long, flowing sleeves. The wide, green laces in front as well as back are soon replaced with the gold cording, and it changes the look of it almost instantly.
As I take in my reflection, I look like who I am to be, a princess of Galon. It may not be jeweled, but it is simply beautiful. I ask Angela to retrieve my gold circlet, which she places on my head.
At the knock on my door, I turn to my friend. "Angela, please see who it is. Perhaps the prince has come to escort me to the evening meal," I say excitedly.
"Yes, My Lady."
As Angela cracks the door to greet whomever is there, it bursts open, nearly knocking her over in the process. My sister, Jane, comes rushing into the room.
"How dare you! This betrothal should have been mine!" She's screeching as she marches toward me. "How did you convince him to choose you? You're nothing but a ... a mouse. I am far more beautiful, more capable of being a queen. As the oldest, I was raised for that position. What in God's name did you do to convince him to choose you?"
The whole time she is yelling at me, she is advancing. I make eye contact with Angela, hoping she can see my distress. Unfortunately, she seems to be frozen where she stands, her eyes wide and locked on my sister. Turning back to Jane, fear runs through me at the look in her eyes. She has always been unpredictable, and the murderous glare she is wearing makes me frightened of what she may do.
"I did nothing, Jane." I shake my head as I take a step back, fearful as she comes closer. "I was at the same banquet you were. He sent me a missive that night asking for my company. I had no idea what he was thinking. I assumed all night that he would choose you. That is why I relaxed and behaved as I usually do. I was not putting on a show. I was myself, and he liked what he saw. Unlike you, flaunting your wiles in every man's face. Perhaps he assumed you had already been bedded."
The resounding slap across my face stuns me. And when my shocked expression turns to my sister, her chest is heaving in anger.
"How dare you! You speak of things you have no idea about ... no knowledge of. Do you know how difficult it is to be the king's oldest daughter? The daughter who no one wants?"
Despite her vicious attack on me, I feel pity for her. She feels she missed an opportunity to make a good match. But as I move to embrace her, she goes on the offensive again. My hair is suddenly being pulled, and she quickly manages to get me on the ground. She's hitting and slapping everything she can reach.
"You took away my best chance of my own reign. I have done everything I can think of to catch the eye of every nobleman who has come through our gates for the last four years. It was my time, Isabella, my time, you mousy wench."
The slapping abruptly stops, and when I look up from my position below, I find Edward holding Jane by the arms from behind. She is up off the ground, kicking her feet, struggling to get to me.
"Enough!" His voice is loud and commanding. He places her back on her feet but does not release her. "What is going on here?"
"My Lord, Jane and I were—"
"No, Isabella, Jane will speak. It is her actions that need explaining. Is it not your rooms we are in, and were you not the one on the floor being pummeled?"
"Yes, My Lord. I am sorry."
"You are not the one that needs to apologize, Isabella. Jane, what do you have to say for yourself?"
She is breathing heavily, still ready for a fight. "I am sorry, My Lord. I do not know what came over me. I came to speak to my sister, and things escalated quickly."
Edward's gaze falls on me, and his voice firm yet still gentle as he speaks. "Isabella, are you injured?"
I shake my head. "No, My Lord. I do not think so."
"Now, what was this all about?"
Jane's evil glare is urging me to conjure some falsehood, to spin some story that will not put her in a bad light, but I know I need to be honest with the man before me, the man I am to marry. Lifting my eyes to Edward, I speak. "She is unhappy with the news of our betrothal, My Lord."
"How in all the Gods' names did you hear of it?" His grip on my sister tightens as he yells, anger lacing his words. "It has not yet been announced!"
"The castle has been buzzing with the news all afternoon," Jane says with barely concealed disdain.
"Be that as it may, the formal announcement has not been made. Your unprovoked attack on my betrothed was prompted by a rumor! A rumor!" His grip loosens and he pushes her away, causing her to stumble just a bit. He places his clenched fists at his hips and paces my chambers like an angry animal, breathing deeply as if to calm himself. Turning abruptly, he raises a pointed finger at Jane, his eyes narrowed. "You attacked her—your own sister. If she is damaged or injured in any way, you realize, as she is my betrothed, it is within my rights to seek reparations from you? She is as good as a daughter of Galon now—as good as my wife—and as so, under my protection. Do you have any idea what I do to people who damage what is mine?"
No one speaks. All that can be heard is the labored breathing of all in the room. My heart is beating furiously as I consider what he might do to Jane.
"I am truly sorry, My Lord. I fear jealousy clouded my mind, and I could not think clearly."
"If this is all over your jealousy of your sister, then perhaps a good whipping is what you need. Like a spoiled child. Jealousy is an ugly trait to have, Your Highness. Perhaps if you spent some time thinking of and putting others first, you might find a husband. Although, I hear that the king of Rhema is looking for a bride for his son."
Jane's eyes widen at his implied threat. Everyone knows that the kingdom of Rhema is ruled with an iron fist by King Aro. He is ruthless in his warfare as well, enslaving the women of the lands they seize. She bows her head, as if in surrender. "Whatever you wish as a punishment is what I deserve. Please forgive me, My Lord."
"It is not only I you need to apologize to." His gaze is piercing.
Jane recoils under its intensity. "I am sorry, Isabella. Please forgive me. I was mad with jealousy. It will not happen again."
Edward answers for me. "No, it will not happen again. In fact, I do not see any reason for you to visit Isabella for the remainder of her time in Adwen. You will only cause her distress, and I will not have it. Now," he says turning to me, "I am leaving her punishment up to you, Isabella. Shall she be whipped for her lack of judgment? Or will the absence of her presence be enough?"
He is leaving it up to me? I cannot bring myself to impose a punishment like that upon my sister, no matter what she has done. "I do not wish for her to be punished. Please, My Lord, her absence shall be enough for me."
He nods once. "Very well. You are far more forgiving than I, Isabella. You shall make a fine, just queen someday. Jane, you are dismissed." He is waiting for her to take her leave, but she is still as a statue, staring down at me with burning hatred in her eyes.
She takes a few slow and calculated steps toward me, until she is less than an arm's length away. She leans in close, and her words are quiet, meant only for my ears. "This is not over, sister. You will regret this." And with that, she turns to leave.
Edward grabs her by the arm, turning her to look directly into her eyes. "If you step within a hundred paces of Isabella, I will not hesitate to give you twenty lashes myself. This time you wronged her. Do it again, and you will be going against my order. And I assure you, you do not want to do that."
She straightens her back when speaking, almost looking and sounding defiant. "Yes, My Lord." She gives me one more fiery look, and then she is gone.
Edward approaches me slowly. "Are you sure you are well? She did not harm you?"
I take inventory of my injuries. "It would appear that I will be. She did not do any lasting damage, My Lord."
"Isabella, please use my name. If you have not noticed, we are alone at the moment."
Scanning the room, I see my handmaiden must have left us when Edward arrived
"May I hold you once more before I escort you to the evening meal?" he asks.
"I would like that very much, Edward."
His smile is as warm as his embrace. "Thank you. Perhaps you need a moment to collect yourself before we are announced?" he asks. He loosens his hold on me and takes a step back.
"If you do not mind, yes." I reach up to feel the braids that have come loose during the struggle with Jane. "I think I may need Angela's assistance."
"Of course. I shall ask her to return." His kiss to my forehead is startling before he leaves to retrieve Angela. The warmth of his lips is still on my skin when she enters my chambers.
"My Lady," she says, rushing to my side. "Were you harmed? I was so frightened when Jane grabbed you." Her hands run nervously over my arms, as if to inspect me.
Gently grasping her hands, I still them. "I am well, Angela, truly. Now, do you think you could assist me in repairing the damage she did to my hair?"
"Of course, My Lady."
With that, she sets to work. It is not long before I am put back together and ready to be presented. The knock on my door alerts us that my presence is required. Opening the door, Angela curtsies as she and Prince Edward exchange a few words before he steps into my chambers.
"Are you ready, My Lady?" he asks, his arm extended.
"I am, My Lord." Placing my hand in the crook of his outstretched arm, I stand straight as we walk toward our future.
This time when I approach the banquet hall, Edward and I are announced together. Presented to my father, we greet him with a bow and curtsy. Choosing that moment to announce the betrothal, he rises from his throne, widening his arms.
"Ladies and gentlemen of the court, may I have your attention? I am pleased to announce the impending union of Edward, Prince of Galon of the House of Cullen to my precious daughter, Isabella. They will be wed here in Adwen in a month's time. There will be a great feast in their honor, as well as a celebration throughout the entire kingdom. So, please, raise your glasses to help me wish them well. May your marriage be blessed and be fruitful. To Edward and Isabella."
"To Edward and Isabella." Cheers and applause are heard all over the room. Nothing can stop the smile that spreads across my face. Edward is beaming as well. Looking around, everyone is so happy for us. More than likely they are all happy to know the arrangement means that Galon will not attack, and Adwen now has hope for the future.
My smile falls as I notice the look of pure rage and hatred on the faces of my sister, Jane, and the angry knight at her side as they stand at attention across the room. A sense of dread creeps down my spine, tingling all the way to my fingertips. It is only the prince at my side and his smile that calms my anxiety. The promise I see in his eyes, one of possibilities, pushes away the dread and leaves in its place ... hope.
A/N: The end of this chapter brings us to the end of the events of the original one-shot. So everything from here on out will be all new to those of you who have read it. :) And I'd love to hear your theories about where this is going.
A giant cyber-hug to everyone who is reading, reviewing, following, and adding DoMH to their favorites! I'm so glad you all seem to be enjoying this swoony Edward.
And now time for some recs! The two this week happen to be by a couple friends of mine. :)
Dream or Reality by ceceprincess1217. If you read at work and have nosy coworkers who like to peek over your shoulder, this is NSFW for sure. This Dirty Talking E is a sexy, older, Militaryward.
The Road Trip by Honeymoon Edward is another WIP I need to catch up on, but it's HE, so it's a guaranteed-to-make-you-smile fic.
Lots of contests are in the works, so take notes! ...
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Lots of love
~Sunshine