Thank you Fyrebyrd, 2brown-eyes, Gabby1017, and Ceceprincess1217 for prereading, and to jayhawkbb for editing. Please remember, I like to tinker, so all mistakes are my own.

Chapter 5

When the cheers have calmed and the guests have taken their seats, Edward takes my hand and brings it to his lips for a kiss as we walk toward our table.

"You look exquisite tonight, My Lady. Is it by chance that you are wearing the colors of my home, or was it your plan? Because you have stolen my breath." I get another kiss to my hand, causing me to blush and look away from him. I am not accustomed to receiving such compliments.

"No, it is not by chance, My Lord, I chose my gown to represent my new home. I am to be the bride of a son of Galon, am I not?"

He smiles at this. "Yes, you are, Isabella. Yes, you are. Speaking of being a bride, I wish to discuss some of the details of the betrothal. Your father and I came to an agreement on many things, and I wish to share them with you. Are you agreeable?"

"Of course, My Lord. Whenever you wish to discuss matters, I will make myself available."

"Then I wish to discuss it tonight, after this impromptu celebration. May I come to your rooms? I promise to stay out of your bedchamber." He seems to know how to keep my face perpetually red. I can barely whisper a response.

"Of course."

Apparently, this amuses him, as his laughter fills my ears.

"My darling Isabella, I so enjoy teasing you. I seem to be able to turn you red with a single phrase, but I shall try not to abuse my newfound ability." With a kiss to my temple, he escorts me to the banquet table. It is once again spread with our finest foods, and there is also mead being poured all around.

He helps me to sit by first pulling out my chair, then holding my hand as I lower myself into my seat. My place at the table is directly next to my father, with Edward to my other side. Father has not spoken to me directly for many days, so his gruff voice startles me.

"Isabella, I do hope you are pleased with this arrangement. I did my best to see that you would be cared for. Galon will be a good home. I am sure of it."

"Yes, Father, thank you." I pause, unsure what else to say. I turn my head just slightly, but I still do not meet his eyes. "I am honored that I was chosen for this duty to our people. I will do my very best to make you proud." My words feel as empty as his sounded. He knows he had no choice but to agree to the betrothal, yet he tries to make it sound as if it were his decision to send me there. And I know that the only pride he may feel will come from the act of forming an alliance with another kingdom, to save us from a war.

Nothing else I ever do in this world will bring him pride. Even if I birth a dozen male children, they will be for the land of Galon, heirs to their throne. I will not contribute to the strategy or any other matters of state, as I am a woman and have no voice. I am simply a bargaining chip to my father and King Carlisle. My marriage is a way to settle a dispute ... a means to an end. Something my father must have done almost brought war to our gates. Perhaps one day, I will find out what it was.

My attention is drawn to the rest of our guests. They are jovial tonight, celebrating a union with a kingdom which can offer protection when we need it and resources so our people will not starve this winter. It brings a smile to my face to see our people so happy, knowing that I may have contributed to their happiness. It is Edward that brings me out of my musing.

"What has brought that beautiful smile to your face, My Lady?"

"I was just thinking of the joy our union is bringing the people, My Lord."

"And this is why I chose you. You are thinking of the happiness of others. You are truly a treasure." He kisses my hand once again, causing me to look down in embarrassment. "Will you do me the honor of a dance, My Lady? We did not get that privilege last night."

"Of course, My Lord."

For a large man, he is incredibly graceful as he guides me on the dance floor. Without my previous distractions, I can now see how imposing he truly is. The top of my head does not reach his very broad shoulders. His biceps are quite big as well, as if he could lift a tree trunk over his head. Dressed in his furs and leathers, he appears utterly intimidating, but the man I have spent time with is anything but. I do not doubt his status as a fierce warrior, but he has shown me a gentler side. I do hope that is the side that I might come to know and care for.

The entire evening, each time I glance in Jane's direction, she is looking at me as if to burn me with her gaze. I do not know if I should approach her or leave her to stew in her bitterness.

"What has you distressed, Isabella?"

"My Lord?"

"You appear troubled. What is wrong?"

"My sister, My Lord. Jane seems rather ... upset, and she's doing nothing to hide it. She has been staring daggers at me all night."

"Do not trouble yourself with it. She is merely upset that her younger, far more beautiful sister was chosen over her." He kisses my exposed shoulder. His nose skims a trail up my neck, and he places a feather-light kiss just below my ear. His whisper is deep and rich in its timbre, his warm breath washing over my skin. "It is called jealousy, my dear, and it is a dreadful thing to see on a woman." With that he places one final kiss to my neck before removing his lips altogether. "Do not allow her sour mood to affect your night."

I flush at the feel of his lips upon my skin. "Of course not, My Lord," I murmur. My eyes dart around the room to see if anyone noticed our exchange. Perhaps things are different in Galon, and he does not know it is improper to behave so brazenly in public.

It is not long before my father's courtesan, Susan, takes a seat next to my father at the table. I stiffen in Edward's arms. "Must she show herself here on tonight of all nights?"

"Who?"

"My father's bed warmer. She is not my mother, so she should not be here for this." I try to ignore their obvious displays of affection. It is difficult, however, when she is practically sitting upon his lap.

"Ah, yes, the infamous Susan of Thornbridge." He turns his gaze to my father and the woman keeping his attention. "I have heard many things about her over the years. The rumor is she complains at court that King Charles will not marry her. From what is told, he says he loved your mother so much that he wants no question about with whom his soul will join in the afterlife. He says he will never again take a wife." He looks down upon me. "I should hope we grow to care for each other as deeply."

His words warm my heart and cause a not unpleasant feeling in my stomach. I offer him a smile. "As do I."

We continue making our circuit around the dance floor, and as I take in my father and those surrounding him, I cannot help but wonder what will happen after I leave.

"What will happen to Adwen when my father passes? Father has no male heir." I look up into his eyes and find reservation.

"That is the question, is it not? We shall discuss that when we have a moment of privacy."

Realizing this is not the place to have such a conversation, I nod in agreement.

The evening is spent dancing, eating and drinking. I am able to speak again with Edward's cousins, and they are both just as delightful as they were last night. His knights are certainly a boisterous bunch, but they seem friendly enough. The wine quickly goes to my head, so I inform Edward that I am spent for the evening and going to my rooms. He says he'll be along soon and to wait for him.

Angela assists me in changing into a simpler gown and brushing out my hair. As we finish up, there is a knock at my outer door.

I step into my sitting room and inhale a deep breath to calm myself. While I no longer fear Edward, I still feel nervous in his presence. But I also feel excited to be able to share a private moment with him.

I smooth my hands over my dress and stand straight. "Enter."

Edward walks in, and he fills the room with his presence. He takes a moment to look around, and I feel as if he is looking for something. Perhaps he is taking in details that tell of me. When his eyes find mine, he smiles.

He bows to me in greeting. "My Lady. I feel I must tell you that your father does not know I am meeting you tonight. Do you wish for your handmaiden to stay, or do you trust me to protect your virtue?" He has a mischievous glint in his eye.

"Can I trust you, My Lord?"

His expression is now a serious one. "Always, Isabella."

I nod in acquiescence before turning to my friend. "Angela, please see to it that my bed has been warmed. Please do not disturb us. I will call for you when you are needed. Thank you." With a nod of my head, I dismiss her.

Angela hesitates only a moment before offering a quick curtsy and leaving us. The room is suddenly filled with some kind of charge, a hum, as if a single spark could light a blaze.

"You have changed out of your gown." His expression changes to one of disappointment before mischief lights his eyes. "However, you look equally lovely in this." He touches the edge of my sleeve. It is a plain dress, something I would wear if I were just staying in my rooms all day. The two thin linen layers drape over my every curve and are all that separate his eyes from my flesh. His gaze roams my body, and I feel warm all over. "I believe that you would look lovely in a grain sack." His eyes flash to mine before returning to watch his fingertips dance upon the bare skin of my wrist. "But perhaps I am biased," he whispers. His touch ghosts up my arm to the curve of my neck, down the column of my throat before moving on to the edge of my gown that rests over my bosom.

My heart pounds, and I feel the need to redirect his attention before his actions get out of hand. I clear my throat and step just out of his reach. "I believe you may be. Now, shall we discuss what brought you here tonight?"

His hand flexes at his side as he clears his own throat. "Right. Going straight to the matter at hand, Princess?" He sighs. "Yes, I guess you are right." He moves to the armchair near the fire, and I take a seat on the settee, keeping some distance between us. "As you heard, we are to be wed in a month's time. Is that agreeable with you?"

"Of course, Edward."

He smiles, possibly at my use of his name, or maybe at the mention of our marriage in a mere month. But concern soon replaces his smile. "And the timing is good? The journey to your new home will not be a hardship?"

"My Lord? I do not get your meaning. What would be a hardship? I know I have never travelled outside of my kingdom, so perhaps I will tire easily, but I see no reason to believe it will be a hardship."

He briefly closes his eyes and groans, huffing out a breath. He is seemingly frustrated, but when his eyes meet mine, I find only patience. "Isabella, I am trying to delicately ask about your courses. I don't wish for you to be uncomfortable while we travel, and that is saying nothing about our wedding night. I would rather take you to my bed without that concern."

My face blazes, and my eyes are now focused on the floor. When I speak, my voice is so low, I am not sure he can even hear me. "No, My Lord, that will not be a concern. If we are to marry in a month's time, it will not be a concern on our wedding night. Some months it is not a concern at all. Many say it is because our harvests have been so poor in recent years, and we do not have enough to eat. Even so, it likely will not return until after we arrive in Galon."

"Just another way your father has failed you," he says, his voice so soft, I am unsure I am meant to hear it. He rises from his chair and approaches me. He grasps my chin, gently urging me to look up at him. "Be that as it may, but Gods willing, once we are wed, you may not be bothered with it for a very long time. Perhaps my seed will find purchase on our wedding night, and we will be blessed with a child. Would that please you?"

I answer in a whisper. "Of course, My Lord."

He takes a seat next to me, pulling me closer to his side. "I also spoke to your father concerning the bedding ceremony." He heaves a heavy sigh. "You could say it was a tense negotiation. He was adamant at first. The problem he has is his lack of a male heir."

I look at him, confused. "I do not understand why one concerns the other."

"Because of his lack of an heir, upon his death, the throne would go to his oldest child, which would be your sister Jane. He is fearful Adwen would be vulnerable to being overthrown, due to a lack of confidence in its leadership. But I was able to offer a suggestion that might ensure the long-term protection of his kingdom."

I look to him with questioning eyes. "How so?"

"Honestly, I believe his greatest fear is Adwen falling into the hands of Rhema. They are ruthless in their conquests. They would likely tear apart Adwen, leaving it and its people in ruins. He tells me he is hopeful he will be able to marry off your sisters to gain more allies once news of our alliance reaches other lands. If he is able to do so, my suggestion was to add a clause to the marriage contract."

"Which was?"

"If his daughters have all married well, joined with a prince or other nobleman, the first to birth a son would take Adwen for their new kingdom. He insists that because he is basically giving away his throne to another land upon the birth of a son, he has the right to have the bedding ceremony."

Taking a moment to digest this news, I think about what it would mean. I could one day rule over what was once Adwen. This thought thrills me, but then I remember the conditions. My heart plummets. The private, sacred moment I had hoped for with my husband is not to be. "Thank you for your efforts. I am sure it will be fine." I sound dejected, even to my own ears.

"Isabella, I said we negotiated. All is not lost. I was able to get some of what I wanted."

My head snaps up, and I look hopefully into his eyes. "Father was willing to agree to your terms?"

"In a way, yes, and in a way, no. We are to consummate our union in the queen's chambers. The curtains will be drawn around the bed, but there will be witnesses."

My stomach churns with this news and my eyes fill with tears. My gaze once again drops to the floor. He grasps my chin, forcing me to look at him.

"Normally, there would be nearly a dozen there to witness. I have negotiated it down to two of your father's men and one of my own. Along with my cousin Jasper, your father's bishop will be present, as well as a chosen member of your father's inner circle. I have asked that Charles not witness it himself. They will not see anything, Isabella. When the act is complete, they will leave. The bedding can then be inspected when we move to another set of rooms."

I nod my head, knowing that this is the best he could do. "Thank you, Edward. I know my father can be an obstinate man, so I am aware of the effort it took to change his mind."

"Now, I have another question for you. Where do you wish to spend the remainder of our wedding night? Do you wish to return here, to your bedchamber? Or do you wish to join me in my tent, in the camp outside the castle gates?"

The question both surprises and amuses me. "Does it not get cold out there? You wish to spend our wedding night in a tent?" Saying it out loud causes me to giggle.

"If you wish. If not, we can return here. Though I do like the thought of having my wife in my own bed." He has that mischievous look about him again.

I smile shyly and shake my head. "I rather like the idea of sharing your tent. I will have to warm to the idea soon enough. We will be spending several nights in it, will we not?"

He nods. "We will. Let me assure you, it may not be what you are accustomed to, but it is quite comfortable. And I am sure we will be more than warm."

"Then I look forward to it, My Lord."

Moving closer, he wraps his other arm around me and embraces me. His close proximity is making me anxious, fearful of where our meeting may lead, so as his head tilts, his mouth nearing mine, I turn my cheek to him. He pauses, but only for a moment, and his kiss is diverted to my neck, just below my ear. The swirling feeling of excitement low in my belly returns as his lips touch the sensitive flesh.

With what sounds like a growl, he bathes the skin of my neck in the warmth of his exhale as he speaks lowly into my ear. "I am looking forward to it as well." He lingers, his lips just a hairsbreadth away. I close my eyes and revel in the feeling, but all too soon, his warmth is gone. Regretfully—judging by his huff—he stands. "I should probably be on my way. It has grown late, and there is much to do in the coming days. I do need you to make known what belongings you wish to bring with you to Galon. We will need to make arrangements for transporting them."

I nod my head. "Of course. It should not be much, perhaps a trunk or two, but, Edward, may I bring Moondancer as well? She has been a good horse, and I would like to have her with me."

He smiles. "Absolutely. It is a reasonable request, and one I had anticipated. Do you plan to ride during our journey?" He steps closer and kneels before me, taking my hand in his. "I had hoped that you would join me in my saddle. I would much rather have you in my arms."

I drop my gaze to our joined hands resting upon my lap, my cheeks heating in their nearly perpetual state of blush. "Perhaps for some of the journey," I say softly, chancing a glance up at him. "And perhaps Moondancer will allow Angela to ride her when I do. I would like nothing more than to be in your arms for at least some of the journey. The thought of traveling so far and for so long is daunting, so the safety of being in them may lessen some of my fears."

"Nothing would please me more, but we will discuss it more when the time comes." He places a chaste kiss upon my forehead and releases my hands, once again rising to his feet. "If I do not go soon, I think I shall never leave. I will see you tomorrow then, but likely not until midday. Your father and I still have many things to discuss, and I am to meet him in the morning. So, I bid you goodnight." He reaches for my hand and leaves yet another kiss upon my knuckles.

"Goodnight, Edward. I shall see you tomorrow."

"Goodnight, Isabella."

Sleep does not come easily on this night, but it finally claims me just before the sun dawns. It is restless and over too soon, as the seamstress is at my door before midday. She brings with her the gown I am to wear when I wed the man who is slowly taking up residence in my heart.

A/N: One step closer to the wedding! I've had a couple of questions and concerns about this bedding ceremony business, but all I'll say is, you'll just have to keep reading to find out. ;)

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 Edward. He's still pretty swoon-worthy.

And now time for some recs!

Days Like This by SoftRagoo is one of my go-to feel-good fics. It's a single Momella, a Doctorward, and their seeet, little Sunshine. This one gives me all the feels. *sigh*

A Dirty Lion by FyreByrd is a WIP that came from the Commander in Chief contest. If you're into Motorcycle Club stories, you can't miss this one. All I can say is ... *whew* Is it hot in here, or is it just me? Oh, and it just updated today. ;)

Some of you might remember the fundraiser, Babies at the Border fic compilation, from last year. Well, it's getting a round two, and many of your favorite authors (70, I believe, at last count) have signed up again to contribute, including yours truly. The Facebook group from last year is still active, as well as a website for this year's reboot if you'd like to check it out. Visit the FB group, or go to batbcomp dot blogspot dot com for more details about how you can help and/or donate.

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

Lots of love

~Sunshine