Thank you Fyrebyrd, 2brown-eyes, Gabby1017, and Ceceprincess1217 for prereading, and to jayhawkbb for editing. This one endured quite a bit of tinkering, so please remember, all mistakes are my own.

Chapter 6

The gown being made for me is exquisite and unlike anything I have ever seen. It is a gift from Edward and indescribable in its beauty. The fitted bodice is embellished with swirling embroidery. The intricate stitches resemble a delicate bird with its wings emanating from its regal torso, spanning across my bosom, while the flowing tail flares out before trailing down to a prominent point just below my navel. Its wide neckline rests just at my shoulders, leaving them almost completely exposed, while the billowing fabric flows well past my hands. There is a belted sash at my hips, long enough to touch the floor, matching the length of the skirt, which flows into a train. The most unique thing about it is its color. The bodice and sleeves are a deep gold, but it morphs into a bronze, orange shade, to red, finally ending at the bottom a beautiful, rich purple.

Edward brought it here in secret, unbeknownst to his father, in hopes of dressing a new princess in it, and I am happy that it will be put to good use. As it was unknown what size princess would wear the gown, it needs minor alterations, but not many.

"All right, Your Highness, I think that should do it. I only need to let out the bodice a bit at the bosom, take it in at the waist, and shorten the length a bit. I will have it ready in two days' time. Is that agreeable?"

"Yes, of course. I am sure it will be a perfect fit. You have always done a splendid job. Thank you, Mary."

The days leading up to the wedding are a blur as we finalize details of the feast as well as the ceremony. After much discussion on what kind it will be, it is finally decided that we will blend the vows of a traditional Galon wedding ceremony with those of one of Adwen. It will be performed by the Galon priest, Elder Afton, who has traveled here with them.

In an attempt to learn more about each other, Edward and I make time each day to speak. The situation in which we find ourselves is a unique one. Not many people of royal birth have the opportunity to form the foundation of a relationship, to get to know one another before they wed, so we are taking full advantage.

Today we are in the inner courtyard, seated side by side on a stone bench. Angela looks on from her place in a nearby herb garden as she selects stems of fresh lavender for my chambers. Her covert glances in our direction assure me we have our required chaperone, but she is blessedly giving us the privacy we need for this conversation.

"How is it you have not taken a wife before now?"

He smiles ruefully, looking down. "Well, I was actually betrothed at one time."

My eyes widen. "You were to be wed? To whom? What happened?"

He lifts his eyes to mine. The corner of his mouth turns up in a grin, and he raises a single brow. "Eager to hear the scandal?"

"No, I am sorry." I hang my head in embarrassment, shaking it once. "Please forgive me for being so impetuous. I should not have—"

"It's fine, Isabella. It really was quite the scandal back then. I am sure people speak of it to this day, which is why you need to know. I would be quite angry if you heard of it from anyone else." He shifts to face me. "I was betrothed to Princess Tanya of Rhema."

"Rhema? Why would your father want to align your kingdom with them? I have heard tales of their ... brutality ... their ruthlessness."

"What? You do not think my men and I can be ruthless?"

"Oh, I am sure you can, but ... I have heard horrible stories about the Rheman army."

He nods in agreement. "Yes, which is why my father thought it wise to join our kingdoms. He thought one day our great armies would be able to conquer any and all who would stand in our way."

"Then what happened? Why are you not wed to Tanya?"

"When we arrived in Rhema for the wedding, the virtuous princess was discovered to be with child."

I cannot contain my gasp. "With child? But ... how?" Edward raises a brow, as if to ask whether he need explain. My cheeks warm as I realize what I have asked. "Well, I know how," I whisper.

"Yes, well"—he clears his throat—"needless to say, once her condition was discovered, my father threatened war for their breaking of the contract. And for the last nearly five years, the battles we have always had over territories and lands have only become more frequent." He turns to me and smiles. "And my father has been trying since that day to find a suitable replacement bride."

"A replacement," I repeat softly, a bit unsure of myself. Pondering his words, I wonder if he, in any way, sees me as a replacement. My stomach turns at the thought.

"He considered making a match with all the surrounding kingdoms, but none had anything he truly wanted. He saw no advantage to joining with any of them."

"Until Adwen."

"Until Adwen," he agrees with a nod.

"But you came to our gates threatening war. How am I to believe my hand, or the hand of either of my sisters, was the goal of your coming to Adwen? Every kingdom from the sea to the mountains and beyond knew of Charles' three unwed daughters. Why now?"

"Isabella, it is not a pleasant thing to share with you, but I do not want to have any secrets between us." He shifts uncomfortably before reaching for my hand, his thumb running over my knuckles as he continues. "Galon never had a strategic reason to align with Adwen. They did not have anything we needed. My father wanted to gain something with my union. The subject of my failed arrangement came up quite often at court, and Jane was mentioned a time or two, but my father always dismissed it. There was talk that the reason that you, along with your sisters, had not been married off is that no one wanted to form an alliance with your father."

He appears uncomfortable sharing this news, so I gently squeeze his hand, hoping to encourage him.

"Your father has mismanaged his kingdom, Isabella. Untold numbers of your people starved last year because many of your crops failed, and what you did grow was not distributed properly. And while it was terrible, it did not affect Galon directly, so my father felt no need to act. But when he closed access to the ports and began charging exorbitant taxes to pass through, it got our attention. Because of the taxes, people were bypassing your ports altogether in favor of ports farther to the south. The only reason Galon warriors knocked down your gates is because we refused to pay the ludicrous tax, so we had no access to your ports. With our marriage, Galon gets access to the ports, and Adwen receives our assistance and protection. Rhema has been waiting for Adwen to become weak, and I do not doubt they were planning to attack by year's end. Without the alliance, Adwen would surely have fallen to Rhema. King Aro controlling the ports would have had far-reaching effects for many years to come."

His tale is sobering. The thought of being overtaken by the strong army of Rhema makes me ill. I have heard terrible things about what they do to the lands they invade. And to think we may have lost our home, even our very lives, because of my father's actions, I am outraged.

"How long was my father going to wait to act? Why would he not reach out for help? Galon was there, just to the north. Why would he not ask for assistance? Was it his selfish pride?" Angry thoughts swirl around my head.

"I do not know, Isabella. Perhaps he thought circumstances would change or improve. It is also quite possible his ego got in the way. I know many kings who have allowed pride and arrogance to cloud their judgment. We may never know what his reasons were."

We sit in silence as I absorb all he has said. Knowing it is useless to dwell on past decisions made by others, I use our conversation to get to know a little more about the man beside me. "And what kind of ruler do you think you will be?" I ask softly. "Will you allow pride and arrogance to influence your decisions? Will you rule as your father has, putting strategy and political gain above all else? I have heard many say King Carlisle is ruthless in his own right."

Edward's jaw tightens as he draws in a deep breath. "I would like to think I will be more reasonable than my father has been. I think mercy and compassion are fine qualities in a king. We do not see eye to eye on many things. This trip to Adwen is an example. His first impulse was to order me to simply seize the castle and usurp the throne from your father, kill him even. It was only when I reminded him of Adwen's three princesses that he reconsidered and allowed me to decide how to proceed. To my father, you are merely a means to an end. A way for Galon to gain more power. It was his idea for me to suggest the ... unorthodox succession clause to your father. To King Carlisle, the acquisition of an heir, and therefore the lands of Adwen, are his main concern. So, do not be surprised if he banishes us to our rooms until you are with child."

The thought of creating a new life with this man brings butterflies to my belly. I have only just met him, and yet I already cannot see my future without him. In a world of arranged marriages and loveless matches, I feel truly blessed. If I am to trust his words and actions, he seems to genuinely care for me, at least a little.

"Isabella, my father may have spent years searching for a bride to replace the Rheman girl, but I chose you because I truly believe that we are a good match. I was not jesting when I said that you will rule by my side. I am counting on your influence to guide me when I need counsel from someone not looking to further her own agenda. My father has chosen to disregard my mother's opinions and relies completely on his advisers. He leads with his head, not his heart. And while it bodes well for him strategically, he has also made many enemies along the way. My hope is to lead with both my head and my heart. Will you help me do that?"

"Of course, My Lord," I say with a shy smile. All of my previous worries of being merely a replacement are gone with his reassurance.

"Then tomorrow we shall begin our life together. Is everything prepared for the wedding?"

"Yes. We finished the final alterations on my gown just yesterday."

"When I saw the fabric at our market, I knew it would make a fine gown for my bride. Its colors remind me of the beautiful sunsets in my homeland. Did I tell you my sister was the one to stitch that gown with her own two hands?"

"No, you never told me who made it."

He nods his head once, a smile upon his face. "She was so hopeful I would find a woman worthy enough to wear it." He pauses, his eyes searching mine. "And I did," he says softly. "I am sure it will look exquisite on you."

"Thank you, Edward. It is by far the most beautiful gown I have ever laid my eyes upon. It will be an honor to wear it knowing it was made with such care by someone you love."

"And I cannot wait to lay my eyes on you wearing it. I am sure you will be a vision."

His gaze is intense, so intense that I shyly lower my head and attempt to change the subject. "The food for the feast is already being prepared as well. It shall be quite a celebration."

"I am sure it will be. But the wedding feast is the last thing on my mind." He leans closer, and his wicked smirk disappears from sight as the rough softness of his beard brushes against my neck, his lips and warm breath ghosting across my skin. "I cannot wait to feast on you." The low timbre of his voice combined with the softness of his lips upon my skin cause me to gasp.

A new, unfamiliar tingling reaches places on my body which are yet undiscovered, and it is exhilarating and terrifying all at the same time. "Edward, please." My whispered plea is met with a groan. "Someone may see." I try to put distance between us, but he pulls me closer still.

"Let them see. You are to be my wife before sunset tomorrow."

I allow him another moment of impropriety before I object once more. "But I am not yet," I whisper.

With another groan, he reluctantly pulls away. His piercing green eyes meet mine, and the intensity I find there pins me in place. "It is nearly impossible to do so, knowing you are so close to being mine, but you are right. I do need to stop." He nods once and blows out a breath. "So, I shall leave you for the last time, for tomorrow night I shall have you all to myself."

Heat rises in my cheeks at his mention of tomorrow night.

He chuckles and reaches past me, plucking a bloom from a nearby vine and tucking it behind my ear. "I will be waiting for you at the altar." Lifting my hand to his lips, he places the softest of kisses upon my knuckles. "Goodnight, Isabella."

"Goodnight, Edward," I whisper, his mere presence once again leaving me spellbound.

He rises to his feet to leave, and I am surprised at how dejected I feel as he does so. I watch him walk away and bid a good evening to Angela as she walks toward me, knowing that tomorrow will usher me toward a new life.

Once we return to my chambers, Angela helps me prepare for bed, and we stay up late into the night talking about our upcoming journey to our new home. She seems as excited as I am to be leaving Adwen. I am sure the prospect of starting a new life in Galon along with me is a bit daunting, but she says she is looking forward to it. As she is brushing out my hair, I tease that she may find love in a new land. When she does not reply, I ask what is wrong.

"Nothing, My Lady. I ..."

When she hesitates, I turn to look at her. "What is it, Angela?"

Her eyes are downcast as she begins. "I have been spending some time with one of the men from Galon. His name is Benjamin. I met him in the market several days after they arrived, and we have been meeting on occasion to talk." She raises her head a bit, and when she finds an encouraging smile, happiness colors her features. "Oh, Isabella, he is so kind. When I told him I would be joining you, his eyes lit up and he asked if I would allow him to inquire with you about courting me!"

She can barely contain her excitement by the time she is finished. I turn around and wrap her in a hug. "Oh, Angela, I am so very happy for you. All he need do is ask Edward, I would think, but I have no objections. This is so very exciting!" We are both giggling with happiness. "It would appear we both have bright futures ahead of us. I was so worried that you would be unhappy leaving your life here."

"No, I do not have anything holding me here. My parents have both passed on, and I do not spend much time with anyone but you. A new life in Galon is more than I could have ever hoped for." She gives me a final squeeze before releasing me. "Now, you must get your rest. You have a busy day ahead of you tomorrow, and I am sure an even busier night."

I pull away and hide my face in my hands. "Angela, I am so nervous about the wedding night." I peek at her through my fingers before removing my hands completely. "I do not have a mother to ask questions of, and the sister that I believe could answer those questions despises me. Even if I thought he would speak of such things, I would not dare ask my father. I do not feel comfortable asking any of the servants. What am I to do?" I look at her with pleading eyes. "I have only heard quiet murmurings over the years about the marriage bed, and I do not know what is true and what is false, or what may be exaggerated. What am I to do?"

"I am sorry I cannot be of any help. If only Queen Esme had made the journey, you could have spoken to her. Would you like me to ask the midwife if she can speak to you?"

"No, I do not need rumors to spread that the midwife came to visit me just before I wed," I say with a resolute shake of my head. "No, I shall just have to put my trust in Edward. I am sure he will guide me."

"Do you believe that he"—her voice drops to a whisper—"knows about such things?"

"Angela, he is a prince of four and twenty years. I am sure he is more than knowledgeable. You have looked at the man, have you not? I am sure he has women from here to Galon and beyond willing to warm his bed." It is unsettling to know that it is expected for a woman to save her body for her husband alone, yet men are encouraged to experience what they wish before marriage, or even after. But it is the way of things.

I tell myself that I am fortunate in the fact that I have come to know the man I am to wed, that we have had time to speak and learn more about one another. I have actually come to care a great deal for him. Many brides of my station meet their intended at the altar. Ours is a most strange situation to say the least, but I am thankful, nonetheless.

Once I am dressed for bed, I am able to fall into a restful sleep. Visions of my new home fill my dreams; visions of green, of lush forests and billowing banners, are everywhere I look. As I slumber, I bask in warm days and golden sunsets, and those days are followed by cold nights. In my dreams, I am loved, held tightly by strong and careful arms. There is laughter, and there is joy. I dream of children, boys and girls with beautiful bronze hair and bright green eyes. We are surrounded by happiness. And it is with a smile upon my face that I wake the next morning.

My wedding day.

Angela brings me a warm and filling breakfast. It is much more than I am used to, but everyone encourages me to have my fill. I am told I will not eat until the wedding feast much later today, and I would do well not to faint at the altar. As I eat, she works with the servants to fill my bath. When I finally clean my plate, Angela helps me to bathe, washing, scrubbing, polishing all that we can. Scented oils are added to the water, and it is heavenly, but I do not linger too long.

My body is dried, and my hair is brushed as I sit by the fire, so as to dry it faster. When she deems it dry enough, she begins to work. It is by far the most intricate braiding she has ever done. She weaves ribbons and pearls all throughout, and I already know it will be amazing. And when she is done, it is exquisite. It is wide and thick, but still falling more than halfway down my back.

"It looks wonderful, Angela. Thank you." I pull her in close and wrap her in an embrace.

"I would do anything to make this day more special for you, My Lady." The emotion is thick in her voice.

"I know you would. And I thank you for that." I release her and hold her at arm's length. "I am so happy you have chosen to join me. You have been my very best friend for a very long time."

Her eyes shine with happy tears as she smiles. "You know I feel the same, My Lady. But enough of this. You have a wedding to dress for!" She discreetly wipes her eyes and goes to retrieve my gown.

Looking at my reflection in the mirror, I almost do not recognize myself. I have never thought of myself as beautiful, but today I feel that I am. I feel worthy to stand next to Edward as his wife, as his princess ... as his future queen.

Angela places the veil over my head, securing it with my gold circlet. The veil is a long piece of sheer material that is not white, yet not ivory, and it is so long it falls well past my elbows. She makes sure all is in order and deems I am ready.

"You look beautiful, My Lady." She looks as though she will cry.

"Thank you, Angela." I fight the urge to shed a tear myself. "Now," I inhale deeply and blow it out, "I believe we have a wedding to attend."

Angela leads me to the door, opening it to find my father waiting for me.

"You look lovely, Isabella. Are you ready?"

"Thank you, Father. And yes, I am." While our interactions over the years have always been brief, this may be the shortest yet, and perhaps one of the last. It is a bittersweet moment, and I commit it to memory. "Please lead the way."

We walk through the corridors, followed by his guards. We do not exchange any more words. It seems neither of us has anything to say. I wonder what is going through his mind. The only thing I am certain of is that I am thankful for the troubling circumstances in which my father found himself, because they led me to Edward. I do believe I could have not asked for a better match.

Father leads me through the door and out into the light. Just outside the keep, across the courtyard, lays the church. Larger than the chapel inside the castle, it is big enough to hold our many wedding guests. Side by side, in an uneasy silence, we walk toward the sanctuary.

I know it is full of people anxious to witness the joining of our two kingdoms, which may very well be the salvation of Adwen. There are Lords and Ladies who are here visiting at court, as well as invited knights and men who traveled with Edward from Galon. I was told that Jane is would be in attendance, but she has so far had an invisible presence.

As we approach the door, the music begins to play, and the voices inside quiet. The small village boy chosen to carry our rings enters, and when the music changes, I know it is time. I take a deep breath and take my first step toward my future.

A/N: The wedding bells are ringing, figuratively, of course. ;) The 'I do's' are next chapter. And if you're in my Sunshine Fics group on Facebook, this week's chapter pic includes Isabella's wedding dress. Stop by and take a peek!

And now time for some recs! This week, I've got two vamp fics to recommend. I'm usually an AH reader, but every once in a while, a vamp fic catches my attention.

By Way of Sorrow by jaxington is a completed story that I devoured last week. Here's the summary ... Bella Cullen has spent the last ninety-five years giving everything to protect her family and mourning the loss of her long dead human husband. A trip to Alaska to meet Tanya's latest romantic interest changes everything. The vampire she meets there has his face, his hair, and his body, but not his memories. It's a strange new world.

This week's WIP rec is Wander No More by AgoodWITCH. Short chapters and an intriguing AU. The world she's building is different from the usual, and I'm hooked! Here's the summary ... History is written by the victors, but lore is written by the fearful. The Great Battle between humans and vampires is centuries in the past, and all the Wanderers have are their stories. When Bella, a young Wanderer is chosen to be the next queen of the vampires, she must choose her mate and king and try to navigate a world so different from the stories she knew.

I hope you'll check out both of these!

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

Lots of love

~Sunshine