Thank you Fyrebyrd, 2brown-eyes, Gabby1017, and Ceceprincess1217 for prereading, and to jayhawkbb for editing. I'm a chronic fiddler, so all mistakes are mine.

****Please read the A/N at the end!****

Chapter 11

I'm awoken some time later, and confusion sets in. The black of night should be at its deepest now that the fires have all but burned out. But the warm glow illuminating the canvas of the tent, combined with the cold space beside me, is disorienting.

"Edward?" I call out quietly. "Edward?"

I sit up and listen, but no reply comes. When the distant echoes of yelling men break through the silence, I know something is not right. I blindly grab for my clothing, first putting on my shift, followed by the travel dress I have been wearing for the last several days.

As I slip my feet into my boots, the sounds coming from beyond our tent grow louder, and the unmistakable clash of steel on steel reverberates through the night air. I reach for my cloak and find Edward's instead. I pay no mind to it being too long when I stand. Instead, I focus on finding out what is happening and where my husband is.

I throw open the flaps of our tent and am met with a terrifying sight. Everywhere I turn, amidst the men scrambling for their weapons and running toward the danger, there is fire. Tents in every direction are ablaze, and several of the men work to douse the flames with snow and what little water we collected earlier in the day.

Moving on instinct, I grab a nearby bucket, filling it with snow. But my attempt to toss it onto a burning tent is in vain; the wet lump falls quite a distance short of doing any good.

"Stay back, My Lady!" Sir Michael yells in my direction as he works with a few of the other men to try and put out another nearby fire. "My Lord will have my head on a pike if anything happens to you!" When one of the other men yells for more water, he turns back to his futile attempt to snuff out the flames but not before calling to me over his shoulder. "Please go back to your tent, My Lady. Right now, it's the safest place for you."

I step back from the few men tasked with putting out the fires. Disregarding Michael's request, I search the night for any sign of my husband, but he is nowhere to be found.

Fear roots me in place as everything around me burns before my eyes. Whatever this is, whoever is attacking us, it is clear they intend to kill us. A sudden and overwhelming need to find Edward, to have him hold me and protect me from danger, shoots through me. And standing here will not help me find him.

Anxious to be back in his arms, I sprint into action. My feet carry me toward the mayhem to make my own attempts at helping, but I am stopped when I stumble, falling to my hands and knees on the cold, ash-covered ground.

In the darkness, I failed to see the fallen men, those that have given their lives to protect us, to protect me, and there are many. The bodies of ten or more men lie on the ground, their wounds gruesome. Having spent my life sheltered in Broadcove Castle, this is the first time I have seen death this close, and I must swallow down the bile rising in my throat.

As my wide eyes take in the carnage, a hand reaches for me. I stifle a scream, but when I find familiar blue eyes looking up at me, I am quick to grasp it.

"Please." Garrett's voice cracks, his words almost gurgled as a trail of blood drips from the corner of his mouth.

I squeeze his hand and smooth his hair from his forehead. "Shh, all will be well, Sir Garrett. You are fine." Tears blur my vision while Garrett's becomes distant, clouded.

He gasps and coughs, struggling to breathe. "Katherine," he whispers as his eyes close, just before he exhales his final breath.

I have never watched a person die. It is not the dramatic thing I thought it to be. No, it is quiet, simple, as if Garrett has merely closed his eyes to rest, so I do not expect my reaction. Deep and heavy sobs wrack my body as I lay my head on his chest, ignoring the gaping wound in his middle.

Knowing there is nothing more I can do for Garrett, and my safety lies in my own hands, I raise my head and wipe the wetness from my cheeks.

"I will be sure Katherine knows your last thoughts were of her," I promise the dead man.

I stumble to my feet, feeling lost as I look around. The safety and security I have found among these men is burning before my eyes. I look down at my hands, stained with soot and ash, smeared with blood, and it is almost too much to bear.

The sounds of a battle, the clanging of steel blades, the yells and grunts of men, grow closer still, and I am frozen in place. When their shadows begin to come into focus near the fires, I see the backs of men who have traveled alongside me for well over a fortnight as the enemy presses onward, pushing our men back toward the flames. Even at a distance, watching our men fall brings me as much pain as watching Garrett die.

But what steals my breath and brings me to my knees is the sight of my husband.

I always pictured him in my mind's eye as a formidable force on the battlefield, but always on horseback, always in the position of a commander, ordering his men from the relative safety of his saddle. I never pictured him as he is now; his feet on the ground, his sword in one hand and a shield in his other, facing the enemy eye to eye and sword to sword.

"Edward!" I scream, desperation to have him safe getting the better of me.

He turns, his eyes shining across the distance, and I know in that moment I have made a grave error. Panic bubbles up in my throat when the enemy fighting from the shadows uses Edward's moment of distraction to strike. The enemy's blade makes contact with my husband's sword arm, and Edward's weapon falls to the ground.

I cover my mouth as I scream, the sound muffled by my hands and the chaos surrounding me. With fresh tears streaming down my cheeks, I watch, helpless, as Edward is taken down, held within the grasp of several men. His eyes meet mine across the expanse between us, and he mouths a single order.

"Go!"

Unwilling to tear my eyes away from him, I hesitate for a moment, but I know I am in danger. Only God knows what these men may do to me if I am discovered.

Reluctantly, I push myself to my feet and run, retreating into the shadows and attempting to stay out of sight. The distant but distinct sound of neighing horses echoes through the darkness, and I turn to run in that direction. I hurry to where several are still secured for the night a short distance from the edge of camp. The horses left here are used to pull the wagons and carry supplies, not ride into battle.

The flames engulfing the tents are high and hot, and the beasts' eyes are wild with fear. I approach carefully, my hand up in supplication as I step toward Moondancer. "It is all right, my friend."

She neighs loudly, rearing up on her hind legs.

"Shh, let me help you." I approach carefully, knowing in her spooked state, she could easily harm me.

Her eyes are still wide and frightened, but she calms just enough for me to approach and grasp her reins. I quickly untie them, and she wastes no time in pulling away and running off into the night.

"Be safe," I whisper as she disappears from sight. I hurry to the other horses and untie them as well, releasing them to find safety.

I turn where I stand and watch as the flames light the night sky, devouring the tents and everything else in their path. Men scream as they meet their end, either from fire or the end of an enemy's blade, and I can only pray Edward is not one of them.

The sound of hoofbeats gets my attention, growing louder over the yelling and clashing of metal blades. I look around and see my husband's cousin heading straight for me. Pulling back on the reins, he brings the massive animal to a stop.

"Thank the Gods," he murmurs, relief coloring his tone. "We must leave at once." Holding out his hand, his voice is now urgent.

I shake my head vehemently. "No, Emmett, I will not leave without Edward." I step away from him as my eyes continue to scan the chaos around us, searching for my husband.

"Isabella, there is no sign of him, and we must flee at once. The last order he gave to me was to find and protect you with my life, and I will not let him down." He moves to dismount, and I move further away.

I shake my head. "He was on the battlefield. I saw him. They were restraining him." I look up into Emmett's eyes. "He needs our help. Please, we must go to him," I beg. "You cannot ask me to leave him."

"If they managed to restrain him, there is nothing you and I can do for him. We must go and get you to safety."

I take another step back, shaking my head. "I will not leave without him," I repeat. "I will not."

"That is not up to you, I am afraid," he says as he steps toward me. Grabbing me by the arm, he pulls me into his chest. "If we do not leave, they will eventually find you, and all will be lost. Even if he cannot be saved now—"

"No! Do not say that!" I say, beating on his chest with my fists. "He is alive, I know he is." Sobs overtake me as I continue to lash out at the man trying to help me.

"If he is, My Lady, then he will find his way back to you, but for now, we must go. I made a vow to him that I would get you to safety, and I intend to keep it."

I am still crying as he lifts me up into the saddle and mounts behind me. Pulling me close with one arm, he takes the reins with the other, and we break into a furious gallop. Looking over his shoulder, I watch as the glow of the blazing camp gets smaller and smaller. Slowly, the smell of smoke is replaced by the smells of the forest. My hope—the man who now holds a large place in my heart—has been left behind, and I fear I will never see him again.

Huddled around a small fire, two of Edward's men sit on either side of me as we attempt to get warm. What few words are spoken among those milling around nearby are quiet. No one is ready to give voice to the worries we all carry.

Their prince, the leader of their army, their friend—my husband—is missing, possibly dead.

As I watch the sun emerge from the horizon, fresh tears fill my eyes. So much was lost last night. So many lives taken in their attempt to defend us; men who will never see another sunrise. Looking around at the bruised, blackened, and bloodied faces, I know it was a valiant effort, yet I am not sure even two dozen remain.

Other than my husband, the face I wish most to see is not among them. Angela was not seen during the battle. Her cries were unheard, and I fear she, too, is lost to me.

A cup is thrust in front of my face. Its steaming contents are not the least bit appetizing, and I shake my head. "No, thank you."

"You must try, My Lady. You must keep up your strength if we are to make it the rest of the way to Galon."

When I look up into Emmett's eyes and see his earnest expression, I nod, reaching for the cup. "Thank you," I whisper. I sip the warm liquid and grimace.

"I did not say it was very good, but it will warm you." He lowers himself to sit beside me and says nothing more.

I nod absentmindedly but say nothing else. Watching the flames dance before my eyes, I let my mind drift to what my future might now be. The only thing I am certain of is the uncertainty of it. I am a new bride who has left behind her home and all she knows. I had counted on my husband guiding me into my new life, helping me navigate my new home and the people in it. Now I am left to wonder how I will manage without him by my side. I close my eyes and swallow the tears that threaten to come. My heart aches at the thought of what he may be enduring.

When I open my eyes, the men have gathered around us. Jasper, a familiar face I am happy to see, stands before them, his back straight and his eyes focused. "We will send a group back to the camp to see if anything is salvageable. Supplies, food, weapons, or anything you find that we may be able to use. Depending on what they were after, there might still be survivors as well."

A soft murmur echoes over the crowd.

"We will do what we can and then return here to plan what is next." He looks around at the faces of his men, many who look as if they just want to return home. "I will say our primary goal has not changed. His Highness commanded that we escort his bride to her new home, and we will fulfill that duty."

No objections come from the men, only nods of agreement, and my heart swells with admiration for them. They could just as easily abandon me, leave me to die in the forest, and no one would be the wiser. No, their loyalty to Edward is apparent.

As the sun creeps higher into the sky, I do not move from my place before the fire. Throughout the day, men stop to stoke the flames or ask me if I need anything, but I simply wave them off, knowing they have more important matters to attend. They come and go until the sun nearly touches the western horizon, some with wagons of half-charred supplies, others empty-handed, and one even returning with the trunks full of my useless frivolity. As the light fades, at least one of my prayers is answered.

Breaking through the tree line is my dearest friend, riding on the back of the animal I thought I would not see again.

"Angela," I whisper as I rise to my feet, my hand covering my mouth. I rush to them, lifting my skirts to run through the muddy snow, not caring if my behavior is unbecoming of a princess.

Benjamin is leading Moondancer by the reins as Angela sits atop her, dirty, disheveled, and in need of rest, but she is a welcome sight. I wait, rather impatiently, as Benjamin helps her down from the mare's back, and I embrace her before she is released.

"I thought you were dead." I hold her close as I sob, releasing some of the emotion I have tried to hold at bay. "I didn't see you or even hear you last night."

"I am safe, My Lady. I am sorry you were worried."

I pull away and hold her at arm's length. "How did you get away? Where have you been?"

She glances over her shoulder at Benjamin and looks back to me. "We were sitting beside one of the fires, talking, when they attacked. Ben protected me and we hid in the forest until daybreak." She looks down shyly as a knot forms in my belly.

Guilt wells from deep inside me as I consider her words; guilt for being angry Benjamin did not stay and fight beside the other men. While they were hiding away in the trees, men died trying to save me, save themselves. But when I think of the alternative—Angela being lost to me forever—I am in Benjamin's debt for keeping her safe.

"We might have gotten lost for a bit." Her bright eyes rise to mine. "But we found Moondancer grazing in a meadow and were able to get her to come to us. We walked along a stream until we heard the sounds of the new camp and followed them, and here we are."

If not for my broken heart, I would laugh at her description. "I am not sure I would call this a camp, but it is where we have been since we retreated last night."

Angela looks around. "What has Edward decided to do? I would guess most of the supplies were lost, were they not? How will we make it to Galon?"

I nod as tears fill my eyes, unable to answer her.

"What is it?"

I shake my head and grasp her hand, leading her back to the fire. We sit on the felled tree I have sat upon most of the day, all while I cling to her hand.

"My Lady?" she whispers. "What is it?"

"He is gone." My voice cracks on the last word, my tears once again flowing freely.

"Gone? As in ... Is he dead, My Lady?"

I close my eyes for a moment before finally turning toward her. "I do not know. He was in the battle last night, and I saw him, but he was being ... being restrained. I do not know if they killed him or captured him ... if he is alive. All I know is he is not here."

I turn my attention back to the fire as Angela holds more tightly to my hand. We sit in silence, both of us undoubtedly worried about our futures, though for different reasons, I am sure.

As twilight is upon us, the men have regrouped, all of them back from their tasks. Before any other words are spoken or orders are given, talk of their fallen comrades begins.

"Seventy-two dead. We lit a pyre for them and said a few words." Michael hesitates, and I raise my eyes to him. "Everyone was accounted for, save two."

"And who are the two?" Jasper stands before the group, his arms crossed over his chest.

"That would be His Highness and ... Sir Alec."

The murmuring among the crowd grows louder, but Jasper attempts to quiet them. "Quiet! We do not know what it means, only that they are missing, which is a good thing. It means there is hope he is still alive, and we all know him well enough to know if he's still alive, he plans to give them hell. It is only a matter of time before he is back with us."

Nods of agreement from the men make me smile, knowing they have so much faith in Edward gives me hope.

"We need to act quickly. We do not know what they want with him, but I know it is a bad idea to leave him in their hands for too long. So, here is what we will do. I will take a dozen men and try to track them. The sooner we follow, the better chance we have of finding them. The rest of you will accompany Emmett and escort the Princess to Galon, inform the king of what has happened. He will likely send more troops, so I will send a messenger back once I have located Edward. Do any of you have any questions?"

They all respond with shakes of their heads.

"Good. Then I want ten men on guard duty while the rest of us sleep. We will change the guard every few hours. Remember, Edward left his bride's safety in our hands, and I will not let him down. We leave at daybreak tomorrow."

The only tent recovered is the one I shared with Edward, which was merely blackened by the flames. It has been erected in the circle of men who sleep outside on the ground, huddled together for warmth. But sleep does not come easily to me. Even though Angela and I have shelter from the night, I am unable to rest, knowing Edward is out there somewhere, injured, likely in pain. Angela, though, clings to me in her sleep. If nothing else, I am able to give her comfort and keep her warm, but my inability to sleep allows my mind to drift to places I would rather it not go.

What are they doing to him?

Is he even still alive?

Why was Edward not beside me when I woke?

Why did he leave me nearly unprotected, save for Michael and a few other men?

What will my life be like in Galon, now that my husband is missing?

When the sun finally rises, it is a welcome relief from my plaguing thoughts.

I dress and wrap myself in Edward's too-long cloak, welcoming its familiar scent and warmth. Making my way out of the tent, I am greeted with polite nods and the occasional "good morning." I return them with all the enthusiasm I can muster.

With our shelter torn down and packed for the day, the small fires extinguished, and very little in the way of supplies to pack, we have nothing left to do but mount our horses and leave.

"Are you ready, My Lady?" Emmett asks as he holds Moodancer's reins in his hand.

I nod and place my foot in the stirrup, raising myself into the saddle. A rueful smile plays on my lips as I remember arguing with my husband about this very thing.

Emmett mounts his horse and organizes the men while I am lost to my thoughts. "Shall we be off?" he asks, breaking me from my memories.

I nod but say nothing.

The men form a protective line around us, keeping Angela, Emmett and myself in the center, and begin to move.

With one final look in the direction I last saw my husband, I whisper my wish into the morning breeze, hopeful it will be carried to him. "Please return to me."

I turn and face the men who will now be the ones to guide me home. "Lead the way."

A/N: Gah! Okay, so before you all form a mob and hunt me down, I have a surprise for you lovely readers. I've written an outtake in Edward's POV for the Babies at the Border Fiction Compilation fundraiser. It will cover what he endures during his absence from the main story. Here's the title and summary.

Captive: a Dominion of My Heart outtake

Summary: Taken in the dark of night, Edward endures the cruelty of his enemies, both old and new. Will he be able to survive his captivity? An outtake written in EPOV, these are the events following those in chapter eleven of Dominion of My Heart.

For details on how to donate to receive your copy of the compilation and a peek at the teaser and banner later this week, please visit the public Facebook page, Babies at the Border Fiction Compilation. You can also visit the website, batbcomp. blogspot. com (just remove the spaces) for donation details. The compilation will be released on December 1, 2019, and I will be able to post the outtake to my FFN profile on or after March 1, 2020.

No rec's this week, because I'm super behind and haven't had a chance to catch my breath! But I'll be back with some next week!

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