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.

Chapter 12

The days following the ambush and Edward's disappearance are difficult in ways I never could have imagined. The air is colder, the nights are darker, and the distance feels longer. Being without him causes me an ache, deep inside, like I have never known. Other than the ache, I am numb; emotionally, physically. I pay no mind to the sores and bruises from riding such long days in the saddle.

At my insistence, we are traveling later and rising earlier to make it to Galon as quickly as possible. Emmett attempts to change my mind, begging me to stop and rest, but I convince him it is best for all of us if we press forward. After all, so many men are injured, men who still need their wounds attended to. I cannot, in good conscience, delay our travels any longer than necessary simply for the sake of my comfort.

Even though it is difficult to trudge ahead knowing we have left Edward behind, I am restless and anxious to move on. The weather remains unfavorable. Rain and snow bear down on us, and our unknown enemy could be still out there, waiting for us. We have no choice but to rise each day and move at first light.

The long days in the saddle, though, give me far too much time to think. Even if it is what my husband wanted, it feels wrong to travel the road to Galon, knowing he has been left behind. Worry for his safety and well-being eat away at me, yet I move forward. I can only pray my fortitude would make him proud. With each step away from him, though, the deeper the ache within me grows.

Days pass, but eventually, the rain and snow recede, and the landscape begins to green before my eyes as we reach the lower elevations. The excited murmurs of the men grow when we pass several natural landmarks, which lead me to believe we are growing closer to our destination. And soon, my suspicions are proven correct.

"We have crossed into our lands, My Lady." Emmett's sad smile greets me when I look upon his face.

"We have made it to Galon?" I sit forward in the saddle, my tired eyes wide as I take in the sights before me.

The evening sun has nearly met the horizon, casting a golden red glow upon everything the light touches. I smile to myself, realizing Edward was right; the gown I wore to wed him truly does reflect the beauty of a Galon sunset.

"Yes, we have. I will send the most injured men ahead to let the king and queen know we have arrived, but since we have nearly another full day of travel before we reach the castle, we will make camp for one more night. There is a hot spring not too far from here where you can bathe once the sun rises. I am sure you wish to take extra time to ready yourself to meet the king and queen."

I look down at my dress, dirty and frayed from our journey. It is no way to greet my new king and queen. "Of course," I murmur, suddenly uneasy about how this meeting may go.

Sensing my insecurity, Emmett rides up beside me and speaks softly. "Do not be afraid, My Lady. The men, well, they have grown rather fond of you since we left Adwen, and especially since the attack. They have seen your selflessness, your willingness to continue the journey when others in your position might have needed days to recover enough to go on. The king and queen will adore you, as we all do." He bends down just enough to catch my eye and smiles.

I smile up at him. "Thank you. I believe I needed to hear that."

The hot spring is a welcome sight. The steam rising into the cool morning air beckons me, inviting me to indulge in this simple luxury. And after Angela helps me strip down, I step into the warm water and allow it to wash away my worries, if only briefly.

As Angela washes my hair, I close my eyes and relish the quiet of the moment. I know Emmett and a few of the other men are standing guard some distance away, and it allows me to relax for the first time in many days. It is a moment of serenity I desperately need. For what is to come today, I will need all my strength to face it alone.

"My Lady," Angela whispers. "Your hair is washed. Are you ready to step out so I can help you dress?"

After taking a final deep breath and blowing it out, I open my eyes. "I believe I am as ready as I will ever be," I say softly.

Meeting my friend's eyes, I find compassion, and dare I say, understanding. After all, she has always been able to read me. "I know you did not think you would be meeting them without your husband by your side," she begins in a whisper, "but I truly believe he is with you in spirit. You said he chose you, yes?"

I nod.

"Then there must be some reason, something he saw in you that told him you were the right woman to stand by his side. So, stand tall when you meet them today, knowing you were chosen by their son. Your place is here, and when he returns, he will be happy to know you took your rightful place in the family."

I reach for her hand and squeeze it. "Thank you, Angela."

She smiles and nods once. "Of course. Now, let us get you dressed and ready to meet our king and queen."

With each step the horses take, I notice the changes in the landscape. Dense forest eventually gives way to fields and farmsteads; the richness of this land is evident.

The fields, vast and far-reaching, are already cleared of this year's harvest. The air is crisp, like a winter morning; fresh and clean. The people we pass on the road leading to the castle wave excitedly as our group nears the heart of Galon. Children laugh and play alongside their parents as they tend to their business, and their smiles are the biggest of them all. From my position in the saddle, I return their friendly greetings with a small smile and wave of my own.

I try to absorb the sights, sounds, and smells of my new homeland, but it is difficult. This is not the way I envisioned my arrival in this new land. From the day I accepted Edward's proposal, I imagined riding through Galon's gates, side by side, but that is not to be. I can only pray that wherever he may be, he is alive and fighting to come home.

I feel his absence with each step we take.

The nearer we get to the outer walls of the city, the greater my anxiety becomes. My heart races, my stomach twists, and my grip on Moondancer's reins tightens.

"The people will love you."

I peer up at my husband's cousin, his dimpled cheeks on full display with his smile, even though his focus in on the road ahead.

"And why do you think that?"

"Because they will be able to see the kindness in your eyes"—he turns his head just enough to catch my eye—"as we all did the moment we met you."

"Oh? Did you all speak of me after that first feast? Is it you I have to thank for Edward asking for my hand?"

He chuckles and shakes his head. "While I might admit to telling my dear cousin what I thought of you, the decision to ask for your hand was entirely his." He turns his head fully to meet my gaze. "And I can say with absolute certainty Edward was smitten from the moment he laid eyes on you."

I smile at the memory of our first meeting—Edward's amusement at my comment to Bree about stable boys and fancy dresses—and my eyes well with the tears that seem ever-present since the day of the attack.

A large, warm hand covers mine. "We will do everything possible to bring him home, My Lady. Please know that." Emmett's warm smile is comforting. "And in the meantime, I will do my best to make sure you are comfortable in your new home." He pauses, and his eyes brighten in excitement. "I am sure my wife, Rosalie, and my daughter, Emily, will be happy to help you settle in."

"I would like that very much. Thank you."

He simply nods and releases my hand. We ride in silence until we reach the outskirts of the city.

The small farms and farmhouses lining the road leading to the castle grow closer. As we near the gates, the countryside turns into a village before my eyes, with merchants selling their wares instead of farmers along the road. Some people stop to watch us go by, while many others rush past us as the horses walk at a leisurely pace.

"Where are they going?"

"Probably to gather inside the city. I am sure there is already a crowd there to meet us once we reach the gates."

"But why?" My grip on the reins tightens. "I would expect it if our arrival had gone as planned, but it has not. Do they not know Edward has not returned with us?"

"I am sure many of them do, My Lady, but they are excited to catch a glimpse of their new princess, regardless."

I am overwhelmed by the prospect of so many wishing to merely lay eyes on me, and as we approach the gates, the crowd seems to thicken. Their smiles and enthusiastic cheers have my full attention until Emmett speaks.

"We have arrived, My Lady. Welcome to Masenthorne Castle."

At his welcome, I sit straight in the saddle and take in the sight before me. The outer walls are tall, almost ominous in their appearance. Large, thick stones bound together by mortar make up the wide expanse surrounding the castle. When we pass through the outer gate, we are greeted by the men guarding it. Though obviously not prone to bouts of emotion, they offer nods of welcome and approval as we pass by.

The outer courtyard contains a church, as well as the stables. Most of Edward's men and what little cargo we have is diverted there, and the rest of us continue on toward the castle's inner gates. Guards are posted to our right and to our left, maintaining order amongst the throng of people who line the path toward the drawbridge. Even being held back, they give us a cheerful welcome.

"See, they already love you," Emmett says from beside me.

His words warm me, but I cannot help but be saddened I am not sharing this with my husband. I can only imagine the reception this would be if their prince and protector had returned home with me.

"I only hope I do not disappoint them." My words are spoken softly, but I know he hears me when he reaches over to squeeze my hand in acknowledgment.

The massive timbers of the drawbridge are the first thing I notice as we approach. They are thick and strong and are connected to large links of chain fastened to the stone-fortified castle walls. The heavy door which seals the fortress makes for a hefty bridge, able to support the weight of several horses.

The thudding of hooves rumbles the timbers beneath us as we traverse the moat, deep and wide below us. New sights surround me, and my attention is drawn to everything as we cross. The thick, steel portcullis hanging precariously over our heads with its sharpened points aimed down toward us is a menacing sight. The enormity of the steel gate alone reminds me of the safety and security of my new home. There are even archers stationed atop the entrance as we ride through.

The sun shines in the brief expanse between the two gates, the passage through the innermost wall surrounding the keep, and I see just how massive the wall is that offers its protection. But once we pass the shadow of the second gate, our path opens into another wide courtyard. Green grass and stone paths leading from corridor to corridor lay just before the steps of the keep.

Standing upon them are a man and woman with crowns upon their heads.

A herald stands at the ready as we near, and apprehension creeps up my spine. Without having Edward by my side, I know I need to make a good impression. Their opinion of their new daughter is important to me, and I hope I do not disappoint them ... or my husband, even in his absence. Being the third daughter of a king, I am not as prepared as my sisters would have been for such a role. Doing this alone is doubly more difficult.

Following Emmett's lead, I pull back on Moondancer's reins, bringing her to a stop. The man I have begun to think of as my own cousin dismounts and steps to my side, offering his hand to help me down. Nerves seize my belly, and I inhale deeply, saying a small prayer my feet reach the ground without any stumbling on my part. With so many eyes upon me, I fear I will embarrass myself.

As if he can read my thoughts, Emmett extends a second hand and grasps me at my waist, lifting me from my horse as if I weigh no more than a feather.

With a trembling hand, I grasp his when I am steady and offer a small smile. "Thank you," I whisper.

"Your Majesties, may I present Her Royal Highness, Princess Isabella." The herald's announcement is met with a brief silence before I remember I am to curtsy before the man I presume to be King Carlisle. I move slowly yet surely, greeting him as I have my own father so many times.

"Welcome to Galon, Isabella." Stone-faced, his critical gaze lingers on me for a moment, and he then turns to his nephew. "And, Emmett, welcome home."

Already lowered to one knee, he nods once before replying. "It is good to be home, Your Majesty."

"We apparently have much to discuss due to the troubles you encountered on your journey. However, we will need to move our discussion to a more appropriate location."

Emmett rises. "Of course, My Lord. I am at your disposal."

The king nods. "Very well." He turns to the woman who has been standing patiently at his side. "Perhaps you could show Isabella to her chambers."

"Yes, of course, My Lord. I would be happy to."

King Carlisle nods once before turning back to Emmett, ushering him from the courtyard with a mere tilt of his head.

"You will be in good hands with our lovely queen," Emmett says with a wink before disappearing into the corridors leading away from the courtyard.

Warm, gentle hands grasp my own, and as I turn to greet the person they belong to, I am met with kindness and what appears to be affection. Familiar green eyes, swimming with tears, stare back at me, and her smile is as welcoming as I could hope for under the circumstances.

"It is so very good to finally meet you, Isabella." Without warning, she embraces me, her warm arms wrapping me in an unexpected hug.

"You as well, Your Majesty." Too stunned to say any more, I merely return her embrace, reveling in her attention.

"I only wish Edward were here with us to make the introductions," she says softly, holding me just a little closer.

I squeeze her a little more tightly. "As do I."

After a long moment, she releases me and steps back, discreetly wiping at her eyes. "I am sure you are tired from your journey."

"A bit, Your Majesty."

She laughs and hooks her arm through mine, leading me toward the corridor. "Then I shall see you to your chambers and make sure you have a warm bath and a meal brought to you. We have much to discuss, but there is plenty of time for that."

"Thank you."

We walk in silence through the halls, passing curious servants as we go. The walk to my chambers is long and winding, taking us up a stone staircase to the second level. The corridors of Masenthorne Castle are dim, lit only by torches placed every ten or fifteen paces, and it does not take long for me to become disoriented.

"I am sure to get lost if left to wander on my own," I whisper to myself, but the queen hears me.

"Undoubtedly. Though I am certain it will not take you long to learn your way around."

"It may be a few days before I am settled enough to even consider walking the grounds or exploring."

She pats my arm with her free hand. "And I expect there will be many people willing to be your guide when you are ready."

"Will I get to meet Lady Alice soon?"

"Oh, yes! She is quite excited to meet you. She is still recovering from childbirth, though, so it may be a few days before she feels well enough to venture out of her chambers."

"She's had her baby?" I ask excitedly. It is the first bit of happy news I have heard in many, many days.

"She has. A son. Jameson of House Whitlock." She smiles ruefully. "Alice nearly exhausted herself in the days leading up to the delivery. She was incredibly excited to celebrate your marriage and was helping me plan a feast upon your return." Her sad eyes meet mine. "But when we received word Edward was missing and that Jasper went to find him ... well, it will be put on hold until they return home."

"I pray it will be soon," I whisper.

She pats my hand as we approach the door to my chambers. The door is open, and we step inside.

I walk to the center of the spacious sitting room, taking in the details of it all. The tall, stone walls are dark, covered in heavy tapestries, but the glow of the roaring fireplace casts a warm light over them. Offering enough space for several people to visit, the plush furniture appears comfortable and inviting.

"I hope this is acceptable. I was not sure what you would like, but I tried to see to it you would be comfortable."

"It is lovely," I say, turning to offer a smile.

I walk through the room, my hand passing over the soft fabrics of the settee and armchair, on my way to the window. The view is to the west, and the heat of the afternoon sun is only beginning to reach us.

"Being farther north, you will come to appreciate the added heat the afternoon sun provides on cold winter days."

"I am sure I will," I whisper.

The queen clears her throat and speaks, gaining my attention. "I hope you do not mind, but I chose your chambers with my son in mind." Her eyes glisten, but again, she clears her throat and presses on. "When we received word of his marriage, I had his things moved to the rooms adjoining these. There is a passageway that connects them, and, well, I had hoped it would be easier for him to visit you."

My cheeks heat and my gaze lowers to my feet.

"Please, child, do not be embarrassed. It is our duty as princesses and queens to make sure our husbands have an heir." Her voice drops. "I only wish you had been given more time with my son before ..."

My hands move to my flat stomach, the sadness I feel at my husband's absence making the ache return.

She steps closer and takes my hand. "I know you did not have very long together, but I must know. Was he good to you?" she asks quietly.

I nod and smile, tears filing my eyes once more. "He was very good to me, Your Majesty."

Again, she hugs me, and I return her embrace. "You do not know how happy I am to hear that."

We finally pull apart, both of us wiping our eyes. Unable to meet her gaze, my eyes fall to the floor. The queen though, takes a breath and blows it out before she speaks. "Now, do not feel the need to make any appearances before you are ready. Whatever things might need your attention can wait. And I do not wish to see you at court until you have fully rested. I will see to it everything you may need is brought to your rooms." She gently grasps my chin and waits until I raise my eyes to hers. "And Isabella?"

"Yes?"

"It is an absolute joy to have you join our household. Please come to me if you need anything at all."

I nod once. "Of course, Your Majesty."

She carefully grasps both my arms, and along with her tears, I can see the conviction in her eyes. "Edward may not have returned with you, but you are now my daughter. When it is just us, I would be so very pleased if you would call me mother."

My heart soars at the thought. Never before have I had anyone to bestow such a title upon. "I would very much like that," I say softly and with a small smile, getting one from her in return.

Her parting embrace is every bit as warm as the others she has given me, and I am left with a reminder to expect a bath to be delivered as well as a warm meal.

Once she has taken her leave, I sit on the settee before the fire, and stare into the flames. The pop and crackle are soothing sounds, and I rest my head and close my eyes. I must drift off, because when I next open them, I am met with the smiling face of my friend.

"My Lady?"

"I am sorry, Angela. I must have fallen asleep. Please forgive me."

"There is no need, My Lady. It is to be expected. We've had a rather taxing journey." She busies herself with laying out the things I need to bathe before turning to me. "If you're ready, My Lady?"

I realize I must have slept through someone delivering the tub and warm water when I notice the swirls of steam behind her. "Of course. Though I do think it a bit indulgent to have yet another bath."

Angela chuckles softly, shaking her head. "Indulgent? Perhaps, but the warm water will do much to relax you. And after you eat, you can catch up on the rest you need."

She helps me undress and secure my hair into a braid upon my head before she holds my hand as I lower myself into the tub. I breathe a sigh of contentment as I sink down into the warm water. "I know I bathed just this morning, but I am glad the queen insisted on this."

Angela says nothing as she begins to pour cup after cup of the scented water over me. We sit in silence as she works, and I allow myself to relax.

"Have they shown you to your quarters?" I ask, my eyes still closed. "Perhaps you can see to a bath of your own and rest. You've more than earned it."

"That sounds rather nice," she says softly. "And yes, I've been shown my quarters, and they're lovely. In fact, I am just next door."

"So close? That is wonderful."

"It is. I will be but a call away when you need me."

Knowing I will need her more than ever in the coming days, it is something for which I am quite thankful.

A/N: Well, she's made it to Galon. How do you feel about the welcome she received? What do you think is next for her?

I've been an utter fail at review replies lately, and unfortunately, I don't see that getting better any time soon. :( Please know I love and appreciate each and every one of them. They're helping me write faster, so thank you. Xoxo

And now time for some recs!

A Crack in the Door by jane-with-a-y. Summary: A lonely bartender on Cape Cod and a mysterious girl next door. Who is this girl, and why does she cry every night? More importantly, why does he care? Together they form a tentative friendship through a crack between their doors. Will the crack open wide enough to let love in? A story of intimacy, healing and hope.

A Southern Gentleman by Mrs. Brownloe has updated! I'm incredibly excited about it, because Mrs. B is one of my favorite authors, so it's great to see her back to finish this one. She writes some incredibly sweet Edwards. *sigh* Summary: Honor, duty and gentility were the guiding principles of a southern gentleman. So, there was only one thing to do when Edward discovered the truth of something that happened long ago, something he was honor-bound to repair if it took him the rest of his life.

The BotheredContest is in the final days of voting. The poll will be open through this Sunday, 9/15, so go read and vote if you haven't yet. :)

TFN's Inked Contest is still open for submissions through this month, so be sure to check it out. :)

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