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 17

With my eyes closed, I block out the rest of the world as I beg the Gods to bring Edward home safely. The smell of fresh incense burning is comforting; I know Elder Afton is nearby, watching over me as I pray, but I am aware of little else. I have no sense of how long I am lost in prayer. Only the creak of the bench I am sitting upon disrupts my concentration. When I open my eyes, I am met with the sight of the king himself staring intently at the altar at the front of the chantry.

"My wife's nephew seems to think I have been unfair to you." The king's voice echoes in the silence of the all but empty chantry. "He believes I have misjudged you and your usefulness."

My pulse quickens at his choice of words.

He tilts his head to the side, his eyes never leaving the altar. "I am unsure if I feel betrayed that you shared details of our conversation with Lady McCarty or if I should be happy you have found someone to confide in."

"Your Majesty, I—"

"Emmett also believes Edward would want me to be more forthcoming with you. He thinks that you can bear the burden of the truth of what is happening and why it is taking so long to bring my son home."

"I would like to think I am strong enough, My Lord," I whisper.

He breathes out a heavy sigh before speaking. "There is more afoot at Broadcove castle than just my son being held captive."

"I still do not understand what my father hopes to gain by holding Edward captive. Why would he jeopardize the alliance he's just made with Galon?"

"It was not your father's men who attacked, Isabella. It was the Rheman army."

My eyes widen as the implications of his words sink in. "Rheman soldiers have Edward," I whisper. My stomach knots at the thought of my husband being at the mercy of such a ruthless army. "Why is my father conspiring with Rhema?"

"He is not."

"You've just said—"

He nods once. "Yes, I did, but he is not conspiring with Rhema." The king hesitates for a moment. "I regret being the one to tell you, Isabella, but it would appear that your father was killed sometime after their army seized the castle."

"What?" My voice is merely a broken whisper. "He is dead?"

He nods. "I was told he was slain by King Aro Volturi himself." His tone changes to one of distaste. "Many years ago, I fought beside Aro in battle, and as much as I loathed your father for his treatment of his people, he did not deserve the end I am sure he received at Aro's hand."

"Why would he want to kill my father?"

"Aro has always been bloodthirsty, so I doubt it took much to persuade him to put an end to your father. I am certain Charles' alliance with us did not do him any favors."

My throat tightens and tears well in my eyes. My father may not have been a kind and caring man, but he was the only parent I had. His departure from this world brings conflicting feelings; sadness, anger, and confusion spark in my belly, and I am left to wonder how I am to feel about his death. It also raises another question. "My sisters? What of their fate?"

"We've yet to learn what has happened to them, but if I were in Aro's position, I would have married them off to strengthen Rhema's alliances."

Silence stretches between us as heaviness weighs on my heart. I may have not been close to Jane and Bree, but I would not wish them to be used as gift offerings to Rhema's allies. I shudder to think of the kind of ruthless men who align themselves with a man like Aro, a man who would invade a struggling city and slay its king. But for what?

"I do not understand. What purpose did they have in attacking Adwen?" I ask in a whisper.

"We're uncertain, but we have reason to believe seizing your homeland was not their ultimate goal."

His words roll around inside my head, but I try not to focus on what they may mean. I push away the anxiety they bring and ask a more personally pressing question. "Is there a plan to get Edward back?"

"There is, but I fear it will not be soon enough to satisfy you or my wife. Now that we know with certainty who the enemy is, we know better how to proceed. We have already lost the garrison we left behind before you were brought here, and with winter raging, I cannot risk the lives of more of my men, even if it is for my son." Though blunt, his tone is remorseful.

"So, you plan to wait until spring?"

"Perhaps not spring, but certainly not in the middle of winter. The journey through the mountains to reach Adwen alone would be a death sentence for too many. And besides, we will need the time to fortify our army. With the Rheman army holding it, recapturing Adwen will be no easy feat, and we will need each and every man trained and ready."

"I understand," I whisper, lowering my gaze to my clasped hands as they lie in my lap.

"You do, don't you? Understand?"

I raise my gaze to his. "I may not like it, but I do understand, My Lord." I swallow the lump in my throat. "It is a heavy burden you bear, being responsible for the lives of so many men. It must also be difficult to put their lives before the life of your son. I do not envy your position. I have put my faith in the Gods to guide you to make the right decisions to bring Edward home, and if they have shown you this path, I must continue to put my trust in them."

He shakes his head, a rueful smile on his face. "I have always thought myself a leader who puts his trust in the Gods, but I fear I do not have the absolute faith you seem to have. You have been dedicated in your prayers, and I must commend you. Not everyone who is sent to a strange place with different beliefs takes to it as quickly as you have ... or as well." He searches my face. "Perhaps my son saw something in you I did not see at first. Perhaps Emmett is right, and I have misjudged you, Isabella."

"Misjudged me, My Lord?"

"You have proven to be unwavering in your faith where my son is concerned. I allowed myself to focus my frustrations on you, but I will do my best to direct them elsewhere in the future."

"Thank you," I whisper.

"Perhaps you will allow me the chance to start over where you are concerned?" He gently takes my hand. "I believe you will be part of my family for a long while, and I do not wish to waste any more time on false or perceived grievances."

"I would like that very much." My smile is met with one in return. I feel this is the perfect opportunity to share my carefully guarded secret. It could solidify this apparent truce between us.

I open my mouth to speak, but the words are caught in my throat.

"What is it, child?"

"I have news," I say softly.

"Oh? And what news would that be?"

My heart races, and my every instinct is to guard my secret until I know for sure, but the expectation in the king's eyes spurs me on. "I believe I may be with child, My Lord," I say softly.

He blinks twice, and surprise lights his face. "Is that so?" Seconds pass before he slowly pulls his hand from mine.

"Yes." He does not reply, and my nervousness causes more words to spill from my lips. "I have suspected for many weeks, but I did not want to share my suspicions until I was certain."

"And are you certain now?"

I shake my head once, my cheeks heating as I explain. "I've not yet felt the quickening. It is too soon, My Lord," I whisper.

"Ah, I see." He slowly rises to his feet and clasps his hands behind his back; his inscrutable countenance gives away very little. I have no idea what he is thinking. That is, until he finally speaks. "That is very good news, indeed ... if it in fact is true." His eyes meet mine. "I suppose only time will tell."

As he walks from the chantry, I am left in his wake, unsettled and uncertain. While I never foresaw an outpouring of affection from him at my news, I had hoped for some sign of his acceptance. His stoic reaction is not at all what I expected.

As if hit by a battering ram, I am assaulted by the memory of the raven, just weeks ago sent to warn me. Was it then my father was killed? Or was the warning for something yet to come?

I place my hand low on my belly, over the slight swell hidden by my skirts, and say a silent prayer. This time, it is not one asking for Edward's safe return. No, this time I pray that no matter what is to come, my child is kept safe.

The next morning, I open my chamber door and am met with the worried eyes and cautious smile of my husband's cousin.

"Oh, good morning, sir."

"My Lady," he says with a slight bow. "Shall I escort you to morning prayers?"

I nod once. "Of course." We begin our trek toward the stairs, side by side. "I must say I am surprised to see you so early in the day. Has our king allowed you to leave your post in the stables simply to escort me to the prayer service?"

He smiles, although weakly. "Seems our king has had a change of heart since Michael returned. He knows my skills would be better suited to other duties."

"That is very good to hear."

We walk the halls in silence, and on more than one occasion, I hear Emmett inhale a breath as if to speak, but his words never come. By the time we reach the corridor leading to the chantry, I cannot bear it any longer.

Abruptly, I turn on my heel and face him. "What is it? I know there is something you wish to say or ask, and I think we would both feel better if you spoke what is on your mind."

At first, he appears taken aback at my directness, but as I stare up at him, it quickly disappears, an expression of determination now coloring his features. "I know I should probably offer an apology, My Lady, but—"

"An apology?"

He opens his mouth to say more, but as more people walk past us, he closes it. He gently takes my elbow in his hand and guides me into an alcove. "While I will not apologize for speaking to the king, I worry that in my haste to confront my uncle, I may have broken your trust. My wife told me you assumed she would speak to me, but I should have given more thought to how I approached the king. For that, I am sorry. And while I may need to beg your forgiveness for that, I will not apologize for speaking to my uncle about what he said to you. It was wrong for him to threaten you." His voice is low, careful to keep our conversation from passersby.

"Yes, but was it really a threat? Could he not send me away for whatever reason he sees fit? Emmett, he is the king. No one would question his judgment or his commands, no matter how unjust we might think them to be."

"You must know I would never allow him to send you back to Adwen. My cousin placed you in my care—made it my duty to watch over you and protect you—and I intend to keep my word to him, even if that means protecting you from our king."

"As you've reminded me on more than one occasion, Emmett. But your duty to me was fulfilled when I was safely delivered to Masenthorne Castle. You are no longer under any obligation to my husband or to me." I offer him a small smile. "It seems we've done nothing but apologize to one another since we arrived."

He smiles in return, albeit slightly. "It would seem so, My Lady."

"But it must end here. While I appreciate your apology, it is unnecessary. You've done more than was asked of you, Emmett, and your cousin will be eternally grateful for your steadfast loyalty to him once he returns home."

"Please understand, I had no intention of going to him so soon, if at all, but when we were all gathered and he was insisting on keeping from you what we'd learned about not only Edward but your father as well ..." He shakes his head. "I allowed my frustration with him to cloud my judgment. I only hope you can forgive me."

I reach out and touch his forearm. "You are already forgiven." A group of courtiers passes by, and I quickly remove my hand. "I understand why you spoke to him. And while I wish you could have kept it to yourself, in the end, it did not matter. The conversation I had with the king was rather pleasant."

His brow furrows. "Pleasant? That is not a word I would use to describe my uncle in recent days. He has been anything but pleasant."

"He really was. And honestly, it was probably best that you confronted him. If what you say is true, he may not have spoken with me for quite some time. And as difficult as it was to hear"— my eyes shine with tears as I offer him a sad smile—"I am glad to have learned of my father's fate directly from the king himself rather than from gossip heard at court."

He nods but says no more. I collect myself and allow him to escort me into the chantry. The prayer service has already begun. The familiar forms of the queen, Alice, Rosalie, and others sit in their respective places as they pray, so I quietly seat myself and get lost in my supplications to the Gods.

When the passage signaling the end of the service is read, I open my eyes and find the queen seated beside me, just a short distance away. The few others in attendance file out, leaving us alone.

She reaches the expanse between us and grasps my hand, squeezing it as she smiles at me. "My husband visited me just this morning. He—"

My ears perk. "Oh? Is there more news of Edward?"

She shakes her head, her bright smile falling just a bit. "No, but it was quite good news, nonetheless."

"Am I to assume it is something you wish to share?"

"I do not believe it is anything you do not already know." She turns to fully face me, and her voice lowers. "Is it true? Are you with child, Isabella?" The hope in her eyes is palpable.

I nod. "I believe so."

She wraps me in her arms, her embrace warm and comforting. "Oh, I cannot tell you how very happy this makes me."

We sit for several moments like this, just enjoying this brief moment of utter joy and happiness in an otherwise uncertain time.

She pulls back but does not fully release me. "The Gods have certainly blessed us, have they not?"

I smile and lower my head, embarrassed at the attention. "They have."

"This is just the news I was hoping for." Her smile is wide and threatens to split her face in two. "And just think, when Edward returns you will be able to tell him you carry his child."

My vision clouds with tears, and my smile rivals hers. "It is my greatest wish."

A strange energy fills the throne room as the queen and I step through its doors. Murmurs abound as I pass those gathered, walking toward the dais, and while I am used to stares and whispers on occasion, this strikes me as peculiar.

It seems as if most have heard the news of my father's death, and a few brave souls stop us to offer me their sympathies. To many, he was a tyrant, a man unfit to rule over his own people, but decency dictates they give their condolences. It leaves me feeling uncomfortable, not knowing how to reply, but I do so with as much grace as I can afford, thanking them for their concern.

The queen and I eventually make our way to our seats beside the throne, and King Carlisle is announced shortly thereafter. Instead of the usual procession of subjects asking for help from him, a silence falls over the room. Just when I begin to think we will not be hearing any petitioners this day, the king clears his throat and uncharacteristically speaks directly to the court.

"As many of you know, word arrived just yesterday that my son—your prince—has been located. I want you all to know that everything is being done to assure his safe return. Those responsible will pay dearly for their crimes, and everyone in all the surrounding kingdoms will know that the Cullens of Galon are unrivaled in their retribution." Cheers come from the men and women assembled, and their enthusiasm rouses in me a new kind of hope, one which fills me with the same energy I felt when I first stepped into the room.

"Men from the outlying villages will come to train alongside our army, to fortify our defenses. It is my greatest hope to have my son home before spring returns." The courtiers continue to express their excitement at the king's words, their happy murmurs filling the room. Meanwhile, the king turns his head and meets my gaze, his lips part as if to speak, but he closes his mouth just as quickly, turning back to the court.

Queen Esme reaches for my hand and turns to me, her eyes lit with emotion. "It is only a matter of time, Isabella. I just know Edward will be home soon."

The happiness and enthusiasm of the court, combined with the queen's absolute elation are contagious, and I am so caught up in the moment, I nearly miss the pointed gaze of the king.

Men begin to arrive in droves, their camps rising from the ground overnight and adorned with banners in colors I do not recognize. As I did so many months ago when I watched Edward's men in the far-off fields of Adwen, so too I regard these men from my window each day. They practice with their swords and footwork, but this time I know why they train.

I was told just two days ago the army will march on Adwen, planning not only to rescue my husband, but to take back the castle and the city from Aro.

Observing them, I quickly realize many of these men are not villagers but soldiers from other kingdoms. Knowing their skills are what will bring about our victory or render our defeat, I cannot tear my eyes away from watching them.

Not even the dreadful cold affects them; their training and organizing carry on as if it were a warm and sunny summer day. Their heavy furs and armor, heavier than even that which is worn by the Galon soldiers, tell me they must be from kingdoms even farther to the north.

I attend prayer services, court, and fulfill all the duties expected of me, but in the quiet moments of the early morning and the late hours of the evening, I am at my window, watching. Angela does her best to distract me, suggesting we work together to stitch extra panels into some of my dresses, to prepare for my inevitable burgeoning form, but I ignore her, instead choosing to focus on the activity in the camps just outside the gates.

Days pass, and more and more men arrive. I soon learn many of them are from Rosalie's homeland of Iredale and the house Hale. It gives me hope Edward will be home before the last of the snow disappears.

We have a long stretch of days when no flakes fall from the sky, and even the sun manages to make an appearance a time or two. It is not warm enough to melt the drifts, but it is enough to lift my spirits. The lightness follows me on my visits with Rosalie and Alice, and they seem to notice a marked change in me. I am also visited by the queen, and she, too, notices my happier mood. The reason for her visit gives me pause, though.

"But why does he feel the need for me to be examined?" I wring my hands nervously as my eyes flit to the grey-haired woman standing quietly near the door.

"I believe he just wishes to know of the health of the babe." She steps closer and lowers her voice. "And I am sure to know for certain would set the king's mind at ease."

I nod once. "Very well." I turn to the midwife. "Where would you like to do this?"

She smiles warmly. "If it pleases you, My Lady, your bedchamber would offer the most privacy and comfort."

"Of course." I turn and lead her into my bedchamber, closing the door behind me.

"Just lie down on the bed and I will do what needs to be done."

After washing and warming her hands, the midwife examines me, talking me through what she is doing. I endure the examination, internally cursing the king for his insistence on this dreadful experience. She pushes and prods, all with a look of concentration on her face. "You say you've not bled since you arrived at Masenthorne, My Lady?" Her brows knit together, and her eyes light with concern.

I nod. "Yes, that is right. Why? Is there a problem?"

She shakes her head but says no more. When she is finished, I breathe a sigh of relief to have it over and done. I watch as she washes her hands yet again, and I cannot stop the panic bubbling up inside me.

"Please tell me if something is wrong. I cannot bear not knowing."

"No, My Lady, there is nothing wrong that I can see, but if you've seen four full moons since you've bled, you should be just a little larger than you are, that's all." She smiles reassuringly. "But I can say for certain you are carrying."

A smile spreads across my face at her confirmation but then falls as I realize what she's just said. "But you say the babe is small? Is the child well?"

"Even if he is a bit small, I am sure the child is well. Babes tend to measure up to their mothers at their own births, so if you were just a mite, then your own child could be as well. Did your mother ever tell you if you were a wee thing when you were born?"

I lower my head and shake it. "My mother died giving birth to me," I say softly.

"Oh, I am so very sorry! Please forgive me for—"

I reach for her hand and squeeze it as my eyes meet hers. "There is nothing to forgive. You did not know. It is not as if it is common knowledge in Galon. So please, no apologies are necessary." I smile, but the one I gain in return does not reach her eyes. In fact, worry settles over her features. "What is it?" I ask.

"Did anyone ever tell you what difficulties your mother had birthing you? I need to know if it is something I should prepare for when the time comes."

I inhale deeply and blow it out slowly. "I only know what the servants whispered when they thought I wasn't listening."

"And what did you hear, My Lady?"

"That the midwife had to cut me from my mother's body, and she bled to death." My voice trembles as I retell the story I've heard from the time I was just a young girl. Stories that, at the time, gave me vivid nightmares. Stories my sisters would use to torment me, to blame me for our mother's death.

The warm, worn hand of the midwife grasps mine. "I am so very sorry you never had the chance to know your mother. And now that I'm aware of how you made your way into the world, I'll be better prepared when the time comes to deliver this one." Her free hand comes to rest on the small swell of my abdomen. "And I will do all in my power to assure you both make it through safely."

I give her a small smile. "Thank you."

She sees herself out, and the queen slips through the bedchamber door just moments later.

"I spoke with the midwife," she says excitedly as she approaches my bed. "Now that it is official, I've sent a messenger to inform the king." She takes my hands in hers as I rise from the bed. "We have so much to prepare for." Her eyes light with excitement.

After hours of talk of the babe's nursery, his dresses, my dresses, not to mention the ceremonies that will be required once he arrives, the queen finally sees herself out and I make my way to bed.

Pulling the heavy blankets and furs over me, I settle into their warmth and close my eyes. As my breathing slows and my body begins to relax, a faint fluttering sensation tickles me from the inside.

"Oh!" My hand is drawn to the feeling as if an unstoppable force is pulling it closer, and it settles low over my belly. "Hello, little one. I cannot wait to meet you," I whisper. Joy fills me as I realize this is the quickening I've been waiting for. The joy I feel, however, is short-lived as shouts of warning echo through the glass of my window.

My heart pounds in my chest as I rush from my bed to see what is going on, and I am met with a sight I had only dared to imagine.

Men on horseback thunder through the castle gates, dirty and frayed baldrics of green and gold strapped across the chests of the riders. I know these men are not from Iredale, or from any of the other surrounding villages. These are men of Galon, men who have been away from home for far too long. No, the return of these men can mean only one thing, and his name escapes me in a breath.

"Edward."

A/N: So, was it worth the wait? ;) I'd love to hear what you thought.

Time for some creepy recs!

Breakable by mariescullen is a daily updating WIP that should wrap up by Halloween. I'm waiting till it completes because I want to read this one in one fell swoop. ;) Summary: Beneath the sparkling blue eyes hid something sinister. They say beauty is skin deep, but what about what lurks beneath?

The Remnants by Mei Li Young is a zombie fic that I absolutely loved. Summary: In a world where the dead eat people, it is survival of the fittest. Caring for others is not a luxury that the remnants of the human race have. For Edward, this rule of survival is tested when Bella enters his life.

And remember, for exclusive weekly teasers and pics, be sure to check out my Facebook group, Sunshine Fics! You can also follow me on Twitter at CSunshine1220. 'See' you all soon!

Lots of love

~Sunshine