Thank you Fyrebyrd, 2brown-eyes, Gabby1017, and Ceceprincess1217 for prereading, and to jayhawkbb for editing. Please remember all mistakes are mine.
Previously ...
He turns his head, and his eyes meet mine. The sharp green that usually greets me is cloudy—full of emotions I do not recognize. The stormy look in his eyes and his hesitance to tell me causes a knot to form in my stomach. He inhales a breath, and when he speaks, I almost wish he had not.
"My father seems to be of the opinion that our union may not be what our kingdom needs."
Chapter 23
His words cut through me, and I gasp. "Surely he does not mean he wishes for you to take another wife."
"Shh. Calm yourself. No, he did not say the words, but he implied as much."
"Implied in what way?" I ask with narrowed eyes.
His jaw tightens and he presses his lips tightly together as he looks down at me. "He is concerned that when the time comes, our people will not support us, that they will think the troubles we face are because of our marriage." He opens his mouth to say more but hesitates.
"What is it?" I ask cautiously.
"I honestly think if you were not carrying my child, he may have ordered me to annul our marriage and seek out the hand of another."
I gasp, and my hands move to cover over our child. "How could he—"
His finger moves over my lips and silences me before his warm hand covers mine. "It is of no concern."
"How can you say it is of no concern? He wishes for you to marry another?"
"He did not say that, Isabella. I merely suggested that is how he may feel. It does not make it so."
"But why? Why would he feel that way?"
He looks down at me, and his expression is unreadable. "In truth, any gains we would have realized from a union with Adwen are lost with the death of your father and Rhema's seizure of their lands. Our marriage is no longer ... beneficial to my father. We've gained nothing." He places a hand over our child. "But all of that is irrelevant. You carry my child, possibly my son and heir to the throne. He has no reason to ask me to cast you aside."
"I've always known he had little regard for me, but I had no idea he felt so strongly."
"What do you mean, little regard? Has he been unkind to you, Isabella?"
I think carefully about what I am to say, aware of the impact of my words. I would not want to cause any undue division between Edward and his father.
"Not intentionally, I do not think. It was his accusation of me being a bad omen for his men that sent me out in my feeble attempt to rescue you, though."
"He called you a bad omen? My father is the one who ran you off?" Edward moves as if to stand and run to confront his father, but I grasp his shoulders, holding him in place.
"Stop. Yes, he said I was perhaps a bad omen and that I was barren, and several other insulting things, but he also came to me to apologize. We came to ... a truce of sorts, an understanding. But perhaps he still feels I am not good for you or your people," I say softly as I lay my head back on his shoulder.
"You must know, I do not feel the way he does. I would never think of ending our marriage, Isabella, merely for political gain. When I asked for your hand, it was for more than what I could gain for my king with your lands." He looks down into my eyes. "It was always you."
"Thank you," I whisper as his lips descend on mine.
It is a slow and languid kiss, one that ignites the dormant embers I've been so careful to keep contained. His hands begin to roam, and my own move to his hair, the silky strands gliding through my fingers. Before we can get too carried away, though, he pulls back, holding his forehead to mine.
"I must apologize. I seem to have forgotten myself there for a moment."
"I have forgotten myself as well," I say breathlessly.
He clears his throat and adjusts me on his lap, pulling me against his chest. "Father also mentioned the celebration again. I'd no idea it is in just two days."
I look up at him, surprised. "Two days? How did we not know?"
"We've been tucked away, sequestered from the preparations. I'd asked that we not be disturbed, and apparently, they took my words to heart."
"But so soon," I say quietly. "I am surprised Angela has not sought me out to fit me with a gown or some other frivolity."
He chuckles, the sound deep as I rest my ear against his chest. "Yes, I remember your ... distaste for fine gowns. I think I recall something about a man's obsession with dresses and stable boys."
I scowl, and he kisses my temple.
"Come now, your sharp wit is what first caught my attention."
"Yes, but it was incredibly improper. I don't believe I have ever felt more embarrassed than when I realized you heard me."
He laughs. "Be that as it may, you were stunning that night." He lifts my chin up to look into my eyes. "I will forever remember it fondly." He places a kiss on my lips. "But as for this particular celebration, my father wanted to make sure I would be ready to appear before our people." His eyes search mine. "It is important to him that we appear strong, ready to fight, so I will be spending more of my time training with Emmett."
I nod. "I was expecting as much. I know there is still much to do to prepare to be ready for ... spring."
We exchange a look, both of us knowing my reference to the upcoming battle with Rhema is painful to think on.
"I also want you to prepare yourself for me spending less time in my chambers. Aside from my time with Emmett, I will need the next several days to gather my thoughts."
"Gather your thoughts?" I ask.
His gaze is earnest, his eyes still clouded with worry as he stares up at me. "It is time to prepare myself to lead my men into war, Isabella. And making an appearance at the feast is the first step in showing them I am able to do it. It is time for me to focus on what is yet to come."
In the two days leading up to the feast, the entire castle is in a flurry of activity. Edward spends nearly every waking moment with Emmett or visiting with Jasper. I do not know what they speak about, but Edward returns to his chambers each night with a contemplative look on his face.
I do all I can to avoid the king. Between my time spent in the chantry, offering prayers for our triumph over the Rheman army, and working to alter my gown for the celebration, it is not difficult. I am in no hurry to confront him over his opinion of me. I fear it would only make the strained atmosphere that has settled over Masenthorne worsen.
Edward has only seen his father when the king sends for him, and the tension between them is obvious to everyone.
Edward and I find time through the day to see one another, even if only briefly. Stolen kisses and whispered words are exchanged in passing, and while he has not taken me as a husband has a right to take his wife, we still spend each night in one another's arms.
I do not ask him why; I can see the exhaustion on his face after each training session with his cousin. But along with his exhaustion, I can also see his strength has returned. The time he has spent practicing his swordsmanship has served him well.
His stamina has improved, and before my eyes, his body again resembles what it was months ago. More importantly, the confidence and commanding presence he's always had has returned.
I can only hope that when we are presented to our guests at the feast, he is able to inspire their confidence in him and his ability to lead.
When the day of the feast arrives, everyone in the castle is busy, distracted with their tasks, preparing Masenthorne to receive so many guests. The different smells—baking breads, roasted meats, and sweets of all kinds—have been wafting through the halls since the sun rose. The servants are so busy going to and fro, they have spared me little more than a greeting as I pass any of them. Even Angela has been busy preparing for tonight.
I've taken advantage of the rare moment of solitude and slipped away to wander the courtyard. I breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the serenity of being outdoors. It brings to mind the many days I spent traveling the road from Adwen to Galon with Edward. There were no duties to pull us away from one another, nowhere to be except the road ahead, and no known dangers on the horizon. We learned so much about each other during that short time. The time we had together leading up to the attack on our camp may have been brief, but it is a time I will always cherish.
All too soon, Angela collects me, and we retreat to my chambers to ready me for the feast celebrating not only our nuptials, but also Edward's return.
I am dressed in the gown I wore when I wed Edward, albeit altered to fit my burgeoning form. My hair, too, is styled in much the same way it was on my wedding day. Nerves assault my belly as I study my reflection. While my condition has been the topic of rumors in the castle, it has not been confirmed.
Tonight, that will change.
I've been told Edward will share the news with our guests in an effort to bolster the people's faith in him and his army. Having an heir on the way can only strengthen his cause. But meeting so many people from outlying villages and territories and being on display make me uneasy.
Just as my friend places my jeweled circlet on my head, Edward steps from the shadows of my room, startling both Angela and me.
"Edward!" My hand flies to my chest to calm my racing heart, but when I take a moment to actually look at him, I'm surprised. "Edward?"
I'm struck speechless at the sight of him. Gone is the beard I have come to know, and in its place, a smooth face with chiseled features, not unlike some of the statues I have seen that have been cut from marble and stone.
"What it is it, My Lady?"
"Your ..." I reach toward him, as if to touch him, but pull back.
"Do you not like it?" he asks as he rubs his cheeks.
"No, I do. I am just shocked. It is quite a change."
"That it is. My mother believes I appear more ... royal with a clean face. Under the circumstances, I thought it best to make her happy. And I believe keeping the women in my life happy can only bode well for me." He winks.
"It ... it suits you," I say softly.
"I am glad you think so. And I do apologize for the intrusion, but I could stay away no longer." He steps to my side and places a kiss to the top of my head.
I make eye contact with my friend in the looking glass and dismiss her. "Thank you, Angela," I say. I watch as she excuses herself from the room. Once my chamber door closes, I turn my attention back to my reflection and smooth over my hair to tame nonexistent strays. "So, you are aware I have chambers of my own? I was beginning to wonder." I grin as he steps closer.
He chuckles as he straddles the bench I am sitting on at my dressing table, his legs nearly caging me in place. "I am aware. But it was not until I was missing your company terribly that I sought you out. Did you miss me?"
His boyish grin, even more pronounced and beautiful now that his beard is gone, makes me laugh. "I did, if you must know."
"Good." He leans in closer. "It was dreadfully difficult to be away from you for the entire day. The most difficult part, by far, was leaving you in my bed, wrapped in the quilts." His finger traces a blazing trail across my shoulder. "I feared I would have to send a messenger to inform my father I could not meet with him this morning." All too soon, he relents and withdraws his touch before looking around my bedchamber. "I must say, though, your chamber looks much more comfortable than mine."
"I would venture to guess comfort lies in the eye of the beholder." With a pounding pulse, I turn to face him fully and lower my voice. "And I must say, sleeping in your arms each night has been more than comfortable."
He leans in close. "Then I will suggest we compare your bed to mine."
I raise a brow in question, happy to see his playful side fully returned. "Is that so?"
He grins. "It is."
"If you are so eager to sleep," I say as I return to staring at my reflection, "perhaps we should send a messenger to tell your father we cannot attend tonight. I wouldn't want you to tax yourself if you are feeling unwell."
He leans in closer and whispers in my ear. "I am not at all feeling unwell, Isabella. I was merely going to suggest we spend tonight in your chambers."
I stare at the reflection of his lips, so close to my ear, and my heart beats wildly in my chest. "If that suits you, My Lord."
"It does," he says simply as he pulls back.
I resume my fidgeting under his scrutiny, and I become self-conscious. "What is it?"
"What is what?" he asks, his brow furrowed.
"Why are you staring at me that way? Is my dress not appropriate for tonight? Should I—"
"You look every bit as beautiful as you did the day we were married, Isabella. Possibly even more so. Why did you think otherwise?"
"I am just nervous."
"Nervous?"
"It is the first public appearance we will have as husband and wife." I meet his eyes in the reflection. "It will also be the first time I will see your father since ..." I shake my head and look down. "I do not want to disappoint you."
He gently grasps my chin and turns my head, meeting my eyes. "You could never disappoint me. And I've already told you whatever my father feels about our union holds no bearing over my feelings on the matter ... my feelings for you." His gaze burns me with its intensity. "You are my wife and the mother of my child. Nothing will change that."
I nod, unable to speak under his heated stare. His lips move closer to mine, and I am sure he is going to kiss me. An abrupt knock on the door breaks the tension of the moment, and he pulls away.
He sighs, obviously unhappy about our interruption. But it has been expected. "That will be the call to let us know our presence is required." He stands from the bench and offers me his hand. "Are you ready to be officially presented before all of Galon as my wife and mother of my child?"
I take a deep breath, grasp his outstretched hand, and stand. "I am."
Edward loops my arm through his and leads me through the halls of Masenthorne Castle. Torches light our path to the great hall, and as we grow nearer, the corridor widens, with more and more guards stationed along the way. We are led to a large set of heavy doors with two armed guards standing at attention on either side.
Knowing I am going to see the king, I am suddenly more nervous than ever. I've not seen him since hearing of his conversation with my husband. I fear any discussion we may have would be inappropriate, given tonight's audience. I grip onto Edward's forearm. "Please do not leave my side tonight."
"An army could not drag me away," he whispers before bringing my hand to his lips, leaving a gentle kiss. He stands straight just before the doors open, and a herald announces our arrival as everyone, save the king and queen, rises from their seats.
"His Royal Highness, Prince Edward, and his bride, Her Royal Highness, Princess Isabella."
We walk together to the front of the room and present ourselves to Edward's mother and father. We bow and curtsy and stand once King Carlisle acknowledges us. My husband then leads me to my seat and places another kiss to my knuckles before taking his own.
The king goes on to speak about how the future prosperity of Galon depends on the men who defend it, and I grow more uneasy as our official announcement looms. I am so nervous I do not hear the king ask Edward to speak, and when he rises from his seat, I am startled and reach for him.
Ever the gentleman, Edward takes a moment to soothe my frayed nerves and brings my shaking hand to his lips. I smile up at him in thanks and nod at his questioning gaze. He then turns his attention to our guests.
"People of Galon, of the lands of Thornbridge, of Iredale and beyond, I come before you tonight to thank you for your unwavering support of my father, my king ... our king." He pauses and looks around the room. Each and every eye is on him, and the crowd hangs on his every word. "My father has bestowed upon me the great honor of leading our men into battle, to guide us to victory against a common enemy—an enemy who seeks to take Galon and all she holds.
"They have already slain some of our men, killed a king and taken a kingdom they had no claim to, and they seek to take more. But we will not allow it. In the coming days, we will face an army who will go to any lengths to gain victory, to see us and the walls of this city fall, but we will be victorious. And once we wash their blood from our hands"—Edward turns and offers his hand to me—"we will usher in a new era under the Cullen name."
With a deep breath, I take it and rise to my feet.
He peers down at me as he speaks, his warm hand moving to cover the child I carry. "My beautiful wife carries my child, my heir. Be it son or daughter, prince or princess, Isabella carries the future of this kingdom."
Cheers and whistles sound all around us, but it all fades into the background as I look up into my husband's eyes. As he brings my knuckles to his lips, the intensity in his gaze nearly steals my breath. Heat fills my cheeks, and I turn to face our guests. I'm greeted with smiles all around the room, everyone seemingly overjoyed with our news.
Edward then turns to them, and a hush falls over the crowd. "The Gods have done their part to bring me home, have seen to the continuation of our family line and the future of this kingdom. They will not allow us to fail. I will lead our good men to defeat those who threaten our home, our lands, and all we hold dear." He looks down at me, his voice lowering so only I can hear him. "After all, I have something more valuable than all the lands in Galon to protect."
Accomplishing what his father wanted him to—showing our supporters he is more than capable of leading Galon's army—he helps me sit, taking his own seat beside me.
I can feel the pointed gaze of King Carlisle once we're seated, and I do my best to appear unaffected. Edward reaches for my hand, and I hold tightly to it.
"Pay him no attention. I have more than shown him our people support us. Look around the room." He tilts his head in the direction of our guests. "They can see I am strong enough to lead them, and I've already secured an heir to the throne." He looks deeply into my eyes. "I've done my part. My father has no reason to have any lingering doubts about our union or its benefits to Galon. And you have no reason to doubt yourself. You are a future queen, Isabella," Edward whispers. "Hold your head high."
I nod and cast my eyes to our joined hands as the king rises to speak. His words are muted in my mind as I replay my husband's whispered words as he stood before all of his men.
He sees me as more valuable than the lands under Galon's rule.
Lost in my own thoughts, I almost do not hear the king conclude his speech. "And with that, I say eat and drink, and may the future of Galon be secure with the promise of future generations." King Carlisle raises his glass, and everyone follows suit. He calls for the meal to be served, and within moments, plates and bowls of food that have been taunting me with their aromas are placed on the tables along with bottles of wine and pitchers of ale. The platters overflow with dishes I have never seen before but am excited to try, and my neglected stomach growls its protest at being ignored too long.
Edward reaches past me and spoons a healthy portion onto my plate before offering me the first bite with his fingers.
"This is probably my favorite," he says softly. The roasted, sweet meat is placed against my lips, and I open them for him to feed me. My tongue wraps around not only the food, but the tips of his fingers as well, lingering just a moment as he stares intently into my eyes. "I fear any amount of time we spend here tonight will be too much," he says, his voice low and rough.
Worried we may be drawing attention to our outward display, I pull back, licking my lips. "I am sorry, My Lord. I do not know what came over me," I whisper loud enough for only him to hear.
He leans impossibly closer. "Never apologize for ... that."
"Oh."
He opens his mouth as if to speak, but his attention is caught by something behind me. "She appears more than a little anxious to speak to me," Edward whispers.
I look over my shoulder and am met with the smiling face of Alice. Just beyond her is Jasper, still pale and weak, but he is present. It is a feat I did not think he would accomplish.
Once each platter and pitcher has been placed on all of the tables, Alice rises from her seat and comes toward us, launching herself at Edward. "Oh, brother. Thank you so much. I do not know what you said to him, but he is a new man," she says softly. "It is as if I have my husband back." She pulls away from Edward and smiles up at him. "Thank you."
It is not until now—with their arms around one another—that I realize their obvious difference in size. Their heads are nearly level, even with Edward seated.
"Alice," he says, holding tightly to her. "I—"
"Thank you." She says no more, but I know she is growing emotional. With her face hidden against her brother's shoulder, her shoulders shake with what are likely sobs. Watching them, tears of joy and relief gather in my eyes. She came so close to losing so much.
She pulls back and wipes her cheeks, a smile back in place. "Thank you for returning my husband to me."
"I only reminded him that his best weapon has always been his mind. He will always have a place by my side. I only regret he suffered when he led the men who rescued me. If I had known—" Edward begins, but Alice shakes her head.
"How could you? No, the decision was not yours, Edward. Your men did their duty to you. And regardless of the outcome, I will forever be grateful he came back to me." She shakes her head. "It may have taken him longer than I'd hoped, but in the end, it matters not. He is home, and I finally have hope the rest of him will return to me."
Eating, laughing, dancing, we spend the evening in a state of happiness, not thinking too much on what is to come. It does exactly what King Carlisle had hoped it would; it has shown the people of Galon and those who fight with us that Edward is more than ready to lead his men into war.
I stand by his side as he speaks to a few of his men. His commanding presence stirs feelings I have tried so hard to fight. My desire for my husband sparks to life and surges inside me. But the soft nudging of the child who grows in my belly draws my attention, reminding me that my husband may not feel that same desire for me in my current condition. It must be why he has yet to share my bed the way a husband and wife should.
His deep voice interrupts my melancholy thoughts. "Your husband must be a fool."
I look up into Edward's deep green eyes. "Oh? And why is he a fool?"
He wraps an arm around my waist, pulling me to him. He tilts my chin up and nearly brings my lips to his. "Ignoring such a beautiful woman should be a crime. Anyone could come along and steal you away ... even steal a kiss." His words are breathed against my lips, and that spark I felt before ignites.
"I would not allow it," I say with a shaky breath.
"Would you allow me to steal a kiss?"
I resist the urge to look around the room, to assure myself no one is privy to our exchange. If I have learned one thing in the time I have spent with Edward, it is that he is not one to be concerned with propriety. I permit myself to surrender to the feelings coursing through me.
"That which is freely given cannot be stolen," I whisper.
His mouth forms a wide smile as his lips meet mine, allowing all sense to leave me. I grip onto his shoulders and give in to the feelings he is stirring in me. Our kiss is not fit for polite company, and I can feel the hard planes of his body as he pulls me tighter to him.
"I believe it is time to retire to our chambers, Isabella," he says huskily.
A/N: There ya go! Not another anxiety-inducing, angst-ridden cliffy this chapter. ;) So, I get the impression not too many of you care for Carlisle. Lol. Some rather imaginative descriptions of what you'd like to see happen to him were left for me. But remember ... he's the king. For better or for worse, he's got absolute power while on the throne. If he wanted to send Isabella packing, he could—child on the way or not. But don't worry, that's not going to happen. In fact, I'm pretty certain you're going to enjoy the next few chapters quite a bit. ;)
Again, no recs this week, but hopefully I'll catch my breath over the weekend and have some for you Tuesday.
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~Sunshine