You can all thank a little bird over at TwiFanFictionRecs for this. She asked and I don't tell her no, ever. So now you all get the EPOV of the auction. There will also be an epi posted tomorrow - also at the request of TwiFanFictionRecs. All of you should check out the site, so many great stories rec'd there. They also vote for the top ten completed stories of the month each month. You know, in case this little story ends up on the vote for March. You can vote once a day. I've never made the top ten before. Just sayin.

Not beta'd or pre-read. I'm not SM. The usual disclaimers apply. Hope you like it!

Edward growled under his breath while pacing the length of his bedchamber. His hair flopped into his eyes and one hand raked it back again. "This entire thing is ludicrous. I should never have agreed to this marriage market idea of mother's. Isabella is mere hallways away, distraught over being sold to the highest bidder, and heartbroken because I was too stupid to tell her I'm the damn prince!"

"She will know soon enough, son," Carlisle's replied, causing Edward to spin on his heel in surprise. "All will work out in the end, Edward."

Edward narrowed his eyes at the sudden appearance of his father. "Not soon enough for my liking. I've waited five years for her, father, and last night…" His words trailed off as memories of how soft and lush and utterly female she'd felt in his arms last night. How perfectly her body molded to his, or how responsive she was to his attentions. Five years of celibacy had nearly driven him mad, but Edward wanted Isabella's sweet kiss to be the last he'd ever know. His heart knew its mate from the very moment they met.

She was his heaven, of that Edward was positive. His Isabella had grown from a beguiling, yet innocently naïve girl on the brink of womanhood into this breathtakingly stunning lady who was innocent in the physical aspect, but keenly aware of the ways of their world. She'd become a bit jaded to the politics dictating her life.

"Last night what, Edward?" His father's question jolted Edward from his reverie.

For a brief moment, Edward felt all of fifteen again and his father had caught him with a rather friendly female courtier. She'd taught him many a thing about the female body before his father had stumbled upon them.

Edward met his father's stare. "Last night is not your business. Isabella and I had a chance meeting, that is all."

Carlisle arched one eyebrow. "Is that so? Are you sure you haven't already made her your wife, Edward?"

Edward resisted the urge to snarl at his father. "Of course not, father! She is a lady and will be treated as such." Not that Edward had been a gentleman last night. He'd practically taken her up against that pillar, would have if the Colonel hadn't come along. Isabella was simply too damn enticing. He had half a mind to simply go to her now and end this farce his mother had orchestrated. His cock stiffened at the prospect of his beauty's sweet body near him once more.

Edward sighed and tried to remind himself that his mother had her reasons and diplomacy must be obeyed. It would not do to have the empire thinking their new princess nothing more than a common whore with whom their prince could not control himself.

"Good," Carlisle said with a nod. "Are you ready to begin the ceremony?"

"I am," Edward instantly answered, eager to claim Isabella for his bride.

His father smiled at his son's enthusiasm. "Then let us go. Satisfy my curiosity, son. Why haven't you told Lady Isabella you are the prince?"

"I wished to know that she wanted me for me and not my title." A smile tugged at his lips. "She does."

His father clapped a hand on one of his shoulders. "That is an excellent trait to have in your wife. I know your mother and I's relationship has benefitted greatly from the love between us. Having an empress by your side you trust above all others makes the burden of your title easier to bear. Your mother's advice has always been the most important to me."

TSAHP

Edward watched from the shadows of an alcove as the ladies to be presented gathered in line at the doors to the throne room. Isabella was last to arrive and he locked his muscles against the urge to go to her. She looked near panicked and her eyes darted around as if searching for someone. For him. He mentally cursed at the promise he'd given his mother not interfere with this marriage mart. His heart ached at seeing his beauty this visibly upset.

Edward reached out and clasped the arm of Benjamin, his closest friend and fellow soldier. Ben had specifically been assigned to this event and this spot to be his eyes and ears. Ben's own love pursuit was assigned as Isabella's maid while she was here. Edward would have to grant Ben approval to marry Angela soon. Ben had finally wooed the lady to give over her charms and spent quite the enjoyable evenings in her bed of late.

Ben turned his head toward him. "My prince?" he whispered. Edward grumbled at the title and Ben chuckled lowly. "Aye, my friend, how can I be of service?"

"You see the dark haired lady in line?"

"The one with her hair loose instead of bound up on her head?"

"Aye, tis the one. She seems uneasy. Ask if she needs anything and tell the beauty not to fret. Tell her, trust all will be well. Those exact words: trust all will be well."

Ben stepped into action and not a moment too soon. Edward caught the small step Isabella took just seconds before and knew her nerves were getting the better of her. Her voice was thin to Edward's ears, but Ben's words caused rage to smolder inside. He barely held himself in check when he saw Ben wink at his future bride.

As soon as the ladies were safely inside the doors, Edward spun and yanked the sword from his side, holding the tip at Ben's throat. "You dare take such liberties with the future princess of Volterra? With my chosen bride?"

Ben's eyes widened and he swallowed hard. "My prince, you have my deepest and most sincere apologies. I meant no dishonor to you or the lady."

"Yet you flirted and called her 'quite the beauty.' You winked at my lady." Edward stepped closer, increasing the pressure of the sword on Ben's skin.

Ben backed up until he was pressed into the stonewall behind him. "Edward," he rasped, "I am sorry for taking liberties I should not have. You know my heart lies with Angela. The same woman who acts as maid to the future princess and to whom I have requested court approval to wed."

Edward blinked and lowered his sword, sheathing it once more. His heart pounded in his chest as the rage fueling him drained away. "Forgive me, my friend. I find I am at my nerves' end with this auction. I know you did not mean any disrespect." He sighed heavily and looked back at his friend. "You'll have the signed and sealed approval for your marriage by the morn. Go ask your lady to be your bride."

Ben grinned and made a small bow. "Thank you, my prince. Angie will be most pleased."

"Yes, I've no doubt you've pleased her often lately," Edward grumbled as Ben laughed heartily.

"Aye, and she returns the favor with vigor. Worry not, my friend. Your self-imposed celibacy is at an end." Ben nodded toward the doors. "Tis time to choose your bride, Edward."

TSAHP

Edward strode into the silent room and the courtiers bowed. He met his parents' eyes for a brief moment. His mother smiled and inclined her head and Edward returned the look. Despite the turmoil this caused Isabella, a small part of Edward was glad to have made his mother as happy as she was.

Taking a steadying breath, Edward focused on the task at hand. He began circling the ladies, taking time to look over each one. He could not deny that each lady was beautiful, but his Isabella outshone them all. She was soft and sweet, alluring and modest. Ladies Tanya and Maggie were too brazen and forward for his liking. Lady Alice thought too highly of herself and her flawed prophecies that were frequently wrong. As for Lady Rosalie, well, Edward had known her for as long as he could remember. The thought of her as anything more than a sister made him shudder with revulsion.

No, Isabella was the one for him. Edward moved closer to her and saw her shoulders stiffen and then settle. Good girl, he thought. His beauty wouldn't let the court intimidate her. Edward schooled his features, not wishing to give the other courtiers any hint at which woman he would choose. It was impossible, however, for him to not touch Isabella in some manner.

He brushed his fingers along her flowing hair as he circled her, hidden from view of the prying eyes. He heard her tiny gasp and forced himself to step back. Otherwise he would be too tempted to pull Isabella into his arms and kiss her until she realized her soldier and the prince were one and the same.

Edward fell back into the spot he began in, facing his father once more.

"Have you chosen a bride, my son?" his father boomed out. Edward inclined his head one time, careful not to look at any of the women. "Excellent. We shall have the ladies escorted to their tents. You shall have your new bride soon enough."

"Not as soon as I'd like," Edward growled to himself. He clenched his hands into fists, imaging the desperation his beauty was likely drowning in at this moment. Esme waved her hand to Edward and he walked to where his parents sat.

"Go to your new bride, Edward. We will wait until you've brought her here to present to the court before the bidding on the others begins," his mother told him with a smile. "And Edward? She is ripe for a child to be planted in her womb."

Edward's chest swelled at the thought of Isabella round and heavy with his child. His cock strained with the desire to plunge into her wet heat and release his seed there. Gods, but he could only imagine the tight heaven her body would be when he was at last sheathed inside her. With a final nod to both of his parents, Edward turned and strode out swiftly. It was time to claim his beauty as his wife.

Thoughts? Want to leave me some love...might get you the epi sooner rather than later tomorrow.