Stephenie Meyer owns Twilight and the characters that make it amazing. I'm just borrowing them for a little while.

Chapter Two

Acclimation

Welcome home, beauty.

What he had said ran through her head as they strode out of the chapel and into the cool air outside. It really was a beautiful day but she couldn't help but shiver at the difference in temperature. Before letting her go, she felt Edward's hold on her tense before leaving her go. "Your father must return home soon. Say goodbye. I will give you a few moments."

Tears immediately came as she tried to calmly walk over. It didn't work. When she was just two feet away, she flung herself into his arms and cried softly. "Oh, how I'll miss you. Come visit. Promise me you will."

"I promise, my darling. I know this is new to you but please try to enjoy your life here. Give it a chance."

Nodding, Isabella reluctantly pulled away. "I know you said that Jacob has no family. Please do not treat him that way, father."

"I wouldn't imagine it."

Edward came up beside them then, "Safe travels, Master Charles. Your daughter will be given great care."

Her father only nodded, a sad look on his face, and Isabella briefly wondered if he was regretting this. After one last hug, she saw him into the carriage they had arrived in together and watched as they left the walls of the large castle. "Isabella Marie, if you'll come with me, I will show you our quarters," Edward said beside her.

Holding her head up, Isabella continued after him, almost having to run to stay with him. Everything about this man screamed power and authority. Not knowing what consequences there might be for disregarding his wishes, Isabella made sure to keep up.

While the castle was gigantic compared to their small village house back home in Forks, she quickly learned that the place wasn't so large that she felt overwhelmed. The castle was split into three sections, three different wings that met in the middle to create a large open area. When you first entered the castle, you walked directly into that room, set up with tables and lit by large lanterns along the walls.

You then had three options. "Isabella Marie, this wing to our right is where my mother and father live. To our left, you'll find my brother, Emmett. If you head to the middle, you will find...our wing. It is almost time for dinner and I am sure you are tired from your trip. I will show you to our room and allow you to settle in."

She wondered where everyone was, usually after a wedding, people greeted and congratulated the bride and groom. None of his family or friends seemed to be there. They all seemed nice enough and she wondered where the young Emily was. About to open her mouth to ask Edward about his daughter, he lead her down a long corridor and the train of thought was lost. The hallway lead to small, open area that was just the right size for a nice library. There was a desk to the left and a large bookshelf that spanned an entire wall, even though there only appeared to be one book on the very top shelf. A door opened that lead back towards a few unopened doors.

Opening the first one on the right, Edward gave her a small smile and gestured her in. "This is our room. A washroom is right across from us. There are three other rooms, one of which holds weapons and two other sleeping quarters. Feel free to rest, I'll send Siobhan, our servant girl, to come for you when dinner is ready. My mother and Rosalie are planning something special to celebrate."

She didn't miss the exhaustion in his voice or his slight annoyance. She began to feel that he didn't want this anymore than she did. That feeling made her sick. "Thank you, Master Edward."

He gave her another small smile before leaving and closing the door behind him without saying another word. With a loud sigh, she laid back on the bed and looked up at the beautiful red canopy hanging above her. The bed was soft and she took awhile to revel in the comfort before sitting up and looking around. It was no secret from looking around that he was active, or at least had been, in the military. Times were hard and people were acting as vigilante's, taking what they thought was rightly theirs. She bit back tears as she thought of her mother who had died at the hands of one of these men. The most ironic part was that had the man just come home with her, instead of killing her, Charles Swan would have given everything he owned in exchange for his wife's safety.

Their family had a few chickens, cows, pigs and horses. She and Miss Charlotte, along with the help of Alice, had kept a fairly large vegetable garden and Jacob and Peter worked with the animals to provide milk, butter, and eggs. They also had some meats from the cattle and chickens but Jacob was also a prime hunter. Deer meat and turkey were a staple for their diets. She tried to push Jacob from her mind, her father was wrong, he would have been an excellent provider for her.

Frowning, she decided to write to Alice, the least she could do was tell Alice of the beautiful castle that was now her home and the surreal wedding ceremony she had just experienced. There was little to discuss about her new husband as she knew very little about him and she suddenly felt deeply alone. He had acted as if she wanted time to herself after the trip, but in reality, she wanted company. She wanted to know that she wasn't going to be alone for the rest of her life.

~EA~

Isabella tried to keep up with the woman she could only assume was Siobhan. She was rather elegant, even with her bright red hair pulled back in a loose ponytail with wisps fell down around her face. She wore a vibrant cornflower blue dress with a starched white apron over it. Isabella would never have guessed that she was anyone less of a family member or someone in the nobility. She had a feeling that this woman was treated with much more kindness than most servants. Her heart bled in her desire to see Miss Charlotte. Taking her hand, as they made it to the main hall, Siobhan lead her over to Edward. Soon after, a portly woman she would later learn was another servant, and Esme, as well as a woman who she didn't recognize came in carrying large pots and trays.

As soon as Esme saw her, her face lit up again and she made her way over. "Isabella, I trust that you had a good rest? I must apologize for not having something for you and Edward directly after, he told me not to overwhelm you...but we will celebrate now," she said, looking to Edward as if chastising him.

Edward had been deep in conversation with the man who was introduced as Jasper and when the other woman walked over, he smiled. The woman was tall, her hair the exact color of little Emily's, and she was very much with child. "Someone actually looks happy..." she said with an easy smile, sitting down beside Emmett.

Edward leaned towards Isabella, "Isabella, this is Rosalie, Emmett's wife."

"It's nice to meet you," she said, sincerely.

"You are quite the pretty little thing. A little young but definitely beautiful."

Isabella blushed about sixty shades of scarlet. Edward eventually cleared his throat. "Where is my little Emily?"

"With her beloved grandmother in the kitchen. Your mom is very excited for this, Edward. We all are, really. Well, here she comes now..." Rosalie laughed, pulling herself up with much effort to pick up the little girl.

"Darling, be careful. She's getting to be a bit big to pick her up in your condition..." Emmett scolded, standing as well.

"She's a beautiful little girl, Edward. You must be proud," Isabella said quietly to Edward.

He chuckled then and shook his head. "I didn't have much to do with it, Isabella."

"Then the princess was very beautiful," she smiled faintly.

His face fell immediately and the pain on his face nearly broke her heart. "You misunderstand, Isabella. Emily is not my daughter, she is my niece."

"My apologies..." she began, feeling absolutely horrible.

"Please do not speak of my Katherine."

"I'm truly sorry, sir. I..."

"It's forgivable now but I implore that you not do it again."

Once everyone was finally seated around the largest table, Esme stood and raised her cup. "We gather tonight to celebrate the joining of my dear son and the beautiful Isabella and the beginning of their life together. Isabella, we welcome you with open hearts and truly hope that you are happy here. Edward, darling, this is a new beginning. Embrace it and each other."

Edward glanced over at her with another of his crooked smiles and then turned back to nod at his mother. There was no mistaking it. Edward didn't want this at all. "Oh, Isabella, we have a few gifts for you. Just a few small things to welcome you."

They handed her gifts wrapped in expensive parcel paper and she opened them one by one with Edward's help. The first was a book, one that she had grown to love. Apparently, her father had expressed her love for reading to them during his first visit. The next was a beautiful white nightgown from Rosalie and Emmett, she could tell by the feel of the material that it had to have been expensive. The next package was much larger and from Edward's parents. There were two very fine, very expensive dresses and at the bottom was something that immediately brought the scarlet back to her cheeks. The tiny, white Christening dress really was beautiful. She opened her mouth to kindly thank them, but Edward spoke first, "Mother..."

"Don't speak to me in that tone, son. You never know when the good Lord will grace us with new life in this family..." Isabella could tell that it was a touchy subject and felt extremely uncomfortable.

Everything was delicious and Edward seemed to relax a little once his stomach was full. She even caught herself smiling and laughing along with him and his family. It wasn't until dinner was over and Edward was finished chasing his niece around that the reality of what was about to happen hit her. This was her wedding night after all. While she didn't have much understanding of what would take place, she had a general idea. It was obvious that her husband's mother wanted another grandchild but the thought frightened her a little. After all, the princess had died during child birth.

They said goodnight to everyone and took their time making their way back to their sleeping quarters. He closed the door behind them quietly and gave her an awkward, nervous smile. If you'll excuse me, I need to use the washroom. Feel welcome to prepare for bed while I'm gone."

When he left, she felt her breath catch and walked quickly to her trunk. Pulling out her sleeping clothes, she went to change but soon thought that she should maybe put on the fine, silky gown from Emmett and Rosalie. It wasn't until she had her dress off that she realized she needed help in getting the tight, new corset off. Tears of frustration came to her eyes as she pulled at the ties desperately. When the door open and she heard him step in, she grabbed the dress she had worn that day and tried to cover herself.

Her hands shook as she cried harder in embarrassment. This was her wedding night. He was her husband. They shouldn't be this way. "You are my wife, Isabella. There is no need for you to be afraid of me. I expect to see you. All of you."

"I...I can't..."

"You can and you will," he said with a little more force...and guilt.

"No, you misunderstand me, sir. I need help. My corset..."

He nodded then, knowing what the problem was.

She nodded and turned around. His hands worked at the laces until he was pulling gently and she felt the corset give. He let it fall. Before she could figure out what to do next, she felt his hands working her hair out of the braid Miss Charlotte had done for her. As her hair fell below her shoulder blades, she turned to look at him, tucking her hair behind her ear to look back. "I've never done this before."

"I know. Turn around."

Crossing her arms as if to shield her breasts, she turned to him. He took her wrists and put them down at her sides. Completely exposed to him, she watched as he sat back on the bed and began to unbutton his shirt. She couldn't take her eyes off of him and was glad for the distraction. His abs were taking away her brain's fear of what was going to happen. He stood then, unbuttoning his pants and pushing them down. This was the first time she'd seen an exposed man and her entire body felt like it was vibrating. She realized her legs were shaking and she had to remind herself to breathe. His eyes were on her body just as much.

"As my wife...I expect you to sleep this way every night. I expect you to keep what happens in our married bed between the two of us. My family is important but you belong to me, Isabella. My opinion counts above all else. This will also be the final time Princess Katherine will be discussed between us in this room. While I love her deeply still, you are my wife now and will be expected to act as such. I have no interest in creating offspring at this point and therefor, I believe it is time for us to rest. Please, join me for our first night together."

Every part of her wanted him. Whether it was because she was lonely from having just left her family or it was because she felt a strange attraction that she had never felt before, she wanted to be close to him. So, when her new husband walked around the bed and laid down, her heart broke when he didn't even face her again. On their wedding night, Isabella slept in a bed while completely naked next to a man who obviously had no feelings for her.

~EA~

When she awoke the next morning, he was gone. She was naked, cold, and left alone with her dried tears. The cold was nothing compared to the loneliness and, for the first time in her life, she didn't want to get out of bed. She wanted Miss Charlotte to appear with her clothing for the day, she wanted to rush across the bridge to Alice's house, and she wanted more than anything to watch Jacob help Peter in the stables as she used to sit and do for hours.

Pulling her composition book from her trunk, she dressed and went out to the library. Sitting down at the desk, she got to work in writing to her best friend. While she talked about the beautiful castle and the friendliness of her new family just the day before, today she poured her heart out. She could tell Alice anything and this letter held nothing back. Isabella wrote of everything from Esme's expectations of grandchildren to the emotionally painful first night with Edward. She wanted to write that the whole time she was lying next to Edward, she wanted to be with Jacob. That was wrong, though, and she knew it. So, she just asked Alice to tell her how he was doing in her absence. Thinking of all of this and actually writing it on paper made her jumpy. When the door flew open to the room, she jumped and closed her book quickly. Siohban just peeked in. "If you want breakfast, come now."

"I can hardly believe that this storm is supposed to be hitting already. How I hate these winters..."

"Mother, it's not a winter storm," Edward sighed.

"Well, I ran into Randolph at the general store and he said we could possibly get snow..."

"Mother. Stop. It is October..."

"It has snowed in October before!"

Emmett cut in then, "Well, either way, we'll have the fireplaces lit tonight. Jasper, Edward, what do you say we head out for firewood?"

"Take Riley with you," Carlisle suggested. "Since Eleazer has passed, I think he as well could use some companionship."

No one said anything, as if all quietly grieving, until Emily skipped in, hiding behind her mother's skirts. "Papa, can I play outside today?" her little face hopeful as she looked up at Emmett.

"If you promise to stay with one of us, then yes, you can. Also, you better dress appropriately young lady, I will not have you getting sick."

"And," Rosalie added, "you must eat your breakfast."

Emily walked over to Edward, who was seated next to Isabella but hadn't said more than two words to her since the night before, and climbed into his lap. "Uncle Eddy, will you stay with me outside?"

"I have to help your papa get firewood to keep us warm, darling."

"Then who?" she whined.

Isabella had always loved children and she loved to help with the children back home in her village. Until she met Jacob, she had wanted to become a school teacher at the little school house in town. She knew she could never be married if that were to happen as teachers were not permitted to marry. Now, she realized, Emily was the only child she would have to help care for. "Would you like to show me around, Emily? We could go for a nice walk and you could show me the grounds while your Papa and Uncle Edward bring firewood to keep us warm at night. Would you like that?"

Emily's face lit up and Isabella noticed that everyone was staring at her. That was the most talking she had done since her arrival the day before. Edward watched her with a strange look on his face. "Can we go for a walk now?" Emily asked, excited.

"After breakfast," Isabella reminded her.

~EA~

Isabella watched carefully as her husband's beloved niece balanced herself on a fallen tree trunk before jumping off and throwing her arms in the air as if to say 'tada!'.

"Bravo!" Isabella laughed.

Emily just looked up at her and giggled. Taking Isabella's hand, she lead her back onto one of the trails. "Are you having a baby, too?"

"No," she responded with a fake smile.

"Mama said that when ladies get married they get babies, too. Uncle Eddy had a baby once with Aunt Kate," Emily said sweetly, then frowned. "They got sick, though."

Isabella watched her, wishing more than anything to be that innocent again, but also not knowing how to respond to that. They came to a small black gate and Emily stopped abruptly. Behind the offending object were a handful of tombstones, one of which was very small. That one and the one beside it were covered in flowers and beautiful, folded papers. The wet grass that lead up to them was pushed down as if well traveled. "What's wrong, Emily?" Isabella asked quietly.

"We should go. Grandmother always tells Uncle Eddy that the dead are dead but the living are living. She says we can not get them confused. I don't like when she says that. It hurts his feelings," she answered. "Oh, look! I see Papa!"

The rest of the day was spent skipping happily over the large grounds with Emily, helping Esme with a pie for dinner, and even talking about the new baby that Rosalie and Emmett were expecting. The men had gotten what they felt would be sufficient for at least a few days and upon return, enjoyed a late lunch. By dinner, they were all fairly exhausted and Edward confided in her that he wished to return to bed early. Like the night before, Isabella undressed, but this time managed it completely by herself. Climbing into their cold bed, she immediately began to shiver.

Edward's arrival made her discomfort even worse and she laid still, praying that he thought she was asleep. Of course, her body chose this moment to betray her as she couldn't help but let out a shiver as the air from the hall outside hit her. He didn't say anything to her but he did lay on his side like the night before. A hard chill ran through her again and this time, the bed moved for other reasons. Edward must have rolled over to face her because she soon felt one arm come around and pull her towards him. He was naked, as was she, and his hand landed on her breast. It didn't feel uncomfortable though and she soon learned that he was one of those individuals that produced plenty of their own body heat. When he stayed quiet, holding her gently, she found herself drifting off in a restful sleep.

~EA~

The next morning, Isabella didn't wake up cold, in fact she was sweating...and her cheek was resting on a very toned chest. "You're awake, beauty."

With wide eyes, she bolted up and away from him. "I...why are you still here?" It wasn't what she had meant to say but it had definitely been what came out.

"I'm sorry if this upsets you," he said solemnly. "Today is Saturday and it is still early. Can I not enjoy my new wife for one morning?"

"Of...of...course you...can. Of course," she said, giving him the smallest of smiles. She knew she wasn't convincing anyone.

"I told my family that I will be spending the day with you. Unless of course, you do not wish for my company." Pulling the covers up and over herself, she pretended to be interested in the fabric and refused to make eye contact. "I wish to discuss some things with you. Now, allow us to get dressed and I will return here shortly with breakfast."

Isabella wore one of her plainer dresses and started writing, waiting for Edward to return. When he finally did, he set the tray of food on the library's desk and pulled a chair over beside hers.

"Thank you, sir, but I'm afraid I don't have much of an appetite."

He took a few bites, obviously annoyed with her, and set his fork down. "I think this is a good time to discuss, in detail, what I am expecting of you. First, your health is number one to me and always will be. You will eat every meal as offered and only when I think you have eaten an adequate amount will I let you not finish. Is that understood?"

"Yes, sir," Isabella sighed, picking up her fork.

"I also noticed that you have taken a liking to Emily. We do not have a teacher for her and it is entirely too dangerous to send her to the school house with other children. Lady Rosalie is expecting soon and we feel that you would be perfect to take over Emily's education. Esme has resources you may use and whatever you need, just ask, and we'll get it for you."

He cleared his throat then and set down his own fork. "That brings us to our marital relationship. My mother feels that what I need is an heir. I disagree with her. As of now, I do not wish for children. Therefore, relations between the two of us will not be an attempt at procreation, nor will intercourse even be introduced into our relations at this time. You are young, and believe me, you will understand someday why this means something good for you. You will be expected, though, to treat me and care for me the way a wife would for her husband. If you handle that well, I will take care of you...sexually... the way a husband would his wife. Are we understood, Isabella?"

Keeping her eyes cast down, she wanted to cry but just nodded her head. She hadn't the slightest clue what he had meant by that but something in his voice told her he was excited about it. "Now," he continued, "in return for you submitting to these expectations, I will reward you handsomely. I have money, Isabella, and would love to use it to splurge on my beautiful, young wife. I will do whatever it takes to keep you happy. Is there anything that I can do for you now? Something that could be done as a wedding gift from me to you?"

Isabella's eyes fell on her composition book and she bit her lip. "I wish that you would allow me to send letters through the post. Letters back home...to my family."

"If you agree to my conditions, I will agree to send them and to continue to send them. Remember, though, Isabella, what happens in our private life, stays here. Understood?"

"Yes, sir."

"Good, now finish your breakfast. You need to keep your energy up, I have something special planned for us this evening."

I am very, very pleased with the response I've gotten but I'm still not sure how long this story will go on for. This is so different for me and I really need feedback to determine if I should continue. In light of being something different, I'm also going to try something else that is new. If you've been through the journey of my previous stories, you know I don't give previews of the next chapter in exchange for reviews. Those of you who reviewed chapter one did get a preview of this chapter and I plan to continue with that. So, read and review. I'll send you a a short bit of the upcoming chapter in return :) Thanks for your support! LP xx