DO I REALLY WANT REVENGE?
Disclaimer: The Cullens, the Swans, and most of the characters mentioned in the story that are known from Stephanie Meyer's beloved Twilight Saga, are all hers and hers alone. I neither have nor wish to pass them off as mine. I do appreciate the fact that she did bring them to life and allows us to play with them in our imaginations. The only thing I will claim is the current storyline.
All of the chapters of this story has been beta'd by the lovely dowlingnana and the chapters with mistakes are being replaced.
Queen Isabella rose and moved forward to face all in the packed church. Her eyes moved from section to section, surveying all in attendance. "I stand before you as your anointed Queen and promise you that from this time forward we are entering into a new era. It will be an era that promotes not just man, but, woman as well.
"My father and mother, King Charles and Queen Renee, were murdered while working to preserve safety, your way of life and the lifestyle that you have been used to. I am putting together a team that will be responsible for finding out who these individuals are so we can bring them to justice because we will be satisfied with nothing less.
"All of you know that I am married to the Crown Prince Edward of Wystonia. He will today be taking the oath the same as the rest of you. We are going to be securing our borders without and within. Anyone that breaks their oath to the crown and breaks harm to our people will be dealt with immediately without hesitation and the punishment will be severe.
"Now, let's begin the oath swearing so we all can begin to celebrate."
CHAPTER 6: SURPRISE, SURPRISE!
Isabella was not aware that the Wystonian royal family had attended the coronation in spite of her statement telling them they would not be welcomed. But, they were there to support their son during this time. Hopefully, no problems would result from their presence. The situation was completely unknown to them at the moment other than what Edward had told them during their phone conversations with him. He had described how things were very tense between them and how he was being excluded from any major decision making as well as the minor. The treatment he received wasn't cruel or inhumane, but, he was closely guarded and watched at all times. In fact, in terms of how he was treated, Edward's, not theirs, was like a hostage. And that is what she had told him how he would be considered to be at a point. She was keeping her word.
Edward had told them about the last confrontation they had had and asked for advice of what he should do. He was torn as to how this would affect his relationship with his family and his loyalty to his own country. Both Carlisle and Esme assured him that no conflict would result from him taking an oath of loyalty to his wife or to uphold the laws of her country. That seemed to have eased his mind as to what he needed to do. How all of this was going to work out for a future for the two of them, he had no indication, but, he was going to do everything he could to get her to see that he had deep rooted feelings for her.
Edward stands to move forward towards the throne where Bella is seated awaiting each person, noble and people's representatives, to give their oath to the crown. He had been told by her the other day that he was expected to be the first so that is what he was determined to be; the first one. He just hoped that she could see that he meant no harm, but, wanted to aid her. Each step takes him closer and closer until he is standing in front of her just below the throne. As he starts to kneel, she stands and motions him forward. Officials and guards alike become attentive and very statue like. So, whatever she is about to do has not been planned into the ceremony.
"Prince Edward, before you swear your oath of allegiance I need to correct an oversight on my part." She states. Everyone looks at her askancely wanting to know what she is referring to. "Please step forward and remain upright on the lower step." Edward followed her instructions with a look of puzzlement on his face. He watched her carefully, curious about what she was about to do.
"I have researched what is considered proper in our current situation so I would know what was expected. There has only been one other time that the current circumstance occurred so I have decided for the benefit of the country to follow that example." She motioned for Lady Alice Brandon to step forward with an object that was concealed under a piece of cloth. Next, she motioned Lady Rosalie forward who is carrying another object that is similar to a garment bag. Two guards move to stand next to the two ladies waiting to lend assistance if needed.
"I will not share equally the position of ruling my country. To jeopardize the happiness, security of my people or the stability of our way of life by an unwise action or misplaced trust, so, that is why I have chosen to follow the path I am about to take.
"You will not hold position of King as I feel that belongs only to a family member that has been born to the position such as you will one day hold that position in Wystonia. So, I hereby recognize your position as my husband before all of Vargia and crown you Prince Consort of Vargia to rule in my stead when it is needed in my absence. Following this portion of the ceremony you may render your oath." As she finished speaking she turned to Lady Alice, had the guard to remove the covering and picked up a crown to hold over his head. "Let it be known from this moment on that my marriage to the Crown Prince Edward of Wystonia is and forever shall be, recognized as legal and binding by the crown. With that being said, I do hereby recognize and crown you Prince Consort of Vargia and you carry the title of Prince Edward of Vargia." She places the crown upon his head as Lady Rosalie places the royal robes upon his shoulders that she had begun removing from the garment bag as Bella had picked up the crown from Lady Alice.
He kneels before her and begins, "I, Edward, Crown Prince of Wystonia and newly crowned Prince Consort of Vargia, husband to Queen Isabella, sovereign ruler of Vargia, due hereby swear my oath of allegiance to her and the people of Vargia. I shall further swear to act in accordance to all laws legally recognized, shall do all within my power to uphold all said legal laws declared by the throne and the people's representatives that will insure the benefit of the Vargian people, their happiness, security and stability of the country without hesitation or reservation. I shall defend the same with my life if called upon to do so and declare my life to be in the service of the Queen."
"We hear your oath and ask if you have given this freely of your own choice with no threat of harm?"
"I do."
"Then the crown does recognize said oath, accepts it and shall hold you bound by it until the day we release you from it." With that being said she motions for him to take the seat that had been discretely placed next to hers. Edward moves forward to sit while the rest of the populace gives their oaths to both persons of the royal family.
Edward's thoughts wandered during the rest of the proceedings, but, somehow, managed to make all of the right responses as required. He had been caught completely unaware by Bella's actions towards him as he started to give his oath. It had been hard to come up with the wording so he could do what was required without betraying his loyalty and position to Wystonia. Of course, he had to do some quick thinking and changing of the wording with her surprising actions. But, he was aware that she would explain more fully once they were alone. This had more to do for the people than giving an inch in her attitude towards him and Wystonia.
Time seemed to drag as such noble house and the representatives gave their oath of allegiance. But, the next biggest surprise was just about to happen. The sudden stiffening of Bella's posture caught Edward's attention causing him to snap out of his thoughts. His eyes widened as he saw Wystonia's royal family approach. He wasn't sure what all of this meant, but, he had a bad feeling deep in the pit of his stomach.
"Your Majesty and your Royal Highness, we represent the people of Wystonia to offer our condolences for the demise of your parents, but, salute your crowning as Queen of Vargia and do hereby pledge to render aid and assistance at anytime Vargia should have need. This is done not only because our two royal houses are now joined through marriage, but, as neighbors and friends. We pray that you will accept this in the spirit by which it is offered."
After the rendering of the offer from Wystonia, Bella uttered not a word. She sat looking at them, but staying silent. Edward glanced at Bella and then at his family, unsure of what he should do. He quietly whispers, "Isabella, please."
"We accept your pledge and shall hold you to it as have been giving while praying that it -"she shakes her head, and then begins again. "We accept your honorable pledge and thank you."
Other countries in attendance of the coronation follow suit in pledging their assistance and aid as well. And each time the royal couple accepted graciously. Finally the ceremony was over with a prayer for the guidance of the throne and the government in the coming future. As the prayer ended Edward rose extending his hand to Bella who accepted it and they led the procession down the aisle way towards the outside. Carriages of tradition waited to convey the Queen back to the palace, but, she dismissed them choosing to walk to the palace. Edward moves beside her and their personal escorts get into position on either side for the stroll. As the crowd sees what their Queen and Prince Consort have chosen to do a rousing cheer resounds around the entire city. They move forward, stopping now and then to converse with the people before moving on. It took nearly two hours before arriving back at the palace where they had to change to begin the celebration banquet planned in the great hall.
But, as they entered, she told Edward to follow her to her chambers; he nodded. Once they were in behind closed doors, Bella fought to control the rage she was feeling. "Did you know that the Wystonian royals were going to be present? No lies, Edward. I want the truth. Did you know?"
"I knew they were talking about being present, but, in the background, as moral support for me. However, I had no idea that they were there, or, what they were planning in regards to the pledge. That is normally given by a representative of the crown, but, for them to do it they surprised me." Bella looked hard at him for a moment or two before nodding and appeared to relax slightly.
"Very well, I shall accept that. Over the next few days I shall assign your duties to you, but, you will be answerable only to me. Understood?"
"Yes."
"Very well, you may go."
"Isabella, please, will you allow me a question or two?"
"What?"
"Why?"
"Why what"
"Why include me as you did? Why give me a title as you did?"
"For the benefit of my people, for the stability of the country and to where there would be no embarrassment to the crown."
"I see." With that he turned and left to go back to his own quarters to get ready for the evening events.
A/N: Well, well, big surprise for everyone, including Edward. He holds a position that is like a half and half. Do you think the oath Edward gave upholds his loyalty to both countries? Should he be forced to give up his birthright? Do you think Bella has softened her position and attitude towards Edward?
What action is going to be taken against Noragia? And who is calling all of the shots from that country? And why are they so interested in having all of the control?
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