A/N: My duckies, I would caution all of you not to assume you know where I'm going with any of this. Just because things are talked about doesn't mean they're going to happen (and vice versa, as we all found out together).

As always, remember that you can message me at any time. I'll gladly spoil you if you.

Much love, dear ones.

"This is insanity." Edward took his wife's hands in his and brought her knuckles to his lips. "I won't leave you."

Bella smiled, though he could see the nervousness in her eyes. "You must leave me, husband, as I must leave you to your work with the king," she said quietly. "I have duties, and so have you. Life must continue as it always has. There is women's work and there is men's." She smoothed her hand down his chest, meeting his gaze. "Don't worry."

He huffed and raised his hand to brush his fingers through his hair. "You ask the impossible, Bella. I trust no one. Not even the women." He narrowed his eyes. "Especially when my sister is among them. It's as though I'm sending you straight into a pit of vipers."

"I've—"

"I know, love." He bristled but tried to keep his ire off his face. "I thought it was a shame and a tragedy that this court thought there was any justice in making Charles Swan's daughter pay for his crimes." He scoffed. "The treasonous crime of observation, no less. I thought my wife was above reproach. It's an idea I never want to get used to." With a sigh, he leaned forward and pressed his lips to her temple. "They say, my dear, that it's a man's duty to lead and teach his wife." He let his lips drift to her ear. "I believe we'll survive this, but only because you're here to lead me."

With that, he kissed Bella's cheek, offered his arm, and walked her to the Queen Mother's sitting room.

Some minutes later, he found himself inside Carlisle's rooms, waiting for him to get some of his things together before they were off to the next council meeting. Edward knew he had to spend some of his poisonous energy before he found himself face-to-face with the king again. It had only been three days since the attack, and he'd imagined his nephew's death in too many ways.

"She's better than she should be," Edward said when Carlisle inquired after his wife. His friend knew, of course. Having been with him that night, he had let Edward destroy many of his vials just to hear them shatter. It had been all Edward could do to keep his anguish from Bella. She'd suffered enough. "Though as she points out, that is par for the course."

Carlisle grimaced and nodded. "I've tended her wounds after one of the king's tantrums. She has a reserve of strength I can't fathom."

Edward helped himself to Carlisle's wine, needing very badly to calm down. He drank deeply and refilled his goblet when it was empty. "She thinks Felix did this to me not her."

Carlisle was silent for a beat too long, and Edward turned to stare at him. The older man sighed. "Edward, for years now, you've been one of Felix's biggest frustrations. Not just because he can't seem to get you under his thumb, but because he couldn't hurt you."

"What do you mean?"

"Think of it. You've lived all your life without attachment. I suspect it's the one lesson your father inadvertently taught you. If there is nothing you want, whatever is taken from you won't matter. You enjoy your drink and your books, but as long as I've known you, you've had little else to your name. You've cared for nothing and no one with great fondness.

"I know you've struggled with the timing of this attack on Bella. The answer is simple. Felix has never been able to get a rise out of you. He spoke ill of Bella, and you attacked him."

"She's my wife," Edward said through clenched teeth. "What kind of a husband wouldn't defend his wife's honor even to a king?"

"Forgive me saying so, Edward, but only a fool would dare touch a king as vindictive as Felix over a verbal slight." He paused a beat. "A man like Felix cannot fathom that any man should love a woman who was given to him, and he took enjoyment in the idea that giving you a traitor's daughter as a wife would bring you nothing but shame. When you defended her, he saw that you weren't ashamed. Quite the contrary. That night, the king discovered you love your wife."

"And therefore that he could hurt me by hurting her? That's sick. That's vile."

"Two descriptors that fit our king very well."

Guilt and anger vied for their place as Edward's primary emotion. He drank of his wine. "Friend, what I need ask of you is no honorable thing. To drag you into this…" Edward shook his head and turned again to face Carlisle, to look him in the eyes. "I have no right to ask this, but I have no one else to turn to. I made a vow to protect my wife, and it's clear to me now I will never be able to do so here. So with all humbleness I have, Carlisle, I beg your help."

The look on Carlisle's face gentled. "Of course. If anything, now is an ideal time." The expression on his face became uncertain and cautious. He crossed the room and bent his head close to Edward's. "Emmett Swan counts my son among those he trusts."

Edward's eyes went wide and he took a step back to regard Carlisle. "You didn't trust me enough to confide in me," he murmured, realizing.

Carlisle put a hand to his shoulder. "It's not that I didn't trust you, my friend. It's simply that I thought it best not to cause you strife while your loyalties lay with your family. I knew, of course, that you silently cheer when Felix loses a battle, but you've never spoken or moved against House Volturi."

Edward studied his friend a long moment. "And your loyalties, Carlisle? When did they change?"

Carlisle winced. "Felix's father had a cruel streak I could only barely stomach, yet he had some modicum of wisdom as a ruler. My allegiance began to wane when I saw what kind of man Felix would grow to be. He's more than cruel. He is, as you said before, vile and sick. I knew no good could come of his rule." He grimaced. "Though I had no inkling that the realm would fall to pieces this quickly with Felix as our king."

"Everyone has a talent," Edward said, his tone dark. He cocked his head, thinking over Carlisle's words. He gave the other man a sharp look. "You're telling me that Emmett Swan has, effectively, a spy who may come and go from here as he pleases?"

At that, Carlisle looked guilty. "Jasper and Emmett have been plotting for a long while. Yes, Jasper's primary mission here is to get Bella away."

"Away from me?" Edward's heart ached.

"My friend, Emmett Swan has no means of distinguishing you from the rest of your family. All he knows is that his sister was given, without the consent of her family, to the uncle of his enemy." Carlisle grimaced. "I've done my best to let them know they have an ally in you, but what correspondence we've managed collectively is heavily coded."

"And while you could safely assume I'd want Bella far away from court—as I attempted to send her away myself—you couldn't know how far I'd go, if I'd cross my family." Edward nodded. "I understand, and I'm grateful."

Carlisle clapped him on the shoulder. "We must put it from our minds for the time being. For now, you must be prepared to face the king."

Revulsion and fury shot down Edward's spine. He clenched his jaw. He still had no idea how he was going to lay eyes on the boy without ripping him to pieces with his bare hands.

"You must remember yourself, Edward," Carlisle admonished, giving his shoulder a light shake. "He will not hesitate to goad you. Give him nothing but your indifference."

Edward's nostrils flared. Indifference. How was that possible?

Yet even as he thought the words, he knew there were worse things. A memory from years before replayed in his mind.

It must have been very early on—perhaps after Emmett Swan's first victory—because the Bella in Edward's memories was little more than a child. He'd come to the throne room late, and when he saw the newly minted king had his then-betrothed on her knees before the court, his men driving their gauntleted fists into her small body as she pleaded with him, he'd distracted Felix with witty barbs. Then, he'd helped the girl up off the floor and escorted her back to her room.

To that point, Edward hadn't given much thought to the child except to spare a pang of sympathy for her plight. The world had never been fair. If he was used to anything, it was that. As he led her away from Felix and all who had taken joy in her pain, he'd tried to murmur something reassuring. He tried to let her know not everyone thought the king was right.

She'd sniffled once, calming her staccato breaths and faced him with wide, innocent eyes. "His Grace is my dearest love, My Lord," she'd said with all sincerity. "I love him with all my heart."

At the time, Edward had merely thought she was a fool—not a shock for a child so young. Now, he knew better. If she had the strength to profess undying love and devotion to her tormentor, he could feign indifference. He could do it for her survival if not for his own.

Felix, of course, didn't make it easy. He strode into the meeting late with a booming exclamation of, "Uncle!"

Beneath the table, Edward clenched his fists. Somehow, though, he managed to rise with the rest and bow as the king took his seat. "Yes, Your Grace?"

"I fancy a tournament. A grand one that will bring the best sportsmen from all corners of my realm. No expenses spared."

Edward stared at the king. He had to bite his tongue before he started yelling. "Your Grace, this war in the north has stretched much of our resources."

"Precisely. My people are feeling the burden of this endless and pointless war the dog to the north inflicts on us. What better way to lift their spirit than a celebration?"

"A royal wedding should remedy that quite nicely," Aro said before Edward could speak again. "Your people are very much looking forward to having a queen."

"Yes, but it will be some time yet. My people need cheering now."

Edward flexed his fist at his side. The petulant king wanted what he wanted. That he was even pretending he cared about his people was actually an improvement for him. He pressed his tongue against the roof of his mouth. Rather than argue, he gave a short nod and stood up.

"The meeting has only begun, Edward," his father said, his tone a warning.

"So it has, Father." It took some effort to unclench his teeth. "Lord Amun has a son who is the most talented jouster I've ever known. I may be able to convince him to sponsor part of a tournament as the King commands."

Aro sat back with a grudging nod. Edward bowed his head. "Excuse me, My Lords." He dug his fingernails into the flesh of his palm. "Your Grace." He bowed at the waist, then turned and headed for the door.

He was almost free when Felix called out to him. "Oh, Uncle?"

Edward stopped. Dread and fury pooled in his belly. He could almost feel Felix's leer.

"How does your pretty wife? I trust you are pleased with her."

Edward whirled around. It was only Carlisle's face, imploring calm, that kept him from leaping at the king. Aro cleared his throat, shooting Edward a warning look before he turned to Felix. "Your Grace, we have dawdled too long on pleasantries. Let us turn our attention back to the matter at hand."

"In a moment, Grandfather. I'm inquiring after my friend. We were intended once, after all." He tilted his head, his eyes glinting. "So, Uncle? Will we hear some happy news soon?"

Edward stared. Rage roiled through him. It made him powerful. He was going to kill a king. In this room, he was going to murder him.

Felix knew it too. He could see in the man's smile that he thought he'd won.

Edward took a deep breath. "As the Gods allow," he murmured, and then turned on his heel, walking away as fast as he could.

~0~

Only when Bella was back in his rooms with him, when he could see with his own eyes she was whole and untouched, did Edward calm down. Reminding himself to be gentle, he took her hand and pulled her into his arms. She took his face in her hands, looking him over as though searching him for injuries.

He was wounded. Pulverized. Oh, he was angry. His fury could set the whole city aflame for what little good it would do him. But under that, he was beaten.

His family had never loved him. He'd known it, but it had never hurt like this. Really, it hadn't mattered before, but now it did. Now he had something much more precious than his own life.

"Is this what it's like to send a soldier to war?" Bella asked quietly. Her hands came around to circle his waist.

Edward gave a huff of humorless laughter. "I hadn't thought about it that way, but that's quite an apt description." Leaving her in a room full of vipers that morning had felt like sending her to do battle on her own. He pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead and lingered there.

After a moment he pulled back and took her hand. "Let us get back to your lessons." His features darkened. "You may yet need to know how to handle a sword and dagger before long."

Bella tilted her head, studying him. "You think I'll have to kill someone soon?"

"Would you?" he asked, curious. "It is my fervent hope that you would never be in that kind of danger, but would you be able to if your own life depended on it?"

Her lips turned up in a strange, sad smile. "I would kill a king for much less than my own life."

A chill went down Edward's spine. His little wife was more dangerous than anyone gave her credit for. He nodded. "Come then, my warrior princess. Let us replace our nightmares with dreams of laying ruin to this court, hmm?"

It was a dark thought but, Edward noted as they left to find space to practice, in line with his mood. He was surrounded by enemies, and that would come to a fight sooner than later.

~0~

They were both in better spirits as they returned to his room. Edward had been relieved to find they hadn't lost the closeness they'd shared. There was still a charge to those lessons—a feeling of seduction. Edward had to remind himself several times not to manhandle his wife in his growing passion for her.

As they walked through the corridor arm in arm, there was a pleasant warmth between them. The very air seemed alive again as it hadn't in the five long days since Felix's attack. He felt lighter than he had in days, which was odd, all things considered.

Bella was quiet as they walked, and he wondered where her head was at. He wondered if he could feel the lightness between them, and the small but strong fire that warmed the air.

They entered his room. Edward closed the door and was startled to find his wife directly behind him when he turned back. He was even more surprised when she looped her arms about his neck and pushed up to kiss him.

It was a hard kiss, and Edward had to stop himself from returning it with as much force. It had to hurt. The bruise, while so much better, hadn't yet faded all the way. The split to her lower lip was still visible. Still, he did return her kiss. He held her, running his hands up and down her back and sighing into her mouth.

Her hands splayed across his chest and lingered there for a moment. Her tongue pressed lightly against his lower lip, and he understood what she wanted. He pressed a hand to the small of her back, and deepened their kiss, showing her all the things he felt for her.

Bella's hands drifted down his chest. Her touch tickled his belly even through his tunic, and he groaned softly.

Then, her hands brushed over him between his legs.

Edward pulled back with a gasp, staring. Bella's face had gone pale, her eyes nervous. She drew her hands back as though she had been burned and looked to the ground as though in shame. She wrapped her arms around herself. "I'm sorry, My Lord," she whispered.

Her touch had quite excited him, and Edward took a moment to catch his breath before he stepped closer to her. "I'm your husband, Bella. You may touch me as you wish." He offered her his hand. When she took it, he drew her carefully to his side and wrapped an arm about her shoulders. "Will you tell me what you're thinking?"

She raised her face to him, and her eyes were wet with tears. "I'm thinking I am a foolish, foolish girl. You have shown me nothing but kindness and gentleness. I…" Her look became furtive and she rested a hand over his chest briefly before she looked up into his eyes again. "I love you, Edward. I only wish I had done my duty by you while I still could."

"Oh, Bella." His heart broke all over again. He wondered if it would ever stop. He tightened his arms around her, cradling her close to him. "Do you think I don't know what our marriage was to you? For you, a prisoner, to be given to me. I know what my family is to you. What they've done to you. I never wanted you to fear me. I…" He took a steadying breath and turned her so they were face to face. "My dear one, I will lament until my dying breath that I wasn't able to protect you from the king. I will lament that the only thing you know of the act of love is what that act means to a monster." His voice came out in a rough growl with those last words, and he closed his eyes briefly, trying to calm himself again.

He opened his eyes when he was sure only the tenderness he felt for his wife remained. "I do not lament that you never came to me when you were as yet unwilling and uncertain. I reiterate my vow to you. I will never take from you what you're unwilling to give."

She took a shaky breath and put her hand over his against her cheek. "I am willing, husband," whispered, staring at him so he could have no doubt what she meant.

In spite of himself, his cock twitched with the automatic image. He swallowed hard. "Bella… Now…"

"Now is the right time." She closed her eyes and ducked her head, pulling away from him slightly. "Whatever else he was, the king was right about one thing. My duty is not just to you, but to your house. The king…" She shuddered and wrapped her arms around herself again. "He said if I have pleased the gods, I will bear a child to the house Masen with royal blood." She shook again, her skin gone a sickly pale. "I must believe that if I've pleased the gods, the only children I will bear will be to my husband." She opened her eyes and looked at him. "I must believe, after everything else, the gods will grant me this one kindness."

"Bella…" Edward was at a loss for the right words.

"It is what I want, Edward." Her voice was soft but sincere. She rested a hand at his side. "The thought of your babe in my belly gives me some happiness. I know what this marriage was for you, too. I know I would not have been who you chose."

Edward shook his head vehemently. "Not because you were unworthy, love. Because I was. Because I am. A wife and children...these are not things I ever thought I deserved."

"You are a good man. Better than most." She kissed him—a tentative sweet kiss at the corner of his mouth. "I fear for us. For all of us. For you, and me, and our children should they be born here, under the thumb of our bastard king. But fate chose for us the time and circumstance of our union. I do love you, Edward. With everything I am."

Edward released a shudder of a breath and wrapped his arms around his wife. He held her against him, simply rocking back and forth on his heels. He wished so many impossible things, not the least of which was that so much horror had led to this terribly sweet moment. He kissed the side of her hair. "I don't want to hurt you," he said against her ear.

"You won't." She shivered again, and he rubbed her back to warm her. "I'm not injured in any way. The only reason he hit me at all was because I struggled."

Edward clenched a fist behind her back and hid his face in her hair so she wouldn't see his anger. His heartbeat quickened as he considered what she wanted and why. Before he could come to any conclusions, though, she had begun to press tiny kisses against his neck.

So Edward pulled her with him to his bed and onto his lap. He held her and kissed her. He guided her hands to his body and nuzzled her neck, letting her explore him with trembling fingers.

After some minutes of this, Bella stood. She turned her back to him, sweeping her hair off one shoulder so the ties of her dress were visible.

Edward stood. He could see she was shaking. He leaned down and kissed her cheek. "I love you, Bella." He kissed her shoulder as his fingers undid the ties. "My sweet, beautiful girl."

He murmured soft things to her, and when he was done loosening the ties, he put his hands to her waist, turning her to face him. She was staring downward, her eyes clenched closed, and tears squeezing through. "Bella…" he whispered.

"It's not you," she said, not opening her eyes. "I do want you, Edward. Only you. Always you."

"Take me, my love. I'm yours and only yours."

She opened her eyes, and he could see a hint of confusion there. Poor creature. She had no idea what power she possessed over him. He loved her so.

He took her hands and guided them again, this time to the front of his pants. She looked up at him, blinking, her cheeks pink with a blush. After another moment's hesitation, she undid the binds to his pants.

When her dress had slipped from her shoulders and his pants had puddled on the floor, he drew her down on the bed with him again. She lay back, but he could see how afraid she was when she did so. He brought her back up and helped her move so they were both sitting up, facing each other, her legs over his. "Hold on to me, love," he murmured against her ear.

She did. She shook in his arms and whimpered, but she also kissed his head, the shell of his ear. She spread her legs to welcome him, and when they were joined, when he was trying his hardest not to move as they acclimated to each other, she rocked her hips against his.

It was bittersweet, tinged as it was with her fear and his guilt. But it was still sweet and good. It was still an act of love, and when it was over, they were both trembling, tangled up in each other. Though tears streaked her cheeks, Bella smiled at him and kissed him. It was a small smile, but it gave him such hope.

She was right. There would be a time when they could be happy and at peace.

Keeping her in the circle of his arms, Edward lay back on the bed. He traced her features with his fingertips, wiping away her tears. He kissed her gently, promising silently with each kiss that their peaceful future was close at hand.

A/N: I'm thankful for you all. Much heart.