A/N: I just want to point out to those that are unhappy with the chapter length that the avg chapter is 614 words, and since it updates daily, that's 4,302 words a week. It's not any different from someone who updates once a week!

Thanks to my girls Sherry & Tiffany x x

Chapter 25

Edward didn't arrive back at the Castle until it was time for the evening meal. He was anxious to see his wife, but he couldn't explain why nor did he understand why she had such a pull on him already. He left Emmett to see to the horses and he went upstairs to the main hall. He saw Isabella before she saw him. She was standing in the far corner talking to one of the woman from the cottages, a healer by the name of Sherry. He walked over to them and stood, waiting for one of them to notice his presence.

Isabella did notice him, but didn't acknowledge him. He didn't like that. It wasn't until Sherry saw him standing there and excused herself that he walked over to his wife. She scowled at him and turned to leave. He caught her arm, stopping her from walking away. "Aren't ye going to greet yer husband?"

"No," Isabella hissed, trying to free her arm.

He looked around the hall, noticing that they had the attention of the clan. He gripped her wrist fiercely and marched her to their bedroom. "Whatever is a matter wae ye?" he asked, trying not to raise his voice.

"Am I to be a prisoner in my own home?" she snarled.

He sighed, raking his hand through his hair. Perhaps he should have spoken to Jasper before he approached his wife. Though he never thought she would have this reaction to his orders. "Naw, yer no."

"Then please explain to me why I wasn't allowed to leave the castle walls."

"It was fur yer own safety."

"I understand that it was for my own safety." She did? Then why in the hell was she arguing with him? "But what I don't understand was why I had to hear about it from one of you men."

Edward sighed. Why did women need to be so difficult? He was her laird, her husband. His word was law, but then, aye. She had refused to swear to obey him when she married him, should he really be surprised?

"Ye were sleeping and I dinnae wish tae wake ye. Ye needed yer rest, and I hid things tae take care o. So, I gave my orders tae Jasper." He didn't understand why he was explaining his actions to a woman. He wasn't used to explaining himself to anyone and he certainly didn't intend to start now, but he would allow it, just this once, and only because all of this was new to her.

Isabella felt sorry for being so angry with him. He had thought of her after-all. "In the future, I would appreciate it, if you have any orders for me then you will tell me yourself. Not have me ordered about by one of your soldiers," Isabella said, hoping her husband would be reasonable, and see the shame he had caused her.

"Do not raise yer voice to me," Edward warned.

She hadn't shouted, had she? Isabella wasn't sure, but she hadn't meant to raise her voice, he just made her so angry.

"I am your husband and ye will talk tae me in a respectful manner, and if I want tae leave ma orders wae ma men, then I will. I am yer laird, ye have no right tae question me."

"You are also my husband, I have every right to question you," Isabella argued.

"Naw, ye don't."

Edward was so stubborn. Isabella couldn't help, but get angry. "So, you just expect me to blindly follow your commands?"

"Aye, I do."

"I cannot."

Edward took a step towards her, and Isabella quickly took a step back. It looked like she had pricked his temper and she didn't want to be on the receiving end of his wrath.

"Do not cower from me," he bellowed. "I already told ye I wudnae hurt ye and I don't intend tae start now."

He took another step towards her, this time she didn't retreat. He cupped her face and tilted her head towards him. "I didn't mean tae upset ye." It was as good as an apology as she was going to get. Lairds didn't apologise and he didn't intend starting now.