A/N: Sorry it's late. I'm having a few rough days health wise.

Big thanks for all the reviews & to Sheiffy for being awesome xx

Chapter 26

"I forgive you," Isabella said, reaching up and caressing his cheek. She was pleased that he had apologised.

"What?" Edward asked, in disbelief.

"I forgive you," she repeated.

She forgave him? He was baffled. He hadn't asked for her forgiveness and he certainly didn't need it. He had only been trying to appease her. She was foolish to think otherwise.

"I also apologise, for my behaviour," Isabella said, bowing her head. "I know you were only trying to keep me safe, but I want you to know that I didn't plan on wandering away from the castle. I merely meant to go out to the cottages to meet your people. I have no desire to meet with the Baron again."

Edward was satisfied with her apology. After-all, she was the one in the wrong. He had acted with the best intentions. He didn't, however, like that she still feared the Baron. He could see it in her eyes and it implied she had no faith in his ability to protect her. "You will nae fear him," he commanded, hoping that would settle the matter.

Isabella found his order amusing. It wasn't the first that he had demanded her fear away. Did he honestly think it was something that she could so easily do? Also, did he not understand that her fear wasn't just for the Baron, but also for him and his men's welfare? She never thought to tell him that, because she believed he would see it as an insult. She simply bowed her head and mumbled. "As you wish."

"Now let's go n eat," Edward said, offering her his arm.

Isabella hesitated. "May I ask you something before we return to the main hall?"

"You may."

Her cheeks flushed as she thought about her question. She was embarrassed to ask it, but she knew she would feel better once she had heard his answer, presuming he told her what she wanted to hear. "Were you satisfied with me last night?"

Edward looked at her astonished. How could she have possibly not noticed how pleased he was with her? He presumed she just needed him to say it. He sighed. If it would appease her then he would say it, but only because he was eager to eat. "Aye, I was."

"You were what?" Isabella asked, appalled. It certainly wasn't the words of comfort she had been hoping to hear.

"Satisfied."

Isabella waited for him to continue, but when he didn't she sighed, taking his arm. Her husband was a man of very few words and that was obviously the only kind of compliment she was going to receive from him.

It would do, for now.