A/N: Bonus update.
Thanks to Tiffany and Sherry, you rock.
Big thanks as well, to everyone who has been rec'in this story. It's much appreciated.
A huge thanks to all of you too, for your wonderful reviews. I treasure them all x
Chapter 27
Isabella overslept again the next day. She could only presume it was because she was still weary from her journey here, as it certainly wasn't like her to sleep so much. She noticed that Edward had already left their chambers. She hoped that didn't mean that he had left the castle again without saying goodbye. She wasn't sure she could handle it if he had.
She quickly washed and dressed and headed into the main hall. The room was practically empty, which meant she had missed the morning meal. Not that it mattered much to her. She was more interested in finding her husband than eating, though she didn't quite understand why.
She headed outside and started to look around the grounds. She found Edward in the training yard, fighting with one of the younger soldiers. She stood back so that he wouldn't see her. His movements were so fluent and graceful and yet he struck with such force. She had never seen any man fight in such a manner. The English certainly didn't fight like this. Their style was more controlled and calculated. There was certainly no way of telling where Edward would strike next and to her that made him more dangerous.
When the fight was finished, Edward walked over to his wife. He had noticed her when she arrived, but hadn't wished to end the lesson early. She was wearing a red dress today, and her hair was loose around her shoulders. She looked breathtaking, but she still had dark circles under her eyes and this displeased him. She needed more rest and it was his duty to see that she got it. "Did ye sleep well, wife?" he asked, offering her his arm as he headed back to the castle.
"I did, thank you," Isabella said, bowing her head. "Though …"
"Though?"
"I was concerned that you had left without saying goodbye again."
Edward caught her chin and forced her to look at him. "I will promise no tae leave again without saying goodbye if it will please ye."
"It would," Isabella smiled.
"Then, ye hae my word."
"Thank you."
"My men and I will be leaving this afternoon," he informed her. "I will be leaving ye in Emmett's care. His word is ma word. Ye will listen tae him, wife. He will keep ye safe."
Isabella nodded, though she didn't like it. "May I enquire where it is that you are going?"
"Tae fight the English," Edward bluntly stated.
Isabella felt sick. She was quite thankful that she had missed her morning meal. She clutched onto Edward's arm and took a few deep breaths, trying to stop herself from swooning.
She had seen that Edward was more than capable with a sword and a far superior fighter, but that didn't stop her worrying about him.
"This displeases ye?" Edward asked, unable to hide the anger in his voice.
Isabella shook her head. "No, I merely worry about your safety, husband."
"Ye insult me with such comments," Edward snapped.
"I apologise," Isabella said, looking down at the ground. "I didn't mean to offend you."
They didn't speak again until they stopped in front of the castle. "I want ye to rest while I am gone," Edward said, turning to face her. "I will see ye when I return."
Isabella wanted to tell him to be careful or wish him good luck, but she didn't bother. She knew it would only anger him. She merely stood up on her tiptoes and placed a kiss on his cheek, silently wishing him to return home safely.