I lie in our bed, hands resting on my bump, eyes closed. It's late here, well past midnight, but I don't dare fall asleep. The floodgates opened just after I retired to our home for the day. Edward was desperate and alone, so I sent love instead of projecting worry and fear.

An abundance of it.

Our connection recentered his focus, energized him, and reinvigorated his will to return home. Our bond is like nothing I've ever heard of before. Not only do we share emotions, but we share a soul. It's as if he's the air I breathe, a tickle against my skin, a part of me so deeply ingrained that I can imagine his every movement and thought.

So I lay silently.

Absorbing.

Watching his journey.

It isn't until he's cleared the wall of Forks and is racing across the desert that I finally breathe a sigh of relief.

I toss on a silk wrap dress and leave my home.

I'd expected to find Emmett at the elevator below as is his usual perch, so I'm surprised when I nearly trip over him in the hallway to the elevator.

"Princess." He jumps up, his ears perked up. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing is wrong." I smile, touching his arm. "Everything is perfect. Edward is on his way home."

"What?" He tenses. "You know this?"

"He gets closer every second," I reply, my heart full. "I'd like to inform the king and queen."

"You don't think we should wait?" He's conflicted, still unsure about trusting the bond I share with my mate.

I shrug, not getting upset because nothing can frazzle me. My love will be here soon. "You decide, Emmett," I tell him with a smile. "King Carlisle will probably thank you for letting him sleep instead of bothering him with such trivial matters."

He barks a laugh, nodding. "Okay, Princess, I hear you. Let's go wake the king and queen."

I beam. "Lovely."

As we enter the elevator, Emmett asks, "How can you be so perky in the middle of the night?"

"Perky?" I lift a brow. "I'm thrilled. My mate, the prince of this kingdom, is on his way home to us after an agonizing experience. Nothing can touch me right now."

"I can't believe they released him so late at night," Emmett says, rubbing his hands over his face. "They probably did it on purpose."

"Oh." I look anywhere but in his eyes. "They didn't release him."

"What?" The words are a sharp bark, and I jump, startled.

It was unexpected.

Edward feels it, and his answering emotion is bright red alarm.

I take a deep breath and project calmness, to both the men in my orbit. "He escaped," I tell Emmett easily. "He's a few hours away, and he's not alone. We should prepare for his arrival."

Emmett's fully alert now, realizing the importance of the moment. When we exit the elevator, he guides me through dirt pathways toward the palace. The kingdom is dark with only oil lanterns burning for light. Our light sphere is barely visible against the star-splattered inky sky.

"Is anyone chasing him?" Emmett asks as he speedwalks a few feet ahead of me.

"If they are, Edward doesn't know it." I breathe a sigh of relief as the castle comes into view. "He's in good spirits and doesn't seem overly concerned about war. He had inside help."

Emmett turns to walk backward. "Interesting."

"I'm sure he'll fill us in. We should station extra men at the gate to welcome him."

Emmett whips out his walkie-talkie and barks orders as he leads me up the main walkway to the grand doors. "Wake them up, I don't care!"

I huff a laugh as he holds his hand out to guide me up the steps. "Thank you for finally getting fully on board."

"I'd be kicked back to Kingdom Black if you hadn't talked some sense into me," he says, pulling open the wide double doors that lead into the palace. "I apologize, Princess. I realize I haven't always been as supportive as I should've, and I'm deeply sorry. Your bond is hard to comprehend to us mere mortals."

"I forgive you," I say softly.

He grabs his walkie-talkie and alerts castle guards to our presence before leading me into the throne room. "Have a seat, and I'll make sure the king and queen are aware of your arrival and that you have crucial news to share."

After he leaves, I close my eyes and focus on Edward's progress as I await the royals' appearance. I can almost picture him. A mighty beast racing through the desert like a streak of darkness. I'm unsure of the nature of his traveling partner, but I assume he aided in the escape and will seek refuge in Kingdom Cullen.

"Bella." It's Queen Esme, and her touch on my arm is gentle. "Emmett said you have urgent news?"

She and the king settle beside me, anticipation lining their features. "Where is he?" I ask, looking around.

"He's called a meeting with the guards," Esme says, tossing a hand toward the door. "He said he was already aware of your news."

"He is." I pass my gaze from Esme to Carlisle. "Edward has escaped and he's on the way here."

"Escaped," Esme gasps.

Carlisle stands, his tall figure imposing. "What do you mean escaped? The Council has demanded his release."

"I only know the what and not the why," I tell him, rushing to give him as many facts as I can. "He's racing this way at top speed. I got the impression he found out only a couple of hours before it happened. Perhaps an inside ally?"

"He's opened up to you, then?" the queen asks.

"Yes." I nod. "He was desperate when the bond opened up to me, so I poured all my love into our connection, and it seems to have worked wonders."

Esme takes my hand. "I'm so thankful for you, Bella."

I cover our hands with my free one. "And I you"—I cut my gaze to King Carlisle—"both of you."

"Thank you for notifying us," King Carlisle says with a nod. "I'm going to the gate to usher him in and find out what we can expect. Wait here, and I'll bring him directly to you."

"Yes, Your Highness." I want to argue, but it isn't my right.

Carlisle disappears and Esme and I huddle together, eyes closed. I narrate as Edward moves at lightning speed ever closer. And even though I know he's safe, it's as if we're collectively holding our breaths.

Emmett strolls in sometime later, his walkie-talkie crackling as the guards prepare for the return of their prince. Eager men fill the streets and lookout points to ensure he'll be safely ensconced behind the wall upon arrival.

Edward has suffered while he's been away, and I'm mentally preparing myself to accept all that has been done to him. The scars that will line his body and mind. I also prepare for the fight ahead because an escape isn't a discharge of the serious crimes he faces.

Another hour passes, and the tension is like a knife's edge.

Emmett's radio crackles to life again.

This time, it's numerous reports.

All detailing Edward's approach.

Tears trail down Esme's and my cheeks as we hug each other tightly, awaiting the final confirmation that the kingdom gates have been closed behind him.

The next crackle of the radio confirms the good news. "The cat is in the treehouse, I repeat, the cat is in the treehouse and the ladder has been pulled inside."

Emmett fist pumps.

Esme sobs.

And I jump up to pace.

The buzz starts slow, almost imperceptible.

But with each mile closer Edward comes, it ratchets up.

Until my entire being is vibrating with need.

Edward's roar echoes through the palace walls.

I rush to the grand entrance, hearing his footsteps move closer.

Until I'm in his arms.

Inhaling his honeysuckle scent.

Crying tears of joy.

And much like that very first day, he whisks me away without another word to anyone else.

2 more weeks.

I'm sorry :(