30
UNWATED GUESTS AND ROYAL PREPARATIONS
HE DIDN'T WAIT FOR LIAM AND HENRY TO ARRIVE, instead took out his phone, the old one, the one he didn't make from scratch, dialed a number, Bella didn't see which one, nor who he'd rang, his fingers moving too fast for her eyesight to pick up. It rang once before somebody picked up on the other end, but Edward didn't give him or her a chance to speak, spoke before he or she could, his words curt, direct. "You have five minutes to get them out of here."
An exasperated breath, then Jasper's voice came on the other side of the phone. "Edward, calm down, Peter and Charlotte are mostly here to see me and Alice, and, well . . . the reason why we told them to come here now, to your wedding, not wait until Alice and I were back in Forks, is because the last time they came to Forks, saw you, they told Alice and I that the animal blood must be making you crazy because of the fact that you barely said a word to them, that you were so eager to leave, be with Bella, though they don't know that, of course, and that they hoped the animal blood doesn't have the same effect on Alice and I, before they left. We want them to see you're not crazy, that there was a reason why you were 'acting out', as they put it, and it had nothing to do with animal blood and everything to do with love and overprotectiveness."
Edward's body, it was rigid, he was furious, beyond furious, so mad, the human language seemed to have no word for it. She began placing honey-sweet, warm, open-mouthed kisses to his skin, his throat, attempting to calm him down, make him relax a little. He tilted his head to the side, giving her further access, enjoying her kisses even as he remained beyond furious. "I care not," his voice was tightly controlled, "Jasper, whether Peter and Charlotte think me mad for the rest of their days, I do not want them anywhere near Bella or my people, especially with how fragile and bad their self-control is when they are around humans."
Several seconds of silence, then a sigh. "Edward, they hunted in Seattle, before they got into the plane with us, promised not to hunt in the area, this town, not even this country."
Shifting his hold about Bella so he held her with naught but one arm, Edward touched his fingers to her cheek, her face, the power of him, honey lilac with a hint of lavender and freesia, seeping into her bones, a sweet, tender caress that made her melt against him even as she continued pressing kisses to his skin, his throat. "Where," he said slowly, his patience running thin, "did they agree to hunt?"
A crackle through the line, then it was Carlisle who answered. "Dover. I don't like the thought of any humans dying, but we cannot force Peter and Charlotte to adhere to our lifestyle, change their diet from human blood to animal blood if they don't wish to, and Dover will provide the perfect cover for a couple of humans to go missing, as it is a town and district with the sea nearby, and any missing people could be attributed to drowning." Carlisle's voice, it was strangely accented, akin to Edward's, but rougher, Edward's English accent more smooth, the flow of it flawless, and Bella remembered Carlisle had been born in England, the whether the roughness of his voice, English accent had anything to do with decades and decades, hundreds of years of disuse, or was simply his natural English accent, Bella didn't know.
Inhale, exhale, inhale, exhale, Edward repeated this ten times, his sweet, addictive, intoxicating breath washing over her skin, making her shiver, not from cold, but from pleasure.
His fingers gently, so gently, tenderly, a stark contrast to how furious he was, stroked over her hair. His words, when they came, were feather-soft, cold as ice, but calm. "Absolutely not, I already lost one of my people today, I will not lose another. You have five minutes, Jasper, five minutes to begin escorting Peter and Charlotte out of my kingdom or their lives are forfeit, I will not hesitate to carry out the executions if I have to, so use your time wisely. I will not put the soft, delicate balance and harmony of my kingdom at risk, nor allow anymore of my people to be treated as naught but food, disposable, just so two vampires, who, quite frankly, I do not care for, do not think me mad. And I will certainly not allow them in my wedding, anywhere near Bella, especially with how perfect and sweet her scent is, not only to me, though her scent is the most potent and sweet, perfect, to me, but to other vampires as well."
A pause, Edward somehow muting the microphone of the phone so Jasper didn't hear, taking a sweet, deep, deep blood kiss from Bella that left her breathless even as tears began to form in her eyes. "Two of my most trusted courtiers who are restraining Peter and Charlotte right now will be wherever you are shortly, guide you to the border so you can escort Peter and Charlotte out, do not argue with them or attempt anything, it will only end badly for your friends, and no, for though you are not within my hearing range, I know what you are thinking, and I am not overreacting." Hanging up without giving them a chance to respond, he switched phones, rang Liam and Henry. "Come closer not, I know who the vampires who you found are, and I do not want them anywhere near my Bella, their self-control is quite poor, their record of killing humans quite appalling, as they can murder and drain four humans of their blood each every time they hunt."
Gasps, then both Liam and Henry spoke at once. "Then why in heaven's name are they saying they are invited to your and Bella's wedding?"
Edward laughed, and his laughter, it was that of a full-blooded warrior and king, rich and dark, yet twined with love. That love, it was for Bella and Bella alone, for he would never stop loving her, no matter his mood, what they were going through. "Because, apparently, the Cullens took the liberty of inviting them without my knowledge or Bella's, as they did not want them to think me mad, as the last time they came to Forks I barely spoke to them, for I was preoccupied, wanting to go to my Bella, keep her safe."
Hanging up for the final time, he slid away his phone, turned to her, the lines of his face perfect and beautifully defined, powerful. The emotion in his eyes, it was deep, so deep, made her womb clench, her heart expand, fill with love. Try though she did, she didn't know what it was, couldn't gleam the answer from his thoughts, for they were akin to rapid fire, too fast for her to get any insight. He laid her down on the grass, his body coming atop hers. He caressed her hair, her face, his touch tender, so tender. "Wha—"
He kissed her, started tugging at her royal robes and clothes again, exposing more and more of her skin to himself while keeping her covered and modest. Bella surrendered to the sensation, let him kiss her as he would, her face, her neck and throat, her shoulders, arms, clavicle, and heart, down the length of her body through her clothes, careful not to touch the places that were only for husbands to touch, her stomach and navel, sucking gently at it through her clothes, back up the length of her body, her lips, tongue flicking out to lick at her throbbing and straining artery. "I wish," the words were a soft murmur against her skin even as he continued kissing her, "we were wed already so I could make love to you, claim you as my wife, you, too, claiming me as your husband."
She threaded her fingers through his hair, pulled him away from her so she could look into his eyes, and, heavens, was it hard, after all, the way he was kissing her, he was practically making love to her neck, her skin. "What in heaven's name Is possessing you again that you kiss me thus, husband of mine, hmm? I absolutely adore it, do not want to ever stop, and I can see such love on your beautiful face, but I can also see protectiveness, protectiveness that is stronger, deeper than before."
He rolled off of her, cradled her close to his side. "That we have to deal with such nonsense right before our wedding, it makes me furious. We should not have to deal with it, any of it. I wish we could keep our wedding smaller, only my courtiers, mama, papa, grandparents, you, and I, but we cannot, for Charlie is walking you down the aisle, and he, Renee, and Phil know not the inner conflict we have with the Cullens right now. Even were you to tell me this second that you would be all right with either my papa or either of my grandfathers walking you down the aisle to me, which I know you more than are, we cannot do so, for Charlie, Renee, and Phil are already here."
She thought for a moment, desperate to change the topic, make him relax a little. "Dover, is it the capital of our kingdom, my love?"
A nod, his beautiful, inhuman, emerald green eyes that sometimes shifted to blue dancing. "Yes, it is also why every time we have cream tea together we prepare the scones the Devonshire way, as Devon is closer to Dover than Cornwall, and the whole kingdom adopted the custom of having scones that way."
Her hand shifted, came to stroke his hair, Bella marbling at the softness of it. "Speaking of customs, what did you mean when you told Isabelle to 'get the seven-day period of intense mourning started?"
A wince, then he took a soft kiss. "I apologize, mon doux, there is so much I have yet to tell you, so much I have yet to teach you. There is an ancient tradition that after the body of the deceased has been cleaned and buried, usually within a couple of hours of the death itself, my beloved mother, Elizabeth, being an exception, for I did not have control of my body for three days, the mourners, the immediate family of the person, the brothers, sisters, the husband or wife, children, parents, rend their clothes, have other people, people who are not in mourning, take care of them, do basic tasks, such as cleaning, cooking, even pouring them water, or serving them food. During this time, people come to visit the mourners, express their condolences." A shrug. "This time of mourning, it is what my beloved mother, Elizabeth, was referring to when she said that she had not seen Gideon since my father's wake."
Bella wanted to ask him more, had so many questions, but he readjusted her clothes, took her into his arms, carrying her like how a groom carried his new bride, rose to his feet, began to run even as he spoke. "I know you have so many questions, ma belle reine, for I can hear them in your thoughts, and I will endeavor to answer each and everyone, no matter how small, but right now it is best that we get back to the cottage so my beloved mother and grandmothers can help you get ready to walk down the aisle."
Everyone was exactly where they left them, Alice and Esme looking shell shocked, which meant no one had bothered explaining things to them. Edward set Bella down, but wrapped an arm about her waist, keeping her close to his side, and he and his beloved mother exchanged the look, for she had carried him in her womb for nine months, birthed him, clearly noticed how furious he was. Moving on silent feet, she took them both into her arms, stroked their hair, pressed a kiss to each of their foreheads, spoke so low, it was for Bella and Edward's ears alone, Bella able to hear, connected to Edward's mind as she was, Edward to hers. "You will tell me what additional thing the Cullens have done that is making you so furious, my precious, beloved son, my beautiful boy, but right now your grandmamas and I must start helping Bella get ready, as your papa and grandpapas will help you."
Bella turned to him, set her left hand against his still heart. "I will see you soon, my love, when I am walking down the aisle to you. I will miss you in the meantime, though."
"Such sorrow in your beautiful eyes." He bent his head, took a soft, honey-sweet, chased kiss. "You need not be so, mon coeur, as you will see me a lot sooner than that, for it is customary for the prince or king to place the tiara and veil upon his beloved bride's head for the wedding, a private coronation of sorts, though I wil officiall declare you queen during our wedding."
His grandmother, Charlotte, who Bella hadn't noticed had moved, handed him the tiara she would wear during the wedding as well as her wedding veil, soft and delicate, long, yet not overwhelmingly so, designed exactly as Bella imagined, even better, Bella thought, than if Alice and Esme had designed it. His grandmother, Charlotte, touched her fingers to his cold cheek, the look of pride and love on her face unmistakable, potent, though it was different than that of his beloved mother. "Go, Beloved one, your papa and grandpapas are waiting for you. So long we have waited for this very day, over a hundred years, but it was worth it, every second, and we are so very proud of you, all of us, love you very much, you and Bella both."
A quick smile, then he was gone, though Bella knew he was still somewhere in the cottage, for she could feel it, The bitter taste on her tongue that came with every separation not so strong, only mild, and it was a relief.
What happened next, Bella wasn't expecting it, but she really should have, for Elizabeth loved her and Edward so, as he was, would always be, the babe she carried in her womb for nine months, and she loved Bella akin to a daughter, too, her own flesh and blood. She looked directly at Alice and Esme, her face set in a way that communicated she wasn't willing to negotiate or argue. "Please take your leave, go to where the wedding ceremony will be held."
Gasps from both Alice and Esme, the two of them looking confused, but not angry or hurt. It was Esme who spoke, placing a hand on Alice's shoulder, for Alice seemed to be about to explode. Not with anger, yelling and breaking things, but in a way, what she seemed to want to do, it was ten times worse, terrified Bella. Alice had her arms half outstretched toward her, as if she would snatch her away, dress her in a different frock than the one she and Elizabeth had designed, do whatever she wanted to. She huddled closer to Elizabeth, who took her hand even as Esme spoke. "But Edward said we could stay, watch."
Undeterred, Edward's beloved mother, Elizabeth, gave them a polite smile, that of a regal, beautiful queen. Beneath that smile, though, Bella knew, was anger, hot and sharp. "I know, but his mind reading ability is stronger now, and you cannot possibly keep your thoughts hidden from him, the image of Bella in her wedding frock, especially with your emotional state, the fact that you wish to alter Bella's whole look for the wedding, which I will not allow you to do."
There was a mixture of confusion and understanding on their faces, and when Alice, then Esme, reached for her, probably to hug her , say a temporary goodbye, but she wasn't taking any chances, wouldn't let them snatch her away, dress her however they wanted, she flinched, clung tighter to Edward's beloved mother, Elizabeth, who , in turn, gave her hand a loving, reassuring squeeze. Alice let out a breath, rolled her eyes. "I don't get it, Bella, why are you so afraid? I know a lot about fashion, you know, actually have multiple degrees, just want to spice things up a little. Besides, this time, it wouldn't be the first time I help you, as I've helped you plenty of times before."
Yes, Bella thought, Alice had helped her plenty of times before, but she didn't particularly feel like getting treated like a life-size doll on the day of her wedding. She knew it was thus before, that Alice treated her as her own, personal, life-size doll, but she hadn't realized to what extent, thought it only temporary, while she developed her own style and fashion sense. The truth, however, it was much, much darker. Now that she'd gone shopping on her own and with Edward, as well as with his beloved mother, Elizabeth, and grandmothers, she realized Alice was never, ever going to change, whether Bella was wearing jeans and t-shirts, or skirts, blouses, and beautiful frocks, Alice would always, always complain. It was so obvious now, blatant, Bella felt blind, and a little too innocent, too, Alice had always complained, even when Bella started wearing frocks of her own volition, the only exception being when she herself dressed Bella.
Of course, it all made sense now, the fact that each time Alice wanted to help her get dressed Edward had to warn her not to do anything exotic, extravagant, in the face—it was because Alice wasn't looking for what Bella liked, wanted, her interests, instead wanting to do whatever she, Alice, considered "acceptable" and "fashionable." Add to that the fact that almost each and every time Alice helped her get ready, bought clothes for her, she told her the same thing, that she had no style, desperately needed help, would be hopeless without her.
It was true, before she met Edward, moved to Forks, she hadn't been interested in clothing, wore mostly jeans and t-shirts for convenience and because she didn't want people gawking at her. But after she met Edward . . .? Well, let's just say he awoke something deep inside her, a sleeping lady in waiting so to speak, for it had always been there, Bella now realized, the desire to wear blouses, skirts, and beautiful frocks, she need only look at the books she loved to read. Romeo and Juliet, Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, just to name a few, all of the female characters in those books, they all, without exception, wore frocks, attended Ballroom dances, and she always, always wanted a man like that, a man who was kind and gentle, respected and took care of her as only a husband should take care of his wife, but she had thought it impossible, the men these days so very different from the man she dreamed of.
Of course it wasn't impossible, she should have known better, and God, in his wisdom, had granted her the perfect partner and husband, heavens, not only had he given her Edward, but they will be together forever, eternity, eons upon eons. Sure, some people, especially these days, may look at her and say that she only started dressing the way she was dressing now, doing the things she was doing, to make Edward happy, please him, but there was nothing wrong with that, a woman, a wife, wanting to make her husband happy, please him. Besides, it wasn't entirely the truth, as all Edward had done was help bring her out of her shell, as she helped him come out of his, and they complimented, as well as completed each other.
She couldn't help but bring a hand to her stomach, cradle her for now, empty womb, promising once more she and Edward would never, ever allow Alice or anyone else to treat any of their children as life-size dolls or toys.
The scent of him, honey lilac with a hint of lavender and freesia, came into her mind, made her sigh. No, we definitely will not allow Alice to treat our children thus, ma belle mariée.
Her lips twitched, her smile echoed in her mental tone as she spoke to him mind-to-mind. What are you doing listening in, my heart?
The smile in his mental tone was unrepentant, and Bella could perfectly picture it, the joy and love as he spoke to her mind-to-mind unmistakable. You know me, ma belle reine, I always wish to know what you are thinking, and now that I can hear it, your mind, your thoughts, I think not that I will ever get enough, for I am akin to a man who is parched for water when it comes to your thoughts. Of course, your shield still keeps some of your thoughts hidden from me, as it keeps some of my thoughts hidden from you, but I am all right with that, for it means we can give each other surprises. Now, answer Alice so she and Esme will take their leave, for they will not do so until you answer her, and the photographers will be here soon, in addition of the fact that there is a lot for you, my beloved mother, Elizabeth, and grandmothers, to do yet.
She took a deep breath, spoke out loud, the presence of Edward in her mind giving her strength and reassurance. "Because, Alice, I do not wish to be treated as a life-size doll or Barbie on my wedding day."'
Alice narrowed her eyes, went to say something, but, again, Esme placed a hand on her shoulder, quickly seeing how things could escalate. "Okay, then, Bella, we'll see you at the wedding, when you're walking down the aisle."
A blink and they were gone, but Bella had to check, had to make certain, she wasn't taking any chances. "Are they gone?" Bella's voice was naught but a whisper, and even barely that, in case Alice and Esme weren't far enough away yet, could hear her still.
"Yes." The answer came from Edward's beloved mother, Elizabeth, his grandmothers, and Edward himself, Edward regretfully adding, I must go, mon doux ange, stop paying attention to your thoughts, for there is a lot we must do yet, before our wedding ceremony, and I know we wish to surprise each other, in addition of the fact that I would not see you clothed in naught but your skin, just as you would not see me, for we are not wed yet, but take comfort in this, you will see me a lot sooner than you think, than I told you, as I forgot a crucial step we must perform—mind-to-mind, for he was not in the room with them.
Edward's beloved mother, Elizabeth, turned to her, a look of concern on her face. She touched a warm, motherly hand to her forehead, then her lips. ""Heavens, Bella, beautiful, darling girl, you look pale, are trembling." She took her hands in hers, rubbed soothing, gentle circles on her skin. "It is all right, Alice and Esme are gone now, and none of us will allow anything or anyone to ruin your wedding. Come, you must take a bath, wear oils and fragrances will be rubbed into your skin, and when my mother and I are done, before we wash your body and hair, Edward will come in to the bath house, pour olive oil from an ancient land, a land to the east, a land filled with lush, green fields, a land filled with mountains, rivers, and oceans, anointing you, part of the process of becoming queen."
Her toes curled, anticipation blooming in her stomach, but there was only one problem . . . "Edward, he cannot see me naked, for we are not wed yet."
Elizabeth lovingly cupped her face, her touch warm, shook her head. "He will not, we will make certain your body is completely covered in bath foam, keeping you modest, before he comes in the bath house." Elizabeth stroked her hair, her voice akin to that of a storyteller as she told her more about the traditions of this monarchy that was old, so old, had survived centuries and centuries intact. "Traditionally, the future queen, when getting married to the king, gets anointed right before the king places the tiara he made for her on her head, when her wedding frock is already on and she is ready to walk down the aisle, but my beautiful boy, my precious son, must not have wanted his future bride and queen, you, to walk down the aisle with her hair oily and greasy, so he must have designed the bath house at some point, a place that is entirely separate from a washroom, has no loo, for he cannot do such a thing, anoint his bride and future queen in a place with a loo, it is immoral and wrong, twisted."
Turned out, the bath house wasn't only a separate room from the washroom, but an entirely different building from the cottage, that was a joined by a door made of white English oak. It was large, so large, the bath house, had everything that she could possibly need, from salts and bath oils, to oils and fragrances for her skin, organic‐looking hair and face masks, exfoliants, luxuriant lotions, and so much more. Everything was well organized, tidy, as things usually were when she was with Edward. The walls were painted a light, neutral, cream colour with flecks of gold, the floor honey-coloured wood, but it was the bath in the centere of the room that caught the attention. It was large, so large, akin to a small pool or hot tub. To her surprise and delight, that bathtub, it wasn't empty, was already being filled, which meant Edward must have turned it on before he went to wherever his father and grandfathers would be helping him get ready for the wedding.
Tears, happy tears, tears of love and gratitude pricked at her eyes, and she wanted to talk to him, thank him, but she didn't want his beloved mother, Elizabeth, and grandmothers, to overhear, and he was no longer paying attention to her thoughts. She remembered what he'd told her, that when people made their thoughts loud it was hard for him to ignore, thought as loud as she could. The scent of him, honey lilac with a hint of lavender and freesia, came into her mind within seconds. What is it, ma belle mariée, why are you thinking so loud?
She blushed, heat colouring her cheeks, kept the conversation on the mental level. Forgive me, future husband of mine, I did not mean to shout, only wanted to thank you, both for this amazing bath house, and for turning on the bath water.
Laughter in her head, beautiful, musical, and male, silk stroking over her skin. You have no need to apologize, ma belle reine, in fact, you are the one person whose thoughts I do not mind being extremely loud, I absolutely adore listening to them, figuring out the workings of your beautiful, mysterious mind—and you are most welcome, I am very glad indeed that you like the bath house. The reason why the bathtub is so large is so that once we are wed we can comfortably make love in it without splashing water around, and fret not, for I know you, know what you are thinking, as I can hear it in your thoughts, at least partially, and we will not be making love standing up inside the bathtub, but with you astride me or laying down with me atop you, as I am more than strong enough to hold you, make certain you do not drown, while our bodies move in the most intimate of dances.
Oh, heaven above, the images his words formed in her head . . . they made heat pool low in her stomach, to the hot, aching place between her thighs, tiny internal muscles, her womb, and thighs clench, but he wasn't done. I bought a special robe for you, left it by the bath, have every confidence in you that you will find it, will you wear it for me when I come into the bath house briefly to anoint you?
Tears in her eyes as well as her mental tone as she continued to speak to him mind-to-mind. Yes, of course, I love you.
She could feel his love for her through the mental connection, as if he would reach out, kiss her. As I love you. I must go now, stop paying attention to your beautiful thoughts and mind, no matter how intriguing, but fret not, I will be in the bath house soon enough, anointing you, and we will be given a couple of moments of privacy.
Soon as he stopped paying attention to her thoughts, though Bella could still feel him, knew he was nearby, she searched for that robe, found it easily as he knew she would. It was beautiful, made her breath catch, hanging by one of the many shelves. Like most of the items of clothing she now owned, it was blue, more specifically a deep shade, akin to the heart of the ocean, but it also had hints of Tyrion purple. Of course, she thought, of course it had hints of purple, after all, purple was the colour associated with royalty and she was getting ready to become his queen. Silently walking over to it, she ran her fingers over the fabric, realized it was made of either silk or satin, soft, so soft under her fingertips. Turning, she spoke to all the other women in the room with her. "Edward wishes for me to be wearing this when he comes to anoint me."
To their credit, they didn't question her, Edward's beloved mother, Elizabeth, coming to stand in front of her, taking her hands in hers. "All right, then, that robe is what you will be wearing when he comes in to anoint you." A slight pause, her warm, motherly hand coming up to stroke Bella's hair. "It is better this way anyway, I reckon, as the bath water will not get all greasy and oily from the olive oil when he pours it over your head. Perhaps it is best, too, if afterwards you get into the shower rather than back into the bath, as it will allow all the dirt and grime to wash away, go down the drain. Now, come, Bella, beautiful, darling girl, let us get you into the bath, for I can see such sorrow in your eyes, know that you wish to see my beautiful boy once more as he wishes to see you."
"I will go make you some tea in the meantime, dear child, how do you like it?" It was Edward's paternal grandmother, Mary.
It was Edward's beloved mother, Elizabeth, who answered for her, but Bella didn't mind. "She likes it just like my beautiful boy does, quite strong, with milk and sugar." This made Bella realize Edward's paternal grandmother, Mary, wasn't going to make her just any kind of tea, but the kind of tea Edward's family, specifically his mother's side, produced, and she didn't mind, actually quite enjoyed it, as, like Edward had said the first time they had it together, it was much, much better than all the other black teas.
"All right, I will be right back with that then." A slight pause as she reached out to take Bella's hand in hers. "I cannot help much in this instance, for I know not what is traditional for a royal bride, but rest assured I will help in everything that I can."
Elizabeth's lips curved. "Can you get some white roses and peonies from the gardens, please, Mary? Also, fret not, as though you know not the traditions a royal bride of this monarchy undertakes the day of her wedding, you can still help quite a bit with the dressing process and such, but my mother and I will take care of the ceremonial parts."
A nod, a soft smile, then Mary was gone, leaving Bella alone with Edward's beloved mother, Elizabeth, and his maternal grandmother, Charlotte. She turned, asked Elizabeth a question which had been on the tip of her tongue. "Edward, he is closer to your side of the family then he is to his father's?"
A nod, Elizabeth turning off the water, as the bath had already filled up, the water no doubt the perfect temperature, Edward's maternal grandmother, Charlotte, coming behind Bella, helping her take off her robe, while Elizabeth spoke, answered her question. "Yes, but misunderstand not, he loves both pairs of his grandparents very much, it is only that because of the monarchy, our royal duties, the fact that I was training him to be king from a very young age even as I protected and cuddled him as only a mother should cuddle her child, it meant that he and I spent a lot more time with my side of the family, his father, my husband, going off with his own father to learn the workings of the family business, being a lawyer and the law firm, a business my beautiful boy did not particularly like, still does not, as he took after me and my father, and his father was all right with that, though he knew when he passed away the family business from his side would cease to exist as he knew it."
She walked over to one of the many, many shelves in this massive bath house, grabbed a couple of glass jars and vials containing salts and bath oils, poured them all into the bath. "All my dear, beloved husband wanted was for our precious boy to be happy, learn good manners, to be gentle and kind, learn that a husband should always, always provide for his wife, take care of her, no matter if she had the memes to make her own money, which I, of course, did."
Her eyes glittered, filling with memory. "Part of the reason why I hired a governess to travel with us wherever we went for my beautiful boy, my precious son, was not only because of his father's many business trips, but also so I could adjust the curriculum and schedule to include royal etiquette, which I myself taught him, Royal Engagements, etcetera, teach him the ways of the monarchy and royalty, spend a lot of time with him, even as he spread his wings and grew. Oh, how he hated to leave our kingdom, my beloved son, go to America, 'push his royal duties to the side' as he saw it, especially as he got older, became more attached to the kingdom. I reckon that is why he wanted to join the army, fight in WWI, as during that time we spent a lot more time in America than we did in our kingdom, for his father had had a lot of cases to work through, and he wanted to feel like he was doing something for our people, something to protect them, though I still held court no matter where we were, was doing everything in my power to protect our people."
After Elizabeth explained today she and her mother would be her royal attendees, helping her with everything she possibly needed, Bella took off her negligee, got into the bath. The water was warm, so warm, the perfect temperature, and it made her sigh, relax, the tension slowly leaving her body. When Elizabeth and her mother opened several jars, the smell of the contents within sweet, so sweet, she worried that when they rubbed them into her skin it would change her scent, for she knew Edward wouldn't like that, then realized she was fretting over nothing, as it only made it stronger. When they were done after only a couple of minutes, they helped her get out, went to help her dry off, but Bella shook her head, smiling slightly, telling them that there was no point in drying off, as she would be getting into the shower soon.
That, while true, was only part of the reason why she wanted to remain wet, the other being that she knew how much Edward liked it when her skin and hair were wet, how much more appealing her scent became, and she wanted to make things as pleasant and pleasurable as she could for the two of them. They didn't question her, simply helped wrap the robe about her body, securing it with the sash about her waist, then pressed a kiss to her forehead each, before disappearing, telling her they would be back soon, would be nearby, but out of the cottage and bath house, giving her and Edward some privacy.
A knock at the door, followed by Edward coming in, his face lighting up and glowing when he saw her. He held what seemed to be a small white porcelain jug rimmed with yellow gold in his right hand. He set it down on a small, beautiful, crystal table, then walked over to her slowly, even slower than a human, likely to prolong his time with her, took her hands in his. "You look lovely, my Bella, truly beautiful, mon ange." He gently gripped her chin between his thumb and forefinger, tilted her head to the side, exposing her throat and throbbing artery to himself, his lips ending up right over her artery, his cold, sweet, addictive, intoxicating breath washing over her skin as he spoke. "Did you leave your skin and hair wet for me knowing how much I like it, that your scent becomes more appealing?"
A nod, Bella waiting with bated breath to see what he would do.
"I really should not do this, not now, but . . . " Edward bit gently at her throat, careful not to inject any venom with his teeth, his tongue, cold as ice, soaked with venom, flicking out to slowly, lovingly, lick at her blood.
"Oh, God!" The pleasure, it brought her to her knees, his venom much more potent than usual, the pleasure not only doubling but quadrupling. He went to the floor with her, her lover and future husband, his hands carefully, respectfully, roaming over her body, careful not to touch the places that were only for husbands to touch.
Still, Bella got the sense that if they'd wed already he'd have opened up her robe, stroked his hand inside, touching her bare skin, cupped and massaged her breasts, perhaps even made love to her. He pulled away all too soon, and the look on his face . . .it was one she'd never seen before, love, so much love, and a burning, scorching desire to claim her for his own, body and soul. "What—" he began, went back to feeding even as he offered her his wrist, continued speaking to her mind-to-mind, have you done to your blood? It is so much better, sweeter then before, brings me so much more pleasure, pleasure akin to that which a husband feels when tangling in the sheets with his wife, pleasure which we will feel tonight, makes me burn and long for you.
A soft laugh inside his head even as she continued to drink, feed. It is the same with your blood and venom, my love.
Pulling away with a reluctant sigh, but only after making certain her skin was healed, he rose, helped her to her feet, both of them having already licked off the blood from their mouths. He touched his fingers gently to her cheek, and she closed her eyes, leaned into his touch. "Open your eyes, look at me, ma reine." His voice was gentle, but firm, full of love and authority, that of her lover, future husband, and a king.
She did, saw he'd grabbed the jug. He poured it over her head, and as the oil soaked into her head, each and every single crevice of her hair, she felt an electric sensation rushing through her body, as if she was becoming more intimately connected to him, was being elevated. She knew it wasn't always thus, the pouring of the oil symbolic rather than because it had some magical properties or something extraordinary would happen, yet she couldn't shake the feeling that this wasn't just symbolic, that she was becoming more intimately connected to him, being elevated.
The oil seemed to shimmer with the light of thousands of diamonds as he spoke, his words bringing happy tears, tears of love, to her eyes. "He who is merciful and loving, has no physical form or substance, neither beginning nor end, has preserved this monarchy intact through thick and thin, has brought you to me, and now I promise to love and protect you forever. By pouring this oil over your head, I am making a covenant with you, one that is forever lasting, unbreakable. I will forever be faithful to you, forsaking all others but you, and soon, during our wedding, I will proclaim you queen. You will reign not as a companion, beneath me, but as my equal, I shall grant you your every desire, meet your every need and want, be it physical, emotional, or otherwise."
"Oh, Edward." She threw her arms about his neck, kissed him, soft and deep and hot and with as much wild abandoned as he allowed her. Her mouth opened up beneath his, allowing his tongue, cold as ice, soaked with venom, to stroke inside, taste her, even as she, too, tasted him, and the taste and feeling of his venom, it threatened to bring her to her knees with pleasure once more, but he held her up, his arms shaking securely about her waist.
Pulling away with a quiet chuckle, he gave her one last peck, then removed his arms from about her waist, stepped back a little. "Ah, much as I do not wish to stop this, stop we must, ma belle mariée . . . at least momentarily so we can finish getting ready, take some photos with my family, something which we will not be able to do once we step outside, for Charlie, Renee, and Phil believe my entire family, aside from my beloved mother, Elizabeth, is deceased. Fret not, though, for we will be back together sooner than you think, and I will place your tiara and wedding veil upon your beautiful head." He kissed her again, but this kiss, it was all too brief, chased, then he was gone.
She only had to wait a couple of minutes, two at most, before Edward's beloved mother, Elizabeth, and both of his grandmothers, returned, bringing with them her wedding outfit, some homemade, organic makeup, and beautiful, delicate pins to do up her hair. They helped her shower, hydrating and exfoliating her skin, making it soft, glowy, and dewy, to the point where if she were to put on traditional foundation and highlighter, it would have looked cakey and plastered on, then did the same with her hair until it was soft as silk. Then came the most important part, getting dressed.
Her chemise was long, but shorter than her wedding frock, the same shade of white as her corset, and frock, the silk soft as velvet, had a delicate pattern of lace about the neck . Her corset, which Elizabeth ended up making from scratch, as there was no way Marianne could have altered one in her shop on time, not with Bella and Edward having moved the wedding up so quickly, had boning, yet was soft and delicate, gentle on her skin. It fitted her like a glove, her corset, emphasized her figure and physique, gave her a tiny waist, and the way Elizabeth laced it up, it was perfect, not too tight, but not too loose, either, surprisingly gave her the freedom to move without feeling restricted, something she didn't expect. It also had all the patterns Bella wanted, along with a couple of thousand white diamonds worked into the fabric.
Bella had nearly yelped when she first saw Elizabeth beginning to work diamond after diamond after diamond, each perfectly cut and polished, shiny, into the fabric, her breathing and heartbeat coming faster and faster. This went to the point that Elizabeth had to slide her wedding outfit away, ring Edward, for Bella wasn't speaking, was becoming very, very pale. Even after he'd come home, though, was holding her in his arms, all she could manage to tell him was, "Diamonds , too many diamonds."
Edward'd turned to his beloved mother, confusion on his face, clearly not having any context to her words, for her shield had been keeping all thoughts of her wedding outfit hidden from him even then. Quickly understanding the source of her distress, Elizabeth had stroked her hair, her touch warm, soothing, and motherly, turned to Edward, told him lovingly to temporarily leave, for this had to do with Bella's wedding outfit. He reluctantly did, for he hated to leave Bella in distress, but he also trusted his mother, and soon as he was gone, Elizabeth had explained that the reason why she was including so many white diamonds in her corset wasn't to be extravagant, flamboyant, or exotic, but because white diamonds served to protect and strengthen love.
Now, as Elizabeth smoothed her corset, tightened the laces, Bella thanked the heavens Alice, Esme, and her mother weren't going to be the ones helping her change, but Edward, especially because Alice would have no doubt started complaining, going on and on and on about how she'd let Elizabeth put her in something so expensive, but she would have thrown a fit if Alice had tried to pull a stunt like that. Sure, she wouldn't have done it publicly, in front of her mother, but Bella was certain she would have done it privately at least a dozen times over before the wedding ceremony and reception were through.
What Alice didn't understand, probably never would, was that Elizabeth wasn't doing it to make Bella's wedding gown more expensive, flashy, flamboyant, but for protection and sentimental reasons, and, truth was, after Elizabeth had explained everything, Bella was more than all right with having plenty of diamonds on her corset, actually asked her to incorporate some into her corset cover and frock as well, and she had gladly done so.
Next came her wedding frock, for she and Elizabeth had decided against her wearing a corset cover last minute, for not only was it unnecessary, but her frock ended up being an off-the-shoulder gown, and it would have hindered its appearance. Her frock, it was beautiful, delicate, yet not in the face, so beautiful, in fact, that Bella knew she would wear it to any and all of her and Edwards future weddings. Those weddings, unlike the multiple weddings of each pairing of the Cullens, they wouldn't be because she and Edward would ever pretend not to be married, as they would never, ever do that, but they would be more similar to a gold or diamond wedding, a celebration of their love, how many years they'd spent together rather than a repeat or do over. Of course, eventually, when they outlived all the names for the human wedding anniversaries and weddings, they'd have to come up with new ones, but they had plenty of time for that.
It was long, so long, her frock, reached the floor, the satin soft and shimmering white. The bodice was tight, akin to her corset, embroidered with soft, delicate lace, emphasized her waist, but flowed out in a ripple from the waist below. The sleeves, while off-the‐shoulder, were long, made of soft, sheer chiffon fabric that moved and flowed as she did, making her look akin to a beautiful creature from a mythical painting. As for the neckline of the frock . . . well, it was a sweetheart neckline, left her collarbones, neck, and throat exposed, for Bella was well aware how much more appealing she became to Edward when she left them thus, how much he liked it when her clothing emphasized the graceful column of her throat and collar bones, after all, he'd told her so over and over again.
This, it wasn't what she'd expected her wedding frock to look like, at least not in the beginning, after all, when she looked up pictures of wedding frocks from 1918, they looked naught like this, but she trusted Elizabeth, who, not long after discussing her wedding outfit with Alice and Esme via Skype, had told her not to turn to the internet for wedding frock references anymore, that she'd show her what Edward had been truly exposed to as a child, what he liked. They had spent hours pouring over what Bella belatedly now realized must have been family photos and portraits of the women of his family, particularly from his mother's side. Her heart had tugged with each turn of the page, each new picture or painting, Bella loving each dress more than the last. Still, it didn't make sense, that the materials always remained high quality, no matter what.
"The fashion in this monarchy, this kingdom," she asked Edward's beloved mother, a woman who loved her akin to a daughter, her own flesh and blood, "it is different than in the rest of the world?" Because she'd seen it in the pictures and portraits, that while fashion and patterns evolved and changed overtime, each piece of clothing, each frock was beautifully created, the attention to detail exquisite, as if it was handmade, the quality of the materials never downgrading or devolving, always remained the same, high quality. Each piece of clothing also remained beautifully elegant, never exposed too much skin or became tacky or cheap. It wasn't any wonder that Edward became furious when he heard Alice's thoughts, the ideas for Bella's wardrobe.
A nod, Elizabeth sitting her down on a chair so she could begin doing her makeup, her own mother, Charlotte, her hair, and Edward's paternal grandmother, Mary, her nails. Elizabeth's eyes were dark, heavy with memory as she spoke even as she got started on her makeup. "Yes. Part of the reason why it is thus is because we always, always encouraged our people to produce as much as they could domestically, at home, to embrace technology and the growing changes in the world, but also never forget our traditions and values, thus creating more jobs, creating and boosting a stable economy. There are two additional factors to this, one is that while the rest of the world has forgotten the value of that which is handmade, we did not, always encouraged it to keep going, the other that no matter who you were, whether you were part of the Royal Family or court or not, it didn't matter, you were encouraged to develop what you loved, contribute to the kingdom and community"
A smile on her face, her pride and love for Edward unmistakable. "I can see my precious, beautiful boy kept it thus, and it is a very good thing, I reckon."