SEVENTEEN

The day has been magical. Edward set up a private tour of his country, and I've completely fallen in love with the beauty of it all. From the lush rolling hills to the quaint villages, everything about it feels like stepping into another world. We spent hours driving through the countryside admiring landmarks from the car, all while Edward narrated bits of history, his voice smooth and captivating.

As the sun started to set, he surprised me by taking us to a secluded cabin in the woods by the beach. The natural scenery here is breathtaking—the trees are dense and tall, but there's a clearing where the ocean stretches out in front of us, shimmering under the fading light. The air smells of pine and salt, and the sound of the waves is soothing.

Now, we're sitting on the porch, a small spread of snacks laid out beside us. I'm snuggled in Edward's lap, his arms wrapped securely around me as we take in the peaceful surroundings. It's so quiet, so perfect, that it feels like we've escaped the rest of the world completely.

"We could stay here for a few days," Edward murmurs against my hair, his voice soft and content.

I turn slightly in his lap, a teasing smile playing on my lips as I whisper, "Is this so you can make me scream and talk dirty to me?"

Edward chuckles, his breath warm against my skin. "Well, if that's what you want…" he teases back, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

I laugh softly, feeling the warmth of him beneath me, and for a moment, everything else falls away. It's just us, hidden away in this perfect, beautiful corner of his world.

"You were frightened about what the staff would think?" I nudge his cheek with my nose.

Edward's arms tighten around me, and he lets out a low chuckle. "Maybe a little," he admits, his lips brushing against my temple. "But I think I'm more concerned about what the wildlife might think."

I giggle, imagining a scandalised deer or owl overhearing our passionate moments. "I'm sure they've heard worse," I tease, running my fingers along his jawline.

He catches my hand, pressing a soft kiss to my palm. "You'd be surprised. These woods are quite prim and proper."

We fall into a comfortable silence, the sound of the waves filling the air. The last rays of sunlight paint the sky in vibrant oranges and pinks, reflecting off the water in a dazzling display.

"You know," Edward says after a while, his voice thoughtful, "I've never brought anyone here before."

I turn to look at him interested.

"How many residences do you have?" I ask.

Edward's eyes twinkle with amusement. "More than I care to count, honestly. But this place," he gestures around us, "this is special."

I raise an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. "Special how?"

He takes a deep breath, his chest rising and falling beneath me. "This cabin... it's not officially part of the royal properties. It's mine, personally. I bought it years ago, when I was barely out of my teens."

I snuggle closer, encouraging him to continue.

"I was going through a phase where I desperately wanted to escape all the pomp and circumstance," he explains, his fingers tracing idle patterns on my arm. "I stumbled upon this place during a solo hike and fell in love with it immediately. It was run-down then, but I saw its potential."

"You restored it yourself?" I ask, impressed.

"Sure did," he nods, "Built this decking myself."

"Oh that is sexy," I smile.

Edward laughs, a deep, warm sound that reverberates through his chest. "Is it now? I'll have to remember that DIY projects turn you on."

I playfully swat at his arm, but can't help the grin spreading across my face. "So, you've truly never brought anyone here before?" I ask, circling back to his earlier comment.

His expression softens, and he shakes his head. "No, never. This has always been my sanctuary, my escape from the world. But with you..." he pauses, his eyes searching mine, "with you, I wanted to share it. It felt right."

The weight of his words settles over me, and I feel a warmth blooming in my chest. I lean in, pressing a soft kiss to his lips. "Thank you," I whisper against them, "for sharing this with me."

His eyes soften as he leans into my touch. "There's no one else I'd rather share it with."

"So it's never been officially christened?" I tilt my head.

Edward's eyes darken, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "No, it hasn't," he says, his voice dropping to a husky whisper. "Are you suggesting we remedy that situation?"

I bite my lip, feeling a thrill of excitement course through me. "Well, we can't have your sanctuary remaining unchristened, can we? That would be terribly neglectful of us."

In one swift motion, Edward stands, lifting me in his arms. I let out a surprised squeal, wrapping my arms around his neck. "You're right," he murmurs, his lips brushing against my ear. "We should take care of that immediately."

As he carries me towards the cabin door, I can't help but giggle. "What about the prim and proper wildlife?"

Edward pauses at the threshold, a wicked gleam in his eye. "They'll have to deal with it."

He walks me to the bed laying me down slowly.

"I want to take my time. I want to… I want to make love to you," he speaks sweetly.

My heart swells at his words, and I reach up to caress his cheek. "I want that too," I whisper, my voice thick with emotion.

Edward leans down, capturing my lips in a tender kiss. It's slow and deliberate, full of unspoken promises. His hands roam my body with reverence, as if memorising every curve and contour. I sigh into his mouth, my fingers threading through his hair.

He breaks the kiss, trailing his lips along my jawline and down my neck. "You're so beautiful," he murmurs against my skin, causing goosebumps to erupt in his wake.

I arch into him, craving more of his touch. "Edward," I breathe, my hands sliding down his back.

He takes his time undressing me, his movements unhurried and purposeful. With each newly exposed inch of skin, he lavishes me with kisses and love bites.

I shiver under his touch, my skin tingling with anticipation. Edward's eyes meet mine, dark with desire but also brimming with tenderness. He pauses, hovering above me, drinking in the sight.

"You're everything to me," he whispers, his voice thick with emotion. "I never thought I'd find someone who makes me feel this way."

My heart swells, and I reach up to cup his face. "I love you, Edward," I breathe, the words falling from my lips naturally, effortlessly.

His eyes widen slightly, a smile spreading across his face. "I love you too," he replies, leaning down to capture my lips in a passionate kiss.

When he pushes himself into me I let out a sigh of complete satisfaction. Knowing he's all mine.

His movements start slow, kisses covering my neck and chest. I feel each inch of him.

Edward moves with deliberate tenderness, his body in perfect sync with mine. Each thrust is slow and deep, sending waves of pleasure coursing through me. I wrap my legs around his waist, pulling him closer, craving more of him.

Our breaths mingle as we move together, the cabin filled with soft sighs and whispered endearments. Edward's eyes never leave mine, the intensity of his gaze making me feel utterly cherished and desired.

I run my hands along his back, feeling the muscles flex beneath my fingertips. "Oh i love you," I moan softly, arching into him as he hits a particularly sensitive spot.

Edward's eyes soften at my words, a tender smile playing on his lips. "I love you," he murmurs, leaning down to capture my lips in a passionate kiss.

His movements remain unhurried, each thrust deliberate and deep. I feel every inch of him, my body singing with pleasure. My hands roam his back, tracing the contours of his muscles as they flex and move.

"You feel so good," I breathe against his neck, nipping gently at his earlobe.

Edward groans softly, his hips stuttering slightly before he regains his steady rhythm. "You're my life," he whispers, his voice husky with desire, "my forever."

His words send a shiver down my spine, and I pull him closer, craving more of his touch. Our bodies move together in perfect harmony, the intensity building with each passing moment.

The cabin is filled with the sounds of our lovemaking - soft moans, whispered endearments, and the gentle creaking of the bed. Outside, the waves continue their steady rhythm, a soothing backdrop to our passionate encounter.

I feel the familiar tension building within me, my breath coming in short gasps. "Edward," I whimper, my fingers digging into his shoulders.

He senses my growing need, his movements becoming more purposeful. "Come undone, my love," he murmurs against my ear, his voice low and encouraging.

With a cry of ecstasy, I let go beneath him, waves of pleasure washing over me. Edward follows soon after, burying his head in my neck.

As we lay tangled together in the afterglow, Edward's arms wrapped securely around me, I feel a sense of peace I've never known before. The cabin is quiet except for the sound of our gradually slowing breaths and the distant crash of waves outside.

Edward presses a soft kiss to my forehead. "That was..." he trails off, seemingly at a loss for words.

"Perfect," I finish for him, snuggling closer into his embrace.

He chuckles softly, the sound reverberating through his chest. "More than perfect," he agrees. "I think we've thoroughly christened the cabin now."

I giggle, pressing a kiss to his chest. "I don't know, we might need to christen it a few more times to be sure."

Edward's eyes darken with renewed desire. "Is that so?" he murmurs, his hand tracing lazy patterns on my back.

We lay in silence for a few heartbeats.

"Bella," he starts.

"Yea," I look at him.

"What my father said… I.. would you every be up to marrying me? Would you ever… I know the gravity of what I am implying. I just want to know what your future looks like and if I factor into that" he asks.

My heart skips a beat at Edward's words, and I prop myself up on my elbow to look at him properly. His eyes are earnest, a mix of hope and vulnerability shining in their depths.

I take a deep breath, considering my words carefully. "Edward, I... I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought about it," I admit softly. "The idea of spending my life with you, it's... it's beautiful and terrifying all at once."

He nods, encouraging me to continue.

"I love you, more than I've ever loved anyone," I say, reaching out to caress his cheek. "And I can see a future with you, I really can. But the gravity of what that means... becoming a princess, potentially a queen someday... it's overwhelming."

Edward's hand covers mine on his cheek. "I know it's a lot to ask," he says, "but I'm selfish when it comes to you. I don't want to know a day where I wake up and you're not mine."

My heart swells at his words, and I feel tears prickling at the corners of my eyes. "Oh, Edward," I whisper, leaning in to press a soft kiss to his lips.

When I pull back, I see the vulnerability in his eyes, the fear of rejection warring with hope. I take a deep breath, knowing my next words could change everything.

"I want that too," I admit softly. "I want to wake up next to you every day, to face whatever challenges come our way together. The idea of being a princess, of potentially becoming a queen... it terrifies me. But the thought of not being with you? That terrifies me even more."

Edward's eyes light up, a smile spreading across his face. "Really?" he asks, his voice barely above a whisper.

I nod, feeling a smile of my own forming. "Really. I love you, Edward."

"Knowing your standing up to your fears… it's inspiring. I'm inspired," he smiles.

I kiss his face.

"Would my babies me princesses?" I cuddle into him.

Edward chuckles softly, his arms tightening around me. "Yes, they would," he murmurs, his voice filled with warmth. "Our children would be princes and princesses."

I close my eyes, imagining it for a moment - little ones with Edward's eyes and my hair, running through palace halls, their laughter echoing off ancient stone walls.

"That's... wow," I breathe, feeling a mix of awe and trepidation.

Edward's hand gently strokes my back. "It's a lot to take in, I know," he says softly. "But we'd face it together. Every step of the way."

I nod against his chest, feeling comforted by his words. "Tell me more," I whisper. "What would our life be like?"

Edward takes a deep breath, his chest rising and falling beneath me. "Well, there would be official duties, of course. State dinners, charity events, diplomatic visits. But we'd also have our private life, our family time."

He pauses, his fingers tracing patterns on my skin. "We'd split our time between the palace and our other residences. This cabin could be our secret getaway, just for us and our children."

I smile at the thought. "I like that idea."

"We'd have help with the children, of course," Edward continues. "But I'd want us to be hands-on parents as much as possible. I want our kids to have as normal a childhood as we can give them, given the circumstances."

"What about my work? Would I have to give everything up?" I ask, a hint of worry in my voice.

Edward shakes his head. "Not if you don't want to. Perhaps you could incorporate it into your duties. Start initiatives, help charities."

"I like that," I smile, realising my passion to help others could reach a whole new level, "and what if you made like a bank holiday where we both just have sex all day and do nothing else."

Edward laughs, a deep, rich sound that reverberates through his chest. "A national holiday dedicated to royal lovemaking? I'm not sure how that would go over with the public," he teases, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

I giggle, playfully swatting his chest. "Not a public holiday, silly. Just a private one for us. A day where we can shut out the world and just be together."

His expression softens, and he pulls me closer. "That, my love, I can definitely arrange. In fact, I insist on it. We could call it our 'Royal Retreat Day'."

"Mmm, I like the sound of that," I murmur, nuzzling into his neck.

"And we could make it a monthly occurrence," Edward adds, his voice taking on a husky tone. "A whole day dedicated to having my face buried between your legs."

I feel a rush of heat at Edward's words, my body instantly responding to the imagery. "Oh really?" I purr, trailing my fingers down his chest. "And what else would this 'Royal Retreat Day' entail?"

Edward's eyes darken with desire as he rolls us over, pinning me beneath him. "Well," he murmurs, his lips ghosting along my jawline, "it would definitely involve me worshipping every inch of your body."

His hands slide down my sides, leaving goosebumps in their wake. "We'd start the day with a luxurious bath," he continues, his voice low and seductive. "I'd wash you slowly, taking my time to caress every curve."

I arch into him, my breath catching in my throat. "Go on," I whisper, my hands threading through his hair.

"Then I'd carry you back to bed," Edward's voice drops to a husky whisper as he continues, his lips brushing against my ear. "I'd lay you down on the softest sheets, and then I'd taste you, slowly, thoroughly. I'd use my tongue to bring you to the edge again and again, until you're begging for release."

A shiver runs through me at his words, and I can feel my body responding, warmth pooling low in my belly. I breathe, my fingers tightening in his hair.

He chuckles softly, the sound vibrating against my skin. "And that would just be the beginning," he murmurs. "We'd spend hours exploring each other, finding new ways to give and receive pleasure."

His hand slides down my body, fingers tracing teasing patterns on my inner thigh. "I'd take you in every way possible," he continues, his voice thick with desire.

Edward's words send a shiver of anticipation through me. I can feel my body responding, heat pooling low in my belly.

"Tell me more," I breathe, arching into his touch.

His fingers continue their teasing path up my thigh as he speaks. "I'd have you against the wall, your legs wrapped around my waist. Then I'd lay you out on the dining table, savouring you like the most exquisite feast."

I moan softly at the imagery, my hips rocking against his hand. Edward's eyes darken further as he watches my reactions.

"We'd christen every surface of our private chambers," he continues, his voice low and husky. "The chaise lounge, the balcony under the stars, the shower with steam swirling around us."

"I have some suggestions too," I smile at him, "role play."

Edward's eyebrows raise in interest, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "Role play? My, my, aren't you full of surprises," he purrs, nipping playfully at my earlobe. "What kind of roles did you have in mind, my love?"

I bite my lip, feeling a blush creep up my cheeks. "Well," I begin, my voice barely above a whisper, "maybe you could be the stern royal tutor, and I could be the disobedient student in need of... discipline."

Edward's eyes darken with desire. "I like where this is going," he murmurs, his hand sliding up to cup my breast. "What else?"

Emboldened by his response, I continue, "Or perhaps you could be the dashing prince, come to rescue me, the captive princess, from my tower." I run my eyes down his body.

Edward's eyes light up with a mix of love and desire. "My word, I love you," he murmurs, leaning down to capture my lips in a passionate kiss. When he pulls back, there's a playful glint in his eye. "I think we need to start our Royal Retreat Day right now."

I giggle, wrapping my arms around his neck. "But it's the middle of the night," I tease.

"Perfect," he growls playfully, nipping at my neck. "That means we have hours before anyone expects us."

His hands start to roam my body with renewed purpose, igniting sparks of pleasure wherever they touch. I arch into him, craving more.

"Now," Edward purrs, his voice dropping to a husky whisper, "I believe there was something about a stern royal tutor and a disobedient student?"

I squeal in laughter as his hand comes down on my ass.