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Chapter 17

Queen of the Night

James

So now they were officially a couple. I was happy about it. Their love for each other had been palpable from the beginning. He could have had it easier if he hadn't been so stupid.

It was half past eight and my Princess was still fast asleep.

No wonder after the hot night. I was glad that she hadn't sent me away completely and so I discreetly stayed in the next room - always ready to stand by her side. I was happy for her. She had clearly enjoyed it and also needed it. I just feared that she would be sore today. That was certainly a bit much at once.

The Master had gotten up a few minutes ago and was scurrying around next door.

My Princess didn't stir until 9:00 and moved around in bed.

"Edward?" she whispered.

He immediately came running and sat down next to her on the bed.

"I'm here, my love," he said, stroking over her arm.

She turned to him and beamed at him.

"Sleep well?" he asked lovingly.

"Yes," she sighed with satisfaction.

They looked at each other and she stroked his face.

He pressed his cheek into her hand and enjoyed the tenderness.

"What did you just do?" she asked.

"Working through papers," he said and leaned forward, gently kissing her mouth.

She smiled.

"Then go to work," she said, "I'll go get dressed first."

"Yes, good. It's not much more work," he said.

Then he hugged her once tenderly and disappeared again to his desk next door.

My Princess rose, stretched and winced.

"Are you all right, my Princess?", I asked anxiously.

"I'm afraid I'm sore," she said, smiling and heading for the bathroom.

She took a shower.

"James," she then called out.

"Yes, my Princess?", I asked at the door to the bathroom.

"You may massage me. Everything hurts me," she said.

I went in, warmed my hands and she lay down on the massage couch.

"Oh my goodness," I said when I saw her skin.

On her thighs, on her sides, on her back, everywhere she had bruises, hematomas.

My Prince came rushing into the bathroom and asked, "What happened?"

"Do you see for yourself, Your Highness?" said I, pointing to the body of the Princess.

"What?" asked the Princess innocently.

"Oh Isabella, what have I done? You're black and blue all over," said the Prince and was completely exasperated.

"Oh well," said the Highness nonchalantly, "I've always been a bit sensitive. Don't worry about it, it'll go away!"

"Isabella, that looks terrible. You can see my individual fingerprints lengthwise!" he shouted in panic.

Carefully, he turned she to the side to look at the front.

There were also spots on the legs, very large ones on the hip bones and even lighter ones on the breasts.

He sank to his knees.

"Please Isabella, forgive me, I didn't mean to," he said sadly.

She slipped off the massage table, knelt in front of him and hugged him tightly.

"Edward, it's really okay. I also had bruises with Tyler, not quite as severe, but the sex wasn't that nice either. I enjoyed every minute with you and never once felt like you were touching me too hard. I found you rather extremely careful! So please don't worry, I'm fine. I love you."

She kissed him firmly and energetically on the mouth and he hugged her carefully.

"Are you sure?" he asked.

"For sure, I'm fine. I have a bit of sore muscles," she giggled.

"We'll just have to be a little more careful next time," he said.

"Oh well, it's boring then," she said, pressing her small forehead tightly against his.

"You could never be boring, my sweet," he said softly.

Then he rose, pulled her up with him and laid her on the massage table.

"Use arnica oil, James, maybe that will help. I hope no one sees this. My family is killing me," he sighed.

"You won't see anything on her shoulders and cleavage, my lord. It will not be noticeable and the oil will soothe her sore muscles a little," I said soothingly and rubbed the oil between my hands.

Then I started massaging my Princess and my Prince watched.

"The front too, Your Highness?", I asked when her back was done.

"Yes," she sighed and turned around.

I quickly put a small towel over her breasts and one over her vagina and then started on her legs.

My Prince was still watching and that was somehow unusual for me.

He looked at her and she at him. Then he leaned down and kissed her. She wrapped her arms around his neck. Shortly after, she shoved him away.

"Oh please, stop, that's not possible now!"

"Why not?" he asked, disappointed.

"Because it makes me want you again," she whispered.

He smiled.

"Wouldn't that be nice?" he said.

"But not when I'm being kneaded by another man," she moaned, annoyed.

The Prince laughed and said, "Okay, I'll be next door!" and left the bathroom.

She exhaled and closed her eyes.

Now I had to smile.

"Ready, my Princess."

I held out the bathrobe to her. She slipped into it and then wanted breakfast first of all. After that we did the hair and she put on a pink summer dress that hugged her body tightly.

After that she turned on music. (Phantom of the Opera - Think of Me)

She wrote in her journal and then walked over to Edward.

I looked through the door.

Slowly, she stepped behind him. He sat concentrated at his desk. She kissed his hair.

"Hmm ..." he said.

Then she went to the table and looked at the chess set, made the next move.

Edward folded the files shut, rose, walked to the other side of the table and made his move. They were now facing each other, both propping their hands on the table and concentrating on the game.

She made a move.

Pause.

He made a move.

Pause.

She made a move.

Pause.

He made a move.

Pause.

She smiled.

"Checkmate, my beloved Prince," she said.

He looked at the board and then he looked at her.

"You dare defeat me?" he said threateningly.

"Yes, my highborn Prince, I dare!" she grinned back cheekily.

"Well, wait till I catch you," he whispered threateningly, and she backed away.

In one leap he jumped over the table and she ran away laughing. He let her run a bit, but then he narrowed her in a corner of the room and walked toward her. She was still laughing.

"Are you laughing at me, Highness?" he asked threateningly.

"Yes," she said, giggling.

"If you don't stop this right now, I will punish you, little Majesty!" he said.

"Oh ... now I'm scared," she giggled.

He was standing right in front of her now, pressing his hands against the wall beside her so that she couldn't run away. Slowly he moved his face closer to hers and just before he touched her, she dropped to the floor and he kissed into the air. She sat on the floor laughing. He slid down to her and joined in the laughter, pulling her into his arms and kissing her.

"What would you like to do now, darling?" he asked gently.

"The sun is shining. A bit in the garden?" she suggested.

"Okay," he said, jumping up and pulling her to her feet.

"Maybe we'll stop by my dad's first?" he asked.

"Gladly," she said.

She put on shoes and I handed her a little jacket, which she put over her shoulders.

So first we went to the royal couple's chambers.

Guards stood in front of the doors, but they immediately bowed when my princely couple approached.

My Prince knocked and a servant opened.

He bowed and said, "One moment please, Your Royal Highnesses, I'll announce you!" Shortly after, he opened the door and said, "If you please?"

We entered.

The Majesty came up to us, greeted her son with a kiss on the cheek and my Princess with a kiss on the forehead.

"Is there something on your mind?" she asked, concerned.

"No, but we wanted to talk to Dad," my Master said.

"I am here, my son," said the King, and he also approached us.

First he kissed Isabella's hand, then he shook that of his son.

"Come in, please," he said, and we went into the living room.

The princely couple sat down on the sofa, the Queen next to Isabella and the King in the armchair opposite. I placed myself behind my Princess.

My Master began, "Dad, I wanted to let you know that I asked Isabella to marry me last night and she gave me her consent."

"Oh how beautiful," Esmé cheered, hugging my Princess to her.

"Ouch..." slipped out of her mouth.

"Oh, I'm sorry," said the Majesty. "Was that too tight?" she asked anxiously.

"Yes, but it wasn't so bad," my Princess said, stroking Esmé's arm reassuringly.

Edward gently put an arm around his Princess and pulled her a little closer.

"I'm glad to hear that, son. Thank you, Isabella. You have not only made him happy, but all of us. We've already taken you to our hearts. You do him good. And our house, too. So may I announce the engagement tonight?" the King asked.

"Yes, Dad," said my Prince.

"When is the wedding supposed to be?" he then asked.

"We haven't thought about that yet," the Prince replied.

"Hmm ... I'd be happy if you didn't put it on the back burner so Aro would leave us alone," Carlisle said.

Edward looked at Isabella.

"I don't care, Edward. I said yes and it's okay if it's tomorrow and okay if it's a year from now. As you see fit, we'll do it!" said my Princess.

"Thank you," my Prince whispered happily and kissed her hand.

He held her delicate fingers tightly in his and stroked them with his thumb.

"Then you set a date, Father, and inform us. I want it to be a beautiful wedding for Isabella. I want her to always have fond memories of the day. So there should be enough time to prepare a great feast," my Prince asked.

"Of course, son. But that's not a problem. You know we can get something like that organized in no time. I'll pick you out a nice date." He smiled. "And then I hope for a grandson!"

My Prince winced.

"Dad, Isabella certainly doesn't want a child anytime soon. Honestly, I'm not even sure I want that. Above all, I don't want to expose her to that danger," my master said.

The King frowned.

"Edward, you know that she will be the first and only woman who can give us an heir to the throne? You have a responsibility and certain things to simply fulfill. Whether you want to do that out of sentimentality or not is not at all up for debate. You will one day be the most powerful man in the world and have her by your side as your wife. I am now well-versed enough with these pregnancies. We can handle it. I want to hand the throne over to you someday!" said Carlisle firmly.

"Dad, then I'll pass. I don't need this. The only thing I really need is Isabella. I don't care about anything else and I'm not going to expose her to danger or force her to do something she doesn't want to do because of your sense of honor!" said Edward angrily and too loudly.

"Temper your tone, Edward!" said Carlisle sharply. "We will discuss this another time. Please be at the ballroom on time. I must attend to the visitor now. He has just arrived."

He rose, took Isabella's hand and blew a kiss on it.

"Isabella, please don't be afraid. Your fiancé is sometimes a hothead and stubborn - maybe you can tame him. So far you've got it well under control!"

He smiled kindly at her.

"I'm not afraid, Sir. But I think my power over him is limited," Isabella said.

The king eyed her.

"You do him good and I thank you for that. He's been alone too long and you're just the woman he needed. - What's that on your arm?" he then suddenly asked in surprise and carefully turned her upper arm.

I wish she had put the jacket on and not just draped it over her shoulders.

"Oh, I always bruise quickly. It's nothing. I bumped myself," she said quickly.

"Did Edward touch you too hard?" he asked anxiously, eyeing his son piercingly.

"No, he wouldn't do that. He's very careful with me," she said.

"James, does she have any more injuries like that?" he asked me.

"No," I lied coldly. "But she bruises quickly. I then massage them with arnica oil," I added.

The king now eyed me skeptically.

"You better take care of her. I don't want her to be mistreated!" he said. "I will reinforce the guards near her from now on," he said and my Prince nodded. "Edward," Carlisle said nodding and left the room.

The two Highnesses said goodbye to the mother and we left the palace.

"Thank you, James," my Princess said, stroking my arm.

"You're welcome!", I said.

"I would have to thank him, rather. He was in a terrible mood and if he had seen Isabella's body, he would have had me whipped!" said my Prince.

I groaned.

"It was a joke," I reassured my horrified-looking Princess. "He certainly wouldn't have his favorite son whipped. But he certainly would have reacted angrily."

The Princess nodded in relief.

"Why is he going to reinforce the guards?" she then asked.

"To protect you," said my Prince.

"Hmm ..." she said.

"Don't worry. They stand outside our rooms or patrol the garden intensely when you're out there," he explained.

She nodded.

"What would happen if I couldn't have children?" the Princess then asked him.

"Nothing, darling. I would love you anyway," he said firmly.

"But your father?" she asked anxiously.

"I don't care about him, Isabella. I love you, with or without a child," he said softly.

"And you don't want a child with me?" she asked, and it even sounded almost disappointed.

"Of course I would want that, sugar. A baby would be dreamy. But not if it puts you in danger!" he said, hugging her tenderly.

She snuggled up to him.

"My father was in a bad mood. He's nervous about Aro coming. He's not usually like this. Please don't get upset about it. He'll take you even without a baby!"

"Let's go outside already," she said, pulling him with her, and they ran into the garden like two happy children.

"Bella, Bella," Grace cried delightedly.

She was playing with a ball on the grass.

"Hi, Grace," the Princess called out, running to her, grabbing the ball and saying, "Come on, let's play soccer!"

Grace beamed and the Princess carefully shot the ball to her. The little girl shot back and was overjoyed.

I stopped at the edge of the lawn with my Master and we watched the spectacle with amusement. Emmett and Rose joined us, because they were of course in the garden with their daughter.

"She is graceful in her movements even when playing soccer," sighed my Master.

"That's her," Emmett confirmed. "You've chosen a true Princess, brother dear!"

"I really like her," Rose said, "and Grace already loves her!"

Then they talked about the ball that evening and the visitors.

Suddenly Alec stood in front of Isabella and I was startled.

Where had he come from now?

I ran.

"You don't have to get upset at all, James. I just want to apologize to her!"

My Princess had backed away fearfully. My Prince came shooting and pulled her against his chest from behind.

"What do you want, Alec?" he asked him.

"Edward, calm down. I just wanted to talk to her. Isabella, I'm sorry I scared you so much the other day. I really didn't mean to. It will never happen again. I hope you can forgive me?" he asked.

But she wouldn't be my Princess if she just let that happen.

"Where did this sudden change of heart come from?" she asked.

Alec had not expected such a question. He thought about it.

"I was very boisterous that day and misbehaved. Now I realize that was wrong. And I don't want to ever be at war with either my cousin Edward or you. I thought it would be good if we cleared this up before the ball," he said kindly.

"What are you really up to?" my Prince asked. "I sense that you are trying to hide something from me?"

"Really nothing, Edward. I'm just really sorry."

"I want to go, please," my Princess breathed, and Edward put an arm around her hips and led her back to the palace.

Inside the building, she whispered, "I'm afraid of him. He's lying."

"I think so too," said my Prince, "but you need not be afraid. We are always near you."

She nodded.

"James, please take them back to our chambers. I'll quickly stop by Alice's and ask her to keep an eye on Alec. Then I'll be right back."

I nodded.

He kissed his sweetheart on the cheek and was gone.

She sighed.

I held out my arm for her to hook onto and she did, putting her warm little hand on my arm and I led her back.

In the room she took off her shoes and then went to the harp. She just played away.

Beatles songs, beautiful.

Edward had returned and was listening with fascination. He sat down at the piano and joined in on the next song.

My Princess smiled briefly and enjoyed her duo.

They played for an hour, one song after another, both absorbed in their music. Then my Princess released her hands from the harp and rubbed her fingers.

That was certainly exhausting.

My Prince rose, went to her, lifted her from the chair, put her on his wing and looked at her.

She smiled and put her hands on his shoulders.

He tenderly pulled her to him and gently squeezed her.

"You are just so breathtaking. If you only knew how much I love you," he sighed.

"I know it, because I see it and feel it," she whispered, kissing his ear.

He kissed her neck.

"You have to eat lunch or it will get cold," he said, carrying her over to the table.

"Why do you carry me all the time, anyway?" she asked with a smile.

"Because I want to feel you close to me," he said.

After the meal, she said, "I think I'll lie down for a while. The night was short. And the evening will surely be long?" she asked.

"Yes, that's a good idea, darling," he said, "then I'll work some more."

She nodded.

"Will you guys wake me up at four o'clock so I can get changed in peace?" she asked.

"Of course, my Princess," I said.

She disappeared briefly in the bathroom and then lay down in her bed.

I drew the curtains.

She lay awake for a while and looked at her ring. Then she fell asleep.

At a little before four o'clock my Prince came in again, lay down with her and kissed her gently awake.

"That's how I always want to be woken up now," she said with a smile, snuggling up to him.

"I'd love to - but actually you don't need to be awakened, I hope. You now have the privilege of sleeping as you like," he said lovingly.

"That's right, that's where being a Princess comes in handy for once," she said.

"Do you think it's bad?" he asked, concerned.

She reflected.

"Sometimes. Like when I wake up and there's a strange man at my bedside. Can you guys tell me in advance when James has to leave?" she asked.

"Of course, love. Maybe in the future we can arrange it so that I'm here then," he reflected.

"If there are even going to be guards outside the door now, do I even need anyone if James isn't around for a few hours? I could just stay in here until one of you comes back, couldn't I?" she asked.

"Then I wouldn't have a quiet minute, love. But don't worry, we'll find a solution," he said. "What else is on your mind?" he asked, tenderly stroking her face.

"Hmm... Alec. He scares me and I'm dreading Aro too," she said.

"We will not leave you alone with them. However, it's possible that they'll ask you to dance tonight. Only selected people are allowed to ask a Princess and unfortunately Alec and Aro are among them," he explained to her.

"Oh ... and I can't refuse?" she asked, aghast.

"Bad. It would be rude. I don't like it either, but he can demand one dance, after which you could refuse," he said.

"Who are the other selected personalities?" she asked.

"My brothers, my father and other high-ranking nobles or politicians, for example. Whereas, of course, only some will be there, not many. It varies from festival to festival."

She sighed.

"Can I dance with you?" she asked.

"Of course. I do hope I get to hold you most of the time!" he said and kissed her.

She returned the kiss and they cuddled some more.

He tried to be careful. I had never seen him so gentle and tender. He touched her like a raw egg.

She got up and disappeared into the bathroom. At some point she came out again in her bathrobe and picked out some lingerie to match her dress. She put it on and the bathrobe over it again. She then applied discreet make-up and then blow-dried her hair, pinned it up and back at the front, left it open at the back and put on her tiara.

"Is that okay, James?" she asked.

"You look lovely, Your Highness," I said.

She had removed the pink nail polish and was now applying white.

"Rosa was nice, too," I noted.

"Yes, but not with a sky blue dress, James," she said.

She blew her nails dry. Afterwards she disappeared once more in the bathroom, then she came back, dropped the bathrobe and got into her dress. She turned her back to me and held her hair up. I helped her close it. She then put on her bracelet and the new necklace, which I helped with as well. I brought her the shoes and she slipped into them. I put the scarf over her shoulders and she put on the gloves. Then she looked at herself in the mirror.

"Royal enough?" she asked me skeptically.

"Princess Isabella, you are the most beautiful Princess and, above all, the most dignified one I have ever been privileged to accompany!", I said and bowed.

"James, you're being judgmental," she sighed.

"No, my Princess, it is true," I said firmly.

She looked at me.

"When did you change your clothes?" she asked.

"My room is opposite - now and then I'm allowed to groom myself," I winked at her and she smiled.

"You look very handsome in that suit, too, James. I couldn't think of a better guard."

She smiled at me and I smiled back.

I thanked heaven for the hundredth time that I was allowed to look after this woman.

"Are you ready?" my Prince called from next door, and I watched him slip on his shoes.

"Yes ... just," she called out, walking over to him.

"Wow ...!" he said. "I'm going to have trouble protecting you. They'll all be after you. You're beautiful, darling," he sighed.

"You too, my Prince!" she said.

She hugged him and kissed him. He smiled and kissed back with pleasure.

"Let's go before we get any ideas, love!" he said.

She smiled.

I opened the door and two guards stepped aside. In front of their door stood two more guards.

Carlisle has them pretty darn well guarded, I noted.

My Prince led his Princess by the hand to the ballroom.

Emmett and Rose were already waiting outside the door ... they held Grace between them. Rose wore a red dress and the child a little dress of the same fabric. Emmett's bow tie matched it. In addition, the Majesties were just arriving as well as Aro with Jane and Alec and Jane's two daughters. They were in male company.

Everyone greeted each other briefly stiffly with small nods or bows.

From the other side, Alice and Jasper joined them - Jasper in a white suit and Alice in a white and silver ball gown.

"Everyone here?" asked the Majesty, giving the start signal.

The door to the hall was opened and the Court Marshal announced, "Her Majesty King Carlisle and Her Majesty Queen Esmé!"

Carlisle led Esmé into the hall and the guests bowed. They walked completely through the hall to the other side. There, on a small rise, was a large table. They took their seats in the middle.

Now he announced, "Her Majesty King Aro!"

Aro walked through the hall. Everyone bowed and he sat down at the table opposite his brother.

Now we were already coming, "Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Edward and Princess Isabella!"

The guests bowed, but cast furtive secret glances at the beautiful couple.

Edward slowly led her by raised hand to the table and I walked behind at a distance. They took a seat next to Carlisle and I adjusted her chair, then stopped behind her.

I saw that she was shaking slightly and I sensed that she was shocked at how stiff and formal this was going.

"Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Alec and Princess Jane!"

They walked side by side at a distance and sat down to the left and right of their father.

"Prince Emmett and Princess Rosalie with Princess Grace!"

The two of them held their child by the hands between them and their guard followed just as I had just done, with a little distance. They sat down next to Esmé.

"Prince Jasper and Princess Alice!"

Alice smiled all over her face. They sat down next to my Princess.

"Princess Gianna and Princess Renata with escort!"

Jane's daughters. Strange, they were allowed to appear unmarried officially with men?

They sat down next to Alec and Jane.

The King rose.

"Dear guests, welcome to our joint ball evening. I would like to extend a special welcome to the Italian royal family, in whose honor we are holding this celebration. My brother Aro - today our guest of honor - is celebrating his birthday and we are honored that he is doing it in our palace. Happy birthday, my King!"

The guests sang a birthday song and everyone joined in.

Aro rose, listened with a smile, and then thanked him with small bows in all directions.

"Let the ball begin," Carlisle called out and the orchestra began to play. "Aro, would you like to open the dance?" he then asked his brother.

"With pleasure! Esmé, would you do me the honor?" he asked politely, bowing in her direction.

"Gladly!" she said, pacing around the table.

Aro went to meet her on the other side, then reached out his hand and began to dance with her.

"As Crown Princess, my father will now ask you for a dance with him, love, because you are now the most high-ranking lady at this court after his wife," my Prince explained to his Princess.

She nodded and I literally felt her inner moan.

At that moment the King rose and walked around his son.

"Isabella, will you do me the honor of dancing with me?" he asked her politely.

"I'd be happy to," she said.

I pulled the chair away and she took Carlisle's hand.

He gallantly led her to the dance floor and danced with her. Now only the two couples were on the dance floor. They were all silent. After a minute, Aro signaled with his hand and more dancing couples joined in the song and quickly lost sight of the royal couples because it was so crowded.

I sensed that my Princess was uncomfortable and my Prince was also nervously playing with his fingers because he was reluctant to subject her to this constraint.

"You are the queen of the night," Carlisle told Isabella.

I heard it clearly.