Stephenie Meyer owns the Twilight Universe. I own a twisted imagination.

Chapter 18

The next morning, a very eager groom hurried about his suite of rooms, checking and rechecking everything he needed for both the wedding and the wedding night. The advice his father had given him was running through his mind repeatedly. His worry for the night was twofold. Firstly, he had never shared his bed before and secondly, he was afraid that his overwhelming eagerness to share his bed would lead to embarrassment. There were many things he had to do and many people he had to endure before it would be time to share his bed. He worried that perhaps Bella would not be as eager to share his bed as he was and that perhaps she would want to wait until they were better acquainted.

The bride-to-be was being attended by several women preparing her for the day ahead. The conversation she had had with Rosalie a few days before had prepared her for the wedding night. She watched as Renée cuddled a sleepy Tizzy by the fire and smiled at how much the woman had changed. But the though of having her own child to cuddle took any of the anticipatory reluctance about the wedding night from her thoughts.

Tia and Alice were fussing over the beautiful white gown that hung waiting to be worn. Rosalie was employing the considerable skill of her quick fingers to arrange Bella's hair with the plethora of jewels Queen Esmé had provided. Queen Esmé had completely forgotten any animosity she had towards her new daughter-in-law. What was interpreted as coldness in Queen Esmé was actually the most appalling short term memory yet known in history.

The father of the bride and the father of the groom were both waiting for the groom to exit his room. They both knew that the boy was in desperate need of a stiff drink or two. They toasted the bride, the day, each other and magic. When Prince Edward began to toast to the night ahead, both Kings knew it was time to take away his drink.

It finally came time for the ceremony, the crowd found that the groom was tipsy and the bride radiant. No truer vows were ever spoken of love, devotion and fidelity. They made their pledges to each other and sealed it with a passionate kiss. So lost in the other were they, that they did not hear the cheers of the crowd.

A very lengthy receiving line kept the couple busy for what seemed like hours. Only able to sneak meaningful glances and quick touches, they were fêted and greeted until their hands and feet were sore. The wedding feast was more grand than any in attendance had ever seen. Sumptuous dishes for all corners of the land were arranged for everyone's consumption.

When at last Edward was able to take his bride in his arms, they all but ached to hold her. To which song the danced, neither could tell. His hand on her back felt like a branding iron, the heat of it searing into her very bones. The feel of her palm, strong and warm in his sent shivers done his spine 'til it reached his toes. The curve of her body against his sent his mind reeling with possibilities. They were forced to dance with others but always managed to return to the other.

In a spare moment, late into the evening, Isabella pulled Alice aside. Her held out her hand and in it was the fifth and final charmed walnut.

"Alice, thank you. I want to return this to you. I have everything I could ever want. I have no need for this now."

Isabella gathered Alice in a fierce embrace and kissed her cheek. Alice took the nut and held it in her hand. Returned magic held a special power and Alice wondered who could be in need of such a reward.

King Charles sought out his daughter and thanked her for her kind words and lessons. He asked that perhaps one day she would deign to travel back to his Kingdom and check on his progress with her sister's. Arrangement would be made for a time in the not too distant future.

As the evening drew to a close and the last dance was over, the young couple said their good-nights and retired to their chamber. The echoing thud of the door closing brought Edward's nerves back in to play. His father had told him that he would need to tread carefully with Isabella. That most likely Isabella would be scared, shy and unaware of what was to happen that night. Her lack of mother or of mother figure meant that there had been no lady to inform her. That fact weighed heavily on Edward's mind.

Edward gave his bride a long, slow kiss before leaving their embrace to light some candles. When he had finished, he deep breath to calm himself and turned to face Isabella. What he did not expect to see on her face was the predatory grin and sly gleam in her eye. She looked at him, running the tip of her tongue across her bottom lip. Without breaking his gaze, she walked towards him as her hand began to undo the closures of her gown.

Edward felt moisture collect on his brow. She looked lovely. She looked brazen. She looked slightly dangerous. Edward found it difficult to swallow. Try as he might, he was unable to keep his eyes on hers as button after button was opened on her gown. He sat heavily on the bed and watched as she began to remove her clothing.

Isabella's wedding gown was made of very heavy white velvet. The material was so thick that until the right number of buttons had been opened, only a handful of people knew that underneath it she wore a silk shift in dark red, all of them the women who had attended her. The contrasting colour awoke something in Edward and with a sudden swiftness, he had her in his arms and on the bed. He rained kisses on the exposed skin of her neck and chest. Isabella breathed out a laugh and began to pull and tug at his clothing.

Edward thought it miraculous that he did not embarrass himself during the time it took to completely free them of their garments. Although it was a very close call a number of times; when he first saw her breasts, when he first held them in his hands, when she was fully undressed, when he saw the look in her eye when she saw that he was fully undressed. What finally un-manned him, was when she slowly slid her fingers down his body and held him in her hand for the first time. She kissed him sweetly when he began to apologize, stopping his worry.

"Now, we can take our time, my darling."

And they did. As Edward was young, hale and hearty, they were able to take their time, again and again. He made a very studious effort to learn each and every place on her body that brought her pleasure. He catalogued every sigh, moan and whimper for their usage again over time.

With gentle pressure they joined as one, pausing to acclimate to each new sensation. She held him tightly to her for fear that she would fly away with joy. He held her down, pinning her beneath him to better chase his feelings of euphoria. Shaking and panting, she felt as he reached his end, finding hers in his embrace. The only words they felt the need to speak were words of love and thanks.

And from that first night until their last, they lived happily ever after.

AN: Thank you for reading. I can not tell you how much I have enjoyed reading all of your thoughts and comments. I know there are some who would wish for a more graphic wedding night but I don't think it is keeping with the fairy tale idea. There are much better (smut) writers than me, so if you are unsatisfied with having to read between the lines, go find them. I can give some recommendations, too, because I don't mind reading it, I just can't seem to write it.