This 2nd chapter to THOAK was purchased by Team Tudorward in the Junkin for Joplin auction and I was urged by several of them to post it here. After consulting with Team Tudorward and getting no objections, here it is! I hope you enjoy it and thank you again Team Tudorward for your donation, you guys are AMAZING!

S.M. owns Twilight. Please forgive any historical inaccuracies for creative purposes. I am not a Tudors expert, I just like to watch them on TV.

Edward

I had been awake for only moments when the first light of morning began to creep across the cool, stone floor of Isabella's home. It had become more of a home to me in the last few months than the castle ever had. I did not find a reason to leave her. And even if a reason was found, I doubt it would be enough to sway me from staying. I wanted to stay, so we did.

Despite my childhood upbringing, I was not afraid of hard work. It was not something I was used to, but I was willing to learn. Isabella was not like the other women of court. She knew her land and she worked it along with her few servants. It pained me at first, seeing her with her hands dirty, but it had become a quality that I found most endearing in her.

I had received several letters from my advisors back at court, imploring me to return. They feared a rebellion or worse since it looked as though I had abandoned my throne and left our country kingless. I had done neither. I was the King and I would remain to be so until I joined my mother and father in Heaven.

My father died when I was seventeen. My mother followed him shortly after and I was left as an orphan King. I was unprepared to be King then and I could not say I had always done right by my title. My closest advisor was my father's favorite knight, a man by the name of Sir Carlisle. He raised Jasper and very nearly taught me all I know about swordsmanship and the like. Sir Carlisle was not afraid to tell me of my many mistakes and indiscretions, especially regarding my marriage to Jane. He made it clear that this was a marriage of political reasons and although it was a smart match for my country, it was not for me. Jane expected more of me than I did of her. I had no interest in falling in love…with anyone. Until I met Lady Isabella.

"My King, you are awake early…" My Lady mumbled as she rolled over in our bed. The sun crept silently across her slender stomach and up over her bare breasts as she reached for me.

"I would wake early each morning simply to watch you sleep." I leaned over and kissed her.

My loins stirred at her touch, despite our late evening the night before indulging in each other. I wish I could have said that my insatiable desires had waned, but I could not. I found the fire deep within me burning deeper and warmer than before, and for her alone. Even after she left the castle, I tried to fall back into my normal life but it proved useless. My entire being- body, heart and soul- was trapped by the very essence of her. I would lay down my sword, beg her to take me prisoner just to remain in her company and I feared that this affection might get me in trouble someday.

I smirked and reached over to palm her breast. I hummed as it pebbled under my touch.

"May I have you, my Lady?" I whispered.

"You had me mere hours ago, my Lord," she murmured. I brushed my lips over her neck.

"May I have you…again, my Lady?" I pushed the blankets back from her naked body and placed myself between her legs. "Say it."

"Sire." She kinked her eyebrow and smiled in agreement.

I grabbed her legs, holding them in place as I pressed my length into her warmth. I reached up behind her and steadied myself on the headboard as I moved within her. I brushed her hair away from her face and leaned down to kiss her as a knock sounded on our door.

"No," I growled at our unwelcome visitor. "We are busy."

"I apologize for the intrusion, Sire. Sir Jasper has just arrived and says it is urgent that he speak with you," Jacob said from behind the door.

Jasper was here? That was quite unusual.

I closed my eyes and shook my head as I stilled above her. "I am sorry, my love," I said.

I regretfully pulled away and slipped out of bed. I grabbed my robe and secured it around my body as I started towards the door. Bella stepped out of bed and disappeared behind her dressing screen as I opened the door.

I followed Jacob down the hallway and downstairs to find Jasper pacing in the foyer.

"Jasper." I nodded. "We were not expecting you."

"I apologize for the intrusion, my Lord. There have been some…developments. It is important that I speak with you…privately." He glanced towards Jacob.

"Leave us," I said. Jacob nodded and disappeared down the hallway.

I led Jasper to a small room where Bella and I occasionally took our meals. There was a decent sized table of darkened wood in the middle of the room, along with old ornate chairs that belonged to her grandmother.

I pulled back the dark, heavy curtains before I sat down. Jasper lowered himself beside me and sighed.

"Your presence is…required back at court," he said.

"Required or requested?" I asked, kinking my eyebrow.

"Both." He leaned in close and lowered his voice. "There have been rumblings my King. Disloyalty. Rebellion. Overthrowing you, Sire."

"By whom?"

"Our informant is a little vague, but it appears to center upon your cousin."

"Lord James?" I shook my head. "Impossible."

James was my cousin and the next in line for the throne. He lived in a town on the other side of the Kingdom and I rarely saw him. I knew he was vexed at my position, but I hardly believed he would move to strike.

"I cannot say, my Lord. It is essential that you return to court. With your absence comes uncertainty. You must assert yourself on the throne."

He was right. I was King. It was part of who I was and I would not be threatened. I would not.

"I will leave this evening." I stood from the table.

"I shall accompany you." Jasper nodded. "I will tend to my horse and be ready to make haste."

I left the room and started back up the stairs to tell her. She would not take it well, that much I knew. I had to make her understand.

I silently slipped inside her room and found her still dressing. She smiled when she saw me and turned, asking me to lace up her dress. She was never afraid to ask something of me and that was unusual for me. Everyone seemed to fear that and I saw no fear in her eyes. Only adoration.

"Will Jasper be joining us for dinner?" She looked over her shoulder at me as my fingers made work of her laces.

"No," I said, softly. "He will be returning to court."

"Oh?"

"As will I." I held my breath as I watched her eyelashes flutter as quickly as a hummingbird's wings.

"Oh?" she said again, her voice barely above a whisper.

"I have some business to attend to. I have enjoyed my time here immensely, but my presence is required at court. I am still King." I leaned down and kissed her neck. "I shall be back when I can, my Lady."

She turned around and placed her hand on my heart. "I am coming with you, my Lord."

"No." I shook my head. I did not believe in James' treachery but I will not risk her if it is true. "Absolutely not."

"It is not your choice."

"It is!" I said, my voice tinted with anger. "I forbid it."

She brushed past me and disappeared out into the hallway. I sighed and started packing my things. I did not have much, only what I could carry on horseback when I'd first arrived.

When I finished, I started downstairs. "Isabella!" I called. Silence. I entered the foyer and looked around. "Isabella!" I called again.

"She's not here, Sire," Jacob said, suddenly appearing at the door. "I have readied the carriage for your travel."

"I can travel by horse, Jacob. The carriage is not necessary."

"My Lady insisted that you take the carriage. She will not be in need of it before your return. I will accompany you as your driver"

Was this Isabella's way of forcing me to come back? Did she not already know that I was bound to her? It is preposterous to think otherwise, but I would oblige her.

"If she wishes," I sighed in annoyance.

Jacob led me outside, where Jasper was waiting. He circled around the carriage as I climbed inside. Jacob packed my things as I looked back at the house. I could imagine Isabella was hiding somewhere being stubborn, but I imagined she would come before I left. It appeared as though I was severely mistaken.

"She refuses to say goodbye, my King," Jacob called from up front.

"Fine. Drive on." I covered my eyes with my hand as we started off. I kept telling myself that this was only a brief absence. As soon as everything was settled at court, I would return. There was no other path than this. My course was set.

We traveled for an hour or two as the sun crept along the skyline. I was hoping that we would not need to stop overnight. I would like my visit to begin as soon as possible so it could end just the same.

Jacob and Jasper spoke to each other every now and then throughout the journey. I barely listened, drifting in and out of sleep. The previous night's activities had not lent themselves to a good night's sleep, however I did not regret it.

I was just about to slip back asleep when Jasper's voice caught my ear.

"Lady Isabella, I was beginning to think you would sleep the entire journey." He laughed.

I shot up from my seat as the blood began to boil through my veins. I pounded on the front wall of the carriage. "Stop now!"

The carriage halted to a stop and I forced the door open and stepped outside. Jasper's face was one of confusion, but Jacob looked slightly terrified. Beside him, Isabella sat perfectly still.

"Word please, my Lady." I pinched the bridge of my nose and nodded to the trees. Jacob helped her down from the bench of the carriage and glanced nervously at me. "I'll deal with you later."

I grabbed Isabella's hand and led her slightly away from our company.

"I thought I was clear," I said. "You deliberately disobeyed my orders. I told you to stay behind."

"You cannot get rid of me that easily, my Lord. It is my will to be here. If you take me back, I will take my horse and ride on my own. If you take my horse, I will take the journey on foot. I will not be separated from you, Edward. I do not care the consequences." She stared at me intently and I knew she spoke the truth. That spark that I loved about her was frustrating me once more.

I groaned and started back towards the carriage. She followed quickly behind me. I opened the carriage door for her so she could ride more comfortably. I did not want to admit my joy of seeing her. It was too overshadowed by my anger.

I took a step to the front and stared at Jacob. "I am very unhappy with your decision to help her, Jacob."

"Apologies, my Lord." His eyes fell to the ground.

"Did you not know she was with us, Edward?" Jasper asked. I glared at him, hoping it rightfully conveyed my answer, and got back into the carriage. Isabella sat in the seat directly across from me with her hands folded neatly in her lap.

We rode for a long time in complete silence. The only sound was the click-clacking of the horse hooves hitting the dirt road outside and the occasional grumble of the carriage rocking back and forth.

My mind was torn. A part of it wanted to take her back and chain her to the bed to keep her there. I wanted her safe. But the other part wanted her with me so I could protect her myself. It was incredibly frustrating.

"My Lord…" Isabella finally whispered. She leaned forward and grazed her fingers across my knee. My nostrils flared as I reached forward and grabbed her chin, pulling her closer to me.

"Do not. Disobey me again. Is that understood?"

Her eyes flashed a hint of fear for a moment before she stuttered out an answer. "Yes."

I searched her expression and found my heart beating more rapidly against my chest. My anger had come and gone, leaving nothing but desire. I had left the house thinking I would not see her for many weeks. I would be without her warmth, without her lips, without my arms around her. And now she was here in front of me. I regretted to say that controlling myself would be difficult.

Her grip tightened on my leg as she leaned closer. I felt her breath on my face, sweet and delectable as ever.

"Shall I make it up to you?" She whispered as she inched her lips closer to mine.

"If you wish." I closed the gap between us and pressed my lips to hers. She whimpered as I grasped her hips and roughly pulled her to me. I sucked at her lips, nibbling and devouring, as I tasted her.

My loins stirred as she shifted on my lap and a deep fire burned below the pit of my stomach.

"Here?" She mumbled against my lips. I nodded and reached up to push down the top of her dress. It barely exposed the curves of her breasts, just a speck of her pink nipples peeking out above the hem of her white undergarments.

Her hand slipped gently down my chest until it reached the top of my pants. Her fingers slid through the laces, slowly loosening them. I slid my hips up against her and allowed her to pull them down just enough to expose me.

She stood briefly as my hands found their place under her dress. I felt along her legs, reaching for the top of her undergarments. I pulled them down and immediately brushed my fingers over her center. I circled around the back of her thighs and her backside before pulling her back down to me.

She lifted her dress up to her knees as she slid herself down my length, burying me deep inside her. A strangled moan escaped my lips as she placed her hands on my shoulders and shifted her hips against mine.

The carriage did most of the work, bucking and shifting us against one another with each turn of the wheel. Her eyes fluttered shut as she rode me, using gravity to our advantage. I leaned forward and sucked on of her breasts between my lips. I grasped her dress harder and pulled it down a little farther. Her breasts were bare before me, bouncing with each bump and I couldn't help but want another taste.

She screamed loudly as I sucked and nibbled on her flesh, rolling it between my tongue and my teeth. I briefly wondered if Jasper and Jacob were privy to our carriage escapade, but I could not be bothered with the thought. They would not dare to disturb us.

"Edward," she whimpered. I reached behind her and gently fisted her brown curls. I pulled slightly, causing her head to roll back and expose her neck. She bit down on her lip as she moved her hips more roughly against me. My lips traced kisses up the middle of her chest and to her neck.

I shifted her above me, holding her still with my hands as I thrust into her, harder and deeper each time. My breaths came out in rapid, short spikes as my chest heaved up and down. I clenched my jaw tight as my stomach began to coil inside. I screamed out as I buried myself in her once more and felt my release rock through my body.

"Are you satisfied, my Lady?" I asked.

"No, Sire," she breathed.

My fingers found their way under her dress, to where we had just been one. They pinched and rolled her flesh between them as they rubbed her in just the right place. Her jaw fell slack, her lips forming the perfect pout as an almost sign moan escaped her lips. She steadied herself, placing her hands on my chest as she started to push her hips against my fingers.

I watched her curiously as she fought towards her release. I had never taken the time to fully appreciate a woman's satisfaction before I met Isabella. As long as I felt fulfilled, it was of no matter. Not now. I wanted to please her. I wanted to watch her come undone above me, below me, beside me, anywhere. Her happiness meant everything to me.

"Come along, my Love," I whispered as I continue to work her center. "I want to feel you tremble against my fingers."

Her body finally stiffened as her fingers dug into my flesh and I watched her again in amusement. A lazy grin spread across my face as she screamed my name. I stilled my fingers against her as she slumped forward, breathing heavily into my shoulder.

I brushed her hair over her shoulder and pulled her dress back up the best that I could as I cradled her on my chest. Her breathing slowed and she eventually fell into a deep sleep.

As the sunlight faded outside the carriage window, I too fell asleep. I woke many times throughout the night, sometimes asking them to stop to relieve myself and rest from the ride. Isabella slept soundly the whole way. Each time I crawled back into the carriage, she found a way back to my chest, clinging desperately onto my shirt.

We eventually began riding through more familiar surroundings; things that I knew signaled we were almost there. Isabella stretched and woke as we rode through the city and came upon the castle walls. It was still as impending and forlorn as when I once left it, but I could not imagine it not being better with the company I was currently keeping. I'd always believed that Jane's cold soul was the thing that put a chill in the castle.

The carriage pulled up at the front and Jacob jumped down to open the door. I stepped out before helping Isabella out. Jasper went before us, leading us into the castle. It felt strange to be back here now.

We were greeted in the foyer by very surprised servants. One, whose name I could not rightly remember, offered to take our things to our rooms.

"Which room shall I put Lady Isabella in, your Majesty?" He asked.

"Please take her things and place them in my room. She will be staying with me."

His eyes widened slightly, but he dare not question me. I knew it was unusual. Even before when I had lady visitors, they never stayed in my quarters.

"Why did he react like that?" Isabella whispered as we crept along the dim, familiar hallways.

"Because we're not married, my love," I said.

"Oh," she said, disappointment in her voice.

"Is that a hint of sadness, my Lady? That you are not my Queen?"

"So long as I am yours, the title does not matter."

We came to stand before my bedroom door. I took her hand and kissed it. "Isabella, I promise you one day you will be Queen."

The servant opened the door and set our things inside.

"Please let Sir Carlisle know I am here and would like an audience with him." I nodded to the servant and he left us alone. Isabella yawned and sat down on the bed. I smirked. "I cannot rightly believe that you are tired, Isabella. You slept nearly the entire way."

"Forgive me, Sire. I was a little worn out from the ride." She cocked her eyebrow and collapsed back onto the bed. I laughed and sat down beside her.

"I have some business to attend to. Shall I send for Alice to keep you company?"

Her face lit up in a smile. "Could you? I miss her very much."

"Consider it done."

Even after Jane had left the castle, I insisted that Alice stay because I knew she was dear not only to Isabella, but Jasper as well. I had it under good authority that they were to announce their engagement in the upcoming month.

I leaned down and kissed Isabella's forehead. "Do not wait up for me. I fear I may be late."

"I do not think that will be a problem." She yawned again and shivered.

"I'll send someone to tend to the fire. Please make yourself comfortable. This room is yours."

I stood and smiled at her before I left the room. I passed through the hallways of the castle, granting surprised looks from everyone I met. They had not expected me back. I did not miss the lingering eyes of the ladies as they smiled at me and fluttered their eyes like they used to. To say that I was not at all curious would be a lie, but I refused to betray the love I felt for Isabella. I could never be unfaithful to her, but it was difficult to break old habits so I smiled at them and continued on my way.

I descended the small staircase that led deep in the ground. Once in the tunnel, I grabbed a torch to light my way and continued towards my father's tomb. With any hope, Carlisle would already be waiting.

I turned a corner and stepped into a small room, bathed in firelight. There was a large alter in the center of the room, beneath which my father's body was buried. Carlisle knelt in front of it, mumbling a prayer.

I did not disturb him, only waited for him to finish.

"Dangerous liaisons are afoot, my King," Carlisle said, his eyes still closed. He finally rose from his knees and turned to meet me. "You are changed."

"How do you know that?"

"It only takes a single look." He smiled. "Lady Isabella has done you well. You almost look like the young man I used to know."

"He was always here, Carlisle." My smile fell. "What is the situation?"

"I was glad to hear of your return, Edward. I was almost ready to travel up myself and drag you back." He started pacing around the tomb. "We had heard several concerning rumors about your cousin. He has grown tired of sitting by the wayside, Edward, and I feel as though you may be in danger. He is very cunning and has many loyal followers." He pulled a piece of paper from his cloak. "It was only today that we intercepted this correspondence."

I took the paper from his hand and read through.

The King has overstayed his welcome. He must be stopped. Sir James has authorized his assassination as a start to the rebellion against his rule.

James' signature was at the bottom.

"Whom was this sent to?" I asked.

"It was to be sent to the Duke of LaPush, my King. We received it before it reached him. Duke William has not always been a supporter of your Majesty, but I do not believe he would have acted on this. He was very close to your father." He shook his head. "We cannot say for sure if any others were sent out or to whom. However it looks as though James is making his move for the throne and will take it in any way possible. We must be vigilant."

My fingers clenched tightly around the paper, crumbling and wrinkling it in my fist. "I want him found and brought here. The punishment for high treason is death. I want him gone, Carlisle."

My small nervous inkling had burst into a raging passion. I instantly regretted allowing Isabella to accompany me here. The situation had turned dangerous and I worried for her safety. By now, James knew of my affection for her and I would not doubt he would use that against me.

Carlisle and I talked late into the night. Jasper joined us at some point and offered to send out guards to search for James and his conspirators. Jasper eventually followed me back to my room in the early morning hours and we found Alice and Isabella both asleep. The fire looked well tended to so I was happy that they were warm.

Jasper leaned down and scooped the sleeping Alice up into his arms. He mumbled a goodnight and carried her out. I helped a half-asleep Isabella from her garments into something more comfortable before undressing myself. As I slipped into bed beside her, I held her closer than before. I tried not to allow my fears to follow me here, but it appeared that they had. I was set on making sure they never touched her.

Over the next few weeks, we sent out several patrols looking for James with no luck. No one had seen him. His uncle was refuting any involvement and claimed he hadn't seen him in months. His residence appeared abandoned.

I was growing weary and restless and I longed for days back in the country with Isabella. I feared as time passed, it seemed less and less likely that we would return. We had people to protect us here. The country left us vulnerable.

I ordered at least one guard with Isabella at all times to ensure her safety. She was never alone and although it seemed to irritate her immensely, she did not speak one word of it to me. I could tell she was feeling a little low. I was often gone, tending to James' impending capture and preparing for his punishment. I had successfully convinced all of the important people of his treachery and they agreed that he should be executed at once.

One evening in particular, Isabella and Alice sat outside in the gardens talking amongst themselves. She looked up as I approached and smiled slightly. I had been hearing the gossip around the castle. They questioned her station because we were not married. They questioned our relationship because it was not so. They questioned my love for her. I did not ever want her to ponder the same questions.

"Alice," I said, sitting down beside them and taking Isabella's hand in mine. "I would like you to plan a ball." I brushed my fingers over Isabella's soft skin and hummed.

"A ball, my King?" Isabella asked.

"I love parties," Alice said with a smile. "What are we celebrating?"

I looked at Isabella and kissed her hand. "Our engagement."

"You're engaged?" Alice turned to Isabella in surprise.

"Am I?" Isabella shrugged and kinked her eyebrow at me.

"If you will have me." I lowered to the ground, resting on one knee. "I want you to be my wife and I want to give you everything, including my everlasting love. I can only pray that I can live up to your expectations and will spend the rest of my life working to exceed them. I would be honored to be your husband, Isabella."

She blinked a few times as a smile started to form across her face. "Yes. A million times yes." She leaned forward and pressed her lips to mine. Alice jumped up in excitement and muttered something about getting to work right away. She left us alone in the gardens, where we spent time together for the rest of the afternoon.

Isabella was feeling a little ill by dinnertime so I escorted her up to our room and made sure she was taken care of by one of our servants. I kissed her forehead and promised to check in on her later. When I did she was fast asleep and I could not bear to bother her.

Over the next days, Alice became busy planning the ball. She popped in every now and then to ask my opinion or Isabella's but I did not care to be of much service. I was not interested in the food, so long as it was delicious. I was not particularly interested in the company, besides the one woman who would sit beside me. I was not interested in the music, as long as I could dance.

Isabella had begun to act a little strange as the ball came closer and I could not decipher her expression. She seemed distant, almost sad and I wondered if she regretted agreeing to the engagement. I brought my concerns up to Alice, but she merely brushed them off and said that Isabella had a lot on her mind. I had a feeling she was hiding something from me as well. I did not like it.

The night of the ball approached and Isabella was with Alice all day making preparations so I did not see her much. The few moments I had with her were too brief and too cluttered with silence.

A million things ran through my head. Did she love another? Did she not want to be Queen? Does she not think me worthy or trust me to do right by her? Did she learn of James' disloyalty? Was she scared? I needed to speak with her about all of this. Reassure her that I am hers and I would die to protect her.

I was not allowed in our chamber in the moments before the ball. Alice said that Isabella had received some new gowns and wanted to surprise me. I grumbled and got ready in one of my dressing rooms instead, but I could not wait to talk to her. It had to be tonight, before the issue went too far. If this life was not what she desired, I needed to know.

I heard the sounds of laughter and music as I neared the Great Hall. The smell of food crept down the hallway as I waited outside the doors for her. People passed by and greeted me with surprise, asking me why I was not inside joining my party.

"Waiting for my Queen," I said, smiling apologetically. My foot tapped anxiously against the stone floor and I fidgeted with the ring in my palm. I planned to present it to her this evening. I had always planned to give my Queen my mother's ring, but it never felt right with Jane so I held on to it. I wanted Isabella to have it.

My head shot up as I heard Alice's laughter down the hallway. I held my breath as they rounded the corner. Alice stopped in her tracks and put her hands on her hips.

"You've ruined the surprise, my King," she scolded me.

"I apologize," I said softly. My eyes were locked on Isabella, who stood quietly behind Alice. She smiled softly, but it did not possess all of the joy that I hoped it would. "May I speak with you in private, my Lady?"

"Of course, Sire." Isabella nodded to Alice, telling her it was okay. Alice smiled and disappeared into the hall.

I crossed the distance to Isabella and took her hand in mine. "You look beautiful."

"Thank you."

I led her to a small sitting room, across the way from the hall. Once inside, I started pacing around, trying to find the correct words to express myself. I was unsuccessful.

"Is everything alright?" Isabella asked, sounding a little panicked.

"Are you unhappy, my love?" I asked, glancing up at her.

"No. I am very happy, Edward." She shook her head furiously.

"I have noticed a change within you the past few weeks. If this is not what you want, I do not want to force you into this life Isabella. It is not easy and not always as wonderful as everyone believes it to be, but I can guarantee that I will love with you with every fiber of my being. And if that is not enough then I accept that."

"Edward." She crossed the room, her eyes on the verge of tears. "You are what I want. I am sorry if I ever made you think otherwise, I…" She trailed off and bit her lip.

"What is it?" I titled her chin up.

"I am with child, my Lord."

My eyes widened at her words. This was a surprise. "Really and truly?" I cupped her cheek and ran my thumb gently over her skin.

"Yes. Are you angry?"

"Why would I be angry, Isabella? I'm delighted. Absolutely delighted."

A look of relief flashed across her expression and I leaned down to kiss her. I felt her smile against my lips as she wrapped her arms around my neck.

A noise from beside us startled me and I pulled away. Clap. Clap. Clap. I turned towards the noise and saw Sir James step out from behind the curtain, applauding us like we were at the Globe. My breath hitched in my throat and I stepped protectively in front of Isabella.

"Congratulations, cousin. That is excellent news," he said with a grin. "News of a possible heir makes my business a little more urgent." He grabbed his sword and scraped it across the floor. "Of course it complicates things a little…" He paced around. "I was only planning on killing you, but now it seems I have someone else in my way. A very little someone."

"Edward?" Isabella whispered from behind me. "What is he talking about?"

"Isabella this is my cousin James." I slowly moved towards the set of armor sitting in the corner of the room. "He's the reason we came back to court. There was a threat on my life."

"It's…my turn to be King," James said, his voice rising in anger. "My turn." He pointed his sword at us. "And no one shall stand in my way now. No one!"

"I want you to stay behind me, Isabella." I reached out and quickly grabbed the sword from the armor and held it up in our defense.

"Bratty King to defend himself and his future Queen?" James laughed. "It's almost comical. The only thing you're capable of is bedding women and spending money, spoiled little rich boy."

"I have a secret, cousin." I smirked and cocked my eyebrow. "I am an excellent swordsman." I lunged forward, but did not flinch when our swords collided. Isabella cowered back at the sound and clutched at her belly.

James and I paraded around the room, swinging and darting towards one another. I had never had use for my skills before, but I was happy to say they did not fail me now.

I swung hard and fast towards him and collided with his sword. I forced him down to his knees, pushing with all of the force I possessed in my body. And then suddenly I was flying backwards, a hideous pain in my stomach from where his fist had hit me. I stumbled back and tripped over the chair behind me. As I plummeted to the ground, I began to panic. I thought of Bella. I thought of our unborn child. I thought of how that little slip up could end it all.

I rolled as soon as I hit the ground and rushed to get to my feet. My heart fell as soon as I did.

"Let her go," I growled. My fists clenched around my sword as I watched him hold the tip of his blade to her throat. My worst fear had come true. She was in danger. Our child would take James' place as next in line for the throne if it were a boy. I knew he would not take that chance.

"Edward…" Isabella's voice shook as she spoke. The tears slipped silently down her cheeks as she watched me.

"Let her go and I may spare your life," I said. I took a step closer.

"I do not need her to secure my place. I need you gone. And I need this despicable child gone from her." He moved the sword down to Isabella's stomach and she let a sob slip from her lips.

"Please," she cried.

"Isabella," I said slowly. "Do you remember what I told you in the carriage?"

"To not disobey you." She sniffled.

"I need you to do what I say do you understand?"

"Yes."

James looked curiously between us as I dropped my sword. His mouth fell open in surprise before turning up into an evil smile.

"Get down!" I screamed.

In an instant, Isabella bent at her waist and completely exposed James' chest. Before he could react, I bent down and grabbed my small dagger from my boot. I kneeled and launched the dagger towards his chest, aiming for the center of his heart.

I sighed as it sliced through his chest and stuck into his flesh, just below his left shoulder. His features twisted in surprise as he slipped back from Isabella's body, clutching at his chest.

"I…" He started. "I…." He fell back against the wall and slid to the floor. Once Isabella realized she was free, she ran towards me and threw herself into my arms.

"Are you alright?" I examined her and then did it again, checking for any damage. There was a small scratch on her throat, probably from the tip of his sword as it rested against her flesh, but she was unharmed otherwise.

The door flew open moments later and Jasper stepped inside, sword drawn. "I heard a commotion."

I pulled Isabella close and kissed the top of her head as I nodded towards James. His eyes were staring straight ahead, no trace of life left in them. Jasper walked over and pulled the dagger from his chest.

"Still keeping the dagger in your boot I see?" He wiped it clean and handed it back to me.

"It saved our lives."

More of my guards stomped into the room and I turned to address them. "I want to know how he got in here. Please check all of the guests and then send them home. The ball is over."

"I will take care of everything, my King," Jasper said. "Are you sure you are alright?"

"We'll be fine." I escorted Isabella out into the hallway and spotted Alice standing with her hand over her mouth in shock. "Alice, tea."

I continued to lead Isabella to our room, away from the crowd. I could only imagine what was happening now. The music had stopped. The food was taken away. Guests were curious as to the turn of events. I did not care for any of it. My concern was her. Only her.

"Relax, my love." I cursed to myself when I saw her trembling. "Nothing can harm you here."

She sat down on the bed. "I should have…" She stuttered. "I should have told you sooner. We wouldn't have been alone. You could have been killed." A tear slipped down her cheek.

"But I was not." I grabbed her robe and started to help her undress. "I am sorry I did not tell you of our inkling about James. I did not want to worry you and it seems it has ended that way regardless."

"You were just trying to protect me."

"And I shall do so until the day I die."

In the days and weeks following the assassination attempt, an informant came forward and exposed many of James' collaborators. Jasper sent out a massive guard to hunt them down and was able to bring most of them back to the castle for trial. The others went into hiding and we did not expect them to retaliate for fear of failure.

What we were expecting began to show many months later. My Isabella's belly had started to swell underneath her gowns. I had never seen anything more beautiful in my life. We were married long before our son was born the following year. The moment he was placed in my arms, I knew my purpose in life. It was not to be a King. It was to be his father and Isabella's husband. If I was privileged enough to be a King as well then I was grateful for it.

"What are you thinking, my King?" Isabella asked. We sat in the garden watching our son, Alec, practice his swordsmanship with Jasper. I had insisted that he learn it early and since it saved all of our lives, Isabella did not object.

"I think I want you to give me a daughter as beautiful as you are," I mumbled. I smirked and leaned over to kiss her neck.

"Ew!" Our son exclaimed.

"Wait until you're older, little one. I feel that you may think differently."

"Were you ever little, Daddy?" He asked.

"Not so long ago," I laughed.

"When did you become a man? Did you fight someone?" He jumped up and down.

"No."

"Well when was it?"

I glanced at Isabella and leaned down to meet my son's eyes. "I became a man, my dear boy, the moment your mother chose to love me." It was true. And continued to be true until I took my last breath on this earth. A King may have everything, but he was as poor as a beggar without a woman's love. It was more exquisite than diamonds. More precious than emeralds. Glistened more than a sapphire. And my Isabella? She was the most priceless gem to grace this world. It was more than enough for me. Not as a King. Simply as a man who loved a woman.