Hello! I hope you enjoy this new chapter, thank you! X

The king had gone when Isabella had woken up the next morning. Instead, the morning sun and the quiet bustling of Lady Rosalie greeted her. She stretched out her limbs and yawned into her pillow and shook away the dust of sleep.

"Where is the King?" she murmured, sleepy eyes searching the room. Rosalie, who had her arms full of Isabella's clothes jumped, almost dropping her things.

"Oh! I didn't know you were awake!" she flustered apologising, laying her hand over her chest as it fluttered.

Stretching again Isabella slid out of bed and walked over to her toilette, where Rosalie had prepared her washing things.

She rubbed the sleep from her eyes and took note of how her body felt. She felt a dull ache between her legs, it wasn't painful just odd, her neck and legs felt stiff but asides from that she felt alright. She'd get used to it, she hoped.

"Lady Rosalie, where is the king?" Isabella asked before she washed her face.

"He had returned to his chambers to get ready for the hunt." She replied.

Ah, so she knows that Edward had bedded her the night before. The tender flesh of her cheeks burst with heat as embarrassment washed over her.

Rosalie laughed despite herself, "Oh Isabella, please do not feel embarrassed, as your Lady in waiting I am privy to all that happens in this room. But I swear none of it shall pass through my lips." She assured her.

The young Queen took a deep breath and shook her head, the embarrassment shrinking back ever so slightly. She should have known that, but she trusted Rosalie.

"I mean no offense, but I still find customs here so strange!"

The older woman offered her a sympathetic look.

"Shh, these things take time Isabella, but you are already doing so well. Let me tell you, when I was first married I felt all at sea, what you are experiencing is only natural." Rosalie soothed and rubbed Isabella's arm gently.

Isabella looked up at the older woman in the mirror and caught for second a glimpse of the younger Lady Rosalie and felt that she was not alone in feeling this way.

"Now, we should get you dressed and ready for the hunt. Lady Alice took it upon herself to order your gowns for today, they really are beautiful!"

Isabella took a deep breath and readied herself for whatever her new sister in law had ordered, because knowing what little she did of Princess Alice her gowns would be nothing short of spectacular.

Rosalie, with help from Breanne, dressed Isabella in her new robes. When it came to lacing up her corset Isabella put up her hand to stop them and told them, "I don't want my corset laced tightly anymore. My ribs have quiet had enough of that already."

Whilst a little surprised, Rosalie agreed and couldn't help but feel the biting of the whale bone against her own ribs. She had thought for some time that perhaps the fashion of tight lacing was the cause for many of her own health problems.

"Very sensible idea, your Grace. It's about time we stopped lacing so tightly in my opinion." She said with some vehemence that took Isabella aback.

Next came her petticoats and skirts. Isabella was overjoyed that she would not be wearing a farthingale. The ungainly contraption was not worn in Wales and asides from the corset was a garment that she was beginning to really detest.

The overskirt and jacket bodice were made from rich crimson velvet with a cloth of gold lapels and satin trim. Rosalie pinned her hair back and covered it with a gold hair net, then neatly positioned a matching velvet cap over the crown of her head.

"There, perfect for your first hunt as Queen of England."

Not for the first time since arriving in England Isabella was taken aback by her appearance. There was in her reflection a young woman, more and more unlike the girl that she was just weeks before.

"So this is what a Queen looks like?" she said aloud and wondered if her own mother had looked like this. She must have, Isabella was sure.

Rosalie looked on at the contemplative woman and felt one of her pangs of sympathy. A young woman without her mother's guidance was a tragic thing.

Rosalie s mind was cast back to those long ago memories of how she would look up to her own mother; the intimidating Catherine, Duchess of Southampton.

"The late Queen, His Majesties mother loved the Hunt and always dressed magnificently. She would have approved wholeheartedly of your attire." Rosalie told the young Queen and like magic Isabella's face lifted, It was the encouragement she needed.

Isabella's pale fingers ran the length of her golden lapel, relishing the crisp smoothness of the fabric.

"I do so want to impress the King and the Court." She said, her tone was hopeful but betrayed the weight of her thoughts and the enormity of her wish.

Knowing the best way to fortify Isabella's nerves was through the liquid courage of brandy; Rosalie poured them both a small glass of the amber drink.

Isabella drank it in one without any prompting and in doing so feeling her body relax, she looked to Rosalie and gave her a wide eyed look.

"Well, now I'm dressed like a Queen, let's hope I don't shoot a Duke or a Lord!" she laughed.

Rosalie laughed loudly, "Well if you were to shoot my husband, I wouldn't mind!"

The two women laughed whole heartedly the nerves fading away.

Edward

The morning of the hunt found Edward in a very good mood. Last night had gone much better than he had expected, he didn't quite know what to expect but it had been somewhere along the lines of throwing objects and a screaming Welsh Princess. Instead he had found his wife to be amiable, in good humour and willing to be bedded.

"A minor miracle." He had told Jasper earlier that morning when he had broken his fast.

Jasper looked on his friend in confusion. There were times when the king's closest advisor really thought his old friend was antiquated in his view of women, and for a man who had less than celibate bachelor years he really did know nothing about women!

"Do not tell me that you find having a wife a chore, Edward Cullen the great Lothario!"

Edward barked a laugh and clapped him on the back.

"I think those days are behind me. It is just different you know?"

Truth be known Jasper didn't know, his marriage was a uniquely happy one and had been from the very start.

"Is everything prepared for the hunt today?" Edward asked as he was being dressed.

Jasper nodded and as usual went through the lists in his hands and was satisfied to find a column of corresponding ticks. "All is as it should be, though I have had to make a last minute change. Her Majesties horses are not yet ready for her to ride, Alice wouldn't hear of her riding any of the other horses. So it will be a walking hunt with flushers on horseback riding ahead of us."

Edward sighed heavily in disappointment and grumbled angrily, "Don't I pay my Equestrians enough? They should have trained Isabella's horses by now!"

Jasper shrugged his shoulders, "I'll give them a bollocking later." He said.

"You will meet the Queen at the palace gates and lead the procession to the park. At mid-day there is to be a picnic in the parkland, it is all set up. A banquet is arranged for this evening."

Edward nodded his approval and with a final glance in the mirror he was ready, anticipation swirling in his stomach.

The palace courtyard was teaming with courtiers and dogs, all eager for the walking out and the hunt to begin. The young men strutted about like peacocks with their fine clothes on display and many young ladies watched them and giggled behind their hands. Women gossiped in their groups and the men argued and bragged in theirs. Bets and wagers were placed amongst the more sporting men and the women critiqued and admired the clothes of the other ladies in equal measure.

A bright warm sun shone over the palace and parklands in a blue cloudless sky, the air was fresh and fragrant, a glorious day ahead was promised by mother nature.

Edward waited for Isabella at the great door to the courtyard. He has not by nature a nervous man, not even on his coronation day with all of the eyes of Europe on him did he feel the slightest discomfort. But he felt it today.

Quietness rippled through the crowd and everyone shuffled to get a better view of the Queen as she descended the great stone stairs and was met by the King.

Even the harshest of fashion obsessives in the court could not help but be in awe of her glittering gown and cap, this is what they had wanted, a very elegant and refined looking queen to pay homage to.

Though the people gathered in the yard could not tell, Isabella's heart was thundering faster than any horses hooves could muster. With her Lady in waiting behind her Isabella walked carefully down the stairs and was greeted by her equally well adored husband.

"My Queen." He said taking her hand, kissing it and bowing before her. Isabella reciprocated the greeting and curtsied low and graceful. The court watched with rapt fascination and when Edward offered her his arm they all applauded. Such brief shows of court etiquette were so important and were indeed cherished by the English nobles.

Edward led Isabella into the sunshine and into the luscious parkland, the court filling in behind them and around them. The chatter once again started up in excitement for the day's lively activity.

"You look beautiful." Edward said closely in Isabella's ear, a delightful shiver ran down her spine as his warm breath fanned across her blazing cheek.

"I am pleased you like my gown." She replied.

Her response made Edward smirk, "You know I was talking about you."

Isabella only laughed lightly and said "I think you are looking very well yourself."

Edward pushed out his chest, his ego having been polished by her remark.

"You know I was talking about your doublet." She said and shot him a rueful smirk of her own.

"You minx!"

And with that all the anxiety they had both been feeling in the hours running up to the hunt had disappeared, for the next couple of hours they both abandoned themselves to the festivities and carefree atmosphere of the court hunt.

The hunt had been very successful with many dear and stags being caught and a good few braces of pheasants and other game for the monarchs table. Hungry bellies had dragged people away from the sport and to the table for a sumptuous feast of cooked meats, pies and puddings. Bear, ale and wine flowed endlessly and sweet treats stood out like jewels amongst the pewter and dishes.

It had not escaped the courts notice that Isabella and Edward had, arm in arm, left the large group and had taken themselves away, their heads bent towards each other quiet lost in conversation.

Lady Rosalie watched the king and queen walk away and smiled softly. She felt a mixture of happiness and relief, having observed them during the walking out and the hunt had noted the way, out in the fresh country air, how they seemed to relax and enjoy themselves. Today could very well be the start of something wonderful.

"Marvellous day, isn't it."

Rosalie was shaken from the reverie by a boisterous Alice. The king's sister took a seat at the picnic table next to her and poured herself a generous glass of wine. "Her majesty seems to be enjoying the day."

Rosalie nodded in agreement and leaned back in her chair and let the warm sun wash over her fair face.

It had indeed been a successful day and unlike most of the other hunts no one had met some mischief or misadventure.

Alice leaned in closer to her friend and in a whisper said, "Isabella and Edward have been almost inseparable." Her eager brown eyes looked off into the near distance where her brother and new sister had wondered. "I agree. Perhaps this is what was needed? For them to be away from the palace. Those imposing walls are hardly ideal for creating the most intimidate of relationships." Rosalie suggested.

The palace may have the illusion of having different rooms and longs corridors where one might seek to be alone, but walls have eyes and ears and corridors a record of who had walked them.

Further down the table a loud group of men cheered as a game of cards was won and lost.

"More Wine!" Lord Royce, Rosalie's husband demanded with a snap of his fingers. She looked on with her usual feelings of embarrassment and distain. Her husband was a fool and was fast becoming a drunken one.

"The sun is not even down and he's already inebriated." Rosalie whispered to Alice, her friend squeezed her hand in sympathy.

A drunken Royce was not always a safe Royce. Alice too watched the rowdy group unimpressed.

Lord Royce and those around him drank wine more than they ever thought rationally. They were rogues and drunkards, but drunkards who had an awful lot of money, family bestowed power and too much time to do anything but good with it.

Rosalie hated them and feared them in equal measure.

"They'll burn themselves out and leave everyone else alone soon enough." Alice soothed.

"Are you still staying in the Queens apartments?" she asked.

Rosalie nodded and felt that familiar feeling of relief was over her. She wouldn't have to share her husband's company that evening or any other in the near future.

"Yes I am, and I must say I am finding it most enjoyable, and I daresay my presence is not missed in my husband's quarters."

Lord Jasper came and sat with them then, his usual stern face appeared free from troubles and slightly flushed from his role in the hunt.

"Ah Husband! I was beginning to wonder where you were." Alice exclaimed and offered him her glass of wine. He took it with a rueful smile and drank deeply.

"It is not like you to worry." he remarked winking at Rosalie.

Alice swatted him with her handkerchief.

"I was tending to the hunt dogs, if you must know."

Seeing her husband otherwise engaged and Alice about to castigate Jasper, Rosalie excused herself. There were so few moments she could take for herself, so she decided to embark on a walk in the fine country side surrounding them. Leaving the merry group she headed in the direction of a small copse of oak trees, seeking the peaceful isolated shade from the midday sun and noise.

In the open expanse of the park Rosalie turned her face up to the warmth of the sky and breathed in deeply, it was a heavenly sensation that soothed her weary bones.

Rosalie often felt she was walking on egg shells, that every word she uttered would spark some negative reaction or outburst especially when she was in the company of her husband and even that of some of the other court Ladies. The palace had never really made her happy, she had never felt any feeling of ease or relaxation, the fresh air however had always provided a balm for her tumultuous emotions.

Looking after Isabella had provided some happiness but she was never quite able to forget the man she was married to, and today seeing his behavior only exasperated her feelings of disgust towards him. Her mind inevitably was cast back to the day after she was first in service to the Queen.

Royce had been waiting at the foot of the stairs leading to the great chamber, his face like thunder and a sickening shade of grey. He had been drinking all he night before and wore the pallor to prove it. Grabbing her by the wrist as he was like to do he had pulled her to a secluded corner and began his nonsensical verbal attack.

"You were meant to be in my bed, how to you think it looks when a man comes to his rooms to find his wife absent with no knowledge as to why!?"

Rosalie had turned her face away not wanting to wretch at the smell of his breath.

"I was bid to stay and prepare the Queen apartments." She replied evenly, she would not allow him the satisfaction of her indignation at being treated so.

This had caused him to spit out several exclamations of fury.

"I won't allow it; you are my wife before some Welsh bitch's servant!"

Of course she had taken deep offence to this but had willed herself to remain calm and unaffected by his childish outbursts.

"It is the Kings express command that I attend to the Queen." She said and stepped out if his imposing space and into the open of the hall, where she would be safe from his private torments.

A couple of courtiers passed them, offering them both a nod in greeting. Royce straightened himself out and ran his hand through his hair in an attempt to appear unruffled.

"I haven't got time for this." He muttered in agitation.

Before he left her he pulled her to him once more and whispered in her ear a parting command.

"I will allow you to carry on if you do all you can to advance my position."

When she made no reply he dug his fingernail into the tender skin of her wrist.

"Of course." She whimpered.

It was not a promise she intended to keep, her new post was for her, Royce and his position could go and hang for all she cared.

The cry of a bird overhead brought her out of the unpleasant memory; it was truly intolerable being married to that man. Ahead of her was a small that's of trees that looked the perfect place to relax for a little while.

As soon as Rosalie stepped foot into the cool shade of this peaceful little woodland she saw a large log and made herself confortable. With just the sound of the leaves rustling in the gently breeze and the happy chatter of the birds, Rosalie took in a deep breath and felt her eyes flutter close.

"I knew I would find you here."

Rosalie's eyes snapped open and she jumped up from the ground and tuned to the person who had interrupted her peace.

"Emmett?!"

Ugh Royce is a nasty piece of work. Rosalie and Emmett? what could be happening there?

Thank you for reading X