Royal Duty - Chapter 17 TEASER

Hello one and all!

It's been nearly 6 months since I last gave you a chapter. I will be the first to admit that six months is far too long, but I swear I have good reasons!

A lot of you are far more understanding than I deserve when it comes to real life, but I will try to speed up updates from now on. We're on the homestretch with this fic, so it should definitely be finished quicker than it took me to get this chapter out to you ;)

I spent some time in China at university there - and absolutely loved it. I then came back to the UK to finish my degree - as if I'm in my final year of Uni already!? Throw in a full time job over the holidays when I'm off and you can understand life is slightly busier than normal :)

Anyways, here's a little teaser of the new chapter, which should be with you by the beginning of next week! Enjoy!

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Chapter 17 - Statements

“Sources close to the family say that the Princess has shown her gratitude and patience towards staff here at the royal hospital, and that her unwavering love for her future husband is clear. Whilst many critics claim the impending wedding at the palace was both a publicity stunt and came from nowhere, this unfortunate situation has shown the rest of us, that life tests us all and only the strongest can come through. Many wellwishers who have come to stand outside the hospital believe that the love of a princess is enough to make any man strong enough to fight anything. This is Marcus Hunt, reporting from…”

I tuned the rest out. It was all the same. The world had been camped outside the hospital for days, and the curse of rolling news had descended.  Speculation, pointless interviews and hours of no news was making the journalists antsy.

I needed to make another statement, but it was the last thing I wanted to do. They kept talking about how strong Edward was, which was true, but they’d be expecting the same as me, and I felt anything but.

Knowing that I’d blocked out most of my childhood – and treated Edward appallingly in accordance – had left me reeling. It had been three days since Edward had woken up, since I’d spilled my inner thoughts to him, since I’d come to the stark realisation that I actually wanted to marry him. Sure, I’d have loved more time – to get to know him, to maybe even fall for him – but as far as arranged marriages went, I knew I’d lucked out. Edward was sweet, strong, caring and I’d have to be blind to not see how attractive he was. I wanted to know him better, I wanted to know what he looked like angry, or how easily he became frustrated. I wanted to know all the bad things, maybe just so I could pretend that he wasn’t a million times better than me. 

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Story link: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/8247002/1/Royal-Duty

Banner link: http://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/LiveInDakota/RDBanner.jpg

Royal Duty Ch.16 TEASER :)

Hey all!

So it wasn't as quick as any of us would have liked, but with working a new fulltime job, I didn't find much time!

However, in saying that, I loved writing this chapter and I know the majority of you were waiting on what finally happens in this one!

Here's a little teaser to tide you over until  I manage to respond to all your lovely reviews!!

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Chapter 16 - Reawakening

I wasn’t entirely sure what to do with myself.

It really wasn’t any different from all the other times I’d been with Edward while Ben was in the room, but the knowledge that he’d be awake soon made everything change somehow. Everything within me was fluttering and taking flight, simultaneously making me feel terrified and nauseous all at once.

I leaned my lower back on the window ledge and watched quietly as Ben checked over Edward’s ever-changing notes before placing them back in the holder at the end of his bed. I concentrated on levelling my breathing as he then did his routine check of all the machines Edward was hooked up to, even going as far as to feel his pulse himself, his fingers pushing gently into the pallid skin of Edward’s wrist.

It wasn’t until anytime either me, Ben or one of the nurses was within touching distance of him that I realised just how much his skin had changed colour since his admittance. The disease that had been raging through his system had made him sickly and pale, his skin cold fiery-hot and then cold to the touch, a stark contrast in itself.

“His pulse is stronger than it was even twenty minutes ago. He should be waking up on his own very soon.”

“Wi-” my voice caught in the back of my throat, and I cleared it to start again. “Will you need to be here for it?”

“No, but I will come and check on him again when he does. He has no breathing apparatus or feeding tubes that need to be removed so he shouldn’t be uncomfortable or in pain when he wakes.”

Somehow that thought terrified me more, as if Ben being in the room meant I had some sort of buffer, someone to take charge of the conversation, someone else to focus my attention on instead of the great big pink and green spotted elephant sitting patiently in the corner.

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Story Link: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/8247002/1/Royal-Duty
Banner Link: http://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/LiveInDakota/RDBanner.jpg

Royal Duty Ch.15 TEASER :)

Hey all!!

I know I told you all this chapter wouldn't be long, and I didn't lie, it truly has been written all this time, but I started a new full-time job and other such excuses that I won't bore you with!

The chapter is currently with my beta who is working her magic on it, so I thought I'd leave you with a lil sneak peak!

Hopefully I should have it up on Monday - my day off!

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Chapter 15 - Coming Around

Twenty minutes later I was about as ready as I would ever be.

Alice, fidgeting, kept touching my hair and re-fixing the grips she’d placed at the front to keep it out of my face and I had to bat her hands away as she tried to redo it for the millionth time.

“You’re making me nervous, Ali, please.”

“Sorry.” Her lip disappeared between her teeth before she finally spit out what I assumed had really been on her mind all that time. “Do you know what you’re going to say?”

Her eyes flicked to the cards in my hand and I knew she’d seen the small amount of words on each one.

“Esme told me to tell the truth. And to follow my heart.”

A small smile lit up Alice’s face and she threw her arms around my shoulders. “Good luck,” she whispered before pulling back.

I nodded, squared my shoulders and let my security team lead me down the corridor to the elevator. They were never further than a metre from any side of me, and I watched as visitors and patients became curious by the large men in black suits, before their eyes widened on seeing me.

I was heir to their throne, there were very few people I would imagine didn’t know my face.

A lot of them stumbled through a curtsey or a bow, but most stood back against the wall and gaped as I made my way past. The ground floor, just inside the doors, was the worst. For such an early time of the morning, there were dozens of people milling around, all of whom came to a complete standstill as I made my way to the little podium that had been set up outside the doors.

What felt like thousands of light bulbs started flashing incessantly whenever the guys separated to present me to the waiting crowd of journalists and photographers. Some tried to shout out questions, most on top of one another and rendering it hopeless for me to make them out anyway.

I held a slightly trembling hand up, asking for quiet, and cleared my throat as I stepped closer to the microphone.

“Good morning everyone. Thank you for coming.

“My mother released a press statement on Sunday on behalf of our family, but we felt it better to personally address the stories surrounding my family and the palace within the media, with the truth.”

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Story URL: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/8247002/1/Royal-Duty
Banner URL: http://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/LiveInDakota/RDBanner.jpg

Royal Duty, Ch.14 TEASER :)

Hey all!

So it's been a while, but thank you to everyone who's kept in touch and continued to review!

I've moved the 2 hundred odd miles home for a six month summer holiday, quit my job and been offered a new one as of yesterday! Exciting stuff!

Andddddddddddddddd...through all that I've written you two new chapters :)

Ch.14 is with the beta at the moment, so should be with you all soon! In the meantime here's a little teaser to whet your appetite :)

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Chapter 14 - Begin Again

...

Lord and Lady Masen had collaborated all those years ago to make sure the two of us ended up together, and when I first met Edward’s father, I couldn’t help the tiny twinge of suspicion as to why he’d help manufacture my promised husband all these years.

“Your  Highness,” he greeted me, shocking me even more than the hug his wife had just bestowed.

I guess I expected respect, but not the formality, not when he was friends with my parents and father to the man I was going to marry.

He bent and pressed a gentle kiss to my cheek before stepping back and securing his arm around his wife’s shoulder.

“Lord Masen,” I replied quietly, my eyes watching two nurses as they scurried past with sidelong looks in our direction.

“Please, call us Carlisle and Esme,” Lady Masen interjected, and I couldn’t help but notice that Lord Masen himself hadn’t volunteered that pleasantry.

“I’m honoured to finally meet you, I’m only sorry it’s under these circumstances.”

“Nonsense, my dear, the honour is ours. Why, we haven’t seen you since you were a little girl running around the palace causing havoc, not in person anyway.”

Esme laughed lightly and I couldn’t help but smile.

“I’m afraid I don’t remember,” I answered politely, noting the way Lord Masen’s eyebrows rose as he watched me closely. Feeling uncomfortable under his scrutiny, I changed the subject.

“My mother has set up an office if there is anything you would like to discuss with her. Unfortunately, my father is unwell and on bed rest at the palace.”

“We heard, we’ll look in on him when we go back for dinner,” Lord Masen answered, and I had my answer, they were staying at the palace for the foreseeable future.

“How is my boy?” Esme asked, her worried eyes glancing longingly at the door leading into Edward’s private suite.

“He’s stable according to the doctors. The medication is helping his body fight the attack, so he’s weak and unconscious, but he’s doing well supposedly. He’s under strict quarantine until the Doctor’s pronounce him safe from the TB, and then all visitors will be allowed.”

“Has anyone been in?” she asked, sadness for her son tinting her tone.

“I haven’t left his side,” I answered, clarifying when I saw her confused expression. “I didn’t want him to be alone, so I sort of forced Dr Reynolds allowed me in.”

“Thank you, sweetie, I’m glad he has you,” she answered softly, stepping out from under her husband’s arm to touch her hand to my cheek.

“Come, Carlisle, let us speak with Renee.”

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See you in a few days!

xx

Royal Duty Ch.13 TEASER :)

Hey all!

It's been a while, but it hasn't been as long as previous times!

Here's a little snippet of chapter 13, hope you enjoy!

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Chapter 13 - Isolation

“I hope I’m not overstepping my mark, but he’s lucky to have someone like you to care for him, Bella. You’re facing this with more decorum than I could ever hope to manage," Ben declared.

I only smiled faintly in return.

I’d been wondering how I was managing to hold it together myself.

What had given me the sudden push to hold my head up high and deal with things rather than act out and complain that life wasn’t being fair to me?

I’d come to the conclusion that it was all Edward’s fault. There was something about him being around that made me – finally – want to be somewhat better.  Once I realised who he was, to me and in general, I didn’t want to be the immature little spoiled princess I’d been acting out so well in the previous weeks.

It made me queasy, thinking about the way he’d seen me behave; the things he’d heard me say; the ‘decorum’ I certainly hadn’t shown then. How could he possibly want anything to do with me after returning and finding out just who I had become, or who he thought I had become? I’d been brought up better than that, never mind being in line for the throne.  I’d always been taught to act civilly and always give thought to others. That had completely flown out the window when I’d been faced with Edward and the “situation.”

Now it all just seemed like an epic waste of time. Edward was lying in a hospital bed, severely ill, and completely unaware of the things that were changing in me.

I finally decided it was the fear of him changing his mind – of deciding he didn’t want me anymore – that was driving my need to step up and prove myself, both to him and for him.

“Let’s get scrubbed up shall we, and I’ll take you in.” I snapped out of my thoughts as Ben spoke up, finally putting Edward’s chart down.

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Should be up by Thursday! xx

VOTE FOR ROYAL DUTY

Hey all!!

So someone - no idea who - has nominated Royal Duty for fic of the week over at The Lemonade Stand!

Got the e-mail when I woke up this morning, got to say it made my day :D:D

I'd really appreciate it if y'all took a wee moment to go on over to The Lemonade Stand and vote! If you go to the right hand side of the page, you'll find all the fics up for it this week :D

I'm quite a bit behind at the moment, so if you could spread the word, that'd be great!!

Thank you to everyone who's reading and recc'ing, I freaking love you all :D:D

Sarah xx

Royal Duty, Ch.12 TEASER :)

Hey all!!

So it hasn't been too long at all!! :D:D

I hope you all had wonderful Christmas' and New Years! Welcome to 2013!!!

My first chapter of the new year...I do hope you enjoy it :)

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Chapter 12 - How Do We Know?

“Bella! I can’t believe it took me so long to get here. I’m so sorry! I thought after the ball last night that a lie-in was expected of everyone! I didn’t hear what happened until I ran into Sue in the kitchens! Jasper got me here as soon as he could.”

As she sat beside me, I raised my eyebrows in curiosity, wondering just how close her and Jasper had become overnight.

“Did he ride you here on a horse?” Rosalie snorted from my other side.

Alice looked bashful as she smiled at my little sister, remembering too late the crush I’d informed her Rosalie had been harbouring for years.

“I got here as quickly as I could,” Alice answered instead. “How is he? What’s happening?”

I shook my head, tired and thankful for my friend’s arrival as she looped her arm through mine and squeezed.

“They took him away when we arrived. I haven’t seen him or Ben since.”

“But that was hours ago!”

I held her back when I felt her pulling away from me.

“We’ve all tried Alice, there’s no use. We might be royalty, but they aren’t telling us anything. We’re just another family when we’re in here. They don’t need to treat us differently.”

“I suppose if they’re too busy looking after Edward to come and tell us anything, it’s a good thing. At least we know he’s in the best hands.” Rosalie’s voice floated softly from where she’d moved to the other side of the waiting room.

I looked up and found her staring longingly at the door, as if wishing it to open.

“They won’t let anything happen to him,” she said next, conviction lacing her tone as she nodded to herself and looked back at me. In that moment I came to realise that, somehow, his coming back to us was as important to her as it was to me.

Alice was next to speak, her eyes boring into the side of my head as if willing me to believe their words. “This is Edward, Bella. He’s a fighter.”

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Should be up tomorrow at the latest!! :D:D xx

Royal Duty Ch.11 TEASER :)

Oh Em Gee, there's going to be two different fic updates in less than three days!!!

How exciting...well, it is for me anyways :D

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Royal Duty, Chapter 11 - A Royal Illness

The morning light pouring through the giant windows of Edward’s room pierced my eyelids, and I rolled over with a groan.

It was too bright, and it felt like I’d barely fallen asleep when it awakened me.

Even with my eyes closed, it felt like it was burning my retinas, causing way too much pain. It wasn’t until I opened them that I realised it wasn’t just the light; my head was pounding, and my mouth was dry.

Then I remembered that I hadn’t fallen asleep all that long ago, and I remembered the reason why: Edward’s confessions.

I turned my head on the pillow, my eyes drinking in the sight of a pale, very still Edward. The sheets around him were soaked with sweat; his hair was plastered to his head, and his skin was clammy. In the short hours I’d been afforded some sleep, whatever was wrong with him seemed to have only gotten worse.

The clock on his bedside table told me it was a little after six, and while it seemed obscenely early to me, I knew the palace would be stirring and that I wouldn’t sleep a wink more.

My head was wild with thoughts and emotions, concern for my fiancé overriding anything and everything that I had soaked in the night before. I should have been clued in that worrying for his wellbeing trumped everything else I should have been feeling.

I’d been lied to, for years. I’d been foolish, naïve and stupid. My life had been turned upside down by something I hadn’t had a say in and turned again when my parents made a decision without informing me of its consequences.

I couldn’t lock myself in the room and hate the world. I couldn’t blame everyone for ruining my life the way I wanted to. No, some of it was on me.

I shook my head, thoughts of children’s laughter and secret hideaways morphing into all those stolen looks I’d caught Edward sending my way when he thought I wouldn’t notice. All the times he’d stuck up for me with wedding details when it seemed no one else was listening. All the times he made me feel special in just one night at the party, despite having the onset of some illness.

I hadn’t been blind to any of it; I’d just told myself not to notice, that Edward was the bad guy in the whole situation. I’d been stupid. I’d treated him like he didn’t matter, to the point where he believed that maybe he didn’t.

Dismissing the fact that I still had the previous night’s makeup on, my hair still pinned, and my pyjamas on, I left Edward’s suite and made my way to Sue to enquire about a doctor.

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Should be up tomorrow all being well! :D

See you soon xx

Royal Duty Ch.10 Teaser :D

Hey all!!

So, here's the teaser I promised you! Hope you all enjoy it and look forward to what it suggests is coming!

I'm excited for y'all to read the chapter :):):)

Onwards...

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Chapter 10 - Incoherent Truths

I felt a tug on my train and turned, puzzled. Rosalie and Alice were at the side of the altar in their places, and everyone else should have been sitting. There was nothing in my line of sight, but when I looked down, there was a gorgeous little boy sitting on the train of my dress, grinning a gap-toothed smile up at me.

The congregation was chuckling at the sweet little boy in his mini tux and bowtie, and I couldn’t help but join them. I was confused though, there were no children of that age at the ceremony, and I wasn’t sure what he was doing there.

Edward surprised me by letting go of my hand and stooping down to pick up the boy.

“Kiddo, what are you doing? You’re going to ruin Mama’s dress!”

I felt faint as I listened to his sugared tones speak those particular words. Mama? I had a son? We had a son?

“Edward?” I whispered, uncertainty clouding my tone.

“Don’t worry; I’ll give him to my mother.” He winked at me before turning back to the boy. “You’ll behave for Mummy and Daddy won’t you?” The little person nodded enthusiastically and giggled when the mass of people behind him chuckled again.

I followed my eyes to Edward’s parent’s in the front row, sitting alongside my mother with a little baby girl in her arms. My eyes widened as Edward made his way back to me, childless.

“They’ll be just like us one day. Only brother and sister. Not future husband and wife…” I laughed at the adorable frown on my husband’s face as he realised what he’d said.

I awoke, startled, just as my dream Edward pressed his lips to my cheek. A dark room and Edward’s scent and warmth invaded my senses as I slowly remembered where I was.

I froze in place, realising Edward’s arm was around my waist, and the real man had just placed a kiss on my cheek like his dream counterpart.

 

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It should be up soon!! :D

xx

Breaking the Radio Silence...

Hey all!

If there is in fact anyone ledt out there!!

I know we've been through this before, and I can only apologise, but I hope for those of you who have been with me long enough, you know that I don't leave you hanging for no reason, and I will always come back to my writing!

For those of you reading Royal Duty - which is quite a large number - I'd like to let you know that the next chapter is currently with the beta and I hope to have it up in the next 10 days at most...before then there will be a teaser and I hope you don't miss it :D

Thank you to everyone who's sent me little messages to check in and encourage me through, you are all fabulous readers and I cherish you all :D

So keep your eyes peeled for the teaser very soon :D

xxx

Royal Duty Ch.8 TEASER :D

Hey everybody!

If you haven't already heard, my poor little laptop has a serious virus at the moment!! Unfortunately, this means that while it's been down for the last week, I've dropped behind on my pre-written chapters.

I do have three pre-written chapters of Royal Duty left, but I'd like to let you know that I'm going to space out my updates by a few more days - so ten days instead of a week - that kind of thing, just so I can get back on top of things.

As I said at the start, this fic isn't particularly long. I'm trying to get it finished in 20 chapters, but if you  know me, then you'll know that probably won't happen. I'm hoping anyways!!

So, I'm managing to get this out to you in the mean time, and I'd like you all to cross your fingers that I can continue to use my laptop for the next few days because between my four in progress fics, I have a lot of shit to do!!

I hope to have this chapter up by the weekend, and I hope you enjoy the teaser in the meantime :D:D

Onwards...

Chapter 8 - Show Time

“He should be in bed,” she remarked kindly.

“I asked him if he was up to it, but he was insistent.”

“Of course he was. This is your engagement party. And in that dress? You can’t blame him for wanting every man in this room to see you with him.” My jaw dropped as Alison giggled lightly. I was unsure as to whether Alec had filled her in on “the situation,” but her next comment told me he hadn’t.

“That boy is mad about you. He probably didn’t want to let you down. Maybe you could play it off as him being lovesick?” She giggled again, and I tried to join in but it died in my throat, making her look at me in concern.

“I didn’t mean to speak out of turn, Princess. Forgive me.” She bowed her head slightly, and I told myself to get a grip.

“Not at all, Alison. There is nothing to forgive. I’m a little nervous tonight, is all.”

“He won’t let you down, Princess, he’s been waiting for tonight for a very long time after all. I guess you both have.” She smiled as Alec and Edward re-joined us, taking her husband’s arm and both of them bidding us goodbye.

I played her words down. She’d clearly just read the article and, like was supposed to happen, believed every word. It did surprise me that Alec hadn’t told her the truth about us, however. Before she was diagnosed with cancer, she used to work in the palace gardens and, like her husband, knew everything that went on behind its doors.

My hand was back in Edward’s, and I didn’t know how it got there. Had I reached out and weaved my fingers through his without realising? Or was I so caught up in the riddles I’d been living with for weeks that I hadn’t noticed Edward’s gentle touch. I turned to find him with his eyes shut and breathing deeply and decided I must have done it because he was in no state to do anything

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See you all soon!! xx

Royal Duty Ch.7 TEASER :D

Hey all!

Tis that time, Edward is back and things are moving forward! Yay, let's get on with it shall we?

Enjoy x

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Chapter 7 - The Engagement Party

Our engagement interview was aired that night on the six o’clock news. The reporters remarked on how happy and relaxed we looked together, how naturally we seemed to handle the questions, the sadness surrounding our story, and the fairytale ending we seemed to have secured.

The engagement was everywhere. Only one official photo had been released, a shot of the two of us standing arm in arm, my engagement ring in full view and smiles on both of our faces.

My dress and hair were critiqued in every magazine, and it didn’t take long for copies to hit the shelves for the “everyday” woman to purchase.

I tried to ignore everything as much as I could. Instead, I found myself in a constant bubble of thought. Thoughts that only centred on one thing: Edward. I couldn’t get him out of my head. Every time I turned a corner in the palace I thought saw him. Every time I heard someone speaking with a similar tone of voice, my heart went into overdrive.

When he told me he was leaving, I knew I’d miss him, but I wasn’t aware of just how much.

My mother had knocked on the door to my suite the night he left to tell me his car had just pulled out of the garage. She seemed surprised that he had packed a few bags into the boot, but I reassured her he was coming back. Or at least, I thought I was reassuring her. It turned out I was trying to assure myself.

“Honey, that boy is mad about you. Nothing would be able to keep him away.” She held me close, and for the first time in weeks, I let someone else comfort me.

“But why? I don’t get it, I’ve been so mean to him…” I shuddered at the thought, and my mother’s arms tightened around me as she rocked me back and forth on the sofa.

“Have you spoken to him? Really spoken to him?” she prodded.

I nodded my head and pulled back, letting her take my hands in hers and gazing upon her soft features.

“He told me he’d wait for as long as it took for me to trust him before we got married, but it seemed like he wanted to say something else.” I knew in my heart what it was; he wanted me to love him before we got married, but saying it aloud was a terrifying thought.

“He said he wrote the story we told the press and that it wasn’t a lie…I don’t understand what he was talking about. I was too busy trying to think up ways to make him stay…but he left, mother. He’s gone…”

“But he is coming back…Isabella, these last few weeks have been hard on him, too. He has no family here, no friends. I know he hoped you two would become close, but you haven’t given him the chance to get to know you…he just needs a couple of weeks to find his bearings and probably say goodbye to his old life.”

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Should be up in the next few days!

Sarah x

Royal Duty Ch.6 TEASER :D

Hey all!!

This week's teaser is a few days early - see how much I appreciate you all? :P

Chapter 6 (this one) has been completely rewritten to mould into a plotline I didn't set out with in mind, but you guys were not enjoying the wait in the original, so the conversation in this chapter is at least 4 chapters earlier than planned...However, I'm sticking with some of my original ideas, so you won't get it all your way :P

I hope you enjoy this chapter, and think better of Bella, Edward and me, at the end of it :D

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Chapter 6 - Fears and Fittings

I stared at him, not sure what, or even if, I was supposed to say something.

He raised his eyes, but they wouldn’t meet mine, and I found myself desperate to look into the deep green depths. I didn’t know him very well, but I already knew that any time I looked into his eyes, I’d see the truth and know where I stood – he didn’t even need to say anything.

Suddenly, insecurities I didn’t even know I’d been harbouring surfaced in me, making it harder to breathe.

“You’re leaving…” I whispered. The pain those simple words caused me nearly knocked the wind out of me as I sat up straighter and brought myself closer to him. I knew, right then, that despite everything I’d put him through, and the fact that it would be my fault if he did, I didn’t want him to go.

His head snapped up, shock and confusion written across his face, but a tiny bit of acceptance lingering in his eyes. It was like I had just made up his mind for him. I felt foolish, he hadn’t been thinking of that at all, but I’d just put the idea in his head.

“I’ve been trying so hard, Bella. You don’t even seem to care that we’re in this together…” He shook his head in frustration. Standing up, the hand that I’d been about to lay on his fell back to my lap and he stared down at it in silence.

“I-I didn’t know what to do. I didn’t know what I was supposed to feel. I still don’t know how I’m supposed to feel. It’s like everyone around me is expecting something and I don’t know if I’m feeling it because they want me to or because I actually, truly do. I feel so angry that I was lied to, misled, when you weren’t.

“Five years is a long time, Edward. It might not seem like it, and I get that this was forced on you, too, I do, but you’ve had five years. I haven’t even had five weeks…”

Tears leaked from the corners of my eyes and I brushed them away angrily.

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The chapter should be up by the weekend :D I'll be replying to all your reviews between now and then so look out for that too :D

See you soon xx

Fanfiction Fail!

Hey guys!

I'm sure you've all noticed the numerous update e-mails from ffn about Royal Duty...

It seems some of you can see the chapter but not review, and the rest of you can't access it at all!

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr...

So, I've taken it down completely for now. I'll only wait until tomorrow and try again. Hopefully the problem doesn't persist, it usually only fails for a few hours.

Sorry for the inconvenience, I will post it as soon as possible!

Thanks for your patience :D

Sarah x

Royal Duty Ch.5 TEASER :D

Hey all!

It's that time of the week again! :D:D

I'm doing pretty well with keeping on schedule with these updates, I'm quite proud of myself :)

Anyways, I'm editing the chapter this evening and replying to all your awesome reviews, so in the meantime you can have a little teaser to whet your appetite for tomorrow :D

Enjoy! x

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“I heard her before I saw her – someone squealing in delight, a voice that was getting closer. I don’t recall if anyone else noticed, but I was intrigued. Isabella came barrelling around the corner in this little blue dress and white shoes, laughing and squealing. It turned out she’d been playing hide and seek with one of her father’s closest advisors, and she’d run away when he threatened to tickle her.

“I didn’t even speak to her that day, but I don’t think I’ll ever forget her smile or the way she looked.”

“Clearly. You can even remember what she was wearing!” Marcus exclaimed.

“I hope I don’t embarrass myself by admitting that I think I was probably smitten. She was pretty, or at least that’s what I thought at the time,” Edward answered, squeezing my hand and smiling at me.

“At the time?” Marcus asked.

“Well, now, she’s the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen. Pretty doesn’t do her justice.” I blushed under his gaze and dropped my head as Marcus turned to look at me.

“Isabella?” Marcus probed, wanting to know what I had to say to that.

“I’m afraid I don’t remember that day, Marcus. I guess I was too young,” I admitted at least partially truthfully. I would have been too young, if it had ever happened.

****

Yes, it's that time!! You will all find out what really happened all those years ago, and just how well they knew each other :D:D

See you all soon!

Sarah x

Royal Duty Ch.4 TEASER :)

Hey all!

So usually, by this point in the week, the new chapter would already be put up but I've been working crazy hours and helping with too many things to even begin to mention!

I apologise that y'all are waiting 2/3 days extra for the actual chapter, but I hope you enjoy the teaser anyways...I LOVED writing this chapter, and chapter 5, so I genuinely do hope you enjoy reading them :)

Onwards!

****

Chapter 4: A Royal Engagement

Even the date had been set. No one else knew, but Edward and I had sat at either side of the fireplace in his suite one cool evening to discuss it. He had a glass of bourbon in his right hand and I folded mine atop my knee as I watched him swirl the amber liquid mindlessly. I had tried to ignore the way his eyes lingered on my ankles and moved up my bare legs. I blamed the heat I felt in my exposed skin down to the fire quietly crackling beside me. I pretended I hadn’t caught him looking, and ignored the way he tried to concentrate on the conversation again.

It was a heady feeling, knowing someone was obviously attracted to you, and wanted to spend time with you. I felt powerful in his presence, like I could make him do anything if it meant pleasing me, but for some reason I also felt vulnerable. I didn’t want him to know anything about me, scared he might use it somewhere down the line, to the extent that we always talked about him. I had gotten into the habit of changing the subject every time he asked about me or my past.

I was sure he was on to me, but each time he would just smile sadly to himself and stare into the distance. I didn’t know what he was thinking, but I wanted to. I wanted to know what he thought of me, our wedding, my family, the palace I had grown up in…but to ask him outright would be to admit to being curious, and I didn’t want to give him the satisfaction of gaining my attention.

“It’s the start of May now, maybe June? Is that enough time for invitations to go out and everything else to be sorted?” he’d asked me softly, his eyes very much on mine.

“It’s a Royal wedding. If we announced it to be at the end of next week everyone would still show up. And I was assured my dress would be ready within a month, that was the only thing that was going to take a long time,” I’d replied. I’d given my order – as it were – almost two weeks prior, so June would work.

“How about the twentieth?” I’d asked. For some reason the date had been floating around in my head for weeks, and I had no idea why. I’d checked every diary I still had in my possession and the calendars around the palace to see if there was anything special about it, but I couldn’t find anything.

Edward had looked surprised as he answered me. “The twentieth of June? Why?”

He’d looked away quickly when I shrugged. “I don’t know really. It’s been stuck in my head for a while. We can choose another day if you don’t like it.”

His piercing gaze landed on me and I’d fidgeted under its intensity. He looked like he was trying to figure me out, like maybe I was lying about something, and I wasn’t sure what he’d find.

“No, I guess the twentieth isn’t any different from any other day. We’ll go with the twentieth.”

Once again, his eyes had held that faraway sadness I’d come to know, but got nowhere closer to understanding why. It was like everything I said, everything I did, and most importantly, everything I didn’t say or do, made him sad.
 ****

Should be up on Saturday folks!!

xx

Royal Duty Teaser: Ch.3! :D

Hey all!!!

I'm taking today to reply to all your wonderful reviews, so I'm leaving you a little teaser to tide you over until tomorrow :D

Hope y'all enjoy :D:D

xx

****

Edward was sitting across from me, his foot resting alongside mine under the table, and I’d been trying to ignore the way the fabric of his jeans brushed my bare leg every time he fidgeted, which was a lot.

The dark shadows under his eyes told me he hadn’t slept, again, and the out-of-control manner of his hair was the outcome of him running his fingers through it all morning. From watching him surreptitiously over the last weeks, I knew this to be an outlet of his stress. If he was frustrated or annoyed, with himself or others, he took it out on his precious locks. Yes, they were precious, I’d come to admire them in the short time I’d known him-while everyone else in the palace was turned out to perfection, he dressed casually and comfortably, and his hair was never, ever tamed.

I liked it that way. He seemed more normal to me that way.

His eyes snapped to mine when my mother’s outburst garnered his attention, and I blushed under his scrutiny. I didn’t want him to know I’d been thinking about him instead of my – our – wedding cake, and I was terrified he’d be able to read it all over me with those inquisitive emerald eyes of his.

“I’m sorry, I’m a little warm. Out of the first half, I like six, nine and eleven the most. I’m just going to get some air, ask Edward which he prefers.” I avoided eye contact with him as I blushed deeper, knowing I hadn’t used his name in a very long time, if ever.

This was the first wedding meeting we’d both been present for, so I’d never had to act like an in-love fiancée in front of anyone before. I wasn’t sure I was actually managing it. I’d barely looked at him, hardly asked him his opinion and avoided interacting with him at all. They had to know something was up.

****

Royal Duty Ch.2 Teaser :D

Hey all!

I've been blown away by the response to this story! 417 favourites over on ffn and I've only posted one chapter! Thanks to everyone who is reading and reviewing!

Chapter two should go up either later today or tomorrow, but until then, I'll leave you a little tease :D

Sarah x

**

“Leaving so soon, Princess? I’m hurt…” That voice.

With my shoulders squared, I looked back at the doorway and found a man standing in it, his shoulder against the wood, one foot crossed over the other one, and his arms folded in front of him. His slate-grey cotton t-shirt, and the dark-wash jeans that hung perfectly from his hips atop his brown leather high-tops, made his skin seem pale, but the way his clothes fit him had me thinking completely different thoughts altogether.

Thoughts, I reminded myself, I shouldn’t have been thinking at all. This man, no matter how good looking he had turned out to be, was my enemy, of sorts.

He was looking at me expectantly, but not in an “I’m waiting for an answer” kind of way. It was almost like he was waiting for me to prove something to him, and I couldn’t figure out what it was.

His face was angular, his jaw covered by a slight shadow, his eyes sparkling in the light that reached them, and his hair…it wasn’t until I reached his hair that I realised I was looking at the same man the maid in the palace had been talking about. She had been right.

It took me too long to realise I had been staring for far too long, and my tongue was slow to spring into action.

“Yes, well, it seems I was tricked into coming down here. I have no intention of sticking around, so I bid you good-day.”

I noticed his face fall and wondered why before I reminded myself I didn’t care. I had only taken two steps when his voice stopped me again.

“Wait, I’m sorry. I should have introduced myself.”

There was an edge of desperation to his voice that I couldn’t quite understand as I stood with my back to him. Stubbornly I didn’t turn around, nor did I answer him. I realised I was being rude and aloof, but I just stood there, waiting for him to continue.

“Princess?” His voice was closer this time; he’d come up behind me without my hearing him. Sighing internally, I turned slowly, noting the way my heart rate stuttered as I took in his close proximity.

We stood in silence, staring at each other. I could feel my face heating the longer I was subjected to his gaze, but more than that, I felt warm as his eyes flicked over my face, between my eyes, down over my lips, following the flowing curls of my hair.

Royal Duty is up!!

Hey all!

Just a quick post to let you all know that my newest fic, Royal Duty, is up on fanfiction for y'all to have a wee peek at if you so desire :D

Don't forget to let me know what you think if you do :D

Sarah x