Bong! The first chime strikes as I run into an open court yard full of people wearing red robes. By the sixth chime I make it to the center pushing my way among the sea of bodies. I am so out of breath as I half stumble half fall onto a large fountain. Looking up to center my location to the large clock that won't slow down its chimes. Finding that I am directly in front of it my eyes sweep down the tower to a set of open doors. By the eighth chime I now see Edward step tinto the open door and begin to unbutton his shirt, he is looking down, there is no way for him to see me.
Leaping over the fountain wall I shout trying to alert him to my presence, either he doesn't hear over the crowd, or he is to wrapped into his own mind to notice the sites or sounds around him. By the eleventh chime Edward drops his shirt to the floor, raises his head with his eyes firmly shut, and begins to take the final step into the daylight. Just as the last chime begins to strike I throw myself against his cold body trying to cover as much of his exposed skin as I could from the light.
"Move back Edward! I'm here, step back please." I beg as I try to push against his torso.
Strong arms wrap around me, and he buries his face into my hair mumbling, "heaven."
"Edward no! I'm here! I'm alive." Shoving with everything I had left in me I continue, "Open your eyes and look at me."
Slowly dull golden eyes, that are full of pain open and focus on my face. Before he can say anything I continue. "You need to step back before someone sees you."
Stepping back quickly, he pulls us into a darkened hallway built of stone. Setting me down slowly he moves his hands up to cup my face.
Capturing his hands I pull them down front of us and take a step back. His eyes narrow.
"I'm fine, you can let me go. I have learned to live without you and I will be okay. You don't need to feel guilty for your non-feelings for me. Be happy and don't worry about me, Alice is here to take you home. Good-bye Edward." I won't lie it still hurt, but at least this time I felt that there was closure with my feelings for both Edward and his family.
Turning to go wait for Alice at the car. I am surprised by a large man blocking my exit, a large man with red eyes.
"The queens have request your presence in the throne room." The large vampire states.
Edward has collected his shirt and responds as he slides it on, "Let me have my sister collect Bella and I will be there directly."
A second smaller blond headed vampire responds, "No. The human will go with us."
Around a growl Edward responds, "Like hell she will." He pulls me behind him and gets down into a protective crouch, which is met with snarls from both men as they mirror Edwards position.
Suddenly a door is pushed open and Alice steps into the hall, pulling off a pair of sunglasses she states as if it is some sort of joke, "Now boys, there is no need to fight with ladies present."
A female's voice comes from the dark, "What is taking so long?" A shadow steps from the darkness.
"Jane." Both Alice and Edward respond with nods of their heads to the new comer.
"To clear up any misunderstanding the mistresses wish for all three of you to come to the throne room." She makes a sweeping motion with her hand to get us moving down the hall.
The two men take the lead, follow by Alice, then Edward comes up behind me putting himself between me and Jane. "It will be ok Bella. I will get you home safe."
Jane chuckles at this last statement.
After walking ten to fifteen minutes they come to a large set of double doors. Quickly they are opened and Bella and the Cullens are ushered inside.
At the end of a large room set three thrones with three women setting in them. On the right a dark haired woman appearing to be in her late twenties stood smiling and clapping her hands. "Wonderful of you all to come visit us. And look Bella is not dead after all."
Edward snorts at the woman's reference to the term visit. Jane continues to stand behind the woman on the middle throne. She appeared to be close to the same age as the first but where the first woman had black hair and bubbly, this woman had blonde hair and a permanent scowl.
"Sulpicia. Stop with the kindness, and lets get this mess taken care of."
Pausing the dark haired queen looks back, "I guess you are correct." Stepping forward she takes Edwards hand in hers.
I send a questioning look to Edward, but he is looking everywhere but me. Tugging on his hand I hope to gain his attention.
Before he can turn his head I hear the queen mutter, "You fool." She then turns to me and our eyes meet. "Oh my." She quietly whispers.
I hear Edward yell "No! She is mine!" and then all hell breaks loose.