Hope you enjoy the second chapter, where Edward isn't as much as a dick. I'll try to keep the typos to a minimum since I wrote this pretty fast and I don't have a beta. Tell me what you think.
"Wake up." Someone was shaking her shoulders. As she slowly regained consciousness, Bella suddenly realized she was on a horse. That fact was enough to jolt her awake, as cold hands came to steady her shoulders before she could fall off the mount. "Easy, I'm not going to hurt you." The voice rumbled from behind her. It was still dark out, and she had no idea how long she had been asleep. That did nothing to ease her worry as she remembered whom she was with.
Edward, he had told her his name. It felt odd to know it, and not have to refer to him as a stranger.
"Look, we're here." She hadn't even noticed that the forest had cleared and a tiny illuminated castle was coming into view. She had no idea how long they had been traveling, suddenly cursing herself for falling asleep. The fact that first light had not broken made her feel a little bit better. At least she had not been unawares the entire trip. Yet a feeling of uneasiness fell over her when she couldn't remember even drifting off in the first place.
"Is that yours?" She tried not to sound too impressed, as not to inflate his already massive ego. But Bella had assumed she would be taken to a small chateau, not the impressive estate that was laid before her. Not for one second did Bella still believe that Edward wasn't nobility after one look at his home.
"Welcome to Castle Dathail." Edward announced with exaggerated grandeur, obviously being sarcastic. But Bella didn't pay any attention to his teasing, as she racked her brain for any country that held such a land by that name. But she sadly came up with nothing.
"What region are we in?"
"I could tell you, but I'm convinced it would only encourage your escape." She swallowed her retort, and pondered what that could mean. If he was worried about it causing her to flee, that had to mean they weren't that far from her home.
So she just shrugged, doing her best to feign indifference. "Curiosity is all." Bella had never been good at the geography of their lands, but if it meant her freedom, she would do her best to remember it. Edward didn't answer, but she didn't need to see his face to know he didn't believe her.
As he urged their horse faster, Bella couldn't help but bump along as the castle grew even bigger. Before she knew it, the looming shadow of stonewalls hid them from the sliver of the rising sun. Bella knew there were bigger castles in the capitols of surrounding countries, but still, none were like the one that stood before her.
The stones were a dark grey, almost black, that reminded her of Edward. Bella didn't know if it was a conscious choice, but the overwhelming building gave off the same attitude that Edward always did. Powerful and dangerous. No doubt the large turrets and spikes on the perimeter walls were to fight off enemies, much like Edward repelled people with his prickly demeanor. "Off," He ordered stiffly, even going as much to nudge her in the lower back. Bastard.
Bella once again bit her tongue and dismounted as gracefully as possible. Which was difficult, for her wobbly legs weren't used to riding horses for an entire night. She barely had time to regain her balance before Edward was hauling her up by her elbow. "Up." Apparently he had forgone actual sentences and was resorting to one-worded orders now.
"But my things," Bella glanced back where her pack still hung from the horse's saddle, but he only quickened their pace. She did her best to take in her surroundings as he led them through huge double doors. Bella braced herself for the deep dark lair that would be Edward's castle, but was taken aback from what she saw instead.
Bright colors. The richest Bella had ever seen in her life. Rich greens, intense blues and vibrant reds, as well as every other color she could imagine. Plush curtains and intricate rugs surrounded them in the massive entrance way. The floor was covered with what looked like marble, causing an echo to sound when they walked across. There was a massive staircase in front of them, as hallways forked off in every direction. The walls were covered with works of art and tapestries, priceless no doubt. The whole place looked regal, making Bella feel even more like an outsider.
She would have felt a little more comfortable if she had seen a sign of another soul in the place, but she had yet to see anyone, not even a servant. No doubt a place like this required hundreds of them.
Edward dragged her past the giant staircase and down a large hall to the left. More paintings dotted the walls, as her books slapped uncomfortably against her torso within her coat pockets. "For the love of the Gods, what is that sound?" Edward grumbled, stopping only to glare back at her. But Bella had no time to explain before his hands found the two stow-a-ways in her pockets. She braced herself for the feeling of his cold fingertips through her thin layers, but he was so fast he didn't even graze her tunic.
Bella had no idea why she felt she had done something wrong, since they were only books. But still, she felt as though she was being scolded. "Books?" He mocked, glancing at the titles.
"I figured I should bring something to occupy myself." She shrugged as he quirked a brow at her. He seemed to be pondering something before he finally spoke.
"Very well," He handed them back to her with a stiff nod as they continued down the hall. Bella tore her eyes from his form and watched as the curtains only got more lavish, and the closed doors even bigger and ornate than before. Weren't they going to the dungeons?
Her question was answered however, when they stopped at the end of the hall before the biggest door of all. Bella was about to question Edward as to why they paused when he opened the massive entry, "This is your suite." He stated simply.
Bella was stunned. Completely and utterly dumbfounded. She was to stay here? It didn't make sense.
Bella swallowed any questions, and finally entered what was to be her room. It was a suite fit for a queen! The room was huge for one thing, no doubt bigger than her entire house. The walls were covered in a soft green and decorated with the same gold flowers and white molding that the doors had. There was a desk under one of the windows and an enormous armoire in the corner. A regal fireplace crackled in the center of the far wall, but everything was dwarfed in comparison to the magnificent four-poster bed, entirely too large even for a king. She guessed it able to hold at least five people. The linens alone probably cost what her father made in one year. The comforter was a rich cream, with gold-stitched designs covering the silk. So much wealth spent in one room, and this was no doubt one of fifty other suites in the castle.
Edward didn't wait for her to respond as he continued. "After breakfast, you will get a tour of the estate. I urge you to pay attention, since there are many areas where you are not allowed. I also expect you to join me for every meal, and that is a non-negotiable request."
Bella's mind was lagging from all the information that was assaulting her senses. Most importantly was that she wasn't going to spend forever in a dungeon. As far as she could tell, she was to be a guest here instead of a prisoner.
"Bella!" Edward's irritated voice pulled her from her daze.
"Hmmm?"
His face flickered with annoyance, "Do you understand what is expected of you?"
"Yes, thank you." She was so out of it, Bella had actually just thanked her captor. But she didn't care as she slowly took in what was to be her room for the rest of her life.
"I will send a servant to attend to you before breakfast. Please be punctual." And with that, he closed the door and left Bella to her own senses.
It felt like a dream as she ran her hand across the soft fabric of her curtains. She was pleased to see her room overlooked an impressive garden. Even though it was dormant and brown, she could tell it would be stunning in the spring.
Her exploration was cut short however, when she heard a small knock from the door, "Come in." She answered hesitantly, hoping it wasn't Edward returning to drone more orders.
Bella was pleased to see a young woman enter instead. She appeared to be a maid of sort, with her simple grey dress and white apron. She had black hair, and the biggest eyes Bella had ever seen. They were pure black, just like Edwards. Bella thought it odd, but dismissed it as something to do with the region they were in.
The girl curtseyed before she spoke, "Hello milady, my name is Alice. I will be your lady's maid." She carried Bella's pack in her arms.
Bella gave her a reassuring smile. She had no idea how to go about any of this, since she had never been treated so generously. "Hello Alice, my name is Bella."
The girl just looked up and down Bella's simple tunic and pants. "The lord insists that you be cleaned up for breakfast. Milady." So Edward was a lord after all. He would have to be, to own such a massive estate. Why had he insisted on no title then?
"Please, call me Bella." That seemed to ease Alice a little, but she still shifted her weight nervously. Bella approached the girl and gratefully took the pack from her arms.
Finally giving Bella a small smile, Alice motioned to the bathroom adjoining the bedroom. "Should we get ready then Bella? The master is not a patient man." Bella rolled her eyes as she placed her bag onto her bed. Even knowing him briefly, Bella knew just how impatient Edward could be.
"No need, I won't be eating with the master." Bella spoke the word with distain as she sprawled out on her new bed. Ahh, just as soft as it looked.
Let Edward think what he wanted. But Bella was not about to let him believe he could order her around. Alice however, blanched at her words, "Please milady—I mean Bella. The Lord will not be pleased to hear of your refusal."
Bella just snorted, "Tell him I respectively decline his invitation." Not that she respected him, but Bella thought that the best way to say no. "Also, tell him you are not to be blamed." The last thing Bella needed was her servant being punished for her actions. No matter his hospitality, Edward had ripped her from her home; she was not about to dine with him like nothing had happened. Even if her room was grander than anything she had ever seen.
Alice opened her mouth like she was going to say something else, but she closed it just as fast. "As you wish milady." And with a small bow, she scurried off before Bella could correct her again.
Bella was content to explore and read in her room for the rest of the day. She would make the best of her circumstances, and be damned if she spent her entire years moping.
After exploring her sparkling bathroom, she was set on taking a proper bath. Bella hadn't had one in months and was sure she both looked and smelled horrible. However there was one problem, she had sent away the only person who knew how to draw a bath, and she had no idea how to summon Alice to help. So all she could do was wash her face in a water basin, and change into a more fresh set of clothes from her pack.
Bella was just settling into bed with a book when she heard a rap on the door
"Yes?" Bella announced cheerfully, happy to hear Alice had returned. Maybe she would get that bath after all.
"Why weren't you at supper? I thought I made it clear you were to attend." Uh oh, that was not Alice.
"I wasn't hungry." Bella inched out of her bed to silently slide up a chair under the doorknob. She didn't trust the sorry excuse of a lock to keep him out.
His lifeless chuckle sent a shiver down her spine even though there was a barrier between them. "Don't lie to me. You don't think I didn't see the state of poverty you were in?" His voice was at a low rumble, but she could tell he was about to snap at any moment.
"Then you should know I am no stranger to hunger."
"Is that it then? You plan to starve?" He practically spat the words.
"Its none of your business, that's what." Sure, there were tough times when Bella didn't know when her next meal would be, she had always provided for them one way or another. So she could only hope her luck would follow her in that matter. The servants wouldn't let her go hungry, would they?
"Like hell it is. You are my guest." He roared, and Bella suddenly regretted poking the sleeping bear. A mans patience only went so far, and she was playing a dangerous game pushing Edward's.
Bella forced her voice to remain steady, "No, I am your prisoner." She was teetering on the edge of stupidity, since she didn't know if he would grow angry enough to throw her in a dungeon after all. She could only hope for the best.
"Fine, starve if you want. See if I care!" He bellowed in response. And after some crashing that she assumed was him breaking some priceless vase, she heard him storm off to torment some other poor soul, no doubt.
So he did have a temper, but he still had enough self-control to keep his word. Bella just didn't understand it. Not that she was hoping for the dungeon, but Edward only continued to confuse her.
As Bella fell into her luxurious bed, she allowed the stress of her circumstances to overtake her with one shuddered sigh. She shook and wept to mourn everything she had lost: her father and sisters and any future her life had, even as insignificant as she was. But tonight would be the last time she allowed herself to cry. For tomorrow Bella would have to be a different person to survive this. And tears meant nothing.
Bella woke after a fitful night of sleep. No matter how much she thrashed and turned, she couldn't erase Edward's cold eyes from her memory.
"Good morning, milady." Alice smiled when she entered, forcing Bella to rise from her plush bed.
"Morning," Bella mumbled with a yawn.
"How are you miss?"
Bella groaned as she stretched, "I would be better if you called me Bella."
She blushed, "Sorry, its habit is all."
"I'll happily forgive you if you would help me into the bath." Bella joked, but not about wanting a bath. Alice jumped right to it, happy to have something to do.
"Of course!" She tried not to giggle at Alice's enthusiasm, but was content to follow the girl into the white bathroom.
"Sorry, I didn't know how to draw one myself." Bella admitted bashfully. She didn't want Alice to think she was completely helpless. But the ladies maid didn't seem to mind, as she bent over the tub to turn some complicating-looking brass knobs.
"Don't worry yourself. It's a little difficult to understand at first." Bella was amazed to see steaming hot water come from the opening Alice had just turned on.
"But how…" Bella had seen nothing like it. She was used to lugging water from a well and having to boil it over a stove back home. This was like magic, even though she knew that to be impossible as well. Edward might be some magical being, but that actual things had been long extinct for her lands, that she was sure of. So Bella waited patiently for Alice to explain.
"Its called plumbing. The water comes from a heated tank somewhere else in the estate, and is brought here by pipes. That was how it was explained to me at least."
Bella pondered that as Alice helped her shrug off her plain clothes.
"You know, milady—er Bella," Alice rushed to correct herself as she helped Bella into the steaming water. "The master has provided you with more suitable clothes."
"Hmmm?" Bella's mind was somewhere else as the hot water did wonders to ease her sore muscles. She would never ride a horse ever again.
Alice stifled a giggle at hearing Bella's soft groans of pleasure when she was fully submerged, "If you would like Bella," She smiled, finally hearing Alice grow comfortable enough to call her by name, "We could try some gowns on after your bath."
"Gowns?" Bella tried to sound mildly curious, but she couldn't help but admit a terrible part of her jumped at the thought of playing dress up.
"Of course, you didn't think you would have to stay in your old clothes?"
Bella glanced over to her frock that sat on the counter. They were in fact old, dingy and terribly plain. She couldn't remember the last time she wore any other color than brown.
"I suppose we could." Bella stated simply, urging her expression to seem indifferent. But she couldn't help the smile that snuck across her lips.
Bella was simply amazed by the feeling of silk and satin against her skin. Every time Alice slipped another frock over Bella's head, she couldn't help but run her hands over the intricate stitching and designs of each one. It never got old.
"This one looks especially lovely, milady." Bella was so taken with the color of the dress, she forgot to correct Alice for the formality.
The deep blue was like nothing she had ever seen. It was almost black as night, but somehow made her usually pale skin seem like rich cream. "I dare say I agree with you." Bella traced the baby-blue swirls that adorned the bodice.
Alice just beamed at Bella's reflection in the mirror, making final touches in her hair. After her bath, Alice had somehow tamed Bella's unruly brown hair with a series of braids and twists that kept it away from her face, but allowed it to flow down her back.
It was striking what a bath and a new dress could do to a person. Bella felt refreshed, and maybe even a little beautiful. "Now that you're ready, you can join the master for breakfast." Alice noted cheerfully as she finished lacing up the dress.
Bella ignored the rumble in her stomach and turned to face her ladies maid. "Is there any way I could take breakfast in my room?"
Alice's smile faded into a frown, "Why? Are you feeling ill?"
Not wanting her ladies maid to overreact, Bella thought of another excuse. "Not quite, I'm just not feeling up to a formal meal just quite yet." Bella prayed that would be enough.
"The master insists you join him." Bella didn't want to force Alice to pick between her and Edward, but she still didn't want to see him, if she could avoid it.
"I'm just feeling a little home-sick, is all." Bella had no idea what Alice knew about her reason for being here. Had Edward told his servants that Bella was to be treated as captive or guest? Did they know Bella was forced to live the rest of her life here against her will while her family most likely starved?
"You will find a good meal can help with such ailments." Alice urged Bella with a pat on her hand.
"It might, if I could stomach the host." Bella couldn't help but add that last part under her breath, but Alice still heard her.
The ladies maid didn't look at all offended or shocked, but actually seemed confused. "The Lord might be a little rough around the edges, but for good reason." Bella didn't have a chance to ask why before Alice continued, "Just give him a chance."
A chance? Alice had unknowingly just suggested for Bella to give her kidnapper a chance. A hysterical laugh slipped out of her at the thought. Maybe it was because the shock of it all, or her lack of sleep. Or the fact that Bella felt unbelievably guilty beyond anything else. How was she supposed to live in such luxury while her family went without?
But before she could stop Alice, the maid was ushering Bella out of her bedroom and into the massive hall. "Just this way Miss." Alice noted quietly as she led Bell down towards what she assumed was the dining room. Already out of her room, Bella was content to study the paintings that hung on the walls. Bend after bend in the hallway, and Bella was starting to really think this castle was truly endless.
But just as they rounded another corner, Bella was halted when she slammed into something hard. Cold hands wrapped around her arms before she could fall back on her behind. Horrified, she looked up to see Edward peering down at her. She was met with that same unimpressed blank stare that he always wore. Even as Alice curtsied before him, Bella remained standing.
Clearing his throat and releasing her just as quickly as he grabbed her, Bella shivered from the feeling of Edward's skin on hers. What caused his skin to be so cold? Was it because of what he was? Bella had long forgotten the names of the magical creatures that used to roam their lands years ago. But she now regretted dismissing such precious information. Perhaps if she knew what Edward was, she could discover his weakness and find a way to escape back to her family.
Taking a step back, she watched as his black eyes gave her a quick once over. "There you are." His voice was un-naturally cool. "I was just coming to retrieve you."
"There will be no need for that. I can fair on my own." Something about him made Bella behave rudely. But she couldn't bring herself to care, even if he punished her for it.
Slight frustration flew across Edward's features before it was replaced with that eerie calm. "As I told you before, I don't want you wandering where you aren't supposed to be. So Alice will accompany you when I am not with you." Just what did he have in the castle that was so important she couldn't be on her own?
"Am I not to have any privacy?" Bella sputtered, quiet rage boiling deep inside her. She didn't mind Alice accompanying her, but the thought of Edward following her around made the color leak from her face.
Edward stiffened but otherwise showed no further response to her words. "Of course, but while you travel from wing to wing, you will have an escort."
Bella did her best to not roll her eyes. "No." She responded, her tone solid.
"No?" Edward's voice was lethal. She had a feeling he hadn't heard the word in a while.
"I refuse to be treated like a child."
He cocked his head like a condescending parent to a toddler. "You are a child, so you will be treated as such."
"I was old enough to feed my family since I was twelve. Does that sound like a child to you?" She snapped right back.
Edward straightened, his hands coming to clasp behind his back. She watched them until they were out of sight, waiting for them to strike her cheek instead. But Edward didn't look at all angry, as he quirked a brow, "Is this what this outburst is about? Are you are worried for them?"
Bella didn't want to think what kind of creature he was to treat such matters with such a careless tone. "You expect me to dine with you while they starve?" She hoped her gaze conveyed just how little she thought of him.
"Of course not. They are well provided for in your absence." He noted simply.
"What?" Bella was shocked. She had not expected that response. But what did he deem as 'provided for'?
"So can we move on, now that you know they will not wither away without you?"
"I guess." Bella mumbled most un-lady like.
"Good," Edward motioned in front of him, "Now if you please, I would like to eat my breakfast before it gets cold."
Turning only a fraction to him, Bella tried to keep the snarkiness from her tone, "I would if I knew where the dining room was." Bella swore she heard Alice let out a small gasp. She really should have been slapped tens times over now.
Edward however showed no surprise at her bold words, only grinding out his response, "Just keep heading straight." Bella hid her smile with a cough when she heard him forcing his tone to stay cool, taking a comfort in knowing she would be rid of Edward yet.
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