The Seven Seas

by Maggiles

Every year, London's aristocrats hold a grand Masquerade ball, a ball which Bella Swan detests. For you see, the ball is held in rememberence of Edward Cullen, the prince who vanished two hundred years ago. Legend says, he's coming back with a vengence.

2. Chapter 2

The Seven Seas

Chapter Two: Hostage

By: Maggiles

"How ridiculous and unrealistic is the man who is astonished at anything that happens in life."

-Marcus Aurelius

Bella

I could barley breathe, could barley take in an once of air into my lungs while the maid pulled at the strings of my corset. My body was stiff, and I knew I looked absolutely ridiculous trying to steady myself and suck in my tears.

"Just a moment more, madam," the maid encouraged, attempting to make me feel better, "A few more tugs and ties and we'll be all finished."

I felt very nauseated then, and I could feel my ribs starting to bend inside of me, an excruciating pain I had come to bear through my years,

"J..jus-just a fe..few more?" I choked out, my mouth formed like a fish's, trying to suck in oxygen, "...oal...alright..th-then."

I disciplined myself to take the pain without rebelling, and even though I had been forced into this devilish device all my life, it was still something I could never get used too.

How was it like, I wondered, to breathe normally, like a man?

Was it refreshing? Exhilarating? Not that I would ever get the chance to find out, anyhows. The only way a woman could get excused from wearing a corset is if she was with child.

And you could only be with child when you were married.

And I wasn't married.

And I didn't plan on marrying anytime soon, although my parents would like to think otherwise.

It seemed to me then that I would be wearing a corset for a veryyy long time to come.

"Almost finished." the maid chimed.

"Sure." I muttered.

The 'few moments' the maid had cooed to me before had turned into a few hours, and I could have almost fainted before I felt a giant tug on my back and a slap of approval.

I had to breathe literally from the tip of my mouth, sucking in only small pockets of air, while trying to look perfectly normal and in a natural state, ready for a ball of all things. I then felt myself grow bitter feelings towards the maid, a women who I was sure never wore a corset in her life, seeing as how she was of very low class.

This, and a thousand other thoughts roamed through the corners of my mind, which got interrupted as the maid glowed with a smile, carefully guiding me to the large mirrors in the back of my room. "There, madam." she sang, unpleasantly sweet, "The hard parts finished, now it's just dress and makeup."

"And how long will that take?" I asked, sarcasm thick in my voice, " a few moments?"

"Just like before." was her clever reply.

I found that I couldn't say anything more after that; I was too exhausted to say anything else, for the compression of my lungs took a while to get used to.

Not that I was terribly worried about fainting at the ball. When one wore a corset as daily as I did, you grew accustomed to the pressure on your body. A few hours, I thought, and I would be as good as new. It was always the first few moments that were the worst.

The maid who had fastened my corset did some final adjustments to it, eyed me a while for any other mistakes she might have missed, and then promptly scurried to the other side of my large room, pulling a velvet rope by the door. The rope was there for alerting other maids to hurry up out of whatever they were doing and to arrive at my room at once.

While she was busy tidying up my bed and putting things away, my eyes took the opportunity to drink in my form in front of the large three mirrors, my body which curved in an unnatural way, giving me an alarmingly small waist, busty breasts (Which is far from reality, really) and curvaceous hips that condescended down into long, slender legs. I would have sighed if I could. I would give anything if my body was naturally that feminine and perfect. Without my corset, I thought myself very much like a man.

I couldn't take too long eying myself, I shortly found out, for after a few minutes my doors burst open with the presence of dozens of maidens and tailors, all rushing towards me. A few held fabric, others pins and measuring tape, and still others combs, ribbons, and heating rolls. I mentally winced—they would have to be careful with me. One wrong move and I feared I would snap.

"Alright Madam." a short, rather skinny old man croaked, "You must stand up straight, your ball gown must be fitted perfectly. And after that is all said and done, th--"

"Then you must hurry over to your powder room and let us finish you up."

My eyes diverted to my other side, where a large plump woman in her forties had cut in. Her face was powdered awfully white, with exaggerated eyeshadow and overwhelming blush covering her features, an eyeshadow that was a ridiculously bright shade of blue. I almost choked. I prayed that she would not make me look like such a fool. I would not be able to stand for it.

I was never the make up sort of girl.

And until a few years ago, makeup was scarcely ever used. But then the damned westerners had introduced it to England through trade, and it now seemed like women everywhere could not get enough of it. My thoughts traveled to my mother, who only wore red lipstick from time to time. Makeup, I thought then, would only look beautiful on my mother.

Not me.

"Elbows down, Mrs. Swan."

My thoughts got interrupted again, and I could only sigh and contend with the demand. Seven maids were busy all around me, pinning some things here, tightening a few things there, draping a little by my neck, cutting some fabric off, and a whole lot more that I could not describe. It seemed to me then that I would actually be finished quite quickly, seeing as how I had a thousand hands all working on me, and only me.

"Step down from the stool, Miss. Swan," the old man directed, gesturing at some nearby maidens to grab something, "Your dress will be finished right after your face and hair have been properly dressed. Your father asked me to make you the most beautiful gown in the ballroom, and your grace, I will not fail on my call of duty!"

I couldn't even blink, nor had I the chance to open my mouth and argue before I was whisked away, finding myself somehow at the other side of the room, seated at my powder gallery. I had to breathe in short quick gasps, each time hoping my lungs would stay strong, and decide not to suffocate me instead. I couldn't even debate, object, or even ask for a little breathing break, because before I knew it my hair was being pulled into a million different directions, my face being forced into position by the same old lady who had spoken to me earlier. Her hands were alarmingly moist, warm, as if she had been soaking them prior to attending. Her nails were also short and bitten, but poorly hidden underneath red polish.

"Don't move, your grace." the lady breathed, her eyes on fire, "We have a lot to accomplish in such a short time."

Such a short time? It took hours just to wear my corset! What had they been doing since morning?

"Where have you been all day?" I asked, my temper flaring a bit, "Why would you wait until the very last hour?"

I flinched as I felt my hair being pulled, being rolled into a red hot iron which I could feel right down to my scalp.

"Because, your grace," the woman finished, "Your father had told the tailor to get silk, which took an unbelievably long trip to the market for. Also, he asked for red lip paint, which is the most expensive kind of all. My attendants had to wait in a merchants tent for hours while he made it, fresh. Pardon the long wait, Miss. Swan, but we couldn't help it."

After her explanation had been told, she promptly turned around to get more supplies from some maidens by the door. I had noticed that her answer seemed very well planned out, as if she was expecting me to ask her that very question. My eyes narrowed.

My hands gripped on my chair firmly, to the point where I could have ripped open the goose feather cushions.

Something was not right.

My eyes narrowed in suspicion, for I realized then that some things just didn't make any sense whatsoever. Why would father go through all this trouble—a silk gown, red lip paint, extravagant ribbons-- if he was not up to something he knew I wouldn't approve of? It was not like I had never been to this ball before....why all the trouble for this one?

And why would he even bother for makeup of any kind? I would be wearing a mask for goodness sakes! Nobody would even be able to see me, to even be able to tell who I was!

Yes, I thought, something was definitely going on, and I knew that I was the only one in the mansion who probably had no idea what it was.

But I was going to find out, one way or another.

Edward

"Captain, we've already anchored the ship to the ports. The men are awaiting further instructions."

Gilbert, a rather shy, yet cunning member or my crew stood in front of the doorway, eyes glowing with anticipation. I mentally smiled. He and every other crew member aboard must have had some thought as to why I had suddenly forced them to sail east, like a mad man, and then making them anchor into a rich little prominent city such as London.

Not that I was questioning his thoughts.

He was practically yelling them at me, unbeknown to him at least.

"Thank you Gilbert." I said, giving him a nod, "Tell the men I'll be there shortly. In the meantime, go tell Emmett and Jasper to get the ship prepared—no explanation needed, my friend, for they are more than aware of my plans. And in about an hours time, so will you."

Gilbert gave me a reluctant glance before turning to leave. But just moments before he left the door, he turned back around, eying my hopefully. "Did you find something?" he asked, his voice encouraging, "is it something important?"

Now, I couldn't blame Gilbert's curiosity.

The fact that vampires were curious at all was nothing short of a miracle, but the fact that Gilbert was curious must have been eating at him alive.

I nodded. "Yes." I sighed, relieved that we were finally on the right track, "I would say you would be most pleased when you hear the news. After all, we've waited long enough, I think."

A grin spread across Gilbert's face, a grin I couldn't tell where it came from—excitement? Or apprehension? Whatever it was, the door closed with an audible 'click' as he left the room, leaving behind him a thick presence, the sort of feeling of being watched, being observed.

I ignored it.

Reaching into my desk drawer, I pulled out a thin silver chain, and attached to that chain was a single angel's wing.

My eyes grew soft as I traced the wing over and over again with my fingertips.

It was only half of the real necklace, the second angels wing belonging to the love I had lost long ago. We had promised to keep them forever, as a testimony of our love, as a symbol to show the whole entire world that we were together, to show that she was mine, and I was hers.

But that legacy was never to take off.

The evil of humans and their complete selfishness had struck me with disbelief from my mortal years up until now.

Their belief of 'higher rank' and 'lower rank', their belief of aristocracy and commoners, their simple belief of 'better blood'......it made me want to leave their lives in total devastation, to make them as miserable as I was, to punish them and take vengeance for my love, for the one person in my entire life who had made me happy, who had held me up when I thought I would fall down.

THEY took her away from me, THEY killed her in cold blood, THEY were the reason that I became this, the reason I became a monster who wanted to take back the humanity they had stolen from me.

It was all because of them.

Without even knowing it, my hands had clutched into fists, trembling, with the necklace in my grasp, getting tighter and tighter.

An alarm went off inside my head, and I gasped, letting the necklace fall from my hold and onto the table, an audible plunk echoing from the impact.

I breathed out slowly and closed my eyes.

I knew that I had to control myself.

I knew that I had to stop acting irrationally, had to stop behaving in such an obscene way, acting out my actions before thinking about them.

I knew that I couldn't change the past....I could only attempt to change the future.

Opening my eyes and looking down at the fallen ornament, my eyes grew soft.

"Tanya....." I whispered, her name bringing back indescribable pain, "I'll get revenge for you, I swear."

Moments of silence passed by, and my attention was lost, and all I could see inside of my mind was the beauty of her face, the blush on her cheeks, the feel of her touch. I remembered her smile and her laugh, could taste her lips on mine, could smell her scent, could almost reach out and trace her.

Even now she was still the most significant person in my life.

Even now she had this power over me.

Even now, after all these centuries without her, I found that I was still in love with her.

Still missing her.

I inhaled slowly, the cool air of the ship a key factor in calming me down. Stroking the necklace one last time, I grabbed it from the desk and quickly put it on and stood up, hiding it underneath my shirt. Snatching a hat from the rack, I put it on and left the room.

Now it was time for business.

The polished floors of the ship seemed to glow more then ever, as if they also knew of the momentous moment that today would bring.

The narrow hallways only reminded me of the freedom I would soon have, reminded me of a coffin, reminded me on how sweet this victory would feel, how sweet it would finally feel.

Soon I had arrived at a small flight of stairs.

I took in a breath.

Climbing up, I reached out and grabbed the handle, resulting in the door opening grandly, the bright light of the setting sun engulfing me in it's grip.

"MEN!" I bellowed out, my eager crew filling my vision to overflowing. I stood at the top of the ship, the bright skies causing an immense glitter to coat each and every one of my men, from their heads to their feet, which stood grounded on the ships floor.

They were everywhere: From the tops of the sails to the edge of the railings, all of them waiting anxiously for my orders, waiting anxiously for the sweet words of victory to finally fall from my lips. The shine that illuminated from the men overpowered the glow of the sun, overpowered that object of fear that my men and I had been hiding from all these centuries. For now, the universe was in cower:

We would soon be invincible.

"MEN!" I repeated, looking out across the ship to the eyes of my comrades, "FOR A COUNTLESS NUMBER OF YEARS WE HAVE BEEN CURSED TO LIVE AS FIENDS, ONLY TO COME OUT AT NIGHT AND HIDE DURING THE DAY. FOR A COUNTLESS NUMBER OF YEARS WE HAVE BEEN FORCED TO ACCEPT THE FACT THAT WE COULD NEVER BE NORMAL AGAIN, NEVER BE ABLE TO EAT, DRINK, OR TAKE PLEASURE IN OUR DESIRES. FOR A COUNTLESS NUMBER OF YEARS WE HAVE HAD TO ACCEPT THE FACT THAT OUR HUMANITY HAD BEEN STOLEN FROM US, HAD BEEN TAKEN FROM US WITH CRUEL AND MERCILESS HANDS. BUT WE HAVE NEVER GIVEN UP OUR GOAL, NEVER BACKED DOWN FROM ANY OBSTACLE THAT HAD BEEN IN OUR PATH. WELL, TONIGHT, OUR EFFORTS WILL HAVE FINALLY BEAREN FRUIT! TONIGHT IS THE LAST DAY OF OUR ETERNITY. TONIGHT, WE SHALL AT LONG LAST HAVE IN OUR GRASP"- I gestured to my hand, pointing roughly at the sky- "WE SHALL FINALLY HAVE THE ELEMENTAL JEWEL IN OUR CLUTCHES!"

An immense roar of cheering and yelling erupted from the crew, jumping and shouting, dancing and clapping, the excitement was simply uncontainable. I felt the ship shake from underneath my feet, as the crew had begun to scream my name over and over again.

My eyes darted to Jasper, who had been balancing on a rope from the crow's nest. His smile shown brighter then ever as he gave me a small nod of approval.

Soon after that Emmett caught my gaze, his grin bigger then I had ever seen it, his voluminous laugh loud, his eyes bright and dancing.

And then my eyes rested on what was in front of me.

As I looked upon my crew, looked upon the setting sun, looked upon the city that I had vowed never to return to, as I looked upon all the memories of my mortal years up until this point, for the very first time in my existence, I almost felt.....alive.

I could feel the ocean wind splashing against my face, tousling my hair.

I could smell the salt of the seas tickle my nose, could hear the gentle roar of the waves as they splashed against the harbor.

Yes.

The day had finally come.

"MEN!" I shouted, raising my hand to silence them. Almost at once they had stopped their celebration, their roars quieted down, their eyes watching me in anticipation.

I cleared my throat.

"Yes," I breathed, letting the reality of the situation sink in, "We have almost found the missing piece of our puzzle, the crucial last part that will bring our vision to a whole: But let us get things straight. Tonight, we must be on our most candid behavior. We must dress our best, and always be sure to wear a mask upon your faces. NEVER let anyone see your identity, and if you can, avoid any contact. Keep in mind that we shall be surrounded by mortals, and hundreds of them: For those of you who cannot control yourselves, it's best that you stay here. And for those who are ready......" a smirk played upon my lips as I felt my eyes narrowing with vindication " Let the ball begin."

Bella

Hours had passed since my conversation with the servants, and yet my curiosity was still unquenched, my questions still unanswered. When I had arrived down the steps of the mansion, my mother and father had gasped with astonishment.

"Bella!" Renee breathed, her eyes widening with disbelief, "You look absolutely beautiful. My dear, you will be the most angelic sight at the party!"

She had glided towards me, her blue ball gown swishing underneath her feet. Grabbing my face, she squeezed me for a hug.

I rolled my eyes. "A party?" I mumbled bitterly, "I thought it was supposed to be a remembrance ceremony...."

Charlie was the second one to greet me, his hands in the pockets of his tux as he mumbled awkwardly, "You look great, Bells."

I attempted a grin. "Thanks Dad."

I heard a few murmurs around the room, all the maidens and servants staring at me and pointing, gasps and whispers echoing throughout the space, falling conveniently into my ears. I had to stop myself from picking my fingers, something I naturally did when I felt uncomfortable.

I hated intense stares.

"I guess all that preparation was well worth the expense." Charlie continued, his eyes dancing with self satisfaction, "And it better have. Cost me a small fortune, it did."

His gaze never left mine, his eyes studying me, his head nodding with approval every now and then. It made me feel anything but comfortable, and ordinarily, I would've told him to cut it out, but rather, I was able to ignore my self consciousness.

Only because his 'compliments' had reignited my probing questions.

Cost him 'a small fortune'?

What did that mean?

And, 'it better have'?

Why?

"Hey father...." I started to ask, concluding this was the perfect time to do so. If I waited until the ball, I would have no guarantee I could get him alone—let alone get his attention.

As I reached to tap his shoulder, my mission of getting answers was vanquished: I was rudely cut off by a servant who had burst through the doors, in his hands a scroll—no doubt the invitation to the 'party'.

"Your Excellencies!" he bellowed, his body bowing towards us, his uniform shiny and new, "The carriage is waiting outside. We best leave now, or else we shan't make it to the ceremony in time."--he paused and gave a quick glance outside, as if checking the traffic from our front yard-- "The streets are simply alive with guests, we can't afford to lose our spots on the road..."

He continued to babble, with what I couldn't understand, and I continued to glare at him, annoyed and angry that he had to go and ruin the moment for me.

Regaining his composure, he started to turn around and leave for the door, all until his eyes met mine.

And then, something funny happened.

His mouth formed into a huge "o", as his eyes grew wider and wider.

They were huge!

He looked taken aback, his gaze locked with mine.

I watched as he looked me up and down, adorning my custom made silk gown that stuck to my body like wet paper, watched as he drooled over my perfectly curled hair and shiny red lips that made my mouth look like a siren's song.

"R—right...right this way...." he stuttered, gesturing awkwardly to the door, "Th..the carriage is—is outside...."

The man looked so odd that I could hear my mom giggle right by me.

"What's wrong with him?" I whispered to her, my face in complete horror, "Why is he staring at me like that? It feels like he's trying to...to undress me!"

Renee smiled, her body shaking slightly with buoyant laughter. She hooked her arm through mine as we made our way out the door, the servant boy trailing hungrily behind us.

"That's just the way men show they are interested in you." she explained, "The more dazed they look, the more they want you to themselves: Although I will warn you that it usually results in more of a lust case than love...."

She continued to explain to me her philosophies on men, but I still couldn't understand her meaning.

"What are you talking about?" I whined, "Just tell me in one sentence."

Frowning, Renee exhaled as her hair—full of glitter and fragrance— seemed to hit me when she shook her head. "What I mean, my dear," she explained, "Is that you better get used to that reaction: Something tells me you'll be receiving it all night."

The carriage door had closed behind us, and soon the crack of the whip and cries of the horses were heard, and we were off.

The roads were smooth and occasionally bumpy, resulting in Charlie, Renee, and myself all flying three inches above our seats, and mother's insanely addictive laughter penetrating the walls. But when the roads were relatively calm, all was quiet.

"Bella, dear," Renee said, her voice airy, "Aren't you excited about attending this year's party-...er....I mean ceremony? After all, I know how you feel about the lost boy, and I'm sure you know why this ceremony is far more important than the other ones you've attended."

Before I could reply, Charlie beat me to it. "What are you talking about?" he asked, "What's so special about this one?"

And I agreed.

It seemed to be the same continuous cycle, year after year, party after party. What could be so special about this year's ceremony from the last one?

And yet.....my attention was caught, my interest peaked.

For many years, Renee had caught on with my infatuation with the lost boy.

With my Edward Cullen.

She seemed to know how special he was to me, for whatever reason, and instead of consoling me, she supported me. Everything I knew about him came from her, whether from her common knowledge or books or sources she would get to feed my imagination that would slowly, with each and every bit of information, piece together the mystery of his life. I secretley reached for my necklace that I hid under my shirt.

"Well." she said, her eyes dancing, "This is the 300th year anniversary of his death."

A small gasp escaped my throat, but I quickly sustained it.

Moments of silence filled the carriage, and the only thing that could be heard was the prodding of the horses on the path. Besides that, all was quiet.

This was unbelievable.

The sheer fact that it was 300 years ago today that Edward went missing was outstanding enough, but my mother and I knew what else the 300 year mark meant, the bigger picture.

It was said that Edward's lover was killed by three people.

It was also said then when he vanished, only three of his belongings were taken with him:

His sword.

His book of herbs.

And a third artifact that was never uncovered. Legend says his father was so aghast that he never mentioned it to anybody, and that anybody who ever told the secret would be killed.

So that stood a mystery, a secret lost in time.

The number three is obviously a big deal.

And today, the 300th year anniversary of his death....was breathtaking.

What wonders would happen?

"Three hundred years already, eh?"

Charlie was the first to break the silence, his voice thoughtful, "That's a mighty long time to rap your head around."

"Sure is." Renee agreed.

They exchanged this and more, going back and forth to try and lift up the tension in the carriage. But my mind was still dancing around the momentous occasion that this year brought, my thoughts traveling and igniting all sorts of magical occurrences that could happen.

I felt that tonight, something would happen.

For better or for worse.

I just knew it.

….....but that epiphany didn't distract me completely away from other thoughts.

Charlie had still not answered my questions, still gave no explanation on why he dressed me up the way he did.

He didn't know about my infatuation with the Lost Boy.

He very obviously pointed out that he also didn't know about the epic anniversary of the ceremony.

So what was he excuse?

"Dad...." I started, trying to get his attention away from my mother, "I wanted to ask you something."

Seeming surprised yet thankful for my participation, he opened his arms. "Sure." he breathed, " Ask anything you'd like."

Of course I couldn't blame Charlie; Every time around this year I became a sappy, tempered, little shrew.

My sweet probing tone seemed to be a slap to his voice, a very nice, warm, welcoming slap to the face.

He undeniably expected a snarl from me.

I decided to wait a few moments until I answered, thinking of the right way to phrase my question. Even though she tried not to make it obvious, I could feel Renee's stare on me, hard and curious.

I cleared my throat. "Charlie..." I resumed slowly, thoughtfully, "When I was getting ready, Madam Buye told me that you made her go through all the trouble of getting fresh ingredients for my makeup. The tailor also said that he was late because you told him to get expensive silk. Why did you dress me up so phenomenally tonight?..... I mean....why so extravagant today? I never gone though this much trouble for the ball before. And you just admitted you had no idea about the ceremony....so.....any explanations?"

As soon as my question came out, the smile that grazed Charlie's face before altogether vanished, leaving instead, a very uncomfortable grimace. Renee also looked a bit flustered, a state that was very rare for her to be in.

My eyes narrowed.

Something was definitely going on.

"Well?" I shot, anticipation thick in my voice, "What are you planning?"

I could hear Renee cough, her and Charlie exchanging stares and glances, as if waiting for one or the other to answer. Their silent conversation made me feel uneasy, made my mind go a thousand different directions as to where this question could lead to.

Knowing them, the possibilities were endless.

"Answer me!" I demanded, trying to break their silence, "What are you hiding from me?"

Charlie took in a breath, looking away from me.

"N..not—nothing dear." he mumbled, his gaze outside the window, "I just wanted to make you feel amazing tonight."

Wanted me to feel amazing tonight?

Was that really his answer?

I mean, how dumb could I possibly have seemed to him? Did he really believe that me, with all the schooling and lessons and common sense he put me though, did he actually believe that answer would suffice?

Ridiculous.

My eyebrows raised in distress as I turned around and looked at my mother. She was looking down at her gloves, pretending to be occupied.

"Is that a stain?" she grumbled, playing with her fingers, "My..."

This nonsense seemed to go on forever, and every bump and turn on the road never felt like it was going to end. It was physically painful to be inside that carriage, the tension so thick you couldn't even breathe.

I could feel my heart beat inside of my chest, could feel every pulse that illuminated from my body.

Soon, I found that I couldn't stand it for much longer, and I needed to know what my parents were disastrously trying to hide from me.

"You want me to look amazing tonight?" I repeated, my gaze long and hard at Charlie's face, "Is that the truth?"

He grunted. "Why of course it is."

I looked at Renee. "Mother," I started, "Is he lying?"

I watched as she exhaled slowly, picking her words carefully, as if the very act of breathing was tiresome. "Would your father lie to you?" was her clever reply, "Don't ask such nonsense."

It was like she slapped me in the face.

"Nonsense?" I couldn't believe my ears, " If you want me to stop asking nonsense, then stopping answering me with such nonsenses!"

My anger was out, my pent up frustrations finally unleashed. The immaturity of my parents had gotten to me, and I found that I couldn't control my temper. It was unbelievable.

"Looking away like common thieves!" I ranted, pointing an accusing finger to my offenders, "Why, am I a stranger to you two? Have I ever lied to either one of you, even once? Have I not earned your trust? Going about hiding secrets, making me feel like a complete loony! Mother, Father, please....you have not raised an changeling. I can tell when you two are hiding something from me, and all I ask of you is that you tell me what it is. Please."

My desperate cry seemed to stir them up a bit, making them feel obvious discomfort and shame. Charlie looked away, Renee looked at Charlie, and I looked at the both of them.

Minutes ticked by as if they were trying to come up with some story to puke out at me, hoping it would feed my fire.

Finally, after a few more 'silent' conversation between the two of them, Charlie was the first to speak.

"Honey, it's not that we don't trust you. We do."

"More than anything." Renee piped in.

"But I feel that if we were to tell you about tonight, you will......not be the happiest person at the ball."

I waited to hear more, but nothing came. Charlie seemed to shut off at the last remark, and Renee went down along with him. I could feel my fingers clutching into fists, my body shaking with anger.

"Well?" I asked, my voice acidic, "You can't leave off at that. What are you two talking about? Whatever you have to say, you can say it to me without worrying about me lashing out. I am 17 years of age, let me remind you. I can take anything you have to tell me."

Charlie coughed up a 'ya right', but then quickly bit it back. I even heard Renee hide a chuckle of disbelief.

"Honey," he started, meeting my gaze for the first time, "Even though your mother and I trust you, you have to admit that you're not the greatest bearer of bad news. We are just not sure if you can handle what we need to tell you."

Renee reached out and grabbed my hand, stroking it. "Your father is right, you know," she agreed, her eyes soft, "We just want to make sure you take the news right. And our primary fear is that if we tell you now, well, you won't take it well."

The caution in my parent's eyes made me feel a little scared, made me feel sick to my stomach about what they had to tell me. I knew that it had to be something huge, otherwise they would never go through this much trouble trying to hide it from me. I took a gulp.

"I'm ready." I said, my voice surprisingly confident, "I promise that I won't get angry, I promise that I will still go to the ball and be there for my duties."

Moments of silence passed inside of the carriage, and the intensity was so bad I couldn't cut it with a knife. I heard Renee take in a deep breath, while Charlie released one. Shaking his head with reluctance, he met my gaze.

"Alright, Bella." he said, his voice unwaivering, "I'll tell you."

"Charlie-" Renee tried to cut in, but got stopped with his hand.

"She's ready." he said, defiantly. Renee stood quiet.

"Bells," he finally began, not taking his eyes off of me, "You are now seventeen years of age. You are a young women, prime on the business of royal duties. Now your mother and I have been putting this off for quite some time, but we feel that tonight, at this ball, now is the perfect opportunity for you. And I wanted you to look your best."

Charlie became quiet again, and I was almost too afraid to speak up.

"And....?" I whispered, bracing myself for the impact.

I watched as he wiped his head with both his hands, his face tense as he summed up the courage to speak again.

And what he said would change my life forever.

"Your mother and I agree that it's about high time you got married. Tonight, at this ball, we're going to find you a fiancé."

Authors Note: Hello my beautiful readers and HAPPY HOLIDAYS! And speaking of happy, I am excited and honored to say that my official Beat Reader is.....TWIFAN! She is an amazing person and she gives me soooo much insight and corrective grammar, so be sure to thank her for me actually updating! And like always, review review review....it would be your present to me!