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Chapter 2 –The Rose Room

Bella followed Jane through a maze of marble-floored passages and numerous spiral stairs.

The corridors were dark and dimly lit with wall sconces. Dark paintings adorned the walls, some of them quite disturbing, displaying vampires dressed in silk and velvet attending the circus, going to a masque. Antique furniture lined the walls, bookcases, and tables, some of it Roman, others Elizabethan, all of it in pristine condition, topped with solid gold goblets, blood red vases, and black roses. The carpets were Persian with a black and red design, the red so dark, it almost looked like coagulated blood.

Never in a million years would she decorate a place like this. It was so unsettling. And the place was like a labyrinth. How would she ever find her way out? But then Bella realized, maybe that was the point.

Jane kept glancing back at her, irritated, because she was moving too slow, telling her to quit lagging behind.

Bella just ignored her, not saying a word. She knew she was a prisoner.

Finally, they came to two double doors that led to an east wing. This part of the castle was much less austere. There were skylights and windows with large, open sitting rooms decorated in soft pale colors, plus a spa, a game room, and a pool with turquoise blue water.

"Your room is down the hall," Jane said, opening two double doors.

Bella stepped inside with trepidation.

The room was nothing like she expected. It was all pale pink and gray with floor to ceiling windows and a large four poster bed. There was a large sitting area with a sofa and chairs, plus two large wardrobe closets. Outside there was terrace encompassed with roses.

"This is beautiful."

"Of course it is," snapped Jane. "You should take a shower. You stink."

"Okay," Bella mumbled, biting her tongue.

Jane glided over to one of the wardrobes and opened the doors. "There are some clothes in here. I suggest you put them on. What you're wearing is not appropriate. Master Aro will be calling for you shortly." With that, she left, closing the door silently behind her.

Bella was happy to see her go, sitting down on the sofa, her heart thumping in her chest. She couldn't believe this was happening. What have I done? Is this where I'll spend eternity? She felt like a bird in a gilded cage.

It was worth it though.

Edward lives because of me.

Yet she couldn't help but think that neither of them would be in this mess if Edward had never abandoned her.

For a moment, she caught her reflection in a mirror and didn't recognize herself.

What am I doing here?

For a long time, Bella just sat there, trying to calm her nerves. She wasn't even sure how much time had passed before she heard a knock at the door.

Her body tensed up. "Come in."

To her surprise, it wasn't Aro, but a tiny petite woman all dressed in black, her vampire skin pale, but dusky as if originally she had darker skin. Her hair was jet black and hung down to her waist. Her eyes were red, but they were strikingly light as if in life they were a pale color.

"Hello, Miss Bella," she said with a bow, her voice so soft it almost seemed like a whisper. "My name is Renata, and I have come to assist you. How can I be of service?"

Bella couldn't stop looking at her. She was so graceful, feminine, and the way she walked was so smooth like she was floating.

Standing up, fidgeting with her hands, Bella turned to her. "I'm sorry, I don't even know where to begin. What should I do?" she said awkwardly.

Renata gave a shy little smile as if delighted to find Bella deferring to her. "Well first, let's get you cleaned up," she said, moving swiftly around the room, opening the bathroom doors, pulling out a big, fluffy, pink bathrobe from the closet. "You can take a shower. There are towels in the cabinet, and shampoo and soap on the shelf. There's even a blow dryer in the drawer next to the sink. Help yourself. I will wait here."

Renata seemed so earnest and sweet, Bella couldn't help but like her, taking the robe, stepping into the bathroom.

Of course, the bathroom was pink, with a humongous marble tub, a walk-in shower, two sinks and a bidet. The lavishness almost overwhelmed her. But Bella did as she was told, washing off all the sweat and grime from the day, combing out her hair.

When she stepped back in the bedroom, she found a red and black brocade coat laid out on the bed, along with a pair of black Punjabi pants, and little silk slippers.

"You want me to wear this?" Bella asked.

"Yes, I think it will look perfect on you."

Bella shrugged. "Okay."

The silk felt wonderful against her skin. She was surprised to find the coat was tapered, nearly coming down to her knees with slits in the side, and there was a high-necked collar that buttoned at her throat. It was not unflattering though. The coat fit snuggly around her waist and her breasts, flaring out at her hips, making her look sleek and slender, but round in all the right places.

"Ah, you look lovely. Now let me do your hair and makeup," Renata said, motioning her to sit in front of the mirror. "You must always look your best for Master Aro."

Bella took a seat. "May I ask you something?"

"Of course, I am here to assist," Renata said, taking out a brush, gently teasing her hair so it would poof, pulling it back with a high Spanish comb.

"Why does Aro want me?"

"Master Aro believes you may have a great protection gift," Renata told her, now painting her eyes and her lips. "And if this turns out to be true, you and I will be his personal bodyguards."

"He needs two?"

"Master Aro has many enemies."

"I see," Bella said, trying not to roll her eyes.

"You don't understand. It's a very taxing job. I will be eternally grateful to have help."

Bella couldn't help but smile. Renata was so shy and mousey, it was almost impossible to think of her guarding anybody, but at least she would be working with somebody she liked.

"There…you're done," Renata said with a smile.

Bella looked in the mirror and couldn't believe the difference. She actually looked quite elegant.

"I think we're ready to go see the Master."

Bella stiffened. "Do we have to see him tonight?" In truth, she didn't want to see him at all. The way he made her bow to him back in the hall was so humiliating.

"Yes, that is what he wants."

"Great," she grumbled, standing up, pushing in her chair.

"Don't worry, it will be all right." Renata patted her shoulder. "Aro is very merciful."

That's not what Alice said. But Bella nodded and smiled, trying to keep a brave face.

Renata held the door open for her and then led her down the hall.

Bella had to fight the urge not to go run and hide. She was not ready for this. Not ready at all. But she knew she didn't have a choice. Aro was now her master.

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