The Concord Treaty
King William and his son arrive before us to show good faith toward the hospitality of the vampires. My father, Captain Uley and many of the wolves accompany them, while the rest of us arrive later in the evening. Our king and Lord Carlisle are to go over the treaty in private and address any issues behind closed doors.
Once everything is in order, they are to resign the document in front of the two kingdoms. Or rather, both documents, I should say. Identical documents are produced so that each ruler has a copy. Although I do not know Lord Carlisle's thoughts on this, I do not think King William will trust only one copy to be in the hands of the Immortal Clan.
I can still hardly believe I am here, in Castle Stregone.
Lord Carlisle spares no expense on the extravagance of tonight's event. The ceiling is adorned in gold paint with hand painted designs that our own artist are jealous of. Beautiful chandeliers made of glass light the room overhead and I can hear an orchestra playing in the corner. There are also pillars and columns and tables full of…food.
Vampires do not eat as we do, so there are many surprised to see the mouthwatering feast. There are a variety of meats such as pigeons, beef roast, venison, turkey, ducks and even quail eggs. Sweets, soup and wine are also provided for people to enjoy. King William does not even splurge this much when he is entertaining foreign guests.
"I heard Lord Carlisle hired human cooks to provide the food since they have no use for cooking themselves," Jessica says as we take turns discreetly marveling at the spread. Most guests hesitate to try anything. But once they do, and others see how their faces light up, they grab a plate for themselves.
I have yet to see our host or King William or Prince Jacob make their appearance. I assume they are still preparing to make their entrance. Many here are dressed in their fine garments and feathery. I did not know it was a masquerade ball until a mask was produced for me along with my dress. Len picked the design and dyed the feathers herself. It matches the navy blue color of my gown, down to the beaded pearls, perfectly.
Angela is wearing a lavender dress that suits her skin tone well. Jessica's favorite color is green so of course she is in a light, pastel version of it. I wonder if she will eat at all tonight with how tight her bodice is. Leah's parents would not let her wear black, much to her frustration, so her mother chose an ivory dress with lace patterns instead. It is a beautiful dress, although Leah thinks otherwise.
Most of the whispering is focused on the Immortal Clan. The vampire nobles carry unreadable expressions except for random smirks on a few gentry who do not care if they are seen whispering about us either. Each and every one of their kin is beautiful and many of us have never seen or been this close to one, so our citizens stand in awe. Like the mysterious vampire I met in the woods, the cold ones have pale complexions, some more porcelain-like. And unlike us, the cold ones stand like statues, quietly watching the crowd spill into the room, but never meeting anyone's gaze. If one is lucky enough, it is met with a subtle glare.
Suddenly, trumpets blare from somewhere. Everyone turns their attention to the doors on the side near the front of the room. I try to weave through the crowd to get a better view. Someone announces King William and Prince Jacob as they enter, followed by another round of trumpets. Jacob looks every bit of the prince that he is. His expression is unreadable as he stands next his father.
My father, Commander Swan, enters next, along with some of the king's other high ranking officers, then Captain Samuel Uley. They are all announced by name as they make their way to their table. Six of the Quileute soldiers are behind Sam, standing side by side in pairs to a different table on the side. Because they are mere bodyguards tonight, their individual names are not given.
The third ring of trumpets brings Lord Carlisle and his wife, Lady Esme, out on the floor. We were educated by our scholars that they do not bear the titles King and Queen because the Immortal Clan has their own sovereigns in Europe. Although Lord Carlisle rules over Eastern Forks, he is not a part of his ken's true royal bloodline. However, his children can bear the titles of princes and princesses.
His wife, Esme, has caramel-colored hair that fall in soft waves down her back. Her face is also heart-shaped with dimples, and has a slender figure. Though her eyes are golden in color like her husband, they seem kinder and warmer. She and her husband take their places on the throne chairs near King William's table.
"Introducing Prince Emmett Cullen," says the page. A vampire, dressed like a high ranking officer with a big built, walks in after them. He looks quite intimidating until he smiles, showing off deep dimples. He is very handsome with slightly curly, dark brown hair that almost looks black. There is a childish look to him, although he is clearly a man, standing around six-foot-five. Many of the maidens giggle with coy delight as he continues to smirk at the audience.
However, the giggling stops when a female vampire appears. "Introducing his wife, Princess Rosalie Cullen." Her vicious glare at the maidens reminds me of the look I saw myself, not too long ago. She is absolutely gorgeous with her tall statuesque frame and wavy blonde hair that is in a partial up do with the rest of her tresses falling to the middle of her back. If I did not know better, I would think the entire room has grown silent by her beauty alone.
Another male vampire enters and stands next to her. "Introducing Prince Jasper Cullen." Also dressed like a regal soldier, he clasps his hands in front of him. He and the dimpled vampire give each other mischievous looks before he gives us his full attention. He is a couple of inches shorter, with honey-blonde hair that falls above his shoulders. He is muscular, like his brother, but leaner.
A second female vampire enters. Unlike the one before her, she is all smiles and even gives a wave to the crowd. "Introducing his wife, Princess Alice Cullen." While our eye contact is brief, her gaze is intense, which makes me look away. I may have imagined it, but I feel as if she has searched for me amongst the crowd. She is also beautiful and petite with dark, short hair that almost rivals Leah's. She is the only other female I have seen with that uncommon style. She looks lovingly at the vampire beside her.
When it seems she is the last of the Cullens to enter, the page faces us one more time. "And introducing…Prince Edward Cullen." He does not immediately enter so everyone waits in anticipation. When the last prince finally reveals himself, I feel the floor give way and have to stifle a gasp by lowering my eyes and covering my mouth.
It is him...the mysterious vampire from the woods! Like Princess Rosalie, he does not look amused by the human crowd. A fleeting look of annoyance passes across his face until his gaze becomes distant as if he would rather be elsewhere. New whispers from maidens around me fill my ears on how handsome he is. Yes, he is handsome…and dangerous.
Prince Edward Cullen. It is hard to keep my gaze on him knowing we have met before—the night I found out about Jacob's proposal, which I am glad is resolved between my best friend and I. The vampire's words still echo in my mind and wonder if he truly meant them. "You should know that a moment longer in my company you will be dead. So, I give you a last warning. Take your leave—now—young maiden…if you wish to live." If I refused and wanted to stay, what would he have done? Knowing he is a Prince of Eastern Forks unsettles my nerves.
Standing, Lord Carlisle addresses his guests. "Welcome everyone, citizens of Eastern and Western Forks and other valued guests who have made the journey for tonight's important affair. Our honored guests are King William and Prince Jacob of Western Forks," he gestures to them, "who have upheld the Concord Treaty just as honorably as their forefathers have before them. Tonight, we not only celebrate the renewal of the treaty for another decade of peace between our two kingdoms, but also after many years, Prince Edward's return from his travels around the world."
The room erupts with applause and as it fills with loud conversations again, I sneak another glance at Prince Edward. To my surprise, he is staring directly at me, unmoving. Blushing, I look away once more. "Do you know him, Isabella?" asks Angela.
"Know whom?" I blink at her, trying to hide my embarrassment she knows nothing about.
"Lord Carlisle's son, Prince Edward?" Angela is not looking at me but at the prince. "Hmm…that is quite odd."
"What is?"
"I swear he was standing there but a moment ago."
"What…do you mean?"
"He was staring at you as if he perhaps knew you…then, he simply disappeared?" She looks bewildered when I look at her again from my staring at various areas of the floor.
My heart beats too fast. It feels as if it will escape from my chest and explode like a bomb. I hear music and the crowd in the great room, but they all seem far away as I move closer toward the front to watch the documents signed. And perhaps, find out where the vampire prince has gone.
Everyone is a blur. I smile automatically and nod politely and not let my gaze fall too long on anyone—especially the cold ones—so that I do not attract too much attention to myself. My lady friends are with me and I am sure Seth is following close behind. The Concord Treaty is quickly signed by both rulers and the night festivities begin shortly thereafter.
Our host tells everyone that we are all required to wear our masks. Even King William complies with the request. He and Prince Jacob wear their royal robes of purple in different designs that match their eye pieces. However, because the king is known to be a simplistic man when it comes to himself, his feathered mask is not as flamboyant as the rest of ours. Lord Carlisle is a clever ruler. I gather he made tonight a masked ball so that we cannot tell human from vampire unless you are in close proximity and try to see their eyes. Perhaps he hopes our two kinds will mingle in harmony for tonight.
The music begins again for the partygoers to make their way to the dance floor. I find my father first and ask him to dance with me. He accepts and bows with a smile. I cannot remember the last time we danced together. With the king and his vassals continuously travelling the countryside and the preparations for tonight, there has been no cause for such celebrations at Castle La Push. Dancing with my father makes me happy and carefree, like a young child again, a feeling a greatly miss.
Pulling Seth next as my partner, he tries to decline because of his lack of experience with dancing with a maiden. Much to his embarrassment, I tug him to the dance floor anyway and assure him we can take slow steps. "Bella, I would feel awful if I stepped on your toes!"
"Nonsense! You will do just fine. I promise," I smile. Hesitantly, he follows my steps and smiles when he picks up the dance and has caused no injuries to my toes. He is a quick learner and agile in his movements. I am not surprised for wolves are known for their speed and agility.
"Thank you for the dance, my lady." Seth bows with a smile and I courtesy in return when we finish. I do not want him to simply follow me around as my guard. I want him to be able to enjoy the night however he can since he cannot freely do what he wants because he is on duty.
"May I have the next dance, my lady?"
I turn and smile when I see at the tall, masked man before me. "I see you have found me," I laugh softly.
He bows. "I can find you in a crowded room full of masks anywhere." Taking his offered hand, I give Seth one last smile before he leaves the dance floor to stand watch on the side.
"How are you fairing this evening, Prince Jacob?" I ask.
Shrugging, he quietly sighs. "Well enough as expected. At least the blood suckers are being civilized."
"Prince Jacob," I discreetly admonish him, glowering through my mask. "That is not a very polite thing to say, especially when we are guests in their home." Lord Carlisle has been nothing but hospitable and courteous to us. Even the vampire gentry are trying to keep their glares to a minimum toward our people. I am glad those who did not wish to come from Western Forks are not here, for I can already foresee the animosity between the two kingdoms going awry if given the chance. "Do they really offend you so?"
He rolls his eyes that only I can see. "No…they do not," he finally admits. "Perhaps I saw this night turning out differently, hence my reluctant mood to fully accept their hospitality." I can understand from what he has told me about his first encounter with the Immortal Clan during the last signing of the peace treaty.
"I hope you do not hold your last experience against them," I say. "Would you not agree that they, too, perhaps think that we are also being civilized?"
Jacob snorts at my comment. "Point taken, my lady."
We continue to sway to the music, the dance floor filling up with more participants after our people have had their fill of food. I still cannot tell clearly who are human and vampire since I cannot see everyone's eyes through their masks. Regardless, the partygoers seem to be enjoying themselves or doing well in pretending to do so. I have also seen King William and Lord Carlisle exchange laughs, though I do not know how genuine it is between them.
With our movements around the dance area, we end up next to Angela and her partner. I am not surprised to see her in Eric Yorkie's arm. She smiles happily at me. Eric gives a slight bow of his head to me and Jacob, and almost seems embarrassed to be seen by us with my maiden friend because he is only a soldier. Jacob nor I care for it is not forbidden. As long as Angela is happy, that is all that matters to me. I am glad Eric and the rest of the soldiers are permitted to partake in the festivities.
As I see Eric spin Angela around that makes her giggle with delight, another couple besides them catches my attention. Their movements are elegant and graceful, as if they are floating on water. I almost stop in my own steps for they are mesmerizing to watch. "Where is your attention wandering?" Jacob asks when I almost step on him. He looks to see where my focus has gone. "Apparently, the cold ones like to show off. Pay them no mind," he says bitterly, trying to block my view.
I nod and smile politely. "Yes, they do," I reply to cool the prince's temper. "May we stop for a while? Being on the dance floor for some time now has made me parched."
We walk over to one of the food tables but find the wine decanters empty. "Wait here," says Jacob. "I will find us some more wine."
He is not afraid to leave me because I am not really alone. My ladies in waiting are nearby with Seth to keep an eye on me. While Jacob is gone, I look for the dancing couple again and find them easily enough. They make a beautiful pair and stand out from the rest of the dancers. The female smiles sweetly at her partner while he keeps a straight face, looking almost...bored.
Examining his features, I realize why the contours of his face look familiar. His gaze suddenly falls on me. Startled, I look away, embarrassed. The vampire prince did not even look around to find me, as if he knows exactly where I have been this entire time. I chance a look as he still watches me with his partner in his arms. His steps do not falter, like it is as easy as breathing. I wonder if he can hear the quickening of my heart. I want to look away but his piercing eyes hold mine in place.
At the end of the music, the gentlemen bow and the women curtsey. His female partner places a gentle hand on his arm and says a few words then leaves. He nods but does not take his eyes off me. I finally look away, uncomfortable by his obviousness, and wish Jacob would return soon.
When I look up again, I see Prince Edward walking slowly in my direction. The sea of people seem to part easily for him as he makes his way through them. I panic, not knowing what to do. He cannot do anything malicious to me, not now, not when the treaty has just been renewed. I also do not think he will try anything under his father's roof with so many witnesses if his intent is to truly hurt me.
What can he possible want besides that? His threats were clear enough that night. Although I admit I could not help search for him as soon as I arrived, I have tried to avoid him all evening, only to have the vampire prince approach me instead. Even with my back to him, I can feel his gaze boring through the back of my neck.
"Good evening, milady," he says.
I grab my skirts tightly and turn to face him. Because he is a prince, I must greet him properly. "Good evening, Prince Edward," I respond quietly with a curtsey. I keep my eyes to the floor for I would rather not see what expression he currently holds.
"My informants tell me your name is Lady Isabella Swan, the daughter of King William's most trusted vassal, Commander Charles Swan. Is this correct?"
"Yes, sire. I am."
"Why do you not look at me?" His voice is laced with curiosity instead of anger or irritation as I assume it would.
"I do not know your customs well, sire," I say. "I simply do not want to offend."
"You offend by averting your gaze away and answering to the floor and not to me directly." His voice is now stern and I know I must do as he wants. A cold chill runs up my spine.
"I apologize, sire," I say, hesitantly looking up. He regards me curiously again.
Prince Edward stares at me for a few more moments before speaking. "Hmm…interesting."
"What is, sire?" It is now my turn to be curious.
"Dance with me." I stare bewildered at his offered hand.
My body does not want to move. "Sire, Prince Jacob will return momentarily. I should be here when he does."
"And you will be," he replies. "Now, do you have any other, better excuses?"
Staring at his hand again, I cannot think of any that do not sound rude or offensive, so I tell him the truth. "I…I am afraid of you, sire."
He gives me a crooked smile and steps closer. I cannot move any further because the back of my legs are already pressed against the table. "You have nothing to fear from me here, milady."
"Lady Isabella. May I be of any assistance?" Seth asks.
I almost forgot Seth is on duty, watching me. He looks ready to phase and strike if Price Edward does something he finds threatening. However, my wolf guard is ignored. The vampire prince is still waiting for me to make my decision. His smile is captivating. I do not remember doing it, but I find my hand suddenly in his. His hand is cold and smooth to the touch.
Prince Edward leads me to the dance floor and we join the others in the movement. I nod to Seth, who is still by the table frowning, to assure him I am well. The young wolf stalks closer to us, but remains near the side of the grand room with my ladies in waiting. Crossing his arms, I can tell he will be keeping a closer eye on my dance partner.
"Do you always surround yourself with wolves?" Prince Edward asks, breaking the silence between us.
"They are my friends, Your Highness. But I do also keep the company of lady friends."
"And why are you not with them?"
Looking around, I see my friends dancing as well or mingling with other friends and acquaintances. "They are enjoying the night as they please, sire."
"Please refrain from saying that." I tilt my head to the side, unsure of what he means. A look of irritation crosses his face. "Using formalities to address me."
"You are a prince…so I must. It is disrespectful to your importance not to."
"Says whom?"
"Well…" I am stumped for words. "The law, I suppose."
He scoffs at my answer. "You forget, milady, you are in a vampire court that has different laws and customs from your kingdom. This…prince of yours, Jacob. Do you always address him formally? At all times?"
"Well, no. But Prince Jacob is another matter. We are close childhood friends and he is like family to me, so we can afford to be more…comfortable around each other. Nevertheless, I do not forget he is the crown prince."
There is a faint grin on his features. "You did not know I was a prince when we first met."
I am sure he can feel my muscles tense. "I…did not know a lot of things about you that night, Your Highness." I cannot look at him so I keep my focus on his collar.
"Did I scare you, milady?"
"You know you did," I whisper, taking a hesitant look at him. He seems content with my confirmation on how he scared me half to death in the meadow.
"I do not apologize for it is in my nature to warn those who should stay away from me." Prince Edward's gaze is piercing as it always is, as if he is trying to look into my soul. It is so easy to get lost in his honey-golden eyes. Even through his mask, they seem to shine brightly behind the shadows around them. "But for some reason…I cannot stay away from you."
"Pardon?" I blink. My heart beats wildly against him, making me blush at how obvious my emotions are.
"I normally do not take interest in humans…or vampires—for that matter—for very long, but I found myself watching you since you arrived in Eastern Forks. You interest me, Lady Isabella Swan. I find you quite…unique."
"Unique? In what way, sire?" My ears ring with the drumming sound of my heart. I feel anxious and excited by his every word. Is this…normal? Has the vampire prince bewitched me somehow?
He smiles a secret smile and spins me before bringing me back close to his chest. I am breathless. I hear no heartbeat but my own. "I could easily crush you," he says. "Given your…human frailty, I am being very careful with you in my arms."
"I suppose I should thank you then," I reply, clearing my throat. The prince suddenly tenses, his grip becoming too tight. He lets go of me and takes a step back, as if I have burned him, moments before the music finally ends. His stance is cold and rigid. His hands are balled into fists, which worry me. "Your Highness, if I said anything to offend you…"
"No," he quickly says. "I apologize if I…hurt you."
"Your Highness—"
"Bella." I hear someone call my name before I have a chance to tell him there is no need to apologize. I turn and see Jacob walking toward us. He has an impassive look on his features, but knowing him all my life, I know he is hiding his displease with my current companion.
"Prince Jacob." I curtsey.
"I became worried when you disappeared from where I left you," Jacob says calmly. "Seth told me you were back on the dance floor. I did not want to be rude to our host's son and…interrupt." He finally looks at Prince Edward and gives a curt bow with his head.
"You are most gracious, Prince Jacob," Edward responds, mimicking his actions. "Lady Isabella is a wonderful dancer as I am sure you know." Edward grins at my best friend. I can feel the tension radiating off the two men, although they appear calm and friendly to onlookers.
"Yes, she is. Our teachers taught us well. I know no better partner than her," Jacob smiles at me. I give another polite courtesy because that is all I can do.
"I am quite jealous of your closeness, if I am to be honest." His eyes carry amusement in them and do not falter away from Jacob's subtle glare.
"And why is that, prince?" Jacob takes a step toward Prince Edward, briefly dropping his façade. I am practically standing in the middle of the two. I want to put my hands up between them, but that will cause an unwanted scene in the middle of the dance floor and at the peace treaty, so I hold firmly onto my skirts.
Before the vampire prince can answer, his previous dance partner suddenly appears out of thin air and with her hand on his forearm. "Forgive the intrusion, Prince Edward, but your brothers are looking for you. There is a debate they wish for you resolve between them." She smiles politely at us.
Prince Edward laughs softly. "They are always getting into arguments. I see some things have not changed even while absent all these years. Ah, forgive me. Where are my manners? This is the lovely Lady Tanya Denali from the Denali Coven in Alaska."
"A pleasure, Lady Tanya. I am Prince Jacob Black of Western Forks and this is my closest friend, Lady Isabella Swan," Jacob replies. I curtsey toward the vampire maiden who keeps her hand on Prince Edward's forearm. She has long, curly, strawberry blonde hair and is every bit as lovely as my worst nightmares. The only other vampire Princess Rosalie can rival is perhaps Lady Tanya. How can I compete with either of their beauty?
"My lady," she curtseys in return. "It is also an honor to meet you Prince Jacob. We do not get to travel much these days to Forks to visit our ken, and to see a ruler of Western Forks when we do is much of a treat and delight for us."
"Thank you for your kind words," Jacob smiles. "Lord Carlisle has been a very gracious host. Come, Bella. I have refreshments waiting for us at the table."
"Yes, Your Highness," I nod. I agree to leave before anything else escalates, and Lady Tanya seems adamant to stay by the vampire prince's side. Is she the one he courts? Are they…betrothed? My heart sinks and I do not know why. "Thank you for the dance, Prince Edward." I curtsey again, avoiding his eyes.
"No, milady," he shakes his head. "The pleasure was all mine, therefore, I thank you for allowing me to better acquaint myself with you. I pray this is not the last of our encounter." The smugness of his smile I can tell is for Jacob who pretends to ignore it. I can do nothing but look away and blush.
Jacob leads me back to the table by the elbow, and because I am still flustered and not paying attention to where I am going, I accidently bump into someone. "Oh! Forgive me. I am so sorry!"
"How dare you!" she seethes. The maiden rips off her mask, glaring at me with blood red eyes like daggers. Her orange, curly hair is bright, almost like a contained flame atop her head. Jacob instinctively moves in front of me. "If you will but tell me where to send a replacement, I will make sure a new dress is made for you from our finest, most expensive materials," he tells the vampire maiden who has spilled wine on her dress because of me. She looks ready to lunge at us.
"Victoria, dear." A vampire gentry comes to her side. "She said she was sorry." She stares at him defiantly but he stares back, making her finally yield to him. He, too, has red eyes. He has light brown hair that is cropped short. He is handsome, but less beautiful than the other vampires. I do not find anything in his features that make him stand out like his kin.
"James, my old friend, anything the matter here?" Prince Emmett joins us with a boyish grin on his face. He places his hands his friend's shoulders, looking as if he is massaging tension out of them.
"No, nothing at all, Your Highness," he smiles. "It is but an accident." He places a hand around the female vampire's waist.
She forces an overly sweet smile. "Yes, it is but an accident. Forgive me for my sudden outburst. I was simply caught off guard. I have many other dresses with me that I can change into. Not to worry. Excuse me." She curtseys to everyone and stalks out of the room.
"Forgive her," James bows to us. "It has been a long journey for us. Excuse me." He bows to Emmett and then runs after her.
"Do not worry about them," Prince Emmett smiles at us once more. "I assure you we are keeping a close eye on them." He bows to Jacob then to me and walks away. Why are they following their movements? I wonder.
Another unexpected chill runs up my spine. "Are you all right, Bella?" Jacob looks concerned.
"Yes," I half-smile. "Let us have a drink." For some reason I feel as if this is not the last time I will encounter the two vampires.
Author's Note: Thanks for reading!
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