Hi! See me at the bottom for an author's note but right now here's another chapter. :D Enjoy!
*** Chapter 6 ***
King Garrett of Romena was pensive as he looked over the busy courtyard below; he'd been that way since the early hours of the morning after tossing and turning another night away. Sleep evaded him and his bones were restless. He could feel change in the air, something was coming and he felt like the gods might have finally heard his relentless prayers.
He enjoyed the peace of the morning after having sent his commander and close friend to investigate the new arrivals from the day before. The rumours had spread of the small group. Of their brave and skilled leaders – one man, one woman – who had saved them from certain slavery and brought them here for refuge.
He wanted to make sure that their reasons for entering his territory really were what had been spoken; he'd not survived this many years as King to be so trusting of people's motives. Simply letting it go unquestioned was not done.
He trusted his commander to be thorough in his enquiry and trusted that the truth would reach his ears soon enough.
In the meantime, his thoughts turned dark and miserable; today was an important day that had once been of celebration but now only remained as a reminder of what he'd lost.
***B***
Bella had never felt so blissfully content in the whole of her life, her stomach was comfortably full, her fingers linked with Edward's and her attention solely focused on the delightful woman he called sister. Alice was just as captivating as Edward when she spoke and laughed that Bella couldn't help but join in. Her future sister in law was more than happy and soon they both forgot that Edward was there.
He laughingly brushed it off when Bella blushed and finally acknowledged his presence next to her and he explained that it was a sight to behold. His sister and his Kindred getting along so well.
It was like a dream he never thought would come to pass. Bella softly smiled at him and pressed a quick kiss to his stubbly cheek, knowing that he was still reeling deep down from the news his sister had divulged earlier.
"You should probably shave this off now that we have a place to stay for a while…not that I don't love it, but it must be uncomfortable in this warming weather." He thoughtfully rubbed his hand over the scruff and nodded.
"I think I might…may I have your dagger? It's sharper than mine."
"Of course, it's in the room with the rest of our things."
"Thanks love," he said as he rose from the table and kissed her temple. "I'll be right back."
She smiled and couldn't help but watch him walk away, the sight was magnificent. Her cheeks flamed red once more when Alice delicately cleared her throat with a teasing smile in place.
"I do believe you are besotted with my brother and I must say that even though I saw the future I never thought this day would come when I would see a genuine smile like that on his face."
"Yes well…" Bella didn't know what to say and she never had to figure it out because Alice's eyes glazed over and she turned as still as a statue. "Alice? Are you okay?"
Bella grew worried when her new friend never replied and she quickly got to her feet. Brushing her hand against Alice's forehead and feeling no fever and then waving her hand in front of her eyes with no response. She was about to shout for Edward when Alice suddenly returned to herself with a small gasp and then she smiled brightly up at Bella as if nothing had happened.
"Are you well Alice? Should I fetch a physician?"
"No, all is well. We are right on track." Bella was sure that Alice would remain a strange mystery for however long they'd know each other. Before she could ask Alice to elaborate, however, the door swung open tentatively and a greying head poked in.
"Bella? Are you in here my dear?" Marie, the elderly lady from Creolle called.
"Yes Marie, please come in…I'm sorry I have not checked to see if you all had settled, I just-"
"Nonsense my child, I'm sure you had plenty to deal with the last day or so. Those of us who are left owe you a great deal, our very lives, so we would never begrudge you time to grieve. Which, from what I heard, is no longer necessary. Is it true that your young man has returned from death's gate?"
Bella found herself blushing for what seemed like the millionth time that morning and answered Marie after gently guiding her to a seat.
"Yes, it is true…he only fell to a ledge below and took his sweet time to climb back up…" She could smile now but it wasn't too long ago that she would've still been heartbroken.
"Well then I am very happy for the both of you…young love is the strongest and I still remember, to this day, what it felt like." Her cloudy brown eyes were dark with memories and Bella could only imagine her feelings for her late husband.
If they were anything like how she felt about Edward then she was sure Marie would miss him every day of forever. "But that is not why I have come Bella…there is a man speaking to all that is left of our village. He says he is Commander of Isola, Captain of the Nine, and he wishes to speak to the two who led us."
"Are we in trouble? Do we have to leave?" Bella asked worriedly. Glancing towards Alice for any sign of stress or apprehension, only to find her expression indifferent except for her twinkling hazel eyes. She knew something.
"No my dear, calm yourself…it's nothing of the sort. I'm sure they're just curious as to the reason of our arrival and how long we intend to stay."
Bella had never thought this far ahead in her plan. Her goal had seemed so unattainable that she'd forced herself to take it one moment at a time. Now she regretted not thinking of the future. "I'm not really sure of that myself, would you want to go back once we deem Creolle safe?"
Marie was thoughtful for a moment before speaking, "I think that we will never return…there is too much blood and death for us to move on. I fear the memories will haunt us all for the rest of our lives and I believe we should stay here if we are to have any peace."
"If that is what you want then I will explain it to the commander and maybe he can organise residency for us all."
"Thank you my dear…I must go, I have left young Michael alone and that boy is far too mischievous for an old woman such as myself…I believe he will run me ragged, you were such a good child in comparison." Marie laughed as she slowly got to her feet with Bella's help.
"Oh hush Marie, you love him dearly…it would be too quiet if he were not there to keep you company in my absence."
"Right you are my darling, right you are." She patted Bella's arm with one wrinkled hand and kissed her forehead before leaving, Edward slipping past, freshly shaved and dressed in a dark grey tunic.
"What did I miss?" he asked and Bella stopped him before he could sit.
"We must speak to the commander of Isola, he has many questions about our arrival and the length of our stay."
"I see," his eyes turned towards Alice and an eyebrow rose as he no doubt saw the same expression Bella had seen, "and what of the outcome Alice? What do you know for you do know something, I have seen that look one too many times to know you are hiding something."
"Oh Edward, don't be inane…I simply cannot understand why you ask me such silly questions. Why don't you take Bella to your room and get her to change into this, I'm sure she wants a chance to freshen up as well." Bella looked down at herself and realised just how dishevelled and dirty she was, gratefully excepting the new clothes from Alice.
"I'll only be a moment, just stay here." Bella told Edward. She had a feeling that if he was there while she bathed and dressed that they would not leave the room again for many more hours and there was unfortunately more pressing matters to deal with. He sighed grudgingly and slumped to the bench and Bella giggled all the way to their room after he unknowingly proved her assumptions correct.
Without the temptation to linger she quickly used a clean cloth to scrub the dirt from her skin. Immediately feeling reinvigorated after finally properly removing the layers of dust from the long journey.
She patted herself dry and then picked up the new gown Alice had given her; it was a similar style to her blue travel dress but covered both arms. The boat-neck exposed some of her shoulders and her pale skin glowed against the dark green. The colour was certainly unique and as she slipped it on she wondered where Alice had gotten such a fabric.
She left off her armour, choosing to only strap on her daggers across her back. She re-braided her long hair and returned to find Edward pacing as he glared at Alice who was unfazed and smiling.
"Bella you are stunning…I knew that dress would look lovely on you. I must say it fits you far better than me."
"Thank you, it is quite nice and something I would have chosen for myself. You know me as well as your brother it seems."
"More like she saw it…" Edward muttered under his breath and Bella held in her laugh at the two siblings. They were constantly bickering but there was never any malice behind it.
"I believe we have a meeting to attend…shall we go?" Bella asked, her gaze uncertainly going towards Alice, unsure if she would be joining them. "Alice will you be coming as well?"
"Yes and I do not foresee any trouble."
"That is welcome news." Bella sighed as she looped her arm through the elbow Edward offered, Alice leading the way out of what Bella now saw as an inn.
The streets were bustling with people, venders and young children who played and screamed in laughter. It was so much bigger than the village Bella had come from that it took her a moment to adjust to the sheer volume and pace.
She was sure that if Edward was not securely holding her in place, she would have been dragged in several different directions as they walked. Eventually they made it to the other inn that housed the remaining people of Creolle.
A sign squeaked in the mountain breeze and it read 'The Prancer', a small horse on its hind legs under the elegant script; below the sign stood a man in full leather body armour. His back was to them but even from a distance she could tell he was a similar height to Edward and he carried an air of authority but also strangely enough, familiarity.
She could not place the feeling as she took in his dark brown hair that brushed his shoulders, the colour streaked through with a few silver strands. Some strange energy crackled in the air as they came to a stop behind the man who had been conversing with one of the young women from her home.
The lady, Jessica, looked over his shoulder, relieved that Bella had arrived in order to explain. Seeing her expression the man turned and took a sharp intake of breath as he saw Bella.
His warm brown eyes were wide as he glanced from her exposed shoulder and back to her face; his mouth slightly open beneath his trimmed full beard. Bella felt Edward shift uncomfortably next to her, his fingers gripping hers firmer and pulling her slightly behind him.
"We heard that the commander of Isola wished to speak with us?" Edward asked uncertainly, his eyes dark and guarded as the man refused to look away from Bella.
"Sir?" He said a bit louder after they received no reply. "Are you the man we seek?"
This seemed to snap him out of whatever trance he had fallen under and he cleared his throat, his mouth opening as if to answer but then closing without a sound. He croaked out a few sounds and had to cough to clear his throat once more and this time when he spoke his voice was as clear as day.
"Isabella?"
"Uh, yes, that is I…" Bella's voice trailed off as the largest smile she'd ever seen covered his face and she took a step back cautiously when he moved forward, arms outstretched.
"I'm sorry sir but is there a problem?" Edward asked, moving further in front of Bella and not liking the closeness of this stranger, commander or not.
"I…no, there is no more problems…you have returned. My Isabella…"
"Pardon me?" Bella asked slowly, his voice was almost familiar when he spoke her full name in that tone.
"Do you not recognise me?" he asked and frowned when she shook her head, taking another step forward which Edward intercepted immediately. Anger flashed across the man's face and he stood to his full height, his gaze focussed entirely on Edward, his voice stern.
"You will not keep me from my daughter."
Bella gasped, Edward froze, Alice smiled and the man remained where he was. His hand raising and halting a young soldier behind him that was moving to aid his commander when he'd heard his raised voice.
"Isabella," the commander's voice was gruff with withheld emotion as he looked back to Bella, "please my child, it is I, Charles…your papa-"
That voice.
That name.
"Charles! What do you think you're doing…the poor thing will spit up her food if you toss her about like so…" a woman's voice drifted from a distance away.
"Ah Ren…I do not care. Do you hear her giggles? Are they not the sweetest sounds in the world…isn't that right BeBe?" the little dark-haired child squealed louder as her papa tickled her stomach and gently crushed her closer when she returned to his arms. The scent of dried grass and wood enveloping her as she shoved her face in his shoulder, laughing harder.
"Papa! Papa! St-stop!" she panted between giggles, her tiny hands holding the sides of his face. He did stop only to spin in fast circles, her head leaning back and her little ringlets flying about in the breeze.
She knew her papa would not let her go and she laughed with joy as her mama flickered past on every turn, her happiness as bright as the sun.
"Mama help me!" the little girl squealed, her cheeks rosy from the summer air and her hair wild. Her mother rushed forward quietly when Charles was too dizzy to continue, hoping to surprise him for once.
However, he had heard his daughter's uncontrollable giggles as she watched over his shoulder and he made sure to grab his wife close before falling to the long grass.
He was never as happy as he was at that moment, his beautiful wife leaning on one half of his chest and his beloved daughter on the other side. His arms wrapped tightly around the two things that mattered to him most.
"I promise my devotion, honest and true; I would give up life just for you. I am at times without words to say; but I'll never forget to tell you that I love you each day." He whispered the adage into his wife's soft, dark curls and inhaled the scent of sunflowers.
His daughter's smile was bright and carefree as she held his face between her tiny hands, "Say it again papa…"
Bella didn't realise she had been staring into space until she noticed Edward's concern and his frantic hands shaking her shoulders. She wanted to reassure him but could find no words but the one she whispered.
"Papa?"
"Yes, that's right it's me…BeBe…my beautiful Isabella…" his arms were wide again and his eyes glimmered wet and she ran into the familiar embrace. Where she'd felt as if Edward was her home she felt like she had now retrieved a piece of her soul.
"You look so much like your mother…you even have the same mark…" he mumbled into her dark hair. His lips lingered in a long needed kiss as he spoke of the birthmark on the tip of her right shoulder.
"I don't understand." Bella swallowed hard, the lump in her throat blocking her millions of questions as he asked one question after another. "How are you here BeBe? I thought you had passed on years ago? How is this possible?"
Bella didn't know what to say, leaning back in his hold, she shook her head in bewilderment. "I've been living in Creolle since I was six years old…I could not remember where I had come from or to which family I belonged. I'm still not certain."
"I cannot believe my eyes…well, no matter…you are safe now and I will not let harm come to you again." He mumbled as he drew her into another strong hug and Edward subtly coughed causing the reunited father and daughter to separate. Bella was mortified that she had forgotten to introduce Edward and delighted that he would be able to meet her father.
Something she never imagined would be possible.
"Forgive me papa," she said quickly, pulling away from his reluctantly loosened arms and walking to Edward's side, "this…is Edward. He saved my life and helped me aid the people of Creolle…"
She hadn't seen him in years but could somehow tell that he was miffed when his chin quivered below his beard.
"He's also my Kindred." She rushed out, holding onto a nervous breath as his face turned a light shade of red.
"I see." He moved towards Edward and despite the only slight difference in height Edward had never felt so small. Or so nervous.
"It's a pleasure to meet you sir. I am happy that Bella finally has the opportunity to have the bond of blood kin." He was trying to keep his voice as polite, but firm, as possible without coming across as the whimpering fool he felt like on the inside.
Moments later he inwardly sighed in relief as the commander's beard twitched as if he was smirking and he lifted a hand in greeting. They clasped forearms – as was the custom – and Charles' voice was light when he finally spoke again.
"The pleasure 'tis all mine…I've spoken to many from Creolle and not a one has spoken a bad word of you or your courage and I thank you for taking care of my darling daughter when I could not."
Bella's head was spinning.
She felt as if she had fallen into a trance-like dream where all her wishes had come true. She worried that if she made one false step or move she would wake up to find herself alone once more. Not only had she found Edward and then Alice but now she had found her long-lost father who was in good health and accepting of her Kindred.
It was positively, bizarrely, wonderful.
Alice had been strangely quiet through the exchange and only spoke once Bella had introduced her as well. The woman, though tiny, was fairly strong and Charles was taken aback when she gripped him in a firm hug.
"I do not think I could've held that in for much longer…I do say that your timing is impeccable!" Alice laughed, her eyes alight with mischievous joy and Bella realized that she had seen this meeting earlier in the inn. Bella wasn't sure if she wanted to tell Charles of Alice's visions and didn't have to make the decision then anyway for Charles spoke first.
"It would please me very much if I could bring you before King Garrett. He is not only my sovereign but also my closest confidant and he has helped me through many nights of grief when…well, at the beginning when…"
Bella went back to her father's arms and he drew her closer, it was like he was holding the smallest part of his beloved wife once more in the form of his daughter. He had missed them both terribly; his life had not been the same when they had been taken from him.
"What happened to my mother?" Bella asked almost soundlessly. She was desperate to know but unsure she really needed the answer; her voice muffled from his thick clothes that peaked between the strips of his leather armour.
"Renee resides with the gods now BeBe." It was a closed statement and she knew her father could only deal with so much emotional turmoil at that moment so she stored it away for a later time.
"Shall we go then? To meet this wonderful king you speak of?" Bella asked, a big smile in place hiding the sadness below, her eyes meeting the exact replicas of hers.
"Yes, I think that is best…I'm sure he would love the company and you can tell me of this treacherous journey you decided to partake by yourself." He sounded exasperated and she realised that he must already know most of what happened and wanted the finer details. His fatherly protectiveness showing as if they had never spent a day apart.
Bella hid her smile at this and turned to Edward and Alice who stood there watching the happy reunion somewhat awkwardly. Edward especially, was fiddling with his sword's holster and looking lost, as if he didn't know whether to follow or remain behind.
"Only if Edward and Alice can accompany us…they tell it much better than me." She said with a laugh and Edward smirked; the tension easing from his shoulder's as he accepted Bella's outstretched hand.
"Absolutely…the more the merrier." Bella couldn't tell if he was jesting or serious but it soon fled her mind as they headed towards the regal palace, of which they'd only seen the outside walls.
***B***
The palaces' interior was enormous and finely built, from floor to ceiling; there was a love of art and adornments. It was not overstated, but still turned something that had a possibility of becoming cold and impersonal to inviting and gracious.
Edward had never seen such superb craftsmanship and he believed he never would again as they traversed the halls, Charles pointing out things here and there, sharing his memories as they went.
He was so happy for Bella. She had been alone for so long that Edward couldn't imagine how she felt at all of a sudden having so many people that cared for her. He had at least found Carlisle, Esme and Alice at a young age whereas she'd only had Marie and even then hers had been a lonely existence.
He knew that great things were in store for her and he just hoped he would be able to remain by her side as they experienced them; despite his high spirits there was a niggling feeling of concern in the back of his mind. He couldn't place it but it was an insidious unease that had him on edge and always scanning their surroundings despite being in good and trusted company.
Something was wrong and he couldn't place it.
They eventually made it to the private dining hall where Charles explained the king would meet them for an eventide meal of potage and hot bread. Just the words alone had made Edward's stomach growl despite the fulfilling breakfast they'd devoured not but a few hours before.
The king didn't leave them waiting for long, arriving only a few minutes after them and his presence was immediately felt, as was his nature. His face was strong, as was his thick neck and his stature easily dwarfed Charles' and Edward's, his muscles stretched the fabric of his royal clothing and his strides were large and purposeful.
If no one knew he was their king they would straight away come to the conclusion of power, not only from his strong and fierce looks but also from the command he exuded. His seafoam-blue coloured eyes were alight with attention as he looked to his captain for an explanation. His clean shaven face forming into a kind and hearty smile of welcome.
"Charles I believe you have brought forth more than just answers, to whom do I owe the pleasure of meeting?" His voice was what Edward had assumed, it matched his features with its deep and clear tones.
"These are the two leaders that saved the people of Creolle but I have news," Charles lovingly put his hands on Bella's shoulders and moved her to a stop in front of him so that she faced the king. Edward saw her face flame in embarrassment and knew that the king had surely never seen a more beautiful sight. He was prejudiced though so he couldn't be sure.
"This is my daughter, Isabella." That was all Charles needed to say it seemed for the king was his closest confidant and knew of her believed fate. He looked towards his friend in joyous disbelief and muttered, "Truly?"
Charles nodded with his own jubilant smile and then the king rushed forward, taking Bella's delicate hands in his own and leaning down to respectively touch them against his forehead. Bella's face grew redder at such a humble greeting from none other than royalty and Edward swore he could feel the heat coming off her from where he stood next to Alice and Charles.
"My child, you do not know how delighted your return has made me…my dear friend has mourned heavily for the loss and it is a much treasured miracle that you have returned safely after all this time. Please know that you and your fellow people are most welcome here in Romena and are welcome to stay for as long as needed."
Bella gracefully bowed after the king let go of her hands, her face still bright, and nodded her appreciation. "It's a most welcome reunion on both sides and I thank you, my King…that is very kind of you. I know the people of Creolle would like nothing more than to make Isola their home if that pleases you…I fear they have too many haunting memories of our village and will find no comfort in returning there."
"That pleases me very much, in fact…" King Garrett turned and quickly walked to the doorway he'd come through and called out a name. Seconds later a young man rushed in sight and words were exchanged before he hurried off and the king returned. "I have told my man to find more suitable homes for your people. I'm sure that they would like to get settled and start building a new life here."
"That is more than generous my King, my people and I thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We were uncertain of our futures and I'm sure that this news will be a much needed gift." Bella was such a natural at talking to royalty it was as if she'd grown up surrounded by the courts.
It unfortunately made Edward think that one day soon she might have to treat him with the same courtesy and he wasn't sure if he wanted that. He needed her like the air to breath and if accepting the crown meant giving her up, then he wanted no part of it, and would blessedly live his life as a commoner with Bella as his wife.
He was brought from his thoughts when the King Garrett's gaze moved to Alice and himself, curiosity and hesitation flickering in his gaze. "And who might these fine young people be Charles?" The commander looked towards Edward and Alice, ushering them forward and they bowed in respect before he spoke.
"This here is my precious Isabella's Kindred Edward and his sister Alice…they come from the village of Angelean. They have travelled far and aided my daughter and the people of Creolle in making it here safely." Edward was not sure why King Garrett looked at him so intensely but he assumed he must have known his real father and was seeing their alikeness.
He wished, at that moment, that he'd looked more like his mother but immediately regretted the thought. He had once been proud to be so much like his presumed father, Marcus.
"Young lady it is a pleasure to meet you and the same to you young man but may I ask of your lineage? You look incredibly similar to a man I once knew." Edward took a deep breath and noticed Bella's nervous glances towards Alice who had remained quiet and calm. He figured that she had seen no trouble as a result of his answer.
"As your commander has stated I come from the house of Cullen in Angelean but my true heritage, as I have recently learned, is from the house of Masen." He had no need to say more, the king's eyes flashed and narrowed in recognition.
He looked towards Charles who was also in shock and Edward realized they'd forgotten to tell him when they'd first met. "Please know that I mean no harm…I am not like my half-brother or Caius before him. I currently hold no plans to change my status and I simply wish to be at peace with Bella."
His words seemed to calm Charles though he still looked a bit unsettled at learning the origin of his daughter's Kindred but King Garrett on the other hand held a peculiar look about his face. He was deep in thought as he stared at Edward as if he was a shiny object to be gawked at.
It seemed Caius and Jaymes had accumulated quite a reputation and not one of a good nature; the more he was learning about his relatives, the more he was grateful for his upbringing with Marcus and then Carlisle.
"I am pleased to hear that my boy." King Garrett's voice was laced with sadness and Charles shot him a quick look which none of them could discern. King Jaymes, or his father, had obviously aggrieved the king in some way in the past and it seemed it was not forgotten. "I am also sad to hear of your plans though it is wonderful news that Bella has found her Kindred…it is a rare thing that is."
Edward didn't know how to respond so he simply nodded and was silently grateful when Bella moved to his side; tangling her fingers with his, her skin soothing the nerves from the conversation.
Offhandedly Edward noticed that Alice appeared to be bursting at the seams with energy. He figured she'd seen something pleasing as an outcome to the king's newfound knowledge but reasoned that they'd speak of it upon their return to the inn.
There was only time for a short break of uncomfortable silence before a short man dressed in tan clothes appeared in the doorway and cleared his throat after bowing low. "Your Majesty, the luncheon is ready."
"Wonderful! Wonderful! Geoffrey please bring it in, I find myself famished. Shall we?" King Garrett motioned to the high-backed chairs and they found themselves seated at the fairly large dining table, the beautiful wood a dark red-brown. Their settings were placed before them and Edward had to supress a small laugh as Bella examined the three differently sized gold spoons arranged beside her steaming dish.
Deciding to help her out he bent close to her ear and smiled when he noticed her slight shiver from his warm breath. "I believe it is the first spoon from the outside that you use, love."
Her face blushed that beautiful shade and Edward chuckled quietly after her elbow shoved playfully into his side; picking up the aforementioned spoon after King Garrett had blessed the food.
After they'd taken a few abundant mouthfuls of the delicious potage the king finally broke the comfortable silence. His kind smile back in place and his gaze turning towards Bella.
"So I believe you have quite a tale to tell my child…I would love to hear it and I fear that your father is chomping at the bit to hear it as well." He laughed as Charles did not disagree, simply spooning another mouthful and turning his full attention to Bella with awaiting eyes.
"Well…um, where should I start?"
"How about the beginning my child, how did you arrive at Creolle?"
Bella seemed nervous now that the attention was on her but she managed to say what she'd told Edward already. That she'd been found wandering alone when she was six with only the memory of her name. Edward didn't miss the look that Charles shot towards King Garrett, it was anger and sadness and it was reflected back. Bella continued and told them that she'd led an uneventful life until her village was attacked. Her retelling of their journey was hard to hear in some spots and others made Edward smile in fond remembrance.
He was especially relieved when she left out their activities of the night before and turned his attention towards Charles when he spoke.
"It seems that I have missed more than I thought and for that I am sorry, if I had known you still lived I would have left no stone unturned to find you." His voice was gruff with withheld pain and Edward soothed a hand down Bella's arm when he saw the shine of unshed tears in her eyes.
It would always remain a sore topic but Edward knew that in time it would be forgotten as only a thing of the past, a distant memory alone.
"It was not your fault I'm sure…mayhap you could tell me how I came to be lost?" Bella asked quietly, her voice uncertain as she was unwilling to hurt her father with the obviously painful recollection.
"I guess now is as good a time as any." He paused to collect himself and then continued. "We were celebrating your sixth birthday when your mother took you to the meadow we frequented often and Jacob, who was your best friend, went along as well.
"I was called away because there had been trouble in the court and when I returned it was to find your mother and Jacob passed on. They lay there amongst the grass but there was no sight of you…your mother was always such a spitfire and it appeared that she fought the attackers…a scrap of cloth was found in her clutch. The colours were unquestionably of the house of Masen."
Edward dropped his spoon with a loud clang. Hot soup and pieces of vegetables splashing outwards as he sucked in a breath of pain.
His family had been responsible for her torment and he'd never known.
At some point he sensed both Alice and Bella's touch but he felt as if he couldn't breathe. The room though big enough to fit twenty horses was suddenly suffocating and he quickly excused himself. Sprinting until he made it to one of the floor to ceiling gaps that overlooked the courtyard below he leant against the cold stones. His eyes clenched shut as his fingers pressed against the top of his nose in frustration.
How would Bella ever forgive him for this? was his only thought as he breathed in and out deeply.
***B***
Bella watched in fright as one minute Edward was sitting beside her and the next he'd disappeared out of the hall and out of sight. Before he'd been hidden by the stone walls she'd seen the utter heartbreak in his eyes and she went to get up and go after him.
Alice had other ideas though and gently told her that she would go instead. She explained that he only needed a moment and to continue with her food. Bella knew she wouldn't be eating another morsel until she'd spoken to Edward and made things right.
She understood that he was most likely feeling guilt for something that he had absolutely no control over; Edward was just that kind of person and his love for her went deep. Bella turned towards King Garrett and her father to find them watching on in shock and she thought hard over what to say.
"I'm sorry," she mumbled even though she didn't know what she was apologising for, "He just-"
"BeBe do not be sorry, it was my fault entirely…I should've known it would be upsetting to Edward. It is I who must ask for forgiveness…he obviously truly cares for you, I should have thought before I spoke." Bella could tell that Charles was sincere so she nodded and gently laid her hand on his forearm.
"It is forgiven…I think that we are all a bit shaken after so many surprises and truths, mayhap we should part for a while. It has been a wonderful meal with superb company my King but I must beg your pardon for myself and my company."
"That is quite alright my child, I understand your feelings and I only ask that you come to see me again soon. I have enjoyed your presence, that of your Kindred, and also his charming sister…I assume you will not be going far from Isola now that you have found your father and I only hope that you will find this city a pleasing place to reside."
"Thank you my King, I do not foresee departing for a while to come. Good evening." Bella gracefully rose and the two men rushed to rise as well. Uncertainly her gaze went to her father and she wondered how she should say farewell.
It happened that she didn't have to worry as he enveloped her in another warm hug that was beginning to feel familiar and comforting. She'd never realized just what she'd been missing until that moment.
After he grudgingly, to her amusement, let go she left the hall and went in search of Edward and Alice. She went down corridor after corridor and couldn't find them, realising she must have gone the wrong way at some stage, she turned to retrace her path when she was suddenly grabbed.
Before she could scream or struggle there was a sharp pain in the side of her head and then her world turned dark.
AN: Thank you for your comments and feedback, it blows me away to have so many people enjoying the story. I can't even remember how long it's been sitting in my 'To Be Finished' folder in my computer and now that it's out there it's kind of surreal.
I also love hearing your ideas of what's going to happen next so keep it coming. Just to let you know the action and drama will hopefully pick up from next chapter so hold onto your hats!
AN2: The proverb that Charles quoted is actually from a poem written by Danny Blackburn and it's called 'Just You and Me'. The full poem can be found on a website called FamilyFriend Poems if you want to check it out.
Hopefully I'll be able to keep updating every Wednesday (AEST (UTC +10:00)) and I hope you have another lovely week!
Bye lovelies! :D
