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Bonus chapter :)
Chapter 6
Ice Dragon and the Snow Queen
April 1st to June 30th 1932
Bella
April and May
The planting of our crops is in full swing and the plantation is a hive of activity. While the men are working in the fields, the women have taken to spring cleaning the home from top to bottom. I personally, would much rather be out in the fields—getting my hands dirty in the soil, instead of keeping my hands clean to polish the furniture. But as soon as the household chores are done, Alice and I will be in our family garden planting the vegetables and strawberries.
Emmett's hands have healed surprising well. I wasn't sure he would have full use of them again after the beating they took, but he's strong and young in body. His heart, though, has not mended. And it took another beating when the family received the invitation for Rosalie's wedding.
Emmett wasn't invited and I'm sure both parties wanted it that way.
School is getting close to ending and the wedding is set for June 25th. Though Royce makes a show of being the loving fiancée when we're around, you can tell it's just that, a show.
He reminds me of an Ice Dragon; his hoary, cold breathe of doom freezing her, watching her eyes become vacant and her soul spiritless. She seeks sanctuary from the ground. Perhaps in wishing it will suck her beneath it. She won't speak when he's there. He does all the talking, spewing about what a grand affair the wedding will be.
On rare occasions, when he isn't around, Rosalie will speak to only Alice and me about what's really happening. Her parents, in essence, have bartered her, their only child, to the King's, so that Mr. Hale can retain his job. They treat her like an ingrate for not appreciating what she's being given. It only matters what their gain is as opposed to what she is losing. Thus they have created a confused, hurt and lost girl. To my way of thinking, this is a form of slavery. A daughter sold to the highest bidder.
This chasm between Rosalie and her parents is widening as the wedding dawns closer. She has no interest in the proceedings, as most girls getting ready for their wedding day, would show. She doesn't care what she'll wear or who will attend.
Her only concern is how Emmett is doing. She heard about his confrontation with the tree and she asks daily about how he is and speaks of how much she misses him. She doesn't want him at the wedding to witness, as she calls it, her "humiliation." She's never liked, let alone loved, Royce, and can't see with time she ever will—even though her mother insists she will.
On several occasions, the conversation has led to her desire to run away from the debacle, but she has nowhere to go. She knows of no acquaintances or family who lives in or out of state where she could hide. We talked to our parent's and they agreed she could live with us but Rosalie is worried about the backlash of the community to our parents. She's even dreamed of riding the rails and just going wherever the tracks ended. Realistically, she knows the dangers and won't—but it doesn't stop her from envisioning the idea.
During this talk, another one hidden from her Ice Dragon fiancé, words of encouragement escape me. Even Alice struggles to find something positive to give Rosalie strength. What she comes up with is, "At your next wedding, you will wear pink."
It's so absurd in the big scheme of things, at first Rosalie and I just stare at Alice as if she's lost her mind. Alice looks so serious we can't help but to start laughing. It's a strong cathartic laugh, which makes your eyes water and your sides hurt. It's such a joy to see a moment of happiness on Rosalie's face.
Unfortunately, less than two minutes later it dissolves when Royce comes over wanting to know what we're laughing about.
Alice looks him square in the eye. "The color pink."
Royce looks to Rosalie, who again finds her shoes interesting, to me and then back to Alice. "Pink? That's it, just the color pink," he questions.
Alice, again with a straight face simply says, "Pink!"
Royce, obviously confused, shakes his head and walks off, looking over his shoulder a couple of times.
When we can't see him anymore, Alice turns to Rosalie and gives her a wink. "Remember what I said."
Rosalie's lips form an actual smile, however brief, "I will look forward to the day when I wear pink. It's a promise!"
H~~H
June
It's good when school's out. Early June is a beautiful time of year on the plantation. Flowers are forming buds or bursting with colorful blooms everywhere from our family garden to the fields. Ribbons of wild flowers on the sides of the road or near the springs are keeping the bees and other insects humming.
Rosalie is graduating today and Alice and I are going to support her. We told her Emmett was probably going to be there and for a brief moment, light flickered in her eyes, and then she shut it down.
The auditorium is crowded with family and friends of the graduates. When we arrive, it's to standing room only. Cheers, whistles and applause greats each graduate named. Emmett does come, but stands way in the back. He lean against the wall, his arms crossed in front of him, trying to blend in with the crowd. For someone who is as large of frame as he is, it just doesn't work. Emmett will always stand out from the rest—he has too much of a presence not to.
Standing here, in the back watching the ceremony, is when Emmett finally asks about the wedding. For so long he's remained silent and never asked. We've wanted to tell him everything, immediately as soon as we found out, but could never figure out how to bring it up without hurting him. I don't think he remembers what we told him after the tree incident. Plus, Rosalie is already hurting and we didn't want to see more pain.
We explain all about Mr. Hale keeping his job and Mrs. Hale thrilled to be gaining wealthy relations through the arranged marriage and higher social status. We reiterated this was not what Rosalie wants. We even told of her idea of riding the rails.
We don't, however, bring up the slap or the cussing we were witness to. Emmett would cause bodily injury to Royce for having dared to hurt Rosalie in any way shape or form. He would only get himself arrested. We just can't tell him everything. If I'm being honest, I'm selfish and don't want to risk that happening to him. We would miss him too much.
When Rosalie's name is called, you can hear her parents and the King's cheering for her. We all remain silent when Rosalie accepts her diploma.
It only means she's so much closer to getting married. She doesn't want a big deal made today anyway.
She glances up and out into the crowd and her eyes seek and find Emmett's. He nods to her and one of the most beautiful of smiles breaks across her face. It seems as if half the crowd searches, to see who it is, who has magically transformed the solemn girl, into the breathtaking beauty. Emmett maintains eye contact with her for only moments, but it's enough to make her mother scowl and Royce looks annoyed from his seat of graduates. That look is better on him then the arrogant insolent one he usually wears. I feel like sticking my tongue out at him but I have some manners in such a crowded area. Just barely!
Jessica Stanley takes the opportunity to sidle up next to Emmett and places her hand on his bicep. Emmett immediately stiffened, but it was too late. Rosalie looks down to her favorite spot somewhere on the ground again and moves back to her seat.
Alice and I wait for Rosalie's and the King's family to finish with their congratulations after the ceremony is over so we can have a moment alone with her. We give her flowers as we walk her away from the families and speak about how next time it will be our turn to graduate.
Our wandering leads us to the back of the auditorium where Emmett and Jessica are. When we're close, we hear Jessica trying to sound alluring, "You know Emmett, we've never really have had a chance to get to know one another. What do you think about coming over for Sunday dinner this weekend?"
Rosalie stops immediately.
Emmett, not knowing we're right beside him replies, "Why would you think I would ever have an interest in getting to know you now, Jessica, when I've never showed interest before?"
Jessica, not being the brightest bulb in the bunch, doesn't understand the rhetorical question for the subtle insult it is. "Well Emmett, since Rosalie is no longer available, I just wanted you to know I wouldn't be opposing to your attentions," she simpers and starts rubbing up on his bicep again.
Emmett gently pulls her hand away. "Stop touching me that way, Jessica. We aren't going to get to know each other better, nor am I coming to dinner. Thank you for the invitation. I already have plans."
He turns around to walk away, but stops as he comes face to face with Rosalie. Both of them just stare at each other. It's as if they're both afraid the other might soon disappear. Emmett finally exhales loudly. "Rosalie, how are you?" he whispers.
"Good, now with you're here," Rosalie's voice is barely audible. She reaches for his hands, and he instantly tries to hide them, but she won't let him. She examines all the scars which cover his skin, knowing they will always be a reminder of the pain she's caused him; tears appear in her eyes.
Emmett, recognizing the guilt, attempts to console her, "Don't, it's not your fault. None of this is what you wanted, I know. Please, don't cry."
Rosalie, looks from his hands in hers, then up to his face, "No, it's not what I want. But there's nothing I can do to change it. I've tried to talk to my parents, to Royce—no one cares what I want. Just know if I could change it, I would."
Emmett nods to her. "I know Rosalie, I know. Can I ask for one thing?" he inquires. Rosalie nods in response. "Can I give you a hug?"
With a welcoming smile on her face, she nods, yes.
Emmett gently wraps his arms around her, holding her to him. "Congratulations on graduating, Rosalie. You deserve the best things in life, and I hope someday you get them," he quietly says in her ear. We all know he isn't speaking about her marriage. And, it's probably the closest thing to, I love you, he's ever said.
"You deserve the best too Emmett. I just wish it was me giving it to you," Rosalie replies. She releases him then, turns and walks away—toward her family, so as not to cause any trouble with Royce.
H~~H
Royce
I can't believe the little reunion I just had to witness. Rose is comfortable with Emmett touching her when she only stiffens or flinches when I do.
As of today, I'm now a partner in my father's bank. My family has money. I'm very good looking, if I do say so myself. One look in the mirror tells me so. I can have any woman I want and I have. I have been with most of the girls my age— except for the Swan sisters or Rose.
I let my gaze fall on Isabella. I would really like to hit the sheets with Isabella. She's almost as beautiful as Rose. She has those gorgeous stimulating brown eyes and an even better body then Rose. Where Rose is tall and svelte, Isabella has full breasts, a slim waistline and those gently sloping hips. Every part of her would be a handful. Yeah, I would love to get to know Isabella's body better.
Hell, Rose is acting like such a cold fish. I already picture her as lifeless as a statue as I penetrate her. I'll thaw her though, eventually, but until then, I'll probably have to set Lauren up as my mistress. We know each other so intimately—we're like one body. Lauren just has to get over the fact I'm marrying Rose. To say she was angry when I told her of my plans to marry Rose is a gross understatement. She turned into such a shrew for about a week. But I knew she couldn't stay mad at me for long though. She wants me too much.
I wish Rose had an ounce of passion in that beautiful body of hers. I know Isabella has passion, I've seen it. I'll bet she would be an excellent lover. All these thoughts run through my mind as I observe Emmett and Rose in a warm embrace. Under my breath I speak my thoughts.
"Maybe Lauren can talk to Rose before the wedding and tell her what I like, what I expect and how to please me." I look around and see Lauren looking at me with her hooded gaze and subtle smile. Yeah, she's ready for some action. I smile, nod and wink. It's our signal, to let her know that I'll be seeing her soon.
H~~H
Bella
As Emmett, Alice and I watch Rosalie walk away, Royce comes up behind us.
"She sure is one fine piece of ass don't you think Emmett," he speaks just loud enough for us to hear.
Alice and I stare at him, shocked by his boldness. Emmett turns to face him and I feel sure fists are going to fly. "You take care of her, Royce. She's a lady and should be treated as such." Emmett simply states the facts.
Royce smirks at Emmett, shrugging his shoulders. "She'll be my wife and all women screw the same—lady or not."
We all know he is trying to bait Emmett, and by some miracle, he doesn't take it. "If you treat her well, I won't have a problem. You treat her any less than she deserves and we will see how long she remains your wife."
"Is that a threat?" Royce asks.
Emmett just levels his eyes to Royce's and holds his stare. "There is no threat. Nobody can hold on to someone or something, if it's not treated right. That's just the facts of life—you would do well to remember it."
Royce looks a little confused. Obviously, he failed in his attempt to rile Emmett. By the look on his face, it seems he's still trying to figure out if he was threatened or not. You could tell he isn't sure. As he's still pondering Emmett words, Emmett turns to us, "You ready to go?"
We nod and follow Emmett out. We don't say anything for a while on the drive home; we're almost there when Alice finally speaks. "I'm so proud of you, Emmett. You could have hit him for his rudeness alone; instead you were the bigger man."
Emmett, lost in thought takes a while to respond. "Someday, she will wear pink."
I just smile softly, but Alice beams. "That she will, Emmett—that she will."
H~~H
June 25th,
My immediate family attends what is being touted as the wedding of the decade. It's being attended by not only those high on the social ladder of Savannah, but also the Governor of the State, plus many high and mighty judges, bankers, politicians and members of old family money.
Alice and I are able to make our way to see Rosalie before the ceremony—but only for a few minutes. When we see her, we know immediately something is terribly wrong.
Rosalie has escaped her Mother, who is all a flutter with last minute adjustments to Rosalie's hair, dress and invitees, as if this was her wedding.
The conversation centers around Rosalie venting on how Lauren Mallory had cornered her earlier in the day. She spent fifteen minutes trying to instruct Rosalie on all things to be found in the marriage bed but more importantly, according to Lauren, what Royce would like and expect.
Shocked Lauren would have the audacity to speak these things to her, on her wedding day, Rosalie, asked the only thing she could think of. "How would you know?"
Without any remorse, Lauren promptly informed Rosalie, she and Royce have been together for the last year and a half. She also bitterly stated, "This should be my wedding." Then she continued her little diatribe with, "As far as I'm concerned, until I find someone else that can satisfy me as well as Royce does, I will continue to satisfy him." To which Rosalie had nothing to say to her.
"What has my life become? I never wanted this marriage, you know this! Why is this happening to me? What have I ever done to deserve this?" Rosalie asks of Alice and me. But before we even have a chance to comfort her, her mother can be heard calling her.
Words of comfort which usually roll easily from Alice's tongue fail her. So we do the only thing we can do. We give her a brief hug to try, in some way, to let her know we care about her.
Her mother interrupts our moment, announcing Rosalie's father is preparing to walk her down the aisle; but she still wants to give some last minute adjustment to Rosalie's makeup, so we need to go. Now!
We're dismissed and didn't even get a chance to say good bye.
We leave Rosalie and find our parents, but we don't say anything. We must have matching pairs of worried eyes. Our mother quirks her brow at us, as if asking, "What's wrong?" but neither of us give her an answer.
I have never attended a wedding before, but from stories of my parents, fairytales and from those who have been to a few, I have to say this wedding is the strangest. Interestingly enough, it is not just from my opinion. I can hear the whispers when it's noticed that Rosalie doesn't have a maid of honor or a single bridesmaids. To my way of thinking, it's as if she didn't want to tarnish any of her friends with her humiliation.
Royce, however, has Jacob Black as his best man—which surprises us—and five groomsmen, all laughing out loud and sharing jokes. For the life of me, I never knew Royce or Jacob even liked each other. They always seemed antagonistic towards the other. Now they look like old friends.
This is very confusing to me; I don't know why, but something just isn't right.
But then again, this whole day is strange!
When the music starts for Rosalie to commence her walk, everyone stands. Rosalie walks stiff and emotionless, never smiling nor acknowledging anyone, "She reminds me of a mannequin, so lifeless," I whisper to Alice as her father guides her past us down the aisle.
Alice agrees, "Or a Snow Queen, letting everyone who remembers this day just how cold she is to this marriage." Yes, it's exactly what she is; she's become a Snow Queen—regal, controlled, defiant and frigid.
Truth be told, when they're announced as man and wife, I'm puzzled. No one hears her say "I do." And everyone is whispering about it. What she gave was a shrug of her shoulders which basically stated, "I don't have a choice, but I'll be damned, if I say I do."
I'm so proud of her for this simple rebellious act. But Royce, his family and Rosalie's are not pleased at all. Serves them right!
The wedding party, family, friends and guests all move outside from the church for the reception held alongside it. A huge tent is set-up, with the sides rolled up. The day is beautiful and the air smells sweet. All through the toasting, meal and cake cutting, Rosalie remains silent and looks like a marble figurine.
On the dance floor, their first dance as man and wife; Rosalie looks regal and statue still while Royce looks cold and menacing. When other guests start dancing, Jacob Black is immediately by my side, requesting a dance. I decline. He's not happy and lets quite a few of the groomsmen know. Mike Newton decides to take his chance in asking next, and again I decline by shaking my head, no. Luckily, at this point, my family is thankfully ready to take our leave.
We try to speak to Rosalie once more but her Mother, acting as a guard dog, and wouldn't allow us another word with her. I do get a glimpse of Rosalie's hard and empty features and follow her gaze. There on the dance floor, Royce and Lauren are in an embrace which should be illegal in public. I truly feel, this union of the Snow Queen—Ice Dragon will not last six months, if a day. I hurt for Rosalie. No one deserves this.
