Chapter VII

June 28th, 1511

After deliberating with myself, I decided to go with Edward to investigate the towers. If Edward wasn't with me, I wouldn't have the courage to do this.

I had convinced Edward to knock out the guards in case they caught us.

With Thomas, he moved the unconscious guards into a closet.

Jessica promised she'll take guard over them.

Still a little nervous and scared, I followed Edward into a tower. He seemed to know what he was doing and where he was going. I was terrified Jacob would appear out of thin air and start abusing me and killing Edward at the same time. Edward would laugh if I tell him this, but I'm a woman! I have fears men probably never have!

"Do you have the key?" said Edward in a lowered voice.

I shook my head.

"Jacob never gives me the keys," I answered.

Edward laughed softly.

"Of course he wouldn't," he said more to himself than to me.

I glanced around nervously.

I heard the lock click and the door swing open.

"What did you do?!" I hissed loudly.

"It's called the art of lock picking," said Edward calmly. "Something you should learn about. Jacob won't encourage it much unfortunately. Come, let's get this over with before the guards wake up. Don't talk much when you're in the tower. There could be someone in there. Wait. I'll just have a look before you go in. I don't want you in a fight."

He went in.

I bit my nails anxiously.

The metal edge of the rings cut into the skin near my lips, but I didn't care.

"It's safe," said Edward from inside.

I scurried in and saw Edward, shifting some papers.

"What are you doing?" I asked.

"Looking for documents," mumbled Edward, scanning papers quickly. "I want to know who's responsible for the fires on my estates…"

His voice trailed off.

"What is it?" I said at once.

"Something my father would find interesting," Edward answered. "I must go now. Would you like to come with me? I'm sure Esme would be happy to introduce you to the other members of our family. I think you will like it."

I clasped my hands together.

"That would be wonderful!" I exclaimed.

Edward smiled.

The crooked one that I loved.

"Come," said Edward, holding out his hand.

I stared at it uncertainly.

Will servants gossip and spread rumours if they see me holding hands with Edward? I had no intention to be beaten up again.

"Come on," urged Edward. "It's just a hand."

"Jacob might hurt me," I mumbled.

"Bella! Jacob will never hurt you again whenever I'm around! You're under my protection and I'll never allow him to beat you up! Besides, you're pregnant. He won't want to risk the death of his unborn son at the moment. Or perhaps his unborn daughter."

"Servants will talk-"

"Not anymore."

"How can you be sure about this though? What if they do tell Jacob or his minions? He'll fall into a

terrible rage, and do something horrible to us! He'll lock me away and stab you to death! Do you really want to die that way?"

"Oh, Bella! Stop thinking dark thoughts!"

"What if it did happen?"

"It won't! I changed the servants."

"What?! When did you do that?! Oh God, Jacob's going to kill us! He already hates you, and you didn't make anything better!"

"Bella!"

"You should repair relationships between you and your brother!"

"Half-brother."

"Why don't you?"

"Why should I?"

"You're half-brothers!"

"Bella, darling. I don't understand what you're saying."

"Jacob is your half-brother-"

"He hates me and views me as a threat. I owe him nothing, and he should be the one repairing our relationship. Bells, I know Jacob's your husband, but you need to open your eyes. Jacob will never treat you as an equal human being or as his consort. He'll only think of you as a breeder; the mother who'll carry and deliver his legitimate descendants who'll carry the Black name. The more frightened you are, the more powerful he gets."

Edward had christened me a new nickname; Bells.

It's only fitting, since Jacob stole the last one.

"They'll still talk," I said stubbornly.

Edward sighed and handed me a small, jewelled bottle.

"What is it?" I said, about to unscrew the jewelled cork.

"Don't open it," said Edward softly. "And keep it hidden. It's poison. If the servants do talk and Jacob finds out about it, take it out and pour it on him. It'll kill him once the poison touches his skin. He won't be able to move, but he'll still be alive. All the pain he inflicted on you will reverse on him. He'll die of a slow and agonising poison."

"You want me to kill him?"

"If he finds out, he'll hurt you more."

"You think killing Jacob's the answer?"

"Once you poison him, jump out the window. Don't take the stairs. Even if you're in the tower, jump out the window. I want you to do that."

"So I kill myself?"

"I'll be there to catch you."

I considered it.

"Will you be close?" I inquired.

Edward kissed me lovingly.

He released me and stared at me deeply in my eyes.

"I'll be waiting for you," he promised.

"Waiting for what?" I said dumbly.

Edward chuckled lightly.

"You're so adorable," he said, pushing a strand of hair away from my eyes. "I love your innocence and naivety when I tell you the plans for our future. You show me that there's still childishness even in a woman who already had a child."

'You like me because I behave like a child?" I said, slightly offended.

Edward laughed.

His eyes sparkled like a real Emerald.

His laughter was music to my ears.

"This secrecy will soon be over," he vowed. "One day, we'll be able to stand in front of a priest and become man and wife. Renesmee will get a mother, and hopefully a couple of half-siblings. You'll begin your life afresh, as a Cullen Lady, not a Black child breeder. You'll experience pure happiness once you marry me. Your beautiful brown eyes will shine and sparkle like a new piece of mahogany for a cherished bookshelf, and will cease to have waterfalls of tears on your smooth, lovely face. I don't want to see you in tears or suffering anymore."

I sighed, relief flooding out of me.

Edward will make this all better…

I felt like a burden had been lifted from my shoulders.

"Come," said Edward, taking my hand. "Let's leave the bad news and visit the good news. It'll ruin your complexion when you're constantly worrying."

"Will you leave me if I lose my complexion?" I said, worried.

Edward held both my hands.

"I'll never leave you," he murmured. "Even if you get Smallpox scars and a black eye, I'll still love you with all my heart and never leave you. Your complexion doesn't appeal to me. Your rich dowry doesn't appeal to me. Your family fertility doesn't appeal to me. Only your innocent heart charms me. Deep inside, I know we're meant to be soul mates."

I was dazed.

My mind was swarming with thoughts.

"Come," said Edward, pulling me away. "Let's visit my family."

Esme met us at the door of Carlisle Castle. She had a warm smile on her heart-shaped face and her eyes looked friendly and happy.

"Welcome, Isabella," said Esme warmly.

"Thank you," I said, looking around. "Your garden is lovely."

"Thank you. Gardening is a hobby of mine."

"I wish I can grow some flowers."

"Why can't you?"

"My husband won't allow me out of the Manor. In case I miscarry the child."

"You're always welcome to grow some flowers here with me! Unfortunately, not all my daughters enjoy gardening like I do. I'll be pleased once you marry my Edward and become my daughter-in-law. Would you like to come in, or is Edward giving you a tour around the Castle grounds? There's more gardens at the back, if you're interested. Lunch will be in half an hour and Carlisle will be home by then. We'll all eat together. Even with you, Isabella. I'm sure you'll love to meet Edward's siblings. They've been wanting to meet you in a while."

"Thank you for the offer. I'd love to help you in the gardens."

"Excellent! We'll start after lunch!"

I felt happy.

I never had a maternal figure in my life that loved me.

My mother never loved me as a mother would to her daughter. She viewed me as a political pawn and 'a waste of God's gift'.

To her, a son would be the perfect child.

"You're a mistake," my mother would always grumble.

I cringed.

"What's wrong?" said Edward, concerned.

"Nothing," I mumbled. "Just thought of my mother."

Edward's face darkened.

"What is it?" I said at once.

"Lady Renee," said Edward darkly. "I can't help but feel angry whenever you call her your mother. Her heart is full of ice. There's nothing warm about her. I watched her on the day of your wedding. There was no sorrow or love in her eyes."

"What were the emotions in her eyes?"

"She was watching you as if you were a horse in the market. The only happiness I detected in her eyes

were the ones of a master who had satisfactorily sold his horse to the highest bidder for at least a thousand pounds. I hate it."

"She looked like that?"

"I'm sorry, Bells. She did."

"She didn't love me?"

"No. Only viewed you as a pawn. Like Jacob. She is part Black anyway."

I was speechless.

I knew that my mother never showed true affections to me, but didn't she feel sad that she'd have to give me up to a stranger? Didn't she feel proud that I did my duty to my husband and produced a daughter to continue the Black-Swan name? Doesn't she feel pleased that I'm pregnant with another child that'll most likely be a son?

"No," said Edward, as if he was reading my thoughts.

"What?" I said, taken back.

"Renee doesn't care for you. Only herself."

"Edward! How do you do this?! It seems like you can read my mind! You even answer the questions that are floating in my head!"

"Let's just say it's a gift."

"I can't wait to see your siblings!"

"It's a good idea to change topics."

"I don't want to think about my mother for a while."

"Come. I'll show you the gardens."

Edward gently led me to the back of the Castle grounds.

The back was just as beautiful as the front.

There was a small pond at the back with lily pads on them. There was a set of swings near it with ivy swirling around the wood holding it up. Esme had nurtured the garden well. Flowers were everywhere, in a variety of brilliant colours, all blooming wonderfully. They were jewels in a chest. Two gardeners bowed when they saw us. They were smiling. The gardeners in William Manor had expressions of sadness and boredom whenever I see them. The gardens in William Manor never seem to have the same golden glow as the ones here.

"Edward!"

I turned around.

Standing near the door was a strikingly beautiful young woman.

She was tall and statuesque. Her wavy golden-blonde hair tumbled down her back and shoulders. Her eyes were the colour of violets. A pretty shade of purple. Her dress was also purple. Probably to match her violet eyes. She blinded me with purple.

"Edward," she said again.

Her voice sounded like wind chimes.

Just as melodic as Edward's.

"Hello Rosalie," said Edward pleasantly.

The woman's eyes seemed icy when she turned to me.

I couldn't help but feel plain compared to her.

I clutched Edward's arm tighter.

She noticed it too.

"Edward," said the woman, with a tone of false sweetness. "Who's this ah, lovely noblewoman clutching your arm? Do I know her?"

"Bells," said Edward, forcing a smile. "This is my sister, Rosalie Cullen."

"It's a pleasure to see you," I said, in barely a whisper.

"Rosalie," said Edward, turning to his exquisite sister. "This is my future wife, Lady Isabella Swan. I'm just bringing her here to meet you."

"Isabella," said Rosalie with a sickly sweet smile. "Such a pleasure to meet you."

Even with Rosalie smiling unpleasantly at me, she was still elegant. Selfishly, I hoped that Edward's other siblings won't be as attractive as him and Rosalie. I wanted to fit in as much as possible, but being in a room with the handsomest and most beautiful nobles! I won't last a chance. Even Esme was beautiful in her own way. I noticed that Rosalie didn't use any powder, and was of the same paleness as Edward! Are all the Cullens tall and pale?

The three of us looked at each other.

A bird chirped from a branch of the oak tree.

My palms began to feel clammy and sweaty.

"Well," said Edward, breaking the silence. "Rosalie, what brings you out here in the gardens? I thought you'll be preparing to go to Court!"

"You're going to Court?!" I blurted out.

Rosalie glanced at me, full of contempt.

"I'm sorry," I apologised.

"Nothing to be sorry about," said Rosalie shortly.

"I interrupted you!"

"No, you asked a question."

"It was rude of me."

"It was mere curiosity of a young, naïve girl."

"You were about to answer your brother's question!"

"I'll answer your question too then. Yes, I am going to Court in a couple of days. Aro I had arranged for me to meet Royce King II, the Duke of Rochester. The Kings are the richest and most influential family in Volterra! I can't wait to meet him! I suppose you won't be going, Edward? You hardly go. You can find yourself a wife there. You've been unmarried and unbetrothed for quite some time. I'm sure Renesmee would like some siblings."

I looked at Edward, confused.

Hadn't he married before?

Who's Renesmee's mother?

"I'm betrothed," said Edward steadily. "Isabella is my wife-to-be. We'll marry after a certain amount of problems go away swiftly."

Rosalie looked at us strangely.

"I'll see you at lunch," she said, flouncing off.

"Gone to find Emmett, I suppose," said Edward, with a sigh.

"Who's Royce King II?" I asked.

"Don't worry about him," said Edward, making a face.

What if he's an ally of the Blacks?!

"He's not," said Edward, his arm around my waist. "Don't worry. My father and Esme will never allow one of us to marry a Black or a Black's ally."

I felt much better.

Edward led me to the steps of the back door.

Before I could go in, a figure ran into me from inside, and sent the two of us crashing down the steps and my back hitting the stone ground.

"Bells?" said Edward anxiously. "Are you alright?"

I was too dazed to move.

The figure stood up.

Another female.

"I'm sorry!" she exclaimed, pulling me up. "I'm so sorry! I didn't see you! Bad habit of mine. Esme's always telling me not to run around the house or I'll fall and hurt myself! I suppose crashing into others are involved in the package of running in a heavy, jewelled dress! Are you alright? Do you want me to send Carlisle a message?"

"I'm fine," I said, finding my voice.

I was surprised at hearing such a friendly, natural voice.

The girl in front of me was pale (probably Edward and Rosalie's other sister), but surprisingly petite with features that remind me of a pixie from one of those fairytale books I was forbidden to read. She had large, affable and warm brown eyes. She was thin-very thin-and wore a red dress, the skirt caked with mud and dirt. On her head, there was a red French hood. I wondered why she wore a hood and Rosalie chose to leave her hair out for the world to see!

"Alice," said Edward, smiling at her. "This is-"

"Isabella!" squealed Alice.

I glanced at Edward, shocked.

How can she possibly know me?

Furthermore, Alice embraced me as a sister would to her sibling! Compared to the unpleasant reception I received from Rosalie, this was quite pleasant!

Edward smiled at us.

It was a warmer smile than he gave Rosalie.

"Your greeting was quite surprising," he commented. "And unexpected. I'm sorry to cut you short, but I really want to show bells the inside of our house. She's already seen the exterior. If you see Emmett and Jasper, can you let me know? They're the only Cullens that Bells hadn't met yet. I want introductions done before lunch. That way it'll be less awkward between us and Bells. I'm sure Jasper and Bells would get along quite well, don't you think?"

Alice laughed.

It sounded like the tinkering of fairies.

She pranced off to the gardens.

It looked more like dancing off to the gardens.

"Your sisters are unique," I confided to Edward.

Edward smiled indulgently.

"Rosalie's beautiful and elegant," he agreed. "She fits in well in the Volterran Court. I'm not surprised that Aro I wanted her married for his advantage. As for Alice, she would do anything to wear breeches and pants like us men, instead of a dress. I'm sure you noticed the mud on her skirts. She'll earn a reprimand from Rosalie later."

I laughed.

Why couldn't my laughter sound like bells or wind chimes?

"Come," said Edward, pulling me into the house. "Let's find my brothers."


Sorry for the wait! I had a mini writer's block for a while, but thanks to Team Edward Rules's helpful nagging and bugging, I finished a chapter! Please review! :)