Author's Note: Wow! Thanks for the reviews everyone! x


Can't Lose Control

Prince Edward keeps his distance for the rest of the evening. I am lucky enough to catch his glances from time to time, and although I do not always know where he is in the grand room, I sense him watching me. His behavior is utterly confusing. He is a very mercurial being and I never know what mood he will be in when we speak.

The remembrance of the vampire prince saying how he cannot stay away brings color to my cheeks. He threatens me to stay away, yet…he cannot do the same? I do not understand what he wants. I, myself, do not know what I want. I only know he brings about a thrill in me that is hard to suppress. Is this what it is like to catch a vampire's interest?

Frankly, I hardly think there is anything unique about me. I do not stand out from a crowd of females—human or vampire—and have no special talents other than escaping Len when I want to be alone. It is a strange feeling not having the servant by my side.

Len has caught a cold so I insisted she stay at Castle La Push to get better, much to her protest of wanting to protect me from some unforeseen harm. I cannot help but smile. With Len around, I doubt Prince Edward would have been able to stay in my company for long. She and Jacob are too overprotective and I am glad only one of them is here.

"I cannot believe it!" Leah quietly squeals. She runs up to me, grabbing hold of my hands. "I just danced with a vampire gentleman!"

"And how was it?"

Leah thinks for a moment. "Different…and amazing," she giggles and then quickly covers her mouth when she realizes her behavior. I have never seen Leah Clearwater act this way before. Only her temper and set opinions are what people see because she usually hides her true emotions from those she does not trust.

Interacting with the cold ones seems to bring a different side to King William's citizens. The room was full of tense, indifferent energy in the beginning, but now…people appear more relax, letting themselves enjoy the night freely with no worries. And this is how it should be. Peace between the two kingdoms has held up this long, so why would anyone feel the need to destroy it?

"I am bored," Jessica says, sighing, when she finds us near the edge of the dance floor. Leah and I glance at each other.

"Is it because Sir Michael Newton has retired for the evening?" Leah asks, trying not to smirk.

"What? No!" Jessica looks appalled at her assumption. "I can care less that Sir Newton has left." We nod to make her feel better even though we know she is disappointed he is gone. "I simply never stay up this late. Tis not good for the skin if one hopes to remain young-looking and beautiful. I will wake up with puffy eyes in the morning, I am sure of it." My lady friend frowns at the thought and sighs again. "Anyway, I am heading back to Western Forks before the night grows any longer. Are you ladies planning on departing soon or will you stay here until a vampire gent sweep you away?" She raises a curious, sarcastic brow at us.

"Yes, I will stay until a vampire gent invites me in secret so we can do indecent things right under King William's nose," Leah replies, rolling her eyes. I stifle a laugh.

The look of horror on Jessica's face is priceless. She turns pale. "Do what you want," she finally says. Her farewell to us is a curt good night before she disappears with her ladies. Leah and I giggle once she is out of sight.

"Why are you ladies laughing? And where is Jessica going?" Angela walks up to us after she sees us conversing. Most of us have taken off our masks as well.

"We are laughing at how ridiculous Jessica can be," Leah responds. "She is going back to our territory."

"Good evening, ladies." A male voice makes us turn our heads. It is Captain Uley with Lady Emily at his side. They, too, no longer wear their masks. "Are you enjoying yourselves?" He smiles, focusing on each one of us in turn. We curtsey to him and his companion.

"Yes, captain. Tis been a wonderful evening," Angela smiles. "Are you both enjoying the night as well?"

"Yes. But unfortunately, Emily has not been feeling well as of late, so King William has given me permission to escort her back home." He looks at his maiden with a sympathetic smile.

"I told him tis nothing to worry about, but he insists on accompanying me," Emily says, blushing.

"I cannot let you go alone in good conscious. I will constantly worry and end up following anyway." The captain looks lovingly at her as her cheeks flush brighter. I glance at Leah who has her eyes cast down to the floor.

"We wish you a safe journey back," I say to them. Emily looks as if she wants to say something to her cousin, but ends up only smiling as we say our farewells.

"The night is getting late," Angela sighs. "Most of our people are heading back to Western Forks. Not many choose to stay and travel in the morning."

"What about your parents?" I ask. I imagine they want to cozy up with the vampire nobles as much as possible while they are here from what her mother says about finding an inside alliance to learn more about what goes on in Castle Stregone. I roll my eyes at the thought.

Angela looks embarrassed. "I think my mother has overstayed her welcome. I actually came by to say goodbye. My parents and I are leaving shortly as well."

"Do…do you think I can return with you?" Leah finally speaks. "My family will be here for a while due to their responsibilities and the night has worn on me."

"I do not see why not?" smiles Angela. "What about you, Isabella? Would you like a ride back with us? I am sure we can make room in the carriage for one more."

The thought of riding back with Angela's parents does not sit well with me. Not after their offensive remarks. And I am not ready to leave. "I think I will return with my father," I smile, thanking her for the offer. I hug my friends, giving Leah a tighter embrace knowing how hard it still is watching Sam and Emily together, and watch them depart.

Seth and my attendants are quietly at their posts. I see Seth stifle a yawn. I know he cannot leave yet either, not until King William and Prince Jacob do. The soldiers can only leave upon King William's orders, and I assume Jacob will stay with his father.

I I I

"Father?"

He smiles when I approach him, dismissing the soldier he is talking to. "Did you enjoy tonight?" he asks when we are alone.

"Very much," I nod. "Father, are you staying at Castle Stregone for the night?"

My father frowns. "I am afraid so. King William and Lord Carlisle have other, standard, diplomatic matters to go over in the morning. He requests some of his high ranking officers remain here. But you need not worry," he caresses my cheek, "we should be home around noon tomorrow. Because Elena is not well, another attendant will meet you when you arrive later tonight."

"About that…" I start hesitantly. "May I stay here tonight, at the castle, and journey back with you tomorrow?" I try to give my father my most pleading look when he appears ready to deny my request. "I do not need attendants as Seth will be here. He has already confirmed it. King William also wants some of the Quileute to stay behind. I promise I will not stray from his sights! And I will go directly to my assigned chamber once the ball is over. We will all be in the same apartments anyway. Please, father."

He is quiet for a long pause before he shakes his head. Eventually, he looks at me with an exasperated smile. "The last time I remember you pleading with me for anything you were still a small child." Placing a gentle hand on my cheek, he searches my features. "Does it really mean that much to you?"

I nod again. "Yes, father. This is the only time I have ever truly been outside of our castle walls. After tonight…this will all be but a memory. If you will allow it, I would like take as much of it with me so that I have the next one to look forward to again, ten years from now. And if my memory serves me well, it is you who once told me how important the Concord Treaty is to the Olympics and that our citizens should take pride in it."

With much reluctance with my argument, my father agrees. He summons Seth and gives him instructions on not letting me wander around Castle Stregone. The young Quileute looks surprised to learn that I am not going home this evening. And he should be…for I did not discuss my plans with him. I worry my decision reaching Jacob's ears before my father, so I did not reveal them to anyone.

Seth nods at my father's command and smiles uncertainly toward me. My father excuses himself, leaving Seth and I by ourselves. "Bella…does Jacob know you are staying?" Seth asks quietly in case someone overhears.

I shrug. "He will eventually…and it better not be from you, Seth Clearwater." I give him a warning look. "The important thing is that I have discussed it with my father. If the prince wants me gone, he will have to bring it up with him."

Seth looks around nervously. "Technically speaking…the prince can override your father's decision because…well…he is the crown prince."

"Thank you for stating the obvious," I mutter, rolling my eyes. "Do you really think Jacob will force me away? When I have already gotten permission? I think not."

He sighs. "One can never really predict how Jacob will react when it comes to the things you do," he says.

I only smile.

I I I

As I told my father, I go directly to my bedchamber. Seth is reluctant to leave per my father's wishes, but King William summons all of the Quileute soldiers so he must obey the higher authority. I assure him there is nothing to worry about. When it seems he can do nothing but force himself to believe me, he finally departs.

In the bedchamber, vampire attendants greet me with a curtsey. I politely dismiss them, stating that I can attend to myself for the evening. With hesitant looks at each other, they finally obey my wishes and exit the room. "Everything you need to retire should be here at your disposal. But please call us if you need anything else, my lady," one of them says to me.

I do not fear the servants for they have the golden eyes of Clan Cullen and are vampire vegetarians. I simply am not comfortable having others who I am unfamiliar with undress me. It makes me feel too vulnerable and I have had enough gossip and judgement from the cold ones after dancing with Prince Edward. The fleeting look on their faces when I entered the bedchamber tells me they, too, have opinions of me.

Staring out the window, dark clouds move to cover half the moon. The garden estate outside at Castle Stregone looks magnificent. I have a perfect view of the intricate designs of the bushes and plant life that resembles a maze. The area looks so peaceful. I wonder if it is always like this here. Setting the brush down on the vanity, I prepare myself for bed. Prince Edward was nowhere to be found when all the partygoers left the grand room when the festivities finally came to an end. I wish we could have said our farewells, but perhaps, tomorrow instead.

Sleep takes me shortly after my head hits the pillow. However, whatever dream I had, I wake up with a startled gasp. My forehead is damp and my hair sticks to my face. The dream slowly disappears from my memory and I cannot recall what it is that woke me with a fright. The light from the moon cascades into my room, and because I know I cannot fall back asleep as soundly as I did before, I get out of bed and stare out the window again. The garden is so inviting. It looks even lovelier in the dark with the drops of moonlight from the sky.

I told my father I was going to go directly to my room, which I did. He instructed Seth to not let me wander around the castle, but he never mentioned wandering outside. With my mind set, I wear the robe draped across the chair and slowly open the door. Thankfully, it opens quietly enough that I do not disturb others in the apartment wing.

There are also no soldiers in the hallway so I make a quiet dash, away from where I think the other rooms are occupied by my father and Jacob. I am about to turn a corner when I stop and hide. Two Quileute soldiers are making their patrol rounds and luckily, they walk down a different corridor. They are too invested in their conversation and do not see me sneak away in the shadows.

After a couple of more near misses of getting caught out of bed, I finally land at the castle's garden estate. It is cold enough that I can see my breath come out in light fogs, but I do not mind. The night air is refreshing after my disturbing dream, whatever it was. I tie the robe tightly around me and fold my arms across my chest for extra warmth and protection. I take a leisure stroll on the concrete path and enjoy the variety of flowers and plant life that surround me. It almost feels like I am in another world.

"Many of us envy Lady Esme's garden and how well she maintains it."

"Oh! Lady Victoria, you startled me," I say, tightening my arms around me. I was so lost in the scenery that I did not hear her approach. But, she is a vampire, after all. They walk as if they are as light as a feather. The vampire maiden is in a light brown dress, most likely a replacement for the dress I ruined. "About your other outfit, I am truly sorry. Please let me know what I can do to make up for my clumsiness."

"There is…in fact." There is a crafty smile on Victoria's lips that makes me wish I did not make the offer.

"You see…my mate, James, and I have travelled a great distance to be here. I, frankly, did not want to attend, but he insisted since he felt it rude not to accept the invitation. He was once a great captain under Carlisle. Did you know that?" she asks with a grin.

"No, I did not," I reply, swallowing, my throat feeling dry.

Victoria slowly circles me, casually examining her wrist jewelry. "He was once like them…a vegetarian—suppressing his true nature," she continues, sounding bitter. "That is, until he met me, of course. I taught him that real vampires drink human blood. None of that…watered down animal blood version the Olympic Coven drinks." Victoria makes a look of disgust before smiling again. I cannot take her smile as a friendly gesture due to her talk about human blood and the threatening air she carries toward me.

"Am I to assume that you refuse to drink animal blood while you are here?" I say nervously.

"Precisely."

"And you want to drink…my blood?" My breath escapes me as I envisage the horror playing in my mind.

The vampire maiden gives an airy wave of her hand. "Only a taste, you need not worry," she says, as if allowing a vampire to drink my blood is something I do freely to pass the time. "It is the least you can do for ruining my most expensive dress."

"The least I can do?" I furrow my brows at her, trying to mask my panic. "Madam, you are asking me to let you break the Concord Treaty between the two kingdoms in the Olympics. A treaty that was renewed only a few hours prior."

She shrugs. "Actually, your precious contract will remain intact because you are offering yourself to me. It states that no vampire shall drink the blood of Western Forks' human and wolf citizens, but nowhere in the treaty does it state that a vampire cannot do so if presented with a willing individual."

I am horrified she thinks I will let her drink my blood by my own volition. "Surely there is something else I can do for you?"

"I am a vampire, my dear. The only thing you can do for me is to give me your blood." Victoria hisses at me and stalks closer. This is all too vaguely familiar, except this time, I think I truly will lose my life. She bares her teeth, which are all perfectly white. Although vampires bear no fangs like the wolves, they are just as sharp and deadly.

"Victoria, stop." We both turn to the new vampire in the garden. He is a little taller than Victoria with glossy black hair and has an olive tone to his pale vampire skin. His frame reminds me of Prince Jasper's. And like Victoria, he has red eyes.

"Laurent," she says, sounding annoyed. "You always did know how to ruin my fun."

"You endanger all of us by your reckless behavior," Laurent replies, his voice stern. He looks to me then back to her. "She is the daughter of Commander Swan, one of King William's most trusted vassals and a most worthy opponent in battle."

"And what is that supposed to mean to me?" She looks unimpressed at Laurent. "He is nothing more than a mere human like her." Victoria sets her gaze upon me once more.

"You will not have Lord Carlisle's protection if King William orders you to be handed over to him. None in our coven will be spared." His words seem to sink in as she finally relaxes her stance. I can tell Laurent is somewhat relieved, but still has his guard up. By my guess, Victoria is an unpredictable vampire.

"James will never let anything happen to me," Victoria says with confidence. Laurent gives her a short, mocking scoff. She possibly does not care what happens to her friend…if she and Laurent are real friends at all.

"Of course not, darling."

"James!" Victoria beams. I did not hear him approach. The discreet steps of vampires are unsettling. "I am glad you can join us for this little debate we are having." James walks over to her and gives her a kiss on the cheek. She smiles smugly in my direction.

"Debate?" James asks, confused.

"Whether or not I should be allowed to taste her blood for ruining my dress," she pouts to her mate.

"James, you understand the consequences if she does." Laurent looks concerned that James will let her have her way.

The blonde vampire thinks for a long moment and Victoria soon grows impatient. "Do not tell me you are siding with Laurent?" she asks, looking at him in anger and disbelief.

"We are in Cullen territory, my love," James finally replies, rubbing her arms. "Given my history here and how closely Emmett has been watching me since we arrived, tis best we…minimize the ripples we make in the pond, so to speak." Victoria's brows furrow. "If you feed on her, both kingdoms will come after us, darling. Do you truly want to spend the rest of eternity on the run?"

The red-haired vampire looks as if she wants to protest but cannot come up with a good argument in her defense. She glowers at me, contemplating on her next move. But then her features suddenly changes and she smiles. "Very well, my lady." Victoria curtseys. "Thank your two guardian angels that you survived this night." Her voice is sweet, but I know if Laurent and James were not here, I would be found dead in the bushes come morning.

I return a shaky curtsey, keeping my head up so she stays in my sights. As I watch the three vampires leave, a gust of wind from behind blows my hair forward, over my shoulders. They automatically pause and face me again. I do not understand why. Suddenly, their eyes all hold a look of lust and longing. Laurent has one hand in front of Victoria, holding her back. She hisses again. Even he looks rigid, as if he wants to come closer. Within seconds, James is in front of me. I do not even have time to blink before I stumble backwards at his closeness.

"I…I thought you were going to let me live?" I say. My heart panics in my chest.

He sniffs the air around me. "Such a turn of events," he whispers. "How exciting." The vampire slowly reaches for my neck, tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear. I try not to cower at his cold touch.

"I do not think the lady gave you permission to touch her," says a fourth vampire in our midst.

"P…prince Jasper?" I say, surprised he is here as well.

Like James, he is beside me in an instant. He smiles at me with a nod and places one hand on James's shoulder, the other comfortably resting on his sword's hilt. "I believe you were on your way home?" he says to James. "Would you like an escort out of our borders, old friend?"

James takes a step back and smiles as if the entire thing is a misunderstanding. "You are most gracious, Prince Jasper. However, that will not be necessary."

Jasper looks back at James's companions who remain still. "It was a pleasure to see you all again."

"Believe me, Your Highness, the pleasure was all ours," James replies, his gaze intent on me. "Hopefully, when we meet again, my lady, it will be under different…circumstances." He takes my hand and kisses it. I try with all my might not to snatch it away from his cold fingers.

"Good night and safe journey," Jasper politely bows to them. They do the same. James places an arm around Victoria, who gives me another smug smile. Laurent looks more remorseful for their behavior but says nothing. The vampires with red eyes quickly vanish into the night as if they were never in the garden estate.

"You should not be out here this late without a proper escort, Lady Isabella." The vampire prince looks on with concern at the vampires' trail. "Nevertheless, I apologize on behalf of our ken for their behavior. Their actions go against the Law of our territory and will be punished if they try to threaten you again. Come. I will take you back to your room. I promise you and your citizens will remain safe in Eastern Forks until you return to your borders."

I follow Prince Jasper quietly back to the castle. Because I confessed that no one knows I am gone, he obliges by making sure we are not seen by any soldiers. "Thank you, Prince Jasper. I will not forget your kindness," I say with a courtesy.

"Do be careful next time, milady," he gives me a crooked smile. "Good night."

Closing the door, I sigh against it, shrinking to the floor. Eastern Forks is proving to be more adventurous…and dangerous than I imagined. I really should expect no less coming into foreign territory where humans are known as food. I remind myself I must be more careful with my actions before we return home tomorrow. An incident will surely bring about unwanted conflict between our kingdoms and I do not wish to be the cause of it.

I I I

The breeze in the room startles me. At the window, I glance at the garden estate, and keep the unwanted thoughts of what might have happened to me if it were not for Prince Jasper at the back of my mind. I move aside the white billowing curtains and latch it closed. I scan my chambers, feeling uneasy. The window agape bothers me for I am certain I did not open it. Not even once since I became this room's tenant.

"Who…who is there?" I whisper. The dark shadows in the room rouse my imagination. The only light I have to see with is the moon's reflection through the window, which is not enough. "Reveal yourself or I will scream." My threat is poorly spoken. Even I am not convinced of what I say I will do…although my mind is already silently yelling for help. I move closer to the bed and pick up one of the candelabras on the nightstand.

"You are very foolish," a voice says. "It is almost tragic to witness." I cannot locate the owner of the voice for it seems to echo from different parts of the room.

"I do not go seeking for trouble, sir," I reply, scowling at the intruder, although I am still blind to his whereabouts. "I simply cannot help my situation at times."

A dark figure slowly steps into the light by the window. "Is that what you tell yourself to help keep your nightmares at bay while you sleep?"

I accidently drop the candelabra. Flustered, I pick it up quickly and place it back on the nightstand. I hug myself, feeling more exposed than I did outside. "What…what are you doing in my chambers? How did you get in here?"

"You already know the answer to that question," he responds. He moves closer, stopping at the foot of the four-post bed. "Why I am here, well…that explanation takes a little more thought on my part."

"Prince Edward, stepping into a maiden's bedchamber at this hour—and uninvited no less—is very ungentlemanly. It will also bring about suspicions, and I do not know what kind of punishment will be handed to you…to me. Have you considered at all how your presence here tonight will affect me? Our kingdoms?"

Jacob already does not trust the cold ones and if he finds the vampire prince here, I know his reaction will be unpleasant. The Quileute wolves cannot always control themselves when they shape-shift out of anger and this will surely upset the wolf prince. I also do not want any other conflicts between me and Jacob, not when things are slowly returning to normal with our friendship.

Prince Edward smirks. "And how am I affecting you, my lady?"

"I…" I blush as he catches me off guard, "I do not mean me specifically. I speak about the things that a maiden holds dear, such as her reputation and…virtue."

He looks amused and steps around to stand in front of me. I do not move. "Two things you need not worry about, my lady. I only want to make sure you are not utterly shaken after your encounter with Victoria and her company."

Looking away, I frown. The encounter still sending such panic into my veins, I hug myself tighter. "So…you saw?"

"Yes." Prince Edward's face remains impassive. "I saw you step outside before Victoria approached you. I would have eventually intervened, if things got too far, but my brother, as noble and chivalrous as he is, beat me to it. And a good thing it was Jasper for I would not have been as kind."

"What do you mean?"

"As you said so yourself…I am an ungentlemanly sort of fellow," he smiles once more. His crooked grin reminds me of his brother's. Prince Edward's honey-golden eyes also appear brighter in the moon's light, aligning his perfect features partly in shadow. He is truly beautiful.

"I cannot explain why, but your presence suddenly makes me feel…safe," I whisper.

Taking a step closer, the vampire prince tilts his head to the side. "There is something I want to try…if you will permit me."

"Try?" I blink at him.

"Yes. But do not move," he says, his voice soft. I nod slowly as my heart speeds at his words. Prince Edward cautiously leans his head at an angle toward me. I tell myself he cannot be doing what I think he is seemingly attempting. Why would he? "Stay still," he whispers again. I can do nothing but stare at his lips and watch the movement of his Adam's apple as he swallows his nervousness.

The cold softness of his mouth finally touches mine. I can feel the heat from my lips against his coolness. We are both stiff until Prince Edward relaxes his tense muscles and leans into me more comfortably, his tongue coaxing my lips to open. Without thinking, I boldly give him permission to deepen our kiss, my hands fisting his soft, thick hair. Squeezing my hips, he suddenly pulls away and jumps at least ten feet back into the shadows.

He is breathing as hard as I am, although I can no longer see where he is in the room. "Prince…Edward?"

"I am stronger than I thought," I hear him reply quietly.

"I wish I can say the same for myself. I feel quite…embarrassed." I instinctively hug myself again, feeling vulnerable.

"Do not be embarrassed, my lady. You did nothing wrong." Prince Edward takes hesitant steps back to me until we are face to face once more. "We have to be careful."

"Careful?" Does he mean so that no one knows what we have done? Or does he mean something else?

"I can never lose control with you. Ever." His words are firm and full of conviction. Touching my cheek and jaw gently with his fingertips, the look of pain and sadness crosses his features. "I must go."

"Go…already?" I cannot hide the disappointment in my voice.

He smiles. "I promise this will not be our last meeting, my lady."

A sudden knock on the door disrupts our conversation. "Bella? Bella are you awake?" Jacob whispers on the other side. I sigh, about to tell Prince Edward I will dismiss him as soon as possible, but the vampire prince is suddenly gone. "Bella? Are you all right?"

Rolling my eyes at my best friend's timing, I open the door. "Tis quite late for you to be knocking on a maiden's door, Prince Jacob."

The prince invites himself in, not caring if he is scanning a maiden's room in the middle of the night. "I heard voices. Was someone here with you just now?"

"Would you like to check underneath the bed?" I ask, after I close the door and cross my arms over my chest to let him I do not appreciate his intrusion. I am hoping my sarcastic remark will satisfy his curiosity enough for him to believe that I am alone for I cannot imagine what will happen if the vampire prince is truly hiding underneath the bed!

"I swear I heard something. My hearing never fails me," Jacob says, but more to himself.

"I knocked over the candelabra in my sleep," I reply. "I only picked it up moments before you came." I place the candle sitting on the table back on its mantle and face Jacob again. "If there is nothing else, I would like to get some more rest before we depart in a few hours."

"Very well. My apologies," he bows. "I only wish to make sure you are safe for I only found out after my duties were complete that you did not leave with the others after the ball." A fleeting look of annoyance graces his face.

"Safe and well, my prince," I half-smile, opening the door for him.

Jacob nods curtly and stops at the entrance before I can safely relax. "Oh, and Bella…."

"Yes?"

"It is far too cold outside to leave your window open."


Author's Note: Thank you for reading! What did you think? Also – back in the day, castles were divided into apartments, or sections for families or visiting dignitaries. That's what Bella meant by them "staying in the same apartments." ;)

Please review!