Here it is chapter 9 and the first introductions to Emmett's family, what will happen to Rose?
I would like to say a massive thank you to all who gave a review it really urges me to continue, thanks again
RPOV
I had heard many tales of Cullentha but nothing could have prepared me for what I saw. A sea of houses covered the surrounding lands. Small farms lay on the outskirts, fields full of livestock, and as the eye wandered closer in, the houses became more tightly packed, and the buzz of life filled the air.
There at its heart stood Cullentha castle, its grey stone walls large and intimidating, but the sunlight hitting off the ornate windows created an illustrious glow which made it quite beautiful. I immediately felt a pang of longing as I remembered how my own home would sit proud upon the hill, overlooking its people, I had to swallow back the tears as we descended down into the town.
The crowds of people parted, allowing the army to pass, even a stubborn goat, who had not moved for its master seemed to cower under the gaze of Prince Emmett and it quickly shuffled aside. The eyes of the towns people bore into me, and I could hear the hushed whispers as they took in my dishevelled state, speculating who I was.
They need not wonder, Lady Rose was gone, I would be simply Rose now, if the king allowed even that luxury, either way Lady Rose would forever be dead.
Just before we reached the castle music rang out and a joyous fanfare filled my ears. The castle had been informed of the army's return and wished to give them a glorious welcome.
The soldiers stopped inside of the courtyard, riders including Emmett, Jasper and Edward, dismounted their horses to stand and wait. I had tried, up until this point, to keep my gaze fixed to the floor and now that we had stopped marching I took the opportunity to take in my new home.
The grounds were clean, and cobbled roads had been built to create a level walkway for its inhabitants. The houses of the town were modest but practical, the people in general seemed well fed, and for the most part happy. They did not look to their castle with fear, or avoid the gates in case a tyrannical king should grab them and flog them for being too close.
The children played in the streets, and their laughter was like sweet music, perhaps my imprisonment will not be quite as intolerable as I had first thought at least I would be able to gaze out across the town and watch the people live their contented lives.
I had been so lost in my thoughts that I had not heard the heavy doors of the keep open, and all at once the town paused and turned to look.
Guards spilled from the doors like a wave, dressed in shining armour, behind them came some very important looking men, members of government perhaps, they were far too well dressed to be servants.
Suddenly there was a streak of blue, I thought perhaps I had imagined it, as it appeared and was gone so quickly, but then i heard the squeal of delight and turned to find Jasper, with a look of pure joy spinning a young woman around, before gently placing her back on the ground and kissing her with all the life he had in him.
She was a small woman almost childlike in stature, her features reminded me of a pixie, she wore a rich blue gown which matched her blue eyes and dark hair perfectly. That must be Princess Alice, Lord Jaspers wife, the way he looked at her and she at him there could be no doubt that their marriage had been a love match, there was almost an aura of passion surrounding them and for those moments they were the only two people on the earth.
Soon another young woman gently cascaded down the steps of the castle, she did not run like Alice but i could see the haste in her steps all the same, she headed straight for Edward and he in turn met her half way, it was as though he could not bare to be parted from her for a moment longer.
This must be Bella, she was indeed beautiful as Edward had described, her eyes were deep brown pools, the colour had been brought out by the green of her dress, it did not escape my notice that Bella's dress was the exact shade of Edwards eyes. Her long hair fell down her back in a waterfall of soft brown waves, and they too looked to one another with sheer devotion.
I wonder who will be here to greet Emmett? He had not talked much of his home in general, and had made no mention of a wife, but I have no doubt that he will have a pretty girl awaiting him.
Sure enough a third woman, emerged from the castle and ran down the steps, tears welling in her hazel brown eyes. She was the most beautiful of the three women, with a heart shaped face, her hair like soft caramel, she radiated grace, she was small, though not as small as Alice, her figure was slender but rounded, she was not angular and harsh like so many women, her features were pale, but timeless, she reminded me so much of my mother.
Once she reached the bottom of the stairs she pulled Emmett and Edward into her embrace as Bella stepped aside, Jasper and Alice approached but hung slightly back, until the woman noticed, scoffed and pulled Jasper towards her also. It was a strange scene, within her enveloping arms the three men had been transformed into small children and i knew then it was Queen Esme.
Then a squire rushed forward and after a small trumpet to signal an announcement he shouted,
"His Majesty King Carlisle of Cullentha"
More trumpets sounded, and another stream of guards bellowed out the doors, the soldiers, and all the people bowed low for him, and there he was, golden blonde hair sat neatly upon his head, his face was handsome, with an air of majesty.
He was tall with an athletic build not unlike Edward, but his eyes were all Emmett, they were blue like ancient lagoons, deep and wise. He was unlike other kings i had met, where they were old and crass, with huge beer bellies, and very few teeth, Carlisle was like Arons younger attractive brother.
"My sons!" he exclaimed coming to join the rest of the crowd that had now all gathered at the lowest step, his face was alive with joy at seeing his sons return home safely.
The men embraced quickly but did not show too much affection beyond a quick pat on the back each, even I knew that however they may feel, they could not show it outside the castle walls.
"What news have you of Voltura?" Carlisle asked the smile still playing on his lips,
"We have taken it in your name father, Caius is ruler no more"
"Did he surrender, I do not see him amongst you?" Carlisle looked puzzled, he had expected my father to fight,
"No father, he fought, but was easily defeated as expected" my fists clenched, as they spoke of my father "he was prepared to come as a prisoner of war but his daughter the Lady Rose, offered herself in his place under the Cullentha law" Emmett shot a glance at me then, it had been the first time he had truly looked at me since the incident at the pass, and the anger in his eyes had still to fade completely.
"Come here my dear" Carlisle addressed me in a soft voice, but I seemed to be frozen to my spot for the first time since i had offered myself I was truly afraid.
"Do not ignore the King!" Emmett snapped and began to storm towards me, his brothers and their wives looking on with interest.
"Emmett!" Esme scolded "You know never to speak to a Lady so! The poor child is most likely frightened"
She approached me and placed a small delicate arm around my shoulders,
"Come dear" she coaxed and I walked with her towards her husband, she glared at Emmett as we passed him and I almost let out a small laugh as he cowered under her eye.
Once we reached Carlisle, he took my hand and pulled me towards him, he began to survey me, he looked into my eyes searching into my very soul,
"That was a very brave thing you did my dear, to offer yourself to save your fathers life, not many young women would chose to risk themselves" his voice was soft and held a note compassion.
"I could not loose another parent my lord" a look of pity quickly flashed across his face, but was then replaced with a small knowing smile,
He turned to Emmett,
"You know we do not take women in war, had you studied as your mother and I urged instead of taking to the sword so soon you would know that only a male Cullenthan can offer themselves to save their loved one!" my eyes widened in fear, would this mean I would be sent home? Would my father have to taken? Please Aron no, protect him please!
A blush crept across Emmett's face, as he tried his best to hide the embarrassment from his men. Carlisle addressed the watchful army
"Men you have served Cullentha, and have given your people great honour, I know you are all keen to return to your families, you may go to them" Carlisle waved his hand and they were dismissed, he then turned to Edward and Jasper,
"I am sure you two have been missing your wives as much as they have missed you, please go, go be young, I know what it is to be apart from ones heart" he smiled as the two couples hastened away to their chambers, I must admit that it warmed my heart too, to see such love again.
"You" he snapped at Emmett "Come with me" he walked up the stone steps into the castle, followed closely by Emmett, Esme, the guards and myself. He walked us to a large study and took his place behind a giant wooden table, Esme walked around to join him, standing at his side her hand placed delicately upon his shoulder.
"What is it I am to do Emmett? She is a Lady, she cannot be punished for her fathers crimes, but I cannot be seen to be lenient, if my people think I am weak they will not trust me to lead them, so I am placing this on you, you alone will decide what is to happen to the girl, your mother and I wash our hands of this"
At first I had feared the King I did not know, now I was afraid, because my fate lay in the hands of a man who hated me.
Oh dear.. Chapter 10 coming soon
