A/N Thanks for all the reviews and feedback, I value it more than you know, so don't be afraid to drop a review or PM :)
I do not own A Court of Thorns and Roses, or Twilight.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Two days later, Bella ran a rough hand over her face as she rose from bed. After the account in the game room with Edward, she had barely left her rooms; too mortified to see much of anyone. Bella didn't so much regret yelling at Edward, for he deserved that much. But she had not only raised her voice, but had called him a bastard. Something that was far too risky considering that he balanced the state of her life in his very palm.
Bella had even said no to Alice that fateful night, which Bella presently regretted now that she was no longer fuming with anger.
There was a timid knock on her door, as the maid herself appeared in the doorway. "Is it safe to enter?"
Bella cringed, casting Alice an apologetic smile, "Yes of course. Alice I'm so sorry, I just needed to be alone for a while."
Alice only shrugged, coming close enough to place the breakfast tray across Bella's lap. "Think nothing of it."
Bella's face only softened a fraction as she now only noticed the large box that sat on an end table next to the fireplace. She had no idea when it could have arrived, since she had yet to leave her room since she left Edward and Jasper in that game room. "Alice, what is that?"
The maid's head swiveled to the brightly wrapped present, her brows knitting together. "I almost forgot, your gifts!" Of course, the presents that Bella didn't even begin to deserve, let alone after she had sworn at the very male that had gotten them for her.
"Do you think I should open them?" It was an effort for the maid not to roll her eyes,
"Yes of course, why not?" Alice chuckled, wordlessly bringing the box to place on the bed.
Bella hesitantly placed her hands across the smooth package, feeling bad about tearing such beautiful wrapping. She tried to tear the wrapping carefully, but ended up just ripping the entire thing anyway only to reveal another gold box. And when she finally lifted the lid, Bella was simply amazed at what was revealed inside.
"What, what is it?" Alice asked eagerly, peeking her head to see closer.
"Its—it's a dress." Bella was short for words as she stared into the box. Alice peered over closer, pulling the present out to see it better. She heard the maid herself intake a sharp breath.
It was stunning. Too beautiful even for a High Fae Queen.
The dress was gold: Endless streams of gold as bright as the sun itself adorned the gown. Impossibly intricate swirls of lace and tiny jewels were stitched into the bodice, as ethereal lace sleeves bloomed from the sweetheart neckline. Bella knew it must have taken months to accomplish only the upper half, but the spectacular lace only flowed down until it melded with the endless layers of the skirt. The lower half was encompassed by carefully laden bundles of silk and embellished with more crystals until it billowed outward in a brimming train.
But that was not it.
Alice's eyes only widened when she looked to see what lay under the dress. Bella finally sat up enough to peer into the box. There, nestled in velvet was the most beautiful necklace she had ever seen. Bella didn't even know what the amber-colored jewels were called, but they were even more stunning encompassed by little bundles of clear diamonds. And right next to the heaping necklace laid matching teardrop earrings.
Both she and the maid were speechless, but as Bella beheld the note next to the jewels, her amazement was replaced with understanding, "The insufferable man." She grumbled as Alice cast her a confused glance. Bella just read the note aloud.
'Lady Bella, Please accept my deepest apologies for my despicable actions yesterday evening. I shouldn't have used my magic to win; I only sought to show off, like males tend to do. The dress and jewelry are your birthday gifts as well as your formal invitation to the feast of Antearrach, if you wish to attend. I implore you to find it in your heart to forgive a poor, cursed, old fool.
(P.S If ever we play billiards again, I promise not to cheat.)
Yours,
Edward'
Bella bit out a curse as she tossed the note aside. Damn him.
Alice shot her a questioning look, "He's apologized, hasn't he? What else do you want?" Her maid's eyes grew wistful as she stared at the ivory note.
But Bella tore her eyes away from the gifts, as the dress seemed to glow even brighter in the morning sun. "The dress is stunning, too much actually. But I'm just growing tired of his hollow apologies, is all."
Alice just pursed her lips, taking great care as she hung the gown in the closet. The maid just placed the rest of the box that held the jewels on Bella's vanity. "Will you at least accept the invitation to the feast?"
Bella huffed out a sigh, "I would be an idiot not to. I wanted to go more than anything, but now…" Bella looked at Edward's elegant scrip as she trailed off.
"But what?" The maid prodded gently.
"But how can I celebrate a faerie holiday when I am so utterly human? I couldn't ever dare to pull off a dress like that, even if it's breathtaking." Bella barely got the words out before a lump lodged itself in her throat.
Because if she went to Antearrach, she would only be reminded of how out of place she was in their world. She couldn't ever hope to be accepted into their culture and beliefs. Let alone feel even close to deserving of such a dress.
Alice said nothing for a while, but just took Bella's hand in her surprisingly warm grasp. The gesture was enough for Bella to force a wobbly smile, as she finally turned to her friend. "Our Lord gave you that gift because you are accepted here. More than you know, Bella." Alice responded not to erase Bella's concerns, but maybe just put them to ease.
If only her friend knew that she had been taken from her family; ripped out of her home by the very Lord Alice so loved to praise. And now that very same male was treating Bella like one of very own his people. Perhaps even a friend. Sometimes it was too much for Bella to wrap her head around.
She wanted to tell Alice that she sometimes missed her home, no matter how terrible her life might have been there, but the words got stuck in her throat. "How can I be sure? How can I be sure of anything here?"
Alice pondered that for a moment, giving Bella's hand a light squeeze. "Because sometimes, you just have to have faith that there is good in this world. People that care about you, and just want to see you happy." With a final sympathetic smile, Alice strode off, content to busy herself organizing things in the suite that were already spotless.
Bella just continued to sit on her bed, wondering if she could ever accept such an idea of happiness after a life so full of sorrow.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"I was thinking, will Bella like the dress?" Edward murmured.
Even with the jewels and the note, he seriously doubted if Bella would ever come out of her rooms again.
"Yes, she liked the dress, Edward," Jasper groaned a bit, "So please, for the love of the Gods, stop worrying for once."
Edward pressed his lips together, not completely convinced that he had chosen the correct color or fashion. There was just so much occupying his mind, but he didn't want to let his concern for her slip.
Jasper's voice pulled him out from his mind, "But if you're so concerned, perhaps you should ask her yourself."
Edward scowled, "She's too fragile. Besides, if she saw my face at the door, she would only slam it in my face."
"Has it been really that long since you've dealt with a female that you don't know better than to cheat when you play a game against them?" Jasper snickered.
Edward's scowl deepened. There had been a time when he was witty and charming, and could invite any female to his bed, and they would accept. But now, it seemed like all his energy was spent just making sure his people weren't starving.
"I haven't forgotten how to deal with females," Edward forced out, "But humans are so different." That was the excuse he said out loud, at least. But deep inside, he was terrified to let her get too close…
"Well I'm sure no one likes to be called…what was it that you said?" Jasper tapped his chin before he turned back to Edward, "Ah yes, you said, 'Beware of the woman that looks like a Duchess, but behaves like a street gambler.'"
Edward rubbed his face, "I know what I said."
But Jasper didn't stop there. "You also said, 'She's nothing more than a human throwing a tantrum.'"
Edward slammed a fist on the table. "Enough Jasper," his snarl would be enough to make a King tremble, but his friend didn't waver, damn him.
"I don't mean to torment you Edward, even if you think so. I'm just trying to understand why you treat her this way. You push and then pull, and it leaves Bella confused. Hell, I'm confused!"
"Everything I do is for her safety. You don't think I want to allow myself to get close to her? But there needs to be a line drawn, Jasper."
His sentry did his best to look stern, "A line drawn? Really? How about, rather than just erupt on the poor girl, you tell her what we both know you want to."
Edward rubbed his temples and stifled a groan, "I need no speach today, please."
"Apparently you do. Look you just need—"
"I was jealous, okay?" Edward finally admitted.
But Jasper just scoffed, "Of what, that she stood up for herself?"
Edward cringed at the low blow, "You, I was jealous of you, idiot." He gave Jasper a playful shove in hopes it would wipe the grin off his friends' face, "And try not to look so smug about it."
"And why, pray tell, is a male ever jealous of another. Anything you'd care to admit?" the sentry waggled his brows and Edward tried to fight a smile.
"No," he said firmly. And Edward tried not to think of the sound of her laugh; how he finally heard that glorious joy bubble free when it usually remained locked away anytime Edward was near. "But I know it was wrong that I took my anger out on her. It won't happen again."
"She has so many questions, Edward. Questions I can't answer but are driving her mad all the same." His friend said solemnly.
Edward ran a hand through his hair, "Its not safe for her yet. Even if I wanted to, I couldn't."
"You two have more in common than you think. Perhaps if you let her in, you'd be surprised." Jasper said with a pointed look.
That wasn't the problem; for Edward had let her in the instant he had laid eyes on her. It was her he was worried about; because if Bella ever decided to let Edward into her heart, it would only cause harm.
"I plan to," Edward said, "But finding the right way to tell her everything is…difficult." Edward growled just thinking of exposing her to all the things in his world. Would she be strong enough, or would it break her?
Jasper was about to say something else, but Edward felt a prodding in his head.
'Yes, Alice?' Edward recognized the presence easily.
'She's on her way.' Alice's voice rang through is head, and Edward's fists clenched.
"Bella's coming, isn't she?" Jasper said when Edward made breakfast appear, "And aren't you supposed to wait for her to enter, so you can dazzle her with your magical skills?" Jasper teased.
"I used to," Edward smirked, not afraid to admit he—like any male—liked to show off from time to time, "—until I saw how uncomfortable it made her."
Jasper just shook his head before he started to serve himself.
Edward waited to hear the light footsteps that would signify her approach; not being able to help and straighten his vest one last time. It was deep blue he had noticed her favor in most of her dresses; at least he hoped it was blue he had picked that morning.
Then he finally heard it; her footfalls as she entered the hall that would lead her to the dining room, and he sent one more prayer to the Gods that she would forgive him.
Edward heard her quickening breaths as she neared the doors, his ears now pricking to her thrumming heartbeat.
Jasper either didn't hear Bella's heightened responses, or didn't care enough to say anything. But hearing every part of her body react to Edward, it both made his beast purr in delight, and his anxiety run rapid.
He heard her hand clutch the knob, and the deep breath she inhaled and exhaled; perhaps willing her heartbeat to relax. That was the other thing that drove Edward absolutely delirious; was not being able to tell if her reactions were due to excitement, nervousness, or just pure terror.
But finally, Edward heard the click of the door that would finally grant him the view of her. It was something he would always look forward each day he had with her: just to look at Bella. Her soft features, and bright eyes something he had never encountered in his near millennia of living.
But as she entered, Bella took great care to close the door behind her, hiding her face but revealing something else. And Edward couldn't help but groan when he saw her.
Bella's dress: the back of it was practically gone.
It scooped low, granting him a view of the glorious creamy skin all the way down just above the curve of her—he gulped.
Gods help him.
Jasper casted Edward a knowing look, and was the only one to greet her good morning since Edward was suddenly void off all thought.
"Good morning," she answered; her voice unusually small as her eyes flickered to Edward's before quickly retreating. That's right, Edward had called her a street gambler as well as a tantrum throwing human. He deserved to be thrown into the pits of the underworld.
"Did you sleep well?" Edward finally found his voice then, forcing out the question he asked her every time they shared breakfast.
Bella finally looked at him then, her face darkening a shade. She was blushing, "Yes, thank you." she looked away again, and Edward missed the weight of her gaze.
The shade of her eyes was more entrancing than anything else he had seen. And the way they would widen or narrow when she was shocked or perturbed….well, he drove himself crazy wondering what she was thinking inside that head.
But Edward was pulled from his thoughts when he heard her stomach growl. He quickly looked to where her eyes settled: a plate of bacon and sausage, before she looked towards the tray of strawberry crepes. Her brows drew together then, as her body slackened slightly.
He could tell she was wondering which to choose, so Edward made it easier for her; supplying all three choices to appear on the heaping plate before her.
Although she jumped in surprise to his magic, Edward couldn't help from smiling slightly when Bella didn't hesitate to dig right in after her mumble of thanks.
Jasper nudged him the side then, 'Ask about the gift you've been pestering me about all morning,'
Edward cleared his throat, and Bella glanced upward, "Did you like your present?" he asked.
"Yes," she swallowed, "Thank you." Bella wavered, probably wondering if she could return to her meal or not.
"You look beautiful today, Bella." Edward let his voice slip low as it did in the greenhouse.
Bella's heartbeat faltered and sent the spot just along her throat thrumming. Edward swallowed the desire to press his mouth against that very spot.
"Thank you," she answered, her voice strong now.
Edward's eyes couldn't help but drop to the snug silk that clung to her body. Thankfully it had a higher neckline than the previous dress, while the sleeves stopped just at her elbow. For if any more skin was revealed, Edward would have had a coronary.
But Bella's voice forced him from the memory, "It seems as though we match today." She inclined her head to Edward's own clothing.
Jasper was keeping strategically silent, but Edward could still see the grin the sentry wore.
"Yes," Edward breathed, "But the color looks much lovelier on you."
She gave him a small smile, before a hand came up to brush a piece of stray hair from her face, either from embarrassment or nervousness.
Jasper suddenly cleared his throat, "You're going to have to excuse me." He made a show of stretching his arms out, before he rose from the chair.
"You're leaving?" Bella looked slightly alarmed as her face drew together in concern. Edward stiffened.
"Yes, but we're still hunting today," Jasper pointed her way.
"Okay." Bella mumbled, before glancing down in her lap. She was no doubt ringing her hands together like she always did when she was anxious.
He knew that was her greatest fear to go outside, and she was strong to face it. But a scar lingered from the Oillteil. Not a visible scar on her flesh, no, Edward had made sure her flawless skin would remain that way. But it was scar to her usually unyielding strength.
And he was happy to know that his sentry was healing such a scar when Edward couldn't.
"Hunting you say?" Edward quirked a brow, doing his best to ease into the subject. Let me come with you,
"Yes, Bella has agreed to accompany me later today," Jasper said a bit too brightly.
'Ask to join us,' Jasper urged through his mind.
Edward looked away from Jasper, instead, he was intent on Bella's every reaction. There was a fine bead of sweat forming at her brow, and her heart had suddenly increased heart rate with the whisper of her fingers being rung together.
Bella didn't want him to come.
"Well I hope you enjoy yourself, Bella." Edward said brightly. Perhaps if he was a Lord of a different court, he would have said something else…
Edward watched as her pupils dilated slightly, Bella's gaze suddenly intent on his mouth. Had he said something incorrectly?
"Yes," she answered numbly, blinking a few times before she focused back on Jasper, "At least it's my second time going out since the—" Bella gulped, "Oillteil." Bella finally managed to get out before continuing, "So it won't be too bad." She gave a weak smile, but Edward was too distracted with what she had first said.
Second time.
He forgot Jasper had already gotten her outside.
"See? Edward, you act as if I was forcing her against her will." Jasper chuckled as he quickly strode over to the door. "If anyone needs me I'll be in the library." His sentry deftly slipped out the door; effectively leaving them alone together.
Bella had finished with her plate, but her eyes were resting on the platter of strawberry crepes.
Edward zeroed in on the dish before making his thoughts clear, and Bella yelped when her own dish was replaced with the intended dessert.
In a rush, he felt the wave of exhaustion go straight to his aching head. Two days away from her had drained him more than he realized.
But he forced his eyes to a now smiling Bella. It was so rare that she allowed happiness to reach her eyes, let alone her mouth. And he felt his heart lift.
"How do you always know what I want?" she asked with a look of disbelief, but her fork was already digging in.
Edward shrugged, "Body language, mostly. You'd be surprised what you give away with your expressions alone."
She tensed. Edward rushed to correct himself, "I mean, its not just you, all humans can be read like books."
She flinched when he said human, and Edward ran a hand through his hair. Why was he so Gods damned terrible at this?
When he looked back, Bella's eyes were intent on his hair. He fought the urge to make sure a piece wasn't standing up oddly.
"So," he cleared his throat, "What are your plans today besides hunting?"
Bella hesitated, and Edward watched her swallow as the ivory skin of her throat just begged to be—he snapped such thoughts back into place.
"The library perhaps?" she shrugged, "Maybe try to find some facts on Antearrach."
He gulped, "I see," Edward hesitated before he remembered what Jasper had said: Bella wanted answers. And he decided another gift to Bella would be those very answers she craved, "I could answer whatever questions you have, if you like."
She pulled her bottom lip between teeth at the suggestion; the sight forcing Edward to stifle a groan.
"I do have a lot of them." Her face was already brightening.
Edward grinned, "Ask away."
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
A/N Tell me what you think :)
