Thank you guys so much for being patient, I know a lot of you are wanting longer chapters but this length is currently what I'm feeling comfortable with right now and as long as you guys are getting content I don't think it makes a lot of difference :) When my kids are back at Nursery I promise to try make them longer! Please if you can also review that would be amazing and a lot of help :)
"I apologise Isabella, but lunch will be shortly, and Edward will still request you be there." Rosalie murmured, I assume exhausted. Instead of my typical complaining I remained quiet, not wanting to drain Rosalie more with my bellyaching. Moving off the bed I dug about the room for a hairbrush and retrieved a damp cloth from the adjoined bath chamber before climbing back onto the queen bed.
"Let's freshen you up, you're not your usual flawless self." Gathering her knotted golden locks, I combed through them delicately, watching as they collected neatly to her waist. Rosalie started perking up, her form relaxing with each passing minute.
"I cannot thank you enough, you've allowed me to lift such a weight off my shoulders. Even though there is still dread of Edward discovering my secret and it plagues me each and every day I'm comforted knowing you're here, to talk to." Rosalie professed, her soft voice reached a yearning inside me, the longing for a friend, and I realised I viewed Rosalie as that; a friend.
"As my only companion you can talk to me about anything Rosalie, you already hold my secret, I have faith in you that it will remain one." The confidence resonated in my declaration. She raised her head up capturing my gaze, her eyes welling with moisture.
"You really consider me your friend?" Her uncertainty saddened me, however I imagine in such a deceiving land even a Maiden couldn't treasure something as simple as a friend. Though, I recall not ever finding a friend in my time before, always hiding from the world.
"I've never actually had a friend before, constantly trying to appear invisible and avoid human interaction. My experience with individuals hasn't been pleasant but yes, I consider you a friend Rosalie. I've remained so lonesome in this peculiar dominion, but our interaction has been lovely." With a grin etched on my face Rosalie barely contained her own.
Declaring each other friends, Rosalie thanked me for the damp cloth and began easing her heated face. With myself fully dressed and presentable I calmed my curious mind, anxious but keen to see Edward again, for that I was truly infuriated at myself.
Swiftly following Rosalie down the majestic corridors, I couldn't shake off one question; why were Edward and Aphrodite married? If Edward was distraught at Hera's death, why re-wed? Storing the question in the back of my mind, I vowed I would ask Rosalie later as we descended the grand staircase and made our way into the banquet hall. Edward sat expectedly at his throne, dominance emitting off him in waves. His mighty Eagle on his shoulder watching me with an attentive eye.
The aroma of rich food hit me which promptly had my stomach growling, the heat filling my cheeks as I caught Edward smirking at me. The embellished hall was filled with a melody, the music soft and serene, putting my mind at ease as I took my seat at the overloaded table.
"You're late." Edward stated, his tone irritated. Scrutinising him I raised my eyebrows. "I don't essentially need to be here, I come courtesy of you because you 'demand' my presence." I clipped out, exasperated by his disrespect.
You could practically hear him grind his teeth, the way his eyes flashed towards mine had me on edge, but I maintained my pretence, still somewhat irritated at him.
For lunch, I opted for pastry treats, indulging on bacon and cheese stuffed cuisine choosing to once again ignore the infuriating man seated before me. I wondered why I was keen to see Edward earlier, was it his Adonis structure? The appeal was undeniable. Peeking up under my lashes I admired Edwards build, his bare torso exposed, free for me to appreciate.
Abs protruded under his skin with a sheen of perspiration covering his healthy skin, but what caught my eye was the unruly hair spread across his chest, the copper mass rugged up his appearance but left me breathless, the yearning to feel his weight on my body swelling.
Travelling up to his face I spotted Edward watching me, the embarrassment warming my cheeks at being caught ogling him. I promptly lowered my head, allowing my curls to conceal my mortification.
"You're ashamed?" I heard Edward mutter. My eyes widened in alarm as I searched for something to retort with.
"A lady can't grow shy? Surely you should know you're a tempting man, Edward." Timidly smiling at him whilst I chatted. I saw the calculation behind his eyes nonetheless, the puzzlement sketched on his face before he disguised it. I reprimanded myself, Edward had worn that expression more than once, it was only a matter of time before he demanded I express the truth.
Unexpectedly, Edward stood harsh, towering beyond the overstated dining table. "Come." He ordered, marching towards the door. Scrambling noisily out of the plush seat I hastily sped behind him, foolishly tripping in the process. Plummeting towards the marble flooring I braced my hands ready for the imminent impact but in its place was masculine paws, long rugged fingers cupping my waist almost intimately.
Gasping, I was staggered by the gentleness of Edwards movements as he situated me back on the ground, his ridged build positioned almost flush to my own.
"Edward I'm so sorry, I'm such a klutz." I unintentionally babbled out, his presence affecting me immensely. I attempted to stir out of his grasp only for his grip to tighten, causing me to stumble, my hand connecting with Edwards naked torso as I tried to steady myself.
His heated skin tingled beneath my touch, the electric feeling resonating throughout my body. Boldly I spread my fingers, spanning them out across his waist, the muscle contracting under my fingertips. The hitch in Edwards throat had me nervously gazing at him. His eyes frenzied, pupils dilated, were openly fixated on me. The air dispersed around us as Edward imprisoned me with his stare, neither blinking nor moving.
Capturing my bottom lip with my teeth, Edward followed the motion hazily before his eyes snapped strictly shut. Agony imprinted on his face before he roughly thrust me out of his hold.
"Why are you playing these games? I ensure you I will not fall for your charms Aphrodite, don't think this will distract me, I see your up to something." Edward spat at me, his face maddened as his frame vibrated with rage.
Wincing away, he thundered past me as I clung to the corridor walls, my former feelings evaporating and were swiftly swapped with bewilderment, a sting arose within my chest from the rejection but for a moment I was sure Edward experienced similar feelings, the prickling heat that burned between us as we touched. Even though I craved to experience it again I knew it would be reckless, thus I vowed to keep my emotions platonic with Edward, no matter how difficult it would be.