A/N: I know, I'll say it for you -I'm late. Instead of giving a specific excuse, I'll just say there were a number of unfortunate things that happened these couple of weeks that delayed me. But I've jumped back onto my jolly writing horse, and am determined to give Atmosphere all I've got! Thank you so much to everyone for your words of encouragement and general feedback. I would tell you more about how much I love every single one of your reviews, but I'm trying to keep this section short. As a brief reminder, not that you need it, I don't own these characters. Lastly, SunflowerFranis the grammatical carrot to my writing horse.

~This chapter is dedicated to someone very dear to me. I'd say you were a rose amongst thorns, but you made sure everyone blossomed around you.~


PART II: PIGEON

Chapter 11

The following Monday when she next sees the Prince, Bella finds herself elbows deep in bubbles. This time, he is not alone, but accompanied by his brother, Alec, who as usual, is boisterous and cheerful. He frequently nudges Edward throughout their walk, which earns the former a rough shove. Bella finds herself using a suds-covered hand to stifle her laugh, but the sound is still heard by the two Princes.

"I say again that the air is too cold for you to be working while soaked, Bella," Alec speaks to her as the brothers approach, "It's no wonder you were sick."

"This is of no trouble to me, Sir," Bella responds with a smile.

Alec laughs, "I fear the soap fumes have gone to your head."

"This wouldn't be the first time I've seen Sola Bella intoxicated," Edward muses.

Bella's mouth pops open in shock, "I, um, I meant to apologize for that, Your Highness."

"You needn't do such a thing," Edward shrugs, "I was amused."

"Sola Bella? Your Highness?" Alec looks between the two, "Why are we so formal amongst friends? And why am I just hearing of Bella's intoxication now? I imagine it was quite entertaining. Perhaps one day-,"

"You'll have to forgive my brother, Sola Bella," Edward interrupts, "His incessant talking goes hand in hand with his impropriety."

"On the contrary, Your Highness, I'd like it if you called me Bella as well," she tells him shyly.

"Very well," Edward's smile is almost imperceptible, "Bella."

"Do I hear you dillydallying?" Mistress Pope crows from around the corner. "I've warned you not to waste my time!"

Bella's eyes widen as the vile woman rounds the corner, staff in hand, prepared to strike. The only thing that stops her from hitting Bella's ankles is the sight of the Crown Prince and the younger Prince. Immediately, she creaks into a curtsey.

"My apologies for interrupting, Your Highnesses," Mistress Pope says in an eerily sweet tone, "I didn't know the girl was speaking to you."

"Yes, Mistress Pope, you'll have to excuse her," Edward addresses the old woman, "And also allow for her to change clothing. These are hardly healthy working conditions. Is there not a mop for her to use?"

"None handy, I'm afraid," Mistress Pope answers, "My apologies, Sir."

"You must send in an order for more supplies. Also, see to it that Sola Bella gets warm," Edward advises before tugging Alec behind him, "We bid you ladies adieu."

"Your Highnesses," both Bella and Mistress Pope duet.

Bella is expecting the hefty whack that Mistress Pope lands on her ankle. Nevertheless, it's still incredibly painful and elicits a cry from Bella. She yanks back her feet, hoping that it removes the woman's access, but the old bat simply swings at her upper arm. Bella doesn't know how much longer she can hold onto her restraint given the anger bubbling inside her, but she imagines it won't be long before she sends the woman flying into the opposite wall.

"You will not receive pay today," Mistress Pope tells her, "I'm not paying you to whore yourselves to the Cullen boys."

Hearing this propels Bella to her feet, "With all due respect, you are not the one paying me at all. I am under the Cullens' employment."

"And who do you think they'll listen to if we bring forth your indiscretions?" Mistress Pope asks, "The whore who's been here for a month, or the trusted employee of thirty years?"

Bella bites her tongue, knowing that the old dragon's words are true. She sinks back into a crouch and picks up her scrubbing tool, ignoring the tingling in her skin and the threatening blackness of her eyes. After a final warning prod with the end of her staff, Mistress Pope hobbles off, leaving Bella to finish her task. It takes another two hours to complete all of the steps in the east wing of the castle, and by the time Bella makes her way to the showers, she is chilled to the bone.

Unfortunately, while she doesn't have to perform for the royal family, she does have a few more obligations for the day. In under an hour she will be joining Charlotte for another dance lesson, and then she has a general lunella meeting in the night. Bella is nervous for both encounters.

Charlotte doesn't appear to be as vicious as she once did, but Bella still doesn't feel completely at ease in her presence. The Princess doesn't have the same inviting aura that Alec does, nor does she have Edward's cordial temperament. She's colder than the frigid breeze that periodically blows through the castle corridors, with intermittent periods of warmness. All other moments are filled with tepid air –neither pleasing nor displeasing.

The lunella meetings are another thing altogether. While most of the members treat her kindly, there is still the couple that is weary of her presence. Tyler makes his disdain for Bella clear, never missing a moment to condescendingly explain concepts to her, or question her allegiance. Lucy, on the other hand, shows her disapproval silently. She ignores Bella whenever she's addressed and scowls when Bella is the center of attention.

Bella sighs entering the ballroom. She'll tackle one obligation at a time. Speaking of obligations, Charlotte is completely prepared for her lesson by the time Bella arrives. Dressed in a shimmering, deep purple tunic, and silk, white tights, Charlotte plays the role of royalty well.

"Your Highness, you are a stunning young lady," Bella says genuinely.

Charlotte frowns before accepting the compliment, "Thank you."

Bella is confused as to why a compliment would upset Charlotte, but she doesn't comment. She begins their lesson, leading the Princess through a series of stretches to prepare them for their workout. Even through the warm up exercises, Bella can tell that Charlotte is distracted. This becomes even more apparent when Charlotte requires Bella to repeat instructions. Bella glances around the room, and attempts to pinpoint what is occupying Charlotte, but only comes up with one suspect: Carmen.

"Ma'am, if it would not offend you, I'd like to excuse Sola Carmen and the minstrel from the room?" Bella asks, "I need your utmost attention for the following dancing."

Charlotte raises a brow, but nods, "You may be excused, Carmen and minstrel."

"Your mother will not be pleased to hear-,"

"You're excused, Carmen," Charlotte repeats.

After the two have left, Bella can seethe noticeable change in the Princess' demeanor. Her shoulders sink and there is an elongated exhale of air. On her next inhale she closes her eyes briefly, almost as if to recollect herself. Bella can't help but ask,

"Are you okay, Ma'am?"

"Who are you to ask me that?" Charlotte snaps back.

Bella pauses for a moment before answering softly, "Someone who cares to ask, Ma'am."

Charlotte hesitates before replying, "I would like to continue with our lesson."

Bella nods and slowly launches back into the lesson. Much like the last meeting, this one continues quietly. Charlotte takes the instructions in stride, perfecting the dances after two run-throughs. The capacity of Charlotte's mind is incredible. Bella couldn't fathom what Charlotte must be able to recall and apply with her supernatural gift.

At the end, the two are glistening with sweat. Charlotte sinks to the ground with her head tucked between her knees, and for a moment, Bella worries that she's overtired her. She stoops down to where the Princess is lying and listens for her breathing. She's more than relieved when she hears Charlotte's short puffs. Killing the Princess would mean her imminent death, not to mention she had more than failed her quest. No questions are asked when the health of the Cullens are concerned, until after a head is presented on a platter.

"How are you faring, Ma'am?" Bella checks.

"I wish you wouldn't ask that," Charlottes voice cracks as she says this, "Stop asking if I'm okay."

"May I ask why the question bothers you, Your Highness?" Bella tests.

"I despise fakeness," Charlotte spits, "If you do not truly want to know, then do not ask me."

"I try my hardest to be the most genuine I can be, Ma'am," Bella tells her, "I'm being honest with you."

"Why should I trust you?" Charlotte scoffs.

"Because I-I'm … I'm not Carmen," Bella answers, "Your Highness. Ni ronero."

Charlotte sits up to study Bella as if to try and detect any falsehoods. Bella hopes that somewhere in the orange of her eyes and the warmth of her face, Charlotte will find genuine care. She doesn't know the girl personally, and hasn't had any pleasant encounters with her thus far, but she could see past her icy exterior and acknowledge that a girl worthy of kindness and friendship exists underneath.

"I don't know when she started resenting me," Charlotte whispers, "She's five years my senior. We were acquaintances for a time, or at least, I was to her. To me, she was my only friend. The longer she stayed with me, the more her true colors showed. She's vile. People are vile."

Thinking back to the people in Volturia, Bella can agree, "Yes, sometimes they can be vile but they can also be lovely, Ma'am. It's never too late to see this. I'm twenty-years-old, and have only made my first friends this year."

Charlotte's eyes widen, "You're speaking truthfully?"

Bella nods, "And if you'll let me, I'd be happy to be your friend, Ma'am."

Charlotte scrunches up her nose, "I'm still deciding whether I like you."

Bella laughs, not the least bit offended, "That is fair, Ma'am. I'll be here until you decide."

~pigeon~

Dearest Bella,

I send my sincerest apologies for not having written back sooner. The increasing violence means that mail transporters are less willing to travel between lands. Peter still insists on joining the patrol, and I'm terrified every time he leaves home. It's nearly impossible to keep a fifteen-year-old boy at home. Jasper sometimes leaves to follow him, but I know should things get out of hand, not even that will help. Oh my, I'm sorry to be unloading this on you. You have enough to worry about.

I'm glad to hear you're becoming situated with the lunellas. Listen to them, learn from them, and then lead them. They are your greatest helpers. The two that despise you will follow you into battle with full loyalty. Be careful interacting with the Cullens; get to know them, but remain vigilant. Remember, you are a Guardian.

Lastly, I have an important message for you. I had a vision last night, with the riddle:

Bathed in green, the most innocent of them all,

From chaotic treachery, she will fall.

Jasper and I reckoned that the Princess is the center of the plan and that you should base your efforts on her. Treachery could imply that it is a trusted member of the Cullen staff that may be the attacker, and as for the timing of this, we are still in the dark. Do what you can.

We miss you. Peter especially (I was instructed to add this.)

Love,

Alice.

"As Alice mentioned, the sunchildren raids have been increasing over the past few weeks," Eleazar speaks after Bella finishes reading her letter aloud, "Including the invasions of three moonchildren communities: Port Anchelus, Sattle, and Was Inchus. There have been a total of thirteen deaths, two of which were raiders. The attackers are rumored to be the same that attacked L'Apush."

"How many raiders are there?" Bella asks.

"There were twenty when they came to L'Apush," Claire says.

"Eighteen now," Amber chuckles darkly.

"Are there any lunella patrollers in L'Apush?" Bella probes.

Her two weeks of involvement with the lunellas have taught her many things. She's learned that civilians have risen up alongside lunellas to stop hate crimes and provide assistance to those victimized by the raiders. The patrols tended to be very dangerous, but thankfully, none of the lunellas of the Cullen household had lost their lives in a fight. However, knowing that Peter is involved with these patrols leaves Bella's stomach unsettled.

"They've started militarizing civilians," Claire answers.

"Then we should do the same," Huilen speaks, "We can't let the raiders continue to slaughter innocent people."

"When was the last time you fought?" Angela laughs.

"You're a server in the kitchen," Tia adds, "Your physical aptitude is questionable."

"Furthermore, Princess Bella can't defend herself, let alone protect a community" Tyler chimes in dutifully.

"That's what training is for," Bree defends.

"Train her? Does she look trainable?" Tyler gestures at Bella in disdain, "I could do more with my little finger than she could do -,"

Tired of his constant criticisms, Bella sends Tyler to the wall behind him with a wave of her hand. She doesn't put a lot of force behind the shove, but his escape of breath is audible to the rest of the room. He looks panicked as Bella slowly raises him off the ground, much asshe did to the prisoner on her journey to Cullenia.

"Pray tell, which of your skills will help you out of this predicament?" Bella says with exaggerated boredom, "Perhaps your invisibility? Or maybe your mastery of fighting skills?"

"The last time she did this, the man ended up with his breeches around his ankles," Claire clucks.

"Alright, Essa," Eleazar chastises through stifled laughter, "Put him down."

Bella releases him without further ado, allowing Tyler to clatter to the ground. Claire and Tia press a hand to their mouths to suppress their giggles while Quil lets out a cough to cover his. Bree is outright with her laughter.

"Thanks for the drop," Tyler sneers to Bella, his cheeks flaming red with embarrassment.

"He didn't say to do it softly," Bella shrugs.

"Enough," Nahuel speaks for the first time in the meeting, his tone ringing with finality, "Huilen is right; we need to be prepared. I've been conferring with several lunella leaders and we've decided to resume combat training. The raiders need to be stopped."

"What kind of schedule are we looking at?" Lucy asks, "It's already becoming harder for all of us to meet."

"Rotations will be based on availability," Vera answers, "Nahuel will lead morning training, I'll do the days, and Eleazar will lead the nights. We want to warn you that what you're about to embark upon will be very difficult. We need to train harder and faster than before so that when it's our turn to face the raiders, we will not fail."

The following night, after performing for the Cullens, Bella leaves the castle to head to an area that's few yards from the uo ara stone. The forest is hard to navigate in the pitch-black night, but somehow she makes her way to the clearing where Eleazar, Amber, Makenna, Huilen, and Claire await.

"Goodnight," Eleazar greets in Cullenian, "Tonight commences the first of our many training lessons –which will all be conducted in Cullenian."

"But-," Bella begins in Volturian.

"It's for your benefit, Essa," Eleazar says, "It forces you to learn. Being unable to understand your opponents is disadvantageous. From here on out, you'll have to follow the best you can. To begin, I ask that veteran lunellas give Essa a light presentation of your abilities. Amber, you may go first."

Amber steps forward. She's a petite girl, who's much shorter and thinner than Bella. But if anything, Bella has learned not to underestimate people. She watches as Amber's eyes change to a frosty blue, and she lifts her hands in preparation. Then, in a quick movement, she shoots two icicles from her hands. The jagged ice shards travel toward Bella so quickly that she only has a second to drop to the ground to avoid them.

"That was a lightpresentation?" Bella squawks in Volturian.

"I'm sorry, I don't believe I understood you," Amber chirps in Cullenian.

Next, Huilen comes forward. Bella becomes weary with anticipation, waiting for what he might launch at her. Instead, Huilen simply begins running in her direction. Thinking that he'll change his course before colliding with her, Bella stays rooted in place. However, this is not the case. She shuts her eyes moments before she thinks her body will crash with Huilen's, but the impact never comes. She experiences an odd, tingling sensation all over her body, and slight breathlessness. When she opens her eyes, Huilen is standing behind her.

"Did you," Bella starts, trying to find the words in the language she is unfamiliar with, "Did you just run through me?"

Huilen nods.

"Oh," Bella chokes, unsure of how to react.

Makenna skips forward and presents her ability without pause. With a pursed but open mouth, she blows forth a stream of fire that curls in the air before wrapping around her head. The moment she closes her lips, the stream ceases.

"Claire's gift is a bit more startling, so I'll warn you," Eleazar says, "She blinds all of those in her proximity."

Bella nods and turns to see Claire's piercing red eyes. Slowly, Bella's sight leaves her … or rather, it is overwhelmed with red. It's as if she's staring at a red sun, and all she can see is its blood red rays. The result is an intense blindness, and Bella understands why such an experience could be startling. She feels utterly useless without her sight and is unable to move. The invading red inspires a dull headache. Thankfully, after about half a minute, Claire retracts the red haze.

Claire's is the last of the abilities to be showcased, as they are all aware of Eleazar's super speed. The rest of the night is spent learning simple punching and kicking sequences. The lunellas alternate being partnered with Bella so that she can experience different strengths and agilities. Though they don't make full contact with one another, they don't entirely shield each other from their blows. Eleazar reasons that it's better to be acquainted with pain now than to be incapacitated on the battlefield.

Skin decorated in bruises and muscles terribly sore, Bella returns to her quarters. She plucks her towel from out of her closet and makes her way straight to the bath chamber. Unable to stand the grime of the forest on her skin and needing to soak her muscles, she spends a lengthy twenty minutes in the bubbling waters.

When she leaves, she's drawn by the sound of familiar voices down the hall. Although she's clad in nothing but a towel, she still trails to where she knows Carmen and Demetri are speaking.

"She's going to fire me," Carmen whispers.

"If she does it's because you've become too comfortable," Demetri scolds, "I warned you to keep your insolence to yourself."

"I am not insolent!" Carmen gripes, "That stupid entertainer is vying for my job."

"There's no way she'll get the job if you do it correctly," Demetri points out.

Carmen huffs, "You're of no help to me."

Not wanting to get caught, Bella hurries to her room. She hadn't given any thought to taking over Carmen's position, but with the way the nasty handmaiden acted and the new threats against Charlotte, Bella thinks the job could be advantageous. With the new idea in place, Bella vows to gain Charlotte's favor.

Plus, she thinks, it won't hurt to have a new friend.

~pigeon~

"Calo, puo, atro," Eleazar calls out. "Calo, calo, calo!"

Kick, punch, duck, Bella follows Eleazar's commands to the best of her ability, but the last command is foreign to her, so she receives Lucy's kick to her neck. Bella hacks out a cough as she drops to the ground, clutching her throat. It feels as if she's swallowed a cup full of sand and the lump of it refuses to leave her airways.

"Get up," Lucy sighs.

"Give me a second," Bella wheezes.

"Essa?" Eleazar comes over, and stoops beside her to check how she's faring. His next words are sharply directed at Lucy, and are delivered so quickly, Bella almost doesn't catch them, "I did not clear you for throat shots –are you out of your mind?"

"She won't learn if we baby her," Lucy sniffs.

"If you can't listen to direction, you won't survive any better in battle than she will," Eleazar reprimands harshly. "Switch with Tia."

Stomping away immaturely, Lucy makes her way to Quil. Tia arrives and offers a hand to assist Bella to stand. She takes Tia's hand gratefully and makes her way back onto her feet. Eleazar allows Bella another minute to collect herself, and then moves onto the next portion of training.

"The past five days were a means of getting you acquainted with the movements of fighting, but the key to combat is having control of your abilities," Eleazar speaks, "So I want you to incorporate your powers into this round, using only ten percent strength. I'll come around to talk more specifically to each of you."

Eleazar has a wary expression when he approaches Tia and Bella. The two girls have dangerous abilities, Tia's being acid generation, and Bella's being her absorption. Knowing that they need to practice, he figures out a way to compromise.

"Tia, can control the acidity of your substance?" Eleazar asks.

Tia nods, "I'll use minimum corrosiveness."

"I'm sure Bella would prefer to leave with her skin intact," Eleazar agrees, "As for you, Essa, I'll ask you to expand your wings. I'll practice your other abilities with you individually."

The two girls nod in understanding before facing each other. Nervousness prickles Bella's skin as she lets her silver appendages loose. Tia gawks at Bella's wings, still unused to the sight of them. Once Tia refocuses, she allows a clear colored liquid to coat her skin and fill in the palms of her hand. She raises a hand as if to ask whether Bella is ready. Bella isn't, but she won't reveal her wariness to her opponent.

Tia attacks first, throwing a glob of acid a few inches past Bella's face to distract her before sending a punch to her stomach. Bella doubles over, automatically sending her wing out as a defense mechanism. Thankfully, the power of the extension, coupled with the size of the wing is enough to send Tia flying backward. She lands on her back with an oomph!

"Essa, ten percent!" Eleazar barks.

Bella races over to Tia and holds out a hand while also muttering an apology. Tia laughs it off, but instead of accepting the gesture, she covers Bella's hand in a stinging, sticky substance. Bella pulls back immediately and shakes the liquid off with alarm. The pain isn't unbearable, but it certainly isn't welcome. A flap of her wings takes Bella back a safe, few feet away.

Tia strikes with a vengeance after she makes it back to her feet. Taking joy out of Bella's disgusted expression, she throws several globs of acid at Bella in quick succession. Bella, to her own great surprise, dodges most of them. Less impressively, she's unable to retaliate. The most she manages is to tuck her wings away from the assault, and duck and cover. Even more pathetically, she's quickly out of breath.

"Stop," Bella gasps, "Can we stop?"

"No stopping," Tia says, charging forward.

"I can't breathe," Bella raises a hand, "Hold on."

"You won't get to break in a real fight," Tia shakes her head, and sends a handful of acid, right onto Bella's wing.

The telltale humming of Bella's absorption begins in her ears, as her skin comes alive. Bella starts to panic –Tia has been resorting to throwing acid, but the moment she tries to punch or kick Bella, she'll be at risk for having her ability, and possibly her life, drained from her. Unable to get Tia to stop by simply asking, Bella does the one thing she can think of.

She flies.

One flap of her wings launches her into the air, allowing her to burst past the canopy of leaves above her, and into the cold atmosphere. Gusts of wind and droplets of air hit her face as she propels herself upward, reaching heights she's never experienced before. It occurs to her that this is her first time, possibly in her life, that she's truly flown without restraint. Elated chirping beside her draws her attention to Lua, who is enjoying the flight just as much as she is. Laughs of pure bliss escape from Bella as she registers that she's finally free.

"Muno espera," Charlotte greets Bella as she enters the ballroom.

"Buo sera, Princess," Bella replies in Cullenian, "If I may make a request, I would greatly appreciate it if you spoke to me in Cullenian."

"Your Cullenian is abysmal," Charlotte clucks in Volturian as she begins to stretch, "I'm not entirely sure I have the patience for it. You remember how that went our last lesson?"

Bella keeps her eye-roll to herself, remembering the way Charlotte had nearly fallen on the floor with laughter at Bella's attempt at speaking Cullenian. "I can only get better with practice, Your Highness."

Charlotte sighs as she turns to face Bella. The two have had about five lessons together by now, each of which leave Bella feeling more comfortable with her. She has learned that most of what will come out of Charlotte's mouth will be blunt and honest, as the girl is not one to spare her words. Bella finds it refreshing and practices the same honesty whenever she can. Though Charlotte isn't one for affectionate gestures or words, Bella can tell the Princess is warming to her. This is emphasized by the deal she strikes with Bella.

"I'll speak to you in Cullenian," Charlotte says, "If you call me Charlie."

"Perradonna, Ma'am?" Bella squeaks.

"You heard very well what I said," Charlotte huffs, a telltale sign that she's about to launch into a rant, "If you'd like to be my friend, then I want to drop the irritating formalities. You can't imagine how annoying it is to hear the incessant 'Your Highnesses' and 'Ma'am.' The only time I get a reprieve is when I slum it to speak with Alec, who is like a sprightly calf, and Edward, who I like to compare to a lethargic cat."

Bella can't help the laughs that tumble from her mouth. She is thankful that Carmen ceased to attend their lessons four gatherings ago. Otherwise, Bella wouldn't have the pleasure of hearing the Prince and Crown Prince likened to animals. Bella knows that Charlotte adores her brothers, but there is certainly a lot of sibling banter that goes on between them. Nostalgically, she recalls the times when she and Jane would playfully tease one another.

"You've suddenly stopped laughing," Charlotte asks, "Why?"

Bella sighs, "You remind me of how it was with my sister, Ma'am."

"You have a sister?" Charlotte's eyes widen with interest, "What is her name? How old is she? Where is she now?"

Bella is wary of answering, but she does. "Her name is Elizabeth," Bella says, choosing to use Jane's middle name for security, "She's two years my senior, and … we don't speak anymore, Ma'am."

"That's horrible," Charlotte murmurs, "Alec and Edward are baboons, but I don't wish to part from them. And if you do not heed my wish, I will command it of you, and no longer speak to you in Cullenian."

"Very well," Bella replies, happy that the subject has shifted away from herself, "Charlie."

Charlotte smiles genuinely, "That's more like it."

The lesson passes breezily, and the two young ladies break up their activity with chatter. Though Charlotte has acquiesced to speaking in Cullenian, she makes her annoyance known to Bella by means of rolling her eyes and sighing. Additionally, she criticizes Bella's pronunciations down to the roll of the tongue and the length with which she holds out her consonants. It's daunting to say the least, but Bella admits that it's effective in helping her practice.

The next morning, Bella is so exhausted by her activities that she nearly falls asleep while dusting the columns in the archway. Between cleaning, dance lessons, and combat practice, she only manages about four to five hours of sleep a night. Now, Charlotte has added another task for her to do at noon, and Bella wonders how she'll manage it with her obligations. She's due to dance for the court at night, so she needs to rest at some point.

With large, sweeping motions, Bella attempts to reach the cobwebs that line the upper part of the arch. She stretches, but the ladder she's perched upon only allows her to go so far. After casting a glance down to her left and then her right, she lets the duster float out of her hand, and levitates it to the corner that's out of her reach. She waves her hand back and forth to conduct it, happy that her powers give her such an advantage. Somehow, she even manages to go faster than she had with her own hand and covers an impressive amount of space in her given time.

"I've caught you," Bree snickers.

Surprised by Bree's sudden appearance, Bella loses concentration, and the duster falls to the ground.

"I'm killing two birds with one stone," Bella says, mentally apologizing to Lua for the expression. She'd make sure to take back an extra piece of bread for her pet. "I'm finishing my chores and practicing my control. Eleazar will be pleased."

"Speaking of him," Bree segues, "He's actually the reason I came by. I'm meant to warn you that tonight will be our first battle practice."

Bella gulps, apprehension already filling her. The past week of intense training had taught her things she'd never thought she'd learn, but they certainly hadn't made her an expert fighter. How then, is she meant to make it through a practice with all of the lunellas? Furthermore, Bella has yet to work with Angela and Tyler, so she isn't well acquainted with their abilities. She doesn't like how unpredictable this entire set up feels.

"Hey," Bree calls to get her attention, "You'll be fine. Try and make it to meeting a few minutes early, okay?"

"I'm performing for the court tonight," Bella shakes her head, "But I'll do my best."

Try as she might, Bella can't flush the negative thoughts from her mind. What if she fails miserably? She's only barely managed to scrape by in her one-on-one combats, and she believes it's because her partners are taking it easy on her. Tonight, facing all fourteen lunellas, Bella knows she won't perform well. Sweat slicks her palms at the thought of taking on all of the experienced fighters.

As if Lua could hear her thoughts (sometimes Bella's convinced that she can), she flies to land on Bella's shoulder. Bella regrets that she doesn't get to spend as much time playing or interacting with her shape-shifting sidekick, but the days don't allow for it. At night, when the two reconvene, Lua shows her owner all of her bird-like adventures through a steady stream of images. It's to those images that Bella falls asleep.

She welcomes them now as well, using Lua's bird's eye view of Cullenia to learn the different landmarks while also finishing up her chores in time for her noon meeting with Charlotte. She presses a kiss to Lua before sending her off to explore again, and promises to bring her back a piece of fruit to reward her for her sweetness. The bird chirps happily, a sign that she comprehends the pledge.

When the clock strikes fifteen minutes to noon, Bella scurries down from her place on the ladder and hurriedly stuffs her cleaning supplies back in their rightful places. The bell strikes again fifteen minutes later, just as Bella skids to a halt in front of Charlotte.

"Your Highnesses, Sola Carmen," Bella greets formally with a curtsey, noticing that Carmen, Alec, and Edward are present nearby.

"Greetings, Bella," Alec waves. Edward smiles in acknowledgment while Carmen ignores her.

To Bella's surprise, Charlotte sticks out her hand expectantly, waiting for Bella to supply her arm. Bella cooperates and allows the Princess to lead her away from the amused and confused glances of the surrounding people.

"I've nothing of great importance to tell you, I just like to see Carmen look horribly put out," Charlotte admits, "Let's take a lap."

Bella can't help but snicker, "Very well, Charlie. In the meantime, might I ask why I've been called to attendance?"

"Every other day, during my lessons, Edward sits outside my classroom and reads whichever boring scroll makes its way across his desk," Charlotte begins, "I figured that he might as well make himself useful and teach you the language you're so keen on learning."

Bella stops in her tracks, "You asked him to do what?"

"Not so formal now, are we?" Charlotte says smugly, "My brother will teach you Cullenian. Then you'll, at least, sound intelligible when we speak-,"

"I can't have the Crown Prince teaching me Cullenian," Bella whisper-shouts, "It's completely beneath his standing. There's no way he would agree to such a thing."

"Of course, he hasn't agreed to it, he doesn't even know of it as yet," Charlotte chuckles evilly, right as they approach where Edward, Alec, and Carmen are waiting, "Edward, dear?"

"Oh no," Alec whistles, "Anything that follows Charlie saying, 'Edward, dear,' never ends well."

Charlotte ignores Alec to turn to her other brother, "You would deem yourself well versed in Cullenian grammar and origin, would you not?"

"I suppose," Edward answers warily.

"Then might you impart this great knowledge to my dear Bella?"

Charlotte bats her eyelashes, a move Bella has never witnessed from her. It's actually, dare she say, endearing. "It would make me very happy."

"I stand corrected," Alec says, "The request seems to be a pleasure."

Bella blushes at all the attention directed at her. Standing by the door to Charlotte's classroom and absorbing the whole encounter is a fuming Carmen. Bella knows the handmaiden is enraged by the way Bella has infiltrated the lives of the royals, specifically, the way Bella has gotten into Charlotte's good graces. Bella tries to ignore her presence, but Carmen can't contain herself.

"Your Highnesses, my sincerest apologies," Carmen seethes, "I'll see to it that this brazen girl beremoved from your presence. She has no sense to realize how audacious it is to ask of your time."

"Carmen, do you think I'm an idiot?" Charlotte asks her voice even.

"Of course not, Your Highness," Carmen rushes, "I merely thought-,"

"That's where you went wrong. You're not here to think, and you're certainly not here to think for me. If I ask Prince Edward something, my request is between my person and his person," Charlotte says calmly.

"M-my sincerest apologies, Ma'am," Carmen whispers, filled with embarrassment.

"See to it that this doesn't happen again. Wait for me in my classroom," Charlotte dismisses her before turning to Edward, "You'll do this favor for me?"

"Anything for you, dear sister," Edward nods, "You'd best be starting your lesson now before the maestro chastises you."

"He wouldn't dare," Charlotte sniffs as she stalks off. Alec gives an amused snicker as he nods his head in farewell, and leaves in the opposite direction.

Bella is left alone with the Crown Prince, a fiery blush resting on her cheeks. Unsure of what she should do, she dips into a curtsey and waits for an order to come from him. About a minute passes, and as her knees quiver, she becomes annoyed with the man. What could he possibly be waiting for to address her? What if he's left? Perhaps he's found Charlotte's request so absurd that he simply walked away. Bella couldn't blame him, but this doesn't mean she isn't irritated. Even though it's incredibly disrespectful to look up from a curtsey, she flickers her glance upwards to see whether Edward is still present. Indeed, he is still there. The only change in his position has been the arching of his right eyebrow, and the quirk of his mouth.

"I knew you wouldn't be able to resist looking up," Edward says, amusement present in his voice, "Though there's something to be said for your endurance."

"If it is that my lowered position pleases you, then I seek to remind you that I'm a servant in your court. You need not lower me further, Prince Edward," Bella grits.

"It is you who chose to curtsey, Bella," Edward reminds her.

Bella takes that as permission to stand and straighten. Her knees are sore from exertion, and her ego is admittedly bruised. Discomfort could make one do odd things.

"Very well then," Edward says, "Shall we get started with our lesson?"

Bella nods timidly and walks over to where Edward has taken a seat on a bench in an archway. He leans back against the brick wall, putting himself in a stance that surprises Bella. She did not expect him to look so relaxed around her, especially when her own rigid form betrays her discomfort. The lesson starts with Bella rehearsing the Cullenian alphabet, only stumbling on two letters. Edward pushes them forward, going into everyday phrases. As they speak, Bella's impediment with pronouncing 'r's and 'l's becomes much more apparent.

"Repeat after me," Edward instructs, "Le tima vo he ti lo vi, lo ino ria."

"The last time I saw you," Bella repeats in Cullenian, "I was … what does 'ria' mean?"

"Drunk," Edward supplies.

"The last time I saw you I-," Bella begins to repeat until she realizes exactly what it is the Prince wants her to say. Her cheeks turn an incredible variation of pink. She clears her throat, and finishes safely, "had the pleasure of your company."

"While I'm flattered, you needn't be ashamed of enjoying spirits," Edward winks, "I myself partake in them from time to time."

"If I may be honest with you, that was my first time," Bella says, almost too quietly for Edward to hear; embarrassment has dampened her voice.

Edward raises his eyebrows; "You hold your liquor well then. My first time was certainly not as dignifying as your own."

"At what age did you first drink?" Bella asks, too curious to consider whether the question was appropriate or not.

"It was about ten years ago," Edward surmises, "So I must have been sixteen."

Bella's eyes widen slightly, "You're six years my senior?"

Edward smirks, "This surprises you?"

"Your age fits your appearance, but I hadn't thought the difference between our ages to be so large," Bella admits.

"You've thought about our age difference? What else do you think of between us?" Edward asks with a grin.

With inflamed cheeks, Bella realizes what she's implied. She knows very well that she has spent many of her nights thinking of the Crown Prince, but she'd never intended to inform him of this.

Bella had thought she had been mortified upon realizing that she had interacted with him while drunk, but the feeling that overwhelms her now is enough for her to wish that the earth spontaneously swallowed her. If only she could sprout her wings and fly back to the Pylae. Obviously, being imprisoned in a cage for twelve years wasn't conducive to molding a socially fluent person, but Bella never thought she'd be so painfully awkward. The only thing that stops her from completely fleeing the scene is Charlotte as she exits her classroom.

"Has your Cullenian improved?" Charlotte asks upon meeting Edward and Bella, "I surely hope so."

Bella holds the urge to roll her eyes, "I hope so as well, Ma'am. And I thank you kindly for your time and efforts, Sir."

"It was a pleasure," Edward nods as he stands.

"Bella, you are dismissed," Charlotte tells her, "I'll be seeing you the day after tomorrow around this same time."

"Enjoy the rest of your day, Your Highnesses," Bella smiles as she dips into a curtsey.

Once the two royalties have left the premises, Bella returns to her work. Thankfully, she only has to assist Claire in the kitchen with a few loads of dishes before she can escape to her room. Lying on her pallet, she hopes that sleep will soon consume her. If she's lost to a world of unconsciousness, she can't feel the anxiety that overwhelms her at the prospect of fighting tonight. When sleep seems evasive, she focuses on things that lighten her spirit to counteract her nervousness.

The last thing she thinks of before drifting into her nap is the smile on the face of the Crown Prince.

~pigeon~

The air is biting as Bella makes her way through the woods. She has to travel further tonight since she's meeting the rest of the lunellas at the clearing, and the harsh wind makes the walk less pleasant than usual. Her heart's position in her throat makes it difficult for her to steady her breath, and she wonders if she'll even make it to the fighting ground. She attempts to restore warmth to her skin by vigorously rubbing her arms, but the effort is futile. Bella can already tell the night is going to be horrible.

She is two minutes away from her destination when she's suddenly thrown off her feet. A high frequency piercing sound rings in her ears, causing such an intense pain that she is unable to gather her bearings. Immediately, she transforms. Her wings burst from her skin and spread to their full span to shield herself while she manages to shift to a kneeling position. She's barely able to get a foot up when another blast levels her.

Her control slowly begins to slip away.

You are going to fight … Jane's words sound in her head as encouragement.

Bella pushes herself to her feet, quicker this time. She scans the forest around her and tries to locate her attacker, or rather, where Lucy is. Of course, the training exercise wouldn't start as expected. Eleazar had apparently decided that catching Bella by surprise was the most efficient method. While she could admit the technique had its merits, Bella knew that she'd already lost a lot of ground having been caught off guard. She has immediately become unsure of herself.

The sound of chirping alerts Bella of Lua's arrival. The small bird flies to her owner, lands briefly on her right shoulder, and then heads off towards the east direction of the forest. Lua's flight circuit, combined with the image of Lucy she imparts in Bella's mind, signals where the attacker is located. Bella spins to her right and soon sees Lucy lingering behind a tree. She focuses on the form of the tall, lithe girl, and then sends her flying backward into a tree.

Bella can admit she feels a certain satisfaction from doing this.

The feeling is short-lived. Bella has barely finished thwarting Lucy's attack when Huilen rises out of the ground before her. The momentum behind his fist as he sends it into her stomach has her staggering back. Even though Bella wastes no time launching herself forward to retaliate, she simply passes through Huilen's material-less form. The kick he lands to her torso knocks her back to the ground she's becoming quite acquainted with. Thankfully, the next blow he delivers strikes against the strong bones of her wings. It hurts, but not as much as a hit directed at her skin. The blow also serves to remind her that she has appendages that grant her flight. Without a second thought, Bella launches herself into the sky.

From her vantage point, she realizes that if she catches Huilen off guard, he won't be able to immaterialize quickly enough for her attacks. Several large stones that Bella spots on the ground provide for ammunition. One by one, she launches the rocks, pummeling him from all directions. The first few assaults catch him off guard, but by the time the fifth one is thrown, he's once again immaterialized. Dread fills Bella as she realizes she'll need to try another tactic to face him. But what can she do?

The decision is taken from her when Angela uses her extended jumping abilities to tackle Bella out of the sky. As if their collision to the ground isn't enough to resonate through Bella's entire skeletal frame, the punch Angela immediately directs to her face have her bones rattling. The assault doesn't stop there. Angela exchanges with Makenna, who creates a fiery inferno around her. Bella can barely see, let alone breathe.

Bella knows that this is just an exercise, but when her next opponent comes, she doesn't know how she'll survive the encounter. Her body feels heavy as if it's moments away from shutting down. The clouded form of her next attacker lingers above her, and to Bella's great surprise, offers their hand.

"Take my hand, Bella," Bree says.

"Bree," Bella croaks. She wants to lift her arm to accept the gesture but doesn't have the strength. Realizing how banged up Bella is, Bree bends her tall frame to link an arm under Bella's shoulders and assists the limp girl to her feet.

"What are you doing?" Eleazar appears from behind the tree line, "We aren't finished."

"We're done here," Bree says to Eleazar in a firm voice.

"How can she possibly learn if she's always running away?" he prods. "We'll know her true abilities when she's been fully tested."

"We cannot expect her to learn in a month what we've learned in years," Bree defends, "She's obviously not ready. Look at her, she can't even stand!"

"Then let her learn-,"

As if there are hands inside her body wringing her lungs between burly fists, Bella's chest constricts. An odd gurgling sound spouts from her mouth followed by a stream of blood.

Impossible to voice without air her words die in her throat. Obstructed breaths escape her, but they are almost pointless since she's receiving no oxygen. Bella closes her eyes to steady the spinning world around her. She thinks the action will be short lived, but she doesn't open her eyes for the rest of the night.


Terminology

Port Anchelus, Sattle, and Was Inchus –communities primarily populated by moonchildren. Located in Cullenia

Calo –kick [Cullenian]

Puo –punch [Cullenian]

Atro –duck [Cullenian]

Muno espera –Good evening [Volturian]

Buo sera –Good evening [Cullenian]

Perradonna –Excuse me [Cullenian]

Le tima vo he ti lo vi, lo ino ria –The last time I saw you, I was drunk. [Cullenian]


"But he who dares not grasp the thorn should never crave the rose." -Anne Brontë

~CH