Chapter XI

April 6th, 1512

Finally! The day had arrived! The day Edward and I had chosen for our wedding. It'll be held outside, instead of in an austere church.

Aro I, had decided only to come for the reception.

Rosalie and her husband had grudgingly accepted our invitation to the wedding. Edward insisted on her attending the wedding (being his sister and all), and I didn't mind if she didn't want to go. If I told Edward this, he would be unhappy with me. Emmett wasn't pleased with his betrothal with Princess Renata. He had decided not to go.

I was quite upset about it.

Emmett was kind to me whenever I saw him.

It was devastating he couldn't go.

"Don't worry," Edward comforted me. "Emmett will get around it. He's never angry for long. If you really want him to come, you can try and convince Rosalie to help. When he's in his mood swings, Rosalie's one of the only people that can calm him down and make him happy! It isn't your fault. Carlisle wants us happy, and to do that, he had sacrificed Emmett's."

"That's not right," I said quietly. "If Emmett's unhappy to marry Renata, then I'll call off the wedding. It makes me feel guilty when I'm happy and other people aren't. I'm sorry, but I don't want Emmett to marry against his will, while we're happily married. It's not right. You will do anything for me (within reason of course), and my happiness is your happiness. My only wish is for Emmett to attend our joyous occasion as a loving brother. I don't want him to feel forced to come. Please, Edward. Without Emmett, the wedding won't continue anymore."

Edward looked pained.

"What about Aro I?" he asked.

"He can go home," I said calmly.

"Bells! This is the King of Volterra we're talking about! We can't just send him home! We'll be in stocks by the end of the day! We should view it as an honour for the King to attend our wedding! We can't cancel it! Esme and Alice would be devastated!"

"Edward. I refuse to say my wedding vows unless Emmett is happy. Even if Esme and Alice's hard work goes to nothing. I'm sorry."

"It's unfair, Bells."

"I know. I'm truly sorry."

Tears streamed down my cheeks like a waterfall.

"Edward," I said tearfully. "Why are you so perfect?! You're the dream man of every girl! Why?! Why do you have to be wonderful?! There's no one in the world I would marry other than you! Your mission to give me a happy life is so sweet of you! Please! I can't go through with this wedding! I just can't! It makes me feel sick all over!"

"Bells!" said Edward, almost heartbroken.

"Why do you call me that? It's the most charming name anyone gave me. Your voice is the sound of a gentle, flowing melody that'll never end! Edward! Please! Cancel the wedding. Give Esme and Alice the money or something."

"I call you 'Bells' because Jacob polluted the beautiful name of Isabella, and stole the name 'Bella' like a thief in the night. He won't dare take that name I thought up for you! If he does, I'll cut off his tongue before he can call you that!"

"Why can't you and Jacob just live in peace?!"

"A world's never perfect. Everyone has to have an enemy."

"Yours has to be Jacob."

"Unfortunately. I'll go and talk to Emmett."

Edward kissed my forehead and left.

"Bella!" said Alice, arriving at the door. "There you are! I've been looking for you everywhere! Come with me! The seamstresses have finally finished making your dress! It's been months, and they had to keep redoing it because the stitching was crooked and the pearls weren't perfect and so on. If I was a seamstress or dress maker, it would've taken me a couple of weeks at the most! Not bloody two and a half months like those women did!"

"Wait," I said, with a frown. "Two and a half months?"

Ignoring my question, Alice dragged me into a room I haven't been in before.

It was a fairly sized room with plenty of space to walk around. It was quite small for an average noblewoman, but the Cullens never cared about society standards. Today, the bed had been pushed to one side of the room and tables were placed next to one another across it. In the middle of the room, was a large glass mirror, gilded with gold, the reflective surface was dust-less. Staring at it was like staring at a clean, ripple-less pond.

"This is my room," Alice told me. "I moved a couple of furniture around to change it from a bed chamber to a dress chamber fit for a Queen! Look away from the mirror for a second and close your eyes. I want to show you your dress."

With a sigh, I turned around and closed my eyes.

I felt Alice's hands fiddle with my dress and gasped when it fell to the ground.

"Don't be so modest," I heard Alice say. "We're both females."

New, raw material touched my skin, and it felt surprisingly cool and comfortable against my skin. I had thought it would be extremely itchy and uncomfortable, but I must've underestimated Alice's choice of materials and taste.

"Open your eyes," Alice ordered.

I opened my eyes and gasped again.

The dress alone must've costed a fortune! The dress was silver (square-necked) with trumpet sleeves. I looked at the turned-back cuffs, and saw it was a darker shade of silver, lined with fur. The forepart of the dress was lightly patterned and the colour was white, which matched the undersleeves. The square-neck line was seeded with tiny white Diamonds. The lining between the skirt and the bodice was also lined with the same small Diamonds. The materials were rich and fine. The shoes were more expensive. It was made completely from glass and more Diamonds. It had tiny heels (heeled shoes were the newest fashion in Court-according to Alice).

"I can't wear those shoes," I said uncertainly. "For one thing, they're so pretty and fragile. I don't want to crush them accidently on the aisle. It would be such a shame to see the glass shattered on the floor. The King will laugh."

"Don't worry," Alice comforted me. "They won't break."

"How do you know?"

"I made sure it's a tough type of glass that won't crush to pieces."

"Alice, you shouldn't have done all this. It's so costly! How can we pay all of it? I don't think I can pay you back alone-"

"Nonsense! You're my sister now!"

The door opened and Rosalie came in.

"Rosalie!" said Alice cheerfully. "Right on time! Come and help do Bella's hair! You are one of the leading hairstylists in Court! I'm sure you know which hairstyle best suits Bella! I have all the brushes and ribbons and jewels and other accessories on that table over there! Do you want to do Bella's hair instead of the mirror or when she's sitting down?"

"There's no need," I said hastily. "You don't have to do my hair, Rosalie. It isn't right for a Duchess to do the hairstyle of a future Viscountess."

Rosalie swept past me, took off her ermine cloak and handed it to Alice.

"I'll be delighted to do your hair," said Rosalie sweetly.

I had no idea whether she was lying or telling the truth.

"Sit down," said Rosalie, pulling out a chair for me. "Will you be wearing a hood? No. Not many people can still think of your marriage with Jacob legal. It'll be good for you to be presented to the guests as a fresh new bride."

She gently brushed my hair and placed the brush back down. She braided a couple of strands and twisted my hair into a bun.

Rosalie slipped a silver circlet (decorated with Diamonds) into my hair and stood back to admire the

results. She pulled off the two rings on my fingers, and took the bracelet from my wrist. Why's Rosalie taking away all my jewellery? I had thought Edward would appreciate my initiative in choosing a couple of accessories to wear.

"Maybe a necklace?" Alice suggested. "Esme's one?"

"Would she mind?" inquired Rosalie. "It's supposed to be for you…It'll go against traditional vows and everything though."

Normally, the bride's mother hands down her own heirloom necklace to the eldest bride, and other necklaces of lesser value to her younger daughters. In the Cullens' case, Edward, Rosalie and Emmett's mother is dead, and all her jewels were willed to Rosalie on the day of Rosalie's wedding. Having only one daughter, Esme would (in turn), hand all her jewels to Alice when Alice marries. My own mother wouldn't relinquish a single jewel to me on my first wedding with Jacob. None of us had told her that I left him and is remarrying Edward.

She would be utterly furious.

"She won't mind," Alice said brightly. "I'm never getting married."

"You're not?" I said, puzzled.

Alice smiled and pranced off, probably to fetch Esme's necklace.

Now, it was just Rosalie and me.

I looked at myself properly in the mirror.

Rosalie and Alice are fairy godmothers. They had changed me from a poor, abused and traumatised little girl into a beautiful, confident, well-off young woman. If Edward and I made our own wedding arrangements, we probably would've stuffed up the whole thing, and my dress would never be as fancy or fine as this one!

"Rosalie," I said hesitantly. "Why did you do my hair? You're Her Grace, the Duchess of Rochester, and I am only Mistress Isabella Swan. Last time we met (before your wedding), you were rather cold to me. Why the change of affections?"

Rosalie was silent.

Had I offended her in some way?

It wouldn't be the first time…

"You're the first woman Edward truly loved," Rosalie said quietly. "You weren't as evil as I thought you would be, and your fashion sense it terrible! I can't allow Edward to see his bride in such poor quality gowns and a messy hairstyle! Maybe it's something else that helped change my feelings towards you. Can you guess what it is?"

I stared at Rosalie, and the truth dawned on me.

"You're pregnant?" I whispered,.

"Yes!" said Rosalie softly, her eyes full of excitement and happiness I had never seen in her eyes or facial expressions before. "I've seen the physician, and he's confidently assured me that the child will be healthy, and will live! Don't tell the others yet!"

"I won't," I promised her.

Rosalie's with child! This changes everything! She might be nicer to me more often now! I won't have to fear offending her as much as I already do! Royce King II must be overjoyed at the news of his wife carrying his son and heir! Hopefully all goes well and the child survives. Hundreds of questions swarmed my mind, but before I could ask them to Rosalie, Alice skipped into the room, followed by Esme (who was holding a small mahogany box).

"Hello Bella," said Esme warmly.

"Esme!" I said, jumping up.

"Watch it!" snapped Rosalie. "Your circlet isn't perfectly in place yet!"

I hastily sat back down.

"You must be excited," said Esme, opening the box. "You'll be marrying the love of your life. Have you heard the news? I'm sure you're aware that Aro I is bringing a couple of nobles with him for the reception, with you and Edward's permission of course."

I nodded.

"I had a look at the guest list," continued Esme. "Something struck me as odd. Most of the people that

are invited, I know. Are you aware that the Blacks are invited?"

I stared at her in horror.

"How can it be?!" I moaned. "I didn't invite them! Edward didn't either! Please don't tell me that the King had decided to take both William and Jacob as two noblemen part of his retinue! Why would he do such a thing?!"

"He's the King," said Alice sympathetically.

"We'll keep them away from you," Rosalie said decidedly.

"How?" I said miserably. "They're strong and quick."

"Don't be so pessimistic," Rosalie scolded. "I'm the Duchess of Rochester, remember? I have higher status than the Blacks. They'll have to stand aside for me. Royce and I have twenty guards each. I'm sure he wouldn't mind if ten of them are posted near you in the reception. I only need ten. You can have the poison tester with you too. Royce insisted that I take the poison tester with me. He can be so overreacting at times. Don't eat anything without it being tested."

"Why? The reception will be here in the hall! The cooks are people we know! They won't take any bribes from outsiders! They're extremely loyal to you Cullens! I'm sure that all of them won't even listen to the assassins-to-be."

"Just in case. Believe me."

"Why am I being treated as a delicate porcelain doll?"

"EDWARD! GET OUT!" screeched Alice, slamming the door shut. "YOU KNOW THE RULES! YOU CAN'T SEE THE BRIDE UNTIL THE CEREMONY BEGINS! IF I SEE YOU PEEPING AT BELLA THROUGH A CRACK IN THE DOOR, I'LL SWEEP YOU OUT INTO THE COURTYARD WITH A BROOM! DON'T YOU DARE LAUGH! I WILL DO WHAT I SAID I WOULD DO!"

I looked around, but Alice had the door closed already.

It all felt like a dream.

Like all the other women on their wedding days, I was walked to the altar by my father (he was secretly brought here by Jasper without my mother knowing). He was relieved and grateful to the Cullens for saving me from Jacob.

To make matters better, Emmett was here!

It was so perfect to see the four Cullen siblings sitting together in the front row, big smiles and approval on their faces. Carlisle and Esme were next to them, beaming with pride and love. I'm pleased that they'll accept me as a Cullen, not a Black or a Swan. Alice is always friendly towards me, and Rosalie even approved of me becoming Edward's bride!

I was glad that I had the support of every Cullen to marry Edward. I didn't want anyone to be opposed to our union.

Edward was speechless when I reached my destination.

His eyes couldn't move from my dress.

Alice did an excellent job on choosing my dress.

We both faced Bishop Weber.

"Do you, Viscount Edward Cullen of Forks," began Bishop Weber. "Son of His Lordship, the Earl of Olympia, take Mistress Isabella Swan as your lawfully wedded wife through sickness and health till death do your part?"

"I do," said Edward steadily.

"Do you, Mistress Isabella Swan," said the Bishop, watching me like a hawk."Daughter of Sir Charles Swan, take His Lordship, the Viscount of Forks, as your lawfully wedded husband through sickness and health till death do you part?"

"I do," I murmured.

The Bishop looked at both Edward and me.

"With the power invested in me," he announced. "By His Majesty, the King of Volterra, I pronounce you man and wife, Viscount and Viscountess of Forks. Of this union, the Noble Houses of Cullen and Swan are united forever. May your lives be prosperous and joyous. May your union bring forth many fruit to continue the righteous, magnificent line of Cullen-Swan! Viscount Forks, you have waited for this moment; you can kiss the bride!"

Without hesitating, Edward kissed me fully on the lips.

The Cullen siblings cheered, and Edward and I were showered with petals. Edward and I broke apart, and I saw my father's eyes were brimmed with tears and pride. He never had the courage to stand up to my headstrong mother, but thanks to Carlisle and Jasper, my father agreed to attend our wedding to lead me to Edward as what fathers are supposed to have done. I wondered what he'll do now that the ceremony is over.

"Everything alright?" said Edward, smiling contently at me.

"What'll happen to my father?" I said softly.

"What do you mean?"

"Jasper took him here, but I don't think he has the courage to go home and face my mother. My mother will murder him in his sleep or something. I don't want my father to suffer anymore than he did, living with that cruel-hearted mother of mine."

"Don't worry about it. Your father won't have to stay with Renee anymore. Being my father-in-law, he'll always be welcomed at Carlisle Castle as a family member, not a honoured guest. He can stay as long as he wants to, and won't have to pay. He'll rid himself of Renee very soon. I'll tell you about it at a later time. I think for now, we should enjoy ourselves and lead the guests to the hall. Aro I and his nobles will probably be waiting impatiently for us there. You know impatient noblemen these days. Always selfish and never caring for others. Always turning up for the food and treating our houses as if it's their own. Aro I is worse than that. Twice as worse. Your father won't be joining us, for the safety of his life. He'll have a lavish meal prepared for him in his room."

"Oh good."

The two of us embraced and were pelted with more petals.

We smiled at the attendants and walking to the door.

Carlisle and Esme followed us, holding hands. Behind them was Rosalie and Royce II, then Emmett and Jasper. Behind them were the guests. I noticed that Alice had sneaked off somewhere. What struck me odd was why she never went near the Volterran royals or the Court. She was probably the only Cullen I knew that had never set foot there.

"She's gone to show your father his chambers," Edward whispered. "Alice never likes the Court. She prefers the solitude and life away from other noblemen. Don't worry. She'll turn up for the feast. Ready to greet the King?"

I nodded.

We went into the Castle and met Aro I on the way.

"Well," said Aro I slyly. "The newly wedded Viscount and Viscountess of Forks!"

"Your Majesty," said Edward, bowing. "I'm sure you met my wife, Lady Isabella Cullen? You know the other members of the Cullen family. Introductions won't be needed. Ah, have you seen my brother-in-law, His Grace of Rochester?"

Royce stepped forward with Rosalie and bowed.

Rosalie curtsied.

"Ah, Royce," said Aro I dryly. "I see that you've found yourself a beautiful, intelligent wife. You must've been honeymooning in the country for the last couple of weeks. I haven't seen you at Court. Once this wedding is over, you should come back! I miss your company. Take your charming wife with you. The Queen is always in need for new ladies-in-waiting, and I'm sure the Duchess of Rochester will be delighted to serve her."

"It'll be an honour," spoke Rosalie.

Edward frowned slightly when Aro I's eyes lingered a little longer than necessary at Rosalie. I had a nasty gut feeling that serving Queen Sulpicia wasn't the only reason Aro I wanted Rosalie at Court. He could've asked any noblewoman, but he chose her!

"Please come in," said Edward, leading the way into the hall.

Normally, the King would sit at the head of the table (even if he's the guest), but in wedding receptions, even the King himself had to yield precedence at the head of the table to the bridegroom. However, he is given the seat on the right of the bridegroom, and receives the honour of being served first. The Queen would be in the same position. Aro I seemed a little annoyed he wouldn't be seated at the head of the table, but he didn't complain about it.

To my horror, Jacob was in Aro I's immediate retinue.

"My brothers," introduced Aro I. "Princes Caius and Marcus. Their wives are Princesses Athenodora and Didyme. No other introductions are needed."

For a second, I was too terrified to move.

What is Jacob doing here?!

What on earth is Aro I up to?!

Jacob silently sat next to Princess Didyme, while William sat in between Jacob and Prince Marcus. This can't be happening! Why is the King fond of the Blacks? So fond that they were given the right to be in the intimate circle of the royal family, and the permission to sit in between a Royal Prince and Princess! Both Blacks are supposed to sit with the other noblemen!

Edward stood up and clapped his hands.

The doors opened in unison from all sides of the hall, and an army of servants walked in, holding platters of delicious food.

The wedding feast had begun.


Thanks for the reviews! :) My engine had been fully charged by those great reviews! What do you think of the chapter? Will Jacob ruin the wedding feast? The next chapter's on the way!