A/N: Sorry for the delay. The holiday season is hectic for everyone. I hope you enjoy this chapter.

Esme POV

He's clever.

The recent attack on Camelot left everyone shaken and disturbed. King Arthur ordered extra security and that the women must be escorted at all times. He has extra protection for himself, Guinevere and Alice. He has ordered the Knights to a combat workshop to tighten their skills. Since Camelot has been peaceful for so long, several of the Knights have become lax in their practice. The King said this is a perfect time for a refresher.

Edward was looking forward to this combat workshop. He and Lancelot were organizing it and they had some pretty insane obstacles for the Knights to complete. Neither of them would be excluded from completing it either. They said that they can't allow their brothers-in-arms to go through a rigorous training and them not. That's why I love my son; he's selfless through and through.

I do hope that the workshop will help the Knights. They have not been in battle for awhile now and I know they're itching for a fight. Passive Knights seems to go against the grain. They were trained for battle and battle is what they know. They know how to fight, but also how to protect and keep the peace. They also know how to treat a woman, Edward especially.

I sighed. I made sure my son knew growing up that women are to be cherished. I did not want him to think we were made to sit and look pretty. Oh no. We were fierce when we needed to be and should be respected as such. I made sure to instill these values into him so that when the right woman comes along, he will treat her as well as Guinevere. Maybe even better.

Unless HE ruins it.

I know the attack was orchestrated by him. He wasn't there, conveniently, but the whole thing reeked of him. And ever since my latest vision, it does not surprise me that this attack happened.

Closing my eyes, I saw the vision as though it was the first time. He is growing tired of being stagnant. He wants some action. He doesn't quite have the army he needs for full battle, but he does have some men willing to scale the walls of Camelot and take hostages. He orders them to only scare the citizens…this time.

"There will be others," he said with a smirk. His black eyes glowed menacingly. With that, his men departed. They were not wearing the customary mark telling people where they are from. This was on purpose for safety reasons. He does not want to make himself known as a threat right now. He is biding his time.

I saw him watch his men as they departed, then he turned to Jane, one of his whores. He said something to her and then dragged her by her hair to his chambers.

Thank God I did not see anything further than that.

A noise jolted me out of the vision. My eyes flew open and I immediately stood up. Reaching for the dagger sitting beside me, I heard a thump and then nothing. Moving like a ghost, I approached the noise.

Is it him? Or one of his men? Did he figure it out?

A man was standing in the other room, clearly looking to rob the place. I stepped out of the shadows and announced my presence. He swung around, dropping the china dish he was holding. It shattered into a million pieces once it hit the floor and the sound echoed throughout the house.

"Well now," the man said smiling, "I did not think to find you here. Boss will be quite pleased. He thought that this place belonged to Esme Cullen."

I drew in a breath. "How do you know it doesn't?" I asked, my voice low. My golden eyes had darkened and I was getting ready to drive the dagger into his heart.

He looked confused. "If it belongs to Esme Cullen, what are you doing here?"

"That is no business of yours."

During our exchange, I had approached him. He seemed to finally realize it and took a step back. "What do you want with Esme?" I asked.

"Boss wants her. He thought she would be good insurance so that her son doesn't try something stupid."

So he's after Edward! But does he KNOW?

"Why?" My voice had become almost a whisper and my eyes had darkened to a deep bronze by that time. He noticed that I meant business.

"He didn't say. Boss gives me orders and I follow them, no questions asked." I had backed him up against a wall by now. He glanced down at the dagger and swallowed.

"I will let you go if you promise to deliver a message to your boss," I said. He nodded. "Tell him Esme knows who he is and she will expose him if she has to. Tell him that I am not afraid of him, only what he is capable of. Tell him that Edward will be the one who survives."

He nodded again, slower this time. I stepped back, keeping the dagger in plain view and let him pass. He walked to the door and turned around. "How do you know this?" he asked. His eyes told me he was genuinely curious.

Silly man.

I just smiled. "Call it women's intuition. Now get out of here." He turned quickly and ran to his horse, jumping on it and galloping away.

I brought a hand to my face and stroked my cheek. He's getting closer to finding out the truth. I've made no secret that my identity as Esme is Edward's mother, but what if he figures out the rest? He is a smart man. I know Edward can handle himself and as long as I have the opportunity to warn him, he will be okay. But what about HER?

I collapsed on the ground at the thought of my daughter. I saw her beautiful blue eyes and her smile. Both were given to her by her father. I saw the laughter die in her throat as a sword pierced her porcelain skin.

"Carlisle," I said quietly. "I don't know what to do. Our children are in trouble. He is figuring it out. I am worried that they won't see it until it's too late, until he is strong enough to destroy them both."

I looked up towards the Heavens. "Should I tell Edward? Warn him so that he's prepared? You know that he's hot-headed at times. What if he goes seeking him? Then he'll surely lose. And so will his sister. He will take joy in killing her, after raping her of course. Please, my love, what do I do?"

As I sat there, I felt a warm breeze wash over me. It smelled of Carlisle and I knew he was present. I closed my eyes and inhaled deeply. "Yes. I understand. And I agree. He is protected right now. As long as his cousin doesn't realize the blood relation, he is actually safe. To him, he is just an enemy, not a threat. I will sit back and watch for now. Thank you. I love you."

The breeze washed over me once more before drifting away. I opened my eyes and stood up. Turning and heading back into the house, I threw the dagger on the side table and went to the bedroom.

Looks like I'll be showing up to court sooner than expected.

I opened the second closet, the one I used when showing my real face. Esme wasn't nearly as fancy as I was so most of her clothes were pretty, but not extravagant. I liked extravagant. Carlisle always bought me the finest fabrics for my dresses. He wanted me to feel beautiful all the time. I fingered a blue and silver dress, one of my favorites, and pulled it out slowly. It made my golden eyes glow and fit like a glove. I tossed it on the bed and walked to the dresser, opening my jewelry box and pulling out a sterling silver locket. It held two pictures, one of each of my children. Edward has never seen me wear it, well, never seen Esme wear it. I've worn it plenty of time in front of him in my true face. He has never put two-and-two together.

And I hope he never does.

I knew that he would hate me, no matter the reason why. He will assume that I didn't trust him enough to know the truth. I have pictured this conversation more times than I can count; one thing you worry about when lying to your son his entire life. I tell him the truth and he starts getting angry, saying that I've always "babied" him and never trusted him to make his own decisions. He tells me to stay out of his life and then finds his cousin, revealing the truth to him. So fast he doesn't have time to react, he pulls his sword and slices his head off. Blood sprays everywhere and he grins maliciously. Then he turns and runs to her room.

I shook my head. "I've got to see what I can do."

I dressed quickly, examining myself in the mirror when completed. I had added white stockings and silver shoes to accessorize my dress. I took my blond hair and pulled it into a tight bun, adding a blue barrette to accent it. I smiled at my refection.

Even after all these years, I still look the same.

Carlisle knew about me, knew what I was and loved me regardless. He said that it didn't matter; he would love me for eternity. I wanted him to be like me, but he refused. He said "God has a specific plan for me and when it is done, He can have me." I've often wondered why I was chosen to be different, why I was chosen for this life. Why me and not someone else? Then I decided that He had a plan for me…one I didn't understand.

I understood it now.

I walked out of the bedroom and picked up my little silver purse on the front table. The intruder had not seen it due to his fear of my dagger. I wondered why he didn't draw his sword when he saw me. Not that it would have done any good, nicked me at the most, but still. Was he so frightened he forgot? Or was he ordered to capture, not kill?

Shaking my head, I closed the front door behind me and locked it up. Generally I didn't have to, but after everything I wasn't taking a chance. Who's to say he wouldn't be back? If so, I at least want some advanced warning. Although my visions were a blessing, they were not always accurate.

That's why I hope he won't figure it out.

Walking around to the stable, I stopped and picked some roses. They were beautiful this time of year and I knew she would like them. She was always so appreciative of gifts, even though she was in a position of power now. Once, in a vision, Edward gave her a clay box to put her secret treasures in. She has cherished that box and uses it every day.

I approached my horse, Carmen, and smiled when she saw me. She stomped her hoof, clearly happy to be in my presence. I opened her door and fed her some apples that were nearby.

"Ready for a ride to Camelot?" I asked. She snorted in response. I quickly placed her saddle on and cinched her up, adding her bridle and adjusting it for my fingers. I walked her out to the path, tying the flowers to a part of the saddle and then hopped on.

Giving her a gentle kick with my heels, she started walking at a leisurely pace. I was trying to decide to what to tell people when I arrived there. Since I was not called to court today, people would wonder about my appearance. Even a simple visit is questioned now. That's how it should be.

People who recognized me nodded when I came into view. A few saw me and ran. I chuckled to myself. Did they really think I would hurt them? My powers are not used for evil.

You should worry about the future of Camelot. If it falls, so do all of us.

Carmen whinnied lightly as Camelot came into view. I pat her neck gently and blew her a kiss. She increased her speed slightly.

I saw a young man peeking out of the window, one I had not seen before. He had dishwater blond hair and brown eyes. He was lean and lank and seemed confused as to who I was.

The guard at the main door saw me and waved me on. I smiled at him and Carmen pushed forth, entering into the garden quickly. Two men approached to help with my descent.

"Ma'am," one said with a big smile. He held his hand out and I gave him mine. His placed his other hand on my waist to pull me down. The other man took Carmen's reigns and pet her muzzle. I instructed who the flowers should be given to. He clicked his heels together and nodded.

After I found my footing, I thanked the men and continued into the castle. I knew that Carmen would be safe with them. My shoes made a light tapping noise as I crossed to the Great Hall. I was looking for the Round Table.

Pushing a huge door open, I entered the room and immediately found Edward's eyes. He looked confused, wondering why I was there, as was everyone else.

The King rose from his seat and approached quickly. I curtsied and he took my hand. "To what do we owe the pleasure of this unexpected visit?"

I smiled weakly. "I am so sorry to disturb you, your Highness, but I wanted to see how your hunt for the castle's attacker was going?"

There was a murmur from the Knights at my words. King Arthur smiled and squeezed my hand. "We are making progress." He turned and looked at his men for confirmation. "Edward and Lancelot are almost finished with the workshop we have scheduled for next week. No one will get through us then," he said with a laugh.

I leaned over to him to whisper in his ear. The Knights closest to him immediately reached for their swords. He gestured it was okay. Although I was welcomed at court, it was not my normal behavior.

"I have a feeling the man behind this is already here," I whispered to him. I saw his jaw set and eyes tighten. "He sent one of his men to Esme's home to abduct her as insurance against Edward. This man knows too much."

King Arthur pulled away slightly and looked at me. His eyes told me he believed every word. "I can't say more without exposing everything," I said, keeping my voice low. "But please know that he is watching."

He nodded. "Thank you for your information. I will make sure Camelot is under watch. Do you suggest extra protection for Edward and Esme?"

I shook my head. "They can handle themselves right now. The man responsible is not strong enough yet. He is biding his time and enjoying the panic he is causing us."

"Sir?" Edward asked. We turned to look at him. "Is there something we should know?"

As the King began to reassure his men, my eyes fell on the man sitting next to Edward. He was looking back at me, the wheels going around in his head, trying to figure out who I am.

I held his gaze. I was never one to back down. Besides, even if he did try something, he would lose.

His eyes were a dark blue. I couldn't tell if it was because of the lighting in the room or if he was nervous. He was contemplating something when his head tilted to the side.

Edward choked on his water and coughed, snapping the man out of his gaze. He slapped Edward's back to make sure he was okay. Edward gestured he was and thanked him.

"I must go, your Highness," I said quickly. "I have things to do."

"Of course," King Arthur said kindly. I curtsied and spun around for the door, briefly meeting the man's eyes as I turned. This time they were hard and cold.

After I left the room, I shuddered. It was worse than I thought. He will know everything. He might have figured it out now if he overheard my conversation. He couldn't have, though. The King and I were speaking too low for him to hear.

I quickly walked across the corridor. I could still feel his eyes on me. I turned the corner and came face-to-face with him.

How did he get out of there so fast?

"Hello," he said lowly. "May I walk you out, your Highness?"

You cannot be harmed. Let him try something.

"O-okay," I said, my voice shaky. He smiled and gestured for me to go ahead. I could hear his footsteps as he fell in line beside me.

"What business did you have with the King today?" he asked. I shrugged.

"Just a thought as to who might be behind the break-ins," I said. He grabbed my arm and shoved me against the wall.

Big mistake.

He placed his hand over my mouth and his words were dripping with venom. "If I were you, auntie, I would forget that thought this instant. I wouldn't want to have to harm such a beautiful and sweet woman." His grip on my mouth tightened. His eyes had turned black and were wild with fury. I looked around frantically, wishing someone was around.

"Do. You. Understand. Me?" he asked. I nodded. He released me. I fell flat on my feet and pain shot up them due to the force of the drop.

Bowing, he turned on his heel. "Have a good day, my lady," he sneered. He walked away without a backward glance.

I slowly slid to the floor, shaking uncontrollably. He wouldn't be able to hurt me physically, that I knew, but I still wondered what he was capable of. He is growing smarter and stronger by the second. And he referred to me as his aunt. He's only done that a few times and it was when he wasn't quite so angry. He's different now.

I sat there for awhile before some passing ladies came to assist me. Thanking them, I smoothed my dress and assured them I was okay. I walked out, heading to where they were housing Carmen. My previous plan of seeing my daughter had fled and I had formed a new plan.

Esme needs a vacation.

It was the only way I could observe without being questioned. My disguise will remain at home for the time being. I will send word to Edward that I have gone to London for awhile. It was not uncommon for me to take a trip suddenly. I will send him updates that I'm okay, but other than that, he will not see me. Then I can show my real face and watch him. If he tries anything again, he will know exactly whom he's dealing with.

Auntie.

I hopped on Carmen and rode away without a word. I had to do something. I had to save my son. I had to save Camelot.

A/N: Any guesses as to who Esme is? Or who her nephew is?

Check out my one-shot, now posted on my profile. It's titled Back to December, based on the popular Taylor Swift song. Entry into the Musical Cues contest.

Thanks so much for reading! Review and receive a preview of chapter 12. If I can, I will get it up before Christmas.