Chapter 11: Of Hearts and Hope

"And by then, well…all that was left was the current champion to defeat. Many on my team were quite nervous for me, but I wasn't concerned."

Alice rolled her eyes, taking a sip of her water. Esme's eyes grew wide as James spoke, and she watched as her husband leaned forward in interest at yet another one of James' stories.

"Not concerned? But jousting is such a dangerous sport!" Esme breathed, leaning across the table in interest. Carlisle nodded, urging James to continue with yet another one of his mindless, boastful stories. They were eating breakfast with their 'guest', and Alice had no more patience for him on that morning than she had any other morning of his visit. James had been with them for nearly two weeks, and he was growing more and more annoying with each passing second.

If I have to sit through one more story about how great he supposedly is… Alice thought. She began using her spoon to delicately chip at the surface of the hardboiled egg in front of her, earning a stern look from her mother.

With a sigh, she set it down and began to twirl the end of one of her locks of hair. Carlisle gave her a dirty look that said pay attention but quickly looked back at James.

"No, your majesty, I have to respectfully disagree. Jousting is a game of the mind. You see, it has to do with whittling down the self confidence of the opponent. If you can convince the other that you simply have no fear…then, well, your fight is already over before it has begun."

"So, it is a game of minds, then?" the queen asked.

James nodded haughtily. If his nose could get any higher in the air, he'd be looking at the ceiling, she thought.

"Fascinating," the king replied, giving his wife and daughter an amused nod. "What do you think, Alice?"

Alice paused before she spoke, the silence in the breakfast room tangible that morning. James had joined her and her parents for their morning meal once again, and had bored her for almost an hour straight with his bragging.

"I think boys will always play with silly sticks, no matter how old they are, Father."

Carlisle coughed, and her mother's eyes looked like they were going to pop out of her head. "Alice," the queen hissed under her breath, giving her daughter a completely mortified look.

"You asked," she snorted, pursing her lips stubbornly. Carlisle cleared his throat, looking away from his daughter.

"Always a jokester, my youngest," he said politely to James, who simply nodded and stared across the table at her. Alice raised her eyes to meet his icy blue ones, and a chill ran down her spine.

"Some women have no appreciation for…the finer sports, I suppose," James replied coolly, picking up his fork. "However, they are women, so what should we expect?"

The king's eyes widened slightly at James' snide comment, and he responded with a tight smile and said nothing. James sneered across the table at Alice as she took another sip of water. She knew that he was toying with her, and it irritated her down to the bone. With a loud clang, she placed her cup back on the table. They ate the rest of their meal in an uncomfortable silence, and Alice was relieved when it was over.

"I'm finished," the king said, nodding his blonde head at the servant beside him. "Thank you."

"Yes, well….I've certainly had enough," Alice replied sternly at James. She stood up, tossing her long hair over her shoulder.

"Alice, I wish to speak with you in my study," the king said firmly as she was leaving. Turning slightly, she gave him a tight nod and a smile.

"Yes, Father."

Alice followed her father up to his private study, dreading whatever it was he wanted to talk about. The last time they had a discussion there, it hadn't gone well. She knew that the king was displeased she wasn't following in her older sister's footsteps by getting married.

Walking over to the window, she gazed outside and waited as the king settled himself in his chair. He leaned his chin on his fist, a somber expression crossing his face and settling into his features.

"I won't hide the fact that I am disappointed in your…lack of interest in James."

Alice paused, still staring out the stained glass window. Reaching out, she traced her fingertip down the shiny glass, silently reveling in the colors.

"How do you judge a man?" she asked quietly, tearing her eyes away from the pane. She looked at her father, cocking her head to the side slightly.

"I beg your pardon?"

"How do you judge a man and his character, Father?"

Carlisle pondered her question for a moment, clearly confused by his daughter's sudden subject change.

"I suppose I judge him on…many different things."

"Can you judge a man based solely on status alone? What money he has? What power he holds in his grasp?" She turned to stare out the window again.

"I suppose not. I would also examine his character."

Alice sighed, turning to look at him again. "Would you?"

Carlisle frowned, pursing his lips. "What is this about, Alice? Is this about your brother?"

"No, Father…this isn't about Edward."

"Then what is the meaning of all this?"

She walked to his desk and stood before it, looking down at him. "I know why James is here."

"Is that so?"

"Yes," she whispered.

"Can you blame a father for wanting to make a smart match for his beloved, young daughter?"

"No."

"Well then?" the king asked expectantly. His face softened when the princess' obvious distaste was shown on her features. "Alice, we've been over this time and time again. You've become a beautiful woman, and…I want to make sure you are taken cared of before I grow old. I'm young and able now, but…but what will come of you when I'm not here to look after you?"

"Why do you speak of me like I'm a mindless piece of cattle and not a woman able to make her own choices?" she snapped. His eyebrows shot up to his forehead, and she dipped her head.

"I'm sorry for…raising my voice. Forgive me. I just…I want you to trust me to make decisions on my own. I don't wish for you to play matchmaker."

"It's not my wish, dear Alice. I need to. You've shown that you cannot make the decision for yourself. You're of proper age to pick a suitor and at least plan to be married. You're a woman now, and people are starting to talk."

"Then let them talk!"

"I cannot do that! You are a royal and with that privilege has certain obligations! You have to set a good example for the people of this kingdom and show them that you are capable of making good decisions; otherwise, we might as well be mindless cattle! How would it look on me if I didn't match up my daughter properly? The kingdom would doubt me as a leader and a decision maker if I let you run off and marry just anyone!"

"Just anyone? What does that mean?" she asked. Jasper's face instantly flashed in front of her mind. Would he qualify as 'just anyone' in her father's mind?

"Alice…I thought James was a good match for you. He's intelligent, and he's from a good family…"

"We don't know that!"

Carlisle gave her a petulant look. "Alice…please don't doubt my ability to choose only the best for you."

"The best?"

"Of course."

She felt her heart sink in her chest. Her father would barely let her speak, much less plead Jasper's case. If he wouldn't even let her pick her own potential suitor, how on earth would things with Jasper work out? From her view now, everything looked completely hopeless. She felt absolutely insane for even thinking that her father would yield to her wishes. Wrapping her arms around her middle, she swallowed the disappointment that had formed a lump in her throat.

"I want to choose for myself, Father. Why can't you see that?"

"Alice…you're my daughter. I'm your father. Trust me to choose for you. Did I not choose a match that made your sister quite happy?"

"You didn't pick for Rosalie…she fell in love with Emmett at first sight, and you know that she did."

"I still knew that she would. When I saw Emmett for the first time, my heart knew that he would be able to make my Rose happy. Alice…please trust me. I love you, my child…with all of my heart. Don't you think I would pick someone perfect for you?"

She looked down at him, frowning darkly. "Why is the choice not my own?"

"You won't even give James a chance?" He sighed, shaking his head. "Such a stubborn girl. You always were such a determined little thing."

Alice whirled around, her face aghast. "You can't really be serious about James, Father. He's…ugly, he's just—"

"Just what?" the king asked in a frazzled tone. His normally soft brown eyes were wild and enraged, and she knew she was on his last string of patience.

"All wrong!"

"Then who is right? Tell me now, Alice, or I swear I will lose my mind!"

The princess closed her mouth before she said the wrong thing. "I don't know."

Carlisle pounded his fist down on his desk. "Then what do you suggest I do?"

"Give me time," she pleaded softly. He stared at her, visibly deep in thought.

She was silent as she stared back at her father. He took a deep breath, rubbing his creased, worried looking forehead.

"You are…free to go," the king said quietly. Alice gave him one last look before turning and leaving.

x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x

"He wants me to choose," Alice replied softly, stroking the horse's muzzle. Jasper watched her quietly, not speaking. "He expects me to choose a husband like a farmer would a chicken at the market."

"I take it this is one instance you are not up for shopping?" Jasper replied smoothly. Alice shot him a dark look.

"I'm sorry, Alice," he chuckled, bumping her shoulder.

They were sitting on the low hanging branch of their oak tree later that night, enjoying the summer air. When he had thrown a rock at her window, she had raced down to meet him in the garden in their usual spot. His horse, Arroch, munched on the grass near their feet as they sat next to each other.

Alice leaned against Jasper's side, her head fitting perfectly into the crook of his neck. Jasper frowned, looking down at her sad face.

"You're really upset by this, aren't you?"

"And you're not?" she asked, picking up her head.

"I told you…" he murmured softly. "I never wanted to get used to something I knew I couldn't ever really have."

"But don't you see, Jasper. You do have me." She grabbed his hand, placing it on the soft skin of her chest. Jasper's eyes looked down at where the top of her breasts peeked out of her dress just above where she had pressed his hand. "Do you feel that? The way it beats? Jasper…my heart beats for only you. Even if someone else is to come barging in and try to marry me…you would still have the most important part of me. You'd still have my heart."

He nodded, leaning over to kiss her forehead. "Yes, but is that enough? This isn't much of a life. Sneaking out, running around in the dark, sitting in trees…"

She gave an exasperated sigh and shoved him away, jumping down from the branch. The crisp, green grass crunched under her feet as she walked a few paces away.

"What are you staring at?" he asked, walking up behind her.

"That," she muttered, pointing to the castle in the distance. "Sometimes I just wish I could…run away from it all."

His eyebrow twitched. "I think someone might notice your absence, my dear."

"Stop," she chided him. "I think about running away all the time," she insisted stubbornly.

"So stubborn….They'd find you before you made it to the next town," he chuckled. "You can't run away, Alice. You're the princess."

"Don't remind me."

"I won't then. But running away isn't the answer, not by a long shot."

"I know I can't…but that doesn't mean I don't want to."

"Where? Where would you run to?"

She turned around to face him, placing her hands on his chest. "Anywhere. As long as you were there…I'd go anywhere."

"Anywhere?" he asked hopefully. He grasped her hands in his, holding them against his chest as he tried to control the dreamy look in his eye.

"Yes, anywhere," she pleaded. "I've already thought about it. We could run away, just the two of us…well, three maybe, with Arroch…and we'd run into the mountains and just live there for always. We wouldn't need anything…"

He raised an eyebrow again. "There isn't much for marketplaces in the mountains, or…so I've heard."

"Jasper!" she hissed, her green eyes widening. He smiled sadly. "I would do anything to be with you. Why can't you see that?"

"I would do the same, Alice," he replied. Raising her hands up, he kissed them both and held them against him again.

"Then don't make me stay here…with him. Don't make me go back to where they won't even let me be a free person, Jasper. Let's run away!"

Jasper gazed down at her, running a hand down the side of her face. "It isn't that easy."

x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x

The next morning, Alice awoke in a rare, foul mood. The sky was cloudy and looked like it was threatening with a summer storm.

Good, she thought. It would match her mood that day.

"If you sat still, I would be able to finish this faster," Victoria muttered, yanking slightly on the long strand of Alice's hair. She pursed her lips as she braided the sides of the princess' lengthy hair away from her face.

"You don't have to talk to me like I'm a child. I'm not that young," Alice replied sourly, glaring up at Victoria in the mirror. She watched as her lady in waiting paused a moment, her icy blue eyes flashing with anger.

"Your actions speak differently," she replied in a low voice. Alice frowned and whirled around in her chair as Victoria turned away.

"What is that supposed to mean?"

Her lady in waiting picked up Alice's dressing robe and began folding it up, tossing it on the end of her bed.

"You treat your status as a joke. Do you think it's funny to toy with your father so? Defy him?"

"You don't know what you're talking about," Alice replied, turning back around. She continued to watch Victoria in the mirror, and she could tell by her choppy, angry looking movements that she had more to say.

"Someone in his own family disrespecting his orders shows his weakness."

"That's a lie!" Alice snapped.

"Well, then why do you disobey him? He wishes for you to marry James. You're the only one who is left to rule after he is gone. Why do you deny your father his only wish?"

"He's not going to die tomorrow," Alice muttered, picking up the silver comb in front of her. She yanked it through the ends of her long hair, wincing at the snarls.

"One should hope not. Yet time and time again you go against his wishes for you to court James, who is a perfectly smart match for you."

"I'm starting to notice a trend lately. Everyone thinks they know what's best for me, when really they don't."

Victoria was silent. "If you don't do what your father asks, there will be consequences."

"Is that a threat?" Alice demanded, whirling around again.

Victoria turned and walked to the door, her hand resting on the brass handle. "No, Alice, not a threat…a promise."

With a loud clank of the door, she disappeared into the hallway. Annoyed, Alice turned around and stared at herself in the mirror. That had not gone well. What did Victoria mean?

x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x

Alice opened the door to the great hall where her family had their evening dinner. She was happy to see that it was empty still, as she was early for dinner. She had spent most of the rainy day curled up in Angela's study, pretending to read her philosophy assignment. In reality, a book of romantic sonnets had sat nestled in the pages all afternoon, captivating her far more than any dusty, old philosophy book ever could. All she could do between verses was think of Jasper—what was he doing at that exact moment? Who was he with? Was he thinking of her?

All afternoon, thoughts of him had flooded her mind. She knew she should be weaning herself from thoughts of him, but yet the more she tried, the harder it became. It was looking more and more as though her father would make her marry someone he chose. It was becoming clearer that the choice would not be hers. Her head told her to distance herself from Jasper; perhaps if she didn't let herself think of him, then her heart wouldn't miss him as much when she ultimately had to give him up. But how could she deny what she felt in her heart? Even though she dared not utter the words to him, she knew she loved Jasper. Though her mind screamed in fear at the thought of love, her heart rejoiced.

She did love him.

The heels of her shoes echoed on the marble floor of the dining hall as she walked. The evening sky was dark except for the occasional flashes of lightning of the summer thunderstorm outside. Looking up, she watched the flashes of light as they lit up the colorful, stained glass windows of the hall. The beautiful works of glass art told the stories of the kings and queens before her time, and she had always admired them.

Alice stopped in front of the glass mural that depicted her grandfather – the king before Carlisle. The people in the kingdom still spoke of his greatness, and she knew her father wanted to eventually die with the same amount of honor.

She chewed her lip as she thought about the possibility of giving into his wishes as Victoria said. Could she really forget about her feelings for Jasper and marry James, just to fulfill an obligation? Her heart panged at the mere thought. But what if she didn't? Could they make her do it? Images of herself in a white, beaded gown being dragged down the aisle of the castle's great hall filled her mind. People whispered and pointed as she dug her heels into the red carpet of the aisle. Shackles that were welded to the floor of the altar were clamped around her ankles as her wrist was also cuffed to James. James and his sniveling, sneering face, she shivered at the thought.

"Waiting for me?"

James' voice made her jump. Spinning on her heel, the princess came face to face with the subject of her unpleasant thoughts.

"Hardly," she replied, walking past him. He nodded cockily, clasping his hands behind his back. Alice put on her best bored expression and rolled her eyes.

"This game we play…"

"What game?" she countered back.

"This game where…you pretend like you loathe my being here…"

"Who said it was a game?"

James smiled menacingly, clenching his chiseled jaw. "It's always a game. And you're lucky, Alice, because…I love games. And I always win at them."

"Who said it was a competition?"

He sneered at her. "Every ounce of resistance…every dirty look…every grimace at my name…it all just fuels me. Believe me, Alice, this is a game. And like I said…I always win."

She pursed her lips and stared him down, unblinking. Normally, it didn't bother her to not be addressed correctly; she could care less if people knew she was royalty. However, the haughty way he had said her name without her title in front of it made her seethe. He smiled again in the way that made her sick to her stomach. He was so sure of himself—so arrogant. It made her want to wretch.

She walked around to the other side of the long dining table so that they were on opposite sides. Suddenly, she wanted to distance herself from the vile man her father wanted her to marry.

"As self assured as you are, Sir James, that we will might be married someday…we are not on level planes yet. I am royalty, and you will address me as so."

He gave her another cocky smile and narrowed his eyes at her. "Oh we will be married…you wait and see. Your father adores me, and I have him wrapped around my finger. It couldn't have been easier. He wants to see his little daughter married off."

"He would never betray me like that. I don't believe you. And why should I? He's my father!"

"Okay. You don't have to believe me. Just wait for his official announcement."

"You're lying."

"Want to bet?"

She fumed silently, trying her best to keep a stone face. She couldn't let him know how upset she was.

"Your father is just waiting for the perfect time to announce our upcoming nuptials. You were a fun conquest, and as great as it is playing the happy visitor here, I can hardly wait to make things more…official," he replied.

"You wouldn't dare. You're a complete bore, not to mention narcissistic and completely full of yourself. I'd rather go to gallows than marry you."

James smiled evilly, cocking his head to the side. "But then you'd leave me to rule the kingdom all by myself? Wouldn't want that, would you?"

"You're a rat," she whispered reverently, shaking her head at him. She had had a feeling that James was a selfish, full of himself jerk, but she had no idea he was so completely evil and conniving. He chuckled, clearly amused at her name calling.

"I'd join you for dinner, but…I have some planning to do," he replied, walking around to where she stood.

"I hope you rot," she spat.

"See you on our wedding day," he hissed in her ear.

He strode from the room, leaving her with her jaw hanging open.

x-x-x-x-x-x-x-xx

The next day was still rainy, and again Alice was content with the gloomy weather. After seeing James before dinner, she had been close to angry tears all evening, and had barely slept a wink. At the first trace of sunlight, she had dressed herself and hurried down to the chapel.

Kneeling on the stone steps to the altar, she took a deep breath. The scented candles that lined the aisle of the small chapel were soothing to her; they gave her a small trace of peace as she sat, deep in thought.

Where are Rose and Edward when I need them the most?

Surely Rosalie or Edward could help her talk some sense into their father. Rosalie always had the king wrapped around her finger; but would she be able to help her out of a situation like this?

With a sigh, she stood up and left as quietly as she had come. Glancing out the windows at the gloomy sky and rain, she wandered the corridors for awhile, listlessly walking past room after room. Her heart ached every time she saw something that reminded her of Jasper. She wanted to see him horribly bad, but didn't know how to get in touch with him.

Before she realized what she was doing, she opened the glass doors to the patio behind the castle and found herself walking into the rain. It felt cold on her skin at first. Looking up at the cloudy sky, she let the droplets of cool water fall on her cheeks. It felt good to let the rain slide down her skin—almost cleansing. Walking slowly, she let the bottom of her dress get soaked in the damp grass. Soon, she found herself at the ancient oak tree where she had met Jasper so many times. The tree was so large and full of leaves that she could barely feel any of the rain, so she paused for a moment, leaning against the rough bark. Running her hand along the uneven surface, she gazed at the knotty looking bark. The tree was old and covered in moss and vines, and had probably been there longer than the castle. The advisors that had helped the queen plan the garden had called it an eyesore; sitting on the edge of the gardens, it drew the eye away from the center fountain and broke the symmetry of the garden. However, the queen had appreciated the artistic way the old branches wound and dipped that she had forbid anyone from ever cutting it down.

Spying the place where she and Jasper usually sat on the low branch, she smiled. Closing her eyes, she leaned against the tree and imagined Jasper's lips on her own. What she wouldn't give to have him here now; she longed to feel him next to her.

A lone tear slid down her damp cheek, and she hastily wiped it away. Missing Jasper wouldn't make her life any easier; she would only have to give him up. But could her heart survive without the thought of him in it? The pang in her chest told her no.

Blinking the tears away, she wiped her eyes and grasped the side of the tree. Something made a noise. Looking up in surprise, she blinked again and tried to focus. It was a piece of parchment stuck in one of the knots of the bark.

Reaching her hand up, she snatched the paper and unrolled it. There, on the parchment, was a message written in surprisingly elegant script.

Thinking of you and your beautiful face, as I always am. Wishing you were here to make me smile, as you always do.

Yours,

J

A quiet but happy sob escaped before she could clamp her hand over her mouth. Clutching the note to her chest, she slid slowly down the tree until she was on the ground.

And then, Alice cried.

x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x

After composing herself, Alice rolled up the note and stuck it in her corset. She silently vowed to keep that piece of parchment and read it only on her darkest days. Something told her she had quite a few of those coming up.

Slowly, she trudged up towards the castle and only paused when she saw movement in the glass greenhouse on the other side of the garden. Poking her head inside, her mood improved slightly when she saw her mother in there, watering her plants.

"Hi," she said sadly, shuffling inside. Closing the glass doors behind her, she walked over to where the queen was watering her exotic plants.

"Such a sad face…" Esme noticed, clicking her tongue. Her mother's warm, brown eyes swam with concern as she put the watering pail down.

Alice nodded and bit back more tears. She did not want to cry again for the second time that day.

"You've not been yourself lately, Alice."

Alice looked away; she didn't want to meet her mother's gaze. Sometimes her comforting eyes could pry secrets from her.

"Is it just James? Or is it something else?"

She shrugged, walking around the long, wooden table where Esme's rare, fragile flowers were kept. Reaching out, she gently touched the petals of an orchid. It reminded her of the way Jasper touched her.

"I don't want to marry him, Mother."

Her mother's face instantly softened. "I know you don't, dear."

"Then do something about it!" Alice said suddenly, slamming her tiny fist down on the table. Esme jumped; her brown eyes instantly wide.

"Alice," she said in a shocked tone.

"I'm sorry," the princess replied softly, dipping her head. She hadn't meant to yell at her mother like a petulant, little child, but her emotions were quickly getting the better of her. "I can't marry that man, Mother."

The queen watched as her saddened daughter stared at the dirt floor of the greenhouse.

"You're an adult now, Alice. Sometimes…that comes with obligations. We learn to do what's best for not only us, but for the others around us."

"How do you know? How does Father know that this is what's best for me? He couldn't possibly know that!"

Esme nodded, walking slowly over to her daughter. "He only wants to make sure you're matched with someone he feels will take over for him. Edward is…gone, and Rosalie has her own home now. Whoever you marry will be king, Alice. He can't leave his kingdom in jeopardy."

"So let me choose my own husband! He is always telling me what a bright girl I am! How smart! So why can't I choose for myself?"

"Love might come in time."

Alice fumed. "You and I both know that won't happen, Mother."

Esme pursed her lips, turning away. She stared at the elegant white orchid in front of her, her tongue wetting her lips.

"You know, this flower…I thought it was dead this spring. It was withering in the greenhouse…no matter what I did, it just kept getting worse and worse. I doted over it…and it never got better."

"What does a flower have to do with me?" Alice snapped.

The queen gave her daughter a pointed look that clearly told her to close her mouth, which she did.

"I thought it was dead, so I put the pot and the flower behind the greenhouse to deal with later. I left it out in the elements, which I would have thought too hard on it. But lo and behold…I found it earlier this summer and it had blossomed. It was healthier than before."

Alice tried to resist rolling her eyes. "Your point is?"

Esme smiled, patting her arm. "It had to be exposed to something rough and out of its comfort zone to really bloom and show its strength and beauty."

Alice softened when she realized her mother was talking about her.

"You're a strong girl, Alice. You'll figure this out. Maybe this is what you need to prove yourself and shine. In the meantime…you leave your old father to me."

x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x

Esme kept her promise. That night, Alice listened from the other side of the door as her mother begged and pleaded her case to the king. But he was relentless. James came from a strong background of noble leaders, he argued with the queen. He was the finest suitor he had seen yet for the job.

All hope was truly lost.

The next morning, King Carlisle traveled into the village to stand in the town square, on the top balcony and announce the upcoming nuptials of his daughter, the Princess, and Sir James.

Alice stood emotionless on the balcony beside her mother and father, staring out into the shocked crowd below. The sun nearly blinding her; she could only see the outlines of the people below. Not that it mattered…she was too completely numb to fight back. If this is what her family wanted…refusing seemed hopeless now. Shocked faces gaped back at them as the royal family made the announcement. No one had expected her to marry so soon after her sister; it was evident on the faces of the townspeople.

James walked out onto the balcony slowly, joining his soon to be family. Alice felt her skin crawl as her father introduced him to the kingdom that he would someday rule.

"And it is…with my greatest honor…that I introduce you all…to the man I shall someday call a son…Sir James of Volturi!"

The light of the sunny day shone down on James' shiny, tightly pulled back blonde hair. Alice grimaced and looked away, flinching slightly as her father ceremoniously joined their hands in front of the crowd. The people below gave a few confused, half-hearted cheers at Alice's apparent and very visible disgust. Carlisle and Esme backed up, letting Alice and James take the center of the crowd's attention.

"Smile…wife," James sneered once Carlisle backed away. Alice gave her best attempt at a poker face and stared at him.

"We're not married yet," she whispered, her voice breaking slightly above the noise below.

"Only a few short days. We're to be married on the summer solstice," he replied smoothly, giving the people below a charming, fake smile.

"What a coincidence," she replied. "The longest day of the year."

Alice gazed down at the faces below, trying to focus. It was noon, and the sunlight was blinding. Bowing her head, she tried to get her eyes to recuperate from the brightness. Looking back up, she tried to gauge the looks on their faces. Were they surprised that she was marrying this stranger from the north? Shocked? Scanning their expressions, she could tell that their loyal people were trying to be polite and cheer and clap for her, yet she could see that it was forced.

And then, her eyes began to play tricks on here.

For there, in the crowd, one face stood out. Or was it a mirage? An illusion, brought on to torture her?

Jasper.

Her heart began to pound in her chest.

Her mouth became dry and like sand; she could barely catch her breath.

His piercing, green eyes and soulful face stared back at her from within the crowd, his expression as blank as hers.

x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x

Once they returned back to the castle, she wasted no time separating herself from James. The carriage ride home with just her mother, father, and him had been nearly suffocating. The walls of the tiny carriage felt like they were going to close in on her.

Throwing herself on her bed, she began to let her tears fall freely. How had her life turned into such a nightmare so quickly? It all seemed like a dream—a bad dream.

Sniffing, she gazed out her window and felt her heart split in two pieces. One would always belong to Jasper; the other felt like it had died. She stayed in bed for several days. Victoria came in several times to help her bathe, but every time she tried to sternly coax her out of her room, Alice would wordlessly return to bed. James called for her once, and she had ignored him. Victoria gave her an icy glare as she informed him that she would not be coming out today.

Her mother hovered; Angela begged; and Victoria chastised her.

But Alice refused to move.

"Please come downstairs. You're making us all worry."

Her mother's smooth, normally comforting voice cut her nerves like razors.

"Is Father relenting? Is my wedding still only weeks away?"

The queen was silent as she stroke's her daughter's pale cheek.

"I'll take that as a yes. Just…leave me."

Esme had begged her one last time to leave, but her efforts were fruitless.

Instead, Alice laid curled up on her bed, her arms around her stomach. She felt like she had a gaping hole there, cut by a long blade.

The blade's name is James, she thought bitterly on the fifth day.

Suddenly, the door to her room burst open. Angela, her tutor, stood looking rather panicked in the doorway.

"Come quick!" she gasped.

"What is it?" Alice asked, sitting up swiftly, like a bolt of lightning.

"Just— someone…is here. You have to…come," Angela choked, her usually calm eyes completely wild. Her hands shook as she reached for Alice.

"Angela? Angela, I've never seen you this upset. What is it?" The princess begged and pleaded with her tutor as she was dragged down the dark corridors to the king's study.

"What is it? Please…"

Once they were outside, her frazzled friend turned and spoke in a low voice.

"News of your engagement has traveled quickly. Your brother has come home."

x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x

Jasper sighed, frowning at the unfinished sword that lay across his lap. He was supposed to be thinking of an intricate design to inscribe on the blade, but his mind was a tumbled mess of nothing. It had been one week since the king announced that Alice would marry the stuffy nobleman from the land of Volturi. Just the thought made him seethe with a jealous rage, but what could he do? There was nothing that could be done. Even if he stormed the castle in a love-induced fit, he alone could not take on the guards. But would it be worth it to die at the tip of their blades for Alice? His heart immediately told him yes.

He knew he would die for her. He loved her.

His stomach twisted again at the idea of loving Alice. As right as his heart felt with the idea, his mind fought against it. He loved her with everything in him. But how could he not? Alice was everything that every other girl wasn't. She was funny yet clumsy, witty yet charmingly unworldly, and naïve. There was no denying how deeply he felt for her. But did she feel the same way? Even though they hadn't ever admitted their feelings for each other, he had a feeling he knew how she felt for him. But it didn't make sense; how was it right for her to love him? He was a nobody…just another serf in the crowd. It didn't make sense for them to be in love.

But he knew he did love Alice.

Every fiber of his being loved her. From the moment her hand touched his that first time at the palace…he had known that he was meant to be with her. Warm waves had floated up his arm and straight to his heart. He had never felt that way before; no one had touched his heart the way Alice had his. He had been infatuated with women before, sure. But it had been merely that…infatuation.

But when he had spied Alice at the ball that night…he had fallen in love with the idea of a girl so beautiful it made him ache. Then, he had talked to her…and gotten to know her fiery, spunky personality; he had fallen head over heels for her. She was so unlike anyone he had ever met. He shoved the sword off his lap with a violent motion.

What was he thinking, falling in love with a princess? He felt like punching himself in the face for going and doing something so foolish. And yet, when he thought of never feeling her soft lips against his, her tiny, firm body against his, and her soft curves against his hands…his stomach lurched at the idea of never knowing her touch. Her hands. Her kisses.

If the king found out what he had done with his daughter, he would surely send him straight to the gallows.

Glancing out his window, he saw that the sun had just set. He hadn't seen Alice in over a week, not that he ever expected to see her again. It was hopeless. He was hopelessly in love with a girl he could never, ever, in his wildest dreams have.

All hope was lost.

Suddenly, there was a hard knock on the door. When Jasper made no movement to answer it, the door burst open.

Sitting straight up, his jaw fell open. "Emmett?"

His brawny friend had to duck to get through the doorway of the tiny house Jasper shared with his father. Once inside, his toothy grin lit up the space.

"What are you doing just sitting here?" he boomed.

Jasper frowned at him. "I'm not sure what you're getting at," he replied sadly, standing up to greet his friend.

"Word just made it to my kingdom that your girl is getting married."

Jasper ducked his head shyly, avoiding Emmett's gaze. "She's not my girl."

Emmett chuckled loudly, reaching out to pat his friend on the shoulder. "Listen, brother, the look on your face when you saw Alice at the ball reminded me of…well, when I first saw my Rose. You're not fooling me one bit."

Jasper sighed, brushing past his longtime friend. Normally he would have been excited to see his best friend in the world, but tonight…nothing could lift his sad spirits.

"Don't let this happen." Emmett's strong hand reached out and stopped him, his blue eyes serious.

"What are you talking about?"

"You know what I mean. Don't' let her marry him. When I got the news—no, man…just…no."

"I can't do anything. I'm a serf."

"No! You're an honorable man and my best friend. You're one of the best people I've met, Jasper. Don't let this happen. You deserve to be happy."

"They'll hang me before I reach the front door of that castle."

"Then run away together. I'll help you hide!'

"No—"

"Just think about it! I'll hide you in my kingdom myself!"

"I don't want that life for Alice," Jasper muttered, brushing past him again. He began to pace in front of the fireplace.

"You'll regret this forever."

"But what can I do?" Jasper finally yelled in frustration. He slammed his hands down on the meager, wooden table in front of him, shaking it. Emmett stared at him, unamused.

"If it was Rose…I'd fight. I'd die."

Jasper watched his friend's face and the seriousness of it. He wasn't lying, that much was clear.

"Come on, Jazz…don't be like this, man."

Jasper looked up, meeting Emmett's determined gaze. Soon, his gaze mirrored Emmett's. Sheer determination sizzled through his veins.

"You've talked me into this, and I hope you realize I could be killed."

"Will it be worth it?"

Jasper paused, reaching for his sword. "Is it?" He looked expectantly at Emmett, raising an eyebrow.

"In what sense?"

Jasper chuckled. "You're married, Emmett. You know what I'm asking without asking it. Is it worth it?"

Emmett smiled, his dimples appearing on his mischievous cheeks. "You're asking if the love of a woman is worth dying for?"

Jasper nodded. Emmett chuckled. "Ooooh yeah."

With that, the two men flew out the door of Jasper's tiny house and mounted their horses. They flew through the dark night to the palace, and as nervous as he was, Jasper was glad that he had the support of Emmett with him right then. He knew that he was there tonight because of him.

Once they dismounted and tied the horses in the garden, Emmett paused, crouching down.

"There are guards everywhere. What are we going to do?"

"We have to find a way to get in. Usually Alice meets me out here. She's good at sneaking out. She usually waits until the change over."

"Think if I created a distraction….you could sneak into the cellar?"

"Think?" Jasper asked, giving his friend a crafty wink. "Know."

Emmett chuckled, nodding cockily at him. "You said it, brother. Now go. Make her yours forever."

Separating, Emmett hurried towards the front of the castle as Jasper crept towards the back, closer and closer towards Alice's bedroom window. There was a cellar entrance at the base of the stairs that he knew led up to where her room was. He watched, his eyes straining in the dark. He had to wait for the perfect moment…

"If you value your neck, I suggest you freeze."

A smooth, quiet voice cut through the darkness. Turning his head, he felt the cool tip of a blade pressed against his throat. Jasper's eyes rested on the man in front of him, calmly pressing his sword against his jugular.

"Are you trying to get into the castle?" he asked quietly, narrowing his eyes.

Jasper swallowed. Would he die at the tip of this man's sword? It appeared his moments were limited.

"Tell the truth," the stranger ordered, pressing the sword against his skin harder. Jasper winced, closing his eyes.

"Yes."

The sword dropped instantly, the eyes of his opponent instantly bright with a challenge. He took a battle stance, his sword drawn and ready.

"Then you'll have to earn your way in, my friend, because I don't intend to let you past alive."

Jasper chuckled, pulling his sword out of his belt and mimicking his opponent's stance. Giving him a sly smile, he nodded. "Well, you're in luck then. I've got nothing to lose, and I'd die for what's inside that castle. You're on."

x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x

Oh, game on Jasper! Who do you think his challenger is? Do you think Esme will keep her promise and be able to help Alice? Until next time…

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