a/n: no copyright infringement intended, all recognisable characters belong to S. Meyer.
13
Rose's prediction does in fact come true. Over the next few days whispers seem to increase and really brave members of the court even dare approach Bella in the few seconds Edward is not at her side. Feigning ignorance seems too dangerous, so Bella simply acknowledges the information by saying that the Queen is thrilled to have her full staff back. This seems to work for a while, but when contacts back on Mongrovia are suddenly sending her news clips of journalists saying the peace agreement is days from falling apart because Edward is leaving Bella for Tanya Denali, things have officially gone too far. Bella has to live through a mortifying conversation with her own father where he tries to accuse Bella whilst not doing so openly of some bizarre love triangle that endangers everything they have worked for.
By the time Tanya Denali is confirmed back in the city Bella is so sick of the name she can hardly keep the scowl off her face. Bella's foul mood prevents her from really taking stock of Edward's thoughts on the matter, and she finds herself unable to tell if he is silent because of Bella's behaviour or because of something else. It matters little for the end result, which is the media having a field day, Lord Aro grasping the opportunity to paint Bella and Edward as young, immature fools, and the rebels on Mongrovia starting a campaign where Bella is somehow being mistreated and held against her will; their beloved Princess disrespected and outraged.
On some level, Bella knows that they have to make a statement. A joint statement, her and Edward, to curb the rumours and reiterate that the peace agreement still holds strong and that despite what anyone might hear there is no kidnapping, no mistreatment, no offense – no affair. Sadly, this would involve dealing with the problem and actually discussing it with Edward, which Bella is stubbornly refusing. The whole situation makes her feel like a child again, petulant and angry that a problem that was not hers in the making – a scandal she has nothing to do with – is so severely affecting her reputation and the peace agreement.
She tries, very hard, to not make any judgments about Tanya Denali. She has never met her. Knows nothing of her that she has not heard second-hand, and really, should a person be faulted for at one point having been engaged to the Prince? Unfortunately, logic fails her. She doesn't want to be the mature one. Doesn't want to be the one that has to deal with this. It is his problem. He can deal with it.
With the drama, Bella is more than happy to return to the apartment to hide after lunch as Edward heads to parliament. Bella is now nearing her third trimester and it is starting to affect her body. She feels more cumbersome, less balanced, and physical tiredness is different from that of her early nausea. Therefore, the armchair in her study has become a great place to hide and with only Emmett and Rose in the room, and Kebi stationed outside in the hall, Bella feels almost alone. Even Emmett has taken the hint and lets Bella work quietly.
Her tranquil is interrupted by the computer.
"Princess Isabella speaking." Bella is barely taking her eyes off the document she is reading. It is the latest findings from the scientists with regards to Mongrovia's atmosphere and the scientific jargon is confusing.
"Visitor at the front door without previously agreed security clearance. Lady Tanya Denali, confirmed, without companions, here to see the honourable Prince Edward."
It takes a few seconds for the words to register, but when they do Bella physically looks up as if the lady in question will materialise out of thin air.
Tanya Denali? Here?
"Visitor claims it is urgent."
The computerised voice is loud in the resulting quiet. She must not know Edward is not here, that is the only option.
Then what, Bella asks the computer to tell her to come back at a later time? But she doesn't want her to come back at a later time. She doesn't want to deal with her at all.
"You have to let her in, see what she wants." Rose is on her feet, towering over Bella.
"What? Why? The Prince isn't here."
"And leave her outside? She's not known for taking no for an answer." Rose is in front of Bella, taking her hand and trying to drag her to her feet. "What if someone sees her standing outside? Could you imagine what they can spin from that? The Prince isn't due back for hours."
To add to Bella's growing alarm, Kebi has stuck her head inside, glancing at Bella in question.
"Your Highness? Would you like me to send the lady away?"
As a last resort, Bella looks at Emmett who instantly throws his hands in the air and shakes his head.
"Don't look at me."
In the moment, Bella has to admit that no matter how ridiculous it is, she is terrified of coming face to face with Tanya Denali.
"Lady Tanya Denali is still requesting an audience. Please advise on course of action."
Internally swearing in every language she knows, Bella finally nods.
"Kebi, if you could please show Lady Denali into the parlour. I will be out in a moment. Computer, grant security access to the main doors for a one-time pass to Lady Tanya Denali to be used with Kebi's immediate activation."
As Kebi leaves to go to the front door Bella closes her eyes, taking deep breaths in an attempt to calm herself. It's absurd, this reaction, but after having successfully avoided all images of Tanya Denali, she feels wildly unprepared. She doesn't want to have to stand in the same room as her and be forced to make that mental comparison. Doesn't want to see who Edward would have married if he had the choice.
"What is she doing here?" The words are hissed, anger seemingly the only emotion Bella can settle on. "Does she not see what this looks like? Like they're having an affair in our home? After everything and she can't even show some tact?"
As she opens her eyes again, Rose has moved behind her, fixing strands of hair around her crown. Her voice is as placating as if she was speaking to a rabid animal.
"Greet her, offer her something to drink, find out what she wants, and then send her on her way. And as soon as possible send a communiqué to the Prince notifying him that Lady Denali was here. Is here."
"Don't leave me alone with her." It's a stupid thing to ask, but the words are out before Bella can stop them. Of course she won't be left alone, she has a dedicated security team that shadow her every move.
"Of course we won't. She might be an assassin sent here to kill you." Emmett is looking far too pleased with himself, but scowling at Emmett gives Bella the levity she needs to find composure. After a few seconds she knows she is just delaying the inevitable and motions for the three of them to leave the room.
Emmett walking in front and Rose behind, the walk down the corridor is far too short in Bella's opinion. Before she is anywhere near ready Emmett is giving Bella his hand to help her sit and Rose has sat down in the corner. Despite Emmett's hulking shape to Bella's side, there is nothing stopping Bella from looking at the woman who has been at the forefront of her mind for the past several weeks. Lady Tanya Denali.
Tanya Denali stands not far from the door, Kebi hovering at her elbow, impeccably dressed in a long slim dress, hugging her curves. The material is a deep green, covering and yet somehow provocative. She wears a shawl wrapped around her shoulders, a deep shimmering silver, her tall figure instantly making Bella feel self-conscious of her rounding body.
Bella knows that Tanya Denali is known for being beautiful, but the woman standing before her is nothing short of breath-taking. With clear emerald eyes and perfectly sculped strawberry blonde hair, her lips come together in a round bud, her cheeks a rosy red in contrast to her shimmering skin.
She is Bella's opposite in almost every way.
And yet, there is something off about this woman. This is the woman that has arrived without invitation, almost insisted on entering. So Bella would assume her countenance to be argumentative, proud, stubborn perhaps. The woman standing in her parlour is nothing of the sort. Her shoulders are hunched, her arms wrapped around her middle in a defensive posture, and Tanya Denali's eyes are firmly fixated on Bella's midriff. On Bella's pregnant stomach.
The fight leaves Bella almost instantly. Rose said Tanya Denali has the Sickness. She can't have children.
"Your Royal Highness, let me introduce Lady Tanya Denali." Kebi is the only one that seems to remember protocol, and Lady Denali courtesies with the look of only having done so purely by reflex.
"Your Highness." Lady Denali's voice is high and unsure, a tremor shooting through her body as she forces her arms down at her sides. In that moment, Bella feels nothing but sympathy.
"Please, have a seat. Can I offer you something to drink?" The words sound robotic to Bella's own ears, but at least she said something.
"Ambrís. Please, your Highness." Lady Denali stumbles over to the opposing couch, Edward's seat, and Rose gets up and pours Tanya the very same liquid that Edward had on their wedding night.
Within seconds of the glass touching Lady Denali's hand she places it at her lips and downs the entirety of it, grimacing as she swallows. Her hands tremble around the empty crystal.
Bella shares a look with Rose who is slowly returning to her seat, her face impassive yet intent on Lady Denali.
"To what do I owe the pleasure, Lady Denali? If you are looking for the Prince he is out, at present."
"Yes, I—I realise that. Forgive the intrusion. And the unannounced—visit," Lady Denali stutters, forcing a smile on her face but unable to look Bella in the face for long before once again letting her eyes rest on Bella's stomach. "The pregnancy—looks good on you. Suits you."
The air is thick with everything not said, and with the growing suspicion that Lady Denali isn't exactly sober Bella knows that if she does not move things along they will get nowhere.
Still, how does one reply to that? What does she say? Knowing everything she does?
"Thank you." Bella pauses, shifting in her seat. "If it is the Prince you are looking for, like I said, he is not…here. You are welcome to leave a message or arrange an alternative time to meet him."
"I want to wait for him." The words are rushed, Lady Denali's eyes wide as she stares at Bella. "Please. I insist. I won't be any trouble, or bother anyone. If you just let me—wait here. For him."
Bella finds it difficult to muster any anger toward the desperate woman in front of her. Sadly, she finds herself pitying her. Not a kind emotion, but one she cannot help.
Without looking at Rose, who Bella knows will have a very obvious opinion on the current situation plastered all over her face, Bella reaches for the tablet next to the couch, sending a quick message to Edward.
Urgent but not security related, she labels it. In as few words as possible, Bella types that Lady Denali is currently in their parlour, waiting for him. She would give details, but she honestly has no idea what to say.
"Parliament is in session, but he should not be long." Bella says this without actually having any reassurance of the fact, but she prays she is right. She feels a bit like a secretary. It is an odd feeling.
"Thank you. Your Highness."
Silence settles over the room, Kebi relaxing and going to stand by the front door. Emmett remains at Bella's elbow, and although no one in their right mind would think that Lady Denali is here to harm Bella, there is no denying that the lady in question does not appear fully stable.
"I trust your journey from the south was satisfactory?" Bella is grasping for anything to say, anything to get past this horrible awkwardness.
"Yes, thank you. It was fine. Nothing like some fresh air, you know?" Lady Denali tries to laugh, but it falls flat.
And with that, both women lapse into silence again.
The minutes stretch, and despite Bella trying to come up with something, anything, to say, there seems to be no topic that is safe. Even the mentioning of the foundation would be too close to home. Then again, Lady Denali is back to staring into her empty glass, fingers still shaking as she sits huddled. Bella doubts she would even hear whatever Bella decided to talk about.
It is with great relief that Bella finally hears the front door unlocking twenty agonising minutes later.
Edward walks in, Amun hot on his heels, looking rough. His hair is doing an impression of a haystack and his normally pale face is flushed with agitation. He stops at the mouth of the two couches, his gaze darting between Bella and Lady Denali.
If possible, Lady Denali seems to shrink even more than before, tears appearing in the corners of her almond-shaped eyes as she looks up at her ex-fiancé.
"Wife," Edward greets Bella, still not taking his eyes off Lady Denali.
"Husband. Thank you for coming on such short notice."
"Forgive the delay, Father needed my immediate attention."
"Of course."
Internally, Bella wonders for whom they're observing court etiquette. Tanya Denali certainly has no need for it, and everyone else in the room is well familiar with one another. No matter Bella's confused feelings on the specifics of the relationship between Tanya Denali and Edward, there is no denying that they need to talk. And Bella is more than happy to not be here for that particular conversation.
"If there is nothing else, I will retire to my study, let you have your audience." Bella makes to get up, but Edward's hand on her shoulder stops her.
"Don't be silly, there is no need to move on our account." His voice is gentler, the voice which Bella has come to recognise as one he only uses with her. It is the voice of the man whose child she is carrying.
On the other side, to anyone bothering to look, Tanya Denali's heart is breaking right there on the couch. Maybe she assumes there is more between Edward and Bella than there is.
Pushing those thoughts aside, Bella nods.
"Lady Denali, please if you would follow me to my study?" Without waiting for a reply Edward turns on his heel and walks down his corridor, disappearing from view.
Eyes planted on the floor, Lady Denali stands and slowly follows, her heels clicking on the stone floors. As soon as Bella hears a door closing shut, she exhales, slouching down on the couch.
"Yikes, that was bloody painful."
For once, Bella has to agree with Emmett's assessment. In fact, she is rather determined to spend the next four hours until they have to leave for dinner in her bedroom, not speaking to anyone, but as per usual, Rose disagrees.
"Well?"
"Well, what?" After the half hour she's had, Bella is more than a little hesitant for Rose's meaning. Especially when she is looking at her with that fierce expression.
"Well are you going or am I going?"
"Going?"
"To listen! Don't tell me you're gonna let your husband have a conversation with that skank alone when she's drunk!"
"Of course I am, it's none of my business—Rose, wait!" Rosalie is already halfway to the Prince's corridor and Bella has to scramble up from her couch, shrugging off Emmett's help. "Rosalie!"
She stops, turning to look at Bella with her arms crossed over her chest.
Bella knows that expression. There is no arguing with her. And if Rose goes, she will tell Bella what she heard whether Bella wants to hear it or not. In the interest of limiting the people that know about this very private conversation, Bella rationalises that she has little choice but to go herself. She staunchly disregards the thoughts that tell her she is very much curious for all the wrong reasons, and finally waddles down the hall, ignoring the looks from the three-man security team.
This is wrong, she thinks. She has no right to spy, this is such a personal matter. What if she had the opportunity to speak to Jake? She wouldn't want Edward eavesdropping like a child. Even knowing it is wrong, she still finds herself at the door to the Prince's study, a room Bella has never entered. The door is smooth and cold, the same make as most other doors in the apartment, yet Bella is convinced this one is somehow different.
Hating herself as she does it, Bella leans toward the door, her ear on the polished surface.
Their voices are clear as bells, so simple to hear it's almost laughable.
"What did you expect me to do? You don't reply to any of my communiqués, you refuse to take my calls, even Alice was trying to stop me from seeing you." There is more force in Lady Denali's voice, but the despair lingers.
"I expect you to wait." Bella has never heard such anger in Edward's tone. He barely sounds like himself. Bella isn't sure she likes it. "Do you know what we had to deal with? Everything is falling apart, everything we've worked for. Can't you see that laying low would have been the best option for now? I wasn't ignoring you out of spite."
A few seconds of silence pass, and when Lady Denali speaks her voice is softer.
"Princess Isabella is beautiful."
"Tanya…"
"It's true. Don't deny it. She's more beautiful in person. She almost looks Xepheryan, but with dark hair. You will have a beautiful child. Beautiful children."
Guilt stabs at Bella's heart and although a voice inside her head is screaming at her to walk away, she cannot. She is practically glued to the door.
"The child will be of both moons." Edward's voice has gentled, most of the anger gone. "We are working to fulfil the peace treaty."
"But it's fulfilled no?" Tanya is pleading, her tone insistent. "You married her. She is pregnant. We have peace. This is it, you said so when this all began. You're done, free to be who you want to be again, free to be with whom you want to be again."
"There is still a lot of uncertainty, Tan." Edward sounds tired, exasperated. "My father and I are fighting every day to prevent an uprising and Bella's people are still unsure about our commitment—"
"Bella? She's Bella now?"
"The Princess. My wife. What does it matter what I call her?"
"What matters is that she's giving you an heir! I thought you said that would be it! I could come back and we could be together again!"
"Keep your voice down!" They are silent, the whole world stilling. "I know what I said, Tan, but there's been complications. Things haven't…things aren't like I expected them to be. I have made commitments, promises I intend to keep."
"And what about your promises to me?"
The hush stretches. Even Bella knows that Edward is quiet for too long.
"She is my wife. That might not mean much to a lot of people, but it means something to me." Bella has to strain to hear the words, but when she does she almost loses her grip on the door. He is almost implying…no. It cannot be.
"I was going to be your wife. Remember? You asked me? Proposed to me?" She is crying. Bella can hear it in her voice. She should've never started spying, but it is too late now.
"Tan, you know I do."
"So that's it? After you asked me to wait for you, you're just going to throw it all away because she can give you a child and I can't?"
"It's not about that, you know it's not. It's never been about that—"
"It was to your father! To your mother, even! I am damaged goods. Not whole. I see the way you touch her. Have seen the videos, holding her hand, helping her around. The way you watch her. Your wife and the mother of your child…the same person. It's all you ever wanted."
"It was never like that and you know it." Edward is back to fury, no longer contained in any shape. "When have I ever given you the impression that I care for you less just because you couldn't have children? I was willing to give up everything for you! My family's approval, a true royal heir to the throne, I loved you, damn it. How can you throw this back in my face? After everything?"
Seconds pass. Bella can practically hear Emmett in the parlour with how much she strains her hearing.
"You're in love with her. Aren't you?" Lady Denali's voice is so quiet Bella can barely hear it over the pounding of her own heart.
Edward does not reply.
"You promised me." Bella's ear is fully pressed against the door, all sense of propriety gone. Tanya Denali spits the words, rage lacing every syllable. "You promised me it wouldn't change anything. Told me that even if I couldn't be your wife, you still meant everything you said when you proposed. Promised me you would always love me. Promised me we'd find a way to be together. And like the idiot I am I believed you, trusted you. Trusted that despite stooping to the life of a mistress for the rest of my days it would be worth it because I would have you. Maybe not in public, but I would know where your heart truly lies." She pauses, a sob breaking through that tears at Bella's insides. "How dare you. You're nothing more than a lying snake, you know that? You don't deserve me. You don't deserve the Princess, and you most certainly don't deserve that child she is growing for you, like the good little whore she is."
The sudden clicking of shoes advancing on the door in a hurry sends Bella stumbling backwards, flattening herself against the opposing wall.
There is no hiding. Tanya Denali will come out of that room and know that Bella has heard every word.
Clenching her eyes shut as if to protect herself from physical blow, Bella waits, but there is no further sound.
When Bella dares open her eyes, she realises that the door is not fully open, only ajar. Bella can see Tanya Denali's clenched hand on the handle, but Bella is still hidden.
Bella must have missed a small part of the conversation, because when Tanya's voice floats across the corridor it is almost defeated sounding.
"I could never compete, could I? Who am I compared the humanitarian – the beloved Princess that gave up everything for her people?"
"It's not a competition, Tan." Edward sounds so pitiful it's almost painful to listen to.
"Because there was never any contest. Was there?"
Once again, Edward remains silent.
"Just tell me one thing." Lady Denali chokes out a laugh, sniffling as she takes breath. "Does she love you back? Have you managed to touch the Ice-Princess' heart?"
It is too much. Too much to bear.
As quietly as Bella can, she makes sure to walk on the carpet in her flat shoes as she stumbles back into the parlour. Four sets of eyes are on her but Bella shakes her head, unable to speak.
You're in love with her, aren't you?
Does she love you back?
You promised me.
…like the good little whore she is.
Your wife and the mother of your child…the same person.
She is my wife.
Bella feels dizzy. She has to sit down. Immediately.
In a daze, Bella retakes her earlier vacated seat, grabbing a holo-pad just to have something to do with her hands. She does not notice Rosalie until she is sitting next to her, one hand squeezing her forearm.
"I'll kill him, Bells." Emmett crouches down in front of her, taking Bella's hands in his big ones. "Like the time I punched Jacob in the face because he made you cry? Prince or no Prince, I'll break his nose."
Shaking her head, Bella tries desperately to regain her composure. They don't understand. They must think—they must think—
"No. Don't do anything. Don't say anything. Don't do—anything."
Emmett does not look convinced, but stands up and takes his place behind Bella's seat. Rose remains with her hand on Bella's forearm.
Parts of the conversation keep rolling about in Bella's head. Snap-shots that she is powerless to stop. This wasn't part of the plan. None of this was ever part of the plan.
Footsteps coming down the hall startle Bella to the point of nearly jumping out of her skin, but she is too much of a coward to look up.
"Lady Denali is going to take a few minutes to gather herself in my study. She will depart shortly."
Is this where Bella replies? She is unsure.
"Bella?"
At her name, Bella's head swivels up to stare at Edward, trepidation painted across his features. He looks older. More worn than he ever did previously.
"Of course!" Bella's voice is too loud. She needs to get away. "Actually, I'm going to go—go lie down for a bit. Until dinner. I'm quite tired." With Rosalie's help, Bella stands up. And then, as if her mouth gets a life of its own, she can't stop talking. "I trust the parliamentary session was without incident? Did you discuss the budget as you had intended?"
Edward's brow furrows, his mouth pulling together into a frown.
"Yes, the budget was discussed. They, well, it seemed, before I left, that they are going to agree to divert military funds to rehabilitation efforts."
"Excellent. Good. Great news." Why is she still talking? "Anyway. I will see you, in…well." Ending awkwardly, Bella is sure she looks like a deer caught in the headlights as she turns without a reply and walks down her own corridor, practically falling through her bedroom doors. As soon as they are locked behind her, Bella collapses with her back against the door, the view of her mother's painting enough to send her freefalling.
a/n: I am not trying to create perfect characters. My aim is simply to create characters that make sense. They are flawed, sometimes make mistakes, and most importantly, my aim is to make them human.