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Chapter 14 – Acclimate

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EPOV

"I thought we were going to sleep in my room?"

She smiled sadly, knowingly. "I know you do not wish to stay there."

"Was it that evident?"

She nodded.

I smiled, happy that she still knew me so well. Perhaps too well. It is true that I had no desire to stay in that room, much less be alone in the vast space of it.

Though I was exhausted from the two days past, it was difficult to fall asleep as I had last night. So I simply watched Bella as she slept beside me, becoming more besotted with every breath that escaped her parted lips. How was it that she could hold my attention so thoroughly without even attempting to do so? I allowed my fingers to glide along her cheek, feeling her lean unconsciously into my touch.

"Edward…" She breathed.

"I am here, love." Always…

I traced the outline of her lips, so soft, the top just slightly more ample than the bottom. Watching as she dreamed, seeing the graceful curve of her body at peace. So tranquil in the stillness, while the rain just beyond the windows fell in gentle harmony with the beat of her heart. I could watch her sleep for eternity and imagined that I would never tire of it.

I placed my head lightly on her chest, listening to the gentle pulse that beat just below the surface, giving way to the rhythm that beat as my own, finally surrendering to sleep…

.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.

I awoke slowly, feeling small fingers gently combing through my hair, and when my eyes opened I was met with a sleepy smile and shinning eyes. "Hi," she whispered.

"Hi." This moment was a first. Bella was never awake before me.

She leaned into me, hiding her face in the crook of my neck as she snuggled closer. "I suppose you should be going soon, but I lack the desire to release you yet."

I wrapped her in my arms. "I am at your disposal, Highness. Shall I tell the King you wish to keep me here, or do you desire to tell him?"

I could almost feel her features wrinkle in irritation at my teasing.

"Perhaps I should not have roused you. For it was much more pleasant without your daring wit to occupy me." A sigh. "But, it was either this, or listen to your snoring. I guess I prefer the former."

"Please, stop, before I blush with your kind words." Hushed laughter filled the room.

We laid quietly for a while then, enjoying the moment together before I had to go—which was all to soon.

"It is still early yet. You need not go so shortly." There was a slight emotion in her voice; if I had not known her so well I might have missed it. Bella was nervous. Her face was still pressed into my shoulder, but I could hear it nonetheless. I could also understand why. Fear.

"I do not wish to leave you. But I must for now." I brought my hand to her cheek, lifting her face to mine. There was uncertainty in her deep, brown eyes. "I will return to you. I promise." Graced with a small smile, I kissed her forehead in farewell.

Thus, I returned to my chamber, dressed and rode to the barracks—on my newly appointed stallion, Masen—that were located half an hour east of the main palace.

The day was slightly warm, though clouds swathe the sky in gloomy shades of gray. I hoped that Bella would be content in my absence. Her strength had always been one of her most prominent features, and yet in my stupidity I had nearly shattered both of our resolves… Bella's trust in me has diminished, and I needed do everything possible to restore it. I will restore it.

.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.

Approaching the barracks, I spoke with a guard to inform them of my appointment with the General.

"Follow me," he said.

We walked through the training grounds, passing circle after circle of hand-to-hand combat training and fencing practices. Many soldiers surrounded them, no doubt learning others' techniques. The General was at the far end of the field, coaching and watching a particular match with great attention.

The guard leading me stepped forward and spoke in General Whitlock's ear, no doubt speaking of my presence. Sir Thomas turned toward me then, smiling kindly. "Edward, my boy! You have made it at last. Come and watch."

Sitting at his side, I observed the two men in the ring. They were in close quarter training, each possessing a short blade, moving with quick, lithe actions. As I watched, I recognized one of the men as the blond soldier I had seen around the palace as of late.

Jasper. I believe that was his name.

He was clearly the more skilled of the two, making several advances on his opponent with near deadly accuracy. Weaving in and out, switching from attacker to defender, Jasper seemed to be taunting the other man in his abilities. Finally he seemed to have drawn out the fight long enough and pinned his adversary in seconds, earning a cheer from those who were also spectating.

Sir Thomas introduced me and Captain Jasper Whitlock—his son, apparently—then as student and teacher, making note that he wished for me to begin fencing, hand-to-hand and close combat.

Jasper did not seem to be thrilled with his assignment, but nonetheless agreed to tutor me and we set out to begin drill lessons.

.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.

Hours later and I felt completely exhausted. We had begun, I would say, around seven in the morning, and it was now five in the evening. I would not normally be released so early, but I was sent for by Laurent. Apparently, I needed final fittings before some of my wardrobe would be sufficient. Also, the Princess wished to speak with me.

I smiled.

Once I had the torture of clothing dealt with I made my way to where Bella was, supposedly in the process of…choosing a gown in her room? This I had to see to believe. And yet, even as I entered the room and witnessed various maids presenting her gown after gown, it was still baffling. Yet I smiled in spite of my shock. The ever-present ache in Bella's absence vanished as soon as my eyes found her, sat upon the vanity chair as maids paraded in front of her.

"Bel—Your Highness, you sent for me?"

She looked up, her smile shining brighter than the morning sun. "There you are! Come here."

"And what is all this?" I asked quietly.

"Well, the Queen insists that we have some sort of celebration soon, as to welcome you properly, of course." She rolled her eyes. "Anyhow, we are to attend." She paused. "Together."

Another social evening? "How soon…um, may I ask, Your Highness?"

"Within this month next."

So soon? Had the Queen any idea how fragile her daughter had become in the last few days? Though, I suppose there was something to it, since I had yet to see Bella excited about something such as this. She was even choosing her dress—a task usually left to her mother—Wait. Bella and I were to attend together? As in…together? Was it true? My mind filled with images at the thought. I would be dancing with her and stealing her attention just as I had always wanted. Dreamed. Perhaps it would be a good thing to celebrate after all.

"Ooh, that is lovely!" She must have truly thought so for she abruptly stood, holding the gown around her body. "Perfectly lovely, indeed." A laugh. "Edward, what do you think?"

The dress was an emerald green color, with an embroidered bodice, its straps laying off the shoulder. The skirt was gathered into three layers, the top two lifted, with the fabric at the fold twisted to appear as roses. It was quite attractive.

"It is beautiful." Nearly as beautiful as you.

She blushed from my words, biting into her lip as she returned her attention the gown suddenly, and I noticed that the girls assisting her were tiptoeing around us. Had I said that aloud? I caught the eye of one maid—Angela—and she merely smiled before gathering up some other garment, returning it to the vast wardrobe. Stupid, stupid, stupid!

Clearing her throat, Bella instructed Angela to attend to her dress and to make certain that Laurent had something prepared for me to match it.

"Good. Now that that is settled, would you mind accompanying me in a turn about the palace, Edward? I have been holed up in here all day, it seems."

"Of course." I offered her my arm and we were on our way.

We had reached the upper terrace—one of our favorite hiding places—leaning over the white rail while viewing the distant lights of the city. Bella had not spoken one word. "So… May I inquire as to who you are and what you have done with my best friend?"

She raised an eyebrow. "And what, exactly, do you mean by that?"

"When was the last time your interests included clothes?"

"As of today, when I learned that a certain copper headed gentleman would be in attendance."

"And who would that be?"

She smirked, shaking her head slightly. "Oh Edward. Stop teasing me so. How many times have we wished for this, only to believe it impossible? And now, for some reason everything has fallen into place and I am not going to waste it. Not while I have you back." Brown eyes glistened in the fading sun as she smiled softly. Her fingers intertwined with mine as she stepped forward, resting her head upon my chest. "I missed you today."

"And I, you. Though there was little time for it. Jasper Whitlock shows little mercy."

She smiled. "Jasper?" I did not return it. "Did he assist you?"

"He's to be my tutor, of sorts. Footwork is apparently one of the most important fundamentals in all true fighting." And if it were true, I have no doubt that Jasper's methods would prepare me to single-handedly defeat the whole of the army. Surely it was some form of torturous initiative. And this only the first day. If it did continue, I no doubt would be the most dexterous runner in the whole kingdom. I attempted to defend against the approaching headache.

"Well, he has been groomed for the life of a soldier since childhood. You can trust him."

How would she know? "Oh? Do you?" She stood, watching me with curiosity, not answering. Was there a reason I had seen him with my Bella as of late? "I had not realized you two were so close."

Curiosity crossed her features. "Edward, you are being nonsensical. I have no reason not to trust him, and no, you know that I am close to no one apart from you. What upsets you so?"

"Upset? I am not upset." Or was I?

"Mmm."

"What?"

"Nothing." Bella released my hands, placing hers around my body. In doing so she had instantly calmed me somehow. "Better?" She asked with a slight smirk.

"Yes… Why do you have that look?"

"What look?" Always innocent.

"Never mind it."

There was a charged pause then. Why, I did not know, but Bella's cheeks were becoming quite flushed.

"Tell me what you are thinking."

Lowering her gaze, "Nothing of consequence." A pause. I waited; she was going to tell more than that. "All of a sudden, I… I want to be closer to you… What I mean is that I want to… to… Oh, even I am not sure what I am trying to say."

"Well, I am afraid I do not follow. We cannot be much closer than we are at present."

Another silent moment passed.

"Edward?"

"Yes?"

"Do you ever think…about…kissing me?"

Yes. "Perhaps that is not something we should speak of now." I had truly missed her earlier, and this conversation was not the best if I was to focus on earning Bella's trust back. Stop staring at her lips. "Besides, it is hardly worth the discussion."

She hesitated, and I feared that I knew the reason why. Finally, she spoke. "What happened that night, Edward? Can you remember?" Her voice was soft, concerned.

"Yes. I remember."

"Tell me. Please?"

I did not know how we had come to this, but I supposed that it was best to speak now. So I told her what I could. How I had lost control without any realization. My mind was dark and focused only on her. On making her mine. I shuddered at the thought of what I had done.

She listened quietly, and when I had finished speaking of that horrid night, I realized that I was shaking. She held me to her, then. Bella was comforting me. Running her fingers through my hair she spoke, "If I tell you something, will you listen? Really listen?" I nodded, expecting her to admit that she had been angry or frightened of me.

Wrong on both accounts.

"I… Well, there have been some strange dreams, occurring rather often while I sleep. I had experienced one in particular before your birthday, and I sometimes still dream it." She paused before explaining it with such emotion. Being lost somewhere, a girl named Alice bringing her to find me. I would hold her to me, pleading somehow before I… kissed her.

By then, the whole of her face had become pink with embarrassment. Yet she continued, "…and when the kiss is broken, your eyes…" She stopped.

"My eyes?"

"They change color. Golden yellow, as if the sun itself were staring at me. And I scream, awakening in fright from that gaze."

"Bella, you're trembling."

I was quite alarmed, but she continued on as if I had not spoken. "And when you had kissed me that night, I could feel the change. I never would have believed that it could be possible… There was something different. I knew it was no longer you." She looked up at me, her voice barely a whisper. "I panicked in striking you. And when you opened your eyes, they were not green. They were gold, Edward. Just as in my dream."

I could not comprehend it. She must have been mistaken, the fear causing her to imagine things. Yet, from the way she spoke with such conviction, I had not the nerve to discredit her by any means.

But, what kind of monster was I then?

Suddenly there was another question I wanted to ask, but was not sure I wanted the answer. "What about the night before last? When we…"

"Nothing. Out of the ordinary, I mean. You never lost yourself. Did you?"

"No. I do not believe so. But my confidence is limited now."

"You truly believe me, then?"

"Of course. I admit that I cannot be sure about anything that I remember…" Though her revelations were still unnerving. "Perhaps I am a monster." I suddenly felt disgusted with myself.

"No," Bella said forcefully. She seized my face in both hands, forcing my gaze. "No Edward. You cannot believe that. It is ridiculous to even entertain an idea as such. You are my Edward and there is nothing else."

I took her hands in mine, shaking my head. "Clearly, that is not the situation."

"Perhaps if we found out who your family is, we could—"

"You know I have no desire in doing so, and even then, finding them would no doubt confirm the fact that I am a worthless—"

"Stop. This. Instant." Anger laced her voice now. "You did kiss me, Edward. You did not lose yourself in doing so, and it has not happened again."

"Nor will it ever have reason to."

"What do you mean?"

"That I have no reason to kiss you again, and so I—"

"No reason?" I shook my head, turning away. She would see the lie, otherwise. "None at all?"

"None."

"Look at me and tell me, Edward."

I turned, fully prepared to continue. I had not expected to be so completely entranced by the mere sight of her, flushed cheeks, trembling lips, and bright eyes. I opened my mouth, but there was no sound. I cleared my throat, angrily determined as I leaned toward her.

"There is no cause for me to kiss you, ever again."

"Liar." Undeniably.

The next I knew Bella had wrapped her arms about my neck and lifted up on her toes, thrusting our lips together.

Ecstasy. There was no other word to possibly describe it. Just the taste of her lips, and my mouth watered. The need for her amplified. One hand had claimed her hip as the other sought the exposed flesh of her throat. It felt as if my whole being was consumed by her. I could not even fathom why I had argued against this in any sense. More. I wanted more. Though, air was now becoming a need and I fought with the aversion to releasing her lips. Bella turned to the side, gasping, and I allowed my lips to glide down her jaw, kissing along the length of her neck as I felt her shiver. Her fingers grasp my hair, drawing me closer. She speaks my name and the sound does strange things to my body. My lips return to hers and my mouth waters all over again.

But soon—too soon—we broke away from each other, attempting to focus on the outside world once again.

It is now nearly nightfall, cold as the last fading beams of twilight are nearly extinguished.

No one seems to have noticed our disappearance as I escort Bella to her room. I left her there to quickly change for supper and meet the King and Queen. I was rather thankful that they had not asked me to dine again, as my appetite seemed to be quite satisfied. It was not until hours later that I felt the reality of what had happened. Yet, I had no idea of what the future consequences would be.

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A/N: Happy 2011! Glad to know you're still here! The reviews make me smile so much! Sorry about the delay, I had a surprisingly busy week so that's why this is a bit late. :( Thanks for the push MelkiSihou and Medward gals! Hehe. On a good note, Chapter 15 is already in the works! :) So I'm thinking that will be up most likely Friday. Yay!

Picture of Bella's Green Gown and Edward's horse, Masen on my live journal (link on profile).

Review please?

Oh! And I forgot in the last update that there's a story I wanted to rec:

Origins The Bella Story by MelkiSihou.

Summary: Have you ever wondered why Bella attracted so much trouble, why boys seemed to fall in love with her, or why creatures of myth were drawn to her? Bella soon finds out why she never truly fit in when she learns by accident that she was adopted.

It's only a few chapters in, and for now following canon, but it's definitely one that draws you in with her twist on Bella's back-story. Go give it a read! :)