Cool, an extra long chapter.

XXVI

(BPOV) Morning . . .

I entered the kitchen to find Esme, Rosalie, Alice, and Elizabeth. They were working on making a small breakfast. Alice noticed me and smiled, "Bella!" I was tackled with another hug I was only partly prepared for.

"Um, good morning, Alice," I greeted.

She giggled and Esme patted my shoulder, "You'll get used to her."

Alice laughed again and returned to work. I turned to Esme, "Do you need any help? I've always had some degree of talent with cooking."

"We'd love your help, Isabella," Elizabeth smiled.

"Please call me Bella. Isabella is a little proper for friends."

She softened and nodded. We worked around the kitchen and managed to make what looked like a half-decent meal. The only problem was, we didn't have a decent table. The thing in the kitchen looked it cold collapse under the weight of an apple.

"I know," Elizabeth said, "There's a balcony we could use next to the housing hallways."

"It didn't snow last night," I agreed, "We could probably use one of the spare blankets and have a sort of picnic."

That arrangement made, Esme and Elizabeth sent Alice and I to fetch the blanket and meet them at the balcony. Alice skipped as I walked and I wondered how she could have such energy. Edward said that I would love her.

"Hey Bella?" she suddenly asked.

"Yes?"

She stopped skipping and looked at me. She had a bit of a serious look, "What would you say if I told you that I could see the future?"

I gave her a curious look. She looked at me, intent on an answer. I shrugged, "I guess, I would ask you how."

"You wouldn't be afraid of me? Or denounce me as a witch?"

"Oh." I saw where she was going and smiled, "No. You don't seem like a witch to me and it might be useful to see the future sometimes. I would just ask that you keep anything embarrassing to yourself."

She grinned and gave me another hug, "I just know we'll be great friends Bella!"

I smiled too. One family member down.

(Gillen POV)

The King was still seething. He wasn't too amused about the news of Sir Edward. He was on the verge of sending assassins to go kill him. I stood nervously to the side, watching as he paced about his room.

"Mark my words," he growled, "this is just a start! He'll raise an army there and then send it to kill me."

"Sire," I reasoned, "That would take years. He would have no hope of doing that." I was down to half agreeing with the King. I don't believe Sir Edward would do that but it was the only way for him to listen to me.

He grumbled and continued pacing.

I looked down. I had to find a way to make the happy medium; keeping Sir Edward alive and making the King believe no one would steal his throne. However, another problem was on the horizon. The city was becoming overcrowded. The sixth village fell to the French. Leo had issued troops to the remaining settlements but they held off the invaders for only so long. Lives were still lost.

Then, an idea came to me and I almost laughed at the obvious nature of it. God, how did I not think of this before?

"Sire," I began, "There is another matter in need of your attention."

"What is it?"

"The French, sire. They're continuing to destroy your settlements and we cannot house the survivors in the city anymore. We have no room. The people here can see that and are near the point of rebellion. We need to find another place that can house them. Some place that is fortified and has many homes and a leader who can hold back the French."

He growled deeply and shot me a look of hatred, "You want me to send them to Cullen's port-city."

"Technically sire, it's still your port-city and this could make a ceasefire. Sir Edward would have no reason to take your throne if he's already ruling a city and you could always know where he is so you could watch for an attack." I silently apologized to Sir Edward for saying that.

The King considered this, then gave a reluctant sigh of defeat, "Very well. Send a rider to the port-city."

(BPOV)

We found a blanket and spread it out over the balcony stone. There was only a light layer of frost so there was little dampness. Plus, a stone railing blocked a good deal of wind when you sit down. Elizabeth and Esme placed the food out (which was only some cooked vegetables, bread, and cheese) and we sat down to eat. Rosalie bid an exit and left. I had a feeling it had to do with me.

"Bella," Alice smiled, "Do you love Edward?"

I coughed on some water, "W-What?!"

"Do you love Edward?"

I blushed madly, "Well, I-um-I-I'm, uh-"

Esme laughed, "Let's change the question. Do you like Edward?"

I felt embarrassed about saying anything in front of Edward's mothers but something told me the question wasn't going away anytime soon. I heaved a breath, "Yes, I like Edward."

Alice squealed with delight, "What do you like about him?"

"Well," I shifted, "he's sweet; kind; he protects me; makes me feel safe . . . and he's the only one so far that has tried to make me fall for him. Not just get me into his bed as fast as he can."

Elizabeth smiled, "That's what his father did when we first met." She sighed distantly, "He was protective too. One of his fellow knights tried to lure me on a walk that I didn't want to go on. He appeared and practically growled to get him away from me."

"Edward did that too! A guy named Mike tried to get me on a horseback ride after I told him I didn't want to go. I swear, Edward would've drawn his sword on him if he had it with him."

They chuckled and we continued eating in silence. Then, I looked at Alice, "What do you like about Jasper, Alice?"

"Yes Alice," Esme smiled, "What doyou like about that Whitlock boy?"

She blushed, "He makes me happy."

"I think it's more than that," Elizabeth smiled.

She blushed a little more, "Well, he always makes me laugh; he never tries to get me out of my clothes; and he's strong. After those Englishmen killed his family, he didn't cry. I could see that he was sad but he didn't turn into a mess."

"That's true," Esme said, "He was very strong about that."

"What happened?" I asked.

"Someone sent assassins to Jasper's and Rosalie's homes," Alice explained, "and they killed everyone. Jasper and Rosalie got away relatively unharmed but no one else from their families did."

"That's so sad," Elizabeth said.

"It happened after Edward was exiled," Esme said, "Carlisle believes Leo sent them."

"Why would he do that?"

"To hurt us. As far as he's concerned; hurting us means hurting Edward."

We all looked down. Leo was weighing heavily on everyone's mind. Who knows what he would do next to get Edward . . .

"Let's not dwell on that," Elizabeth said. She turned to me, "So, how else has my son impressed you?"

I smiled with embarrassment. Two more family members down.

(EPOV) Meanwhile; during repairs . . .

Emmett and I both grunted as we lifted the stone blocks up to Jasper and father. They grabbed them and placed them on the wall to repair the large whole that was made.

I wiped my forehead with my sleeve, "So, how's your uncle Emmett?"

"It's good to know that he's alive," he smiled, "Although, I grieve for my aunt."

"I'm sorry. I didn't wake until the raiders had already gone through most of the village."

"It's alright. I'm just glad she wasn't raped." He heaved another stone chunk up to father.

"So, Edward," Jasper smiled, "I have a question for you."

"Uh, ask away, I guess." I didn't trust the smile he had on.

"Do you love Bella?"

I nearly dropped the stone I had picked up, "What?!"

Father laughed, "I think he does. The way he described how beautiful she was on the way here was quite a thing to hear."

I felt myself redden a little and Jasper and Emmett laughed. I scowled. I had to get Jasper back for that, "What about you Jasper? I don't think I need to ask if you love my sister."

He tripped and Emmett started roaring with laughter.

Still, I was impatient, "Well?"

He sighed, "Fine! I love Alice."

"What do you love about her?" I lifted another block up, grinning at my triumph.

He got a distant expression, "She funny; carefree; not to mention beautiful."

"What about you Edward?" Emmett asked, "I didn't quite catch all of what you told your father."

"What's there not to love? Bella's beautiful; sincere; kind; and intelligent. She came up with the disguise idea when we heard of your capture."

"Your turn Emmett," smiled my father, "What about young Rosalie intrigues you?"

"Lots of things."

"Really?" I smiled, "By the looks you've been giving her, I'd say it was her beauty."

"Not just that! She's also cunning and-"

"Looks like a siren?" Jasper quipped.

"Shut up!"

We laughed and continued working. I had to admit, though, I wasn't entirely sure what about Bella held me captive the most. I mean, she was everything and more. It seemed as though Jasper and Emmett felt the same way, although none of us would say that out loud.

Carlisle came up, "Need any help?"

"We could use another hand," Jasper agreed.

"And I could use another to help me bring out the true feelings of these boys. So far, we've discovered that Edward loves Bella for her beauty and intelligence; Jasper thinks Alice is carefree and beautiful; and, apparently Rosalie is a siren."

Carlisle laughed as we uttered weak protests.

"Edward, why did your father have to say that?" Emmett whined.

"He speaks his mind," I shrugged, "Always has, always will. You get used to it."

Father chuckled.

"Here's something to think of boys," Carlisle grinned, "What do the girls think of you?"

We all stopped and looked at him, looks of horror on our faces. Father burst out laughing, "Well done, Carlisle! Couldn't have done it better myself."

We shakily continued working. Father and Carlisle had broad grins on their faces because Emmett, Jasper, and myself didn't talk. We were too worried about what was said.

I bit my lip. What were Bella's thoughts of me? All this time, I just took her blushes and want to sleep in the same bed as me in stride. I never actually wondered if she desired me or was just humoring me and my games.

"I'm sure they like you boys," father suddenly said with a smile.

"He's right," Carlisle agreed, inspecting a rotten wood beam, "They haven't shown any signs that they find you disgusting. Relax."

"Easy for you to say," Emmett growled, "Both of you are married. You know your women like you."

They chuckled and I couldn't hold back a smile. Emmett was right though. Carlisle and father had their women for life. We were still in the open. I knew one thing for sure though; my heart belonged to Bella. She was the only one for me.

(Gillen POV) Some time later . . .

"The port-city is nearly a five days ride, sire," I said, "and, with the French attacks, we can't spare anyone to ride to the port-city."

"What do you suggest then?" he growled.

I thought for a moment, "What if I ride to the port-city? I've had some skill in combat. I could make it."

He growled lowly, "Very well. Saddle up and leave at noon."

I nodded and left.

( Leo POV)

He didn't fool me. My so-called loyal servant had always been on Cullen's side. He probably offered to go to give his king information.

"Well, I'll fix him," I mumbled. I walked to the window and watched as the people moved.

I had to admit though, the population of the port-city was a good one. I didn't have the room to house any more people and the people I had housed were so deep in misery that they were ready to revolt. I've heard their talk. Fleeting sayings like 'Sir Edward wouldn't let this happen' or 'Leo was a fool to exile him.'

I growled, "After this war is over, I'll kill Cullen and his followers. His victory over me will be short-lived."

(Gillen POV)

I mounted my horse and moved out of the stables. I had no doubt that Sir Edward would agree to accept refugees but I wondered how long the King would allow it.

Oh well, I thought, at least, this will give some ease between the King and Sir Edward. I just hope no bloodshed results later. We don't need a three-way war.

I just thought the girls needed some girl time and the guys needed some guy time. Plus, imagining Jasper, Emmett, and Edward worried about what the girls think of them is just a funny mental picture. I wanted to fit it in somehow.

Also, I have some good news. I have finally found a place for a lemon. I'll have it up in a short while, I promise.