Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight or anything associated with it. I only lay claim on my original characters and the plot about the Fey.

AN1: I just finished writing the plan for book 3 which will be 15 chapters and take us up to Chapter 60 - super excited to write it and for you all to read it :)

AN2: Originally the fall and broken foot scene was caused by Ella arguing with a group of thugs at the park but I decided that it didn't fit with her character so I changed it. Tristram needed more screen action anyway

AN3: Getting chapter happy this week, won't be posting another chapter until next week now (because I have to write them.) ~Hannah

Arkyitor's Song - I promise Edward does turn up but not for a while yet. I don't think he deserves to come back now :)

Chapter Thirty-Seven – A Visit to the Fey World

So, having a broken foot sucked balls, at least when your name was Ella Swan. I hated not being in control of my own independence. Don't get me wrong, I was grateful that Rose drove me around and all but between her, Dad's constant hovering and Bella's motherly eyes that followed me everywhere, I was beginning to get cabin fever.

What I wanted was to have a little peace and quiet because I rarely had that in life. Sophie and I had worked together to finish the lyrics for our project song while Marco had grumbled in the corner. My feelings for Marco made little sense to me anymore. There were days when I felt myself spitting fire at what he'd said and done yet there were other days when I couldn't remember anything past gazing up at his face.

My brain told me that nothing was wrong but it didn't stop me from feeling that something was. My heart beat out an unreliable rhythm that reminded me I was only human. Humans were complex, I was complex and I couldn't be expected to remember every moment of my life. At least that's what I told myself when I had a quiet moment. It helped me see things more clearly and forget what was making me fearful.

The little peace and quiet that I'd been searching for wasn't something that was attainable, at least for me. Adrian had been acting shifty since the outing to the theme park, a fact that Bella had talked my ear off about. I could understand her worry for in his shiftiness he'd been spending less time with her and they had been joined to the hip since they started dating. I mean my life was messed up beyond belief but just because Bella was my twin didn't mean she had to suffer her life becoming the same mess.

I would have given Adrian a stern talking to the next time I saw him if it wasn't for Angela and her Mother whisking Bella and I away in the middle of the night.

"Does Dad know you're taking us out after light?" I asked her.

"He understands to an extent but I'm sure I'll be explaining more when I return."

"Where are we going?" asked Bella.

"Don't worry, you'll be perfectly safe."

"Heard that before," I muttered harshly.

We walked in silence after that and I felt mildly guilty for the way I had spoken. What happened to me in the past wasn't the fault of anyone here, I was just bitter and untrusting when it came to my safety now. We walked into a large clearing. The grass was uneven here and bluebells sprung up around the edges. The air was cool and still and the night's moon hovered over us, protecting us with its light.

From out of the shadows stepped Adrian and Tyler. Tyler looked nervous but resigned whereas Adrian looked giddy with the excitement I could see in his eyes.

"What are we all doing here?" asked Bella.

"Yeah, what was the big rush? I didn't even have time to grab a jacket and it's really cold out here."

Adrian looked over the two of us before he turned and bowed towards Angela and her Mother which only served to confused the heck out of me.

"I want to introduce you Bella, to my parents but it must be done in secret because of the unrest in the Fey world. That is why we are meeting in this warded area, Angela and her Mother are going to help us cross over."

"Is it dangerous for us to visit?" I asked.

"Some…because my bond with Bella is not completed yet, harm could come to her but that is why you are here Ella."

"Why?"

"We Fey take bonds very seriously. As you are twins, though not identical, you and your sister share and unbreakable bond. It is a bond that shall not wither or die in time, it is a bond that feeds off love and devotion and it is a bond others will recognise. The power shared between you both will keep Bella safe from harm when we arrive in Fey."

"I understand," I replied.

"I don't. Ella's already hurt and now you want to put her in more danger?!" said Bella.

"It'll be alright I promise Bella," said Adrian, "have I ever lied to you?"

"Not yet."

Adrian raised Bella's hand to his lips and kissed it. I smiled warmly at the couple and stepped closer to them when Adrian motioned for me to do so. I felt Tyler grab one of my hands while Bella took the other. We stood huddled in the centre and waited for the magic to start to work.

Despite the night's sky and the warm moon, the clearing was lit with an unseeing light conjured by Angela's Mother. As Angela circled us in a clockwise direction, her Mother danced around in the opposite. Both were chanting a language I hadn't heard of but it sounded melodic to my ears. Sparks of colour lighted the sky but they disappeared too quickly for me to take much note in them.

The best way I could describe the magic taking hold was like being hit by lightning in the eye of a hurricane. It sounds crazy and impossible but I swear that's what it felt like. One moment all I could see was a blinding white light, a clap of monstrous sound and then silence.

Though no one had told me, I knew it was safe to open my eyes. I blinked a couple of times to get the white light to leave my senses before I looked around in wonder. It was like looking through a kaleidoscope but a thousand times better. The air was warm but not muggy and the sun burned a bright orange. I felt like I was looking through a filter for the colours seemed too bright and impossible for me to understand.

I had shoes on but could feel the softness of the grass below my feet, when I looked up I could see the statuesque trees swaying in the breeze, their blossom wafting around and sending intoxicating smells through my nose. I could hear birds chirping but certainly not any bird call I'd heard at home. There was a stillness and a loudness at the same time. I let go of Bella and Tyler's hands and turned to see what was behind me.

A Castle, intricately build and so futuristic yet mythical looking at the same time. I could see a town, hear the people and just smell another culture waiting to be explored.

I turned to face my sister and took notice of her awed expression. Tyler was laughing at us both by now while Adrian just looked nervous. I suppose he had much to be nervous about, meeting the parents was always a daunting task and he must have been worried about what Bella would think of Fey and how to protect her from the evil that was rising.

"You left all this to come to Forks?" I couldn't help but ask.

"I told him he was crazy," said Tyler.

"I couldn't agree less. I happen to think Fork's gave me the greatest gift of all," said Adrian and I pretended to gag on his soppy words.

"Are we going to stand around here all day or are we going up to the Castle? I assume that's where we are going."

Adrian gazed at me curiously and I matched his gaze with my own raised eyebrow.

"You know Ella, you know too much, sometimes I wish you weren't so observant."

"Guilty."

Adrian took Bella's arm as he set the pace for our group to walk toward the town and the Castle. Tyler followed suit by taking my arm but he did so in a manner that made me unable to not laugh at him. In all honestly, I was grateful he'd taken my arm for I didn't know how the walk there would be for someone with a cast on their foot.

I was very surprised by how quickly we reached the Castle gates. I mean the Castle didn't seem that far away but still longer than the time it took us to walk. Then again, I was gazing at everything we passed, soaking it all up and committing it to memory. Perhaps when I was back in Forks I'd paint some of the landscapes I saw here though I doubted I'd be able to do them any real justice it would be a fun challenge.

"Prince Adrian, Lord Tyler, we did not expect you to be arriving today."

The guards outside the front of the Castle seemed put-out by our sudden arrival. I wasn't too concerned with them however, for I was watching Bella's face very closely. To be involved with a Prince was something most girls only dreamed about and here was dear Bella living it. I wanted to make sure she got everything out of this experience. I also wanted to make sure she didn't faint from all that was being thrown her way.

"There was a change of plans…things have happened."

The guards shared a look that I couldn't decipher before letting us pass. I could hear them talking as we walked and soon there were other guards surrounding us as we moved further into the Castle. Honestly, I was a little scared about the guard presence that had surrounded us so but neither Tyler or Adrian seemed concerned by it so I tried to walk confidently and without letting emotions cloud my face.

We were led through halls that had more glamour and history than any other building I'd seen in my life. It wasn't just the structural difference, there was a uniqueness to everything that I saw and an attention to detail that I hadn't quite expected. The sheer amount of work that must have gone into making this Castle floored me. Everything from the floor to the ceiling had exquisite detailing and I had to wonder about the artists of the Fey world.

I could tell the moment we stepped through the golden doors that we'd arrived at our destination and that we were standing in a room that was not often seen by outsiders. The floor was covered in a thick rug of dark purple. I'd say it was a carpet but it was more than that, shaggier and softer and looked like someone had planted grass inside. Floor to ceiling windows lined the walls, each accompanied by a set of pale blue curtains. Three large pale blue sofas stood proudly in the room and by the fireside stood two pale blue armchairs. From the door, we'd just walked in from the wall held shelf after shelf of books and a large wooden table stood in the centre of the room, papers already covering its surface.

"Adrian darling, you could have warned us you were coming."

"I looked up at the sound of the voice and had I not been accustomed to the beauty of the Cullen's I would have been flawed at who I was looking at now. I could see the resemblance of the woman before me and Adrian and concluded that this must be his Mother, the Queen?

She wore a forest green robe, simple silver jewellery and a matching silver crown lay atop her head. What shocked me the most however, were the pointed tips of her ears that peaked out from her hair. Adrian didn't have pointed ears and had made no reference to them when explaining about the Fey world. I'll admit I was a little disappointed that none of them had wings but I supposed I could live with that. It wasn't exactly like everything you read about Vampires or Witches was real so why should I assume it was so with Fey. Besides, I was thinking too much of fairies and from what Adrian told me, the Fey were a little different.

"I am sorry Mother, we would have come earlier but there were some difficulties."

"What difficulties?"

I wouldn't have said anything had I not noticed Adrian glance at me from the corner of his eye. I gulped feeling guilt and knew I was going to have to come to his rescue, not that I really wanted to contradict a Queen.

"I'm afraid that's my fault ma'am. I had an accident you see," I said as I gestured to my foot.

"See what I mean Adrian, humans are so breakable! Is this her?" she asked while pointing to me in distaste.

"No! That is not her! I am her, Bella, Adrian's mate and you are insulting my sister, something which no one does if they know what's good for them. Also, the accident wasn't her fault, she wasn't being clumsy and if you must look at her with such distaste then you should know all the facts first. Tristram tripped her and she fell down two flights of concrete stairs, breaking her foot, getting a concussion and covering herself in scrapes and bruises."

Bella was heaving by the time she finished and I didn't know whether to congratulate her on her speech or run away in embarrassment. The Queen stood still as her gaze swept over my sister and I felt everyone in the room take a collective breath.

"She's got spirit Adrian, you chose well. I'm sorry my dear," she said as she turned back to face me, "for my harshness but one can never be too careful. Still I judged you unfairly and for that I apologise."

"That's alright…"

"What's this about Tristram's involvement? Is that why you sent him back? I did wonder for he would tell no one why he had returned. I trust Gellert and Enzo are still with you?"

"Yes, Tristram was involved but it was an accident Mother, they didn't see the steps coming but it is why I sent him back as I'd already warned him and he overstepped my orders. Yes, Gellert and Enzo are still with me."

"Good, if you must be in the human world then I want you to be properly protected."

"Enzo and Gellert are your bodyguards? I thought they were your friends," said Bella.

"They are both."

Bella frowned and I could tell she was upset that something had been kept from her. Bella was great at looking out for others but she could never get her head around others looking out for her. She saw Adrian lying to her whereas I saw Adrian protecting Bella as well as himself.

"Adrian you're home. Not for long I hope, these are dark times after all."

The second voice commanded more space than his Mother and I knew I was hearing the voice of the King of Fey. Looking towards the voice in question I found myself faced with an imposing figure, a man build for the crown that lay upon his head, I could tell that he had seen battle and could hold himself well in one. His eyes however, were soft and warm and spoke of the things his body could not. It was clear he loved Adrian very much and was in equal parts delighted and fearful that his son was visiting.

All this talk of observing other's emotions was starting to make me feel sad for myself for all around me were eyes filled with love. I knew my own eyes were filled with love but now I had no one to share that with…I missed Edward.

"Come, we have much to discuss."

I watched the King lead Adrian over to that paper filled table but lost interest in their conversation once I realised they were talking about war strategies. Bella had been walked to the far side of the room with the Queen and from what I could gather they were getting along well. There was a lot of laughing and smiling at any rate.

I felt out of place now. I don't know what I expected when travelling to the Fey land but it was something more than this. I was disappointed somehow that I had only briefly toured the Castle and that was only to get to this room. I imagined there was a lot to explore and discover outside of these halls and I was almost bitter that I hadn't had a chance to learn a new culture.

Tyler had disappeared without my knowledge so I couldn't even hound him to take me on a walk. I could understand the hesitancy with Adrian's family. With the Fey world talking about war there was a looming threat to everyone in this room. As much as I wanted to go out and explore I would surely be very noticeable as a human and that could pose more negatives than positives.

"Do you think I could take a tour while the others are otherwise occupied?" I asked one of the guards standing by the door.

"I do not think that wise ma'am. These are troubled times, though your bond is shining strongly I do not think it wise to go against the King or Queen."

Oh, well that puts a stopper to me getting out of this room.

Adrian said he'd bought me along for safety but I was feeling very much like a spare part that wasn't needed or a gooseberry with no friends or a third wheel on a romantic date. Let me tell you it wasn't a great feeling. I didn't want to interrupt either party and embarrass myself by acting like a brat so instead I pulled a book off the shelf, sat down and hoped with all my heart that the book was in English.

It was, thank God.

It was sometime later, though I hadn't realised quite how much time had passed before I felt the presence of someone next to me. Thinking it was Bella I didn't pay much attention as I spoke, "is it time to go home?"

"Not quite my dear,"

I squeaked and jumped at the same time, slamming the book closed I watched as it helplessly clattered to the floor as I turned to look at my companion that wasn't Bella.

"I'm sorry Your Majesty?"

The King chuckled and I think he was taking pity on me, it was hard to tell with a King.

"Call me Anthony child. Adrian tells me that you're a special kind of person."

"In a good way?" I questioned.

"A very good way. A lesser man would fall at the first hurdle of all that you have survived. Your innocence and your creativity swirl around you like a ball of burning fire. Together you make a fantastic human."

"I don't think I'm that innocent."

"Innocence of the soul my dear is not something that is easily lost. You have that still, don't lose it unnecessarily. Adrian tells me you have a mate as well?"

I frowned.

"Is it not a happy match?"

"It was a happy match but then stuff happened."

"Care to elaborate?"

"I wouldn't want to bother you with my trivial problems," I mumbled.

"My dear, I love my son very much and your twin is the salvation to his darkness. He may have told you to come because of the bond you share with your twin but it is more than that. He would not have bought you if he didn't care deeply for you. He considers you family and wanted you to meet us as much as he wanted us to meet Bella. These may be trying times but I am not too old that I cannot understand the trials of someone so young."

"There were some nomad Vampires, one wanted to kill me but with the help of Adrian we killed them first. However, one, Laurent, escaped. Edward is old-fashioned in many of his beliefs. He convinced his family that it was better if they all left to track Laurent down and eliminate the threat."

"Yet you think differently?"

"I understand his thought process but I do think they were wrong to leave. Adrian says the bond between Fey mates in unbreakable, that it would be physically painful to leave their side."

"Yes, that would be true."

"Everyone said I was Edward's mate. How then could he just leave me alone. What would have happened if Laurent had come back to Forks? I would have died with no protection surrounding me. Even though Rose and Emmett have returned I feel like there is a hole in my heart that cannot be filled. I hide it from everyone else because I do not want them to see my pain nor do I want them to give me pity."

"Will you not be relieved when your mate Edward returns?"

"That's just the thing, he might not."

"What do you mean?"

"In his parting words, he told me to give him till the end of the summer. If he wasn't back in Forks by then, then I was to forget about him and move on with my life."

"He said what?!"

"So, you see if he does return I will not accept him gladly. I do love him, with all my heart but he has broken my trust by leaving."

"I understand. The bonds between species are different but never less than eternal. If he chooses this path to walk down have Adrian bring you here. Regardless of the uprising in our world, we will look after you should you need it."

"Thank you," I replied sincerely.

"Think nothing of it."

At that moment, I heard the others approach us. I felt happier after talking to the King (I couldn't really call him Anthony, it didn't seem right.)

"You should get going," said the Queen.

"She's right. As much as I would love for you all to stay longer. It isn't safe and word of your arrival will have spread by now. Best get going before anyone makes their way here."

Tyler had miraculously appeared again by this point, so I waited with him while goodbyes were said. I didn't feel like I should intrude on them despite my earlier heart-to-heart with the King.

I think Bella was a little disappointed that she hadn't seen more of Fey like I was. Her insistence that they return had me nodding along as well and Adrian assured the two of us that it would be a possibility once the threat of war had been squashed.

In a flash of light like the one we'd arrived in, we returned to Forks and as I looked around at the night's sky I realised that no time had passed. Angela and her Mother took us home and all I could think about was how it might rain.