Chapter 4

They were all ushered inside quickly, and Esme suggested Bella and Alice go change out of their now wet travelling clothes and then they could all meet up again in the drawing room where a proper introduction over dinner could be provided to their new daughter in law and her friend.

As Alice was not expected to accompany Bella to her new home there was no bed chamber available for her. Thus it was decided she would accompany Bella to her room so they could wash and change into some fresh clothes while a room could be prepared for her for later. They were led there by a footman, another four footmen carrying their trunks behind them. As they entered the spacious bedchamber Bella was struck by how well decorated the space was. There was ample furniture, though it did not overbear the room. The bed was a large dark wooden four poster affair with curtains hanging from it. The walls were adorned with fabric mosaics with wonderful prints of what Bella assumed was Forks scenery. The fabrics here were much thicker and heavier than what she was used to, and she assumed this was due to the cold, wet climate. That cold could not be felt in this room thanks to the large fire currently burning in the hearth. Bella longed to sink her toes into the plush fur rugs that were scattered on the floor throughout the room.

A bathtub, much larger than what Bella was used to, had been placed in front of the fire and Bella could see the steam rising from the water. The footman indicated that a second bathtub was being readied for Alice. Bella was astounded at how quickly the second tub was put in place and filled, how did they heat so much water so quickly?

Her question was forgotten however when they both submerged themselves in the heated water, Alice actually groaned in pleasure. They spent some time in quiet companionable silence as they washed. The water was scented with some pleasant herb, filling the bedchamber with a pleasant aroma as Bella sampled the array of soaps left for them. The water soothed her sore joints after so long on the road and Bella relaxed deeply into the water after scrubbing her skin with the soap and flannel washcloth. She peeped over at Alice who appeared to be doing the same.

"I could get used to this," Alice mumbled as she sunk further into the water.

Bella covered herself quickly with her hands when there was a soft knock on the door and a young servant entered. She bobbed a curtsey, "Princess Isabella, may I wash your and Lady Alice's hair?"

Bella was surprised at this. Yes, there were servants in her father's castle and, technically, Alice was her ladies' maid, but she never had anyone to look after her needs like this. Bella and Alice usually washed each other's hair, or just did their own. They had servants to do their hair and powder their faces for special occasions but otherwise they just made do themselves. Bella wondered if this attention was a regular situation or if this was all just a once off due to their arrival.

Alice was nodding vigorously at Bella from her own tub, which made her giggle. She smiled at the servant girl over the rim of her bathtub, "Yes, please."

As nice as the feeling of having her hair washed was, Bella did note internally that the presence of the servant meant she wasn't comfortable in raising her questions for Alice about her reaction to Lord Jasper in the courtyard. She resolved to ask her friend about it at her earliest opportunity.

After they bathed, as they sat in front of the fire brushing their hair through so it could dry quickly, the servant girl, Rebecca, went through their trunks to pull out dresses for them to wear down to dinner. Rebecca styled their hair simply and added a minor amount of powder before helping the ladies into their dresses, Bella sighed at once again being confined to her corset after her bath. Alice never minded wearing a corset, but she wasn't exactly enamoured with them.

Bella's nerves increased with each step she took down the stairs and once they were in the lobby, she was an anxious mess. Would Edward be in attendance? Or would he have some excuse for not eating dinner with them? Bella half expected him to not be there but when they were shown to the drawing room by a footman, she was almost surprised to see him there, not that he acknowledged her presence in any way.

She saw that Queen Esme….Esme rather, eyed her son, expecting him to go to his new bride as she entered the drawing room and Bella could clearly see her frown before she quickly covered it with a smile as she addressed the lady she was speaking with. There were quite a few people scattered about the room, a few faces Bella recognised from the courtyard introductions but most were strangers to her. She stood at the edge of the room awkwardly until Esme excused herself from her speaking companion and made her way to them.

"Isabella, Alice welcome, allow me to introduce you to our small group." The next 30 minutes were spent being introduced to various members of the wider Cullen family and closer members of the court who had been invited to dine with them. Bella forgot most of their names as soon as they were introduced, feeling more than a little overwhelmed. She was shy in nature and had generally avoided these types of gatherings back home. Of course now that she was married, to a Prince no less, she would need to get used to it. She would have preferred to have a husband who actually showed some interest in her and offered her support in this new world she found herself but that was not to be, so she plastered a forced smile on her face and did her best to make a good impression on her new family. A few times she saw eyes dart to her scars, more visible now in the simple way Rebecca had styled her hair but she ignored it as best she could.

Before long they were informed that dinner was ready, and she was surprised to find Prince Edward suddenly at her side. "Nice of you to join us," Esme said to him in an obvious tone of disapproval, but he did not react, he just stared coolly at his mother. He offered his arm stiffly to Bella and she thanked Esme as she laid her arm gently in her husbands as he led her silently into dinner.

She looked around for Alice only to be surprised to see her on the arm of Lord Jasper, her face decidedly pink despite being powdered, and smiling shyly up at him as he grinned down at her. She was happy for her friend, but also a little hesitant because they knew nothing of Lord Jasper. She would reserve judgement until she knew more of his character.

They were seated in couples, Bella beside her husband. She looked down the long table to see Alice and Lord Jasper had sat together but they were much too far away from her for any conversation to be had during the meal. As she was glancing around the seat beside her was pulled out and the most beautiful blonde woman Bella had ever seen was seated next to her. Bella instantly felt self-conscious when she looked at the stunning woman. She turned to Bella however and her smile was warm, "Hello Princess Isabella, I am sorry I did not greet you earlier, I was visiting with my own family today so I missed your arrival, I am Rosalie," she pointed down the table to Alice and Lord Jasper, who waved when he saw them looking. "Jasper is my brother."

Bella smiled, glad that this lady at least seemed friendly, "Just Bella," she introduced herself "it is a pleasure to meet you Rosalie."

Rosalie smiled but then looked about the room as if she was searching for someone. "I am sorry I had to introduce myself, I don't know where Emmet is. He was supposed to escort me here tonight but he is late so I came with my parents, knowing him he forgot," she rolled her eyes and Bella giggled before she caught herself quickly and covered her mouth. She peeked a glance at Prince Edward and caught him watching her out of the corner of his eye. She ignored him and turned back to Rosalie.

"You know Emmet?" she asked.

The beautiful woman snorted delicately, and Bella noted that Rosalie was not like the other ladies she met. Aside from Alice, most ladies did not behave as such and would not dare to speak so freely upon such a short acquaintance. "Did he not mention me at all during your journey here?"

Bella felt awkward, maybe he had mentioned her but she forgot, "oh, um he might have, but, well we did not have much time for conversation, on the road. I am sorry."

Rosalie waved her apology away, "it is no matter Bella, in my experience men are useless in most social situations and thus cannot be depended upon for even a simple introduction," her attention was caught by something behind Bella, "speaking of useless men," she muttered, but Bella did not miss the smile she tried to hide.

She turned in her chair to see Emmet approaching them and taking his seat. He gave Rosalie an apologetic smile, "I'm sorry my sweet, my bathwater was delayed and so I appear to be somewhat late for dinner." He took her hand and kissed the back gently….and lingered for far too long, until Prince Edward cleared his throat. Rosalie turned to grin at her and it appeared her anger with Emmet was only a fleeting thing.

It was then that the food came to the table and Bella was shocked by the sheer abundance and quality of the dishes. She particularly enjoyed the fresh vegetables, some of which she did not know the names of as they were quite different to what she had back home. She knew most ladies did not prefer the fresh produce, opting instead for the deserts, but Bella was keenly aware that the growing of grains and vegetables on the kingdoms lands kept many a family from starving throughout the kingdoms and so she was always grateful for the food she was served. For all of the ails and worries she had in her life so far, she knew that she was one of the luckier people, to be born into a royal family where she would always be assured of a full stomach, safety and a warm bed to sleep in. She did worry however looking at all of the food, where the leftovers went. At home she would have ensured none of it went to waste but that was not her place here and so she held her tongue.

All around them conversation flowed, Rosalie's attention was wholly claimed by Emmet which Bella understood as they had been parted for a number of weeks. She glanced down the table to see that Lord Jasper and Alice also appeared to be having a spirited conversation. Yes, everyone was eating, drinking and talking…Emmet appeared to do all three at once much to Rosalie's annoyance. All, except for herself and her husband who sat as if they were an island in this sea of conversation. Bella felt removed from everyone, Prince Edwards strained silence not allowing her to relax. She ate less than she normally would have, her stomach far to tense to digest much food and for this she felt guilty. And he kept glancing at her scars tonight, she fought the urge to cover her neck and jaw with her hands as she felt his eyes on that damaged part of her. She resolved to talk to Rebecca, if the girl was to continue dressing her they would need to look at styles that would cover her up better so as not to anger her husband. Bella imagined he did not want the others in their party to see what a damaged bride he had acquired. Just as she was thinking she should excuse herself from the table a hush came over everyone and all eyes moved to the head of the long table where King Carlisle had stood up.

He smiled down at everyone, but in particular at his wife who sat at the opposite end. "I wish to thank you all for coming tonight, to welcome Isabella to our family," Bella's face immediately flushed with embarrassment, Carlisle chuckled. "Ah, it appears my new daughter enjoys attention just about as much as my eldest son." Bella cringed at the light laughter this observation caused.

"As you all know this last few months in the Kingdoms has been somewhat…stressful. With the sudden death of King Laurant there has been a great upheaval and there is bound to be some friction as Prince James settles into his stewardship." Bella was hyper aware of the look that passed between Prince Edward and Emmet before they both looked down the table towards Lord Jasper, who sat with a thin-lipped stony expression. It seemed King Carlisle was underestimating this tension he spoke of.

Carlisle continued, "but rest assured that myself, King Charles and King Marcus are keeping a close eye on the situation. If Prince James does not prove himself worthy of the position of King, he will be made to step aside and another will be made King of Nomadia in his place." There were a few muted cheers along the table from the men at this.

Bella knew little about politics, her father did not deem it pertinent to her education. Ladies did not need to know the ways of the world, he had said when she had asked. Though she did know of the customs of their lands. Washington contained the four Provincial Kingdoms and each of these was ruled by a King. Upon the death of a King his eldest son, or closest mail heir, was given the opportunity to rule if he so wished it. But there was a two-year probationary period where the Prince was merely a steward of the Province, upon completion of this two years he would have to be deemed worthy by the three other provincial Kings before he could claim his throne fully. If, however, the steward Prince was deemed unworthy the position of King would go to another. To Bella's knowledge this had not happened in living memory, it was a foolish man indeed who would give cause during the two years of his stewardship for the three remaining Kings to deem him unworthy. Of course, the stories of Prince James' cruelty had even reached her sheltered ears. This was why her father broke her engagement to him. She stared at her plate when James was mentioned but she could feel the eyes of the room on her.

Once dinner was completed they returned to the drawing room, Prince Edward escorting her there and then promptly disappearing. She mingled a little with family members, trying to recall names and family connections, but her anxiety did not ease. Even when she heard Emmet teasing Alice for stealing his bathwater. She decided she needed some air so she stepped out onto the veranda, exceedingly glad that it had stopped raining for the moment.

"Did you see his face this evening, poor man is miserable. And who wouldn't be after being forced into that sham of a marriage."

"I did. But such is the way of the immediate royal family children, their marriages are often arranged from birth…look at Prince Edward. If he didn't marry Princess Isabella it would have been Princess Victoria."

"Hmph, well at least he had been betrothed to Princess Victoria."

Bella's breath caught. They were talking about her and Prince Edward. She did not normally listen to gossip, but she couldn't help herself and she sunk into a dark corner so she could hear the conversation of the two women stood there, she believed one of them was a cousin of Edward's, Princess Tanya but she did not recognise the other woman.

"Did you know she was betrothed to Prince James?" the other woman asked.

"Yes, they should have let him have her," Bella could hear the sneer in Princess Tanya's voice. Bella was at a loss to what she did to cause Princess Tanya to dislike her so.

"Don't say that, if the stories are true…." The woman was cut off from defending Bella by the sound of approaching footsteps.

"Princess Tanya, Lady Senna the entertainment is starting, would you care to join us?"

"Yes, of course, you are so kind to consider us," Princess Tanya responded sweetly and Bella rolled her eyes. She had met many ladies like Princess Tanya in her life and it wasn't Tanya herself that bother Bella, it was what they had been discussing. Prince Edward was engaged to Princess Victoria of Nomadia? She was the cousin of Prince James, her father Prince Amun had been King Laurent's brother. How was it possible that nobody knew of this engagement, how long had they been betrothed? Did he love her? No wonder he was so angry at having to marry her, he was supposed to marry another! Suddenly Bella felt a keen sorrow for Edward to have his heart broken this way, she vowed to not hold his dislike for her against him anymore.

Back in the drawing room Bella could not enjoy the entertainments, she waited until no one was looing and she slipped from the room. The hallways of the castle were quiet and dark, lit only by the flickering wall sconces which threw eerie shadows upon the walls and across the flagstone floors. As Bella walked she peeked into the odd room, some were lit with burning candles but others were dark, one softly lit room she entered gave her great pleasure, it was a library, Bella loved to read. She was about to make her way to the shelves when she realised she was not alone in the room. There, sitting hunched over in a chair with his elbows on his knees, a goblet of wine dangling from his fingertips, was Prince Edward. She resolved to leave him alone and tried to back quietly out of the room, but it was too late, he had heard her.

Prince Edward turned his still lowered head to the side to see her. He said nothing as they stared at each other. He did not look angry, or upset, or sad, he just looked defeated, and tired. So very tired, and Bella felt an ache in her chest to see him so low.

"I…I apologise Prince Edward, I did not realise you were in here," she stammered and gestured at the door, "I'll go, I'm sorry I disturbed you."

"Why are you so afraid of me?"

Bella stilled. Was he talking to her? She looked around to see was anyone else in the room, but they were alone. "I'm not afraid," she whispered, her voice cracking.

"Liar." She thought she caught a grin as he raised his goblet to his lips and took a long drink. Bella didn't know what to do, did she leave? Stay? She shifted on her feet but didn't say anything.

"You didn't want to marry me," he stated matter of factly.

This irked her a little and she was stung into a response, "you weren't exactly happy to be marrying me either…at least you had a choice!"

"Did I?" he said so quietly she though she might have imagined it. Then his features twisted, "Did you wish to marry him?" he sneered.

Bella hesitated, she had never known anything different. From a young age she always knew she would marry Prince James when she came of age. Women did not have a choice, especially the daughters of Kings. But did she want to marry Prince James? "No," she answered but then felt like slapping her hand over her mouth before she could stop what was about to fly out, but she didn't. "Did you want to marry Princess Victoria?"

His eyebrows raised in surprise, "who told you that?" She shrugged a shoulder, too embarrassed to admit her eavesdropping.

He took another long drink. "No. No I didn't want to marry her.…but you…" he trailed off.

"But me…what?" she had to know what he was thinking now that he was finally talking to her. She felt like she might expire on the spot if he didn't answer her. She was shocked at the wave of relief that came over her when he admitted to not wanting Princess Victoria. At least her guilty conscience could be eased somewhat.

He looked down into his goblet for a long time. "I had no choice…with you," he said at last. "I did not even know until the ball the evening we met. It was arranged by our fathers, for the good of the kingdoms," he sneered again and looked up at her. "You were not the only one deceived."

"Oh" Bella's mouth formed the word but no noise came out.

He laughed softly but the sound was bitter, "not your fault, I suppose."

"But, but you went through with it," she whispered, "you could have said no." As a man he could have refused, couldn't he? Bella was confused, as she was from the beginning. Why did he marry her at all?

Edward stood then and Bella took an automatic step back, she had wandered close to him as they spoke without realising it. He followed her though and he stepped towards her and stared down at her, she met his gaze, determined not to look away, though her knees trembled with the effort. She wanted to understand him.

"Could I?" he asked roughly. Bella's back hit one of the chairs and she was trapped between the chair and Edward, her breathing sped, and not completely out of fear, though she would try to convince herself later that it was. She could smell the sweet wine on his breath, but she didn't think he was drunk. For long moments they stood like that, face to face, the air thick between them.

"Yes?" it came out as a question.

For a wild moment Bella thought he was going to kiss her. She had never been kissed before and wondered what it would feel like. But then they were disturbed by some noise in the hallway and it broke the spell. He stepped away from her and she found herself breathing quickly, as if she had been running.

"I apologise Princess Isabella."

"Bella," she whispered.

"Excuse me?"

"I prefer to be called Bella."

He nodded once. "Then I suppose you had better call me Edward." And with that he bowed stiffly and turned and left the room, left Bella to think over all that was said, and all that was not.

A/N So there was a tiny little bit of progress in this chapter. At least they had a conversation…kinda. Sorry this chapter is a little late, I didn't have this quite finished in time to upload yesterday. I'm interested to hear what you guys are thinking so far of my little story, I know its different and there aren't many like this in the Twilight Fandom so I hope you are enjoying it and thank you for giving it a chance. Thanks so much to those of you who have reviewed so far, reviews are very welcome and appreciated.

Thanks for reading,

C.