Songs of Sinful Miracles
Preface
Laying in that beautiful meadow, Prince Edward seemed almost unreal. His skin glittered in the setting sun, gold orbs of light flittered over my hand and the flowers in a dizzying array. I swept my heavy braid over my shoulder and leaned into his cool embrace. His hand lifted slowly, as if he were being careful not to startle me and traced my throat from my ear to the base of my throat. A delectable shiver ran down to the bas of my spine and my back bowed involuntarily. I drank in his heady scent and felt like I had when Rosalie and I had inhaled the fumes of some mystical plant. Dizzy, excited, and lighter somehow. As if I could float up and away with the pollen from the disturbed flowers.
"I am the perfect predator, am I not?" His lips twisted sardonically but his eyes made it clear the questions obvious answer saddened him. "My face," he purred, "my voice, even my smell." Suddenly he had vanished, and I was falling sideways, barely catching myself and landing on my elbow. I twisted, looking for him in the pink light of the sleepy day. My seeking eyes focused on his bare back. Low slunk leather trousers highlighted his slim hips and his dark hair was a stark contrast to his pale, luminous skin.
"I…I…" I stammered quietly; aware he could hear me perfectly over the splash of falling water hitting the rocks of the small pool he stood on the edge of. Suddenly, he was just beside me once more. His amber eyes bored into mine, hypnotic. His dark lashes casting a shadow on high cheeks, jaw working quickly.
"Bella, I want you—need you to understand. I want to be gentle with you, be the man you deserve. But I am barely a man. Barely a man and yet full of a mans need. Sometimes I think about you and about not being gentle at all." His hand settled on the side of my face, fingers sifting through my hair to hold my head. His thumb stroked my cheek, my top lip, then my bottom lip. He took his time, actions in conflict with his heated words. He dragged my bottom down and groaned. That sound sparked something deep in my belly.
"I may be weaker than you Edward, but I am not week. Your need is akin to my own. And I…I only want you to be gentle at first." My cheeks and necked fired scarlet with embarrassment. His throat flexed as he visibly swallowed and his eyes grew darker and the sun disappeared beyond the rocks above.
"Swim with me" He asked, reaching for the ribbons of my dress with questioning eyes.
Chapter One
The carriage bounced along uncomfortably, every pebble shaking the inhabitants. Sir Charles Swan Sat, straight backed and serious as ever, facing his daughter Isabella Swan. The ride, plush as the carriage he had rented for this auspicious occasion had been, had clearly taken a toll on his only daughter. Her pale skin looked almost green and her forehead had the dew of nervous perspiration.
"Bella, darling, everything is going to work out. You must be calm and greet everyone with the upmost grace. I need this position." His final statement sent a pang through me. My mother, Renee, who'd been my closest friend growing up had never really grown up herself. My father did not know, but I was almost positive she'd run off with the owner of a nearby by shop.
Sitting up straight myself, I nodded absently in the direction of my beloved father. He was right of course, but it was a speech I'd heard too many times of late. I leaned out the window of the carriage, pulling the drapes aside. The castle sat within a ring of rocky mountains, tall but not very wide. The green of the valley below appeared even brighter butting up to the mountains, and the vegetation was bountiful thanks to the river that ran through it. The kings road followed along the river and passed through the great stone archway that was the entrance to the great estate of our king. I had to crane my head back to take in the gateway to the castle. Three archways, two shorter flanking one great opening had been built with intimidation clearly in mind. Towers rose from either side of the archway and I could just make out guards busying around the stone ramparts like ants in orderly lines.
Suddenly I became aware of my appearance. I felt dingy from the days of travel. Adjusting my circlet in my hair, I brushed back the tendrils from my face and patted my face with the sleeve of my gown. The pale blue velvet was new to me and the long points of the sleeves made me feel clumsy. The gold belt hanging from my waist had various gemstones dangling from it that clattered when I shifted my weight. A servant had washed me in a bath with the oils of lavender and rosemary, though the scent of grass was the only detectable aroma after the long days of travel.
Passing under the archway, the long road to the castle, flanked on either side by tall green trees with big white blossoms, lead up the impossibly large structure that I had only heard about before this moment. The stones, barely grey they were so sun bleached, formed a structure six stories high. Huge windows with drapes pulled aside gave my a glimpse into the corridors within. A fountain larger than the home I had just left was circled my vendors of all sorts. As I drew closer I could make out the music of some string instrument. The carriage didn't stop in front of the huge wooden doors that were the main entrance to the castle. Instead, we continued on down the path passed the watermill with its wooden bridge spanning the river and a plethora of colorful blossoms. Huge stables appeared and disappeared. All the while the we were within the horseshoe the castle made, and we stopped once we reached the apex within. We must have been right across from the main entrance, but from the back of the castle.
I looked at my father questioningly when he didn't make to exit the carriage. "We must wait here." He said, smoothing down his mustache. I would come to find in the months ensuing that waiting would be my permanent status in this beautifully gilded prison. The driver disappeared into the more modest but still large wooden doors on this side of the castle and reappeared sometime later. My father, whom I often called Charlie in my own mind, against the rules of propriety, was a quiet man and I followed suit through the wait and up until he himself exited the carriage and turned back to assist me.
"Do I look alright?" I asked. Before he could answer my healed shoe slid on the narrow step down from the carriage and I tumbled forward. Charlie barely caught me and the metal band circling my head dug into my forehead as my face slammed into his shoulder.
"My dear are you alright" Charlie huffed as he gingerly placed me upright. I nodded, trying to put myself back to sorts.
Still adjusting my belt, whose dangling gems were now caught in the ribbons of my bodice, I heard an unfamiliar voice much closer to me than I expected. I jumped, startled when the masculine voice asked, "Lady Isabella Swan, I presume?" His voice was gentle, and I felt myself relax when he gave me an encouraging grin. He had a drawling quality to his speech, a barely there accent that I could not place.
"Y-yes, how do you do?" I curtsied, doing my best to keep my back straight and my chin high. My father greeted him as well and we were informed that this was Jasper, head secretary to the royal family and head of household. He motioned for us to follow him into the palace. The soring ceilings and row after row of arching wooden beams was breath taking. I felt very small in this huge place. Jasper offered himself for any assistance I may require and began to detail my responsibilities to Princess Rosalie. I was to assist in her washing and dressing as well as acquaint myself with all the nobles at court as quickly as possible so I may make myself useful in providing introductions for the princess at events. We ascended a great staircase, padded with velvet carpet. I gripped the smooth banister and it seemed to steady me.
Down a corridor with ceilings closer to normal height, I was shown my room. The door was heavy wood once more, with a great brass lock. Jasper unlocked it with a key to match and said he would return in one hours time to make the necessary introductions to the other ladies in waiting and the Princess herself. I did not miss when he smoothly reminded me that I had time to 'clean up' before those introductions. The room itself was beautiful.
Intricately carved wood went up the wall past my head and a mural of the dragons of legend decorated the wall the rest of the way to the ceiling. The ceiling appeared to be decorated with a giant golden sun, its rays extending towards the corners of the room in giant rings. The bed was the biggest I had ever seen with great wooden posts baring drapes that would enclose it. A window taller and wider than I was open, allowing the breeze to drift in. I crossed to it and wet my hands, then my face in the washing bowl on top of the huge dresser beneath it.
"Well, I will let you get settled and such. I will be at the feast tonight as well." With a perfunctory nod Charlie heaved the door open and disappeared down the hall. That was one of the best aspects about Charlie—he doesn't hover. There was a small dressing table near the only other door in the room. I crossed to the door to investigate and found a clean toilet chair. The smell was unpleasant, so I exited quickly. The dressing table had a mirror and a set of clean towels. I dried my face and hands before falling back onto the bed, exhausted and overwhelmed.
As my head met the plush surface, a soft and rapid succession of knocking sounded on the door. I just stared at the ceiling for a long moment before hauling myself to my feet. Opening the door, I was faced with a beautiful dark-haired girl. She was small and appeared to be vibrating with excitement. Dressed in a purple gown with a plunging bodice, she was exquisite and I instantly felt lacking.
"Hello Isabella! I am Princess Alice. I just had to meet you!" She beamed up at me as if we were already close friends. "I saw you arrive. How fortunate your father caught you earlier!" Her comment was said conspiratorially and without venom. Even still, my cheeks flamed red. Before I could answer she breezed into the room and settled herself on the bed.
Remembering my manners, I hastily curtsied once more, going as low as I dared without falling. "An honor to meet you your majesty." I said, head bowed. Her laughter twinkled over me and I looked up.
"No need for all that, I just know we're going to be the best of friends! I think I'll call you Bella, if that alright." She stood, making her way towards the tall wardrobe and opening it. Finding it empty, she tisked.
"Of course My Lady." I stammered, unsure of how to act. She continued her perusal of my room.
"I wanted to greet you and give you some advice. Is that alright?" She continued on before giving me time to answer. "Rosalie, love her as I do, is impossible. Do not let her offend you, it does no good. Besides, the rest of the family will simply adore you." She smiled in a way that said I know more than you do and gave me a thorough examination from head to toe. "Leave the blue dress on for dinner even if your new dress arrives." With that she bounced over, pecking me on the cheek in a more affectionate display then I had ever been privy to, and sauntered out the open door before I had muttered my hasty "As you wish."