So, there are quite a few new readers thanks to Wander No More getting two recs last week, one on the fic dive on A Different Forest, and the other from Sunshine1220, who I rec'd myself. First, welcome all! Now, because there are so many new eyes on these fics, and I've gotten this question more than once, a heads up for everyone. All WIPs I have posted will complete. I've had some pretty rough times in the 9 years I've been writing, but part of the reason I post first chapters that were part of compilations or contests is so that people could find them and so they would be completed and not forgotten. When one speaks to me, I try to hog tie it to get as much work on it done before it steps back and another story starts talking. Though posting doesn't always happen, words get written every weekend.
Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.
Chapter 6
I stood in the center of the rotunda, listening to Alice's account of her vision of the attack. The princes whose sons were responsible for the attack were tense, making me wish my guards were closer. As she finished her testimony, I saw Aro and Caius move to stand.
"No need to speak, gentlemen, because there is no swaying my decision. The Choosing is on hold until Edward is awake again. Once he is, we will talk and if we cannot reach and understanding the Choosing will continue with only four princes still participating."
"You can't simply dismiss half of the field," Caius snarled.
"I will never be the mate of Felix, Alec, or James. That kind of violence should not be rewarded with a place of power beyond the one given by birth. It certainly will not win my love."
Aro and Caius both stormed out with the other princes leaving more respectfully while Laurent moved towards us. Carlisle stepped up, and Laurent raised his hand.
"I'm here to apologize to you, Carlisle, for my son's part in Edward's attack. I know he didn't instigate it, but he shouldn't have gotten involved with those two at all."
Laurent turned to me and continued, "And I'm sorry your introduction into our world has been a violent one, Little Queen. I wish you good fortune."
Laurent left and Carlisle leaned down to speak softly to me. "Ready to return to Edward?"
The trip back to the house was short, but we returned to chaos. Edward was shouting, Esme trying in vain to calm him. I ran up the stairs, bursting into the room to see Edward still bandaged up, thrashing like a man in a straight jacket.
"Edward, please stop before you hurt yourself worse than when you were attacked," I called out.
He froze and stared at me. "Bella?"
"It's me, I'm here."
"You're okay? They didn't hurt you?" Edward asked.
"No I was back in my room," I explained.
"But we had been out together?" he pushed.
"That was earlier in the day. We spent most of the day back in my room, you held me while I slept," I reminded him.
"That wasn't a dream," he breathed.
"No." Looking around at the room now filled with vampires, I gestured to Edward. "Can someone help him out of those bandages?"
An older man with black hair like Alice approached and unfastened the seam along the back before pulling the pieces away so that Edward could pull it forward and finally off his arms.
The bandages were cast aside as Edward pulled me into his arms. "I'm glad you came once you knew I was awake."
"Edward, with the exception of the council meeting this morning, Bella has been here since she learned of the attack last night. She's been by your side for the last twelve hours," Esme explained.
"Can I speak with Edward alone?" I asked.
"I'll bring your lunch up in a little while," Esme said as the room emptied.
"You came last night?" Edward questioned.
"Yes, I demanded they let me see you, but they refused until Jasper arrived and said the king commanded it. I was devastated to see you hurt. I never want to see your eyes closed like that again."
"I will try my best to fulfill that desire, Little Queen."
"If you continue to call me Little Queen, I will start calling you Little King," I teased.
"That is a serious declaration, Bella," he told me.
"I should hope so, I just made it in front of the council of princes."
"What are you saying?" Edward asked.
"I'm saying that if you will have me, I choose you."