Pretty Faces on Parade

Fabric filled with stars and moons hang from the ceiling, arching, and curling around the risers. Candles light the ballroom with a soft iridescent glow, setting the magical tone of the night. They gleam from chandeliers and strings of lanterns, sparkling like stars against the dome of the ceiling. Magnificent. Golds and blues draw me in, and I remind myself to thank Jane for her assistance when I see her next. None of this could be possible without her help.

And the decadence, oh the beauty of it all, is something I could only dream of. There are no words that capture this feeling stirring inside of me. Amazement? Shock maybe? Or maybe it is something more, like yearning… Yearning to be a part of this - on a level beyond mere servitude?

It feels like aching in the pit of my stomach, deep and unwarranted. Begging for me to attend to it.

"It's time to get ready, Miss Isabella," a soft voice chimes, pulling me from my reverie.

"Jane," I greet the petite vampire as I turn to face her. "Thank you. I lost myself in the beauty of it all."

The girl dazzles me with a glorious smile, her teeth glimmering in the candlelight.

"No worries. I am here to help you however you need it tonight. Even if that means keeping you on time."

"Thank you."

Jane extends her arm out to me and proceeds to escort me back to my room. As we make our way through the palace halls, my eyes catch on the ornate decorations leading from the double doors. Stars and candles similar to those displayed in the throne room line the halls and hang down from the ceiling in a beautiful procession.

We reach my rooms quickly, though I'm sure Jane would say otherwise. She orders me to sit at the vanity against the wall and begins her pampering in a flurry. Her delicate hands make quick work on my hair, unraveling it from its tightly braided knot at the base of my neck. The chestnut locks fall to my waist in a cascade, eliciting a gasp from Jane.

"You have such beautiful hair, Bella," she whispers as she begins to run a brush through it. "It would be a shame to pin this up tonight."

I jerk back, turning my head to stare up at her. Pain shoots across my scalp, my quick movement causing the brush to yank through a particularly nasty snarl.

"Ouch," I groan, pressing my fingers against the tender spot on my head. "That hurt."

"Well stay still."

"You surprised me." I move my hand back down to my lap and turn to meet Jane's eyes in the mirror. "Wouldn't it be improper to wear my hair down?"

Jane scoffs. "Maybe if you were attending a normal human event. But societal rules are different here, Isabella. Vampires are not as stuffy in their expectations."

"Are you sure this will be alright?"

"Trust me."

And I do. Jane is one of the few people I trust here. Her honesty and openness are refreshing in this dark place. I know that she will tell me whatever I need to know and guide me in the right direction in nearly every aspect of life here.

"I do."

Over the next hour, Jane curls my hair with a heated rod and delicately pins up the top half into a series of beautiful twists and braids. Baby's breath blossoms weave through the curls and braids, accentuating my heart-shaped face in their placement. I hardly recognize myself. After she makes the finishing touches, Jane presses a gentle kiss to my forehead and steps back.

"Time for the dress," she announces, spinning around. The next second, she is in front of the closet, pulling out a large garment bag. Jane lays the bag down on the bed, and I carefully stand from my seat.

When she pulls the gown from the bag, I am speechless. Never in my eighteen years have I seen a dress so beautiful. It is a dark, nearly midnight blue, but the fabric shimmers and sparkles with each catch of the candlelight. The seams of the corset grow out into sprouts of flowers and stars, embroidered in a shining silver thread. The sleeves are made out of a translucent fabric - the same shade as the rest of the dress - that looks like the midnight sky. Shining, silvery stars pool together at the base of the sleeve and climb the length of the arms. The base of the gown flows outwards from the waist; waterfalls of taffeta as dark as night, softly caress the floor. Each crease of the skirt is a work of art.

While the gown itself is far from the typical garment I am used to seeing, it's even farther from the gowns worn by high society. And yet, I find that it suits me quite well. There was never a reason to dress so formally before I came here. Papa and I were peasants and found little interest in the nuances of high society.

This is my first gown. My first ball.

The excitement bubbles inside of me in equal parts anxiety and zeal. And then I remember that I am not going with Aro. He did not ask me, and to be quite frank, he would need to grovel on his knees, begging for my hand, for me to agree to accompany him tonight.

"I am to wear this?"

The shock must be evident on my face because Jane giggles at me. "Of course." She picks up the skirt, cradling it in the crook of her arm. "And trust me, you'll love it."

I already do.

I step through the open doors and into the decadent throne room. Just for tonight, it's been transformed into a ballroom. The thrones remain on the dais for the Kings to lounge in throughout the night. Below the platform sits a small string orchestra, paid a hefty sum to keep tonight's events off their tongues, or so Jane said.

"The brothers respect the arts and musicians are usually quite good at just playing and not asking questions."

"And if they aren't?"

"We eradicate the problem."

I didn't bring the subject up again, already having a good idea of what Jane meant by eradicating the problem.

The string orchestra plays together in perfect harmony. The lilting and whining sound of the violin accompanies my entrance, playing me in with the sound of the sunset.

Many guard members and guests are mingling together on the perimeter of the room, while others gravitate toward the center of the dance floor, eagerly awaiting the start of the festivities. Various pairs of sharp red eyes stare at me from across the room. Too many gazes. Unnerved by the attention, I seek out a savior, spotting Heidi halfway across the room. Our eyes lock and she quickly ends her conversation to come to meet me.

Heidi is by my side in an instant, her smile blinding.

"You are stunning, Bella. Utterly breathtaking," she gushes, grabbing my hands. I can't help but blush.

Heidi looks like a goddess, her dress a glittering gold and her hair pinned up in twists with gold star clips. She gently grabs my arm, directing me out of the open.

"Did you come here by yourself?" She looks concerned.

"Jane and Alec watched over me, if you're worried about my safety," I reply, shrugging.

Heidi frowns. "You know that's not what I mean."

I sigh. Of course, I do. But the situation is slightly upsetting and I'm barely holding in my sadness as is. "Nobody asked me."

I watch as Marcus strides in, beelining for his throne. Knowing a bit more about him now, I can't help but feel somber at his solo entrance. I doubt he chose to be here tonight. Has it gotten any easier for him over time? A life without Didyme?

I hope so.

"Not even-"

I turn my head back to answer Heidi's question before she finishes her sentence. "I haven't seen him in days," I admit, wrapping my arms around my midsection. "I think he's avoiding me."

"Interesting…"

Caius and Athenodora enter next, completely wrapped around each other. The sight of them brings joy to my heart. I've missed seeing Dora. And tonight she looks like a true queen, dripping in jewels. Her dress is a beautiful silver shade, trimmed with sparkling lace. Atop her head sits a crown embedded with gems of varying colors - no two alike.

"Master Aro has been busy with our guests… But I am surprised he did not ask you to attend the event with him."

"I'm not. We got into a disagreement," I reply, my attention shifting from the pair to the double doors. I'm tense with the anticipation of his arrival. But instead of letting me wait here patiently, Heidi grabs me by the wrist and drags me away. I am about to protest when Heidi gives me a stern look.

"Come on. There are some people I'd like to introduce you to."

Heidi pulls me across the room in the direction of a group of guard members. I recognize Felix and Demitri from my journey here. The sight of them reminds me of the night they took me away from my father. Oh, Papa, I hope you are doing well.

In the group, I notice a couple of vampires I have not met before. One stands as tall as Felix, his hair black like Aro, but his skin is olive in its pale complexion. The other is a woman of similar height to my own. Her hair is light brown and falls in waves just past her shoulders. She has a beautiful hourglass figure and I find myself once again in awe of another female vampire. Will I be so beautiful when they change me? Probably not. I've never been a true beauty, pretty maybe, but plain.

"Isabella," Heidi starts once we reach the group. Felix nods at me while Demitri grins. His eyes roam up my figure and I find myself blushing at the attention. "You already know Felix and Demitri," she says, smiling at the men. "But I'd like to introduce you to Eleazor and Chelsea." Heidi gestures at the two vampires and I smile in greeting.

"Hello. It's a pleasure to meet you, Lady Isabella," Eleazor says, extending a hand out to me. I place mine in his and he tenderly brings it to his lips, placing a light kiss on the back of it.

"You are quite the gifted human. I've never seen a mental shield so strong, especially in a human."

My eyebrows furrow. "Mental shield? I'm not sure I understand what you mean."

Eleazor smiles, his eyes soft as he steps back into his place between Chelsea and Felix.

"You have a very strong power inside of you, Isabella. It will only become noticeable to you once you are immortal, but it is so strong that it presents itself while you are still human. I believe you can block the mental abilities of others of our kind, though I'd need to see it in action to be certain."

My eyes widen. Of course! "Like how Aro cannot read my thoughts?"

I almost find the shock on Eleazor's face amusing. "He can't read your mind?"

"No." I shake my head, sneaking a glance toward the entrance in the process.

"A mental shield then. I wonder if Jane and Alec's gifts would work on you…" He scratches his jaw.

"I would hate to find out they do," I reply, amused but cringing at the thought of Jane's gift. Pain, she said. "Jane creates pain. What is Alec's gift?"

"He cuts off the senses; touch, taste, sight, sound. With his gift, you feel nothing." Chelsea steps forward, dropping into a slight curtsey. "A true joy to meet you, Lady Isabella."

I return the gesture with a smile. "It's a joy to meet you as well, Chelsea;"

"How are you enjoying your stay here?"

The corners of my mouth pull down into a grimace. "While not entirely what I expected, I think this place is beginning to grow on me."

Chelsea is about to reply when everyone's attention is drawn to the doors behind me. I glance to my right to see the rest of the room at attention as well, eyes fixed on the entrance. Curious, I turn around to see what's garnered such a reaction just as the King makes his way through the doors.

He appears jovial as he enters, though the way he scans the crowd as he approaches the dais unnerves me. He is looking for something, someone maybe. Frustration, I see it in the way his eyes shift across the room. But he doesn't find what he's looking for and ends his journey in front of his throne and between his two brothers.

After a glance toward each of them, he turns around to greet his subjects. I can't help but find myself mesmerized by his beauty.

"My friends and esteemed guests, welcome to our celebration. It's a joy to see you all so dressed up and mingling with one another. I hope you enjoy your time tonight. Please, let the dancing begin!"

Without a second to spare, the band starts up, playing a jaunty waltz. Pairs make their way to the dance floor and a particularly handsome vampire pulls Chelsea away from the group. They glide into the center of the room and begin to move as one, each step in tandem with the other dancers.

Felix steps into my line of sight and bows before me. He extends out his hand. "May I have this dance?"

I place my hand in his. "Of course." Felix leads me out to join the other pairs.

"You look quite beautiful tonight, Isabella," he says as soon as we begin our steps. "Quite stunning."

"Thank you, Felix," I say, unable to help the blush creeping across my cheeks.

"You should be cautious tonight. There are many unfamiliar faces here who are not afraid to defy the Volturi over a human. Especially one as beautiful as you." He is not threatening me. I can tell by the calm concern lacing his tone. And as much as I appreciate the warning, we've barely spoken in the past and I don't understand why he wishes to involve himself.

"Do you actually care about what happens to me? The only human dancing in a den of vampires?"

"We've all been tasked with your protection," he says, sparing a glance in the direction of the thrones. "And I think you will make for an excellent member of the Volturi once you are changed." Felix spins me around and my skirt twirls out. The silver embroidery sparkles like stars in the night sky.

When I don't respond, he continues. "You have the potential to be someone of extreme importance here, Isabella. Be cautious. Don't be alone with anyone here you do not know."

I nod, grateful for the warning. "Thank you, Felix. I'll keep my guard up."

"You're welcome, Isabella. If you find yourself in trouble, please don't hesitate to ask for my assistance."

The music shifts into another song and already a new partner steps forward to ask me for a dance. Only this time it's Demitri.

The man is deliciously handsome, though nobody compares to Aro in my mind. As gorgeous as Demitri is, there is not a single atom in me that is attracted to him.

"Isabella, will you do me the honor?"

"Of course." I quickly thank Felix for the dance - though truthfully the thanks go much deeper than that - before Demitri sweeps me away. He is not graceful like Felix; he's playful. Every step feels like I'm bouncing on a cloud.

"You are stunning tonight, Isabella," he says, looking down at me with a grin. "Did you come by yourself?"

"Yes."

Demitri spins me around, much as Felix did before. "Had I known others did not wish to escort you tonight, I would have asked you myself."

My eyes glance toward the thrones, but I do not see the kings; especially not the one that haunts my every thought. Where is he?

I turn my eyes back to Demitri. "Yes, well I do appreciate the sentiment. With my lack of prospects, I believe the answer would have been yes."

His grin only widens. "Thank you for stroking my ego."

The song ends, but Demitri and I continue into the next tune. Dancing with him is quite enjoyable. We dance until my feet begin to ache and I ask Demitri to escort me to a nearby bench for a break. But just as I turn, I see him standing before me.

"I believe the lady owes me a dance." I shiver at the silky slither of his tongue. "Isabella."

The ache in my feet and the presence of Demitri are forgotten as I place my hand in his own. I've been waiting for this moment all night. With the contact of our skin, the ache in my chest dissipates once more. Again, I am whole in his grasp.

With narrowed eyes and a wave of his hand, Aro dismisses Demitri. He leaves us alone on the floor, though not without kissing the back of my hand. I swear I hear a growl come from Aro.

As soon as he leaves, the band begins to play a slower, darker tone. One befitting the raven-haired king who is wrapping an arm around my waist. With one tug, I am flush against him, unable to hold back my gasp of surprise at the proximity. Aro wastes no time in beginning our dance and pushes me back into the center of the floor, each step full of determination. I tilt my neck to look up at him, only to find him practically glaring back at me. He looks almost furious, angry at me about something unexpressed.

He holds my gaze, never once breaking our eye contact. I should feel scared and intimidated but I don't. Instead, I find myself angry in return. How dare he look at me like I've done something wrong like I've betrayed him in some way. I haven't seen him in days and suddenly he sweeps me away from a pleasurable dance partner only to shoot daggers into my skull.

He has no right.

Aro does not say a word to me as we glide across the floor. Each step is more sure than the last. He leads me with a possessive hold.

When he turns me, I notice that the crowd has dispersed, congregating on the edges. They watch us move together as one, never stumbling. Faces of awe and shock gaze on at our display.

Aro turns me again before pulling me back into his arms, only this time his grip is stronger and I'm even closer to him.

The music builds in volume and speed and Aro quickens his lead. I'm breathless now but unable to look away from him, his furious crimson eyes never let up.

And then the music grows even louder, seeking out its resolution, and Aro begins to spin me around and around to the tempo of the tune. Before I can get dizzy, he pulls me harshly against him and the song ends on an abrupt note.

Silence rings out across the throne room at the end of the piece. I can hear nothing except my own breathing. Aro does not release me immediately, his eyes still boring into my own with a ferocity I am not accustomed to.

It isn't until the next song begins and the dancers return to the floor that I pull away from him. Suddenly, quite embarrassed by the display, I step away from him. The attention is still focused on us, even as the next dance begins.

I need to get away from this, from him, from how he makes me feel. I can't handle the attention. Overwhelmed, I turn away from Aro and run out the doors.

Before I can make it far down the hall, he catches up to me, arms circling my waist.

"Where do you think you're going?" He presses his lips sinuously close to my ear. I try to pull away from him but Aro doesn't let me go.

"It was too much," I whisper, screwing my eyes shut. "I just need to get away for a moment."

"So you can go off and meet Demitri in private?" His question catches me off guard and I turn my head around to look at him.

"What are you talking about?"

He pulls me into a nearby alcove and presses me up against the wall. The icy stone bites at my skin through the thin fabric of my gown.

"You're mine, Isabella," he snarls, his face inches away from my own. "How dare you come here with someone else?"

"I-" I start, trying to explain the situation - that I came with no one. That I was waiting for him to ask me. But Aro has no patience and cuts me off before I can begin.

"Who was it?" He squeezes my hips almost painfully. "Who was it that took my place tonight?" He looks murderous.

I'm speechless. His jealousy is palpable and I can't help but feel a little afraid in the face of his ire. This is all one big misunderstanding.

He doesn't appreciate my silence and presses me for an answer once again. "Who was it?"

I try to push him away, angry and upset that he would act in such a way when he's done nothing to lay a true claim on me. He can't just assume that I will bend to his every whim when he tells me nothing. Secrets are not a basis for a successful bond.

But at the same time, I know that I am his, that he is mine, and that this entire interaction could have been avoided if he just asked me to be his date for the night in the first place. This all seems so juvenile.

"Certainly not you." I spit the words, tears of anger pouring down my cheeks. "And given the fact that you never asked, I don't see how it could possibly be your place to lose."

I am crying, breathing so hard, and he is still glaring at me.

But then, his lips are on mine, kissing with urgency. Each connection is rough and riddled with the intensity of his swinging emotions. I don't fight him; I can't. Everything in me has longed for him since the day we met, and now he's here. Touching me, kissing me.

His hands move from my hips, one up and around my waist, the other in my hair. And the surging shock of his touch pulls me farther and farther away from reality.

He pulls his lips away suddenly, allowing me a chance to catch my breath. And then his lips are on my neck; nipping, kissing, and licking. His ministrations elicit an ungodly moan from my lips as the sensation stirs something deep within me. Burning and yearning possess me, threatening to consume me from the inside out. All for him, always for him.

Aro's teeth graze over my throat and for a second, I wonder if he's going to bite me. His teeth scrape my skin like he is looking for an entry point. And at this moment, I almost wish he would. I'm lost to the world. Floating on the clouds of the pleasure he brings.

"Mine," he grunts. It doesn't sound like him though, darker somehow. But it's that word that brings me back down to earth. He's not being honest with me and tonight he hurt me deeply with his jealous tirade. And I'm so sick of his behavior, of not knowing when or what will send him over the edge.

I push at his shoulders until he finally lets up, jumping a few feet backward in a dramatic display.

"I wasn't finished." The words come out in an icy hiss. I take a step toward him, feeling quite brave even after he reduced me to tears minutes ago.

"You are out of line." He stares at me, silent, eyes wide and turbulent. I am still breathless, struggling to project my words. "You act as though there is more between us but continue to disrespect me."

Aro opens his mouth to respond, but I shake my head at him, too frustrated to hear him come up with excuses when we both know the issue here. "What's a mate, Aro?"

He doesn't answer me immediately, the shock of my knowledge sinking in. But when he takes a step forward, I hold my breath. I feel like I could explode.

"Isabella," he croaks, holding his hands out in surrender. But I can't be this close to him, not when he can unravel me with a simple touch.

"Did you ever plan on telling me?"

"When the time was right… I-"

"Go."

Aro's expression grows more frantic, so different from the jealous man I saw moments before. "Cara mia."

"I don't want to see you."

But Aro doesn't budge, still looking at me with those wide eyes. Still too close. He doesn't leave, so I do. I don't have to glance behind me to know that he isn't following me.

~~AB~~

I end up in his garden, unsurprised to find the door unlocked for me. When I step out into the courtyard, the rain falls onto my skin, wet and cold. It's been too long since I've enjoyed the rain.

Exhausted from the week I've had, the ball, and my most recent encounter with Aro, I find a spot in the center of the garden and lay down on the wet grass, embracing the downpour. Eyes closed, I begin to sob.

How can I reconcile the man in the journal, so desperate to be loved, with the man I witnessed tonight? How can he be so jealous and possessive? He was so quick to jump to conclusions, accusing me of partnering up with another just because of a few dances. Where is the man with tender thoughts, the one longing for love?

I can't imagine what it must be like to pine after someone for thousands of years. Nor can I imagine the kind of turmoil that accompanies finally meeting that person after believing you never would. But as turbulent as his emotions were tonight, he should not have treated me the way he did. I need time to think. Time to understand, to plan.

I stay in the same spot for what feels like hours until Jane joins me.

"Bella," she coos. "Let's go. You're going to get sick if you stay out here like this."

"I don't want to go." The rain feels so good against my skin. It washes away the tears that are still falling. "Just leave me here."

Jane does not like this. "I can't do that. Aro will have my head if you fall ill because I didn't get you out of the rain."

"He can go to hell."

"Bella."

"I mean it, Jane," I choke. "He can go straight into the fire for all I care."

"You don't mean that."

I don't. But it feels so good to say after the way he just treated me. What did I do to deserve his ire? He didn't ask me for anything other than planning the ball. There were no expectations as to whom I attended the event with. And still, I went alone. Completely alone. He never even asked me to dance.

But then, he swept in. And oh God, I've never danced like that before. The way he held me... I wish I could live in that moment forever. "I wish I did."

"Please, let me escort you back to your room."

I cave. "Fine."

With slow precision, I pick myself up off the ground, careful not to step on my dress.