Carlisle and Esme see us off. It's bittersweet to say goodbye, but I know for certain this isn't goodbye forever. Alice is in my life, and so is her family.
Saying goodbye to Claire is another story. I sit on the floor of the living room with her and rub her belly, cuddle into her chest, and kiss her soft head. I've never been around such a sweet animal before. In Court 6, we have house cats, but they're not used for companionship like Claire; they're used for hunting rodents that kill crops. Claire picks up her head and licks my cheek.
Alice and Jasper are still eating breakfast, so it's easy to sneak away and love on my little four-legged friend.
"I'll miss you," I whisper into her ear, letting her lick my face lovingly. "I promise to come visit and sneak you pieces of bread."
Claire settles into my touch. As I roll onto my back on the floor, she scoots closer and places her head on my shoulder. Her warm nose presses against my neck, and she snores softly in no time.
"You know, in Court 4, it is illegal to steal someone's pet," a voice teases.
"I'm not stealing her, Edward," I tell him. "But I would if I could."
He chuckles and sits on the other side of Claire, rubbing her back.
"When I got my letter saying I was headed to U3, she was my hardest goodbye. Claire has been through it with me. She is the best, isn't she?"
I nod, smiling. My hand finds her soft head and pets down her neck. "She is."
"We will probably get going in a few minutes. Meet us out on the patio whenever you are ready."
Edward leaves me to finish my goodbye to Claire in private, and I greedily soak up a few more moments of dog snuggles before leaving Claire to lay in the warm sunshine streaming in through the windows.
Esme and Carlisle hug me closely, promising to see me soon. Jasper has Alice's luggage as she snaps her fingers to Split them to the boat dock. Her magic intensified during our stay, and she's been practicing Splitting with another person all morning. Edward grabs both my luggage and my hand as he smiles goodbye to his parents and glances down at me.
"Are you ready to see Court 3?" he asks happily.
I nod, smiling up at him. "Ready."
Edward Splits us to the same dock and helps me into the boat. It's large, but there aren't a lot of people on it. We find a sunny spot in the front, and Alice and I gape at the extravagance.
Cool, blue water splashes up, and I can practically feel the heat of the sun change the closer we get to Court 3. I hang over the railing and peer down. The crystal blue water parts in the boat's wake and fish of all sizes skitter away. When we hit a rough spot in the open water, ocean waves splash up against my bare arm. It's cool but refreshing, and it almost glimmers against my skin before beading down and drying.
Alice moves closer to me so we can talk over the roar of the ocean and boat. We talk about nothing and everything. It's easy with her. She asks me how I liked Court 4, and I'm honest with her.
"I loved it."
When I glance back, I notice Edward and Jasper are actually talking. Jabbing Alice's side, I tilt my head. She smiles back at me and places my hand in hers.
Her head on my shoulder, with the sea breeze in the air, I ask, "how many types of fish do you think are in this water?"
Alice just laughs and shakes her head.
~!~
The boat ride is quicker than expected, and soon we round the bend into Court 3's docking station. Edward previously gave me a run-down. One land locked side gives way for the rest of the Court's ocean views. Most of the houses are built into every side of the mountain overlooking the vast ocean. We dock and take note of the pink sand beach and icy blue water. The shallower the water, the clearer it becomes. It glimmers under the large sun.
"We will drive up the mountain to my home," Edward says as we exit the boat, grabbing both mine and Alice's luggage. "We can Split, but something tells me you might want a tour of Court 3."
I nod enthusiastically. Alice and Jasper hold hands as Edward leads us away from the crowd and to a parking lot. He snaps, and a sleek black car sits before us.
"Well, that was smooth," I joke.
Alice and Jasper get into the back, leaving me with the front seat. Edward stuffs our luggage in the trunk, starts the car, and presses a button. The top folds down, and he looks over with a smile.
"A convertible?" Alice gapes. "How pretentious."
Edward laughs loudly and takes off. He's a good driver, but the roads are so windy getting into the city that it scares me more times than it doesn't. Twice I thought we were going to collide with another car as we turned a corner. I grabbed the handlebar and held in a gasp to cover my fear.
Do you doubt my capabilities? He jokes while I have my block down.
I snort a laugh and shake my head, all while gripping my seatbelt firmly with my free hand.
The mountain coverage breaks, and we're driving over a bridge through a busy, bustling city.
"This is Court 3's city, but the locals call it The Plaza. Most commerce occurs here, although there are some little shops up and down the mountainside. Schools, hospitals, libraries, and most restaurants are all built on the land between where the mountain ends and where the beach starts." Tall, modern buildings shoot sky high. Everything is crisp, clean, and bright. There's not even an ounce of filth to be seen.
"Wow," Alice says in astonishment, glancing up at the buildings.
"What a wasted view," Jasper sort of scoffs, looking around.
Edward corrects him immediately. "Houses are built higher up. The skyline down here is not noticeable to the citizens in their homes. Most are built on the opposite side of the mountain, too. This is where we work, shop, explore, but it is not where we live. You will see."
Jasper gives no rebuttal, and I fight the urge to slip my hand into Edward's. His right and my left sit loosely on the armrest, and I take note of his dress pants and a button-down shirt. He's wearing a black watch with a gold face. I've seen it before in mental images and memories.
Why so dressed up? Should I be wearing something different? I ask, a slight panic coursing through me.
I must wear what the U3 students wear whenever possible. We are to dress sophisticated at all times. I apologize for the formal wear if it makes you uncomfortable.
It doesn't. You look handsome. I just didn't want to seem out of place; I answer honestly.
He looks over and glances down at my dress. Buttercream yellow and dipped low in the front with off the shoulder sleeves hugging my arms tightly. It's uncomfortable, but it's necessary. The dress code in Court 3 is much fancier than the rest. I recall the discussion I had with Edward about it when he packed my luggage after Court 7.
You look perfect, he whispers softly. It rakes through my skin, creeps into my nervous system, and settles into my bones. Edward and his words devour me. I dare a glance towards him and find him looking back at the road but proudly wearing a smirk.
We travel through the streets, watching as Court 3 citizens smile and laugh, enter and exit shops, and dine on outdoor patios. From where the mountain ends and the beach begins, it's a little more than a mile wide. But the length of the The Plaza spans the entire Court. Everything is practically beachfront, bright, and spotless.
I'm speechless as Edward drives us around. The bright, warm sunlight highlights my dark hair, the ocean breeze fills my lungs, and happiness soothes my soul.
"When can we go to the beach?" I ask Edward, looking over at him.
I notice the way his muscular arms pull against the fabric of his shirt. Maybe the beach isn't a great idea considering his clothing choice. When I look back up at him, he has dark shades covering his eyes, but his smile is brighter than the sun above.
"Now, if you would like?" he asks.
I'm nodding before I can think. "Yes, please."
Alice yells, "woo-hoo!" in the back, making Jasper laugh.
Our hair blows around in the wind, and when she throws her arms up in the air, so do I. Alice and I both giggle in excitement as Edward presses on the gas, speeding down the road faster until he turns right and parks in a lot in front of the beach. We're miles and miles away from the dock, but the pink sand continues. Alice and Jasper are out of the car and running toward the sand before I can unbuckle my seatbelt.
"It's her first time, too," Edward says as he exits the car. "Court 4 has an ocean, as you've seen, but no beaches. Not like this, anyway."
I walk a few feet in front of Edward, kicking off my sandals and holding them in my left hand. The sand squishes between my toes, scratching and warming my feet. There's a family a few yards away, but they are the only other citizens on this area of the beach. Edward snaps, and a large blanket covers a portion of sand a few feet in front of us.
Alice snaps her fingers and dresses both her and Jasper in swimsuits before diving into the water. There's silence as the waves consume them, and then a loud, excited screech as Alice pops back up. Her hair soaked, her smile wide, and her boyfriend pulling her close and kissing her cheek.
I walk closer to the ocean, where the water laps at the sand, and let the waves crash against my ankle. My dress hits above my knees, so I don't worry too much about the fabric getting wet.
Edward stays behind, sitting on the blanket, looking straight ahead. When I turn around and glance, he has his knee bent and his arm resting on it. He seems relaxed and at home.
Court 3 looks good on Edward.
"Come in, Belle!" Alice calls as Jasper throws her over his shoulder.
I shake my head a simple no and smile toward her. It's nice to see Alice and Jasper relaxed and happy again. He keeps his hurt arm away from Alice so she doesn't bump it, but other than that, they're at peace just being near each other.
After ten minutes of my toes in the sand and water around my ankles, I retreat to where Edward leans back on the blanket. Sitting on my knees, I look out at the waves— deep blue far away, turquoise where Alice dives, and ice blue where the waves hit the sand. The sun sits high in the sky, and maybe I hadn't noticed it when we arrived, but it's enormous.
"Court 3 has mysteries all around," Edward explains. "The sun is only one of them."
"Why is it so big?"
He shrugs. "Wait until you see the moon."
I glance over at Alice and Jasper again. They're a picture of happiness as he kisses her cheek again lovingly, longingly. I wish they'd just get it over with, but stubbornness seems to run in the Cullen family.
Edward bumps his shoulder with mine, letting me know he can hear my thoughts. I don't blush or shy away. We both know he and Alice are stubborn.
"Why is it he can kiss her anywhere on her body but not the mouth? I know the Soul Bond is activated when you kiss on the lips, but he kisses her everywhere else, and nothing?"
Edward swallows but keeps his eyes on the vibrant sky and the glimmering water.
"When two are Mated, before the kiss, there's a pull. It's hard and fast, and your bodies are like magnets. He kisses her everywhere else because his body makes him."
"Oh," I say dumbly. "And she doesn't feel that way?"
"I'm sure she does, but she can control it better. Some are very good at controlling the emotions around the Bond, and others are not."
"So how much more intense is it for them? The cheek kissing and the… other stuff. I mean, knowing they're Bonded without actually kissing… it has to be intense, right?"
Edward shrugs. "I'm not one-hundred percent sure. From my research, when you are Bonded, the pull is great. It's like finding your own personal brand of heroin. Their sexual relationship becomes heightened because of that."
"And…" I trail off, looking away from him and out toward the water. "And you've never felt that?"
I feel his stare on me. It heats me more than the sun… or maybe that's my blush.
"I have not," he answers honestly before a silence settles over us.
Our breaths are subtle and soft as they get lost in the breeze off the water. Alice and Jasper walk hand in hand further up the beautiful beach, leaving Edward and me alone. The family that was near us has since packed up and left.
It's only us.
"It has been a very long time since I was with another female sexually," he says, and it surprises me. Why is he divulging this? As if sensing my confusion, he continues, "so I cannot answer a lot of the questions I know you have. I have not kissed a girl since…" he trails off, blowing a sigh from his lips. "I cannot even remember. I do not enjoy random sex with strangers, so I do not have a lot of experience with females, bonding, or the like. If you would like, I can get you in touch with someone who does. She is a friend of mine. She may be able to answer some of your more… intimate questions."
I glance over at him, surprised by his admission and willingness to help. But I don't answer right away. Instead, I press on. "Why don't you enjoy random…" I trail off, shaking my head as embarrassment swallows me up.
"It is merely a word, Belle. No need to be embarrassed. Sex is very natural. It is written into our genetics, it is part of our motivation, and it makes us human."
"Then why don't you like to do it?" The question sort of falls out of my mouth before I can stop it.
Edward chuckles and shakes his head. "Oh, Belle, you are surely mistaken. I never said I do not like to have sex. I said I do not enjoy sex with random partners," he clarifies, eyeing me. He wears a smirk as he takes in my blush. And then he clears his throat and continues. "Sex is wonderful," he adds, smirking. "Or can you not relate because of that boy you were with?"
"Jake wasn't bad," I defend for some reason. "We just weren't Mates, so it was…" but I can't finish the thought.
Edward shakes my head, disagreeing with my statement. "Sex is still fun whether you're Mated or not."
I roll my eyes and relax my body now. I hadn't noticed just how tense I was.
"That's easy for you to say," I retort, rolling my eyes. "You can hear everyone's thoughts. I'm sure being with you would be incredible because you would know exactly what to do—" The words fall out faster than I can shut my mouth. A deep blush spreads over my skin. Did I really just say that out loud?
You did, he jokes. While I can anticipate your… desires… being with me is not as fun as you might think, he admits.
I glance over at him, brows furrowed. Why?
I watch as his throat bobs, swallowing heavily. Based on my history with… Jasper's mother… he says bitterly. There are some repressed feelings that are not easily dealt with.
Can I help? I ask honestly.
Edward chuckles and stands, brushing any loose, pink sand from his slacks. He holds his hand out for me, and when I take it, he helps me up.
But he doesn't let go. We're close. So close, I can smell the mint on his breath.
"Very kind of you, Lovely, but the kind of help I need is far beyond what you might be able to offer. I'd love to see you try, though." He drops my hand and moves away.
"How is it far beyond?" I ask, helping him fold the blanket and take it to the car. He's steps ahead of me, but his legs are longer, so it's hard to keep up. "How, Edward?" I call.
He doesn't respond until we get to his car. He tosses the blanket in the trunk and then opens my door for me.
His hand smooths back wind-swept hair from my face, and he smiles sadly. Needing to see the honesty in his eyes, I reach up to pull his sunglasses from his face.
"You are far too sweet to be rattled with my pain, Belle. I would never, in one million lifetimes, wish to offload any of my trauma onto you. You deserve more happiness than I could ever provide. And if you were smart…" he says, trailing off, eyes pinned to mine, "you'd stay away."
I can hear Alice and Jasper far off in the distance. Their happy voices float over to us on the wind, mocking us for everything we're not.
"But you cannot," he clarifies, smirking softly. His fingers touch my chin as he lifts my face, much like before, to glance at him. I can't escape his eyes. They're full of honesty and passion. "But I do apologize, Lovely," he whispers. His fingers trail from my chin to my jaw, to my neck. He cradles my face and neck with his large hand.
"For what, Edward?"
"For not being able to stay away, either."
"Please don't."
He shakes his head; his fingers tighten around my hair.
"No," he whispers gently. "I cannot."
"Edward, I—"
"But that is not a good thing," Edward says, interrupting. "You should want me to stay away. I will be no good for you."
"Why are you saying that?" I ask him, reaching up to grip his wrist. I press on it firmly so he can't untangle himself from me. "Edward, you're spectacular."
Edward smirks sinfully and shakes his head, but he stays put. There's never been so much honesty flowing between us. His eyes scream down into mine, but there's tenderness too. Edward doesn't know how to accept this, so I'll show him.
"I am broken, Belle," he says gruffly.
With my free hand, I reach for his and interlock our fingers. I grip him, hold him, and show him what kindness, compassion, and affection can do. Like a natural band-aid for his emotional wounds, I pour myself into every crack. I give him everything I have to offer and then some. It's up to him to determine if it's good enough or not.
For the briefest of moments, I think he's going to lean down. His lips become closer. His breath warmer against my skin. This is it; he's going to kiss me. Memories of Alice asking me not to do it slam into my block. I can't tell if I pull them from my memory, or if he's using them to remind me.
"My sister's coming," he says softly, releasing me from his grip.
Ever the gentleman, he opens my door for me. Before I can get in, he catches my arm to turn me to him quickly. Pinned between the hardened metal of the car and the hardened muscles of his body, we're closer than we've ever been before. My fingers tremble, my breathing picks up, and his name gets stuck in my throat. He breaks the silence, though, as his lips find my forehead. He kisses my skin softly; the gentleness of his affection doesn't surprise me, but it does make me wonder.
And just like that, he pulls back. "I appreciate you, Belle. Every ounce you give, for as long as I have you, I am forever grateful."
He steps back, allowing me to sit inside his car and stew. I'm a simmering mess before he even gets to his side of the vehicle.
I'm buckling when Alice and Jasper approach. They're yards away, spinning and twirling and smiling. I can practically feel the happiness as it settles over my friend. Jasper holds her hand, swaying back and forth as they slowly make their way up to the car.
I can never offer you that, Edward says softly.
You already have, I tell him.
He pauses before replying with conviction. I will break you, Belle, and it will destroy me.
His words give me goosebumps, and before I can answer, Alice runs up to the car and hops in.
"I want to come here every day!" she yells, buckling up. "Belle, next time, you have to come in. The water is so clear, and warm, and…" Alice trails off, but I don't listen.
I can't listen.
Not with everything Edward just told me. I leave my block down so he can hear me replaying his words over and over and over…
~!~
It's a twenty-minute drive up the mountain to Edward's home. A heavy silence settles over us, but Alice chats away in the back, oblivious to anything else. Trees cover the front of the house until we pull into the long driveway, and then a very modern, very glass-looking home comes into view. I can see floor-to-ceiling glass walls from outside the home, but they're tinted so as not to see inside. It appears small and humble from the half-moon driveway. Tall trees and different color flower bushes line the walkway.
"This is my home," he says to no one in particular.
Jasper and Edward grab the luggage from the back as Alice and I walk inside. Forget everything I said about small and humble; this place is massive.
The floor plan is very open, with the living and dining area taking up most of the downstairs. There's a sleek breakfast bar separating the kitchen. Natural-toned wood make up the flooring while matching, exposed wooden beams decorate the tall ceilings. It's very minimal, with a fireplace and rug, multiple books on the coffee table, and two long couches facing each other. The far wall is completely made of glass, looking out on an extensively large patio with a pool and a view that absolutely takes my breath away.
Ocean, waves, and the enormous sun.
Edward presses a button on the wall by the door, and the glass leading to the backyard opens. We walk out, and I notice there's a covered patio, multiple seating areas, and a very large, very long pool that looks as if it hangs off over the cliff.
There aren't tall plants or colorful flowers like his home in Court 4. There doesn't need to be. The beauty of this home extends before us. The dark mountain full of lively, thick, towering trees, the vibrant ocean as it crashes and spills against the rocks, the sun that glows like an orb in the sky.
"Damn," Jasper says quietly, looking around. "You get all this for free?"
Edward shrugs. "I earn my keep. My studies are extensive, and the research I complete with my peers and professors helps to—"
"Okay, we get it," Alice interrupts. "You're important. Show me my room!"
Edward shakes his head with a smile, and we return to the living area, where I now notice two wings off the main space. To the right is a long hallway with a door at the end.
"This house only has three rooms, including mine. Mine and the other guest room are down the other hallway. I do not wish to be near you and Jasper for obvious reasons, so you guys will be staying here," he says, pointing to the door. "I hope that's okay." This time, he looks at me.
I'll be staying in the same wing as his room. He waits for my response, so I simply nod.
Alice whispers, "prude," before opening the door.
There are more glass walls, a large bed, and a desk that sits against a wall facing the front yard. Another door inside the bedroom leads to a pretty large bathroom.
"Belle, if you are ready, I will see you to your room. Then I must be going. I am delivering some research findings to the Board in an hour." Edward checks his watch, and when I nod, he guides me out of the room. "Try to behave," he says to Alice before shutting their door.
Edward leads us down a long hall and to the left through the living area. On one side are two doors next to each other, and on the other side is floor to ceiling glass wall. Outside is a private patio with a table and chairs, and a private pool. It's shrouded with trees, from what I can tell.
"This is my room," he says, pointing to the door on the left. "And this will be yours."
Edward grabs the knob on the right door and pushes it open. There are, again, glass walls in front and to the right. There's a large, four-post bed, a sleek desk, and some books on both the desk and the nightstand.
My fingers graze the spine, reading the titles.
"You have not read these before," he speaks softly.
"How did you know?" I ask.
His answer is a secret smile.
"Did you get these just for me, or are they left over from your last guest?" I pry.
"I do not keep guests, Belle."
"Like, ever?"
"Never."
"You've never invited anyone over?"
"Why would I?"
I recall his earlier statements that he doesn't enjoy random lays with random girls. The thought lightens my mood. I'm relieved.
"Is the room to your liking?" he asks quietly.
"It's very beautiful," I say, walking over to the far wall the bed faces. The room drops off, and I can see the jagged cliffs and roaring waves.
"Your bathroom," he says, pointing to the door on the wall that separates our rooms.
"Do we share?" I ask.
"No."
"Do you get to keep this when you graduate?" I ask curiously, glancing around. The minimal room has few adornments because the view isthe only decoration needed.
"If I am invited to stay in Court 3, and I so choose, then yes."
"Interesting."
"Any further questions, Belle?" Edward asks quietly. He's standing behind me now, but not too close to make me uncomfortable. Not that it would.
"No, but I know how to get ahold of you if I think of any," I joke, turning to glance at him.
He smirks and looks away.
"Come," he says with a jerk of his head. "I would like to show you one more thing."
I follow Edward out of the room and across the hall. He shows me how to open the sliding glass door to get to the private patio.
"Feel free to study, read, eat, or relax out here. This is usually my favorite spot in the house, but I will give it up while you are visiting."
"Don't be ridiculous, Edward. Please don't be put out on my behalf."
He nods. "Very well. These are the controls for the hot tub." Edward guides me over to the smaller pool and shows me knobs, how to turn them and to control the temperature.
"Hot tub?" I question.
He nods. "It is like a large, outdoor bathtub."
"Do I wear a bathing suit?"
He sort of chokes on a laugh. "Generally, yes. When you are in the privacy of your own home with no guests, you do not have to."
"Do you?" I tease.
"Not always," he says with a wink, and it sends my stomach into somersaults. "Relax before you begin fieldwork on Monday. Court 3 can be rigorous. I anticipate Alice and Jasper spending the majority of the afternoon and evening alone. You will find plenty of food in the kitchen. I insist you make yourself at home," he says sternly.
"Thank you," I tell him, following him back into the house and to the front door.
He snaps his fingers and trades his previous wear for something fresher. Ankle-length gray slacks, a tucked-in black button up, and a pair of expensive-looking, shiny dress shoes. His height towers over me, the broadness of his shoulders stretches the fabric of his shirt, and his smile lifts the longer I stare at him. The same black markings I saw weeks ago stick out of his shirt just barely.
"Do you have a tattoo?" I ask, nodding towards it.
"Yes," he answers simply. "Enjoy your evening, Belle."
Edward snaps his fingers, and instantly he's gone.
Shaking my head, I erase the sudden loneliness. I don't think I'll ever get used to that—here one second, gone the next.
Walking around, trying to ignore the soft giggles and muted moans from Alice and Jasper's room. I walk back into my room and grab a book from the nightstand.
Flipping through the pages, I briefly wonder how he knows for sure I never read these books. It's not as though I've thought of every book I've ever read, so how could he have known?Without another thought, I crack open the spine and start on page one.
~!~
Hours pass, and not a word from anyone. I miss my parents, and I wish they had a phone, so I could call them. Aro promised their safety, but I don't know.
They used to tell me all the time to trust the process, and I never questioned it. But now? Now I don't see how I can't.
I know more about the inside of the Royals' process than my parents or Emmett will ever know. There's a Judge, plants in every court, and pilot programs. These are things no one's ever even heard of.
Sighing, I shut my book and gaze upward. I must not have noticed when Edward showed me around, but the ceiling in my bedroom is composed of glass, too.
The sky turns from a light blue to a deep orange, and the tiny, shiny speckles in large clusters sparkle in the sky. Almost like stars, but so much closer, so much fiercer. From down here, under the blanket of sparkles, I watch as they wink and shine and glimmer across the darkening sky. I make a note to ask Edward what those are when he returns.
When my stomach grumbles, I decide it's time to stand and find dinner. Edward told me to make myself at home, and while I'm comfortable here, it still feels a little like staying in someone else's home.
The fridge is stocked with cooked and uncooked meat, drinks, and desserts. Unopened chips, candy, and other snacks fill the cupboards. There's no way Edward's snacking on these things with a body like his. But I will. Grabbing a bag of chips I had in Court 4, I pour some into a bowl and walk back down my wing of the home and onto the private patio.
Again, the clusters of stars catch my eye as they become brighter with the deepening sky. It's like someone waved a paintbrush at the sky and splattered it with white paint. But it sparkles, and twinkles, and beams downward. When the sun finally sets, and the moon shines vividly, it's only then I notice swirls of color around the clusters. Bright pinks dance with lime greens and buttercup yellows. How fantastically beautiful.
I eat the chips, satisfying my hunger, and dip my toes in the hot tub. It kisses warmth against my foot. This private patio makes me feel secure.
"That's not a very filling dinner," Edward says from the doorway.
He takes me by surprise, and I nearly fall into the water because of it.
"Royals, Edward, you startled me!" I gasp.
He holds up a brown bag, nods his head over to the table, and begins pulling out food containers.
"I figured you might be hungry," he says simply.
I join him at the table, taking a seat across from him. Edward scoops food onto a plate and hands it to me.
"What's this?" I ask.
"Chicken parmigiana. My favorite."
I glance down at the food and quirk a brow. "It looks like worms."
"It's pasta, Belle," he says with enough seriousness to make me laugh.
He explains the tomato sauce, cheese, and chicken. I watch him cut and twirl and eat a big bite. Following the steps, I get much more on my face than in my mouth. It's his turn to laugh as he hands me a napkin.
"How was your meeting with your friends?" I ask.
"They are not my friends; they are my colleagues," he corrects. "My presentation went … well."
"Well? That's good, right?"
He hides his smile behind another bite. "Indeed."
"What was it about?"
He looks me dead in the eye as he teases, "boring research things."
A blush lights up my face. "Explain it to me in non-boring terms, then."
"The advancement of women's anatomy in regard to childbirth."
"Oh. That's… interesting."
He smirks and shakes his head. "Really, it is more about how to impede conception for those who do not wish to be mothers without taking hormones or altering genetic markers and—"
"Okay, you lost me," I admit, shaking my head. "The Royals allow this?"
"Of course. They are the ones who initially proposed the idea. It is specific to Courts with higher instances of rape and poverty."
"Court 7?"
"Precisely."
"You're very smart."
"As are you."
I shake my head. "No, I mean like… you use big words, and you sound so academic. You do research, wear a lab coat, and sometimes you wear those glasses."
Edward narrows his eyes in curiosity. "How do you know I wear a lab coat? And no one has ever seen my glasses before," he says honestly.
I shrug. "Before the other night, I used to get random images of you. Sometimes late at night, sometimes during the day. They lasted less than a second, but that's how I know. The glasses are cute, by the way." I give him a teasing smile, taking another bite of my meal.
"You think I'm cute then?" he dares.
"I said your glasses are cute," I correct. "But yes, just like every other female, I do think you're cute." My brazen honesty warms my belly as I wonder how he'll perceive it. I called him handsome earlier, but that was more in reference to his clothes. This… this is something else.
Edward smirks and looks down at his plate. My ankle licks at my leg. There's a burn, but it's not as intense. The heat warms, wrapping up my leg like a vine until it hits my center. Edward lifts his eyes to mine as if he knows, and we share an intensity I've never felt before. It's one thing to flirt through our magic, in our minds, but to do so now, after all that's occurred the last few days… it excites me.
"Dinner was delicious," I tell him, smiling softly, squeezing my legs together. It enhances the excitement rather than quells it. Edward notices this, too, as his eyes look me up and down.
He clears his throat, eyes burning into mine. "It is from one of my favorite restaurants down the road. We will have to go sometime."
For a moment or two longer, we stare at each other, both of us boring into the other until the intensity becomes too much, and my skin prickles with energy. I look away first, gathering tiny specks of crumbs and placing them on my plate.
I help Edward clean after the moment becomes lost, and we make our way to our rooms.
"Do you have a moment? I would like to show you something," Edward asks, tilting his head to his room.
"In there?" Bewilderment carves into every word.
"Yes," he says with a laugh.
"Okay."
He opens the door to his room, and I notice the layout is identical to mine. A large bed, a desk, some books, and glass walls. Looking up, I notice the glass ceiling as well. There's a piano in the corner, much like his bedroom in Court 4.
The only structural difference is the balcony off Edward's room. Straight ahead, Edward slides open the glass door and invites me to sit outside with him.
The balcony hangs over the cliff, and when I look down, it's all ocean. Straight ahead is the corner of the mountain, and an enormous, round, red orb replaces the sun in the sky.
"That is the moon," Edward says quietly, pulling out a lounge chair and inviting me to sit.
My eyes glue to the sky, and I can't look away. With my mouth agape, I ask, "how?"
Edward shrugs. "Another mystery of Court 3. I told you it is unlike anything you have ever seen."
"Now I know why you didn't bat an eye at the sunset in Court 4 when you brought me to your office. This is…" I whisper, staring straight ahead. It's so close I can almost touch it. "…Absolutely magical."
"There is beauty in every Court, but nothing compares to this one. Now you see."
We sit outside in silence for a while. He crosses one ankle onto his knee while I lean back in my chair. My eyes haven't left the swirling, changing sky since I stepped foot out here, and his eyes haven't left me.
"The sky turns, making the colors change every few minutes. It is subtle at times, and at others, it is blatant. The moon stays in the same place, though," he explains thoughtfully.
"Those gatherings of white specks," I start, pointing upward, "what are they?"
"Stars."
"There are so many."
"Thousands per cluster. They are known as galaxies."
"Galaxies?" I ask dumbly.
He nods. "Where we live, our Courts, it's all part of a planet. Thousands of planets create a galaxy. Some are small such as ours, and others are very large. Each one of those stars you see is one galaxy."
"Do people live on the other planets?" I ask. "Is that a dumb question?"
He shakes his head with a smile. "No, of course, that is not dumb. There are space engineers who do research on that very question, but no one has a confident answer. There are some research articles about life elsewhere, but I am confident that the Royals do not wish that information to be privy to others," he answers, glancing back over at me. Green eyes take me in. They seem to glow in the moonlight. "What do you think?"
I can't help but scoff. "I agree. The Royals don't—"
He cuts me off with a shake of his head. "Not about the Royals. About life outside of our planet."
Edward asking what I think takes me by surprise. Maybe I'm not used to the men in my life asking for my opinion, or perhaps I'm just surprised that anyone cares.
"I think there are," I say easily.
"Yeah?" he asks. "Why do you think that?"
I shrug. "We'd be naïve to think it's just us out there," I say, pointing to the sky. "All these stars, planets, galaxies, or whatever you want to call it… and people think it's just us?" I shake my head again. "Wouldn't it be cool to meet them?" I ask, glancing over at the man who sits next to me. "What about you? Do you think there's life outside of what we know?"
Without hesitation, he says, "absolutely."
"What do you think they're like?"
He thinks about it a moment or two before answering. "Perhaps like us only freer. Perhaps there is a Belle and an Edward on another galaxy, contemplating the same exact thing at this same exact moment."
"Do you think there's a Royal Court on their planet?"
Edward gives me a warning look. Careful, Belle. I'm not sure how the Royals might react if their chosen one turns against them.
I can't help but laugh at his comment. At this moment, I find it hilarious. "You're ridiculous."
He scoffs a laugh and nods, agreeing with my comment.
I glance around for a few minutes before settling in on a cluster of stars that spin a deep, vibrant green. It reminds me of his earlier question, the one about my favorite color. He wants to get to know me organically. I decide to play into his request.
I point and tell him, "there. That's my favorite color."
He nods in surprise. "Green?"
"It's more than just green," I tell him. "It's deep and genuine and fierce. It's a green that calls to me. What's your favorite color?"
"Blue."
I roll my eyes. Clearly, he's not catching on.
"What kind of blue, Edward?"
"The sweet kind," he says simply. "Delightful, optimistic, and radiant. The lovely kind of blue." There's a depth to his words at the end that I can't put my finger on.
Edward's words make me smile. He's never been so positive about anything before.
I look up at the sky full of vivid, lively colors. "Pick one. I want to see what shade of blue."
Edward looks over at me still, and he's quiet for quite some time. When I glance over, meeting his gaze, he smiles.
"That kind of blue," he says softly, looking into my eyes.
My eyes.
My blue eyes.
Oh.
His words, as romantic as ever, stir something so vigorously inside me that I can't help but smile over at him. He smiles back.
The gentleness of this moment leaves an aching in my bones. The last two evenings have been spectacular, but this is something else. Something more. Fingertips don't caress my skin, cup my cheek, or brush through my hair. There's no physicality to our calm understanding at this moment, but there's a shared intensity that neither of us can take back.
And then I smile wider, parting my lips to show my teeth—a true smile. My cheeks burn from giddiness, and my eyes crinkle at the corners. He matches my feeling. A real, genuine smile that meets his twinkling eyes colors his handsome face.
This might be the happiest I've ever seen him. It feels as though it lasts a lifetime. A connection starts, it pulls at the tether linked between our magic, but neither of us breaks our gaze. He's never said so little and yet been so open.
Edward doesn't look away, and neither do I.
Not until we hear Alice and Jasper routing around the kitchen.
Edward makes no move to leave, and, oddly, it comforts me. It's as though he no longer cares about anyone knowing.
Knowing what, though?
I would be stupid to think what we're doing here, especially at this moment, is just friendship, but I don't define it, and neither does he. Perhaps it's because we're undefinable.
Alice and Jasper quiet down, probably taking a handful of snacks back into their room in the other wing, and there's calm again. And then, for the first time in many minutes, Edward speaks.
Staring out into the night sky, taking in the beauty of the moon, Edward says, "Court 3 looks good on you, too, Belle."
~!~
I sleep fitfully all night. I'm not sure if it's because Edward's right next door or the stars above light up my room like tiny diamonds, but either way it keeps me up.
Edward's words play through my mind on repeat. Even with my block all the way up, I worry he can still hear my thoughts, but I can't help it. How can I not think about his words? How can I not be falling for him even further? Will it ever end? Where is the bottom? How hard will I crash? How much is it going to hurt?
Court 3 looks good on you, too, Belle.
Court 3 looks good on you, too, Belle
Court 3 looks good on you, too, Belle
He must have heard me earlier at the beach when I thought the same thing about him. Does he hear me now? Is he simply choosing when to interfere with my thoughts and when to give me privacy?
Edward? I whisper to him, hoping he's asleep but knowing he's not.
Yes.
Do you hear me?
Always.
Royals have mercy.
I'm sorry, I reply after a few uncomfortable moments.
I do not know how many more times I can say this, Belle, but you do not ever need to be sorry. Your feelings are valid. I just wish… he trails off, and my throat tightens.
You wish what?
I just wish, for your sake, it wasn't me.
What does that mean?
You should be asleep.
So should you.
Yes. We have a busy day tomorrow.
I try. I really do, but something nags at me, keeps me awake, until I finally relent.
Swallowing deeply, I ask, and your feelings, Edward?
They are deeply reciprocated, Belle.
A sigh escapes my lips. It bubbles up giddily, and my foot shakes with nervousness.
And do you regret it?
Edward's quiet beats down any other giddiness my nerves feel. Every second of silence on his end shoots disappointment and apprehension through me.
Until…
I do not.
The smile creeps back onto my face, and my heart flutters deep into my belly. There it is—the answer I've been so desperately craving. It helps me to fall asleep so much quicker. Three little words sing me to sleep, a lullaby I'll never forget.
And just as I've succumbed to slumber, he whispers, sleep well, Lovely.
a/n: Soooo, what do we think about Court 3?! Inspo pics on my instagram (eepwrites) for Court 3, edward's (not so humble) abode, and others!
I cannot say this enough- I greatly appreciate every review, follow, favorite, etc. Each one brings a smile to my face. Some of you hit the nail on the head with what is happening/going to happen! Can't wait to hear your thoughts on this chapter :)