*Sips languidly at a bottle of wine* Guess who just finished their semester?

I want to thank all of you for being so patient with me, and for giving such encouraging words! Your reviews (commentary, well-wishing, and the like) took me through some of the lamest days of the semester, and I am so grateful for you!

I'm also grateful for SunflowerFran, who is basically the clear coat to my unfinished manicure.

Disclaimer: These characters (minus Lua) aren't mine. I just get to mess around with them.

Lastly: Welcome to Part II of Atmosphere, and I hope you enjoy!


Part II: Pigeon

Chapter 8

The surprise Bella had felt when she first entered Forxx is nothing compared to the astonishment she feels upon entering Cullen Isle. She could have never imagined that she would ever see all three nations in the span of a month. The mere fact that she is able to make comparisons between the three nations is a blessing to her.

The nations are incredibly distinct: Volturia is hot and arid, with every square inch of sand-dusted cobblestones filled with shops or residences. Bella can remember the city from her childhood, and the way it had always been loud and bustling –at times, obnoxiously so.

Forxx is just as busy, but the overall atmosphere of the capital is lively and cheerful. However, the surrounding villages are less developed, with dirt roads and wooden cabins stretching for miles. Despite the modest living conditions, the citizens are more than content. One is more likely to see vendors conversing than arguing, and even those who argue settle their disputes over a cup of o'vrasi.

Cullen Isle is a land of a completely different caliber. The residences are constructed of white stone, which is a signature trade item of Cullenia. Their walls are draped in the lilac Heidi vine, a five-petal flower that creates a contrasting soft hue of purple. Their deep green veins are integral to the foundation of the houses.

Contrasting against the 'vertical neighborhoods' of Volturia, most of the residences here have only two stories, and picket fences create the boundaries of their yard. Every establishment has the common base of white stones and black roofs, but small touches like hand carved doors, and yellow pumpkin gardens create individuality. The sights have Bella entranced, and she is hardly able to keep up with Jasper as he tugs at her chains.

"The rest of Cullenia cannot possibly look like this," Bella whispers to Jasper.

"Remember that this is the island of the most affluent people," Jasper chuckles, "But to be quite honest, the rest of the island isn't much less extravagant. Come on, we don't want to be behind everyone."

Only fifteen of the prisoners who had been on the vessel were transported to Cullen Isle. Bella was glad that the vile man she had restrained was not one of them. Jasper had lost his breath laughing at Bella's recount of the confrontation. Although Bella had felt slightly guilty about letting her anger get the best of her, Jasper had assured her that she did exactly the right thing. He warned her to stay in control, but still voiced his respect. Now, every so often, he looks back at her in wonder.

Claire was a few feet behind being led by a guardsman. She keeps her head down, and from what Bella can hear, is silent for the walk to the castle. As they draw nearer, Jasper warns Bella to keep quiet. However, he needn't have warned her because Bella was already struck silent by the sight of the structure.

It is beyond words. As the gates open, Queen Heidi's exquisite garden is revealed. Bella is confident that she can identify any color she wants to within the lot. The bushes have been cut into intricate designs and shapes, and a few depict animals such as horses and wolves. Bella gives a small smile and pats Lua. She knows the animal will enjoy exploring these fields.

The castle itself is magnificent. What it lacks in height, it makes up for in width, expanding so far that Bella has to crane her neck to see it in its entirety. Like the residences outside of the castle, it is draped in Heidi flowers, as well as flags that bear the Cullen crest. In subscript, their motto reads, Ni ronero. Bella can't decipher its meaning, so she turns her attention to the other extravagancies. She almost trips because she is so caught up in her surroundings.

They stand in line waiting to enter the castle. Bella listens as Jasper quietly informs her of the proper procedure, and reminds her of other information he'd shared with her before. She glances around to see if any of the other criminals are as nervous as she is. Only Claire looks remotely close.

"Don't worry about having to speak," Jasper says, "For your benefit, the Cullens will speak in Volturian, but I'll be speaking on your behalf."

Bella nods in response.

When they finally enter the palace, Bella stops in her tracks. Her eyes widen as she takes in the arches leading to the throne room; the walkway is open, allowing the elements to infiltrate. Though the sun is blazing, oddly enough, the air is chilly. As a breeze passes through the hall, several flowers flit onto the glazed stones of the floor. Bella stops to pluck up one of the flowers, stroking one of its hairy petals.

Everything seems so peculiar to her.

"Now introducing Luna, Sir Jasper Whitlock, head representative of Forxx, and presenter of Sola Bella."

They step forward into the throne room, and immediately, Bella's eyes go to the Cullens. King Felix sits on his throne in all his glory; his flame red hair in the bright room is a stark contrast to his paleness. His eyes are a dark green and are framed by a set of soft wrinkles. Admittedly, he is much frailer-looking than Bella had imagined him being. Beside him is Queen Heidi, her wild, black curls lying against her deep olive skin. The flower Bella holds in her hand is just a shade of darker than Heidi's purple gaze, and Bella can now see that the flower was rightfully named after the Queen. To the right of Heidi is Princess Charlotte, the spitting image of her mother. The only difference is that her eyes are a minty green color, lighter than those of her father. Prince Alec is boyish in his looks, with bright green eyes, straight black locks, and two dimples to assist his grin. Lastly, Bella looks to Prince Edward. At his hard glare, she lowers her eyes, remembering that she isn't meant to make direct eye contact with the royalty. Though she looks away quickly, she is still able to take in his stunning appearance. His hair color is a mix between his father and mother's, a darkened brown-red. His nose and eyes take after his father, but his plush lips resemble the Queen's. Bella imagines that Felix had once had a strong jaw like Edward's, but that his facial features had softened with age.

"I'm sorry, Sir Whitlock, but if it is her homelessness you are attempting to rectify, then the most logical solution would be to place her in one of our establishments for that purpose," Heidi says. "There are too many others requesting to work maintenance in the castle for us to grant her this job simply for a home."

"Pardon me, Your Grace," Jasper says, "But she is, admittedly, a naïve girl. She has had a difficult past, and I fear that if she were to live in such a home that she wouldn't be able to care for herself."

"The homes are safe," Heidi replies. "And we will ensure that she is housed accordingly. You needn't worry. I see no need for her to work here at the castle."

Bella's heart drops at the verdict, realizing that all is not going as planned. Her mind races as she thinks of what to do. She needs to show them that she is worth having, but she doesn't know what she has to offer. Or rather, she knows what she can offer, but doesn't know whether she can tolerate being in such a position again.

In the end, she tells herself that this is a completely different circumstance and that she has to try everything she can to protect the Cullens. Especially now that she has seen their faces, Bella can't let them be harmed. Although she feels as if she's vibrating from nervousness, Bella forces herself to step forward, and dip into a curtsey.

"I can't say a prisoner has ever addressed me," Heidi gives a laugh of surprise, "however, you are permitted to speak, Sola Bella."

"Your Highness," Bella says, hoping her uneasiness isn't apparent in her voice, "It would be an honor to serve you and your family. If you would allow it, I should like to be an entertainer for your court."

"An entertainer?" Heidi verifies, "Unfortunately, we already have a jester."

"By 'entertainer,' I mean, more specifically, a singer or performer," Bella corrects, "I can give you a demonstration, if you desire it, my Queen."

For the first time on this matter, Felix speaks, "I permit it. After countless hours of pleas, a song would be a nice change of activities. Begin when you please."

After exchanging a glance with Jasper, Bella takes a deep breath and lets out the first notes of her song. She sings about two people whose friendship endured for more than a century until death parted them. The lilt of her voice and the emphasis of her words paint a story that goes beyond the message of the tune. Her mother would sing this song to her when she became restless at night, and Bella has carried the song with her since. She closes her eyes as she sings, knowing that if she looks at any of the faces around her, she will lose the little amount of confidence she possesses. At the end of the song, she releases an anxious breath and waits for her verdict. When Alec begins clapping, she knows that she's impressed them.

"Splendid, absolutely breathtaking," Alec exclaims, "She's staying."

"Alec," Heidi hushes her son.

"I don't know why you expect him to have any decorum," Charlotte sniffs from her seat, "He does this every time, without fail."

"Enough." Heidi interrupts the Princess, "I agree with my son in that your voice is extraordinary. It's the best I've heard, since … I will grant you employment here, but under one condition."

"Thank you for your compliment, Your Majesty," Bella curtsies again, "And I will comply with your every wish."

Heidi nods, "Given your status as a criminal, your trust is to be earned in these quarters. But know that should you prove to be dangerous to anyone in this court or the Cullen family, you will be put to death, without a trial."

Bella swallows thickly as the reality of her position begins to weigh on her, "Yes, my Queen."

~pigeon~

Bella lies on her thin mattress, positioned a few feet away from Claire's. Another mattress is on the floor against the opposite wall of the room, but Bella has yet to meet her third roommate. Her eyes are closed as she thinks about Jasper's departure. She hadn't expected to feel so saddened at his leaving, but sure enough, she was fighting back tears as he bid her farewell.

"Don't look so upset, kya," Jasper whispers as he holds her to his chest, "Alice and I will write to you often with updates. I'm sure Peter will sneak a few letters in as well."

A small chuckle breaks through, "He had better."

"Then why frown?" He takes a step back, "You will be well cared for here."

"What if I can't do this, Jasper?" Bella whispers, "What if Alice is wrong?"

"She isn't," Jasper says with conviction. "I don't know how to describe this, but … when I saw you coming out of the Pylae, you had such determination and strength. Looking into your face, I knew that Alice was right. You are the one meant to do this, kya, regardless of how your past has been. The Cullens are an extraordinary family, and will care for you well. In return, you must protect them. The nations need them to stay in power. They are necessary for order to remain."

"I will protect them, Jasper," Bella assures him. "I will."

"With your life," he emphasizes as he begins to leave.

Bella squeezes his hand, "With my life."

"Do you have two abilities?" Claire breaks Bella's train of thought. In the darkness of the room, Bella can only make out the red glow of her eyes. The fact that Claire's eyes unnerve Bella makes her chuckle inwardly. It is awfully hypocritical of Bella, considering her own natural eyes are unsettlingly black.

"Why would you think that?" Bella asks carefully though her heart pounds in her chest.

"I saw you levitate that man on the ship," Claire reminds her, "But then I heard you sing today. Is your singing a gift as well?"

Bella shakes her head, "No. It's just something my mother taught me."

This isn't a complete lie. Though her singing is an ability, Bella's mother had helped her perfect it. She had also imparted a repertoire of songs, all of which Bella uses to this day.

"Where is your mother now?" Claire asks.

Bella is silent before whispering, "Dead."

"I'm sorry," Claire tells her with genuine emotion, "I cannot imagine how that feels."

"The pain is never gone, but it's no longer crippling," Bella replies softly.

Bella is surprised at how honest she is being with Claire. Something about the presence of the wild-eyed girl is extremely comforting. She is timid in nature around other staff, but with Bella, she is less reserved. Claire has an innocent sense of humor and likes to engage Bella in conversation. At the same time, she doesn't pressure Bella to speak and respects the moments when Bella remains silent. They'd only known each other for three days, but had already fallen into an amicable relationship.

"Where do they have you working tomorrow?" Bella asks.

"The kitchen with Chef Banner," Claire answers, "And you?"

"Housekeeping with Mistress Pope," Bella says, slightly disappointed that she will not be with Claire. She then reminds herself that her purpose here is not to befriend others, but to protect the Cullens.

"You'll need to say your prayers for that one," a voice sounds from the doorway.

Standing at the entrance of the room is a blue-haired wonder, clad in a belted tunic and tights. She has a tall torso and seemingly endless legs. Bella can feel the confidence she exudes from across the room.

"Pardon me?" Bella finally says.

"Mistress Pope is an absolute dog," the girl continues, "Watch out for that staff of hers. She is an old woman, but frightfully strong. And that is an odd statement coming from someone with supernatural strength."

"You are …"

"Sola Bree Tanner," she nods briefly, "And yourselves?"

"Luna Claire Young," Claire gives a small wave.

"Sola Bella," Bella answers.

"Who is this?" Bree walks over to the bird sitting at their window, "How did it get in here?"

"That's Lua," Bella quickly informs her, "Do you mind if she is here?"

"She's tamed?" Bree asks skeptically, "Doesn't she fly away?"

"She does," Bella answers, "But she always comes back."

Bree nods, "So long as she isn't messy, I'll tolerate her. However, don't let any of the others staff know of her –the palace isn't exactly the place for pets."

Bella sighs with relief, "Thank you."

Bree settles into her bed and joins the conversation with Claire and Bella with vigor. Her personality type has Bella on guard since she is unused to such a forward person. Bree reveals her life story in the span of ten minutes, informing her roommates that both her mother and father worked in the court as an accountant and seamstress, respectively. They are native Cullenian sunchildren, and her family has served the Cullens for centuries. Just as she is eager to share her life story with Bella and Claire, Bree probes the two girls with questions. She speaks her mind without filter, often using crass language or making lewd jokes.

Bella can't decide whether or not she likes Bree.

"We should sleep," Bree says, "Tomorrow will be long for the both of you since you will be getting acquainted with the castle's layout."

"Where will you be working tomorrow?" Claire asks her.

"The medicine ward," she answers, "I am there most days. I am … well acquainted with one of the healers there."

"Well-acquainted?" Claire questions, the confusion, clear in her voice.

"Sexually well-acquainted," Bree giggles.

"I do not want to hear more!" Claire squeaks, mortified.

Even Bella's face had heated at her words.

"That aside, I was not jesting in telling you to beware of Mistress Pope," Bree directs her words to Bella, "She is unkind, but is even more brutal towards sunchildren. Follow her instructions, and then steer clear of her."

Bella nods in understanding and murmurs a word of thanks as she rolls over to face the wall. Lua hops onto her sleeping pallet and huddles closer to Bella. As Bella tries to sleep, she strokes the small animal and wills her thoughts to calm. Tomorrow will be her official first day working in the castle, and she has no idea what to expect.

~pigeon~

Bella doesn't know how, but she has already gotten lost in the massive expanse of a castle. She had risen an hour earlier than she needed in order to give herself time to find her destination, but her efforts had proved worthless. Now, she speeds down halls, hoping to find a familiar door.

Whereas Volturi Castle towers in height and is equipped with spiraling staircases in narrow passages, Cullen Castle has endless halls. She hopes she will find a familiar face so that she can reach where she needs to go in time. However, the odds of that seem slim considering that Bella only knows two people personally within the whole castle.

She releases several curses in her head as she rushes, unable to keep track of the amount of turns she has made since she left her room. She'd asked a staff member for directions, but had obviously misinterpreted the reply delivered in Cullenian. As her anxiety gets the best of her, she pats her pocket for Lua. She then remembers that she left the animal to its own devices. She estimates that she has, at most, ten minutes to get to the servants' court. After taking a few moments to catch her breath, she gathers her brown skirts in her hand and takes off again. She hardly takes five more steps before she collides with someone.

"My apologies," she mutters in Cullenian. She had asked Claire about a few phrases so that she wouldn't be completely unknowing.

"Roll your 'r's more," the man suggests with a playful tone.

Bella looks up to see Alec, his dimples ever-present. Startled, it takes her a few seconds to drop into a low curtsey. Her face heats immediately, "Your Highness, I am so sorry."

"Rise," he permits, "You're Bella, are you not?"

"Yes, Sire," she answers as she stands up fully. Alec is only a few inches above her in height.

"All of your songs are Volturian?" he continues.

"Yes, Sire," she replies.

"But you intend to learn Cullenian," he surmises.

"Yes, Sire," Bella nods.

"Do you reply with anything else besides "yes sire," Alec jests.

"Y-," Bella chuckles, her nervousness disintegrating as she catches on to his easy-going demeanor, "I do, Your Grace. I'm a quick learner, but Cullenian proves to be the most difficult out of the languages to learn."

"Let your words blend more," he advises, "You don't need to pronounce every consonant as clearly as you do with Volturian. Relax those pretty lips of yours."

If Bella's face was red before, she is certain that it is purple now, "Thank you, Your Highness."

"Ni ronero," he winks, "Now, what has you so far away from the staff quarters?"

Far away? Bella releases a short groan, before remembering her manner, "I seem to have misdirected myself, Sire. If it is of no trouble to you, would you mind pointing me in the direction of the servants' court?"

"It is of no trouble at all," Alec assures her and gives her several directions to remember. She realizes that she isn't even remotely in the right place. "Was I of service?"

"Your help is much appreciated, Sire," Bella curtsies low in gratitude, "I apologize for interrupting your day."

"Rise, Bella," he says, "If meeting you is an interruption, then I hope to have many more. It was a pleasure."

"Your Highness," she bows her head quickly as he leaves.

Luckily, Bella makes it in time, despite her detour and encounter with the Prince. Part of her is awestruck at having met Alec, but she of all people knows that royalty acts no differently from civilians in the confines of their home. Though Bella has witnessed many arrogant, upper-class citizens, she's known others to be relatively 'normal.' When Bella does reach the servants' court, she identifies Mistress Pope by her brown garbs. At first, Mistress Pope appears to be harmless. She is an elderly lady with a head full of gray curls and a face full of overlapping wrinkles. She is several inches shorter than Bella's average height, and her frame seems fragile. But in her hand, she clutches the thick, knobby, wooden staff Bree had warned her about. The nerves that Alec had dispelled return at full force, as Bella approaches the Mistress and bows her head.

"Introduce yourself," she orders Bella.

"Sola Bella," Bella answers.

Mistress Pope's nose upturns in disgust, "Pick up those and follow me."

Mistress Pope hobbles off in a hurry, only allowing Bella a few seconds to grab the two buckets. As Mistress Pope travels down the halls, she speaks hurriedly. The knock of her staff against the floor is like percussion to the rhythm of her words.

"You will be washing four staircases today, each with fifty steps. One of your buckets is for water, and the other strictly for soap. You have two brushes and one scraper. When you need more water, go to that pump room on the left. There is no stopping for eating, or for socializing. Since you're only working part of a shift, I expect you to have finished this all by midday. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Mistress," Bella answers.

She leaves Bella at the foot of her first staircase, disappearing down the opposite hall. With a sigh, Bella sinks to her knees and begins. It's not that she is unused to such labor, but it has been some time since it was required of her. In the first few years of her imprisonment, Sulpicia had often weighted her with tasks such as laundry and window washing. Bella had done them in stride, thinking that things could be much worse for her. But then they had gotten worse. To keep her restricted from all other persons, and to monitor her behavior, Aro kept her confined. While she lived in the cage and was rarely freed, she wished to be tasked the way Sulpicia had before. Now, as she works at the stairs, she wonders how she had ever been able to work so diligently before.

The stairs, being located near the entrance, are frequently used, and so are caked with dirt. Bella tries to relieve the permanent scowl she has as she uses the scraper to strip the mud away. It is no wonder her bare foot bottoms are so dirtied already. She is halfway up the steps by the time Mistress Pope returns. Bella thinks she has covered a considerable amount of area in the given time but is proved wrong as Mistress Pope's staff lands on her ankle. Surprised and pained, Bella lets out a shriek. The Mistress delivers another swing to silence her.

"Do you think this is satisfactory?" she asks.

Bella doesn't answer; weary that any response she gives will be met with another hit.

"I expected you to be on the next staircase by now," the old woman hisses, "You'll have no wages to your name if you don't work quickly, and I will not have a foolish girl on my staff to soil my name. Hurry up!"

"Yes, Mistress."

Bella is barely able to contain the anger that bubbles inside of her as the Mistress leaves. She takes her shaking fingers from off the brush that she'd been clenching in her hand, and tries to calm herself. She had never thought of herself as being someone with a quick temper, but lately, it seemed as if any injustice made her irate. She wonders if it is because now, in this new life, she has the opportunity to defend herself. But she also knows that she needs to restrain herself because any wrong actions could result in her death. She stands up to give her joints some relief and catches her reflection in a mirror that hangs in the hall. With a start, she realizes that her eyes are their natural black. She shuts them in horror, and wills them to turn back to orange. She lets a minute pass before she checks again –thankfully they're back to normal.

Bella pushes herself to work faster, not focusing on the way her skirt becomes heavy with water, and the crisp, persistent breeze chills her. She is on the third staircase when she sees Alec and Charlotte approaching. Clumsily, she moves her cleaning supplies to the side in order to give them a clear passageway. Her knees ache as she lowers herself in a curtsey.

"Your Highnesses," she greets.

"Bella," Alec says cheerfully, "Did you make it to your destination in time?"

"Yes, Sire, I did," Bella answers, "I am very thankful."

"Alec," Charlotte sighs, "Must we stand here in this cold?"

"My sentiments exactly," Alec looks at Bella, "Cullenia is not a place for you to be in wet clothes."

"I will be changed as soon as I finish my chores, Sire," Bella answers.

"Surely you'll catch a cold before then," he continues.

"She said she will change," Charlotte scoffs, "Leave her to clean."

"Bella, I must adhere to the commands of my sister," he rolls his eyes, "Do not stay for long in those clothes."

"Yes, Your Highness," Bella nods and curtsies again as they leave.

Mentioning the temperature had made Bella doubly aware of it. She now shivers as she scrubs the last of the third staircase and moves onto the fourth. By the time she finishes, her limbs feel rigid and the skin of her hands is cracked. Furthermore, her ankle throbs where Mistress Pope had struck, and she knows that by tomorrow, a dark blue bruise will be apparent. Her teeth click together as she shivers, trailing back to the servants' court where she can be dismissed for the afternoon. She holds the hem of her skirts so that she doesn't leave a trail of water as she walks. However, she is so focused on what is behind her, that she finds herself making the same mistake she'd made early this morning. This time, she looks up into the face of the crown prince.

"Perradonna," Bella gasps, "Your Highness."

Though Bella's eyes are trained down, she can feel Edward's stare as it penetrates her skin. She knows she shouldn't, but she raises her eyes to glance at his face. Met with his stunning features, she has to look down once more. She feels embarrassed being in his presence looking like she does, but she feels mortified at having touched his pristine clothes in her condition. Instead of giving her a reprimand, all Bella receives is a grunt as the Prince walks away.

Too cold to give his actions more thought, she scampers away to the servants' court. Thankfully, the rest of her journey is uneventful, and she is able to make it back to her room without incident. Bella hurries through the closet she shares with both Claire and Bree and selects the simple, dark green, cotton dress to don after her bath. She almost runs to the bath chamber.

Inside, she is greeted by thick steam. Immediately, the chills that had been racking her body subside, and her muscles relax. Because she only works for half the day, unlike most of the other workers there, she is alone as she sinks into the body of hot water. Utterly soothed, she leans back and thinks of everything that had occurred during the day. She thinks about Alec, and the way he had charmed her; Charlotte, and her obvious irritability; and Edward's non-acknowledgment. She winces as she thinks about Mistress Pope, and rubs her ankle. She hopes she doesn't have many encounters with the woman.

But unfortunately, she does. The next few days, Bella alternates between following Mistress Pope's orders, and practicing with the minstrels of the court. She learns two songs in Cullenian, with lyrics easy enough to pronounce. The others are Volturian classics. Additionally, she learns a set of dances. Bella had often danced for Aro in his court but had hated doing it. His leering stare had left her feeling disgusted.

During the days, Bella is subject to any of Mistress Pope's commands, and also the end of her staff. By the end of the week, her legs are covered in bruises, and she is wondering if she'll even get the chance to perform her songs. Frustrated with her lack of progress, she falls into her bed and snuggles up next to Lua's panther form.

"Sometimes I wish I could be you," she hugs the large cat. The only way both of them can fit on the bed pallet is by staying close together, "What are we doing here, Lua?"

Lua purrs and licks Bella's face to comfort her. Shortly after, her ears perk, and she transforms into her bird form. Bella knows that it is because someone is entering the room.

"Bella?" Claire says as she steps into the room, "Who are you speaking to?"

"Myself," Bella sighs, "You are back early?"

"The Cullens are hosting a guest today, and so Chef Banner has left me to rest before he needs me to serve," Claire informs her, "I've also been asked to deliver this to you."

She hands a white parchment to Bella and then sits at the foot of the bed. Bella carefully opens the message, which reads:

Sola Bella,

His Royal Highness King Felix IX and Her Majesty Queen Heidi request your entertainment at dinner this evening.

"Nervous?" Claire asks.

Bella thinks for a moment, "Not as yet, but I imagine I will be."

"You had better wear a long dress," Claire suggests, "Your bruises are ghastly. I'm grateful I am not under the supervision of Mistress Pope, but I suppose the bruises would be less obvious on my dark skin."

"She is truly …" Bella searches for a word.

"A witch?" Bree supplies as she enters the room, "My sentiments exactly."

Bella stutters, "That's not-,"

"What you were going to say?" Bree raises a brow, "It is what you were thinking. It's okay; I have yet to meet anyone who thinks differently."

Bella sighs and looks at the varying colors of the bruises donning her legs. She estimates that she has around ten in total. She brushes her fingers over them and tries to keep her anger at bay. There is no use in getting upset over Mistress Pope's actions when Bella has something much more important at hand.

"What are you meant to wear for your performance?" Claire asks Bella.

Bella walks over to their joint closet and plucks out the dark ocher dress. It has a low back, capped sleeves, and the hem stops at Bella's knees. A belt of fire opals lay at the waist. The dress is considerably immodest considering that all royalty wear ankle length dresses, and servants wear dresses that hit, at least, mid-calf. However, Bella knows that it isn't completely unordinary for performers, those who dance, to wear dresses of this length. At least, that's what the lead minstrel had told her.

"I believe this is my uniform."

Claire's eyes widen, "It is quite revealing."

"Cullenia is more tolerable of women showing skin," Bree shrugs, "This dress is wonderful. I can't wait to do your makeup."

"Makeup?" Bella squeals, "Certainly not."

"Bella, I'll let you know, I almost always get my way," Bree winks cheekily. "Plus, we can hardly have you going in front of the princes in plain attire. Furthermore, the royal family is entertaining a guest –I will make you look spectacular."

All Bella can do is groan in anticipation.

~pigeon~

Bella can hardly recognize herself when she looks in the body length mirror. Her back is completely exposed, revealing her fake insignia; its black etches a stark contrast to her pale skin. Thankfully, she had been able to steal an extra amount of makeup from Bree to cover up her real insignia on her lower back, and the bruises on her legs. She brushes her finger down one of the many braids placed in her flowing locks. This is the most elaborately styled she's looked in ages, and the irony that she looks this way in one of the lowest stations of her life is not lost on her. For a moment, she allows her natural black irises to return, just to see how they look with the heavy coal lining of her eyes. The result is unnerving.

As she waits to be summoned, she reviews her dance steps. It's been a while since she's danced for anyone, and while that talent pales in comparison to her singing, it is still impressive. However, she had recently learned the Cullenian national Capana dance, in which, she would wear bells strapped to her right ankle. She is comfortable with the dance now, but hopes that she can do it justice.

Finally, it is time for her to perform. Nerves flood her body as she desperately wishes to please the royal family and their guest. With a fleeting thought, she wonders who this guest might be. After the announcer allows her to enter, she gets her answer.

Bella knows him; she just can't place him in her memory. His blonde hair, straight-edged nose, and frosty blue eyes are too generic traits for her to identify, and none of his other features set him apart. Nevertheless, she is so shocked by his appearance that she is rooted in her place once the music starts. Somewhere in her mind, her consciousness is yelling for her to begin but the other part of her refuses to tear her eyes from the gaze of the guest. His once comfortable and welcoming smile quickly dissolves into one of apparent discomfort.

A cough from Alec draws her out of her frozen state. She has already missed the first few seconds of the song, but that cannot be helped. Hopefully, she can salvage the rest of the routine.

And she does. She executes every one of the steps with natural precision, the bells around her ankle jingling in time to the music. The dance is a series of hops, twists, and kicks that were normally done with a partner, but could be done alone. Bella's braid swishes behind her as she dances, touching her bare back with every step. Her smile is large as she takes her final steps, and the room erupts in applause.

"Absolutely magnificent," Alec claps enthusiastically, "She dances it just like the natives do!"

Charlotte rolls her eyes at her brother, "Must you always act like this?"

"I give praise where it's due," Alec shrugs simply.

"Alec speaks the truth," the King finally voices, "Thank you for your performance, Sola Bella. You are dismissed."

Bella dips into a curtsey before heading to leave the room. But as she takes a peek at the table where the royal family sits, she notices that their guest is no longer present. How odd, she thinks, when did he leave?

Since she has already performed for the night, she is free to do as she pleases. She knows she should return to her room, but instead finds herself drifting down the moonlit halls in order to find the mysterious guest. Why did he strike such a reaction within her? Why had he left in the middle of her performance? Did he feel the familiarity she had?

She spots him sitting in the garden, only the back of him visible to her from her position. She stands behind one of the pillars of the breezeway and hopes that he can't see her. That was one of the downsides of the Cullen Castle. Besides the rooms, the castle barely had any enclosed spaces. Most of the supporting structures were pillars that allowed for the outside to mesh with the inside. Her heart pounds against her chest as she watches him, wondering why he has removed himself from the court in the middle of dinner.

"Some consider spying a crime," a voice sounds behind her. Bella is frozen in place.

Though her heart is now hammering against her ribcage, her reply comes out fairly confident, "Your silent entrance makes you guilty of the same crime."

"I wasn't aware that I could be a spy in my own home," his retort is quick.

Blood drains from Bella's face as she finally turns around to see who is behind her. Mortified, she drops to her knees at the feet of the Crown Prince. She hangs her head in shame, refusing to meet his gaze. With a trembling voice, she apologizes.

"Your Grace, forgive me for my insolence," she gushes.

"Answering without looking is an unwise thing to do in a castle," he continues. Bella tries to analyze the tone of his voice in order to deduce how much trouble she is in, but his tone betrays nothing.

"Forgive me for my foolishness, Your Highness," she begs.

"And you gave such a confident answer at that," he gives no acknowledgment to her apologies, and for the first time, Bella thinks she can detect some inflection to his tone.

But no, she thinks, surely he can't be … amused?

"It will not happen again, Your Highness" she assures him.

"Are you acquainted with Sir Carlisle?" he asks her.

"No, Your Grace," she answers.

"Surely you have other pastimes to amuse you?" Edward prods. Bella cannot tell if he expects her to reply to this, so she remains silent. Her sole reaction is to wince at the dull pain the ground causes her knees.

"You may rise."

She does as he says, but keeps her eyes fixed on the ground. A silence stretches between them, one so uncomfortable that Bella cannot help but look up at the prince. His calculating gaze startles her. She rarely saw the prince, but when she did, he was normally expressionless. She lowers her gaze once more, and refuses to look up again.

"You are dismissed," Edward finally says.

"Certainly, Your Highness," Bella mutters quickly before scampering away.

Her heart finally returns to its normal rhythm by the time she enters her room. Lua immediately flies to her and lands on her shoulder. She can tell from the stream of images that Lua projects that the bird was anxious while waiting for her to return. While Bella is positive that Lua enjoys the free expanse of the Cullens' gardens, the bird is more comfortable in Bella's presence.

Bella releases a shaky breath as she crawls onto her sleeping pallet with her bird perched close to her neck. She doesn't know why the encounter with the prince has left her feeling so drained, but it has. She is close to sleep when Bree and Claire enter the room. They quiet their laughs as they take in Bella's form.

"You look positively dead," Bree states, never the one for sugarcoating anything.

In her more tactful way, Claire says, "I imagine you must be tired from performing. You were magnificent."

"No, she's completely ashen," Bree continues, "Are you ill?"

Bella shakes her head, wondering if she should confide in her two roommates. While she now enjoys the company of both girls –yes, Bella was surprised to grow a fondness for Bree in such a short time –she finds it hard to open up to them. She had spent so much time in solitude in Aro's castle that she often doubts her ability to interact socially. It doesn't help that she has the weight of her secret on her shoulders and often feels she is being fraudulent with them. Furthermore, Claire and Bree are steadily forming a kinship with each other that Bella feels as if she is intruding upon.

"Well?" Bree prompts.

Bella sighs, "Prince Edward chastised me."

While Claire has a look of surprise on her face, Bree looks highly amused. Bree is only able to remain silent for a couple of seconds before she erupts with laughter.

"Edward chastised you?" she laughed.

"Must you refer to them by their first names?" Claire huffs.

"I've known them since infancy; we've long lost such formalities," Bree rolls her eyes before returning her attention to Bella, "So you look like this because Edward spoke shortly with you?Edward is possibly the most softhearted Cullen. He is just horribly awkward with strangers, and it comes off as rudeness. Don't take it personally."

"No, I was deserving of it," Bella informs her, "Unknowingly, I spoke rudely to him. Do you think he'll take action against me?"

"In order for him to take action it would mean he'd have to care," Bree snorts, "Edward is hardly perturbed by anything. You'll be fine."

Bella desperately hopes this is true. She imagines it will be difficult to protect the Cullens if they've shipped her off to another province. She needs to get into the Crown Prince's good graces and remain there.

The problem is, how will she ever be able to accomplish this feat when she is so intimidated by him?


Terminology

Ni ronero -To be determined [Cullenian]

O'vrasi, -bitter, Forxian liquor.

Kya -Princess [Forxian]

Perradonna -Excuse me / my apologies [Cullenian]

Capana dance –national dance of Cullenia, in which the dancer wears a string of bells on their right foot, and jingles the bells in time with the music. Dance can be performed with a partner, or solo, and is often danced during festivals or large parties.

Sola/Luna –these are prefixes like Ms./Mrs./Mr. except that they signify whether the person is a sunchild (Sola) or a moonchild (Luna). There isn't a strict requirement to use these prefixes unless asked by royalty, or someone of a higher station. Otherwise, one could refuse to reveal their origin, but most persons don't.


"You need to be able to manage stress because hard times will come, and a positive outlook is what gets you through." -Marie Osmond

~CH