A/N: Alright, beautiful people, I deserve any flame you have to throw my way, as I did not post last weekend. I could complain about my lack of a life due to my classes, mais c'est la vie. What I can do, is thank all of you for your fantastic reviews and encouragement. It's been a pleasure writing this and knowing you're enjoying it, so I truly thank you for joining me on this journey. Also, this story wouldn't be the way it is without the fabulous work by SunflowerFran!

A small note: Next chapter will be the last chapter of Part II, and should be posted next weekend. After that, it might be another two weeks before I begin posting Part III, as I kind of need to catch up with writing and I'll be using my spring break to do so! I'll let you know definitively next chapter whether this will happen, but this is just a warning so that I don't have an unexplained missed posting.

Here is the next chapter, hopefully it's long enough to make up for my absence.


PART II: PIGEON

Chapter 17

The bones of her corset bite into Bella's waist as she shifts uncomfortably in her seat. As the rest of the lunellas file in, she self-consciously brushes her hands over her new uniform. Admittedly, she'd been perturbed to know that she'd wear the exact style of dress that Carmen had, but there's no reason she couldn't don the standard uniform. Her dress is off white, the color of milk that has been tainted with several drops of coffee. The collar is squared, stopping just above the beginning curve of her chest, while the scalloped sleeves stop a few centimeters past her shoulders. Much more fitting than her other attire, the fabric clings closely to her corset, and cinches in at the waist with a darker shaded ribbon. Finally, the skirt falls over her hips and flows freely down to her ankles. In truth, the outfit isn't much different to those of the other maidens that attend to Charlotte. However, as Bella is the Princess's first handmaiden, the signature, pearled clip fashioned to resemble a Heidi flower, binds her hair at the base of her neck.

"Would you look at that?" Tyler waves his hand in Bella's direction, "Princess cleans up pretty nicely."

Bella rolls her eyes at him. Her relationship with Tyler, as well as Lucy, is an odd one. They're not friends, nor would she call them acquaintances even, but through their daily training, they have built a mutual respect for one another. Furthermore, she's learned that Tyler rarely has anything cordial to say to anyone but Lucy.

"At least, one of us looks presentable," Bree grumbles as she sinks into her seat. Her appearance is disheveled, given the haste with which she had arisen.

This meeting is the earliest they've ever conducted, but according to Eleazar, it was desperately needed. Bella frowns as she thinks of the lunella leader. She still hasn't reconciled with him after the way he treated her, and she doesn't know whether she truly can. Eleazar's approach with her from the start has been intense and demanding, and she feels that they have conflicting views on the rights and wrongs of warfare. Nevertheless, he leads this unit, and she does not intend on being insubordinate. So long as her life, as well as those of her fellow lunellas, is not endangered, she will tolerate him.

"The meeting will commence," Vera speaks, the room falling silent at the sound of her voice. "We've received confirmation concerning disturbing events this week."

"Firstly," Eleazar interjects, "Essa, what exactly do you know of your father's power?"

Dread fills Bella at the mention of Aro and his siphoning capabilities, "Not much, to be honest. He only used it in my presence a handful of times."

"What else?" he presses, "Surely you must remember some useful details."

She resists narrowing her eyes at Eleazar as she continues, "It's like mine for the most part. The moment he makes skin contact with someone, he absorbs their ability. Depending on how long he wants them to suffer, it can take seconds or hours, as if he's feeding off them. Except, he rarely keeps the abilities he takes. He has unlimited capacity, but he's addicted to the high of stripping people of their gifts … of their lives. And when he's done with his victims, all of their veins are swollen and blackened like tar."

The room is silent as she finishes, and it's only then that she realizes the intensity with which she'd been speaking. She'd be embarrassed if she didn't think that everyone in this room needed to know exactly what they were up against. Heaven forbid, but if they were ever to be faced with Aro's power, they needed to prepare themselves for the worst.

"Aro doesn't know that you can absorb as well?" Makenna reassures.

"No, he doesn't. My mother and I worked hard to keep it from him," Bella confirms.

"What about Jane?" Angela brings up.

"I don't know," Bella admits, "That day at the Pylae I realized that I don't know much about her at all."

Absentmindedly, Bella rubs her shoulder as she remembers the way her sister had plunged the dagger into her flesh. Jane hasn't been at the forefront of Bella's mind, but sometimes, in the quietness of the night, her sister's betrayal creeps upon her. She now knows that Jane had been doing it to help her, but she also wonders how much more Jane was hiding from her. Furthermore, what is Jane's role in Aro's scheme? In other words, which side will Jane be standing on when it comes to the final hour?

"What is the meaning of your interrogation?" Bree inquires, "I thought we established all of this."

"It appears that Aro has become more powerful," Nahuel speaks, "Word has traveled from Volturia that he's been draining prisoners destined for execution."

"He's energizing himself," Tyler breathes.

"It appears so," Nahuel agrees, "His ability also seems to have evolved."

Bella's ears perk at this piece of information, "Evolved?"

"They call it 'the darkness,'" Eleazar begins to explain, "Black water that seems to sprout from his body, and slowly engulfs his victims. We'd heard one account of it earlier this week, and have recently received another."

"Is that even possible? Your informant has to be mistaken," Bella argues, "They must have seen the black veins-,"

"Aro did it publicly, Essa, he wanted everyone to see his new power," Vera informs, "He was standing a few feet away when the darkness left his body, traveled to the prisoner, and then drained him."

"But how?" Bella questions.

"I second Bella's skepticism," James voices, "Is that even possible?"

"Does it matter?" Tyler asks before commenting bitterly, "The reality is that he's more powerful, and it's a disadvantage for us."

"Unless," Eleazar breaks in, "Bella's can evolve in the same way."

All eyes turn to Bella, who's sitting stonily in her seat. Mentioning Aro's power had caused a prickling sweat to break out on her skin, and her stomach to roll with nausea.

She takes a shaky breath, as she says, "I don't have that ability."

"If your accounts are accurate, then Aro didn't initially have that power either," Eleazar reasons, "It means that he accessed it through training and pushing his boundaries. Perhaps you can do the same."

"I'm not sure you have the right to speak about pushing her boundaries," Claire scoffs.

"If she can do it, then she must," Eleazar insists, "She is our weapon-."

"I am a living being," Bella cuts in, her deepened tone showing the fire behind her words, "Not a weapon for you to preserve until the last minute when you can use me at your discretion. I refuse to follow in my father's footsteps in any way, and if you even attempt to pressure me, you will experience firsthand just how powerful I can be sans evolving."

Once again, the room falls into silence, this one tenser than the last. Eleazar and Bella are locked in a stare off, which, at a previous time Bella might have lost. Now, she holds his gaze unwaveringly, her expression devoid of any insecurity. She studies him carefully, marking the way his pale yellow hair has begun to dull with age, and wrinkles have started to frame the corners of his eyes. She notes the stress lines of his forehead, and the grim set of his lips. Whereas before, she might have characterized him as a hardened warrior, dedicated to furthering his cause, currently, he appears to be nothing more than a desperate man.

"I believe we've said enough for this meeting," Nahuel clears his throat to break the quiet, "We will have our normal meeting in a few days' time. You are dismissed."

The lunellas file out of the room, casting wary glances at Eleazar and Bella. The two linger as the last person leaves, the tension still palpable in the air. The moment the room is entirely empty; Eleazar allows his true colors to show.

"Do you know what you're doing?" he seethes, "You are dooming us!"

"I am doing what I believe to be best," Bella answers steadily.

"And how would you know?" Eleazar scoffs, "You know nothing about being the guardian."

"Neither do you!" Bella reminds him, "For now, I am the only person living with this responsibility on her shoulders. The other guardian, be it Prince Edward or Prince Alec, is blissfully unaware of their destiny, and can provide no help to us until they become aware. Furthermore, youhave no experience with which to claim that I am acting poorly as the guardian, so I fail to see how you're more knowledgeable than me."

"Because I've lived in this world longer than you," Eleazar argues, "I've experienced it and seen the terrors of great power. The only way to defeat it is by having more power."

"Our power lies in our resolve to promote good," Bella tells him, "Not in our ability to kill more efficiently than our adversaries."

Eleazar shakes his head, "You don't know what you're talking about."

"I might be naïve to the politics of warfare, but I know King Aro more intimately than anyone here," Bella asserts, "And if I were to become more powerful … to evolve, I could not ensure I wouldn't be seduced by its evil offerings, just as he was."

"You're a babe to this world," Eleazar insults, his expression revealing his disdain.

Bella steps closer to Eleazar, a breath's distance away, her frame several inches shorter than his tall stature. His stance is meant to intimidate, but all it does is anger Bella further. She's tired of his condescension and doubt. She's had enough of his underhanded comments and know-it-all approach. And most of all, she's tired of him underestimating her ability.

Bella allows for the darkness of her powers to seep into her eyes, blackening her hardened stare. Slowly, she reaches her hand up to Eleazar's face, inching her fingers to his pale skin. He stands firmly in challenge, as if to say that he will not cower away from her potentially charged touch. Bella would believe his bravado if it weren't for the vulnerability revealed in his eyes. It's a look she's seen before in Lucy's stare, a small glimmer of dread that anticipates the pain of being drained. While Eleazar doesn't cower away entirely, Bella still takes victory in seeing his fear, and the way he flinches ever so slightly as she grips his chin.

"Let it be known, Eleazar," she says her words low and steady, "I will never again be caged."

Eleazar remains rooted in place as Bella leaves, and from a few feet away she can hear his shaky release of breath. She knows then that her warning has been received.

~pigeon~

Bella brushes her fingers along her wooden armoire, still unbelieving of the turn of events. She has a few more minutes before she needs to tend to Charlotte, so she spends her time reassuring herself and getting acquainted with her new room. The past week since Carmen's demise has been spent healing from her injuries and training for her new position as the Princess's first handmaiden. The new title brings with it several changes; for one, Bella is now hosted in a room right next to Charlotte's. She hadn't wanted to leave her arrangement with Bree and Claire, but being the first handmaiden means that she must be immediately available to Charlotte at all times. The room is very quaint; a small setup with a bed draped in cotton and fur, and a white, wood vanity table. A mirror rests above the vanity, casting the reflection of the opposing window, which overlooks the beach.

If she leans outside of the window, she can see the rock where she and Edward had bathed their feet in the sea. Bella releases a wistful sigh as she thinks on the Crown Prince. The intensive training for her new job meant that Bella rarely had free time to do as she pleased. Combined with the Ateara twins' strict orders to remain on bed rest, Bella hadn't seen him since she was bowing before him in the throne room, a sword at her jugular. Every day that passes, she thinks of a new thing to tell him or to tease him for, and still keeps up with her Cullenian in the hopes that she can impress him with her extended vocabulary. Now that she's Charlotte's handmaiden, she expects to see him more frequently, and the thought elates her. Still, it doesn't take away from the nagging feeling his absence has created.

The clock strikes fifteen minutes to eight when Bella leaves her room to go for Charlotte's breakfast. On her way, she bumps into Demetri stationed outside of the Princess's door.

"Sola Bella," Demetri nods in greeting.

Bella smiles tightly in response. She fully intends to pass him when a thought that had been nagging her resurfaces.

"Demetri," she turns to him, "How are you faring after last week's incident?"

Demetri raises a brow in confusion, "Pardon?"

"I only ask because we will be working closely together, and it would be beneficial to know one another," Bella reasons, "So I'm asking how you are faring –last week was pretty traumatizing."

Demetri's expression turns to one of solemnity, grief-laden in his features. Bella is shocked by the display of emotion, as she has never witnessed anything other than disinterest from him. He glances away, as if to recollect himself, and then answers with a low voice.

"She was not always that unstable," Demetri answers vaguely.

"Yes, I imagine you knew Carmen well," Bella says pointedly.

Demetri raises a brow, "I don't believe you have the right to question my affairs of intimacy."

"You're probably right," Bella agrees, "But Carmen said the most peculiar thing as she died."

"That I'm a traitor?" Demetri scoffs, "You're going to trust the senseless mutterings of a woman who attacked the Princess?"

"Then why accuse you with her dying breath?" Bella presses.

"Because she loved me, and I killed her," Demetri grits, his upset present in his tone, "Is that what you wanted to hear? We were lovers until she began speaking and acting unwisely, and then I distanced myself. I warned her to be cautious, but in the end, she succumbed to her sick envy. Do not question my allegiance when you've been here for not even half the year."

Taken aback, and thoroughly chastised, Bella mutters a quick apology as she scampers away. She's mortified at her accusation of Demetri, but she would be a fool not to press the issue. However, what he says is consistent with what she's overheard, and he hadn't known that she'd eavesdropped on their conversation. Bella feels guilty for having bombarded Demetri with a painful topic but simultaneously relieved that Charlotte's guard is not a threat.

Bella meets the service girl from the kitchen and receives Charlotte's breakfast before heading back to the north wing. She avoids Demetri's gaze when she returns and delivers two quick knocks on the door. At the Princess's groggy answer, Bella enters.

She's stunned the moment she catches sight of Charlotte's quarters; it looks slightly different in the daytime, but it is unmistakably the room from Alice's drawing. She realizes that she's entered through the wooden door, as the bed is directly in front of her. The window, framed with yellow curtains, sits to the right of the bed, which is draped in the floral design Alice had so brilliantly captured in her sketch. Bella takes in Charlotte, looking to see if her position matches the one of the woman in the vision. Unlike Alice's picture, Charlotte is curled in a ball, dwarfed by her bundle of blankets. Her black curls peek from between the sheets at the top of the bed, and her toes are nowhere to be seen.

"If you're going to starve me, might I remind you that I've already had one attempt on my life, and I'm not in the mood for another," Charlotte grumbles from under the blankets.

"I suppose I could funnel your food through the hole in your coverings, but I don't think the maids would take kindly to that," Bella replies smartly.

At the sound of Bella's voice, Charlotte snaps up from her dormant position and smiles brightly at her handmaiden. The expression lasts for only a second before she seems to remember to temper herself. Bella returns a smile, flattered that Charlotte is visibly pleased with her presence, even if the display was brief.

"I'd forgotten you were beginning today," Charlotte comments, "Now I can stop having to face those boring temporaries."

"Those 'boring temporaries' are very kind girls," Bella scolds.

Charlotte rolls her eyes, "Yes, yes, I'm sure they are. Bring my food and bring yourself a chair from my vanity."

Bella does as requested, and settles herself into the seat. For the next fifteen minutes, Charlotte talks about the past week and the standoff she had with her parents. To say that they were displeased with her actions is an understatement. Though she wasn't restricted to bed rest, she was banned from leaving her room, save from when she was escorted by a guard to bathe. As she speaks, Bella notices how she picks at her roll of bread and the lackluster way she stirs her porridge. Furthermore, in the week since Bella last saw her; Charlotte seems to have dropped a couple pounds, as her face looks a bit more tapered than usual.

"Charlie," Bella interrupts the Princess mid-sentence, "We haven't spoken about what happened that day."

"On the contrary, I've spoken about it many times," Charlotte rolls her eyes, "My parents won't stop harping on about it-."

"I don't mean the logistics," Bella shakes her head, "How are you doing? Seeing something like that can be quite traumatic."

"Yes, well, I'm okay," Charlotte shrugs, "I'm perfectly fine."

"Are you really? You're barely eating," Bella motions to her mostly undisturbed food, "And you look as if you've lost weight."

"Bella," Charlotte sighs.

"I won't force you to tell me," Bella assures, "I just want you to know I'm here if you'd like to talk about it."

"There's nothing to talk about," Charlotte insists, "Carmen is dead. It's all over."

Bella nods and pats Charlotte's hand before standing. She allows Charlotte to eat in peace as she walks around, straightening up odds and ends in the room. Truthfully, she feels slightly out of place in this new position. Although there are set times during the day when Charlotte will need to attend lessons and meetings, there is also a good amount of free time that she doesn't know what to do with. She knows Charlotte will voice her wants, but she also doesn't want to fall into the same pattern Carmen had with the Princess.

"Have you decided which color you're going to wear for Cialori?" Charlotte asks.

"Cialori?" Bella questions.

"My simple friend," Charlotte clucks, "Every year, the planet Cialori changes color due to atmospheric conditions reacting with its surface. When it eclipses the sun, our land is covered in its color, and even more amazingly, the moon aligns with both Cialori and the sun, and appears colored as well."

Ah, yes, her people call this day 'Coluae', "What does this have to do with my apparel?"

"No one knows what color Cialori will be in advance," Charlotte informs her. "On the day, everyone dresses up in the color they guess the planet will be. The castle holds a ball at night, and those who have guessed correctly dine at the same table as the royal family."

"So no one knows which color the sun will turn?" Bella verifies.

Charlotte shakes her head, "It could be anything; last year it was purple. I feel like this year will be red. What color are you choosing?"

"I will go along with your intuition," Bella smiles, "After all, I can't clash with my Princess."

Charlotte rolls her eyes, and launches into a discussion of dress types. Though she conceals it fairly well, Bella can tell just how excited the teenager is about the merriments of the ball, such as the elaborate decorations and the potential suitors who will be present. It's the first time that Bella hears Charlotte speak of the opposite sex with any sort of interest.

While she wants to pick up on this new piece of information, she can't help the niggling fear that settles in her stomach as she thinks of what Cialori might bring. If it were true that the moon could become any color, then she'd be unwise to ignore the warning of Alice's prophecy: bathed in green. Foreboding marinates with fear, as Bella realizes that Charlotte may be at risk for an attack on the night for which she so enthusiastically awaits. The ball is two weeks away, and if the prophecy rings true, it means that Bella has two weeks to find out who is going to attack Charlotte, and figure out how to protect her. The more Bella thinks about it, the surer she becomes that Cialori could be the day of the attack. Nevertheless, this doesn't stop her from praying that in two weeks' time, the sun won't appear green.

The day continues rather uneventfully. While Charlotte is in her lessons, Bella sits at the back of the class; wistfully staring at the door as if the one person she wants to see will enter. She supposes she could also profit from the history lesson that Charlotte is receiving but if she's honest with herself she could care less about the way the Otherworld led an attack on Volturia through the sea. Or how Forxx is the only nation in their hemisphere to use the representatives to govern. All she wants to know is why Edward hadn't come to see her since the Carmen fiasco. Although 'brazen' appears to be Bella's middle name whenever she is in Edward's presence, she doesn't have a death wish to seek him out purposefully on her own. She can only imagine herself now, striding a few feet down the hall from her room, knocking on the gold embellished doors of Edward's room, and demanding that he have an audience with her.

Bella has a few choice words to say to the Crown Prince, and given the opportunity, she would show him just how refreshing she could be. He had some nerve professing his intent at friendship, leading her to believe he care for her, and then sparing her not so much as a 'how are you?' Or perhaps he worries what his parents will think if they catch him with the help?'

She chastises herself as soon as this thought crosses her mind. She knows that the Cullens aren't so shallow as to disallow a friendship between her and Edward, as long as it doesn't cross the lines of impropriety. But for some reason, noting this doesn't make her feel any better. In fact, it further upsets Bella to know that there truly isn't a reason for why he hasn't come to see her.

As if Bella's upset had sent a distress signal to Lua, her black, feathered companion swoops into the room to rest on Bella's shoulder. The maestro stops speaking, and for a moment Bella worries she'll be scolded for the interruption. Furthermore, she's not entirely sure how to explain why this bird is so loyal to her.

"You have an aronimale," Maestro acknowledges.

"Pardon?" Bella glances down as if she'll see the object he's referring to.

He points to Lua, who's perched contentedly on Bella's shoulder, "Your bird, it's an aronimale."

"Is that the type of bird she is?" Bella asks in confusion, not sure where the conversation is going.

"A shadow animal," Maestro clarifies, raising a brow as if expecting Bella to understand at any moment. She looks as clueless as she did when he originally addressed her, so he continues, "These animals can shift between two states, and imprint on their owners."

Bella's confusion increases tenfold, "What does 'imprint' mean?"

"Put simply," Maestro starts and Bella can't help but note the healthy dose of condescension in his tone, "You've formed a life-long connection with her; your worlds are tethered together, and an unbreakable bond was formed. She can experience your feelings as you can hers. It's truly extraordinary the way these bonds can work. I've known people to be able to locate their aros from hundreds of miles away-,"

Bella's heart stutters and she doesn't think twice before interrupting, "What did you just say?"

"After training, owners can locate their aros-,"

"There," Bella stops him again, "Aros?"

"Aro is shortened term for aronimale," Maestro explains, his voice laced with annoyance, "Aronimale is derived from combining the word for animal 'onimale' and the word for shadow 'aro.' "

If Maestro had been expecting a word of thanks from Bella for the impromptu lesson that is certainly not what he received. Instead, the new information spurs a tickling of disbelief that result in Bella being overcome with laughter. At first, her chuckles are quiet as she tries to contain them behind her hand, but the more she thinks on what she's just learned, the laughs seem to spill over. Her behavior becomes so ridiculous that she has to excuse herself from the room. Gasping for breath outside of the classroom, Bella tries to recollect herself. Lua lands in front of her, head cocked in question.

Had Aro known the magnitude of the gift he'd bestowed her? Bella hadn't thought so initially, but now she's not entirely sure. It would be just like her father to give her a species of pet named after him. Yet, the coincidences seem to extend far beyond that. If one views 'shadows' to be dark and maleficent, then Aro's name is foretelling in itself. As Bella stares down at her little bird, she can't see her as being anything remotely evil. In fact, Lua's tendency to shadow Bella has helped her on many occasions. Knowingly or unknowingly, Aro had gifted Bella with one of best presents of her life.

To test the connection Bella has just learned of, she holds her hand out to Lua. The black feathered bird hops into her hand, just as she expected. This doesn't amaze Bella –any pet could learn to do the same. Therefore, she pushes the boundary of their link, trying something she never had before. Whereas Lua customarily relayed her images to Bella, and Bella reciprocated with words, this time, Bella directs her thoughts to Lua. She imagines her pet flying to the far end of the north garden and extracting a Heidi flower. It takes a few seconds, but sure enough, Lua leaves in the direction she imagined. A minute later, she returns with the purple flower secured in her beak. Bella rewards Lua's obedience with two kisses to her glossy feathers and is about to think of another task when Alec comes strutting down the hall.

"Bella," Alec cheers.

"Your Highness," Bella curtseys briefly, "To what do I owe the honor?"

"Please, you must speak casually with me," he insists, "Especially given how chummy you are with our Charlie. Is she treating you well?"

"More than fairly," Bella assures.

"Splendid," Alec smiles, before leaning in with a cheeky grin, "As to your previous question, I came to see my favorite sassy servant."

Bella chuckles at this, "Well, I'm afraid you are out of luck. Sola Bree is in town today."

"Bree is rather spirited isn't she?" Alec snickers.

"As a stallion, I'm afraid," Bella agrees.

"She'd have your head if she heard you liken her to a horse," Alec warns.

"She'll have to get in line," Bella shrugs, "Your brother already has plans."

This time, Alec laughs outright; "I knew it would be wonderful having you at our court. I'll miss your company when I'm gone."

"May I ask where you're going?" Bella inquires.

"To Ida Flor," Alec answers, "It's a small island nation that I've been negotiating with to increase trade with Cullenia. They're very amicable, and have been a great alliance to our people."

"I've only heard of the island in passing," Bella admits.

"It's beautiful," Alec informs her, "So teeming with oranges that almost everywhere smells of citrus. They're the best in all the lands."

"You'll have to bring back a few for me," Bella says, "And how long will you be gone for?"

"The travel itself takes a few days, and I intend to spend two weeks negotiating and vacationing," he tells Bella. "I'll be missing Cialori, but this is the last time I can travel before the weather gets out of hand."

"Then I wish you a safe voyage," Bella bids.

"I appreciate it," Alec nods, picking up her hand to press a kiss to the back of it. Bella would blush if she didn't know that Alec naturally charmed everyone around him in the same way. He turns to leave, but a sudden thought has Bella calling out to him. She knows she's revealing a lot of herself when she asks this, but she can't stand not knowing.

"Your Highness," Bella calls.

"Can't bear to part from me?" Alec faces her with his trademark grin.

"Most certainly," Bella plays along to appear more casual in her approach. Unfortunately, her attempt falls flat due to the heating of her cheeks as she asks, "However, I was wondering if you will be traveling alone?"

"I've absolutely no sea-faring skills so my captain and crew will be accompanying me," he answers plainly.

"Oh," Bella responds lamely, too embarrassed to press the issue.

"Unless you're asking whether you'll have to grieve over both mine and Edward's absence for three weeks?" Alec says, playful grin at full force.

The rest of Bella's face reddens along with her cheeks, "Uh, yes, I did mean if the Crown Prince would be going as well."

"He will be accompanying me," Alec chortles as he heads down the hall again, "But fear not, he will be returning earlier than me. Your Edward will be here in time to provide you with a dance on Cialori."

"That's not-," Bella begins to object, but Alec is already gone.

~pigeon~

Following Charlotte around and tending to her needs proved to be a lot more tiring than Bella expects. By the end of the day, she locks her door, and almost forgoes changing into her nightwear before crawling into her bed. She lies on her stomach so that she can let her wings dangle freely, tucks her hands beneath her head under her pillow, and then falls into a deep slumber. The dream is peculiar as it mixes several elements pertaining to her life.

In the dream, she's immersed up to her chin in ice-cold water. It laps at her skin while her silver hair floats around her. From her vantage point, she can see the silhouette of Volturi Castle, and the window of the room that holds her cage. Though it must be miles away, she can clearly see Edward standing in its frame. His back is turned to her, devoid of any clothing, a smooth expanse of skin stretched over firm muscles. Scrawled in the center of his back is a winding black pattern that would look identical to Bella's if not for the black feathered bird tattooed at the base of his spine.

As if he can tell her presence, he turns to face her. Initially, Bella is comforted to see his face, but the sentiment soon leaves. His features transform, his green eyes reddening until they look as if fires burn in his irises. He's no longer Edward, but Marcus, the guard who had patrolled the room in which she'd been imprisoned. The same Marcus that can melt anyone from their insides with his trained stare. The moment his eyes lock on Bella's she feels an agonizing pain beginning from the center of her back and flaring outward. Her entire insignia burns with every passing second, to the point that Bella can't help but scream. A loud shriek sounds, drawn out and earsplitting. Except, most peculiarly, it isn't Bella's. The sound intensifies as it pierces her consciousness, and yanks Bella out of her dream.

In less than half a minute, Bella has transformed to her alter state and exited her chambers. She sprints into Charlotte's room, and with a wave of her hand, pins every occupant around her to the surrounding walls. The two guards are too stunned to retaliate immediately.

"What is going on in here?" Edward demands as he rushes into the room.

"It's okay, everyone. I'm okay," Charlotte pants, her voice unsteady, "Bella release them."

Bella gently lowers the men to the ground and ignores the angered stares they give her as they sheath their swords.

"Will someone tell me exactly what happened?" Edward asks again, walking over to where Charlotte sits upright in her bed. "Are you okay, Charlie?"

"I'm fine," she huffs. She intends for it to hold the same annoyance she usually puts forth, but it sounds as if tears are not far behind.

"Is there a threat we should be on the look for," one of the guards speaks.

"You sounded as if you were being harmed," the other one adds.

" I said I am all right!" Charlotte nearly yells, "I had a nightmare. I do not need you to come fight the monsters in my closet. You are dismissed."

Heads bowed, the guards exit the room.

"They were only responding to your screaming," Edward admonishes, "Much like Bella and myself, you frightened us."

"It's over now. Can we forget it?" Charlotte bites.

"You are shaking," Edward, points out as he motions for her to lie down. Tenderly, he tucks the blankets around her shoulders, and then sits on the side of her, "You are not fine."

"I'm-,"

"Charlotte Anne Cullen," Edward stops her, "Lo quio."

I'm here, he tells her, and at those two words, Bella witnesses something she didn't think she'd see until the day heaven rained fire; Charlotte begins crying. Bone-rattling sobs tear through her as she clings to her brother's tunic, and releases the fright her nightmare had brought her. Feeling that this intimate moment is one only to be shared by the two of them, Bella leaves Edward and Charlotte. For the next fifteen minutes, she prepares a small tray of herbal tea and sweet bread. She only notices that her hands are shaking as she attempts to carry the platter back to the Princess's room. The way Charlotte had screamed, it brings her back to a time in her life she has pushed to the recesses of her mind. It had threatened to come forth when she'd been in the Pylae, and it threatens to resurface.

It is the reason she was put in her cage.

You are a monster too.

Except, now isn't the time for Bella to get lost in her past. She has more pressing things to face, like tending to a rattled Princess. Fortunately, she manages to tame the unsteadiness of her hands by the time she arrives.

Charlotte has noticeably calmed since Bella departed. She's propped up against several pillows, eyelids undulating as Edward affectionately brushes her curls.

"Bella," Charlotte croaks, voice hoarse from both her screaming and crying.

"Don't exert yourself," Bella hushes as she places the tray down on the bed, "I brought a snack to calm you, but you should return to sleep if you're tired."

"No, she hasn't been eating well," Edward points out what Bella had noticed earlier in the day, "She needs some nutrition in her."

"I'm not hungry," Charlotte objects.

"At least have the tea," Edward prompts as he stands, "Bella, can I see you outside for a moment? Charlotte, we'll be right back."

Bella follows Edward out the door, hugging her arms around her waist as she becomes acutely more aware of her state of dress. Her nightdress –plain white cotton, and long sleeved –is thinner than any of her other apparel, and she's wary of its transparency. Then again, Edward's night tunic is of the exact same material, and he seems to have no qualms about the way his chest is visible in the low glow of the candle strung beside them. The only thing that reminds Bella to look away from his body is the thought that she hasn't seen him in over a week.

"Given the way you threw those guards against the walls, it appears your demonstration with stones was a massive understatement of your abilities," Edward begins lightly.

Bella frowns, "You have a habit of jesting with me when we are not on kind terms."

With an abashed grimace, Edward sighs, "Bella-,"

"You didn't come to see me," Bella accuses, her words sounding as pathetic to her ears as they did in her head, "I-I would have appreciated a friend this week."

"I wanted to," Edward insists, "God, how much I wanted to, but with everything going on, I couldn't."

"You couldn't, or it wouldn't look good for you to do so?" Bella challenges, even though she knows it's unfair of her to accuse him of such behavior. It would seem horribly improper for the Crown Prince to visit a servant's quarters, but it hadn't stopped him from seeking her out the days after she'd fainted from aurimento.

"Don't be like that," Edward reaches out to her, but Bella takes a step back, "You know I don't view you beneath me."

"Then why did you ignore me for a week?"

"Bella-,"

"And why were you going to leave without telling me goodbye?" Bella cries.

"Because every danger you've endured has been linked to my family," Edward bites, voice slightly raised. By the end of the sentence, he tempers his volume, remembering that they stand in the hallway in the late hours of the night. He releases another sigh, one laden with frustration and distress. Bella moves forward, covering the distance she had previously placed between then. She reaches up and touches the light stubble of Edward's chin, as she tilts his head upward to meet her gaze.

"You think you're putting me in danger?" she questions.

"Two of my employees have been abusing and plotting against you this entire time and I knew nothing about it," Edward points out, "If I had done better …"

"Mistress Pope was a prejudiced hag who scared her victims into silence," Bella reminds him, "And Carmen was an unstable, jealous handmaiden, who I believe acted in the heat of the moment. You couldn't have known either of those things."

"I could have if I'd been more observant," Edward disagrees, "If I can't protect my own court as Prince, how can I protect a nation as King?"

"The first step is acknowledging the things you can and can't control," Bella answers, "And the second is dedicating your life to changing the things you can."

"I'm responsible for my employees," he counters.

"But you are not responsible for the bad things that happen in my life," Bella tells him.

"Even if they originate from my court?" Edward presses.

"Darkness has been present in my life long before you entered it," she murmurs, taking advantage of the moment to trace her fingers along his jawline.

She thinks she only has a few moments to explore the edges of his face before he moves away, but Edward remains still beneath her touch. His eyes flutter closed as she traces her fingers back and force across his jaw. Unfortunately, the moment can't last. Intimate touches such as these are reserved for lovers, not friends.

"It pained me to know you were hurt," Edward confesses as Bella retracts her hand.

"Your absence hurt me more," she reveals.

"I didn't want to be apart from you," he swears.

"And now you are leaving to Ida Flor," Bella says, "Will you truly be back in time for Cialori?"

Edward raises his brow, "Why? Are you reserving a dance for me?"

"I don't find you very endearing right now," Bella huffs.

"Bella, don't be this way with me," Edward begs, "Do you know how much you mean to me?"

"Truthfully, I hardly ever know where I stand with you," Bella admits.

"I-," Edward begins, but Charlotte's beckoning interrupts him.

When the two re-enter the room, Bella notices gladly that Charlotte has finished the items on her tray. However, she hasn't fallen back to sleep, and Bella worries that the Princess will suffer a sleepless night.

"Can you not sleep?" Edward asks.

Charlotte shakes her head; "It's too quiet in here."

Bella translates this into Charlotte not wanting to be alone.

"I can stay here until you drift off," Edward offers.

"But you have to travel in a few hours," Charlotte argues.

"I will stay with you," Bella supplies, "Let me just grab a few things, and then I'll return."

Bella leaves Edward to share his goodbye with his sister and grabs a book along with her woolen shawl. Back outside of Charlotte's door is Edward, waiting for her to return. Her heart sinks to her gut as she realizes she'll have to part with him for the next two weeks. She's about to complain of the boredom she'll endure when Edward does the unthinkable. He bends down, winds his arms around her, and draws her into a tight hug.

A spark of pure happiness ignites in Bella's chest and flares outward, leaving a wake of burning euphoria.

Ecstasy.

Blissfulness.

Like living in a world of darkness only to discover that there's a brilliant sun. Every purpose, prophecy, or duty she's had before this moment is pointless. Because now Bella knows why she's been put on this earth.

It isn't to save the nations.

It's to love and be loved by Edward.

"I will miss you," he breathes into her hair.

She can only respond by clenching the thin fabric of his tunic tighter.

"It will pass quickly, and then I'll be back here with you," he assures.

Bella nods.

Finally, he releases her. The sun has gone. Or rather, she's still near it, but clouds conceal it. This is the closest she's ever been to Edward, but it's not enough. She wants to be with him; she's dying to feel his warmth.

"I'll be back in time for Cialori," Edward tells her as he begins to back away.

"Then will you promise me something," Bella regains her voice, even though it is noticeably thick with emotion.

"Anything," Edward answers not a beat later.

"Save me dance," Bella replies.

Edward's smile is stunning as he promises, "Every dance will be yours."


Terminology

Cialori –On one day of the year, the planet "Cialori" faces atmospheric conditions that cause it to change colors. It then aligns with the sun and moon, covering the land in its color for the entire day. Citizens pick their outfits from the night before to match which color they believe Cialori will be. Those who guess correctly are guests of honor at the Cullen's Cialori Day Ball. This is also called "Coluae" in Volturian, but the Volturi do not host a ball like the Cullens do.

Aronimale –shape-shifting animals that form unbreakable attachments to their owners. This attachment, called "imprinting," comes with benefits such as telepathic communication and intrinsic sense of the owner's whereabouts. The actual word means "Shadow animal," stemming from the combination of the word "Onimale" meaning "animal," and "Aro," meaning "shadow." [Cullenian]

Ida Flor -small island nation located near to Cullenia. This land is not part of the Otherworld, but is also not under the jurisdiction of King Felix.

Lo quio –I'm here [Cullenian]


"Whether you try too hard to fit in or you try too hard to stand out, it is of equal consequence: you exhaust your significance." – Criss Jami