A/N: This will be really short, but there are some things I must say. 1) You all are wonderful and I cherish every single one of your reviews and reactions. 2) I would be lost without SunflowerFran correcting the crap that mistakenly makes its way in here. 3) Disclaimer: I don't own these characters. and 4) It was a shit week y'all, so cheers to a brighter next week!

Enjoy (:


PART III: SWAN

Chapter 22

Bella hadn't realized she'd fallen asleep at Seth's bedside until a clatter in the midst of the night alerted her. Sitting up from her bowed position, she clears the fogginess of sleep from her mind. Lua, curled by her feet, catches the next creak of the door only a second before her heightened senses detect it.

It could merely be one of the other inhabitants of the house, so Bella quietly slips from Seth's quarters and creeps down into the foyer. She nearly clears the entrance to be empty when suddenly a weight drops from above, flattening her to the ground.

Before she's able to move, the weight disappears, and it's only as Bella catches sight of her attacker adhering to the ceiling that she understands how she'd been taken off guard.

"If you are a looter, I highly suggest you leave," Bella growls.

"Your threats are empty if you can't even reach me," the intruder taunts, leaping to the floor at the far end of the room as if to prove a point.

Bella is almost able to sweep him off his feet using a coat rack (apparently, a preferred weapon of hers), but he quickly relocates to the ceiling, chuckling at his clear evasion of her. She tries again to get a mental grasp on him while also wondering why the other residents of the house haven't taken notice of the ruckus. After a third cycle of attempting to pin the attacker, she realizes something –he always returns to the ground, suggesting that his adhesion isn't sustainable. Using this observation, she's able to predict his next moment he lands on the ground once more, she unsheathes her dagger and sends it straight through the space between them. It whistles through the air before lodging in the center of his chest.

When the front door rattles behind her, she unbeds her weapon from the attacker's sternum, only to return it to her hand and face the entryway. She's seconds away from reintroducing the knife to human flesh when Emmett bursts through the door, sword in hand and blade glistening with blood.

"Get everyone to the kitchen now!" he orders.

Without hesitation, she flies up the staircase to where the others lay sleeping. It doesn't take more than a few knocks to rouse Charlotte and Edward, and Rosalie is already awake with a bow and arrow in her hand by the time Bella steps through Seth's door.

"It's me!" Bella declares when Rosalie draws back her arrow. "Gather anything you need, and I'll lead you and Seth to the kitchen."

"You can't," Rosalie shakes her head.

"I'm perfectly capable of getting you both there safely-," Bella starts.

"No, Essa, you don't understand," Rosalie stops her, "I was serious in saying that Seth cannot travel as yet. Maybe in four days' time he'll fare slightly better, but certainly not tonight. He will not survive."

"I will not leave him," Bella refuses.

"We cannot stay here," Rosalie says, her voice laden with the painful implication.

Bella's thoughts race as she realizes the predicament at hand. She's caught between two positions. One as a guardian and one as a friend who promised to bring a little boy home to his family. She'll never forgive herself should either the Cullens or Seth lose their lives, but this is a very real possibility should she choose one over the other. She could not ask the Cullens and Masens to stay knowing that they could be killed, and she could not leave this house knowing Seth would be left to another cruel attack. Her heart is torn in two directions, and she feels as if she has no control over the movement of either half.

Unless …

"Where are the keys for this room?" Bella asks hurriedly.

Rosalie squints her eyes in confusion, but nonetheless, procures the keys from inside a pot on the chest of drawers. The weight of the metal in her hand makes her decision seem that more real, even though she can't quite believe her own plan.

"Let's go," Bella ushers Rosalie out of the door, taking a protective stance in front of her.

"I know it is painful, but you had no choice but to leave-," Rosalie begins as Bella turns toward the door.

As she locks it, she interrupts Rosalie, "I am not leaving him."

"But we can't-,"

Bella stops her once more, "No, Rosalie. I am not leaving him."

Realization dawns on Rosalie, as a grim expression crosses her face. Bella doesn't give her a chance to verbalize her objections before leading them down the stairs. The golden beauty keeps her bow trained, while Bella wields her dagger, and they remain unwavering in their stance until they meet Emmett, Charlotte, and Edward in the kitchen.

"Where is Seth?" Charlotte asks, her voice still thick with sleep.

"He will not survive the journey, Princess," Rosalie answers gravely.

"Surely, we are not planning to leave him," she protests.

"You are our primary concern, Your Highness," Emmett answers, "and there's no way we can stay here. The Iris has arrived in Lunaria, and once they know of your presence here, you will be ambushed. It is truly despicable, but this is war. Our only hope is that once they realize he is merely a boy, they will spare him."

"That is not our only hope," Bella speaks, "and Seth will not remain here alone. I am staying with him."

"Are you out of your mind?" Edward suddenly speaks, an anger present in his tone that Bella had not expected.

"They will not spare Seth; he was not exempt from his earlier attack and will not be saved from this one," Bella argues, "I can't leave him here."

"Bella, please," Charlotte begs, her voice cracking as tears infiltrate her vision, "We can't lose both of you. We … I-I need you."

"And I need you to be safe," Bella reaches out, forgoing any restrictions she'd held on herself to make skin contact with Charlotte. She brushes one of the girl's black curls from her face, and lays a hand to her cheek, "I would never forgive myself if something happened to you."

"But Emmett can fight," Charlotte begins, "He can protect Seth and himself, and he'll be okay-,"

"Which is exactly why he should be with you," Bella explains, "and he has a wife and child who need him. Please understand that I am doing this for you."

"There has to be another way," Edward murmurs, seemingly to himself. He runs his hand through his hair, only to tug at his strands in the center of his head. "No –I can't… No. You're not staying here."

"She's right, Your Highness," Emmett finally comments, "If we wish to save the boy, he cannot remain here alone, and Rosalie and I are the best escorts to take you to Forxx. This is the only option."

"We cannot leave her," Edward growls.

"We don't have the luxury of debating this," Rosalie speaks, "It is only a matter of time before the next wave of intruders come. Essa, behind the cabinets, there is a tunnel that travels for a mile southwest. It opens up to a port where you can take one of the Masen carriages, and head to Forxx. All the salves I used for Seth are on the dresser, and Emmett will leave you with funds for your journey. If you are truly under siege, at the three-day mark, you can carry Seth with you. I can't assure you he'll make it, but his chances will be better."

"Thank you, Rosalie," Bella nods.

"It is you we should be thanking," she corrects as she places a kiss to Bella's cheek.

"For saving the heirs, and for saving my family, I thank you," Emmett briefly bows his head to her, "Until we meet again, Princess."

"Until then, Emmett," Bella takes his hand to squeeze.

The moment he leaves to the tunnel, Charlotte barrels into Bella's arms. Bella can feel her wracking sobs, and she can hardly believe that this is the same girl that only months ago couldn't determine whether she liked her. She holds onto the young Princess tightly, absorbing her love until she knows she can't delay any longer. Rosalie, sensing the same, comes over to remove Charlotte gently from Bella's embrace. Charlotte is so overwhelmed by her crying that she's unable to form a proper goodbye, and she reluctantly follows Rosalie into the tunnel after sparing Bella one last glance.

She's left alone with Edward, his expression noticeably pained. She hadn't expected him to react this way, given his recent disdain for her. Bella knew that she could never let go of her feelings for him, but surely he had discarded any affection he held for her. His current distressed state must be caused by some other doubt, and since Bella can't stand to see him this way, she breaks another rule by speaking to him.

"Emmett will take good care of you and Charlotte," Bella tells him softly, "You needn't worry about that."

Edward begins, his voice choked, "Don't do this, Bella."

Bella.

She hadn't heard him say her name without venom for quite some time. She stores the sound in her memory, just in case she never hears it again. The thought has her throat clenching and her eyes welling, so much so, that she turns away from him. She doesn't want him to see how much this affects her.

A bang against the front door startles them both and prompts Edward to draw his sword. He takes a step forward, almost as if to move in front of Bella, but she moves in front of him to block his path. Her eyes dart frantically between the door and his face, trying to memorize as much as she can while also staying alert. The next bang is the final warning.

Their time is up.

"Go!" she cries, pushing him toward the tunnel.

"I can't leave you," he fights against her hold, "I can't … I don't want to leave you!"

Her heart shatters with every step she forces him to take toward the escape route. She's no longer only pushing with her arms –she's using her mind as well. They struggle until Emmett meets her at the entrance, his grim nod communicating that he knows what he has to do. He wraps his arms around Edward's torso and begins to drag him back.

"Let go of me! Let go!" Edward writhes, "Bella, please. I didn't mean it! I didn't mean it when I said I never wanted to speak to you again, I was just so angry. Don't do this! Please, Bella!"

She uses one had to stifle her sobs as Emmett drags him into the underpass, and her other to close and lock the hatch behind them.

She knows he can't hear her, but she still whispers the words she wishes she could have said,

"I love you, Edward."

~SWAN~

To Bella's glee, the sound that had interrupted her farewell with Edward had only been an overzealous scavenger. She quickly renders him unconscious on the front step before walking the perimeter of the house to fortify every entrance. After she feels that the windows and doors have been sufficiently blocked, she begins gathering supplies. Bread, dried meats, cheese, water, wastebaskets, bandages, candles … She circuits multiple times through the house and stops at Seth's room to unload her provisions. Lastly, she rifles through Sir Carlisle's room to find weapons.

Despite her disdain for the man, she admittedly feels guilty digging through his belongings. She feels doubly ashamed as she fingers through his wife's drawers, touching her delicate nightgowns and dresses. As Bella is parting through the clothing, her fingers feel a type of silk she is quite familiar with. Unable to help her curiosity, she withdraws the slip of fabric made from the silk of the Forxian silkworms.

Somehow, Bella manages to smile as she recalls her first time wearing something of the same design. Her time with Alice, Jasper, and Peter feels like a distant memory, but her heart warms with the thought that she might again see them.

If she can stay alive.

Newly determined, she finishes her search. She's managed to uncover a sword and an archery kit, but as she is not well-versed with the latter weapon, she hides it once more. She snags a few books from Sir Carlisle's shelf, before heading to Seth's room, and once inside, she barricades the door with furniture. No one would be entering unless she wished for them to.

The next few days pass with Bella in an almost trancelike state. She entered another mindset, one she had only accessed during her time in the cage when living consisted of nothing greater than mere functioning.

Day one –she sits at Seth's bedside. She does little else but read and tend to his bandages, making sure to clean his wound thoroughly and wipe down the sweat from his skin. She speaks to both him and Lua in hushed whispers, needing to expel her feelings as a form of catharsis. She hears the rattle of the door downstairs, but no one enters.

Day two –she practices her combat to stretch her muscles. Her crouched position at the bedside has left her terribly sore and lethargic. She alternates between practicing her strikes and steadying her telekinesis. As long as she stays active, her mind won't travel to a certain, green-eyed man and his last words to her.

Day three –two sunchildren attempt to overtake the house. They blast through the boarded windows with iron fists and settle themselves in the hearth room with some of Sir Carlisle's fine liquor. For the rest of night, Bella listens as they brag of their ambushing of moonchildren communities, pillaging through the towns. She waits until they are in a drunken stupor to remove her barricade from the door, and quietly head downstairs.

Day four –she remains in the hearth room, surrounded by the corpses of the defeated trespassers. She only leaves twice; once to check on Seth and another time to rinse a glass so that she can pour herself some of the amber liquor.

Day five –she returns to Seth's room. She scrubs the blood from her face and hands and changes into Mistress Masen's silken dress.

Day six –Seth still hasn't awoken. She cries.

Day seven.

Day eight.

On the ninth day, the rustling of the bed covers wakes Bella. Wearily, she rises to see Seth attempting to sit up. With a gentle hand, she restrains him, ensuring that he remains lying down.

"Bella?" he croaks, "Where are we?"

"We are at Sir Carlisle's home," she answers softly.

"Already?" his face scrunches in confusion, "I thought we had a few more hours … I don't remember getting here."

"You've been asleep for quite some time, a'ra," she tells him, "You were quite sick, but I think you're finally getting better."

"I'm feeling a lot better than before," he nods, "But my stomach still hurts."

"Let me get some pain ointment for you then," Bella says, already heading over to where the salves sit. As she applies the cream, she informs Seth that the Cullens and Masens had to leave in order to keep the heirs safe. If he is distressed at the thought of their leaving him behind, he doesn't betray it. He merely holds tighter to Bella's hand, as if he's worried she might disappear as well.

That night, she helps him to clean up and into a sitting position. A crash below sounds as Seth is nibbling on his slice of bread. Bella doesn't go down, hoping that the intruder is merely a looter looking for easy stealing. When the door creaks open and shut another time, she knows they have left.

"Seth," Bella catches his attention, "Tomorrow we will be leaving here. Is that okay with you?"

"Where are we going?" he asks. "I don't want to leave if those bad people keep looking for us. Why can't we just stay here in this room?"

Bella rubs the back of his hand comfortingly, "It isn't safe here either. There is only so long we can hide. We need to go back to Forxx."

Seth's eyes immediately widen with excitement, "We're going home?"

Bella nods, "Just as I promised."

She's sure that if he hadn't been in pain, the small boy would have leaped into her arms. His enthusiasm is enough to momentarily quell the fear she has about the upcoming journey. Bella had downplayed the extent of their vulnerability when speaking to him, but in truth, there is no guarantee they will make it to Forxx. The steady increase in intruders had alerted her to the strong presence of opportunists and radicals, and she knows that once they are outside the confines of these four walls, there's nothing to stop a mass of them from overtaking. She'd done exceptionally well with protecting Seth thus far –the mounting bodies in the hearth room are a testament to this. However, should a group challenge Bella, there is only so much she can fight.

"I need you to rest," she hushes him and gently helps him to recline.

"Bella?" Seth murmurs sleepily, "I-I'm scared."

"Of going to sleep or of leaving tomorrow?" she questions.

"Both," he admits.

"No t'io l'asco," she promises as she presses a kiss to his forehead, "I won't leave you."

~SWAN~

When another attacker rattles the bedroom door, Bella knows that their time at the Masen manor has come to an end. The exchange with the intruder is short, but Bella draws it out when she witnesses their power. The woman, a moonchild in her later years, is able to emit blasts of light from the centers of her palms. Despite this formidable ability, she's poorly versed in combat. It takes Bella only moments to leave her unconscious with an absorbing touch.

The next few hours are spent collecting necessities for the upcoming journey. The prospect of having a carriage spurs Bella to pack heavily, gathering anything that could serve to help them. Once she finishes, she rouses a grumpy Seth to get him fitted in warm clothing. After strapping Seth to her front, a sack to her back, and a satchel around Lua's midsection, they make their way to the tunnel.

Though her vision has been heightened as of late, she regrets not lighting a second lantern to traverse the dark underpass. The voyage is grueling; the ceiling is low enough for her to have to bend her neck, the ground uneven enough to risk tripping, and the stench abrasive enough to induce gagging. Unfortunately, it is the only trustable way to reach the carriages, and Bella would face this a thousand times over if it meant she could make it to Forxx alive.

A distance that might have taken twenty-five minutes at most ends up taking nearly fifty given the difficulties Bella faces. The unrefined passage serves as a hindrance, but towing a child along with a teeming rucksack certainly doesn't help her pace. By the time she reaches the end where a hatch in the ceiling lays, she's a sweating mess. She snaps back the lock, and then slowly inches open the hatch. She's about to open it more when the door is suddenly flung open. She recognizes the face on the other end immediately.

"You." The guard who had been in front of the Masen manor growls.

"My apologies," Bella grimaces sheepishly, offering a hand for his assistance, "It truly wasn't personal."

"If I touch your hand will I end up unconscious for hoursonce more?" he spits.

"You have my word that you will not be harmed," Bella promises.

With a displeased grunt, he removes Bella's satchel from her back, as well as the lantern. She relieves Lua of her bag, and carefully works her way out of the hole. Once standing, she peeks down to ensure Seth is still sleeping against her chest –thankfully, he is.

"You've been left with two of our best," the guard informs as he leads Bella to two horses, "The carriage is rather comfortable too, outfitted with cushioned seats so the boy can recline. Here is a map with a suggested route based off the information I've received over the past few days. Avoid the areas marked with Xs, and do not stop to rest in the areas marked with squares. There is a spare sword under the bench of the driver's seat, and I've supplied you with a few more rations of bread and water, along with oil and matches for your lanterns."

"Thank you," Bella says with sincerity, laying a hand against his armored shoulder, "Truly. You didn't need to help me after the way I left you."

"Well, I suppose you didn't kill me," he grumbles, "You mustn't linger. Be on your way."

She nods and removes Seth from his harness on her torso, and gets him situated in the carriage. After he's securely tucked away, she ushers Lua inside to keep his company. It's only as she sits on the bench, and clenches the leather leads in her hands that she realizes she's overlooked an important detail:

She hasn't the faintest idea of how to drive a carriage.

"Please tell me this is a jest," the guard laughs in incredulity, "This didn't factor into anyone's plan?"

Bella's cheeks burn red, "We didn't exactly have the time to formulate. Perhaps you can give me a few guidelines?"

"You cannot drive a carriage based on guidelines," the guard continues laughing, "This is perfect. You're going to overturn it and kill both yourself and the horses."

"Your brand of optimism is truly refreshing," Bella growls, "If I cannot steer this myself, then you will come with me."

"I will not drop my station simply because you ask it of me," he rolls his eyes; "I am not under your hire."

"But you are under my rule," Bella corrects, reaching into the pocket of her skirt to procure her signet ring. For more than the first time, she is thankful that Aro had been so flippant with the item.

The guard sobers immediately, clearing his voice as he rights himself. He bows to one knee and hangs his head low.

"Forgive me, Cora, I should have known," he apologizes.

"You are Forxian?" she guesses from his choice of words, "And why do you call me Cora? I am royalty, but certainly not a queen by any stretch."

"Yes, Cora, I am a native Forxian –a member of one of the founding families of L'Apush," he informs her, "And though you have not been crowned officially, in technicality you are next in the bloodline of the Forxian throne."

Bella swallows thickly, the thought having never really occurred to her. "Yes, well, um, then Sir …"

"Jacob," he answers, "Luna Jacob."

"Right, Sir Jacob," she continues, "As your queen, I bid you to leave your post and escort me to Forxx."

"It would be my pleasure, Cora," he responds.

"If we are to be traveling together, you mustn't uphold formalities the entire time," Bella insists.

"As you wish," he nods and immediately begins gathering his things.

Having someone follow her orders so easily feels rather odd to Bella. She is used to following orders or working alongside another. Nevertheless, if his considering her to be a queen is what convinces him to assist her, she won't correct him. She needs Jacob to escort her and Seth safely to Forxx. Jacob gathers his belongings in record time and hops onto the front bench. Bella is about to join him, but he waves her to the back.

"It is better for you not to be seen, Cora," he informs her, "At least until we're passed city limits. Sleep for now, and when it is safe, you may exit."

Trusting him and his superior knowledge, she climbs into the body of the carriage. It's rather spacious, allowing for her to curl up on the velvet cushions. She draws her coats around her more tightly to maintain her warmth, and then closes her eyes. She falls asleep within seconds.

When she wakes, the sun is high in the sky and the carriage still. Her heart races momentarily as she notices Seth isn't with her, but his laugh from outside calms her. She's warmed by the sight she witnesses upon exiting; Jacob and the younger boy sit by a fire, playing with what looks to be wooden stick figures. Though she knows he must still be in pain, he doesn't seem to be paying much attention to it at the moment. He's more interested in the face Jacob is drawing on the figure with a quill pen.

"Bella!" Seth cheers happily, "Look what Jake made!"

"Is that a soldier?" Bella asks, matching his enthusiasm, "It looks almost as brave as you."

"When I grow up I want to be a knight just like Jake," Seth says.

"Is that so?" she ruffles his hair as she takes a seat by Jacob, "You're a knight now, Jake?"

"I told you I'm not a knight, child," Jacob grumbles. She's sure that if it weren't for his dark skin that she would see his blush. "And quit calling me that."

Seth laughs, completely unfazed, "You're so funny, Jake."

The tug at the corner of his mouth tells Bella that Jacob isn't as unaffected by Seth's charm as he appears to be. She learns that she's been sleeping for nearly seven hours and that this is the second stop their caravan has made. Though Jacob assures her that no one should be trekking through the forest at this time, she still catches the way his eyes flicker back and forth. The rest of the break is tense but needed. Jacob is able to sleep, and Bella is able to tend to Seth's wounds. He's much more talkative now that his health is improving, and more than once Bella has to warn him to calm down. After about two hours of talking and playing with the figures, Seth becomes bored once more. To hold his interest, she lets him move all the feathers on her wings to stand on end. It's only as she feels a sharp pinch that she realizes Seth has been coloring in her feathers with the ink pen.

"Seth!" she breathes in sharply, bringing her wing around to see the damage. Several feathers all over have been turned a deep blue. She knows she should be upset, but the way Seth laughs deviously at her surprise dissolves her annoyance. It shouldn't come as a surprise to her that a nine-year-old would be so mischievous.

"What is all this raucous?" Jacob grumbles as he wakes. "How long have I been asleep? for?"

"Perhaps three hours," Bella estimates. She can't be too sure given that there are no clocks nearby, "Do you need more rest?"

"No, it is better we cover more ground," Jacob urges, "What an interesting design you have, Cora, I've never seen a Forxian with half dotted wings."

"If you aren't the most infuriating man-," she begins in a huff.

"Are you truly angry?" Seth asks, his voice quieting to a timid level.

"No, I am not," Bella assures him, "Jacob and I were just jesting with one another. Come along, little one, we need to get you home."

For the next leg of the journey, Bella is seated beside Jacob at the front of the carriage. They remain silent; Jacob is focused on the path ahead, and Bella is surveying the immediate area for any danger. Gradually, the day begins to end. The already cold air gives way to frosty winds, and the sun's absence creates a resonating chill. A shudder runs through Bella as she uses her arms to create fricative heat. Passing her tongue over her cracked lips serves to provide some moisture, but the rest of her face is red and chapped. The extent of her coldness becomes apparent once her teeth begin to chatter.

"Come closer to me," Jacob grunts.

"I beg your pardon?" Bella asks, affronted.

"I'm not acting against your virtue," he rolls his eyes, "I emit heat, especially in colder conditions. It will keep you warm."

"Is that your ability?" she questions skeptically.

"Merely an effect of it," he tells her, "I'm a wolf."

Bella's eyes widen in surprise, "Truly?"

He nods, "Now will you draw near? I will not have a queen freeze on my watch."

Bella releases a sigh, "You mustn't call me that any longer. I'm not truly a queen."

"You are a Swann," Jacob disagrees, "You have the founding family's blood in your veins, and your predecessors are deceased."

"But Forxx is self-governing," Bella points out, "They do not need a monarch any longer."

"Have you seen the state of Forxx, Cora?" Jacob asks, noticeably impassioned, "The people are happy, do not misconstrue my words, but they are impoverished. The representatives banded together as an emergency resolution, not out of want. We've virtually no commerce connections, no national protection, and Volturia insists on discarding its bodies in our Pylae. The representatives have done wonders to provide for us, but to our neighboring nations, they're not taken seriously. We need a head that serves our interest –one that will sit at the table of kings and demand we be respected as an autonomous nation."

Breathless, Jacob concludes speaking. Bella can see the genuineness in his face; he has a face of a man who has watched the struggles he's spoken about and feels powerless to make the change. Pain, one of a different kind, fills her at the thought of Forxx. She'd been enchanted by the country charm and warm people she'd encountered when stopping there, but hadn't thought of how being stripped of a ruler would leave them lastingly unstable. Yet, she can't help but ask,

"Why not appoint another ruler? Why insist on a Swann?"

"You are the founding family," Jacob answers, "Your ancestors led us to the lands and fought for our independence. They have always ruled with fairness and love. It's a throne no one has felt worthy enough to fill. Many have tried, but the people have refused."

"If my mother were still alive, would she still have been considered Queen?" Bella poses another question. For once, she seems to be receiving answers.

"You were most likely too young to understand, but after your King Charles had passed, your mother acted as Queen Regent."

"Queen Regent?" Bella becomes confused, "But that implies that …"

"Now you understand, Cora," Jacob looks to her with a raised brow, "Your mother was only acting as queen until you turned twenty-one. It is officially documented that Forxx is rightfully yours. It is no surprise that King Aro killed you when he did."

"So he could claim the land before I became of age," Bella guesses.

"No, to avoid war with Forxx," Jacob corrects, "Killing a member of the royal family is a sure way to declare war. In the early starts of our nations, the kings used to slaughter the youngest of the opposing king's family to both send his opponent into emotional agony and to declare war. If he killed you before you were rightfully confirmed the Queen of Forxx, he wouldn't be unnecessarily declaring war on that nation. This is just as well because he was busy declaring war on Cullenia."

Bella opens her mouth to speak, but words are lost to her. Had she been destined to die from the beginning, without Sulpicia's interference, or had her father intended to keep her locked in her cage until the end of her days? Why had her mother never told her of her right to Forxx? Although, Bella doubts if knowing that would have made a difference to her. During her time of imprisonment, she'd given up any hopes of escaping. Whether she was dead or imprisoned, Forxx would have remained without a monarch.

And now, Bella finally learns the reason for targeting Charlotte. Following a cruel historical practice, Aro had meant to murder her for a declaration of war. Though he'd failed, he'd certainly succeeded in breaking the Cullen family and igniting unrest. Yet, so far, Aro has only worked destruction through his pawns and has yet to deploy his own Volturian troops. She shudders as she thinks of the mayhem that will be unleashed if his soldiers are out massacring in the streets with the Iris.

"Do you see now?" Jacob asks, "Do you understand why we need you?"

Bella shakes her head, voice thick as she answers, "Even if I wanted to, I've no idea how to rule a nation. I'm barely handling being a Guardian."

"You already have a love for those around you," Jacob motions to the carriage where Seth lies, "And you're fiercely protective. That's certainly a start."

"How can you have such faith in me?" she asks him.

"Let me ask you something," Jacob says, "Where were you all these years after your mother passed? You were never seen again. Everyone believed you dead along with your mother, even though an announcement had never been made."

"Imprisoned," Bella answers, wincing as she hears the words aloud, "Aro kept me locked in a cage."

"I imagined as such," Jacob nodded, "You want to know why I have faith in you? Because somehow, after twelve years of captivity, you have remained pure-hearted."

"I am Aro's daughter. The same darkness that resides in him lies in me-," she begins to fight.

"You're here, Cora, supporting the side that promotes good," Jacob stops her, "Stop trying to deny it and accept, that against all odds, you are here."

"Thank you, Jacob," Bella says softly after a few beats of silent, "For your steadfast faith in me. I can only hope I meet your expectations."

"You will," he assures firmly, not a trace of doubt in his voice.

"For Forxx, you will."


Terminology

No t'io l'asco –I won't leave you [Forxian]

Cora –Queen [Forxian]


"… And here am I, budding
among the ruins
with only sorrow to bite on,
as if weeping were a seed and I
the earth's only furrow."

Pablo Neruda, "Lightless Suburb"

~CH