Hey guys! So, like I warned you, this chapter is pretty much one giant flashback(s). So, the truth comes out and Ella and Grandpa appear again! Yay! So, what did you guys have to say about last chapter?
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be.my.edward: I'm extremely honored that you believe my changes are awesome. Thank you so much.
CarribbeanLady: -bows- I'm glad you think that this is a great crossover, and you wanted more? Well here it is!
1NinjaVampPirate with 5 roses: (Review in Chapter 1) -smiles like the insane child I am- Thank you! I love the stars! -starts pinning them up in her workshop/writing area... thing- And I'm glad you think that was cute. I try to make things cute... unless they're angsty. Hehe... angst is fun to write.
mozartandi: I'm glad you, and many of my other reviewers, love the twists I made. I was worried that you guys would hate it... ; It seems my paranoia was wasted, huh?
Tereza: Intense? That's a new word to describe my chapters... hm, I likie! And, this is one of my faster updates cause I started working on it almost immediately after I posted 5, so, here you go!
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Okay, so you guys ready? If you want, strap yourselves in, cause it's gonna be a fun and bumpy ride!
Chapter 6: Home, Proof and Portraits
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Everyone's eyes were trained on Carlisle after he had spoken.
"If you are the King, why is Jacob on the throne?" Jasper asked, holding Alice closer. Carlisle sighed, running a hand through his blond hair.
"When Edward and his sister were young-"
"I have a sister?!"
"Yes, Alice." Alice and Edward looked at each other with wide eyes as Carlisle continued speaking.
"This kingdom was not always one kingdom..."
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King Carlisle held the bundle that was his baby daughter close as Esme held on to their one-year-old son. Edward watched the baby with his curious green eyes as Esme combed through his bronze locks. Carlisle passed the baby Alice to Esme before picking up Edward. The little boy giggled before clapping and tugging at his father's blond hair. Carlisle laughed.
"Edward, be careful, please," The King said and Edward's hand dropped from his gold hair. Smiling, Carlisle pressed a kiss into his son's hair before a butler came into the chamber.
"Your Majesties, the King of Northern Florin is here," the butler said and Carlisle nodded, setting Edward down. The one year old grabbed on to his thumb and tried to walk with his father. Carlisle heard Esme giggle and he looked back and saw her cuddling baby Alice. Smiling, he began to walk at a slow pace for his son. Edward took his first baby step before smiling happily up at Carlisle. Carlisle smiled down in return before leading him into the throne room. King Charles of Northern Florin stood in the throne room, watching a baby girl who was currently in his arms.
"Charles. What can I do for you?" Carlisle asked as he walked into the room with Edward still holding on to his thumb. Charles turned, smiling when he saw baby Edward.
"Carlisle, it's good to see you again," Charles said as he walked forward, offering his hand to the other King. Carlisle accepted, shaking his hand before picking Edward up. Edward waved a little shyly before looking curiously at the bundle in his arms. "I want you to introduce you to someone. This is my daughter, Isabella. Her mother died soon after her birth, God rest her soul. I was hoping that an agreement could be made between us." Carlisle smiled a little.
"You want Edward to become engaged to Isabella?"
"Maybe. But when she becomes Queen, she'll need someone who's on her side," Charles said, rocking the baby gently. Carlisle smiled.
"She will always have a friend in Southern Florin," the blond man said, holding his hand out. They shook on it and as they did, someone rushed into the throne room. It was Esme, holding on to Alice. "Esme?" Carlisle asked as Esme hurried up to them, holding Alice tightly in her arms.
"You're both okay," she sighed in relief, kissing Carlisle's cheek. "I thought for sure the assassin..."
"Assassin?!" Charles boomed, causing Edward to cover his baby ears while baby Isabella started to cry. Alice merely opened her violet eyes and blinked at them all questioningly. Edward reached for Isabella and Charles carefully handed Isabella to Carlisle. Edward murmured something incomprehensible to Isabella who quieted. A man dressed in black appeared and threw something at the Kings. Charles' eyes burned with the desire to protect his daughter and pushed Carlisle and the children out of the way... just as the dagger to pierce his heart. He fell, dead, as Esme let out a cry and shielded Alice's eyes. Carlisle closed his eyes and murmured something under his breath.
"We have to get away and protect the children," Carlisle said, pressing a kiss onto Edward's silky head. Esme looked horrified but nodded. "We... we have to separated Edward from Alice, if only to keep them safe." Tears began to fall down Esme's cheeks as she held Alice closer. Carlisle embraced her as best he could with the two children in his arms. Donning inconspicuous clothing, they fled their once beloved castle. Carlisle got an old friend of his to take Alice in and a farming family took Bella.
They raised Edward as best they could, but soon he left to, becoming the Farm Boy at Bella's farm. Carlisle became a doctor under the name "Miracle Max" and the new king of Florin, who had decreed that Florin was no longer two kingdoms, hired him to help. When they heard that Edward had been killed at sea and that Alice had been kidnapped, they nearly lost all hope until Esme had found her in the dungeons of the castle. There was little they could do though. Eventually, Prince Jacob fired Carlisle, obviously fearing that the former King would try to take his throne back.
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"We did the best we could. When we found out that Jacob had chosen Bella as his bride, we knew there were two reasons. One, because of her beauty and two because if he married a true princess of Florin, his rule would be absolute. I had no idea that he was planning to kill you to start a war," Carlisle said and Alice slid out of Jasper's arms to hug her newfound parents. Esme held her close, kissing her inky hair. Bella closed her eyes and buried her face in Edward's chest as the tears came. She would never know her parents. Both had died soon after her birth.
"So, now that we know some of the truth, what do we do?" Emmett asked and Bella lifted her head.
"We go to the Northern Kingdom of Florin. I... I have to see my home, see if there's anything there that can be concrete proof that I am the Princess of Northern Florin," Bella murmured as Carlisle nodded.
"I have something that solidify Edward and Alice being the heirs and Esme and myself as the Queen and King," Carlisle said, pulling something out from under his shirt collar. Four charms clanged against each other and Carlisle took all but one off and gave one to each of his family. Esme slipped hers on without hesitation and she kissed Carlisle firmly.
"I thought these were long gone," she whispered, overcome with happiness. Carlisle shook his head. Esme smiled, holding the charm close to her as she slipped the golden necklace over her head. Edward took the necklace, rubbing his thumb over it before slipping it over his head.
"I held on to them ever since that day, hoping something like this would happen," the former King admitted as Bella tucked her hair away from her face. Jacob was going to pay.
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"...Well, that was a twist," Ella remarked as she curled around under the blankets. Her grandfather watched her, a little amused. "Though, I must say I was expecting it just a little bit. Now we know why Edward was such a gentleman and why Bella looked so... royal." Grandpa let out a laugh and ruffled her hair a little. She smiled, her emerald eyes glittering as she pulled the hair band out of her hair. "But, I'll bet there's more to the story than just Bella finding out about her family, right?" Her grandpa smiled a little mysteriously.
"We'll just have to wait and see, huh?" He asked and she pouted a little bit but stayed quiet as he continued to read.
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The four horses rode north, the riders pushing the horses a little bit in order to reach the castle sooner. Bella sighed as she leaned against Edward's chest. One of his arms was around her stomach and was rubbing soothing circles on it. It had been nearly two days since he had found her again and she was enjoying every minute of it. Smiling, she turned and pressed a kiss into his neck, causing him to smile. Suddenly Carlisle, who had been leading them, stopped.
"Welcome to Northern Florin," he murmured as he led them through the dense woods that surrounded the castle. Bella's heart jumped a little in her chest as they got closer. She was almost home.
They rode on, with Carlisle's information that it would take about two days to get to the castle once they got into the borders. Instead of pushing the horses to their limit, they rode quickly, but not galloping. Yes, they had to worry about the war, but Alice told them that Jacob and James couldn't start it until they found the remains of Bella's dress, which would be next to impossible because of how well Jasper and Emmett had hidden it.
Night came and as they stopped the horses, bandits appeared. Edward's hand went immediately to his sword as he pushed Bella behind him. Jasper held Alice close to him as Emmett flexed his muscles in anticipation.
"Why are you here?! Have you come to loot our castle!?" One of the men demanded and Carlisle shook his head.
"No, we are here to see if the late King Charles left something for his daughter, Isabella," Carlisle said smoothly, his hand touching the necklace at his neck. The "bandit" leader narrowed his eyes.
"The Princess is dead. So is King Carlisle and his family," the man snapped and Carlisle shook his head.
"I'm not dead, old friend. I've been in hiding to protect my family and your princess," the blond King replied as he pulled the crest out from under his shirt. It glinted gold in the firelight at the man stepped closer and looked at it before his eyes widened.
"King Carlisle! Queen Esme!" He knelt before them, his right arm across his chest. Carlisle smiled a little before bending down and lifting the man up gently.
"On your feet. I have not been a king for nearly seventeen years," he said gently and the man bowed.
"Does that mean..." he began before stopping himself as he saw Edward standing there. "Prince." His gaze fell on Alice. "Princess." Edward and Alice glanced at each other. "Wait... if you and your family survived, does that mean His Majesty King Charles is alive too?" The bandit asked hopefully, but Carlisle bowed his head.
"No, Charles did not make it. He was the only one the assassin managed to murder. His daughter, however, lives." And he motioned to Bella. She stepped out behind Edward and all the men sunk to their knees, their heads bowing.
"Princess, we are relieved to see you alive again," he said, looking up at her in relief. "I doubt you will remember me, but I was the head of your father's guards, Michael. Many who worked for your father have stayed around the castle, waiting for you to return." Bella walked over to them, looking down in something akin to shock.
"Rise. I do not feel like you belong at my feet. Rather, I belong at yours for keeping my home safe," she said, smiling at them. They rose and she motioned to the fire. "Come eat with us. I believe there is much to talk about." Michael and his men joined them around the fire, and the exchanging of tales began.
Carlisle spoke first, telling them how Jacob's father, Billy, had taken the throne after he had disappeared and had made Florin one Kingdom. He explained how he separated his children from one another for their safety and how he was close enough so he could watch over Bella. He spoke of how Edward had vanished on the sea, only to become the Dread Pirates Volturi and how he returned to "kidnap" the Prince Jacob's bride, Princess Isabella.
Michael then spoke of how they tried to keep the castle from falling apart, and how a Lady of the Queen Renee's court had tried to take over, Lady Lauren with her friend Lady Jessica. However, as very few members of the court were actually for them, they did not last long. Bella's eyes narrowed.
"No wonder I didn't like them. They were in Prin- Jacob's court and they seemed to hate me," Bella said, curling herself in Edward's lap. Michael nodded.
"They were jealous that your father picked your mother, a commoner, over them, ladies of a higher rank," Michael replied. "I, myself, was against the idea, until your mother proved how much she cared for her people. Then many of us readily accepted her as our Queen." He continued about how they protected the castle and its treasure, hoping the rightful Princess would return. "And return she did. Welcome home, Princess Isabella."
"Just Bella is alright for now. I don't feel like a Princess. I... don't ever remember my father or mother," she admitted, sniffing a little. Edward pressed a kiss into her hair and held her tightly. Michael sighed a little.
"Do not beat yourself over that, Princess Is- Bella. You were barely a newborn-babe when your mother died and your father died only a few months later. It's not your fault that you were so young," he soothed her and she nodded, shaking her head.
"How far are we from home?" She asked, delighted that the word sounded so right in her mouth. Michael smiled.
"We are very close. We should get there tomorrow at noon if we wake at a reasonable time. I shall go ahead with some of my men to alert the castle that you have returned," Michael said as he bowed to her. "By your leave, your Highness." She nodded and the captain of the guards disappeared with some of the men, leaving one or two of them for their Princess' protection. Bella sighed as she rested her head on Edward's chest.
"What's wrong, love?" He asked and she looked at him before burying her face in his neck and shoulder.
"It's just that... I don't feel like a Princess. I mean, I'm one by birthright, but by upbringing, I'm a farm girl. I don't know what do to," she admitted and Edward smiled.
"I know what you mean. Remember, you're not the only one who just found they were royalty. Today, I found out I have a sister and am the next rightful heir to Southern Florin. It's a lot to digest, but we can get through it together, I promise," he murmured before kissing her gently. She smiled as the kiss broke and then curled up at his side, his arms around her and his heart beating under her ear as she slipped into the land of dreams.
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Jacob paced outside his window as James walked in.
"Well? Did you find it?" He demanded as James shook his head.
"I'm sorry, your Majesty, but there was no sign of the dress at the exit of the Fire Swamp. And it appears "Miracle Max" has disappeared too. I'm not sure what to make of it," James said, bowing low. Jacob froze, a knife in his russet fist.
"Carlisle's gone!?" He roared, the knife in his hand now flying across the room and embedding itself into a tapestry. That was not good.
"Is that a bad thing? I thought you'd want that doctor gone," James remarked, walking over and pulling the knife out of the tapestry.
"Not if he's the rightful King," Jacob hissed and James froze, the dagger clattering to the stone floor. "The assassin my father sent to kill the Kings only managed to kill the King of the North, while the Kind of the South, Carlisle, managed to escape with his brats and the Princess of the North. He knows who the Princess is!" James smirked, picking up the knife and twirling it between his fingers.
"Do you want me to track them?"
"No, the people of the North will listen only to their Princess or Carlisle. You would be killed as soon as you entered the forest. I need you alive," Jacob replied, sitting down in the chair behind the great oak desk. "Focus on finding the Princess' dress and planting it. I want this war to start soon." He broke off and looked out the window toward the North. "Besides, if Carlisle wants his throne back, he'll have to get it from me, and that won't be easy."
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Bella squinted as they rode out of the forest. The sun was high in the sky and was shining brightly as they rode toward the open gates of the Castle of Northern Florin. Carlisle's eyes misted over as he looked upon the Castle. He looked over at Bella, who was taking everything in like a child. Michael stood at the Castle steps.
"Princess Bella, may I be so honored to give you a tour of your home with your guests?" He asked and Bella smiled.
"Michael, I would be delighted," she answered, bowing her head to him as she took Edward's hand. Nodding, Michael led them through the palace, stopping when they reached a very long hallway. He opened the doors silently and Bella walked in, eyes wide at the portraits along the walls. On the front wall hung a portrait of a kind looking woman who was holding a baby in her arms. A man in royal clothing stood behind her, his hand on her shoulder and looking down at the child with happiness and love in his eyes. Bella walked, as if in a trance, over to the portrait and read the caption below it.
King Charles, his Queen Renee and their daughter the Princess Isabella, also called Bella. Her eyes filled with tears as she gazed upon the faces of her mother and father. She looked around and saw a portrait of a young boy with bronze hair being held by her mother with another woman sitting next to her. She walked over to it and read the caption underneath. Queen Renee, Queen Esme of Southern Florin and Prince Edward of Southern Florin. Bella took in the small face of Edward, smiling as she saw how tenderly both Queens looked at him.
"Michael." The guard looked up.
"Yes, your Highness?"
"Did my parents leave me anything?" She asked, her eyes on the portrait of her and her family. Michael nodded and disappeared. Esme looked around at the images and smiled when she saw the one Bella stood before.
"I remember that one. We visited Renee and Charles soon after Edward turned six months. Renee loved him, though she did say she wanted a baby girl," Esme wrapped her arms around Bella's shoulders and hugged the girl. "If your parents were alive now Bella, they would be so proud of you. But, as they aren't, I will be proud of you in their stead." Bella looked back at Esme, meeting her soft brown eyes.
"...Thank you, Esme," she murmured, hugging Esme in return.
"Your mother was one of my best friends Bella. I feel I owe it to her." Bella smiled and looked at the images. Many of them showed her father and mother, but some showed Carlisle and Esme and some older men and women.
"Those are your ancestors, the former Kings and Queens," Carlisle said, holding Esme around the waist. "I would not worry about trying to live up to them. I have a feeling that you will outshine each and everyone of them." The Princess of the North bowed to the couple just as Michael appeared, holding two small pillows of velvet.
"These are yours now Princess," he said, presenting them to her. She picked up the locket and opened it before gasping. It showed a smaller version of the image of her and her parents when she was a baby. On the open side was a sentence.
Forever we'll be with you, darling. Look inside and we are there- Mother and Father.
Her smile was sad as she closed it and slipped the chain over her head. She looked at the last item. It was a dagger in a beautifully crafter scabbard. Drawing it, she admired the shining blade and the sharp edge.
"I have taken care of it for you, Your Highness, in hopes you would return," Michael said as she slipped it into her belt. "It was your father's, just as the locket was your mother's. There is also the crown of the North, but I do not believe you should wear it yet. And the last thing," he said as he pulled a scabbard from his belt. "This was your father's sword. I believe he would want you to have it." Bella took the scabbard between both hands and drew the blade. It felt right in her hand and she smiled as the steel shone underneath the sunlight that filtered through the windows. She thought she could hear her father's laughter as she stared at the blade.
"The King instructed me to give something to you as well, Prince Edward." Edward looked shocked as Michael presented something to Edward. He took it between his hands, holding it as if it were a baby. "This was the engagement pendant all Kings gave to the ones entering their families. As Princess Bella's father is no longer here, I feel it is my duty to present it to you in his stead." Edward accepted the pendant and slipped it over his head.
"I will wear it with pride," he vowed as Esme pulled something out of the pouch at her side.
"Bella, as we are exchanging engagement pendants, this is yours now," the Queen said as she pulled out a necklace. It showed the Crest of the South, just like Edward's showed the Crest of the North, with two intertwined rings at the base, just like Edward's. Bella slipped that over her head as well, letting it fall over her shirt while her mother's locket hung against her skin.
"I will wear it with pride," she vowed, copying Edward. She looked at the portrait of her parents again before she looked out the window toward Carlisle's castle, where an imposter waited to take the throne.
They would get their kingdom back, and he would pay for killing her father.
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Wow... that was fun to write! I'm glad this is done and it's my longest chapter yet! Yay! So... Bella's got her proof and they're gonna go stop the war. How are they gonna do that? I have no idea, but I'll figure something out. And I've been thinking about it... and I've decided that the albino MIGHT make an appearance, but it depends on you! Do you want him to, or do you want him to stay away? Same with the funny priest.
Let me know in a review, okay?
Thanks,
Arear