Hi guys! It's been a while, hasn't it? –ducks items being thrown at her- Ack! I blame school! I've been busy! But this is up now, so have fun reading! But, what did you guys have to say about this chapter, hm?
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mozartandi: Oh my… -head get bigger a little- Thank you so much! Hopefully this chapter will live up to you expectations as well.
czechgirl221: o.O Are you threatening the authoress? That's not usually a very good idea… but here's your chapter, and the next one is on the way.
unpetitpoi: Okay, first, I must ask, is your penname French? Cause it sound's French to me. I thank you for seeing what I also saw. It makes me feel warm and fuzzy.
ol2bob: Um… I think you might have the wrong story here. Cause the only story that has Nessie in it is "My Family, My Strength".
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Right, now all the troublesome stuff is out of the way, let's get going!
Chapter 7: Ladies, Practice and Assault
Bella sighed as she walked out of the bedroom she was allowed to use last night. Edward poked his head out of the room across the hall from hers and smiled. She smiled in return and walked over to him. Reaching up on her toes, she pressed a kiss onto his lips before stepping back.
"Good morning," Edward said, bowing to her. She mock-glared at him before curtsying in return.
"Good morning, your highness." She looked at him before breaking out into laughter. Edward's face was comical and she laughed harder before turning around and running. Edward seemed to stand there shocked for a moment before chasing after. Their combined laughter rang through the empty halls, giving the castle the illusion of being lived in. Maids and other women looked on in shock and disgust as Bella ran through the halls as if she owned the place... which she did.
She ran into the garden and dashed through it and as she did, she caught sight of Michael and Jasper sparring. Their movements were fluid and swift as they fought. Smiling, Bella made a vow. She would not be the kind of princess who sat on the sidelines as the people she loved and cared for risked their lives. She would learn how to use her father's sword and she would fight with her army.
When they paused, Bella stepped forward, hoping to be quick in case Edward found her. She was enjoying the chase, actually. "Michael, Jasper, I have a request." Michael turned to her and bowed.
"I will do my best to fulfill this request," he vowed, bowing to her. She took a deep breath.
"I want to learn sword-play and how to fight." Michael shot up and looked at her in surprise. "I refuse to be the Princess who waits as her people die for her. I won't let my loved ones and people fight on their own. I want to learn how to use my father's sword and use it well." Michael and Jasper exchanged glances.
"I can teach you Bella, but are you sure? The training will be hard..." Jasper said and Bella smiled a dark and cold smile.
"I can handle it. I've had to live in Jacob's "court" for five years. If I can survive that and the pain I went through, I can handle your training, Jasper." He sighed and suddenly pointed at her, his expression fierce.
"Two things. I'm not going to be the one to tell Edward and if you complain even a little bit, I'm stopping." Bella nodded.
"Deal. Now, if you excuse me, I'm running from Edward," she said, smiling happily before rushing off just as Edward appeared.
"Did you see-" He stopped speaking as they pointed in the direction she had run in. Thanking them quickly, he continued running after her. Michael and Jasper looked after the couple before looking at each other.
"One thing's for sure, when Lady Lauren and Lady Jessica return for a time, they won't be happy."
"They're coming back?" Jasper asked as he started sharpening his sword. Michael nodded.
"For a day or two, they might stay up to a week. I have a feeling they want to get away from Jacob and his temper. They do this every time something bad happens up there." As he spoke, a maid came in.
"My Lord Michael? Lady Jessica and Lady Lauren are here," she stammered, shivering. Jasper's eyes narrowed as Michael sighed.
"Speak of the devil, the angel appears," he muttered as he went into the great hall, where two older women stood. Jasper followed him, nearly sighing in relief as Alice appeared and took hold of his hand.
The Ladies Lauren and Jessica were very... annoying people. Lauren was a corn silk blond with an annoying voice and the beginning of wrinkles. She wore the strangest dress, with a very low neckline and in a disgusting color. Jessica had curly brown hair and was about as short as Bella and Alice. She, too, wore a strange dress with a low neckline, but in a more sensible color. Michael bowed to them and Jasper merely nodded. Alice dipped a quick, seamless curtsy before looping her arm into Jasper's. Lauren's eyes narrowed at this, but turned her fishy eyes to the Captain of the Guards.
"I see that nothing has changed since we were last here except for the guests," she said, lifting her nose in the air. Jessica didn't follow her example; rather her eyes were fixed on Edward, who just had to choose that moment to enter the room. He looked at the ladies before bowing quickly... just as Bella dove at him.
"Got you!" She cried as they landed on the hard stone floor. Edward laughed a little bit, causing Jessica and Lauren to melt a little at the sound. Bella stood up, offering a hand up to him. Smirking, he took her hand and stood, pulling her to his chest. She squeaked a little bit before smiling. It was then that she noticed the two ladies. She blushed crimson and curtsied to the best of her abilities. However, she managed to trip over her feet and as she toppled, Edward caught her around the waist and pulled her up.
"Forgive me, I did not notice you," she said as she looked at them, her brown eyes meeting their eyes. Lauren glared at her.
"And you are?" She asked rudely and Bella raised an eyebrow before looking at Michael, who nodded.
"I am Isabella, Princess of the North," she replied, her voice ringing out clearly. Lauren and Jessica stared at her before laughing.
"You? King Charles' daughter? Don't make me laugh. You insult our King by making that claim!" Lauren spat but Bella did not flinch. She pulled the dagger out of her belt and flashed it in the sunlight.
"I am my father's daughter. You hated my mother because she was a commoner, so that means you hate me because I was one by upbringing," Bella said, eyes narrowed and flashing with anger. "You hated my mother because my father loved her and chose her over you, ladies of a noble rank. Yet I doubt you cared for the people of the North. I bet you were going to use my father for your selfishness instead of helping your people!" She didn't shout, just glared. Jessica shivered and Lauren raised her chin in defiance.
"You are not the Princess. The Princess died when she was an infant."
"Or so people believe," Bella shot back. "The only person to die that night was my father. The rest of us, King Carlisle, Queen Esme, Princess Alice, Prince Edward and I lived!" Edward put his hand on her shoulder and she breathed out deeply. "I bet when your King died, you didn't bat an eyelash, just went after another rich man!" Angry tears were forming in her eyes and she forced herself to put her father's dagger away before she did something she would end up regretting later.
"How DARE you!" Lauren and Jessica shrieked in unison, causing everyone to cover their ears but Bella. "You DARE assume us to be so shallow?!"
"Yes! Because the proof is everywhere! You tried to rule my kingdom after you found out my father and I were dead!" The tears were falling and the engagement pendant slipped out from under her shirt and glimmered in the light. Jessica's eyes widened when she saw it.
"You're engaged to the Prince?!" She demanded and Bella glared through her tears.
"I am engaged to the true Prince, King Carlisle's son, not the impostor on the throne!" Carlisle poked his head into the room.
"What's going on? Bella, are you alright?" He asked as he walked in and Bella nodded shakily as Edward wiped her tears tenderly.
"I'm fine, Carlisle. Just a little worked up," she said, trying to smile. Carlisle glanced at Alice who came forward.
"My Ladies, you should not accuse such things lightly. Who knows? You might have insulted a monarch," she said, her eyes tight.
"There are no monarchs present!" Lauren snapped and Carlisle blinked as Alice looked at him. They seemed to have a conversation before Carlisle sighed.
"Yes, there is." All heads turned to Edward, who was holding his proof in his hand, letting it swing back and forth slowly. "As you can see, I have the Mark of the Prince, just as my sister has the Mark of the Princess ((A/N: Ack! They're such stupid names! But it's like 1:10. Can you blame me?)) and how our parents have the Mark of the King and Mark of the Queen." Alice smiled at him as Bella let herself sink to the floor. Edward caught her with one hand and held her close.
"Counterfeit!" Jessica said and Edward shook his head, a crooked smile on his lips.
"Nope, no counterfeit. Nothing but the truth." Lauren and Jessica's eyes widened as the pendant shone golden as the sunlight caught it. It was true. Bella closed her eyes and detached herself from Edward.
"Excuse me," she murmured as she disappeared. Edward made to go after her, but Alice shook her head. A few minutes later, Bella came back, holding her father's sword close in her hands. "This is my father's sword. Michael, I believe you said something earlier about only his heir being able to draw it correct?" She asked and Michael nodded. Smiling, she set it down and motioned for them to try. Jessica and Lauren did, but nothing happened. Bella held the sword gently before pulling. The sword came out of its scabbard with a shinging sound. Their mouths dropped open as Bella looked at the sword before she returned it to the sheath. She tucked the scabbard into her belt so that it rested along side the dagger. Edward thought for a moment before taking the dagger and placing it in her boot. The hilt just barely stuck out and her skirts covered that part.
"Wait..." Jessica said, looking at her closely. "You're Princess Isabella, Prince Jacob's fiancée!" Lauren looked at her and her eyes widened. Bella smiled a little.
"When you go back to his court, Lady Jessica, Lady Lauren, you can tell him that the engagement is cancelled and that I refuse to marry an impostor and the man who is responsible for my father's murder." They both flinched at Bella's strong words. She nodded to them and turned to Jasper. "When can we start?" She asked and he looked at Alice. She didn't speak, merely kissed him gently. He kissed her in return and looked over at Bella.
"Whenever your ready," the swordsman admitted and Bella nodded.
"Then excuse us, Lady Lauren, Lady Jessica," she murmured as she bowed her head quickly before grabbing her fiancé's hand and leaving, positive that Alice and Jasper were following. When they got to the garden, Edward turned her, his face confused.
"Start what?" He asked and Bella looked at him.
"My training."
"Training. What training?" His voice was flat and Bella winced.
"Jasper is going to teach me sword-play and how to fight." He blinked and blinked again before growling.
"Bella, no."
"And why not?"
"It's too dangerous!" Bella looked at him with an incredulous look.
"I'm not going to let my people fight without me! I refuse to be the Princess who waits on the sides and watches as her people die! I'm not going to let you or Carlisle or Emmett or Jasper fight alone! I'm not going to wait and be safe while you risk your lives." She looked down, and Edward sighed a little. "I'm... I'm tired of being useless while my loved ones nearly die." Bella touched the sword at her side. "I want to make my father proud, to show Jacob that I am who I am and that I'm not a prize to be won, as he seems to think." He sighed again and kissed her forehead. She smiled and Jasper pulled out his sword. The gold and silver shone brightly in the light.
"Which hand? Right or left?"
"Right."
"Right," Alice said and Jasper looked at her before sighing.
"Okay then, let's start."
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Jacob sighed as the butler announced that Lady Jessica and Lady Lauren wished to speak with him. It had been peaceful when they were gone, but now it would be loud again. They walked in and curtsied to him, and he rolled his eyes at the amount of cleavage spilling out of their dresses.
"What can I do for you, Lady Jessica, Lady Lauren?" He asked, trying to be courteous. Jessica straightened and positioned her face into a remorseful expression.
"We hate to be the bearers of bad news, but..."
"We have a message from Princess Isabella," Lauren finished. Jacob sat up straighter and looked at them more intently.
"A message?! What is it?" He demanded and the two ladies exchanged glances.
"She said 'to tell him that the engagement is cancelled' and that 'she refuses to marry an impostor and the man who is responsible for her father's murder'," Lauren said reluctantly and he growled before motioning for them to leave. As soon as they did, he let out a roar and threw something across the room. James walked in, pausing as the item throw-which was an ink pot- went flying past his nose and shattered against the wall. The black ink dripped down like blood.
"Is something the matter, Your Highness?" James asked as he walked over to Jacob's desk.
"Yes, something is the matter! I had the Princess of the North in my grasp and I LET HER GO!!!" His eyes were burning with rage. "She knows I am the one responsible for her father's death...but no matter. No one else knows that and it will stay that way." He smirked, placing his hand on his sword. "It's time for the war to start. Are you ready?" He asked and James smirked.
"The troops are training as we speak."
"Good. Then let's begin."
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Bella moved swiftly, knocking the sword aside as Alice lundged toward her. Dancing backwards, Bella shifted her grip on the sword and ducked under her opponent's reach to place the tip of her sword on Alice's collarbone.
"I win," she said, a slight pant in her voice. Alice smiled and knelt, bowing her head as she did.
"I accept defeat," she murmured, looking up at Bella with violet eyes. There was a swishing sound and Bella whirled, her sword blocking Edward's sword. She glared before pushing back on his sword and swirling around him in a graceful step. He followed her, his sword clashing against hers. Bella's brown eyes narrowed as she pushed back against him, her forearms straining with the effort. Suddenly, she flipped her blade, causing his to clatter to the ground. She kicked it away before holding the sword to his neck. He smiled and she sheathed her sword before handing him his.
"Your Highnesses." Three heads turned to the messenger that had just walked in. He gulped before bowing to them, a little surprised at their attire. Princess Isabella was dressed in loose leather pants with a clinging leather shirt that had wide sleeves. A sword was at her side and there was a dagger in the boots she wore. Princess Alice was dressed similarly to Isabella except the leather pants clung to her body like a second skin, as did her shirt. Prince Edward was dressed in black with leather pants and a cotton shirt. The final man, who was not royalty, was dressed in brown leather pants and a tan cotton shirt.
"Yes?" Princess Isabella asked and the messenger gulped, trying to stop his eyes from wandering. Prince Edward wrapped an arm around her waist and tugged her closer when he noticed the wandering eyes.
"It... it has been announced that Florin is... going to war with the people of the frontier for murdering the Prince's fiancée," he managed to get out, his eyes on the ground. The Princess let out a tiny growl.
"Thank you. You may go to the kitchens, if you wish, to get something to eat." He bowed to them before hurrying away. Bella sighed before looking at Edward.
"We must stop him," she said, her hand on the pommel of her father's sword.
"I agree," Alice said, her eyes on Jasper. Edward let out a sudden growl and stalked out of the garden. Bella blinked as he walked away. She looked over at Jasper, who shrugged a little, and at Alice who pushed her forward. She stumbled a bit before following Edward. She was at a disadvantage though as he had left before she had. She closed her eyes and let her mind wander. There was no such thing as magic, she knew, but the engagement pendant seemed to be pulling her in the direction of the tower. She followed the pull and found Edward standing on the balcony of the tower, his fists firm against the stone.
"...Edward?" she asked and he looked back at her, his eyes dark. She held his gaze and walked over to him slowly. "What's wrong?" He whirled suddenly and pinned her against the stone wall, his arms like a vice grip.
"You can't come with us... I won't let you," he murmured and Bella sighed a little bit.
"Edward, I don't want to be left behind. I don't want to be useless." Edward looked her in the eye, seeing the pain and worry in the chocolate pools. "This is partially my fight and I'm going to fight it. Jacob put me through hell and he's going to pay for it," she murmured, her face pressed into his neck. "If it makes you feel better, stay by my side while we're in there and don't let me go." Her face was pulled out of his neck and her lips were covered with his. He was angry and worried all at the same time. She kissed him back, her hands fisting in her soft hair as his hand slipped up her shirt, caressing the soft skin of her stomach. Bella pulled away, panting lightly as she nuzzled her nose against his.
"Come on, love. We have a battle to finish," he said as he pulled her out of the tower.
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"They nearly had sex on a tower!" Ella cried, shocked. Grandpa looked at her a little surprised. "Don't they know how many people could walk in on them while they're doing that!? Do they know how many minds they could scar?!" He chuckled, kissing her slightly sweaty forehead.
"They didn't, though, Ella. Relax," he soothed her and she grumbled under her breath. "Now, are we going to have anymore outbursts?" he asked and she shook her head.
"Nope, I'm good." He chuckled.
"You're so much like your mother and father." She smiled at him before poking the book.
"Keep going!"
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The riders looked down at the castle, four hands tightening on pommels, one set of hands readying their grip on the bow and arrow and the last cracking their knuckles, ready for action.
"Everyone ready?" a voice whispered and another chuckled.
"Hell yeah. I'm ready to beat some sense into the men who were looking at what's mine," a male voice whispered in reply and the lead rider nodded. The sun was beginning to set and the dying rays danced across the jeweled hilt in one of the rider's hands.
"Then let's go." The seven horses galloped toward the palace, ready to take back what was theirs.
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Jacob paced furiously in his office. He didn't feel very safe because of the lack of guards. There was a sudden commotion and he looked out the window to see seven figures ride into the courtyard and dismount before rushing toward the castle. Fear shot through his system and for the first time in a long time, he was afraid. He stiffened when the door opened and a voice spoke.
"So this is the Prince Jacob, huh? He's not worthy of you, I'm sorry." There was a gentle bought of laughter.
"No, he's not. There's only one person worthy for me," a familiar female voice spoke and Jacob turned to see two leather-clad figures standing in the doorway of his office. One was a man he did not recognize with bronze hair and emerald eyes. The other was familiar, very familiar. She had long brown hair and brown eyes... the only problem with the image was that her hand was on the sword at her side.
"Isabella...?"
Okay, it's finally done! Yay! So, did you guys like it. I must admit, the ending was rushed, but the next chapter will fill in some of the blanks and will lead to the question that's on my mind. Will James die? That's answered next time.
Thank you all for reading and drop a review if you feel so inclined!
Arear