Just a Pretense
Chapter 14: Epiphany
Author's Note: Sorry they're always so long… and sorry this is kinda late, I meant to update the day right after the last chapter… but I've been caught up in stuff…. Not always work related either. And yes, okay, I'll make them get together extremely soon. People just complain when characters 'fall in love too fast'. -sigh-

I hate the beach… D; And ow. I am sunburnt. That is really not good for me.

I had a 'Bella moment' today! I knocked over a jug of water, spilling it all over the stage and the floor. Haha. Then I got to mop it up. Of course.

Disclaimer: Twilight is by Stephenie Meyer, Tortall-related stuff by Tamora Pierce and whatever else by their respective owners… (e.g. Tower of Ravens by Kate Forsyth)

­--

Edward merely watched as Bella ate the meal which had been given to her. His own sat before him, untouched. He didn't eat, after all. She chewed uncomfortably for a moment then put down her fork and gave him a look.

"Is there something on my face?"

His lips twitched.

"No."

Bella sighed. She probably wouldn't get a straight answer out of him, but she supposed there was no harm in trying… futilely...

"So… what are you looking at?"

Edward frowned a little now and took a deep breath.

"Are you finished eating?"

Bella nodded slowly and uncertainly.

"I would rather tell you somewhere private." Edward explained.

Bella nodded again, understanding, though still confused as to what Edward wanted.

Leaving their meals for the waitress to clear up, they proceeded upstairs to their room – which had to be shared, coincidentally – and closed it firmly after Edward had scanned for listening ears and listened to people in neighbouring rooms for signs of hearing anything.

"So?" Bella asked as Edward sat down on the other half of the bed she was sitting on.

"Bella." He spoke her name now and seemed a little hesitant. Bella dared not speak though, incase he decided not to continue.

There was a long pause as Bella waited and Edward seemed to be fighting with something. Bella felt as though he needed prompting as the quiet drew on, but maintained her silence.

Edward took a slow deep breath and started again. "Bella, do you love me?" he asked cautiously.

Bella was taken aback for a moment. It could well be the case she was, she was certainly very comfortable with him and liked him more than really seemed able. Even knowing that he was a vampire and she was in danger had not worried her, not to mention she had enjoyed his kisses. She blushed as the last thought came to mind.

Edward sighed. "At times like these, I wish not for the first time to know what you are thinking. What are you blushing about?"

Bella shook her head, growing redder by the second and not meeting Edward's eyes. He put a finger under her chin and made her look up at him.

"Well? Answer my question, please."

Bella's eyes slid away and she looked downwards. "Y-yes." She stammered.

Edward's hand released her chin and she jerked her head upwards again to look at him. He looked relieved and suddenly – and disconcertingly with the speed he did it – he hugged her tightly to him.

"I love you too, Bella." He breathed into her ear.

Bella smiled as she understood, feeling contented and warm – even against the coolness of his body. So that was the truth of it, perhaps something she had not the courage to admit to herself before. But now that she had said it, she realised it to be true. She did love him.

She closed her eyes comfortably as leaned against his shoulder, his arms still around her, and fell asleep.

--

Tanya had scouted out Victoria easily enough and could tell she was on a job of her own as Victoria weaved through the trees swiftly and nimbly, following signs she could see.

Although Tanya had different abilities than Victoria, not being of the same 'species' – or from the same place, in other words – but she had her own method of doing things. She flared her nostrils and breathed deeply, sifting through scents she could smell in the air. Among them was one she recognised, a delicious and sweet smell of a vampire. This specific one though, was of Edward Masen.

She wondered why Victoria was following Edward and his page, or was it squire? She seemed to recall his name was 'Bel' also, or something similar. But it did not matter, she was only here to do her job and catch a glimpse of Edward if she could.

She was a little miffed about that. She had liked Edward a lot when he came to the palace. Although it would seem strange to her current friends, she had once been a noble. Not that she was not of 'noble blood' now, but that she had renounced her title and status and joined the world of which was truly an elite.

When she had admitted to Edward that she had liked him, he had replied politely as always and apologetically that he was not interested, but thanked her for her affection. She had been deeply affected by the blowing off, though she tried not to show it, and left her family a while later. There had been much scandal and her parents had been furious, but she had not cared. The feeling had deadened a little over time, but the infatuation she had still remained. Partially the reason she had agreed to take on the job.

She watched Victoria for a while again, wanting to do something drastic to scare her, or anything really. Then a thought struck her, a brilliant plan which would make the task easier. It didn't matter what would happen after, no doubt she would be long gone.

"Victoria!" Tanya called, leaping over the large distance to land beside the cat-girl.

Victoria stopped moving and jumped backwards instinctively, hands already on her weapons before she realised who it was. Her eyes widened.

"Tanya." She acknowledged with respect.

"Victoria James." Tanya replied, more formally, but in a slightly mocking tone. "What brings you here?"

"I could ask the same myself." Victoria replied, then she saw Tanya's expression. "I'm on a mission."

"I see." She smiled deviously, tone casual in the careful contemptuous manner she had. "I myself, am just outside for some fresh air and some scouting work when, lo behold, you dash past."

Victoria gave a nod, and then glanced onwards.

"Are you trailing someone? Can I provide my… assistance?" Most people would be honoured to travel with an elite.

Victoria hesitated for a minute, then nodded vigorously, not wanting to pass up the chance.

"Well then, lead on, good lady." Tanya waved a hand to the road ahead. "Explain the mission to me on the way please."

As they began to move again and she listened to Victoria's explanation, recording the details carefully, she also sifted through the plan in her head. She would act like a friend to Victoria for now and try to stop her later on.

Right now though, she was going to get more information and send a letter back to her clients – as soon as possible.

--

Bella woke and rubbed her eyes a little blearily. Sometime in the night, Edward had laid her down on one of the beds and pulled a sheet over her so she would not be cold. She turned over and her eyes widened in surprised, although she did not make a noise.

Edward lay next to her on the bed, on top of the covers so he would not chill her. His eyes were closed and he breathed slowly and deeply, as though he were asleep, but even as she watched, he opened his eyes and looked at her.

"Good morning," he greeted warmly.

"Good morning," she whispered, then glared at him, though she was still sleepy. "But you don't sleep, do you?"

Edward laughed lightly. "No, but it still applies. A morning can be good nomatter whether you slept or not."

"I suppose so." Bella slurred, closing her eyes again and falling asleep abruptly.

Edward watched now, smiling slightly and closed his eyes again as well, breathing in her scent as he had done all night and feeling relaxed. There was a quiet knock at the door and he opened his eyes, getting up reluctantly and walking over silently to open it slowly.

"Breakfast is – " The maid began.

Edward held a hand up to his lips, indicating quiet and stepped outside for a minute, leaving the slightest gap so he could also hear inside the room.

"Yes?" He asked now, though his voice was still quiet.

"Breakfast is ready, sir, if you wish to eat it." The maid said in a less loud voice. "If your companion is still asleep, we can bring up a meal later for him if you go and ask downstairs."

"Thank you." Edward said, giving her a nod.

The main gave a short curtsey and went to the next door, knocking on it sharply as Edward opened the door of his room and slipped inside again. He watched Bella sleep for a little while before grinning as he thought of something and crossing over to the window to see outside. As he had thought, the stores they possessed here were open. Pleased, he walked away from the window and tore a sheet of paper from his saddlebags in half.

He was going to surprise Bella with a gift.

--

Edward wandered along the street, looking for a specific shop he knew would be there, nomatter which country or whose land he was in.

Before he had left, he had left the innkeeper with – not so much instructions – but a request that his 'companion' not be disturbed and had checked that noone could break into the room and steal or do anything else. He had also left a note on the small table for Bella so that she would know where he was. She would have no idea what he was planning though.

He found it at last and walked in swiftly, looking over the fabrics placed on display before going over to where a woman sat sewing at the counter. She looked up as he came close.

"My name is Kathleen. How may I help you?" She asked pleasantly.

"I would like a dress made." Edward replied.

She raised an eyebrow at him. "For someone, I presume. Do you have her measurements, by any chance? Or were you looking for an already made dress?"

If Edward could blush he most certainly would have at that moment. It was an extremely awkward question to answer, to say the least.

"A ready-made one." He said firmly.

Kathleen pulled out a few dresses from underneath the counter where they had been folded neatly and also waved an arm towards where a few dresses were pinned up for display with others hanging below.

"You can choose from these and those. If you need any help, I am right here."

Edward thanked her and looked over the dresses on the counter before he went over to the others on the wall. They were all very pleasant looking, but he was looking for something … blue. He liked that colour with Bella's skin.

Then he spotted it amongst the other neatly hung up garments beneath. It was a royal blue with a rather low neckline and ribbons adorned the sleeves and at the waist. Edward could almost imagine her in it and immediately steered away from that train of thought. He picked up the gown and brought it back over to Kathleen who glanced up and nodded approvingly at the dress – but then again, she would since she made it.

Edward paid the price of the dress easily and, tucking the folded package under his arm, began to make his way back to the inn.

--

Bella woke for the second time, but the difference this time was that there was no Edward beside her. She blushed as she remembered last night's conversation as she sat up. She knew it to be the truth now. She really did love Edward.

She got out of bed, wandering over to the window. Judging by the position of the sun, it was well past her usual time of waking up. Movement caught her eye and she noticed Edward heading towards the inn, a package tucked under his arm.

She turned, having half a mind to run downstairs to greet him, but she remembered the pretense she was required to keep and restrained herself. Noticing the note on the table, she walked over and picked it up, scanning it quickly. Setting it back down, she walked over to the bed and sat down leisurely, knowing that Edward would walk in the door soon enough.

After a period of time Bella thought would never end, the door opened and Edward came in, carrying a plate of food – which he set n the table – and the package.

"Awake now?"

Bella pretended to yawn. "Nope."

Edward laughed. "Nothing I can do about that, I'm afraid." He passed her the package and waited anxiously for her comment.

Bella opened the package apprehensively and gasped as she took in the sight of the dress.

--

Author's Note: Bad place to end the story? Sorry. It was getting too long though so I cut it off.

Romance-y now, but there'll be some action later for you action-lovers.

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Thanks for all for the reviews. ;)