Authors Note: Hey everyone! Thank you so much for reading and taking an interest in my story.
Just letting you know, this will focus mainly on Bella, Edward, Alice, Jasper, Rosalie and Emmett, we just need to tell their parents stories first.
Enjoy the chapter!
Oh, and I forgot the disclaimer last time. I don't own twilight. I just own this plot.
the Voice
By Alexandramay
Chapter Two
The Story of Esme and Carlisle
The girl clasped her shaking hands in her lap as the carriage made it's way smoothly through the eager, cheering crowds. Her long, caramel colored hair fell like a curtain to obscure her hart shaped face. Her crystal green eyes stared through her hair to watch the throngs of people lining the cobble stone streets, creating a pathway for the carriage to make it's way toward the hill.
The carriage that would take her up the hill, through the intimidating castle gates, up the sweeping lawns and to her fait. The marriage to a prince.
She didn't know why her father had agreed to this. Some say he had even suggested it, but whatever had occurred, Esme of Denali was destined to become Princess Esme of Cullen and there was nothing a sixteen year old girl could do about it.
At least the prince had a sister around her age. Married off as well, as far as she knew, which wasn't a lot considering she was the one getting married.
Esme lifted her face to get a better look at the palace and the crowd gave a mighty cheer. She jumped in surprise. She had no idea for whom they were so excited to see. Surely not her, clothes dirty from travel and face turned towards her shoes once more. The horses maybe? Magnificent white creatures with flowing golden mains and tails. Or maybe even the shiny white carriage. Esme didn't know.
And she didn't have much more time to ponder it because the gates were swinging open, and the carriage was entering the castle.
Esme couldn't tell you what the grounds looked like. She was to focused on her own nerves and the thought of this strange man who would soon become her husband. At least he was only two years older than her. Esme could have done a lot worse in the marriage department.
With a shuddering jolt, the carriage came to a stop in front of ornate double doors. Esme stared in wonder at the doors. Would she really be living here?
A footman opened the carriage doors and helped Esme to exit. Her hands shook with nerves and she clenched them at her sides.
The double doors creaked open and a smiling girl greeted them. She had long, black hair tied back into a braid and dark skin. Her dark eyes appraised Esme with a suspicious stare. She wore an apron over her simple dress.
"Hello, your Royal Highness. I am the made assigned to make sure you are comfortable in your life. Follow me and I shall show you to your room. If there is anything you may need, just let me know. Sam will take your bags."
A large, muscled man approached the footmen and hefted Esme's bags into his arms.
She hadn't been aloud to bring much with her. Some jewels from her mother, a gift from her brother, several outfits, a gift from her father to the prince, and a letter and ring from Carmen, who she would most likely never lay eyes on, but was her knew sister, as she put it in her letter. This all fit comfortably in two bags. Her mother assured her she would be provided knew possessions in her knew home.
The made set off down twisting corridors, through vast, grand rooms and up several sweeping staircases, with Esme rushing to keep up, and Sam following silently, like a large, mustled shadow behind them.
Suddenly, so suddenly that Esme almost crashed into her, the made stopped at an ornately painted door.
"Here is your room, your Royal Highness," the girl said, pushing open the door.
The room was luxurious. A large, canopy bed, writing desk, clothes chest and a dressing table. Expensive makeup and jewels were set out across the tables shiny surface. Another large door presumably led to a washroom.
"You will be given a knew room after your wedding, of course with the prince. But for now, this is yours. There are clothes in the clothes chest, and as you can see, jewelry and makeup. If there is anything you require, just ring the bell and I will be there. A bath has already been run for you to wash off. The king has requested that you join the family for dinner at around six thirty," the woman pointed to a clock hanging on the wall. "I will come and get you then. Any questions before I go?"
Esme was shocked at the amount of information. She could only think of one thing that would make sense for her to say.
"What is your name?"
The girl looked slightly shocked. She always knew the names of the servants at the palace in Denali, especially one she would be spending so much time with.
The surprise rapidly cleared from the girls face before she answered in a low voice. "Emily, Miss. Now, I must be going."
With a curtsey in her direction, Emily ran from the room and slammed the door behind her. With a start, Esme realised that Sam had dropped her bags and left her as well. Sighing and holding back tears, Esme opened the door and prepared to take her bath.
She was so alone in this knew world.
Emily came to get her for dinner, a strange, formal affair with many strange lords and ladies shouting their opinions across the long dining table. Esme was largely ignored. The only person who glanced at her was a woman with dark hair and blue eyes. She looked nice enough, though she wished her soon to be husband would at least pay a little attention to her. At least a glance.
The only thing Esme learnt about Prince Carlisle of Cullen in the uncomfortable hour of dinner was that he was highly apposed to the marriage of Lord James to Lord Laurent's daughter, Lady Victoria, a stunning red head with a stern expression. Not very important information, at least not to Esme.
The next time she saw Carlisle, was at the alter of an extravagant church, dressed in a flowing white gown studded in jewels. Her hair was swept back, however it was aloud to tumble across her shoulders. He smiled at her then. A proper, warm, kind smile. The kind of smile that could light up the sky.
He took her hand tenderly when the ceremony was over, and she followed him nervously to his chambers. Esme knew what would happen next. It was tradition. Her hand shook within his.
Once they entered, Carlisle tugged her hand gently. Reluctantly, Esme went to sit down on the bed.
"Esme," he breathed. "We don't have to do this now, if your not ready. I'll wait as long as you need."
The only words Esme could form at that moment were "why?"
"Why?" Carlisle repeated. "Because my father always wanted Carmen and I to marry for love. But the king of Denali, your father, he insisted upon these marriages. I want us to love each other, Esme. And until you do, I will not make you do anything remotely like that."
Esme could only smile and sigh. He held her for the rest of that night.
And one day, a few months later, Carlisle realised he loved the kind, considerate girl who loved art and music. And Esme realised that she loved the prince. And their marriage felt as if they had arranged it themselves.
Esme gave birth to three children. Emmett, Edward, and her pride and joy, Alice.
They were the dream family. The one you read about in books and longed to be. Until they weren't anymore.
Until Alice disappeared without a trace.
Authors note: Thank you, once again for reading.
You guys have been treated to two chapters in two days. Just warning you, this won't be a regular occurrence. I was just really lucky this weekend to have lots of writing time and inspiration.
I will try to update as much as I can, though.
Thank you for reading, and review if you feel like you have something to say. I would love to hear from you.
See you next time!
Alex