A/N: I apologize for not updating last week. I had to take a last minute trip home for because of health issues, however all is well now (fingers crossed). So that said, Happy Easter to everyone and I hope you like this weeks chapter! Also, big thanks to Brooke ALWAYS for all her wonderful ideas and contributions to this story, Arrow # 3!

Disclaimer: The characters of Twilight are owned by Stephenie Meyer. The original content and ideas of this story are those of TheGirlNtheYellowShoes.

Mirrors & Masquerade balls

"So in the simple blessing of a rainbow, In the bevelled edge of a sunlit mirror, I have seen visible, Death's artifact Like a soldier's ribbon on a tunic tacked." -Abse, Dannie 'Pathology of Colours'.

Friday went quickly. Because of the events the following day, Mr. Thoroupe had forbade any of the women to go off alone and the children were not to be left unsupervised now until the festival was over and the King and his court had left.

I woke in the chair by the fire to find Edward standing statuesque by the window. He'd agreed to stay and watch over Isabella and I that night. I looked over towards the bed to find Maggie sleeping beside Isabella. She must have been scared to sleep alone and came in to sleep on the bed with us during the night.

"Good morning," Edward said walking towards me.

I looked over at him with heavy eyes, still feeling rather exhausted from the prior day's events. "Morning," I managed in a whisper.

He knelt in front of me and brushed my hair from my face. I felt myself unintentionally lean into his touch. The cool against my skin calming and his closeness enticing.

Edward looked at me curiously, "you didn't sleep well. I was tempted to move you to the bed, but I didn't want to frighten you if you woke."

I sighed and looked at my hands as he drew his away from my face. I caught his own hand in mine and placed it in my lap, "Thank you... for everything." I looked up to meet his eyes, searching them. They were cautious today.

He nodded before standing, "I must go, but I will be back later on this evening once my work is done."

"Okay," I whispered. I wondered if he was coming back because he wanted to or because he had to, but I wasn't brave enough to ask for fear of the latter.

With that he left and I sunk back into the large chair to rest a bit longer until Isabella and Maggie woke. My mind wandered to my father before Edward, Dr Cullen and the Thoroupes. I was starting to realize how much being here had changed me and for the better. I know things in our lives happen for a reason, which is so cliché... but what if we were purposely put in a position to make us see how different our lives could be, should be, from that which they are?

Some people struggle with death, others with illness, and others from people brought into their life, if only for a short while, that make such an impact it shakes the very foundation of their lives. I couldn't help but feel that not only were these people changing my life, but I also had a hand in changing their own lives. Especially Isabella's... and possibly Edward's.

I think the Thoroupes were shocked to see him so involved, where as Dr Cullen had beamed with pride. The rest of the town was entertained as well. He was typically a ghost of this town and they found it interesting that this little girl who just seemed to come out of thin air had changed that tremendously. I, myself, being that "little girl" was just trying to wrap my head around the idea that I had such an impact on him.

That day I stayed in my room, not wishing to have any unfortunate run in's with the court. Isabella had stayed with me, playing with her dolls on my floor while I sat on the bed and just stared into non-existence. Dr Cullen had come in a little before dinner and checked over Isabella before forcing me to eat something. He was clearly concerned I wasn't eating enough and voiced his concerns to me regarding the issue. I tried to reassure him that there was nothing to worry about.

I wasn't surprised when Maggie asked him to stay for dinner, however I was surprised when he accepted her offer. I was beginning to wonder if he was as captivated by this young girl as she was by him.

I found out Jameson had been moved across town, to a home with no children or young women. I had been angered to find out he'd walked out of the woods alive, much less with all his limbs and testicles still intact. Edward wouldn't even speak of it when I'd tried to ask him why.

*~*~*~*~*

Before I knew it, it was Saturday and we were dressing for the party. I felt so beautiful in my dress and I even pulled out make up from my purse, doing mine and Maggie's eyes in a smokey color with mascara to make them pop behind our masks.

"Wow," Maggie said observing her eyes in the mirror before putting on her mask. "I've never felt so beautiful."

I smiled, "Maggie, you are just as beautiful everyday. You don't need make up to make you feel that way." She rolled her eyes at my comment and put her mask on and I followed suit, grabbing my coat before we headed for the door.

When we'd walked down stairs, Adam gaped. I thought his tongue and his eyes, both, might fall out of his head. I smiled, it felt good to be wanted and be close enough to someone to know it. It's a different feeling when someone truly knows you instead of just what you look like from a magazine cover.

"My, Annabella, you look stunning," Adam said holding out his arm for me to take.

I couldn't help but blush a little at his words, "Why, thank you, kind sir." I smiled at him as I took his arm and he led me through the door. Maggie chuckled lightly and I cut my eyes at her and winked.

"I'm going to have to fight so many men off tonight, I may not make it," He joked.

My smile fell and my heart sank. Even though he was just joking, the idea of Adam getting hurt trying to protect me from anything bothered me.

"Perhaps a boy could steal chance a kiss just incase?" He leaned in towards me.

I rolled my eyes, "Wishful thinking, my darling."

Maggie busted into a fit of laughter as she strode up to his opposing side and snaked her arm through his, "Oh, dear Adam, I don't think you'd bode well from that kiss once Edward found out."

I froze as Adam sighed, "It must be the hair." I chuckled and Maggie smiled.

"Definitely the hair," She replied as we began walking again.

A throat cleared and we all three looked up to see Edward standing before us at the edge of the road. I smiled as Adam froze and Maggie started laughing again, I momentarily wondered if she had gotten into a liquor cabinet already without sharing.

"We'll wait at the edge of the property for you," Maggie said as she pulled Adam along forcing him to let go of my arm. I watched them go for a moment before turning back towards Edward.

I stood and stared at his fairy tale form before me. He looked like Prince Charming, himself. Except he was short one Cinderella and seeing as I didn't have a fairy godmother or a pair of glass slippers I worried gravely that it might not be me. Love it

He walked towards me, looking me over. "If heaven and hell went to war, it would be a battle for the love of the woman before me, Persephone has nothing on you. You are enchanting beauty, you create it," he said stopping before me and taking a hand from his pocket to brush my cheek lightly.

I took in a staggered breath and tried to keep my feet planted firmly on the ground. I looked down at my hands to break contact from his piercing green eyes that seem to entrance me.

"I think you are sorely mistaken, I'm not worth the fight," I said matter of fact-ly.

"I beg to differ," he said stepping closer and leaning in towards my ear. I could feel his eyes cross my collarbone and down the center of my breast. The skin burned where his gazed touched, as if it were his fingers. "Breathe."

I inhaled again and held it in for a moment before exhaling. I felt my head start to lean in the direction of his own at my ear and he backed away to take in my face again.

"I apologize, but I will not be accompanying you all to the party tonight. I have business to take care of, but I will try to be along as soon as possible." He said putting a hand in his pocket and brushing the hollow between my collar bone and shoulder with his other hand.

I searched his eyes, curiously. I honestly hadn't expected him to come at all, but it was hard not to feel disappointed. I tried to keep myself composed and simply nodded.

"I will let everyone know, I'm sure they will understand." I said nonchalantly as a look of surprise crossed his features prior to dipping back to hide behind his eyes.

"Please be careful," He whispered.

"I appreciate your, uh... concern," I shook my head, "but I'll be fine." I smiled lightly, not breaking eye contact.

He furrowed his brow and narrowed his eyes at me, "I am concerned, Bella. Is that so hard to believe?"

I swallowed hard and thought for a moment taking in the look on his face. Why was it so hard for me to accept that this beautiful creature truly did care for me?

"No..." I whispered eventually.

"Bella?" Maggie called.

I turned to look in Maggie's direction as Edward continued to stare at me.

"Coming," I called before looking back at Edward.

"Be safe, tonight. Whatever it is you..." I paused not really knowing what to say.

He smiled a beautiful crooked grin, "I really don't think you have to worry about that."

I felt my knees start to go weak at his smile and forced them to stay in the locked and up-right position. I nodded, "right." And laughed lightly before inhaling, "perhaps I'll see you later?"

He nodded once, "Enjoy the festival, Annabella."

I smiled widely and gave him my best flirty eyes, "Of course!"

I broke my gaze from his and started off towards Maggie and Adam, who looked rather broken and impatient. Poor Adam, I'd been so worried how my leaving would affect him that I hadn't considered what my feelings for Edward may do when he found out.

I turned back to look at Edward once more as he watched me go before closing the distance between Maggie and I.

"Is everything alright?" she whispered. I nodded as I locked arms with her and pulled her along.

"Adam..." I smiled as I reached him. I locked my other arm through his as I reached up and placed a light kiss on his cheek. "Thank you."

He blushed five shades of red before sheepishly looking at me, "For what?"

"For being you." I smiled.

*~*~*~*~*

It didn't take long to reach the party and we were immediately introduced. I will admit it was flattering to hear my name called out along with my completely fabricated title. Thankfully, I managed to make it through the introduction at the party and meeting of the king without a major fumble. I had been terrified of grabbing his attention though, so I'd made it a point not to do anything that would make me stand out.

But, If I'm at all honest, meeting Henry the 8th made me want to throw myself a party including a pair of white Kanye glasses and a "too cool for skool" t-shirt. I wondered if I could get his autograph? Take that MJ! If only people would believe me back home rather than throw me into a ward first chance they got.

I couldn't help but look at Anne with pity though. Regardless of her own devious mishaps, a misuse of ones power for personal gains even if mirroring her own was not entirely fair. I just hoped I wasn't still in this place to see her head roll off the block in a year.

Two hours into the party, I found a quiet place out by the edge of the woods and watched from afar as everyone danced around the fire, having made it out into the garden from the main ballroom after dark.

I leaned against an old oak and people watched. I enjoyed watching two girls hit on Adam, who had absolutely no idea what he as doing and I laughed. Maggie was a few feet away speaking to Jonathan Corbit, whom clearly had a thing for her, but I kept finding her looking around to eye Dr Cullen, who looked as handsome as ever.

She was so smitten by him. I'd tried to ask her about it earlier that day and she had just blushed profusely. I started to wonder if her mother was the one who really made the pies or if she did it to give her an excuse to go see him.

I sighed aloud as Edward was nowhere in sight. He had kept his distance today, much to my disappointment, but completely understandable after having to play babysitter for two nights in a row. He'd stayed with us again the night prior, Adam and Mr. Thoroupe having been out late with the kings court for a dinner. He'd left this morning before I'd awoken though, so I was happy to have seen him this evening even if for a brief moment. However, that didn't keep me from searching the crowds for him at the party all evening. He'd said he would come...

When someone walked up beside me, I thought the moment I'd been awaiting all evening had arrived. I smiled and turned... to come face to face with Jameson as my smile instinctively turned into a glare.

"Well, well, Annabella. We meet again." He said, a smirk on his face.

My anger boiled under my skin, but was quickly replaced by fear as I realized how far from the party I was. And alone at that. I turned to start walking back towards the crowed by the fire in attempt to get away from the woods when his arm grabbed a hold of my wrist, "Not so fast, Angel." He said.

My head snapped around in his direction and my other hand came up to meet his face as a loud smacking sound reverberated through the air, "Don't. you. dare."

I stared after him in shock after realizing what I'd just done and witnessed his smile grow more wild, more... sinister. I felt bile rise in my throat at the disgust I felt for the man before me.

"Now, don't be like that. You should know your place in the this world, Woman." He growled low in his throat, leaning towards my face. I mentally flinched away from him, but physically I couldn't move and knew better than to let him see my fear. I thought about his choice of words, my place in this world? Truly... I didn't belong in this world at all.

"Leave me alone, there are some people here who think your life isn't worth it as is." I said in a low voice laced with hatred. He laughed at me.

"Oh, that's right... and if I hurt their new little princess they are going to come after me right?" He rolled his eyes. I thought about reaching up and smacking the back of his head just to see that idiotic look on his face again.

He started pulling on my arm, inching me towards the woods. I bolted my feet into the ground, willing roots to grow into the soil from them.

"Don't" I said after a moment shaking my head. Panic rocked through my body from the pit of my stomach.

"Oh, come on. Stubborn girl, you should learn to do as you're told," He said yanking me, causing me to lurch forward. Just then I heard two other voices and turned to find two men standing where I had been.

"Jameson." One nodded.

"Loren" Jameson nodded, "Richard".

They both smiled at me, "who's the lovely lady?" They were more than a little curious. It was as if they wanted to know if he was going to... share.

Jameson laughed dryly, "This is my friend Annabella, or should I call you Bella?" He breathed into my face. I turned my head at the stench of his horrid breath. "We were just about to take a walk, care to join?"

They both nodded. I swallowed hard, trying to fight back the fear knowing it would only entice Jameson further. He tightened his grip on my arm and yanked me beyond the tree line and into the woods. I should have fought or screamed, but I didn't. I didn't even have time to react as he pulled me along in his haste.

Regardless of the situation, I couldn't help but be glad it was me instead of Isabella, Rosey or Maggie. And as we walked back into the realm of Bella's all impending doom by fairy tale wonderlands... My mind wandered from Edward to my father. The fear I'd held back so well began to consume my body at the realization I had fallen back into time to an awaiting death and my father would never know what became of his only surviving daughter.

Reviews may save Bella from her all impending doom by fairy tale wonderlands. :)