Demetri and I talked and planned into the night. As he was getting ready to leave, I thought it best if I looked a little more ragged as to not raise any suspicions in Aro or any of the other guard. I finally convinced Demetri to give me hit to the face. Begrudgingly, he did but felt terrible for it. I told him it would be worse if Aro were to find out the truth. I am sure the next person he chose for me would not be so gentle.
I slipped into a deep sleep once Demetri left. I dreamt of Edward and our meadow. I was happy to escape to that special place, if only in my dreams.
I awoke to a shot of electricity coursing through my body. My eyes flew open and landed on the evil grinning face of Felix above me, holding the cattle prod to my side.
"Wake up, beauty," he snickered. I groaned and rolled into a sitting position.
"What's the occasion," I groaned.
"Aro wants to see you. It appears we have guests. He wants to show off his new possession," He laughed. I rolled my eyes and pushed up to my feet. I could tell he was checking out my injuries from Demetri and smiled widely. "It looks like you and Demetri had a nice time."
I smiled, inwardly. My appearance had fooled Felix, just as I was hoping. "Yeah, lovely," I murmured in a defeated tone.
We wound our way to Aro's thrown room. I walked in ahead of Felix and heard a gasp from somewhere in the room. I turned to find the source and saw Edward. Oh God, no! What was he thinking? Aro couldn't know about us! I had to think of something and fast.
"So, Aro. Felix mentioned we have guests. Am I to assume I am here to do parlor tricks," I sneered loudly. I looked and Edward again and noticed he was standing next to a man I didn't know. I put on a mask of annoyance and turned back to Aro. "Or am I looking at Bachelor number one and two for a continuation on your little 'experiment'?"
"B-," I heard Edward start to stay but I needed to cut him off. I needed to give him a hint.
"Now, now, Mister. This is King Aro's realm. You cannot speak unless spoken to in this room. I showed a bad example," I explained sarcastically. Aro smiled at my show of rebellion.
"Aw, dear Bella. You are quite forgiven. I see you enjoyed your encounter with Demetri, then," he sang. I rolled my eyes and didn't answer. "Forgive Bella, dearest Edward and Nathan. She is new to court and still needs a little…adjustment."
I snuck a glance at Edward. He could see his jaw clench and unclench. He nodded his head in reply to Aro.
"Now, Edward. I remember Carlisle telling me a little bit about your abilities years ago. Are you still able to read thoughts, dear child," Aro asked casually.
"Yes, Aro. I can," Edward replied curtly.
"Aw, wonderful," Aro clapped his hands together in triumph. "That is good to hear, Edward."
"What do I hear of parlor tricks and experiments, Aro," Edward asked, his voice slightly strained. I could tell it was taking a lot for him to keep it together. I remained stoic, arms crossed and glaring at Aro.
"Aw, yes, Bella dear. She is a half-vampire. Her mother is a shape-shifter and father a vampire. Have you ever heard of anything so peculiar," Aro asked.
"No. Very interesting," Edward replied. He was playing along and for that I was thankful.
"Yes, indeed. And this dear child can change others into whatever animal she wishes. Unfortunately, we will not be doing tricks tonight, are we Bella? Last time, you nearly got yourself into some trouble," Aro sighed. He turned back to Edward and smiled at him thoughtfully. "As far as the experiment part…I wonder…" The room was silent as Aro sat in his internal debate. He flashed a smile at Edward and then at me. I couldn't help but feel nervous. As though he could feel the connection in room between Edward and I.
"Edward, I wonder if you would be opposed to helping me out with something," Aro started. "You see, Bella may still have the ability to bear a child. It would be lovely to be able to create an heir with phenomenal powers. I matched her with Demetri already. We are still waiting for some of the trackers to return with some other women who will be joining this study later…But with your extraordinary powers…it's worth trying…" He tried to explain before getting lost in thought again.
"Aro…what are you saying," Edward said, nearly breathlessly. I looked over at him, maintaining my glare. He stood wide eyed at Aro. I was sure he was ready to jump at him any second.
"He means he wants to turn you into a stud horse," I replied sarcastically to Edward. I hated talking to him like that. But this was an amazing turn of events…We may get a chance to be alone! He turned slowly to face me with an incredulous look.
Aro's booming laughter drew both our eyes back to him. "Yes, yes indeed, Edward. That is what I was suggesting," He continued to laugh. Edward glanced over to his companion and back to Aro, shrugging his shoulders. Aro laughed, approvingly and then looked at me. I masked the joy I felt with the turn of events by giving Aro a furious look. "Now, now, Bella. Behave. I am sure you will show our guest some hospitality."
I felt Felix step closer, the cattle prod held out to me. I stepped forward and put out my hand.
"That wont be necessary, Felix," I said curtly. Felix merely grinned at me.
"Well, Felix. Show this young man to the honeymoon suite," Aro sang gleefully. Felix grabbed my arm roughly and nodded his head toward Edward to indicate he was to follow. We wordlessly made our way back to my dungeon room. Felix opened the door and threw me in.
"Here, you might need this. This one needs a little…motivation," Felix said to Edward, handing him his weapon. Foot steps echoed in the hallway.
"Hey, Felix. Heidi is coming in with a new group. Do you want me to stand guard? I just hunted this morning," Demetri asked from down the hallway.
"Excellent," Felix responded, shutting the door hard after Edward stepped into my cell.
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A/N: Just in case you were wondering, Stephenie Meyer owns all that is truly Twilight :)
I'm sorry, I just couldn't keep Edward away! hehe!