DO I REALLY WANT REVENGE?
Disclaimer: The Cullens, the Swans, and most of the characters mentioned in the story that are known from Stephanie Meyer's beloved Twilight Saga, are all hers and hers alone. I neither have nor wish to pass them off as mine. I do appreciate the fact that she did bring them to life and allows us to play with them in our imaginations. The only thing I will claim is the current storyline.
All of the chapters of this story has been beta'd by the lovely dowlingnana and the chapters with mistakes are being replaced.
"Her Majesty is just about ready. Give her another ten minutes and then we'll be out."
Edward nodded and attempted to relax during his wait. His thoughts went back over the earlier meeting with Isabella and he felt the same sense of pride that at least he was starting to make some headway with her even if it wasn't exactly where he wanted to be at the moment. But, all things considering it was a step forward and the rest would come with work, time and patience. Of that he was sure.
It was as he reached this point in his thoughts that Bella came out of her bedroom to greet Edward. She was wearing a cream colored gown with an overskirt of gold netting, floor length, and strapless and trailing behind for a ways. Her jewelry was simple pearls at throat, ears and wrist and no ring except for her wedding ring. As she greeted Edward he indicated that he would like to speak with her privately before they went down to the ball. So, without further ado, she dismissed everyone, staff, ladies and personal guard. They were told to wait downstairs for their arrival. After everyone had left with the last person out closing the door quietly, then Bella turned to Edward and waited from him to begin.
"I know we had a rough start-" Edward began then stopped. After a moment he tried again, "Isabella, I would like to start over again. To let you get to know me, to try and get you to see beyond the happenings of a year ago, to try and build a relationship with you even if it is only as a friend for now. Will you think about it and let us try?" he quietly asked of her.
"I am not going to answer you now, but, will do as you request and consider the matter." Was all she would say to him about his request. As she turned away she missed the look of hurt that quickly flashed across his face before disappearing.
"One other thing, if you will. I am going to be leaving in a day or so to go to Wystonia to check on the results this past year as made. And to let you know, I do plan to see my family during that period as well."
She just nodded once and then indicated that they needed to meet up with their escorts to begin the celebration and the ball.
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"What have all of our failed attempts achieved over the past year, if I may ask?"
"It has kept the true focus of our actions away from prying eye, and has redirected the security in a whole different direction."
"Are we still on schedule?"
"Yes."
CHAPTER 11: SOME INFORMATION IS BETTER THAN NONE
Edward lay in bed thinking back over all that has happened since the night of the anniversary ball and his conversation with Isabella. He had informed her that he wanted the chance for them to start over so she could get to know him as a person and a friend. Someone that she could trust and rely upon for support; someone that cared for her deeply. Also, informing her of his impending trip to Wystonia and the known purpose and the fact that he wanted to see his family.
He really thought that she would have some objection to it, but, that turned out to be wrong. In fact, she encouraged him to go and check up on what he had been denied the ability to do in the past, having to rely on others for his information, and to visit with his family.
Eleazor traveled with him as did his Vargian personal guard and staff. Carmen had stayed behind working to bring forth the full ministry as outlined by Isabella. Edward had complete confidence in her abilities to do so and would bring him up to speed upon his return. Admittedly, the trip has taken longer than he had first anticipated, but, it had been worth it. Arriving last night at the palace to be greeted by his family was a joy. His mom couldn't seem to let go of him long enough for him to say hello to his dad and cousins. Even, his dad was delighted to see him. And, Jasper and Emmett teased the hell out of him. It was late when he arrived, but, even later before everyone called it a night.
Now, it was time to get up and get to work. His dad had set aside time in his schedule to meet privately with the Vargian Prince Consort and that was the time he would find out all, if anything, his dad had acquired in information concerning the situation with Noragia. He prayed that something would break to lead him to the correct individuals that were responsible for the deaths of King Charles and Queen Renee, responsible for the outrageous business practices that were being allowed from Noragia and the reason or reasons for the attempted murders of Isabella and him along with the information of who is truly behind it all. They also needed to know if the Noragian government was knowingly allowing this or if it was an underhanded situation.
Edward gets up, showers, shaves and gets dressed to go meet with his father, King Carlisle. He enters the elevator that takes him to the first floor. Once there he walks to the wing that houses the royal offices. Checks in with the secretary and she informs His Majesty that the Vargian Prince Consort, Prince Edward has arrived for their meeting. He thanks her and enters the office as she moves to one side and closes the door. Carlisle rises to go greet his son and then gives him a manly hug before moving back and they both sit down, not on either side of the large desk that dominates the room, but, in the seating area off to one side in the office.
Before any discussion starts, the secretary brings in coffee and brunch snacks for both men. After checking to make sure all is as it should be she leaves, closing the door behind her. As she is closing the door, King Carlisle informs her that they are not to be disturbed. She nods in understanding and finishes closing the door.
"Edward, my son, it is so damn good to see you and have you home."
"Dad, I'm glad, also."
"Tell me all that has been happening this past year that hasn't been in the news and that you haven't been able to discuss with us."
So, Edward begins talking telling Carlisle everything. How the investigations into the attempts on their lives always seem to lead back to Wystonia, but, dead ends. How Isabella holds herself away from him, but, is devoted to her people and gives of herself tirelessly to insure the peace, stability and happiness of her country. And finishes with the surprise she gave him a little over a week ago about establishing a new ministry and giving him complete control and say in the handling of it and her personal business dealings that will make the decision making easier for him.
"I talked with her on our anniversary night asking her to let's start fresh and she take the time to get to know me personally. To begin to form a friendship and hopefully it would lead to a more loving relationship. I didn't say it quite like that, but, she knew what I meant. Her answer was that she would consider it and let me know.
"It was at that point that I let her know about my pending trip here to check out the reports that I had been receiving over the last year since I couldn't travel and she endorsed it wholeheartedly."
"Does she know about your stopping to see us and spend some time?"
"Yes, sir, she does and she had suggested it as well. Saying that it might be awhile before time would present itself like this again. I asked her why she worded it that way and she simply replied that with getting the new ministry office up and running, it would be difficult to find time for personal trips."
"Well, I must say that it sounds as if a slow, but, steady progress is being made in your personal life. I'm glad to hear it.
"I know what you are waiting to hear and I do have some information for you, but, I don't know what benefit it will be to you."
"Dad, right now anything would be a step forward."
"Son, I can tell you that we have a lead on Alec Northsom who has a sister that is working in the palace in Vargia. We have not been able to get any information about this sister or her name as yet. Alec works in the commercial section of our government but he doesn't have any decision making authority. He has no available funds other than what he earns, but, somehow, manages to live a very expensive lifestyle.
"The bank account that seems to be funding all of the trouble going on in Vargia is registered to a corporation by the name of Denalison, but, we have come up short on any other information about the company. The address registered is fake, the post office box that receives mail has someone that picks up the mail and hands it off to a different individual, but, never the same person each time. And as we question these people they never have any contact with the person that has instructed them to pick up the mail. So, the trail goes cold.
"With what information we have been able to get undercover concerning the governing body of Noragia, everyone says the three men are clean. Aro Stevenson, Marcus Cameron, and Caius Hammond all are dictated to running a good and honest government that will benefit the people. And, word is that they are very interested in who is trying to destroy relationships between all of the countries."
"So, there is nothing else that can lead us to concluding and closing down the threat at this point?"
"No, I'm afraid not. Not at this point, anyways."
"Will you have all of the information you have gathered made available for me to take back to Vargia with me. That way I can look it over and see if I can come up with some ideas. In the meantime, you will keep looking?"
"Damn straight we will."
"Thanks, dad. Now, I am going to enjoy the little bit of time I have to visit with you before I have to leave."
Time sped by and all had fun enjoying Edward's visit. Esme asked him to see if Isabella would allow them to visit in the near future and if so, what would, if any, the restrictions be. He promised to check and let her know. Edward had wanted to drive back to Vargia, but, was told no, he needed to fly. No reason was given other than it was the Queen's command. The royal jet was sent for him and all of his party flew home.
He had not informed anyone of the paperwork his father had given him concerning the investigation that was being conducted. He had not even pulled any of it out to look at as he felt it was unsafe for some reason. Nothing he could really put his finger on, but, just a gut instinct screaming at him full in the face. It was for sure that once he was safely back in the palace and had had time to run over all of the information he wanted to make it available to Isabella.
As the plane landed, Edward looked out the window to see Isabella standing beside the vehicles waiting. It seemed strange that she would be here to meet his plane, but, he would ask about it when they were alone. But, he was not prepared for the surprise that met him as he disembarked.
Isabella walked up to him reaching to put a hand around his neck, going up on tiptoe and gave him a kiss of welcome. She pulled back with a smile and told him welcome home. He stood there like a fool with a stunned expression on his face. Words failed him. His mind closed down, went to lunch and refused to process any thoughts.
All parties got into the cars and made the ride back to the palace with no incidents along the way.
A/N: Some information was gathered, but, will it be enough to lead to more? Will it eventually lead to who is behind all of this? What exactly is Noragia doing to try and stop the problem? What action is going to be taken against Noragia? And who is calling all of the shots from that country? And why are they so interested in having all of the control?
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