A/N: Star Wars, my friends. Star Wars. Like, whoa. Star Wars.

These days, Bella felt as though she lived two lives.

There was the life she would never become accustomed to—the game she played for the benefit of her captors. It was a tiring charade, playing the part of the high-born lady when everyone—herself included—knew she was little more than a captive kept in silks instead of rags, beaten by a King instead of by a common soldier, and sold into marriage rather than slavery.

Then, there was the life she lived behind the closed doors of her husband's room. When they were together in that room, Bella could almost pretend the whole rest of the palace didn't exist. Edward made her laugh. He let her be strong and, if only for a few minutes, carefree again. She felt exhilaration when they practiced with the dagger and sword. She felt respected when he listened to her opinions and shared the goings-on of the kingdom. And though she could not quite escape the spectre of the king's abuse, she felt cherished and adored in Edward's arms.

Bella was glad that day when she woke as dawn broke. She liked the early morning, when all was quiet and the world was still. She woke that day in bed with her husband. Her heart panged but filled with quiet warmth. There was space between them, yet she had turned to him in her sleep. His hand still rested on her waist.

Her sweet husband.

They'd coupled several more times since their first time together. Bella understood fully the importance of her duty not only to her husband but to his house. Mayhap the king had wanted to see Edward married to Bella for the shame it would bring them both, but in the end, it was Aro who had orchestrated the union. Bella was young and naive in some ways, but she knew better than to think Aro a fool. When Emmett fell—as Aro had to assume he would—the people of Rainfall would give less trouble if they saw a Swan returned to their house. Rainfall would come under Masen control.

More importantly to Bella was Edward's power and place. He was the only son left to continue the Masen lineage. For Edward, a child—an heir—meant power and strength. The people of Casterly Port would begin to look to him as their leader rather than his aging father. It was likely why Aro had kept him there in the capital city rather than send him home with his bride, as would have been more rational.

No. Whatever power she and her husband had was in their blood. Neither she nor Edward could afford to pretend they had the luxury of taking her silly nervousness into consideration.

Edward, though, had been very gentle. Each night, he held her until the worst of her fears subsided, and when he did begin to move in her, he murmured sweet things against her ear. The way he held her, the way he touched her, Bella had begun to believe there would be a time when she might welcome and even enjoy their time together. She knew it was possible, knew women who spoke in hushed whispers about the delicious things their husbands and lovers did. Truth be told, her body had responded to him more than once. It was confusing, but she thought with time she might come to enjoy being with her husband in this way.

But the day before, the king had been at dinner again. Though his betrothed sat at his side, Bella felt his eyes on her all night. She'd scarcely been able to eat but a bite or two. His gaze made her skin crawl, and she felt wretched—filthy and vile.

Though the thought of being without her clothes made her physically ill, she went to her husband that night. Edward seemed to know what she really wanted without her having to say. He wrapped his cloak around her shoulders and took her out onto the veranda. He held her in his arms and told her stories about the stars. The cold air did wonders to chase away the ugliness on her skin, and Edward's chest against her back reminded her she wasn't alone.

When they finally had gone inside to bed, he'd tried to take the couch. Bella wouldn't let go of his hand, and so he'd let it rest on her waist, grounding her so she felt neither alone nor frightened.

Bella yawned. Realizing she was tired, and there was time yet until they had to be up, she scooted closer to her husband. She was surprised to find that she no longer felt shy doing things like this. He was hers as she was his. If ever there was an upside to her life these last years, it was that.

With a sigh of content—if only for these few minutes—Bella tucked herself under Edward's chin, draped her arm over his side, and went back to sleep.

~0~

A pageboy visited them later that morning as Edward put on his boots and Angela combed out Bella's hair for the day. He bowed grandly before Edward and nodded politely at Bella.

"My Lord. My Lady. The Grand Alchemist bids you break your fast with him and his son this morning."

Edward and Bella exchanged a glance. Edward nodded to the boy. "Tell Carlisle we'll be along."

Half an hour later, they were all out in the gardens, seated around a wooden table set out for their use. It was public, Bella realized. To give the illusion none gathered there had anything to hide, she surmised.

Jasper Cullen was his father's son through and through. He was blond, just as handsome, and kind with a roguish smile that made Bella miss her brother something fierce. Though she'd been somewhat anxious—she often felt young and foolish when sitting with the wives of other lords—Jasper set her at ease. His wife, Alice, was an absolute delight. She was witty with a sharp tongue that had made Bella giggle in pure shock. She was freer than any of the wives Bella knew at court—less refined, but much warmer. Like his father, Jasper was free in his affection toward his wife. He clearly adored her, and spoke to her as an equal. A partner.

Edward had told Bella about Carlisle and that Jasper was in Emmett's confidences. As such, it was no surprise to her when Alice threaded her arm through hers. She gave a loud, theatrical groan. "I'm full to bursting. Come, My Lady. Take pity on a poor soul. Will you walk with me about the gardens?"

Bella patted Alice's hand as though consoling. She turned to Edward. "We shall return presently, My Lord."

He looked worried. He always looked worried when they had to part. He beckoned her, and she bent to kiss his cheek. With a final squeeze of her hand, he let go, putting on a smile as he bid her farewell for the moment.

Alice chatted about nonsense as they strolled. It was only when they'd reached a quiet section near the walls of the city that Alice pulled Bella closer. "My Lady, I bring you greetings from your brother."

Despite the fact she'd been expecting it, Bella had to press her tongue against the roof of her mouth to suppress a whimper. She swallowed hard, but even then her voice was heavy with emotion. "You know him? You've seen him?"

"Briefly, yes. He fares well, and sends you this message." Alice knitted her brow in a look of concentration. "Bellalula—"

At that, Bella did whimper. It was the name he'd called her since she was a tiny child and her mother had told her the tale of a fairy named Lulalay. She had danced about their home, saying the name over and over because she liked the way it tripped on her tongue. Her elder brother had teased her, calling her Bellalula of the fairies.

Alice patted her hand and continued. "I miss you, and I love you," she said in Emmett's place. "Please know you have never, not once, been forgotten. Forgive me, sister, for all you've suffered. You shall have your revenge. I promise you that. The boys are safe. Safer than you or I, in any case. I will make you safe, too. Be strong, and trust that we'll be a family again."

Bella wept quietly. A family of orphaned children. Gods, she missed her brothers so much it was all but unbearable. She was afraid to hope.

"He's so changed," she whispered, distracting herself from that vision. "If those are his own words, he's so changed."

"I was sure to memorize his words exactly," Alice said.

"He was always happy. Even if slighted, he'd just as soon forget it as not. There was always a joke on his tongue and a smile on his face." Bella wiped at her eyes, sniffling.

"What's happened to your family would change anyone. To lose your father...and to have his mother killed before his own eyes."

Bella closed her eyes against a fresh wave of tears. Alice put an arm about her. "Then there is your lot. The injustices you've suffered, my friend. If my husband is to be believed, they drive your brother to agony."

Clenching her fists at her sides, Bella breathed deeply to calm herself. "My life isn't in danger. Not like his."

"Be that so, I have other news. I cannot make a promise, but Jasper has sworn to Emmett that if we can get you out, we will." Alice took her hands and squeezed them. "But for that, I need your help. I need to know more about your husband, and what tabs he may keep on you."

Bella was already shaking her head. "No. Alice—"

"Don't be frightened, dear one." Alice patted her cheek and grimaced. "Whatever your husband has done to you, your brother will make him suffer two-fold. I can promise you that."

"No," Bella said, a little too loud. They both looked around. Assured there was no one in earshot, she leaned in closer and spoke quietly. "If there is to be an escape, I am bringing my husband with me."

Alice stared back, shocked and perplexed. "Is it decorum that troubles you? Bella, you're not beholden to him. You were given by your enemy to his son. It brings no dishonor on you to not hold vows sacred that were taken by force."

Bella shuddered. Her wedding vows had been taken by force. That day had been one of the worst of her life. Even then, though, Edward and his kindness had been her only refuge. She looked Alice in the eyes. "I love my husband. He's a good man, and just as much a prisoner as I am. I'm sure Carlisle is explaining that to your husband even now."

"He's a Masen."

"Only by blood and an accident of birth."

Alice looked uncertain, but she nodded. She took Bella's arm again. "Well, there's some mercy in that at least. Now, come. I'll tell you what little I can, but we must get back. We mustn't call attention to ourselves. Here's what I know…"

~0~

"Alice told me I must always be ready. The chance to escape might present itself at a moment's notice," Bella said when they were back in his room. She turned to face Edward and reached out a hand for him. He took it and drew her into the protective circle of his arms. Bella sighed, finding some measure of contentedness there. "I told her I need two things only. My dagger strapped to my arm and my husband by my side."

Edward was silent for long moments. He was so quiet, Bella began to wonder if she'd said something wrong. Before she could ask, though, he pressed a kiss just below her ear. "Bella. My brave, Bella," he murmured, his breath tickling her skin. "You must promise me that if you have a chance to escape, you'll take it whether I'm there or not."

Ice shot down Bella's spine, and she turned in Edward's embrace to look at him. "Don't ask me to make a promise I won't keep. I won't leave you here."

Edward opened his mouth to argue, but Bella interrupted. She knew she shouldn't. She knew she should be docile and obedient, but to blazes with that. "Whatever you're about to say, save it. You're in as much danger here as I am. If I were to disappear, there is no guarantee the king or your father wouldn't endeavour to find a way to blame you."

He huffed, and she could practically see him considering and dismissing arguments in his head before he spoke. "And your brother? You won't leave me even to see him?"

Bella's heart twisted, and she winced. "Emmett," she whispered, missing him so badly right then it was physically painful. Still, she took a steadying breath. "I will see my brother again, but it has already been years. We can stand to wait. I won't sacrifice my husband for my brother's sake."

"What makes you think your brother won't kill me on sight?"

"I'm not afraid of Emmett. If you are, I promise I can protect you."

Edward's lip twitched. Another second later, he gave up and laughed. He pulled her to him again, hugging her close. "It will be an interesting day, I think, when I meet my brother-in-law again. Isn't that a strange thought? He was no more than a boy himself when I visited your father's court. Gods." He pulled back, taking her face in his hands. "And you were no more than a scamp of a girl." He smiled and kissed her gently. "You played for us, do you remember? You played the harp like an angel and curtsied so prettily. Such a well brought-up young lady."

Bella cocked her head, looking on him. "I...I don't know that I remember precisely."

"Nor should you. If I had known then what the future held." He sighed and gathered her near again. "But I could never have wished any of this on you, my love. You deserve better than me even now. Better than this and most certainly better than my name."

Bella wrapped her arms around his waist and shook her head vehemently. "I think you're the only one who does your name proud," she whispered.

The history of the other houses had been part of her teaching. House Masen hadn't always looked as hard-nosed and cold as Aro. Perhaps if the lineage had passed to Felix's namesake, the Masen name may have come to be known as cold and ruthless. Bella thought there was hope that Edward might bring honor and kindness back to his people.

She wasn't sure how to say any of that. Though she was a married woman now, thought to be old enough to have babes of her own, she felt far removed from the movers and shakers of the realm. She wasn't yet old enough nor wise enough to make history. There were no songs sung of her deeds—not like her own mother and brother.

Still, Bella was beginning to realize her place in the world. Perhaps soon she would have a voice.

Until then, she had one more thing to tell her husband. She raised her head, pressing her lips together as she tried to find the right words. This was not something spoken of between men and women—not even husbands and wives, as far as she knew. But Edward would want to know.

"Bella, are you all right?" Edward's features were etched with concern as he looked on her, taking in the change to her mood.

She nodded slowly. "I…" She felt her cheeks flush, but she pushed on. "My courses have come on me," she said in a rush. She took another breath, ducking her head. "There will be no child. Not yet."

No child of Edward's, which was a pity, but also no child of the King's.

Edward huffed out a breath and pulled her to him again. He wrapped her up in his arms, rocking her gently, and pressed a soft kiss to her hair. "The Gods have some mercy left then."

Bella closed her eyes and let herself feel the relief she'd been afraid to acknowledge. Today, for the first time in a long while, her life seemed full of possibilities again.

A/N:My thanks to Betsy, Jess, Packy, MoH, Mina, and Eleanor for all they do for me.

And thanks for sticking with me, kids. I know it's been a rough ride so far.

How's everyone?