A/N: Tread lightly, my friends. Remember I'm here to answer questions if you need me to.

The day the tournament opened dawned clear and bright. The night before, Edward had brought Bella a fine dress. It was the one of the most gorgeous things she'd ever owned—silken, flowing, and elegant. It was not the dress of a child, but that of a woman. A Lord of the Masen lands and the Master of Coin's wife would wear a dress like this.

How Bella wished she didn't sometimes feel so much like a child—frightened and uncertain. It was going to be a difficult day. Since Felix had proven to be more monster than man, years ago now, Bella had been made to attend many dinners, feasts, and festivals seated at the king's table so many times even hours after he'd had her beaten or done the job himself. Now…

Well, now his leer made her skin crawl, as though she were bathing in filth and what was more, the whole court could see. Today would be worst of all because it would be the first time since he'd visited her chambers that she would have to be so near the King. He'd made it clear she was to sit in his box. It was a hellish thought to have to be so near not only her tormentor, but her maniacal sister-in-law and her cold, calculating brother-in-law.

And Edward would, by all accounts, be busy all day.

"The sleeves of your dress are loose fitting. It wouldn't be a problem to wear the sheath I gave you for your dagger, high up on your arm," Edward said that morning, pulling on his boots. He was trying to sound nonchalant, but his words only added to the stone of dread that sat heavy in her gut.

"What good would it do?" she asked as gently as she could. "If I were to drive a dagger in his gut, would I not be signing my own death warrant?" She shook her head. "I told you, husband. I will survive this and live free again." She looked down at her feet. "He is the king, and it's his divine right to take as he will. There's naught to be done if it's what he wishes. You and I both know it."

She didn't have to look at him to know his jaw would be clenched and his eyes tortured. Her own eyes stung. She heard him swallow. "I'll kill him. I swear—"

His words cut off when she raised her head and narrowed her eyes. He raised his hands in a placating gesture. "I swear it will kill me to survive this war." He shook his head and put his arm around her. "We are, I think, over-fearful. The king too has his duties at any gathering, particularly one he himself ordered."

Pressing a palm to her cheek, he encouraged her to look up, and when she did, she could see the love and adoration her husband held for her. "I know you don't need to hear it, Bella, but I will tell you again. Assure you stay with others, always. I will be there as often as I can, of course, but as long as you're in public, you should be safe. Divine will or no, he'll not risk the disfavor of the court."

Bella's stomach roiled. That was why, they had supposed together, the bastard hadn't bragged about what he'd done to Bella. To have her beaten before a bloodthirsty court was one thing. What he had done was something else entirely, and at the very least looked on with distaste.

Edward sighed and stood again, going to a stand where he had several blades laid out. He selected a dagger and held it up, examining it. "Still, with so many people about, strangers from distant cities, some small semblance of protection would not go amiss, my love."

"The world will always be dangerous." She nodded. "I'll keep the dagger on me."

She kept her promise. When Angela helped her dress, she strapped the dagger to her upper arm. Angela clearly thought it was madness—a woman carrying a blade. "You're more like to hurt yourself, My Lady."

Bella smiled wryly. "I appreciate your concern, Angela, but rest assured I'll be fine."

Angela looked uncertain, but finished straightening Bella's sleeves over the weapon. "How would you like your hair, My Lady?"

"Leave that to me," a new voice said.

Bella turned, delighted to see Alice at the door. The other woman bustled forward. Before she could take the brush from Angela's hand, Bella's handmaid stepped back, her brow furrowed. "But, My Lady—"

"Your lady is in good hands." Alice smiled kindly at the maid, though she also looked amused. "You are good to be concerned, but I assure you I'm more than capable. Run along now, dear heart. There's much to be done today, and a pair of extra hands will be much appreciated in the hall."

Angela fussed, but Alice was firm. When Bella agreed that her friend could help her today, Angela curtsied to them both and hurried away. Bella sighed. "She's a dear girl," she said with a sigh, sitting and turning her back. "One of the very few kind people I've known all these years. Before Edward, she was all I had. Your father-in-law was kind when he could be, of course, but, like Edward, there was little reason for us to interact."

"Yes, your maid is loyal to you and protective." Alice began stroking the brush through Bella's long hair. "I know it is a point of pride for her to assure you look lovely and well groomed, but I shall have that happy privilege today. It's been some time since I've had reason to do this. Since I left my sisters at least, and I enjoy it." She leaned down to say near Bella's ear, "And I have a gift for you."

Bella turned to look over shoulder, but Alice guided her face forward. "Patience, My Lady. You'll know soon enough."

Alice's fingers were deft as she brushed Bella's hair to a fine a sheen and then began weaving it into braids, twisting some of it on top of her head while part of her hair fell down her back. As she worked, she told Bella a little of what she'd seen when she and Jasper visited Emmett.

It was wonderful to hear good things about her brother for once. In Volterra, most people spoke of Emmett as though he was a tantruming child. He was unskilled and made some of the worst decisions they'd ever seen in all their years. Such a piss poor leader. That he won most of the battles and had only gained support was something they conveniently forgot. If they talked about Emmett as anything other than inept, it was to call him out for being a savage brute.

Alice told her stories of his bravery, and how well loved he was by those who followed him. She whispered some of the bawdy jokes Emmett had told her. Bella flushed, but she grinned. She could almost hear Emmett's hearty laugh.

"I miss him," Bella whispered to her friend, her heart aching.

Alice squeezed her shoulder. "It won't be long now. I can feel it." As promised, Alice and Jasper were searching dutifully for a way to get Bella—and Edward—out of Volterra. "To that end, we come to my gift." She moved off to the side and retrieved a leather carrying case. She unrolled it, revealing the top of what looked like a hair comb. It was made of metal wound in a delicate, intricate pattern, dotted with gems,

"It's exquisite," Bella said, running the tip of her finger along the design.

"Yes." Alice bent close to talk in her ear. "There will be many people here this evening, My Lady, and therefore, there will be much chaos. It may well be that a chance to escape will present itself too suddenly for you to retrieve your things." Alice reached out to pull the comb from its place. To Bella's surprise, the end was not the typical long shaft, but a thin and deadly-looking blade. "A gift from your brother, Bella. So that you may have some semblance of protection or, if you flee without so much as a coin on you, you may sell the jewels."

Bella stared at the thing in shock. A dagger. She could see the hilt of it now, the grip set into the design. It was beautiful and deadly.

"Not to worry," Alice said. "I can teach—"

"Edward taught me how to use a dagger." She picked the thing up and thrust it forward in a stabbing motion. "And a sword. And I've fired a crossbow as well." She set the dagger down and rolled up her sleeve. "And there's this."

Alice laughed. "He's a good man." She sighed. "All things considered, if we can get you out in the next few days, it will be unlikely you'll need either of them. Stealth is the preference—to sneak you out amidst the gathering of people about. This is—"

"Just in case," Bella said. A thrill of nerves shot down her spine. She handed Alice the dagger. "I'll be ready, but remember—"

This time, it was Alice who interrupted her. "Not without your husband. Yes."

With that, she carefully tucked the dagger into Bella's hair.

~0~

Edward reappeared in time to escort Bella to the opening line—a parade of the houses and players being represented at the games. He tucked her hand into the crook of his arm, keeping her close as they climbed into the stands to the King's personal box.

Bella breathed in through her nose and out again, bobbing a slight curtsey to the Queen Mother, and murmuring a quick, "Your Grace," to Felix. She bowed her head to Aro and Alec, standing guard as ever. She smiled more genuinely for Felix's younger siblings—sweet children still, untouched by Felix's madness or Jane's coldness. She took a seat behind Felix's bride-to-be, grateful when Edward sat beside her. He gave her hand a squeeze, and she wondered if he had the same daydreams she did of how easy it would be to drive her dagger right through the back of Felix's skull.

As though he'd heard her thoughts, Felix twisted in his seat to leer at her. Bella shrank back before she could help it, and she swore she could hear her husband growl low under his breath. His hand tightened on hers.

"It's quite a grand event, is it not, My Lady?" Felix said.

Bella had to swallow around the lump in her throat. It was such an innocuous question, and there was likely no trick to it. He knew she hated looking at him, knew it made her choke with fear. As such, she lifted her head up high and forced herself to look him dead in the eyes. "Oh, yes, Your Grace. I makes me glad that the kingdom may be as proud of my husband as I am. He has accomplished much splendor."

Felix's grin fell into a slight scowl. "It was done at my request."

"As you say, Your Grace."

It wasn't long, though, before Edward was called away to attend this or that minor emergency. He clung to Bella's hand as he stood, his eyes troubled. He was searching, he knew, for some excuse to take her away with him. Felix, however, was watching, and Bella knew it would call more attention to them if she did leave. She swept her eyes around the booth, reminding him and herself that they were surrounded by people in the daylight. She would be tormented only to the extent Felix's very presence unnerved her.

"I'll be back," Edward vowed.

The day stretched on too long, and Bella was too on edge to ever relax. Edward didn't come back, and Felix engaged her in conversation as often as he could. Thankfully, with his fiancée right beside him, decorum prevented him from lingering too long.

Edward reappeared just as the festivities moved to the hall for the feast. He spoke over-loud to her, saying he needed her by his side to greet some foreign dignitaries. Bella curtsied again at the royal family, taking her leave.

At the feast, the King had his hands full. Too many people stopping by his table to make conversation. Bella relaxed a little. She kept to Edward's side, doing her best to fill her role as a proper wife.

Inevitably, Edward was called away time and again. When he was, the king was the least of Bella's worries. There were those who sought her out when her husband wasn't there to act as buffer. Many would never let her forget she was the daughter of the traitor. Through a veneer of civility, they gave her the clear idea that they thought her unworthy of what she'd been given—the mercy of the king, and the benefit of a noble name. She was, they implied with smiles on their faces, lower than the dirt on their shoes, and they, like the members of the court, would like nothing more than to see her beaten and groveling at their feet.

These would never be her people.

"My Lady."

Bella was flooded with relief at the sound of the soft, familiar voice. She turned with a smile. "Hello, Carlisle." She took his hand, giving it a brief squeeze in greeting, and he kissed her cheek in a fatherly way.

"You'll forgive me, My Lords." Carlisle bowed to the men who had been speaking with Bella just as he walked up. "My Lady looks a little piqued. I think a breath of fresh air would do her well."

They murmured their good-byes, and Bella let Carlisle lead her toward the doors. They strolled through several hallways, chatting about where Esme was, and what Jasper and Alice were up to tonight. Finally, they were out on a small, quiet balcony, away from the main crowd and facing the ocean. Bella tilted her head up, enjoying the bite of the cool breeze. It was calm and beautiful out here, where she could watch the moon rise over the water. "Thank you," she said. "Today has been exhausting."

"I can only imagine what it's been like for you, and I'm sorry I couldn't get to you sooner." Carlisle ran a hand through his hair, shaking his head. "Tournaments are my least favorite gathering as far as my position is concerned. Today, many contestants come to me looking for some small advantage. Tomorrow, the long line of wounded will need tending, and I'll be expected to oversee that mess." He chuckled.

They chatted for a while longer before Bella gasped. "Look." She pointed down to the street far below and a small ways away. "Is that Edward?"

Carlisle peered where she was pointed and chuckled. "Nothing wrong with your eyesight." He paused a moment, drumming his fingertips on the rail. "If you wait here, I can go get your husband. We can use it as an excuse. He can cut through the crowds if we say his wife is feeling ill and needs to be escorted back to your chambers."

Bella brightened at this idea. Much better than going down to meet him as though she weren't ill. "I would appreciate that."

"It's quiet up here, after all. And it will only take a few minutes." Carlisle nodded. "All right." He gestured to a bench set in the growing shadows. "Stay hidden, and I'll be back shortly."

Bella sat as instructed, feet bouncing with anticipation. She hated being away from Edward, but with the myriad of people about, today had been worse than ever. She wanted to be in his arms, to see for herself that he, too, was safe and whole. She had no reason to believe he wouldn't be, but worried for him anyway.

Minutes passed, and Bella became more anxious. Had something happened? The din far below her still sounded cheery. She stood and began to pace.

More minutes passed. Then, as she paced by the curtain that stood between the doorway and the hallway, something gripped her hard around the arm. She gasped, but any cry was cut off as she was brought back against a hard chest, a hand clapped over her mouth in a painful grip. She was dragged backward, into the darkness of a corridor even as she struggled, screaming and cursing against the hand that held her.

It took moments, and then she was thrust forward. She twisted, and but she was already being pushed, pinned with her back against a hard wall and a huge body in front of her. Again, the rough hand came over her mouth, stifling her scream.

She knew it was Felix—had known it the moment she felt fingers on her arm. Even in the dim light, she could see the glinting eyes of the maniac king. Her heart hammered, and she whimpered in dread.

"You're a difficult woman to get alone these days," he said, his voice melodic and taunting. He gave her cheeks a squeeze. "You make a sound, and I'll cut your fingers off before anyone can get here. I'll tell them all you couldn't keep your hands to yourself, and so I solved your problem for you. Do you understand?"

Struggling to keep a clear head around the terror that threatened to overtake her, Bella nodded. She gasped in a huge breath the moment the king's hand came away from her mouth.

"Hmm." His hands moved over her, caressing her hair even as she shuddered. Then, she froze as his hands brushed over her shoulders. "Now, what's this?"

He yanked up the sleeve of her dress. Bella couldn't help but raise her hands, as though to ward him off, when he reached for the dagger. He took a moment to push her arms above her head and held her pinned at the wrists with one of his large, strong hands. "No," she couldn't help but whisper on a breath as he took the dagger from its sheath with his free hand. "Your Grace… That...It's a gift. From my husband. Please."

"A gift?" He laughed. "And what, pray tell, did my uncle think you needed something like this for, hmm?"

Bella gave a small cry, turning her head to the side as he stepped forward, pressing against her. He put the dagger against her cheek so she could feel the sharp, cold edge against her skin. "Did he think you could kill me with this, little girl? Is that what this blade was for?" he asked against her ear.

Anger sparked in her, mingling with the fear. He was disgusting and vile and oh, Gods, yes. She wanted to kill him. She clenched her hands in fists. "No, Your Grace. Of course not," she said instead.

He drew the blade down, pointing it at her neck without putting pressure. "Of course not," he murmured in a purr. "It is such a pretty thing." He let the blade play at the corner of her dress, edging the tip under the fabric. "Maybe we could find other uses for it then." His body pressed ever closer. "Oh, what a story they'll tell tomorrow. Such a shame." The fabric of her dress began to rip as he pushed the blade along her shoulder. Bella drew in a sharp breath through lungs being squeezed too tightly to breathe. "You'll be such a pretty sight."

Bella could see the picture clearly. He would use her and leave her to be found, ravaged and weeping, her clothes cut to ribbons by the dagger. No one would suspect the king. After all, he need not use a weapon if he really wanted her in his bed. He would be free to enjoy her public shame without recrimination.

No. The word screamed in her mind. She couldn't let this happen to her. Not again. Never again. No. She would kill him. But how…

Just as Felix dipped his head to bite at her exposed neck, Bella remembered that the dagger he drew along the seams of her dress was not her only weapon. That, and Felix's grip on her wrist had loosened as his attention was drawn to other things.

Bella pushed through the haze of fear and panic, drawing a deep breath just before she ripped her arms from his grip. Quick as a flash, she grabbed the handle of the dagger hidden in her hair and drew it out.

Felix had begun to move, taking a step away from her. As such, Bella had clear access to his throat as she drove the dagger downward. She buried it in the side of his neck, and he roared. His hands came up, and somehow, she managed to grab the dagger that had been her husband's gift as it fell from his hand. Felix stumbled backward, and Bella—acting purely on instinct with very little thought—brought the second blade to bear. She stalked forward, driving it hard between his legs, pushing past any resistance with a strength she didn't realize she'd had. He let out a strangled cry as he stumbled further backward into the shadows. He fell to the stone floor.

He couldn't scream. There was blood in his mouth, making him sputter and gag. With an unworldly calmness, Bella stood over him, staring down, feeling nothing. She stooped, wrapping her fingers around the hilt of her haircomb-dagger. She bent low enough so she could say near his ear. "You die by Emmett Swan's blade."

Then, she pulled it out in jerk. Blood poured from the wound. Felix writhed and gagged, the sound wretched and filled with pain. Only as she watched the blood spread, turning his dress tunic bright red, and begin to puddle onto the floor did emotion begin to fill the places inside her that had gone cold.

Oh, Gods. Gods, what had she done?

She had stabbed the King in a high tower. She brought her hands up. Even in the semi-darkness, she could see they were stained with blood. Her torn dress was hanging off her shoulder. There was blood on her clothes. In her hair.

The king's blood.

Bella nearly yelped when she heard steps in the corridor. Her heart began to pound as she looked to the gagging, dying man and to the hallway. His guards? Would they kill her where she stood or drag her to the dungeons? Oh, Gods.

But it wasn't the guards who came hurrying around the bend. It was Edward and Carlisle behind him. "Edward," Bella said, her voice hoarse. She was trembling, she realized. Gripping a dagger in either hand.

"Bella." He grabbed her by the arms, looking her over. The daggers dropped to the ground in a clatter.

Carlisle stepped past them to the king. He dropped to his knees by his side. Felix clutched at him, sputtering, spraying blood around wet, horrible coughs. His body seized and then slackened, his hand dropping.

"Bella," Edward gave her a small shake, trying to get her to look at him as his hands searched for wounds. "Where are you hurt? Are you—"

"It's not my blood," she whispered, her eyes frozen on the still body of the king. "What have I done? Oh, what have I done?"

Carlisle stood, unfastening the cloak he wore. He darted back to them, throwing the cloak over Bella's shoulders. "Go," he said, looking at Edward. "You have minutes, if that. Go now."

Edward gave Bella one more shake. "We need to leave. We need to run, now."

That snapped Bella out of her stupor. She nodded, stooping only long enough to grab up Edward's dagger. Then, she followed him as they fled down the corridor.

A/N: SO…

How ya doin'?