Hi! I'm posting a day early because I have stuff on tomorrow so as usual see me at the bottom for an author's note but right now here's the final chapter. :D Enjoy!
*** Chapter 9 ***
The jangling of keys snapped Bella out of her mindless staring into the dark, empty air and she turned towards the sound; the outline of several men the only thing she could see. This didn't bode well. There wasn't enough room for there to be so many soldiers unnecessarily and moments later they opened the cells around her and dragged out the prisoners.
She didn't have to wait long to find out if she would be taken as well when her cell door was swung open and her arm roughly grabbed. Her frightened eyes were wide as she searched in the cell across from hers only to find it empty.
Whoever she had spoken to had also been removed which meant that they were all being taken to their fate. All Bella could do now was hope that she would be able to free herself and if she couldn't, that Edward or her father would find her in time. Stumbling a few times as she was dragged through the empty palace, she could only assume it was late night or very early morning for the halls to be so deserted.
Her guess was proven correct when they reached the open air and the sky was a light pink; it was dawn and according to King Jaymes, the Sun Festival was to start this day.
"Where are we going?" She dared to ask the soldier who held her. His hard eyes turned to her and she saw him get ready to snap, he must have seen her despair and confusion though for he took a deep breath and answered.
"The arena."
Those two words were enough.
Even though she'd lived far from this city she had heard of the arena from passing travellers that had gone through Creolle. They'd told stories of the battles they'd seen, the warrior slaves who fought to the death, and also of the other ways they'd watched as people had died as punishment.
They had been horrible stories and Bella could never understand how others could watch such things and recall it with such excitement. She idly wondered if stories would be told of her upcoming demise someday soon; Bella knew she could defend herself but not against seasoned killers out in the open with nowhere to run or hide.
They walked for a while and the neatly carved stones of the palace soon turned into roughly uneven rocks and eventually they reached the sky-high columns that led to the entrance of the arena. Bella avoided looking at the dark brown smears that surrounded the rusted gate, instead she held her head high and ignored the gritty feeling of the sand as it seeped into her sandals.
The place was covered in the stuff and she figured it made for an easy clean up afterwards; she was sure the soldiers appreciated it.
Ahead of her there were two wooden posts protruding from deep in the ground, their width was wider than at least two strong men side by side and at the base there were four leg chains, one on each face of the post.
Her stomach tightened as the soldier led her to one of the chains, securing the cuff around her left ankle, the coarse metal chafing at her delicate skin. Only when the snap of the lock setting in place sounded did she finally realize that her time was running out; if an interference did not occur in time than she would die a bloody death in this arena of sand.
Across the open space she watched as two men and a woman received similar treatment to her – the clinking of chains echoing through the air – and she figured that the woman was possibly the one she'd spoken to the night before. She was pretty with golden hair and cornflower blue eyes, her dress though stained and of servant quality was form hugging enough to show her tall and lithe physique.
She could only see the side of the man next to her but she could tell he had also spoken to her just by his size. She recalled the shape of his shadow the night before and knew she was right in her assumption. If Edward were standing next to him he would surely be dwarfed by this man whose muscles gleamed in the early morning light. His curly brown hair was short and when his gaze turned to hers she saw that his eyes were a light brown.
The recognition as his gaze met hers was enough to know he believed her story from the previous night. She watched curiously as he spoke to the woman, Rosalie, and she too looked Bella's way before smiling sadly.
A few minutes later some of the soldiers returned and Bella observed with rapt attention the objects they held; a few keys and a couple of basic short swords. One soldier mockingly spoke, laying a key and two rusted swords on the sand in front of Bella and the men chained next to her. "To give 'ye a fighting chance. It's the Sun Festival afta' all…the people want entertainment."
Bella didn't know what he meant but kept her eyes on the key after they walked off laughing as they teased the other prisoners. As soon as they were gone she stretched as far as the chain would allow her but found that all she could do was feel the pain of the metal ripping at her skin.
It seemed that the soldiers had deliberately left the items just out of reach.
Bastards.
"Move!" The man next to her grunted and she quickly scrambled out of the way as he leapt towards the key and the swords.
She knew before it happened that it was hopeless and she couldn't contain the cringe when she heard the bone in his ankle snap from the force. His howl of pain drew the attention of the others who had also been trying to reach their items but she deliberately avoided looking at the man. The smell of blood was slowly floating her way and she figured that the bone had speared through flesh.
As the sun rose higher in the sky and the temperature rose with it she felt the hopeless misery consume her more and more. She'd tried so many times to reach at least the key but no matter what she did it was always out of reach. She'd even taken her sandal off at one stage but almost cried when all it did was move the key further away from her touch.
Bella angrily pounded the sandy ground and then coughed after all that achieved was to raise a cloud of dust which only upset her more. It was useless, she couldn't free herself and the loud sound of an approaching, excited crowd meant that her time was up.
***B***
Edward huffed and yanked at the itchy brightly coloured material that threatened to choke him as he crouched out of sight next to Alice, Leah and the Barbarian who unfortunately stuck to his sister's side like a parasite. He knew he was being harsh and unfair but he didn't care at that moment. Maybe in the future he would try to get to know Jasper better.
Maybe.
Scanning the area around them he numbly watched as men and women in similar attire flounced around excitedly, their voices coming out in a jumble of sound as they placed bets on who would survive out of the tributes if any.
Edward wanted to part their heads from their bodies as he once again glimpsed down into the sandy arena to see Bella sprawled in the sand. Her death he would not allow, and from what he knew of her spirit, she would not go easy anyway.
Alice – after somehow finding each of them enough material to blend in with the flamboyant colours of Bero – had separated their group into smaller units of three or four. Charles, Sam and Emily she sent to the north side of the arena. Embry, Seth and Quil to the east. Paul, Brady and Jared to the south and finally he crouched with his group of four to the western side which held not only the entrance to the arena but also the stairs to the palace.
"Why do we have to wait again? The sun is almost at its peak." He huffed in irritation. His patience wearing thin at being so close yet so far from Bella and unable to do anything. "Are you sure you saw this clearly?"
"I'm going to ignore the fact that you're doubting my visions once more and let it pass because I can only imagine how you're feeling. Just trust me and do as I said." Leah nodded and stayed silent and in place while Edward huffed once more and then finally concurred. "Jasper and I will not be gone for long. It's almost time."
He envied his sisters visions at that moment but most of all he envied her absolute faith that things would be okay.
"Hurry back." He simply said and returned to watching over Bella, her slender arm still outstretched as she tried to reach a small metallic object in front of her.
What was she doing?
***B***
"It's this way." Alice whispered, her feet were silent on the stone floor as they skirted around columns that were the width of several men side-by-side. "I'm sure I saw a throne next to her."
"You still haven't told me who it is you're looking for…have you met her before today?" Jasper whispered back.
"No. I haven't…but I saw that she'll help me."
"I hope you're right. Should I wait outside the room to keep watch?"
"Actually, that would be best. I'm sure the people of Bero have seen Barbarian's coming and going for the past month so you'll hopefully blend in."
"True."
Alice hid her smile at his easy belief in her and the fact that he trusted her completely to guide them. Up ahead, she knew she was going the right way when they passed floor to ceiling red velvet drapes. The woman was on the other side of these and after a flash of a vision she knew that there was also a guard.
She signalled to Jasper to stay there and he nodded, his blue eyes turning watchful and lethal in an instant. He'd keep her safe.
Peeking around the drapes she checked every corner of the room for movement and when she saw none she stepped into the throne room completely. Sidling up behind the lone guard, and with a sound thump on the back of his head with her dagger, he was out cold and her eyes moved to the woman and knew they were right on track. Hold on a little bit longer Bella.
"I've seen you but I did not believe it." The dark haired woman said. Her face mirrored her emotions and her eyes were glossy with the unshed tears that Alice had seen in her vision. "I get the feeling, however, that all is not resolved. Come take my hand, I believe it will help you find your answer."
Unafraid but excited to see what would happen when two Seers combined their powers by touch she hurried forward. "What is your name?" Alice quietly asked as she lifted her hand towards the woman's outstretched one.
"Katelyn."
Their fingertips met and the room exploded in a whirlwind of colours and dark shapes.
Alice's head was spinning – her hair flying around her face from a ghostly breeze – the only thing keeping her to the earth was Katelyn's fingers against hers.
Whispers. Places. People.
She saw everything. She saw everyone.
"I know it's difficult but you must concentrate on only me. If you don't you will be lost to the voices and I cannot bring you back."
It was Katelyn.
She was speaking to her. In her mind.
She didn't question it, instead putting all her energy into controlling the influx of stimulations so she could focus. Finally, when all she could sense was the other Seer one vision nudged at her conscience.
It wanted to be seen. It needed to be seen.
She was walking out of the throne room to the chamber that joined it. A basic mattress lay on the floor. Herbs and spices were held upside down by string, the flowers and leaves turned to dried husks.
Something in this room was calling her name.
Over there. A small drawstring bag. No. several drawstring bags.
Her ghostly finger's picked up one bag and turned it over onto her palm. Black sand. How strange.
But that energy? It wasn't anything of the human realm.
Whose chamber was this? Did Jaymes know he housed a concocter?
It wasn't important. Blowing the black sand off her skin she jumped back when the tiny particles fell on the open flame of a candle and black, acrid smoke rose in a puff.
Oh? What's this?
Pinching a tiny amount out of another bag she sprinkled it over the candle and again a plume of dark smoke rose upwards, concealing everything behind it.
That's what it was.
A sharp tug around her middle brought her back to staring at Katelyn who was also in a trance-like state. Seconds later – another painful tug – and she was once again in an arena.
Death. It was everywhere.
The beasts were unleashed. More than one. Swords flashing between colourful shadows and black smoke. It was choking so she stepped forward and out of the cloud.
Clearer. There was Edward, Charles, the Nine, herself and Jasper. They're fighting a good battle she thought. What was she supposed to see?
She'd already seen what happened. But wait, something was different. Edward was not meant to be on the ground. Why?
Oh no! Jaymes was about to-
Bella!
Another sharp tug and this time she fell to the ground. Heaving in deep breaths she saw movement from the corner of her eye and she turned to her side just in time to see Jasper, sword drawn, angrily bearing down on Katelyn. The other seer also in a similar state and could do nothing to defend herself.
"Jasper! No!" he stopped, just in time, and turned to her confused.
"She was hurting you and you defend her?"
"She wasn't…it was…the visions…the voices…" she panted out and her head slumped to the ground in relief when Jasper glared at Katelyn once more before sheathing his sword and rushing to her side. His rough hands gentle on her face.
"What can I do?" he worriedly enquired. "How can I help?"
"We don't have much time…please, help me stand…we need to hurry." He did as she asked and once she was standing she asked him to help Katelyn. To break her out of the chain that held her to the wall. He looked at her in confusion for a few seconds and then moved to do as she'd asked.
Katelyn was speechless as she stood as a free woman for the first time in years, wobbling a bit from the prior limited use of her legs as she tried to take a step forward.
"You have my thanks, Alice." Katelyn whispered and with Jasper helping to steady both women – Katelyn more than Alice – they made their way to what she told them was Laurent's chamber. The same one that Alice had visited during the vision.
Knowing what they needed she carefully picked up six bags, keeping one for her and Leah, she gave Jasper the rest and told him to quickly give one to each of their groups around the arena. She also told him the instructions for how to use it and with Katelyn's arm over her shoulder she headed back towards where Edward waited. He would finally be able to make his move, they had their distraction now.
***B***
Rising to her feet, Bella took note of just how many people had come to see the entertainment. There were hundreds if not thousands, all dressed in bright clothes. They sat and stood scattered around the stone seats that circled high above the walls that kept the prisoners contained.
She easily spotted Jaymes amongst everyone else; his dark clothes such a contrast to those around him. Sitting atop another throne – this one less impressive than the other – she could feel his eyes on her even from the distance; his smirk one of arrogance mixed with sadistic glee.
Choosing to ignore him her observations returned to the people who were starting to quieten down, this meant only one thing. The festival was about to start. Squinting from the glare of the sun hitting the sand, she tried to see if Emmett or Rosalie had managed to free themselves but could only make out their shimmering silhouettes.
Her ankle was sore and she was tired after having no rest or food for a few nights but the moment she heard Jaymes' voice bellowing out an order, all her senses went into overdrive. "Let the Sun Festival begin!"
There were shouts of excitement and jeers as Bella heard the sound of sliding metal to her left. Looking towards the noise her blood screeched to a halt as three lions slowly prowled out of the dark tunnel. One shook its scraggly mane, its head bigger than her torso and its body, despite being malnourished was fluid and strong.
The other two lions looked fairly similar and all of them held scars from, what Bella assumed, had been previous battles with other prisoners. At that moment she'd wished it had been the warrior slaves instead, at least they would have been somewhat predictable. Hungry beasts such as these ran on animal instinct which was normally fierce and violent.
She backed up so that she was as close to the post she was chained to as possible, the wood chaffing against the skin of her back as she kept her eyes on the animals. Not once did she look away or blink as they roared and circled their prey.
Their teeth – yellowed and glinting in the sun – were terrifying and she wished she had tried to reach one of the swords instead of the key. The men behind and beside her were just as quiet but she knew which of them would be attacked first. The scent of blood was strong in the air from next to her, the man's ankle still bleeding and broken. Despite the fact that she wanted to help, she knew she could do nothing for him so she slowly slid around the pole as far as her chain would allow.
She held her breath as moments later she heard the ear-splitting growls and shrieks – the crowd cheering – as the man was mauled. A tear slipped down, trekking over her dust-covered cheek. This would be her fate. A painful, horrific death.
She had to reach the key or at least a sword, she couldn't give up, she knew Edward would come for her and she didn't want him to find her dead when he arrived. Cautiously she sunk to the sand and peeked around the post, taking note that two of the three lions were occupied with their meal. The third was prowling around Emmett, Rosalie and the other man so she knew it wouldn't notice her move.
Carefully she slid forward, her eyes flickering between the sword and the lions, and she extended her arm as far as it would go. She could practically feel the heat rising off the steel and she knew if she took her sandal off again she might actually be able to reach at least the sword.
As she was reaching for her shoe a strange smell distracted her, it seemed to come from all around her and she gasped as she saw thick, black smoke rising from the stands in every direction. The crowd was now screaming in panic and she glimpsed people fighting in between the black wisps.
Bella was so distracted by the smoke and the chaos that she failed to notice one of the lions approaching her, its blood-matted muzzle quivering as it drew closer. Her heart leapt into her throat as it released another horrible roar and she saw the muscles of its hind legs bunch in preparation to pounce.
Desperately she tried to reach for the sword one last time. Pain bloomed in her ankle as the metal ripped at her skin and she grunted in frustration as her fingertips brushed the very tip of the hilt.
It was too late. The lion leapt and she braced for the pain, curling into herself so that she was at least a smaller target. She waited and waited, sure that any second she'd feel the lion's heavy weight crushing her into the ground but it never came.
Instead she heard a fierce growl and her head snapped up in time to see the lion land a few feet in front of her. She was confused when the dust settled. Not only because the lion wasn't getting up, but also because of the blood pooling around its still body; a gleaming and deadly knife sticking out from directly over its heart.
Bella quickly looked around her and noticed that the fighting had moved into the arena itself. Some of Jaymes' soldiers lay still while others battled unknown men and a couple of women. She'd never seen the fighters before but somehow knew that the weapon belonged to one of them and they were fighting for her. Had Edward or her father come for her? Were they his reinforcements?
She didn't have much time to think on it before she noticed that when the lion had fallen it had pushed the key within reach. Thanking the gods she quickly snatched it up and unlocked her ankle cuff. Wincing when blood beaded on the surface of her skin.
Getting to her feet she limped over to the nearest sword before heading over to check if the man who'd been chained behind her was still alive. He was and she quickly unshackled him and he thanked her before rushing towards another of the swords on the ground; she didn't stick around to see what he did next though. The metal of her weapon was almost blisteringly hot in her hand, but she gripped it as tightly as possible and ran towards Emmett and Rosalie. She sighed inwardly in relief when she noticed they were unharmed and that Emmett had managed to acquire what looked like a spiked mace.
Rosalie saw her coming first and got Emmett's attention. "Managed to free yourself I see…" he grunted, swinging the mace at the lion as it snarled. Its giant paw swiping through the air and knocking the weapon out of its way.
"Yes and I thought you'd like your freedom as well…after all you have a king to warn."
"True, but something tells me that these warriors will solve our problem for us." Rosalie said, her blue eyes held intelligence as she surveyed the fighting around them. Bella silently agreed and unlocked both their shackles after Emmett managed to land a glancing blow onto the lions hide.
***B***
He was so close. Bella was right there. Edward just had to get the advantage on the soldier he fought and then he could hold her safe in his arms. He'd never been so desperate to strike someone down and he knew he might feel terrible about it another day. At that moment however, the sound of metal breaking through leather was sweet music.
Before Edward could move towards where Bella stood back-to-back with a man and woman – fighting both enemies and beasts alike – he was bombarded with more soldiers. His frustration powered behind his blows until he was moving in a blur of speed, always quicker than the men he fought.
Leaning to the side to avoid a hit he swung around in a wide arc and his arm jarred as his sword struck the two soldiers nearest to him, slicing a gash in one's thigh and the other on his arm. Quickly finishing them off while they were distracted from the deep wounds he chanced another look towards Bella but found his eyes drawn by dark movement near her.
Jaymes. His half-brother.
He'd managed to make it into the arena where most of the fighting had moved to and his purposeful strides were heading straight towards Bella, a few guards flanking him. The curved metal of the deadly looking scimitar glinted in the sun and Edward knew that Jaymes was dealing with matters for himself.
Whatever reason was behind Bella's capture it was obvious that her death was a high priority. He couldn't let that happen.
Edward noticed Charles move to his side and that he followed when Edward rushed to confront Jaymes, only hesitating for a moment. "Go son, help her." Charles shouted as he sliced at one soldier's unprotected fighting arm. Nodding even though Charles couldn't see Edward was pleased that he was handling the guards, his half-brother was his to deal with and no one else's. Edward wasted no time and rushed towards his only living relative, lifting his weapon to strike.
Metal clanged in the air as Jaymes saw his approach and parried his sword so that it breezed past its target. Quickly regaining his balance he spun to face his brother once more; Edward had a slight advantage as they circled each other. He'd already found out about his heritage whereas it looked like Jaymes had known nothing of his older sibling.
"How is it you look so like my father?" Jaymes said, his voice carrying over the noise of battle as they circled each other.
"I guess it would be because he was my father as well. Brother." Edward made sure to add a mocking tone to his last word and he smirked when Jaymes' eyes narrowed in fury.
"That is impossible. He never spoke of another son."
"Trust me, it was a shock to me as well but I can assure you…as much as I hate to admit…we are blood kin." Edward wasn't looking to be accepted and he knew Jaymes would see him as an immediate threat and moments later he was proven correct. Jaymes growled viciously before moving to glance a strike that would have cut Edward in half if he hadn't of already dodged out of the way. Rolling under the strike, he used the slipperiness off the sand to slide out of reach before cutting a red streak across Jaymes' back.
Jaymes snarled and spun a kick into Edward's stomach and then they were a blur of metal, fists and kicks. Their skill was evenly matched but Jaymes held the advantage because of his choice of weapon. It was built for speed with its vicious curve where Edward's sword, while sturdy and well-built, was designed for lighter skirmishes.
Edward didn't let that faze him and managed to land hit after hit while only receiving minor cuts to his thigh and chest. It seemed they shared more than just blood; both were just as skilled in combat which Jaymes quickly realized.
Unlike his brother, however, he held no honour in battle and had many times stooped to cheating when he knew he was outsmarted and outmatched; this time would be no different. Jaymes liked being an only child and he wanted to return to that status before he dealt with Isabella.
Edward saw the calculation in his brothers' eyes. They held a type of cunning that he knew he'd do well not to ignore but still made the foolish mistake of glancing towards Bella. He had wanted to check if she was near and alright before realising too late that he'd given away his weakness without thinking. Jaymes' cunning smirk covered his face when he followed the direction of his line of sight.
"I guess you're here for the girl then?" Jaymes' voice was steady as he delivered another deeper cut to Edward's arm this time. "Or did you really just come to acquire the throne of Grecia for yourself?"
Quickly shoving his elbow into Jaymes' gut Edward spun away and once again they circled each other. Jaymes continued talking when there was no reply and Edward fought all of his instincts to attack without thinking from his brothers next words. "You can't be here for the girl I suppose…as comely as she is I wouldn't think anyone would risk their life for a dirty street whore. You must be here for the crown."
Edward wished so badly that he could slice the ugly, knowing smirk off of Jaymes' face but in the next breath they were sparring again; steel and blood flying. Edward was finally gaining some ground when suddenly his foot caught on something heavy. He felt himself falling backwards, the scimitar slicing the air where his head had been.
Before he could get back to his feet he cursed in surprised pain as a handful of sand was thrown into his face. The sharp grains blinding as he dropped his weapon and desperately tried to rub it away.
***B***
'Edward?'
Bella thought she'd been hearing things when she'd heard his voice – the tone one of outrage – but when she turned she finally glimpsed her Kindred. It looked like he'd been fighting Jaymes' when he'd tripped over a dead soldier and Jaymes had taken advantage of his distraction by throwing sand in his face to blind him. Now Edward was defenceless, his weapon laying uselessly at his side.
The cheating bastard was grinning as he lifted the sword to deliver a fatal blow and Bella's world slowed to a crawl. She was the only one close by, she realized.
Her father, who she'd just noticed was also there, had his hands full with two stubborn soldiers while the others of their group battled even more. Even Jasper was there but he was too far to be of help so she put all her focus and energy into running towards Jaymes.
She had to make it.
He could not be responsible for the death of another of her loved ones.
She wouldn't allow it.
She jumped over a collapsed soldier, ducked another's sword, slashed at one more. Just as the tip of Jaymes' sword touched Edward's chest – right over his heart – she managed to reach them. Her cry was so fierce that those around them paused to see who had made such a frightening sound, only to see Bella shove her rusted short sword through Jaymes back. The blade coming out dripping on the other side and Jaymes stared down at it incredulously.
She couldn't see if she'd managed to make it in time from where she was – overshadowed by Jaymes' shuddering body – but she heard the grunts and gurgles of a dying man and she hoped with her whole heart that they didn't belong to Edward.
Bracing one hand against his back she shoved and then pulled with the other to release her blade, hot blood sprayed over her clothes but she didn't care as Jaymes' slumped to the ground in a dead heap.
Finally, there before her was a stunned, unharmed, red-eyed, Edward. His striking green eyes held bewilderment at first but then awe as he noticed just who had saved him.
"Bella." He breathed in disbelief.
***B***
Katelyn never thought she'd live long enough to see her vision come to pass but now she had. The girl she'd seen from childhood to adulthood had finally fulfilled her destiny.
Katelyn realised, however, that not only had the young girls' destiny been fulfilled but her own was just beginning. No longer was there a sword hanging over her husband's life for her cooperation. No longer did she have to be a murderess.
She'd been aiding the young Seer, Alice, fight off a few soldiers when she'd seen Bella drive her sword through Jaymes' back. Her birthmark glowing in the sun as it peeked out from behind her dress the colour of the deepest forests.
Finally.
After all these years.
Suddenly another thought shook her to the core. Katelyn could finally return home. But would her husband have waited for her for so long? She thought to herself and she gasped when her eyes landed on Charles. The commander was busy rounding up the soldiers who were surrendering after the death of their king as his Nine took care of the last beast.
***B***
Edward was in awe.
He was the luckiest man in the world to have been gifted with such a brave and fierce Kindred. Bella stood in shock, her breaths coming in pants as she held her firm grip on the rusty sword that had saved his life and many others. Her dark hair was glimmering in the sun and wild around her face and her skin glowed in the bright light.
She was magnificent.
He leapt to his feet, his stinging eyes forgotten, and he gently cradled her face between his palms. Slowly leaning down he brushed his lips over hers, the familiar energy simmering in his blood and then he deepened the kiss until they both forgot their surroundings. Distantly, he heard a thud as Bella dropped her sword and circled her arms around his middle. Her warmth was hotter than the sun that bared down on them and her love the sweetest thing in the world.
By the gods he'd missed her terribly. Leaning back he rested his forehead against hers, his eyes closed and their breaths mingling between them.
"Edward." She simply said and it held so many emotions he couldn't place them, all he knew was that it echoed how he felt at that moment.
"Don't ever do that again." He muttered, his lips pulling up in the corners. "I think your father and I aged several years after we'd found you gone."
"I tried to escape…to make it back but I-"
"Shh…it's okay. I know Bella, you're a fighter. You'd never give up if there's even a small chance of surviving."
She tearily smiled up at him and he felt his heart shudder in his chest. Her smile was another thing he'd missed and something he'd hope he could make her do forever. "You think you know me so well."
"I do Bella…my soul knows it's met its match."
"You shouldn't say things like that otherwise you'll never be rid of me."
He laughed and held her closer in the circle of his arms. "Do you promise?"
"Of course."
A clearing throat behind them startled the cosy pair and Edward turned to see Charles waiting patiently, sword sheathed as his Nine dealt with any remaining troublemakers.
"Papa!" Bella shouted and ran into his open arms. Edward noticed the wet sheen of Charles' eyes but he knew he'd never cry in front of his men and especially in front of his enemies. Even if they were no longer a threat.
"You're not hurt? You're in one piece?" Charles grumbled, holding his daughter by the shoulders at arm's length.
"Yes papa, I'm fine. I was in good company up until yesterday." She mentioned, her eyes flickering towards Jasper as he came to stand behind Charles. Alice at his side. Edward heard approaching footsteps from behind him and turned to see the man and woman who'd fought alongside Bella. They came to a stop next to Charles who smiled widely.
"Emmett…Rosalie. You're a sight for sore eyes the both of you. I'd feared you'd been caught when we'd heard nothing from you for a few days."
"It was a close call." Emmett said and he curled his arm around Rosalie's waist, bringing her into his side. "Rosie and I are thankful for your daughter's help and that of yours and the Nine."
"Nonsense my boy…we take care those who are our own. I'm glad you're here." Charles said as he clasped a hand on Emmett's wide shoulder before turning at the sound of a woman's voice behind him. They watched on in curiosity; Bella returning to Edward's side. Her tiny arms circling his waist and his arm curling around her shoulders as he placed a light kiss to her brow.
Edward hadn't seen the woman before but she stood by Alice and they seemed to have already met; her ebony hair was glossy in the sun and her blue eyes were almost clear in the daylight glare.
"Charles." She simply said and he shook his head as if he was seeing a mirage.
"My lady Queen? You have been here all this time?" Edward was confused, Jaymes had not been married.
"Yes…I was kept by Caius and then Jaymes after him." Charles was speechless.
"Garrett will be pleased to see you return my Lady Katelyn. He has not been the same since you were gone."
"He has not remarried?" Katelyn asked in surprise.
"No…he has had faith that you would return one day. He did not believe that you were gone from this world even though he could not find you." Charles paused uncertainly and then asked the question he so obviously needed to ask. "But what of Alistair, does he still live?"
Katelyn's icy blue eyes darkened in sadness as she replied. "I'm afraid not. He fell by one of Caius' swords when my carriage was first ambushed. He died defending me."
"Garrett has had an idea all of these years but he never wanted to admit that his brother was dead because then he would have to consider that you were as well. He just couldn't do it."
"I understand and I cannot say how relieved I am to hear he is still mine." Her smile was startlingly entrancing and if Edward had to guess, the first in a long time.
"I believe the feeling will be mutual." Charles replied with a small bow and a smile as he took her hand in his to lead her away from the blood and sand.
Edward was getting overloaded with information with every new person that was found. In a matter of seconds they'd not only retrieved Bella, but King Garrett's lost wife and a few of Romena's people.
Glancing towards his sister he noticed that for the first time in a while she looked relaxed and at peace and he figured that her visions had successfully been brought to life. There was serenity in the land and Edward knew that if he took the throne – with the help of the Grecian Signet ring he still wore – then he would strive to keep it that way.
With Bella by his side of course.
AN: Thank you for your comments and feedback once again! I want to especially thank those of you that stuck with me throughout the whole story, I hope it was enjoyable and a fun read.
This was the last of the general chapters so there is only the epilogue to go and hopefully I'll post it on Saturday so there isn't too much of a wait, YAY! :)
I hope you have a fantastic week!
Bye lovelies! :D