Chapter 24 – Peace and Collapse
BPOV
After Edward had cleared the council chamber of the guards, he kissed me before standing aside as I walked into the room alone. He had wanted to come in with me but understood my need to have some time to bid Grandfather a final farewell privately. I closed the door behind me. Taking a deep breath, I looked around the room. There were pictures of him and flowers everywhere. I had Carlisle to thank. When Grandfather suggested I email him, I scoffed. Now, I was grateful someone besides me knew what Grandfather wanted.
My gaze settled on the open mahogany casket. With a heavy heart, I moved toward it.
"I know you are at peace, Ewan," I stated, looking down on the face I had looked up to for answers so many times. The man I would always remember as Grandfather. Laying my right hand over his folds one, I continued. "I'll miss you and will remember you always." I reached a hand up with my left hand and wiped my eyes. "I know we both thought we'd have a little more time together before the curse would be lifted." I wiped my eyes again. "You're free now. Free to be with Maribella. I'm glad to have had you in my life for as long as I did, learning from you. Thank you for always being there for me when I needed you the most. And thank you for marrying every so often to ensure Maribella's lineage would survive. It will continue as the prophecy has said. I love you, Grandfather, and I miss you."
I looked up and over my shoulder just as the doors opened before Edward walked in. I had only asked for ten minutes, knowing all of the clan was waiting to pay their respects. The clan would never know who Grandfather truly was and the role he played in saving, not only their lives but all of Scotland.
"Are you okay?" he asked in a whisper as I wiped my eyes before stepping into his embrace, burying my face against his shoulder. A smile crossed my face and I knew exactly why. I was at peace with Ewan's passing. I still hurt but I was confident that I would not enter into a depressed state as I had at Grandmother's passing.
"No, but I'm getting there," I answered, lifting my head to look at Edward the smile still on my face.
"My lady," a timid voice called from behind me.
I turned,freeing myself from Edward's embrace, and saw the doors were opened. Clansmen were lined up and moved slowly toward the front of the chamber.
Again, the timid voice called to me.
Looking around, I saw a young boy. I knelt. "Aye, laddie," I answered.
"Why did my Laird have to die," he asked, tears threatening to spill over.
I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, how to answer so he would understand. The only thing that was coming to mind was a quote from The Lion King. "Have you seen the movie The Lion King?"
He nodded.
"'Everything you see exists together in a delicate balance.' We grow by not only by eating what we harvest from the earth but from the animals we kill to eat." This was a concept he should understand. "As we grow we age, and with age comes sickness." It was decided last night, after I vanquished Aseruhz, that the clan would be told Grandfather was sick and died as a result of his illness.
"Why didn't he go to the doctor?"
"He did," I replied, "but he was too sick and the medicine wasn't working. The doctor couldn't do anything more than ease his pain."
"Is he still in pain?"
"No, he's free of pain."
"I miss him," the lad said as his tears fell.
I wrapped my arms around him. "So do I."
It was somber as the clan paid their respects. Jasper tried to stay in the room, giving me his support but it was too much for him to handle. I finally whispered for him to go.
Edward was by my side only leaving when I asked him to retrieve a snack or drink for me. He was currently on his way to the kitchen once again and it would be at least five minutes before he would return when the clan's midwife approached me.
"My lady, ye be not looking so well. The clan be understanding if ye were to leave and rest a spell."
"I be fine," I lied. In truth, I was feeling horrible.
She lowered her voice, leaning closer to me. "That be nae the truth. Ye are nae feeling well and if ye do nae rest the bairn ye carry will suffer."
"How?" I asked, my hands going to my middle.
"I be having a bit of magic in me and be knowing the signs. I typically be knowing before the lass does, but I think ye be knowing for a wee bit."
"Aye, I did and you be right, I should rest," I answered still in awe, looking past her where Emmett stood. With the prearranged hand signal, he was heading over to me. "I need a nap, Emmett. Would you escort me upstairs?"
"Sure, Bella," he said, giving a strange look.
Emmett led the way out of the room and pass Alice.
"I'll let Edward know," she whispered.
Once upstairs and with the assists of a maid, I changed out of the dress and lay down on the bed. Strangely, I felt as if I needed to sleep. Rolling onto my side, I curled into a loose ball and closed my eyes.
EPOV
I was concerned as I watched Bella walk into the council chambers alone. I understood her need to privately say her farewell but neither Jasper nor Alice could tell me if she would be alright alone for the ten minutes she requested. I paced the length of the antechamber, thinking back to the last time I had been here. When I finally was allowed in the council chamber, I had misunderstood what had transpired. I thought I had lost her before I had even told her I loved her. The same feelings washed through me now.
Ten minutes later, and after a silent debate with Alice, I walked into the room. "Are you okay?" I asked as Bella wiped her eyes. I opened my arms to let her know I was here if she needed me, much as I had on Christmas Eve. And like she had then, she walked into my embrace, burying her face against my shoulder. I was puzzled when I felt her smile, especially when she told me she wasn't okay but would be.
I held my tongue as the guard came back in with the waiting clan members following. I would have to ask her later to explain what caused her to smile.
###
I was hesitant to leave Bella's side, especially after she told Jasper to leave. But I found myself making my way to the kitchen for the fourth time in five hours. Bella had requested something sweet and chocolatey this time. The kitchen staff looked up from their preparation for the evening meal, asking again if they could help me. "Chocolate," I said, with a grateful smile.
The Keep's kitchen was huge, and I would easily get lost looking for anything.
"Here, my Laird," a cook girl came up to me, handing me a plate of green cookies with chocolate morsels before handing me a small quart of milk.
"Are you sure?" I asked her.
"Aye, tis Bella's favorite kind of cookie. Minty and chocolatey goodness."
I was learning much about Bella from the kitchen staff. Each time she gave me a vague idea of what she wanted, whispering that the kitchen staff would provide something good. In the time she lived with us, before disappearing, she barely touched any sweets offered during movie nights with our Forks' classmates. Now, I know she does have a sweet tooth.
"Thank you," I said with a slight smile and made my way back to the council chambers. I immediately noticed Bella was no longer present.
"Hey, Edward," Alice said, coming up beside me.
"Where's Bella?"
"She asked Emmett to escort upstairs. She needed a nap."
I raised an eyebrow in question and she went on. "I don't think she slept well last night."
I don't know, Edward, she thought in answer to my real question. The clan's midwife approached her and said she looked ill and suggested she rest for a time… for the baby. I don't know how the midwife found out that Bella is pregnant.
"I'll take these up to her then." I passed Emmett in the hall on my way. "Emmett," I said.
"She looked exhausted, Edward. Dark circles under her eyes, much like we get when we need to eat."
"Should I worry?" Heck, I didn't need him to answer. I was already worried.
"Naw, not right now at least."
We don't know when the last time she slept.
"Send Carlisle up anyway," I requested. "I want to ask him a few questions and it probably wouldn't hurt to have him examine her."
"Sure, bro."
I continued and entered Bella's chambers, our chambers. We had spent last evening there deciding not to move to the Laird's chambers right away. Esme had agreed to oversee the cleaning and packing away Malcolm's belongings. Bella had even provided a list of items to be left alone but the rest could be moved to storage.
"Bella," I whispered, slipping into the room and finding her curled up on the bed. She made no sound nor moved.
I think she's asleep, Jasper thoughts came to me. I told Emmett I would stay with her until you arrived.
I turned and found him leaning in the corner.
"Are you sensing anything else?" I asked in a whisper, turning to find him leaning in a corner.
She seemed a little worried over something. Emmett told me the midwife approached her.
"Alice mentioned it to me."
Other than a little worry, she's emotionally fine.
A light knock came at the door and I let Carlisle in. "Thanks, Jazz," I said after he informed me was going out to check the surrounding land.
What's on your mind, Edward? Carlisle asked with his thoughts.
"Bella's health and that of the baby she carries."
Her vitals are normal, son. And I wish I could ease your mind about the baby. I spent much of last evening in the library searching for answers and found nothing.
I was silent, looking over at Bella. I had to agree with Jasper's assessment. Bella has to be asleep.
Sleep is good for her.
"But she sleeps for two days. That can't be good for the baby."
Carlisle said nothing in response. He didn't need to. Bella was a magical being and her magic would take care of her and the child she carries. I would have to see what Bella knew if anything when she woke. Two hours later, Bella stretched, startling me from my reading.
"How long have I been out?"
"Two hours. Feeling better?" I asked for the benefit of the maid who just entered.
"Yes. I'm hungry though."
"Dinner will be ready in the next hour," I replied. "To tide you over until then." I handed her the plate of cookies before grabbing the milk from the ice bucket I had brought up."
"Hmmm."
I smiled, sitting on the bed next to her.
###
The next morning proved to be hard for not only Bella but for the whole clan. Malcolm was to be buried and we were currently standing at the freshly dug grave, listening to a lone bagpipe on a distant hillside. The sorrowful notes of Amazing Grace drifted down, causing tears to follow as the casket was lowered.
She's going to collapse, Edward. Wrap your arm around her. Alice told advised.
I didn't have to be told twice and Bella clung to me.
I shouldn't have come, Jasper thought.
I glanced over at him, he looked… depressed. We had discussed his coming or not coming last night. Bella wanted everyone to be present and no matter what argument Jasper came up with she countered it with a big 'I want you there.'
As soon as the priest was done speaking the final words of the ceremony and without any warning, Bella went down to her knees. She took me with her. Both Charlie and Carlisle knelt beside us. Before either could say anything, I spoke, asking the only question I needed to be answered right away. "What happened?"
She opened her mouth to answer before doubling over and retching on the ground. "I think that answers one question," Charlie said, pulling her hair away from her face as she doubled over again and lost more of the small breakfast she ate.
"I got dizzy," she answered, wiping her mouth before accepting a bottle of water from Alice.
I looked up at Alice and she just shrugged. Doesn't hurt to be prepared for anything.
"Better? Carlisle asked.
"Not really. I'm a little light-headed. I don't think I'll be able to stand let alone walk back to the Keep." She looked over at me.
Did she even need to ask? I slipped my arm under her legs, lifting her off the ground. Looks of concern met my gaze when I before I turned.
"Rest," I whispered, kissing her temple.
Bella laid her head on my shoulder as we lead the procession back to the keep for a small meal.
BPOV
Once the last clan member left to Great Hall, I turned to Carlisle and Edward. I had been keeping how I was feeling from everyone, not even Jasper knew. "I'm still dizzy," I stated, causing all eyes to turn to me.
"Why didn't you say anything?" Dad asked as Jasper said, "You collapse two hours ago."
"I didn't want to leave the feast nor did I think I would still feel this way."
Edward had moved next to me, wrapping an arm around my shoulders. "You need to rest," he said plainly.
"I need to speak with the midwife," I said when Carlisle handed me a bottle of water telling me to drink.
"You could be dehydrated. I have some questions I would like answered, and perhaps the midwife can answer them."
"I'll send for her once I get you settled upstairs. I want you to try and sleep," Edward said.
He had tried last night to get me to close my eyes, but I couldn't turn off my mind nor was I tired.
