Follow your heart and make it your decision.
Mia Hamm
BELLA'S POVEdward was leaning against the railing with one leg crossed over the other when I came around the corner. His hands were buried in his pockets of his slacks. My heart melted at the smile he gave me.
I smiled back. Neither of us said a word as we descended the stairs. Edward continued following me as I led him toward a very special room—the room in which my love of music grew and where I wrote my first song—the very song he wondered who wrote. With my hand on the doorknob, I faced him, a little nervous.
"Other than family, none of my friends here in Scotland or those I have invited from the states have ever been this room. None of them would understand why this room is special to me, but I know you will," I said, swinging the door inward.
Edward's eyes went wide as he gazed into the room. All manner of musical instruments could be found in the room. Some dated back to the early sixteenth century.
When his gaze returned to me, I said, "It was in this room, I wrote the song you wanted Ms. Brandt to add to the show."
Edward still hadn't said anything instead he took me by the hand and walked into the room straight to the grand piano. Sitting, he drew me down next to him, much like he did the first time I heard him play. His hands moved to the ivories and began playing a beautiful melody.
When the final notes were played, it was my turn to be speechless. I opened and closed my mouth a few times, but no sound came out.
"You don't have to say anything, Bella," Edward whispered.
Reaching up with his right hand, he cupped my cheek and wiped a tear out from under my left eye.
Finally finding my voice, I said, "It was beautiful. Did you write it?"
Edward nodded. "For Esme, a few years back. I had gone through a rebellious period, not wanting to go to school, but Esme forced me, saying that one day I would thank her. At the end of the school year, I was awarded with a prestigious musical merit award. I wanted to thank her in some way, so I composed the piece." He shrugged.
"I bet she was touched at your thoughtfulness."
Edward gave me a crooked smile. "When I played it for her the first time, she was rendered speechless, much like you were. She did recover a little faster, though," he said with a laugh.
I pushed him. "We had better get to the dining room."
~~ B3W ~~
Dinner was wonderful. It was just Grandfather, Edward, and I. I was quiet throughout most of it, allowing Edward and Grandfather the time to get to know each other. As I prepared for bed, I couldn't help thinking about my impending meeting with the clan council. Even with the pictures, I was doubtful they would give me what I wanted, but like I told Charlie, I wouldn't take "no" for an answer.
Over an hour later, I was still awake starting at the ceiling. Sleep wouldn't come. After tossing and turning a few more minutes, I decided to get up and walk out to the stables. I dressed in dark blue tight riding breeches, white turtle neck, and a dark blue and gold sweater. After pulling on my knee high riding boots, I made my way outside. I wasn't sure if I was just going to visit the horses or would head out of a short ride.
Passing two night guards, I prayed they wouldn't follow. They said nothing about me being out alone or followed me. The stables were virtually quiet. The only sound was the occasional snort of the horses. Continuing on, I went to the last stall where my horse resided.
"Hello there, girl," I said to Dreamer.
She was a beautiful silver thoroughbred. I've had her since she was a colt. I picked up a brush and ran it over her coat.
"Are you up for a night ride?"
She nuzzled my hand in response.
"Okay, Dreamer, let's go," I said, bridling her, not bothering with a saddle.
EDWARD'S POVAt one in the morning my phone rang. I didn't bother looking at the display. Only my family knew I would be up since I didn't sleep.
"Edward," I stiffened, hearing Alice's voice.
Had the council called for Bella?
"Bella plans to go for a ride."
"Hold on, Alice," I said, getting up from the bed and going out into the hall.
All was silent. Moving slowly down the hall, I made my way toward Bella's room. When I only got one door down, I heard movement from behind it. I probed and was met with silence.
Bella?
"Will she be in any danger?" I asked in a low voice.
"No, but do you think she should go by herself?" she asked, hanging up.
I peered at the phone in my hands in disbelief a moment. That's twice Alice has hung up on me since I've arrived in Scotland. Nothing I could do about it. Since I was already dressed for the morning's activities, I moved further down the hall, staying in the shadows. I was surprised when Bella came out the door not far in front of me. Not taking the time to puzzle over why she was in that room, I followed her while avoiding the guards. When I made it to the stables, she was talking soothingly to one of the horses. I stayed in the shadows, hoping Alice was wrong. A silent groan left me when Bella lead the horse she was speaking to the mounting block and rode out of the stables.
I was glad I had hunted before we left, or I wouldn't have been able to beat back the hunter in me to approach a horse. I saddled a stallion and followed Bella two minutes later. Her trail wasn't hard to follow and led to the western cliffs, right where Charlie said I might find her.
She was sitting on the cliff's edge, gazing up at the night sky. Her head turned toward the sound of the stallions footfalls and she sighed.
"I knew there was no chance of slipping away unnoticed."
I dismounted and was surprised when the horse stayed where I had stopped.
"So, you couldn't sleep either," I said and heard her gasp.
I wasn't who she was expecting then.
BELLA'S POV"Edward!" I exclaimed.
I couldn't believe he was still up.
"Who did you think it was?" he asked, startling me when he sat beside me.
There was no way he could have moved that fast, unless he was a magical creature I've never encountered.
"The guard," I replied. "I can barely go anywhere when here without one of them following."
I still hadn't looked at him. He was another reason I hadn't been able to sleep. He has been on my mind since I woke up in his arms in the limo. The silence enveloped us, and I could hear the crashing waves below us. They have always had a calming effect on me.
After a time Edward, broke the silence. "Bella, I want you to know that no matter what happens later today, I will be there for you."
I glanced over at him and saw him leaning back on his arms, his eyes scanning the night sky.
Was he for real?
"I think we had best head back," I said, getting up and walking over to Dreamer.
As I prepared to hoist myself up, Edward's hands came to a rest on my waist.
"Let me help you mount," Edward said close to my ear, lifting me up and sat me sideways.
He handed me the reins once I had thrown my left leg over. He quickly mounted the stallion, and we slowly made our way back.
I woke several hours later to a knock on my door.
Wait! How did I get in bed? I remembered starting back toward the stables, and then nothing.
The knock came again.
"Come in," I called, sitting up.
Glancing down, I saw that I was still in my riding outfit minus my boots.
"Th' cooncil be summonin' ye an' be givin' ye a half hoor tae appear, my lady," Finlay said as my maid entered behind him.
"What? A half hour?" I started, hyperventilating. "I'm not ready for to see them."
"Ready ur nae, they want tae see ye," he said leaving and closing the door behind him.
My maid ignored me and began pulling out my tartans—a long kilt that brushed my ankles in dark blue, gold, and patches of silvery-white; a white fluffy long sleeved top, and matching sash and cape. She handed me a pair of dark hose to put on, and I started getting dressed.
"I'm afraid ye be havin' nae time fur breakfest," she said with a shake of her head.
I had calmed considerably. The maid helped me to pin the sash at my waist and placed the family crest at my shoulder.
We were heading down the hall toward the back stairs when I remember what Edward had told me before we left the cliffs.
"Wait," I said, turning and running back the way we came only to collide with Edward.
"I was coming to see if you were ready for breakfast," he said, righting me.
"There's no time," I said, grabbing his hand. "The council has summoned me."
"Bella, stop!" he yelled in a stern voice, reminding me of Charlie.
I turned around wide-eyed, staring at him.
"Can they really do that?" he asked, his voice softening. "Call you at a moment's notice before you've even eaten."
"I'm afraid they can and there's nothing I can do about it. It will not look good nor get me what I want, if I defy them. I have to go, but I want you outside the chambers."
EDWARD'SPOVI don't know what came over me, but after Bella explained, I was furious.
"No," I said with a strange authority I'd never used before. "You need to eat. They can wait until you have done so."
She stared at me again, wide-eyed and mouth hanging open. She blinked a few times.
"Edward, I can't—" I silenced her with a finger.
"Yes, Bella, you can. You asked for this meeting, and you control when it will take place, besides you have to eat."
"Isabella, Edward's right," Malcolm said from behind her, making her jump. "They have controlled your life up to this point, and it's high time it stops."
He called a young boy over and spoke to him for a moment. The boy went running off.
"Now, let's go eat breakfast."
Bella looked between me and her grandfather in defeat. "I see I have no choice in the matter," she said, walking away.
I excused myself when my phone rang.
"Edward, the council will be furious when she arrives."
"She needs to eat, Alice," I replied in a low voice.
"Then have her to look at the pictures again. She might see something that will help her," she said before hanging up.
BELLA'S POVThe council was furious when I walked into the chamber two hours later. "Wa didn't ye come when we summoned ye?" the eldest member yelled.
I didn't flinch but stood proud.
"You don't control my life," I shouted. "I asked to speak with you not the other way around."
None of them said a word.
"Now, as to why I summoned you."
I was seething, but I had good reason.
"You will no longer go against my wishes, and you will dissolve the arranged marriage contract."
I held up the envelope and whatever one was about to say was silenced.
"I was delivered this very envelope at the beginning of the month. Over the last two hours, I've reexamined the contents and couldn't believe what you allowed to happen in this very room."
My anger was starting to show, and I glad I was almost done. I threw the envelope down on the table, and the pictures slide out.
Each member picked up a picture, and their eyes widening.
"These can't be real," the youngest member said, looking at me.
"But they are. I had them verify through Star Command. Luckily, there was a high ranking officer in attendance that witnessed Garret's actions the night the pictures were taken."
Where in the world did that come from? I had done no such thing.
"Ah, but you speak the truth," Grandmother said.
"Who is this officer so we can speak to him ourselves?"
"You will do no such thing. I am The McCullough, and my word is law. I will not have my council question me or my word. The contract is to be terminated," I said, turning on my heel and starting for the door, finished with them.
"We will do no such thing."
I rounded on them with all my anger on full display.
"You will and then this council will be dissolved," I said before wrenching the door open and walking out.
I walked straight pass Garret and his parents and into Edward's open arms. I could feel Garret's eyes on me, and I barely heard the sentry summon the Gillpatrick's.
"You're shaking," Edward whispered near my ear.
"They made me so mad," I said in a low voice. "They questioned the authenticity of the pictures, me, and my authority over them."
He emitted a long, deep breath, rubbing my back.
"Edward, give me a moment with my granddaughter," Grandfather said, putting his large hand on my shoulder.
Edward glanced down at me, and I nodded.
MALCOLM'S POVThe council door flew open and Isabella stormed out. She looked powerful with her head held high, shoulders squared, and back straight. Her eyes didn't stray from her course toward where Edward and I stood.
Garret rose from where he sat with his parents, his right hand outstretched. "Isabella," he said.
She either didn't hear him or ignored him as she walked straight into Edward's open arms. Not the best thing to do with the Gillpatrick's in the antechamber, but I could understand why she did it.
Soon, the Gillpatrick's were ushered into the council chamber. I didn't want to pull Isabella away from Edward's comfort, but I needed to know what happened… what was said.
I walked over to them both, listening as she replied to whatever Edward had said. Placing my hand on her shoulder I looked at Edward.
"Edward, give me a moment with my granddaughter."
Isabella looked up at Edward and nodded. He gave her a hug before releasing her and moving to the other side of the room.
Immediately, I noticed her pendant—it glowed a bright cherry blossom pink. This was definitely a good sight to see. As she walked pass the Gillpatrick's, there had been no color to it. Only I knew what it meant, and I had to get the necklace for her without touching the stone.
In Gaelic, I asked what happened. She related what she had said.
"I didn't give them any time to respond. I told them they would and then they would be finished."
During our entire conversation, the pendant hadn't change colors.
"Isabella," one of the guards said, interrupting our conversation. "The council wishes to speak to you again."
I looked around and the Gillpatrick's were back in the room. They hadn't been gone for more than five minutes.
"I want to speak with them first," I said before turning back to Isabella. "I need your necklace, lass."
"Why?" she asking, taking off.
"I explain later. And by the chain please."
She stared at me for a long moment before palming the stone with just the chain visible.
"Now, go to Edward. Stay with him until I return."
My eyes locked with Edward's after he wrapped his arms around Isabella.
Keep her safe, I said with my eyes and thoughts. He nodded a moment later.
To the guard I instructed, "Stay in here and keep Garret away from her."
I entered the council chamber only to have them look up at me.
"Where is Isabella? We have a decision."
"I wanted to speak with you first."
They were still staring at me, so I continued.
"Two years after Isabella was born, you arranged this marriage at my daughter's insistence. Annabella dead set against it from the start, and you know her reasoning. I stood with you then but no longer."
I held up the necklace.
"This changed my mind. The young man escorting her this week is the cause of this."
I glanced at the necklace to make sure it was still glowing pink.
"To go against the prophecy now… well, it would be wrong. Isabella is in love."
"My laird," one said, "our decision has been made. Showing us her ladyship's necklace doesn't change it."
"What is your decision?" I demanded.
None one said a word. So, with a sigh, I addressed the remaining guard.
"Call all that are beyond the doors and let no one else pass."
BELLA'S POVI jumped when the guard said the council wanted to see everyone. Edward helped me up and put his hand on the small of my back as we moved through the open doors.
Grandfather smiled sadly at me. What he said to the council must not have changed whatever decision had been made.
We all turned to the council as the doors were closed. "Whit Malcolm jist tauld us has nae changed uir decision."
I glanced over at Grandfather, wondering what he said.
"We hae nae choice but tae grant Isabella's petition."
If it wasn't for Edward's hold on my waist, I would have collapsed. My eyes didn't stray from the eldest member as he stood and held up two different tartan sashes knotted together. He untied them.
"Th' contract be nae mair," he said coming, down and round to stand behind us where the fireplace was and threw both halves in. "Thaur be nae bad bluid atween th' clans in thes room. Whit happened has happened."
Shifting my gaze until it landed where the Gillpatricks stood. Garret's parents had their heads hung.
"Aye, thaur be nae bad bluid," Garret's father said, looking over at me.
"Whit be dain we accept. It be Garret's actions 'at caused thes. Ah jist hiner we still be friends wi' th' clan."
I looked away and was glad when Grandfather answered.
"Of course, but you do understand it may be awhile before you are invited back. Isabella needs time to get over the betrayal and all."
I smiled weakly at Grandfather, thanking him for voicing what I couldn't and wouldn't say.
"Isabella, Ah be truly sorry," Garret said from across the room. "Ah be nae thinkin' an' did nae ay meant tae hurt ye."
Turning into Edward's chest, I decided I time to figure out my feelings for him. Glancing up, I saw confusion written in his eyes. Instantly, I knew he didn't understand what happened, and I couldn't explain yet.
"Go," he said, releasing me.
There was a hint of sadness in that one word, but I didn't question why. Without a backward glance, I walked around the council table and out the door behind it. I snapped my fingers, and I was soon inside the hidden library. My necklace clattered on the floor at my feet; I hadn't realized Grandfather gave it back.
The book containing my prophecy was open and beckoned me. I didn't resist. That was why I had come here. I wasn't reading long, when I came to some new passages that made me gasp.
Isabella, I cannot express in words how happy I am that you have chosen to follow the prophecy without knowing exactly what that means or entails. Not much will be revealed at this time. Trust in yourself and those that you have put your trust in, for it is well placed.
I know that you are confused, but keep your head held high. You will meet the man you are supposed to be with and he will help you heal. He is not far away and is closer than you realize.
Now… it is time to reveal the second world you live in, but you should be able to guess—the mortal, or human, world. This world has not learned from their past and continue to fight amongst themselves. There is nothing you can do about that as it is not their time to be healed.
You are meant for more. You are to heal the magical worlds you belong to by bringing them together. There are many people that will help you on this journey and, when the time comes, you will know what to do. Keep a close watch of those around you and use the pendant as your guide. Wear it always and don't be afraid to ask questions for I or it will answer. The pendant currently answers only yes or no questions, but in time and with more study, it will tell you so much more.
I went back to what I already read, but I wasn't ready to go, so I continued reading.
Isabella will have a command over languages. This will be useful in dealing with those she will encounter for not all will speak Gaelic or English. She will pick up whatever language she studies quickly. Many will fear her and her abilities, though they have no reason...
Isabella will one day marry the man of her choosing. The man who will win her heart will be not of the worlds she belongs to but an altogether different world. He will have a secret, but there is no need to fear him or his special qualities. And he will ultimately become her protector; however, the circumstances of how is a cloud of mystery. There are signs that others will recognize, and then other signs that only she will realize. The signs have been taught to her through the stories of how I found my permanent protector—Malcolm Raleigh. The McCullough name remained as prophecies of old forestall, but that will all to change with Isabella. She will one day take upon her the McCullough rites of title, but in honor only; her last name will be that of her husband.
She is destined for a greater work. Only by not taking the McCullough name will she be able to accomplish the work that is ahead.
The day will come when this prophecy will fully be revealed to her and her protectors. Yes, you will have more than one permanent protector.
I closed the book and sat on the small cot. What I couldn't believe that Grandmother knew the council would rule with me and wrote it into the prophecy. Come to think about it, she always did have a knack for knowing things before they happened. Another thing I was surprised by was the part about me having multiple protectors and who I was to marry wasn't far away.
Who are they? And who is he?
I needed to speak with the council again and knew they were lingering. In mere seconds, I was in the back hall.
"There needs to be some changes if you are to advise me one day," I said, entering the council chamber.
All heads turned to me.
"I will not be summoned like I was this morning again, and if it wasn't for my grandfather and my friend insisting I eat, I would have been here. In the future, I need notification if you want to speak with me, and I will decide when to appear."
"It be as ye wish, Isabella," the eldest member said, standing up and bowing. "Ye be The McCullough."
I smiled and left the room, going in search of Edward. He looked sad when I walked away without a word.
EDWARD'S POVAs much as I hated it, I released Bella and watched as she left the room. Ten minutes later, I moved with everyone else to leave. Malcolm stopped me in the antechamber.
"Give her a half hour. I have a feeling she'll come back through here."
With nothing to do, I pulled out my phone and contemplated calling Alice. I stared at it for five minutes before hitting send.
"Edward? What's wrong? I haven't seen anything," she answered.
"What do you mean? You didn't see what was going to happen!"
I was confused. Why hadn't Alice seen anything?
"I would have called if I had. You know that. Has Bella met with the council?"
"Yes. For some reason, I was allowed in the room when they delivered their decision. I can't tell you what it was, but whatever it was, I don't believe was in her favor."
I stiffened as I took a breath.
Bella? How much did she hear?
I turned and was met with her concerned look.
"We need to talk," she said, and I held up a finger.
"Alice, I'll call you back later," I said, hanging up.
Let's see how she liked it.
"Not here," Bella said, taking me by the hand.
I wished I was able to read her mind or told her how I felt about her last night, but it didn't matter. I wanted to know what was said forty-five minutes ago.
She led me further into the Keep than I'd been so far. Stopping once we were in a room filled with coats and cloaks. She removed the light one she was wearing, hanging it before handing me a fur-lined one. I donned it not really needing it.
She gasped when I took her's. I smiled down at her as I wrapped it around her, fastening it at her neck.
Explanations and questions could wait. She needed to know I was there from her no matter.