Chapter 2
A/N: Here is chapter 2 enjoy! As always I don't own twilight just borrowing the characters for my wild imagination!
Edit: I realized that I didn't upload this chapter properly so here is the right chapter 2
The Feast
"Samuel stop it," Bella giggled not really wanting him to stop as Samuel held her against the wall attacking her neck.
After the ceremony, the court dispersed until the evening meal. Before anyone could notice she and Samuel snuck off to be alone for a little alone time. It had been months since she had seen her beloved him having to return to his homeland to settle family affairs. While they wrote to each other often, she missed him something fierce. Her love and best friend.
"Samuel…. darling you have to stop," she said while trying to stop the moans threatening to send mixed signals. Samuel continued as if he didn't hear her protests knowing she didn't want him to stop.
"It's been far too long since I've seen you," he said before moving to her lips.
'Oh, what the hell' she thought to herself as she grabbed the back of his neck, pulling him closer. So what if this wasn't proper behavior of a princess. They were going to be married soon anyways, it's not like she was giving him her maidenhood. They got lost in each other until they heard "PRINCESS!".
The young couple jumped at the shocked voice of Rosalie Kai. "Just what do you think you are doing" She scolded her friend.
"My God Rose you scared me," Bella stated holding her chest. "You should be grateful that it was me who found you and not someone else catching you," Rose said knowing that Bella, as Princess, needed to give the appearance of propriety. A stain on her reputation could have grave consequences.
"How did you even find us," Samuel asked irritated at the water witch. He had chosen what he thought was a secluded spot to be with Bella undisturbed.
"You're not as clever as you think Lord Samuel," Rose said in slight disgust. "Rosalie, you will show my betrothed some respect," Bella said stopping any potential fighting. The Kai and Hallam clans have been long-time enemies. However, she refused to have the man she loved and her friend at each other's throats.
"Forgive me, Princess, I only meant to say this isn't much of a hidden spot as Lord Samuel thinks it is and if someone say your mother, was to find you instead of me" "All right You've made your point," Bella said stopping her.
"I hardly think the Queen would mind her daughter kissing her intended," Samuel said frustrated. "No Rose is right beside I'm needed in The Solar anyway with Master Tanya," Bella said taking Samuel's hands in to try and appease him for the interruption.
"Fine, I should probably find my brother before he finds himself in trouble" "Oh yes the infamous Jacob The Troubled," Bella laughed. Everyone knew that among the twin brothers Jacob was the troublemaker. Bella gave him a quick kiss and left with Rose following behind after giving Samuel a nasty glare.
"Must you be rude to him every time?" Bella asked her Lady.
"I just don't understand what you see in those mountain barbarians" "Those barbarians as you put it will be my extended family" Bella reminded her. "I still say that Jasper would have been a better match for you," Rose said speaking of her older brother. Jasper Kai was the only son of Lord Goran's four. Heir of Tha'lassa and the Kai clan.
"Not this again Rose," Bella said frustrated with this same pitch. Rose had been trying to push her brother onto her for years.
"You know of my brother's feelings for you" "Your brother is in love with my station and the prospect of being King" Bella reminded her friend.
"That's not true he cares for you he always has and if you married him we would be sisters," Rose said grabbing Bella's arm. "That would be lovely," Bella conceded to the thought.
"Yes, I know but your heart belongs to Samuel," Rose spat his name out. "See now you're getting it," The Princess laughed
"Well at least he is somewhat bearable his brother on the other hand" "Rosalie"
"I know I know I will hold my tongue from now on," Rose said giving up however Bella stopped and pulled away from her.
"That's not good enough if you plan on continuing being in my service then you will change your attitude towards the people of The Rock the conflict between your clans has long passed many generations ago," she said.
"Of course, Your Grace," said Rose knowing not to push her mistress any further.
'Perhaps it's time for your own marriage Rose' Bella thought to herself forming a plan in her head.
Both ladies made their way toward The Solar. This is where nobles sent their younger children to learn the basics of magic before returning home to learn the style of their clans. Today there was a group that was getting ready to manifest their Familiars from the Spirit Realm. Every magician born can call a Familiar to serve as a representation of their magic. The stronger the magician the stronger the Familiar. The amount of raw magic inside of them and the element their born to determines the type of Familiar that you can call forward.
Bella's Familiar was a beautiful large Phoenix she called Vysta. She called Vysta to her side when she was 10 years old. Magic had always been easier for her than others in her age group, so it was no surprise to anyone. Rosalie's familiar was a water sprite she called Mira.
Once they reached The Solar, the girls made their way toward the main hall that led to a courtyard. "I can't believe your little sister is getting her Familiar today," Bella said to Rose. "Yes, she was so excited Mother could hardly get her to sleep last night," Rose replied thinking fondly of her twelve-year-old little sister, Amaya, remembering what she was like when she called Mira.
They opened the doors of the hall to see that the 4 kids, each from a different clan, were gathered with Master Tanya speaking to them.
"Ah Princess Bella, Lady Rosalie good to have you join us," Master Tanya said greeting her two favorite pupils as the students bowed to their future queen.
"Greetings Master Tanya" They both replied respectfully. While Master Tanya was common-born, she had proven herself a prodigy at a young age and was allowed to study magic with other noble children. Throughout the years she climbed her way to her position as the Master of The Solar. She taught not only Rose and Bella but their parents as well.
"You're just in time we were just about to get started," she said motioning towards the students lined up.
"Please proceed Master don't mind us," Bella replied. She and Rose stood a good distance to not interfere.
"Now children it's time to summon your Familiars. This will be a testament to what your true potential will be in your future studies. As you know, Familiars will respond to your calling from the Spirit Realm. Once they come forward a bond will be forged between you that will be like no other you have seen before as long as magic flows within your veins then they will remain by your side. There is a chance that your call will be rejected but that doesn't mean your familiar will never come to you, just that you are not ready yet. And most importantly, do not forget that your Familiars are NOT servants, but your partners, and you must show these mystical beings respect am I understood"
"Yes, Master Tanya," All four students replied.
"Good. Lady Amaya step forward we will start with you" Master Tanya called out to the young water maiden. Amaya let out an excited sound and stepped up to stand before her master.
"You know what to do child, began when you are ready," Master Tanya said placing her hands on Amaya's shoulders.
"Remember you must reach deep in your soul, once you feel the pull reign it in." Master Tanya told her and stepped back.
Amaya took a deep breath and stood in the stone circle with different symbols carved into them. She reached into her pocket for a small knife. She took the blade and made a small cut in her palm, hissing from the pain. Once she started to bleed, Amaya let the blood drip onto the stone, making sure that it hit each of the symbols. Once she finished, the stone began to glow blue in response to her natural element water.
The light started to rise and engulfed Amaya. She used her magic to keep her grounded.
"Wonderful Amaya remember do not give in to the pulling of the other realm", Master Tanya complimented.
The pull she mentioned was a strong one. If one wasn't careful, they could be pulled into the spirit realm instead. It took everything in her to keep herself planted on the stone. Amaya mentally began pulling back willing the presence to come to her instead. Her blue eyes began to glow as she gave it everything she had to pull her familiar to this side.
Rosalie was nervous and scared for her sister. Some people couldn't fight back against the pull of the Spirit Realm and were never seen again. She had nearly failed before Mira came to her. The last thing she wanted was to lose her baby sister. Bella grabbed her hand knowing what her friend was thinking but she wasn't as worried. She was confident in Amaya and knew she would be successful.
But Amaya was struggling. This was a lot harder than she expected. However, she refused to give up. She kept pulling and pulling as hard as she could not letting up for a second. That's when she felt it. The other side was beginning to give a bit, so she jumped at the chance and started tugging harder. The light got extremely bright blinding the others with its intensity until it stopped.
With the connection severed, Amaya fell backward breathing heavily as if she had run for miles. Rosalie ran towards her sister, "Amaya" she screamed as she and Master Tanya kneeled next to her.
"Are you all right?" She asked.
"Yes, I'm fine I think" Amaya replied. "Geez, that was intense".
"Yes, and it looks like it was worth it," said Master Tanya. Amaya was confused for a bit until she felt it. She looked forward and realized that the light didn't vanish but shifted into a ball. She watched as the ball morphed and took form. Once it was done there it was, her familiar.
"Oh, Amaya it's beautiful" Rosalie said. But Amaya didn't hear her, she didn't hear anything. All she could focus on was the being in front of her as she stood up and walked toward it. Rose was right, it was beautiful. It stood on all fours, a beautiful smooth midnight blue fur with black spots, pointed scaley ears, and a long fish tail. It was the same size as a large dog with a face of a feline, with bright yellow eyes and whiskers. She approached the creature, kneeling in front of it and keeping eye contact. She waited for it to approach her, not wanting to offend. She held out her hand and waited.
Everyone watched with anticipation. This was the most important part, waiting for the familiar to accept or reject the magician. Minutes passed like hours before something finally happened. The cat-like being stood and moved towards Amaya until they came face to face, eyes to eye. They stood there for a minute before the beast licked her face. Call accepted!
"Well done Lady Amaya," said Master Tanya as the others applauded. Rosalie gave a sigh of relief holding her chest. "Thank Goodness it's over," she said. Bella laughed, "If you are this bad now how will you handle your children with their summoning".
Rose glared at her friend before finally laughing. She had no idea. Amaya stood to face everyone with the familiar standing at her side.
"What will you call your new friend," Master Tanya asked.
She looked down at her side and smiled, "Cherith".
The day passed quickly and soon it was time for the evening meal. The great dining hall was always a busy site. Filled with nobles, music, food, and a merry atmosphere. This was Bella's favorite time of the day when she could relax after a long day fulfilling her duties as a princess. She had returned to her room to change out of her ceremony dress into something a little bit more comfortable. A stunning purple one-piece suit with a detachable train clipped to her waist. She wore a different set of jewels on her ears and neck and a smaller and simpler tiara with amethyst and black gems and her red hair was let down.
Unlike earlier, she was on time for the Royal Family's arrival. She sat at the head of the room at the table with her parents and the Hallam clan. She watched as the room filled with other nobles and clansmen. There was dancing and music and most importantly she was there with Samuel. Gone were the traveling clothes that he and his family came in and in place were splendid green and brown shirts and trousers and dresses decorative in jewels of the same color.
Her mother and father sat in the middle with her and Samuel seated to her mother's right, and to her father's left her Lord and Lady Hallam and Samuel's twin Jacob. "So, your cousin got a pony," Samuel asked her laughing.
"Not a pony a Fire Stallion" she replied referring to her little cousin Edana Kenna.
Edana was the daughter of her mother's younger sister Princess Seraphina, who was away from court on business. She was one of the four students today as well as two more from the Rock. She managed to call forward a lovely white stallion with a mane made of fire. She called him 'Blaze'. It was small but with time it would grow along with Edana's powers.
"Seems more of a pony to me," Samuel said placing his arm around his intended's chair. "It will grow with time as you very well know my love," she said moving her chair closer to him. How she wanted so badly to kiss him. She could feel that magnetic pull she always felt between them sizzle madly between them.
"Would that we were alone right now" he whispered to her. "Oh, and what you we need to be alone for My Lord". He didn't respond, instead, he brought her face to his and placed his lips softly on hers. Bella felt her body set ablaze from the contact.
"A TOAST" they heard a voice shout as they broke apart. They saw Jacob standing at the end of the table holding his cup.
"To my brother and Princess Bella on their betrothal. May the Gods bless your union with many happy years and twice as many heirs'' Jacob said smiling brightly at his brother and future sister. "TO LORD SAMUEL AND PRINCESS BELLA" everyone else replied. The couple smiled in acknowledgment of Jacob and the rest of the room. Once Jacob drowned his cup he approached the couple.
"You don't mind if I take your lovely lady for a dance do you brother," Jacob asked while bowing before the princess. "Of course not brother as long as she's returned to me" Samuel replied in jest.
"Princess," Jacob asked her. "I would be honored Ser," Bella said while rising from her chair. Jacob took her hand and escorted her to the floor.
"I just want to say congratulation Bella," Jacob said to her taking her in his arms to start moving to the music. "Thank you, Jacob I cannot wait to be married to your brother," She said.
"He better treat you right or he'll have to answer to me" "I'll keep that in mind Jacob" she laughed in response. Jacob hesitated before asking "Bella how do you know"
"Know what" "How do you know that he is the one for you," Jacob asked. "Why do you ask" She responded.
"Well, I see you two together. You're drawn to each other like no one I've ever seen before. I guess I just want to know what it's like to know someone is your soulmate".
Bella was surprised. She has known Jacob as long as she's known Samuel and not once had he been interested in knowing anything about marriage or relationships of any kind other than carnal. "Well, I can only speak for myself but it's like when you're with the person you're meant to be with you feel as if you're at peace within. You're the best version of yourself when you are with them and when you are apart you feel like a part of your heart is missing".
Jacob was silent processing what she said to him. "Why the sudden interest in love Jacob, is there a special lady you have your eyes on to make your wife," she asked him.
"Me, marriage ha-ha not anytime soon if I can help it" he laughed at the notion. "But I look at you guys and I can't help but wonder about it". "Well trust me when I tell you when you meet that special someone you will know it and when you do, don't let anything stand between the two of you''. "I'll remember that sister," he said to her causing her to smile at him.
They continued to dance with each other for a while until the door opened causing all commotion to cease. Bella was shocked to see them, thinking they declined the invitation to come to court. But here they were dressed in their clan's red and gold colors, The Zonda Clan the Wind Magicians.
"Lady Victoria of the Zonda Clan Mistress of the Sky Temple and her daughter Lady Jane and her son Lord Demetri" the guard announced. Lady Victoria was a tall and beautiful woman with dark skin and pure white hair that flowed down her back. The room was quiet as the ladies approached the table with the royal family.
"Well look who decided to grace us with their presence," Queen Renee said.
"My apologies Queen Renee" Victoria responded in a tone that said otherwise. She was dressed in gold and red robes holding her golden spear with a ruby in the middle. "I had other matters back home to attend to before I could make my arrival here".
"Must have been some event to ignore the call of your queen Victoria" Charles stated. "Quite the event I assure you sir" she replied.
The room remained on edge as the queen and Victoria stared each other down. The has been a long history between the Kalani and the Kenna families and not always pleasant. They have been in conflict far more than at peace with each other. The Kalani's felt that it was their people who were the superior clan and should be the ones in power over the lands, not the Kenna clan.
Finally, the queen broke the tension and said with a smirk, "It is good to see you cousin you are welcomed at my court". With that, The Zonda family made bows to the Queen and her King.
"And let me be the first of the Wind tribe to congratulate the Hallams on snatching the most eligible lady in all the lands, Princess Bella," said Victoria turning towards Lord Goran as he remained silent glaring at the wind sorcerer.
"I find it most intriguing that a family who prides itself on staying out of petty politics would accept such a proposal I do hope there is no drastic reason as to such a change in behavior," She said.
"And just what are you implying," Samuel said standing with his hand on his sword. "Why nothing at all Lord Samuel, just merely making an observation," she replied.
"How dare you!" Charles shouted. "You are out of line Victoria," said the queen. "What you suggest it-
"ENOUGH," Bella said with authority. "Enough…please," she said not wanting this to end in a fight. She approached the table and stood in front of Victoria. "I'm sure the Kalani's are just tired after their long journey and meant no harm in their words" Giving her cousin a look.
"Yes…. of course, Princess the journey was quite long" Victoria conceded. "Ashbel" Bella called one of her Ladies. "Please show the Kalani's to the guest wing. Make sure there are shown every comfort we can offer". "Yes, your grace" Ashbel replied motioning for the Wind tribe to follow her.
As they were led out, Bella let out a sigh of relief and told the musicians to continue playing. Once they started, she took to her seat again. "Well done my dearest" her mother complimented. "Thank you, mother. I just didn't want any bloodshed tonight besides this is a new suit and I'd hate to ruin it" she said making her mother laugh. She turned to Samuel, "Are you alright love". "Of course, nothing can ruin this moment," he said taking her hand and kissing it.