Chapter 12

AN: A blast to the past...enjoy.

Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight or any of it's characters, that's all Stephenie Myer's department!

Romeo: "If I profane with my unworthiest hand this holy shrine, the gentle sin is this. My lips, two blushing pilgrims, ready stand to smooth that rough touch with a tender kiss.

Juliet: "Good pilgrim, you do wrong your hand too much, which mannerly devotion shows in this. For saints have hands that pilgrims' hands do touch, and palm to palm is holy palmers' kiss.

Romeo: "Have not saints lips, and holy palmers, too?"

-Romeo and Juliet.

Chapter Song: Zoe Saldaña - The Songcord (From "Avatar: The Way of Water").

ARO POV

The Past. Centuries ago...

The coronation festival was a grand spectacle, with colorful banners and flags lining the streets, fluttering in the breeze. The streets were filled with people, dressed in their finest attire, eagerly waiting for the festivities to begin. The stage was adorned with flowers and ornate decorations, giving off an air of regality.

The air is heavy with the scent of freshly baked bread and roasted meats, as vendors sold their delicious treats to the hungry crowd. The fragrance of flowers and incense wafts through the air, adding to the festive atmosphere.

The sound of music and laughter filled the air, as performers entertained the crowds with lively songs and dances. The ringing of bells and cheers of the crowd could be heard as the new ruler was crowned, marking the culmination of the ceremony.

I dangled precariously from a sturdy lamppost, my legs wrapped tightly around the metal pole as I craned my neck to get a better view of the bustling crowd below. Laughter and chatter filled the air, mingling with the sweet aroma of freshly baked goods and the sound of street performers on every corner.

"Will you please come down from there?" Carlisle's voice cut through the lively noise.

"I just want to get a good look," I mused, taking in the colorful decorations and excited faces of those celebrating below.

But even as I spoke, I could feel the ache in my arms and legs from holding on for dear life. This wasn't the most comfortable perch, but it was worth it for the view.

Carlisle let out a heavy sigh, looking up at me with a mixture of amusement and concern. "You can't just abide by the rules, can you, Aro?"

I grinned down at him, feeling a rush of adrenaline at the sheer height I was perched at. "Life's too short to stay on the sidelines," I replied, before finally sliding down the pole and landing gracefully on the ground.

"Come on then, let's join in the festivities," I said, hitting Carlisle on the shoulder as we made our way through the crowd. "Excuse us…pardon me…opps sorry. Coming through." Carlisle rolled his eyes at me as I squeezed and maneuvered my way through the throngs of people, determined to catch a glimpse of the coronation's beginning. I paid no mind to the disapproving glances thrown my way, instead I chose to smirk in response.

Carlisle apologized to a few people as he trailed after me, always the level-headed one to my wild tendencies. He was the calm to my chaos, the yin to my yang. It's why we made such a great team.

Curiosity piqued, I observed as the current monarch strode onto the stage. Human customs were always so strange to me. I smirked. The king was an old fart, who cared who he married? It was silly to have a whole ceremony just to see how he would marry. But I wasn't about to pass up an opportunity to attend a ceremony overflowing with wine and women ripe for the taking.

A young woman suddenly appeared on the stage from parted curtains. She had long, cascading locks of brown hair, shiny and well-nourished. Her dress was a rich, royal blue, with intricate patterns and beading adorning it. Her eyes sparkled a brilliant green, framed by long eyelashes and perfectly shaped eyebrows. Her skin? Smooth and unblemished, like porcelain.

I couldn't help but let my lips part and I swallowed hard. "Who is that?" I whispered, unable to take my eyes off the stunning figure in front of me.

"What do you mean? That's the future queen," Carlisle answered with a hint of annoyance in his voice.

"S-she? She's getting married to him?" I frowned, not understanding why such a beautiful woman would want to marry someone much older than her.

"Well, she's currently engaged to him. They will be getting married in the near future, hence the upcoming ceremony," Carlisle clarified.

"Engaged, not married. So, she's still free," I said, feeling a glimmer of hope.

But Carlisle growled at me, warning me not to get any ideas. "There are plenty of women here for you. She's off limits. Your father specifically told me to keep an eye on you and make sure you don't cause any trouble."

My lips twitched with the tiniest hint of a smile, but I held it back, my heart filled with empathy. As my gaze settled upon the young woman before me, the future queen, an unmistakable sadness pervaded her countenance. In that moment, I couldn't help but ponder about the true depths of her existence and genuinely question if her engagement had brought her the happiness she deserved. How heavy must her burdens be, I wondered, as I yearned to unravel the secrets behind her sorrow.

The woman tentatively accepted the king's gesture as he reached out his hand toward her. With a gentle tug, he drew her closer, prompting a burst of enthusiastic applause from the onlookers. A faint blush tinted her cheeks as she responded with a modest smile, her demeanor somewhat reserved. Nevertheless, the king's expression betrayed a hint of displeasure at her timidity as he fixed her with a stern, disapproving gaze. He quickly concealed his disdain as she blinked rapidly and turned away, while the king turned to smile at the crowd.

Focusing intently, my gaze sharpened as I directed my attention to the king. I disliked the way he regarded her and how he treated her. Though human affairs were technically not my concern, I couldn't help but notice the subtle mistreatment. Perhaps he thought no one was observing so closely, but I was.

As I watched the king and his future bride walk off the stage, I couldn't help but notice the woman's uneasy demeanor. There was something about her that seemed out of place, something that didn't quite fit with the grandeur and splendor of the royal court. Perhaps it was the way she held herself, shoulders hunched and eyes downcast, as if she were carrying a great burden. Or maybe it was the way she fidgeted with the folds of her dress, as if she were trying to hide something.

Whatever it was, I found myself drawn to her, intrigued by her apparent sadness. Having the gift of long life, I had seen my fair share of human emotions over the centuries. Joy, anger, fear, and love had all passed through my gaze at one time or another. But there was something about this woman's melancholy that spoke to me in a way that others hadn't. I wondered what had brought her to this point in her life, to be standing before a crowd of strangers and pledging herself to a man she barely knew. Had she been forced into this marriage by her family, or had she made the choice willingly, hoping for a better life? And if it was the latter, what had she hoped for, and why did she seem so unhappy now?

As I pondered these questions, Carlisle nudged me again. "Aro," he whispered urgently. "We need to go." I shook him off, not wanting to leave yet. I wanted to stay and observe this woman a little longer, to see if I could unravel the mystery of her sadness. But as the last strains of the music faded away, I knew it was time to go. Something about that woman had touched me in a way I couldn't quite explain, and I knew that I would be thinking about her for a long time to come. It was a mystery I had to unravel.

As the night wore on, the ballroom became more crowded and the music grew louder. Carlisle and I found ourselves in the midst of a sea of elegant gowns and sparkling jewels, surrounded by the chatter of the social elite. The wine flowed freely, and we joined in the festivities, laughing and dancing with the other guests.

But my attention kept drifting back to the green-eyed girl who caught my eye earlier in the evening. She was radiant, her smile lighting up the room as she twirled around the dance floor with other humans. I couldn't help but wonder what it would be like to hold her in my arms, to feel her warmth against my skin. Once dance. I found myself drawn closer and closer to her as I watched her from afar, admiring her grace and beauty.

Carlisle's hands firmly grasped my shoulders, causing me to jolt slightly as his boisterous laughter filled the room. "Having a good time?" he asked, his eyes twinkling mischievously.

Returning his infectious smile, I replied, "Absolutely."

Curiosity danced in his eyes as he prodded, "So, who has caught your attention? There are plenty of lovely ladies here, you know."

A wicked grin spread across my face as I contemplated my answer. Carlisle followed my gaze, his expression shifting as he realized where my eyes had landed – on the woman seated regally on the throne. In an instant, his jovial demeanor vanished, replaced by a serious tone. "Aro. Please, don't even think about it," he pleaded, his voice laced with concern.

"All I desire is a single dance with her. Just one dance."

"You're playing with fire. I warn you, don't cause any trouble. She is not the one to do it with."

"I've always liked fire." Shrugging off Carlisle's firm hold on my shoulder, I boldly made my way toward the captivating young woman. She had effortlessly danced with countless partners, so why shouldn't I be granted the same honor? Besides, given her unmarried status, it felt only right to seize this golden chance.

With a beaming smile that could light up the entire room, she warmly greeted her guests, captivating them with her stunning crimson lips that seemed to beckon a tender touch. As I approached her, our paths intertwined, and her mesmerizing emerald eyes locked onto mine. She blinked a few times, carefully scrutinizing my appearance from head to toe.

With a graceful bow, I greeted her, "Good evening."

Her smile in response was enchanting, and she replied, "Good evening," in a voice that could only be described as angelic.

Curiosity filled me as I mustered the courage to ask, "Would you do me the honor of allowing me to lead you in the next dance?"

Her smile remained, but her gaze shifted subtly toward the king, who appeared to be observing me closely. It's not like he was unaware of my identity. After all, our kingdoms were allies and our fathers had made an agreement to share resources. This was especially crucial since the discovery of Earth, a newfound planet. I dared him to deny me a dance with her. I was an honored guest!

As he gave a single nod of approval, she too nodded in agreement. "I would be delighted," she said, her words filled with genuine happiness. Excitement surged through me.

As soon as I held her delicate hand, I led her gracefully towards the dance floor for the upcoming dance. Amidst the crowd, I caught Carlisle's disapproving gaze, but I simply smiled back at him before redirecting my attention to the enchanting woman by my side. With her hand resting gently on my shoulder, I securely wrapped my arm around her waist. My heart pounded with excitement as I drew her closer to me, creating an electric connection between us.

I couldn't help but grin as I peered down at her, our gazes locking in a moment of undeniable connection. "You're absolutely stunning," I murmured.

A soft blush tinted her cheeks, and she glanced around anxiously, seemingly unsure of how to respond to such a heartfelt compliment.

"Does it bother you that I said that?" I asked.

"No. It was...kind. Thank you," she replied.

"It's the truth," I assured her.

"Thank you," she said once more, clearing her throat. "So...was your journey from Novis pleasant?"

"Yes, it was," I answered, flashing her a smile and relishing the way her eyes danced across my face.

"Are you enjoying the ceremony?" she inquired.

"Absolutely. Especially in this very moment. I'm convinced I have the attention of the most beautiful woman," I confessed.

She met my gaze and shook her head. "I appreciate your compliments, but please, there's no need," she insisted.

"I disagree. If I may be so bold, I've had my keen eye on you since this very afternoon. And, my dear, I've been wracking my brain, desperately searching for a way to share a moment alone with you," I revealed with a mischievous grin.

Her countenance suddenly turned alarmed, with a flicker of irritation crossing her face. "Sir, I am already engaged to be married."

"I am well aware," I replied, still grinning unabashedly.

"Then pray tell, why do you persist in addressing me as if I were available? Do you not find such behavior utterly disrespectful?" she inquired with a tone of disapproval.

"Do you feel disrespected?" I quipped.

"Why, yes, I most certainly do," she answered firmly.

"Ah, but why then do you blush?" I queried with a playful expression.

"It's...flattering, I suppose. Nevertheless, it remains highly inappropriate," she retorted.

"Is it? I would think, you would be used to getting compliments. But now I wonder, does your future husband take the time to lavish you with compliments?" I inquired curiously.

"That is absolutely none of your business!" she seethed, her anger captivating me. I had to admit, she had quite the fiery spirit.

"You're absolutely right, my sincerest apologies. I simply asked because you don't strike me as an exuberant, blushing bride," I chuckled lightly. "Tell me, is it your heart's desire to become queen? Are you genuinely happy about this impending engagement?"

The corners of her lips curled into a smirk. "Well, how would you expect me to drown in exuberance when I am here, destined to be a queen? Jumping up and down would hardly be considered appropriate," she quipped, her regal composure intact.

Her response amused me, and I couldn't help but chuckle. "Fair point, queen-to-be. But you still didn't answer the question."

The glimmer of defiance flared in her eyes as she gazed directly into mine. "Are you really so audacious as to inquire about my desires? You think I would willing divulge my thoughts to a stranger?" she seethed, her fiery nature once again coming to the surface.

I chuckled, amused by her reluctance. "Come on now, at least flash a smile and pretend you're thrilled to be the blushing bride. From where I stand, you look downright miserable. Tell me, deep down inside, do you really have the burning desire to be crowned queen? Are you genuinely happy about being engaged to that man?"

"That man? You mean the king?" she shot back.

I leaned in closer, whispering, "Darling, remember he's not some mythical creature. He's still just a mere mortal."

She responded defiantly, "Yes, I am indeed happy. And by the way, my level of happiness is none of your business."

My mischievous side couldn't resist testing the waters further. "So, has this illustrious king of yours planted his royal lips on yours?"

"Excuse me!" she exclaimed, attempting to break free from my grasp. But tightening my grip, I playfully swirled her around. "How dare you," she growled from between clenched teeth.

I shrugged it off, innocently posing another question. "Oh come on now, it's merely a simple inquiry. Have you had the pleasure of spending any quality time with his royal highness? Or was today your grand introduction to his majesty?"

Upon the end of the song, she forcefully pulled away from me. Keeping an air of civility, she curtsied with narrowed eyes. "I graciously thank you for the dance," she spat in an irate tone. Unwilling to let her escape so easily, I grabbed hold of her hand again before she could make a hasty retreat. I pulled her in close, and placed soft kiss on top of her hand.

Then in a low whisper that only she could hear, "if you're curious to experience the true sensation of a genuine kiss, meet me in the back gardens. Just one kiss, and afterwards, I promise to respect your space forever. She abruptly withdrew her hand from mine.

"It would be wise for you to regard me as a married woman and refrain from approaching me in the future. I never want to see you again." As her words escaped her lips, a crimson hue spread across her neck and cheeks, signaling the awakening of something within her. The rhythmic thumping of her heart and the hastened pace of her breath were impossible to ignore. And if my intuition served me right, which it seldom failed to do with women, there was an undeniable hint of arousal in her demeanor.

My face twisted into a mischievous grin as I observed her elegant stride back to her throne. Once she settled into her seat, I continued to boldly lock eyes with her. A blush crept onto her cheeks as she desperately tried to avert her gaze elsewhere.

Carlisle placed his hands on my shoulders. "Come on, you dare devil. You always bend the rules Aro. You have got to learn to be more subtle."

"Where is the fun in that?" I smirked.

Allowing him to guide me back into the bustling crowd, I couldn't help but steal one final glance at her. I didn't even know her name... yet. Her tongue darted out to moisten her lips as her eyes roamed up and down my figure once more. Overwhelmed with embarrassment, she quickly looked away and rested her hand on the king's.

Back gardens baby. Meet you there. Don't make me come find you. Cause I will.

A glimpse at Aro. Hmm. A different side.

Reviews welcomed. Please. Thank you.