Good Morning, Loves! Thank you so much to Mel and Pamela!

XXIV

BELLA

November 3, 1897

Darjeeling, India

It has been four days since Edward and I went to see Mr. Gupta, and I have been unable to shake the words of his daughter from my head.

The sands of time shift like water under our feet, but the tiger who sheds a ruby tear is steady as a stone.

Find the tiger. Follow a path upon which you might meet a friend called Destiny or a friend called Woe.

Beware the shadow that lurks over your shoulder, for it counts your every breath.

The one who seeks you now is an enemy called Death.

It has played on a near constant loop in my mind for days now, and though I'm able to parse out what she's said and understand it individually, together, I am at a loss.

Does she want me to look for an actual tiger? Or is it a metaphorical tiger? And is this ruby symbolism, or real?

The possibilities of interpretation swim through my head night and day until I feel a dull ache forming in the back of my skull over it all.

Whatever she meant, I have an instinct that I must solve it before my child is born.

My hands move down to my rounded stomach. I've stopped wearing the corsets, even though Esme has purchased a maternity one to wear for outings. In the comfort of the home, I go without it, and though to a degree, it is a relief to be rid of the constriction, in many ways I am surprised by how much I miss it.

Some days, I go to the market with Esme and Mrs. Kaur, just for the excuse of dressing up and momentarily feeling like my old self.

I am surprised by the weight pregnancy has brought to my mind. I am, of course, grateful and deeply in love with the child growing inside me, but so many strings are attached to the choice I have made, and each one hovers around me, threatening to turn into a noose.

All I want is for my child to be free of the burdens I have carried in life.

…

The days are growing colder and darker, and I find I have less willpower to get out of bed each morning.

I am wrapped in the warmth of my husband's arms, his steady heartbeat a gentle lullaby that I wish to keep listening to, even though it is past our usual waking hour. Our bed is cozy, and for once, I am comfortable exactly where I am.

Outside, I can hear the chittering of the few birds who haven't migrated yet for the winter. Their songs sound melancholy, and I wonder if it is the darkness that persists in the mornings, or the coming winter that burdens the birds.

My eyes flutter shut as a memory of a song my maman used to sing to me comes back to my mind. I hum the tune, surprised by the comfort hearing it once again is bringing me.

"That's lovely," Edward murmurs over my shoulder.

I pause, glancing at him. "Did I wake you?" I ask, feeling guilty.

He presses a kiss to my shoulder and shakes his head. "No," he assures me softly. "Did you get some sleep?"

I nod and burrow deeper into his arms, weaving my fingers through his and lacing them over my stomach. "Yes, finally."

The first few nights after going to see Mr. Gupta, my mind was so busy trying to piece together what was said to me that I found it difficult to drift off. I have been beyond exhausted every day.

Finally, I've had a decent night's sleep.

I twist in Edward's arms so that I am flat on my back, and I turn my head to face him. "How did you sleep?"

Edward's stubble tickles my skin through my chemise as he presses another kiss to my shoulder. "Well," he says softly. "I always sleep well with you in my arms."

My heart squeezes softly at his admission, and I lean toward him, pressing a kiss to his lips. "Edward," I whisper, pulling back.

"Hm?" he asks, tightening his hold around me.

"This might sound silly," I say slowly, shaking my head. "But given the circumstances of our marriage, I feel it needs to be said." I gaze up into his eyes and smile when he looks uneasy. "I love you."

It's the first time I've uttered those words to him. Though I have felt particularly strong feelings for him since the moment we met, I have never found within myself the strength or conviction to say the words out loud.

Not until I was so sure, the words just came out, as easy as breathing.

Edward's eyes are large and round as he gazes down at me. Finally, he swallows hard before a shy smile steals across his face.

"I love you too," he murmurs. "I think I have loved you since you barreled into my life."

I let out a soft laugh, surprised to find my eyes feel wet.

Edward leans down, capturing my mouth with his, and over my growing belly, our grip on each other strengthens.

"I never knew," Edward murmurs, pulling away from my mouth and smiling at me before he shifts and lifts himself slightly to press a kiss to my stomach. "That love and harmony could exist in a marriage." He closes his eyes as he presses a second kiss to me. "I didn't think such things were in my future."

A fresh wave of tears well in my eyes, and when Edward looks up at me, I reach for him, pulling him back into a lying position alongside me. "Lost and found, I'm safe and sound. No more drifting aimlessly, I've settled down. I finally came around," I sing softly, my lips brushing across his chest. "No more to roam, those days are gone. I was alone, now I know I don't have to be, since your amazing love has found me."

"I'm not familiar with this song," Edward says gently. I smile against his chest and press a kiss to his heart.

"It won't be written for another one hundred and twenty-four years," I tell him. "It's a song by a woman named Dolly Parton."

"Dolly Parton?" Edward asks, his voice curious.

I tilt my head up to look at him. "Mhm, she's as small as a mouse and sharp as a tack and one of the best people to live in her time. She'll change countless lives and have a legacy that far exceeds her lifetime."

Edward's brows furrow as he takes this all in. "What is it like?" he asks after a moment. "Knowing what is to come?"

I feel my smile fall, the somber weight of his question settling over me. "It's heavy," I say after a moment. "Sometimes, I am paralyzed by my fear of the inevitable."

"Such as?"

I eye him warily. Maman always made sure I understood how dangerous it was for people to know too much of the future. She always drilled in the importance of keeping history a secret.

But Edward is my husband. He is going to face some difficult years ahead. Surely, I could tell him at least some of it?

Even with my newfound conviction, I hesitate before I answer him. "There will be war," I say slowly. "It will be bigger than anything the world has ever seen." My eyes shut, as my heart thumps heavily in my chest. "They will call it the first World War."

"The first?" Edward asks after a moment. I look at him. "When will this be?"

I swallow hard. "Seventeen years."

His brows are deeply furrowed as he takes this information in. "Will England be involved?"

I nod silently and he lets out a breath. "I will have to fight. For my country."

I shake my head. "Edward, please. I don't want to think about this. Not yet." Tears are welling faster and faster in my eyes, and Edward blinks, focusing on me. His arms slide around me and he holds me to him.

"I'm sorry, Love," he whispers. "We'll speak no more about it."

I let out a breath, resting my head against his chest. The future will come, one day, but not yet. Now, we have more pressing matters on our hands.

"Where do you think we should begin?" I ask, my voice soft.

"Are you thinking of the tiger again?" Edward asks. I glance up to meet his gaze and nod. He lets out a breath. "I don't know."

I have tried to discuss the tiger several times, but every time I bring it up, Edward gets uncomfortable and quiet. I know that my encounter with Aditi scared him—it scared me as well—but ignoring her warning would be foolish.

I have to guide my husband through this.

"Perhaps the tiger is a person," I muse.

"A person?" Edward asks, sounding surprised. "Who sheds ruby tears?"

"Well, ruby could mean crimson," I point out.

"What person cries crimson?" he asks, a scowl forming over his features.

I shake my head. "I don't know," I admit. "Okay, perhaps it's not a person. Perhaps it's a statue of some sort?"

"Darling, there are countless statues of tigers. We're in India," he points out.

"But we only need one," I remind him. "I'll ask Esme and Mrs. Kaur this morning if they know of any such statues."

Edward takes a breath but doesn't say anything. I gaze up at him curiously. "What are you thinking?" I ask.

His eyes meet mine. "I'm worried that we have been bamboozled by a charlatan and his daughter into believing in a quest that will only lead to folly."

My hand presses tenderly over his heart. "There's a chance you are right," I whisper. "But something happened when Aditi grabbed me. I don't have words for it, but it felt as if …"

When my voice trails off, Edward gently rubs a hand across my back. "As if?" he prompts.

I take a breath. "Do you know the story of the Greek fates?" I ask.

Edward blinks. "They hold the cords of men's lives in their hands," he recites, a slight frown on his face as he tries to recall the details.

I nod. "It felt like her life cord and mine touched, like we were vibrating together in a frequency that I've never felt before."

Edward's frown deepens. "What does that mean?"

"I don't know," I say, shaking my head. "I don't know what any of it means, but it certainly seems worth it to investigate, don't you think?"

Edward lets out a heavy breath. "I'm worried about you and the baby," he says softly.

I lean up to kiss him. "I know," I whisper. "We'll be okay. I'll keep us both safe."

Edward winds his arms around me, pulling me tighter to his chest.

I can almost hear his silent anxiety in his touch, the question he won't ask but surely is feeling. It is a question on my mind as well.

But at what cost?

…

I am helping Esme and Mrs. Kaur with preparations for supper when I finally have the window to talk to them.

Mrs. Kaur is deftly slicing and preparing chickens for cooking, while Esme and I knead the dough for flatbread.

I'm less sick at the sight of raw meat now, though I can't look too long at what Mrs. Kaur is doing for fear I will be ill.

"Can I ask you both something?" I say, looking up from my ball of dough. Both women turn to me, giving me their undivided attention. "Have you ever heard of a tiger crying ruby tears?"

Mrs. Kaur straightens, a frown on her face, while Esme leans back, deep in thought.

"What sort of tiger?" Esme asks.

I shake my head. "I don't know."

"Is this something to do with your encounter with Mr. Gupta the other day?" Esme asks.

I hesitate, and it seems to be enough of a confirmation for her, because she nods. "Bella, we are here to help you both, in any way that we can."

I look up at her. Her face is so kind, so patient and loving, that I feel moved to confide in her.

I glance at Mrs. Kaur who is staring at me with the same loving kindness and I let out a breath. "Mr. Gupta's daughter spoke a prophecy over me." I hesitate then shake my head. "Well, I don't know that it was a prophecy, but when she reached out to touch me, it was like a trance overcame her."

"What did she say?" Mrs. Kaur asks.

I bite my lip before repeating the lines I have now memorized. "'The sands of time shift like water under our feet, but the tiger who sheds a ruby tear is steady as a stone. Find the tiger. Follow a path upon which you might meet a friend called Destiny or a friend called Woe. Beware the shadow that lurks over your shoulder, for it counts your every breath. The one who seeks you now is an enemy called Death."

Mrs. Kaur and Esme look blank, and for a moment I am worried I have shared too much with them.

Surely, they will push me away now that they know how crazy my life is.

But then Esme is clearing her throat. "I wonder if we might find this weeping tiger in Calcutta."

"What?" I ask, surprised.

"The last time we were in town," Esme says with a wave of her hand. "I met a merchant who was touting stories about tigers. They were fantastical tales, certainly, but perhaps that is what we need. It's a bigger city. We might be able to find what you are looking for there."

I gape at her.

"It could also do you some good, I think," Mrs. Kaur says, motioning to me. "You struggle to breathe in the mountains, and it will only grow colder and harder for you. Your child needs the sun."

Esme nods in agreement, and my hands come to rest on my stomach, despite the sticky dough coating my fingers.

"Do you really think we can find answers there?" I ask, not wanting to get my hopes up.

"Let me reach out to some of our friends," Esme says. "I'll ask around, but I do feel confident something will come up."

I let out a long breath and nod. "Okay," I agree. "Whatever we can do to solve this riddle."

Esme smiles and leans forward, patting my hand. "One way or another, we'll find answers," she says kindly. "I promise."

I smile back at her, and for perhaps the second time in my adult life, I let myself believe someone when they tell me that things will be okay.

Answers will come, they have to.

…

That evening after supper, I find Edward in Carlisle's study, parchment in his hands. I hesitate at first, not sure I should intrude when he is clearly busy, but then he looks up, his eyes meeting mine, and my heart aches at the look of sadness on his face.

"What is it?" I ask, crossing the room and coming to his side. I lift my hand to rub across his back in small circles.

He holds the parchment up toward me. "Rosalie," he says, his voice raw as he glances down at the pages again. "She, my mother, and Liam have gone to Russia."

I stiffen. "Russia?" I ask, my voice tight.

"What is it?" Edward asks, turning toward me more fully. My hand drops from his back, and I shake my head.

"Nothing," I say quietly. "What are they doing in Russia?"

Edward shakes his head, glancing down at the letter. "My father has sent her off to marry." I see his eyes harden as he reads. "That selfish coward," he hisses.

I blink in surprise. He may disagree with his father on occasion, but I've never heard him speak so disrespectfully about the man before. "He can't sell me to the Russians anymore, so he's selling Rosalie in my stead," Edward seethes.

I reach out, my hand landing on his forearm. "Rosalie is with your mother," I remind him. "And Liam. I know they will both care and look out for her."

Edward looks up at me, his gaze distant and distracted.

I let out a breath. "You're worried about her," I say softly.

Edward swallows hard. "I am."

"What do you want to do?"

Edward's gaze drops to the papers. "I should be there for her," he says softly. His eyes lift to me again and he frowns. "But I couldn't leave you here alone."

"We could go to Russia," I point out.

Edward shakes his head before I've even finished speaking. "I won't have you travel to the North whilst you are with child. We agreed to go as far as Calcutta, but you heard Carlisle. We should restrict how much travel you do."

I bring a hand up to rub over my stomach. I actually feel almost like my old self right now, though I know Edward is correct. I'm not up for traveling to Russia right now.

"Do you want to send for them to come here?" I ask.

"They would never disobey my father like that." Edward sighs.

I move my hand from my belly to his back again.

"You would tell me, wouldn't you?" Edward asks, turning to me. When I frown, he continues. "If Russia wasn't a safe place for Rosalie."

I let out a tight breath. "Russia won't be safe," I say slowly. "They are on the precipice of a revolution," I admit. "But it won't be for some time yet. For now, she is as safe as any of us can be."

Edward sucks in a breath that rattles his chest. "We'll make sure she's out before things get bad," he says resolutely. "After our child is born, we'll go back to England. I'll convince my father to bring Rosalie home."

I smile thinly. "We can always tell your father I'm some foreign royal," I tease lightly. "That might settle the matter."

Edward barks out a thin laugh. "It would please him to no end, were it true."

I shrug my shoulders. "You never know, Edward. I just might be."

He eyes me curiously and I grin at him. I am teasing him, but I am also acutely aware of the fact that my family lineage is sketchy at best. Who knows what I'm descended from.

I reach out to tap the letter gently in his hands. "Will you write her back?" I ask.

Edward nods. "Yes. I owe her at least the decency of a response."

I smile and lift up onto my toes to press a kiss to his cheek. "Write your letter. I'm going to go upstairs and begin packing."

Over dinner Edward and I decided we'd move down to Calcutta for the remainder of my pregnancy. Not wanting us to be alone without any support, Esme agreed to come with us while Carlisle assured us he would join us before it was time for me to give birth. Mrs. Kaur decided to split her time between helping us and helping Carlisle maintain the household.

With a schedule settled, Carlisle set out to dispatch letters to friends of his in Calcutta, looking for a place for us to stay. Once we hear back from them, we will be heading down the mountain where hopefully, we will finally find the answers we seek.