Caius POV

Seeing Bella's expression as we went through the garden made her very at peace and contempt with her life. I didn't sense that she was upset, although Didyme's presence didn't really help too much. I knew Didyme was only trying to help, but I didn't want to overwhelm Bella, considering the matter of her existence around here, and that she was needed for the Cullen boy's trial in a matter of three days. It was also better if I saw her more at peace, and perhaps bring life back into her eyes.

"What do you like to do?" Bella asked, after a moment of silence. We were already done strolling through the garden, and was about to head into the castle. "You mentioned earlier that you don't hang around the garden. So what do you do… I can't imagine you brooding and being an angry king all the time."

I let out a small chuckle, too low enough for her. Looking at her perplex expression, I answered her,

"I paint," I told her. "Perhaps another time, I'll show you my art studio."

"Okay."

I haven't let anyone into my art studio in years. No one was allowed in it, besides me. It was odd that I wanted to let Bella into her and see a part of myself that I simply don't share with anyone else. Perhaps, she would really like the paintings I've painted over the course of the centuries, and see the artist side of me. I wouldn't mind having company there in the first place. I forced my thoughts to quit thinking about that and instead tell her an important matter so she can prepare herself.

It was best if she knew now, I told myself. I didn't want her to be unprepared when we hosted the trial. She didn't deserve to be unprepared when it was due that boy, she had her broken heart that was barely even beginning to heal.

"You should probably know that the trial of Edward Cullen is set to be in three days. I thought you would like to know," I told her. "That way, you're able to prepare yourself in the meantime to be able to handle him."

"Oh… " She said, trailing off. "Thank you for telling me that."

The atmosphere around us seemed tense as Bella thought to herself. I didn't want to make Bella uncomfortable, but she deserved to know. I tucked a strand of hair back behind her ear and leaned close to her to whisper

"You don't have anything to fear. I won't let anything bad happen to you."

"I know… It's just it's something I don't think I can prepare myself for you know," Bella said softly. "Everyone is telling me to get over him, telling me that I shouldn't act like this. It's not that easy. He was my first love and everything…"

"You put everything into him, and you didn't get anything back. I understand, Bella, but you can't let one guy be able to dictate your happiness. Sometimes, you have to take back what he stole. It'd be the best thing to be able to heal. I want to be able to see you smile. I don't want you to be hung over by that Cullen brat. I care about you," I told her, interrupting her.

Tears fell down from Bella's warm brown eyes and slid down her face. I took her into my arms, and rubbed soothing circles around her back. She was obviously stressed. This was completely my fault as I knew the topic about the brat was still sensitive and she was right. We have been pushing her to stop being so hungover about the brat that we didn't stop to consider that she put everything into him. She fell in love with a person she thought she loved, and didn't have entirety of control in the situation. Perhaps, there was something we could do to help her.

"Shh," I murmured as Bella continued to sob into my chest. Her breathing became more uneven with each passing moment. "You're okay… I'm sorry, I didn't mean to push you."

"Perhaps I should have known better, but no one has ever given me that attention before. Not Charlie, not even my mom. I was always the one that kept to myself, always making sure that everyone was okay before I put my needs to myself."

"None of that," I told her. I pushed away from my chest and saw how much heartbreak she was in. My chest ached as I wanted to ease her. I held up my hand to clear the tears that threatened to spill on her face. "That's enough. You didn't know any better, because no one taught you any better. You didn't know. Stop blaming yourself for something that was obviously his fault."

"But-" Bella protested.

I sighed, "No buts. You didn't know any better, simple as that… Would it help if you talked to him before we set the trial? Give him a piece of your thoughts," I offered.

"I guess, but I don't know what to say to him," She said softly. "I don't know what I'll do."

"Tell him how much your life has changed since he left you? That he'll be tied to his crimes in three days, and tell him that you were hungover on him for months- depressed and broken. I really think it would do you some good, to know that you were able to say something. To tell him about how you feel. It won't change the past- far from it, but it will give you some peace."

Bella was quiet for a long time before she nodded her head. I wrapped my hand around her waist as I guided her back inside the castle and down the stairs to the dungeons. Some of the guards gave us curious glances, but didn't bother saying anything as we walked past. I held her tighter as we walked down the dungeon stairs where a couple of guards were present, talking to another. They stiffened up as I led her down the stairs.

Bella seemed to shiver and I pressed her closer. I knew I couldn't offer her much heat, but it would do for a little bit. No humans ventured down here in the dungeons whatsoever, at least- none that were under our wing, so it wasn't made for human temperature. If I knew my brother, and considering the Edward boy was awaiting trial, he would certainly be down here.

Most of the cells in the dungeons didn't contain anyone. The torches lit up, creating long shadows and an orange glow- lighting up some of the cell's occupants revealing a crazed look or hunger. They pressed their faces against the bar, hoping to be able to catch a bite or a whiff of Bella's scent. Most of them had a look of hunger to them with their darkened eyes and bared teeth- hoping to be able to get a taste of human blood. It was a risk for her to be down here, and I was sure I was going to hear about it later, but I didn't care.

Bella needed to know peace.

I gave them icy glares as we walked past them. Some of them shrunk back into the shadows and away from the metal bars, knowing better than to test me. Bella hardly paid attention as she wouldn't stop shivering into me. I looked through the cells until we got to one that was occupied by the Cullen brat. He looked exactly the same when he came here only mere days ago, begging for death.

The Cullen brat looked up in surprise and shock was written all over his face when he realized who he was in front of.

"Bella," He breathed.

Updated (July 29th, 2023): I'm really liking this new storyline, and think it's much better.

This story is on AO3 under Fireiseverywhere