.
Chapter 46
Amazing Feelings 1
There are moods and events that can only be described with words that do not yet exist.
Gottfried Benn
Demetri
"Oh James, I'm so excited," Hope whispered.
"I know, darling. But why, nothing will happen to you, hmm...?" asked James tenderly, looking at her, gently placing his hand on her cheek and slowly kissing her lips.
As they broke away from each other again, Hope said in a whisper, "Who knows, you might change your mind and run away from me."
James laughed in disbelief.
"You don't really believe that, do you? Haven't I shown you every day in the last months and weeks how much I love you, how much I need you, desire you, adore you, idolyze you..."
Hope laughed.
"Yes, it's fine, you can stop. I hope I don't forget my lines!"
"And if you do, you improvise and just say, when in doubt, 'I'll marry you. Yes, I want to be your wife, make myself subservient to you, kiss your feet every day and bring you the slippers ...'" said James, amused.
"James!" said Hope indignantly, playfully punching him in the arm.
"No?" he asked, lifting her up, spinning her in circles until she laughed out loud. "Shh ... Princess, if anyone hears us. They'll lynch me," he said, grinning.
Well, I was reluctant to disturb this sweet togetherness, but it didn't help.
I stepped out of the hallway and walked up to the two standing outside James' room door.
I cleared my throat.
They both looked at me immediately.
Quite embarrassed.
"May I remind those present that one does not show oneself to each other on the morning of one's wedding day, and that dear Alice will probably appear here in a state of hysterics any moment now ..."
"I'll see you later," Hope said to him quickly and was about to leave.
With a jerk, he pulled her back into his arms and pressed her against him. He looked at her and she at him.
"I love you, Hope. It's all going to work out. We'll work it out, and if we don't, that doesn't matter either. I'll marry you even if you trip over your words, is that clear?"
"Yes, James. I love you too, so much," she said.
Embarrassed, she looked at me, then smiled and ran back to her room.
James looked at me.
"It does me good to see you both so happy," I said.
"I know, thank you, Demetri. I am endlessly happy. But what brings you to me now?" he asked.
"Well, the rings? If you want me to give them to you at the wedding ceremony, you'll have to give them to me beforehand," I said with a grin.
"Come on in," James said.
I followed him into his room and he retrieved a jewelry box from his desk.
"Here and thank you, my friend. I'm so glad you're my best man," James said.
"It's an honor. I've never had a better friend, James. That's the least I can do, isn't it?"
I gave him a quick hug.
My best friend. The best I ever had. And I was infinitely happy for him.
Before we got sentimental, I left his room and was about to head back.
It was 8:00 a.m., the wedding ceremony would not take place until 3:00 pm. So still plenty of time. I always had plenty of time. There was no more Princess for me to guard.
Bella and Rose had been changed for ages now and looked after themselves or took Rose's watcher with them when Edward and Emmett weren't around.
Jamie was married to Tia and had chosen a Volturi guard for her and her father had chosen a personal servant. In addition, Marcus was watching over both of them since they were the heir to the throne couple.
Ben was also married and Jeany was engaged. Both with vampires and Jeany had Laurent as a personal guard in addition.
So I could devote myself again to general tasks and was assigned for the personal protection only now and then at larger events outside the palace.
Lost in thought, I was walking through the halls when suddenly Prince Emmett and King Edward approached me.
I bowed.
"Baron, you are just in time. We need your help," Edward said, polite as always.
"What can I serve you with, Your Majesty," I asked.
Emmett said, "Princess Grace was supposed to land as early as 1:00 tonight, but unfortunately there were weather problems in Olympia. The flight was postponed several times. Now she arrives in an hour and we don't have time to pick her up. There are endless guests to greet, accommodate and staff to direct. So who better suited to pick up the maid of honor than the best man?"
"Oh well, no problem. I'll drive off straight away and pick her up," I said and bowed.
"Thank you, Baron, this is really a great help," said the King and already they were lost in their conversation again and moved on.
I made my way to the limousines.
Princess Grace.
I hadn't seen her in a long time. Six years, perhaps?
She had decided to study medicine and had therefore returned to King Carlisle's palace a few years ago to learn from him and study at the University of Olympia. I had heard that she was now doing her last internship at the hospital and would then be finished with her studies and therefore could not come sooner. King Carlisle and Queen Esmé had already been here for a week to help with the wedding preparations.
Grace was a quiet young lady, from what I remembered.She was often very serious, but I always found her likeable. But she had also always been Princess Hope's best friend. The two talked a lot on the phone and of course she was now supposed to be Hope's maid of honor. For that, I was happy to pick her up.
Since I didn't feel like having a chauffeur, I drove myself. It was fun and I liked to drive fast. I parked in the garage at the airport so I didn't have to go out in the sun.
That was the downside to Italy. We could rarely go out in public because the weather was mostly fine. But that didn't matter in the huge gardens and parks in the castle. There we were outside a lot or just went to the sea where we had our own section of beach.
Grace in particular had always loved that, I remembered.
She came on a private plane and so I went to the entrance of the runways for private planes and looked out through the windows.
Shortly after, a jet landed and I waited.
Ah yes, that was her.
She descended the stairs and was brought in by a cart. Someone also loaded her luggage. Shortly after, she came toward me through the outside corridor and smiled briefly, but also somehow astonished, when she recognized me.
Probably she had hoped for her father.
She had become very pretty, very womanly and yet natural - like Bella and Hope, not as concerned with appearances as her mother. A blonde beauty. But she was also pale. Had rings under her eyes and looked exhausted.
"Demetri, nice of you to pick me up," she said, extending her hand.
I bowed briefly.
"It is an honor, Your Royal Highness," I said.
Her hand was warm and small in mine and pleasantly soft. She looked at me and her eyes, they were so incredibly blue and her gaze so intense that I had to look away.
I took a deep breath.
A man carried her suitcase after her, and I took the luggage from him.
"This way, please, Princess Grace," I asked, leading the way to our car.
She followed me silently.
I unlocked and opened the door for her, helped her in, put the suitcase in the trunk and then got behind the wheel.
The car filled with her scent, which went to my tum and reminded me of butterflies. She smelled like a bouquet of summer flowers, so pleasant. Hmm ...
"Oh, no chauffeur?" she asked.
"No, I felt like driving myself. Do you mind, Princess?", I asked her.
"No, not at all. I have absolute trust in you," she said. "Always have," she added softly.
What did she mean by that? Somehow she irritated me.
I drove out of the airport area and then immediately turned onto the road towards Volterra.
"Is Hope okay?" she asked.
"Yes, Your Highness, she is overjoyed," I said.
She smiled briefly and looked out the window.
We were silent.
But it was not unpleasant.
At some point she wiped her face with her hand.
Was she crying? God, what was wrong with her? But it was impolite to speak to a Princess without being asked, it was not my place. So I kept silent. But I was sorry. Was she sad? Why? Or was she just overworked? Or had she failed her exams?
She snapped me out of my thoughts.
"Can you stop there for a moment, please, Baron?" she asked quietly.
I immediately pulled over to the right.
We were in the middle of the wilderness. Crickets were chirping, it was sunny, quite warm and to our right was the lake.
She immediately got out and walked the distance down to the lake. Her white summer dress blew behind her.
Since no one was to be seen far and wide, I followed her. I was responsible for her. Prince Emmett would behead me if something happened to his only beloved daughter.
Grace had walked to the water's edge and looked out.
I stopped about ten feet behind her.
I didn't want to disturb them.
She wiped her hands over her face again and she was clearly crying.
I heard her sniffle. Fuck the ceremonial.
I pulled out my handkerchief, went to her and handed it to her.
"Is there anything I can do for you, Princess Grace?", I asked.
"No, Demetri, please just let me. I'll be all right in a minute," she said.
She used the handkerchief and continued to look at the water.
I moved a little to the side and looked out, too.
After a while, she said, "It's okay now, we can go on."
I nodded and we went back. I helped her into the car.
On the way, she picked up her purse and powdered herself a bit so people wouldn't see that she had been crying.
We rolled into the castle courtyard and before I could help her out, her mother was there and opened the car door.
"Grace," she exclaimed delightedly.
"Mom," Grace said delightedly, too, and they fell around each other's necks.
They were both howling with joy and so it probably wouldn't be noticeable that Grace had sorrow.
"How I have missed you," said Princess Rosalie.
"I missed you too, Mom," Grace said, sobbing.
"But now you're done? You don't have to go back?" the mother asked.
"Yes I do, I still have to go to the diploma ceremony," Grace said.
"Oh, we are so proud of you. Another doctor in the family!" said the Princess.
"Mommy, it's nothing special," Grace said.
"Oh yes, it is. What are you going to do after you graduate?" the mother asked.
"I wish I knew," sighed Princess Grace.
"Not a nice man in sight? You're so pretty and adorable, surely there were nice medical students?" asked Princess Rose.
"Mom, please. I don't want a man. Just drop the subject. I'm sick and tired of men. I want to go to my room now. Is my old room still there or do I have a new one?" she asked.
"Sorry, honey, I didn't mean to offend you. You have your old rooms. I had them cleaned. Besides, your father ordered you a personal valet. Here he is."
A guard of the palace guard approached, a vampire. I did not know him.
He bowed.
"Princess Rosalie," and then to Grace: '"Princess Grace, I'm Jason Jenks, your personal valet and I'm at your disposal around the clock from now on," he introduced himself.
Grace just nodded.
I didn't like the guy. Something didn't suit me here. Only what?
"Mom, I'll see you later. I've had a terrible night," said Princess Grace.
This Jason wanted to take her luggage, but I was faster.
"I'll escort the Princess upstairs," I said firmly.
Since I, as a Volturi guard, was in charge of a palace guard, he did not dare to contradict me.
Grace looked at me in irritation for a moment, but then entered the castle and went to her rooms.
We followed her.
In the middle of a corridor, Queen Isabella came toward us. When she recognized Grace, she beamed at her.
"Grace, dear!"
They flew into each other's arms, squeezed. Then the Queen pushed Grace a little away from her and looked at her.
"What's wrong, dear?" she asked.
More attentive than Grace's mother.
"Nothing, Bella. Everything is okay," said the Princess.
"Grace," Bella said, giving her another hug. "You can't fool me. You look pale, completely overtired and overworked, and you're unhappy, I can feel it. So what is it?" she asked persistently.
"I can't talk about it, Bella, forgive me," Grace whispered through her tears.
Bella held her and looked at her.
"Then at least tell me this much. Have you been hurt? I mean physically?" she asked.
Grace shook her head.
"No. I would have talked to you about that. It's just here," she said, putting a hand over her heart.
"I understand," Bella said with relief. "I'll see you later, and I'm sure we'll have time for each other soon. I'm so glad you're back. I missed you so much!"
"I missed you, too, Bella. It's good to have you near," she said.
Bella kissed her on the forehead and turned to leave.
Suddenly she wheeled around.
"Who are you?" she asked this Jason.
"Jason, Royal Highness, Princess Grace's personal servant," he said, bowing.
The Queen eyed him intensely.
"Who chose you to serve the Princess?" she then asked.
"Your husband and Prince Emmett, Your Highness," said this Jason.
"How long have you been working for us?" she continued.
"Five years, Your Majesty," he said.
I sensed that the Queen was hesitating. She looked at me and I felt the realization that she felt the same way I did. She felt that something was not right here.
"Baron, I'm glad you're keeping an eye on her too. You know that she is my absolute favorite niece. I love Grace like my own child and I expect you not to leave her side," she said, looking at me urgently.
It filled me with relief. I could not have left Grace alone with the guy, so now I could stay legally.
But Jason peeked slightly puzzled in this moment.
"Of course, Your Royal Highness. Princess Grace is under my personal protection," I said.
She put her little hand on my arm, breathed "Thank you!" and rushed down the hall.
Grace had listened to the conversation with irritation and looked at me and the guard in turn. Then she shrugged her shoulders, entered her chambers, and I brought her luggage after her.
I stood by the door and just waited.
The guard began to unpack the Princess's luggage.
"Demetri, could you order me a little something to eat and drink, please?" she asked me quietly.
Jason looked at her in irritation.
"That's my job, Princess," he said.
"You are not permitted to address me, Sir," Grace told him, and he remained silent.
I went to the phone and ordered her something.
I had not experienced her like this before. She felt guaranteed my and Bella's uncertainty in relation to this Jason and had therefore asked me.
She grabbed some fresh clothes and disappeared into the bathroom.
Simultaneously with the food she came out again and I had to take a deep breath not to moan.
She wore a delicate purple touch of nothing, her blonde hair flowing open around her body and her skin still shiny from a cream. What a beauty!
She ate something and looked around the room.
"Jason, could you please take down all the pictures and dispose of them. I think I've outgrown them," she said.
He nodded and began to take down the pictures.
At the edge of the room were two taped up cardboard boxes.
"Oh, they're here already," said the Princess in amazement. "Demetri, would you be so kind as to put the boxes on the table for me. I'm sure I won't be able to get them up."
I put the two boxes on the table for her.
They were really heavy.
She got a knife from the desk and opened it.
It was her books and her desk contents. Mostly medical literature that she sorted into her shelves and a novel that she put by her bedside. In the second box were papers, folders, desk stuff and two pictures of Dali.
"Jason, you can hang those up then, please," she said, placing the now empty boxes outside the door.
Then she went to the phone and dialed.
"Hi, sweetie, I'm here!"
Pause.
"Can I come over for a bit? I want to see you."
Pause.
"See you soon!"
She grabbed a small gift she had pulled out of one of the boxes, slipped on purple pumps, and I followed.
Jason likewise.
Their path led them to Princess Hope.
That's what I thought.
Two guards were standing in front of the door.
Grace knocked and Hope opened.
"Oh God, no more guards, please!" said Hope, then she saw me.
"Oh Demetri, you too? Come inside, please."
She pulled Grace and me inside and left Jason standing outside.
I had to grin inwardly.
"Two guards?" she asked.
"I think the plan was just this Jason. But somehow Demetri and then your mom didn't seem to like it, so I got Demetri as a guard, too. I don't know," Grace whispered.
"Never mind!" said Hope, pulling Grace into her arms. "I missed you so much, sweetie," she sighed.
"I missed you too," Grace said, and started crying again.
Hope pushed her to the other side of the room and onto the sofa, sat down with her and hugged her friend affectionately.
"Grace, you look terrible and you feel cruel. What happened?" asked Hope.
Grace did not answer, let herself be held and comforted, and my soul ached. If only I could help her. What had become of the happy little Grace?
"What are you going to do after graduation?" asked Hope.
"I wish I knew," Grace whispered. "Hope, it all feels so pointless. I couldn't turn it off all these years. Not for a minute. But I don't feel like going to the U.S. anymore either. It doesn't help anyway, so I might as well stay here," she said so softly it was hard to hear.
"I understand," Hope whispered.
Hmm ... I didn't understand anything.
"Maybe it will change - or maybe you really just need to talk about it. Why don't you tell him? You have nothing left to lose," Hope whispered softly.
Heavens, what were they talking about?
Demetri, you are too curious, I rebuked myself.
On the other hand, I wanted to know what was bothering Grace, because it didn't suit me. It hurt me somehow to see her like that.
The two talked for a while longer.
Afterwards, Grace admired the wedding dress and visibly forced herself to put on a happy face so as not to spoil her best friend's day.
"Oh, I brought you something too!" said Grace, jumping up and picking up the small gift she had placed on the table when she came in.
She gave it to Hope.
"For me?" she asked.
"Yes, of course," Grace said.
Hope carefully removed the wrapping paper.
A small jewelry box appeared. It was a bracelet with small white gems.
"That's beautiful, Grace, thank you," Hope said, touched, and gave Grace a hug.
"It's a protective bracelet. I bought it from a witch. She claimed that it was a protective bracelet for married women. It would ensure that the marriage would always go well. Well, the woman was a little confused, but I liked the bracelet and thought of you right away!" grinned Grace.
Hope laughed.
"It's wonderful no matter what it means. My marriage will be beautiful anyway!"
"I think so, too. You pulled the lucky one, Hope," Grace smiled. She gave Hope a hug. "I'm glad you're so happy, sweetie," she whispered.
"Yes, I am and one day you will be too," Hope whispered.
I hoped the same for her.
After that we went back. We had to go down a flight of stairs - Grace tripped and fell.
Quick as a flash, I caught her and held her in my arms.
"Have you hurt yourself, Princess?", I asked anxiously.
She straightened up again and turned her foot.
"Thank you," she breathed. "I think my foot hurts. Hmm ... but only a little," she noted.
"I'll carry you back and we'll see, Your Royal Highness," I said, simply lifting her into my arms.
"I can walk, Demetri, it's not that bad," she said.
"It's faster that way," I said with a smile.
She looked at me and I looked at her.
Then she blushed and looked at her hands.
How cute was that? She was so light, I noted, and ... hmm ... it was nice to wear it. Demetri, you're going crazy, I thought.
Jason opened the room door for us and I sat the Princess on the table.
Carefully I took off her shoe and looked at the ankle.
It did not seem to be swollen. I compared both feet. No, the ankle seemed okay. I palpated the foot once carefully, but could not find anything.
"Where does it hurt?", I asked her.
It pointed outside under the ankle.
"Here," she said "But maybe when I twisted my ankle there was just the shoe pressing. It's okay, thank you."
I carefully pulled the shoe back over her small petite foot.
Beautiful feet, I noted.
To keep her from jumping, I lifted her off the table briefly and again she blushed and quickly went to her closet to pick out the dress for the wedding. She had just finished when her father knocked and entered.
Immediately she flew around his neck.
"Dad," she laughed, and he spun her around.
Now she laughed out loud.
It was like the sound of bells in my ears. I had missed that.
"Put me down, Dad!" she cried.
He put her down and pulled her to him, kissed her on the head and talked to her briefly. When he said goodbye, I went out with him.
"What are you doing here, Baron?" he asked me.
I pulled him down the hall a bit before answering so Jason couldn't hear me.
"Your Royal Highness, did you choose this Jason?", I asked.
He nodded.
"Why, is there something wrong with him?" he immediately asked with concern.
"I don't know. I immediately had a funny feeling about him. As a result, I carried the suitcases up myself. In the process, Queen Isabella met us and she was irritated by Jason. She clearly felt it too. She asked him several things and then said that she would only trust me and insisted that Princess Grace be additionally guarded by me. She told me not to leave her side. So I stayed. Sir, when the Queen feels something like this, it makes me very uneasy!", I said.
Prince Emmett nodded.
"I don't like that. I have complete confidence in your and Bella's abilities. So please stay with my daughter. I will talk to King Edward and have the guard checked again as well," he said.
I nodded.
"I won't leave them alone for a second," I said, bowing and running back.
Grace had laid down on the bed with a book.
"Jason, please wake me up at 1:00 and the hairdresser will be here. I haven't slept much and I'm sure it's going to be a long day," she just said and turned around.
She actually fell asleep until he woke her up, she thanked him, disappeared briefly into the bathroom and there was the hairdresser.
"Gracie, my sweet," he boomed enthusiastically!
Oh, it was Eric, I thought in horror. Gay and pesky silly.
"Eric!" said Grace, giving him a smile.
He eyed her, walked around her once, ran his hand through her hair.
"Oh dear, that means work, sweetheart. You're too thin, you have rims under your eyes and your hair looks like a mop," he said.
Grace laughed.
"That's right, let's cut it off!" she said.
I sucked in air in horror.
She didn't really want to get her hair cut?
Eric grinned.
"Okay, to here?" he asked, holding a hand under her ear.
The Princess nodded.
"That's right, radically off. My mother will be thrilled!" she said with a laugh.
I couldn't hold back.
"Oh, please don't, Princess Grace. That would be too bad!", I said.
She wheeled around and looked at me.
I shouldn't have spoken to her!
Again her gaze penetrated me.
Those blue eyes. God!
Eric laughed.
"That was a joke, Sir. As if I would have the heart to ruin this beauty," he said.
I breathed a sigh of relief.
Grace was still staring at me and suddenly I saw her eyelashes glisten.
Crap, what had I done wrong now again?
She turned away and sat down on the chair that Eric pushed towards her. He talked all over her, cut off a half-inch of her hair, so just a little bit, washed it, pinned it up artfully and fiddled her tiara into it. Then he put makeup on her.
"Eric, remember that I hate makeup. I still want to look like myself," she said.
"Of course, honey, I always do that with you. With you, color would be a waste anyway. You're naturally beautiful," he said.
She sighed.
Any other woman would have cheered, right?
After that, the two disappeared into the bathroom and he helped her into her dress.
"I'm not allowed to do anything here," this Jason sighed.
"Eric has been the hairdresser at this court for over twenty years. She certainly has more confidence in him than in you," I noted.
"That seems to be the way it is. And to you, too, I suppose," he said.
"Possibly," I said, and I was a little proud of that.
When Grace came out of the bathroom, I had to swallow dryly.
What a beautiful woman. She looked stunning.
"You look lovely, Princess Grace," I said in awe.
"Thank you," she said, giving me a quick smile.
Somehow she touched me.
"I thought we weren't allowed to address them," Jason said quietly.
Princess Grace wheeled around and looked at him.
Angry.
"I hardly think you can put the Baron on a par with you. He is not a simple guard, but a Volturi guard and therefore a nobleman. He is also a member of the aristocracy, a long-time friend of the family, and will soon be the best man, just as I will be the maid of honor at the wedding. He may address me at any time!" she said.
Oops. What kind of speech was that, I thought in amazement, but it filled me with satisfaction that I was so high in her favor.
"Thank you, Eric. I feel fine like this," she then said kindly, now slipping into blue pumps that Eric held out to her, taking her little bag and coming over to me. "Please take me to my parents. Then you can still change, Demetri," she asked.
I held out my arm to her and escorted her to her parents' chambers, Jason in tow.
It was a brilliant move on her part, because she didn't want to be alone with him.
So I brought them inside, nodded to Prince Emmett, and quickly disappeared to change.
I had fifteen minutes left, but that wouldn't be a problem.
Then, in my suit, I dashed to the wedding hall and looked around.
James stood at the altar under a wreath of roses and conversed with Queen Isabella, who gently stroked his arm.
I went closer.
"She'll be terribly nervous, James," the Queen said with a smile.
"Yes, but happy too," James said smiling dreamily. "There you are," he then said to me.
"Do you have the rings?", I asked with him in chorus, knowing the question was coming.
Isabella laughed.
James too.
"Of course," I said.
The Queen briefly pulled me over to the King.
"Did you feel it too, Demetri?" she asked softly.
I knew immediately that she was alluding to Jason.
"Yes, that is why I carried Princess Grace's luggage up myself. Then, when you, Your Majesty, confirmed my feeling, I stayed with her and just now took her to her parents so I could change. I spoke to Prince Emmett briefly this forenoon," I said.
The King nodded.
"Yes, he informed me. If you two have a funny feeling, I take it very seriously," he said. "I've arranged for a more detailed check!"
The doors opened.
Grace came in with her parents and another slew of guests. The family was now completely assembled.
King Edward scurried out to his daughter.
I joined James again, but I didn't need to reassure him. He was on an even keel and just elated.
Grace came over to us, hugged James warmly.
"Hi, you dear dream man," she said, "you look great!"
"You too, Grace, beautiful," James said, eyeing her lovingly.
"And ... are you nervous?" asked Grace.
"No, not very. Predominantly just happy," said James.
Grace held his hand.
"I'm so happy for you guys. You both deserve this happiness," she said.
Shortly after that, the piano playing started.
Ah, Jamie was playing for his sister.
Then the double doors opened and King Edward led his daughter in.
She looked wonderful. A simple ivory wedding dress, with lace and beading. Off the shoulder and very sexy.
Her eyes immediately fell on James, who was beaming towards her.
As they got to us, James stepped closer and the King placed his daughter's hand in his.
"Make her happy," he smiled.
"Nothing I'd rather do," James smiled back, helping his bride up the step.
She hooked herself into him and took hold of him.
"All okay?", James asked her quietly.
"Yes," she nodded.
The Reverend began the wedding ceremony.
So my old friend would finally be happy, I thought, and I was happy too. He deserved it that way. I saw us still on the honeymoon of the royal couple lying on the beach and telling stories. That's when our friendship began.
Grace looked up and at me. She was standing diagonally next to Hope and I diagonally next to James.
How those blue eyes matched that dress, I thought. So beautiful.
She looked back at Hope.
"So now give your vows to each other ..." said the Reverend.
Hope passed the bouquet to Grace and clasped both of James' hands. They looked at each other.
Hope began in a low voice and it was quiet as a mouse in the room:
"James, I want to show you every day how strong our relationship is.
I want to cherish it every day, to practice patience and forbearance, to strengthen it every day, to give it trust and faith.
Because every day offers a new opportunity to rediscover our love, to continue writing the book we have begun together.
My name is Hope and I want to be your hope.
For a beautiful life together."
Tears ran down Grace's cheeks and I was overcome with a longing to pull her into my arms and comfort her.
James spoke now, loud and clear to his Hope:
"Hope, I will give you all that I have without hesitation.
I will put my hand in yours without a second thought.
I will rely on you every second with full faith.
I will always tell you everything, without keeping secrets.
I will always be with you, together we are not alone.
You have given meaning to my life.
You are the reason I am full of hope!"
Now Hope was crying.
James pulled his handkerchief from his breast pocket and tenderly dabbed her face.
I heard Queen Isabella sobbing quietly in the background.
I pulled the box of wedding rings out of my pocket, opened it, and held it out to James.
"Hope, wear this ring as a token of our love," James said, putting the ring on her finger.
After that, I handed Hope the ring and she put it on James' finger with the same words.
"I love you so much," she breathed, and he pulled her to him and kissed her heartfelt.
Grace dabbed at her tears, smiling.
Her eyes fell on me and I smiled at her. Then she looked at the bouquet of flowers in her hands. Red and white roses.
Shortly after, the cheering for the bride and groom started and the celebration began.
There was eating, dancing, laughing, giving gifts.
James and Hope were overjoyed, beaming, dancing, and it was just lovely to see them. Grace stood mostly smiling on the sidelines watching the beautiful bride and groom. Since I didn't trust Jason, I stayed close to her. Her mother was talking to her. Jamie, Jeany and Ben greeted her and chatted for a while. Nanny hugged them almost to death. Queen Esmé and Isabella talked to her longer and what felt like five hundred men came to ask her to dance. She refused. Every single one. Politely, but firmly. She had always danced in the past. Hmm ... I was worried about her. What was wrong with her? When our eyes met, she looked away and she never sent me, but Jason to get her something to drink.
Hope came up to me and engaged me in conversation.
I liked her and enjoyed talking with her. However, out of the corner of my eye I still watched Grace. Jeany approached her and talked to her. Then a new song began.
"Oh, Santana - Grace, your absolute favorite song. Now you have to dance!" said Jeany excitedly.
Grace shook her head.
"What's going on with Grace, Hope. I'm worried about her. She's all messed up, crying all the time. Will you tell me, Hope?", I asked.
The latter shook her head.
"No, I can't," she said sadly.
"Why isn't she dancing. She used to dance, didn't she?" I asked, looking at Grace who was listening to the music. (Carlos Santana - Samba Pa Ti)
"Because the right guy didn't ask her to dance," Hope said, looking at me.
I looked at her and pondered.
Was there someone here who hadn't asked her to dance tonight and got dumped?
Hope was still looking at me.
"Demetri, please go and ask her!" she said to me.
"Me?", I asked in horror, gasping for air.
"You!" nodded Hope firmly, pushing me in Grace's direction.
What was I supposed to do now? I couldn't ask a Princess to dance, could I?
"Now, Demetri! Otherwise I'll terminate your friendship," Hope hissed behind me.
Okay. Deep breath.
"Princess Grace, would you give me this dance?", I asked, bowing.
She looked at me with her blue eyes. They were shining.
"Yes, I'd love to," she breathed and took my hand, letting me lead her to the dance floor.
My hand burned where her fingers touched me. A fire moved through my hand into my body and spread pleasant warmth inside me. I was as if in a trance.
We began to dance.
Oh God, this fragrance she exuded, this softness of her skin under my hand on her back. I was electrified. Like a feather she lay in my arms and let herself be led. I felt the sky. Light blue, light, free ...
Grace! Why on earth was she dancing with me? 'Because the right one didn't ask her to dance,' Princess Hope had said. Oh no? Could that be? The right one ... Demetri, you're completely nuts. Grace. Grace. Princess Grace.
I looked at her.
She looked up at me. And smiled.
I smiled back.
It was so good to see her smile again. And I should be the trigger?
Now she sheepishly averted her eyes and looked over my shoulder.
Her belly and breast touched me. I looked at her delicate fingers in my hand. Long slender manicured fingers and nails.
I took a deep breath.
My gaze went along the edge of the dance floor as we spun.
Princess Hope stood there beaming at us. Oh my God. Prince Emmett, Prince Jasper, King Edward, King Carlisle - they were all looking at us. But not angry. Prince Emmett was smiling. He thought it was okay that I danced with his shining star.
Hmm ... What was going wrong here?
Princess Rosalie looked at me and smiled too. Princess Alice just hopped like a bouncy ball to her husband. Queen Esmé snuggled up to her husband. Were they watching us too? Maybe I was hallucinating? Queen Isabella grinned at me and gave a thumbs up.
They all thought it was okay. Okay, it was okay.
Demetri dancing with a Volturi Princess. What had Grace said? Nobleman, Volturi guardian and aristocratic, friend of the family ... I guess I was all that. My goodness, if the King allowed a eunuch to marry the heir to the throne, then I was allowed to dance with a Princess. Yes. Grace.
Our eyes met again and she blushed.
Oh no. No. It was me. I was the trigger? But how could that be? We hadn't seen each other in years? Did she like me even then? It was possible. She left here when she was almost twenty, I think. Yes, it was possible that she had fallen in love with someone back then. And I hadn't noticed? She was in love with me? Was she?
The song ended.
I led her back to the edge of the dance floor.
"Thank you, that was very nice, Demetri," she whispered.
"I thought so too, Your Royal Highness," I said, bowing.
I stopped next to her.
This Jason eyed me hatefully.
After a while Grace was approached again by young people and engaged in conversation, so again I moved away from her a bit.
Surely I was just imagining things and I had misinterpreted it all, I thought. My goodness. Princess Grace, the King's niece, the granddaughter of the other King. A beauty without equal. Educated, a doctor! Not in her life would she want an old vampire baron. Well, I was not old on the outside, but on the inside. But no, I really couldn't believe it. But, hmm ... The feeling filled me with sadness right now. Yes, it didn't feel good. It was a sad realization.
I sighed.
Yes, be honest, Demetri. You would have found it nice to be loved by her.
A young man, I think it was a son of a Volturi guard, put his arm around Grace's shoulders while four young people were talking to her.
What was he doing? Was this what she wanted?
She smiled and spoke.
It wasn't unpleasant for her. Hmm ... But for me. I didn't want anyone to put their arm on her skin.
"Will you put your arm down, please?" she asked him quietly and kindly.
"Of course, sorry, I didn't mean to offend you," he said.
"I know," she said kindly.
I breathed a sigh of relief. Our eyes met. Briefly we paused in each other and then she looked away again.
Embarrassed? My goodness, I felt like a teenager. So insecure? How could I be so insecure?
"The bride is throwing the bouquet now. Please, all unmarried women should come here!" shouted Alice.
Grace didn't move and watched as the young women took position behind the bride, giggling. But Grace had no chance. Alice came and pushed her into the crowd of young ladies. I heard Grace sigh all the way to here.
Alice counted, "Five - four - three -two - one -" and Hope threw the bouquet back over her head with both hands.
It fell right into Grace's hands. She hadn't moved at all, hadn't looked for the bouquet, but then quickly opened her hands and grabbed it so that it didn't fall on the floor.
The girls laughed and clapped.
Princess Hope turned and looked at Grace. And then to me. Grace turned and met my gaze. Then she put the bouquet on the nearest table, gathered her dress a little high in her right hand, and walked out of the ballroom toward the garden, tears glistening in her eyelashes.
I looked after her somewhat helplessly.
What should I do?
Jason turned to follow her.
But King Edward came over and shouted, "Jason, come over here and see me, please!"
Then he looked at me insistently and then behind Grace. Was he stopping Jason now to get to know him and screen him or to give me time alone with Grace?
"GO!" he hissed in my direction, shaking his head in annoyance.
Automatically, I turned to the door and followed Grace.
She had already run across the lawn, holding up her dress with both hands and running towards the woods as fast as her pumps would allow.
I ran after her and caught up with her in no time. I quickly held her by the arm, not too tightly, but so that she had to stop. She turned her face away from me. I pulled her to me and held both her arms. So she was forced to look in my direction, but she immediately lowered her head.
Nevertheless, I saw that she was crying. Crying hard. The tears ran down her face in torrents. She was sobbing and through the running and sobbing she could hardly breathe.
"Please, Grace, please calm down!", I said and took out my handkerchief and wiped her face. "Shh...", I did and pulled her into my arms.
She stood very still now and sobbed into my shirt.
It felt so good to hold her like this. Her scent went straight to my nose. Hmm ... delicious. Her heart was still pounding loudly from running and excitement, but very slowly she calmed down. Her breathing also calmed down. I gently stroked her back, enjoying touching her skin. As soft as a peach, warm and fragrant. My Grace.
Wait, my? Was that her? Would that be her? I was so confused.
I could not help it, I kissed her hair.
Her head flew up with a jerk and she looked at me.
Oh oh, I had been too bold?
"Sorry?", I whispered. "It came over me like that," I said apologetically.
She looked at me. With her big sad blue eyes.
"Should I let go of you?" I asked quietly.
She shook her head. Then she wrapped her arms around my body and pressed herself against me.
Very intimately. Just held me tight.
And I strengthened my grip and held her.
We stood like that for a long time.
"Princess Grace, please talk to me. What did I do wrong? What should I do?" I asked helplessly at one point.
She detached herself from me a little and looked at me.
I looked at her.
She looked at my lips.
Did she want me to kiss her? Oh, what would it be like to touch her tender rosy lips?! But what if she didn't want that?
She looked into my eyes again.
I gently kissed her forehead.
First check carefully how she reacted.
She smiled at me.
Then she stood on her tiptoes and kissed me. On my lips. Once briefly, but firmly. Hmm ... soft warm lips.
"Oh Grace," I whispered.
I gently took her face in my hands, bent down and returned the kiss. Very gently I pressed my lips to her beautiful mouth.
She wrapped her arms around my neck.
She wants me! She wants ME! YEAAAAAAH!
Slowly I pushed my tongue against her lips.
She immediately opened her mouth for me and her hot little tongue came towards mine. Tenderly our tongues touched and caressed each other. Gently they danced together and their kiss triggered wonderful feelings in me. I had certainly slept with women from time to time, because I simply needed it, but I had never kissed one again. Kisses meant love to me and after my wife I didn't love any more. But now, now it felt so nice. Yes, it was right. Grace, my Grace.
She detached herself from me and looked at me.
Smiling and the glow in her eyes was back. So beautiful!
"Well, who do we have here?" said a deep male voice coming from the forest behind us.
Shit, with all the spring fever I switched off my senses. An unforgivable mistake. Three men - with rifles pointed at us under their arms - stepped out of the forest towards us.
Carefully, I pushed Grace behind my back to protect her.
What a bummer. They were vampires. I wouldn't mind the shots, but Grace would. And would I be able to handle three if I still had to keep Grace behind me?
My mind was running on fumes.
Then shots resounded across the meadow and into the forest!
Each of the two of us is only complete through the other. Without you, I am nothing.
Charles de Coster