Breaking Dawn - Stephenie Meyer [228]
The disciplined faces of the guard showed the same disbelief I felt.
You have given me much to ponder, young friend, Aro continued. Much more than I expected. Still he did not release Edwards hand, and Edwards tense stance was that of one who listens.
Edward didnt answer.
May I meet her? Aro asked-almost pleaded- with sudden eager interest. I never dreamed of the existence of such a thing in all my centuries. What an addition to our histories!
What is this about, Aro? Caius snapped before Edward could answer. Just the question had me pulling Renesmee around into my arms, cradling her protectively against my chest.
Something youve never dreamed of, my practical friend. Take a moment to ponder, for the justice we intended to deliver no longer applies.
Caius hissed in surprise at his words.
Peace, brother, Aro cautioned soothingly.
This should have been good news-these were the words wed been hoping for, the reprieve wed never really thought possible. Aro had listened to the truth. Aro had admitted that the law had not been broken.
But my eyes were riveted on Edward, and I saw the muscles in his back tighten. I replayed in my head Aros instruction for Caius to ponder, and heard the double meaning.
Will you introduce me to your daughter? Aro asked Edward again.
Caius was not the only one who hissed at this new revelation.
Edward nodded reluctantly. And yet, Renesmee had won over so many others. Aro always seemed the leader of the ancients. If he were on her side, could the others act against us?
Aro still gripped Edwards hand, and he now answered a question that the rest of us had not heard.
I think a compromise on this one point is certainly acceptable, under the circumstance. We will meet in the middle.
Aro released his hand. Edward turned back toward us, and Aro joined him, throwing one arm casually over Edwards shoulder like they were the best of friends-all the while maintaining contact with Edwards skin. They began to cross the field back to our side.
The entire guard fell into step behind them. Aro raised a hand negligently without looking at them.
Hold, my dear ones. Truly, they mean us no harm if we are peaceable.
The guard reacted to this more openly than before, with snarls and hisses of protest, but held their position. Renata, clinging closer to Aro than ever, whimpered in anxiety.
Master, she whispered.
Dont fret, my love, he responded. All is well.
Perhaps you should bring a few members of your guard with us, Edward suggested. It will make them more comfortable.
Aro nodded as if this was a wise observation he should have thought of himself. He snapped his fingers twice. Felix, Demetri.
The two vampires were at his side instantaneously, looking precisely the same as the last time Id met them. Both were tall and dark-haired, Demetri hard and lean as the blade of a sword, Felix hulking and menacing as an iron-spiked cudgel.
The five of them stopped in the middle of the snowy field.
Bella, Edward called. Bring Renesmee and a few friends.
I took a deep breath. My body was tight with opposition. The idea of taking Renesmee into the center of the conflict But I trusted Edward. He would know if Aro was planning any treachery at this point.
Aro had three protectors on his side of the summit, so I would bring two with me. It took me only a second to decide.
Jacob? Emmett? I asked quietly. Emmett, because he would be dying to go. Jacob, because he wouldnt be able to bear being left behind.
Both nodded. Emmett grinned.
I crossed the field with them flanking me. I heard another rumble from the guard as they saw my choices-clearly, they did not trust the werewolf. Aro lifted his hand, waving away their protest again.
Interesting company you keep, Demetri murmured to Edward.
Edward didnt respond, but a low growl slipped through Jacobs teeth.
We stopped a few yards from Aro. Edward ducked under Aros arm and quickly joined us, taking my hand.
For a moment we faced each other in silence. Then Felix greeted me in a low aside.
Hello again, Bella. He grinned cockily while