Kidnapped

Summary: Bella is the only child, and thus, the only heir, to her father's kingdom. But she isn't ready to be the leader of a country. Bella decides to travel to the states and gain an education of life before she begins to guide others. Edward comes from humbler circumstances, but is reaching for the same goal. When both are kidnapped, their lives quickly begin following a much different path than the one they set out on. **Credit given to Stephanie Meyer for everything Twilight related

Chapter 1

It was the second semester of my freshman year in college, and my first experience of being just one of many students. I had insisted that my mother's maiden name be used as my last name so that my true identity would remain hidden. I did not want to be given special treatment because of who my father is. The only person on campus who knows the truth is my best friend, Alice. Technically, she is the servant assigned to meet my every need but since we have grown up together, we are more like best friends.

It's Friday night, and I am supposed to be meeting my study partner. Instead, my best friend has arranged for us to join a small group on a midnight cruise to celebrate the launch of Spring Break. I don't usually attend the college parties, but Alice loves them so I agreed to accompany her this one time. My ears are still ringing from her high-pitched squeal of delight. The following two hours were spent with me playing the role of Bella Barbie, while my best friend did what she does best. When it was all over, I had to admit she was talented. The beautiful blue cocktail dress expertly outlined my feminine figure, and my hair and make-up looked as if I had spent the day at the salon. As I was admiring myself in the mirror, her small face appeared just over my right shoulder.

"I told you blue was your color."

I smiled. She was right, as usual. My only regret was that He wouldn't see the beautiful woman in the mirror. My study partner was very serious about his studies and would never take time off for a party. Like me, Edward desired to obtain the knowledge to heal others. He was very smart and would often challenge me to think deeper about the concepts we were learning. He was truly amazing and I enjoyed all of our study sessions.

Over the past semester, I had learned a lot about Edward. He was a real gentleman and treated women with a high level of respect that isn't always present nowadays. His heart was full of love that was just waiting for the right person to shower it on. I hoped that someday I would catch his eye for more than my intelligence and become that lucky person.

Alice and I arrived just in time, as the boat pulled away from the dock only minutes after we boarded. I was still trying to adjust my sea legs when I heard a familiar velvety voice behind me.

"I wasn't sure you two were going to make it."

I turned around and smiled.

"Edward...I…I'm glad you're here. I didn't think you…"

He chuckled softly, halting my incessant blabber. His strong hand cupped my left cheek, his thumb lightly stroking my rose colored cheeks.

"I love it when you blush. The shade only enhances your beauty."

My eyes widened in shock. Did he just call me beautiful? I could feel my heart rate increasing, as my breathing stuttered. I was about to look up into his emerald green eyes, when I felt a strong grip on my arm trying to pull me away. I turned my head and saw the pixie features of my best friend. Her eyes twinkled. She knew exactly what she was interrupting.

"Come on, you two. The party is below deck."

Edward laughed softly and admitted to falling prey to Alice's convincing argument that we were spending too much time in the library and missing the whole college experience. He had allowed himself, just this once, to be persuaded to relax and have some fun for a change. As we slowly descended to the lower area of the ship, Edward moved in closer and whispered in my ear.

"I couldn't refuse when she told me that my study partner would be here."

My eyes closed tight as my head drooped in shame. I felt badly that I hadn't called to cancel our study time. What if he hadn't agreed to come? Would he still be sitting at our regular table, in the library, checking his watch and wondering why I had stood him up?

Desperately, I searched my brain for some explanation. But there was none. After all, what could I say?

A warm hand grazed the small of my back gently. Light pressure pushed my shoulder against his chiseled chest. A fresh minty aroma filled the air around my face as his breath tickled my ear.

"That dress looks amazing on you. I am glad we came here tonight. I don't think I would have been able to focus on anything in those books."

A grateful smile spread across my face, and, just like that, I was comfortable again. Edward always seemed to know how to help me relax. Using the hand that was still resting against my lower back, he gently guided me into the room.

We spent the next few hours enjoying the music, the dancing, and the food. Everyone was beginning to wind down and relax around the room. I glanced at my watch and realized that it was getting late and was almost time for our return. The room was slightly crowded, so Edward and I decided to go back up and enjoy the view of the city lights as we pulled into the harbor.

As soon as we reached the upper deck, we realized that the boat was not where it should be. We were surrounded in darkness, with no lights in sight.

"This isn't right."

I turned around to agree with Edward's statement, only to find him walking away from me. I looked up and saw that he was approaching a doorway that led to the control center. I started to follow, but stopped mid-step as soon as I saw Edward's hand strike out towards me. He was motioning for me to wait and based on the frightened expression spread across his face, I quickly obeyed.

All of a sudden, Edward lunged at me and pushed me backwards into a darkened corner. I didn't know what I was hiding from, but the rate of my heartbeat revealed the terror I felt inside. I reached out for his arm, trying to drag him into the darkness with me. He pushed away and stepped back into the light that was streaming out from the control room.

I opened my mouth to ask what was going on. Before any sound could pass my throat, the air was filled with an angry growl. I ducked behind the large metal box that was providing my cover. I could hear heavy footsteps as two burly men approached Edward. One asked him what he was doing above deck, while the other grabbed him and pulled him towards the doorway.

I listened to the noises and knew Edward was fighting them. I was afraid he was going to get hurt. My body was trembling from terror, but I knew I had to do something.

Cautiously, I stepped away from my hiding place. Keeping my footsteps light, I crept closer. Seconds before I entered the beam of light that would expose my presence, a loud pop echoed in my ears. It took me a few minutes to recognize the familiar sound.

Ever since I had been little, my father had taken me to the shooting range. He had taught me all about gun safety and trained me how to shoot. It was a hobby of his, and he wanted to share it with me. I remembered being afraid of the small instrument that could inflict so much damage. However, over time, I learned to respect it and its power. The popping sound I had heard was identical to the noise a short barreled Sig-Sauer made when the trigger was pulled.

But…this ship doesn't have a shooting range…

A gasp exploded from my throat as my heart made sense of what my brain was trying to tell me. Edward's been shot!