~ Manovia, Europe, December 24th, 2062 ~

"Please Grandma can you tell me the story of how you and grandfather met and how you got married please!" My granddaughter Safyra had brought her game on tonight, puppy eyes, pout and all. Unfortunately for Safyra, Alice had made me immune to that kind of manipulation. It should not have surprised me since she asked me to tell the tale every year around Christmas for the past five years.

"Are you not getting bored by that story? You have heard it multiple times." I asked her while I sat down on the bed the was laying in.

"It is my favourite story and it is about you and grandfather. I could easily hear it everyday and I would still not be bored with it!" she happily said while she made place for me so I could lay down next to her. When we were both comfortable I began telling her our story.

"Okay darling, well as you know it began a long time ago…"

~ Seattle, Washington. October 2018 ~

The car whirled through traffic and came to a stop in front of the Marriott hotel in Seattle. The raindrops glided over the window, creating small trails of water over it, as I stared out of the window. The light coloured hotel reached high in the sky and in front of the entrance people walked by going on with their everyday life.

"Your Highness." My assistant Angela caught my attention. When I looked towards her she smiled at me. "Today you are schedule is clear, but tomorrow you have a video conference with your parents at 10 am at the ambasy of Manovia. There is a securted line there, also you are attending the Royal Manovian ballet in the evening. They are very honoured that you will attend. You will also meet the dancers and crew before the show."

"I just left home and my parents want a meeting already?" I sighed as Angela nodded at me. "I will be delighted to attend the ballet. Are you joining me?"

"Of course your Highness."

"Angela you know you can call me Isabella or Bella. You are my friend and we are not in Manovia anymore. Just use my tittle when we are at official events. I would like to be more anonymous for this state visit."

"I will Bella." She grinned at me. " Security is in place, if you are ready we can go inside. Oh and you will stay in the penthouse suite."

"Thank Angela I am very greatful you are with me. Could you do favour?" I asked her.

"Anything your Highness." I rolled my eyes at her while a smile played on my lips. Angela realized what she said and apologized.

"It is fine! You are used to call me by that especially in the Palace." I let out a small laugh. "Anyways, I would like to explore the city. Not as a Princess but just as Bella. I do need a change of clothing and when I am done I intend to sneak out."

"Bella you know that is dangerous. What if someone recognizes you?" she reply in a worried tone and a frown appeared. "I know you want to be normal for once we have talked about this multiple times, but you are not normal! You are the crown princess of Manovia."

"My gosh Angela, you sound like my parents." I looked down at my hands. "You only have to give a head start and if security finds me I will return with them. Otherwise I will be back around dinner time." I could see that she was almost giving in. "Please Angela you know these moments are very rare for me to feel like a normal person and not a puppet of my parents, expectations or etiquetes."

"Fine, but I am not sure if it is wise. I will distract Ben and Eric for a little while." Angela let out a large sigh and was about to open the car door when I spoke.

"Thank you Angie! You are the best!" she nodded at me a walked out of the car. When I was about to reach for my door handle Eric opened it for me.

"Your Highness." He bowed his head down for a second and I return the favour before we entered the hotel. Ben and Eric escorted us to the suite.

I quickly went to my room, grabbed jeans and a sweater out of my suitcase, and changed as fast as I could. When I walked back into the living room area, Angela was waiting for me.

"Ready?" I nodded at her. "Okay I will distract the boys take them for a short walk and you can sneak out."

With that she walked out of the suite. As I got closer to the door I could hear Angela talking to Ben and Eric, their voices got softer, until I could not hear them anymore. I opened the door and poked my head out of it, to see if the coast was clear. I could see them rounding a corner and they were out of sight.

I quickly grabbed my jacket and bag and ran towards the elevator. I could feel the excitement through my whole body, buzzing like a bee. It had been quiet some time that I had left my security behind and as I rode down the elevator I could taste my new found freedom, although it was only for day, I could not complain.

I looked back when I was about to exit the Marriett hotel, just to be sure Ben and Eric weren't there. If my parents found out about this they would be livid. They can't complain though my little brother Emmett was worse than me! He would always have his pictures on newspapers and tabloids, they all talked about the rebellious Prince. Emmett was a big goofball and only at Royal functions and responsibilities, he would act how our parents wanted him to act. I miss my silly brother already, he can always put a smile on my face with his antics.

I walked down the street and turned a corner, as I walked further is saw a market in the distance and decided I would check it out. I wasn't really paying any attention to my surroundings and clashed with some thing hard, before I could tumble over I felt a hand steady me.

"I am so sorry! I was not paying attention." I apologized and looked up at the person I ran into. A man with the brightest green eyes I had ever seen and the weirdest colour of bronze hair smiled crookedly at me. He was dressed casually with a dark grey coat and jeans.

"It's not a problem." He said gently with a velvet voice that made my heart melt. He let go of me and grabbed my bag from the ground and handed it to me. "Here you go. I probably need a new coffee, do you want one as well?"

I looked to the pavement and saw a coffee cup with on the floor. I thought about his invitation, I could use a coffee and the man seemed kind. Before I could back out I quickly agreed.

"That would be lovely. I am Bella by the way."

"Edward."

AUTHOR NOTES:

I had written this story a couple of months ago as a one shot for a Christmas story. Unfortunately I did not finish on time and didn't do anything with it for months. I decided it was time to post it as a full story and I will try to update frequently since it will be longer I have more to add.

For those who read my other stories and are waiting for an update I will try to update soon. I had a massive case of writing block and some things in my life didn't go as planned so I did not have the time and inspiration to update. I promise I will finish them but I do not know in which time frame.

Anyways hope you liked this chapter! Until next time