I'd like to extend a warm greeting to anyone who just clicked on my story. I would be most humbled to read your thoughts and would greatly appreciate any constructive criticism. Looking forward to meeting some lovely people here!

Stay amazing you all… it's a choice don't you know?

Disclaimer: My original plot, characters belong to the admirable Stephenie Meyer

She took a deep breath as she fought to strengthen her resolve, trying to remind herself that this was the best possible choice for the betterment of her people. From her position at the head of the exquisite meeting table Isabella could clearly see the anguish in her father's eyes, who was sitting right across from her at the other end of the table, making her question her decision for what must have been the tenth time.

As she glanced around the table she found that every eye was fixed resolutely on her exquisite frame, as if their combined gazes could hold her back from leaving them. Mindful of their sorrowful stares, Isabella thought that it was time to be the princess she was meant to be and delicately cleared her throat, indicating her wish to speak.

"My dear court men, I wish you to understand that I have not made this decision on light grounds. Before presenting my choice I thought long and hard about what the future will hold for me should I choose to go ahead with this plan. Marrying the Prince of Smeraldo will be the best course of action for our people. We…"

"But what about the best course of action for you my darling daughter?" the king exclaimed in a sorrowful tone. "You expect to let me sacrifice your happiness this easily? He paused for a few seconds, as if to draw confidence with his next words. "Surely there are other methods to approach. Our people have persevered throughout this drought, and will continue to do so. We will survive this casualty."

"But at what expense father?" replied Isabella softly. She knew it would be hard for her father to let her go; after all, she was the only piece of her mother that he had left.

She grew up without the loving warmth of a mother but her father stepped right into both parental roles despite his status as King, and the fact that royalty do not usually have any kind of personal interaction with their children until they are old enough to be included in stately affairs. They were close to one another, and having to leave her father behind was as hard for her as it must be for him.

She needed to tread cautiously. She knew her father to be a wise man, and felt confident that he would soon give in to her request, as it truly was the best course of action to help their people.

"The number of reports concerning children and the elderly dying is increasing day by day. We know not when this drought ends. The crops have all shriveled and died, and wells have been dry for some time now. The emergency storerooms have been severely depleted. I cannot continue to see my people suffering any longer father. I beseech you to not attempt to dissuade me any further from my decision. The prince of Smeraldo would surely have some redeeming qualities… Do you think so little of me that you would believe I would allow any man to make a laughingstock of me? I stand resolutely in my decision to agreeing to the marriage father, I will not back down anytime soon" replied Isabella firmly, refusing to break her gaze from the King's eyes until he did so himself.

The silent court suddenly broke into indignant clamors, alternating between pleading with their beloved princess to rethink her choice and spouting horrid facts about the prince in question. Unfortunately, their attempts to make Isabella change her mind were futile.

On an act of utter hopelessness Sir William Black, one of her father's closest of advisors, stepped forward and asked the princess, "What of your fervent views on love? Your reputation as a romanticist precedes you Princess. The whole Kingdom has come to embrace your opinions on love. You preach people to marry for love yet here you are, willing to compromise your beliefs in the name of saving your Kingdom. The whole world knows Prince Edward is not fit for love…"

Princess Isabella blanched, clearly not expecting this confrontation. Sir William was right. For as long as she could remember, Isabella held onto the steadfast belief that one should marry out of love, certainly not out of a sense of duty. But this was Marrone they were talking about, her beloved Kingdom. She wouldn't allow her people to suffer any longer if she had the power to change that.

The court seemed to hold their breaths as they awaited her answer. Even the King was focused intently on his daughter's face, wishing to see a slight flicker of hesitance in her eyes to put a stop to all this madness.

Isabella stood up regally with head held up high, and a steely determination crept up into her voice as she said, "My decision remains as it was. If I must sacrifice my ideals on marriage then so be it, but rest assured that the rebellious Prince of Smeraldo will not be able to cause me distress with his reckless actions. All will be well."

The King stood up and walked towards his daughter. All members of court were now on their feet as well, respectful of their monarchs.

With an act of fatherly affection that the court was used to, the King hugged his daughter fiercely and whispered a few choice words in her ears. He then took a step back, placed his hands on her shoulders and looked at her questioningly. Isabella clutched her father's hands in hers and nodded in assurance. Yes… Isabella of Marrone was ready to accept her fate.

The King sighed resignedly, and keeping his emotions in check, turned to address his advisors, "Let the scribe write to the Cullen family immediately. Tell them that we have accepted their offer to help and that my daughter has agreed to marry Prince Edward in return."

He deliberated for a few seconds and then added, "May this be the right choice for all involved parties." With that, the King turned on his heels and exited the room, the Princess soon following suit.

The court thereafter sprung into action, preparing the documents that will alter the course of their Princess's life.