Chapter Number Two

As the carriage rocks and bumps nearer and nearer to The Cullen's kingdom, I rehearse how to be polite in my head. How to not shrivel away when the crown prince touches me. How to not roll my eyes when I'm forced to pretend I'm agreeing. How to hide my interest in Edward.

"Princess," Rosalie says politely, "we should arrive soon. We should discuss your wardrobe for dinner this evening. Perhaps that lilac gown?"

"That would be fine," I nod smiling at her, "of course you are free to join us for dinner. I will insist."

"Don't hound the king over her," a groaning voice mutters.

It's slow and drawled out. Completely laced with irritation.

I flick my eyes to my advisor. Marlo was posh as posh can be. He would report back to my father as to how the trip was progressing. He'd be sort of like the weird uncle growing up. One that yells at me to sit straight and to sit with my legs crossed at my ankles. My etiquette training and royal lessons were derived from this man's knowledge. He spoke with a posh accent and his hair had thinned out now to almost nothing.

"I am happy to wait in the room. You can give me a full report when you return," Rosalie nods, "Are you looking forward to meeting with the prince?"

Marlo watches me close waiting for my reply.

"I am," I mutter for show, "I just hope he likes me."

Rosalie's eyes turn sympathetic. Marlo nods with approval.

When we arrive my stomach flips from nerves. My guard Jacob helps me from my carriage and smiles warmly at me.

"Princess, anything you need while we're here let me know. My men will see you're safe and comfortable. However, Edward may take the reins with his own guard here," he explained to me as we approached the entrance of the castle.

The building was grand and epic. Bigger than my own home. It boasted a mix of classic and current, historic and modern. It was a slice of a fairytale. The castle featured several large towers, a beautiful textured brick and gardens that flourished with perfume and colour. The interiors were just as beautiful. It was less dark than the hallways at home. No empty knight costumes and art of strangers. Everything felt like it had a purpose. It was light and airy decorated as if this weren't just a castle of royals, but the home of a loving family. I suddenly felt a pang of jealousy. Why had I grown up so differently?

A castle employee leads us to the throne room where we find the King and some of his family. I courtesy for Carlisle but it's His Queen who is the first to welcome me. She kisses both of my cheeks happily after a short, delicate curtsey. Rosalie and Jacob stand nearby but away from the attention. Marlo stands quietly at the back of the room, standing tall.

"Princess Isabella. How beautiful you have become. To think you were so small not very long ago," she beams, "my child, you must be exhausted from your travels. We will see you to your rooms very quickly."

I loved her instantly. Her warmth and welcome radiated from her. I felt instant comfort. She didn't need to speak to make me feel as if my presence was something they all were pleased by.

"There is no need to worry. I am very pleased to be here Queen Esme. King Carlisle, your Kingdom is as beautiful as I remember," I smile at the monarch.

He is now standing closer to me, away from his throne. He is tall, authoritative and handsome. He is approachable despite the power he holds.

"Young princess, I trust your Grandfather is well. Your father tells me his health has taken an unfortunate turn," The King genuinely shows sympathy, something my father faked when it came to the misfortunate of others.

"Yes. That is correct, your Majesty. Unfortunately, the King has not been his best. He sends his love and regards. He wishes he could congratulate you on such a prosperous kingdom once again in person," I remember my lines to a tee.

"Well send back my well wishes for a speedy recovery. He is a great man. Now, you must see my children. You must remember them even if it's just slightly," he waves forward a small woman and bulky man.

I can't decide if the man is Edward or Emmett. But Alice is instantly someone I remember.

"Alice," I beam excited.

Without a second thought and forgetting formality she bounds forward to wrap me into a loving hug.

"Oh Isabella. I am so pleased you are here," she gasps, "you will be able to meet my fiancé while you are here. We are planning a wedding at the end of the Spring. You must stay and attend it."

"I would love to," I nod, "I cannot wait to meet him."

The tall man smiles at me kindly before taking my hand. He leads down slighting so that he can plant a kiss on the top of it, right above my knuckle.

"Princess, I am Emmett. It is a pleasure to be reunited after all of this time," he says.

Maybe he wasn't too bad. He was easy on the eye, he looked strong and he had a lot of grace. But I couldn't notice the way he noticed Rosalie. His eyes continued to flicker to Rosalie loaded with desire and curiosity. Rose hadn't even noticed too occupied with exploring the lavish throne room with her eyes.

"You'll have to excuse Edward's absence. He is returning from a trip east. He was on service battling our common and neighbouring enemy," Carlisle says.

Volterra was a common threat to both of our kingdoms and the reason our alliance was so close. Aro had no royalty in his blood but called himself King. His subjects were riddled with fear under his dictatorship and his guard would make lions quiver in fear.

"How brave," I smile, "I look forward to seeing him again."

"As I am sure he is to see you. Now Emmett, why don't you show the Princess and her lady to their rooms. You're both welcome to join us for dinner in two hours. Edward should have returned by then," Carlisle smiles at me, "if you need anything please just let my staff know."

"Thank you so much for your hospitality, your majesty," I bow my head slightly.

I follow Emmett, Rosalie and Jacob following close behind me. Marlo heads toward the kitchen probably to lecture the chef about dietary requirements.

"Your rooms are pretty close to mine. So if you need anything please just let me know," he explains to me as walk, "the castle can be quite daunting because of its size."

"It's beautifully decorated," Rosalie says suddenly.

The rule when it came to Royals was usually only spoken when spoken too. Around me, it was relaxed though. She often found herself forgetting her place. Thankfully for her, Emmett was as modernised as me.

"My mother has quite the eye for beauty," he smiles at Rose, "I didn't catch your name, Miss."

"Oh. I'm sorry. Emmett this is Rosalie," I smile.

Emmett repeats the hand kiss that I was given, but his mouth lingers slightly longer on her skin. It looks sweeter and more gentle. I exchange a glance with Jacob who smirks at me. The conversation between myself and my guard is silent but understood. Rosalie's cheeks flush as Emmett studies her face.

"Tell me, Princess, do you both enjoy music?" He asks.

It takes me a second to realise he is asking me. His gaze is still set on Rose.

"We love it," I nod.

"After dinner, you should both come into our music room. We can enjoy a dance, Rose," he smiles at her, "if you don't mind my two left feet of course. I'm not that good."

"I could teach you," Rosalie smirks.

Everything about her is flirty. Her eyelashes flutter, her chest is pushed out and their hands are still joined from his earlier kiss. I shake my head snickering to myself. Could she be more obvious?

"I will hold you to that," Emmett laughs, "come this way. Your chambers will be through here."

The room is as warm and lavish as the rest of the castle. It's like a small apartment. There's a small room for Rosalie beside my bedroom. The bed is a four post with beautiful carvings scattered across the wood. There's a fire place in the corner and the windows give me a beautiful view of the front of the house. There are bookshelves, velvet armchairs and a beautiful dresser to get ready each morning.

"I'll leave you two to rest," Emmett smiles, "I look forward to seeing you both at dinner."

As he leaves he leans close to Rosalie whispering something into her ear. She gasps and laughs playfully as he exits the room. He keeps his eyes on her until he turns the corner.

Amused I raise an eyebrow.

"I guess his mind is made up," I say.

"What do you mean?" She shrugs.

"He is falling over his feet at just the sight of you," I head to the large window surveying the large lawn.

Gardeners trim at hedges and weed garden beds. A carriage sits near the entrance of the Castle in view of our room. I watch interested as a tall man with a lavish shade of auburn hair exits it. His face is angular, his broad shoulders strong. His posture shows his power and influence. He wears a deep navy and white uniform with a sword at his waist.

"He is just cheeky. I'm sure he will turn his attention to you. Your father said you had to get close," Rosalie says behind me.

I'm not listening to a word.

The human below has my whole attention. He walks to the front of the carriage patting one of the horses muttering to himself before turning to speak to the guard beside him but he catches my gaze. My pulse stops when his eyes find my window. Find me.

I stand mouth slightly agape looking down at him. For a moment I hope he might smile, or perhaps wave. But instead he glares. The ice slips right through me turning me cold. He turns to head into the castle leaving me shocked. What was that?

"What did he whisper in your ear?" I turn to Rose needing the distraction.

Only she's gone. Leaving me alone to over analyse what just happened.

Ever enter a room and know everyone in it had been speaking about you before you entered?

That's how this meal started.

Emmett pulls out my chair for me before rushing to claim his own beside Rose. I'm placed at the head of the table opposite from Carlisle. Beside me Alice and to my other side a still moody Prince.

"Edward, you remember Princess Isabella," Carlisle prompts.

"How could I forget?" Edward utters.

Sarcasm drips from each syllable. His family either don't notice or are so used to the tone that it goes on ignored.

"Your home is beautiful," I try.

I earn a huff in return.

"You should attend our ball," Carlisle says suddenly breaking the tension.

"Oh father, really?" Edward groans.

"Edward Cullen," Esme snaps, "the Princess is our guest."

"If you'd like to attend we are having a small gathering to celebrate Alice's engagement. You are welcome to attend," Carlisle continues.

"Rosalie and I would be honoured. However, I am not sure what dresses we would have. I'm not sure I have anything appropriate for such the occasion. Would it be okay if we took a coach into the square to visit a dress boutique?" I ask.

"Of course," Carlisle nods happily, "I'm sure Alice could provide you with a recommendation as to who is the best."

"I can come along," Alice nods, "I would love that."

Dinner continues with little more drama. However, Edward remains stiff and unamused by my presence at the table. He rolls his eyes at my replies and huffs at the responses he is irritated by. The small talk doesn't interest him. Each time I try to steal a glance he catches me.

It's another sleepless night.

Thanks so much for reading another chapter.

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