A/N: So...i didn't realiz how short this was until now...but it has plot stuff in it...so it has to be in here...

I don't own anything!

Announcement

(EPOV)

King Charles stood and silenced the music. The woman I danced with stooped and looked up at the man, as did I. "I have an announcement to make." Charles said in a strong voice. "It is in regards to my daughter, Princess Isabella. I wished to set an arranged marriage for her." I was instantly bored, I wanted to talk to the princess's handmaid. I wanted to hear about her, not some princess. "Unfortunately, my daughter gained the stubbornness that I have often been told that I possess."

A few chuckles rang through the room. I grabbed the woman's hand that I had just been dancing with and massaged the back of her hand, needing the contact. I could feel an electric pulse go through my skin.

"So I will announce that there is a competition for my daughter's hand. The rules are as follows, two days from now, all eligible noblemen are invited to fight off a warrior of Isabella's choosing. The first man who can defeat her warrior, will have my daughter's hand." Charles looked around slowly. "Isabella? Come forward please." Suddenly, the contact between me and the maid was gone. My jaw dropped when I heard her next words.

"I'm here father." The maid said, walking forward to stand next to her father. She took of her silvery silk mask and held it in her hand as she looked down at everyone from where she stood. I gaped at her and she smirked back slightly, before clearing her face of emotion.

"I assume that you have chosen your warrior?" Charles asked.

"Yes, father, I have." Isabella nodded. "The man who shall fight for me will be Phoenix the Great, no one has ever bested him before." Isabella smiled. I could see her glance at me as I stared, dumbfounded at her.

"You have heard my daughter's decision. All those who wish to fight for her hand must be here in two days. You are welcome to stay in the castle, enjoy your night." The dancing began again and Isabella put on her mask again, disappearing into the crowd. A few moments later I felt her hand in mine and her lips against my ear.

"Chaucer uses irony all of the time…the man said death was under the tree, and gold did mean death for three men…" Isabella whispered. "Isn't it a tad bit ironic that you spoke to a princess about how horrible princesses are, while complimenting a princess for her character…? Hmm…"

"I didn't mean—" She pulled away, disappearing into the crowd. Alice and my father strode quickly to me, not noticing that Princess Isabella had just been with me.

"That girl must seriously not want to get married, Phoenix has never lost a duel!" Carlisle stated. "She is stubborn!" He chuckled.

"I am going to try…" I whispered.

"What?" Carlisle asked in shock, as though he didn't hear me.

"I want her… I want to win her hand. I want to marry her. She's the one."

"OH EDWARD!" Alice exclaimed, wrapping her arms around me tightly. "I am so excited for you, and mother will be too! MOM!" Alice shouted, running off to find Esme.

"Are you sure, Edward?" Carlisle asked.

"Carlisle, you told me that when you met mother, you just knew… I know now what you mean by that." Carlisle smiled and put his hand on my shoulder.

"Then you have my blessing." Carlisle grinned. "Don't get yourself killed though. You mother is about to tackle you." I braced myself for impact. My mother and sister talked my ears off, but I didn't listen, I was trying to plan how I was to defeat Phoenix.

Even in my country, the warrior Phoenix was well known. I had heard so many tales about the battles he had won and the bravery with which he fought. Phoenix never lost…never…They say that he has never even gained a battle scar, whereas I had several. I knew I had my work cut out for me and that I might endure great pain for trying to win Bella's hand, but it was pain well worth it.

A/N: Bella has Edward's attention. Phoenix sounds pretty BA doesn't he? :P

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