A/N: I accept that many aspects of this story are not my own creation. Thank you in advance for reading, following, and reviewing. Special thanks to dowlingnana for beta reading this chapter.

Maybe our debonair prince can redeem himself a bit this chapter.

EDWARD

I follow my mother and her advisor down the main hall upon our return to Denali. She's busy going over plans for an upcoming state dinner. Distracted by the preparations, she doesn't notice me slip into a discreet service door at the edge of the corridor. I'll catch up in time for her afternoon tea.

Finding myself in a dark, narrow stairway, I run my hands along the cold stone wall as I drop deeper into the castle. As I told Bella, there are no dungeons here, but there are certain corners that would have you believe otherwise.

When my cognac designer shoes hit the final step, the warm, sweet smell of fresh pastries hits my nose. I unbutton the jacket of my high-end navy suit, casually displaying more of the blue and purple crosshatch material beneath. With one hand in my fitted pant pocket, and the other damaging a perfectly styled head of hair, I rock back on my heels.

Alice is approaching the stairs and is the first to notice me in the busy kitchen. Stopping at my feet, she greets me with a look I can't quite comprehend. I am taken by surprise when she suddenly tugs and begins constricting the knot around my Adam's apple.

"You kept this life a secret from her!" She's quiet but assertive, "You just tossed her to the wolves! You," she says almost disgusted, "didn't prepare her for any of this?"

Loosening her grip, Alice's smile widens and the anger vanishes. She wraps her tiny frame around me in a friendly hug as if she suddenly realizes it's been a year since we've seen each other. She leans back and looks up with wide, round eyes and begins to straighten the fabric of my tie. Lifting the crisp collar of my shirt, she readjusts the slim fabric. She runs her hand down the length and pats it just over my heart.

"There, that's better," Alice looks satisfied. "She's an absolute doll, Edward. She and I are going to be great friends." She lifts herself onto the tips of her toes and places a kind kiss to my cheek. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go do what you couldn't and finish preparing your lady for the Queen's tea." Alice squeezes passed me and scurries up the stairs.

Giving me no time to sulk again over how royally I fucked up, a booming male voice echoes throughout the room.

"Well, look what the cat dragged in."

"Emmett, what have you been doing?"

"Your sister." It's no secret Emmett wants his chance with Rose. Unlike me, Rose isn't going to risk it all for a commoner though. I don't have the heart to tell him it's never going to happen.

"Good luck with that bloodsucker," I say, always ready to rip on my sister.

Stepping into his workspace, the burly man in a Toque Blanche meets me halfway around the butcher block. We clasp hands and pull each other tightly chest to chest, throwing a fist against the other's back

I grab a warm scone off the counter, taking a bite. My eyes roll back in my head, and I moan something utterly manly like "This is Heaven".

"That good, huh?" Emmett asks.

"That good," I say back, "And I can tell you know so because that apron looks a little tighter on you than it did a year ago. Have you been quality testing your product?"

"Look who's talking. Love looks good on your waistline. Or was it all the American processed foods?"

It feels nice to be around old friends. The banter easily flowing, but I can't help but want to be back in Forks with Bella. Where things are simple.

Flexing my jaw, I take another bite.

"So, she's here." Emmett leans into the solid countertop and crosses thick, muscular arms at his chest.

"She's here."

"And you're willing," I'm not sure if it's a declaration or a question, but the words escape his mouth.

"To see her smile every day, I'll risk it all," I respond knowing exactly what he's referencing but not willing to admit what it means for my country.

"Well, then, I'm happy for you," Emmett genuinely smiles.

Grabbing a chocolate croissant, I give him a devilish grin and turn to head back up the stairs.

"Used, Man. I feel used." The bear announces.

My entry back into the great hall is not nearly as discreet as my exit. Hearing the tap of my shoes on marble, I walk in the direction of the sitting room. Reaching into the jacket's breast pocket, I pull out my phone and begin messaging Bella.

Edward: Can't wait to see your gorgeous face.

My Bella: I miss you, too.

Edward: I'm going to steal you away this afternoon.

My Bella: Oh, yeah, where are you taking me?

Edward: There's this place I know.

My Bella: Oh, being vague now?

Edward: Yep. I need us.

My Bella: What makes you think I'll go. Alice and I might have plans.

Edward: You can't resist me.

Edward: And you hate shopping.

Looking down at my phone waiting for her response, I round the corner into the sitting room, bumping into a soft figure.

"Mom!" I exclaim, reaching to help steady her.

"It's quite alright, Dear," she says, smoothing out the rich Tweed fabric of her skirt. "Something has your attention that you didn't notice your dear 'ole mum standing here?

"Bella."

"Yes, of course, Bella." Seating herself, I follow suit and take a seat opposite her. We settle into silence, her sorting through paperwork, me leaning back into the high wing chair. I place my ankle on the opposite knee, and I stare through the glass pane at the vast landscape.

For several minutes my mother and I sit there in understood silence waiting for others to arrive. I had already apologized for dinner. I had defended Bella's honor. My mother pointed out the flaws in my love-sick scenario and I explained that I didn't much care. It was awkward and ugly, but we are both adults who vastly understand the consequences of one's actions.

With clicking heels, Rosalie announces her appearance and breaks the serenity.

"Nice to see you're finally awake, Prince Charming."

"Mother and I have already spoken of this, Rosalie, and while it's none of your concern what I was doing last night, I feel the need to mention it to you as well..." I remove my ankle from my knee and place both feet firmly on the floor. With elbows on my thighs now, I lean forward and regard each of the women.

"Bella is a guest at Denali. And like any guest, you will treat her with respect. Quite frankly, I was disappointed in both of you yesterday. Show a little grace. She is important to me. Rosalie, your behavior is unbecoming of a sovereign."

Before Rosalie can respond, the doors open and there, on my father's arm is a vision. My eyes latch greedily to slim hips, and the green dress softens every curve of her body. Her hair is neither up, nor down, softly framing her face and falling in loose tendrils around her ears. Her lips are nude, but shimmer like diamonds. When her eyes lock with mine, goose flesh forms. Taken back by such a vivid image of femininity, I begin to wonder who replaced my girl next door, with this poised, radiant woman.

"Good day, Queen Esme," Bella executes a perfect curtsy, "Princess Rosalie." Picking her jaw off the floor, Rosalie looks dumbfounded.

Bella throws a wink my way and I can't help but grin from ear to ear, "Hello, Prince Edward."

Alice, what have you done?