Disclaimer: All characters are not mine. No copyright infringement was intended. Thank you to Stephenie Meyer for creating Edward and Bella for our enjoyment. I just like playing with them, making them my own … even for just a little while.

Up next will be Masen and the first part of Christmas. There will be a citrus warning for the next chapter … just saying. Some naughty royal debauchery. We're also going to find out more about Emmett. Will he open up to his brother?

Also, thank you Alec for his invaluable knowledge about royalty and suggesting the Château de Chambord as inspiration for the castle of Gevalia. You're a rock star and I appreciate all your help! Hugs to you!

Chapter Twenty-Five

Masen

Bella was curled up next to me, sleeping and dreaming as we flew over the Atlantic Ocean. Charlie was also snoring while Linda and Alice were awake. Linda was reading a book on her Kindle and Alice was staring out the window, her face pursed in a grotesque frown. Alice blinked up at me, her eyes vacant and she sneered as she got up, stomping to the bathroom in the private jet.

It was going to be a long fucking trip. Why did I invite the devil spawn?

"Your highness," said the steward. I blinked up and smiled at him, blandly. He was looking at my girl with disdain. "I've spoken with the captain and we're on schedule to land in Gevalia a little after seven in the evening. We were afraid that we would have to go around a storm, but it dissipated, meaning it's clear skies ahead."

"Excellent," I answered.

"Is there anything that you need, your highness?" He blinked around the cabin, his nose wrinkled.

"None of your judgment and attitude," I replied. He stood up, his eyes wide.

"Your highness?" he sputtered. "I would never."

"You have, as soon as they walked on the plane. Not royalty and, therefore, not worth your time. Why should you be polite to these commoners?" I sneered. "That man? He has Parkinson's disease, a debilitating neurologic disorder and is in constant pain, losing more and more fine motor control daily. He worked all his life to provide his daughters, but when he was diagnosed, the woman next to me? The woman I love more than my own life? She gave up her career as a teacher to come home and take over the family business so her father and sister didn't lose their livelihood or home. I don't need your sanctimonious crap, your derision. These people are my personal guests and not pieces of garbage. If your attitude is anything like what I'm going to expect in Gevalia, tell the pilot to turn around. I don't want it."

"My apologies, your highness," he whispered.

"Don't apologize to me. Actions speak louder than words," I scoffed. He nodded, scurrying away.

"Nicely put, Masen," Linda quipped. "He was a weasel."

"He may be out of a job," I grumped. "I won't have anyone give my girl or you any grief. Not some smug steward or the Queen of Gevalia."

"Or Alice," Linda snickered.

I shrugged, leaning my cheek against Bella's head. I watched as we flew over the ocean, seeing it morph into cloud cover and land masses. Eventually, my eyes drifted and I woke up when the wheels touched down on the tarmac. When we pulled into the hangar, the doors opened and we were greeted by Felix. He welcomed our guests with a friendly smile. He also stamped passports and escorted us off the plane. I briefly told him about the steward, who was working with the flight crew to remove our luggage and avoiding my anger, clearly. Felix told me he'd handle it and led us to a waiting convoy of cars. I looked over my shoulder, watching as Felix dismissed the steward. The steward was clearly angry, pointing to the car. Felix nodded curtly and two of Gevalia's military police placed cuffs on his wrists, leading him away to a nearby squad car.

Good riddance to bad rubbish.

Upon our arrival to the palace, we'd have supper with my mother and father before separating for the evening. "Mrs. Newton and Mr. Swan, you'll be with my cousin, Demetri in the first vehicle," Felix explained when he walked back to the convoy of SUVs. "Miss Alice, you will join them as well."

"What about us?" Bella asked, her fingers clinging to mine.

"You'll be with me, Miss Bella," Felix said, giving her a gallant bow. "And Prince Edward."

She blinked to me, arching a brow. "You do not look like an Edward," she snickered. "Masen is so much more appropriate for you."

"Legally, it's my name," I shrugged. "It's also my father's name. To differentiate, he called me Masen. I liked it and it stuck, but my mother? She'll call me Edward, as will most of the court that you will meet."

"Do I need to call you 'Edward'?" she asked as we got into the black Range Rover.

"No, you don't, cherie," I snickered. Once the luggage was put into the third Range Rover, Demetri pulled away and Felix followed suit.

"What can I expect when we get to the castle?" she breathed. "Will I have time to freshen up?"

"You will. Supper is a formal affair and we will need to change. I've taken the liberty of hiring a lady's maid to assist you. She'll help you with your clothes for these formal events," I said. "Her name is Heidi and will be at your beckoned call."

"A lady's maid? Oh, God," Bella whimpered. "And you? Do you have a valet or manservant?"

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Lady Bella," Felix snickered from the front seat. She squeaked. "And Heidi is my wife. She's really looking forward to meeting the woman who stole our dear Edward's heart."

"If you work for Masen, what did you do while he was gone?" Bella asked. "I'm curious."

"I do more than just dress him. I'm his personal assistant, really. But, while he was in the US, I worked with Duke Edward, Prince Edward's father. And to avoid confusion, you may call him Carlisle," Felix said, blinking back at Bella. "Only Her Majesty calls them both by Edward and they both know when to go when beckoned."

"Mother has a slightly exasperated tone when she calls for me," I snickered. "Now, once we get to the château - it's not really a castle – you will be whisked away by Heidi and the maids assigned to Linda and Alice. After you've freshened up, I will escort you to the formal 'throne' room. My parents will be there. I will bow and then take your hand. You will curtsey, keeping your back straight."

"I've been practicing," Bella snickered. "I don't want to fall ass over ankles."

"You'll be perfect," I smiled, kissing her forehead. "I will tuck your arm into mine and your family will be introduced. My mother and father are aware of Charlie's illness. He will have to bow, but only his head. Alice and Linda will curtsey, the same as you. After you've been introduced, my mother will lead us into the formal dining room for our meal."

"You'll be escorting me, but who will escort Alice?" she asked.

"Demetri will be acting as escort for both Linda and Alice," I answered. "This is all pomp and circumstance. I promise you, tomorrow, it won't be as fancy. You'll see everything is more relaxed."

"I trust you, Masen," she grinned. "Will you wear a crown?"

"No," I laughed. "I will be wearing the royal crest, which is a bright red sash across my body, clipped with the family crest at my hip. The only time I will wear a crown will be when I get married and when ascend to the throne as king. Though, I'd be wearing more of a circlet when I'm married and full crown …"

"Like I know the difference," Bella laughed. She blinked as the château came into view. It was up lit with green and red lighting. The surrounding area was covered in snow, with fluffy flakes coming down steadily. "Whoa? That's … I'm going to fuck up."

"You're not going to fuck up," I said soothingly. "It's all for show, cherie."

"But, what about the cutlery. I know that there's going to be fork for every course," she hissed.

"Work your way in," I snickered, pulling her to my side and kissing her temple. "And when my mother puts her napkin on the table, she's finished. We're ALL finished."

"Talk about power," Bella snorted. "Will Linda, Charlie and Alice be made aware of these rules?"

"They will. Demetri is going over them now and they will be reminded as they are dressing for this meal by Renata, the maid assigned to Alice and Linda and Alec, Charlie's valet/nurse," I said, sliding my arm around her waist. The Range Rovers swung around, parking in the rear of the château. "Now, deep breath in." She drew in a breath, holding it as the SUVs stopped. "Blow it, cherie. Breathe, Bella."

"This is all fucking surreal," she whispered. Felix got out and he opened the door for Bella, offering her a hand out. I followed, taking a glance at Charlie, Linda and Alice. Charlie was like his daughter, in awe. Linda was obviously nervous and Alice? She found the gravel outside of the château to be more interesting.

"Miss Bella?" My girl looked up and smiled at Heidi. "If you'll come with me, we'll get you changed and freshened up for supper." They shook hands, disappearing into the château. Renata, a beautiful strawberry blonde, but efficient woman, led Alice and Linda inside, as well.

I walked over to Charlie. "Are you okay, Charlie?" I asked. "Sore? Stiff?"

"A little bit," he answered. "But, I can make it through dinner. I need to take some medication before that, though."

I blinked to Alec, an older gentleman with bright blue eyes and graying chocolate hair. "This is Alec. He'll be your personal valet. He's also a nurse and experienced with physical therapy."

"I've been made aware of your medical needs, Mr. Swan," Alec said, his accent thick. "I hope I can assist you in any way possible. If you should need it, we do have a doctor on call and Miss Bella has brought copies of your medical records, if need be."

"You've really thought of everything," Charlie whispered, blinking over to me. "Thank you, your highness."

"I'm still just Masen," I smiled. "Now, no one will fault you if you're too tired. Your rooms are prepared if you need to go upstairs and rest. My mother understands. She may be the queen, but has learned to be flexible, when it comes to her subjects."

"No, no," Charlie responded, shaking his head. "I'll be fine."

Alec helped Charlie into the château while I followed Felix to my private dressing rooms. Taking a shower, shaving my face and attempting to wrangle my hair, I changed into a black tuxedo and slid on my crest. It was like putting on a suit of armor. My demeanor changed and I was no longer Masen, but Prince Edward. Splashing on some cologne, I left my room and walked to my parents' private suite, with Felix by my side.

Inside, Felix left me and I saw my father first. He smiled at me, hugging me close and kissing my cheeks. "Being in love suits you, Masen," he said. "I can't wait to meet your Bella. I've missed you, son. Parliament misses you."

"I can imagine," I snickered. "I've missed being home, too, but I'm happy with Bella and being in New York. It's so different than here." I looked at him. "How's Emmett?"

"He's doing well. He'll be here for the holidays. Demetri will be leaving tomorrow morning to pick him up. He'll be back by dinner tomorrow," he smiled. "He's looking healthy, but there's a sadness in his eyes, Masen. Something happened in New York that shattered his soul. He hasn't talked to me. Perhaps, he'll talk to you."

"Emmett must hate me," I sighed, scrubbing my face.

"He doesn't hate you. He loves you, but he's dealing with something and it's more than just his demons of addiction," Dad replied.

"At least he's battling those demons," came my mother's voice. She walked out, wearing a beautiful ice-blue cocktail dress and small diamond circlet in her silvery hair. "Edward, come over here. I want to see you."

"Hello, Mother," I said, kissing her cheeks. "You look radiant."

"You look tired," she retorted.

"Flying usually makes me tired, Mother. You know this," I smiled. She ran her hands down my arms, taking my hands. She gave me a warm smile. "What is it?"

"I see how much you love Isabella. You have an air of calmness around you," she breathed. "And such confidence, but that goes without saying, my boy. You're troubled, though."

"Bella's sister, Alice, is here and I'm leery of her intentions," I shrugged. "Renata is assigned to be with her at all times, and she's rooming with Linda, Charlie's girlfriend." My mother tutted. "It's nothing scandalous. You know that Charlie is a widower."

"And Linda is a divorcée," she scoffed. "I read her background check."

"Be nice, Mother. Linda has become an adoptive mother to both Alice and Bella. I can tell that she cares deeply for the girls and for Charlie," I admonished. "Would you begrudge a widower companionship just for the sake of propriety? We do live in the twenty-first century, Mother."

"I'm always nice," Mother smirked. I arched a brow and she mirrored my look, her hands pressed into fists at her hips. With a harsh breath, she broke our 'stare off' and continued, "Now, I know that Charles suffers from Parkinson's Disease. If he needs to retire early, he can and I want him comfortable here, Edward."

"Alec is his valet and Charlie's a stubborn as a mule," I laughed. "You'll like him. He's a strong man, supportive and loves his daughters. Though, he's disappointed in Alice."

"I've read that report. She sounds like an entitled brat," Mother growled. "She better not give me lip or she'll spend the holidays behind bars. I don't care who she is." She blinked to the clock on the wall. "It's nearly time for supper. You go get your girl and we'll meet you in a few moments."

"Thank you, Mother," I beamed. I kissed her cheek. "Love you."

She gasped, her hand pressed to my jaw. "I love you, too, Edward." Her eyes softened and she hugged me briefly before she turned back into the ruler of Gevalia.

I ducked out and saw Charlie, Linda and Alice all waiting in the foyer. Charlie was dressed in a plain, simple tux. I could see how much the flight had affected him. He was a little shaky on his feet. Linda, who was wearing a black cocktail dress and subtle accessories, had her arm around his waist. Alice was in purple and looked like she'd rather get a root canal without any sort of pain block than be here. I smiled at Charlie and Linda as I walked over to Alice. "You're an invited guest to the royal family," I said lowly to her. She stiffened. "At least attempt to look like you're enjoying yourself."

"My cell phone was confiscated," Alice sniffed angrily. "Renata said I couldn't have it while in the castle."

"You can't. My cell phone is locked in a secured safe. No photography is allowed in here, save for official portraits with heads of state and those happen in the throne room or dining room," I explained. Alice huffed. "You can have your phone when you leave the estate of the château, but for now, it'll stay with Renata. If there's anyone you need to contact, she'll be more than happy to assist you, but on a secured line from the communications center. These precautions are for security purposes, Alice. Not a personal slight against you."

She rolled her eyes. "Whatever."

I bit my tongue, trying to keep my temper. "I'm the prince of Gevalia. You will treat me, my family and the people working for me with respect. You will never roll your eyes again, or you'll spend the night in the security office in a cell." She blinked at me, her eyes wide. "Understood, Ms. Swan?" She nodded. "I couldn't hear you."

"Yes, your highness," she said quietly, scurrying away and finding her father. He looked at me, giving me a frustrated scowl, but I waited patiently for my Bella.

I didn't have to wait long. She appeared, wearing a dark green lace cocktail dress and the jewelry I'd given to her for the Guggenheim event. Her hair was curled and pinned up with some diamond pins. She was effortlessly beautiful, but very nervous. I walked over to her and picked up her hand. "Cherie," I breathed. "You are a vision."

"So are you," she whispered. "I wish I could kiss you, but …

"Tonight, after we've settled in Masen Manor," I smirked. "But, please know that I want to kiss every inch of you, love." I kissed her knuckles before tucking it into my arm. "Supper awaits." I walked us to the throne room, where we greeted my parents. I could see Mother's approval of Bella when my cherie curtsied perfectly, giving my family the deference befitting the crown. She also liked Charlie, who bowed deeply, despite his ailment. Linda, she didn't know how to approach her and her derision of Alice was abundantly clear.

Supper was delicious and filled with polite conversation. I could tell Bella was anxious, as she picked at her meal. My mother, however, was being patient and asking thoughtful questions. She was trying to put my girlfriend at ease. I loved my mother for that and I know that in time, Bella would grow to love Esme Masen Cullen as a person and not as the ruler of a small principality. After our meal, my mother invited Bella to join her for tea tomorrow. My girl agreed to come, but I could tell she was panicking.

The invitation alone was a clear indication that my mother approved of my cherie. She wanted to get to know Bella and break down that wall.

With gracious smiles, my parents retreated to their private quarters and Charlie, Linda and Alice were escorted to their accommodations. Felix was pulling around the Range Rover to drive us to Masen Manor. Bella, despite her nap on the plane, looked completely spent. Helping Bella into the SUV, I slid in after her and Felix drove us to the far end of the estate. Bella pressed her cheek to my shoulder, immediately conking out.

Felix looked back at us from the rear-view mirror. "Her Majesty seems to like Bella."

"It would appear so," I whispered. "I'm glad. I knew that once Mother met Bella, she'd love her as much as I do."

"No one will love her that much, Edward," Felix chuckled. "Her belongings are inside the Duchess suite and Heidi will help …"

"Thank you, Felix," I said, kissing my girl's forehead. He just chuckled again, pulling in front of the Masen Manor. Bella was guided away from me, half-asleep and disgruntled. I sighed, padding to my bedroom and removing my tuxedo. I put on a pair of sweat pants, leaning against the window as I watched the snow fall. I waited until I heard a quiet knock on my door, indicating that Heidi had left Bella's room. Ducking behind a tapestry, I made my way to her suite and found her sitting at the edge of her bed. "You look knackered, cherie."

"Stress and travel. Not a good combo," she said, smiling at me tenderly. "Heidi said you'd be in here shortly. Where did you come from? Obviously not the door because that's closed and presumably locked."

"Closet," I said, taking her hand. "Where I'm taking you to my suite and having you in my bed."

"To sleep, right?" she pleaded.

"You're dead on your feet, Bella. I'd rather you be receptive to my adorations," I cooed, picking her up and carrying her back to my bedroom. I laid her on my bed and I wanted nothing more than have her there forever. As soon as her head hit the pillows, she was down for the count and curled up into a tiny ball. I turned off my lights, crawling into bed with her. She turned, pressing her cheek against my bare chest. "I love you, my Bella. My duchess …" Because I intend to make you mine and you will be the Duchess of Gevalia, ruling by my side.

"Love you, more," she mumbled, barely coherently. "Your Majesty." I snorted, closing my eyes as Bella got the last word in. Even half asleep. With a quiet sigh, I joined her, safe in my knowledge that I was going to make Bella a very important part of my future.

A/N: Sooooo … we're in Gevalia and preliminary findings indicate that Queen Esme likes Bella. We'll hear more from Bella in two chapters. I want to stay with Masen for the next chapter so we can have a discussion with Emmett. Will he open up to his brother? I'm also planning on have an AlicePOV, too … but later on while we're in Gevalia.

Pictures of the Château de Chambord are on my blog (again, thank you Alec for your suggestion), along with Masen and Bella's attire. You can find the link to that on my profile, as well as access it from my Facebook page: Tufano79's Twilight Fanfiction Appreciation. I'm on twitter, too … tufano79.

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