Everyone seems to think Edward is a spineless twat. I don't disagree at this point. However, to be fair we do need to hear from him, don't you think?

I have outlined the rest of this story and know exactly where I am going with it. Lord, help us all.

All mistakes are mine.

The American Princess

Chapter 12

EPOV

I feel like I am in an underwater tunnel; all sounds and brain activity muted. I'm rattled. Torn, really. When I first started this ruse, it was with the goal of manipulating my father to bend to my will. Bring an unsuitable woman before him then I would be free to marry who I thought would be more suitable for the attributes I had to meet. Fairly simple, right?

But as the more 'suitable' woman is practically mauling me where I sit and acting as if she is entitled to be here, I have completely forgotten that Bella is being left to defend herself, but not before her father did. I have never seen a commoner shut my father down as effectively as Mr. Swan did. And I deserved the insult he hurled at me. He is right, after all.

But still, I remained silent even as Bella mimicked her father and put Kate and my parents in their place, at their table, in their palace.

But it isn't until Emmett stands up and slams his hands down on the table, rattling the china and silver, that I snap out of my fog.

"What the hell is wrong with you?" He yells at me. "You bring her here to this three-ring circus telling her you will protect her from the big bad wolf and you just leave her hanging out to dry. Now, Bella has no trouble standing up for herself, but I have half a mind to beat the shit out of you and your father. I'm taking her out of here immediately even if I have to drag her ass out." He takes a deep breath. "She sees something in you but right now, I have no idea what it is but I'm sure as hell not sticking around to find out."

He strolls out of the room where both Swans had exited only minutes ago.

"Is dinner here always so barbaric?" Kate asks.

"Oh, shut up, you entitled brat," Rose exclaimed in the fourth outburst of the night. "I would marry my brother myself if it meant you never got near him again and that's illegal and disgusting!" She then looks at me. "Fix this!" She hisses.

I take Kate's hand in mine. She grins, shooting Rose a victorious smile. "You are perfect in many ways for the royal life but you're not what I'm looking for any longer. I hope you find happiness somewhere else, but it won't be with me. I'm sorry."

She yanks her hand from mine and stands up trying to tower over me, I guess. I let her for now.

"How dare you lead me on! I've been prepping all my life for this role and you are not going to take it away from me. I let you have my body and I will end you if you proceed with this foolishness."

"First of all, if I remember correctly you offered yourself up on a gold platter and secondly, this is not a 'role'. This is my life and I won't share it with someone who thinks otherwise. Also, this is not the eighteen hundreds, Kate. I won't be shot for taking you to bed. You practically have a revolving door installed in your bedroom as it is. Marcus, please escort Lady Kathryn out."

He does so, with a disdainful look at me, Kate bitching all the way out. But it is nothing compared to the look my father is giving me.

"Edward…"

"If you value me at all, you will not speak another word. You want to talk about my behavior but what about yours? You just insulted two guests- one of which you had brought here. Your interference is unwanted and unwarranted."

"This is my home and I will not have you…"

"You're right. This is your home, so I shall take my guests and leave."

"Edward, please," my mother beseeched.

"Mother, I love you with all my heart, but I will not stand by and allow this to continue. I have already done enough damage with my continued silence. I will be in touch once I get settled back at Nottingham. That's my home anyway."

There is more to be said but I leave it and exit, though in much less dramatic fashion than Bella.

I hurry towards her suite hoping she hasn't left the actual palace.

***TAP***

I find her in her room, the door ajar as she packs her things. I sense a sadness and I know I am to blame for it.

"I'm sorry." I don't know what else to say.

Not one to shy away, she looks dead at me. "Why? It worked out perfectly for you." I don't sense any sarcasm but I know there should be some.

I plop down on the couch, suddenly very exhausted. "Not blood likely. That woman is a lunatic. I feel slightly violated at the moment."

Bella presses her lips together, but I can see the mirth rising in her eyes. Those beautiful, expressive eyes. Then she snorts. And not a delicate snort but a pig-like sound that is very out of place in the palace of pomp and circumstance.

Then we are both laughing; her at my words and me at her snorting.

"Oh my God, Edward. She's horrible," she gasps out.

"I know," I groan. "She wasn't like this before."

"No woman is irritating when she is flat on her back… or with her legs in the air… or on her hands and knees," she points out.

I blush because she's not wrong.

"I let lust rule my conscience."

"No, you let your dick rule your brain."

"Such crudeness, Miss Swan," I mock gasp.

She shrugs, making no apologies. Not that she needs to.

Something else occurs to me. "Oh God, your father must hate me!"

"Well, you aren't his favorite person at the moment, but I have a feeling your father is higher on his shit list than you are."

"However, you are the highest on my shit list right now," Emmett interjects as he strides into the room, setting his bags down and heading towards Bella's. "Why aren't you finished packing, Bells?"

"Emmett…" she starts.

"No. I am checking you out of the Bates Motel and we're going back to the States with Charlie."

"Em…" I interject but his glare silences me. He is a rather large intimidating male.

"Oh, so you do know how to talk? It's fucking miracle!"

"Emmett McCarty, sit your ass down for a minute," Bella orders. "We will go but give me a moment or two, okay?"

He softens ever so slightly, and I know it's because he loves her. I'm beginning to think it is impossible not to love Bella in some way. He sits down but I can tell he's on guard to swoop her up and carry her off if I so much as blink.

Satisfied, Bella turns to me. "I do have to leave here. It's so toxic for me. I know I said I'd help you, but everything has changed, and I don't even know what I am supposed to be doing."

"Neither do I. Well, that's not entirely true. I have a proposition for you."

"Fuck, no. Bella, get your shit. We are out of here."

"Emmett, please listen to me." I plead.

"No, because the last time I listened to you, this happened. You just let that gold digging whore shit all over my Bella. And you did nothing. So, fuck your proposition."

"Emmett, last I checked I was a grown ass woman perfectly capable of making my own decisions. Now, shut up for a minute and let me hear him out. Then we can go."

"Thank you. I agree that you need to leave. This is no place for you and I don't mean that derogatively. You're right. It's a toxic environment and I'm so very sorry to have brought you here. I'm leaving as well. I have a place of my own. Nottingham Cottage. It's located on the Kensington Palace grounds. It's small- with only three bedrooms but I promise you'll love it."

Bella blinks, obviously confused. "You want us to stay at your place? I was thinking a hotel or something."

"I was, too," Emmett says.

"Bella, I really want to get to know you, for real. No pretenses. No ploys. Just you and me… and Emmett getting to know each other better." I pause. "That didn't sound right."

"Dude, I don't swing that way so I'm gonna hafta say no to that charming offer."

"You like my sister, right? This will give you more time with her."

He narrows his eyes at me. "You are using Rosie to get what you want now?"

"Rosie? Oh, I love it. I shall call her that from now on. And yes, whatever works. Bella?"

She chews on her luscious lips and I swear I can see the wheels turning in her head. "Charlie won't like it."

"Emmett will be there because of 'Rosie' and we can ask Charlie to stay around for a few days and he can come over for dinner one night. Give me a chance to make a better impression." I grab her hand, which startles her. "Please, give me a chance to get to know you. That's all I want."

"You know this can't go anywhere so why would… why should I do this? It's only asking for trouble," she whispers.

"Because I'm not ready to let you go yet," I answer honestly.

She looks deep into my eyes, neither of us blinking. Finally, she nods. "Okay. Let's go."

I smile and rush to my feet. "Give me a few minutes and we can leave."

I nod to Emmett, trying to ignore his warning glare and rush out of the room.

I don't know what I'm doing but I know it's the right thing. I just hope it doesn't come crashing down around all of us.

Better late than never, right? I'm talking about the update and Edward…

Nottingham Cottage does exist. It is the home of Harry and Meghan. However, it only has two bedrooms but I didn't think Em would like to shack up with Edward... I am posting a link to the cottage in my FB group, Bitter Harpy Fanfiction.