#5

I had been working at the palace for a little bit more than a week. Alice was living with me and working at the fashion boutique in town designing and modifying dresses and clothes. It was her dream work.

It was also a week since I last saw and spoke to Edward… Prince Edward. Emmett had been my shadow this past week. Well, when he wasn't busy with state affairs or wedding details that needed his attention. He was funny and charismatic and set the rules straight so I could follow them without messing up. I was actually starting to get used to this.

Angela was a godsend too, because she helped me a lot, not only with my work and what I had to do for Edward, but also with my Spanish lessons and etiquette with the Royals. I haven't met another besides Edward and Emmett, but I didn't want to be a loser when – if – I got to. She was turning into a friend inside the palace. I was happy to have her on my side.

We were actually just outside my office right now and she was explaining to me the things she still had to pull off for the rehearsal dinner of Rosalie and Emmett's wedding.

"Can you imagine the amount of food I have to supervise? And the flowers too? Ms. Hale has such specific requests about the flower arrangements and the placements and how we're supposed to put everything together" she sighed "It gives me a headache"

"It's gonna be fine, Ang. Stop worrying so much…"

"You haven't met Miss Hale, right? She's very tough and completely different to Emmett's laidback ways. Really…"

"Maybe that's why he loves her, because she's the complete opposite of him. You're gonna rock this, Ang. You've been working here for a while now."

"As Prince Edward's assistant. I never thought I was gonna be in charge of this" her phone chimed and she looked at it and sighed. "I need to go. Prince Edward should be on a meeting with some members of the Parliament this afternoon and later go to one of the houses for abandoned children and I need to go over it this morning so we all know what to expect from it"

I smiled and hugged her "Go get it, Ang. If you need me I'll be here" She smiled and left the other way. I went into my office and went to open the curtains so I could enjoy the view. I saw Pickles running around the yard and I actually had missed the little ball of fur.

I left the papers and my iPad on the desk and I went to the yard and Pickles came to my side as soon as he saw me. I laughed and bent down to pet him. "Hi, you. I kind of missed you, ball of fur. What are you doing outside?" I saw a little orange ball lying around and gave it to Pickles and he took it and ran away. "Hey, come back"

I went after him and saw Edward lying on his back, reading a book. He was wearing jeans and a royal blue hoodie, he also had earphones on and didn't even look away from the book when Pickles left the ball on his side and nudged him with his paw. Then he lifted the ball and threw it to the other side but Pickles didn't move; so, Edward removed one of the earphones and looked at him.

"Go get it, Pickles. Go!"

"I think he's tired of running around the ball if his owner is relaxing on the shade." I said and he looked at me then. He looked good, at least not pale or with shadows under his eyes. He smiled at me then and went to get up but I stopped him with my hand.

"Buenos días, Señorita Swan"

"Buenos días, su Alteza" I replied and he smiled even more. Angela was an angel, I'm telling you.

"Nice Spanish. You have been studying" he said and I blushed. "How has it been this past week? I'm sorry I haven't been around but there's so much going on… I tried to check with Emmett but he doesn't even know where his freaking head is most days… if it wasn't attached to his shoulders he would probably leave his room without it"

I laughed. I couldn't help it. He was being funny and it was kind of cute when he rambled about stuff. "Emmett loses his head and Rosalie will find it and kill him"

"Yeah, you're right about that. She's kind of scary to be around right now" we laughed together "You didn't answer my question, though"

"Well, it has been fun and a little challenging, I'm not gonna lie. I sent a couple of articles to the papers already and a request to the Parliament about not divulging anything about the Palace until me or the office gave clearance about it and it has been good…" he nodded and looked serious and I just wanted him to smile so "You should have seen me the first two days here, though. The first one I found the kitchen but couldn't, for the love of all that's holy, find my freaking office until one of the maids helped me" he snorted and I kept going What? The kid was cute and I loved hearing him laugh! Sue me! "And the next day, I was talking on the phone and didn't remember my way… AGAIN, and I collided with one of the decorators putting stuff up for Emmett's wedding and smashed a vase with roses and stuff… I retreated to my office and left the mess to Emmett…" He laughed so hard, he was almost crying at this point "I heard Rosalie… I mean, Miss Hale wasn't amused at all… Emmett might share Pickles' home if she wants"

"You really found the kitchen?" he asked half laughing

"Yeah, but don't ask me to go again… because I would probably end in your parents' bedroom and embarrass myself further and get myself deported back to the States" I laughed and looked at him.

"You know. If Emmett isn't available you can come to me. I will help you"

"I know. I just… didn't want to bother you" I said because I was honestly worried the work he had to pull off this week was going to mess with his health more. "I just have to ask… are you okay?"

He sighed. He knew what I was asking… "I'm fine, Bella. I'm not delicate china"

"I'm not saying you are. But you're used to your brother helping you out with state affairs and stuff and now he has his head wrapped in tulle and ruffles and girly stuff and you're taking the realm…" I know his health was a touchy subject for everyone around here but I wanted him to trust me… more than wanted Needed him to trust me.

"I know. I'm sorry. I'm used to everyone babying me" he looked up and palmed the space beside him. I took a seat and looked at him again "It has been rough but at least I didn't pass out or puked on anyone's shoes yet. I mean, it wasn't so bad." I knew there was something more so I waited "Well… there was one meeting where I almost did. But even Mom agreed I wasn't ready for that meeting so…"

"Why?"

"It was with the Parliament's leading man, his name is Aro Volturi and he's like the worst kind of creeper you could find. He actually is a very intimidating man and one of the strongest people to go against me as Crowned Prince" he said almost in a whisper and looked around himself.

"We can talk in my office if you like." I offered and he nodded, whistling for Pickles to come.

Seth and a guy I haven't met yet appeared out of nowhere and the guy took the puppy with him. "Hey, Bella. If I asked you to go tell Shelly the cook to make me some muffins, you could, right? Since you found the kitchens so easily"

"Shut up, you jerk. I didn't know you were close enough to listen"

"I can't let Little Miss Sunshine here out of my sight. The king would behead me"

"That shit still happens?" I asked Edward this time and he laughed "Seriously?"

"No. My Dad said that, if I escaped from Seth or any of my security team again and they didn't know it, he would find a way though" he snorted again "By the way, this is Garrett, my other bodyguard."

"Or babysitter, whatever suits you" Garrett said while shaking my hand "I'm gonna go take Pickles to his house and Seth will stay around here"

"Why doesn't Seth take Pickles? He annoys too much" I wondered and Edward laughed while looking at him.

"I love you too, American Pie. I'm the leader of the Prince's bodyguards so; it's my job and responsibility to ensure his safety at any moment…"

"…and to shut your mouth when you're being annoying as hell and giving said Prince a headache. Besides, Pickles doesn't even like you" Edward interrupted him with a smirk. "Let's go to your office, Bella. I want you to know about Aro before I have to leave to meet the parliament again" Seth started to follow us and Edward stopped him "I thought you wanted some muffins, go get them"

"What part of 'I have to follow you everywhere' you don't get, Your Highnass?"

"The part where I don't want you to and I'll actually get you arrested, Bodytart" Seth started to protest and Edward stopped him again "Just take a break and I'll make sure to let you know when I'm ready to leave for Parliament so you can be my shadow again, okay?"

He left Seth with no time for argument and led me to my office. I sat on the couch and made him sit beside me "So, what's the matter with this Aro person?"

"He was elected leader of the Parliament for the third time in a row. He's that popular with the people. He has a lot of power and respect. He was the leader of the opposition about me getting the crown from my brother"

"Why?" He looked at me then "Why is he so opposed to you being King one day?"

"He said I was too young, naïve and didn't know the ways of the world and the kingdom"

"You are young but that doesn't mean you're not prepared"

"I'm not that young… besides, those were his objections before I got sick, so imagine his statements now" he started to pace in front of me and suddenly stopped and looked at me "How old are you?"

"I'm 29… so; I'm four years older than you, Mister"

"Actually, right now it's more like 5 years…"

"No, I read everywhere that you're 25…Even if Zafrina said…"

"No, I'm about to turn 25 in a month… everyone confuses my birthday with Emmett's"

"That's so… sad" I said and actually meant it. How could everyone confuse and basically forget his birthday?

"It's okay. I don't like to have the spotlight on me anyway." He shrugged and then looked at me "Aro constantly reminds me that I have no experience and should never be able to have the crown. He puts the parliament against me and my family because of it"

"And you still have to get to meetings with this guy?"

"Yeah, because we need the approval of the parliament to pass laws and start several projects around the country. And Aro has made sure that every law or project I suggest gets kicked to the curb"

"Really? Without taking them into consideration?" he nodded and I wanted to kick that guy even if I didn't really know him at all "What a jerk!"

"Tell me about it. I gave every minute of my time to a project for orphaned kids because I wanted to give them a really cool and safe place to stay. Where they didn't have to worry about not being cozy or warm, you know?" I nodded, it sounded simple and a really good project "And even if Aro knew that it was a good idea, he shot it down because there were more urgent matters to attend"

"Damn it. You couldn't make it happen"

"Yeah… I did only what I could with Emmett's support. Jasper – Rosalie's brother – has been helping me with that too. But it would have been amazing if I had the Parliament's support. Emmett even tried but, since everyone knew it was my idea, it wasn't passed"

I was angry. I mean, from what I was hearing, Edward was trying to be a good prince and make some really cool stuff around his country to ensure the safety and happiness of the people and there was some jerk basically ruining every step of the way for him. But suddenly I had a really cool idea.

"You ARE the Crowned Prince anyway, right?" I said with a smirk

"Last I checked, yes"

"Then why should you let Aro undermine you? You should have more authority than him"

"Yeah, I should. But he doesn't take me seriously. No one does anymore" he said slouching down on my chair.

"Let's remedy that, then. You should take the realms. Literally, Edward. Don't let anyone put you down. It's like with bullies at school"

"Emmett used to shoo the bullies away from me"

"And what happened when Emmett left for college?"

"Emmett asked me to fight back so I did"

"Then do it again!" He looked at me and he looked so lost "I'm asking you this time: Don't let Aro or any of those pricky aristocrats put you down. Don't let them" He stared at my eyes and I took his hands in mine. I know I probably shouldn't have done that but he was so close and I really wanted to.

"What if I try and then I puke on their shoes?"

"They deserve that and more, so what? They have money to buy more, I'm sure" he laughed softly and looked my way again.

"Thanks, Bella"

Seth decided that moment was perfect to interrupt. "Sorry to bother you, Little Miss Sunshine but Emmett just arrived and said you should be in the Parliament's offices in about 20 minutes"

Edward checked his watch and cursed softly in Spanish. What? If you're learning languages that's the first thing you learn! Trust me! "He's right. I have to go" He got up from the sofa and started to get away when he abruptly stopped at the door "Would you come with us? To the meeting?"

"Are you serious?"

"I am. You should see one of these first hand and I want to be there when you do so… why not?"

"If you are sure…" I was actually excited. I wanted to know more about them and the work they do.

"Absolutely…"

"Then I'm in. Just don't let me alone with this Aro character because I might get deported to the States anyway…"

He smiled and said "I'll come pick you up in 10 minutes then"

ùïù

I was almost jumping out of my skin when I heard them on the hallway. Emmett was with him this time and they almost looked like regular 20-something dudes. Except of course that regular people don't use so many bodyguards every minute.

Emmett was wearing a dark suit with a champagne shirt. Edward, on the other hand, was wearing dark jeans, a royal blue dress shirt and a waistcoat as dark as his jeans. They both smiled at me and I gave them a smile back. Seth on the other hand, I wanted to smack him silly…

"Hey, American Pie! You got some makeup! I hope you didn't get all pampered for me!"

"For you? Please! As if… I have bad moments, but I sure as hell don't have bad taste"

Edward and Emmett laughed at Seth. He, smiling, put a hand over his heart like I had killed his puppy.

"You wounded me, American Pie. Seriously!"

"Okay, enough. We need to get going" said Edward with a smile, and then he turned and punched Seth in the shoulder "And stop it with that stupid nickname. That movie wasn't that cool anyway"

"Okay, Edward. Take that back, now! Or I'll take your membership for Seth's friends' club away right now"

"Shut it, right now. Or I'll seriously leave you here and tell my parents I can't stand you any longer"

"You wouldn't!"

"Try me!" Edward smirked and then said to me "I was going to ask you if you wanted to take your driver today"

"Why?"

"Because after parliament I have to go to a meeting with the head of one of the orphanages here and Emmett has wedding stuff to do" he made a face "I don't know and I don't even want to know what it is"

"That's my Best Man, ladies and gentlemen" added Emmett from my other side while sliding an arm around my shoulders "You're welcome to join me at the wedding stuff, as my little brother so eloquently put it"

"Tulle and ruffles and bouquets and such?" I shuddered "Did you forget I used to write about weddings in Washington? I don't want to be involved in one that isn't mine… sorry"

"It's okay. But that means you have to bring Newton then"

As soon as Emmett said it I shuddered again. Every time I had to use Mr. Newton's car he made comments about my appearance and my clothing and how good I looked and such. I didn't want to spend more time with him than necessary.

"I have my car…" I started to say but then and idea popped on my head "But actually, can I come with you to the rest of your meetings today?" I asked Edward and he raised an eyebrow "I mean, I have to make you guys look good, that's my job. I know what Emmett's does but I haven't had the opportunity to…"

"You should…" Edward interrupted me and then blushed "Come with me, I mean. You're right. I was sick most of the week so Emmett did most of my job so now I have to step up. You're more than welcome to come with me, Bella"

I smiled so big my cheeks hurt but I was happy. Edward led the way to the cars and I noticed there was no limo today. Seth got in the front and I rode in the back with Edward. Emmett and his bodyguards went on a different car this time.

We arrived at the Parliament and the guards led us to an office with very expensive-looking stuff all around. I had to admit the view was awesome and I was kind of envious of that but then I thought not everyone had an office inside the Royal Palace and stopped. There was a round table and we all took seats around it and waited.

We didn't have to wait long though. An older man entered with a vicious smile and dark eyes. He eyed Edward briefly and then shook his hand. Then went to Emmett like they were the best of friends.

"Princes! What a tremendous pleassure! I didn't know if I would get to see you before the rehearsal dinner, your Highness" he said talking to Emmett. Edward took a seat and I followed, kind of annoyed at this guy already and it hadn't been even a minute.

"Aro. I'm just accompanying my brother today. That's all."

"Oh, I'm glad you're here anyway" he then turned to Edward and bowed his head slightly "Your highness" I don't know if it was just me but his tone held a slight mockery to his statement. Edward said and did nothing and then the guy turned to me "And this young lady…"

"She's Isabella Swan. She's the Head of Press Releases and Announcements at the Royal Palace now" Emmett announced and I blinked I had a title? REALLY? HUH!

"A pleasure to meet you, then. I'm sure we'll see each other very often" I hope not, you creepy weirdo! I just nodded to him, noticing Edward didn't say anything yet and I was wondering if he was okay when I saw that he was clenching his fists on his lap. "Let's begin, shall we?" he sat across from us and opened a folder "I was checking into this project you brought me and, I think it's such a nice project and everything but…" he clicked his teeth "I don't think this is the appropriate time to start something as big as this"

Edward didn't say anything and I was beginning to worry, so I put one of my hands over his and tugged at it so it would come loose from the fist. Emmett looked at his brother and then looked at Aro "Mr. Volturi, what my brother is asking…"

"Is amazing and a wonderful project for our unprotected youth, I know" he interrupted Emmett and I wanted to smack him even more "But the time frame is highly unpredictable and right now I think we have more pressing matters…"

"Which are?" it was the first time since we entered the building that Edward spoke out loud and Aro seemed to take notice of this but ignored him and continued talking to Emmett.

"With the Royal Wedding and the Queen's Ball, we have enough in our plates besides the opening of the schools your family suggested. I'm sure your brother understands…"

Edward looked at me and I smiled sensing he was getting tired of this asshole as much as I was. He took a deep breath and stood up. "I'm right here." Aro looked at him with a small mocking smirk on his face and was about to retort but Edward didn't give him a chance "And I'm speaking so you'll listen to me now. I understand if there are more critical matters to attend but to stop the construction of the new orphanage just because we have Emmett's wedding and my mother's ball is just insane"

"Your Highness…"

"I'm not finished!" Edward said with authority without raising his voice "I'm tired of putting the royals' and aristocrats' desires and wishes first… I will consult with my father about this and I'm not taking a no for an answer. Even if I have to present it at the parliament myself." I saw Emmett's face and he looked amazed and proud Hell! I was proud! Edward turned to look at his brother and then my face before returning to Aro's "And you'll NEVER speak about me as if I'm not in the room ever again or as if I'm some petulant child…"

"I was just stating things with your brother…" Emmett relaxed on his chair and Edward fumed…

"But you don't answer to my brother anymore. I AM the Crowned Prince. You will answer to me. I'm the authority figure now, and you'll respect me. Understood?"

"Clearly, your Highness" Aro said with a scowl before standing up and bowing slightly "I'll make sure to take your proposal to the rest of the parliament again and see what I can do"

"You make sure you do that…" was all that Edward replied before Aro left the same way he came.

As soon as he was out of the office, Edward dropped into the chair and closed his eyes. I was kind of worried now. I mean, what he did with that asshole Aro was freaking awesome but I was considering his health here.

"Okay, little brother… that was fucking AMAZING!" said Emmett jumping from his seat and laughing his ass off "Did you actually see his face? He couldn't believe you were actually screaming at him"

Edward smiled and opened one eye to look at his brother "Did I just do that?"

"You totally did. And I'm so telling Mom all about it when we get to the palace" Emmett stated while lightly punching his brother on the shoulder "You're okay, though. Right?"

"Yeah… I guess"

One of the guards with Emmett said then "Your Highness, Miss Hale is waiting for you and we must hurry now to meet her on time"

"You're right, Paul. I know" He looked at his brother and smiled "You are okay and I'm so proud of you, little brother"

When he left, the office was in complete silence. Not even Seth behind us was making any noise besides breathing. I was feeling a little out of place and couldn't stop the words coming out of my mouth "THAT WAS FUCKING AWESOME" Seth laughed and I backtracked "I mean, that was some way of managing Mr. Volturi"

"I liked how you said it earlier" Seth added and I looked at him with all the anger I could muster "Sorry"

"I just remembered what you said in your office, Bella. That I have more power and… yeah"

"You did it. You shut him up and made him see you" I took his hand again and looked at him in the eye "As Emmett said, I'm proud too! You totally rocked it. And without puking on his shoes!"

Edward laughed quietly and squeezed my hand back… And the day wasn't even over yet!

ùïù

Hello, everyone. Yep, I'm alive after all. And since this is my month (My birthday is on the 17th) I'm gonna update. Expect more from this soon since my muse is back.

Love y'all!

AYEN!