#8
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Edward was pacing in front of the fireplace on his parents' bedroom waiting for them to arrive and probably tell him what was wrong with him this time. It pretty much always went like that: they would call him to have a meeting and when they arrived they summarized everything he did wrong that day or the previous days. He was kind of used to that by now.
He pictured the moment he was "dancing" with Bella. He had to thank Maddie and Lily for that. They were one of the bright sides of this position he was put in and they made him smile every time he had the chance to go and see them. He was so lost in that memory that he didn't see his parents enter the room until Carlisle cleared his throat and he jumped startled.
"Good evening, Edward" Carlisle said with a little smirk.
"Good evening, father. Mother." Edward answered with a small bow. Esme came to his side and hugged him tightly.
"I'm so happy to see you. I thought you were avoiding us somehow" she said with a smile. Edward rolled his eyes and Esme raised her eyebrow.
"Like I could avoid you. You are my parents… and you could also get me arrested" he said in a mocking tone and Esme swatted his arm "I'm just kidding, I was trying to get my energy back after the cricket game and then the…"
"The what, son?" Carlisle asked and Edward realized Emmett came through and didn't say anything to their parents about the thing in the Press Office
"The fatigue, Dad. I was really exhausted after that episode at the cricket game and I needed to rest. But I haven't left my responsibilities aside"
When Carlisle was about to say something, the door opened and Emmett strode in with Jasper right behind him. Carlisle sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose while Esme giggled softly.
"Hello, Mum and Dad!" Emmett said loudly and came to give a kiss to his mother's cheek.
"Hello, Emmett… what exactly are you doing here, son?" asked Carlisle with a sigh. Emmett took a seat besides Edward, putting his shoes on the little coffee table in front of him "Mr. Hale"
"Your Majesties!" Jasper said with a little bow of his head. Esme smiled at him and Edward wondered what were his brother and one of his best friends doing now…
"It's actually Mr. Whitlock, Dad" Emmett announced with a smirk
"He only uses Whitlock when he's doing legal business, son. Even I know that"
"Well, Emmett asked me to be here as a lawyer, but just call me Jasper"
Carlisle looked at Emmett and arched an eyebrow "Why would you or your brother need an attorney, Emmett?"
Emmett grinned "Let's see what you have to say first and then I will explain, Dad"
Carlisle sighed and then looked at Edward again "Okay, I just wanted to ask you why I received a very angry phone call from our head of the parliament about you misbehaving in a meeting?"
"Dad…"
"Let me finish, Edward. Aro said you were extremely rude and even screamed at him. I was wondering what that was all about."
Edward rolled his eyes and slumped in his chair "I knew this was going to happen. Dad, the one being disrespectful was him. I was there to discuss the opening of the new group home for children and he didn't even speak to me once. It was all Prince Emmett this, Prince Emmett that. It was like I wasn't even in the room"
"Did you have to yell, though?" Carlisle asked and Esme shot him a look.
"I didn't. You can ask Emmett!" when Edward saw his dad's face, he knew Emmett wasn't a really reliable witness "or Bella. She was with us. I didn't even raise my voice once. I just reminded him that I'm the Crowned Prince and he must direct orders to me if I'm in the room not Emmett. I didn't mean to be disrespectful and if I was I'm really sorry…"
"Like hell you were! You were awesome, little brother. Aro was being his usual ass-holic self and ignoring Edward. He just put the things where they belong, Dad. You would have been proud of him if you were there" Emmett said clapping Edward's shoulder.
Edward didn't even want to see his father's face and he could feel his heart start beating faster. Jasper went to stand behind him and Edward was starting to freak out when Carlisle's voice interrupted his thoughts.
"I AM proud of Edward" said prince raised his head and looked at his dad with an astonished expression on his face.
"Darling, you think we don't appreciate everything you've done so far, but we do. And we don't like Aro any more that any of you do. But he's the Head of the Parliament, so we must maintain a civil relationship" Esme said placing a hand on Edward's knee. "But you have to defend your place, especially in front of Aro. It's your birthright and we are so proud of you for defending yourself"
"It's not my birthright" Edward murmured and Emmett squeezed his shoulder even more.
"It is now!" said Carlisle with authority "And no one should question that, not even you" Edward nodded "Now that that's settled… we must speak of the rehearsal dinner…"
"Everything is under control now…" announced Emmett
"…Except my sister, that is" Jasper added with a smile. "I'll speak to her. But she's stubborn and annoying when she wants something"
"I'll keep everything in check, Dad. I promise" Emmett said.
"I'll help him…" added Edward as an afterthought.
Esme giggled again "I think your father meant something else…"
"I did, darling. Edward…" now that his mother said that, he knew what they meant and groaned "None of that, young man. You know we had a requirement that you must attend the next official gatherings with a young lady by your side"
"Dad, not this again!" Edward said and stood up to pace in front of the fireplace
"Yes, this again. Edward, you know that was mandatory. If the members of the parliament don't see you with any company, they will start requesting stuff again"
Edward knew all this. That Aro and his lackeys at the Parliament had asked that he must find a suitable companion and maintain it because it looked better for the Royal Family. Edward personally thought that was a waste of time and effort.
"Your Majesties, can I state my opinion?" asked Jasper still placed behind Edward's now vacated chair. Carlisle made a motion with his hand for him to continue "I think this is a poisoned request."
"Explain yourself" said Carlisle, reaching for the cup of tea left for him of the coffee table.
"I mean, the request that Edward had a female companion was made after Aro and the parliament knew Edward was sick, right?" Edward nodded at that, so Jasper continued "Aro has always wanted the crown, we all know that. So maybe he knows that Edward wouldn't do this. He knows that, it most likely will make him sick because he would be so nervous about all this. It's bad enough that he has to participate on the first official event as the Crowned Prince of Andorra, but to add that much stress to it…" Jasper shrugged "It seems… well calculated"
"And now I know why Emmett brought you here… should I really call you Mr. Whitlock?" Carlisle added with a smile "And you are correct in all your assumptions… but we agreed to it and we're bound"
"Does it say anywhere that it must be another royal? Or anything like that?" Jasper inquired quickly. Edward looked at Emmett and his brother just smiled at him.
"No, it was never stated which girl he should take to these events… what are you suggesting, Jasper?"
"I'm just suggesting that Edward takes to the rehearsal dinner some girl he feels comfortable around so he won't be as nervous and it won't hopefully end with him completely unable to get out of bed. We all know that when he's stressed or nervous his condition is exacerbated a lot so, I'm just offering a suggestion"
Edward thought about that for a second and figured it was the best shot he got. He didn't want to embarrass his brother and Rosalie or the rest of his family on this thing. But then he started to think about who could be the appropriate girl to bring to the dinner and only one name popped up on his mind… he didn't realize he was smiling until his mother, standing now by his side, lifted his head and smiled "You're smiling. You have a person in mind, don't you?"
Edward grinned and nodded "Actually, Mom… I think I do… let's pray she accepts!"
ùïù
I went home that Monday morning and waited to see if Alice would return home or Rosalie had eaten her in the wake of the rehearsal dinner. I was also nervous because now I had to ask my friend if she had a dress I could wear to this dinner thing.
It was almost midnight when I heard the door open and I left my mug of coffee on the breakfast table and went to help my friend with all the stuff she had brought to the palace.
"Hi, Bells" she said. I saw her face and she was smiling so big it was almost ridiculous. Even if she was tired, she was also so excited. "Thanks for helping me"
"How did it go?"
"It was awesome! Miss Hale chose several of my dresses for every appearance she has in the vicinity! I'm so excited!"
I bit my lip "Um… about that… Edward told me we are invited to the Rehearsal dinner…"
"Yeah, Miss Hale and Prince Emmett might have mentioned that…" she said with a smirk while taking a sip from my mug. Coffee thief!
"I'm thinking that I won't go…" she spit the coffee and looked at me like I was inside the loony bin "I mean, I'm a clumsy disaster, Alice! I'm bound to make some stupidity and probably embarrass myself and all those around me. Imagine if I make Edward look bad?!" Alice smirked again and cleaned herself "Besides I have nothing to wear now that my friend is the official designer to the next duchess!"
"About fashion, you must not worry. I always have something up my sleeve. So, be thankful I always like to play Barbie with you because I always take precautions!"
"What do you mean?"
"When you started working at the palace, I did my research and I saw that the personnel working for the Royals must attend pretty much a lot of official parties and stuff. So, I started to create a collection especially for you." I looked at her with my mouth open and she giggled "You shouldn't be surprised! You know me!"
"Are you sure, Alice?"
"Positive!
"But…"
"But nothing, Bella Swan. You will look fabulous at this dinner" I looked at her completely doubting that statement but couldn't do anything about her plans… plus, I kind of needed her after all.
ùïù
The rest of the week flew by and I didn't have enough time to see Edward more than five minutes a day. The longest I saw him was when I delivered the article about the Children's house and he signed his approval. Then I was kidnapped by the Bridezilla. Rosalie had pretty much all the available personnel of the Palace running around trying to make everything perfect, myself and Alice included.
It was now the day before the dinner and I was helping place the sitting arrangements in every table according to the chart Angela made. Alice was by the windows directing the man hanging curtains and fabric, probably making sure everything was to the bride's liking. After everything I had to do was in order, I took a seat at the stairs, the very same stairs the Royal Family had to descend at the dinner and the Queen's Ball. I was tired and achy everywhere, especially after wearing heels all day. I threw the shoes aside and tried to massage my feet. Suddenly I felt a presence behind me and I saw Rosalie standing there.
"Everything is almost done, Ms Hale." I said in a tired voice.
"I can see that…" Rosalie was by my side and looking at everything with a smile on her face "I can't believe all this is happening tomorrow"
I smiled and really looked at her. She looked happy but also tired as hell. She was putting a lot of effort into all of this and I couldn't even imagine what the wedding was going to look like… it was almost like it was happening many years from now, not mere weeks. "I can imagine. You must be so excited"
"I'm more nervous than excited, to be honest." I looked at her surprised "I know. This dinner is all a power-play. A way for everyone to determine if I qualify to be a duchess or not… and to see Edward in an official venue as the future king"
"Is it really that important?"
"Oh, yeah. He has been able to escape these affairs so far, but now it's inevitable. All members of the Parliament are going to be here and most of the aristocrats too. I don't want to make a fool of myself." She said and I felt a pang of sympathy for her "I know Edward is feeling the same way." I didn't want to say anything in case I mess up "You can go to your duties if you want. We're pretty much done here anyway"
"Oh… Okay."
"But please, go around the gardens. Just in case, I don't want a replay of the episode with the vase of roses" I blushed and she smirked "Yeah, I saw you."
"Good afternoon then, Ms Hale." I said, trying to get as far away from her as possible
"Bella?" I looked at her just as I was exiting towards the gardens "It's Rosalie"
I left but I was smiling so big I was sure it could be qualified as a goofy smile. Even if Rosalie was being a really ugly bridezilla, I could almost understand why. She was under a lot of pressure and now I also got why she and Edward had a really nice relationship; they could understand each other better than pretty much anyone else around them.
I was so distracted by my thoughts that I took the wrong detour to return to my office and I heard voices before I felt the splash of water and the few droplets falling on my face… I could hear Emmett's booming laughter and Jasper's voice.
"You're such a jerk, Emmett."
"Boohoo"
"And a show-off… Did you really have to do a cannonball into the pool?" and as I heard that voice, my eyes searched for the owner and…
"Holy mother of… perfection"
I could hear Jasper's snickering and Emmett laughter again but my eyes couldn't be distracted from Edward's half-naked body.
For Christ's sake, Isabella. You've seen people in bathing suits before. What the hell is wrong with you?!
"Bella?" Edward voice was closer now and soon I was face-to-face with his really cool chest and I was speechless "Are you okay?"
"Uh… yeah… I'm absolutely fine." That guy needed to get dressed… or not "I was just going to my gym… I mean the office. I was going to my office. I got lost, I assume"
"You kind of did" said Jasper from one of the chairs.
"Your mental filter too got lost somewhere, Bella" Emmett added standing at the rim of the pool.
I blushed so hard that I started thinking I couldn't have said all that out loud, could I?
Edward laughed softly by my side "Yeah, you're still doing it…"
I wanted to smack myself silly but I refrained. I just took a deep breath and stood straight before looking at Emmett, Jasper and lastly Edward "I'm so sorry I interrupted you. Ms Hale asked me to take the garden detour to my office and I somehow managed to get that wrong. I'll go now, good afternoon gentlemen"
I spun around and started my way to the office when I felt someone take my arm. A nice tingling feeling spread from there to the rest of my body. I saw then Edward trying to stop me.
"Can I talk to you for a minute?" I wasn't sure that, if I opened my mouth, nothing stupid would come out of it so I just nodded and he smiled while letting go of my arm "I was wondering if you were going to the rehearsal dinner tomorrow…"
"Yes. Well, if Alice is done with my dress, that is. I have nothing to wear otherwise…"
"Oh, great. So…" he was blushing and it was really endearing "I wanted to know if you would like to come with me" I looked at him, not really getting what he was saying "I mean, to the rehearsal dinner…"
"Of course, I'll be with you there…" I heard Alice's voice calling my name and I grinned at Edward "I have to leave… duty calls. See you tomorrow"
ùïù
Edward stood there for quite some time just trying to figure out if Bella actually listened to him. He couldn't help but laugh at the way she was all flustered when she saw them all having fun around the pool. Her verbal filter flew out of the window as soon as she was there. It was kind of funny and cute.
Jasper stood beside him, taking off his sunglasses. Edward sighed and looked him in the eyes "You heard everything didn't you?" Jasper nodded "Did Emmett…?"
"Nope… but in my defense you were pretty close to me…" Jasper then elbowed him on the side softly "She didn't understand, huh?" Edward looked at him with an eyebrow raised "About the invitation… she was the girl you were telling your parents, right?"
"Yeah… she didn't give me enough time to really explain it to her…"
Jasper was silent for a moment, but then couldn't help but add "What did she mean with 'Holy Mother of Perfection' anyway?" he said with laughter coloring his words…
Edward busted out laughing and shook his head "I don't have a clue, buddy. Not one"
ùïù
I couldn't believe what I was seeing in front of the mirror. Alice had arranged for a makeup crew to work with me before leaving for the palace to help Rosalie and the rest of the royals that were wearing her designs. She also helped me to get into my dress and the change was outstanding. The dress was a real work of art. The beading along the nude dress was just amazing and to be honest, I had never seen my body look like that. My hair was styled in loose curls at the right side of my head and with so much hair product that it shone really nice.
Alice really made sure I was ready to leave before she had to rush out of the door and go to the palace. She had her garment bag on one arm and a smile so big it almost split her face in two. She was really excited that she would be able to showcase her work on this thing with the Royals. I was really nervous about making a fool of myself at the dinner, but I was doing this for Alice, Rosalie and Edward.
I was using the chauffeur today because it was expected of me to do it. I was really reluctant because Michael kept making sly comments about my appearance and how good I looked every time he had to take me somewhere. As soon as I walked outside his eyes never left my body and I was kind of spooked about it. It was as if he was undressing me with his eyes.
"Good evening, Bella. I must say you look like a supermodel tonight" I had a mental image of Michael as a Golden Retriever waving his tail and peeing on my leg. But I shook my head quickly before I could laugh out loud.
"Thank you, Michael. Please, let's get on the road. I must arrive quickly at the Palace"
I got into the car watching carefully for my dress and the door. I didn't want any wardrobe malfunctions tonight. Alice had done a beautiful job at making me look decent for this thing and I wanted to honor that by not making a complete fool of myself tonight.
The Palace was completely changed by the time I got there. There were lights around every surface of the gardens and the stairs. It looked ethereal. I was excited to see everything play out even if it was from the sidelines. Michael was trying to get to the front doors but I quickly asked that he took the personnel entrance so that I didn't have to deal with the photographers.
Michael came to open the car's door and tried to help me get out of the car but I did as if I didn't see that and went out. "Thank you, Michael. I'll let you know when I want to return home"
"I'll be here for you anytime, Bella"
I shuddered and went inside. I wanted to find Alice, Emmett or Edward to let them know I was here already in case one of them needed me and before Rosalie made me run like a headless chicken. I went to the room that was besides the office Alice used to show her designs to Rosalie because Emmett said they would be there right before they were meant to go inside the dinner.
"Emmett?" I asked because the lights were practically inexistent and I was really trying to see who was inside.
"Uh… no, he's still getting dressed I'm afraid. Jasper too" the lights were on immediately. I saw Edward wearing a military uniform. It was navy blue with golden adornments at the front and red accents. He looked amazing and regal. I couldn't help but smile and feel proud of him "What? Remember I didn't have anything else to wear that pleased Rosalie" he said feeling awkward and straightening his jacket.
"You look like… a king" I wasn't the most articulated person at the moment… but it was true.
"You are the one who looks amazing. You are a sight, Bella. For real" I felt okay and adequate to be here. Even then I blushed and thanked him before we heard the door open and Emmett came inside and gaped at his brother.
"What are you wearing?!" Emmett asked coming to stand besides Edward and I couldn't help but laugh. "Why are you wearing that?"
"Rosalie chose this for me…" he looked at his brother and laughed loudly "What are you wearing?!"
Emmett was also wearing a military ensemble but his colors were more… bold? His jacket was green, almost turquoise that I knew matched a little with Rosalie's own dress, and his pants were a really bright garnet color. His jacket also had garnet and gold accessories and red accents. But the combination of colors next to Edward looked a little weird…
"What?! Rosie chose that for you but chooses this for me!? What the hell!?"
"What is all that yelling, Emmett?" Jasper said, while coming in and fixing his sleeves. He was in a traditional black tuxedo with a white shirt and a black bow tie. "Hello, Bella. You look really great"
"Why you two… you guys look like supermodels and I look like a freaking Christmas Tree?! This is so not fair!" Both Edward and Jasper laughed and Emmett turned to me "You agree that this isn't fair, right Bella-Boo?"
"Uh… your future wife chose your ensemble, Emmett… I think I can't say anything or I'll be thrown into the dungeons"
"Prince Emmett?" Angela said from the door. "Your parents wants you at the staircase to take the official pictures and stuff before you have to go inside and dine" Emmett nodded and took off "You too, Prince Edward. As soon as you are ready. And you must accompany me, Mister Hale"
Jasper also left and Edward turned to look at himself in the mirror one more time. All traces of humor were gone from his face. I wanted to do something for him "You will be fine. This is a piece of cake for you. Just relax and enjoy this amazing moment for your brother and your friend."
"Everyone will be looking at me"
I took his chin and made him look into my eyes "Let them… let them see the future King. At least your clothes fit" he smiled "You're gonna rock this, I'm sure"
I could see the determination settle in his eyes and take form. He breathed deeply and smiled crookedly at me "Thank you" I smiled and let go of his chin… he looked one more time in the mirror and nodded before turning to me "Are you ready?"
I was confused "For what? I'm gonna stand in the corner in case anyone needs me"
"Bella…" he said, blushing "you didn't get my invitation like I wanted you too, right?"
"What do you mean?"
"When I told you besides the pool… remember?"
"I was wondering if you were going to the rehearsal dinner tomorrow…"
"Yes. Well, if Alice is done with my dress, that is. I have nothing to wear otherwise…"
"Oh, great. So…" he was blushing and it was really endearing "I wanted to know if you would like to come with me" I looked at him, not really getting what he was saying "I mean, to the rehearsal dinner…"
"Of course, I'll be with you there…" I heard Alice's voice calling my name and I grinned at Edward "I have to leave… duty calls. See you tomorrow"
"You didn't mean…" I said as I recalled his exact words…
"As my date? I kind of did…" I gaped at him and couldn't believe it "It's okay. I kind of got it yesterday… I understand"
"I can't believe you would want me to accompany you"
"Why not?"
"I'm just… me… plain Bella"
He grabbed my chin now and make me look him in the eyes "You're everything but plain, Bella. Besides, when I'm beside you I feel I can rule the world and I feel stronger than ever. You give me strength, Bella. And you look gorgeous." I was sure I was purple in the face from how hard I was blushing "So, since you didn't understand me yesterday… Miss Swan, would you do me the honor of accompany me to this monkey dinner for my stupid brother and his bridezilla?"
I couldn't do anything else but nod, hoping in my mind I was making the right decision and I wouldn't fall deep into… all this…
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A/N: Hi everyone. I'm so sorry for everything. I had this outlined so long ago I also uploaded the pics of the clothes into my google drive (Links on the bio) so you guys could have a clearer image and then... I couldn't get past this block that didn't let me advance... It was awful! Sorry for the mistakes and hope you guys like it!
BTW, I'm still looking for a pre-reader and a beta for a new story I'm planning and writing... so, if anyone is interested, let me know by DM! ;)