CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Bella was still knocked out hard when I finally was able to return. I slide right into bed and was ready to sleep but I began to feel plagued with proposal ideas. I played back every moment I had spent with Bella to try and find a perfect moment to pay respect to with my proposal.

Alice said to recreate a moment. Most of the time I spent with Bella was in a classroom. It would be silly for me to turn a room into a classroom. I would surely earn an ill-fated eye roll from Bella with that proposal. I could just hear her; Classroom. Corny.

I could try take her down to the laundry facilities and kiss her on top of a dryer since that was where we shared our first kiss. I could find a little coffee shop and propose there since that was one of the places we first connected. I could recreate the cafeteria because that is where we had our first meal together.

I tossed and turned trying to run through so many different scenarios that I finally gave in to sleep out of sheer frustration. When I finally did awake the next morning, I saw that it was nearly past noon. Bella was once again not in bed, but I was finally not feeling the need to freak out.

I walked around the Chesterfield suite, checking out the bathroom and sitting room but she wasn't there. Perhaps she went down for breakfast. I couldn't imagine her going out without me but if she were hungry enough, maybe she went to search for food.

I quickly dressed myself wondering where she might have gone off to. I looked out the window and it seems as if more snow came overnight. There would be no reason for Bella to go outside in this kind of weather.

"Your Highness, a word."

I slowed down when Bennett came rushing toward me.

"What's the problem, Bennett?" I asked hoping it had nothing to do with Bella.

"I thought I should let you know that Miss Swan went into town this morning," he said.

"What?" I asked harshly.

I had told my mother I would keep Bella to the residence.

"She went with Miss Brandon…and Angela," He said Angela's name disapprovingly as he should.

What the hell was she thinking taking Angela with her.

"I'm not sure where they went but they denied a car service,"

I closed my eyes tight. Of course, only Bella would know how to turn a bad situation into a worse situation.

"Call around and find out where she is. Call me and let me know as soon as you find out. I will go and bring her back."

I flew down the stairs and out the door to find a car. I would need to get to her soon. If my mother found out, she might force Bella to begin sooner with Rosalie. To say I was irritated was a bit of an understatement. I couldn't believe Bella would do such a thing without waking me and running it past me first.

"Where are you off to in such a hurry?"

I turned around to find Jasper standing there looking perplexed.

"Do you know where you girlfriend is?" I snapped.

"Shopping…like she usually does," Jasper replied still unaware of my angered state.

"She took Bella with her. And Angela. Do they have no common sense?"

Jasper laughed. "Okay…and the problem is?"

"Bella shouldn't be outside the palace," I informed him.

"Does she know this?" Jasper asked. "Because, I have a feeling if she did, she probably would have told you that you were crazy."

"Crazy? It's unsafe for her to go without protection first of all. Plus, she doesn't know a thing about the town Odesa. She took her lady's maid with her. She didn't even tell me where she was going. Do I need to continue?"

Jasper snorted. "Those damn American women. They just do whatever they want. Whenever they want."

"I am not in the mood for humor," I huffed and returned to finding a suitable car. Normally I would choose one of the sport cars but with that many people to bring back to the palace I went with an SUV.

"Edward, I am your friend. If you want to avoid a huge fight with Bella, then I suggest that when you do find her, you avoid any and all words that might give her the impression that she is your prisoner. Just my free advice," He said holding his hands up.

"Prisoner," I scoffed.

I turned on the car and headed out toward town. Thankfully by the time I reached the outer gates, Bennett had called to inform me that Bella was at a small café on Hildy. I located the street easily knowing it was off the main thoroughfare and parked my car.

I began to have a conversation in my head to prepare me for what I was going to say when I saw her. Of course, my role sounded justified and intelligent. I imagined Bella, no matter what I said, taking it all wrong. Hurricane Bella alert. Jasper was right, I needed to avoid key words to not turn this into a confrontation.

I saw her from the street and the sight of her caused me to pause. She looked happy. Carefree even. She was laughing along with Alice and Angela and sipping on her coffee. I remember thinking once how hard it would be for me to picture Bella walking the streets of Caldonia and yet here she was looking effortless to blend in with the good people.

Instead of charging into the coffee shop, I calmed myself down and then walked with calm ease into the small shop.

"Edward," Bella said surprised. "How did you find us?"

She looked happy, but I needed to get her and I out of there before anyone would catch on.

"I have many friends. It's pretty easy to spot the Americans."

"You should join us," She replied.

"Um…actually. I…need you. I'm sorry I don't want to ruin your fun but I kind of had something I wanted to do with you today. Do you mind?"

"Is everything okay? You're acting kinda funny," She replied.

"I just…need to talk to you about something."

Bella looked over to Alice and downed the last of her coffee.

"Do you guys want to stay or come back with us?" Bella asked standing up.

"I believe Bennett was looking for you, Angela," I said.

It was a shame because I really like Angela, but it was completely inappropriate to have left the grounds while working and to make matters worse to go off with a guest of the prince. I was sure that she would be let go when we returned.

Angela and Alice both finished their drinks and followed me to the car. I was grateful that the streets were slow that time of day, so I was able to get back into the car before anyone would recognize me. At least when my mother heard of the story later, I could tell her that nothing went wrong.

"Later, you will have to drive me around and show me all the sights," Bella said looking out the window on our short ride back towards the palace side gate. I didn't reply to her request.

Jasper waited by the palace side entrance and Alice bounced out of the car before I even had a chance to put the car in park. Bella began to thank Angela and Alice for spending time with her. Jasper graced me with his all-knowing smirk. I took Bella's hand trying to pull her back into the palace.

We walked by Bennett who made a direct line for Angela. I felt a tad guilty, but I had way too much to even think about. Angela was the last person on my mind.

"Edward, you mind cooling your jets? First you make these grand demands to use the hand rails and then you're flying up the stairs so fast that I can hardly keep up."

I slowed down not really noticing how fast I was walking.

"Okay…what did I do now?" Bella sighed and flopped down on my bed.

"What do you mean?" I asked wondering if I was that transparent.

"Edward. First you show up to a coffee shop supposedly on the intel of some friends of yours," She replies with air quotes. "Then you don't say a word to me in the car. You practically fly up to your room…I'm not stupid. We haven't known each other for very long but I know you. So just out with it."

I sighed and looked at her.

"You could have at least told me what you were up to," I started.

"I left you a note. Two in fact. One with Seth and this one," She replied walking over to the bedside table. I never even noticed, and I hadn't seen Seth that morning.

"You should have woken me up," I said.

Bella scoffed and shook her head.

"So, you're mad that I didn't wake you up?" She asked rhetorically.

"Bella, you don't know anything about Odesa. You're in a foreign country. You don't know your way around. It could have been dangerous."

Bella raised her eyebrows and gave me a look.

"I didn't realize the crime rate of that cute charming little city out there was so bad. Perhaps someone around here should think about doing something about it if you are really worried about that."

"You are no longer just Isabella Swan. You are the girl friend to the next king of Caldonia, so yes, it is something to worry about no matter how cute and charming a city may be."

"I was fine. Why do you think I took Angela with me? I knew she knew her way around. She would know where the safest places were," Bella said.

"And that's another thing. You took your lady's maid with you? You didn't stop to think that maybe she would be in trouble for leaving the palace during her work?" I asked.

"I…thought you wanted her to go with me places. I thought she was MY lady's maid and it was okay for her to help me even if it were outside these walls. Look, if there is a problem then please let me fix it. If you need to dock her pay, I will happily give her the money out of my own personal accounts," She offered.

I rolled my eyes.

"It doesn't work like that, Bella. She should have known better."

Bella's mouth dropped.

"Are you telling me that she is going to be fired over something I did?"

"Angela knows what is to be expected of her," I said.

Bella let out a loud groan.

"Would you all just shove it with all your stupid expectations already! Any expectation that you want to make me abide by cannot be…heartless. What is wrong with you? You think it is okay to fire someone for befriending me?"

"She is not a friend. She is a servant!" I snapped.

Bella held up her hands and shook her head. She got off the bed and went over towards the door to the Chesterfield suite.

"I am so…turned off right now. I have to get away from you." Before she closed the door, she said, "Don't worry. I'll be sure to stay within the confines of my cell…room."

I told myself that it was best to let her cool off before we finished the conversation. I just had to be patient. Bella wasn't used to this way of life. She wasn't used to having servants. She was a fish out of water. I thought back to the latest argument with my mother and she was right. It wasn't good for Bella to learn everything she needed to know from me. It would cause undue stress in our relationship. Someone like Rosalie may just be the person for the job. Rosalie was as direct as they come. I wondered what she would tell Bella if she heard of her fraternizing with the help. Maybe coming from Rosalie would spare me from being the bad guy.

I waited all day in my room wondering when Bella would come back and face me. I wanted to check on her, but I knew if I went in too soon, she would be even more upset. In my mind I began to run through the staff to find someone who would be appropriate to replace Angela. Perhaps Emily. She was an older woman who didn't seem to have time for nonsense. Yes, Emily would be good.

"Bennett," I said when I picked up my phone. "Can you send Emily to the Chesterfield Suite with a plate of fruit."

"Yes, Your Highness."

At least she would have something in her stomach, so she wouldn't be famished at dinner.

I hear a knock on the door of Bella's room only a few minutes later. Hopefully the food would help her mentality.

A call comes over my phone.

"Yes," I say when I pick it up the receiver.

"Miss Swan rejected the food and told Emily that she is no longer in need of service."

I hang up the phone and march straight over to the door separating our rooms. My eyes close as I channel peace. I breathe in and out and calm myself before I open the door. Bella is sitting on the love seat near the bay window, looking out towards the pond.

"You need to eat!" I snapped.

"I would rather not. I would hate to have any interaction with your servants that would cause them to lose their jobs. From now on, I will order my food from the local eateries. I can have a pizza delivered her right?"

"Don't be ridiculous," I said.

Bella laughed.

"We've only been here a couple of days and already, you…just forgot everything you learned in Washington. Do you remember that first day of washing dishes? You left your post to go out into the cafeteria and harass me. You were on the clock, but you waltzed into the cafeteria where you knew you shouldn't be. I'm pretty sure Emmett explained his expectations of you in your position, but you didn't care. So…shouldn't you have been fired?"

"That's not the same thing," I replied.

"How is it not? Because you are a prince and can do whatever you want and us commoners are set to a higher standard? Edward, do you want me to be happy here? I don't know if that will ever be possible if the expectation is to treat servants…like they are servants. I'm not that kind of person. I won't be that kind of person and hearing your disregard for Angela even though she has worked here for six years. Known you and your family and are loyal so much that, it takes a common girl who just happens to be the prince's girlfriend, to beg and plead with her to get her to even agree to show me your city here and then she is thrown out like she was no better than the waste you cause. And I am supposed to love the man who would sit by and allow this to happen."

I sighed and turned away from Bella to go and look out the window. I knew I could easily give Angela her job back. It would be a small concession if it would make Bella happy. If it kept Bella here.

"Fine, she can have her job back."

"Thank you," Bella muttered. "I know I'm pushing my luck but if she has a day off, would we be allowed to go into town together then?"

I look back to Bella. "For the next couple weeks…I need you to stay in the palace."

"What? Why?" She exclaimed coming over to me.

"Until we introduce you to the people, we think it is best if you stay here."

Bella shook her head. "No. I mean…I know this place is the size of a small island but why do I have to be sequestered here? I won't tell anyone who I am or…my relationship with you. I won't act up or draw attention."

"It's for the best. I can't have you going anywhere without protection and having a palace guard take you around would certainly draw attention."

"What about Jasper? Alice told me that was his role when you were in Washington. If he is good enough to guard the prince…"

"This isn't just about your protection," I interrupted. "Until you spend some time with Rosalie, its best that you stay here."

"This is about those expectations again, isn't it? You think that I won't act correctly in public and you want me to head over to Rosalie's charm school before I can embarrass you."

"Bella…"

"No! No, Edward. Do you not realize how precious this time is for me? I have days…maybe a month before everyone will know who I am. I will no longer be just Bella. I will be Isabella Swan, Prince Edward's girlfriend…fiancé…whatever. But I will no longer be able to go to a café and have a coffee in peace. I am going to be giving up everything including my anonymity. I would think that you of all people would understand this,"

I could feel my chest tighten because I did understand what she said. I understood it all too well. Once it was announced, Bella would never be able to go anywhere in our country again without having the press follower her around like flies. Even if we did go back to the United States, there was a good chance that the same would happen there. The American press loved having a princess to call their own. Even if I wasn't as famous as Harry, his bride showed the world that Americans were worthy of such a title.

I sat down and ran my hands through my hair.

"This was my mother's request," I muttered.

Bella sighed and sat down beside me.

"Then how about a compromise?" She suggested.

I looked at her and waited.

"I will…stay here," She said shaking her head sadly. "But…Angela not only gets her job back, but she gets a promotion. When I am deemed worthy of leaving the palace grounds and I can go out and shop or eat in the city, I can take Angela with me. It's only fair. Soon Alice will go back to school and I will have no friends here. I don't want to feel lonely. You're going to off to…parliament or wherever. Please don't expect me to turn into a recluse."

I took her hand in mine.

"I can agree to those terms," I replied.

Bella leaned her head on my shoulder.

"I hope you don't expect some amazing Christmas gift. You just limited my shopping choices greatly," She grumbled.

"You have already given me the best Christmas present I could ever receive."

Sure, to my word, Angela was reinstated, and Bella even made me apologize to her in person. It was the day before Christmas Eve and since Bella's was sequestered to the palace we both spent most of our time in our room.

Alice finally came knocking and demanded that we come out and play with her. Her words, not mine. I knew my Christmas gift for Bella was to arrive any minute, so I told Alice to go downstairs to the great room and wait for us there. We could lounge about in front of the fire and have cocoa.

I had just got Bella and myself down the stairs when Rosalie crossed our path.

"We are going to hang out. Would you care to join us?" Bella offered.

I was amazed at her Christmas spirit because it wasn't something I would have ever said to Rosalie.

"Hang out?" Rosalie asked. She scoffed and shook her head, "I can see I have my work cut out for me."

"Well…it's just going to be casual. Everyone leaves their crowns at the door," Bella said. I couldn't stop myself from laughing.

"I think you might even find an early Christmas gift coming your way," I said to Rosalie.

Rosalie sighed and rolled her eyes, "Fine."

We walked into the great room and Alice and Jasper were already there. Alice saw Rosalie and jumped off the couch and ran toward her.

"Oh my god! I finally get to meet you. You have no idea. I am a huge fan. HUGE! I think you are the best dresser out of the whole royal family! I love your taste, Your Highness!"

Rosalie looked confused as to how she should feel.

"And you are?" She asked.

"Oh, I'm Alice Brandon or the Washington Brandon's."

Rosalie once again looked confused as to how she should respond but it was my Christmas gift that saved her from replying.

"What up, royal people!" Emmett came bounding into the room with his luggage still attached to him. He dropped it down on the ground to catch Bella who flung herself at him.

"What are you doing here!" Bella exclaimed with tears.

"I heard they were giving crowns out, so I thought I'd stop by for my title. Yo Eddie! I was thinking Duke of Manchester."

"Manchester is in England," I notified him.

"Whatever. Damn, who are you?" Emmett whistled at Rosalie and I thought she was going to have a stroke right then and there.

"I beg your pardon. You shall not speak to me in such a lewd manner!"

"Woah, calm down there, princess," Emmett said.

"It's Your Highness!" Rosalie snapped.

Emmett turned to Bella and said out the corner of his mouth, "Is she really a princess?"

Bella cringed and nodded her head.

"Damn!" Emmett muttered. He turned back to Rosalie, "You're Edward's sister. Bring it in, I hear we're going to be family."

Emmett managed to pull Rosalie in for a hug before she could react. I knew I should stop him but seeing Emmett practically pick Rosalie up and shake her like a piggy bank in his arms made my Christmas all the better.

Rosalie pushed off Emmett and made a noise that resembled some type of wild animal. She began to brush the imaginary dirt off her dress.

"You best not touch me again, Ogre!" Rosalie hissed.

"Awe, I'm sorry. Personal space issue? I thought that was only an American thing," Emmett replied scratching his head.

I mouth 'Snickers' and pointed at her.

"I think I might have something in my Christmas stocking that could knock that stick right out your butt," Emmett pulled open his suitcase and pulled out a case of Snicker bars. I could see Rosalie's mouth open slightly. But then she turned up her nose and stormed out of the common room.

Bella walked over and started to go through one of Emmett's suitcase which held only food. From a glance, it seemed as if he raided a candy store. There were also a pack of Raman as well. I could hear Bella ask Emmett why he brought so much food as I left the room. I wanted to go after Rosalie because I wanted to talk to her quickly.

"Rosalie," I called out to her. She had just hit the first step to go back up to her room on the East wing.

"I can't believe you would associate yourself with those people! I can't wait for Isabella's parents to show up. Wonder what side of the barnyard they are from," Rosalie spit.

"You have nothing to worry about. Bella's mother left her when she was four and her father was murdered last year in the line of duty. Those people out there is all she has left. Her best friend and a man she grew up with and calls a brother." I replied.

I could see Rosalie instantly soften.

"I…had no idea," She attempted to apologize.

"I'm sure you didn't. However, if you use this information as a way to strike at Bella, know this, when I am king, the first thing I will do is strip you of your title. Have a good night, Rosalie."

I turned around and began to walk away leaving Rosalie in a state of shock on the stairs. I turned back around for one last dig.

"I probably should tell you, the ogre is staying in the suite next to yours so, do play nice."

AN: Sorry it took so long to get this to you. My children have refused to go to sleep at night lately and unfortunately I can't update until they do. HAHA anyway, thank you as always for taking the time to read and review.

DISCLAIMER: STORY IS MINE. CHARACTERS BELONG TO STEPHENIE MEYER.