CHAPTER TWENTY

I practically paced a trench in the carpet of my bedroom floor as I waited for Bella's return. In my mind, I saw myself going to my parent's room and demanding that they cease whatever petty plan they had been operating. I had a speech all laid out but before that could happen, I would need to speak with Bella. She needed to know that she was being manipulated.

I heard the door to the Chesterfield suite open and like a bull, I charged toward her room ready to get this over with. I knew Bella was going to be upset when she finally understood how my parents were treating her. I didn't want to sugarcoat it, but I also needed to make sure that their crimes wouldn't cause Bella to go running off.

"You seem even more agitated than when I left you. I had hoped you would have been able to calm down by now," Bella said upon seeing me.

I crossed my arms over my chest and took a deep breath in.

"We have to talk," I said seriously.

Bella put down her purse and walked over to the bed and sat down.

"Okay…"

"Bella, I need to tell you something and I am afraid that it may upset you. Please know that I love you dearly but…"

"Are you breaking up with me?" Bella asked.

"No!" I replied taking her hands in mine and sitting beside her.

"Well, …you need to work on your delivery. We need to talk…and I love you but…it could give off the wrong impression, just so you know for future knowledge."

I shook my head and ignored the comment.

"I believe my parents may be up to something," I stated.

Bella groaned and jumped off the bed, releasing her hands from mine.

"Please tell me that you didn't spend this whole time concocting some silly paranoia. Edward! Get over yourself already. This is ridiculous. You sound like a crazy person," She huffed loudly.

"I am not crazy. You don't know them the way I know them. There is no way they would ever accept you. There is too much wrong with our relationship for them to be so easily taken with you," I snapped back in defense.

"What is wrong? Wrong with our relationship or wrong with me? Because you make it sound that your parents couldn't possibly like me so what exactly are my list of crimes because I have been nothing but respectful to every person here since I arrived so please tell me what I am not seeing?"

I calmly sat back down and lowered my voice.

"You don't know these people, the way I know them. They have their great expectations and…you are not…"

I didn't know how to finish it without hurting her feelings.

"Not what, Edward?" She asked.

"You haven't been bred for this. You come from the United States. You…"

"…I am not good enough," She said finishing my thought. "I am a knocked up trashy lower income plight on society," She said finishing my sentence. She nodded and bit on her lip to keep herself from crying. "You know…it's funny. Besides Rosalie, since I have arrived here, you are the only person who has made that very clear to me. Your parents have been good and kind to me and somehow you think that this is all a plot to break us apart. Be kind to the simple American girl with poor manners and bad breading. That will surely drive a wedge between our son and her."

"Bella…" I interrupted.

"No! Seriously Edward. Figure out what exactly it is that you want! Whether you want to be a king or not. Whether you want to be a father or not. Whether you want to be with me or not. Stop trying to blame everyone else and just make the damn decision already and when you figure it out. Whether I am good enough to stand beside you whether it be by a throne or at a drive-thru at McDonald's, let me know."

She charged out of the bedroom and slammed the door behind her. I had no idea how this whole situation had gone array so quickly. Just this morning, we were lying in bed naked with one another and now we were fighting like rabid dogs. I felt my body boiling in anger. My parents were the cause of this undue stress.

I found myself charging out of the bedroom as well and marching straight away towards my parent's private quarters. It was rare for me to visit them in their bedroom. Servants were dashing out of the way as I was surely looking not one to be trifled with.

I throw open the door and it bangs into the wall. My mom jumps up from the alarm and my father yells out an obscenity from the bed.

"What is the meaning of this, Edward?" My mom shouts.

My father is attempting to sit up on the bed.

"I want to know right now what game you're playing at. I bring home a girl from another country and tell you that I am in love and that we are having a baby and somehow…both of you are taking this information with just a little too much grace. You may be manipulating Bella into believing that you actually care for her, but you will not manipulate me. So, what is your plan? Because I can promise if she goes…I go!"

My parents look at one another.

"Esme, would you give us a moment?" My father asks of my mother.

"Carlisle," My mother says. "I think we both need to speak with him."

"Please…my love. Just let me do this," My father asks with weakness in his voice.

My mother looks between us and I immediately wonder what exactly is happening. It doesn't feel like the words my father plans on saying will help me find the evidence I was seeking. My mother leaves the room with a sigh and I turn back to my father.

"I am…so completely disappointed in you. What happened in America to turn you so against us, your mother worse of all. Was it because I cut you off from your accounts? Or when your mother denied you access to the plane? Since you have arrived home you have treated her with nothing but disrespect. Don't mind me. I can handle your insolence, but your mother doesn't deserve this treatment and I had hoped that you would be a man who at the very least would honor his mother. I don't understand you, Edward. I have seen Isabella and I might have thought she was to blame if she hadn't shown us the grace, kindness, and respect that you seem to be seriously lacking."

His words hurt me to my very core but there had to be something wrong. I could feel it in my bones.

"My whole life I have been led to believe that every decision, every move that I make should be thought out and precise. I met a girl who is perfect to me but when I look at her, I know every imperfection that you and mother would never stand for. How is it possible that you are okay with Bella? How are you alright with our unborn child when things have not gone in the proper order that has been demanded in the past? I know that there is something you are keeping from me. I have never been so afraid to lose something in all my life and I feel that if Bella were to go, it would be because she was made to feel as if she didn't belong. I can't let that happen. I will stop whatever gets in our way for happiness," I vowed.

"Have you shared this with her? Your feelings? I give you my word that it is only you that is standing in the way of your happiness. You are right however, there is something that your mother and I have not shared with you mostly because of the way you have acted since you arrived home. But alas, I see that it is imperative that I share this with you now so that perhaps you might stop all your nonsense and finally be the Edward we once knew."

My father paused. I took that moment to really dissect his appearance. It was the first time that he seemed to have aged since I was a child. There were far more gray hairs and the way he held himself while sitting looked like the framework for a broken man instead of the once strong proud man that held me in awe.

"I had a minor heart issue while you were away. I have been seen by the very best doctors and I am on the road to recovery, but they are still a little concerned. Your mother has taken on the task of ensuring that I recuperate to full health, but it has been hard on her. I'm sure that your mother loves me the same way your Bella loves you so believe me when I tell you, she has had a little more on her plate to deal with than wasting her efforts on finding a way to drive away your intended. This scare could also be responsible for the change of heart from your mother and I and perhaps for the first time, perfection seems to mean something else to us. I promise you, Edward. We are not going to stand in the way of your marriage to Isabella. We are not going to turn our noses up at your unborn child. So please, do us all a favor and stop with your pettiness."

I let his words sink in, but I find myself in search of more questions.

"Minor heart issue? I may have not been pre-med but I know there is nothing minor about a heart issue. Why wouldn't you call and tell me this when I was in Washington? I deserved to know. I would have come home…"

"Which is why we didn't." My father interrupted. "After you spoke to your mother, she knew that calling you back would pull you away from something far greater than the need to be by my side while we went through this. If she didn't want you with the American, it would have been far too easy to call you up and tell you of my condition. That would surely bring you back to us and rid us of Isabella. But if your mind can even consider that maybe your mother let you stay there because she knew that you had found what we know you were so desperately seeking. You need Isabella. You found someone who loves you for you. You will need Isabella's strength to be a great king. All the best kings were merely the face of the partnership, but it is the queen who provides us with powerful insight."

I buried my face in my hands thoroughly ashamed of my actions. I began to replay every minute back since I had arrived home and instead of focusing on Bella and my relationship, I focused on my mother and father. I noted that things had changed since I was away. The food we were served was healthier options and remembering that my father would skip down to the kitchen for his late-night snack. He wasn't overly heavy, but he had put on a few pounds I guess in the past couple of years. He also loved the sweet treats that the kitchen staff placed around. That too was different since I arrived home. No longer at Christmas time was there access to such decadent treats.

I had been so sure that my parents would never approve of Bella that I had placed myself on the defensive line and refused to believe that she would ever be accepted. My parents were actually concerned more for my happiness than keeping up appearances? It seemed that an apology from me would never be able to undo what I had said or done.

"You still should have told me. I had a right to know. I'm not ready to be king. I think that is something everyone can agree on. If there was something threatening your health, I should have been told!" I demanded.

My father laughed softly and replied, "Well, I wasn't planning to die today, son."

"This isn't funny," I muttered.

"I know but why do you think I have been trying so hard to get you interested in our government so that you can be ready when the time comes. Even on Christmas, there was a fiery debate going after dinner with many of the people you will soon be working with and you couldn't focus long enough to come up with an opinion. A solution is your opinion turned into actions. Should we raise the taxes to help pay for renovations of the Veritas Plaza? What is your opinion?" He asked.

I think back to Bella's and my debate over toothpaste. She didn't even want to use toothpaste provided because she thought that it would be a drain on the people. The renovations that would take place would be far greater than a tube of paste. It would mean upping the taxes by at least two percent. Which didn't sound like a lot but then I thought about receiving my first paycheck in Washington and two percent would have pissed me off greatly.

"I think it's wrong. There must be other avenues we can peruse," I replied.

My father nodded his head, "If that is your opinion…then it's time to stop wasting your time worrying over your mother's actions and find a solution. There are over a hundred thousand people who are counting on you. This is now your problem. After the new year, we will have an audience with the Prime Minister and the houses and you will present your opinion and intended solutions. It's time to be ready to be king."

I left my mother and father's suite with a lot more to ponder then what I had gone there for. My father's task was difficult, and I was sure a test. I had failed him so far, but this was something I could not bear to fail him at once more. But it wasn't just this task that left my mind to wander. I could not stop thinking of his current health issues. How could I have been so blind to not see what was right in front of me? There were so many clues and like an idiot, I hadn't taken the time to put two and two together.

I walk into my room and find Bella sitting by the window looking out over the pond. She turns and sees me, and I know I should apologize but instead, I find myself walking towards her and collapsing at her feet. I bury my head in her lap and let go. While I was away in Washington, I very well could have lost my father. I feel my own heart weaken at the revelation. Bella's fingers run through my hair as she asks me what is wrong, but I can't bring myself to answer her. Shame and embarrassment keep me from it. Not only for how I treated my parents but for how I have treated her. How could I ask for forgiveness?

Bella pulls me off her lap and comes to meet me on the floor pulling me in for a tight embrace. The scent of her hair tickling my nose calms me as I feel her rub circles on my back with her gentles palms.

"Edward….please tell me," She quietly begs.

I pull back from her and she brings her hand up to wipe my face of my tears.

"You're scaring me. Whatever it is…let me help you," she says.

"Bella, I don't even know where to begin. I am so embarrassed…there isn't an adequate excuse for my behavior."

Bella slowly shakes her head, "It's okay…before…when we were fighting. Just forget about it. We both have said things that we didn't mean or should never have said. I know you love me. I even understand your concerns about my background. If the situation was reversed, I'm sure I might have doubts too."

I shake my head and capture her face in my hands.

"I have no concerns about your background. I was so focused on worrying about the past that I missed the whole point entirely. My father is sick. If I hadn't been such a daft prick I would have seen the signs. I can't live in a world where my father isn't here to guide me. I think of how I have acted, and I am not worthy of having you let alone worthy of being king. I know now what I must do. You told me to choose my own destiny and I know what I need to do but I am scared. I have too much to learn. I don't have enough time. There will never be enough time even if my father lives until he is passed a hundred."

"Edward, you don't give yourself enough credit. You will do this. You must push the fear and turn it into something that will work for you. Having fear can be a great thing. Thinking too much can be your downfall. Allowing your mind to become inundated with thoughts of failure will only cripple you. And you know I will be in your corner. I would never allow you to be a bad king."

Her words made me think about what my father said of the great kings and the queens who stood beside them. I take in Bella's scent once more and feel my fears already begin to dissipate. I wish I could marry her at this moment. Know that I had her once and for all. I know that is the fear talking. She was right, a healthy dose of fear to push me to be a better man so that I may keep her here on her own will.

"I don't know how my mother could ever forgive me for how I treated her. I have thought the worse of her and now I don't know if there are words to fix what I have done," I confided.

Bella took a breath and then gave me a small reassuring smile.

"She'll forgive you even if you have nothing else to offer than I'm sorry. I'm only ten weeks along and already I know that no matter what this little grape inside me does in the future to hurt me or my feelings, I will forgive him or her because I am its mother and I already love him…or her. It's my job to love my child no matter what that child may do. So…just apologize and I'm sure the right words will be there when you do," she said.

I hope she's right. I watch as her hand makes a soft circle on her tiny stomach.

"You're going to be a great mother," I stated. "I'm sorry for how I acted earlier. For what I said. You were right. My parents do not have any issue with you. In fact, I believe at this point, they might prefer you over me. These silly machinations I had were completely unfounded. I am sorry if I made you feel lessor. Please believe me when I tell you that you are far better than I could hope to deserve," I said.

Bella sighed and pulled away to look at the ground while she scratched her head.

"I thought a lot about what you said and it's kind of funny because I already knew that my qualifications were poor which was why I was so freaked out when we arrived here. I am not bred for this…I am not educated…"

"Bella," I try to stop her.

"No, please just let me get this out," she says holding up her hand to stop me from continuing. "You are and have everything that I don't have. You have been bred for this. You are highly educated. You are a handsome and perfect example of what I'm sure your people expect from a king. But every single thing that I have brings something else to the table. I am a middle class, highly opinionated, hardly educated, average woman. Which means, I bring a completely different perspective and I think more people can relate to that than if I was everything you are. I can be the Yin to your Yang. I can show you a whole different world of values and traditions. So…its, not a bad thing. I'm choosing to turn my fears that I'm not good enough for you and changing it into hope to share with you so that maybe just maybe, it will be of use in the future."

She pulls me in for a kiss and I gladly welcome it. She pulls herself up and sits on my lap and I place my hand on her inner thigh.

"Besides, if that doesn't work for me, personal sex toy for the crown prince is another way to go," She giggles. I pull her to the floor and decide to finish what she started.

Bella had fallen asleep shortly after I made love to her. She looked like the perfect picture of peace. I look over at the clock and see that we once again had missed dinner. I hoped my parents weren't going to think it was a blatant show of disrespect.

I grab my robe and head out of the room without a second thought. I walk through the palace and look for Bennett. A servant states that he is in the east wing, so I make my way to that side of the palace. Thankfully, with it being late, I know I won't look too out of place walking around in my robe. I see him on the stairs and he quickly comes to me.

"Your Highness, is there something you need?" He asked.

"I was looking for my mother or father, do you know where they are?"

"After dinner, Her Majesty went to the drawing room to have some tea and read. She asked to not be disturbed. I believe His Majesty is in his study."

"Thank you, Bennett," I said patting him on the back as I go to leave up the stairs and make my way to the drawing room I knew my mother like to use. I walk through the east side of the palace past the room Alice was staying in and then past the room, I had put Emmett up in and just by Rosalie's private quarters.

I am nearing the drawing room when I hear a door open from behind. I stop and look back and see Emmett standing in the middle of the hallway.

"Uh..hey Eddie," He greets me awkwardly. "Your…majesty…highness…prince…sir."

"Hi…what are you doing?" I asked.

He shifts his weight from side to side and walks around in a little circle. He seems nervous.

"Just…needed some fresh air. I…uh…couldn't figure how to get the window open in my room so I was thinking of going outside. I love the air after it has snowed. It's crisp and of course, you know the snow is nice to look at. Anyway…I better get to it," he said making a show of his hands.

"Okay…good night," I replied baffled by his actions. "Oh and Emmett"

Emmett stops in his tracks and turns back to me.

"You don't have to call me Your Highness. You can just call me Edward."

Emmett bobs his head up and down and lets a laugh escape.

"You got it, dude!"

I shook my head and went back to perusing my destination hoping Emmett wouldn't call me dude from now on. I arrive at the drawing room and see that a fire is going, and my mother sits upon the couch with a book open.

I clear my throat softly to let her know of my presence and she turns to look up at me.

"I'm sorry….Bennett told me that you didn't want to be disturbed…"I lamely begin.

My mother puts a mark in her book and sets it down.

"No, it's alright," She said waiting for me to continue.

I am suddenly twelve years old standing with my hands in my pocket as I go to explain why there is a slash in her favorite Lawrence painting. I find a place on the carpet and stare at it afraid to meet her eyes. But I am not twelve years old any longer so I finally gather the courage to bring my gaze up.

"I spoke to father," I began.

"I know," She replied quietly.

I nodded.

"I…I owe you a huge apology. I have been horrible to you. Not only with my actions but with my thoughts. I know you raised me better…and I find that I can never apologize enough. For how I acted since I have been home. How I spoke to you on the phone when I was in Washington. For not being responsible with Bella. I'm sorry, mum."

My mother looked down at her book and nods her head.

"Thank you, Edward," She breathes a short sigh and then I see her shoulders hunch as she begins to cry. I immediately go and sit next to her on the couch and hug her but it is short as my proper mother pulls back and places her hand atop of mine and gives it a gentle squeeze.

"I owe you an apology as well. I'm sorry for so much pressure you must have felt on you all these years. That you would feel that Isabella wasn't worthy in our eyes. She is a good person with a good heart. She will make a fine queen someday."

"Thank you," I replied. I shrug my shoulders. "If she survives Rosalie…I'm sure there will be nothing she can't survive."

My mother laughs out loud.

"Edward…from what I have seen, Rosalie will be lucky to survive Bella."

I laugh at the thought. She is right. My Bella can be one to reckon with. I should know.

I spent another half hour with my mother until she became tired and wished to retire to bed. When I went to sleep that night, I felt lighter than I had in weeks. I began to feel confident. I had the girl by my side. I had the blessings from my parents. I had friends. I had a future. I wish I could hold onto that happiness forever. Be in that moment for a while longer so that it would make me strong enough for what fate had planned next. But as moments go, they are fleeting and even though I began to feel invincible, soon to be a great man and king, it only took one trial to knock me down.

AN: Thank you for reading and reviewing.

Story is mine. Characters belong to Stephenie Meyer.