(a/N): Lots of thanks to my amazing Beta RandomatGedz!

Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight. I just play around with the characters :D

Living Royal

Chapter Nineteen

"Are you going to tell me what my father said to you or will I have to go ask him myself?" Edward asked.

He and Bella had finally managed to escape the ball and retire to their bedroom.

The moment the door was closed, Edward began hounding her again, wanting to know what happened between her and his father.

Every time Bella remembered what the King had said, she got so pissed off that she was unable to speak. But Edward had a right to know. She could always down play it a bit.

"It was no big deal, honestly…"She began.

"Bella, have I ever told you that you're a horrible liar?" He grinned lopsidedly.

Bella sighed. "Okay, so he obviously did not want to chat." She said, resigned.

She proceeded to tell him everything that happened.

By the time she was done speaking, Edward's face had turned from bright red, to blue to purple. Bella was afraid that he was about to explode.

"How dare he! How fucking dare he do this! He's gone too fucking far this time." He ranted as he paced back and forth in front of Bella.

"Edward, please calm down. It's not a big deal."

"Not a big deal? Are you serious?"

"Okay, it is a big deal, but you have to understand that this is exactly what he wants. He probably knows that I'm going to tell you everything and then you'll get pissed off and cause a problem. So let's just say calm for a little bit okay?"

Edward hated it when Bella made sense.

"Alright, I'll calm down…After I go talk to him." He headed for the door.

"What? Edward, wait! What are you going to do?" She chased after him.

"Don't worry, Bella. I'm going to have a little chat with my father."

"Ugh, Edward, weren't you listening to one word I was saying? That's exactly what he wants!"

"I don't care. I can't stand by while he keeps on treating you like this. I have to do something." He walked out of the room and headed to his parent's bedroom.

Bella ran back to the room and started to look frantically around, searching for Edward's phone. She found it on one of the small tables and started looking through his contact list, searching for a certain name.

When she finally found it, she called the number and waited impatiently as it rang.

''Yo, what's up?"

"Emmett, I need your help."

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Edward walked steadily towards his parent's wing, determined to have this conversation with his father sooner rather than later. When he reached their door he knocked and entered right away. He found both his parents sitting together in their private sitting room.

"How could you do this?" Edward growled, unable to contain himself.

King Carlisle turned and regarded his son wearily, "What is it now, Edward?"

"How could you offer to pay Bella off so she would break up with me?"

Edward heard his mother gasp at his words.

"Carlisle? Did you really do that?" She asked.

King Carlisle stood up and regarded his son as he spoke to his wife, "Yes, I did. And I don't regret it. I needed to know something and now I do."

"What does that even mean? What did you want to know?" Edward asked.

"Whether or not she really loved you as she claimed."

"W-what? You needed to know if she really loved me? The fact that I believed her wasn't enough?"

"Edward, you're my son and I love you but we both know you're not the best judge of character."

Edward was stunned speechless.

"Let me get this straight, you put us through all this hell just so you could know for sure whether Bella really loved me or not?" He asked as soon as he regained his power of speech.

"Yes, exactly." The king nodded.

"I cannot believe you! You should have trusted me. I knew from the moment I met her that Bella was nothing like those other floozies that you were pushing me to date."

"Carlisle, I can't believe you did that." Esme glowered at her husband.

"I did what needed to be done." Carlisle responded.

"Of course you did. You always do, don't you? You never listen and you always end up doing what you think is right."

"Edward," Carlisle began.

"No, you know what? I've had enough of this!" Edward turned and angrily left the room.

How long would his father think it was okay to manipulate him like that? How long would he allow it to happen before he blew up? He was done. Done letting his father or anyone else meddle in his business and especially if their meddling would hurt his Bella. She deserved much better than that.

"Hey, Em. What's going on?" Edward saw Emmett running up to him as he walked down the hall back to his room.

"Your girl called me freaking out that you were going to do something stupid. So, what happened with the old man?" Emmett replied.

"Bella called you?"

"Yeah, she did. You know, I didn't get a chance to say this earlier but you've got yourself a great girl. My Rosie doesn't just get along with anyone, you know. She must've really liked her too."

"Yeah, Bella has that effect on people." Edward smiled warmly.

"So, what happened?"

"Listen, I'll tell you later okay?" Edward sighed wearily. "I need to talk to Bella about something right now."

"Okay, I need to get back to my Rosie, anyway. Our sexy time was interrupted tonight."

"I really didn't need to know that, Em." Edward chuckled.

Emmett shrugged and then jogged back to his room.

Edward walked slowly back to his and Bella's room, contemplating how he was going to open the subject with Bella. He always liked being straight forward so that was the approach he decided on.

"Bella?" He called out when he entered the room. He found her sitting on the edge of their bed.

"Yeah?" She looked up anxiously, waiting for an account of what happened between him and his father.

"Marry me." He blurted out.

"W-what?" Her eyes widened in shock.

"Marry me, Bella." He kneeled by her feet. "I love you and I want to spend the rest of my life with you by my side."

"Edward, you can't ask me to marry you just because you're angry at your father."

"I'm not. I'm asking you because I love you."

"B-but w-we've only known each other for a couple of months."

"So? My parents knew each other for a couple of weeks before they got engaged."

"But your parent's marriage was arranged. That's completely different. Just slow down for a minute, Edward. What brought this on?"

Edward looked so disappointed that Bella's heart hurt. He got up and sat down next to her.

"I don't want to lose you."

"What makes you think you're going to lose me? Is it because of your father? What did he say?"

Edward told her everything his father had said and done from start to finish.

"How long have you and your father been like this? So controlling and manipulative?"

"For as long as I can remember. It's part of being a world leader, I guess." He smiled sardonically.

"Edward," Bella leaned her head on his shoulder, "You should know by now that nothing anyone says or does will keep me away from you. Besides, now that your father seems to have given his 'Royal Approval' that means he will stop trying to break us up, right?"

"I guess." Edward wrapped his arm around her and pulled her closer to his side.

"Bella?" Edward mumbled a few minutes of silence later.

"Hmm?"

"I just want you to know that I will ask you to marry me again sometime soon and then I won't take no for an answer."

Bella smiled up at him and pulled his head down for a kiss, "You won't have to." She mumbled against his lips.

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The next morning they were woken up early. Edward had a few important meetings to attend with his father while Bella was asked to meet with the Queen in her rooms.

As soon as Bella entered the Queen's chambers, Queen Esme hugged her and started apologizing profusely for her husband's behaviour. Bella assured her that all was forgiven. After all, how many times does a Queen apologize to anyone.

The Queen then introduced her to Madame Victoria Laurent, a middle-aged woman who would be her etiquette instructor. If she wasn't going to embarrass Edward at every turn, she really needed to know how to act like a Royal, or at least like a Royal's girlfriend.

"We will start your lessons today with a bit of basic knowledge of how you are required to behave when in public, whether you are with the Prince or on your own. The whole country will be watching anyway." Victoria began after the Queen had left them to begin their first lesson.

Way to take off the pressure.

She nodded anyway.

"First of all, whenever you are with the Prince at any Royal function, you should walk at least two steps behind him at all times."

Bella's eyebrows were raised up so high that they almost touched her hairline.

"Excuse me? You do realize that this is the 21st century, don't you?"

"That may be in your world dear, but not in his." Madame Victoria replied haughtily.

The rest of the "class" went the same way. Bella was taught how to eat, speak, and more importantly how to address the King and Queen.

She realized that all this time she'd been addressing them as 'Your Highness' when she was supposed to say 'Your Majesty'.

If these were medieval times, she would've been beheaded for such a mistake, Bella was told. She rolled her eyes in response and was told that that particular bad habit would have to be nipped in the bud as well.

For Edward. Remember that you're doing this for Edward.

Bella kept chanting to herself.

After the lesson was finally over, the Queen asked to speak with her again. She told her that since Edward and the King would be busy with meetings for the rest of the day; she was wondering if Bella wanted to accompany her as she attended the opening of a new wing at the children's hospital.

"I think it would be a good opportunity to show everyone that we approve of you as our son's girlfriend. You're a part of this family now and a lot of people are going to be rooting for you to fail. You need to show them that you're here to stay." Bella had a feeling that Queen Esme was speaking from experience.

Bella agreed to accompany the Queen and they left an hour later, escorted by what seemed like an army of secret service and bodyguards.

They were still on their way when Bella felt her phone vibrate in her purse. She took it out and found that she'd received a text message from Edward. She smiled as she read it.

In another boring meeting. I miss you. – E

If you're still in the meeting shouldn't you be paying attention? Miss you too. – B

They never really say anything new. I'm sorry I couldn't spend the day with you. – E

It's alright. Your mother is taking me to the Children's Hospital. Apparently that means I am officially welcomed into the family – B

Yes, that is true. Are you sure you're ready for it? All the media attention? It's only going to get worse now. – E

Thanks a lot. I feel so much better now. – B

Glad I could help *grins*. You know I'll always be by your side, right? – E

I know. Love you. –B

Love you too. –E

Bella looked up from her phone and noticed that Queen Esme was regarding her with a smile on her face. Bella blushed.

"He's different, you know." The Queen said quietly. "Edward, he's changed since he's met you."

"He has?"

"Yes, he used to be so shy and quiet and completely uninterested in public life or fulfilling his Royal duties, but since he's known you he seems more intent on proving himself. You can tell he wants to learn, he wants to become a good King in the future."

"I don't usually like change," The Queen went on, "I like tradition and consistency, but when this change helps turn a boy into man…then I have to reconsider. Besides, I happen to like you and think you will make a wonderful Queen some day. You may very well be the best thing that has ever happened to us."

Bella smiled and was saved from having to respond by their arrival at the hospital.

When they got out of the car, the press hounded them as expected. They didn't seem so surprised that Bella was there. They must have been getting used to the idea of her being there. The Queen only spoke a few words with them about the new wing at the hospital before they were both led inside. The Queen officially opened the new wing and then they spent a few minutes with the children in other parts of the hospital.

The Queen was speaking to one of the attending physicians when Bella felt something tugging on her trousers. She looked down to find the cutest little brown eyed girl looking up at her.

"Are you da pwincess?" She asked.

Bella kneeled down to her level, "Um, not really, but I am dating a prince. And who might you be?"

"I'm Katrina and if you're dating a pwince then you're a pwincess." Katrina said matter-of-factly.

Bella chuckled, "You're right then, I must be a princess."

"But where's your tiawa? Don't you have one?"

"Of course I do. I just left it at home because it needs some polishing. A princess always takes good care of her tiara." Bella whispered.

Katrina nodded seriously.

"Want to know a secret?" Katrina whispered.

"Sure."

"I'm sick."

Bella's heart constricted as she noticed for the first time the bandana on Katrina's head. She hadn't noticed that they had just walked into the cancer wing.

"Oh, honey, I'm sure you'll get better soon." Bella said and hoped to God she was right.

"That's what my mommy says. I like you Bella. Will you come see me again?"

"Of course I will." She'd make sure she kept that promise no matter what.

Katrina was led away by a nurse, but not before she waved goodbye to Bella. She waved back.

As Bella and the Queen were driven back to the Palace, Bella's mind kept going back to little Katrina. She wished there was something, anything, she could do to help those poor children.

''It breaks your heart, doesn't it?" Queens Esme asked.

"Yes, yes it does."

"Unfortunately, all we can do for those poor children is to make sure they have all the care they can get. Edward used to come with me before he went away to college."

"He did?"

"Yes, he loved to play with the children and make them laugh. You're a lot like him in that regard." She smiled at Bella.

Could that man be any more perfect?

When they arrived at the Palace, the Queen went up to her chambers while Bella headed to Edward's room. She found him already there. He was changing from his suit into more comfortable clothes. He'd just taken off his shirt as Bella walked in. She stopped in her tracks and stared dazedly at his naked torso.

"See something you like?" Edward smirked.

Bella blushed tomato red, "As a matter of fact I do."

"Come and get it then." He summoned her forward with his index finger.

She ran forward and launched herself at him. They kissed passionately and the sounds of their moans and laboured breaths filled the room.

"Ask me again." Bella mumbled against his lips.

"What?"

"Ask me to marry you again."

Edward stilled. He looked hopefully down at her.

"Bella, I love you with all my heart and I always will. Will you marry me?"

Bella smiled slowly, "Yes."

(A/N): Squeaaaaaaaallllll! I know! :D

So, tell me what you think!

Is Carlisle totally forgiven or are you still hesitant? How do you think he'll react when he finds out about the proposal?

Who's excited for a royal wedding? :D

oh and the Children's hospital scene was inspired by The Prince and Me, which I also do not own :)

Thanks for reading and I'm sorry for the delay…RL was not co-operating at all these past few days, but all is better now :)