(A/N) Okay, I had thought that this chapter would go so slowly, but it did, and I'm really sorry. I also think that this chapter is definitely not me at my best. This week was kind of a mixture of good things and bad things...the bad being that I had to sleep at 12:30-1am every day and wake up at 7:25am because of school work...so I'm a little tired. I want to rewrite this chapter, but I also don't feel very much like it because I am so tired...The only good news is that I don't have another website-paper due in two weeks so I can catch up on some sleep and hopefully, my writing will get better again.

Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight or New Moon because I don't ever recall my first name being Stephenie nor my last name being Meyer. I am not, nor do I ever want to be, an identity thief, so...yeah...don't ask.

Chapter 8

The evening was a busy bustle of people moving too and from my room. The Austrians will be leaving tomorrow, and I shall be leaving with them until spring. I was excited at the prospect of seeing snow. Edward once described it to me as very cold, fluffy, but melts upon touch. I had never seen snow before, and his description only perked up my impatience and curiosity.

I sat on my bed, cross-legged, as I oversaw the maids packing as much of my clothing as possible into two large-sized suitcases. The small amount of jewelry I had was also neatly placed into delicate wooden boxes and packed into the suitcases. Sophie, whom I pleaded to come with me, was no where to be seen. She was to pack her own items into a medium-sized suitcase, so I guess she must be packing.

All of my summer dresses were left in my wardrobe and closet. Heavy velvet cloaks, mittens, and gloves were thrown almost recklessly into the suitcases. One maidservant was charged the task of keeping track which item went where, so Sophie and the servants in Austria could find everything.

As I watched them pack, I daydreamed about the last few days. I never told Edward about the book in the library. I did not even tell Sophie of the old bookkeeper or my odd dream. However, the last few days could get no better. I recalled how Edward's eyes were a brighter gold after his day of hunting. When I asked about it, he just changed the topics. He told me Austrian legends in the garden, his voice bringing the story to life.

Other times, we talked. As always, he skipped more questions to answer than I did. I spoke naught about my curse. He always gave somewhat ambiguous answers that raised more questions than answered. Once, I asked about that, but he just gave me his charming crooked smile, making it seem almost as if he was going to answer. He leaned in my ear, as if whispering a secret, and said in a normal volume, "Next question." I jumped at the sound. He chuckled in amusement while I glared at him, rolled my eyes, before firing off my next line of questions.

"Princess…Your Highness?" a voice said. My eyes readjusted, and I saw a pale hand waving in front of my eyes. I saw Alice in my room, her face looked as if she was confused.

"Yes?" I asked, holding her still-waving hand that was dizzying me.

"You're back! I thought I lost you…" she smiled at her own comment, as if laughing at a private joke. "Aren't you excited about coming with us to Austria tomorrow?"

"Yes," I replied as she looked around the room, particularly my closet.

"My goodness!" she suddenly exclaimed. I jumped in surprise.

"What? What's wrong?"

"Your closet…" she answered. "We must make you more clothing. Most are okay, but…you definitely need more than that!" Continuing her own line of thoughts, she began muttering about dress styles and the colors, seemingly lost in her own world. She made her way towards the door, "Oh, and bring a nice ball dress with you. We must attend a ball the second day after we get back…" she trailed off again.

Sophie, who was walking into my room to help me undress, heard the last statement. If I did not know better, I would have thought she was having a heart attack. She nearly doubled over in shock. A moment later, she was acting as if nothing happened, and began to undress me for bed. Before she left, I heard her faintly mutter, "Another ball to prepare for…I wonder what to do…" She sighed, blew the candles, and closed the door.

My dream that night was pleasant.

The next morning, I was woken up by Alice. She seemed as if barely able to retain a scream of joy and excitement. "Today's the day…today's the day!" she squeaked over and over again. I faintly wondered if it was normal, or even healthful, for a princess to be so excited.

Sophie came in a few moments later, shocked to see Alice. She ran me through my morning routine while the footmen carried my items to the coaches.

I wore very simple, but moderately warm clothing. It would take two days total to get to the royal city, but the weather will get progressively colder. As Alice informed me, the weather was already late fall to early winter in the mountains. She also said that the first snowfall was due in five days, which was the reason for this hurried departure. The Cullens did not want to be snow-locked out of their country until spring.

There were five carriages outside, all of them splendidly polished with a team of four fine horses pulling each one. Rosalie and Emmett stepped into the first carriage, the King and Queen in the second, followed by Alice and Jasper, then Edward and I. The last carriage was made solely for carrying trunks and souvenirs bought from their visit.

Sophie was bestowed a great white mare and a heavy cloak to follow with the guards. I had to say that the Austrians were very rich, and they showed off their riches by the expensive decorations on their coaches.

Edward followed me to the fourth coach. Unsure of whether to give him my hand or to let him push up on my elbow, he wounded up with the middle of my arm and I had to grasp the side of the carriage with the other hand for balance. Then he hopped inside with such grace and agility that I blushed in embarrassment for my clumsiness.

A few minutes later, Mother and Father came to bid me farewell. I kissed them on the forehead, promising to be back in one piece. Father chuckled while Mother gave him a stern look. Then they spoke to Edward for a moment, though I overheard Mother telling Edward about my clumsiness and something about trying to catch me before I fall. I mentally sighed.

A few more goodbyes later, the line of carriages started rolling. I left my palace for the first time in my life.

I did promise a fluff chapter either this chapter or the next. Since this one went a little slower than I had planned, I will try my best to make their trip to Austria adorable...lol Review with your ideas...goodness knows I need ideas and comments. I will try to get a lot of sleep this weekend and maybe give myself enough time to write and update the next chapter by Sunday or Monday if I get...say...5 or more reviews? Wow...I'm evil...it's only the 8th chapter and I'm bribing people already!!! Sorry...but I'll try to keep with my side of the bribe if you review...