I sit in the limousine. It feels different, empty without my father's presence. Although it has already been four months I can still remember his confusing, last words as if he only died yesterday.
"I know your mother mightn't always have been faithful to me. I do not hold anything against her for I fear the time is near. Tell her that I only did what I feel is correct".
I watch the buildings fly past, almost as fast as my life has the past few months. Not only did my father pass away but I've been issued with the responsibility of finding a wife before I turn twenty one or the position of King and the entire Masen fortune will be left to my mother. I refuse to allow my mother, my unfaithful, bitch of a mother to receive my father's inheritance. The limousine door is opened by James, my chauffer and I inwardly vow to marry within a year's time, leaving just two weeks to my twenty first birthday. I walk through the electric doors of the rehabilitation centre and begin to think of my brother, Prince Jasper. He was institutionalized into this rehab's psych ward, the very same, newly renovated psych ward I am honoured to be opening today. Jasper and I used to be great friends when we were younger. We were always playing lacrosse and polo all day. Our laundress's were barely able to keep up with our fast growing laundry piles. Sadly, when I was seventeen, Jasper was diagnosed. For years he insisted that he could feel people's emotions but only when these emotions began to control his life was the issue taken seriously. Through my weekly visits I have managed to become friendly with the other psych patients here. There is Emmet who is hospitalized for his abuse of steroids and Rosalie, who has an obsessive compulsive disorder with her own beauty. I enjoy spending time with the patients and the nurses appreciate the extra break. I walk through the white, sterilised halls of the Royal Rehabilitation Centre, my Bally shoes squeaking on the polished floors. I stand at my position behind the silk red ribbon, all the press conveniently facing me. I begin to recite my short speech.
"Royal Rehabilitation Centre is an institution that allows patients in need to socialise and communicate with other young adults in similar situation and undergo treatment at the same time. This newly renovated psychiatric wing includes therapy rooms, a gym and improved, modernised wards. The new psychiatric wing is bound to be a success and I on behalf of the entire royal family wish the Royal Rehabilitation Centre luck and success in all their future endeavours. Congratulations."
I cut the red ribbon officially opening the new psychiatric wing. The press, nurses and patients all cheer and festivities ring loud and clear in the sterilised hospital air. The head nurse, Natasha leads me into each newly renovated room slowly explaining the newly built features and benefits.
Sitting on the bench outside the gym is the first time I see her. She must be new; I have never seen her here before. Her bouncy, brown, waves are pulled back into a tight pony tail, allowing me to view her breathtakingly beautiful face. The girl's cheekbones are high and her lips are proportioned yet still plump. Her dark eyes and eyelashes contrast against her pale skin. She is beautiful but I can see something is wrong. I can see the dark, blue rings obvious on her alabaster skin under her eyes, the faint red lines marked across her long neck like a necklace and the purple blotches imprinted on her skinny arms. Her intense depression is evident in her dull brown eyes.
I can see it in the way she wraps her arms around her torso, as if she is trying to hold herself together, lest she shatter into thousands of pieces.
I see her for the first time and I know.
I know without a doubt that she is the one.
The one that I am meant to share the rest of my life with.
My other half.
My soul mate.
I approach her slowly, my hands held up in front of my torso demonstrating that I mean no harm. As I sit beside the girl, her body jerks in shock and her right hand speeds to cover her pink lips, muffling a gasp definite to escape.
She wasn't expecting me.
Her head turns to the side, surveying me and then back down, her dull chocolate eyes boring holes into the tiled floor.
"Hello, I'm Edward," I say softly as not to scare the girl further. The girl does not respond at all. She doesn't even look at me.
A nurse clad in white walks past. "Prince Edward!" she exclaims. "Oh, this is one of our newest patients', Isabella Swan".
"Hello Isabella," I say softly.
Isabella's head slowly rises and she stares into my eyes.
"Now Isabella, be polite," scolds the nurse. "Say hello to Prince Edward".
Isabella's delicate lips move slightly in the form of a greeting.
"I'd better be on my way," says the nurse. "Isabella, please be polite and talk to Prince Edward".
Isabella doesn't answer.
"Isabella, would you like to take a walk with me?" I ask as soon as the nurse leaves.
Her head jerks in response. I stand up and offer my arm in a gentlemanly manner. She stares at my arm pondering whether it is safe to accept it or not.
"It's Bella, my name is Bella," she whispers.
Bella tentatively reaches out and grabs my hand.
Her hand, her beautiful, soft, smooth hand sends a bolt of electricity right through me.
I feel as if I have just stepped into a furnace.
A furnace filled with glowing red embers and blue flames.
A furnace of overwhelming and concentrated love.
Bella's eyes widen and her eyebrows rise. I know she can feel it too. I lead Bella into the rose garden out the back and think about what I can say to her.
"There is a carnival coming in about a months' time and I would be honoured if you would accompany me there," I suggest.
Bella looks at me and her lips turn upwards at the edges. "I would love that," she whispers.
I smile and close my eyes. That voice. The voice of an angel, it is as clear as the blue morning sky and as fresh as the evening breeze.
"Thank you," I respond. "Would you mind if I come see you here tomorrow?"
Blood rushes to Bella's pale face and she casts her eyes to the ground. I gently reach for her chin and lift her face until it is level with mine. She nods shyly and licks her lips nervously. I look up at the sky and see birds flying and clouds gathering. I feel like I am on top of the world. I feel invincible. I know I am strong.