All recognisable characters belong to SM. I just own the plot.

A big shout out to A Jasper For Me for her awesomeness.

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Here's another chapter for you guys. Enjoy.

I hate being late, especially if I didn't have any choice on the matter.

My duties in the hospital hadn't allowed me to come home early to prepare for tonight. Dr. Brock knew about the ball – how could he not when it was plastered all over the news – but he didn't offer me reprieve from my duties. My pride had prevented me from asking him some kind of allowance so I could be excused just for this day. I didn't want anyone accusing me of using my connection with Edward to get where I wanted to be, so I sucked it up and went to work. When I left the hospital I only had three hours left before the dinner party. Emmett had insisted I take the royal helicopter that was provided for my use, but I declined. It was too much for me. Instead I had insisted on making my way to Forks by land, arguing I would have plenty of time to prepare for tonight. I should have known better and accepted Emmett's offer because by the time I had arrived at my parents' house, I had only forty minutes left. Alice of course wasn't happy, far from it. She had bitched about how irresponsible I was and all the things she could whine about. I had tuned her out. It was best not to engage with my sister when she pissed off, because that would mean another few minutes of bickering, which I didn't have. It was a good thing Nikki – the stylist Alice had brought with her – was an experienced hair and make-up artist, who had helped me achieve the look I wanted for the party.

I looked down at my dress. The simple strapless, champagne-colored gown I wore should be enough to impress. Alice had said the exquisite embroidery made the dress shimmer, and in turn made me look like a real princess. That compliment, however, didn't do anything to my jumbled nerves. I was not only agitated because of the party and all it represents, but I was also freaking nervous as hell because I was late. So here I was inside the limousine Edward had provided, thinking of reasons that would make my lateness acceptable.

Perhaps they wouldn't notice my arrival.

Yeah, like that would really happen.

I ignored the fluttering of my stomach as we approached The Palace. There was a long line of cars lined up from the gate, and it took another fifteen minutes for me to finally reach the front entrance.

It was now or never.

I stepped out of the car, knowing my life would forever be changed.

OOOOOOOOOO

"You're here," I whispered, cradling her face in both my hands. I could see her nervousness, and I pulled her close to me. "Are you alright?"

"Yes. Just a little anxious, that's all." The smile she braved made me want to kiss her. And so that was what I did – just a peck on her lips, though.

"You look beautiful." She beamed that breathtaking smile of hers, lighting up the room and making me want to take her away so I could have her all to myself. She was exquisite.

"And you look handsome, my prince."

The teasing smile on her face made me relax, but only a bit. She was on the edge, and I was certain her being late didn't help her calm down. I didn't want to think about what awaited her in the ballroom. My relatives were there, not to mention some press people. They had been expecting her. However, most of them had thought her attendance was only a made-up rumor to feed the hungry press. When she hadn't been with me during the entrance ceremony, the looks of disappointment on their faces couldn't be masked.

"Are you ready?"

"No," she replied, uncertain. I tilted her chin slowly with the back of my finger so I could see her eyes.

"You can do this … we can do this."

She blew out a loud breath through her lips and said, "Okay."

"That's my girl."

I offered her my arm and she wrapped her hand around it.

There was a customary practice we had to go through where all attendees of this ball needed to descend the large, wide staircase as their names were announced for everyone to hear. This was a way to broadcast all titles one had attached to his or her name. Mine was already announced earlier.

It was Bella's turn now.

She gave me a brave smile as we neared the door, knowing her arrival would be revealed soon and there wouldn't be a moment's peace in the next hour or so. Her being here with me was a proclamation of so many things. It was amazing and scary at the same time. Too many doubts I had yet to clear, but I was getting there. As long as she had her arms around me like this, everything seemed to fade in the background. She loved me. That was the most important thing.

I leaned down to kiss her cheek once more before the butler made his announcement. My name was called again – without all the titles this time – and then hers. A collective gasp could be heard and I smiled. There was no question I wanted to parade her around for everyone to know she was mine.

Her grip on my arm tightened as we came out of the big oak doors. The journey down the stairs was a little unnerving. All eyes were on us, taking every detail of our actions. I was focused on making sure Bella was comfortable next to me, because I was sure we had everyone's attention.

Good. So there would be no doubt and confusion as to the status of our relationship. Isabella's attendance of this ball was a confirmation she was someone very special to me - a girlfriend or a fiancé, although the absence of a ring was a dead give away. If I knew she was ready to take the next step, I would go down on my knees right this moment, but as she had reiterated, she wanted this to be slow, so slow I would be until I convinced her to marry me … to be my queen.

Once we were amongst the crowd, there seemed to be an endless throng of relatives who wanted to speak with Bella and me. We made our rounds, making sure to chat up with as many uncles, aunts and cousins as we could. It was my plan to reintroduce Bella to everyone so she would be comfortable with them. There was no time to waste if I intended to make her realize being my wife was the best option for her.

I turned to face her and saw she was concentrating on what my Aunt Julie was saying, her forehead creased into a frown. She must have felt my eyes on her because she turned to me and gave me that beaming smile when she realized I was checking her out. God, she was so beautiful. Her hair was up and her neck was exposed; the skin so smooth and inviting, I wanted to nuzzle and lick her there.

"Edward?" I heard my Aunt Julie say, and that pulled me out of the Bella trance I was in. I could see the laugh Bella was trying so hard to suppress and I had the sudden urge to pull her close and kiss her until all she could feel was me.

"Ehem."

I pulled my gaze away from my girl, knowing if I didn't, everyone would know I was a lovesick fool, which I really was.

"Aunt Julie, you were saying?" I asked, trying to act nonchalant, but the teasing glint in her eyes told me she wasn't fooled.

"I know your girl is gorgeous, but you could at least give an old lady a little bit of your time," she said, trying to pout like a child, even though she was in her late seventies.

"You know I have all the time in the world for you, Aunt Julie," I teased back, and she giggled. It was almost comical to see her act like a teenager, but she was one of a few relatives I was close to, and I could indulge her a bit. She was a duchess and was used to the attention. At her age, it was incomprehensible to think she would act like many of the other spoiled royals, but most times she did. She talked for a few minutes while I listened, or pretended I did. It was mostly gossip I didn't want to hear, but I was being polite. Bella only commented when asked about certain things, but mostly remained quiet.

"This one here …" Aunt Julie thumbed Bella " … is a keeper. Don't allow her to get away again, you hear?" She winked as she nodded knowingly.

I glanced at Bella, who was now flushed red in what I assumed was embarrassment, before I turned my attention back to my aunt.

"I assure you, I won't make the same mistake again."

She clapped while she giggled, giving me the impression she was intoxicated, although I was certain she was not.

"I'm happy to hear that," she answered. "Perhaps we'll have a wedding soon?"

What? I glanced back at Bella, who looked more embarrassed than ever. I squeezed her hand in mine in reassurance, and she gave me a smile.

"I think it's too soon to talk about such things, Aunt Julie," I replied, dodging her question. "Why don't we just enjoy the night?"

She stared at me for a few more seconds before she finally understood I wouldn't be giving in. She finally said her goodbyes and even kissed Bella on the cheek.

I leaned down to whisper in her ear. "I don't want you uncomfortable so please don't overthink about what she said about a wedding."

Bella raised her eyes to mine. "I won't. I came here prepared for things like that."

That surprised and pleased me at the same time. "Really?" I asked smugly, feeling elated she was at least – even a tiny bit – thinking about marriage.

""Yes," she answered, a small smile tugged at her lips. "So let's not worry about it, okay?"

"If you say so. You're my boss."

"I better be."

It was at that moment when I wanted so badly to pull her close and kiss her that Riley approached. I wasn't sure whether to be disappointed by the interruption or be relieved I wouldn't embarrass her in front of everyone present. She was still trying to adjust and my lack of control where she was concerned wouldn't help, so I tried to happily chat with my cousin.

It was another hour before Bella and I were given reprieve from the barrage of curious people wanting to get close in hopes they would learn a thing or two about my relationship with Bella, other than us reuniting.

Wanting to have some alone time with her – even for just a few minutes – I pulled her toward the library. The look of surprise on her face when she realized where we were was cute, but I had a reason for bringing her here. I took her face between my hands and smiled lazily.

"I need to kiss you."

"Then kiss me."

That was all the permission I needed before I claimed her mouth. She tasted of honey and wine, so fucking delicious. She opened her mouth to me, her tongue battling with mine, plunging and retreating, making me delirious with need. I sucked on her lips, biting a little, earning me little moans from her and ensuring my hardened erection.

"You're making me crazy," I rasped, my forehead against hers. I was certain she could feel my hardness against her stomach, but the look of desire in her eyes told me it wasn't one-sided. I pulled her closer, wanting no space between us. I leaned down until my lips were on hers again, wanting to taste the sweetness of her mouth, to get lost in the sensation of her tongue dueling with mine, kissing, biting, sucking until we needed to part. We were panting as we stared at each other, her breath mixing with mine as we stayed only inches apart. Her hands fisted the front of my suit like she was afraid to let me go, but several seconds later, she released her hold and was trying to push away from me.

"We should get back."

"No!" I answered loudly before I leaned down to capture her already swollen lips. This time I wasn't gentle. Our mouths, teeth and tongue clashed together for a craving that was so great, I couldn't get enough of her. I kissed her like there was no tomorrow. One of my hands had slowly moved from her hip to her breast, and when she didn't protest I palmed and squeezed the mound of flesh through her dress. She moaned, and that went straight down below.

"God, Bella," I rasped, moving my lips to her neck where I nuzzled and licked the soft skin I found there.

"Edward, please."

"Please what?" I asked, my voice hoarse and raw. I took a deep breath, taking in her scent. My head was spinning from the high that I felt. "Do you want me to stop?"

"No, I … I –" she stuttered, and I grinned, because somehow I knew she was just as affected by my kisses as I was.

"Tell me, little bird. Tell me what you want," I whispered against her neck and I felt goosebumps break all over her.

It felt like forever before she spoke. She even pushed me away a little, halting my assault on her neck. She grabbed my face in her hands so there was no way for me to look away from her.

"I want you." She didn't blink as she said the words and I could feel my lips turn up into a smile. "I want to make you happy."

"Oh, baby. You've always made me happy. Always."

I pulled her closer, loving that she was no longer holding back with me. She released her hold on my face, only to caress my cheek with the back of her hand. Her eyes were shining, and her face was flushed. She was breathtaking. The longer I was with her, the more I wanted her. I leaned forward, wanting to have another round with her lips, but our bubble broke when I heard my mother call my name.

Bella quickly pulled away from me like she was burnt. I didn't take offense, knowing the sudden appearance of my mother was the cause of it.

"Mother," I said, just as Bella acknowledged her presence.

"Your Majesty."

"What are the two of you doing here?" She asked but didn't wait for our response. "People are looking for you."

She stared for another fraction of a second longer before she turned away from us. It was enough for me to get her message. We needed to stop what we were doing and present ourselves more properly. I got that, even though my heart protested, because that would mean it would be another hour or so before I could have another taste of my Bella.

My parents had no objections to my renewed romance with Bella, but I didn't want any reason for them to change their minds. With that thought, I slowly put some respectable distance between Bella and I. She took my cue and arranged herself, trying to smooth down the gown so no one would know I had been molesting her just a few seconds ago.

"I think you have something here. Let me just get …" she reached up her hand and rubbed her fingers over my upper lip "… it. There, no more lipstick."

I rubbed the same area with my fingers to be sure there was no more evidence of our little rendezvous.

"I think it's time we get back out there," I said, nodding my head towards the door. "I'm certain we're missed."

"I sure hope nobody noticed our absence."

That was wishful thinking, but I didn't voice that thought aloud. Of course, someone had noticed. That was why my mother had to intervene. But Bella didn't need to know that.

"I'm sure no one did."

I raised her hand to my lips, kissing her knuckles as she smiled.

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xoxo