Chapter 3
BPOV
So on Saturday's date, it was just myself and Edward in the formal dining room. Halfway through dinner I kept catching Edward staring at me, "Yes, your highness. What is wrong?"
"Nothing. Everything is right. From our dancing in the gardens and our dates over the last two months, I fell in love with you. It would by my honor if you would make me the happiest man in the world by being my wife. I love you," and he was kneeling by me with a beautiful diamond ring.
I had tears in my eyes. "Edward, I love you and yes, I will marry you." He kissed my lips, finished sliding the ring onto my finger and kissed it as well.
"I want to get married in two months and your father is very happy for you. Yes, Bella, of course, I asked your father for your hand in marriage. The King has offered my brother's wing to you and your family so that your mom can be your escort while here and get your wardrobe built up along with your wedding dress since you are now going to be a Princess."
"What? What?" I stuttered.
"Bella, of course, by you marrying me, you'll become France's Princess and my Princess, as well. Now stand up, please Bella."
"Why?"
"I'll show you." Edward pulled me up and pulled me into a hug. "I promise you; I love you and I want you to be here in the palace and be my wife."
"Thank you, Edward. When am I and my parents moving in?"
"On Monday. Yes, you'll have the whole staff to help you. They're cleaning out the suites as we speak." Then he lifted me up and sat me on the dining room table.
"Yes, your highness."
"My father and I have one other question for you."
"What would that be, your highness?"
"Will you help with parties and meal planning? Organizing the castle and garden staff? Will you be the castle's hostess? My father's secretary has been handling it and she would like to retire."
"It would be an honor to run the castle for you and the king as long as his secretary is willing to help me at first?"
"Good, you are perfect and you will do a fantastic job of it. The best way to start all of this is with our engagement and wedding plans. Now Bella, you are looking a little overwhelmed so how about a walk in the beautiful gardens to turn you back into my blushing bride before I return you to your parents." I was returned to parents two hours later with my blushing bride glow back. We had shared several kisses, hugs, and I love you's in the garden and in the carriage returning home.
On Monday, we all moved over to the castle. Monday night for dinner, both families sat down to dinner. On Saturday, Edward and Bella were celebrated at the engagement ball. I helped planning and organizing about half the details. My mother altered one of my dresses so that it would be ready. As I was getting up to go to the ball, I heard voices in my sitting room, "Hello, your highness."
I immediately went out into my sitting room to see Edward.
Edward walked straight towards me and said, "Beautiful, come back to your bedroom, please."
"Your highness."
"No. It's fine. Bring your mother and maid, as well. Leave the door open."
"Okay, your highness, what is going on?"
"Please go sit at your dressing station. Now close your eyes."
"Edward."
"Trust me, my future princess. Your mother and maid are here. It's okay; please just close your eyes for me."
I finally did. I felt something settle down on my hair and heard my mother gasped. "What?" I said.
"Open your eyes now." I saw my reflection in the mirror which included a very simple tiara sitting on my head.
"Oh, Edward, it's beautiful."
He spun me around into his arms and said, "As beautiful as you. It was one of my mother's. Now would you like to go to your engagement ball?"
"Yes, my prince." Edward took my arm and led me towards the ballroom. My mother, father, my maid and Edward's butler were all following us. The king toasted and announced us at the ball with cheers from all of our guests. Edward stayed at my side the whole time. We danced until Edward escorted me back to my suite at 2:00 AM.
"Thank you, your highness. Tonight was so much fun. Edward, thank you for lending me your mother's crown that was very generous of you. What do I do with my crown?"
"Your maid will help you with it and it will be returned to the safe. Our party tonight was wonderful; I have no doubts that you will become a wonderful hostess over the next few years. Bella, tonight was the second best day of my life. The first being when you agreed to become my princess and wife. I have a question for you to think about while you sleep tonight?"
"What would that be?"
"Would you like a new crown for the wedding or would you wear one of my mother's? Good night, Bella."
"Goodnight, your highness."
I told Edward the next day I would be honored to wear one of his mother's crowns. The next seven weeks flew by with my working on all the events in the castle. There had been some minor revolution the King and Edward were dealing with. I stayed within the castle property, exclusively. Edward had introduced me to using a dagger and sword when I kept complaining about not going outside often enough. One day we went outside over to a grove of trees and he introduced me to a sword and target practice. Edward the handle on this dagger is beautiful. Yes it is my soon to be princess, but your aim is more important. Twice he led me on horseback into the woods for a private picnic and additional dagger practice. My mother had done an amazing job of my wedding dress and my whole new wardrobe. My parents were going to continue to stay at the castle for at least the next year. The day before the wedding Edward came to see me and said, "Come on, Bella. Let's go for a walk in the garden."
"But, but,"
"You need to relax, no more wedding details for right now."
"Fine," I said in a huff as Edward dragged me outside.
Edward led me out to the garden and a bench in the rose section. He said, "Now sit." He sat next to me and pulled my hands into his lap after he gently kissed my lips. "Relax, tomorrow, we will be married."
"Yes."
"I'm sorry I can't take you on a honeymoon right now."
"I understand the revolutions are more important; but we will still be together in the castle."
"You have nothing to be worried about tomorrow night. Honestly, it will be just us."
"Your highness, I am not worried about us consummating the marriage. I am actually a little excited about it. My parents have told me that the love between the right man and woman is a beautiful thing; so tomorrow night should be beautiful."
Edward choked a little and then said, "Bella, you never fail to surprise me. I am glad you are excited about tomorrow night, I am as well. Your organization has this castle running better than ever. My father even joked about having you help with the revolutions."
"No, thanks. That's for you two. But remember even though I'm not taking you on a honeymoon. You and I are spending from Saturday to Saturday in my hall of the castle."
"I know tomorrow my clothes and belongings will start to be moved into your wing. By the way, I'm sorry you brother can't be here for tomorrow."
"I understand though I do miss him."
Then I was returned to the confines of the castle and my family's wing a little pinker.