A/N: I have another story coming soon; however, it's in progress right now, so it might be a few days until it's posted. For now, another chapter to my newest addition.

By five am the next morning, all of the slaves were called to the front of Cullen Castle. Silence pierced through the air as we all waited for the king to announce his decisions. As he approached the front gates, with his men, wife, and son beside him, the tension got thicker.

I didn't realize just how much I longed to be in the castle, until that very moment when I spotted Prince Edward. How selfish and foolish of me to think I had a chance with him; could I really think that would happen?

Of course it couldn't. I knew it wouldn't, nor would it even be considered. I'd never felt such a pain in my chest in that moment. The king called silence, though there was no need. Everyone paid him their attention, and as he cleared his throat, he began to speak. "Good morning to all. I assume you all would like to know whether or not you have been given the chance to live with royalty. Now, before I tell you those who have been chosen, I feel it is only right to tell you the exclusivity you will be given in your time here at the castle." We all listened intently, "You will be allowed to roam the castle's grounds, given a guard, or the Princes and their wives know about it. You must still work every day, around seven am until four in the evening; any time after that, you have the free will to do as you please. You mustn't leave the castle's grounds, without a guard's permission that has been validated through either the queen, or myself. Now, with that…the ten chosen slaves."

Many, about my age, were chosen; Elizabeth had been one of them. There was one person left, and I suddenly felt the heart-aching need for it to be me, and to which it was, "Isabella Swan."

Eyes turned on me, and I could feel some as loathing glares. I couldn't help but feel smug towards the others that I, no more than a peasant girl, had been chosen to live in Cullen Castle. As I stepped forward, I came to a halt immediately as I caught him watching me again.

As much I admired him, I knew I would have to keep my distance. I was brought into this castle to work, not to try and capture Prince Edward's heart. It would surely have to avoid him at all costs.

Hence forth, and forevermore, my place was now at the castle.

However, the chosen slaves had a total of three days to live outside of the castle, if they pleased. I did so to spend them with Jacob.

XXX

Edward's POV:

I had my ways of fleeing the castle when I needed too; and believe me, today was one of those days that I needed too.

I did not wish to be king someday. But with my siblings, whom had no care themselves, that left me the next in line by default. I was just glad I had four years to leave and go to Europe for school though. I don't think I'll be ready even then, however.

It was now, that I found myself a coward and tired of it all. As I sat here up in this apple tree, I found peace. The pressure of my family was slowly slipping away. Moments later, my silence was broken by a girl's laugh. I moved aside the branches in front of me, to see the Swan girl running into the small pond.

As she got into the water, she pulled the sleeves of her dress down, and then pulled the rest over her head. I watched curiously, for my virgin eyes had never seen the nude body of a woman. I felt like a peeping tom, however, I was mesmerized by her. She dropped below the surface of the water, and seconds later, a male voice called out to her, "Isabella!"

She rose up again; her bare back to me. The line of the water stopped just below her thighs. I knew it was wrong of me to spy, but her skin was a beautiful pale, ivory with a delicious glow beneath the sun. In my eyes, she was breathtakingly captivating. And as far as I could recall, she didn't throw herself at me like most.

The wind picked up then; ah the breeze!

She shivered, and pulled herself back under the water. Why was it, I could not tear my eyes away from her? Was it so wrong that I let my mind look on? Although…it was in my nature, I presume. I just simply could not take my eyes off of her. I must have surely lost it!

I pushed the branches back and carefully rested against the tree limbs, humming to myself.

XXX

"Where have you been?" My brother, Jasper asked, eyeing me curiously.

"Where I always am, why?" I replied, running my fingers through my hair; I pulled a small leaf out.

"Mom's looking for you," Jasper added, "She said it's important."

"Shit," I sighed, "Where is she?"

"She's in the main hall with dad; just so you know, he's in a mood. He's not really happy that you've been disappearing lately."

"Well I'm not happy with him forcing me into becoming king, so I guess we're even."

"Edward, you can't afford to think like that; especially now." Jasper scolded. I nodded.

"Sorry, you're right. I just hate that you and Emmett had a choice." Jasper nodded this time and left with a nod. I walked into the main hall, stopping abruptly as my parents' eyes turned on me. My father definitely looked displeased, and I was thankful Jasper gave me a warning ahead of time. My mother, I knew, was trying to be strict with me, but it just wasn't in her heart.

"Edward," My father said stiff.

"Father," I stepped forward, stopping a few feet away from them.

"You know we don't appreciate you running off every other minute." He said, raising his chin a fraction. "We need you here, now more than ever, if you're going to be king soon."

I sighed, "I still have five more years, father."

"And ruling a kingdom alone is hard work; let alone, it's country." I'd heard this all before, and quite frankly, I was sick of it. My father ranted on for minutes, until my mother finally stopped him.

"Edward you may go now. We'll discuss this later, alright?" I nodded and left the main hall. My mind instantly flooded back to the girl. She was a sin sent from my personal hell that would drive me mad until she was mine. I would find a way to court her, and win her heart.

It was wrong because of my status, and hers; but could you really take away the one thing the heart wanted?