A/N: Sorry for yet another long absence! But my exams are finally over and I am gladly back! I have a new story I'll be posting tomorrow (yes, I know, another one!? When I have so many to update, but I really like this next one and I hope you like it too!)
Bella's POV:
The sun could barely break through the musty window in my chamber. I sat up, stretching my arms out for a moment. When I opened my eyes, they landed on a small, folded up piece of paper just in front of my door. Who could have sent that?
I stood up and made my way over to the door, bending down to pick it up off the dusty, stone floor. I unfolded it carefully and glanced down at the elegant script, admiring the neatness and beauty of it. Only a gentle hand could have written this.
Isabella,
If last night didn't discourage you, I would like to see you again, tonight.
I long to see you again, and I admit that I'm hoping you feel the same. I'll be waiting in the garden at midnight. If you show up, you will make me very happy. If not, I can understand your decision.
Edward
I smiled, biting my bottom lip. I was thankful this chamber was my own as I held the note to my heart for a while. He wanted to see me again…surely, I wanted to see him too, of course I would join him in the garden at midnight!
…
My daily chores had been completed, and my final meal for the day was in my hands. I was thankful for the fresh fruit and bread, it may not have satisfied the whole hunger, but it was enough to keep me alive for another day, and it's freshness was something I couldn't complain about. I glanced out the large stone window at the garden below, smiling. Only a two more hours until I would see Prince Edward again.
As I made my way up the stairs, I spotted both Prince Jasper and Prince Edward coming down the stairs from the throne chamber. The cast a glance at me, giving me small smiles. Edward stopped a few feet in front of me while Jasper carried on by. "Hello, Isabella."
"Hello, your royal highness." I said with a bow.
"You don't need to hide from Jasper," He said quietly, "He knows, but he won't tell." I nodded. "Will I see you tonight?" I nodded.
"Yes, I would like, very much, to see you again." I answered. He smiled, and sighed with relief.
"As would I." He said. Holding my hand, he brought it up to his lips and pressed a small kiss to back of it. "Until midnight."
"Until midnight." I repeat. He released my hand and walked past me and I continued on up to my room; I couldn't contain the smile on my face as I thought about him. He actually liked me, even though I was nothing but a slave in his kingdom.
…
I slipped out of the castle undetected and found myself in the garden shortly after. I wandered for a few minutes, before spotting Prince Edward at an end near a large willow tree. "Isabella?" He whispered as I neared.
"Yes it's me," I said in a hushed tone. He stretched his arm out, gently grabbing a hold of my hand.
"I'm very glad you showed," He said, leaning his head in and pressing his forehead to mine. The feeling of him this close sent me into an almost frenzy. My body felt alive. He was beautiful, and everything imaginable…and I, nothing but a slave, had been taken in interest by him.
"So am I," I said, smiling, "I would have regretted it if I didn't come."
"Were you thinking of not?" He asked. I shook my head.
"No, of course not!" I replied, "I would have if you had asked me an hour ago." I could see a smile graze his lips in the dim light.
"Well since we're being honest, there is something I would like to tell you…and I know you'll understand it, because you're smart, and unlike anyone I've ever met." I smiled at his words and nodded, "Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them." He said softly. It took me a moment, but I put the words together easily.
"Are you saying you don't want to be king?" I asked. He nodded, wrapping his fingers around mine.
"Yes, Isabella." He looked into my eyes, before pressing his lips to mine briefly, "I don't want to be king…I never wanted it, but with my brothers leaving the kingdom to marry and take over other castles, it leaves me here, in search of a bride." He added, "Well, my parents are in search. Yet, they do not realize that my bride is in this very castle."
"And who would this bride be?" I asked, teasing. Edward smirked and leaned in, pressing his lips to mine again, for moments longer.
"Well, Isabella."
"Bella," I said softly.
"Bella," He smiled, "Who do you think suggested you live in the castle?"
"But we did not know each other before then?"
"Ah, but the night of the feast, we saw each other…we may not have spoken, but I could not take my eyes off you the entire night." He whispered. I blushed at his words, and was thankful it was too dark to see. "Though, you do not throw yourself at me, like the others."
"Well has it maybe occurred to you, that I am not like them one bit?" I asked. He smirked again, letting out a small chuckle.
"Yes it has, Isabella." He said, "Indeed, it has."