Hey all a time jump seemed needed. Please let me know if you like where the story is headed. Next chapter Bella will have to share the details of James.. so it may be a heavier topic. xxx

Chapter 9 A Lie & A Ball

A month had passed and things were just starting to settle.

Alice and I had our princess lessons on Mondays and Tuesdays. We were slowly progressing. She showed me things ranging from proper table manners to proper attire. She also taught me the customs that came along with being a Cordovan Princess, they felt endless. There were so many rules I was to follow. She grew up a royal and made it seem like it was a walk in the park.

Though it was hard to balance, I was grateful for our lessons and her help. I was slowly getting accustomed to the new lifestyle I had chosen. Which was reflected in the good press we had received regarding the Cordovan events I attended.

Rose had become my "personal attendant." She came to Cordova about a week after my arrival. I think Alice knew I needed the company and the much-needed fashion advice. She helped balance my schedule, which was extremely busy at the moment. She also planned all-important outfits for my events. Rose and Emmett had become inseparable since her arrival, which I think was the true reason for her sudden career change.

The Queen and I grew much closer, I found myself happy in her company. She was a calming force in all of the chaos. I still had to keep my guard up slightly around her, not to let any information slip out that differed from our original story. She reminded me of my mother in many ways. It was nice to have a motherly figure again. Even if it was just temporary.

Edward and I decided to play 20 questions when we had downtime. We had learned a lot about one another. It had grown to be my favorite thing each week. We had a lot in common we learned considering our polar opposite upbringings. My feelings were growing stronger for him each day. I reminded myself daily that we were not in a real relationship. At times it was hard to remember due to our strong connection.

Our physical relationship was blooming too. I had gotten on birth control quickly after arriving which aided in both our pleasure. We still were going at it whenever we could. It helped to relieve a lot of the stress floating around us. Each moment with one another was thrilling.

Carlisle still kept a skeptical eye on me. Something Edward finally had caught on to. The King was kind but our encounters were limited. I knew he had staff watching Edward and me every chance he could get. The King was known to be 10 steps ahead at all times. He did not like surprises like our union.

Our media frenzy had not died down. If anything it was always ongoing. Endless articles were released about our strange union. The people were mixed on what to think about us. Pregnancy rumors were still prevalent as ever.

I had set days to catch up with Charlie and the girls. I missed them all dearly. Charlie was still struggling to understand the new life I chose. We tend to not talk about it when we FaceTimed but I could tell he didn't approve. Some days I caught myself crying over the loss of being away from them all, in private of course.

I missed my support system. Though everyone at the Castle was welcoming, this home did not feel like mine. I never showed my emotions in public or amongst the staff. I didn't want to draw any unnecessary attention to Edward or myself.

Tonight we were set to attend a ball that was set to raise funds for the Cordovan orphanage. Edward was largely responsible for the event. Alice had trained me on what would be required of me for the evening as well as a list of important names to remember. I was grateful Alice and Rose would be all in attendance as well. This was a larger outing for Edward and me. All eyes would be on us, we could gain more good press.

I stepped out of the shower drying myself off, mentally trying to prepare myself for the evening to come. A knock at the door alerted me and I slipped on my robe. Alice and Rose dashed in before I could answer the door. They were both full of energy elated for the event tonight. I just chuckled at them in reply.

"Belllllllllaaaaaa!" Alice enthusiastically sang. "We have the most beautiful outfit planned for you"

"It really is a showstopper" Rose laughed. I sighed at them. I was like their little paper doll who they constantly dressed up. My style had been the talk of many articles. It was conservative with a stylish edge. "The Edgy Princess" they called me. Something Alice was rather proud of.

"How uncomfortable is it this time?" I groaned back at them both. Alice rolled her eyes and twirled me around still giggling up a storm.

"It has a corset bodice- but you will dazzle everyone darling." Rose smiled. Her twang had not died down at all being in Cordova. She was a breath of fresh air to have here. I was relieved not to be the only American in the Castle.

I put my hands up in defeat knowing I had no choice in the matter. The two of them were an unstoppable force. We all got ready for the event together. I was growing accustomed to others doing my hair and makeup. It was a luxury I did enjoy.

"Shit" Alice sighed out of nowhere. We were getting our updos done. Mine was an intricate yet simplistic design. I also had a small tiara that was to set on top of my head as did Alice. Princess customs I would need to grow used to. I stared at Alice unsure of her outburst.

We heard a knock at the door and Edward stumbled in. "Did you see it?" He growled. My eyes widened as I looked between the two of them.

"Yes I did, Edward please calm down- we will sort it out." She whispered. I was unsure of what exactly could have Edward so on edge.

"I'm going to kill him" he hissed. Rage was filled in his eyes. He was now pacing around the room. Unable to cool himself down.

"Edward you're scaring Bella, please calm down. Emmett said he's working on it. He just texted me." Alice soothed.

"What the hell is going on?" I finally blurted out. Unable to handle the elephant in the room any longer.

Edward stared at me and seemed conflicted. Same with Alice. They didn't know if I could handle it. I grabbed my phone and searched my name knowing this had to be the cause of this madness.

An article popped up. "Cheater Bella Swan? Heartbroken Fiancé Tells All" my heart dropped. Who could lie about this? The last boyfriend I had was nearly two years ago. We dated for just a few months and both mutually called it off. Riley would never do this I quickly deduced.

Edward grabbed my phone out of my hand before I could dive fully into the article. "It's bad Bella. You shouldn't read it. We have a busy night tonight and I think it may make you unable to hide your emotions. It seemed it was planned to get a rise out of you" he sighed.

Confusion still danced upon my face, who would claim they were engaged to me? He was right I didn't want to read all the details- this alone had shaken me.

"Who is it?" I simply asked. Edward kept his mouth tight-lipped. Unable to spill the words from his mouth. I begged Alice with my eyes to tell me. I was stronger than they both thought.

Alice came over to me and placed a hand on my shoulder. "She can handle this Edward. James, Bella. James Hunter is the one claiming you two were engaged."

Suddenly I felt sick to my stomach. How could he? After what he did to me, it made me physically sick and I ran to the bathroom and threw up my morning meal. Tears streamed down my face as I comprehended the information fully. He wanted revenge.

His text rang in my head- "you shouldn't have done that." He wanted to ruin my reputation. Edward sat next to me and consoled me. He rubbed my back as my tears fell from my face.

"We will prove this wrong Bella. I promise. We will expose it as a lie." He whispered in my ear. I simply nodded my head and pulled myself together. Knowing I couldn't let James have any more satisfaction of causing me discomfort. He wanted me to look distraught at the event tonight. I needed him to see me as happy and unaffected. Tonight was a key moment for the good press as a couple.

"I'm okay. I can do this" I sighed. I quickly wiped my tears and drank back some water.

"I want him to see that I am okay. I want him to see I'm unaffected." I turned to Alice. "Go as bold as you want." I simply stated. Her eyes lit up as she whispered to the hairdresser and makeup artist.

"Bella once tonight is over we will need to know the full details of what he's done," Edward lightly stated. "We need to expose him any details you can share about what happened will be helpful."

"Okay, I will tell you both everything I promise. I can share some details now if it helps." I weakly smiled at them both. I knew it was only a matter of time until the details were released. James needed to be stopped. I knew damage control needed to be done.

"We are releasing a statement denying your involvement with James. Just to be clear you two never dated?" Edward questioned. I could sense a bit of jealousy in his eyes.

"We never dated. I reported him to HR at Hunter's Bar and Grill multiple times. He was inappropriate toward me. He didn't know the meaning of no." I softly sighed.

Edward's fist balled up as I continued "His father owned the place which is why I quit in the end. The HR requests never went anywhere. He spent half the year pursuing me. He showed up everywhere I went. Once he broke into my apartment I felt compelled to file a restraining order on him. It ended up not being granted due to his father's connections in the community." I was shaking now.

I remembered how unsafe I felt in Pullman. It was the reason I had moved back to Forks midway through my lease which was now headed toward eviction for nonpayment. I moved in with Charlie a few months ago. I had to escape him no matter the cost.

Edward was fuming with rage now. "Oh Bella!" Alice cried and ran to me hugging me now.

"You are safe here Bella" Edward muttered out, unable to control his emotions anymore.

"Did he force himself on you?" Edward blurted out. Tears filled my eyes yet again. I was unable to answer them both about this. My cries were enough information for them both. They both stared at one another before Edward stormed off. Needing to do some much-needed damage control. Rose came over and wiped away my tears. She had a shot of a strong whisky she told me to drink back. I swished it back and decided to pull myself together again.

We got ready in silence unable to form any words for what was quietly suggested. We all looked glamorous. Alice and Rose had our done themselves. My updo had changed it was whimsical yet elevated. It reminded me of a Victorian-era hairstyle yet modernized. A dark pink lip floated on my lips. My ball gown was a lime green color. A very untraditional color. Edgy princess didn't cover it. I looked amazing. The attention would be on me all night. I was unable to look away from myself in the mirror. My confidence was rising yet again. Fuck James, I thought in my head.

"You look fucking glamorous darlin" Rose beamed at me. I laughed at the profanity. Something you never heard here in the Castle. I hugged them both and thanked them. They truly had outdone themselves this time.

Edward entered the room and his eyes were drawn to me. He looked in shock at my appearance.

"Wow." He simply stated. "You look magnificent Bella. You will be the belle of the ball." He murmured in my ear. Unable to keep his hands off me.

Alice ran over and slapped her brother's hands. "If you ruin Bella's appearance older brother I will ruin you." She screeched. Edward and I looked at one another and simply laughed. We knew she was serious so he kept his hands around my waist. Unable to leave my side.

The ball stared and went off without a hitch. I had learned everyone's name who was in attendance which I was shocked to learn I remembered each name. I was set to be the last to arrive. A dramatic entrance which Alice and Rose had perfectly orchestrated.

I entered the ball and all eyes were glued to me. Gasps could be heard. I felt like Cinderella as I cascaded down the entranceway. I had my shoulders back and a smile plastered on my face. Cameras went off at every angle as I reached Edward. He was beaming at me. I looped my arm in his and faced all the people.

"Thank you all for coming! Aren't I the luckiest man in this room?" He beamed.

"May I introduce to you all to my bride Princess Bella Swan" I curtsied to everyone as I kept my smile dancing upon my face. I roamed my eyes around the room attempting to say "hello" to everyone in the room with my eyes. In the distance, a gorgeous woman sneered at me. Causing me to momentarily glance her way a second too long. A smile quickly formed back on her face as her eyes locked onto Edward.

I kept my cool and made a mental note to talk to Alice and Rose about this mystery woman. The event went by us in a flash. I was introduced to practically everyone in attendance. Constantly swept onto the dance floor by politicians I was to make a great impression on. It was all a bit exhausting but I kept my demeanor calm and controlled. Knowing I needed this event to portray Edward and me as the happiest couple.

Finally, the unknown woman approached me without Edward by my side. I kept my smile placed on my face. She was blonde and tall. She could have been a runway model if she wanted to. "Hello, I'm Bella. Nice to meet you" I curtsied.

She smiled fakely back at me and curtsied in reply. "Kate" she simply stated back to me. My mind roamed to the list of names. Kate Denali. She was Tanya, Edward's friend who he was to wed, cousin. She oozed confidence.

"Nice to meet you, Kate." I simply said. I turned to walk away uncomfortable by her presence.

"I know your relationship is fake." She pouted at me. My eyes didn't let any emotions hit me.

"Excuse me?" I questioned. Glancing around to Edward unsure of how I should proceed. His eyes caught mine and he seemed to feel uncomfortable by us talking. He quickly excused himself from his conversation-making his way toward us.

"You can deny it all you want. I said what I said. That crown should have been mine." She sneered again. Shock momentarily hit me but I did not let it show at all.

"I'm sure you are mistaken. I love my husband. I am sure he would be open to discussing this matter with you if you'd like." I slyly threatened her.

She rolled her eyes and glared at me. I simply glanced at my ring letting her eyes fall on the object of what she most wanted. Maybe it was the anger from James earlier, or the jealousy of another woman wanting Edward, but I wasn't about to let her get to me.

Her eyes widened as Edward approached us both. A fake smile immediately went to her face.

"Kate I see you've met my lovely bride Bella." He smiled. Wrapping his arm around my waist. He placed a small kiss on my cheek. I smiled at him feeling happy to have him back within a distance of me.

"Yes, she's rather lovely. I can tell we will be great friends." She smiled out. Unable to hide her distaste for me fully.

"So nice to meet you, Kate." I looked to Edward and he got the hint and removed us from her presence. I knew we would have to be careful around her going forward.

"Who is she?" I quietly questioned once we were out of an earshot of any guests.

"An ex-girlfriend who has not gotten over me." He sighed uncomfortable twisting at his hair. "The heartbreak prince" rung in my ears again. I understood why he would be hard to get over. I was smitten and we had known one another for over a month. I quickly smoothed down his hair. "You shouldn't do that in public Prince Eddie." Teasing him, changing the subject from Kate. We needed tonight to be successful. We had no time for drama.

He pulled me into a corner that was unseen and locked his lips onto my neck. Knowing Alice would scold him if he was to mess up their masterpiece. "I can't wait to have you tonight." He simply grunted out. Wetness pooled in my panties immediately. I sighed out as he felt up and down my corset. His touch burned every place he touched. I was melting from his touch.

Alice somehow found us and scolded Edward. He simply backed off of me and held his hands up in the air. A smirk was placed on his face. He knew the wrath of his sister was something he didn't want to mess with but it was worth the risk.

The rest of the evening went off without any issues. Kate had disappeared from my mind as had James. The news was the event was a success. The orphanage ball had raised record numbers that would be dispersed to the various orphanages of Cordova. The good press had squashed James' story at least for the evening. We looked enamored in one another, love radiated from the two of us. I was glad that love and lust had been so easily mistaken.

Edward and I settled back in our coders excited to be alone with one another at last. He helped me out of my death trap of a dress.

"Bella I want you to know if you ever don't want to do something with me that's okay." He sadly sighed. Bringing up the unspoken situation about James yet again. I smiled and nodded my head simply at him.

"I want this Edward. I want you." His mouth found mine as we tumbled on the bed. He focused on my pleasure only. Making sure all my needs were met. He went down on me until I climaxed harder than I had before with him. I pulled him to me and pulled his waist to mine.

"I need you" I moaned. He entered me swiftly, keeping a slower pace to build me up slowly again. He chanted "mine" as he slipped himself in and out of me. Jealousy was still apparent from each of us. What it meant? I didn't know. I selfishly loved this side of him. I gripped his back scratching at him from all the pleasure. He sucked on my breasts as his pace quickened.

"Mine" he growled out again my orgasm waved through me and I clenched around him. I moaned loudly as he continued to slip himself in and out of me. The sex was out of this world. Something I had only experienced with him. As he found his release he grunted out "I love this" my heart fluttered as that word love played upon his lips again.

I quickly excused myself to the bathroom to clean myself up, feeling my cheeks getting hotter by the second. I had lost myself at that moment. He had me wrapped around his finger and we had only spent one month together. I was slipping further and further into the lie. Letting myself believe my feelings for him was mutual.

I climbed back into bed and turned away from him unable to address my growing feelings. He threw his arm over me and lazily whispered goodnight. I repeated to myself over and over again in my head "it's not real" as I drifted off to sleep.

Uh oh seems a few people are unhappy about Bella and Edwards union. Not sure when I will update next, please review if you'd like me to continue or have any suggestions xxx