TEN

BPOV

As we lie there in the quiet aftermath, tangled up in one another, a playful thought pops into my head, and I can't help but smile. I lift my head slightly to look at Edward, the soft glow of the room casting warm shadows over his face.

"Hey," I murmur, my voice still a little breathless from everything. "Do you have… like, carriages? Or a crown? You know, all that royal stuff."

Edward laughs softly, shaking his head as he brushes a strand of hair from my face. "I love how cute your questions are."

I grin, snuggling closer to him, but I'm genuinely curious. "Come on, you must have some of those things, right? Your world is alien to me."

He smirks, pressing a soft kiss to my forehead. "Well, there is a crown."

I giggle, the image of Edward in a royal carriage far too amusing to let go. "I knew it."

He chuckles again, his arms tightening around me as he pulls me closer. "You're adorable, you know that?"

I smile against his chest, feeling warm and content. "Maybe. But you're still dodging the carriage question."

He laughs, his fingers gently running through my hair as we settle back into the comfortable quiet between us.

"The King of England has a train," I say, raising an eyebrow. "Do you?"

Edward laughs softly, his hand still gently running through my hair. "No, I don't have a train."

I can't help but giggle, undeterred. "Okay, no train."

He smirks, brushing his fingers along my cheek. "You're really full of questions, aren't you?"

I nod, completely shameless. "Oh, I'm not done yet. Do you ever… knight people? Like, with a sword and everything?"

Edward laughs, shaking his head, clearly entertained. "No, that's not part of my duties."

I grin, sitting up slightly to look at him, my eyes twinkling. "What? No knighting ceremonies? No sword-tapping people on the shoulder?"

He laughs again, pulling me back down beside him. "I'm afraid not. That's my father's thing."

"You can use your sword on me any time you like," I say with a cheeky grin.

Edward looks down at me, a playful glint in his eye. "Well, in that case, I'll have to see what I can arrange." He leans in, his lips brushing against mine in a feather-light kiss. "Perhaps I'll even let you wield the sword."

I can't help but laugh loudly, my heart fluttering at the mischievous tone in his voice. "What would I have to do to earn such an honour?"

He hums thoughtfully, his fingers tracing lazy patterns on my skin. "Hmm, I'm sure I could think of a few things." His hand drifts lower, sending shivers through me. "After all, a princess should always know how to handle her prince's... sword."

After the laughter fades and we settle back into the comfortable quiet, the weight of the moment, the closeness between us, feels heavier now, more real.

"I haven't even googled you, you know," I say softly, my voice breaking the silence.

Edward's fingers pause in my hair for a second before he tilts his head down to look at me, curiosity flickering in his eyes. "Really?"

I nod, looking up at him, my expression sincere. "Yeah. I mean, I could have, but I didn't want to. I want to get to know you—not what the internet or the press says about you, not your title, or the prince thing… just you."

For a moment, he just stares at me, his eyes softening as he absorbs my words. Then, a small smile tugs at the corner of his lips, and he leans down to kiss me gently on the forehead.

"That means a lot," he whispers, his voice full of warmth. "More than you know."

I smile, feeling the closeness between us grow even deeper. "I just wanted this to be… real, you know?"

He nods, pulling me closer, and I can feel his heart beating steadily beneath my ear. "It is," he says softly. "It's real."

I rest against Edward's chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat, my thoughts swirling with everything he's just told me about his life and traditions. After a moment, a playful thought crosses my mind, and I look up at him, biting my lip.

"So… can a prince have a girlfriend?" I ask, my tone teasing but curious.

Edward glances down at me, his lips twitching into a small smile. "Why do you ask?"

I shrug, feeling a bit self-conscious but still curious. "I mean, with all the rules and traditions… is it even allowed?"

He laughs softly, brushing his fingers through my hair. "There's no rule against it, if that's what you're asking. It's not as strict as it might seem. My father is actually pretty relaxed on protocol. He's more intense about the protection of the crown."

I raise an eyebrow, leaning into him. "So, you're saying it's totally okay for a prince to have a girlfriend?"

"Bella," he says softly, amused, "would you like to be my girlfriend?"

I blink, my heart skipping a beat at the question, and I pull back slightly to look up at him. His eyes are serious, but there's a tenderness there, something deeper.

"I mean quietly, for now," he adds, his fingers brushing a stray hair behind my ear. "I'm not seeing anyone else, and I have no plans to. What we have… it feels special. I can tell, between us, this is something rare."

My breath catches in my throat, and for a second, I don't know what to say. His words settle over me, warm and full of meaning, and I can feel the sincerity behind them.

I reach up, cupping his cheek, my heart swelling with the weight of the moment. "I'd like that," I whisper, my voice soft but certain.

Edward smiles, leaning forward to kiss me gently, and I can feel the relief in the way he pulls me closer, like this is what he's wanted all along. And as I kiss him back, I realise it's what I've wanted too.

As the warmth of the moment settles between us, I can't help but think about what comes next. The reality of Edward's world—the press, the public—suddenly feels closer than ever. I bite my lip, my voice barely a whisper as I look up at him.

"What if people find out?" I ask, my heart tightening at the thought.

Edward's smile falters slightly, and he lets out a soft sigh. "It might get crazy," he admits, his voice quieter now, more serious. "The media… the attention… it could all get intense."

I search his eyes, my chest tightening a little more. "That sounds… overwhelming."

He nods, brushing his fingers through my hair. "It could be," he says softly. "And I'd understand if you wanted to walk away, if it ever felt like too much."

My heart aches at the sincerity in his words, the weight of what he's offering. But then he smiles, his hand cupping my cheek. "For now, we can keep this just between us. My staff won't say anything—I trust them."

I nod, feeling a bit of relief at the idea of keeping this private, at least for now. But there's a small part of me that still wonders, that still worries about what could happen if the world ever knew.

"I like the idea of it being ours for now," I whisper, resting my head against his chest. "Just us."

Edward's arms wrap around me, holding me close, and I can feel the tension ease between us, replaced by something calmer, more secure.

"For now, it's just us," he whispers back, pressing a soft kiss to the top of my head.

I yawn, stretching lazily before cuddling back into Edward's side, feeling the steady rise and fall of his chest beneath me. I'd slept incredibly well within the safety of his warmth. When I glance toward the foot of the bed, my eyes widen at the sight before me—a full breakfast banquet, complete with trays of pastries, fruit, and enough food to feed a small army.

I blink, still groggy, and nuzzle against Edward. "If I wasn't here… would this still be here just for you?"

Edward's voice is still thick with sleep. "Probably. Hotels tend to go overboard when they find out a crown prince is staying."

I gasp dramatically, glancing toward the bathroom. "I have to go steal all the shampoo samples. I mean, royal treatment comes with perks, right?"

Edward laughs, shaking his head. "Feel free to grab as much as you want."

I grin, shifting in the bed as I snuggle deeper into him. He looks down at me, his eyes warm and full of that familiar tenderness. "Do you want coffee?" he asks, his voice soft.

I raise an eyebrow, already teasing. "Are you going to have one of the staff make it?"

He shakes his head. "No, I'll make it myself."

I can't help but smirk, the playful energy between us so natural now. "Absolutely, but only if I can watch you do it in that robe. It's so sexy."

Edward leans down to kiss me on the forehead. "You're ridiculous."

I grin up at him, my heart full as I watch him roll out of bed and head toward the small kitchenette. As he moves around, still half-asleep, I can't help but smile to myself. This feels so natural, so easy, like we've been in this comfortable rhythm for far longer than we actually have.

I prop myself up on one elbow, yawning softly. "So, what are your plans for the day?"

Edward glances back at me, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips as he pours the coffee. "I don't have anything set in stone," he says, his voice easy and relaxed. "Why? Got something in mind?"

I tilt my head, thinking for a moment. "Well, I'm not letting you escape too quickly, that's for sure."

He turns back to bring the cup of coffee over to me. "That sounds like a plan I can get behind."

I sit up fully, taking the coffee from him, but not before I give him a once-over in his robe, raising an eyebrow as I take a sip. "You in that robe making me coffee? Definitely sexy."

Edward waves me off as he takes a sip of his own. "You and your compliments."

He moves to sit on the bed beside me, quietly watching me.

"What if we do something a little different today? What if you let me take the lead on the planning." I ask, setting my coffee cup down on the bedside table and turning to face him.

Edward raises an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "What did you have in mind?"

I grin, excitement bubbling up. "How about a picnic? I know this vineyard just outside the city. It's private, quiet… perfect for us."

Edward looks thoughtful for a moment, mulling the idea over with care. "A vineyard picnic sounds perfect. And private enough to avoid any attention."

I nod eagerly, already picturing the serene landscape, the two of us sitting under the sun with a basket of wine and snacks. "Exactly. Just us, some wine, good food… and no one else around."

Edward leans in, brushing a soft kiss against my lips. "I love the idea. Let's do it."

The sun bathes the vineyard in a soft, golden light, casting long shadows across the sprawling green landscape. We're sitting on a plush blanket, spread out with the essentials: a wicker picnic basket filled with fresh wraps, salads, crackers, and wine. The gentle rustle of the wind through the grapevines is the only sound besides our quiet conversation.

I take in the scene as Edward lounges lazily on one elbow, watching me with a soft smile as I nibble on a piece of cheese. It's peaceful here, a world away from the pressures and complexities of his royal life.

"This place is perfect," I murmur, glancing out at the rolling hills dotted with rows of grapevines.

"It is," Edward agrees, his gaze flicking from the scenery back to me. "But I think the company makes it even better."

I smile, warmth flooding my chest at his words. As I sip my wine, I decide to ask the question that's been on my mind since our chat about his parents earlier.

"So… tell me more about your family," I say softly. "Your parents. What's your relationship like with them?"

Edward's expression shifts slightly, the warmth in his eyes dimming just a little. He sits up, resting his elbows on his knees as he looks down at the wine glass in his hand. "My parents… well, it's complicated," he starts, his voice quieter now.

I watch him carefully, sensing the weight of the topic. "How so?"

He sighs, running a hand through his tousled auburn hair. "My father has always been strict, focused on duty. He's had expectations for me since I was born. Everything I do is supposed to be for the crown, for the family legacy."

I nod, staying quiet, letting him continue.

"My mother, Queen Elizabeth… she's distant, always focused on her royal duties. It's hard to connect with her. Sometimes, it feels like she's more the queen than my mother," Edward admits, his voice soft but tinged with a sadness that tugs at my heart.

I reach over, placing my hand gently on his arm. "That sounds… tough. But you don't have to live by their expectations, you know?"

He looks at me, his green eyes full of something unspoken. "I know. But sometimes it feels like the weight of it all is too much to escape."

I squeeze his arm, offering silent support, and he leans in slightly, resting his forehead against mine for a moment. "Thank you," he murmurs.

I take a deep breath, my voice soft but curious. "What do you think they'd say about me?"

Edward pulls back just enough to look at me, his eyes searching mine. There's a moment of silence as he seems to think about it, his expression growing thoughtful.

"My father would probably see it as… unconventional," he admits, his tone careful. "He's always expected me to marry someone from a noble family, someone connected to the world we live in."

I bite my lip, feeling a small pang of uncertainty. "And your mother?"

Edward sighs, shaking his head. "She'd be harder to predict. My mother… she's all about duty and image. She might be distant, but she cares deeply about how things look from the outside."

I nod, my heart sinking a little at his words. "So… they wouldn't approve?"

Edward quickly reaches for my hand, squeezing it gently. "It's not that they wouldn't approve of you," he says, his voice firm. "They just have their own ideas of what's best for me—and those ideas are… traditional."

I look down at our intertwined hands, unsure of how to respond.

He leans in, tipping my chin up so our eyes meet. "That's exactly why I like you so much. You're real, Bella. And no matter what they think, I want to be with you."

I smile, trying to lighten the mood as I look up at Edward, a mischievous glint in my eye. "So, would I have to go through princess boot camp like in The Princess Diaries if we end up going the distance?"

Edward chuckles, his lips curving into that familiar playful grin. "Potentially… if we ever get to that."

Leaning back on my elbows as I take a sip of wine. "Well, I do have some experience. The Beast can provide a reference."

Edward bursts out laughing, shaking his head as he looks at me with pure amusement. "Of course, he can."

I grin, glad to see the tension from earlier slip away, replaced by the easy banter we always fall into. "I'm just saying," I add, still teasing, "I've handled plenty of royal responsibilities already. Dancing, curtsying, being held captive in a castle… I'm basically a pro. I danced with a clock too."

Edward leans in, his eyes twinkling with laughter. "Then I guess you're already prepared for the royal life."

The sun casts a golden glow over his face as I stand up, brushing off my dress. The soft fabric sways around me as I walk toward one of the nearby vines, my fingers lightly brushing over the green leaves. I pause, taking in the peaceful scene—the rolling hills, the rows of vines stretching out before us, and the soft breeze that carries the scent of ripe grapes.

I'm lost in the moment when I feel Edward come up behind me, his arms gently wrapping around my waist. He pulls me close, his chin resting on my shoulder, and I can feel the warmth of his body against mine.

"You look stunning in this light," he murmurs, his voice low and full of affection.

I smile, leaning back into him as I turn my head slightly to meet his gaze. "Thank you," I whisper, my heart fluttering at the way he looks at me.

We stand there for a moment, just enjoying the quiet together, but then a thought pops into my head. I glance over my shoulder at him, curiosity getting the better of me.

"If you weren't royal," I start softly, "what do you think you'd be doing? What would your life be like?"

Edward's breath feels warm against my ear. "That's a tough question," he admits, his arms tightening around me. "I've never really let myself think about it."

I tilt my head, my curiosity piqued. "But if you could choose?"

He's quiet for a moment, thinking. "I'd like to think I'd be doing something that makes a difference. Maybe working in diplomacy or international relations. I've always been interested in that side of things."

I smile, imagining him in a different role, one where he's still helping others, just in a different capacity. "I can see that," I say softly. "You're good with people."

Edward laughs quietly, his hands lightly squeezing my waist. "And what about you? What would you be doing if you weren't working at Disneyland or studying psychology?"

I grin, turning slightly in his arms to look up at him. "Probably something just as wild. Who knows?"

We both laugh, and for a moment, it feels like we're just two regular people, imagining lives that could have been. But as I stand there, wrapped in his arms, I realise that no matter what path we're on, this—us—is what feels right.

"Dance with me," I turn to look at him, "that was my favourite part of our last date."

He chuckles, and before I know it, he's guiding me into a gentle sway, his hands resting on my waist as he takes the lead, clearly falling back into his princely ballroom dancing instincts.

But I shake my head, laughing softly as I pull back just enough to stop him. "No, no," I say, my eyes twinkling. "There's no ballroom dancing here."

Edward smirks, watching me with curiosity as I take a step back, still holding his hands. Then, without warning, I start singing one of my favourite songs—One Direction's What Makes You Beautiful—my voice light and playful as I spin us around.

"You don't know you're beautiful…" I sing, twirling under his arm, laughing as he stares at me, caught between amusement and surprise.

Edward lets me take the lead now, and as I spin around him, laughing, he catches me by the waist, pulling me close again. We move together, dancing in circles around the vineyard, the music in my head and the sound of our laughter filling the air.

At one point, I break away, running just a few steps ahead, glancing over my shoulder with a teasing grin. Edward's quick to chase after me, his long strides catching up to me easily. He grabs me by the waist, spinning me around and pulling me back into his arms.

Our laughter dies down as we catch our breath, and in the quiet that follows, he leans down, his lips brushing against mine in a soft, lingering kiss. I melt into him, letting the warmth of the moment wash over me.

I know it's early days. But with him laying everything on the table the thought of him should terrifying me. His lifestyle should send me running. But it only makes me want to get closer. It makes me want to let myself fall for him.