FIFTEEN

Edward's palace in Gestina is beyond anything I could have imagined. It's a sprawling, majestic structure, practically glowing in the soft evening light. The gardens are meticulously designed, with winding paths and fountains that sparkle like diamonds in the twilight. As we approach, I realise the palace is even larger than it looked from a distance, its towering spires casting long shadows across the manicured lawns.

I grip Edward's hand tighter, feeling my nerves creeping in. It's not just the palace. It's the fact that this is his home, the place where he grew up, where his family—his royal family—will be waiting for us. He glances at me and gives a gentle squeeze, offering one of his reassuring smiles.

"They're going to love you," he murmurs, but I can't help the flutter of anxiety swirling in my stomach. I've never been so out of my depth before.

We make our way through the grand doors, and my breath catches in my throat. The interior is just as magnificent as the exterior—high ceilings, crystal chandeliers, and walls adorned with artwork that looks centuries old. It's both intimidating and beautiful.

Staff line the hallways, all dressed in immaculate uniforms, nodding politely as we pass. I notice a subtle shift in Edward as we walk deeper into the palace. He holds himself with more authority, his royal demeanour slipping into place like a well-worn cloak. And yet, despite the change, he never lets go of my hand.

I glance down at the teal dress I'm wearing, smoothing my hands over the fabric as we walk. It feels elegant, simple but refined—definitely the nicest thing I've ever worn. Edward had it waiting for me when we arrived, and while I was hesitant at first, seeing myself in it now, I feel like I belong here. Or at least I'm trying to convince myself of that.

The palace doors open, and Edward leads me inside. The staff bow and step aside as we enter, their movements so synchronised it's like watching a well-rehearsed performance. Everything about this place is dripping with formality and prestige, and I can feel my heart racing in my chest.

Edward is calm, as if this world is second nature to him. He's still holding my hand, guiding me with such ease through this grand space. But then, we turn a corner, and standing at the bottom of the grand staircase are Esme and Carlisle - the aunt and uncle he'd shown me photos of. The moment they see Edward, they bow and curtsey deeply, a gesture so regal and reverent that I freeze, shocked.

They're bowing to him?

I look at Edward, who gives them a slight nod, as if it's just another day. But I can't shake the feeling of surprise. Seeing someone bow to him like that, even his own family—it makes the whole thing so much more real. He's not just Edward… he's Prince Edward.

I swallow hard, and before I can think twice, I quickly dip into a curtsey, hoping it doesn't look as awkward as it feels. Esme's and Carlisle's eyes widen slightly, and I immediately feel a flush of embarrassment creeping up my neck.

Esme moves toward me with a soft laugh, waving her hand dismissively as she pulls me into a warm hug. "Oh, you don't need to do that with us," she says kindly, her voice soothing. "You're family now. No need for the formalities with us."

Carlisle steps forward with a gentle smile, nodding as he reaches for my hand. "Welcome, Bella. We're honoured to finally meet the woman who's captured Edward's heart."

Esme chuckles softly. "He's been so different since he met you. In the best way."

Edward, standing close beside me, pulls me into his side and kisses the top of my head. My heart flutters, but I can't help but glance back at Esme and Carlisle, still taken aback by the way they had bowed to him. Edward's grip on my hand tightens as he leans down to whisper, "They only do that when others are around. You don't need to worry about it."

I nod, trying to push the awkwardness away, but it still lingers in my mind. This place, this world, is so far from anything I've ever known, and as much as I want to feel like I can handle it, there's a part of me that wonders if I'll ever truly fit in.

We walk deeper into the palace, the grandeur growing with each step. Edward's family is kind and welcoming, but the weight of his royal life hangs over everything. And though he stays close, never letting go of my hand, I wonder how I'll navigate it all.

As we walk deeper into the palace, I lean into Edward and whisper, "So where do you keep the dragon? Oh, and is the dungeon well decorated?"

He chuckles, his laughter echoing softly through the grand hallway. "This place is going to finally be fun," he says, flashing me that mischievous grin that always makes my heart race.

I smile back, feeling a little more at ease. Even in a place as grand and overwhelming as this, Edward still finds ways to make it feel light and playful. Maybe I'll be okay after all.

We reach a pair of ornate doors at the end of the hall, and Edward pauses, pushing them open to reveal his private quarters. The room is breathtaking—high ceilings, grand windows overlooking the palace grounds, and a mix of luxurious but understated décor that feels distinctly him.

I step inside, taking it all in. "Has anyone important ever lived here?" I ask, turning to face him.

Edward smiles and nods. "Several kings, actually. This wing of the palace has been used by the reigning monarch's children for centuries. One of the more famous ones was King Andreas the Second—he was known for his love of the arts. He even commissioned a few of the paintings hanging in the Louvre."

I raise my eyebrows, impressed. "So, royalty with artistic taste. Nice."

He smirks. "There was also King Lucien the Bold. He was known for expanding the country's borders and… a rather scandalous love life." He leans in, eyes twinkling. "The man had five mistresses."

I gasp, laughing softly. "Five? And here I thought royalty was supposed to be refined."

"Oh, trust me, we have our wild sides," Edward says, pulling me closer. "Though I think I'd prefer to keep my attention focused on just one woman."

I grin, feeling the warmth of his words. "Good choice," I whisper back, leaning into him as the grandeur of the palace fades into the background, leaving just the two of us in this royal world.

I awkwardly sit on one of the grand chairs in Edward's private quarters, feeling completely out of place. My fingers fidget with the fabric of my dress as I try to process everything. The room, the history, the fact that I'm here in a palace—it's overwhelming.

Edward watches me, his smile softening as he steps closer. "You're doing great," he says gently. "I'm proud of you."

I nod, but the nerves are still buzzing beneath the surface. "Is this room soundproof?"

He raises an eyebrow, a teasing grin forming on his lips. "Because of the wild sex we're sure to have?"

I roll my eyes, feeling a blush creep up my neck. "Yeah, that too, but also so no one can hear my breakdowns."

In an instant, Edward's playful grin fades, and he moves toward me, kneeling down in front of the chair. His hands reach for mine, warm and grounding. "It's going to be okay," he says, his voice soft but sure. "I'm here. You don't have to go through this alone. We'll go at your pace, baby."

I laugh, a little incredulous, looking down at him. "I've been in your country for five minutes, and the heir to the throne is already kneeling to me. Are you sure this is how it's supposed to work?"

Edward chuckles, squeezing my hands. "For you? Absolutely. I'd get on my knees for you at the drop of a hat."

Despite myself, I smile. There's something about the way he looks at me—so genuine, so completely certain—that makes me feel like I might just be able to handle this after all.

As Edward stays kneeling before me, his hands holding mine, I can't help but let a playful grin slip onto my face. Leaning in, I whisper, "So… where does the wild sex take place? Do you have a kinky dungeon where you tie me up? And please tell me you're not planning on bringing in four other mistresses."

Edward bursts into laughter, his head tilting back as the sound fills the room. When he looks at me again, there's a gleam in his eye. "Oh, Bella, I think I've found the only woman who can handle me."

I grin, feeling a bit bolder. "So, no dungeon then?"

He shakes his head, still smiling. "Just you and me, love. No dungeons, no mistresses. I think one is more than enough."

I laugh, squeezing his hands back, grateful for the way he always makes everything feel light, even in the midst of all this chaos.

Edward stands up, still smiling as he moves to a small table and pours a glass of water for me. He hands it over, his touch gentle but reassuring. "Relax," he says softly, "get comfortable. We're meeting my parents tomorrow for lunch, but for now, just unwind. You've earned it."

I take a sip of the water, feeling a little more settled now that I'm alone with him in this quiet space. The weight of everything starts to fade, but a thought lingers in the back of my mind.

"Edward," I start, glancing at him curiously, "did your family ever know Princess Diana?"

He pauses for a moment, clearly considering his answer. "They did, yes. My parents met her several times, and my uncle knew her fairly well."

I nod, letting the information sink in. "I can only imagine how she must have felt in the early days of royalty," I say quietly, looking around at the grandeur of the palace. "Sitting here now, it's so overwhelming."

Edward watches me, his expression softening with understanding. He reaches out, brushing his fingers along my cheek. "You're not alone in this. And you don't have to be perfect—you just have to be yourself. That's more than enough."

His words make me feel a little lighter, the pressure loosening its hold as I take another sip of water and try to relax into the moment.

I take another sip of water, then glance up at Edward, the weight of tomorrow suddenly hitting me all over again. "Okay, but seriously," I start, shifting in my chair, "what protocol do I need to know for your parents? What do I call them? Do I bow? Curtsey? Is there a special handshake? Oh God, please tell me there's no special handshake."

Edward chuckles softly and sits on the edge of the couch across from me. "You're overthinking it."

"I'm not overthinking it. You're under-prepping me," I shoot back, leaning forward. "What do I wear? Is there a dress code? Do I have to eat a certain way? Am I allowed to talk about, like, normal things? Or is it all politics and formalities?"

He smiles, shaking his head. "There's no dress code, Bella. Just be yourself. Wear something you feel comfortable in, but maybe avoid anything too casual."

"Comfortable," I mutter, shaking my head. "Yeah, no pressure there." I pause for a beat, my mind racing. "Do I call them King and Queen? Or is it Your Majesties? Sir? Ma'am? I don't want to mess that up."

"Relax," Edward says, placing a hand on my knee. "They prefer to keep things casual in private. Just 'Elizabeth' and 'Edward' will do. You don't need to worry about titles."

I blink at him, my brow furrowed. "Just… Are you sure? That feels way too casual. What if I slip and call them something wrong?"

Edward grins, clearly amused by my spiralling. "You'll be fine, love. Trust me. They're not as intimidating as you think."

"Right. Not intimidating," I say with a heavy breath, sitting back. "You know, I really thought meeting the parents was supposed to be a lot less… royal."

He laughs. "It's a little different, I'll give you that. But they're going to love you, I know it."

I cross my arms, not quite convinced. "What if I say something wrong? Like, what if they ask me about politics or your country's history and I just… blank?"

"They won't," Edward assures me, his voice calm. "They're more interested in getting to know you, not quizzing you on state matters."

"Still," I argue, "I should be prepared. What if they ask me what I do for a living? Or about my family? Or if I've ever met royalty before? Oh God, do I bring up that time I saw Prince Andrew at a distance?"

Edward bites back a laugh, trying to keep a straight face. "Probably leave that out."

"Okay, but seriously," I insist, leaning forward again. "What's off-limits? Like, what am I not allowed to ask or talk about?"

Edward tilts his head, thinking. "Just… don't bring up my father's obsession with stamp collecting. That's about it."

"Stamp collecting?" I blink, caught off guard. "Wait, that's an actual thing?"

He nods, eyes twinkling with amusement. "He's very passionate about it. We don't need a lecture about it."

I throw my hands up. "Great. Now I'm going to accidentally insult his stamps."

Edward stands and comes over to me, pulling me up from the chair and wrapping his arms around my waist. "You're not going to insult anyone. You're overthinking this."

"I'm not overthinking," I mumble into his chest, feeling the tension melt slightly as his warmth surrounds me. "I'm just trying to avoid a total royal disaster."

He kisses the top of my head. "You're going to be fine, Bella. My parents are going to adore you, just like I do."

I look up at him, my nerves settling just a little. "I just don't want to screw this up."

"You won't," he whispers, holding me tighter. "I promise."

If you're wanting more of me check out my news story!

Beneath The Twilight:

Summary: In search of a fresh start, Carlisle and Esme Cullen adopt Avery—a human with a hidden strength. She's embraced by the whole family, but her pull on a dangerous vampire could unravel years of fragile peace. With the Volturi intrigued by her abilities, the Cullens are forced to protect their family, while their newest member fights for a forbidden love. Post BD. M, lemons

I know its not a twilight character but trust the process lol