SIXTEEN

The palace for Edward's parents is even more grand than I could have imagined. Towering ceilings, gleaming marble floors, and the kind of grandeur that makes you feel tiny in comparison. As we near the doors to the dining room, I can feel my heart pounding in my chest.

An aide, Adam, walks beside me, instructing me with the kind of detail I hadn't expected, especially after Edward's "just be yourself" speech. "You'll need to curtsey when you enter," Adam says quietly. "Refer to the King and Queen as 'Your Majesty' on first address, and 'Sir' and 'Ma'am' thereafter. Do not eat once the King has finished, and refrain from any physical contact."

I blink, my pulse spiking again. "Edward said it wasn't this formal," I mutter, half to myself.

Adam offers a sympathetic smile. "Yes, well, the prince was being… generous. But you'll do great."

I sigh, trying to steady my nerves. "I feel so unprepared. Edward gave me nothing to work with."

Adam chuckles lightly. "He's always been more laid-back about these things. But don't worry. You'll be fine. If you have any questions, just find me. We could use some fresh blood in this palace."

I manage a small laugh, appreciating his kindness. "Thanks, Adam."

He nods and gives me a reassuring look. "You've got this, Bella." With that, he reaches for the door, and as it swings open, I spot Edward standing tall, looking as calm and composed as ever. If there's any tension in the air, they've hidden it well.

He walks toward me, a proud smile on his face. He takes my hand gently and leans in to whisper, "You've got this, beautiful."

I nod, trying to remember to breathe as we turn toward his parents. "Your Majesties," I say, dropping into a curtsey just as Adam instructed.

Both the King and Queen smile warmly at me, their eyes soft with welcome.

Queen Elizabeth is the first to speak, her voice kind but regal. "Bella, what a pleasure to meet you. That dress—it's so vibrant. It suits you perfectly."

I glance down at my bright pink dress, smiling nervously. "Thank you, Your Majesty," I reply, trying to suppress my nerves. "I thought it was a little bold, but I figured why not?"

She chuckles, nodding approvingly. "A woman after my own heart."

We're soon seated around an enormous table, which feels a bit too formal for a family lunch. The conversation flows easily at first, and I start to relax. Edward holds my hand under the table, a subtle gesture that grounds me.

They ask about my work, and I find myself talking about child psychology, something I actually feel comfortable discussing. "It's rewarding," I explain, "helping kids understand and express their emotions in a healthy way."

The King looks genuinely impressed. "It sounds like you've found your passion."

We're seated around the massive dining table, and the conversation has been surprisingly easy. Edward's hand in mine is the only thing keeping me from feeling completely overwhelmed, but his parents have been nothing but welcoming.

Then Queen Elizabeth's eyes light up with a mischievous glint, and she turns to the King. "You know," she says casually, "Bella used to play Belle at Disneyland. That's how she and Edward met."

The King's eyes widen in amusement. "You met while she was a princess at Disneyland? Now that's a story."

I laugh, my face warming a little at the memory. "Yeah, it's true. I was working as an actress at Disneyland. I was Belle, and Edward… well, he was just another guest in the park that day."

Edward chuckles beside me, leaning in slightly. "I wasn't 'just another guest.' You told me I had to wait in line for a picture."

I shrug playfully. "I didn't know you were a prince."

The King laughs heartily, shaking his head. "Now that's rich. The Crown Prince of Gestina waiting in line at Disneyland."

Queen Elizabeth chuckles along, clearly enjoying the story. "And from there, well… I suppose it's fair to say Edward was quite smitten."

Edward grins, squeezing my hand. "What can I say? She made a very convincing Belle."

As the laughter dies down, I start to feel a bit more comfortable—until the Queen's expression shifts into something more serious. "Bella," she begins, her tone soft but pointed, "you've done wonderfully today. But I have to ask… Can you have children?"

The room goes quiet, and I feel Edward tense beside me. His hand tightens around mine, and he shoots his mother a warning look. "Mother," he says firmly, "that's incredibly rude."

Before the awkwardness can fully set in, the King jumps in with a grin, pointing his fork toward Edward. "The moment you two need a ring, I'll get the Crown Jewels ready."

Edward groans, clearly embarrassed, while I sit there trying to navigate the sudden shift. "I'd love to be a mother," I manage to say, my voice steady. "I've always loved children and I dream of having my own someday."

Edward relaxes slightly, giving me a warm look, but the King isn't finished. His eyes narrow thoughtfully as he studies me.

"Playing a princess at Disneyland is one thing, Bella," he says, his tone more serious now. "But being an actual queen… well, that's a different story. Could you learn our culture? Our traditions? Could you take on charity work, give up your life, and—perhaps most importantly—sacrifice your privacy?"

I swallow, feeling the weight of the question. It's not something I've fully come to terms with yet, and the gravity of it all presses down on me. "I'm not sure," I admit, feeling Edward's gaze on me. "But what I do know is that I love your son."

The King nods, seemingly satisfied with my answer. Edward's hand tightens in mine again, his silent way of telling me he's here, no matter what.

The tension in the air settles as the King leans back in his chair, still studying me, but his expression softens. I can feel the pressure of the moment, but Edward's steady grip on my hand is my anchor.

Queen Elizabeth smiles, clearly trying to ease the mood again. "It's clear how much you care for each other," she says warmly. "Edward has been different—happier—since he met you, Bella. We can see that, and we're glad he's found someone who makes him so… light."

Edward turns to me, his eyes soft, and for a moment, the grandeur of the palace, the weight of royalty—it all fades. It's just him and me.

But then the King clears his throat, drawing us all back to the present. "Loving my son is important, Bella," he says, his voice steady but kind. "But the role you might step into—it's a life you can't walk away from. If you decide to take it on, you must be certain."

I nod, the reality of what he's saying sinking in deeper. This isn't just a relationship. This is a commitment to an entirely different life, one where my every move would be scrutinised, where privacy would be a distant memory. It's daunting, but as I glance at Edward, I know one thing for sure—I wouldn't trade what we have for anything.

"I understand," I say, meeting the King's gaze. "I don't have all the answers yet. But I do know that I'm willing to learn. I'll do whatever it takes."

The King holds my gaze for a moment longer, then nods, seeming satisfied. "That's all we can ask for."

Edward's hand shifts in mine, his thumb brushing against my palm in a reassuring gesture. I look over at him, his expression filled with pride and warmth.

"You did great," he whispers softly, just for me to hear.

The conversation gradually turns lighter again, the formality easing as we continue with lunch. They ask more about my life, my family, and even laugh about some of Edward's childhood antics, clearly trying to make me feel more at ease.

But beneath it all, I can't shake the feeling that this is only the beginning. The beginning of a life that, if I choose, will change everything. And as daunting as it is, sitting beside Edward, I feel like it might just be worth it.

The afternoon sun filters through the grand windows of Edward's room, casting a warm glow across the space. I sit on the window sill, staring out at the palace gardens, but my mind is somewhere else, far away. I've been quiet for hours, my thoughts swirling, heavy with everything that's happened today.

I hear Edward's footsteps approach, and a moment later, he gently places a cup of tea and a slice of carrot cake on the small table beside me. "It's the chef's best recipe," he says softly, trying to coax a smile out of me.

I manage a small one, glancing at the cake and nodding. "Thanks."

He studies me for a moment, his brow furrowing with concern. "Are you okay?" His voice is gentle, but I can tell he's worried.

I take a deep breath, glancing out the window again. "Yeah, I'm just… tired." It's not exactly a lie, but it's not the full truth either. The weight of everything—the palace, his parents, the future—has settled heavily on my shoulders.

Edward doesn't push. Instead, he sits beside me, his presence comforting. "You don't have to carry it all alone, you know," he says quietly. "Whatever you're feeling, you can talk to me."

I nod, but for now, the words just won't come. Instead, I take a sip of the tea, savouring the warmth, and lean my head lightly against the window. Edward stays beside me, his quiet support speaking louder than any words could.

I sit there for a while, the tea cooling in my hands as the silence stretches between us. Edward doesn't push me to talk, but his presence is steady, reassuring. Eventually, the weight of what I'm feeling becomes too much to keep bottled up, and I let out a long sigh.

"I'm scared, Edward," I finally admit, my voice barely above a whisper.

He turns to look at me, his eyes filled with concern. "Scared of what?"

I swallow, not quite knowing how to express everything. "That I'm going to lose you."

His brow furrows, and he shifts closer, taking my hand. "Bella, why would you think that?"

I let out a shaky breath, my fingers curling around his. "Your life… it's so big. Your family, the palace, all these responsibilities. It's like… like I don't belong in it. And I'm afraid that at some point, you're going to realise that too."

Edward's face softens, and he cups my cheek gently, turning me toward him. "Bella," he whispers, "I already know how different our worlds are. But none of that matters to me. What matters is you. I don't care about the titles, or the palace, or any of that if it means not having you in my life."

I feel tears prick at the corners of my eyes, but I blink them back. "But what if I'm not enough? What if I can't handle all of this?"

"You're more than enough," he says firmly, his thumb brushing against my cheek. "I've never met anyone who understands me like you do. And I don't want anyone else."

I bite my lip, feeling the emotions swirl inside me. "I just… I don't want to lose you to this world. I don't want to be the reason you have to choose."

He pulls me closer, his forehead resting against mine. "You won't lose me, Bella. I'm in this, with you, for as long as you'll have me. You don't have to be perfect or figure it all out right now. We'll figure it out together."

The tension between us lingers as I try to make sense of everything swirling inside me. Edward's words are meant to comfort, but they aren't enough to quell the storm building in my chest.

I pull away slightly, my frustration bubbling over. "Edward, you don't get it," I snap, louder than I intended. "Look at the way they treated Meghan and Kate! The constant scrutiny, the pressure, the media tearing them apart. I can't do that."

Edward looks startled, his expression shifting from concern to confusion. "Bella—"

"No," I interrupt, standing up from the window sill, my hands shaking. "You're asking me to walk into a world that has devoured women like me. I'm not built for this. I'm not strong enough."

His eyes soften, but I can see the tension in his jaw as he watches me pace. "Bella, no one is asking you to go through that. It's not the same."

"How is it not the same?" I argue, my voice rising. "I'd be with you. I'd be in the spotlight. People will tear me apart, compare me to all these perfect princesses, and I'm… I'm just me. I can't live under that kind of microscope."

Edward stands, closing the distance between us. He reaches for my hands, but I pull them away, still too raw to let him in.

"I'm not asking you to be anything other than yourself," he says softly. "And I know it won't be easy, but I will protect you. We'll handle whatever comes our way—together. Our family are not in the business of throwing people under the bus, unlike other royal families."

I shake my head, my heart pounding, tears beginning to pool in my eyes. "I don't know if I can do it, Edward. I don't know if I'm strong enough."

For the first time, the weight of the future feels too heavy, and I wonder if love is enough to navigate the impossible world we're standing on the edge of.

I shake my head, feeling the weight of everything crashing down on me, and before I can stop it, the tears spill over. I turn away, covering my face with my hands as the sobs take over. "I can't do this," I choke out, my voice trembling. "I kind of just… want my mom."

The words hang in the air, and I realise how lost I feel, how far away I am from everything familiar. All the strength I thought I had has crumbled, and I can't stop the flood of emotions. I want the comfort of home, the feeling of safety, something this palace can't give me right now.

Edward steps closer, his arms wrapping around me, but I can't bring myself to relax into him. "It's okay," he whispers, trying to soothe me. "You can call her, talk to her. Whatever you need."

I shake my head again, the tears still falling. "It's not that simple. She wouldn't understand."

He holds me tighter, his lips brushing against the top of my head. "I'm here, Bella. Whatever you need, I'm here."

But right now, even that doesn't feel like enough. I don't know if anything can calm the storm inside me.

I retreat to a quiet room, needing to be alone for this. My hands are shaking as I pick up my phone and scroll to my mother's number. I hesitate for a second before hitting call, unsure if I even have the strength to explain everything. But the moment her familiar voice answers, a sense of relief washes over me.

"Bella? Sweetheart, is everything okay?" Renee's voice is laced with concern.

I take a deep breath, trying to steady myself. "I need to talk to you about something." My voice cracks, and I can already hear the alarm in her tone.

I explain everything. Wincing with every gasp she sends down the phone line to me.

"Why didn't you tell me earlier?"

I blink back the tears. "I couldn't risk it getting out. There's so much going on, and I didn't know how to explain any of it." I pause, taking a breath before continuing. "I'm with Edward. I've been staying with him, and today… I met his parents."

There's a long silence on the other end. When Renee finally speaks, her voice is shocked. "Wait… you're there now?"

"Yeah," I whisper, feeling the weight of the confession. "I didn't tell you because I had to keep it quiet. But now… everything's getting so real. His world, the royal life… It's a lot."

Renee lets out a deep breath. "Bella, why didn't you say anything? This is huge. I don't even know where to begin."

"I didn't know how," I admit. "And now… now I don't know what to do. I'm scared. I'm scared I'm going to lose myself in all of this."

Renee's voice softens with worry. "Bella, I don't know what to say. I can't imagine what you're going through, but… I'm concerned. These people, this life—they can be brutal. I've seen the things people say online."

The words hit me like a punch to the gut, and I feel a fresh wave of anxiety rise.

Renee continues, her voice growing more desperate. "I can't stand the thought of people hurting you, Bella. You don't deserve that kind of attention. I'm scared for you."

Tears well in my eyes again. "I don't know if I'm strong enough for this. I'm not sure I can handle it."

There's a heavy pause before Renee speaks again, her tone gentle but firm. "Sweetheart, if you're not ready for this life, you don't have to force yourself into it. I know you love him, but your happiness and safety matter, too. Don't let the pressure of his world consume you."

I close my eyes, feeling the weight of her words sink in. I want to believe I can handle it, that I can stand by Edward, but the fear is real. It's terrifying.

"I don't know what to do," I whisper, feeling lost.

"Just take it one step at a time," Renee says softly. "And remember, I'm always here for you. No matter what you decide."

I lie in bed, scrolling mindlessly through my phone, trying to distract myself from the fact that Edward is at a royal ball without me. I had passed on going, not ready to go public with him yet, especially after everything that happened earlier with his parents. The pressure feels too much, and I just couldn't face it.

The glow of the screen blurs as my eyelids grow heavy, and before I know it, I drift off to sleep.

The next thing I know, there's a soft rustling, and I blink awake to see Edward leaning over me, gently tucking the blankets around my shoulders. His touch is so careful, as if he's trying not to wake me.

"Hey," he whispers, smiling when he notices I'm awake. He looks impossibly handsome in his princely attire, the crisp suit, the medals gleaming softly in the low light.

Still half-asleep, I smile up at him, rubbing my eyes. "Oh my God," I mumble, my voice groggy. "I'm scared to touch you in those clothes."

Edward pauses, glancing down at himself, a confused look crossing his face. "What? Why?"

I stifle a tired laugh. "Because you look like Prince Charming or something," I say, shaking my head in disbelief.

He chuckles softly, sitting down on the edge of the bed. "Well, in that case, you can definitely touch me," he teases, leaning down to kiss my forehead. "You should've come. It wasn't the same without you."

I look up at him, the warmth of his kiss lingering on my skin. "I wasn't ready for that. Not yet."

"I know," he says, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. "And that's okay. Whenever you're ready, I'll be right here."

I snuggle deeper into the blankets, feeling the warmth of Edward's presence beside me. He looks down at me, his soft smile making my heart flutter.

"You know," I whisper, still half-asleep but unable to resist teasing him, "I'm so going to dream of us having sex in the tallest tower tonight. You, dressed like this, in some royal fairytale fantasy."

Edward chuckles, the sound low and comforting. "I'll take that as a compliment," he murmurs, leaning down to kiss the top of my head.

"Goodnight, beautiful," he whispers, his lips brushing my hair before he pulls back, letting me drift off again.

As I close my eyes, a lazy smile lingers on my lips, the thought of Edward—my Prince Charming—filling my dreams as sleep takes over.

If you're wanting more of me check out my new 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