THREE

EPOV

I can tell what's coming before she even says it.

"I hate to do this, but I have a class early in the morning," she says, giving me an apologetic look. "I've got to go."

I shake my head, not ready to let the night end. "You're really going to walk out of here without giving me a way to contact you?"

Bella's lips curl into a smile, and I swear she's enjoying this way too much. "But I thought you were coming to fight the Beast for me?"

She steps closer, playful mischief sparkling in her eyes as she reaches out and pokes me in the chest. "What sort of princess do you take me for?" she teases, her grin growing wider.

I laugh, but there's an edge to it. I'm not used to this. I'm not used to not getting what I want, especially when I've made it pretty clear that I'm interested. She's been playful all night, but there's something about the way she keeps me at arm's length that's… well, frustrating.

But also intriguing.

She clearly has zero idea who I am. It's refreshing.

I meet her gaze, trying to read her. She's different. Confident, witty, not fawning over me like most women do when they know who I am. Of course, she doesn't know. Not yet, anyway.

"Princess or not, I'm not giving up that easily," I say, my voice low, but there's a smile playing on my lips. "I'm not used to walking away without getting what I want."

Her eyes flash with amusement, and she tilts her head. "Well, maybe you'll just have to get used to it, big guy."

I feel the challenge in her words, and it only makes me want her more.

I return to the park the next day, unable to shake the thought of her from my mind. It's ridiculous, but there's something about her that I can't ignore. Emmett and Rosalie are with me, and of course, they think it's hilarious.

"So let me get this straight," Emmett says, grinning like an idiot. "The crown prince of Gestina can't win over a Disney princess?"

I roll my eyes. "She doesn't even know I'm a prince."

"Still," Rosalie adds, smirking. "It's pretty entertaining from where we're standing."

They continue to tease me as we walk through the park, the sounds of tourists and rides filling the air. I ignore them, scanning the crowd for Bella. When I finally spot her, I stop in my tracks.

She's crouched beside a young boy in a wheelchair, chatting animatedly. Her hands move as she gestures, her eyes bright and full of kindness. The boy is grinning from ear to ear, completely enthralled by her.

And just like that, I'm captivated all over again.

"She's amazing," Rosalie says quietly, watching Bella with awe.

"Yeah," Emmett agrees, shaking his head. "Maybe she's too good for you, Edward."

I can't help but shake my head. "I know that," I murmur. "She's perfect."

When Bella finishes with the boy, I approach her, pulling out my phone. "May I?" I ask, smiling. "A photo?"

She doesn't miss a beat, slipping back into character as she bows gracefully and holds out her hand for me to kiss. I play along, kissing her hand with a smirk.

But instead of staying close to me, she turns her attention to Rosalie, her eyes widening dramatically.

"My, my!" she exclaims, making a beeline for her. "How can a princess like me compare to such beauty?"

Rosalie blinks, stunned. "Oh… uh…"

As Bella lavishes attention on Rosalie, I can't help but feel a mix of amusement and frustration. She's clever, this one, always finding a way to keep me on my toes. I watch as she compliments Rosalie's hair, her eyes, her dress, all while maintaining her princess persona.

"Your Highness," I interject, unable to resist playing along, "I believe you're causing quite a stir among the commoners."

Bella's eyes snap to mine, a challenge glinting in their depths. "Oh? And what of it, good sir? Shall I not bestow my royal attention upon those who are worthy?"

I step closer, my voice lowering. "And am I not worthy of such attention?"

For a moment, I see a flicker of something in her eyes – interest, perhaps? But it's gone as quickly as it appeared, replaced by her usual playful demeanour. "Why, sir, you've already had the honour of my company. Surely you wouldn't deny others the same pleasure?"

I can't help but chuckle at her quick wit. "Touché, Your Highness. But I find myself quite unable to stay away."

Bella's eyes soften for a moment, and I think I see a hint of genuine interest there. But before I can pursue it, she turns to Emmett, who's been watching our exchange with amusement.

"And who might this strapping gentleman be?" she asks, her voice filled with exaggerated awe.

Emmett grins, puffing out his chest. "Why, I'm the strongest man in all the land, of course!"

Bella gasps dramatically, placing a hand over her heart. "Oh my! You're incredibly handsome. Are you here to save me from this persistent suitor who simply won't take no for an answer."

Her eyes flick to mine, playfully.

I can't help but laugh, despite the dig at my persistence. "I'm afraid, Your Highness, that even the strongest man in the land couldn't keep me away."

Bella raises an eyebrow, a smile playing at the corners of her mouth. "Is that so? Well, I must say, your determination is... admirable." There's a hint of something in her voice - intrigue, perhaps?

Emmett guffaws, slapping me on the back. "Looks like you've met your match."

I shoot him a look, but before I can retort, a group of excited children run up to Bella, clamouring for her attention. She immediately switches gears, her face lighting up as she crouches down to their level.

"Why, hello there, my little ones!" she exclaims, her voice filled with warmth.

Once they've finished fawning over her she begins to redirect her attention to me but once again she's interrupted.

A young man approaches and interrupts. "Can I get a picture with you, too?" he asks Bella, flashing her a smile.

Bella nods politely. "Of course!"

I step back, giving them space, but something about the guy's body language puts me on edge. As they pose for the photo, his hand slides lower than it should, resting on Bella's backside. I see her tense for a moment, her smile faltering, but she quickly recovers, moving a little closer to me and Emmett.

The guy leans in, whispering something in her ear. Whatever he says, it's enough to make her drop character for a split second before she regains composure, but I can tell it rattled her.

I step forward, my protective instincts kicking in. "Is everything alright here?" I ask, my voice low and authoritative.

The guy looks up, startled by my sudden appearance. "Yeah, man. Just getting a picture with the princess."

"I think you've got your picture," I say firmly, positioning myself between him and Bella. "Time to move along."

He opens his mouth to argue, but one look at my face and Emmett's imposing figure behind me makes him think better of it. He mumbles something under his breath and slinks away.

I turn to Bella, concern etched on my face. "Are you okay?"

For a moment, her princess facade slips, and I see a flicker of vulnerability in her eyes. "I'm fine," she says softly, before straightening her shoulders and slipping back into character. "My hero," she adds with a forced smile.

Rosalie is instantly by Bella's side, concern clear in her voice. "Are you okay?"

Bella stays in character, brushing it off, but I can see through the act. "I'm perfectly fine, thank you," she says lightly.

I step closer, my tone softer. "Let me walk you back to the castle," I offer. "Or the staff room, if you prefer."

Bella hesitates, then nods. "That would be a delight. Just until I can let my fairy godmother know that there's some rowdy members in the park."

Rosalie raises an eyebrow, clearly picking up on the subtext. "Fairy godmother? That's code for HR, right?"

Bella gives a small nod, speaks quietly. "Yeah."

As we start walking, the playful mood from earlier is gone, replaced with something more serious. I glance over at her, admiring the way she holds herself together even after what just happened. She's not just beautiful—she's strong.

And I know, without a doubt, she's unlike anyone I've ever met.

I stand outside the staff room, leaning against the wall, my mind replaying everything that happened. I should have done more—something. But now, all I can do is wait and make sure she's okay.

The door opens, and when Bella steps out, her hoodie pulled over her head, her eyes puffy, I feel a pang of guilt. She shouldn't have had to go through that. She looks up and freezes, her brows furrowing in surprise when she sees me standing there.

"You… you waited?" she asks, her voice quiet, like she can't believe it.

I push off the wall, smiling softly. "Of course I did."

She looks at me like I've done something out of the ordinary, something unexpected. It catches me off guard—why wouldn't I wait? After everything that happened, how could I just leave?

"I'm sorry about earlier," I say, stepping closer. "I should've put that guy on his ass."

Bella smiles sadly, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "If I'd caused a scene, I would've lost my job. Disney doesn't take kindly to princesses brawling with park guests."

I frown. "That's ridiculous. He deserved it."

She shrugs, offering me a small smile. "Well, he's banned from the parks for three years. Disney security escorted him off."

I nod, but it doesn't feel like enough. "Good. I just wanted to make sure you're okay."

She looks at me for a moment, still a bit surprised, but then her expression softens. "I am now. Thanks to you."

I feel a weight lift, but before I can respond, I realise something. "You didn't give me your number."

Her eyes widen slightly, then a genuine smile breaks through the tiredness on her face. "I guess I didn't. I'm off work tomorrow night."

I feel a spark of hope. "Yeah?"

She nods. We trade phones and I smile as I look down at the name on my phone when she hands it back. "You can pick me up at 7 p.m. I'll send you the address," she says

A triumphant grin spreads across my face. "I'll be there."

She laughs softly, shaking her head like she still can't believe I waited. "Thank you… for everything. Especially for stepping in with that guy. My knight in shining armour."

I hesitate, then ask, "What did he say to you?"

Her smile fades, and she looks down for a moment before meeting my eyes again. "It was… something about his penis. And my 'princess mouth.' The word 'force' was in there."

My jaw clenches, anger flaring in my chest. "That bastard," I growl. "He's lucky I didn't hear him say that."

Bella reaches out, placing a gentle hand on my arm. "Hey, it's okay. It's not the first time, and sadly, it probably won't be the last. But you being here, waiting... that means more than you know."

I look into her eyes, seeing a mix of gratitude and something else I can't quite place. "I'm sorry you have to deal with that," I say softly. "You deserve better. Don't you have security to help you around the park?"

"Typically," she nods, "but there was a staff shortage today. It's usually fine."

I shake my head, still frustrated by the situation. "It shouldn't happen at all. You shouldn't have to worry about that kind of thing while you're working."

Bella gives me a sad smile. "Welcome to the reality of being a woman in customer service. But really, I'm okay. You being here... it helps."

I feel a warmth spread through my chest at her words. "I'm glad I could help. Even if it was just by waiting."

She looks at me for a moment, her eyes searching mine. Then, to my surprise, she steps forward and wraps her arms around me in a hug. I freeze for a second before returning the embrace, breathing in the sweet scent of her hair.

"Thank you," she murmurs against my chest.

When she pulls away, I immediately miss her warmth. "Anytime," I say softly.