.

Chapter 18

Fireworks

Bella

What had I gotten myself into? I could not believe it. I felt catapulted into Spanish court ceremonial. That such a thing still existed. Where was the hidden camera? Well, my future father-in-law danced well, guided me well and was not unpleasant to me.

"You are the queen of the night," he said.

"Thank you," I breathed, blushing.

He smiled sweetly at me.

"They all admire you. You look just adorable. I hope it won't be too much for you?" he asked anxiously.

"I hope so too," I said honestly, smiling briefly at him.

"I am infinitely grateful to you, little one. You brought Edward out of his boredom and indifference. I've never seen him as alive as he's been here these past few weeks. You do him good and I hope he appreciates that and treats you well?"

"Yes, Sir, he is trying very hard and I think he knows what he did wrong. He loves me!"

"That sounds good. Please call me Carlisle. After all, you're almost my daughter-in-law. Do you love him too?" he asked me.

"Of course, otherwise I would not have agreed to marry him," I said.

Did he think I was after wealth and power or what?

"You are very brave," he noted. "And I'm proud that you're going to be my daughter-in-law. Please don't feel pressured or discouraged by my words this morning, will you?"

I nodded.

The song ended.

"Thank you for letting me dance with you. That was wonderful!" he said with a smile and took me back to Edward.

The next song began.

"Now you could dance with me, love, and then no one else would get you," Edward whispered softly to me, and I laughed.

"Good idea," I said, "come quickly."

Edward led me back to the dance floor and that was much more pleasant. I snuggled up to him as much as etiquette allowed and he led me safely across the floor. The other couples left the dance floor, stood around and watched us.

"Why are they all leaving?", I asked in a whisper.

"Because the Crown Prince Couple are dancing. I must ask them to join in again first," he smiled softly at me.

We looked into each other's eyes and I got lost in his gaze.

There was a huge sizzle between us.

"Too bad I can't tell you what I think," I whispered, "with so many sharp ears of spectators!"

"You can tell me later," he winked, and we danced on in silence.

Edward gave the signal and the other couples rejoined us.

It was nice to dance with him. I enjoyed his touch, his scent, his look.

When the song ended, we went back to the table.

A waiter came and asked if I wanted something to drink. I ordered a water.

"You could also drink champagne or something?" asked Edward.

"No, I don't think in a room full of vampires I should also impair the few senses I can barely feel compared to yours anyway with alcohol."

An older gentleman in a gray suit approached, bowed, and addressed Edward.

"Edward, how good to see you!"

Edward rose and shook his hand.

"Hi Benjamin, I'm glad to hear that too. How's business?"

They were talking about some things that bored me. My water came and I drank some.

Across the table, Alec rose with a look at me.

I suspected something terrible and looked away.

But at that moment, Emmett appeared next to me and said, "Surely our Princess would quickly like to dance with her new favorite brother-in-law?"

I immediately understood that he was trying to get ahead of Alec to save me.

I smiled and rose. He took my hand.

Emmett walked me around the table and gave Alec a friendly greeting as he passed.

I looked at the floor.

Then I danced with him. He was broader than Edward, but very cheerful and not unpleasant to me either.

"That was close," he grinned.

"Anyway, it worked. Thanks a lot, Emmett!", I said.

"I'd love to. We won't be able to do this all evening, unfortunately, but hopefully make it harder for him," he winked at me.

"I hope Rose doesn't mind?", I whispered anxiously.

"Don't worry about it, Bella. She likes you and she wanted me to stand by you with this tonight."

I breathed a sigh of relief.

"You turned my brother," he said.

"That's what your father told me," I noted.

"Yes, he's like a changed man. And so concerned about you. That's really funny. We've never seen him like that," Emmett said.

I nodded.

"What do you do all day, Bella. You don't seem like the kind of woman who sits in front of the mirror all day waiting for her husband?"

"Oh, I do a few things. I read, play the harp and piano, and I've enrolled in the Distance Learning University of New York. I'm continuing my studies this way for now."

Emmett nodded appreciatively.

"That was a good idea. What subjects did you take?"

"Spanish and literature," I said. "I'm thinking of adding Italian. I only speak it a little, but considering my new family circumstances, maybe that would make sense."

He smiled.

"Sometimes it might be nice not to understand anything."

I smirked.

"That's true. What do you actually do for a living?" I asked.

"I'm the chaplain at the palace," he said.

I looked at him.

He was pulling my leg, wasn't he?

He laughed.

Me too.

"All right," he said, "I'm the Volturis' notary public. I work with Edward, we share a law firm. I manage the assets, the lands, control contracts and so on. Pretty dull job, but important."

"So another lawyer," I noted.

He nodded.

It was a nice quiet dance and a pleasant, often funny conversation. I had already taken him into my heart. The chemistry between us was right.

After the dance he led me back and Alec was already thinking about whether he should start the next attempt right away, I could see that. I drank a sip, then Carlisle rose and immediately it became quiet in the hall.

"I do not want to miss to announce something else beautiful tonight, namely the engagement of my son, Crown Prince Edward, to Princess Isabella. The wedding will take place on July 1. Edward, Isabella - congratulations!"

The guests applauded.

Edward stood up, and so did I. He held my hand and we bowed slightly.

Then he said, "Thank you Father. All I can say is that I am the happiest man in this hall and I can't wait to marry this wonderful woman by my side. Her yes to me has changed my life and I will do anything to make her happy!"

He smiled at me in love and I believed every word he said.

"Now you must dance with me once more, Your Royal Highness," he said softly.

"Nothing better than that, my Prince," I said, and he gallantly led me to the dance floor.

We danced all alone and in silence until he invited the other guests to join us.

"Is it very bad for you?" he asked gently.

I sighed.

"If I didn't love you from the bottom of my heart, I think I would have fled by now."

He pressed a kiss to my forehead.

"Thank you, darling. There will rarely be such balls and in between I'll try - as much as possible - to conjure up a nicer existence for you."

"I know, darling, don't worry about it. There are worse things."

He stroked my back.

"I don't deserve you at all," he whispered.

"I think so. You've been trying so hard. I don't hold grudges," I whispered.

He looked deep into my eyes and with such love and passion that my stomach tingled.

Unfortunately, the dance was over quickly.

Alec was already in the starting blocks, but Jasper was faster.

"May I have this dance, Your Highness?" he smiled.

I nodded and walked back to the dance floor with him.

I saw Emmett grin with satisfaction and James also tried to suppress a smile.

"I feel quite sorry for you, Princess Isabella," he said softly.

"Thanks, me too at times," I said.

"You must always remember that Alec can do no bad things in a hall like this and that every dance is over once," he said. "Besides, the conductor is my friend and I have instructed him to shorten the dance a bit if Your Highness is asked by Aro or Alec," he whispered in my ear and then grinned broadly.

"That's awesome," I said laughing, "thank you!"

"What's a favorite brother-in-law for?" he smirked.

"Oh ... Emmett has already made that claim, too," I said with a smile.

"I know. We'll have to fight for it," he said, winking at me.

"I hope peacefully," I said with a laugh.

"Most certainly, Your Highness," he nodded.

"Jasper, I think you can call me by my first name," I said.

"Thank you, Princess, but I think I have to earn the honor first. I am not yet worthy enough for this privilege," he said, and he meant it completely.

"You are a Prince through and through," I stated.

"Just as you are a true Princess, because no other would have managed to enchant our whole family in such a vertical flight!" he said smiling and I blushed.

Jasper smiled.

"You'll have to get used to such compliments, Your Highness!"

I sighed.

"Why the whole family, anyway?", I asked.

"Everyone likes you, has taken you to their hearts and is happy for Edward. You are friendly, educated, not concerned with appearances. Even the staff likes you. The maids fight over who gets to serve you or clean your rooms!" he said with a smile.

"You're not serious?", I asked.

"Yes, of course they do. They are friendly to them, say thank you, talk normally and don't get upset if something goes wrong. The staff is used to something different."

I was silent and could hardly believe it.

"What do you do for a living?", I asked.

"I am a psychiatrist and have a practice next to my father's practice. Alice is a psychologist and works with me."

"It's a beautiful profession," I noted.

He nodded.

"Will the orchestra play longer if I dance with you?", I asked after a while.

He laughed, "Gotcha!"

I had to laugh, too.

He was really refreshingly open and cordial. I had also taken him into my heart.

He led me back, but we didn't get far, because Aro rose and bowed slightly to us.

"Jasper, I hope you will give me the hand of this charming Princess once now?" he asked.

Jasper nodded.

"Of course, Your Majesty," he said, passing me on to him.

Out of the corner of my eye I saw my family tense up and especially Edward and James anxiously following Aro's every move.

Aro led me to the dance floor and everyone else left immediately.

He was outwardly about Carlisle's age, had red eyes, was also very handsome, but his smile was artificial and always seemed slightly mocking.

I need to rein in my thoughts, it suddenly occurred to me. Who knows if he'll have more luck with me than my Edward.

We danced and he led perfectly and really like a King.

"So you have captured the heart of my nephew, Princess Isabella?" he stated.

I nodded.

"How did you do that?" he asked.

"I'm afraid I didn't do anything there. We looked at each other and then it was over for both of us," I said.

That's none of his business, I thought.

"You didn't know who he was before?" he asked.

"No," I said, "and if I had known, I probably would have fled," I added.

"Surely any woman would be happy to be able to live such a life and have such a husband," Aro said.

"Fortunately, however, I am not 'every' woman. I agree with you that I am lucky to have found Edward, for he is very lovable. But I would have taken him even as an unemployed beggar, Sir. Wealth and power are quite irrelevant to me."

He looked at me in amazement.

"You would stay with him if he refused the throne and wanted to leave here, without money, without anything?"

"Of course, Sir. I want to marry HIM and not his name, his title or his fortune."

"You are an amazing young lady," he noted.

I kept silent.

The dance ended and he just held both my hands in his.

In the middle of the dance floor.

"Would you be so kind as to take off your gloves for me?" he asked kindly.

"What for?", I asked, although I already suspected why he wanted that.

"Did Edward tell you about my gift?" he asked.

"I know about it, Sir!", I said.

"Normally gloves don't prevent me from exercising my ability, but somehow I can't see anything with you," he noted in frustration.

Suddenly Edward was standing next to me.

"Taking off her gloves won't help you there either, Aro, because she seems to have the gift of being able to ward us off. She's the first person whose mind I can't read," he explained.

Aro looked at me in amazement.

"That's interesting," he said, thinking.

His forehead was in slight wrinkles.

"Don't you dare, Aro," Edward suddenly said threateningly, pulling me into his arm.

"It was just a thought," the latter said apologetically, turning away and returning to his seat.

Edward pulled me into his arms and just started dancing with me, because everyone had been staring at us. He quickly gave the dance signal and the crowd quickly moved around us again.

Edward consciously breathed out and in slowly.

"What did he want to do to make you so upset, darling?" I asked worriedly.

"Siccing Jane on you. She can inflict pain. He wanted to test if you could fight it off."

I flinched and he squeezed me gently.

"I won't let you do that, darling," he said reassuringly, but still I was afraid.

We danced in silence and I sensed that Edward was worried about me.

We went back, I had a drink and talked with Esmé and Rose. Alice joined us and I clearly felt more comfortable that way.

But of course Alec still came and this time we couldn't stop it.

"Princess Isabella, I would be honored if you would give me this dance," he said, bowing slightly to me and holding out his hand in invitation.

I suppressed a sigh and took his hand.

He led me to the dance floor and again everyone fled - sure, he was also a crown Prince, I remembered. He led me safely and I tried desperately to keep some distance, but his grip was iron. He pressed my chest against his and visibly enjoyed it.

"Isabella, I hope you accept my apology?" he asked.

I nodded.

"That doesn't sound convincing," he noted.

"It's okay, Alec," I said softly.

He gave the signal to dance.

"I'm really sorry," he said, and I nodded.

He tried to look at me, but I was staring at his shirt.

Looking at him made me shudder.

"You look lovely, Isabella," he then said.

"Thank you Alec," I said.

We were silent.

"Why are you so dismissive of me? Am I so repulsive?" he then asked.

"I don't know, Alec, it's just a feeling. I just don't trust you," I said carefully but honestly.

"I will make every effort to show you that I mean business, Isabella. I adore you and will never offend you again," he said.

"Thank you," I said simply - not believing a word he said.

"What is it about Edward that made you give him a yes so quickly?" he then asked me suddenly.

I pondered.

"He's learned, has charm, makes an effort for me and he loves me and I love him. That should be enough," I said.

He was silent.

Me too.

And then the dance ended.

I was very relieved.

Alec led me back to Edward and I had to snuggle tightly against him once to feel better.

"I'm sorry, love," he whispered tenderly in my ear and I enjoyed his cold breath and smell.

Rose came to us.

"We need to eat something," she said, pulling me along to a buffet where we helped ourselves and she loaded a plate for Grace, too.

"If Aro or Alec get the idea to ask you to dance again, you can say you're too tired now or Emmett and Jasper can step in," she whispered.

"Yes, thank you, Rose," I said.

We went back to the table, ate and talked.

That was nice. Unfortunately, luck was not on my side for long.

I had just stood up because I wanted to go to the toilet when James suddenly stood in front of me, pressed me against his back with his hands and shouted an angry "No!".

Edward was there immediately.

"What's wrong?", I asked, cautiously looking past James.

Jane fixed him with an angry look.

Oh no, I thought.

Suddenly James collapsed in front of me, his body contracted in pain and his expression was agonized.

I reflexively stood in front of him and looked angrily at Jane.

"What's the point? Stop it right now," I shouted angrily and looked at her.

"No, Isabella," Edward said, trying to pull me to him.

Jane looked at Edward and now he slumped to the floor.

I looked at Jane.

"Leave them alone. Take me and finally test what you want to test. You are just a disgusting person," I said crossly and she looked at me.

The hatred in her gaze was palpable. But otherwise I felt nothing.

Carlisle had taken notice and said, "Aro, this has gone too far. Keep your daughter in check, now!"

I glared angrily at Jane and saw Aro grinning smugly beside her.

"Stop it, Jane, that's enough," he then said to his daughter. His smile died. "She's actually blocking you," he then said, and it sounded disappointed.

"If you do any more tests on my family, Aro ... or you, Jane, I'll throw you out single-handedly!" Carlisle said coldly.

The brothers looked at each other with hatred.

Then Aro smiled.

"Don't worry, we won't hurt your little Princess. She does seem to have an interesting gift!"

Then he casually chatted with some people and pretended that nothing had happened.

I turned around and pressed myself against Edward.

"Are you okay?", I asked fearfully.

"Of course, everything is fine," he said, stroking me.

James had also stood up again.

"Are you okay, James?" I asked, concerned.

"Yes, thank you, Princess. But please, don't ever do anything like that again. She could have hurt you," he said, affected.

"Oh ... and if you get hurt, I'm not supposed to care or what?", I asked indignantly.

He was really out of his mind.

My family smirked.

"What?", I asked.

"I think you're the first Princess to worry about her bodyguard," Edward said fondly.

"Is that so wrong?", I asked.

"No, it's what makes you tick. You are just too kind and have a heart for your fellow human beings. You don't care what their status is in society, everyone is equal to you. And that's why you're so lovable."

He pulled me to him and kissed me deeply.

That felt so good.

I sighed softly into the kiss.

He smiled.

"I love you," he whispered softly.

"Me too," I whispered back and he kept his arm around me. "Let's dance together, then no one can ask me to dance and you get to hold me," I suggested and Edward smiled in agreement.

It was just nice to glide across the dance floor with him.

We looked at each other in love and every now and then he whispered little niceties in my ear.

I felt good again.

After the dance we went back and Grace came to me.

"Nobody dances with me," she said.

"How?" said I indignantly. "No one has asked this beautiful Princess to dance yet?" I turned to Edward. "Is it inappropriate if I dance with the child?"

"No honey, it's nice. Go ahead and do it," he said with a smile.

"Princess Grace, may I have this dance?", I said and she beamed.

I took her hand and led her to the dance floor. There I took both her hands in mine and spun around in a circle with her. She was all focused and proud, it was really cute with her.

Only I had not counted on the other dancing couples stepping aside again. Apparently, as Crown Princess, I was just as posed as my Edward? I had no idea and felt a bit helpless on the plate.

Edward saved me by grabbing Rose and coming to the dance floor.

I sighed with relief.

The two of them danced around us, smiling, and then Edward gave the signal and the dance floor filled up again.

I looked at him gratefully and he winked at me happily.

"Bella, your dress is so beautiful," Grace said.

"But so is yours, my darling. You are the most beautiful Princess here today."

She beamed happily.

Such a sweet child, I thought again.

When the music ended, I brought Grace back.

At that moment Alec came up to me and I just thought: Not again!

But Carlisle was paying attention.

He took my hand and said, "But you promised me the dance now, little one," and he pushed me to the dance floor.

"Thank you," I said softly.

"Gladly. That little scene was a bit too much of a good thing. If they continue like this, there will be a rift between us one day after all," he said sadly.

"Oh ... but please not because of me. I don't want to be the trigger for that," I said.

"Isabella, you are part of my family now. I won't let anyone torture my daughter. So please don't worry about it. I'll decide that, and you clearly come first in my priorities," he said, and he meant it completely.

"I don't even know what I did to deserve this," I said softly.

"You don't have to worry about that either. Just enjoy life and enjoy your time with Edward." Then he tried to distract. "Has Mr. Darcy settled in well with us yet?" he asked.

I had to laugh and he laughed with me.

"There you go, I like you much better laughing so happily. I just want to see you happy here," he added.

"Thanks Carlisle, you're really sweet," I said.

He smiled.

The song ended.

"Thank you, my little one, that was really nice," he said, kissing me on the cheek and taking me back to Edward.

The Master of Ceremonies called all the guests outside.

James caringly put the scarf over my bare shoulders.

"Thank you, James," I said.

Edward led me into the garden.

Fireworks were set off in Aro's honor.

It was nice and colorful, but otherwise I couldn't get anything out of it.

I leaned backwards against Edward's chest, enjoying his closeness and firm embrace.

Alice and Jasper were standing next to us in the same position.

"Bella, what do you say we go on a women's tour, go shopping and buy your wedding dress? Just you, Rose and me?"

"Oh yes ... with pleasure, Alice. We'll have to do that pretty soon, too, because the dress has to be ready on time in case something needs to be changed or something," I said.

"Exactly, that's what I thought," Alice said.

"Would you like to be my bridesmaid ... with Rose?", I asked.

"Oh Bella, I'd love to. I was hoping you'd ask that!" she said excitedly, hugging me and bouncing around.

"Alice ... please, pull yourself together a little," Edward whispered.

Jasper put his hands on her shoulders and held her close.

I had to laugh.

What a whirlwind she was.

When the fireworks ended, she said, "I have to find Rose right now and tell her the news!" and off she went.

I turned in Edward's arms and he hugged me tenderly.

"Shall we go back inside? It's cold, isn't it?" he asked gently.

"No, I'd rather stay outside for a moment," I said.

"Would you like to go for a walk in the moonlight?" he asked.

"Oh, that would be nice, but I think I'm sinking into the grass in these shoes," I noted.

"That's not a problem. Look, there's a stone path that leads a little round through the garden. Then we'll take that, if you like?" he said.

"Gladly," I nodded, and off we went.

"I'm sorry for all what you had to endure, love," he said.

"Oh, that was half bad. Don't worry, Edward," I said and gave him a smile.

"Thank you," he said and kissed me on the head. "I don't like the theater sometimes either and I'm happy that you're by my side now and I don't have to endure it alone anymore!" he said.

I stroked his hand.

It was good to breathe in the fresh night air. The moon was almost full, the night was clear and therefore the stars were well visible.

When was the last time I had been outside at night? I couldn't remember. It had to have been years ago. With Jake on the beach?

We walked side by side in silence for a while.

"Is that okay ... with the dress?", I asked quietly.

"What, that you're going with Alice and Rose?" he asked.

"That too. But for me to just agreed to buy one?"

"Of course, you must have one. Do you think I'd let you get married in jeans?" he asked with a smile.

"It's just ... hmm ...", I began.

He stopped and pulled me back into his arms.

"You're worried about the cost?" he asked gently.

I nodded.

"Isabella, please, you need never think about money again. You are now one of the richest women in the world. You can buy a pure silk dress if you like it and have three hundred diamonds woven into it. As you like! What's mine is yours. Okay?"

I nodded.

That was so funny somehow.

"I'll have an account opened for you on Monday. Then you'll have your own bank account and card, and you can also order textbooks online and do whatever you want with them, so you'll never have to ask me, okay?"

I nodded again.

He stopped again and lifted my chin.

"What's wrong?" he asked tenderly.

"Nothing," I said. "Thanks!"

He kissed me very gently.

That was so beautiful. Hmm...

I smiled.

He also smiled.

"We'll have to stay a little longer, but then I'll put you to bed, okay?" he asked.

"Hmm... you have some cunning ulterior motives in mind, don't you?" I asked.

"Yes, I admit it. I'm crazy about you," he said and kissed me again.

"And I after you and I like your thoughts!"

We stayed in the ballroom for a bit.

Esmé chatted with me and Edward danced once with Alice, who was still bouncing around so hyper that I got dizzy watching her.

I danced again with Jasper and it was very nice.

After that I danced with Edward and we looked deep into each other's eyes again.

Tenderly he kissed my lips once.

That was so beautiful.

"Do you think we can start saying goodbye?", I asked.

Emmett and Rose had already left with Grace as well.

"Yes, after the dance we say goodbye," he said.

We went a few more rounds and the more he looked me in the eye, the more tingly I became.

I had such a desire for him.

Edward led me to his father and mother where we said our goodbyes and then we had a quick visit with Aro, who just wished us a "Good night." and looked through me.

I was relieved about that.

Afterwards, Edward took my hand and led me back through the hall to the door. The guests paused and bowed, forming an alley through which we passed, and I felt like I was in a movie.

James opened the door for us and closed it behind us.

I breathed a sigh of relief - that was done.

Edward looked at me and I couldn't help it. I threw my arms around his neck and kissed him properly.