I'm 17. I'm Isabella. I'm Princess Isabella.

I wish I could just be treated normal. I wish people would not bow before me and pretend like I am so much better than them.

My father and I were at the training grounds. I spent a lot of time here. My dad always wanted me to be able to protect myself. I was horrid with a knife and a bow, but I could use a sword fairly well. We were fighting. I had come closer and closer to beating him. Of course we were using wooden sword.

I swung my wooden sword in his direction. He hit it with his own. I went from a different direction and he matched. He went for an attack of his and I hit his sword. It flew out of his hand. He stared at me in shock.

"I never thought I would see the day my baby girl would beat me." He said, a smile forming on his lips.

"I do apologize father." I said smiling. I was glad. I beat him. No cheating. No letting me win.

"If any one should be making apologies it is me for not being strong enough."

"Don't worry father, I'll let you win every now and again." He laughed as I copied the words he used when I was younger. I could see us. Me just a child, I was crying cause I couldn't win.

"That is good, but I must speak with you Isabella."

"Yes father."

"Come with me." I dropped my sword and weaved my arm through his held out one. We started the walk back to the palace.

"As you know, we are at war with Criterion. What you are unaware of is that we are losing."

"But father, we have never lost." I said stunned.

"I am aware of this. Tomorrow I will send out all my troops. If they fail, I will be assassinated. I want you to know that I love you. I want you always to be strong. I apologize for the fate that you might have." If they were to win I would be a slave. For the rest of my life. They could do whatever they wished with me.

"Father. Do not-" I was interrupted. He knew what I was going to say.

"I know that you want us to come back victorious. As do I. It may not happen as you and I wish. I just want you to be happy. No matter what becomes of me. I love you. And if I do happen to not come back, take my sword." His sword was his most prized possession. He rested on the mantel and I knew that he would not take it to war.

"I love you father. I will pray for you."

"Pray for all. Never mourn me. I will die for my country. Do not be sad. Be happy for what glorious life I have shared with my lovely daughter."

"I will always love you. I thank you for everything you have ever done. I know mother would be proud. Of both of us." I kissed his cheek. It wasn't a good bye. It was just a precaution, but it seemed as if he was going to die any minute. I was sure that he would walk away from this.

I walked into my room after entering the palace. Lunch was waiting for me and I ate in silence. After wards I took a long warm bath. I went to sleep as it turned dark out.

I awoke mid-day. I had had night mares in the night and did not sleep peacefully.

My maid tried to dress me, but I dismissed her. She would insist in dressing me in a dress. I would not have it. I dressed into dark washed jeans and a black long sleeve shirt. It wasn't normal. Not of royal or peasants, but it was what I liked.

I walked into the foyer. Any minute someone was going to arrive. It would either be my father or it would be someone else.

The palace gates opened. Seven people walked forward.

They were arranged to where a man and woman were slightly ahead. None of them were my father. I fell to the floor and cried. No. This was not happening. I wanted him to come back. I wanted my father.

"No. No. No." I cried.

"We are all very sorry." The one in the front said.

"You should have though about that before you killed him!" I said.

"HE should have thought about that BEFORE starting a war." A beautiful lady in the back said.

"Rose!" The largest guy barked at her.

"You should come with us." The man in front said. I knew I had no choice. By law they owned me now. I was there slave. They could do what ever they wanted with me.

No. I could not go with them. I had to find a way out.

"No." I argued. "I will take my horse." He was fast and could help me get away.

"Fine. Your maids will pack your things."

I went upstairs and changed into riding clothes. I was fully aware girls were suppose to ride side saddle. I preferred not to though. I didn't wear a dress either. I hated dresses. I put on an outfit similar to a guys, with a little twist.

I went into my father's study. It was fairly large with bookcases lining the walls. There were two desks in the room. One was my father's. One was mine. I went to his and pulled out a small knife of his. I went to mine and did the same. I was no good with a knife, but they were good to have. I tied a leather belt around my waist. I slid the two knifes into their holders then I took down the sword.

It was a beautiful heap of silver. It was amazingly light for the mass of sword it was. It was sharp. I slid it onto the belt.

I knew how to fight and would.

I ran out to the stables. I was an experienced rider. My favorite horse was the one I chose. Night. He was a black mare, much larger than me. I needed help to get onto of his most of the time. That is if I was in a dress. I hopped on him easily. He was already saddled. I started to ride back.

I turned. I ran the horse. This was a fast stallion. It would be hard to catch him. I ran into the forest. I knew it was dangerous, but I couldn't go back. I ran the horse and ran him. After an hour of two not only was I in pain from riding, but the horse was tired from galloping. I slowed him down. I could hear a creek in the distance. I rode up to it and, I hoped off of night and we drank in unison from the cold water.

I laid back into the cool grass relaxing. Bouncing up and down was not my favorite thing to do. I let Night graze as I stared at the stars.

A tear fell from my cheek. I missed my father. I loved him and now I had no one. I was lost. I had no where to go. There was nothing for me to look forward too. A man walked into my view. I hopped up.

It was obvious that he was homeless.

"Hello, darling. How are you doing?" I expected to ruin into a man like this. They were everywhere.

"Leave now." I threatened.

"Are you threating me, lovely?" He smiled at me evilly.

"Yes. Leave." I placed my hand on the sword. I was positive it was too dark for him to see. I heard him pull out a knife. A small one. Like the one I got out of my father's drawer. I could see the glint of silver in the night.

"Let's see if you change your mind." I wasn't going to fight unfairly. Even if I was a woman. I pulled the knife out of it's case. I was glad that I had tied up my horse. He would have surely ran if he wasn't tied. I was thankful that my father had taught me to fight. I knew well.

"Let's see you try." We walked in a circle. I switched hands as we walked. Left to right. Right to left.

He lunged forward. I jumped back. He went again, this time slicing my leg. I bit my lip. Wow that hurt. I lunged with my knife, getting his across the cheek. Just as I sliced his check he stabbed my arm with his knife. I dropped mine as he pulled his knife out. I screamed. That was worse than the leg.

His knife was placed on my neck and he shoved me onto the ground. He licked my neck. It was revolting.

"I see you changed your mind."

"No." I stated.

"Too bad." His lips collided with mine. It was not of any use to scream. I slid my knife out it's slot while he was distracted by my lips. I pulled my hand back. I shoved the knife into his neck. I could hear his gasp for air then lay limp after a few seconds. I shoved him off of me. I collected both of my knifes and washed them in the creek.

I didn't want to rip my own clothing so, with my knife I ripped apart the man's shirt. I tied it tightly around my arm. I was in a lot of pain, but it would make the bleeding stop. I tied another strip across my leg.

Then I heard something. I didn't want to deal with another person so I hurried and mounted Night and galloped into the night.

Edward PVO

The fight was easy. His army was not match for ours and with us being vampires, we easily killed their king. We went to their place. As rules stated we now owned all that was his. Including his daughter. Of course, most would use her as a slave or as a piece of meat. My family was different. We planned for her to be a princess as she was. Everyone agreed. Well, except Rose.

She broke into tears as we entered then straighted up. Demanding that she take her horse. Carlisle agreed. I searched her head for something, but there was nothing. I could not read her mind. I knew of no princesses that would deliberately ride. Then I saw Alice's vision. Isabella, running away.

"I'll follow her." I said as Alice explained the vision to the other's. I took my horse. He was strong. Just as the one that Bella was riding was. I was only a few minutes behind her. I rode slower. Deciding that it would be best if she did have some time alone. I got to where I was at least and hour behind her before I road. I could smell her. She was bleeding. And there was some one else. I could hear them fighting. I rode faster. It stopped suddenly. I could hear her walk around. I was only minutes away. Then I was upon her.

I could see that she killed the man. She was mounting her horse. She went. Off in a hurry. I followed her. I didn't care about the man. I knew a princess would not kill with out a reason. Then again I didn't know a princess could kill.

Bella PVO

Who ever it was, was getting closer. I pushed Night as hard as I could. He was right on my tail. I refused to look back. His horse was panting hard. He couldn't push her much farther. He stopped his horse. I looked back. It was one of the princes.

I kept riding. I knew he would come. I rode for a couple of hours before I had to stop. I was at another creek. It was freezing. I tied up Night. Near the creek so he could eat and drink. I was just going to rest for a little while, but I ended up falling asleep under the stars.

When I awoke it was warm and there was a fire. I jumped up and pulled out my sword. He just sat there watching me.

"What do you want?" I asked.

"For you to come back. We are not going to hurt you."

"Why should I listen to you?"

"I don't know. You don't have to come."

"I won't."

"Then I will wait till you change your mind." I searched for his sword. He didn't have one, but he noticed.

"No sword?"

"I think I will be fine with out it." I placed my sword back into it's holder.

"Why did you kill him?"

"We didn't. One of our men disobeyed orders."

"Did he cry."

"No."

"Did you?" I asked.

"No." He said confused.

"I did." I said.

"I apologize."

"Me too."

I stood up and untied Night. I mounted her. He was mounted also. I ran her forward. He followed me. He let me go a head of him by a few minutes. I rode for another hour or so. I dismounted when I came across another creek. There seemed to be a homeless camp there, but Night really needed a drink. The sword was getting heavy so I stupidly took it off, hooking it to Night.

"Well, well. What do we have here?" Damn it.

"Go away." Another stupid homeless person. He walked right up to me and I reached for my sword. He caught my hand. He pulled his sword out with the other hand.

"No sweetie." He shoved me against a tree and pushed his lips to mine forcefully. I screamed bloody murder.

"No one can hear you." He pulled of my shirt and unbuttoned my pants. I screamed again. No way was I going to let him do this. He slapped me across the face. I kicked him. He slapped me again. Harder this time. Then once more. I started to cry.

"Aw are we crying?"He stood up and kicked me a few times in the ribs. I screamed every time which just mad him kick harder.

I heard another horse ride up.

Edward PVO

I could hear her screaming. I ran as fast as I could. I had to save her. I loved her.

It was weird. I wanted her blood, but I wanted her more. She was intoxicating.

Bella PVO

I knew who it would be. He pulled the guy off of me. The man had his sword and he swung it at my savior. He grabbed it from the man and bent it in two. He threw it on the ground then threw the guy against a tree. He was unconscious, but not dead.

The Prince looked at me. I just laid there. Shirtless, and cried. I was so close to losing everything. He walked over to me picked up my shirt and slid it on me. I couldn't help, but throw my arms around him. He just bent a sword in half, but he saved my life. He stiffened at first then relaxed.

"Thank you." I replied simply.

"Your welcome. I'm Edward by the way."

"Bella."

"Are you ready to go back." He asked with his arms still around me.

"I- I- I don't know."

"How about we go slow on the way back. That way you can think."

"Okay." I mounted my horse, as he mounted him. We didn't go fast at all. The horses were at a slow trot.

"Why did you run?" Edward asked me.

"You know the laws."

"I do. But, you don't know us."

"Well, I had the chance and I took it."

"And I caught you."

"I could have killed you that first night."

"Are you sure about that?" I had a flashback of what just happened.

"How did you bend that sword."

"I don't know what you are talking about." He replied.

"I think you do."

"I'm just strong."

"No one is that strong."

"Someone is."

I dropped the subject and we started talking about his kingdom. He told me he was next in line to rule and that all the people I saw were his siblings. Emmett and Rose were married. As were Jasper and Alice.

Then I told him about my kingdom. We went all day talking and I was falling in love with Edward. I knew that I shouldn't and that I should hate him for taking away the one good thing in my life. I just couldn't.

As night fell I was very tired.

"How about we stop." I said barely able to stay awake.

"Come closer." I rode closer to him. Suddenly he lifted me off of my horse and onto his. He grabbed the reins of my horse and connected the two together. I laid back against his chest and fell asleep.

When I woke up it was very cold. I was still in Edward's arms. I was surprised at how cold his skin was. He smelled wonderful though. I snuggled deeper into his chest. He laughed then realizing what I had done I pulled away.

"Do you know you talk in your sleep?" He asked.

"Yes. Tell me what I said." I said sleepily.

"Nothing too important. Just my name a few times." I blushed bright red.

"Bella, I did not mean for you to be embarrassed.

"How am I not to be."

"Well, maybe I like you too." I smiled at what he said and blushed again. We rode out of the forest. We were back at my palace.

"That was quick." I said.

"Yes. We can go to your new home now." I tensed up. He noticed.

"Don't be nervous. I am sure they will all love you."

"I doubt that."

"Well, Rose might not. She can be a monster sometimes." He laughed, but I didn't get the joke.

"Great. I think I can ride my own horse now." He picked me back up and set me down. I wanted to do exactly what I did the first time. To turn and run. I didn't though. I went forward with Edward.

It took a while to get to his house. His palace was bigger than mine. It was beautiful. I walked in to stand under a huge chandelier.

A young girl walked up in front of me. She had to be close to my age. She was pixie-like and was smiling brightly.

"I see Edward found you. I'm Alice." She held her hand out and I shook it.

"Bella."

"Well Bella," Edward said. " It has been a long trip and I am sure you would like to get cleaned up and eat. Alice will show you to your room." I nodded my head and followed Alice as she skipped ahead. She lead me into a huge room. It wasn't bigger than mine at home, but it was still very nice.

"Maddie ran you some water. We heard of your arrival. All your bags have been unpacked and are in the closet."

"Thank you." I said as she walked out of the door.

"You are more than welcome."

I climbed into the steaming hot water and relaxed. It felt so good. After a while I climbed out and got dressed. I put on some more riding clothes. I just didn't feel like wearing a dress. I brushed my hair out and pulled it up when I realized how hungry I really was.

I walked into my room and a delicious smell hit me. There were all kinds of food on the table. I sat down and eagerly started to eat. I was so hungry.

I was just finishing up when Edward walked into my room. I smiled up at the angel before me. I couldn't help, but wonder if his feelings matched mine. If his were just a fragment of mine.

Also I couldn't help but wonder what life had ahead for me. Would I stay a princess or would I turn in a slave, forced to accomplish what ever was before me with no complaints. What ever was ahead I knew that I was always going to have these feelings for this wonderful prince of mine. Nothing could change these last few days we spent together.

"Hello, Bella. I'm sure you were hungry."

"Oh, yes. I'm sure you were the same."

"Something similar. Yes. Have you taken a liking to your new room?" What kind of question was that? It was magnificent.

"I suppose it will do." I said with an evil smile across my face.

"I suppose so."

"What do you have planned for me?" I had to know. This wasn't a joke. It was my life.

"I'm not sure. I suppose you are not exactly a princess anymore, but you are not going to be stuck with this life. At any moment if you want to leave you can. I also want to let you know that you will not be a slave. You will be able to live your life with us. As if you were family."

"Why would you do that? You barely know me and they don't know me at all."

"They know, I know. You that is."

"What does that have to do with anything?"

"...Nothing." I was past confusion. We sat in silence.

"Bella, would you like to go somewhere?" He said breaking the quietness.

"Where?" I asked.

"You'll see. Come on." He stood and held his hand out for me. I took is and we walked forward. We walked out to the stables where I could see Night in her stall.

"Do you mind riding with me?" He asked. I shook my head no and blushed.

He signaled for one of the hands to come forward. He did so.

"Angelo will you please bring me my horse." He did so. He walked farther down the stalls to where I could no longer see. He led out a monstrous horse. He was white. White as Snow. And he was huge. The largest horse I have ever seen.

"Wow." I said. Edward laughed. He was prepared in minutes as more hands came to help. Edward and I walked up to the beast. I was shocked. He was so beautiful.

Edward picked me up and placed me on him. Then he got on himself. Behind me this time. He rode forward then he started to go faster and faster. The strength of the horse was amazing. I found my self wrapping my arms around Edward and holding on tight.

Then, realizing who I had just wrapped my arms around I quickly let go. He seemed to notice and chuckled. The horse bounced up and I almost flew off. I grabbed Edward's shirt tight. Not bothering to let go. I laid my head on his back and put my hands on his chest. The worst thing he could do was reject me right? Right?

He sowed down the horse and I didn't even get a chance to look where we were before he pulled me in front of him. He was so strong. I mean, I'm not fat, but that could not have been easy. He started in my eyes and I stared back. I wanted to close the gap between us. I didn't know if it was right though. I was debating with myself when he leaned forward...

Oooh, what is he leaning forward for? I promise it is not a kiss...yet...ha ha...how does Bella react...and what does Edward do with his secrets?