"Remember to always curtesy, have your shoulders back, and chin up." Clarissa said in a hushed tone, attempting to give Bella advice.

They rushed through the hall, trying to reach the palace gardens quickly. Brunch would begin soon.

Bella looked at her with an uneasy expression. She didn't know what to expect. This was beginning to be too much.

Clarissa seemed to sense Bella's anxiety. She gave her a reassuring smile.

"And the most important thing; smile! You look beautiful, own it." Clarissa tried to ease Bella's worries. "Breathe, Bella. Relax. I have total faith in you."

Bella gave a shaky laugh, and smiled slightly. "Thank you, Clarissa. I don't know what I would do without you."

Grinning, Clarissa said, "Hey, that's what I'm here for. Well, actually, I'm here to help with the royal brunch. I need to get to the back, but I'll be around if you need me. Good luck!"

And with that, Clarissa left down another hall, leaving Bella alone.

She sighed, wondering if the butterflies in her stomach would go away.

As Bella approached the grand staircase. She looked down at the garden waiting for her below.

It was absolutely breathtaking, right out of a fairytale. Bella did a double take.

The garden was filled with vibrant flowers and intricately trimmed bushes.

The sun was shining bright as guests filled the beautiful scene, people dressed in gorgeous gowns and coats were talking, laughing and enjoying the music playing.

But Bella did not recognize anyone.

A classical music group was performing soft music in the corner of the garden, near the grand water fountain and stone statues.

Butlers walked around with trays of fruit and champagne, offering the delicious food to the royal guests.

Mesmerized by the scene below her, Bella momentarily forgot about her worries. But she snapped out of it as she realized she must walk down the stairs.

Bella had always been clumsy, even as a little girl she struggled to walk somewhere without tripping over herself.

But as she stared at the garden below, she put her fears of embarrassment behind her.

Bella picked up her dress, and walked as elegantly as she could down the grand staircase.

She did her best to keep from looking down at her feet, and concentrated on the people in front of her. She scanned the crowd of people for a familiar face.

Multiple eyes seemed to be on Bella as she walked down the stairs to the party, all seeming to appraise and evaluate her.

Bella could feel herself blush and did her best to control the blood flowing to her cheeks.

However, their gazes were torn from Bella as the sound of a trumpet interrupted the soft music playing in the background.

All eyes turned to the giant plaza in front of the gardens.

Bella watched as a guard stood there, trumpet in hand.

"Now introducing the royal family of Estrana. Please welcome His Majesty, King Carlisle."

A beautiful man dressed in uniform walked on to the stage, smiling as he waved to the audience. Bella thought he looked young, almost to young to believe he's king.

With blond hair, perfect skin, and a youthful smile, Bella couldn't help but feel intimidated.

The crowd bowed and curtsied before the King, but Bella failed to do it in time.

Embarrassed, she looked down at her feet.

The guard spoke again. "Please welcome his wife, Her Majesty, Queen Esme."

Bella curtsied in time, but was distracted by the queen's stunning features.

Her light brown hair flowed gently down her white dress, and her mouth was turned up in a motherly smile.

Queen Esme waved lovingly to the audience, taking her husbands arm. King Carlisle smiled in adoration at his wife.

The guard then introduced one of their sons. "His highness, Prince Jacob."

A tan face walked out onto the stage to stand next to king Carlisle.

Bella could see that he was handsome, with brown eyes and black hair. He looked the opposite from his parents.

She could also read mischief, mystery and even a hint of thrill in his eyes.

Once more, the Guard spoke. "And his royal highness, heir to the throne, Prince Edward."

A gorgeous man with perfect features and pale skin walked on to the stage. He turned his head toward the guard. "Oh please, Jeffrey, no need for formalities." And gave a charming wink to his audience.

The crowd laughed softly as he walked to give his mother a kiss on the cheek.

But Bella's breath caught, her heart stopping. The face, the voice, it all seemed so familiar.

Then she remembered.

It was the man she met the night before in the stables.

Once Bella's heart began to beat again, it hammered in her chest, a million thoughts running through her mind.

Bella stood their in shock, forgetting to curtsy. But that didn't matter at the moment.

How could she have been that ignorant? How did she not know he was the prince? He must think I'm stupid, Bella thought.

Feelings of dread quickly replaced the shock. Bella wanted to get out of there, she needed to find Clarissa.

But it was too late. Bella's eyes already met Edward's. A dozen emotions flooded across his face.

Bella could see shock, confusion, realization, and maybe even a hint of delight. But then his eyes were searching hers.

Edward froze on stage, his eyes glued to the beautiful girl he met last night.

Bella looked around, searching for Clarissa, but she couldn't see her.

Panicking, Bella started to walk around the crowd, desperate to get away.

She tried to maneuver through the crowd as gracefully and subtly as she could, avoiding Edward's piercing green eyes.

Once Bella was almost out of sight from the crowd, she turned around and saw Edward running off the stage after her.

Bella quickly took off her shoes, picked up her dress and took off running.

Knowing she didn't have much time before the Prince would catch up, she ran up the hill toward the stables.