Chapter 17

Jett was in the ballroom trying to practice the waltz on his own. He was in no way a dancer. "DAMN IT!" He tripped over his own feet, falling again. Scarlett walked in, watching quietly. Jett looked up with frustration written all over his face. "Scarlett, I don't want to embarrass her. This is the biggest thing I have to do tomorrow night. If I mess up, it would humiliate her."

"Jett, you can do it. I know you can."

"I know you know how to do it. I saw you dancing with Noah yesterday with the group practice. Please? Will you help me?" Jett looked desperate.

Scarlett smiled and nodded yes. Poor Jett looked like he was about to cry. "Sure. Let's start over." Scarlett helped him for a long while until he caught on. "See! There you go. You got it. Just relax."

They stopped, and Jett took a drink of water to rest. "Do you think I can do this?"

"I think you have never backed down from a challenge. So, yes. You can."

"After Sunday, I may never get to see her again. It's killing me," Jett confessed as he sat on the floor.

"It's going to be okay. Love will find a way. Jett, I was wrong about the two of you. I thought you were just trying to hook up for sex. I'm sorry. We have been friends for a long time. I should have known you're not like that."

"It's all right, Scarlett. At first, it was. I never thought I would fall for her. Especially so fast. Even if we could have a relationship, what then? I'm not sure I could give up wrestling. It's been my life's dream to be in the ring in front of a crowd. I could never ask her to leave this. Her life is too important here."

"Who says either of you have to give up anything? It's not the dark ages. We are in a new time now. The world is different. Other royals across the world have married or dating celebrities. You two just have to figure out your own path together. I think a life of regret of not at least trying would be much worse. This country will go on, even without her. But could you?" She hugged him and left the room.

Scarlett was right. He knew if they had a chance to be together, he wouldn't be able to let Bella go. Deep down, he knew he didn't want to let go now. In a few days, he would have no choice but to go back to his life without her.

At dinner that night, Bella and Jett sat across from each other next to the king. They couldn't keep their eyes off each other. The king couldn't help but see the look in their eyes. The look he always had for his deceased wife. It hurt his heart that he couldn't help Arabella. He talked to her earlier and explained why he couldn't change the laws, and she wept as she realized there was no hope. Holding his sweet niece in his arms as she cried, his heart pained for her. As rowdy and nontraditional as she was, Bella was his only family, and he cared for her deeply.

"Arabella, you will be glad to know that Jett has made substantial progress in his studies. I think he was a splendid choice to escort you to the coronation. Master Jett, I am very proud of you, my boy. It takes weeks to do what you did in just a few days. Well done."

The king's comments made Jett smile as his chest boosted with pride. He had worked so hard for this. "Thank you, sir. I hope I do Bella, and the people of Mecca, proud. Thank you for your help today. It meant a lot to have your advice."

"Of course."

After dinner, the king took Jett to the side. "My boy, tomorrow you will have my blessing to spend the next few days with her. Make the best of your time."

"Thank you, Your Highness."

"Oh, and remember our talk. Please keep that vile man away from my niece. She deserves better."

"I'll do my best."

***

The morning of the coronation, the castle was buzzing with excitement. Rebels of Destruction and the rest of the XFW crew were watching the re-enactors and enjoying the festivities. Everyone was dressed up in nice garden party summer looks. Jett was having fun, but his mind was a million miles away, focused on his rocker princess.

Bella made her way to the courtyard for the festivities in a pretty white, floral, princess cut strapless sundress with a matching fascinator hat. Greeting the people and children at the event with a big smile. His eyes went straight to her. She really looked like a royal today. Poised and elegant with such class and dignity.

Bella looked up from the group of children, seeing him smiling at her. The heat rose in her cheeks from the pure look of adoration in his eyes.

Jett walked over, kissing her hand. "I missed you."

"I missed you too. The continuation is just a few more hours away. Are you ready?"

"Ready as I'll ever be. I can't wait to see you at the ball. I know you are going to be stunning." Jett reached to hold her hand, lacing his fingers through hers just before a boisterous voice boomed behind them.

"Arabella! My future bride! You look lovely today, my dear. I'm sorry? Who is this? Oh. Yes. The commoner. Mmm... good to see you, my bride." The man approaching looked over Bella like a piece of meat. The grotesque man made her skin crawl the way he was looking at her. Once the man approached, he took Bella's hand from Jett, kissing up her arm like some ridiculous cartoon character.

Bella quickly pulled her arm away and slid it through Jett's. He protectively stood tall, intimidating the man. "Duke Arden, this is Jett Flynn from the XFW. He is escorting me to the coronation and ball tonight. Jett and I..."

"Her boyfriend. I don't think you will marry anyone. At least not Arabella." Jett interrupted, moving Bella from the Dukes reach.

"How rude. Boy, do you not understand who you are talking to? I am of the finest royal lineage. Not some common street trash, such as yourself." Looking at Jett like he was nothing, the man snarled his nose at him. "Arabella is my betrothed. Mecca Island laws state she marries only a royal. I am the most available suitor." The Duke seemed to push Jett's buttons but had no idea who he was messing with. Jett didn't lose at any challenge, and this sure felt like one.

"I will never marry you. I will go to my grave before I allow it," Bella scowled.

"You will, dear girl. You will," Duke Arden smirked as he walked off.

As Bella settled down, she turned to look up at Jett. Smiling sweetly as she squeezed his hand. "Boyfriend?"

"If you would agree to it. Bella. I've been thinking. I want to do this. I'm just not ready to say goodby to you. I don't think I could walk away if I tried." He smiled, knowing with the surrounding media, he couldn't kiss her. Although he desperately wanted to.

"I'll hold you to that."