Chapter 20

The event staff instructed the people to make their way to the ball as Arabella signed royal documents with Jett as her witness. With the last paper signed, it was official; she was a princess. Everyone left the throne room, leaving Jett and Bella alone.

She went to stand in front of the throne, looking at it in contemplation. "I guess I really made some waves tonight."

Jett walked up next to her, trying to gauge her expression. "You know how risky that was? They could have thrown you in jail for the things you said, and you could have lost your crown."

"I know. I had them by the balls, Jett. They have no choice but to keep me here. If I leave back to the US, they lose the monarchy. It would go to a duke or duchess. No one on the court wanted to take on the responsibility because of the strict rules. I can make genuine changes now. Uncle is going to step down soon and then I will become queen. He's very sick, Jett. I'm scared."

"I know. He told me."

"Do you realize I could have the chance to marry for love if I can convince parliament to revoke that law? Maybe O can change things to a democratic monarch like in England. So many people here want that. The people could have a proper voice. I can help people here. It wasn't until you came that I realized the impact I can make. I owe you everything," she turned to hug him.

"What about us? Where do I fit in?" He stepped back away from her before she could reach out.

"Jett, I don't know. I know I care about you."

"How can I never have an actual life with you? A family, children, and you as my wife. None of that is certain." In those words, he realized it was true. They may never marry if he truly loved her like he thought he did.

"Are you breaking up with me?" Bella said, almost heartbroken.

"No. I love you. But right now... I don't know where we're headed. It's tearing me apart. I didn't expect to come and fall in love with a princess, but here we are."

"I... I love you too." Looking down at the king's throne, Bella sighed. "Do you think you could do this with me, if we married one day? Could you walk away from your life like I did to come here?"

"I don't know? There are so many unanswered questions right now. All I know is, I can't lose you." Jett took a deep breath, taking her into his arms as if it could be the last time.

Bella rested her head on his chest, feeling the tenseness in his breathing. "There has to be an answer. I just know it. Love shouldn't have to be such a fight."

"I agree. But there's nothing we can do right now."

"Yes. I know. Actually... come with me," Bella perked up. "Let's go to the party. I want to do that waltz with my boyfriend."

He shook his head smiling, "May I have this dance, Princess?" He kissed her forehead, reaching for her hand.

"You may," she giggled.

***

Bella and Jett walked into the ballroom as someone announced them from inside.

"Presenting Princess Arabella and Master Jett Flynn. Her Highness's escort will now lead the Mecca Island Waltz."

Jett led her to the dance floor and bowed just as they taught him. Bella curtsied back to him and took his hand as she gracefully led her across the dance floor with ease. As he whisked her across the dance floor, Bella felt like she was floating. Once they reached the part of the waltz where it repeated in steps, the guest joined in.

Bella smiled, seeing Scarlett dancing and enjoying herself. Scarlett had been the best friend she had in years. At the end of the weekend, it would be as hard for her to say goodbye to Scarlett as it would be to Jett.

After the dance, they all turned to the king to bow in honor.

King Andrew stood and clapped as he announced, "Now we dine! Eat, drink, and be merry. Today we celebrate my great niece. Our Mecca princess!"

Everyone clapped as the king raised his hands joyfully.

Jett joined Bella at the king's table while scanning over the guest. He felt like a royal himself. In some ways, he thought maybe he could get used to this. Every second he thought about his life, he remembered how much he loved being Jett, the high-flying wrestler. Even in the struggle, he knew how he would give it all up for his queen.

After dinner, the guest danced and continued to enjoy the fun. The king was feeling good while he laughed and clapped to the music.

"Uncle. Come dance with me," Bella asked, pulling him from his seat.

She had picked the perfect song to dance with him. A song that started soft and sweet. Then started to rock out. The music started out slow and the king danced in traditional Mecca Island dance as the people joined them. When the beat picked up, they all started laughing as Bella started head banging. Soon everyone realized it was not a traditional dance, and it was time to party.

"Come on, Uncle. Rock out!"

She started dancing, and the King joined in laughing and having the time of his life. Something she didn't get to see too often was him being playful and carefree. He was in such good spirits that it made everyone in the room liven up. Bella stopped dancing and hugged him, resting her head on his shoulder.

"I love you, Uncle. I hope I make you proud of me."

"Sweet Bella, tonight, you already did. Bless you, child. You did the right thing for Cora and William by allowing them to marry. I wish I could have done the same for them. Now, go dance with that man over there. He seems to have the weight of the world on his shoulders," the king said, hugging her quickly, sending her away to Jett.

"Thank you, Uncle."

Bella helped her ailing uncle back to his chair and made her way to Jett. He was standing around nervously watching people dance, alone in the corner.

"Hello, lover."

Jet glanced in her direction, and a slow smile curled at the edges of his lips. He walked to her with a smile and pulled Bella into his arms.

"Can I get in trouble for this?" He asked with a tense seriousness.

"No. Uncle approves. I don't care what people say. Stupid Duke Aden already outed us to the media, so it's too late now to worry. I don't care anymore. I just want to be with you. Look around. Everyone is getting drunk anyway. They don't care about us."

Jett realized it too as he scanned the room. "So if we slipped out, do you think people would notice?"

"Maybe. But all I have to do is say I am retiring for the evening, and they will keep partying. Mecca Island parties are raggers according to William and Cora."

"I noticed. I'm pretty sure that guy over there will end up with a lampshade on his head and dancing naked later," Jett laughed.

"Meet me in my room. I'll be up shortly. This way no one will question. Tonight, I'm yours."

Jett reached up to rub his fingertip across her lower lip. "Don't keep me waiting. I want you in my arms until morning. We have to make up for the lost time. These last few days have been a torture not being with you."