The Dark Princess 18

“We will be fine mom I promise.” Bella told Athenodora as she settled in the theatre room to watch a movie with Jane. It had taken some convincing but her mother had agreed to let her have some alone time with her mate. Now Bella was trying to get her to actually leave. Jane was going on a mission in a few hours and Bella wanted a chance to actually get to know her mate a little bit without anyone there to bother them. It wasn’t going that well though because after she got her parents’ permission her mother had decided that she wanted to make sure the movie was appropriate for Bella to watch. Bella wasn’t sure what fit the criteria of things she couldn’t watch but the movie Casablanca passed as something Athenodora would allow.

“I don’t want you sneaking into the kitchen to get any other snacks and make sure you drink your juice it will help boost your immune system.” Athenodora said.

“I promise I will drink my orange juice and will not eat anything other than the popcorn and candy you gave me.” Bella told her.

“Alright then I guess I will leave you two alone.” Athenodora didn’t want her daughter to be left alone with anyone even if that someone was her mate. As a matter of fact when she thought about it she really didn’t want Bella alone with her mate. In her mind Bella was just a child and shouldn’t be doing anything physical at all. While Jane was away she would have to speak to her daughter about sexual relationships. From what Alice had said Bella had never dated anyone other than Edward and those two barely shared more than a kiss or two. That meant Bella was not only inexperienced but probably somewhat naive on the subject. It was her job to make sure Bella could set boundaries with her mate. Athenodora just wished those boundaries would include a chaperone every time the two were together but knew it wasn’t rational.

“I will walk her back to your room as soon as the movie is over your majesty.” Jane promised. She desperately wanted some time for just her and Bella but that wouldn’t happen if the Queen didn’t leave.

“Ok if you need me just let one of the guards know and I will come and get you.” Athenodora wasn’t going to mention that she was going to be close enough that if Bella called out she would be able to get to her quickly.

Bella stood up and gave her mother a hug. “Maybe when we are done we could watch that tv show dad told me you guys watch, Deadliest Warriors.”

“I think he would like that very much.” Athenodora snuggled Bella close. Kissing her forehead she pulled back. “I will let your father know you wish to spend time with him and I will see you when your movie is over.”

“Thanks mom.” Bella stood on her tip toes and kissed her mother’s cheek.

“Be good.” Athenodora said as she made her way to the door glaring at Jane before she left.

“Should we start the movie?” Bella asked Jane after her mother left.

“I think we should or the queen will come back and get you.” Jane hadn’t gotten the chance to spend time with Bella without being interrupted and even though there were guards at the door she was looking forward to getting a chance to be with her mate.

Bella laughed. “I bet she is listening to us right now. If not I’m sure she will interrogate the guards to find out what we said to each other.”

“I don’t doubt that.” Jane said as she started the movie and took her seat next to Bella. She smiled when Bella snuggled into her side. “Comfy?”

“Yup.” Bella said laying her head on Jane’s shoulder as she settled her hurt arm in a comfortable position. “Can you tell me about the mission you have to go on?”

“I don’t know if that is wise.” Jane said.

“Is it something you can’t talk about?” Bella knew there were things she wasn’t meant to know and didn’t take it personally if she wasn’t given information.

Jane shook her head. “No I just don’t want to upset you.”

“Why would it upset me?” Bella asked.

“I am going to collect your parents to bring them here to face punishment.” Jane wasn’t sure what she was expecting Bella’s reaction would be to finding out but the sweet smile that Bella gave her wasn’t it.

“Thank you.” Bella said.

Jane was beyond confused. “Why are you thanking me?”

“Because I know that you are personally going to get my human parents because you care about me so much. If you didn’t you wouldn’t have bothered leaving me.” Bella told her.

“I do care about you.” Jane agreed. “And you are right. It is because of that my vampire side is demanding that I be the one to personally deliver your parents to their punishments.”

“I know. I’m not mad at all. I wasn’t lying when I said I considered Athenodora and Cauis my parents. I honestly don’t care about my human ones. I would rather never have to see them again but I know that you guys need to punish the people who hurt me.” Bella understood enough about vampires to know that if something happened to the one you were bonded to you would do anything you could to get justice for them.

“I’m glad you understand our bonds so well.” Jane was glad. It was because Bella did that she brought a lot of happiness to those around her. That included Jane. Ever since meeting Bella she found herself looking forward to having time away from her duties. Before she was consumed with her role in the guard but when she got her first look at Bella she felt her entire world tilt on its axis. Jane had even caught her brother smiling as she told him stories about Bella.Thinking of her brother Jane spoke. “I really want to introduce you to my brother Alec.”

“I would like to meet him. What’s he like?” Bella asked.

Jane tried to think of how to describe her brother. “Alec is quiet when around others and doesn’t enjoy socializing with many people. I think we both stay away from people mostly because of the fear we cause them. It’s hard for someone to believe that the witch twins are just two boring vampires that like to spend their time doing mundane things like most others do. I think if I told someone that Alec loves to play the trombone or that I have watched every episode of the Golden Girls they would never believe me.”

“Why are most people afraid of you?” Bella had seem the looks Jane had gotten when they were together and wondered why she made people so nervous.

“Like in all things people are afraid of things they don’t understand.” Jane said. “My brother and I were like you. We both had gifts when we were human. It was because of those gifts that the people of our village deemed us witches and tried to burn us at the stake. Luckily rumors of us made their way to Aro and he made it just in time to save us.”

“What happened to your parents?” Bella asked.

Jane smiled sadly. “Our parents helped build the fire. They claimed that we weren’t our father’s children but the children of a demon who impregnated our mother by shifting into the image of our father and seducing her.”

“That’s horrible Jane.” Bella reached for Jane’s hand and squeezed it in support.

“It truly was.” Jane agreed. “It was also because of that myself and Alec were emotionally closed off and found it hard to trust anyone. Our first few years in the castle weren’t the best for us. As you can tell being our size Alec and I were often underestimated and many of the vampires we came in contact with thought we were weak. With it being obvious that we had Aro’s favor many were jealous and thought to teach us our proper place. Of course it never ended well for those who challenged us and after a while the stories of us were twisted so that instead of the truth being told we were depicted as sadistic. The rumors of us using our gift with abandon and torturing others for fun were spread and the real story of us just defending ourselves was never mentioned.”

“So just because you guys defended yourselves people are scared of you?” Bella could never understand why rumors were always believed.

“Yes and the fact that we were still dealing with the trauma of our upbringing and had trust issues we didn’t make many friends.”Jane said.

“That sounds lonely. I’m glad you at least had your brother.” Bella couldn’t imagine being as old as Jane and not having anyone to talk to other than her brother.

“I am too. That’s why I would like you to meet him. He is very important to me and I would like you to be part of our family.” Jane knew that her brother and Bella would get along well together.

“I would love to be considered a part of your family.” Bella leaned up and gave Jane a kiss on the cheek.

Jane’s breath caught as she felt Bella’s warm lips against her skin. Feeling bold she turned her head and leaned forward to capture those lips with her own. Knowing that it wasn’t the right time to deepen the kiss Jane pulled back smiling as Bella sighed and leaned her head on Jane’s shoulder again. The movie had been all but forgotten and noticing it was almost over Jane felt a longing run through her knowing that she would be leaving Bella soon. “Bella would it be alright if I took one of your shirts with me so that I have your scent with me while I’m away.”

“Of course. I have been wearing this one all day so I can just change into my pajamas and you can have this one.” Bella offered.

“That would be perfect thank you.” Jane was happy Bella so easily agreed. It wouldn’t be as good as having Bella with her but having her scent should be able to sooth Jane’s vampire side enough that she could keep herself from returning to Bella before finishing her mission.

“I guess we should go back to my parent’s rooms.” Bella was reluctant to end her alone time with Jane but knew that Athenodora was probably timing the movie and would come get Bella if she didn’t show up soon.

“I hate to end our time together but I don’t want your mother to forbid you from spending time with me.” Jane had no doubt the queen would limit her time with her mate if Jane didn’t follow the rules she set. “Let me carry your treats.”

“Thank you.” Bella quickly chugged down her glass of orange juice knowing if she didn’t finish it her mother would be upset with her.

“So what do you think you will do while I’m away?” Jane asked.

“It depends how long you are gone for.” Bella said.

“I hope I won’t be gone for more than a couple days but it all depends on how fast I can find and abduct your parents in a way that leaves no evidence that myself and the team I am taking with me were the ones who did it.” Jane told her as they walked through the hallways of the castle.

“Then I will probably spend some time with my parents and my aunts and uncles. I would also like to get some time to hang out with the Cullens. I haven’t gotten much of a chance to be with them.” Bella would like a chance to talk to her friends. She wasn’t sure what they were planning to do and wanted to know it they were planning on staying at the castle or going off on their own.

“I’m sure they would all like to see you.” Jane sighed when they made it to the royal wing of the castle.

Before Bella could reply the door to her parent’s rooms opened revealing her mother. Bella smiled as the woman narrowed her eyes at Jane. “Hello mother.”

“Hello my darling girl.” Athenodora pulled Bella into a hug. She had been waiting impatiently for the pair to make their way back to her rooms. One of the guards who was outside the room had made his way to her already to tell her what the mated pair had done while watching the movie and Athenodora had been relieved to learn that the guard had heard them talking the entire time. The queen didn’t ask what they were talking about of course. That would be too much of a violation of their privacy.

“Jane asked if I would give her my shirt so she could have my scent with her when she leaves, can you help me change so I can give it to her?” Bella figured that since they knew about the scars it wouldn’t be a big deal if her mother saw her back. If she really thought about it it would be nice to have help changing because it was painful doing it by herself with the care she had to use to not make her arm hurt worse.

Athenodora smiled brightly at her daughter’s request. This was the first time Bella had asked for help with changing and the fact that Athenodora was the one asked pleased her greatly. Although she would never admit it to anyone else Athenodora was proud that it seemed her daughter preferred her over others. “Of course Bella.”

“Thanks mom.Be right back.” Bella told Jane.

Jane waited somewhat awkwardly standing just outside the door to the royals’ sitting room. She didn’t feel comfortable enough to actually enter the room without permission so she suffered the looks of the guards standing near her. She wasn’t sure how much time had passed but it seemed almost like an eternity before Bella returned. Jane smiled seeing Bella in her pajamas. It seemed that the royals wanted to make sure Bella was recognized as a member of the Volturi because her button up pajama top had not only Bella’s name embroidered on it but the last name Volturi after it with the Volturi crest embroidered over her heart.

“Here you go. I figured you would want the tank top that I was wearing as an undershirt as well. It doesn’t have as much material as the other shirt but my scent should be much stronger because it has been against my skin all day.” Bella handed Jane both shirts.

“Thank you Bella.” Jane lifted the tank top to her nose taking a greedy sniff. It definitely smelled of Bella and Jane found herself soothed by the scent.

“It’s no problem.” Bella put her good arm around Jane and gave her a hug. “I’m going to miss you.”

Jane squeezed her as tight as she could without hurting her. “I’m going to miss you as well. When I get back why don’t we work on getting you a cell phone.”

“I’ll talk to my parents about it while you are gone. I’m sure it won’t take much for them to agree to let me have something that would let them have instant contact with me no matter where I am.” Bella was surprised that they hadn’t already gotten one for her.

“Bella your father will be here any minute.” Athenodora called out.

Bella sighed. “I guess I’ll see you when you get back.”

“I’ll be as quick as I can.” Jane promised as she leaned forward and gave Bella a chaste kiss.

“I’ll miss you.” Bella said.

“I’ll miss you as well.” Jane liked the fact that it seemed Bella was as reluctant to let her leave as Jane was about leaving.

“Bye Jane.” Bella could hear her mother making her way to the door and knew her time with Jane was at an end.

“Bye Bella.” Jane gave Bella one more hug and turned and left. She ignored the looks she got from the guards knowing that they would be talking about her behavior with her mate as soon as they got a chance. Jane wasn’t ashamed though. She was proud to be mated to Bella and didn’t care who knew it. Bella was an exceptional girl and not just because she was the Volturi princess. Jane had thanked fate numerous times for not only giving her a mate but making that mate Bella. Thinking about getting back to Bella Jane quickened her steps. The sooner she left the sooner she could get back to her mate and that was more than enough incentive to get this mission done with as soon as possible.