The Dark Princess 13

“I want to have my friend Eleazar come and meet you.” Aro told Bella from his seat on the couch across from the one Bella was sharing with Athenodora and Caius. As soon as they had finished with Carlisle and Esme the three kings and each of their mates had come to spend time with the princess. He knew Jane would have been there as well but she had duties to attend to. Just because she was mated to the Volturi princess didn’t mean she got skip out on her responsibilities. None of the other mated guards got a pass and it wouldn’t do well to show favoritism. “He can detect gifts in humans and vampires. Although it is rather rare that they show in humans he would be able to tell us exactly what it is you can do.”

“My love leave the poor girl alone. She hasn’t even settled yet and you are already making plans for her.” Sulpicia shook her head fondly at her mate. She knew like the others he was excited to get to know Bella better. It was just that they hadn’t even had a full conversation with the girl yet and he was already making future plans.

“It’s alright. I kind of want to know as well. If Uncle Aro’s friend can help then I am more than willing to meet him.” Bella would love to know more about her gift. As of now she knew that she could block not only Edward’s gift but Aro’s as well. Alice’s was not working a hundred percent so she was interested in learning what else she could do.

Aro smiled brightly hearing Bella calling him Uncle. He now understood why Athenodora and Caius lit up when they were called mother and father. The confirmation that Bella chose to accept them to be her family caused him more happiness than he could have imagined. “I will give him a call later then.”

“So what kinds of things do you like to do Bella?” Sulpicia asked. She was hoping that Bella would be willing to spend some time with her so Sulpicia could bond with her niece.

Bella thought of the things she had liked to do back home. “I’m a really big fan of reading.”

“What kind of books do you like?” Marcus perked up hearing this. He had put in a lot of effort building the large library in the castle and was a great lover of books.

“I like the classics the best. My favorite is Withering Heights but I do love Emily Dickinson.” Bella said.

“I will have to show you the library then. We have many older books I could recommend that I think you would enjoy.” Marcus was already making a list in his mind of the many titles he wanted to loan Bella.

“Thank you Uncle.” Bella was very interested in seeing the library. She knew it must contain all kinds of antique books.

Athenodora smiled hearing Bella address her brothers as uncle. The queen was sure Bella didn’t even realize she was saying it. She was happy that her daughter didn’t fight the natural bonds she shared with the others. She wondered if Bella would share some kind of familiar bond with the other royals eventually. Those bonds only formed after there was complete trust amongst those involved. If Bella was already so comfortable around the others it would be more than natural for those bonds to fall into place. Athenodora made a note to talk to Marcus about it later. He may have more insight. Especially since Bella was human. It may be that she was not able to form those kind of bonds yet.

“What other things do you like?” Didyme asked.

“I am a big fan of silent movies.” Bella had gotten into the genre growing up as every Saturday night the public broadcasting channel played a marathon that she would watch every week. She didn’t get the chance to watch tv often and it being Saturday her mother was usually out all night so Bella was free to do so.

“Silent movies and classics books, I believe that you were born in the wrong decade Bella.We have a small theatre in the castle where we watch films so if you give us a list of your favorites we can acquire them for you.” Sulpicia offered. She was happy that it seemed Bella liked something she herself did. She would have to get out her scrapbooks of movie star autographs she collected when films first had been released.They had been a gift from Aro as he knew she was enamored with the new media when it came out.

“That would be wonderful. Thank you.” Bella would love to be able to watch some of those movies on the big screen. It would definitely be an improvement from the 13 in television she had originally watched them on.

“Bella do you like flowers and gardening?” Didyme was always looking to find others that enjoyed her hobby but most vampires didn’t have the patience for it.

“I don’t know. I haven’t really been exposed to flowers or gardens but have always thought the idea of having one to care for was intriguing.” Neither of Bella’s parents had cared about such trivial things. Charlie barely mowed the lawn.

Didyme smiled. “Then I will have to give you a tour of my gardens and when your arm gets better I will teach how to care for the plants.”

“Speaking of her arm, what exactly is the plan for it to be fixed?” Aro wanted nothing more than for Bella to get better. Her injury caused not only her parents and mate distress but most of the castle that had been exposed to Bella as well.She really was going to be the most loved royal out of all of them. Even the guards at the door had gave them somewhat hostile looks when the kings and queens entered the room and Aro was almost positive they would have fought the six of them to ensure Bella’s safety.

Caius bit back a growl and carefully pulled Bella closer to his side. The girl was sitting in-between him and his mate. Caius had been trying very hard not to crowd her to make her feel more comfortable. Bella didn’t seem to mind and had willingly settled into his side while Athenodora held Bella’s hurt arm to her chest to keep it cold instead of using ice. It was when Bella laid her head on his shoulder that Caius felt himself calm. His daughter really had good instincts when it came to dealing with vampires. “We saw the specialist and he recommended surgery as we had thought he would. We are going to wait to schedule the surgery until we have found the most experienced doctor to do the job. We asked Heidi to make a list of the best options and will narrow it down from there.”

“Good idea.” Didyme also didn’t want anyone but the best working on her niece’s arm. It needed to be healed perfectly because when Bella was turned they wouldn’t have a chance to fix it again. “If you need help let us know.”

“One thing we do need help with is getting Bella some clothes and better hygiene products.” The castle had the basics but Athenodora wanted her daughter to have the best. While Bella had been sleeping during the night the queen had done extensive research on what the best brands of products from toothpaste, hair care and even deodorant were for humans. She had also had Gianna contacting a nutritionist to set up a meeting. They wouldn’t be able to change Bella for what would be months it seemed so Athenodora wanted to make sure Bella’s human body was healthy as it could be. Maybe they could even get Bella to gain some weight. The girl was too thin in Athenodora’s opinion.

“That could be fun. I’m more than willing to help out with shopping.” Sulpicia said with Didyme nodding in agreement.

“Mother if you and my Aunts are going shopping for that stuff might I recommend Alice going as well? She took care of a lot of my human needs when I was around the Cullens. She knows a lot about the different products that are the best.” Bella wanted to fight them about spending money on her but knew it was a lost cause. She recommended Alice to help out because Bella had a feeling she was about to be dragged around from store to store and wanted her friend to accompany her. “Maybe inviting Rosalie would a good idea as well.”

Athenodora gave her daughter an indulgent smile. It was obvious that she just wanted her friends with her. Although she would like to just have Bella go with her and her sisters she was willing to grant Bella her request. “You can invite your friends if you want. Now the real question is will it be ok for you to go shopping when the sun goes down or will you be too tired?”

“If I take a nap now I will be fine to stay up a little later than I normally would.” Bella was feeling sleepy anyway. It was late afternoon and she had gotten an early start. She had thought that the whole debacle with the Cullens would have taken longer but it hadn’t at all.

“That’s fine. I will send an invitation to Alice and Rosalie while you rest. Do you want to stay in your father’s and my room again or do you want to move to Jane’s?” Athenodora hoped that Bella would want to stay in their quarters but they were still unsure how Bella was affected by the mate bond. It might be impossible for Bella to fall asleep without her mate’s scent near her.

“I want to stay near you.” When Athenodora smiled brighter than Bella had ever seen her she was positive that was the right answer. She knew that Athenodora cared about her like she was her own child but didn’t realize the joy her vampire mother felt when Bella picked her over others.

“How about I hold you while you sleep? Would like that?” Athenodora hadn’t had the chance because Jane had been the one Bella had chosen when she went to bed the night before. The queen was hoping that Bella would give her the chance now that her mate wasn’t there.

“I would like that.” Bella told her mother shyly. She had wanted to ask anyway but didn’t have the courage to.

Sulpicia smiled brightly as she watched Athenodora interact with Bella. She had never seen her sister so happy and relaxed and if the smiles on the faces of the other royals even Caius’ was anything to go by they hadn’t either. She tried to find it in herself to feel jealous of the pair’s bond with the human but couldn’t. She thought it was probably because Bella was so willing to let them into her life. It made Sulpicia grateful that she got what she wanted and was able to experience the happiness that the new princess brought to all those around her. “We won’t keep you any longer. Let us know when you want to go and we will be ready.”

“I will set up a time for you to visit the library with me.” Marcus told Bella as he stood to leave.

Didyme stood as well. “I will see you later Bella.”

“I’m going to call Eleazar and see when he can get here.” Aro wanted him to come as soon as possible. Now that he got to interact with Bella he was excited to get more time to spend with her. Even though he knew that her parents would want to be involved he was still happy he had something for him and Bella to share. The only thing that made him happier was the fact that Bella had been so willing to spend time with his brothers and sisters as well. As he followed the other three out the door he thought for what felt was the hundredth time and probably wouldn’t be the last that Bella was going to be the most loved royal out of all the Volturi.

“Are you going to stay as well or do you have things to do?” Athenodora asked her mate. She had a feeling that Caius had also wanted to be by their daughter’s side as she slept but didn’t want to look weak in front of the others.

Seeing Caius’ uncertain look Bella offered. “I wouldn’t mind if you would. I feel safest with the both of you near by.It would be easier to sleep with you there.”

“Well if you want me to stay so you could sleep better who am I to deny you that.” Caius was happy Bella seemed to know him so well already. He had no doubt the human knew he wanted to stay but didn’t want to ask.

Athenodora stood up and picked Bella up and carried her bridal style towards their bedroom door.” Let’s get you in bed then. Will these clothes be alright to sleep in or do you need something more comfortable.”

“I can walk mom. You don’t have to carry me everywhere.It’s my arm that is hurt not my legs.” Bella reminded her.

“Yes I know but I feel better having you close and knowing you are safe.” Athenodora wasn’t going to apologize for her worry. If she had it her way Bella would always be cradled in her lap and she would carry Bella wherever she needed to go.

“My clothes are fine.” Bella held back a sigh as Athenodora set her on the bed and laid next to her with Caius on the other side. Instead of arguing with the vampire about the usefulness of her legs she just closed her eyes and let it go. She didn’t understand vampire bonds completely but she knew that being human was triggering their need to protect her. Bella also knew if she fought against their overprotective actions if would seem to them that she was rejecting them. She didn’t want any of them to think that so Bella would continue to suck it up and try to reassure her parents and her mate that she not only wanted them but appreciated all they did for her. As she was drifting to sleep Bella’s last thought was she hoped that Aro and his friend would be able to help her learn how to use her gift because she wanted nothing more to return the favor and keep her family safe as well.