Volterra, Capital of the Island State of Vrall
Just off of the coast of Rome
The towns that surrounded the capital city of Volterra seemed as if they had gone untouched by time. Each building held their own charm each still had a modern touch. No matter what town you went to there was always a view of the ocean. Even it was from the center of the town or right at the edge you could still see it. You could hear the ocean and smell the salty air in the morning.
In the heart of the city was Castle Volterra. It had been ruled by the Volturi family for the last 800 years. Those who lived in the city knew of the family and respected them as they were a family who did make sure their country survived through the rise of democracy and two world wars. They ensured that traditions remained steadfast within the country and have continued to do so.
The city and surrounding towns were getting ready to celebrate the 27th birthday of Jasper Volturi. Little did they know it was his 270th birthday. You see the Island State of Vrall was ruled by a family of vampires. Although they would never know as the family would seek out their "meals" elsewhere. As well as changing their appearances when needed. It has been rumored the citizen of Vrall do know about the family. They just seem to be happy they are ruling fairly and not a single one of them has been made a meal. Unless the law has been broken. Very rarely does that happen.
Jasper was in his quarters. Sitting at a window in the front room, he could see the city and towns from where he was. Just beyond was the ocean. He had been down to the beach when he just needed to get away and think. Today was not going to be one of those days. Out of the corner of his eye he could see the clock on the wall strike 6 o'clock.
"Damn."
He took one last look over the city and towns he loved, as well as the ocean, and got up to finish getting dressed. In three hours he would have to head down to the ball room to make appearances. As he buttoned his shirt, he could hear his parents coming his way. He tried everything he could to avoid having the party. His mother on the other hand wasn't going to let it go so easily.
He was ready to walk over the full-length mirror in his bedroom to see how he looked, when his parents came into the room. Aro and Sulpicia. Aro was the king of Vrall. His brothers Marcus and Caius served as his advisors. Aro was a merciful king. However, if there was a chance that he was crossed then punishment was swift and immediate. His brothers were the ones who decided on how to deal with punishment. The last time that Jasper could remember someone being sentenced to death was 20 years ago.
Sulpicia went over to him completely beaming. She brought her son into her arms.
"Happy birthday my dear Jasper."
"Thank you, mother."
She stepped back from him and began to straighten his shirt and collar. She was one to keep up with modern fashion, so she was always looking her best. Her blond hair usually touched her shoulders only this time it had been done in an elegant twist. His mother was just an all around elegant woman. His aunts Didyme and Athena were just as elegant and beautiful. Only they weren't his mother. Again, she stepped back to take in his appearance while Aro had taken a seat on the couch.
"There now. You look absolutely handsome. Now…I want you to get down to the entrance a little early so that you will be there with your father and I to greet our guests. This is an important night for you."
"Mother its only my birthday."
"I know but, you need to make sure you look perfect. "
"Why…is…..mother?"
"What?"
"What have you done?"
"Nothing."
He narrowed his eyes and he knew his mother would cave.
"Jaylen and Amya are coming."
He sighed. When things ended with him and Kara, he tried to tell them why, but they didn't want to listen.
"Is Kara tagging along? If she is then I don't want to deal with her."
"You won't have to. Her parents do want to talk to you about her."
"After I tried...no...I could give a rats ass!"
Aro chuckled
"Jasper Alexander Volturi!"
"Now Picia."
They both looked at Aro.
"His reaction is justified. After all, he did try to make amends with them."
"Be that as it may I expect you be on your best behavior. You are King of Volterra"
She gave her son one more smile before taking her leave. Aro stood around a little longer. Jasper looked to his father.
"Other then having them here, who else is coming and please tell me mother has nothing else planned?"
Aro smiled because he knew how his wife was.
"Let me put your fears at ease son. Your mother only wants this night to be perfect. There is nothing to worry about. On the other hand I am looking forward to seeing Vic and Carlisle."
"I thought Carlisle would have stepped down by now?"
"He will once his last term in the U.S. Senate has come to an end. At the same time he is also going to step down as king of the Western Territory."
"Then Edward will take his place in the Cullen political dynasty as well as taking over as king."
"You would think that, but Edward isn't his biological son. Rosalie will take over. From what I understand he and Esme are getting both her and Emmett ready for the campaign trail and to take their place as king and queen. When it came to Edward taking over, he was hesitant."
"There must be a reason behind it. On the other hand, with Rosalie takng the throne I take that to mean Carlisle finally came into the 21st century?"
"You could say that. I'll see you downstairs."
Aro took his leave then.
One Hour Later….
The royal family was standing there at the entrance to the castle. This was the part Jasper hated the most, greeting guests. It wasn't so bad when it was only two or three. Then it only took a few minutes and it was done. When it was on this scale it took more then an hour. It was at times like this he was glad he wasn't born a human.
As each guest or family came into the room, Jasper could pin point as to who was of the younger and older vampires. The older vampires were dressed elegantly and sophisticated. While the younger vampires mainly the girls wore dresses that left little to the imagination. Only that was the way things were. When he saw Arianna and her family come in he couldn't help but roll his eyes, groaning internally. He looked over to his mother as she grimaced at what Arianna had on.
"I told Amaya your birthday party was going to be a formal affair."
"Let's hope she doesn't bend over."
Jasper began to laugh at what Aro said while Sulpicia shook her head and smiled.
"I was thinking the same thing."
She could see a castle coming into view. She smiled a little as she thought about Madelines wedding. She only got to see pictures as she was in another part of the world with her parents. Now she was getting to see Castle Voletrra itself. Then again there was a part of her that didn't want to be in Volterra because of Edward.
***Flashback***
***One Week Prior***
She had been packing her bag for the trip to Volterra when she heard a knock on her door.
"Come in."
She heard the door open as she was placing her under clothes into a smaller bag.
"The last time you and I talked, you were only thinking about going."
She rolled her eyes, but continued to pack.
"Well I decided to go. Besides you've known for a long time I have wanted to see Volterra since seeing pictures of Madelines wedding."
She closed her suit case, zipped it up, and went to set it by the door.
"I just don't think it's a good idea for you be around vampires you have no idea about."
"I know about the Volturi family. Granted not in the way the rest of you guys do, but I do understand royalty."
"You don't understand royalty. You don't uderstand royal vampires. Much less full blooded ones."
"I have been around you and your family for years."
"Its not the same thing."
"I know more then you understand. I was born a vampire. You were created. You've been a vampire for well over a decade. I think I know more then you do. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to head into Seattle with Rosalie and Alice to pick up my dress."
***End of Flashback***
After that things had been tense. She sat in the back on the flight to Rome and then on the boat ride to the island. Now she was sitting on the other side of a limo with Rosalie and Emmett. Edward sat with Esme and Carlisle. In a way she was glad for the distraction. This would give her much needed time away from Edward.
Before she knew it they were going past rod iron gates. She got the full effect of the castle. Slowly the limo pulled up to the front.
"We all know what to do," Carlisle was confident, "We are going to be greeted by Jasper and his family and then lead into ball room once all of the guests have arrived."
The door to the limo opened and they each made their way out.
There were a few families left and the Cullens were next to be greeted.
As they went down the line, Jasper was ready to fall asleep from boredom. He only came back into reality when he felt a shock go straight to his very being. He looked to who it was only to find the most bewitching pair of violet eyes looking right back at him.
Their eyes locked as he wanted to bring her closer to him. Only he knew it could look a little odd if he did. So, he thought of the next best thing. Still keeping eye contact with Bella, he brought her hand to his lips and kissed the back of it.
Edward on the other hand noticed the interaction. He stood stock still. He wanted to go over to where they were and yank her away. The problem was he knew he couldn't do it. He had to stand there and watch.
Bella gave Jasper a soft smile as he released her hand. She walked away without looking back. Jasper kept his eyes trained on her. He watched as she approached Edward and he reached out for her. A low growl came from him when Edward put his arm around Bella's waist.
Aro looked at his son, immediately he knew something changed within him. He looked to where his sons eyes were trained. He smirked once he saw her.
He has finally found her.
Two Hours Later….
After the pleasantries of welcoming each family, the party was in full swing. Throughout the room a "Happy Birthday Prince Jasper or Happy Birthday your Majesty" could be heard. It nearly drove Jasper nuts hearing it. Still he had to put on a smile and graciously give his thanks. As he maneuvered throughout the ball room he could see his mother had gone all out. Green and black had been used in the decorations along with hints of silver. Each chair and table was draped in the same colors.
On each table there were center pieces that held blood red roses with sprigs of white flowers interwoven into them. The place settings were made of gold and the plates of onyx with gold trim. In the middle was his families crest. As each guest was dancing, he could see the floor glimmer. He knew it had been polished to a fine finish. Specks of white and vanes of greyish white could be seen.
Waiters were roaming around the ballroom with champagne flutes of blood. There was a table filled with food. He watched as guests helped themselves to what they were offered. He had to admit his mother had gone all out for this party. Although he would have liked it better if he would have been able to visit Monte Carlo. He had been to other such places. However, Monte Carlo was next on his list.
He scanned the dance floor as he had scanned the room. Ever since he lost sight of Bella as the guests entered the ballroom, he made sure Maddie and Charlotte kept her away from Edward. Finally, he was able to lay his eyes on her once again. She was dancing with Felix. Obviously, he was talking to her about something as he could see her smile. He scanned the room for Edward and found he was watching them.
He won't be a problem for long.
Felix was making sure to keep her almost in the middle of the dance floor. He kept an eye on Edward. Every time he made a move to come over to them, Felix would easily maneuver them away. Jasper wanted to laugh as he watched Edward try to come on to the dance floor to get to them. Felix would easily perform a move and move them away. As much as he wanted to see what else he had up his sleeve, he wanted this time with Bella. He made his way toward them. Edward was watching as Jasper approached them.
"King Jasper, how are you this evening?"
"Good."
"Your mother has done a wonderful job on decorating the ballroom."
"That she has…..if I may, may I cut in for the next dance?"
He looked to Bella as she slightly bowed.
Baby, soon enough people and vampires will bow down to you.
"Of course. I owe Maddie this next dance."
Bella smiled at Felix then laid her eyes on Jasper. In one swift move he brought her into his arms as the music began to play again.
As he danced with her around the dance floor his senses were assailed with freesias and lilacs. Venom filled his mouth. Still he had to hold back the urge.
"I do hope you are enjoying yourself."
"I am. And by the way, happy birthday your highness."
"Not much of a birthday since I've been alive for over 200 hundred years.
She smiled at his words as he spun them around again. He gradually lead them to the edge of the dance floor. It was there he laced her arm through his. He lead her away from the ballroom.
"Where are we going?"
"Away from the festivities for a little bit. It was getting a little stuffy in there any way."
They went down a lit hallway that lead into the gardens of the castle. Stepping out into the fresh night air Bella took a deep breath. Then she looked around.
"This is beautiful."
She looked to Jasper who was smiling.
"My mother and aunts made sure this garden was kept up with. They like to host small gatherings out here sometimes. Other times you'll find one of them or a few of my cousins out here reading. I'll even come out here myself because its peaceful and allows you to think."
They continued to walk as he told her more about the garden and a little more about his family.
"If you don't mind my asking, I sensed some tension between you and the guy who was watching you and Felix dance. Is everything ok?"
Even though he already knew she was upset about something he wanted her to tell him.
"It's nothing."
"I wouldn't say that. You still seem a little sad."
"Well….lets just say I was told I wouldn't fit in here."
Jasper shook his head.
"Who told you that?"
"Edward."
"If anything, he is the one who doesn't fit in here. You do. From what I understand your family has been of great service to the Cullens for hundreds of years."
"Yes. My father is there for Carlisle and soon Rosalie, to help solidify Alice's visions. He can tell them why Alice's visions came out the way it did and who made the final decision for the outcome."
"I've heard of Alice."
Bella laughed a little.
"Her and her husband Liam stood behind."
They came to a bench and Jasper gestured for her to sit. He sat next to her as she smoothed out her dress.
"I wanted to tell you that you look absolutely gorgeous."
"Thank you."
Their conversation continued. Meanwhile Edward was back in the ballroom looking for Bella.