Saphira took quite some time before she was able to focus on her job better than she had before. After Demetri showed her what vampires looked like in the sunlight Saphira seemed to relax a bit better after a few days. It was a good thing as her boss was asking her if she was okay as her performance has dropped and now she was starting to pick it back up again. She didn't want to disappoint the rest of her colleagues. Right now she simply wanted to work and prepare to get things sorted before going to Italy. That thought has allowed her to do a lot better in her work and has brought back some confidence and trust from her boss. Saphira wanted it to stay that way. Even though she had little doubt Aro, Caius and Marcus would be happy to help her with her financial needs. With all the issues happening in Seattle, the Cullens still have not told Bella about what is happening which Saphira thought was a little negligent if the unborns happen to come to Forks to kill Bella and Charlie. They would kill themselves for it to happen. Demetri still kept a close eye on her house and was relaying information daily to the Volturi about the growing situation in Seattle. She was quite impressed with how loyal he was. She did wonder though, were the Volturi cruel? She knew they were very sweet towards her, but to others they might not show that side at all. She was probably glad to see their good, gentle side even though she could not help but be curious. She has yet to meet the rest of the Volturi guard as well. She only knew their names, but not their gifts. She was patient about meeting them however, Demetri did tell her she was likely to meet some of them soon when they come to Seattle to observe the growing vampire issue.
Saphira did begin to write down a list of items she would be able to take with her to Italy, and others she would sell. She wanted to keep her memories and clothing so photos would be included, almost everything else would end up getting sold including her house and car. She won't really need them when she moves away from America. It has been just over a month now after returning from Italy and Saphira was growing more excited about returning to Italy. To where her new home is with Aro, Caius and Marcus. It was also nearing Bella's graduation which Saphira was happy to support her through the final term of school for her. She did wonder if Bella will be able to let go of her family to even enter the life of a vampire. Being a vampire meant no longer being in the lives of the people she cared about. Saphira was kind of glad she was not Bella, even though she still feels very connected with Forks. It was her day off again today and Bella has gone to see her mother in Florida with Edward. She was surprised Edward would go with Bella, but she had learned from Carlisle that Victoria was coming by. Demetri was put on alert too. Despite that, Saphira went through her fridge and cupboard to find what she was going to need to buy from the store for the week. Writing a list of what she needed Saphira heads to the car to go to the store, finding Demetri waiting for her.
"Morning Demetri," Saphira said softly. "Is there something wrong?"
"You shouldn't go to the store," Demetri said to her.
"Um, you can't stop me from going Demetri," She challenged sternly. "Carlisle said Victoria would cross through the forest at night. And right now, I can clearly see it is still morning. You should be more concerned when night actually occurs."
"It matters not, my queen," He said softly. "Your mates have asked me to move you somewhere safer today."
Saphira frowned, not liking that she had to move. "Where exactly do they want me to go?" She asked bluntly.
"To Port Angeles," Demetri replied. "It is not far from Forks, but it will keep you from harm should the intruder enter your house when I cannot protect you."
Saphira thought on it. "I will think on it," She said softly.
"You can shop tomorrow my queen," He pressured more earnestly. "I beg you to get in the car. I will take you there myself."
Saphira was still unsure, but she could see the genuine concern and fear on his face. Perhaps it wasn't just the fear of his queen being killed, but also the fact of Saphira not going and being in harm's way. She breathed deeply and decided she might as well listen, after all Aro, Caius and Marcus wanted her safe. To be honest, she was very inclined to listen to them.
"Alright," She said as she glanced back at her house. "I'll go back a couple things."
"No, allow me," Demetri said suddenly. "I'll be back in a flash."
Demetri was already inside before Saphira could respond. "I have no doubt about it," Saphira said as she unlocked the car and opened the passenger door.
She honestly would have liked a call from the men to tell her, but she wondered if they would prefer having one of the guard tell her. She was not sure. As she got comfortable in the seat, she heard the boot of the car open and glanced back to see Demetri putting a suitcase in and he pulled down the boot quickly. She chuckled softly and let Demetri drive the car to Port Angeles to the motel she was going to be staying at.
"Are you angry?" Demetri asked her curiously.
"No, well maybe a little annoyed," Saphira said with a sigh. "Why couldn't they call me and tell me what they wanted instead of hearing it from you?"
"You were asleep when they called," He tried to explain.
"Uh, that doesn't matter," She frowned. "You could have told them to call be at a certain time. But it is done, but if something did occur I would appreciate it if they tell me. Please?"
"I understand, my queen," Demetri said slowly. "You like hearing their voices too."
"Well yes I do," Saphira nods with a slight smirk. "I am looking forward to returning to Italy. A few more months and I will…be able to go home."
"You think of Italy as home already? I am sure the kings would love to hear that," He said with a smile.
"They already know," She said. "They were extremely delighted to know that. I look forward to their company, and taking my place as their queen."
"I can already imagine," Demetri smiled. "I've been with them long enough to know how long they have waited for you. Their yearn for a mate…it was sad to watch. The many women who came through Volterra, they always checked for a bond and there was never a connection. Aro even began doubting they would get a mate."
"I can only apologise for not being born sooner," Saphira said jokingly.
"That is true," Demetri agreed with a chuckle. "Even though the kings do hope you would go to Italy earlier than you have said you would."
"I know they would wish for that to happen, but I am not sure at the moment," Saphira said softly. "It will take some time to even sell the stuff I own. I wrote a list of things down that I can take with me, and the others I must sell."
"Wise choice, and if you would like the Cullens could probably sell it for you," Demetri said.
"I'm sure they will help too," Saphira nods, glancing out the window to watch the world go by. "It all still seems surreal to me. I kind of wish I will wake up and all this has just…been a very good dream."
Demetri seemed a little surprised. "Why would you say that?"
"I say it because I am a human, and because I never thought I would be a mate to three male vampires," Saphira said to him. "Vampires…oh man, learning everything so far still is so surreal."
"You'll be fine, my queen," Demetri said gently.
"And do you mind stop saying 'my queen' at all?" Saphira asked. "I don't feel like I am your queen yet. Not by a long shot."
The vampire chuckled softly. "How about princess than?"
"You are going to push huh?" She said, glancing at him with a smirk. "I think Saphira will suffice."
"I do not want to be disrespectful, my queen," He said to her gently.
"Well I would feel more respected if you called me just by my own name," Saphira said to him. "At least, until I get to Volterra. Then you can call me by my title. Does that sound good to you?"
Demetri nods slowly. "As you wish Saphira," He said, glancing at her briefly. "You will tell the Cullens the same, won't you?"
"I already have," She said, glancing back out the window. "Carlisle was the first who I told, and he has told the rest of his family about it. They have been calling me by Saphira for a while. They understand because I am still human and living in the human world at the moment."
"Well, they certainly have more experience," He said slowly. "I cannot understand how they can even live among you humans. Especially when thirsty."
"I guess they simply want to be a friend to humans in a way and yet keep their secret," Saphira said as she thought about it. "Carlisle is happy to help people. Being a doctor…sure he would have a lot of issues but he must have very good self-control to be able to operate. I sure do admire him."
Demetri listened to Saphira quietly. "You already look up to them?"
"They are the only other vampires I really know right now, so yes I do," Saphira explained, before frowning. "That is not going to be a problem. I am sure I am able to have a freedom to choose who I admire. I like Carlisle, he's attractive, but I don't feel any connection with him if that is what you're worried about."
He chuckled softly. "I can assure you that it will not be an issue," He said reassuringly. "Just know that the kings might be a little surprised and maybe alarmed about it. They would want to be admired more than them, but they can't make you change your mind."
"That's right, they can't," Saphira nods. "I am curious to know if any of my freedoms will be limited in Volterra."
"I cannot tell you if you will or not either," Demetri said softly. "I do not know what the kings want to do with you. I know they want you to feel at home, so they would have to give you freedom. You're used to it, it would be unfair to make you feel like you're in a dungeon."
Saphira looked to him. "Thanks for understanding," She said with a smile. "You seem to understand humans a lot more than what you say."
He smiled. "I learn fast."
"Of course, you have eternity that's why," Saphira teased, making him chuckle again.
Saphira was quite happy she was able to talk with Demetri throughout the drive to Port Angeles. It was nice to able to talk to him generally without him calling her queen at the end of each sentence. The hotel she stayed at was actually quite a nice hotel. More expensive than she would have booked, it was in her name and already paid for. She guessed Demetri paid for it. Her room was a large suite and Saphira could not help but enjoy the amenities. The vampire gave her space to enjoy the jacuzzi and allow her to use the spa treatment which was also paid for her to use. Saphira had to hand it to Aro, Caius and Marcus, they really wanted her to feel special. And even though she was here for a night to stay away from Victoria, Saphira enjoyed herself very much. Saphira just knew she had to thank the vampires before getting into bed. She rang their number and laid on the queen size bed waiting for them to pick up happily.
"Hello Saphira," Aro's voice said sweetly. "How is la nostra colomba doing?"
"Oh, relaxed and so clean," Saphira replied with a chuckle. "You really did not have to do all this for me."
"Yes, we do," Aro replied quickly and sweetly. "Amore, we care about you and want you to be satisfied and happy. It brings my brothers and I great joy to know you had a good day."
"Thank you Aro," Saphira said gently. "I appreciate it. You really know how to treat a girl."
"Only the best is for you dolce colomba," Caius spoke in a purring voice, before becoming serious. "Demetri is going to keep an eye for you?"
"Yes, he's watching TV at the moment," Saphira said with a frown. "Don't worry Caius, please don't be worried."
"I am worried, and frightened for you," Caius said gently. "Forgive me, amore, knowing that this rogue vampire is passing through Forks worries us."
"Especially Caius, you will have to forgive his quick tempered and now highly protective personality," Marcus said with a chuckle. "Don't look at me like that Caius, you know your personality."
"You shouldn't play with her life Marcus," Caius said sternly.
"Boys! Please do not fight," Saphira said sternly. "That is the last thing I want between you three. If you want to fight each other, don't do it around me please. I like it when you're all friends."
"Sorry, amore," Caius said gently. "I don't want to upset you."
Saphira giggled softly. "I'm more amused honestly," She said honestly. "But I would like to make a tiny request."
"Anything for you, il mio amore," Aro said quickly.
"A massage would be nice after a long flight to Italy," Saphira said gently. "I can imagine you would give the best massage in the entire world."
"If that would please you, it will please us doing that for you, il mio amore," Marcus said gently.
Saphira smirked. She really enjoyed talking to them. She knew they could feel her happiness whenever she called them which is why they know she is calling them.
"I certainly feel like a princess right now," Saphira rather dreamily.
"Get used to it, amore, because you will be treated like a queen when you come home," Aro teased gently.
"So, Demetri keeps telling me," Saphira giggled softly. She paused for a moment. "But are you considering on coming to Forks if the newborn issue keeps getting more conspicuous?"
"Possibly," Aro said softly. "My brothers and I did think about it. I know Alice is watching my decisions as well."
"But she should not be worried if you came here as she knows I am here," Saphira points out. "I know it would be concern about Bella, since she's not yet a vampire, but she should not be worried."
"It wouldn't matter, it is fine if they want to protect Edward's mate," Caius said bluntly. "It is too bad they won't turn her now."
"Caius, she has a lot more family alive who love her and want to still see her," Saphira explained. "They are making preparations, but they need to be careful. Unlike me, Bella simply cannot become a vampire right now. She will be graduating from school soon though."
"At least you seem to be aware of what's happening," Aro said slowly. "But since you are queen, you also need to enforce the law."
Saphira rolled her eyes. "Aro, they are not breaking any laws," She said softly. "I know you think they are, but Bella will be a vampire. I think their approach is fine, and you should trust my judgement too. Especially if I am the queen."
There was a brief pause. "You are right, amore," Marcus said gently. "We are very happy you are finding your own approach to these delicate situations. Aro, Caius it is best we allow Saphira to learn and to become the queen we hope for her to be."
Saphira smiled at the encouragement from Marcus. "Thank you, Marcus," She said softly. "Amore."
"You're welcome il mio amore," He said sweetly.
"We trust you Saphira," Aro said gently. "But we will always be worried until you are home and safe. Have sweet dreams, il mio amore."
Saphira smiled. "I will call you tomorrow, farewell."
She hung up the phone and sighed deeply. She chuckled softly as she laid back against the pillow, staring at the ceiling of the bedroom. It was still surreal for her. She pinched her arm firmly, and still she did not wake up. She shrugs and stood up to brush her teeth in the bathroom. At least she knows in her heart this was not a dream, not matter how much she tries convincing herself otherwise.
Translation:
il mio amore: My love
Amore: Love
la nostra colomba: Our dove
Colomba: Dove
