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Chapter 13

Aro POV

Marcus just left the throne room with Isabella. I was grateful beyond words for her presence here in Volterra. She had breathed life into my brother Marcus, life that had been dark and dormant since my dear sister Didyme was killed. She was a breath of fresh air to all of us here at the castle and we all had a special place in our dead hearts for her. She hadn't even been crowned but had already proven herself a fair and compassionate queen with just the right amount of ruthless vigor. Once Marcus had taken Bella out of the room, I could still see the concern in the eyes of all who were present. Even the vampire who had clung to young Bree seemed to show a fair amount of concern for the short amount of time he knew her.

Before the battle we were all concerned about her, especially since the revelation that she had, for lack of a better description, an alter ego similar to what Jasper experiences with himself and the major. She is still so observant in this life and misses nothing that could be of value. Jasper seemed frightened slightly by Nemesis coming to the forefront and taking over Bella.

"Jasper, what can you tell us about the events before we left the castle? You seem to be the one who has the most knowledge since you have something similar, correct?" I asked and he nodded.

"Yes, with the Major, he comes out during battles and times of extreme emotion, specifically anger. Nemesis appeared with Bella because she wanted to be seen. I could feel panic and confusion in Bella as Nemesis was in control. Odds are she could hear and see everything clearly, but could do nothing to control her body while Nemesis had control. Judging by Bella's gifts I would say that they are partially a result from Nemesis as well." Jasper said and it did seem to make sense.

"I would like for all of you to remain here for a while longer if you will. Isabella does have a wedding to plan and a celebration to attend as we announce her as a ruling member of the Volturi." The Cullens all smiled widely at the offer. The seer looked like she was already in wedding planning mode.

"Of course we would love to." Carlisle stated.

"It would give me some time to explain the whole thing about Nemesis." Jasper mused aloud and nodded. It was true that she needed to talk to him about that. "She will be able to communicate with her and it can be quite disorienting and confusing at first. It would be like practically two beings sharing the same body, which in a sense I guess it is."

"I agree Jasper. You need to speak to her on this matter soon." I said and I did worry for my new sister and cared for her deeply. "No one is to bother Isabella or Marcus tonight and once she is feeling better, then you may see her. I don't want anything to add to her already stressed mind." I ordered and I saw them all nod slightly. "You all are dismissed to your quarters."

They all nodded and filed out of the throne room. I sat there for a little while with Cia sitting on my lap and Caius in the same position with Dora.

"I hope Bella will be alright." I heard Cia whisper from my lap and I smiled down at her and stroked soothing patterns over her back.

"I'm sure that she will be just fine love. She has just had a tough day and needs a little rest, but she is strong." I said soothingly. "She will survive this like she has everything else." Cia looked up and smiled.

"I guess you're right husband, but I still worry for our sister." Cia said.

"She will be fine Cia. Someone who can put me, Aro and the Romanians in their place can handle most anything." Caius said and I smiled. There were very few people that he showed any affection for. He loved Cia like a sister as well, along with Marcus and I as brothers. Bella was the only woman aside from Dora that could put him in his place and also cut down the oversized ego. He truly loved Bella like a little sister.

We stayed there for a short time longer and then left to spend time with our beautiful mates. I knew that most of the inhabitants of the castle had their thoughts centered on Isabella.

Bella POV

After many hours of resting comfortably with Marcus, I felt much better and decided that I was restless from being so inactive for so long. After some intimate moments with Marcus, we both showered and dressed for the day. We had spent a whole day in our room and I wanted to get out and see everyone. Marcus and I walked down the empty hall to where we knew that our brothers and sisters would be. I knew that they had taken the opportunity to spend time with their mates but would be waiting in the throne room at this hour. Felix was stationed outside the throne room and smiled at us, glad to see that I had recovered quickly. He opened the large doors for us and we strolled through like it was nothing. I almost laughed at the wide eyes of Aro and Caius as they sat with Cia and Dora on their laps.

"Happy to see us brother?" I said quirking an eyebrow at Aro who looked shocked but then smiled widely as he stood with Cia and Caius did the same. They all walked to the center of the room and smiled widely at us. Before I knew it I was wrapped in a hug tightly by Cia and Dora. I laughed a little as I stumbled slightly. Aro and Caius followed soon after and I smiled thinking that I would have never guessed when I met them, that they were so touchy feely with their emotions.

"Yes sister, we are overjoyed that you are feeling better. The guard members have been asking about you and really want to see you." Aro said and I smiled. I was about to say some more when I heard the doors open again and I was surprised to see the entire guard, the Cullens and the other clans that I had grown close to lately. I was surprised to see that Garret had come in closely clinging to one of the Denali sisters. When did that happen? They were all smiling widely at me. Aro clapped his hands and took his place at his throne along with Caius and Marcus. Aro looked at all of those in the room and stood in front of his seat, addressing the room. Cia, Dora and I stood by our mates right side as Aro spoke.

"Friends, we have been successful in defeating the Romanians and our secret is secure from the humans. You have all relieved yourselves of your duties here in Volterra and you may leave at any time you wish. However you are welcome to stay here for as long as you like and we have several events coming in the foreseeable future. Our dear Isabella has agreed to rule beside myself and my brothers, along with becoming joined in Marriage to our dear Marcus. Plans are already being made to celebrate these events and everyone is welcome to attend." Aro said and I was speechless. Sure I knew it would happen, but wasn't sure when.

"Aro we would be delighted to be present for these events. It would also give us all the opportunity to get to know our new queen, if she wishes of course." I heard Garret say and I smiled as he placed his arms around Kate.

"Of course that opportunity is open to all and I would be delighted." I said and smiled. Aro clapped his hands in his usual way and I bit back a comment and held in my laughter. Marcus must have known what I was doing and he also silently chuckled.

I spent the next several days before the wedding and Coronation getting to know all of the clans. Dividing my time where everyone had the opportunity to talk to me and I still spent some time with Marcus. Since I was not very fond of the fanfare, Aro had the wedding and coronation combined together and I was happily awaiting the day I could call Marcus my husband. We had the event the following week and it went without a problem whatsoever. Over the next few days, the covens that visited for the events went home and the last to leave were Peter and Charlotte, the Cullens, Denalis, and the Irish. Charles and Makenna had left a few days before and Liam, Sibohan, Alistair and Maggie were getting set to leave today. Knowing Alistair I was surprised that he had stayed this long. The brothers and sisters and I were getting prepared to see them off and I smiled at the group.

"Alistair, Liam. You must bring your mates back for a visit again soon. We will miss you." I said and they smiled as did the brothers.

"Of course your Majesty." Liam said and Alistair agreed with a nervous smile. He was still a little flighty, but not as he was when he came here. I hugged Maggie and Sibohan tightly before they departed and I sighed. I would miss having so many here at the castle.

"I will miss them." I said and Marcus purred, wrapping his arms around me. The Cullens are staying another day or so and the Denalis are leaving today as well. Irina still didn't like me much and I caught several cold glares aimed my way, but I didn't blame her family.

"Eleazar my friend, you must come and visit us again soon." Aro said happily and I resisted an eye roll. He was always one for the dramatic.

"Of course Aro. We wouldn't miss it." Eleazar said and I hugged Tanya and Kate. Irina refused and I wasn't about to push it. I also hugged Carmen and they left towards the car that would take them to the airport.

"Irina might be a problem." I said after they left.

"She wouldn't dare try anything against you again Cara." Marcus said and I smiled up at him.

"The Cullens are staying a little longer so that Jasper can help with the whole alter ego thing and we know you would like to spend some time with them. Also Peter and Charlotte are staying around for a while as well to assist." Aro informed and I was glad they would stay a little longer. I had grown close to Peter and Charlotte over the whole ordeal.

"I really will miss Peter and Char when they leave, but it will be nice to spend some time with them and the Cullens without so many others demanding our time." I said. "I think that I will go to the training room for a little while. Maybe Peter and Jazz can beat me this time." I said with a smile while they all laughed. I kissed Marcus and walked down towards Peter and Char's room. I knocked on the door and smiled as I heard Char tell me to come in. I walked in and Peter and Char were talking to Jazz and Alice.

"Hey guys, I was going down to the training room for a bit. Do you guys want to come with me?" I asked and Jazz smiled as well as Peter.

"Of course Your Majesty." Peter said smiling widely and I groaned. That was the only thing I hated about being crowned as Queen and Peter 'knew' I hated that. I rolled my eyes and punched his shoulder playfully and smiled as the others laughed.

"Well come on. Maybe the Major can show me a thing or two." I said smirking at them. We went to the training room and got down to business. After about an hour of training, Jasper called me to the center to spar and I smiled.

"Isabella, it is a pleasure." Jasper's voice was harder and held an authority I hadn't heard from him. This must be the Major.

"Hello Major." I said with a smile and he returned it and crouched, ready for a fight.

"Show me what ya got." Major said and I mirrored his crouch. He lunged first and I dodged at the last possible second, sending a hit of my own. It went like that for a little while until he finally lunged and I jumped up, turning my body and landed directly on his back. He rolled forward with his body, flipping me off him and pinned me by my throat. I kicked upwards into his chest and he broke his hold. I stood quickly as he lunged and caught my left side. He had me pinned again, pressing his knees into my thighs where I couldn't get out of his hold and poised his teeth at my throat.

"Impressive Isabella, no one has ever lasted that long in a sparring session with me. You are an amazing fighter, best I've seen in fact besides the Captain over there." The major said and I smiled.

"Thank you Major." I said and we both smiled before Jasper was back in control.

"The major is quite fond of you Bella." Jasper said with a soft smile. "He doesn't give compliments often."

"I can see that." I said and I heard Alice gasp a little and we both turned to look at her. Alice was in a vision and judging from her reaction, it was a bad one.

What do you think the vision is about? Please R&R. Thanks.