Chapter Thirty Six

Carlisle

I wondered how long it would be before we learned of the charges against us, I couldn't think of anything we had done that was wrong. We lived quietly and safely among the humans, never hunting them or risking exposure so what exactly had we done to deserve this? Esme held my hand looking worried.

"I don't understand Carlisle. What's all this about?"

"A misunderstanding Esme nothing more. As soon as I am able to speak to Aro we will clear it up. In the meantime try not to worry too much."

In the event we weren't left to worry long. An hour later Jane was at the door with Felix.

"Your presence is required. Follow me."

We walked behind her only too aware of Felix at our rear, did they really think we would try to run? That would be an admission of guilt and we had done nothing to feel guilty about.

Jane stopped outside the audience chamber and swung open the doors to reveal a large group of vampires sitting together in three rows facing the brothers who were seated on their "thrones". It was all very formal and that worried me. I'd seen such formations before and they meant a formal trial or hearing. Jane motioned for us to take the seats at an angle so we could be seen by both the brothers and the assembled vampires then Aro stood up looking almost comically tragic.

"Dear ones, as you know we are assembled here to determine the guilt or innocence of the accused, Carlisle and Esme Cullen. You have heard the witness statement and now you will hear from the accused. Carlisle if you would please stand"

I rose and waited,

"You, and others not yet here, are accused of breaking our laws in that you fraternised with a human, drawing her into our world and letting her live with such knowledge. Do you have anything to say to these charges?"

I thought about the charge, it could only refer to Bella Swan but how had they found out about her? It had been so long ago.

"Yes, I assume you are referring to a human girl my son fell in love with in Forks Washington?"

"We are"

"While it is true she stumbled upon our secret none of us told her. She found out through an outside source."

"But you knew she was aware?"

"That we were vampires? Yes. We helped her when a nomad tried to kill her".

"Yes so we understand. You killed said nomad and then took the girl back with you. I understand she had been bitten but saved from transforming. Your son Edward refused to allow her to become one of us?"

"Yes, he didn't think it was right for her. But he didn't bite her, that was James."

"I don't think anyone is accusing you of biting her Carlisle but you did leave her alive with the knowledge of our world?"

I could see there was no way out for me and possibly Edward but I would try to protect the others if I could.

"I would like to say that Esme and the others had nothing to do with that decision, it was purely mine."

"Is that so? Well, it was a noble effort on your part but they were aware the human was alive when you left?"

"Yes but they bowed to my decision as coven leader. They even argued that we should kill her. The final decision was mine alone."

Aro smiled more broadly as if talking to a small child who just didn't get it.

"Carlisle. Esme and the others in your coven had a duty to inform us if a crime was committed and they failed to do so, however, I do accept that as your mate Esme would find it difficult to put you in danger. Now, if you have finished?"

I nodded and sat back down as he turned to the witnesses,

"Brothers and sisters, you have heard from both sides now and I would like you to decide whether or not a crime has indeed been committed and if so who the guilty parties are."

They left the room for a few minutes but I knew it was merely a formality. Who told the Volturi of Bella Swan I didn't know but she would be the destruction of us. The girl had broken not only Edwards heart but Alice's too and now she would kill us all. I suddenly regretted refusing Jasper's offer to kill her when she first arrived, how different things would be if I had made that decision. Still it was water under the bridge now. All we could do was wait.

"Do you think Bella has spoken to the Volturi or did someone else find out about her?"

"I have no idea Esme."

I didn't have time to say more, the witnesses were back with their spokesman Antioch ahead. He continued to stand as the others retook their seats. His eyes flickered over to me and I could see the verdict in them, we were doomed.

Aro

I had waited a long time for this and I intended to enjoy my victory,

"Antioch, do you have a verdict for us? A unanimous one?"

"We do."

"Would you tell the rest of us."

"We find Carlisle Cullen guilty on all charges."

"Very well and Esme Cullen?"

"Guilty but under the influence of her mate."

It was as good as I expected.

"We would just like to say one thing though if that's permissible."

I looked at him sternly for a few seconds, don't spoil it for me Antioch then inclined my head.

"If it is allowed we would like it noted that we all agree the rest of the Cullens are also guilty of breaking the law if to a slightly lesser degree than Carlisle by virtue of his being their coven leader, Edward Cullen excepted. He shares full responsibility with Carlisle."

I nodded smiling slightly in triumph.

"Very well, your thoughts are duly noted, thank you all for your aid in this sad matter. You are now dismissed from service."

As they got up to leave one of the women turned and dressed me

"Aro, when will sentence be carried out? I assume they will be executed for their crimes, Carlisle at least as a timely reminder to the rest of our world."

"All in good time Hester. I think perhaps we should wait until we have the rest of the guilty party here before sentencing."

"Oh, very well. I just wondered."

Carlisle

So I was found guilty and sentenced to death for allowing Bella Swan to live, what irony and after all she had done to my family. Edward and Alice had broken hearts, Emmett and Rose had argued bitterly and now we were all under a death sentence. I hoped she was finally happy which got me thinking,

"Aro, could I ask one question?"

"Of course old friend."

"Who bore witness to our "crimes?"

"Bella Swan herself. I don't know what you did to her Carlisle but she was determined to get revenge for something. If you examine your conscience perhaps the reason might come to you. She didn't explain her motives and we didn't ask."

"But if she's a human why did you allow her to leave?"

"She isn't human, not any longer and...she gave me what I wanted Carlisle"

"And that was?"

"You and your family where I wanted them for so long. In my power Carlisle. With me lies your only hope of salvation, an intoxicating thought."