A/N: This story has passed 10,000 hits & 'They Could Hardly Believe Their Eyes' cleared 40,000 & finally 'Can I Really Freeze Time? No, But You Yes' reached 80,000. Thanks, guys you're all awesome xx Alexis

"Why do I need a secretary? I don't write to anyone, hell I don't even know more than a handful of vampires!" Bella said sitting down to this meeting regarding Jane,

"Not yet you don't Bella, but after the ball, you'll be inundated with petitioners, new friends you don't even know and several ass lickers!" Pica said laughing at the stunned Bella,

"Do you wish to share with me, my love?" Caius asked smirking at her,

"Nope! We'd never get any work done, ever!" she replied shaking her finger at his pouting face,

"That's why we don't share either" Pica informed them and Bella nodded,

"So Pica, is there room in your office for me? Well me and Dora actually. I want to give her something to do that's important, no that's not the word, significant! Yes, that's it, I want to include her more, but not push her too hard. What do you think Caius?" Bella asked looking at them all in turn, before settling on Caius,

"I think I love you!" he replied kissing her hand, as his brothers rolled their eyes at him,

"Oh, Bella that's a great idea. Yes, there's plenty of room and we can turn what would have been your office next to mine, into a sitting room type of thing. You know for meeting and greeting purposes" Pica said happily.

They all settled down as Aro produced Afton's report and to say most were shocked, would have been an understatement. They had not realised just how much she had gotten away with and her blatant lie to Marcus was not received well. What did come to light was just how many times Alec deflected his sister from a target or out and out, put her under his gift to stop her cruelty to the household staff. So not only was she demoted to the main guard, but she would have to do her own cleaning and laundry as well. Nobody was to assist her until further orders from the council.

"Yes, let's see how the almighty Jane feels about doing her own work. Nobody should have to put up with that kind of treatment while they do their job!" Caius said in a disgruntled tone,

"Well, let's assemble the guard and all the staff. Humiliation works best with an audience I always think" Aro announced and Caius call Felix and Chelsea,

"Assemble the guard and staff, everyone, who's in the Citadel and grounds. No exceptions, Chelsea tell Pricilla it's a direct order!" Marcus said with a little smirk on his face,

The room filled quickly and those with cloaks were pushed to the front by those without. Caius sent a guard to the dungeons with instructions for Antonius to bring his prisoner before the council. He arrived wearing his new cloak which Miranda had hurried along for him; she was after all his mate. Jane was perplexed by the cloaks but refused to ask. So far Felix, Chelsea and the Captains had theirs as well as Antonius. Miranda was starting from the top and working her way down with her team of seamstresses. Marcus and Aro's team's cloaks were on the table as they were called away, as were the senior household.

"Welcome one and all. As you are all aware many changes have taken place here in Volterra in the last few days. While I have you all here together, let me tell you two things.

First, those of you who have served here for one thousand years or more are now members of a Senior Guard and have your own recreation room on the guard level, instigated by Lady Isabella. It matters not if you are household, administration or guard it is open to you.

Second I have sent invitations out to ask the covens to attend a grand ball in honour of Lady Isabella becoming Caius' mate. I know those of you from the household staff will do us proud, as you always do! The ball will be held one month from today, so it's all hands on deck and any of you needing help will be able to temporarily second guard members to help you out" Aro said smiling at everyone, he so loved an audience.

"Now finally the reason we are all here today. Come forward Jane Volturi. You are been punished for taking council powers into your own hands on more than one occasion. But now too, because several unpleasant facts about you have come to light.

Your treatment of other guards, household staff and even administration personnel is deplorable. You use your gift on all who oppose you, even I believe, the at that time Captain of the guard?

For these infractions, you are demoted to the main guard. You will not be considered for advancement for two hundred years. At that time your behaviour will be reviewed and a judgement passed by the council" Aro said and everyone heard Jane's hiss of disgust, but Aro ignored her and continued on,

"It was to have been only one hundred years but your lie to Master Marcus about the death of Yvette, our previous receptionist sealed your fate. He has personally ordered the second century be added to your punishment.

Next, you will on the orders of Ladies Sulpicia and Lady Isabella, attend to all your own cleaning and laundry requirements for the foreseeable future. No member of our household should have to live in fear or your reprisals, whilst doing their duties" Aro explained and a murmur of relief and thanks went around the hall,

"Lastly, as Master Caius is overall Supreme Commander of the guard, he has stated if you use your gift for any reason but our orders, you will be punished by confinement. If these confinements exceed six times you will, for the safety of all others here in Volterra be terminated!

I would have initially had you exiled to a far-flung outpost like Heidi, but you need to be monitored at all times. I am ashamed to be your sire Jane Volturi! You gift though useful is not that important.

You can only attack one person at a time, unlike your brother who can control dozens or Lady Isabella who can protect many and her power grows each day. Or even Demetri who can find the proverbial needle in a haystack. You have overestimated your importance here in Volterra! Report to Commander Felix at the end of this meeting" Aro's voice boomed throughout the throne room and everyone saw her shoulders slump as finally, she received her comeuppance after all these years.

EIM

Things had quietened down for the leaders of the Volturi, but the rest of the staff were working flat out. Not because they were ordered to, but because these occasions were few and far between nowadays and they wanted the vampire world to know they could still outdo them all. Miranda's team had now finished all the cloaks and everyone was looking and feeling more valued. It's the little things in life that please the most sometimes. Pica was talking about shopping in Rome for couture gowns, but Bella said no. She was going to draw what she wanted and ask Miranda to make it for the ball.

Bella envisaged for once that she might actually look sophisticated and grown-up. She never felt that way before and that wasn't just Edward's fault, Alice never saw that she had changed and grown. Always dressing her in clothes that no longer suited her age. Bella also wanted Miranda to make one for Dora, something classic, but simple and youthful. Dora had been resistant to attending, but Bella played her ace and convinced the girl. Telling her to ask Alec to escort her, that way they would be left alone. Because other vampires outside of Volterra feared him, they would leave her alone as well.

Plus if he had to leave he would escort Dora back to Bella's side and she'd be shielded by her. No matter the argument Bella had a solution for Dora; she was determined to help the girl grow as much as she could. Letting her stagnate for all those years was not good for anyone, least of all Dora. Not that she blamed Caius, he didn't know what to do for the best and without female help, they both floundered in a sea of misconceptions and fear. Bella had come to like Dora very much and could see she had so much potential, she was anything but stupid. Gentle coaxing was getting results every day and Caius was happy for Dora.

So Pica went off with Chelsea and Esme to find themselves dresses, the two from Volterra had for many years had them made by Miranda, but now preferred to wear designer clothes to equal the guests. Call it snobbery, but even vampires followed fashion, look at Alice! Talking of Alice, they were coming, the four Whitlocks. At long last Alice had taken Jasper's name. She had wanted to come early to help Bella, but Bella said it was all in hand and left it at that. Those days were gone and she didn't want to return to them at all. Miranda was great she looked at Bella's chicken-scratch drawing and turned it into a ballgown to die for.

Bella left the making of Dora's gown in Miranda's capable hands. She had an eye for that kind of thing and agreed with Bella it should be a pale shade of green, as that was the girl's favourite colour. All Caius wanted to know was the colour of Bella's gown, so he could coordinate his look to enhance hers he said. That was one of the things she loved about him, he didn't try to take over or tell her what to wear, just asked the colour and left it at that. She gave him a passionate kiss for that and he looked confused but happy. He was glad of any reason that got him that kind of result from his mate.

EIM

One week before the ball, Bella received a letter from one Rosalie McCarty. She said she'd received an invitation to the ball from Aro, but wanted Bella's consent before coming. Was Aro stirring things up or was he just that oblivious? Probably the latter Bella decided and although Rose gave both hers and Emmett's apologies for their part in what happened, Bella was unsure. But then again she didn't have to be friends with them or even keep up after the ball. Bella was sure there would be many people there that she would feel the same about.

Hell, she hadn't spoken one word to Carlisle in all these months and they lived in the same place. She only talked to Esme about Dora or the refurbishments. Bella had given her the go-ahead to finish the place, as Dora spent most of her day with Bella and Pica now. Carlisle appeared to be helping Dora learn new skills and languages in their evenings together and Bella was happy about that. Anything that broadened her horizons and made her step out of her self-inflicted retreat was a good sign. So she could put up with Rose and Emmett for one evening.

Although she would never forgive Rose for the things she'd said, under the influence of that thing or not. They were her words and her nastiness; it was Emmett's burying his head in the sand that hurt the most. But she was no longer that Bella and therefore quite confident she could hold her own in any meeting with them now. So with that in mind, she replied, saying they were welcome to come and signed it Isabella Volturi, on behalf of the Volturi council. She wasn't using Caius' name yet, not until they married. Maybe after the ball, things would calm down and they could talk about it.

Well, he still hadn't proffered a ring either, but they had all been so busy lately. Caius was really enjoying being back in charge of the guard and enjoying the training immensely. Bella was immersing herself in all and everything. She didn't realise she had a flair for leadership and diplomacy, although everyone else knew it. But she found herself spending more and more time with both Aro and Marcus learning much from them both. Marcus was a fund of information; his years in the archives giving him some very obscure knowledge. Aro was totally different; he passed on a lot of information freely.

The most important thing he taught her, was to look like she knew what was happening, even if she didn't. It could be the deciding factor in a stalemate if you seemed more aware and in tune with the problem. Basically, he taught her how to bluff and have a poker face. Especially your eyes he said, they can give you away easily. For a vampire who had dreaded her arrival, Aro had slowly become more and more attached to Bella. He for once felt like he had someone to pass his knowledge on to, someone who understood and could hold her own against him. She, he had decided was a worthy adversary.

EIM

The day of the ball arrived and the council were all issued black cloaks with gold lining. Miranda felt this was the colour that set them apart from the guard. It would be a perfect blend with Bella's gown, she couldn't have chosen better. The ball would be later this evening but for now, the day was all about meeting and greeting. The closest covens always arrived last Aro told Bella, the furthest away came early hoping to stay over and with all the spare rooms it would be no problem to house them all. Bella shook hands with vampire after vampire and Aro's grin widened with every one.

Caius had begun to realise that any with a gift was trying it out on his mate and the roar he let out brought the place to a standstill. Aro realised that he should have stopped them and not once again enjoyed the spectacle. That fine line he often trod was getting finer by the second and Caius looked none too pleased with him. He had read in their minds their intentions and did not dissuade them. Bella calmed Caius by saying loudly,

"I knew what they were doing Káious, I felt every attack, but I find it strange that any would do so. What exactly were their plans if I had succumbed to one of those powers?

It would have meant their certain and instantaneous death at your hands and also for their whole coven. That seems to smack of a lack of forethought or just plain ignorance on their part! To put their mates in that kind of position is hardly the sign of intelligence"

This reply was twofold, yes she was aware and now those people were on her shit list and two she saw them all as stupid. Those covens were summarily dismissed and told that for the insult to his mate, all Volturi backing was withdrawn for no less than fifty years. This was humiliating for those few and made all the other covens sit up and take notice; things were very different in Volterra nowadays. The room calmed as the next coven approached and Bella smiled widely. This time she didn't shake hands but hugged the leading two vampires and then also the couple with them, as did her mate.

The Whitlocks had arrived and were seen to be favourites with the new Volturi power couple. The Major's reputation from the past was well known and many had believed him dead as he had not been heard of in fifty or more years. But here he was with his mate and his two sidekicks from the Southern Vampire Wars, a formidable coven indeed and totally allied with the Volturi it seemed. Aro even inclined his head before them and did not take their hands as a mark of respect to his brother and Bella. It was as good as saying if you trust them then so will I, a rare occurrence for Aro, but he was really trying to mend fences here.

When there was a lull in the proceedings Bella and Caius lead the Whitlocks to the sitting room next to her office and was surprised to find Dora and Alec talking. He rushed to leave but Caius waved him back to a sitting position. Dora look nervously at the newcomers and Jasper asked her if he could ease her fears slightly, she tilted her head not understanding until she felt utter peace rolling across her senses.

"Oh, wow! That's so nice, I haven't felt this calm in such a very long time. Thank you" Dora said smiling at the four strangers.

Not much later Alice and Charlotte headed off to start preparing for the evening and Bella shook her head, she was meeting Miranda in her rooms one hour before the ball and that was enough she thought.

"Remember Dora we're to be at Miranda's workroom at eight o'clock. Well, I better get back out there before Aro comes looking for me!" Bella said and left the men to wander off to the training grounds,

Caius told them all that had happened since Bella arrived in Volterra, culminating in today's debacle. Explaining to them that one of the guests had been a fire-starter, he was so glad the vampire didn't even try. Bella would have been okay, but the mere thought sent Caius into a frenzy. Jasper and Peter assured him it got easier with time, but even now they were always vigilant when around strangers. While they were wandering about Caius could see Bella on Aro's arm being introduced to more people, but now she no longer took their hands, his girl was a fast learner.

EIM

When Bella and Dora arrived at Miranda's workroom door they were meet by a contingent of household staff.

"I hope you don't mind My Lady, but we just wanted to show you how happy we are, that you are here and for all, you did in the Jane matter and the return of some of our precious memento's that Corin stole. You have been a godsend to the staff of Volterra and we wanted to help you make a lasting impression on the covens" Miranda said on behalf of them all and Bella nodded with venom pooling in her eyes,

"Thank you all, I've always been a firm believer that if the staff like you, to hell with the family!" she replied clearing her throat unnecessarily,

The woman all laughed and set to getting the two women in Caius' life ready for the ball. Dora looked angelic and otherworldly in pale green chiffon. Whereas Bella looked strong and womanly in a vision of golden taffeta and lace. It sat well off her shoulders and was low at the front but not in a slutty or daring way. Bella had bought gold strappy heels to go with it and as her cloak was placed around her shoulders she felt confidant and beautiful. They had had their hair styled dramatically and their make-up applied expertly. Every eye in the rooms below would be drawn to the two Volturi women tonight.

Caius and Alec arrived just as the two women donned their cloaks and hid their sumptuous gowns beneath. Caius handed Bella a box and as she opened it a delicate filigree necklace twinkled up at her, the matching earring's lay in the box too. Helping her loosen the neck of her cloak he clasped the spun gold and diamond confection around her throat. As Bella put in the earrings herself, Caius turned to Dora and held out another box. It held a pendant of one large flawless emerald, which complimented her dress beautifully. Dora bravely allowed Alec to place it around her neck as she too put on her earrings.

"Enjoy your night My Lady, you deserve it," Miranda said as the two women were led away,

"Are you ready little one? This should be a night to remember for us all.

Alec stay close to us, you are Lady Dora's escort and she is a member of the ruling house. You have my permission to come onto the dais with us later this evening, once Aro's had his say" Caius said as they reached the doors of the grand ballroom.

The doors swept open before them and every head turned to see who had entered from the private wing. Their cloaks fluttered as they walked and glimpses of the gold lining on three of the four was seen, as was the deepest blue of Alec's. Once they reached the dais, Marcus took both the women's hands to help them up. He bowed low kissing each hand before letting them go and Dora released a little giggle as Marcus winked at her. Aro turned smiling before he too kissed Bella's hand and patted Dora's cheek.

Pica was resplendent in a gown of the deepest red Bella had ever seen. On her head was a small golden tiara encrusted with rubies. Stepping forward the two women kissed her cheeks and Pica squeezed Dora's hand and hugged Bella before removing her cloak for her. There were some sounds of appreciation from the crowd as well as grumbles of envy. Marcus took Dora's cloak from her shoulders and many more genuine murmurs were heard.

But the biggest rumbling was when Caius removed his own cloak with a swish of his wrist to reveal himself in a black on black tux with a gold bowtie and cummerbund. It was for him one of the most modern things he'd ever worn, but he felt that Bella would appreciate his effort to be more modern. As he turned to his mate she winked and licked her bottom lip. Caius was so glad he'd picked the longer style jacket, so as the rest of the room could not see his reaction to Bella.

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Volterra. May I introduce you all to Lady Isabella and Lady Dora" Aro said as Caius and Marcus led them forward,

"We six, now make up the ruling council of Volterra. Lady Isabella as Caius' mate and Lady Dora as his blood-related cousin. This ball is to officially welcome Isabella to our family and Dora onto the council" Aro continued and then called Alec and Demetri forward with their cushions, on which rested to more tiara's.

He placed a golden filigree and diamond one on Bella's head and a gold and emerald one on Dora's. The diamonds twinkled in Bella's dark hair, as the emeralds stood out on Dora's blonde locks. The audience applauded the spectacle and Aro declared the ball could now commence. The six leaders took to the floor for the opening dance and Marcus fairly sashayed around the floor with Dora in his arms. Aro and Pica were stately and regal, whereas Caius and Bella were glued together and obviously very much in love. Marcus stayed a mere hour before handing Dora over to Alec and everyone took notice of the way she leaned into him as he spoke softly to her.