It did not take too long to find the hotel for Saphira to stay at. The kings were still very unsettled about this whole plan that Saphira had and Aro spent a lot of time staying close to Saphira, as did Marcus. Caius was upset too, but he didn't get as close as they did as he was focused on the task at hand. Saphira felt sad for him, she knew he and the other two kings were scared of losing her, but she was confident this would work. The suitcase was packed and put into the veloce in the garage, and the kings made the booking for two nights at the hotel. Walking to the garage where Santiago was waiting, Aro, Marcus and Caius walked with Saphira in triangular formation as they felt the need to create a ring of protection right now.
"How can we be sure that this car will not end up like your SUV?" Caius blurts out, startling Saphira a little when he mentioned the incident back in the USA. Saphira stopped and looked at him. "As much as you feel this would work, I am more afraid that it would happen again."
"They would not be stupid to do that," Saphira reassures him gently. "After all, the veloce is fitted with technology to send a signal to the emergency services if an accident happens, and they probably would know that if they saw the car. I understand how you feel Caius, I really do…"
"Do you?" He snapped back, surprising Saphira at his tone. "I am afraid for you Saphira, I know this is a good idea…"
"I already went over this with Aro," Saphira interrupts gently, placing her hands on his cheeks and stroking them gently. "Please relax, for me. Non posso farlo senza di te amore tio. Ti fidi di me?"
Caius stared at her before sighing and pushing her hands away. "I do and I don't il mio amore, I am sorry I just feel like this is a decision that is rash."
Saphira smiled gently at him and hugged him gently, kissing him to try and comfort him. "I will be alright. You are all acting like I will die tonight."
"And you might," Aro said softly. "And you know that is a risk."
She did not want to admit it, but that was definitely a risk. She had everything to lose if it went wrong tonight, and none of the kings have heard her acknowledge it even if they knew she could see that risk.
Turning to face Aro, Saphira breathed deeply. "I am fully aware Aro. But…I'd rather it be one rather than many."
"I do not think I have met someone braver than you il mio amore," Marcus said sweetly. "Even braver than Bella."
She cringed at the mention of her name. "You are going to bring her into this? I know she's done brave things, but also many stupid things."
"I agree, but she did stand up to us when she was here and that is a brave thing to do as well," Marcus explained. "And I cannot compare you both, but I feel you are braver."
Chuckling a little, she shrugs slightly and walked forward. "In that case, we should stop stalling."
"Non ti tratterremo mia dolce colomba," Caius said sweetly, with a hint of fear on his tone.
Saphira smiled as it had been a while since the kings had said dolce colomba, and it was nice because it felt almost like they had just met again in a way.
They enter the garage and the Alfa Romeo was ready along with the SUV's the guard and king will use to travel to keep watch over Saphira. Saphira sighed deeply, knowing that this was it. It was now or never, and then they had to deal with Vladimir and Stefan. Saphira turned to the kings, hugging and kissing each of them to reassure them and also to reassure herself that it will be alright.
"If you ever feel the need to change your mind, there is no shame in it," Aro said gently.
"I know, has the word been sent out so Athenodora and Sulpicia will find the hotel?" Saphira asked, glancing at the guard.
"It has," Jane responds affirmatively. "We also know they will be there tonight. So we will be prepared, and we will bring the women back here and hold them until you return my queen."
Saphira smiled. "Good. Good luck everyone, let's start traveling Santiago."
Santiago bowed silently as he held the door of the car open and she stepped into it, getting comfortable. She looked out the window at the kings as Santiago closed the door and walked around to the driver side to get in and start the car.
She winds down the window to speak to them. "Do not worry, we will be back together again," She promises, blowing kisses to them as Santiago began to drive the car forward.
Winding up the window, she winced as the light of the day shines into the car. Thankfully the windows were heavily tinted enough so no one could see, but Santiago was covered up in enough closing to hide his skin. Watching the castle fade in the mirror felt somewhat ominous, however the SUV's the other vampires would be in soon came into view and Saphira knew the kings were just right behind her.
"When we arrive at the hotel I will leave after parking the car, my queen," Santiago said, breaking the silence in the car. "But I will not be far at all. In fact, I had booked a room next to yours so I can get to you first when they arrive."
Saphira was surprised and thought about it for a moment. "That's actually good. Will the kings be there with you?"
"No, they will be somewhere else in the vicinity. However, they will still be very close. The penthouse is facing towards the country side so no one will see anything."
"At least we can cover any expenses of furniture being damaged," Saphira said softly.
"Indeed, but let us hope that the furniture is the only thing that gets damaged tonight," Santiago said with a smile. "I would rather not have the kings sad again. I still remember the many years where they were in a constant state of sadness, even with Athenodora and Sulpicia living in the castle."
"I am just sorry I was not born sooner. But we can never choose that."
"You are correct," He smiled, glancing at her and then back at the road. "We should be at the hotel in an hour anyway, my queen."
"That's perfectly fine," Saphira said, glancing out the window thoughtfully. "It will give me time to sort of mentally prepare for tonight."
"I understand," Santiago said softly. "But please let me know if you change your mind, and I will turn the car around."
Saphira just nods as she watched the trees go by quickly. So far, the nerves have not kicked in yet so that was a good way to stay level-headed. And the hour would go by very quickly as well as Saphira did not even notice until passing by the front gate entry to the hotel.
Looking ahead, the hotel was like a large, country, mansion with impressive gardens, water fountains and it was clear those who had money could afford to stay here. The cars in the parking lot were mainly BMW's, Ferrari's, Range Rovers and so forth, and the Alfa Romeo was no exception to this. Saphira had not realized how beautiful it was, and Santiago guides the car to the entry, which the drop off parking spot was between the columns and entrance. Concierge service was already waiting, the men wore black and white tuxedos and white gloves, they were clean shaven and when Saphira stepped out of the car, very nice cologne.
Saphira watched Santiago get out and retrieve her luggage to be given to one of the men waiting to carry for her to take to her room. "Thank you Santiago," Saphira said, walking around the car towards the entrance. "I shall see you again soon huh?"
"You will indeed," Santiago said, without the use of my queen. He gives a polite bow and steps back into the car to park it. "I will be back in a moment to check in."
Saphira nods and gives a casual wave as he drove away. She walked into the foyer of the hotel and it was massive, it was so light and open with the white tiles, a large marble fountain statue at the centre and the fabric of the furniture had the colour of nude, blush and gold throughout the patterns. And it smelt extremely clean, Saphira smiled deciding she was definitely going to make the best of this. Once she checked in, she was lead to the penthouse by the concierge carrying her suitcase and was given the key at the door to the penthouse. And it was also spectacular with a king sized bed, clothed in a very expensive quilt, sheets and pillows, the tiles were of marble here rather then regular white tiles and mahogany furniture throughout this penthouse. There was a dining table, living room area, a welcome basket with a bucket of champagne, chocolate coated strawberries and a basket of pastries. Robes were already hanging on the door that led into the ensuite bathroom with a large jet tub, a shower that could easily fit her and the kings, a large vanity to place all her items on and it had many complimentary things, such as body wash, body scrub and so on. Saphira smiled and unpacked her toiletries and changed into her one piece swimsuit as there was also a private, infinity pool overlooking the countryside out on the balcony. Saphira spotted it when she first came in, and she certainly wanted to take a dip. She opened the champagne, poured herself a glass and walked out to the balcony to sit in the infinity pool, sipping her champagne. If she was not staying here to draw out the jealous, female vampires she would easily want to stay here for a week. It was so peaceful, and she forgot about everything for a short time.
She spent a few hours in the pool, after finishing the champagne she did some laps and then dried off by the pool while basking in the sun. She got out and ate the strawberries and sat at the table, looking at her phone to see if the kings had been messaging. Strangely, they had not, but there was a message from Carlisle. Saphira was very surprised, but she opened it and read it.
I apologize in advance Saphira, I hope that I am not interrupting any important issues that you are facing at this time. However, something has happened here with our family involving Edward and Bella, it might become an issue for the kings as it is something we have not seen before. If you wish to know more, I will answer when you call.
That was a very strange message, Saphira was certainly curious as to what Carlisle talking about. She tapped her nail on the table thoughtfully, before she decided she should at least call him. Since she was pretty much in a place where the kings could not hear her, or at least she thought it was the case, she could call him and talk freely. She pressed the call symbol and waited patiently for Carlisle to pick up.
"Saphira, it is very wonderful for you call," Saphira hears Carlisle's voice, but it was not joyful. It was full of uncertainty rather than joy.
"From your text, and your tone, I do not think this is meant to be a happy chat is it?" Saphira asked curiously.
"I am afraid not, are the kings there with you? I feel that they should not know right now." Carlisle seemed concerned about the kings knowing, Saphira knew Aro could easily find out, but she would not allow him to discover it right now.
"No, I am actually in a hotel outside Florence," She responds softly. "But I am hoping to draw out Athenodora and Sulpicia tonight, so we cannot be talking for too long."
"I see…it is a bad timing," Carlisle said slowly. "But I will make this quick. Are you able to find some old diaries that the kings have when you get back? Because I hope that this has happened before."
"Can you tell me what it is please?" Saphira asked curiously. "I cannot help you if you do not tell me."
She heard Carlisle hesitating, something really bad must have happened. "Um…Bella and Edward were on their honeymoon on a private island," He began to explain. "But…somehow, some way, Bella is pregnant."
Frowning in shock, Saphira almost did not believe. "Say again?"
"Bella is pregnant, somehow Edward managed to impregnate her," Carlisle responds, confirming what Saphira heard.
Shocked, but somewhat happy, Saphira placed a hand on her own stomach wondering if it was possible for her. "How did…uh, no, we know how babies are made right?"
"But I thought it was impossible for a vampire to impregnate a human," Carlisle said worryingly. "They are back home, and this foetus is already the size of a three month old unborn baby."
"Really? But they were only gone for a couple weeks weren't they?" Saphira asked as she was confused by this.
"Yes, this child is growing fast and it is very strong, and draining a lot of Bella's energy," He continued. "And she is also struggling to even keep weight on. We think this thing might be dangerous."
She was lost for words, Saphira had wondered if it was possible to be pregnant. And now for it to be confirmed as a danger to her health, it somewhat disappointed her. But the idea of having a child or children with the kings actually made her happy.
"Hmm…well, you should keep me informed about this Carlisle," Saphira said gently. "Because if Bella survives this…"
"No, please do not tell me you might consider wanting to be pregnant by the kings?" He asked in shock.
"Well…I had wondered if it is possible," Saphira admits. "But, I also accepted that it might not be. And since Bella happens to be proof, she might not be the last. Honestly though, no one here has said anything about that. I am not going to ask though, because then Aro will want to know what prompted this idea and find out about Bella."
"I hope you can keep that to yourself," Carlisle said. "And hopefully you can find time to read any texts that I send without anyone noticing. That might be a bit hard."
"I am not going to act like the cheating girlfriend hiding my phone, but I will figure something out," Saphira said softly. "Actually, you could send it to my email. They're less likely to notice as the phone won't make a noise when you send an email."
"Good idea…anyway, I am sorry for interrupting you and I hope that your plan goes well," He said calmly. "What is it anyway?"
"I think it is best that you worry about your problem for now, I already have had a few lectures today about this plan," Saphira said with an awkward smile. "You might hear about it though."
"That really does not sound good…I hope it goes well for you, and I will keep you informed of what is happening here," He said as he concludes their conversation. "I shall talk to you again soon Saphira."
Saphira smiled as Carlisle hung up. She lowered the phone to the dining table with a sigh, now feeling a little distracted from this plan now that she knew she could get pregnant from the kings. She wondered how it was possible, but she was going to experiment with it at some point soon. As the sun began to set, Saphira decided to go for a shower to ease the nerves that were now starting to surface and the kings began to message her asking if she was okay and if she changed her mind. She reassured them that she was okay and that she was not turning back now, it was very little to late right now anyway. The vampires will likely be here before midnight.
Translation:
Non posso farlo senza di te amore mio: I cannot do this without you my love.
Ti fidi di me: Do you trust me?
Il mio amore: My love
Non ti tratterremo mia dolce colomba: We won't hold you back my sweet dove
Dolce colomba: Sweet dove