BELLA'S POV

I was so happy.

When Marcus had gently asked me to go sit with him and talk I was so nervous, but when he had begun telling me his story—how he had come to be a part of the Volturi, how he had met and fallen in love with Aro's sister, Dydime, and how the now-extinct Children of the Moon had killed her. My heart was wailing when I saw how much sadness he felt. Then I became enraged when I heard how the Romanians, the Volturi's biggest enemy and former leader coven, had tried to blame Dydime's death on Aro.

But what had surprised me the most was the revelation of our bond. It took me a few minutes to understand that. Basically, we had a father-daughter bond, but way more strengthened. He wasn't only my father, but my Protector, so that meant my guide, my mentor, my supporter and a whole bunch of other worlds he told me. And I was his Protected; he told me that that meant he would protect me with his life and ensure that my life would be a happy one.

I was adamant to do the same for him. It felt as if when he had told me of our bond, suddenly I felt a connection with him.

When he had told me how happy he was that I, of all people, was his Protected, I had felt so incredibly happy and relieved to see some life spark in his eyes that I had to hug him. I had thrown my arms around his neck and pressed my body to his. He had immediately returned my hug, resting his head in the crook of my neck. We had begun whispering promises of eternal love and companionship and gentle words.

We had been so engulfed in our own bubble that we almost missed all the gasps that suddenly surrounded us.

Releasing each other we turned and saw every other vampire in the garden staring at us, mouth agape. Marcus smiled slightly and stood up. Pride filled my entire body when I saw him standing tall and strong like the true leader and warrior he had been before his depression. And he was going to return to be that same man once more, if not more, if I had anything to say. As he spoke, the people were even more shocked. His voice was strong and powerful, and also full of pride as he told them of our bond. When he took my hand, I felt flooded by a sense of calm and peacefulness not even Jasper had managed to make me feel.

With Marcus I felt like I was at home. He had even asked me to call him Father.

When he finished speaking, every guard—and even Rose and Alice—dropped to their knee and bowed. Bowed to me.

Old Bella would have blushed and started stuttering about it being too much, but New Bella is simply going to blush slightly and accept this show of respect.

However, I wasn't prepared for Aro and Caius' enthusiasm. The others had barely raised from their bowing stance when they came and assaulted me with hugs and kisses (this was Aro) and congratulations and caresses (obviously Caius). They asked me to call them Uncles.

"We insist! We are family now! Please little one, give us this honour" Aro pleaded with me.

"The honour is all mine, Mast—ehm, Uncle" I replied, catching myself just in time. He smiled brightly, as did Caius and Marcus.

As they went back to speaking with the others, I was instantly submerged by the hugs of my sisters.

"OH MY GOD!" Alice screeched in my ear. "We're so happy for you!" Rose added, as they both released me.

"Thanks girls" I replied, smiling at them. Alice was jumping up and down like an hyperactive kid, "You're gonna make the perfect Princess!"

"Wait a minute, Alice, I'm not a Princess" I said to her.

"Of course you are" Marcus told me, "You are my Protected and, as your Protector is a king, you are a Princess."

He smiled at my gape. "And, since you are a Volturi Princess, you have to greet your loyal subjects."

As if on cue, a line formed before my eyes. Every vampire was now waiting to greet me. Oh, dear me. Alice and Rose giggled before curtsying and scurrying away. I rolled my eyes, then concentrated on the line of vampires in front of me.

The first ones to formally introduce themselves were Chelsea and Afton. I had already spoken with them before Marcus' revelation, so they didn't have to tell me about their names or their powers. They simply bowed and swore loyalty to me before going away to enjoy the evening.

As they went to grab some more blood, Marcus—who hadn't left my side for a second—leaned in and whispered in my ear, "This is just an unofficial swearing. The official one will be held when you are ready, in the throne room. And then, after that we will have all the other covens swear loyalty to you, as well."

"But I'm just a human" I replied, confused. So much fuss for me. It seemed excessive.

His eyes darkened. "Isabella" he told me fiercely, "You are not 'just' anything. You are my Protected, my daughter, and you are a brilliant, beautiful woman. As such you must be respected and treasured, both because of your title and your own self."

A wave of tears came forth at his words but I fought them back. We had just met, and yet we both loved each other so fiercely. I was lucky. I was so unbelievably lucky to have all of them in my life. Charlie, the Cullens, and now the Volturi.

Seeing my happy tears, Marcus' expression softened into a fond smile, but before any of us could speak, a throat cleared. We turned and found that the first in line to greet me was waiting. I didn't recognise him, but he was wearing a coat similar to Demetri and Felix's, it was the same shade.

When he realised he had my attention he bowed deeply. "My Princess. My name is Santiago, and I am part of the Elite Guard. I have no gift, only great strength and velocity. I am delighted to meet you, my Princess, and I swear to serve, protect and honour you until the end of my days" he said, then he bowed again.

I nodded at him. "It's a pleasure to meet you as well, Santiago. And thank you for your kind words. I hope we'll become good friends in the future" I smiled. He raised his head and grinned at me, "I hope that too, Princess. Have a good evening" he said, before bowing again—damn if they weren't vampires I'd be worried with the condition of their cervical spondylosis with all their bowing!—and going away.

Then came a vampress with dark hair. She introduced herself as Renata, also a member of the Elite Guard, and a physical shield. She said that her shield cannot actively block an attacker, but rather unconsciously repel them and drive them in another direction. They simply go away without knowing why they're doing so.

Then came Demetri. Already knowing him and his gift—he was the most skilled tracker in the vampire world—our talk was brief.

Then came a female woman with golden hair. Corin, a member of the Elite Guard, with the power to make others feel content. She says the same thing as the others and goes away.

Then came Jane and Alec, who I had already met. Our conversation was quick but pleasant. I had a feeling that we would be great friends. Truth to be told, everyone seemed friendly.

Then came Heidi. Elite Guard, she had the power to dazzle you and attract you to her. She was the Fisher, the one who brings human victims to Volterra so they can be eaten. Surprisingly, I didn't feel the typical uneasiness I usually felt when in the presence of a human-drinker who blatantly prided in killing humans—such as James.

Some lower guards introduced themselves to me. They didn't possess powerful gifts as the vampires in the Elite Guard did, or weren't as strong—certainly the reason of the difference in rank—but they mingled with those most important members well.

This was not the coven that Edward described me. This wasn't even a coven. This was a family, a numerous, various family. Sure, there was power and rank, but it seemed like those more formal things were enforced only when in the presence of other covens, or in dire situation. To show a strong, unified front. Behind the scenes, they were a family as much as the Cullens were.

"My Princess" the last vampire greeted, and bowed, more deeply than the others. I met his gaze and saw Felix. "Ah, Felix. Hello" I said, smiling.

He smiled back at me and bowed again, "How's your evening, Princess?" he asked.

"Pretty good. I just gained a new family" I laughed, and his answering smile was dazzling. In the background I saw Santiago elbow Demetri with an excited expression. The duo then proceeded to stare at us. Grinning.

Yes, this is most definitely a family.