Thanks for everything my wonderful readers! Here's the next one…
Chapter Twenty-Five: Coming together,
I fell asleep in Caius's arms. After the news of my miraculous pregnancy, he would not leave my side. His astonishment about my condition did not last too long. Acceptance settled in. The three kings talked of the whole affair with such excitement that I have never seen before. The main topic was this possible for all vampires or was this just a single phenomenon. The whole coven was lively with conversation. Even Athenodora could not help her excitement about the prospect of the coming birth. The women were wonderful to me as they kept me company, talking together about how wonderful it would be to take care of the baby. None of the wives had ever had children before and they spoke of having one in the castle would be a blessing.
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I open my eyes to the room silent and still. Caius was nowhere to be seen. The room was dark and the only thing penetrating the darkness was a single candle on my nightstand. I decided to get up and went to one of the windows and open the curtains so the natural light of the sun could fill the room, dissipating the gloom. I threw open the windows. A burst of fresh air breezed by me a swirled around the room to chase away the stagnant atmosphere. Suddenly the door opens, and the queens arrived with Corin.
"Well, good morning Bella! We brought you a tray of food and a letter from Caius." Said Sulpicia.
She laid my tray on the table by the bed and handed me the letter with a sweet smile on her lips. Athenodora and Corin sat on the other side of the bed. I observed a gentle smile on Athena's face that had me stunned as she continued with her pleasant behavior.
"Go ahead and read it. He left a few hours ago and put all of us in charge of you," urged Sulpicia.
I nodded and sat, crossing my legs as the ladies watched me eagerly as I opened the envelope and broke the Volturi seal. His beautifully written script filled the entire letter flawlessly. I smelled something faint and drew to my nose and was delighted to catch his scent as it lingered on the page. I sigh in happiness. This was romantic of him. I could get used to this treatment. It read…
Good morning my lovely Bella. I hope you had wonderful dreams of me and our baby. I smile to that line it was so sweet. I will return later this afternoon, in the meantime the ladies of the house insisted on looking after you. You will find Athena's demeanor much altered. She has excepted our union and is learning to love and except Marcus as well. Besides, she loves the idea of having a baby to adore. I have decided to trust her as long as the others a present. So, no more fear my dear. I want you to be at ease and be a good little mate and follow these instructions for me.
First breath and know that everything will be alright. Love surrounds you. Next, when you see your image in the mirror know that I'm in love with everything about you. Thirdly, eat and make sure you have all you want. You will need your strength for yourself plus one.
And fourth, stop crying this instant Bella. I laughed, sniffed, and wiped a tear away. Know it all! I plan to kiss you when I get back, so no tears please. And if you do, know that it will not influence me. I will kiss them away and you will feel no more sorrow ever again.
And as for the fifth, indulge your morning in a hot bath that I ordered the women to give you. Hope you like bubbles, Corin insisted on filling it full of lilac scented bubble bath soap.
And lastly, have fun with your new sisters, they are determined to keep you happy as much as possible until I return. So, keep your chin up and don't disappoint them.
With my endless love, Caius.
I reread the entire loving letter and seriously didn't know if I could complete number three. I felt sick this morning and looked over at my simple tray of crackers, fruit, and tea with trepidation. But the bath I considered. I felt hot and sticky for being too warm under the massive pillows that Caius put on me to keep me from getting a chill. My hair felt matted from tossing a turning in my sleep and it will need a good brushing.
Sulpicia came around to help me off the bed. "Now Bella, lets see if we can follow Caius's instructions, I think we shall start with the bath, don't you?"
I could only imagine what I smelled like from a vampire's perspective. I was not at all surprised she decided to jump to task five. So, I nod let her slip me put of bed then she guided me to the bathroom. I stifled a giggle as I saw Corin smile at me as I entered the brightly lit room. She presented me with a glorious violet array of bubbles that came almost to the top of the tub's rim.
I took off my clothes and sank into the warm relaxing water. I laugh as the bubbles spilled out of the sides and sneezed as they tickle my nose. Corin flitted around sopping up the mess in a flutter and twittering her apologies and I laughed again.
"Corin it's alright, you know you need to relax more than I do. You did a fine job at making me feel pampered." I say cheerfully.
Corin glowed with pride and nodded. I laid back, enjoying the comforting warm bath as it soothed my achy muscles. When my bath was over, I padded in bare feet to get a towel. I wrapped it around my waist making sure to tuck it in so it will not fall. Satisfied, I went to my walk-in closet to choose what I was going wear for the day. I found a comfortable jean pull-on soft skirt to wear and a black t-shirt saying I'm 99% sure my last words will be. Are you freaking kidding me?
After brushing my teeth and hair I came out to see all the ladies waiting for me. I sat by the fire in a comfortable chair and then Corin put the tray in front of me.
"Eat well, my Mistress." Said Corin.
"Thanks, but please call me Bella."
She hastened a glace at the others and shook her head. I'm sorry Mistress, but your rank and position as Caius's mate will not allow me to do so."
"Well if it must be that way, please call me Miss Bella."
"Alright, Miss Bella it is then," she agreed glancing at Sulpicia who was given her an approving nod.
Taking a chair beside me Sulpicia patted my arm fondly. The breakfast was good and bland and that's what I needed to try and keep it down. I ate delicately as I hoped that I would. I loved the company, and it was great to have things provided for me. But Corin was a little too overbearing. I was used to doing everything on my own. I didn't like having a servant, the position was demeaning to her. She should be equal member of the coven; they all should be and not have to cater to our every need. In any case, I was happy for what the day had in store for me.
Athenodora POV…
I sat thinking of Marcus. I was having a hard time with the changes that I had to endure. However, I should be content he saved my life and was good to me. As we work through our awkward beginning, I could imagine our relationship could have a real good chance at happiness. I was resigned to my former relationship with Caius. He will never really love me as a wife, he had a true mate now and she was having his baby. So, I gave up the matter altogether.
So, now there was Marcus. I have spent a lot of time in the library with him talking endlessly about the happenings in the coven. I found out that Marcus was an avid reader but lately he seemed distracted by my presence, in a good way. He sat next to me listening to me with interest and patience as I talked about my opinions, feelings and how my day was going. He seemed charmed and soon as I was ready, he was going to complete our bond. I was eager for that moment to come. Marcus would know, he looks at our bond daily to see how it was developing. I did however need to get over my feeling of doubt that Marcus was loving me out of friendship and pity. I looked daily for proof of true love between us. I needed this knowledge to give myself completely, heart and soul.
"So, Athena how are you and Marcus doing these days? You've been secretive lately." asked Sulpicia.
I sucked in a breath of air and exhaled. Sulpicia was the gossip out of all of us more than anyone in the coven. Bella was a quiet one, I observed. She was kind of like me in that way. I looked over at her as she munched thoughtfully on her cracker. They both looked at me expectantly so I decided I must be forthcoming with something to satisfy their curiosity. Sulpicia was just as bad as Aro when it comes to secrets, they always had a way to get it out of you.
"We are doing well. He is very attentive to me as I speak and supplies all my needs. He wants to be mates when the time is right. But we are still getting use to the idea." I say carefully choosing my words wisely.
"Ah, Marcus has been needing a wife ever since he lost poor Didyme. Both of you will be comforting to each other because you both share the same tragedy,'' said Sulpicia.
"Yes," was all my reply. I know she mentioned Didyme for Bella benefit, but it still hurts. She was my best friend and sister and Marcus's former wife.
Marcus did deserve happiness and maybe I'd find some too. I was determined to mate for love, and I was sure that's what Marcus wanted too. I was convinced I loved him as well as a brother but now I think it was growing. And that gave me hope, I even miss him.
When Bella was finished, we decided to take her to see the tower. After all, she will have to relocate there when she becomes one of us. The kings are very adamant that we remain in safety, only we come out when we are guarded well.
Sulpicia had Corin carry Bella up the long winding staircase. I watched how she marveled at the gray and white marble as it gleams wall to wall in the light of the chandelier and at the paintings rich in color each priceless as its history. She reached and felt the tapestries gracing the walls in the room. Our library was vast, and she took time to walk the many isles of shelves that held thousands of books, occasionally running her fingers over the book's bindings, and stopping to glance a few of them.
Finally, we took her down to see Didyme's old chambers. Didyme loved her comfort and many pillows lined the couches and the bed as well. Her favorite colors were ivory and gold. Everything was beautifully arranged still, even after all these years. The king size bed with canopy was the color of gold with sheer ivory curtains. The sheets were satin and the comforter soft and warm. Corin had made a fire in the fireplace and lit a few candles to liven up the room. Bella was led by Sulpicia to the bed and sat Bella down on it. Bella smoothed her hand over the softness of the covers and laid down and stretched out luxuriously. Savoring the moment.
Bella's POV…
As we made are way back though the gloom of the barely lit corridors, a sad comparison to what I was just shown, I held tight to Corin as we flitted on. Only some random old art placed in intervals lined the walls with some torches. Their fire licking up the wall, creating a black stain of soot. And Caius's room was too manly to measure up to the splendor I just left as well. No wonder the girls don't mind it, but I imagine it must be lonely at times. As we entered my room again, Corin placed me seated by the fire and I found I needed its warmth because the castle was damp and cold. It seemed to penetrate my very bones with the chill. Corin saw me shiver and went to get my blanket and covered me, tucking it around me. I thanked her for it. I was soon joined by Athena as she walked to my side and took the nearest chair. She was the one to break the awkward silence that followed.
"You must be so proud on the account you will be a mother soon." She said.
''I truly am. But at the same time a little nervous. I mean I don't know what to expect or have any knowledge of how to take care of a baby." I say truthfully.
"Ah, but I hear that a mother's instincts are strong and all you have to listen to it. In any case, you will not be alone. You have Caius and us, your family.'' Said Athenodora.
I smiled at her and she sighed. Sulpicia joined us and presented me with a drink. I took it and sipped it slowly. Yum, it was hot chocolate. I thanked her and she was grinning, pleased with herself as she took a seat by her sister.
"Can I ask you something, Athena." I say.
"She hastened a glance at Sulpicia then turned back to me. "Go ahead Bella."
"Do you really forgive me for being mated to Caius?"
Yeah, I know it was a loaded question, but I had to see if I could see the truth in her eyes. She sat back and regarded me a moment. I saw her taking time choosing her words carefully. The look in her eyes was not a woman that held a grudge, but she did harbor a lot of sadness. I felt a tinge of guilt surge through me. And I waited with bated breath as she answered.
"I come to realize that neither of you are to blame. This was fate, and I know this because Marcus explained it all to me thoroughly. Though Caius's and my love are but a memory, I've decided that I was not going to dwell on it, rather I will focus on Marcus. He is my everything now. I will have to be content with that." She said, never faltering from my gaze.
I was relieved to hear this and believed her sincerity. I saw Sulpicia nod in agreement to her words. I let my body relax into the chair and suddenly the three kings enter the room. I was gently lifted and placed in the comfortable bed. The queens perched themselves on either side of the bed as Corin tucked me in.
"How was your day my love?" Caius asked coming to my side.
"Nice, we went to the tower and I had a grand tour of all the rooms." I say with cheer in my voice.
"Oh, very good, and did you complete all the items on the list?"
"Yes, I think I managed them pretty well."
Caius nuzzled my neck and breathed in my scent that caused my heart to flutter with joy. I looked into his black eyes and saw that he was full of passion and I let out a little gasp at the knowledge of his boldness with so many witnesses around us.
"What are you doing, Caius?" I say, all a quiver.
"Oh, did my little dove forget the most important of all my demands," He said ticking my chin then turning my face up to look him in the eyes.
"Oh, what didn't I do?"
"No, it is what I intended to do when I saw you next." He grinned teasingly.
I giggle like a schoolgirl and hung my head in shyness with everyone staring at me it was getting embarrassing, but Caius did not seem to care.
"Did you think I would forget that facet?" He said leaning closer and I stop him a moment as I place a finger to his lips before he could kiss me.
"Next time don't make me wait so long." I laughed has he gave me an impatient growl and he kissed me tenderly.
He pulled back after a short sweet kiss and Marcus and Aro moved closer to the bed. Suddenly my new sisters scooted close to me and growled in warning as they advanced.
"What's the meaning of this?" Aro turned to question his wife.
"You are getting too close, only her mate should be allowed that close to her."
"We mean her no harm, you know that." He said sternly.
"I feel the same way we must protect her!" added Athena.
I was shocked at their reaction and Marcus and Aro looked at each other bewildered.
''What has gotten into you, you're both acting as if you a pair of lionesses protecting their young!" Aro exclaimed in exasperation.
"Exactly, Brother. Interesting, they seem to have instincts to protect her from other males while she is pregnant." Marcus said in amazement.
Caius looked down at me and I blinked up at him. "Well Bella, it seems you have your own personal guard."
"That's right!" The agreed saying in unison, crossing their arms.