He purrs all the way down to the throne room, then he quiets as he leads me over to his throne, pulling me down in his lap.
"Hello dear, I heard you had a run-in with Karl, is that correct?" Aro asks politely as he walks over to us. I smile a little at him and nod.
"Yes, that is correct, master Aro." I answer politely and he studies me worriedly.
"May I?" He asks as he reaches a hand out for my wrist, he is asking both me and Marcus.
"Yes." I say as Marcus nods. Aro takes my wrist gently and I feel Marcus tense at our contact.
"It's just a bruise?" Aro asks and I nod.
"It should be gone in a few days." I assure him and he smiles, caressing my hair.
"Good, that's good dear." He says, then he walks over to his throne and sits down. "Let's begin, shall we?" He asks everyone, several mumbles 'yes master'. "Most of you already know or have probably realised that Isabella here-" He gestures to me. "-are Marcus' mate." A few gasps are heard throughout the guard. "You will protect and respect her as you do us." He orders and everyone answers 'yes master' again. "Marcus?" He asks and Marcus takes a deep breath.
"Isabella is my true mate and while I'll never forget Didyme-"
"May queen Didyme rest in peace." All of the guards say automatically and he nods.
"I need to move forward with my life, our life." He holds me a little tighter. "Isabella is my present and future and whomever tries to harm her or in other ways tries to separate us-" I place my hand over his mouth.
"What my mate, filled with instincts, is trying to say is that I'm going to be living here now and in a while we'll marry and I will get changed. He will protect me against everything and anyone so I hope we can all live in peace here, please?" I say and some chuckles at my brave interruption, nodding agreeingly. Marcus nuzzles my neck instead of trying to speak further since everything that comes out is threats.
"That was everything for today, friends." Aro ends the meeting with amusement in his voice. The guards say goodbye and exit the room swiftly. Aro stands up and gives me a grin before he and Caius walk out as well.
"Bella, my mate." Marcus whispers and I chuckle wrapping my arms around his neck.
"I'm only yours but now I think you promised to take me out for dinner?" I ask and he raises his head from my neck, smiling widely at me.
"Yes, let's go." He agrees and carries me back to his bedchamber, placing me gently on the bed. I get up and kiss his cheek gently.
"I'm going to get ready and I'll meet you here in fifteen minutes?" I ask and he smiles but shakes his head.
"I'll come and get you." He promises and I hug him gently before I walk through the door joining our rooms. I look around amazed, everything I had last time I was here is placed exactly where it where in the other room. I smile at vampire memory and then I get dressed. I found a beautiful red dress in my wardrobe and a pair of matching shoes, thanks Jane. Right when I'm done there is a knock on the door and I smile and open it for Marcus. He looks very handsome in a coal black suit. He bows politely and gives me a large bouquet of red roses. I thank him and place it in a vase, then I turn back to him with a smile.
"May I?" He asks formally as he offers his arm and I smile politely, inclining my head a little.
"You may." I take his arm and he places his hand gently on mine as he leads me through the corridors until we enter the library. I smile amazed at him as I see the table that has been arranged right in the middle of the library. When I lived here, the library was my favourite place and I spent a lot of time here with him here. We talked and talked, often until I fell asleep against his shoulder. He became a good friend but I have now realised it was our bond trying to keep us together. He holds my chair out as I get seated and then he takes my hand over the table. Two of the guards carry my plate and two wine bottles out to the table. It's chicken parmesan. They pour the wine up in each glass and then they leave swiftly.
"Are you drinking?" I quirk an eyebrow at him and he chuckles.
"It's vin de sangue." He says and I smile at him.
"Blood wine?" I ask and he smiles widely.
"You understand some italian?" He questions and I nod.
"I started trying to learn it after I moved back to the states." I say and he smirks pleased.
"You don't mind do you?" He asks, gesturing to his glass and I smile at him, taking his hand over the table.
"No, I don't." I assure him as I begin eating my food and drinking my wine.
"I have been thinking…" He begins and I nod for him to continue. "Would you mind sleeping in my bedchamber straight away?" He asks politely and I smile at him.
"No, I would like that very much. I'm wondering one thing though." He nods and I start asking him questions about what happened since we saw each other last. He claims not much has happened but I know if I ask Jane or Alec or maybe even Demetri they will explain about all the fights and all the trails. I admire him for not thinking much about what has happened, I know he was sad before me. When I have finished my food Marcus takes a deep breath and stands up, helping me up from my chair.
"A dance?" He asks and I smile, taking his hand. He pulls me tight against him as he holds me by my waist and my hand in his. I rest my head on his chest and he steers me in a slow waltz.
"Isabella, my darling, my mate. I have explained to you how I would have courted you in my human time but I'm not patient enough-" He looks down to meet my eyes. His eyes catch mine with all of his unconditional love. "-I have gotten to know you now as well as several years ago. I have given you roses, I have taken you out on a date and I have taken you out dancing. Isabella…" He pauses and pulls away from me, getting down on one knee. "Will you marry me?" He asks and I smile widely.
"Yes Marcus, I will." I throw myself into his arms as he slides the ring quickly onto my finger, kissing me passionately the whole time.
"Tomorrow?" He whispers hopefully, I chuckle and nod.
"Yes, I'll marry you tomorrow." I agree and he kisses me, smiling against my lips.
"Thank you, my love." He whispers before he pulls me up in his arms again. I cuddle into his embrace as he carries me back to our bedchamber. "It's late, love. You should get some sleep." He murmurs and I pout slightly, holding him tighter and kissing his neck gently. He laughs quietly. "Wait until tomorrow, my mate." He chastises. I smile at him and relax in his embrace.
"I love you." I whisper as I close my eyes.
"I love you too." He holds me tighter and starts rubbing my back gently, lulling me to sleep.
