A/N: All rights go to Stephanie Meyers. I do not own anything except for any characters not originally in the Twilight Saga.
Chapter Twenty-Two: Leandra
I sit with Layla doing her beautiful hair for the tenth time today while she makes a drawing for Marcus while humming the lullaby grandmother used to sing to Myra and I. Marcus is in a meeting with Caius and Aro about something that has happened with the Cullens and Myra has taken my role as Marcus' personal guard since I am now a wife. I smile when Layla holds up the picture of Marcus when he was reading earlier by the fireplace and marvel at the detail for a child of only ten.
"Beautiful, my sweet, papa will love it when he comes back," I say with a big smile.
"Mama, what makes papa so special for us to be living like royalty?" Layla asks, as she goes back to her drawing.
"He is the king of the vampire race, my love. He protects us from the humans that would kill us if they knew what we were," I softly.
"Like the mean people that took me from you?" Layla asks. I stiffen for a moment at the memory of seeing her being taken from me.
"Yes, just like those people and they will never take you from me and papa ever," I say while going back to finishing her hair.
"Will I become a vampire like you and papa?" Layla asks.
"We will see what Aro and Uncle Caius say," I says softly. I finish her hair and then go to put her things away when the door opens gently.
"Papa!" Layla exclaims. I turn to see her running to Marcus and he scoops her into his arms with a big smile on his face.
"Hello, angel," Marcus chuckles once he has Layla in his arms and then peppers her face with kisses.
"Mama told me that you are like a king to the vampires," Layla says. She waves to Myra when she walks in and then turns her attention back to Marcus.
"That is right and that makes you a princess," Marcus says happily. Myra walks over to me with a small smile and I know then that she has some bad news for me when Layla is in bed. Marcus and Layla smile happily as they discuss the whole family and how the family came to be. Myra and I sneak into the room that has been deemed Layla's.
"What is the matter?" I ask quickly and quietly.
"It would seem the Cullens are being accused of making an immortal child and they are not going to get a fair trial. It is not safe here now for Layla anymore," Myra says.
"We are to remain here, this is our home now. Myra, she is safe so long as she has you and I here. Marcus will make sure no harm comes to her so long as we remain here," I hiss.
"You are blind, sister," Myra scoffs. "You are blinded by love for Marcus. He will be part of the trial and if he takes part in killing a family like this, then there is reason to believe he will do the same to us. Open your eyes and listen to your heart about this."
"I will not let you take away our chance of survival and happiness. Layla is happy here and I am happy," I snap. "We vowed to remain here forever as a wife and a guard. This is the only safe place for Layla because I know and trust Marcus."
"I hope you are right because we are to make the trip to see the Cullens. I have asked to remain behind to keep Layla safe," Myra says.
"If anything happens, take her to the mountains and watch over her there. No one will harm here there," I say firmly. Myra nods her head in agreement just moments before Layla wanders in with a big smile.
"I was wondering if Auntie Myra would like to join me in the garden before supper," Layla says sweetly.
"Of course I would, my sweet girl," Myra says with a wide smile. I leave them on their alone time to find Marcus and see what he will tell me about the meeting. Marcus is sitting in the chair by the fireplace with a blank look on his face when I enter the room. He does not move when I close the door and kneel before him, placing my hands on his thighs gently.
"My love," I purr. Marcus blinks to focus on me and his wonderful smile spreads across his face.
"I missed having you in the meeting room today," Marcus says sweetly.
"I missed being in the room with you. Please tell me what was said," I beg softly. "Will any harm come to our daughter?"
"She is safe, my sweet," Marcus says. He pulls me into his lap to hold me in his arms and bury his face into the crook of my neck. "You and I must leave with my brothers to see to a trial of an immortal child being made. I do not want to take you in case there is danger, but there is not much I can do about it. Athenadora and Sulpicia are going as well, so you must go since you are my wife."
"Not a recognized one though," I grumble. Marcus kisses my jaw with a soft chuckle and then holds me tighter.
"Lea, promise me that if anything happens you will run and keep our daughter safe," Marcus whimpers. I caress the side of his face, feeling my heart break at the idea of losing him.
"I promise, my love," I whisper.