Hi! Thanks to all of you who reviewed you guys are awesome it has really pumped me up for the next chapters. Here is chapter 2, it is a little shorter than the first. Enjoy!

Chapter Two

Arrival

It has been a while since we have visited Volterra, and from the looks of it it hasn't changed much in over 200 years. The city is surrounded by a great stone wall, with only two major entrances. We entered the city on the East it was so beautiful during the day, the light of the sun shone brightly on the main square. I could hear the clock tower chime above the fountain in the square it must be top of the hour. The humans around us were busy about their lives, not even aware of the constant stream of vampires arriving in their city.

Driving on the cobblestone roads were something I remembered from childhood, but at least the car made it a tiny bit comfortable now. The last time we were here we arrived in a black carriage being pulled by four Spanish horses. Traveling then was tedious and long, especially if we had to travel at human pace. I am surly thankful for modern technology without it I'd still be on a boat crossing the English Channel.

We arrived at the castles main gates, the iron gates opened with ease, to allow us entrance. The castle was made from the same stone as the walls surrounding the city. In fact most of the city itself was built from this light stone. It was now approaching sundown, we were greeted by two males, clearly part of the guard. I recognized the first one immediately. Tall about six foot three, his hair was dark and wavy touching the top of his shoulders. He was very muscular; you could tell even through his clothing, his eyes were a deep crimson. "Ah, Demetri, how nice it is to see you again" my father greeted him with a handshake.

"A pleasure again my lord and you highnesses." he spoke fluidly. Demetri helped my mother out of the car and gave orders to some others to take our things to our rooms. I was about to step out when a cool hand touched mine. I looked up a bit startled, he must have been the second male. He was breathtakingly beautiful, his eyes held all my attention. They were a bright topaz I had only seen one other vampire with eyes like his. He was too beautiful to describe his features were so defined like a Greek god. And then he spoke. "Good evening Princess"

My dead heart ached at the silkiness of his tone. It was as if an angel just sang a hymn. I let him help me, I was so taken I couldn't find the words to speak. He was much taller than me from the looks of it about six foot one. His hair was a bit messy a dark bronze color, I liked it. I should have said something by now, but I couldn't. He just held my gaze as well as my hand. He looked a bit frustrated, confused maybe. My father noticed my frozen state and interjected.

"Thank you my boy, sorry she isn't used to traveling such distances." Immediately I blushed something most vampires can't do. His eyes stared at me a bit more intense now, but I could clearly see intrigue in them now.

I finally found the words, "Thank you, I am Bella". His eyes were burning into mine if breathing was a necessity for my kind I would have fainted by now. He softly replied, "Anytime princess I am here to serve you".

Again a blush stained my cheeks man did I hate that trait. I think I caught a small smile coming from him now. "Please call me Bella, princess is so formal don't you think? "I added "What may I call you?"

He seemed amused at my first statement "Well Bella it is then, very nice to meet you, I am Edward Cullen. You may call me Edward". My mind sparked with remembrance when he said his last name. "Cullen? That sounds familiar, hmm…oh yes, as in Carlisle Cullen?" I asked politely.

His eyes lit up at the name, "Yes the very one, he is my father so to speak, do you know him?" his velvety voice rang in my mind.

I shook my head "I met him when I was a child, here in Volterra, he was staying here with my uncles". "I believe he and my father knew each other fairly well". We were now at our rooms, I didn't even notice walking into the castle, and this Edward was very distracting.

"Here we are Bella, is there anything else I can do for you?" was it a question or a request I thought. "Nothing now, but I would like to speak more about your father if that's okay?" I asked kindly.

"I would be happy to speak with you again and I am sure Carlisle would be too." Edwards's voice was happier now. "He is here?" he nodded yes "Wonderful, later than?" With that he walked out of my room, I thought I heard him say something before the door closed "Later my Princess".

My room was very large and very blue. Blue has always been a favorite color of mine it seemed to be a natural complement to my pale skin. There was a large queen bed against the wall and a little sitting area with a fireplace. A large armoire in a beautiful dark wood stood in front of an open area I assumed to be the bathroom. My assumptions were right, the bathroom was luxurious, and the same blues flowed into the room. There was a sunken tub in the center of the room I made a mental note to take advantage of this later.

Sophie was putting my things away in the armoire and laying out my evening clothes. I went to see what my view would be out the large window, perfect I was over looking the ocean. I always loved the mysterious sea it held so much that was unknown. To me it was a place of peace and serenity.

"Bella" Sophie's voice brought me out of my reverie. "You must look beautiful tonight it is your mother's orders". "Tonight you will start your search for your soul mate, but I think you may have already found him, No?" She hinted smugly. My stupid blushes gave away the hope I had for her to be right. "He is fine I will agree, but remember he has to love me and I believe I frustrate him easily".

Sophie just laughed "You will see he will love you" she smiled wickedly. "And if he doesn't he is a fool".

"Sophie! We just met and we know nothing about each other, maybe he already has a mate." I hoped my words were not true.

"A man with a mate doesn't look at a woman like that, he was taken by you. He never once let his gaze leave yours, it was as if you had him in a trance" she smirked again. My mind thought about her words and my heart seemed to pulse again. She was just finishing up my hair, adding a sparkling emerald green crown to my chocolate curls. I looked up to see the final results, it was amazing, and Sophie was a miracle worker. My green velvet dress was just perfectly fit, accentuating all my best features. My skin was glowing thanks to the shimmering lotions she used I even noticed the pink nail polish on the tips of my toenails. She didn't leave anything out.

"Magnific! My job here is done it is your turn now princess. You must capture their attention and hold it" she smiled and winked.

"Oh Sophie, thank you, I will do my best" I wrapped my arms around her small frame. She hugged me tightly and flashed another bright smile.

Just then I heard footsteps approaching my door. "Bella, it is time" my father said as he knocked on the door. "I am ready father" I said with just a whisper. He took my hand and kissed my forehead "You look beautiful my child." I blushed in response "thank you father you look handsome as well." We walked down the long hall I noticed portraits of my mother and her family adorning the walls between doors. At the end of the hall was a huge painting of our family "I remember this one" I said as I pointed at it. "Yes, you were only 10. My how you have grown into a young woman and now ready to take a mate." His words were shaky he tried to clear his throat. "Don't be sad father I will always be your little girl" I gave him a half hug as we walked into the main hall. My mother was waiting patiently for us she looked stunning in her fuchsia dress.

She embraced me securely "oh Bella you look divine!" She took my father's hand and walked up to the main doors. Demetri greeted my parents and went to announce our arrival. I was starting to panic; my nerves were working against me. My mother grimaced "don't worry dear it's just your uncles." I wasn't nervous about them I was anxious to see Edward again, would he even be here tonight? My mind was whirling with thoughts of him how could he have this effect on me? Demetri motioned for us to enter I inhaled deeply and murmured beneath my breath, here goes nothing.