Chapter 27

Bella's POV/February 4th

It was early one Sunday morning and we were all still in our pajamas.

"We need to start planning." Chala blurted.

"Planning for what?" I asked.

"My birthday."

"What do you wanna do?" Hannah asked.

"I wanna keep it simple. A guest list of 100 people." Chala replied.

Hannah and I exchanged a look. We both knew Chala never kept anything simple. "Is there a catch?" I asked, suspicious.

"Nope." Chala said, emphasizing the p sound. "Let's go talk to my dad."

So we all got up and started the long trek to the first floor of the castle where the offices were located. All the staff and guests of Aro, Caius, and Marcus greeted us with respectful salutations of, "Buongiorno, principesse." We gave everyone nods of acknowledgment and kept walking until we finally reached Caius's office. Chala knocked.

"Come in." he called. Chala opened the door and we walked into the clean and opulently furnished room.

"Daddy, I came to talk about my birthday." Chala announced. Hannah and I sat down in the chairs opposite of the desk.

"I was wondering when we were going to have this conversation." Caius smiled, "What do you want?"

"Well, I'm keeping the number of guests lower this year. About 100. The only gift I want is my driver's license."

I could tell we were all surprised my Chala's request. Even Caius seemed momentarily lost for words.

"Chala, you are too young to qualify to try for your license. You don't even have a learner's permit. Is that really all you want? You know money is never a problem." Caius said, coming out of his momentary stupor.

"Daddy, I know I'm too young but can't you pull some strings? This is really all I want." Chala said solemnly, her eyes big and pleading.

Caius sighed and smiled. "Okay, dear. I will see what I can work out."

Chala beamed, gave him a kiss on the cheek, and flounced out of the room.

"You are going to get her something else, right?" Hannah asked curiously.

Caius smiled. "Of course I am."

"Good." Hannah and I said in sync. We then told Caius goodbye and left the office to return to our floor of the castle.

February 28th

Chala has had us up since this morning creating her birthday invitations. She wanted to add her own homemade touch to them this year. This year she wanted to have a costume party. We have golden scroll paper decorated in fancy trimming. The scroll reads:

You are cordially invited to the

Royal Costume Birthday Bash

Of

Principessa Chala Knechele Fletcher-Volturi

On March 4th Volturi Ball Room from 8 pm-12 am

Dress up in costumes.

R.S.V.P (888)-555-1212 or speak with one of the Royal 6 members

The Royal 6 study on the office wing of the castle is a mess. There is paper, scissors, glue, glitter, and sequins everywhere. By the time we were finished, Chala was so tired that she fell asleep on the floor with a rolled up and completed scroll in her hand. Hannah and I finished putting the scrolls in the black cases. Demetri picked Chala up and ran her to her room. We are hosting an assembly at school tomorrow to pass out the invitations and I am pretty excited.

The Next Day/Hannah's POV

The assembly is short and goes well. Most of the guests are in Chala's classes and on the cheer and dance teams, but Chala allows Alec to invite 5 boys from each of the male varsity sports teams. I invite 5 the starting 5 from the Varsity Girls' Basketball team and Bella invites Zoey and Tori. Everyone who is invited is ecstatic. Chala usually invites way more people to her parties so there are a lot of disappointed and pissed off students but they won't confront any of us. This is Chala's party so whatever she wants goes.

The assembly looks to be over when Felix approaches the microphone and grabs everyone's attention simply with his presence. "I have an announcement to make on behalf of the Royal 6 and the whole Volturi family."

Chala, Bella, and I all exchanged curious looks. We were standing on the floor in front of the stage where we had been giving out invitations.

"As most of you may know, Bella Swan is the newest and final addition to the Royal 6 as Demetri's girlfriend. She is the newest member of our family and now officially bares the royal Volturi name. Welcome to the family, Bella. I now present Isabella Swan-Volturi." Felix grinned.

Bella looked shocked and embarrassed as she stumbled up the stairs and over to the microphone.

"Uh, hey guys," she said, her cheeks bright red. "I'm pleased to serve the Royal 6. Thanks for the support." She finished. Applause filled the room. She shot a murderous glare at Felix. I giggled. I wasn't gonna save his ass this time. He knew how shy Bella could be in front of a crowd. He deserved that look and whatever else Bella threw at him.

Buongiorno, principesse means "Good morning, princesses" in Italian.

Principessa means Princess in Italian.