Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight or any of its characters. The story and characters belong to Stephanie Meyer. Also, I apologize for any errors. I don't have this story beta'd (mostly because I am unsure of how to even go about doing that), so the errors are my own.
Chapter 2: Meeting Isabella
Now all of the Cullens had their eyes and ears directed to the door that led to the east corridor off of the throne room. Aro, while noting the distraction carried on with the meeting. However, Esme noticed that his eyes carried a twinkle that she had not noticed before. She quickly glanced at the other kings and noted a look of pride from Caius and a look of amusement from Marcus. She wished more than ever that she had Edward's ability to read the thoughts of others.
After the introductory proceedings, Aro invited the family to take a tour of the castle. As they progressed through the aged stone work they made their way to the interior gardens. Now Esme heard the sound of a small heartbeat and heard whispered voices speaking in Italian. Oddly, she still didn't smell blood. Then out of the corner of her eye she saw a small girl running toward them. As the little girl ran she exclaimed, "Papa, look! I did it! I did it all by myself!" Then to the surprise of the entire Cullen family, the little girl threw herself into Aro's arms smiling widely while bringing her tied shoelaces to his attention.
Aro, looking completely enraptured by the girl and stated happily, "I am so proud of you, Isabella! I knew you could do it!" After beaming at her father's proud accolades, the little girl, the Cullen family just learned to be named Isabella, turned in her father's arms and seemed to realize that her father was with guests. She blushed and hid her face in the crook of her father's neck. Aro whispered in the girl's ear, "No need to be bashful little one. Let me introduce you to the Cullen family. I am sure that you will love them."
A soft, "But their eyes, Papa, they don't drink from puppies do they?" Esme's heart clenched at the sound of the fear in the child's voice. She in all her years of being a vampire had never felt as though she was a monster. Yet in that moment, at the look of fear in the child's eyes, she wanted nothing more than to renounce her immortal existence.
Aro responded after a brief chuckle, "No my little one, your precious cucciola is safe."
"You are sure." She responded hesitantly.
"I promise." Aro stated with certainty.
Isabella seemed to relax and moved her head out from under Aro's. While the father and daughter were having their brief conversation, Suplicia emerged from around the bend in the garden path. When she caught site of the scene she smiled serenely and addressed the Cullens, "It is very nice to see you again Carlisle. Your family has grown since we last met; as has ours." She then inclined her head and looked to the rest of the Cullen family, "My name is Suplicia; I am Aro's wife." Upon noting the distracted glances at Aro and their daughter she continued, "let us retire to the clearing ahead and get reacquainted. I am sure that you have some curiosities that you would like to be relieved of. I know that Aro has already met each of you, but I would also like to become familiar." At that, she turned and led the Cullens to the clearing.
The clearing was nestled among tall trees and was lined with a small creek on the western edge. Aro and Suplicia settled themselves on one of the benches. Isabella snuggled into her mother's lap and took surreptitious glances at the Cullens while they settled themselves on the remaining benches.
It was during this time that Esme was able to get her first good look at the small girl. She looked to be four or five, but seemed small for her age. Her small heart shaped face was framed by chestnut ringlets. Dark, long lashes framed honey brown eyes. Her button nose contained a light dusting of freckles, and her small plump lips were curved in small smile that created a dimple in her left cheek. Angelic was the only thought that Esme could conjure to describe this precious little girl. Something that puzzled her though was that while she could smell the blood, which inevitably was pumping through the child's veins, the aroma was very feint. It was almost as though the smell of her blood was being blocked from her senses.
She also took this time to note how comfortable this girl was in the embrace of Suplicia, a woman from what she had heard from Carlisle was quite ruthless. But she did note the tenderness in Suplicia's smile when she looked at Isabella, and the way caressed the young girl's hair. Esme knew that Carlisle was not one to exaggerate or speak ill of anyone. In fact, he often saw people as better than they truly were. If Carlisle said the queen was ruthless, than she must have bordered on evil. Yet the woman in front of her seemed open, warm and kind. Esme couldn't help but wonder if this small little child was responsible for the change.
Aro, too, was different from her expectations. Carlisle had told her that Aro was as manipulative as the queen was ruthless. He had called him a collector of gifts. And yet, not once had Aro tried to lure one of my children to serve him. He seemed content and happy. Was his happiness also the product of this little girl?
Esme was so caught up in her thoughts that she failed to realize that the king had spoken her name. She quickly apologized for her distracted attention and politely asked them to restate the query. Suplicia gave her a knowing smile and stated, "Not to worry my dear, Aro was simply introducing me to your family. Perhaps Aro and I should tell you a bit more about our Isabella here. I feel as though our family seems to have you perplexed and curious." At this, the little princess colored and averted her gaze. She looked to her mother and spoke softly in Italian. Suplicia smiled before responding in English so all could understand, "Do not worry little one, the Cullens simply did not know that we had a child and were surprised. They are curious to hear the story of how you came into our lives. I have a feeling that they would all like to get to know you as well. Would you be okay with spending some time and getting to know them?"
"You will stay with me?" A small voice responded in almost a panic. It seems she still didn't quite believe that the vampires with golden eyes could be trusted.
"Of course, my darling." Suplicia responded with a chuckle.
The little princess nodded in affirmation and Aro began the tale.
"Ah I do love to tell this story!" He exclaimed. "However, I won't go into all the details, for I do not wish to bore you. You see, a few years ago, my wife and I were touring the surrounding city. We like to do this from time to time to stay abreast of the current cultural trends, you know and…", he began to ramble and Suplicia elbowed him gently.
"Right, sorry. As I was saying, Suplicia was the first to hear baby Isabella's cries. As soon as she picked her up I knew that she fell in love with our little princess. Then the most astonishing thing happened. Our little piccolo reached out and touched my face and nothing. I couldn't hear or see a single thing from her! It was the most amazing thing." Aro chuckled at this, before continuing. "Upon seeing my startled reaction, baby Isabella smiled up at me. Ah, my heart just melted. I knew then that we had just gained a daughter." Aro looked as if his eyes misted over as he looked down at his daughter in Suplicia's lap.
Suplicia continued, "So we brought Isabella home with us and she has been with us ever since."
"What of her safety around some of your newer and less controlled guard?" Carlisle responded with a bit of awe mixed with a slight guarded rebuke.
"Ah yes, this is most peculiar. Just as I cannot read her thoughts, neither can anyone detect her smell. I am sure that, while you have not dined on human blood in quite some time you still remember the smell, you have noticed that she does not carry the aroma or appeal associated with being human?"
"I had noticed, and it is very peculiar." Carlisle intoned with a look of fascination.
"Almost as if she was meant to live with and be raised by vampires…" Aro said almost dreamily.
Esme was watching Isabella with interest as the story unfolded. She knew there was more to the story of how the baby had been found and most likely dealt with a tragic accident or crime that was committed against the girl's human parents. What fascinated Esme, however, was the way that Aro did not shy away from the fact that they were vampires or that they drank human blood. The little girl seemed to have no fear of them. In fact the only fear she expressed was of Esme, herself, and her family, presumably because they drank animal blood. She would be lying if she did not admit that this fact was troubling and completely baffling. For some reason she wanted this little girl to like her. Perhaps it was her innate motherly instinct that drove her desire. But if she was sure of one thing, it was that she wanted Isabella to be comfortable with her. She found herself almost desperate with the desire to prove she was worth the young girl's affection.
Esme looked around at the rest of her family and saw that they were similarly transfixed. Isabella seemed to have won them all. Rosalie, too, seemed to be struggling to maintain her normal aloofness. Yes, she was still holding her piercing glare and she even postured herself as though she did not care, but Esme thought that Rose was trying a bit too hard to appear cold. Everyone knew that one of the hardest parts of being a vampire for Rosalie was the inability to have a child of her own. Looking at a child so young in the arms of another vampire, and one that was called so affectionately, 'Mama' seemed to make her yearn for something similar. Esme would bet that Rose would do just about anything to get a chance to know the little girl even if she did not show any interest outwardly.
Esme then saw her youngest, Alice, get up slowly to approach the little angel. She heard her say softly with a smile, "Hello Isabella, my name is Alice. We are going to be good friends, I know it." Isabella smiled slightly and responded with her slight Italian lilt, "How do you know?"
"Did your father not tell you?!" Alice exclaimed in mock aghast, while playfully placing her hand across her chest. "I can see the future. It is my gift. And I see you and I being the best of friends."
"Can you really see the future?!" Isabella stated with a mix of wonder and hesitation.
"I can. Want me to prove it?"
"Yes, please!" Isabella's eyes widened in anticipation.
"Okay, in exactly three seconds a member of the guard is going to come to ask for your father's presence in the throne room. Three. Two. One." Alice counted down.
On cue and young guard member approached quickly and called Aro to the throne room to discuss an urgent matter.
If possible, Isabella's eyes widened further. "You really can see the future!" and then she continued to say something else in Italian which caused a small chuckle from Suplicia.
At Alice's arched eyebrow, Suplicia translated, "Little Isabella was just wondering if she would have to eat her vegetables tonight."
Everyone shared a brief chuckle and then Alice continued her conversation with Isabella.
"Would you like to meet the rest of my family?"
"Okay", Isabella responded, her shyness returning but it was mixed with a curiosity to meet the rest of the Cullens. Her curiosity, not doubt peaked by Alice's ability and a desire to learn what the others could do.
"This is my husband and mate Jasper. He can read and create emotions." Jasper approached slowly and extended his hand for Isabella. When she took it, he brought it to his lips and gave her knuckles a soft kiss.
"It is a pleasure to meet you Princess." He drawled.
"It is a pleasure to meet you as well," Isabella responded with a courtesy clearly representing her status as Volturi royalty.
Alice continued with introducing Edward, Emmet and Carlisle. She then indicated, Rosalie.
"This is my sister Rosalie, she is Emmet's mate and wife." Rosalie approached carefully but presented herself as cold and aloof. Isabella, despite being courteous and curious about the other Cullens she had just met, shrunk back into Suplicia after witnessing the coldness from Rose. Rose's eyes flashed hurt and regret before she quickly schooled her features. Alice sent her a glare, but then continued.
"Don't worry Isabella; I have saved the best for last." Alice smiled briefly at me and then turned back to the small girl. "This is my mother, Esme. I know that you will like her very much."
Esme took a quick unneeded breath and approached the little angel. She smiled and spoke, "I am so pleased to meet you, Isabella." Before she could reach out and take her outstretched hand, Aro returned looked flushed and concerned. "I am very sorry to interrupt but I am afraid we are going to have to cut our visit short. A new development has arisen and we need to secure Volterra. We will be closing the city in two days' time, if you do not wish to stay; you will need to make arrangements to return home soon. My extreme apologies for the lack of hospitality but I am afraid we are about to be at war."
As if on cue, Alice's eyes glazed over in a vision. Edward, while seeing the vision reveal itself from Alice's thoughts, quickly made his way to Aro and grasped his hand. When the vision was finished, Aro fell to his knees and stated fiercely, "No, I will not allow that to come to pass." In that moment, the Cullen family saw why Aro was a king of the Volturi, the power radiated from his being and his eyes looked almost savage. He quickly turned to the entrance of the garden and called out in a deceptively calm voice that didn't reveal his inner termoil, "Jane, I need your assistance please."
Jane, Esme recognized as one of the most feared vampires because of her gift to cause pain appeared quickly by Aro's side. Esme instinctively flinched away from Jane as Aro inclined his head toward her. "Would you please take Isabella to get some lunch?" Aro spoke quickly. Jane nodded and held out her hand to Isabella.
"Come on munchkin." She spoke with a slight accent. "Let's go get you something to eat." Isabella beamed up at Jane and quickly grabbed her hand. As with the other vampires of the Volturi, Esme was learning that her assumptions of the others vampires were quickly being proven wrong. The care and sweetness in Jane's voice coupled with the obvious adoration that Isabella showed her was quickly dismantling Esme's previous beliefs.
As Jane and Isabella progressed down the path at the little human's speed the remaining vampires could hear the little girl telling Jane all about the Cullens she had just met, "…and one of the vampires, Jane, she could see the future. Can you believe that? She even proved it…"
As Jane's response to the child drifted into the wind, Aro turned to Alice with pleading eyes, "I must keep my daughter safe, I will do anything." Alice nodded in understanding. Having made the decision to do anything to keep his daughter safe, Alice was able to look at myriad futures. After a brief time passed, she gave Aro a bittersweet smile and placed her hand in his. A single drop of venom fell from his eye and seared its way down his cheek before he spoke, "let us make haste."