A/N: Hello and Happy 2021! I'm sorry for the extended break, however, I had some relatives that came down with the virus and needed to shift focus for a bit. We did lose a few family members which was the reason for the extension but it's a new year with new possibilities and new hope I'm ready to jump back in! I hope you like the newest installment and

Enjoy!

When You Love Someone

Chapter 22 – The Show Must Go On

It's been a full 24 hours since my imprisonment and true to Aro's word I was, indeed, alone. My wrists and feet were shackled and the iron bars were coated in venom making it impossible for me to escape or for me to even touch them. The dirt-covered floor proved to be a possible escape but after about 100 feet there was a tile that was coated in the same venom.

I was trapped and I didn't even know until it was too late.

The only comfort I had was above me muffled voices rang out which I quickly deduced was my own trial. I couldn't hear the charges but Aro's voice was the loudest. He demanded that my trial be moved and that I should be tried at the highest order. Really I should be flattered he considered me that great of threat however I know that if Caius and Marcus agreed I wouldn't be walking out alive.

I needed time and lots of it. My only solstice for that lied strictly in their disagreement. Aro, of course, was arguing hard to have a swift trial, going as far as to not even giving me the chance to speak however Caius was the one who disagreed. I had to say I didn't give enough credit to Caius. He was nothing if not a stickler for the law. Marcus, on the other hand, was much laxer, I shouldn't be surprised though; after all, it was Marcus who seeded the idea of my eventual change and even allowed me the choice in the first place to change or die. Not much of a choice I admit but now seeing how drastic Caius and Aro could be that if I made it out alive I needed to think Marcus again. He saved my life and is still fighting for me. He was adamant that I was given my chance to speak and Caius agreed.

Now it all mattered on evidence and gathering witnesses. So far it seemed that both lower ranking and high ranking officials were called and I knew Marcus wanted Carlisle since I heard his name spoken more than once, however, Aro was strictly against the idea. A conflict of interest was his argument and I couldn't help but roll my eyes.

Regardless I was thankful for their bickering, it offered me time to think and try to figure out the next step if there was one. I had to focus and think.

The longer they fought the more time I had. Time to devise a plan, just in case. I trusted Alec and I know he would find the letter, he knows about the key and I just had to trust that he would bring him down. Alice and Jasper were somewhere hidden away although it came back to trust. I had to trust Chelsea's word that they were okay and they will find some way to get in contact with Alec. There was Edward however that tracker was only good for a three-day period and I didn't even know what day it was. I want to think he received word and was working on a plan but I couldn't count on it. Not that I couldn't count on Edward (although let's be honest it's Edward) but that eventually it would be relayed back but I didn't know if I had eventually.

I sighed as I eyed the dirt wall, an idea played in my head but it was risky, and if I'm being honest stupid but I was running out of options and allies.

In my letter, there was no mention of Aro, only Caius and that was exactly what Aro had planned and I couldn't let that happen. I could chip my finger, not to mention the pain but I couldn't think of that now.

As I tore a piece of my shirt away, I clawed at the dirt and debris until the stone-faced me. Even now I could faintly see the shimmer of the venom. It was too much to dig through and escape but maybe it was thin enough to write a message. It didn't even need to belong, I just needed to write a name.

As I took an unneeded breath I clamped my jaw on my hand and focused my will on the sting of my own venom rather than the venom on the walls although if I'm being honest it wasn't working very well. Whimpering slightly I kept my nail pinned to the wall. Each scratch was like fire and I knew my finger was going to be red and scarred but I couldn't care about that, I couldn't think of that. I needed to do this, I needed to let him know. If this was the last thing I could do then I'll be damned but I'll do it. With the 'O' written finally I gasped and sunk to the floor holding in my sobs as I nestled my hand in my chest, trying to bring some relief to my burning hand.

I breathed heavily as I groaned before I heard the metal door open and footsteps approaching. Scrambling quickly I piled dirt around the message and left my scrap of clothing before I found Felix walking towards me, a stoic expression on his face.

"Felix" I breathed as he nodded at me and stood on the other side of the bars, not breathing a word.

"I was told that you were needed in the throne room. Your defense is needed" He said robotically as stared. With my silence, he unlocked the barred door and grasped my arm tightly forcing me to stand.

"Felix, please, say something more. I'm your friend, I didn't do what they accuse me of" I pleaded as he looked straight ahead and shoved me forward.

"I'm not here to argue for or against you. I'm an enforcement officer and I'm here to enforce the law. If you are truly innocent it will be revealed just as if your guilty it will be proven" He said as his hand tightened more around my arm and my stomach dropped.

"Felix, you're hurting me" I whispered as I walked forward, keeping my pace with him as I saw his mouth move the tiniest bit and the crinkled of his eye before he softened his grip. At least it was something. "Thank you, Felix," I said softly as the light of the hallway shone and our footsteps echoed off the walls.

"Don't thank me, at least not yet." He grumbled as I scrunched my eyebrows together before the great doors opened as the three kings sat on their thrones, their expression impassive but the glint in Aro's eye sent chills down my spine and heat in my chest.

I didn't care what I had to do but he needed to pay.

"Your majesties, Isabella Swan" Felix announced as he shoved me to the ground, forcing me to kneel in front of them. From here I could more discreetly look around the room and I saw many lower-ranking guard members as well as Dimitri and Heidi. It seemed they were chosen as the witnesses.

"Isabella Swan, you are brought to us as a suspect on grounds of treason. You are suspected of conspiracy, espionage, colluding with a foreign enemy, and murder. We have reason to believe that you have been sent as an agent of the Romanian coven, their names Stefan and Vladimir, exchanging secrets of the Volturi by strategically allying yourself to the strongest members of the guard, notably Alec, Jane, and Chelsea. They are the strongest defensive and offensive weapons in our arsenal who possess great knowledge of the inner workings of our government. We have testimony from Chelsea as well, claiming that when she confronted you about your involvement you attacked her with the venom of the child of the moon and killed her mate. You know as well as I do that mate killing without good cause is grounds for death do you not?" Aro commanded as I glared at the floor but nodded my head.

"You need to speak Bella; your answers must go on record," he said smugly as I brought my head up slowly and stared him down.

"Yes I'm aware that mate killing is punishable by death," I said as I took a glance at Marcus.

"Are you aware that your other crimes are also punishable by death?" Aro asked as I said 'yes'.

"Good, then we may move on. How does the defendant plead" he asked, a smile playing on his lips as I looked down on the floor, trying to go over every possibility, every scenario; I had to be smart about this, what could buy me more time? I needed more time. Quickly an idea popped into my head and I knew I had to risk it.

"Guilty" I answered as Aro's smile dropped and both Marcus and Caius sat upright as there were quiet murmurs around the room. "I plead guilty to the murder of Afton" I announced "but nothing else. I am innocent of everything else!"

"How could that be a child? Why would you murder Afton if you are cleared of all other charges" Marcus asked as he waved his hand to quiet the onlookers as Felix and Heidi shared a look while Felix stared on.

"Yes Bella, do explain your reasoning for admitting to murder one of our own" Aro asked as he sat back and crossed his hands across his lap.

"Afton was cursed, he was bewitched by a potion. He attacked me in a garden unprovoked, he admitted he wanted to kill me because he was not in his right mind. I have a witness to this claim" I admitted as I breathed deeply as Aro frowned deeply and Caius looked on intrigued.

"How do you propose to bring such witness?" He asked as I looked around the room and put everything on the line. Feelings are damned, heartache be damned – it's the truth.

"Because Afton took the form of my mate – Alec. Alec knew that I was attacked disguised as him and tried to reason with me that it was indeed not him who tried to kill me but Afton. This ability was not known amongst other members of the guard however I discovered it was Afton when I shielded myself against Afton's attacks and his true form was revealed. I believe the only person who kept guard and charges over Afton's ability was Aro" I looked on as Aro stared me down as Marcus shifted in his seat and Caius turned sharply to Aro.

"Yes, that's true. Aro was in charge of Afton's ability since Afton and Chelsea's mating ceremony. It was the wish of Afton and Chelsea that his ability is made secret and was on a need-to-know basis. Alec has gone on many missions with Afton and Chelsea to keep guard on the Romanians" Marcus explained to the court as I kept my eyes on Aro.

"Yes, I was in charge of Afton and his ability however if your claims are true what reason for Afton to attack and how do you know about bewitchment. Such practices haven't occurred in ages" Aro asked as I shifted on the floor.

"I know because I had come across a book with recipes of potions and I had realized I had a talent of alchemy." I declared as more murmurs went around the room.

"Alchemy? How do you know about that?" Marcus asked astonished as Aro's frown deepened

"Marcus, I understand your mate wrote a book long ago about her discoveries and potions and that, it was common knowledge that the book was lost…but I found it. I didn't know what I had possessed but I knew that I felt a draw to it. When I practiced, I found that the potions, her writings made sense to me, so I experimented and realized that I was an alchemist. Like Didyme before me" I called as Marcus's expression softened and Caius remain shocked.

"In her book, I also discovered Didyme's laboratory beneath the palace, and concealed in her lab was her diary. All her memories and experiences leading to the war was in her book and through her findings was how I knew Afton was bewitched but I could not break the spell that bewitched him and if I had not killed him, I would be dead" I said as Marcus sat back and Caius continued to stare.

"Enough!" Aro said loudly as the room fell silent, all eyes on him. "That is enough lies girl! Brother please, do not fall for the desperate words of a traitor against your mate and my beloved sister. Her memory shall not be tarnished in such a way! I will not allow it!" Aro yelled passionately as I glared.

"I am not lying! I have her books! I have her diary! They are kept secret in the garden in Forks Washington because I was suspicious that Didyme was not merely killed in the battle but murdered! I know she was murdered and that her killer remained! That her killer knew of my discoveries and to keep secret of the horrendous deed he tried to kill me!" I yelled as the room erupted in chaos as Marcus growled and Caius gasped while Aro, for the first time, looked uncomfortable. Good.

"Calm! Calm yourselves!" Caius ordered as the whole room came alive with shouts and yells of my degree with many shouting for me to keep speaking but the room was so loud with conflicting ideas and opinions that Felix and Dimitri had to go into crowd control, and I could barely hear Caius shout for a recess before Dimitri yanked me from the floor and carried me away from the chaos as Aro's eyes remained on me.

Back in the cell, Dimitri settled me on the floor as I stared up at him as he stared impassively at the wall.

"You know you can still look at me, can't you?" I asked softly as the pain from my hand came back full force since there was no distraction left from the court.

"I'm not allowed to speak with defendants of the court until a verdict has been agreed on." He replied as he went back to staring at the wall as I sighed.

"Yeah, but I gave my verdict. I'm guilty of killing Afton. My scent and markings were all over the burnt pile, there is no escaping that fact. I just…want to talk to someone is all" I admitted as I rubbed my finger.

"Hmm" He muttered as I shook my head.

"Dimitri, could you please tell me where Alec is at least? The last time I saw him was in Forks, I didn't get a chance to fully talk to him. If I am guilty of other crimes, could I please talk to him first?" I asked as I saw Dimitri's face soften ever slightly.

"I can't, he may be your mate Bella but he is involved in the trial. Until we know the full extent of his involvement you cannot see each other" He responded as I felt the familiar panic enter my chest.

"But he's not involved! The only way he was because Afton impersonated him! I learned all else from Afton, he isn't involved I just want to see him!" I begged as he shook his head.

"I'm sorry, my hands are tied. Besides, we don't know exactly where he is" He admitted as I sat back on my heels.

"What do you mean? I thought you sent him after me when I went to Forks"

"We did, Marcus ordered Alec to stand by but after we confirmed he was in Forks he was headed north before his tracker was deactivated but we guess he's somewhere in the north. Jane got permission to retrieve a plane from us but once she landed in Seattle there was no other word from her and we suspect that they might be together." He explained as he eyed the door and looked back on me. Confliction on his face before he shook his head and unlocked the door to my cell and freed my hands but left my feet shackled.

"I believe that you won't make any escape attempts, especially since it is very little you can do right now, but you were, are, my friend. The recess is supposed to be short so whatever questions you have, ask them now" He muttered as he closed the door again and I rubbed my wrists together as I mumbled a small thank you.

"Dimitri…do you believe the charges against me?" I asked, almost afraid to hear the answer as he smiled grimly.

"Of all the questions to ask first, that's what you decide on" He sighed as he slowly shook his head. "Personally, I don't know. You have never given any reasoning to be a spy and I would have smelled something on you if you were unless you are privy to information, I don't know but you have been acting strangely these last few months. However, I'm not to decide it, Bella, I'm meant as a witness. That's all" he said quietly as I nodded.

I didn't know what to say to that, so I remained quiet, nursing my hand as I tried to keep my mind off the trial. This may have bought me some time, but I didn't know if that hindered or helped me. Eyeing Dimitri he seemed sympatric, although it was eerie seeing the easy-going man I once knew so serious and for once, my possible enemy although I didn't want to think that. Instead, I turned to my thoughts on Alec; the memories we shared and for once I smiled.

I may not have gotten enough time with him, but that fact I was able to meet him, to know him, to love him – maybe that would be enough for now. I just wished I could see him, just once. Even if I couldn't speak with him, I just wanted to see him. Then again maybe I could.

"Dimitri, if you can, please, there is a drawing of an indoor garden hanging on my wall, along with a portrait of Alec I have stored in the first drawer of my desk. Please may I have them? I just want them with me, I may not be able to see him but I want him close. Please?" I asked softly as he looked at me and looked to the ground.

"Fine, give me a few minutes" He muttered as he took out his phone and a moment later Felix was approaching us, and they nodded as Dimitri dashed away and Felix stood in his wake.

"Bella" he acknowledged as I smiled sadly.

"Hi Felix"

"You created a bit of scandal up there you know?" Felix mentioned as he looked at me from the corner of his eye.

"I think I did" I mumbled as he chuckled sadly.

"I know you did; believing you killed a mate and were attacked on the basis of a murdered Queen, and not just any Queen but Didyme and that you are the only other vampire in existence that shared her capabilities…you are the talk of the court at the moment, well, everyone upstairs anyways"

"It's the truth, I didn't conspire with anyone. I just wanted to find the truth and I did" I whispered softly as he quirked his eyebrow.

"You say that and yet you stay quiet. How are supposed to believe you, or better how are the kings supposed to believe you on this lunatic claim? Its mental is what it is." He asked skeptically as I laughed bitterly.

"At this point, I'm not looking to be believed, I know it's the truth but to say it…I would die either way. I just wanted to see Alec, talk with him, see him" I mumbled as he nodded his head slowly.

"The truth would get you killed. Does Alec know this truth?" He asked as I shook my head.

"No, he's not involved in this. He doesn't know anything, nor would I tell him. I want him safe" I whispered

"Well, that's what anyone would want when they love someone. I'm sorry you didn't have more time together" He said awkwardly as I cracked a smile and bit my lip to stop a sob.

"Me too"

"Bella" I looked up to see Dimitri rounding the corner with two pieces of paper in his hand as I smiled wide and reached my hand through the bars to retrieve them, Dimitri handing them to me gently.

"Thank you" I breathed as I unfolded them and Alec's face looked back to me, the portrait he drew of himself at my request. "Thank you so much" I whispered as I cradled them to my chest.

"You're welcome…you should know we're trying to locate them. When I gathered the pictures for you, Marcus intercepted me; He told me that Alec and Jane will be safe through this process. Marcus and Caius are in agreement of their innocence and I believe they may have gotten a hold of Jane. I figured this would bring you some comfort"

"It does, thank you, it really does although I still worry, there is only so much Marcus and Caius can do against a man like Aro" I murmured as they exchanged looks.

"What do you mean by that?" Felix asked slowly as I shook my head.

"I'm sure you'll know in the trial, but I know who killed Didyme. She was murdered and her killer is still here" I said as the two looked blankly at me.

"I know you said that in the throne room but what proof do you have? That's an extremely heavy claim Bella, for anyone to make. Didyme was lost to us, she was killed in the battle." Felix retold what I've heard so many times now.

"I know, but that's not everything. She was murdered because she posed a threat to the Romanian's power….and Aro's." I said firmly as Dimitri blanched and Felix's eyes bulged.

"Bella…" Dimitri breathed "You can't say that. Didyme was Aro's sister. For Aro to do such a crime…the consequences would be enormous. It would be catastrophic to the Volturi itself" Dimitri whispered as he shook his head in disbelief.

"Think about it, both of you. Aro is ambitus and does anything to keep the reign. It's well known in the world that Aro is the most ambitus of all of them. How many alchemists have existed before me? How many disappeared, died or fell off the map? I know I'm not the only one…ask Chelsea. There's a reason Aro is trying so hard to persuade Caius and Marcus to be rid of me. You both know me, I'm not a spy, or an agent, or even a cold blood killer. I admit I killed Afton and I'll have to live with that for an eternity, but I faced Chelsea. Ask Chelsea, talk with her if you don't believe me" I cautioned as another guard came in and Felix looked away from me, mumbling it was time.

Releasing a breath, I stood with the rest of my dignity and softly placed the drawings next to the torn piece of cloth, closing my eyes and savored the last few moments before I placed a kiss on his portrait. With my back turned I quietly snuck the bottle out of my breast and took a drink, the contents draining quickly and the taste bitter and left a burning acid feeling in my throat but it was done and turned to Dimitri and Felix smiling softly.

"I'm ready" I whispered as they unlocked the cage and I stepped out as Dimitri placed the stinging cuffs back on me for appearance's sake but thankfully didn't put them on as tight. As I walked side by side with Felix and Dimitri both of them shared glances with each other and the seeds of doubt I had placed were taking root. Maybe it wasn't enough to save me, but it might be enough for the truth to be revealed after I'm gone.

As we approached the doors, it started to hit me that I could die today. I wasn't sure if I had already made my peace with it or it was a shock but strangely enough, I wasn't scared. I had the overwhelming feeling I was going to be okay and that no matter what happened my family and friends were going to be okay too. I had to believe it; I didn't have a choice. I drank the potion but there was a chance it wouldn't work but I couldn't worry about that now. I showed my hand in this game of life and death and now it was time to play.

As before Aro, Caius and Marcus sat on their thrones but this time the tension was notable. Marcus was on edge and Caius looked determined while Aro sat as serene as ever but in his eyes was a frustration that wasn't there before.

"We have rejoined after the revelations Miss Isabella; to reclarify you are on trial for treason, conspiracy, espionage, colluding with a foreign enemy, and murder. You pleaded guilty to the last charge of murder of Afton, mate of Chelsea. Do you still stand by that plea?" Caius declared as I nodded. "Then let's proceed"

"Due to the evidence provided and your admission of guilt the matter of the Afton's murder is first on the agenda. You said that you didn't mean to kill him, that it was either him or you? Is that right?" Caius asked as I looked up into his stony expression and nodded.

"Yes, he disguised himself with a potion, I'm guessing it was of Didyme's invention. He disguised himself as Alec to gather the information I had discovered on Didyme and tried to dissuade me from investigating further" I explained as Marcus had this unusual expression on his face but yet, he remained silent.

"Why should believe you, Isabella? Afton has been a member for years, decades, and yet you kill him on what you claim was self-defense. What proof do you even have? You claim you found information on my sister from her book of remedies and her journal yet where are they?" Aro asked calmly as Caius raised an eyebrow.

"I hid them away, but I have my own journal as evidence. I wrote down all the completed recipes of Didyme's I could find and their effects and one of them was described Afton's symptoms exactly." I pleaded as I saw Dimitri look away then quietly exited the room only to return moments later with a familiar book in his hands.

"If I may, I present Bella's own diary as evidence" Dimitri called as all three kings turned towards them and Aro frowned. Marcus on the other hand was intrigued and walked from his throne to Dimitri who handed him the book gently.

Marcus for his part stood, just staring at my journal as he slowly flipped through the pages, and his eyes widened. "This is my Didyme" He whispered as witnesses around the room murmured.

"What was that?" Caius asked surprised as Marcus looked up shocked and stared directly at me.

"This is my Didyme. These are her recipes, I would recognize them anywhere. Most of these ingredients are in the most remote of places, lands where miss Bella would not have access to. Her book was true, found" Marcus declared as he closed my journal and handed it to Aro as he scowled while flipping through the pages.

"I concur with Marcus, these were my sister's," He said as Caius took my journal and flipped through it, all the while mumbling to himself whispering "It's uncanny"

"I copied all her recipes that were completed and finished including the effects. The potion I believed was affecting Afton was the impressionist potion. The ability to control another person's will. The eyes will glaze and the smoke would appear when it's waning; all of those were affecting Afton when he confronted me." I said as Marcus stepped forward.

"How did you discover her laboratory? It was hidden" He asked as I looked down and debated if I should disclose the location of the sanctuary. I could lie and say I found the caves but how could that be?

"Isabella, Marcus has asked you a question. Now answer it!" Caius snapped harshly as I flinched.

"I found it with Didyme's book. She left clues on where to locate it and what to look for" I admitted as Marcus nodded softly.

"Clues?" He asked confused as I nodded my head and closed my eyes shut as I rushed out the words "The entrance of the castle was hidden in the castle and I located it with the book. It was a puzzle of sorts and I found the room that led to the lab"

Marcus let out a rushed breath as he breathed "The office"

"What office," I asked as he shook his head and smiled at the tile.

"It was my old office in the times of Romanian rule. My brothers, I do apologize – but no one knew" He admitted as Caius huffed and Aro stared as Marcus continued "I believe Bella is telling us the truth. Aro, your sister shared your ambition but she was able to make an elixir that eluded my thoughts from any mind reader. We wanted it to be ours. We wanted it to be for us and us alone. The office was the entrance to her lab and from the lab to the garden. It was a gift for her but when the wars came it grew dangerous and had to abandon it. I thought it was destroyed." He whispered as Caius shook his head and walked over and placed his hand on Marcus's shoulder.

"That's not true, I found it Marcus" Caius admitted as Aro looked over sharply

"What garden?" Aro asked lowly as they both looked on and Caius patted his shoulder.

"It was an indoor garden, it's located near the pavilion; your sister valued privacy however I found it accidentally when Didyme was hiding there once. She was injured and retreated there. She asked to keep it a secret and I complied. It was never meant to be a slight against your brother" Caius explained as I kept my head down but watched the drama unfold as Aro glared at both of them.

"You dare keep secrets from me, with my own sister? What power did she have over you both that you would dare keep anything from me?!" He thundered as Caius straightened and Marcus glared.

"She may have been your sister but she was my mate. You do not own her or her memory! It was her wish to have it guarded since she was afraid you would ruin it!" Marcus thundered as I gasped as the court grew dangerously quiet.

"That I would ruin it? Exactly what are you implying Marcus?" Aro asked calmly as he walked over and Marcus stood his ground.

"That you have gone mad with the discoveries found. Didyme was careful of who she trusted with the recipes. Don't forget it was me who enacted the curse and the fact that this woman was able toi find them so easily in the span of a few months and you have never found them in a hundred years means you were never meant to find them! I know that you and Caius both were aware of the bargain I made. Just like Caius and I know of your passion Aro. You do not fool me. You could not handle it's power and Didyme knew that" Marcus declared as I stared open mouth at the scene before me.

Never did I imagine the desolate Marcus to stand this tall or strong-willed before. In those moments I saw the glimpse of the man that could prepare and lead hundreds of men and rule. I saw a king.

So did Aro.

"Are you challenging me, Marcus? Over this insignificant girl who is not only guilty of murder but defacing the memory of my sister and your mate?" Aro asked calmly as I felt all eyes on Marcus as he squared his shoulders.

"Aro this is not a challenge but an observation. Words of your sister and facts that cannot be changed. The garden exists and was given to a trusted guard member to keep safe." Marcus explained as I remembered the first meeting with Alec in the garden. How he looked so serene yet so sad. I now understand why.

"In addition Aro, I do not agree with your statement. I believe sufficient evidence has been granted of Afton's bewitchment. Death is too harsh for the crime. She admitted to the murder it's true but from the explanations, I believe it to be self-defense. I believe her innocent." He declared as my head shot up and Marcus smiled at me.

"I agree with Marcus. Enough evidence has proven that death would be foolish. She has information, Aro and if her claims of Didyme's death are true then they must be investigated. Her journal proves there is missing evidence and we must follow our own law." Caius instructed as I turned to stare at Aro who stood straight and stared down at both of them until he slowly nodded his head and grasped his hands together. With pursed lips, he turned to me and I knew the words before he even opened his mouth.

"It's decided then. There is enough evidence to prove of self-defense against the murder of Afton and in unity, we declare you…Isabella Swan, not guilty on the charge of murder of Afton." Aro said through clenched teeth as I smiled before Aro held up his hand.

"However I wouldn't celebrate, there are the charges of the conspiracy and espionage with the Romanians. There is just cause of conspiracy and espionage" Aro argued as Caius glared and witnesses started to mumble.

"Aro we have decided there is no evidence of a crime!" Caius demanded as looked back and forth between the two warring men.

"yes, but as a leader, I can veto which charges can be called back and there is new evidence based on the journal" Aro argued as Caius huffed and Marcus eyed him in contempt.

"And what evidence is that Aro?" Marcus asked as Aro smiled and clapped.

"I'm glad you asked; Felix please turn to page 78 and read aloud the contents" Aro instructed as Felix flipped through my journal and read aloud the entry of my first visit to Forks since my arrival in Italy.

"You see brother, she speaks of the shapeshifters in Forks. Stefan and Vladimir have been well known to call upon the children of the moon in the first war and these shapeshifters are the new generation. Caius, we know that we have hunted them to near extinction and when she arrived back less than two weeks later she returns. We know in that timeframe the Romanians made moves to attack. How do we know they did not receive this information from this woman? How do we know she wasn't giving them the lead" Aro asked before a throat was cleared from the corner of the room.

Aro turned sharply as both Caius and Marcus looked at Dimitri who quietly stepped forward and wrung his hands together. "I have a defense against that behavior," Dimitri said quietly as Marcus urged him to speak.

"There is no way for information to be sent to the Romanians without a way of tracking it. I am tasked by Caius to monitor all transactions with the scent of Vladimir and Stefan as well as all known informants. Bella has not once had the scent and on the day in question, she was with Alec before he was sent on assignment. If Bella was colluding with the Romanians I would know, I would smell their scents." He explained as I gave him a grateful smile and he gave me a small nod.

"That is true Aro, Dimitri is the best tracker in the world. Since we first learned of the Romanian's threat I sent out Dimitri immediately. Dimitri, Chelsea, and Alec have all been successful in their reports of the coven. There is no activity, they are behaving themselves." Caius said as he rolled his eyes. "You were the one to send out Alec on that assignment"

"I did which is why I suspect him as well. We don't know how many traitors are here. Why isn't he here? Custom dictates that mates be together when one is on trial. Where is Alec?" Aro asked as I sucked in a breath.

"Alec is innocent!" I yelled as Aro smiled.

"Mind your tongue!" Caius hissed

"Alec is innocent. I swear, he doesn't know anything about this. I kept it all to myself, everything! The journal, the book, the discovery of the lab – everything I ever found!" I pleaded as Marcus shushed me.

"I understand that may be but the question stands. Bella, you and Alec are mates, custom stands. It's the law – he was sent after you and let you run away from him, why?" Marcus asked as I bit my lip and ignored the tears of shame when I thought of his broken expression on the cliffside.

"I was scared of the connection. I was trying to ignore it. I was just attacked by a man that looked like the man I loved. I was afraid that it meant that I was never meant to know the love a mating bond can have, especially since it wasn't sealed. I was afraid of being hurt again, of being in the position of someone I loved telling me I wasn't what he wanted but I never wanted him hurt. I did what I could to keep him safe. To keep everyone I loved safe from harm or consequences the truth could have" I explained as Marcus nodded his head.

" I understand that having Didyme's journal and the book was dangerous. I was targeted more than once and if I was to be killed I didn't want any more blood spilled! Didyme has written frequently of danger here in the castle. If the court would permit me I could submit her journal, her own words to the court of the danger that was presented!" I yelled

"Absolutely not!" Aro interrupted as he nodded his head and stalked towards me and I could see his shadow looming above me. "You are to not drag my sister's name in the sake of prolonging your own imminent death!" Aro screamed as more and more whispers went around the room as Marcus glared and Caius gritted his teeth.

"Aro! You do not threaten a defendant. We do not kill unless it is justified and we do not threaten it unwarranted. You are out of line!" Marcus declared as he walked forward and placed his hand firmly on Aro's shoulder as his eyes shone with madness.

"It is warranted! She is my sister!" He yelled

"And she was my mate," Marcus said solemnly as Aro gritted his teeth and rolled his shoulders, inertly pushing his hand away.

"She is a danger to the community we have built, but to the world that we have made. We cannot be lenient!"

"We don't know that, there is no evidence that proves this definitely. We do not kill unnecessarily." Marcus argued as Caius came between them and his eyes met mine.

"Gentleman I believe we are at an impasse. Aro, we will not kill her, she has possessed no imminent threat at the moment. She has information on the Queen's death and it needs to be investigated. I push forward a house arrest for probable collusion until Didyme's diary and book are found and brought forward. Until then we will prepare a full trial and give Isabella due process as well as time for Alec to make his location known. She is due to the company of her mate in any trial put forth." Caius said as Marcus nodded and Aro stepped back and remained calm, as he gathered his composure.

"Agreed, that is a sound solution, and we need all the evidence that is here to come to a full conclusion. If you are not guilty" Aro said addressing me "Then you have nothing to fear. I admit I lost myself to the memory of my sister but she was the lost queen, she was my blood. If she was murdered and your claims prove true then rest assured we will find them and they will die for their crimes." Aro announced

"But if you are guilty then your punishment shall be twice as severe for daring to bring my sister's memory into your trial," Aro said dangerously as Marcus once again placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Then we come to a conclusion, Isabella Swan you are to be placed on house arrest. You are not to go anywhere or risk escape or you will be held in contempt in court and henceforth any protections liable to you are stripped." Caius declared as my head shot up at the degree as I looked to Marcus as he nodded solemnly and Aro nodded as well although his mouth was set into a grim line. The fact that Aro agreed at all was surprising.

"In liege of recent revelations, you're better to us alive than dead" Caius followed up with a sneer as he raised his eyebrow. "After all it seems you hold valuable information on the death of Didyme, Sister to Aro and Queen, mate of Marcus. We do not take these claims lightly and we will investigate with all the power of the Volturi. So, says I"

"So, says I" Marcus announced

"So, says I," Aro said quietly

"Felix, take her away and the court is adjourned!" Caius said dismissably as he stalked out of the great room and Aro gave me one last look before he turned away and Marcus went and sat heavily on his throne, pinching the bridge of his nose.

"Come on Bella" I heard Felix say softly as he grabbed my elbow, and I was lifted off the floor and ushered out of the room.

"Felix…I" I started as he shushed me.

"Not here" He whispered as I nodded. As he walked me out of the throne room I passed different witnesses. Some were growling and glaring in animosity while others were smiling gently and offered me silent encouragement. It was truly a sight to be seen.

Soon the chaos died and I was escorted out of the chamber, the grand doors shutting and the quiet remained.

"Bella your shaking" Felix observed as I looked down and my hands and arms were vibrating and I realized Felix was half carrying me away.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry" I repeated as I shook my head and Felix sighed before picking me up and ran us to the cell, only setting me down once he made sure we were alone.

"I thought I was going to die" I whispered as I eyed the cloth in the wall.

"yeah…but you didn't. You survived" He said as he knelt down and rubbed my arm, a vain attempt to relax me. "You survived Bella and from the journal, it looks like you may be right" He muttered as I stared at him.

"You believe me?" I asked softly as he nodded.

I saw the contents in the journal and I have never seen Aro look….desperate before. That has never happened. As long as Didyme's diary remains hidden before the trial there is a chance the truth will be known to all."

"and Aro?" I whispered as he looked away

"I don't know, I don't know what to say for the fate of the Volturi however don't concern yourself with that. I've been assigned your guard and I'll remain. Most likely Dimitri will be called to track Alec and Jane, possibly Carlisle as well"

"Why Carlisle?" I asked as Felix raised an eyebrow

"Carlisle was close to Didyme and was famous in the court of old. His relationship to you will be called into question as well and possibly Edward. I don't know but try to focus that in a day's time Alec will be here. Jane was contacted two hours ago, and she informed me that Alec was in Alaska with the Cullen's but left with Edward two days ago. She thinks they may be somewhere in London." Felix said as I gasped.

"He was trying to find me" I whispered

"What?" He asked confused

"I left Alec and he was trying to find me. He was coming for me" I whispered as Felix smiled before he suddenly became stiff and fell to the ground.

"Felix!" I shouted as went to him but I felt something splash on me and my muscles stiffened and I couldn't move.

"What" I gasped before a vampire entered the corridor wearing a mask.

"No, no!" I yelped before they walked forward.

"You are a threat to Bella Swan and we don't take threats easily." They whispered before spraying me with lighter fluid and I saw the flame as it was flying towards me.

"Aro sends his regards" I heard before the flames ripped high and I felt the heat on my skin and turned only to see the vampire gone and the fire climbing higher.

"Alec!" I screamed before the flames licked my skin and my world went black in a fiery blaze.

I guess I'm learning

I must be warmer now

I'll soon be rounding the corner now

Outside the dawn is breaking

But inside in the dark, I'm aching to be free

The show must go on

Inside my heart is breaking

My makeup may be flaking

But my smile, still, stays on

The Show Must Go On – Queen

A/N: So….we're finally here. We are heading into that major hurt/comfort tag. Also, next chapter get ready for a new perspective and we haven't heard from them all story! Any guesses? Thoughts, feelings? Tell me what you think and I'll see you next Monday!