Demetri

The next month was organized chaos. The lower guard were all traveling, delivering invitations to every coven all over the world. I watched as Bella became close as sisters with Didyme.

Bella even asked the Masters if she could guard the wives for a shopping trip so they could pick out their own dresses for the ball. To my surprise the Masters approved it. I took the Elites along on the shopping trip so the Masters didn't have to depend only on Bella's shield. The ladies had a fun time, teasing and playing with each other. Didyme was quieter than the others, still recovering from her incarceration, but she was obviously enjoying herself.

I spotted Marcus shadowing us a few times. I didn't let him know I'd spotted him. He was just protecting his mate, just as I would do for Bella.

When all the queens had chosen their dresses and accessories we made our way back to the castle. Marcus was there to greet his queen and I couldn't suppress a smile.

Bella suggested to the Kings that they allow their queens to go on more outings after the ball. The Masters agreed and the wives celebrated.

Two days before the ball Marcus called Bella and I to his office.

"Bella I would like to ask you to stay close to Didyme at the ball. It probably isn't necessary, but I know you can protect her." Marcus said.

"I'd be honored, Master," Bella said. I nodded my agreement. "We'll protect her, Master." I said.

The night of the ball came quickly. The elites, along with the Masters, were there to meet each guest as they arrived. I was surprised to see Emmett and Rosalie arrive both with red eyes. Rosalie acted like she didn't recognize anyone but Emmett smiled widely and waved at Bella. Bella waved back and I could see sadness in her eyes that she wasn't closer with her former brother but she'd made a family with us and I saw her look around and acknowledge that.

One of the last guests to arrive was a girl with curly red hair. I froze as Jasper broke ranks and growled. Their eyes met and held. "Mate," Jasper growled.

"Go get to know each other children, you are dismissed Major," Marcus said. The newly found mates disappeared from sight. I smiled widely and met Bella's grin.

"Who is she?" Bella asked me.

"Maggie of the Irish coven," I whispered to Bella. "She's a truth teller. She knows when people are lying."

We danced the night away beside Marcus and Didyme.

When Bella and Didyme were off fetching champagne and blood Marcus asked, "Demetri, I am considering giving up my position as King with the Volturi, in favor of more time with my Didi. I need to know that the Volturi will still judge fairly in my absence. Will you consider taking my position?"

"I'd need to consult with Bella before making such a huge decision," I said.

"You are the only one I'm considering. I know you would be able to act as a tie breaker between Aro's drama and Caius's enthusiasm for violence." Marcus said. "I will wait to announce anything until you make your decision. I trust your judgment, Demetri,"

I made my way over to Bella and we had a whispered conversation. She was startlingly calm with the idea, simply asking who would take over the guard and run the Elites. She wanted to make sure her friends wouldn't suffer in the change. After I made my suggestions she simply nodded and said, "I'll support you no matter what."

Didyme and Bella shared another glass of champagne celebrating together while I went to answer Master Marcus.

"I would be honored, Master Marcus," was all I said. Marcus embraced me and went to inform the other Kings.

Bella

My Demetri would make a fine king. I knew that he wanted it. I could see it in his eyes. I didn't know what changes it would bring exactly but I would support my Demetri no matter what the future might bring.

At midnight the three Kings stood in unison. Aro spoke, "My friends, we have an announcement to make. Master Marcus has decided to step down as one of the kings of the Volturi. He will be filling his days as our archive manager and head of the new vampire education department. He will be teaching both new and existing vampires about our world so rules are not broken due to ignorance."

Applause filled the ballroom and I watched Marcus's gaze light up and Didyme come to stand beside him.

"In his place, let us welcome, Master Demetri Volturi." Aro said.

I curtsied to my husband and was followed by everyone in the room. Men bowed and women curtsied. Demetri took my hand and lead me up onto the dais. The elites lead the cheers and applause. I was so proud of my Demetri.

We danced for the first time as King and Queen and the other Masters joined in with their wives. Marcus looked on happily as if weight had been lifted from his shoulders.

It was a great night; one that I would remember for as long as I lived.

The next morning started early. The first change was appointing Felix as Captain of the Guard.

His first task was to delegate all the combat training responsibilities to Jasper.

I started learning what it meant to be queen. They taught me the additional duties of queen and I taught them basic self defence. Even a queen should be able to protect themselves. I had fun with Sulpicia and Athenadora. They asked that I call them Pica and Dora and I asked that they call me Bella. We were going to be great friends.

I asked Didyme if she'd like to join us as my assistant. I didn't want her to be parted from her friends, but she politely declined with, "Marcus needs me to help in the education department."

I decided to change Gianna and have her act as my assistant after her newborn year was over. She had served the Volturi well and it had been her long term goal to join us in immortality. It turned out Aro already had a replacement for Gianna, having guessed my next move. Gianna was ecstatic as she began training our new receptionist.

Jane became closer to Pica and Dora due to spending time with me. She especially got along with Pica.

We changed how the wives were protected now that I was one of them. They could often be found with me in court or wandering around the castle. My shield was proven impenetrable by vampires. I would protect them with everything I had.

Demetri took to being a king with amazing ease. He was more forceful than Marcus, but not to the point that it tipped the balance. At Demetri's suggestion and with my support the wives came down from their tower and we became rulers in our own rights. I think Demetri was surprised by the forcefulness of my decisions. As I'd gotten older I'd realized that the laws and punishments were there for a reason. If I was going to protect the kings and the Volturi the laws had to be harsh.

I knew that Demetri could protect himself. Still, we had a whole castle depending on us to protect them.

There were no serious trials and time passed quickly.

My fifty year anniversary was on us and though I didn't know where all the time went I was excited as we got ready to go out to celebrate. I wore a red formal. My Demetri wore a black tux with red accents. As I fixed his tie I couldn't resist the urge to lean in to capture his lips with mine.

He growled and said, "We have somewhere to be my love, otherwise I'd take great pleasure in taking that beautiful dress off of you and hiding up here for a few days."

I just smiled and kissed him again. When he led me from our room I was surprised that he led me to a picnic in the garden rather than to somewhere in the city, surprised and pleased. There was a blanket with fresh blood and wine waiting for us and the gardens were startilingly empy. He'd scheduled the night for us perfectly and I knew that there would be no visitors to interrupt us.

I was looking at the blanket and when I looked back at Demetri he was on one knee waiting for me to meet his gaze.

"My love," he started to say.

"Yes!" I cried and threw myself into his arms.

"You didn't give me a chance to ask," he smiled. "Do you want to see the ring?"

"I want to wear the ring my love. Of course I want to see it." I said.

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a ruby and diamond ring that was perfection. He gently slipped it on my finger and kissed me passionately. I had been so afraid that he would never ask because of my idea of weddings when I was a seventeen year old girl. We kissed passionately but before things could escalate too far he hit a button on a remote. His jazz playlist from so long ago started to play and we danced. We'd spent so much time in the garden over the years, it was the perfect place for us. Once a week he came home with a new boquet for me. It had become tradition.

I loved Demetri more than I thought possible and I couldn't imagine the world without him beside. He lead me when it was necessary, like guiding me through my newborn year, but for the most part we went through the world as equals, side by side.