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Chapter 26

Daylight

Edward

There she was now sleeping in my arm.

I looked at them.

Beautiful smooth skin, clear facial features, the soft shiny hair spread around her face, her delicate scent, the regular breathing, the light pulsation of her veins in the rhythm of her heartbeat. She was so beautiful. Tomorrow she would be mine, all mine. Finally. Yes, it might have been a little old-fashioned, but to me it was the ultimate. My wife. That I would live to see that, who would have thought it.

I kissed her sweet earlobe and she briefly purred contentedly like a kitten.

James was in the next room.

'Sir, should I have breakfast prepared for the Princess's family in the living room or in her bedroom?' he asked me in his mind.

"Come here a minute, James," I whispered, and he joined me. "You can set it up in the living room so she can retreat to her room if she feels like it. She might be a little excited after all," I said.

"I don't think so, my Prince. She will only be in joyful anticipation," he said with a smile, looking at her lovingly in my arms.

"You're probably right," I said. "Is everything prepared for tomorrow night?" I asked quietly.

"Of course, Your Highness," he said, reliable as ever. "She is beautiful," he whispered reverently.

I nodded.

"It is."

A few hours later, it became brighter outside and the first rays of light fell into the room, bathing it in a dull glow.

Her hair now shimmered slightly reddish in the light and her pale skin delicately contrasted with it. Her sleep became more restless.

"Edward," she whispered.

"I'm here, darling," I whispered, and she snuggled comfortably closer.

It was not until half an hour later, when the room was as bright as day, that she finally woke up.

"Good morning, Your Royal Highness," I whispered and she smiled.

"Good morning, my Prince," she whispered, kissing my chest.

"Yeah, I think it's going to be a good day," I said.

"It's going to be the best," she said.

"Today you become my wife," I said with a smile.

"Yes ... and you my husband," she said with a smile.

"Mrs. Volturi," I said.

"Yes," she breathed.

"I'm so happy," I breathed and kissed her hair.

"Me too," she whispered, drawing little hearts on my chest with her fingertips.

"Will you always love me?", I asked.

"If you always love me like you do now, I'm sure you will," she said with a smile.

She turned onto her stomach and looked at me. Tenderly she ran her warm index finger over my face, over my lip and I snapped and sucked on her finger.

She laughed brightly - music to my ears.

"What time is it?" she asked.

"I don't know," I said.

"James, what time is it?" she called out.

"Seven-thirty, my Princess," he called back.

"Then I have to go in the bathroom now," she sighed.

"Hmm ... will you take me with you?" I asked hopefully.

"Absolutely not," she replied with a smile.

"Too bad," I sighed, putting on my 'I'm-so-sad' look.

She laughed at me.

"Like a little spoiled child, Mr. Volturi," she said.

"Yes, you spoiled me," I whispered.

I turned her down from me with a jerk and laid myself over her. She couldn't move another millimeter - I clamped her head with my forearms.

"What's this going to be?" she whispered, smiling.

"A real kiss," I breathed, pressing my mouth tenderly to her lips.

She returned the kiss immediately, her small hot tongue came towards me. Gently she stroked me and I stroked back.

How could a woman taste so delicious, I thought with pleasure. Unfortunately, Mr. Impatience grew in my pants.

She felt it immediately.

I rubbed myself lightly against her and she sighed and closed her eyes. Carefully I let one hand slide down and slipped with it into her panties.

She got goosebumps from excitement and sighed into my kiss. That turned me on so much, I couldn't help it, I had to love her again now.

I pushed her panties aside, pulled down my boxers, clasped my penis and penetrated her.

She cried out in surprise.

I paused.

I didn't want to take her against her will. But she wanted to, didn't she?

Carefully I continued kissing her, staying inside her but not moving.

She put her hands on my butt and pushed me down, spreading her legs at the same time and I sank deeper into her.

So she wanted, I thought relieved and pushed into her. She was not yet as wet as usual and thus it felt tighter, apparently also for her, because she cried out again.

"All good?" I whispered.

"Yes," she breathed.

"What yes?", I asked.

"Go ahead," she whispered, pushing herself toward me again, hot and wet.

I did not let her tell me that twice. I thrust hard into her, found a fast rhythm and she let herself go, screamed and whimpered and then came violently. I felt her flinch around me, heard her accelerated heart, her frantic breathing and poured myself into her.

Shit, the condom, I thought. But she was really asking for it. Hmm ... I was so afraid for her. Was that really okay?

She moaned softly and I slowly withdrew from her, making her whimper.

Then she opened her eyes.

"I was going in the bathroom," she said reproachfully.

"I know," I said with a smile, "at least now you have a reason! I'll carry you."

I took her in my arms and dashed with her into her bathroom. I put her down in front of the shower.

"Please please, let me wash you," I begged and she laughed.

"This might suit you so. GET OUT OF HERE NOW! James! HELP!" she screamed, smirking as she did so.

I heard James laughing in his mind.

"All right, I'll see you at nine for breakfast," I said. "But Her Majesty must grant me one more little kiss."

"Edward. You're getting out of here now. This is really the last thing," she said and pushed me out of the bathroom.

"Not even the smallest wishes are granted here," I grumbled in frustration.

She pushed me out and closed the door.

I yanked the door open once more.

"But I love you anyway, Your Majesty," I shouted cheerfully, and some object flew toward me, but I quickly closed the door again.

James grinned and I disappeared into my bathroom.

At just before nine o'clock, Isabella came into our large living room.

She was showered, creamed and smelled heavenly. Her hair was done, the tiara already in, she wore white silk stockings and already her pumps, plus a bathrobe. So all she had to do later was slip into the dress.

I pulled her into my arms. I was still wearing jeans and a T-shirt. While she would put on her dress later, I would also get dressed brisklyi.

Gently I kissed her. She was lightly made up.

This is quite unusual and absolutely unnecessary, I thought.

"Are you nervous?", I asked.

"No, darling, not a bit," she said, "I'm glad!"

"Me too," I whispered and we sank into a heartfelt tender kiss.

I would love to see what is under this bathrobe, I thought ...

But Laurent ushered the guests in and we quickly disengaged.

Her father smiled in understanding.

Isabella gave everyone a quick hug.

Sue asked, "Are you excited, little one?"

But again, she just said she would be happy.

We sat down and the four of them ate breakfast while James and Laurent made sure nothing was missing.

"Did you guys sleep well?" asked Bella.

"Yes, thank you, very good, like a first-class hotel," her dad said, looking around. "So this is where you guys are staying?" he asked.

"Come just now, I'll show you," Bella said, rising and leading her dad through our rooms.

"That's nice, little one. A grand piano and a harp, you've always dreamed of this," he said with a glance at our instruments.

"Yes, Dad, Edward already had the grand piano, he bought the harp for me to go with it," Isabella said.

"She's beautiful," he said enthusiastically, happy for his daughter.

I could never have offered her that, he thought, slightly frustrated.

"You guys play chess?" the father asked, looking at the chessboard.

"Yes," I said. "Isabella is an excellent player."

He smiled in amusement.

"So, has she ever let you win, Edward?" he asked.

"No, I haven't managed that yet, and I actually thought I was playing well," I admitted.

He nodded.

"I don't know anyone who has beaten her yet. She has an insane imagination combined with unparalleled tactics."

"Who was teaching her, Sir?" I asked with interest.

"Considering we're related in two hours, I'd be okay with us being on a first-name basis - or is that against your court ceremonial?" he asked.

"Thank you, Charlie, I'm happy about it and we blast the ceremonial at regular intervals. Only my brother Jasper calls us to order from time to time. He still only refers to Isabella by her title," I said.

"Ah ... that's how it is," he nodded in understanding. "To get back to your question, I taught her. She learned it in one afternoon and I never stood a chance against her again," he said.

I eyed my wife, who just smiled and sipped her coffee.

I had to smile too.

She looked so cute...sigh...

Sue took a package out of her purse. It was large and flat.

"This is what the Council of Elders is giving you for your wedding," she said, "and this," she pulled a small package from her pocket, "is from Jake for you. He hopes you'll accept it."

Isabella politely thanked him and wanted to put the gifts aside.

"You don't actually open gifts like this until after the wedding," Sue said, "but I'd love for you to unwrap and look at them now."

"Okay ...," Bella said, opening the larger one first.

It was a picture. A painting of a beach, with rocks and cliffs on the side. Over the sea, a rainbow was just sinking into the water on the horizon.

"Oh ...," Bella breathed, "that's been my favorite part."

Sue nodded.

"I thought it would be a nice memory."

Bella looked at the picture.

"That frame is quite a work of art. Look, Edward," she said, moving a little closer to me and a wave of magnolia scent hit my olfactory nerves.

The frame was wooden, but littered all around with small carvings, the symbols of Bella's bracelet, a wolf, the moon - beautiful.

"Seth made the frame himself," Sue said proudly.

"Really?"

Surprised, Bella looked at Seth.

The nodded and blushed slightly.

"You are quite an artist," Isabella said admiringly. "Thank you, this is really a beautiful gift and whenever I see it I will think of you," she said, standing up and giving Seth and Sue one hug.

Then she opened the smaller package.

The first thing that came out was a letter.

She read it.

"It's from Jake," she then said, "He apologized again. I think he really regrets it."

Sue nodded.

"Bella, he does. After all, we did talk to him and he was really depressed. But also grateful for the way he was punished."

Isabella put the letter on the picture next to her and now opened a small wooden box, which was also carved by hand. On the top it said 'ISABELLA' and a swan adorned the lid. Inside the box was a leather strap and hanging from it was a dainty wolf made of wood. It was also guaranteed to be hand carved and very delicate. She looked at it closely and found it very beautiful.

"How he manages to do something like that with his giant hands!" she said admiringly. "Tell him that I was pleased and that the gift is really very nice," she said and put the necklace back in the box and the whole thing on the picture.

There was a knock.

James opened.

Alice.

She rushed in and warbled a cheerful "Good morning."

We saluted back.

"There's something we need to do, sweetie," she told Isabella.

"And that would be?" my wife asked back.

"Something old," Alice said with a smile.

She handed Bella a small ring, yellow gold with a white opal.

"The ring belonged to Carlisle's mother. It has therefore been in the ownership of the family for centuries. Carlisle said he always kept it for Edward's bride. So it's ancient and now it's yours," she explained.

"Oh ...", Isabella breathed in awe and looked at him.

"Try it on," I suggested.

It was quite large for her delicate fingers, but fit on her middle finger and would go great with her wedding dress.

"Thank you Alice. Edward, I don't even know what to say," she said, looking at her finger.

"You don't have to say anything. He's yours now and that's that," Alice said with a smile. "Something new," she then said.

Now she held out a jewelry box to Isabella again.

Isabella opened it.

"Wow ..." she whispered.

"What is it, darling?", I asked.

"They are earrings to match the ring. With opals. I can't accept that."

"You bet you'll take them. Esmé had it specially made for you to match the ring. She would be deeply offended if you didn't wear it," Alice said.

Isabella wiped away a tear.

"Okay," she said quietly.

James came closer.

"Would you like me to help you, my Princess?" he asked softly.

"Yes thank you, James."

She gave him the earrings and he carefully took off her harps and put on the new earrings.

Then he put the old earrings in the box.

"Thank you James," Isabella said.

"Something borrowed," Alice said with a smile. "This, Bella, is my good luck charm."

She held out a tiny little plush teddy bear to her.

"I totally love this one. I'm going to put it on the inside of your wedding dress with a safety pin and I'll get it back tomorrow at the latest, okay? It's just a loan!"

Isabella laughed.

"Yes, I will wear it reverently under my skirt, Alice!"

"Something blue," Alice said, twirling a blue and white garter around her fingers.

Isabella laughed and held her leg out to her.

Alice bent down and pulled the ribbon up to the end of the stocking.

"Thank you," said Isabella, "now nothing can go wrong."

"Yes, you're not finished yet," said Alice with a grin. "The saying goes on, but it's often forgotten ... and a lucky penny in your shoe!" she said. "Give me your shoe."

Bella took off her shoe.

Alice took it and actually stuck a penny underneath next to the heel with adhesive tape.

We laughed.

"Now you can marry him for all I care," Alice said with a laugh, handing the shoe back to Bella and giving her one quick hug.

"See you later," she then called and was gone, as quickly as she had come earlier.

I rose.

"Isabella, I have something for you too," I said softly, pulling her back against my chest, kissing her shoulder tenderly and taking off the necklace with the harp and handing it to James.

From my pants pocket I pulled out her new necklace and put it on her.

She felt her neck with her fingers and then went to the mirror.

"Oh Edward, how nice, but this is all way too much."

She came to me, hugged me and pressed herself tightly against me.

"It's actually far too little for you, Isabella," I whispered, kissing her hair.

Her family stared at us.

Isabella detached herself from me.

"A heart?" she asked.

"Yes, my heart. I guess I'm giving it to you for good today," I said.

Sue asked, "May I see?"

Bella turned to her and walked closer. Sue looked at the necklace.

"She's wonderful, Bella," she said.

It was a gold necklace with a heart-shaped opal set in gold - matching the rest of the jewelry.

"Beautiful," her dad also said appreciatively.

There was a knock.

I could rely on my family, I thought with a grin.

James let the visitors in.

Emmett, Jasper, Rose and Grace.

Grace quickly ran to Bella and hugged her.

Bella knelt to the ground and returned the hug.

"Good morning, my precious!" she said.

"Good morning, Bella. In a moment I'll get to put on the new dress and scatter flowers for you!" said the child happily.

"I know, you sweet Princess. I'm sure you'll look wonderful in it!" said Bella with a smile. "What are you guys doing here?" she then cheerfully asked my brothers. "Usually you guys never just come to me and say 'good morning'?"

The two smiled.

"No," Emmett said, "we wanted to give you a gift, and for organizational reasons, it has to be before the wedding!"

Rose came closer, hugged Bella and gave her a small package.

"Another gift," she moaned, and we laughed.

She unwrapped it.

It was a bracelet with opals, matching her jewelry.

"You guys are really crazy," she breathed.

James helped her close the bracelet and took off mine with all the charms for it.

Now she wore the wide gold Quileute bracelet on her right and the opal bracelet on her left.

"Hmm ... I hate to take this off," she sighed looking at my bracelet.

"Oh, come on," I said. "The harp things and my bracelet are for every day and the opal jewelry you wear on special occasions," I said.

She nodded.

"And if today isn't a special occasion!" she said smiling happily and looking at me.

Then she hugged my brothers and Rose again and thanked them.

"See you in a minute," they said and disappeared again.

"Your Highnesses, it's already a little after ten o'clock. We should be getting ready by now," said James.

Bella's family rose and had Laurent take them back.

I hugged my sweet little almost-wife once again.

"I'll get dressed and expect you at the altar," I said.

"Yes," she said with a smile and kissed me tenderly.

She disappeared into her room with James and he closed the door.

We were not superstitious, but still she did not want me to see the dress before.

I brushed my teeth again and then put on my gray suit.

I didn't want to get married in black, I had decided. The rings already had Jasper, whom I had asked to be my best man. I put on a tie, I hated bow ties. Then my shoes. Perfect. James would give her the bridal bouquet, it was ready right here.

So I went to the ballroom and was now slightly nervous.

Hopefully everything worked out.

The doors were opened for me and I went inside. The guests already present bowed. It was full to bursting.

The Reverend was already standing at the altar talking to my father.

The first two rows of chairs were reserved for our family, the Italians and Bella's family. But they were all not there yet.

Stop.

My gaze wandered to the right.

My nanny, I didn't believe it. There she sat, smiling at me and twirling a blue gem between her fingers.

I immediately went to greet her.

When Rose had Grace, the last time I had seen her was briefly.

"Nanny, I'm so glad you're here," I said, hugging her to me.

She laughed.

"Not so hard, you lout!" she said. And then, "You think I'm going to miss out when YOU finally get married? I want to meet the woman who managed that. She must be something very special if she could take you by storm like that!" she said, beaming.

"Nanny, she's fantastic, beautiful, graceful, educated but not conceited, and just ... hmm ... she charmed me," I sighed.

Nanny smirked.

"You've really got it bad, son. I never thought I'd live to see the day!"

"Yes, it really got to me bad, and you'll soon know why, Nanny. I'll introduce you to her later."

"That's good. I also wanted to give her something. After all, I hope that she will then give us the long-awaited heir to the throne!" she said.

"Oh please, Nanny, now you're starting to sound like Dad. I'm scared for my wife. I don't want to lose her and you know what pregnancy means to a couple like us," I said, annoyed.

"Edward, so far, I think your father and I got all the babies safely and no mothers died, right?" she said.

"Yes, but they suffered," I said.

"Oh come on, your mother did a great job. Rose is not a strong personality and the child was important to her, but not her greatest heart's desire. If your wife has energy and really wants the child, she won't suffer. Believe me!" she said.

"But I don't even know if she really wants it, Nanny. And I don't want to force her to do anything and certainly not with the desire for a son!", I said.

"We'll see, Edward. Take it easy," she said, deciding in her mind that she'd better end the subject.

But I already suspected that she was in cahoots with my dad. But I would not force Bella to do anything, I was sure of that!

I walked up to the altar and Dad greeted me with a hug.

"Are you nervous?" he asked with a smile.

"A little bit, Dad. I hope she doesn't change her mind at the last minute!"

The reverend smirked.

"Who would pass up such a match as Your Highness?" he asked.

"Sir, you haven't met my wife yet. I trust her to do anything. She doesn't care about my position or my wealth. She's only going along with all this because she loves me!", I said.

"Then she is really worth marrying, my Prince," he said with a smile. "I'm quite anxious to meet her. The rumor mill is bubbling furiously in the palace. She seems like a miracle woman, the way everyone raves about her."

"It is," my dad said seriously.

Now I smiled.

They had all fallen for her charms and she didn't care at all.

Mom came in and greeted me with a kiss.

"Are you all right, son?" she asked.

"Yes, Mom. I'm a little nervous!"

"I can imagine," she smiled. "Is she okay?" she asked.

"Yes, she had breakfast with her family and then ours brought her the jewelry in stages. She was very happy to see your earrings and daddy's ring!"

"I'm glad to hear that. I'm sure it looks great on her. I'm very excited too," she said with a smile, taking her seat.

My brothers came in, nodded, and sat with Mom.

Then they discovered Nanny and first went to greet her. She had accompanied us all through childhood.

Finally everyone was there, the tower clock struck 11:00, the pianist started and played Bella's song.

I had insisted on that.

I stood at the altar with Dad and Jasper.

The door opened and first Rosalie and Alice stepped in, leading Grace between them, who threw rose petals on the floor.

They all three looked adorable.

After that, Isabella came in, walking on her father's arm, and James followed behind her.

Her dress was gorgeous. Not overly kitschy, but not too modern either. She had chosen that well.

She immediately sought my gaze and smiled happily at me.

No, she would not change her mind. There was so much gentleness and joy in that look!

I stepped down the three steps from the altar gallery to take her by the hand.

Her father passed her hand over to me and thought: 'Make sure she stays as happy as she is now!'

He knew by now that I could read minds.

"I will, I promise," I said softly and he nodded kindly.

I held her small tender warm hand in mine and led her up to the Reverend.

Tenderly she looked at me and I at her.

Hmm ... I melted away. What a look.

The Reverend cleared his throat and we looked at him.

He started making the usual speeches, but all I could think about was the warm hand in mine. It felt good.

Jasper was standing next to me, Dad next to Isabella.

"Einstein once said, 'More than the past I am interested in the future, for in it I intend to live.' That's why I think it's important that you both look ahead ..."

He talked and talked.

Then finally, "...and therefore now make your vows to each other!"

Isabella passed the bridal bouquet to Jasper.

We then turned to each other and held hands.

I began.

"Dear Isabella. When I saw you, I was immediately enchanted by you. You looked at me, touched me briefly and suddenly I knew what was right and what was wrong. In our first weeks together, you impressed me daily and showed me new ways and opened my mind to things I didn't even know existed. Marcus Aurelius once said that the nature of the things one imagines most often also determines one's future thoughts, for it is from thoughts that the soul takes its color. You have bathed my soul in bright colors, because you are the only thought that has accompanied, inspired and touched me for weeks. So you stole my soul and also my thoughts and in return you gave me you and the colorful light. I give you my heart today. Dispose of it, it belongs entirely to you. I will live only for you. I love you. Hai conquistato il mio cuore. Will you be my wife?" (You have conquered my heart.)

She smiled, touched, and a lone tear rolled down her cheek.

"Yes, I do," she said.

"Then take this ring as a token of my love," I said, putting on her the ring Jasper was already holding out to me.

It fit and she smiled at me.

Then she began to speak softly.

The hall was absolutely silent, you couldn't hear a sound and could have heard a pin drop, so intently were all those present listening to her words.

"Dear Edward, I thank you for your heart and gladly give you mine. Love is when you want to sing day and night and since I have your heart, I want to sing all day and hum happily at night. You also touched my heart and you are the first being in this world who recognized the melody of my heart. My heart beats in tune with your love for me and if I ever forget my melody, I know you have it in your memory and you will play it for me again. Il nostro amore è la cosa più importante nella mia vita. Would you like to be my husband?" (Our love is the most important thing in my life.)

"Yes, I do," I said with a smile, and Jasper handed her the ring, which she carefully slipped over my ring finger.

"Then take this ring as a token of my love!" she said, looking at me and her look was pure love.

"You may now kiss the bride," whispered the reverend, and I didn't need to be told twice.

Gently I pulled her to me and pressed my lips to her mouth. Warm and soft she returned the kiss and for a short moment we closed our eyes and forgot the world around us.

Dad cleared his throat.

Isabella smiled into my kiss.

We broke away from each other and looked at each other, promising ourselves without words that we would intensify the kiss the coming night.

Jasper handed her back the bridal bouquet and the Reverend said his blessing.

"Francois Mauriac once said that to love someone would be to be the only one to see a miracle invisible to others. I think that saying is not true for you, because the miracle of your love is visible to everyone and I know that you will be happy together. Go in peace."

He then congratulated her, then me.

After that we went down the steps hand in hand, Alice and Rose with Grace went ahead of us again, and to the cheers of the guests we entered the other part of the banquet hall, which was prepared for the celebration.

I led Isabella to the table. The seating arrangement was the same as the night before, only this time my nanny sat next to me and Emmett next to her.

I was very happy about that.

James took the bridal bouquet from Isabella and placed it on the table in a prepared flower vase in front of her seat.

"Thank you for this beautiful bridal bouquet, Edward," Isabella whispered to me.

"Gladly. The white roses symbolize my love and loyalty to you. I will always love you and never again touch another woman. The pink magnolias are for you because you are my magnolia. Beautiful, delicate and fragrant. The bell flowers are for the melody of your heart, because symbolically our hearts beat in unison now," I whispered in her ear and she kissed me quickly.

"That's a lovely idea. You are so romantic, Mr. Volturi."

"Mrs. Volturi, I've only been that way since I met you," I said softly and also kissed her once again quickly.

When all the guests had arrived and were seated in that part of the hall, my dad took the floor.

He first greeted all the guests, officially congratulated us and then approached us.

"Today Isabella is officially accepted into the circle of the Royal Family and therefore receives from me the coat of arms of the Volturi. This coat of arms is only worn by family members who rightfully bear our name and from today, dear Isabella, you are one of them. I am proud that today I have not lost a son but gained a daughter. It fills me with joy that you have chosen my son, because I could not have imagined a more worthy daughter-in-law. If you have a wish, never be afraid to come to me. I will always be there for you."

He kissed Isabella gently on the forehead and then pinned the Volturi coat of arms to her dress.

He had a small one made ... of gold. It was as dainty as my wife and suited her much better than the piece she had already received from Alec.

"Thank you Carlisle," Isabella said, touched.

"If you like, you may call me Dad, but of course I leave that up to you, dear. Nevertheless, I will always try to be a good father to you," he said softly and Isabella nodded.

I was speechless. He had never offered that to a daughter-in-law before.

Mom came over to us and hugged Isabella, then me.

"I'm so happy," she said with a smile. To Bella, she said, "I hope I'll always be a good mom to you."

"You already are," Isabella said, hugging her tightly as her tears ran. "And thank you for the earrings, Mom, they're beautiful."

"I'd love to, they look great on you too," Mom said, looking lovingly at Bella.

Dad now had the orchestra play soft music and little by little first the relatives and then the other visitors came to us to congratulate and give us presents. (Yiruma - If I Could See You Again)

Aro behaved effusively and hugged us both, which visibly disgusted Bella.

I quickly pulled her to me afterwards and immediately she relaxed a bit again.

Aro gave us plane tickets to Italy so that Isabella would get to know Volterra.

Alec gave her a gold hair clip with a harp and I knew she would never wear it, if only on principle.

Jane hugged her and Isabella's look spoke volumes. From her we received a book of Italian poems.

Grace had made her a flower necklace, which Isabella immediately hung around her neck without restraint, admiring it duly.

That looked fun and colorful, a bit like Hawaii, and her dad and I shared a smirk.

When the stream of visitors was over, we sat down again.

Charlie squeezed Bella's hand affectionately.

"I don't know if you can take any more after all that jewelry today, but I have something for you too," he said, pulling a small velvet pouch from his pocket.

Bella took it in wonder and opened the little string at the top.

It was a gold locket with a little angel on the front. You could open it and inside were two sides where you could put a photo.

I moved closer and looked over Isabella's shoulder. Sure enough, there was a photo of me in there and one of her dad.

"Alice helped me," Charlie said with a smile. "The locket belonged to your grandmother and before that to her mother. I don't know how old it is. I had it polished up and thought you might like it."

"Thanks, Dad, I think it's wonderful and I love wearing my favorite men on my heart," Isabella said smiling and kissing her dad on the cheek.

He was a little embarrassed because, of course, all eyes were almost constantly on us.

The meal for the guests who were eating was now being served.

"Who is that lady who gets to sit next to you?" asked Bella quietly.

I smiled.

"I'll introduce her to you in a minute. After you and Mom, she's probably the most important woman in my existence," I said.

"Oh ...", Bella breathed in amazement.

When she was done eating, I moved back a little.

"Isabella, I want you to meet my nanny. She helped Mom give birth to me and has been with me through my childhood. She is our midwife and is always there when a baby is announced somewhere," I said smiling and looking at Nanny.

Nanny slid her hands in front of me across the table to Isabella.

"Congratulations, Princess Isabella. I'm glad to finally meet you. So you've managed to turn my selfish Edward into a lamb!"

I coughed indignantly, but Nanny just laughed.

Isabella smiled and confidently placed her hands in Nanny's.

Nanny closed her eyes and gently held Bella's hands.

Isabella looked at me questioningly.

"She is a Tysja, darling. This is a Germanic elf, a good spirit. She has magic powers. Please don't be afraid. She is only empathizing on you to get to know you. She is very sensitive and senses dispositions or gifts in vampires, for example."

Isabella nodded reverently and held patiently still.

Suddenly Nanny pulled her hands away, rose and bowed deeply to Isabella.

"Tu sei qualcosa di speciale e non c'è niente al mondo che farei più volentieri, di sedermi davanti al fuoco insieme a te."

She grabbed Isabella's hand once again and kissed it. Then she sat down again.

"I'm afraid I only understood individual words of what she said," Isabella said, looking at me questioningly.

"'You are very special and there is nothing in the world I would rather do than sit in front of the fire with you!' That's what she said, but I'm not sure how she means it either. She'll explain, love," I said, holding Bella's hand reassuringly in mine.

I turned to Nanny and she looked at me and spoke to me in thought.

'Edward, you got something very special there. She can't just be descended from normal people - she has the aura of a Witch. I have never touched a person who can give so much love and kindness. Anyone who is friends with her and in her favor is lucky. Also, I think she is able to distinguish good from evil. She can sense when someone is well or badly disposed towards her. And then you should always believe her. Furthermore, she is powerful, Edward, very powerful. I believe she is a shield. That's why Aro and you can't get into her mind and Jane can't harm her. But she already has that power now - as a human. She can already protect herself from vampires. If you turn her someday, that gift will be much stronger. It could be that she will be able to protect not only herself but also others. If you have children, you will definitely experience this. She will protect them like a lioness and probably you too. Edward, you have married a true queen and beware of Aro ever knowing. He will try to destroy her out of fear of her power. He is a danger to her. Keep her away from him! I need to talk to your father, boy!'

She looked over at Dad, who had been watching the whole thing with a worried expression, and my brothers, Alec, Aro and Jane were also staring at us.

Dad rose and left the hall. Nanny followed him immediately.

Isabella looked at me anxiously.

"Did something happen. Did I do something wrong, darling?"

"No, my sweet, on the contrary. It's all good. She was impressed with you. Why, I'll tell you another time. It's not good if everyone finds out," I whispered in her ear as quietly as I could and she nodded.

But she was worried.

I pulled her chin in my direction.

"It's all good, very good in fact. Clear?"

"Yes," she breathed and I quickly pressed my lips to her beautiful pink mouth once again.

"I'm afraid you won't be able to get rid of Nanny. She will always be after you now," I smiled.

"As long as she doesn't scare me like that every time," my wife said.

"She won't. She was just surprised and thrilled," I said, "as I am thrilled with you, Princess."

She smiled sheepishly.

The Court Marshal came and asked if we would be so kind as to open the dance.

My dad came back in and so I was ready for the dance and nodded.

"May I have this dance, Mrs. Volturi?", I asked.

"Yes, my Prince," she said, and I led her to the dance floor. (Three Nuts for Cinderella - Cinderella's Dance with the Prince)

We turned in a circle and looked at each other.

"You are so beautiful and the dress suits you!", I said.

"Thank you, I think you are beautiful too and gray is more beautiful than black," she smiled.

"I like your eyes and those long lashes," I whispered.

She smiled.

"I like your mouth, that playful smile at the corners of your mouth that you try to suppress far too often," she said.

"You radiate so much love that the thought of something hurting you almost kills me," I whispered.

"You make me feel all safe and secure. You're my home and I love your disheveled hair, by the way," she smiled.

"Your hair is so nice and soft and cozy and you smell so yummy, I want to nibble on you!", I said.

"Edward," she whispered indignantly.

I laughed and pulled her a little closer to me.

She was like a feather in my arm, light and soft. Hmm...

"Thank you for everything, Edward. I love you so much," she whispered and looked at me, full of love and happiness.

"As I do you. I always want to be the melody of your heart," I whispered.

She put her head against my chest.

We floated in our personal bubble - I felt only love and happiness. But the song unfortunately ended at some point and I led her back.

Nanny was sitting in her place again.

"You make a wonderful couple, Edward," she said with a smile.

"Thanks, Nanny, I think so too."

She leaned closer to Isabella again.

"I hope I didn't scare you just now, little one. I was just surprised. Your husband will explain why later. First, I want to give you a wedding present."

She gave her a small casket.

"Thank you," my wife said, and anxiously I watched her open the box.

There was a half moon in it. A crescent moon made of a flat bright gemstone.

"This is a moonstone. Put it under your pillow. It will protect you while you sleep and it is the symbol of fertility. If you want a child, it will help you have it and protect you," Nanny explained.

I had suspected it. They were all in cahoots ...

"Thank you, it's beautiful, Nanny," Bella said, stroking the moon.

"You can also wear it on this leather band around your neck. It will also protect you during the day, but at night its power is stronger," said Nanny.

Isabella took out the moonstone and put it on, slipping it under Grace's colorful flower necklace and letting the stone sink between her breasts.

Oh God, what a thought. Could you be jealous of a stone?

But Nanny wasn't done yet.

"Isabella, I have just noticed something about you that is very good, but will also be a danger to some. Therefore, the king is about to do something he has never done before. Please don't be afraid. Just do what he tells you to do, okay?"

Isabella nodded in irritation and James approached with concern.

"Promise?" asked Nanny.

"Yes," my wife said.

Nanny pulled four blue gemstone balls out of her pocket. One she gave to me, one to James, one to Bella, and one she kept for herself.

"As long as we all touch these orbs, we are connected and with you Bella. It will give you courage and strength. Just hold them tightly right now," Nanny explained and I panicked slightly.

I could not see anything in her thoughts. Her head was always topsy-turvy, she thought in different languages and I didn't speak that of the Tysja.

"Is she in danger?", I asked anxiously.

"No, your father will do that right away so that she is not in danger. But it will be disconcerting and frightening for her, and I don't want that!" said Nanny.

My dad gave her a punishing look and she gave him a withering look back. She wasn't afraid of him. I wondered what he was up to and hoped Bella had nothing to be afraid of.

Suddenly the music stopped and the guests in the hall became quiet.

The double doors were opened and in came about forty vampires in black cloaks and I now knew immediately what he was up to.

"Oh ...", I said.

Isabella looked irritated.

You could see only the black cloaks, partly red eyes shining out and all of them carried a burning torch.

"A Volturi gathering?" asked Aro, irritated.

"Yes, my brother, I have called them. Please attend," Dad said.

Two guards came to our table and handed Alec, Aro, Jasper, Emmett and me our capes.

I put it on.

"Don't be afraid, precious. Dad is doing this for your protection. Nothing is going to happen to you. Just do what he says. I'm with you," I said quickly to her and she nodded bravely.

I joined the circle that the black guards had now formed.