52 Weeks
by Wizardtho
Chapter 6:
Once alone, I head straight to the massive closet, wanting to pick something nice. I want to still wear my beautiful necklace and earrings, so I choose a very pretty fitted sheath dress from the rack of about 10 or so female outfits. It’s an ivory sleeveless dress, with a floral print of blue and black, a bit of ruching on one side.
On the accessory shelf beneath, I find a matching set of light blue peep-toe pumps and a medium-sized matching handbag. I gather all of it, place the pumps and purse on the counter, hang the dress on a bathroom hook, then start the water for the shower.
Returning to the room, I search the long dresser with vanity mirror, luckily finding lingerie on the first try. Picking a lace underwire matching bra and thong in a pale blush, I’m happy with my find, so I venture back to the bathroom.
My thoughts return to Caius as I shower. I am happy that I can not find one thing to complain about. Though I had not expected to be as intimate with him this early as I was last night, I don’t feel as if he pressured or tricked me in any way. Honestly, I’m glad he didn’t take it further when I practically begged him to. I probably would have regretted it slightly this morning if he had. I don’t think I’m ready for a complete sexual encounter with him yet, with how intense last night was, but I also don’t think I can return to just hand-holding and his intimate but chaste kisses.
The things he did to me last night… I’m not ashamed to admit that I’m already craving his attention again. Knowing my thoughts are straying down a dangerous path, I hurry to finish up my shower.
No sooner do I dry off and dress, than I hear a knock on the main door to the suite. I pop my head out of the bathroom, calling for the person to enter. I hear both Jane and Sulpicia asking if they can come back, so I offer with a chuckle, “I’m dressed if that’s what you mean. I can not, for the life of me, decide what to do with my hair, though. Any ideas?”
Just as I finish, Sulpicia rounds the corner with a smile. “Oh, that color looks divine on you, Isabella! Yes, I think I know just the thing. Here, sit at your vanity.”
She taps a couple of buttons on her phone, then says into it, “Chelsea, bring my clear hair jewels from the top drawer of my vanity. Lady Isabella needs use of them today. Come right into the suite, as we will be leaving shortly.”
Within moments, she has my hair expertly sectioned, curled, twisted, and ready to be pinned. A dark-haired female then blurs into the room, stopping at Sulpicia’s side with a bowed head and her hands outheld. She comments happily, “Perfect, Chelsea. Thank you,” as she starts pinning various parts of my hair with the jewel-tipped hairpins.
I smile in the mirror at Chelsea, who nods politely, “Lady Isabella, welcome to the castle.”
I reply happily, “Thank you.”
I hear Jane rummaging around in the drawers to my vanity, so I chuckle, not at all upset that she’s snooping. After a few more seconds, she lifts several things with an, “Ah-ha! May I, Milady?”
In her hands, she is holding a pale eye pallet, blusher, mascara, a pale tinted lip stain, powder, and an eyeliner pencil. I nod, just as Sulpicia places the last pin. I close my eyes, but within seconds of quick work, she says, “All finished.”
I reopen my eyes, amazed at how beautiful and alive I look. I grin at both ladies, “Teach me… seriously. I look amazing right now thanks to both of you. I need to learn all of this stuff because I have no clue.”
Sulpicia pats my shoulder, promising with a smile, “You will be a pro by the time we are through. Now let us straighten up here while you finish dressing.”
I walk back out to the bedroom, transfer everything from my old purse to the new handbag, then slip my heels on. By the time I finish, they have straightened both the bathroom and bed, and they are waiting by the door to the suite. I call out as I enter the sitting room, “I’d like to go see Caius before we leave. Is there time?”
Sulpicia smiles widely as she stops in front of me to take my hands, “Isabella, Dear… there is always time. Rule number one… everyone -and everything- else waits when we enter the room. You are a Lady of the castle now, and you are priority. Hold your head high knowing that Caius will make time for you no matter what he is doing or who he is in a meeting with. We need not knock when entering rooms other than private quarters, nor do we take a back seat to anyone. You may still be human, but you are on equal standing with me and all three brothers. Everyone else who steps foot in this castle is of lower standing than you. Remember that, Dear. Never let anyone push you around.”
I nod as I take a breath, letting the tension go that I didn’t realize was building. “Thank you… truly. I needed to hear that more than I care to admit.”
We choose to take the elevator rather than the stairs, and soon we are walking down the hall to the private study. Felix and Demetri are standing on either side of the door, alternately wincing and chuckling freely about something. As soon as they spot us, they both aim a relieved smile my way.
Demetri says softly as we near, “Lady Isabella, I fear your presence is sorely needed. I was only minutes from calling Jane if you had not arrived. He’s already run Master Marcus off, and is working quickly on Master Aro’s patience.”
I scowl, then hear a loud growl from within the room while the vampires around me all start chuckling. I shake my head as I step closer, “He’s grumpy, I take it? Well, hopefully, I will be able to squash that mood.”
With a nod at the door, Demitri quickly opens it to allow Sulpicia and me entrance. Caius and Aro have squared off on opposite sides of the room, both pacing, both looking worse for the wear. The sight would be frightening if I didn’t know the reason behind it.
Sulpicia and I split up, both making our way to our men to calm them. Caius’ head snaps up as he inhales, then I can practically see the bad mood start melting away from his features. It warms my heart that I am the reason for the smile slowly taking over his whole face and lighting up his eyes.
I take his face in my hands when I reach him, smoothing away the last of his bad mood, then whisper, “I definitely like the smile more than what I walked in here to see. I missed you.”
He pulls me into a tender kiss, then replies with a content sigh as our foreheads touch, “As I have missed you, Darling. You look incredibly beautiful this morning. Are you going out?”
I nod, brushing my lips against his, “Jane, Sulpicia, and Chelsea will be with me. We are going down to the shops for a couple of hours.”
He moves enough to kiss behind my ear, then breathes just loud enough for me to hear, “I have been worried. Did I go too far?”
I knew this was probably what his bad mood was about, so I grin even as a blush creeps over my skin, then whisper, “Last night was perfect, Caius. Intense and new, but I couldn’t have asked for a more incredible night, or a more perfect partner to have shared it with.”
I cup his cheek and move enough to catch his gaze, letting him see the truth in my eyes. His features relax completely in response, his eyes lighten to a mesmerizing wine color, then he wraps his arms completely around me while pulling me into a heartfelt kiss.
When I hear a chuckle and giggle from the other side of the room, I pull back enough to see Aro and Sulpicia smiling at us. I don’t even turn in Caius’ arms while saying, “Just be glad I was able to lighten Caius’s mood, Aro. I can tell by the looks of him, that you have been pushing him all morning. I would tell you to take all your goading and stuff it somewhere unpleasant, but I don’t think Sulpicia would be very happy about me speaking to you like that in front of her. Leave him alone, Aro.”
While Aro looks at me like I’ve just grown two more heads, Sulpicia and Caius both chuckle loudly. I grin up at Caius, loving the sound of his laugh, then kiss his chest before saying, “I should be going, so I can get back here sooner.”
He nods, placing those intimate little kisses along my jaw, “Make sure the ladies stop for you to eat something decent for lunch, please. I have a surprise for you later if they do not tire you out completely.”
I smile, then pull his lips to mine in response.
All three of my companions are silent as we make our way down to the cars. Only when I’m finally settled in my seat does Sulpicia break the silence. “You belong with us, Isabella, whether you realize it or not. Though I care for Athenodora, and she will forever be a dear friend, she never would have called my Aro out on his antics. Caius needs someone that can not only put up with his brothers, but also call them out on the shit they pull. Someone to balance him and soothe his beast… someone who can understand his beast, not be afraid of him. Without even trying, just a few simple words, you had Caius’s beast completely calmed in the study. The sight of you soothed him, and whatever you said to him caused his beast to lay content.”
I think about what she said for a long moment, as well as how to word my response. “He has been worried about his beast since the moment he gave me the proposal. I understand why his beast is someone to fear, but even he is gentle with me… always considers me first. I can always see him there in Caius’s eyes, lurking and pacing, but when he’s with me? It’s hard to explain, but especially when we were intimate last night, the two sides seemed content to merge.”
I thought for a second about the best way to word my thoughts, then spoke, “There was no separation between beast and man; they were one… and that is when he is most content. I don’t know if my being here will help them merge on a more steady basis, but I do know that he works to keep his beast calm more than he lets on to everyone. Maybe understanding that he and his beast are equals -one and the same- to me, will allow him some measure of peace.”
I see a new understanding light in all of their eyes, but don’t comment on it, as we seem to be nearing the first shop. We spend the rest of the morning shopping and laughing, then stop at a lovely little bistro for me to eat lunch. Before we head back to the castle, we make one more stop. I want to order a new pair of cufflinks for Caius, in the same blue and white diamonds as my necklace. When I mention it to Sulpicia, she directs our driver to the jeweler’s home with a huge grin.
Upon entering the posh entry hall of the jeweler’s home, a tall vampire with a deep voice exclaimed, “My Queen! I did not know you had an appointment with Jerran today, or I would have prepared for your arrival. Please forgive me.”
Sulpicia laughs, greeting the man with a kiss to both cheeks, “No need, Emory. We are not here for me. Lady Isabella has a request for your mate… that is if you should happen to be able to pry him from the back room for her.”
At this, Emory peeks around Sulpicia to see me, and his hands suddenly rest on his still heart with a gasp. “La mia parola, quello che una bellezza squisita ... e ultimo ordine Signore Caius! Quindi è vero? Ha finalmente trovato l'uno?”
(Translation: My word, what an exquisite beauty... and wearing the last order Lord Caius placed! So it is true? He has found the one?)
I don’t know what he said, but Sulpicia grins widely in response, “L'annuncio ufficiale non è ancora stata fatta, Emory, come lei è chiaramente ancora umano. Siamo venuti perché voleva fare una sorpresa Signore Caius con un regalo.”
(Translation: The official announcement has yet to be made, Emory, as she is clearly still human. We came because she wanted to surprise Lord Caius with a gift.)
Whatever Sulpicia has said to him causes him to grin widely, kiss both of my hands, then exclaim, “Lady Isabella, you are most welcome in our home. Please, have a seat. I will fetch Jerran at once!”
With a flourishing bow, he turns, a blur of motion before he disappears down the hall. I chuckle slightly as Sulpicia guides me into an elegant sitting room.
I’ve just barely settled on the luxurious settee before Emory comes back with a vampire just a few inches shorter than him, though more ruggedly handsome in features. His eyes light when he spies me wearing the necklace and earring set, then he comes to kiss both of my hands, “Welcome to our home, Lady Isabella. I must say, I am quite tickled to see my pieces on such a natural beauty.”
He turns and nods to the guards after kissing Sulpicia on both cheeks. He sits next to Emory opposite of us, then asks me, “How may I help you today, Milady? Emory spoke of you wanting to gift Lord Caius?”
I nod in agreement, “Yes, but I will need your help to do that. I know my pendant and earring set was custom. He spoke to me of a specific meaning when presenting me the pieces. He wanted them to represent our journey together. Unfortunately, though I have my pendant and earrings as a physical reminder, Caius has nothing. I was hoping you could fashion him a set of cufflinks, in the same blue and white diamonds as my set.”
After Jerran and Emory share a loving look, Jerran picks up the pad and three different colored pencils from the low table between us. Sticking two pencils behind his ear, he quickly gets to work with the other, working so quickly his movements are all a blur to my eyes. It only takes him a quick minute to complete what he’s working on, then he grins before turning the pad to me.
On it, is a drawing so detailed that I would almost swear it was real. In the very center of the cufflink, there is a round blue diamond. A ring of white diamonds encircles it, then white and blue diamonds spray outward alternately in a cyclone pattern. The design is truly exquisite, and it seems to have just as much blue as it has white. “This is perfect. Truly beautiful, and conveys exactly what I had in mind. You’ll use the same quality stones and metals, correct? How soon can you have them ready?”
Jerran chuckles as he places the pad and pencils back on the table, “Wonderful news. I had already set the extra stones from your necklace and earrings aside, just waiting for another blue piece to be asked for. I can have them ready by this evening, delivered to you no later than 8 pm. Might I also suggest a tie tack, Milady? To complete his side of the collection?”
I grin in agreement, “If you have enough stones on hand, and it won’t alter the timeline, please do. I would love to be able to surprise him tonight.”
Then I turn to Jane, “Will you still be on duty?”
She shakes her head, “No, Lady Isabella. I will be available to take delivery, as Demetri will be on duty. As soon as Jerran arrives with your surprise, I will sign for it and bring it directly to you.”
I nod as the plan comes together, “If you could hold onto part of today’s shopping order when it arrives, and use that as the excuse, he’d be none the wiser. It’s perfect, really.”
Everyone smiles as they agree. It’s only minutes later that Jerran offers, “You have inspired me, Milady. I can see so many pieces in my mind’s eye, meant just for your natural beauty.”
I blush slightly but thank him, then ask, “Jane, do you know when my appointment is with Franco? Demetri was supposed to handle making the arrangements.”
Sulpicia’s eyes light up at his name just as Jane replies, “You are set to meet with him at the first availability tomorrow afternoon.”
I nod, then offer, “If you have no other pressing appointments tomorrow, and have enough time to work up sketches, would you be offended by a collaboration meeting? I will need jewelry for my formal designs, and what better way to have the perfect outcome, than to have both designers in on the same meeting? I have a feeling Caius will likely want to add several more everyday pieces for me, too.”
Jerran laughs, then assures me, “You need not try to convince me, Milady. Franco is one of our best friends, and we love collaborating on royal attire and jewels. My jewels often grace the gowns themselves, as well as the royal figures wearing them.”
I smile at Sulpicia’s nod of agreement, then say, “Excellent. I believe I will see you again tomorrow afternoon, then. It was an absolute pleasure meeting you both, but I still have much to do before I am ready to surprise Caius tonight.”
We don’t even fully get through the gates to the castle before Jane’s phone beeps and she turns to me, “Demetri just informed me that the coven arrived a bit ago, My Lady. Your robes and Volturi crest have also been delivered. It looks like Jerran had your crest delivered while we were out shopping.”
I laugh at that, “He’ll become sick of me in no time if he keeps being pestered for me.”
All three ladies laugh, but Chelsea comments, “Quite the contrary, Lady Isabella. Emory and Jerran both seemed quite enamored by you.”
When the car stops at a private entrance to the castle, Jane takes the small number of my purchases I wanted to bring with me, while Chelsea takes Sulpicia’s. Sulpicia, on the other hand, links her arm with mine. I gain comfort from the gesture, so as she pats my hand, I give her a small smile of acknowledgment.
Unfortunately, we only have time to walk down two hallways before I hear Carlisle speaking from inside a room. “We must stay calm, My Love. If Bella is being forced -as Edward suggests- Jasper will know, then we can form a plan. If she is staying of her own volition, though, there is nothing we can do. We must remember that though we still think of her as our daughter, she may well feel differently after the time being separated.”
Esme weeps in response, “But Carlisle, she doesn’t belong here, with these human-drinkers. She belongs with Edward… with us. She’ll be dead within days if left here.”
I look to Sulpicia, giving a dramatic fake yawn, then can only roll my eyes in response to her silently snapping her teeth at me. I mouth, trying to hold back a chuckle, “I’ve heard more than enough.”
As soon as we are out of earshot and into the elevator, all four of us bust out laughing. I can’t help but chuckle harder before gasping in mock horror, “Oh, no! I’ll be dinner within days. Whatever shall I do?”
I shake my head to calm myself, then say, “I know I smell tasty and all, but seriously? Caius would have anyone tortured to within an inch of their sanity for even thinking of making a meal out of me. I understand they couldn’t possibly know that, but they never use common sense. Anyone with half a brain knows there was no way I would’ve made it out of the throne room alive the first time if I was going to be drained.”
As the three ladies agree with me, the elevator stops. The only thing I can think of as soon as the doors open is seeing Caius. I’ve missed him badly today, and can’t wait to feel his arms around me again. I don’t even know if I said goodbye to Sulpicia before we parted ways in the hallway, but I can honestly only think of Caius as I make my way toward where Demetri is standing guard outside the suite.
Once alone, I head straight to the massive closet, wanting to pick something nice. I want to still wear my beautiful necklace and earrings, so I choose a very pretty fitted sheath dress from the rack of about 10 or so female outfits. It’s an ivory sleeveless dress, with a floral print of blue and black, a bit of ruching on one side.
On the accessory shelf beneath, I find a matching set of light blue peep-toe pumps and a medium-sized matching handbag. I gather all of it, place the pumps and purse on the counter, hang the dress on a bathroom hook, then start the water for the shower.
Returning to the room, I search the long dresser with vanity mirror, luckily finding lingerie on the first try. Picking a lace underwire matching bra and thong in a pale blush, I’m happy with my find, so I venture back to the bathroom.
My thoughts return to Caius as I shower. I am happy that I can not find one thing to complain about. Though I had not expected to be as intimate with him this early as I was last night, I don’t feel as if he pressured or tricked me in any way. Honestly, I’m glad he didn’t take it further when I practically begged him to. I probably would have regretted it slightly this morning if he had. I don’t think I’m ready for a complete sexual encounter with him yet, with how intense last night was, but I also don’t think I can return to just hand-holding and his intimate but chaste kisses.
The things he did to me last night… I’m not ashamed to admit that I’m already craving his attention again. Knowing my thoughts are straying down a dangerous path, I hurry to finish up my shower.
No sooner do I dry off and dress, than I hear a knock on the main door to the suite. I pop my head out of the bathroom, calling for the person to enter. I hear both Jane and Sulpicia asking if they can come back, so I offer with a chuckle, “I’m dressed if that’s what you mean. I can not, for the life of me, decide what to do with my hair, though. Any ideas?”
Just as I finish, Sulpicia rounds the corner with a smile. “Oh, that color looks divine on you, Isabella! Yes, I think I know just the thing. Here, sit at your vanity.”
She taps a couple of buttons on her phone, then says into it, “Chelsea, bring my clear hair jewels from the top drawer of my vanity. Lady Isabella needs use of them today. Come right into the suite, as we will be leaving shortly.”
Within moments, she has my hair expertly sectioned, curled, twisted, and ready to be pinned. A dark-haired female then blurs into the room, stopping at Sulpicia’s side with a bowed head and her hands outheld. She comments happily, “Perfect, Chelsea. Thank you,” as she starts pinning various parts of my hair with the jewel-tipped hairpins.
I smile in the mirror at Chelsea, who nods politely, “Lady Isabella, welcome to the castle.”
I reply happily, “Thank you.”
I hear Jane rummaging around in the drawers to my vanity, so I chuckle, not at all upset that she’s snooping. After a few more seconds, she lifts several things with an, “Ah-ha! May I, Milady?”
In her hands, she is holding a pale eye pallet, blusher, mascara, a pale tinted lip stain, powder, and an eyeliner pencil. I nod, just as Sulpicia places the last pin. I close my eyes, but within seconds of quick work, she says, “All finished.”
I reopen my eyes, amazed at how beautiful and alive I look. I grin at both ladies, “Teach me… seriously. I look amazing right now thanks to both of you. I need to learn all of this stuff because I have no clue.”
Sulpicia pats my shoulder, promising with a smile, “You will be a pro by the time we are through. Now let us straighten up here while you finish dressing.”
I walk back out to the bedroom, transfer everything from my old purse to the new handbag, then slip my heels on. By the time I finish, they have straightened both the bathroom and bed, and they are waiting by the door to the suite. I call out as I enter the sitting room, “I’d like to go see Caius before we leave. Is there time?”
Sulpicia smiles widely as she stops in front of me to take my hands, “Isabella, Dear… there is always time. Rule number one… everyone -and everything- else waits when we enter the room. You are a Lady of the castle now, and you are priority. Hold your head high knowing that Caius will make time for you no matter what he is doing or who he is in a meeting with. We need not knock when entering rooms other than private quarters, nor do we take a back seat to anyone. You may still be human, but you are on equal standing with me and all three brothers. Everyone else who steps foot in this castle is of lower standing than you. Remember that, Dear. Never let anyone push you around.”
I nod as I take a breath, letting the tension go that I didn’t realize was building. “Thank you… truly. I needed to hear that more than I care to admit.”
We choose to take the elevator rather than the stairs, and soon we are walking down the hall to the private study. Felix and Demetri are standing on either side of the door, alternately wincing and chuckling freely about something. As soon as they spot us, they both aim a relieved smile my way.
Demetri says softly as we near, “Lady Isabella, I fear your presence is sorely needed. I was only minutes from calling Jane if you had not arrived. He’s already run Master Marcus off, and is working quickly on Master Aro’s patience.”
I scowl, then hear a loud growl from within the room while the vampires around me all start chuckling. I shake my head as I step closer, “He’s grumpy, I take it? Well, hopefully, I will be able to squash that mood.”
With a nod at the door, Demitri quickly opens it to allow Sulpicia and me entrance. Caius and Aro have squared off on opposite sides of the room, both pacing, both looking worse for the wear. The sight would be frightening if I didn’t know the reason behind it.
Sulpicia and I split up, both making our way to our men to calm them. Caius’ head snaps up as he inhales, then I can practically see the bad mood start melting away from his features. It warms my heart that I am the reason for the smile slowly taking over his whole face and lighting up his eyes.
I take his face in my hands when I reach him, smoothing away the last of his bad mood, then whisper, “I definitely like the smile more than what I walked in here to see. I missed you.”
He pulls me into a tender kiss, then replies with a content sigh as our foreheads touch, “As I have missed you, Darling. You look incredibly beautiful this morning. Are you going out?”
I nod, brushing my lips against his, “Jane, Sulpicia, and Chelsea will be with me. We are going down to the shops for a couple of hours.”
He moves enough to kiss behind my ear, then breathes just loud enough for me to hear, “I have been worried. Did I go too far?”
I knew this was probably what his bad mood was about, so I grin even as a blush creeps over my skin, then whisper, “Last night was perfect, Caius. Intense and new, but I couldn’t have asked for a more incredible night, or a more perfect partner to have shared it with.”
I cup his cheek and move enough to catch his gaze, letting him see the truth in my eyes. His features relax completely in response, his eyes lighten to a mesmerizing wine color, then he wraps his arms completely around me while pulling me into a heartfelt kiss.
When I hear a chuckle and giggle from the other side of the room, I pull back enough to see Aro and Sulpicia smiling at us. I don’t even turn in Caius’ arms while saying, “Just be glad I was able to lighten Caius’s mood, Aro. I can tell by the looks of him, that you have been pushing him all morning. I would tell you to take all your goading and stuff it somewhere unpleasant, but I don’t think Sulpicia would be very happy about me speaking to you like that in front of her. Leave him alone, Aro.”
While Aro looks at me like I’ve just grown two more heads, Sulpicia and Caius both chuckle loudly. I grin up at Caius, loving the sound of his laugh, then kiss his chest before saying, “I should be going, so I can get back here sooner.”
He nods, placing those intimate little kisses along my jaw, “Make sure the ladies stop for you to eat something decent for lunch, please. I have a surprise for you later if they do not tire you out completely.”
I smile, then pull his lips to mine in response.
All three of my companions are silent as we make our way down to the cars. Only when I’m finally settled in my seat does Sulpicia break the silence. “You belong with us, Isabella, whether you realize it or not. Though I care for Athenodora, and she will forever be a dear friend, she never would have called my Aro out on his antics. Caius needs someone that can not only put up with his brothers, but also call them out on the shit they pull. Someone to balance him and soothe his beast… someone who can understand his beast, not be afraid of him. Without even trying, just a few simple words, you had Caius’s beast completely calmed in the study. The sight of you soothed him, and whatever you said to him caused his beast to lay content.”
I think about what she said for a long moment, as well as how to word my response. “He has been worried about his beast since the moment he gave me the proposal. I understand why his beast is someone to fear, but even he is gentle with me… always considers me first. I can always see him there in Caius’s eyes, lurking and pacing, but when he’s with me? It’s hard to explain, but especially when we were intimate last night, the two sides seemed content to merge.”
I thought for a second about the best way to word my thoughts, then spoke, “There was no separation between beast and man; they were one… and that is when he is most content. I don’t know if my being here will help them merge on a more steady basis, but I do know that he works to keep his beast calm more than he lets on to everyone. Maybe understanding that he and his beast are equals -one and the same- to me, will allow him some measure of peace.”
I see a new understanding light in all of their eyes, but don’t comment on it, as we seem to be nearing the first shop. We spend the rest of the morning shopping and laughing, then stop at a lovely little bistro for me to eat lunch. Before we head back to the castle, we make one more stop. I want to order a new pair of cufflinks for Caius, in the same blue and white diamonds as my necklace. When I mention it to Sulpicia, she directs our driver to the jeweler’s home with a huge grin.
Upon entering the posh entry hall of the jeweler’s home, a tall vampire with a deep voice exclaimed, “My Queen! I did not know you had an appointment with Jerran today, or I would have prepared for your arrival. Please forgive me.”
Sulpicia laughs, greeting the man with a kiss to both cheeks, “No need, Emory. We are not here for me. Lady Isabella has a request for your mate… that is if you should happen to be able to pry him from the back room for her.”
At this, Emory peeks around Sulpicia to see me, and his hands suddenly rest on his still heart with a gasp. “La mia parola, quello che una bellezza squisita ... e ultimo ordine Signore Caius! Quindi è vero? Ha finalmente trovato l'uno?”
(Translation: My word, what an exquisite beauty... and wearing the last order Lord Caius placed! So it is true? He has found the one?)
I don’t know what he said, but Sulpicia grins widely in response, “L'annuncio ufficiale non è ancora stata fatta, Emory, come lei è chiaramente ancora umano. Siamo venuti perché voleva fare una sorpresa Signore Caius con un regalo.”
(Translation: The official announcement has yet to be made, Emory, as she is clearly still human. We came because she wanted to surprise Lord Caius with a gift.)
Whatever Sulpicia has said to him causes him to grin widely, kiss both of my hands, then exclaim, “Lady Isabella, you are most welcome in our home. Please, have a seat. I will fetch Jerran at once!”
With a flourishing bow, he turns, a blur of motion before he disappears down the hall. I chuckle slightly as Sulpicia guides me into an elegant sitting room.
I’ve just barely settled on the luxurious settee before Emory comes back with a vampire just a few inches shorter than him, though more ruggedly handsome in features. His eyes light when he spies me wearing the necklace and earring set, then he comes to kiss both of my hands, “Welcome to our home, Lady Isabella. I must say, I am quite tickled to see my pieces on such a natural beauty.”
He turns and nods to the guards after kissing Sulpicia on both cheeks. He sits next to Emory opposite of us, then asks me, “How may I help you today, Milady? Emory spoke of you wanting to gift Lord Caius?”
I nod in agreement, “Yes, but I will need your help to do that. I know my pendant and earring set was custom. He spoke to me of a specific meaning when presenting me the pieces. He wanted them to represent our journey together. Unfortunately, though I have my pendant and earrings as a physical reminder, Caius has nothing. I was hoping you could fashion him a set of cufflinks, in the same blue and white diamonds as my set.”
After Jerran and Emory share a loving look, Jerran picks up the pad and three different colored pencils from the low table between us. Sticking two pencils behind his ear, he quickly gets to work with the other, working so quickly his movements are all a blur to my eyes. It only takes him a quick minute to complete what he’s working on, then he grins before turning the pad to me.
On it, is a drawing so detailed that I would almost swear it was real. In the very center of the cufflink, there is a round blue diamond. A ring of white diamonds encircles it, then white and blue diamonds spray outward alternately in a cyclone pattern. The design is truly exquisite, and it seems to have just as much blue as it has white. “This is perfect. Truly beautiful, and conveys exactly what I had in mind. You’ll use the same quality stones and metals, correct? How soon can you have them ready?”
Jerran chuckles as he places the pad and pencils back on the table, “Wonderful news. I had already set the extra stones from your necklace and earrings aside, just waiting for another blue piece to be asked for. I can have them ready by this evening, delivered to you no later than 8 pm. Might I also suggest a tie tack, Milady? To complete his side of the collection?”
I grin in agreement, “If you have enough stones on hand, and it won’t alter the timeline, please do. I would love to be able to surprise him tonight.”
Then I turn to Jane, “Will you still be on duty?”
She shakes her head, “No, Lady Isabella. I will be available to take delivery, as Demetri will be on duty. As soon as Jerran arrives with your surprise, I will sign for it and bring it directly to you.”
I nod as the plan comes together, “If you could hold onto part of today’s shopping order when it arrives, and use that as the excuse, he’d be none the wiser. It’s perfect, really.”
Everyone smiles as they agree. It’s only minutes later that Jerran offers, “You have inspired me, Milady. I can see so many pieces in my mind’s eye, meant just for your natural beauty.”
I blush slightly but thank him, then ask, “Jane, do you know when my appointment is with Franco? Demetri was supposed to handle making the arrangements.”
Sulpicia’s eyes light up at his name just as Jane replies, “You are set to meet with him at the first availability tomorrow afternoon.”
I nod, then offer, “If you have no other pressing appointments tomorrow, and have enough time to work up sketches, would you be offended by a collaboration meeting? I will need jewelry for my formal designs, and what better way to have the perfect outcome, than to have both designers in on the same meeting? I have a feeling Caius will likely want to add several more everyday pieces for me, too.”
Jerran laughs, then assures me, “You need not try to convince me, Milady. Franco is one of our best friends, and we love collaborating on royal attire and jewels. My jewels often grace the gowns themselves, as well as the royal figures wearing them.”
I smile at Sulpicia’s nod of agreement, then say, “Excellent. I believe I will see you again tomorrow afternoon, then. It was an absolute pleasure meeting you both, but I still have much to do before I am ready to surprise Caius tonight.”
We don’t even fully get through the gates to the castle before Jane’s phone beeps and she turns to me, “Demetri just informed me that the coven arrived a bit ago, My Lady. Your robes and Volturi crest have also been delivered. It looks like Jerran had your crest delivered while we were out shopping.”
I laugh at that, “He’ll become sick of me in no time if he keeps being pestered for me.”
All three ladies laugh, but Chelsea comments, “Quite the contrary, Lady Isabella. Emory and Jerran both seemed quite enamored by you.”
When the car stops at a private entrance to the castle, Jane takes the small number of my purchases I wanted to bring with me, while Chelsea takes Sulpicia’s. Sulpicia, on the other hand, links her arm with mine. I gain comfort from the gesture, so as she pats my hand, I give her a small smile of acknowledgment.
Unfortunately, we only have time to walk down two hallways before I hear Carlisle speaking from inside a room. “We must stay calm, My Love. If Bella is being forced -as Edward suggests- Jasper will know, then we can form a plan. If she is staying of her own volition, though, there is nothing we can do. We must remember that though we still think of her as our daughter, she may well feel differently after the time being separated.”
Esme weeps in response, “But Carlisle, she doesn’t belong here, with these human-drinkers. She belongs with Edward… with us. She’ll be dead within days if left here.”
I look to Sulpicia, giving a dramatic fake yawn, then can only roll my eyes in response to her silently snapping her teeth at me. I mouth, trying to hold back a chuckle, “I’ve heard more than enough.”
As soon as we are out of earshot and into the elevator, all four of us bust out laughing. I can’t help but chuckle harder before gasping in mock horror, “Oh, no! I’ll be dinner within days. Whatever shall I do?”
I shake my head to calm myself, then say, “I know I smell tasty and all, but seriously? Caius would have anyone tortured to within an inch of their sanity for even thinking of making a meal out of me. I understand they couldn’t possibly know that, but they never use common sense. Anyone with half a brain knows there was no way I would’ve made it out of the throne room alive the first time if I was going to be drained.”
As the three ladies agree with me, the elevator stops. The only thing I can think of as soon as the doors open is seeing Caius. I’ve missed him badly today, and can’t wait to feel his arms around me again. I don’t even know if I said goodbye to Sulpicia before we parted ways in the hallway, but I can honestly only think of Caius as I make my way toward where Demetri is standing guard outside the suite.