Finding Forever (R. Hale)

chapter two

It's another day in my home. Volterra. The days seem to go swiftly, but i've grown to cherish them all the same. I've always been one to respect the law, to feel that true happiness stems from earning the respect and trust of others. Today, however is different than the others. Today Edward Cullen has walked into our throne room to speak with us.

"Edward how lovely to see you" Aro exclaims with what i've grown to see as a facade of happiness to calm others. I know he enjoys being the royalty of this world, but I also know that my brother wishes it wasn't necessary to be the "bad guy" in these situations.

"I've come to ask a favor of you" Edward replies in a numb monotonous voice and Aro steps up and sticks out a hand. As Edward places his hand into Aro's I see the flicker of pain cross his face, the flicker of a broken soul. I can't help but feel sorry for him, he's obviously come to die like I did so many years ago.

Aro sits back in his throne next to mine and I stick my hand out to him. As much as I love to keep my thoughts private I trust Aro and I trust that he'll take my observations into consideration. Once he release my hand he offers a slight nod and I know i've made the correct decision.

This time I decide to speak, "Why have you come Edward?" He looks at me as if only noticing i'm in the room and takes in me on my throne, along with my bright red eyes and vacant expression. I know he's trying to figure out who I am or my purpose, but in due time he will.

"Queen Cerelia has asked you a question animal hunter" Jane speaks up moving closer to my throne glaring daggers at his head. I know she doesn't understand his diet and I know she's protective of me, as she and Alec think of me as a mother. Even Caius has grown to care for me. But besides all of that Edward finally speaks up.

"I'm sorry I didn't realize you had a new member, My apologies" his soft voice with the slight aching tremors furthers my suspicions.

"Have you come to die Edward?" I ask in a calm voice. I wish he would say no, even though I know he is I hate that others have to wish for death like I once did, it eats your soul away until all that's left is an empty void. He gives a curt nod and I stand up. I'm deciding this decision, and knowing Aro's opinions on Edward and his possibilities I believe I am doing what's best.

"Edward, I am sorry, truly, but we must refuse your request. You have so much to offer, I believe it would be a waste to dispose of someone like yourself. If you are unhappy with your situation, join us. We could use someone like you."

His eyes slightly darken and I can tell he's not happy with the decision. As much as I feel for this young vampire I can not give him what he so desperately wants. He gives a final nod and leaves the throne room. I sigh and return to my throne.

"You did the right thing Cerelia, if he breaks the law however it will be a different story" Caius states and I nod knowing he's correct. "So much potential for such a young vampire" Aro adds and I sigh hoping that Edward just doesn't do something that will make me have to kill him.

I call Jane over and begin to swiftly braid her hair. She is the closest thing I will ever have to a child, and i'm grateful for her. Most people fear her, and they have good reason to, but I know Jane and she has been through enough.

————————-Noon The Next Day———————

"Dmitri, Felix fetch the boy hm?" As soon as the words come out of my mouth they are off to fetch Edward. Of course we know he hasn't done anything, we have cameras, but a talk is in order. Especially after Aro letting us know yesterday that he's in love with a human. Since, he has no intention turning her it's a liability.

The boys are taking too long so, "Jane will you be a dear and see what the hold up is?" Jane meets my eye and nods "Yes mother." and swiftly glides out to fetch them.

When they return Alec exclaims, "Sister we tell you to fetch one and you come back with two...and a half. Such a clever girl" which causes a small lift of the corner of Jane's lips.

"Name yourselves please, we do not have all day" I sigh. The girl Cullen stares at me. She must have not heard of me, but then again most people haven't.

"Alice Cullen." the small girl states
"Bella Swan" the human attempts to calmly state,but we can all tell she's shaking in her skin.

"Alice, you do understand your brother broke the law yes?"
Aro moves forward and interrupts. "We know the girl is immune to Edward's powers...shall we test someone else's? Perhaps one of your children sister?" When he puts his hand on my shoulder I can't help but feel the need to make my brother proud.

"Jane."
"NO!" Edward shouts and lunges towards me. He's intercepted by Felix of course and they begin to brawl. Men.

After the human screaming and begging I turn to Jane, "go ahead dear." Jane locks eyes onto Bella, but as minutes pass and nothing happens I grow weary of her impending reaction so I walk to Jane and put my hand on her shoulder.

"Sister perhaps you might have more luck?" Aro asks me
I move towards the human and outstretch my hand. "It won't hurt" I whisper. I remember being a human, so fragile and scared of every possible thing that could hurt. She places her hand in mine and it's as if I'm being blocked by a dam. The rest of her being is the water, and, as thirsty as I am, the smooth stone keeps it from my grasp.

I back away with a shake of my head to my brother and stand in between Jane and Alec. "It truly is a shame you have no plan to turn her. Without that notion you have put this humans life at risk." I state with a cool expression. I've learned to hide my emotions from possible enemies.

"She will be one of us i've seen it." The pixie like Cullen states. She walks towards Aro and as their hands touch I see an astonished look overcome his features.

After a while they exit, but not before Alice comes to me. "I will see you soon." and then she glides out of the room leaving me with widened eyes and curiosity bubbling in my forever empty stomach.

HERE YA GO GUYS

KAY XX