[The Volturi Imagine Book Two]

O' My Heart, Why so downcast -Part Two- Marcus VolturiXOC Ophelia Volturi

The birth of the child came as Aro thought; quickly and without haste. The castle was in an uproar. Servants moving to and fro, rushing to gather medical supplies for the birth that was already seeming to be difficult on the human.

Cries of agony echoed throughout the halls, sending a slight shiver down Ophelia's spine. She walked calmly. Gripping the skirt of her dress, eyes focused on the scenery and changes of the corridors she once used to run through with Marcus on her trial laughing. Only to be caught, and placed against the wall. His height towering over her, a proud smile gracing his face. He would lean in and capture her lips, hands trailing her body and firmly placed on her hips. Squeezing ever so softly to receive a reaction out of her.

She wasn't supposed to be out of the tower. Marcus forbade it. She knew he'd be angry with her for leaving, especially on the day his child was to be born. But he wasn't here. According to the whispers, some important business called him and his brothers away to the countryside to deal with an unruly coven. Using that to her advantage, she left. When the guard tried to stop her, she simply smiled and told him "if he doesn't want me, why should I stay?" After exiting, she felt a weight lifted. She could breath, and didn't feel confined.

She walked hesitant at first, but soon gained confidence. Ophelia was still their Queen regardless of who Marcus brought to bed, and without him here. She dared someone to stand in her way of granting herself the smallest bit of freedom she could grasp. A storm was rolling in, distant thunder sounding out screams from the girl. The lightning flashes causing the dark corridor to light up. The spring showers always brought a sense of peace to Ophelia. The scent is so soothing, calming. Made her feel so distant from here.

As she continued her walk, she found herself subconsciously following the sound of the heart beating rapidly. The smell of metallic, and fluids. She rounded the corner, and entered the chamber the girl was in. No guards were posted. The four elite guards were with their masters. Surprisingly Marcus hadn't had the girl protected. He should have known this could happen while he was away. How could he be so stupid? Even a lower guard would have been appreciated. With him away, and only three fragile, weak humans at her service. Ophelia could end the girl, and her misery. Freeing both girls of the pain one man has brought to them. Both in different ways.

She caught sight of Jennifer, laid out on the bed. Her hands gripping a rope for something to hold onto as she pushed. Her forehead covered in sweat, eyes pleading for relief. Blood was everywhere. From puddles on the floor, to staining the sheets. Her legs are glossy, wet with the fluids and even more blood. The white night gown she wore was pushed up to her belly, revealing bruises.

The kicking was rumored to be the worst part of her pregnancy. Leaving her with broken ribs, bruises on her stomach, and even coughing up blood. Two servants were stationed on either side trying to provide comfort to the wailing girl, as one who paced unsure of what to do.

"Where is the doctor?" Ophelia finally spoke, her tone demanding bringing all to attention. Jennifer's eyes opened, and looked upon the Queen. The Wife of Marcus, and her heart nearly stopped.

"Oh god!" Jennifer threw her head back, eyes screwed shut. Her grip tightened, her body launched forward and she pushed.

"My lady Jennifer! You must stop pushing. I..I don't think the baby is ready to come yet!" The one in front spoke, stretching her hands out to force the girl to come to reason.

Frowning, Ophelia moved around the bed. She felt no pity for the girl. Such were the consequences of her affair with Ophelia's husband. Yet, she placed a hand to her belly. Motherhood was a beautiful gift. A treasure. Something she had always dreamed of. Longed for, and here. In this woman's fruitful womb, laid the flesh and blood of the man she loved more than life itself.