When Aro stopped, Lily found herself back in her room. He lowered her to stand on her feet, but he didn't release her. He buried his face in the crook of her neck and breathed in her scent. His hands were nearly trembling with need. There had been far too much time spent without his mate in his arms. Never again.

"I am so sorry, cara mia. I'm sorry any of this came between us. I am sorry for every even mildly annoyed thought I had about you. I'm sorry you found none of your things in my room because I was too weak to keep them there." All his words were muttered against the skin of her neck where his lips refused to leave.

"Stop, my love. I heard everything. I know everything. I don't need your apologies. Besides, if anyone is to blame for this mess, it's me."

Aro pulled back with a frown as her other two mates entered the room. "How could you possibly be responsible for any of this mess?"

She sighed. "He did this because of me. And if I'd been honest about what was happening from the beginning maybe we would have realized something else was going on. And if I hadn't blocked my emotions and bonds you would have realized something was wrong. And—"

Caius grasped her arms and pulled her against his chest. "Enough of this. Enough," he ordered as he wrapped his arms around her. Like his brother, he nuzzled into her neck to take in her scent. "My Lily. Gods, how I missed you." He moved only enough to kiss her before returning to his previous position. "None of us is at fault for any of this, least of all you. But I will apologize any way. I am sorry I was stubborn and cold and angry. I'm sorry I thought for a moment that any of this was your doing. I'm sorry I didn't come after you the moment we realized you were gone."

"It's my turn, brother," Marcus stated. Caius reluctantly released her so she could go to her brunet mate. Like with the other two, she was immediately enveloped in his arms with his nose buried against her neck.

"Never leave me again, dolcezza. I can not stand it. I am sorry if we made you feel as if you could not turn to us for anything you needed."

Liliana shook her head and pulled away. "You didn't make me feel that way. That was all Sebastian. He's gone and we'll never have to worry about him again."

"I still wish you had brought him home with you. I would have liked to speak with him," Caius said, a dangerous glint in his eye.

Lily huffed a laugh. "Yeah. Speak. Sorry you didn't get your torture session, but I was through with him. I couldn't stand to have him near me any longer."

"It was probably safer for her to get rid of him when she did anyway," Aro offered.

"Let us speak no more of Sebastian and his cruelties." Marcus cradled his mate's face in his hands and brought her forward to press a gentle kiss to her lips. As Lily melted into the warm embrace of her mate, the kiss didn't stay gentle for long. And then her kings proceeded to show her exactly how much she was missed.

***

Many hours later, the four of them were sprawled in the massive bed in Lily's room. She laid in the middle with Aro on one side and Caius on the other. Marcus laid further down in the bed, his head resting on her belly while she ran her fingers through his hair. She was perfectly sated and perfectly happy. This was life as it should be. At least for her and her mates. But there was work to be done.

"You do realize you're going to have to let me see other people eventually?" she teased.

Marcus hummed as he thought. "Um...no."

She grasped his hair and tugged.

Her mate growled in mock annoyance. "Behave, mia regina."

A knock came at the door interrupting their peaceful moment. Aro sighed and made certain Lily was covered before he answered. "Enter."

Jane opened the door, keeping her gaze firmly on the floor. Smart girl. "I apologize for the interruption but the Cullens have arrived. They await you in the throne room."

"Show them to their rooms and tell them we'll see them in a few days," Caius instructed.

Lily smacked him in the chest with the back of her hand. "Do not do that, Jane. Tell them we'll be down shortly."

"Of course, Mistress."

"Don't call me mistress, Jane. We're still friends. I missed you."

There was a pause. "I missed you too, fiore." With that, she left, shutting the door as she went.

Lily tried to extricate herself from her mates to get dressed, but they were having none of it.

"Just stay," Marcus groaned. "I'm comfortable."

Aro snuggled into her side. "I agree. There is no need to move."

She laughed and shoved at him until he moved. "It's my family. Let me up and go get dressed."

They complained but moved to her closet to do as instructed.

"And boys, it's family. There's no need to get fancy," she said, though she knew they were likely to wear suits anyway.

They surprised her by emerging in jeans. Marcus wore a sweater while the other two donned t-shirts. Lily knelt on the bed and licked her lips. "I mean, I guess they could wait for awhile."

Caius chuckled and ran a hand through this hair. "No, it is too late, cuoro mio. Get dressed so we can greet your family."

She pouted but headed into her closet to change. She slid on one of their favorite sundresses, leaving her feet bare and her hair down. After running her fingers through her hair to not look completely freshly fucked, she stepped out of the closet. Her mates ran their gazes over her from head to toe. Their eyes darkened and she grinned.

She hurried to the door. "Come on. We have family to see."

Her mates stayed near her, all touching her in some manner, unwilling to be separated from her for even a moment. When they reached the throne room, the Cullens immediately moved in their direction.

"Oh, Lily. I am so sorry. I don't know what came over me," Esme was the first to speak up and the others echoed her.

Lily pulled away from her mates to hug her family and they growled in irritation. She scowled as she joined the Cullens. "Sorry. They're still in protective mode."

"Understandable," Carlisle said as he wrapped his arms around her. He held her tightly. "I am so glad you are okay. I was terrified as to what we would find when we arrived. It is good that you are back."

She pulled away and smiled at him. "I am very happy to be me again."

Esme was next, followed by Emmett who picked her up and spun her in a circle. She laughed as he sat her down and passed her to Rose. "I am so sorry, baby girl," the other woman said as she wrapped Lily in a tight hug.

"Wasn't your fault, Rosie. Just don't ever do it again, okay?"

That brought a couple of chuckles and more hugs. As they finished they stepped aside to show a rather sheepish Edward Cullen. Lily offered a soft smile. "Hello, Eddie."

He opened his arms and she immediately ran to him. They held each other for a long moment in silence. "I'm sorry, sis. I don't know what came over me. I should have been stronger. I failed you."

"Don't get all emo Bunnicula on me, Eddie." Lily released him and stepped back. "Besides, the same thing came over you that came over everyone else. Sebastian."

"Who's Sebastian and where the hell is he?" Emmett asked.

Aro moved back to Lily's side and wrapped an arm around her waist. He pulled her into his side. "We have much to tell you. Let's adjourn upstairs."

***

The group moved to the common area on their floor. Liliana settled on the sofa between Aro and Marcus while Caius sat on the floor where he wrapped an arm around her legs. They were joined by Jasper, Alice and Garrett. After they explained exactly what had happened, Lily patted Caius' shoulder. "Let me up, my love."

Aro grasped her hand as she stood. "Return quickly, cara mia."

"Where are you going?" Caius asked as he got to his feet.

"I have some guard members to see. I will be back soon. Does anyone want to come with?"

"I will," Edward and Caius said in unison.

Liliana reached up and pulled Caius to her to kiss him gently. "Sorry, my warrior, but you make the guard nervous still. I'll take Eddie with me and return before you know it."

He grumbled but sat in the space she just vacated on the couch. After a swift kiss to both of her other mates as well, she grabbed Edward's hand and dragged him to the stairs. They meandered toward the guard rec room talking as they went.

"How are you not just pissed at the whole world right now?" he asked.

"And what good what that do? It wasn't anyone's fault but Sebastian's and he's dead. It would be a waste to be angry with anyone else. He deteriorated bonds until it was almost as if they never existed. I can't blame anyone but him for what happened after."

"You're a better person than I would be, I think," he said as they arrived at their destination.

Lily shrugged not knowing what else to say though she had a feeling Edward would be a better man than he thought if the situation ever arose. Hopefully, it wouldn't. They stepped into the room and it immediately fell quiet.

Guards got to their feet and gave her a little bow. A chorus of 'Mistress' and 'your majesty' went up from around the room.

She cringed. "Are we really back to that? All my hard work gone already?" There was some light laughter and postures relaxed. Her eyes ran over the room, but the four she sought were not present.

"I believe they are in Demetri's room," Heidi offered, obviously knowing who Lily was looking for.

She gave the guard a nod and turned to Edward. "There's something I need to take care of. I'll be back."

"Are you sure?"

"Contrary to my mates' beliefs, I am perfectly capable of walking around the palace unescorted. Just stay here." She didn't wait for another response before making her way to Demetri's room.

She knocked and waited.

"Come in," came Demi's familiar voice, though he did sound much more somber than usual.

Liliana pushed open the door. "Is this a private pity party or can anyone attend?"

They were on their feet in a flash, standing at attention and not meeting her eye. "Don't even think about starting that."

Her gaze moved between the four of them before she opened her arms. Jane was there in a blink. Lily returned the small vampire's hug. "I missed you, Lily."

That seemed to be what it took to break the dam and soon the other three had their arms wrapped around the two women. "We missed you so much, Mistress. I am ever so glad you're home, Mistress. We are so sorry to disappoint, Mistress."

"Demetri, I can and will hurt you."

"Of course, fiore."

The others simply chuckled at their antics. It seemed things were returning to normal after all. When they finally separated, Lily smiled at her friends. "Just so we're clear, he manipulated me into picking him to go with me. Just like he manipulated you all into being assholes. So, let's call it even, okay?"

More laughter was punctuated with another hug between her and Demetri. "We really are happy that you're home, fiore."

Lily gave him one more squeeze for good measure before releasing him. "I better get back to my mates. I'm certain they are already antsy as it is."

She zoomed away and back to the rec room to pick up Eddie. She found him deep in conversation with a red head she didn't remember the name of. He glanced at Lily but didn't move to get up. She removed the block so he could read her thoughts. Should I leave you here to flirt?

A beat later and Edward and his new companion were in front of her. "Lily, this is my mate, Molly. Molly, this is my sister, Lily."

Happiness flooded Lily. Her brother had found his mate. She was absolutely thrilled for him. Molly's eyes went wide and she leaned into Edward's side. "Your sister's the queen?"

Lily's lips twitched. "That I am." She held out a hand. "It's fantastic to meet you."

Molly shook it then buried her head against Edward's chest. Lily wondered how old the girl was that she was still so shy.

"So, you going to introduce her to everyone or do you want me to break the news to them for you?" Lily asked.

"Would you mind?" he asked. "I'd hate to scare her off so soon."

She grinned and kissed him on the cheek before racing off to her mates and the rest of her family. They were all pretty much in the positions she left them in and she resumed her previous seat. Caius didn't mind at all as she sat in his lap and he wrapped his arms around her waist.

"Where's Edward?" Esme asked.

"Oh, with his mate." Lily wanted to come off as nonchalant but she was far too excited. She squealed at the end of her statement and bounced a little, earning chuckles from her mates.

"His mate?" Alice exclaimed, sounding much like Liliana's squeal. "Who is she? What's she like? Why didn't I see this? Why didn't he bring her to meet us? Is he embarrassed by us?"

Jasper slipped his hand over Alice's mouth. "Calm down, Darlin'. Breathe."

"You probably didn't see it because I made the decision that led to them meeting. And they didn't return with me because she is very shy."

"Molly," the kings said in unison. Guess that answered the question if she was always that way.

"She is a very sweet girl. We're all rather fond of her and will hate to see her go. Though if she has to, I am glad it is with your coven, Carlisle," Aro offered.

The Cullens were talking excitedly amongst themselves while Carlisle appeared deep in thought. Lily tilted her head as she watched him wondering what was going on in that head of his. Suddenly, he rose to his feet. "We should go as I'm sure you have a lot of catching up to do still. Aro, I would like to talk to you tomorrow." He shook hands with the king in question and they exchanged a look.

"What's he up to?" Liliana asked as soon as her family was out of earshot.

"He wants to discuss the coven moving Italy if not within Volterra itself." Aro sounded as surprised as Lily felt. She never imagined her family would move here but she couldn't think of anything she wanted more. It made sense though. Her mates were here and Jasper already announced his and Alice's intentions to stay with her for awhile. And now Edward had found his mate amongst the Volturi.

She leaned further into Caius' chest. "I couldn't have dreamed a better ending to this whole mess."

"Don't be ridiculous, dolcezza, this is only the beginning."

***

a/n: But it is The End. Thank you for reading. Hope you enjoyed it!