Third POV

Volturi Castle, Volterra

Bella, Sulpicia and Aro met Caius and Athendora in the way. While the three ladies talked about the masquerade and what happened that night, Caius and Aro were busy whispering amongst each other, talking about this new person Marcus met.

Aro was both nervous and excited to met this woman. The woman Marcus claimed looked and sounded like her. Jane opened the door to the throne room, letting Aro and others enter first.

In the middle of the room stood Marcus alongside her. "Di-didyme," a shudder left Aro's throat as he looked up and down the lady. Caius stood at the side, stunned into silence while Athendora stared at the lady.

Sulpicia let a small smile grace her face as she saw Aro hug the lady who looked just like his deceased sister. Tears brimmed in her eyes, as well as Athendora's.

Bella stared at the pair as they hugged, her hand clasped in front of her. Aphrodite was slightly confused and overwhelmed by the way everyone were acting, not that she was not liking the attention.

"Uh... hi," Aphrodite said awkwardly when Aro broke the hug. "Didyme-" "Aphrodite," Marcus interrupted Aro, stunning him by the sudden change. Aro stared at Aphrodite before nodding.

"Aphrodite, it is a pleasure to meet you," Aro said, formally. "The-the pleasure is all m-mine," she stuttered. "You need not to be afraid of him," Marcus placed his hand on her lower back to comfort her.

"I... yeah, sure," Aphrodite said, clearly nervous. "It's alright. It can be a bit overwhelming for her," Aro said with a somewhat sympathetic smile.

"You should ask Bella about it," Dora whispered into Bella and Sulpicia's ears. Bella snorted a laugh, making Aro look at her with a questioning look. She gave him an innocent grin, making Aro roll hus eyes and turn to Marcus.

"You will be the death of me, Dora," Bella muttered under her breath. "Aww... you love me that much?" Dora asked, grinning ear-to-ear. "I am sure, she does," Sulpicia chimed in the conversation.

"It's hard not to," Bella said with a smile. The ladies were interrupted by Aro. "If your whispering ends, my ladies. I would like to introduce Aphrodite to you all," Aro said with his signature grin.

"I don't like that grin of yours. Can you wipe it away or do I have to do the honors?" Dora said, mimicking Aro's grin. Bella and Sulpicia tried to stiffle their laughs.

"Excuse Dora, she is a sarcastic tongue, my love," Marcus said, with a smile. A smile which shocked almost everyone. "He... smiles?" Bella whispered. Dora snorted a laugh. "I guess he does... now."

"Silent, both of you," Sulpicia said. Bella and Dora shared a mischievous smile. "Dora, my love, aren't you suppose to say something to Aphrodite?" Caius asked, expecting Dora to introduce herself.

"Of course, my love," Dora said with a flirtatious smile. "I am Mistress Athenodora, wife and mate to Caius," Dora introduced herself with confidence and pride.

"I am Mistress Isabella, mate to Aro," Bella chimed in. "I am Sulpicia." "Nice to meet you all," Aphrodite said. "The pleasure is all ours," Sulpicia said with a calculated smile.

"Now, as much as I would have loved to talk to you, Aphrodite, but I, Caius and Marcus have some pending business to attend to," Aro said. "But isn't it like... 3 in the morning?" Dora said.

"Yes," Aro said casually. "I will be there soon," Caius said with a nod. A weak whine left Dora's throat. "Come on lovebirds. Let's go," Sulpicia teased the couple, receiving a glare from Caius.

Bella chuckled silently, trying to maintain a straight face but failing miserably, as a smile decorated her pale face.

"I am coming," Dora snapped back at Sulpicia, annoyed by the comment. "See you soon," Caius pressed a kiss on Dora's pale cheek and pushed her slightly towards the group of ladies.

"Happy now?" Dora grumbled. "Very," Sulpicia said with a smirk. "Alec, Jane, escort the mistresses to their chambers. Demetri and Felix, escort Aphrodite to Marcus' chambers," Aro commanded.

The said guards bowed and Demetri gestured for Aphrodite to follow him as she wasn't aware of the corridors of the castle.

"I will be waiting," Bella mouthed to Aro before leaving with Dora and Sulpicia.