Didyme.

 The image only lasted for a moment in his mind before he pushed it away. What was wrong with him? He was no longer just imagining her the way she had been, but picturing her in situations that would never occur.

He tried to stop these thoughts from continuing by paying attention to what Aro and Caius were arguing about now. Apparently Aro thought it would be a good idea to send the new bride a gift. Of course Caius thought this was a horrible idea and refused to participate in what he called a “farce of acceptance.”

Aro had turned to him and asked, “Will you send the lovely Bella a gift, Marcus?” Before he could answer, Aro continued, “I believe that Queen Edith’s Sphere will make a lovely gift for our Bella.” Despite Caius’ sharp intake of breath, Aro kept going. “She had a unique beauty about here and the diamond will compliment her newfound immortal beauty.”

Marcus understood Caius’ reaction to the gift Aro was suggesting. Historians claimed that John of England had lost the crowned jewels while traveling through The Wash on the east coast of England in 1216. The truth of the matter was that the king had never been good in terms of finances and the Volturi Coven had been more than happy to get their hands on the jewels at what was a bargain rate at the time. Some of the pieces had gone to their wives. His own wife’s favorite piece had been a gold ruby incrusted cuff bracelet but, to please him she had frequently worn the sapphire necklace that he said matched the color her human eyes had been.

He knew that Queen Edith’s Sphere, as the necklace Aro was speaking of was called, was very valuable. It was probably one of the most expensive pieces of the whole collection that they had acquired. At the time it had been considered nearly priceless, now it was worth more than the whole worth of some small countries.

He knew why Aro had picked the necklace for the girl. He was courting her as surely as a suitor would. Aro wanted Bella, Edward, and Alice to be part of their guard. He was especially intrigued by Bella’s potential once she was turned, if she hadn’t already been. Ever since Bella kept Aro out of her mind he had been intrigued. Aro also knew that if he could get Bella on his side Edward, and possibly Alice, would follow.