You paced the floor of your study, your eyes dazed over as you sucked in an unneeded breath.

The strong scent flowing from your candles was the only thing forcing you to remain in reality.

"What do you mean, they're all dead?" You asked, snapping your head towards the gentleman who stood by the entrance. His head held low as he stammered over his words. "Spit it out!" You hissed, stepping forward just an inch.

"One thing led to another, and the battle broke out. One by one our members fell, eventually the King stepped in. Your brother, Marcus, didn't put up a fight and allowed death to swallow him, my lady. Caius, he was instantly brought down by those a part of the Daneli coven, and Aro...his fate was the same. I escaped in time to come and warn you."

"and the wives?" You asked, remembering how Aro made the wives go along.

"All is well with Queen Athenadora and Queen Sulipica, my lady, but I do believe the pain of losing their mates will forever be stitched in their hearts." The man, Antonio, explained.

"Of course it will." You trailed off, watching the flames in the fireplace bounce around the logs. You knew that with your brothers fallen in battle, there would be plenty of enemies at your gate. "Antonio, do you remember all who fought alongside the Cullens?" You softly questioned, turning your gaze over to the boy.

"Yes," He replied with a nod. "Not many of their allies died, but I believe the biggest threat to you and your reign at this moment will be the Egyptian and Romanian coven."

You turned around, and placed the palms of her hands flat against the wood table. You couldn't think straight, but you knew you had to act. "Have every guard in this place who stayed behind posted in their stations." You demanded, looking over the small map of the castle's defenses.

"I am still the Queen, and I will rule as such."