Caius POV
"Brother." Aro's voice startled me out of my daydream, "Dear Arianna informs me we are receiving a visit from another vampire today." "Good." I snapped. I had been in a bad mood ever since Antheodora and I had signed the divorce papers. I no longer loved her – nor had I ever – but it was annoying to be unwed. "Brother." Aro's tone was sharper. "She is expected in fifteen minutes. We must prepare the guard." "Right. Right!" I sprang from my throne, glad of something to do.
Fourteen-and-a-half minutes later the guard, dressed in their ceremonial black and grey, were assembled in the throne room. We could hear Arianna (clumsy human) and presumably the guest coming along the corridor. Then Arianna opened the door, and in stepped – an angel.
She was moderately tall, and slender, with long wavy dark hair in a side plait. She was dressed in skinny jeans and a close – fitting purple top. But all I could stare at was her face. Her huge eyes were an alluring shade of red, and framed in thick lashes. Her lips were full and all her features were completely in proportion. She was the most beautiful creature I had ever seen.
"Ah! Dear one!" Aro greeted her. She bowed her head respectfully. "What is your name, my sweet?" he asked. "Thorfinna." Thorfinna. A beautiful name. Suddenly her eyes flicked to mine. And widened. In – admiration? I couldn't tell. We stared at each other for a long moment, until Aro spoke. "Dear one – may I? he held out his hand. Strangely, a tiny smile flickered on her face. She confidently placed her hand in his. Aro stiffened. "Remarkable," he breathed. "What?" I asked, not just for myself but for all the guard who were curiously looking at Thorfinna. "I cannot read her! Jane?" he invited the little witch to come forward. "Brother," I said testily, not wanting the beautiful creature to be harmed, "is that really necessary?" Aro just rolled his eyes at me. "Proceed, Jane." Jane smiled at Thorfinna. Nothing happened.
Everyone stared at her. "Amazing!" Aro was thrilled. "So, most charming Thorfinna, as I cannot read you, would you be so kind as to tell us about yourself?"
"With pleasure."
"Well then, who changed you?"
"I do not know. I woke alone."
"What are your last human memories?"
"Someone grabbed me. From behind. Then everything went black."
"Where were you at the time?"
"Paris."
"Ah! Paris! Did you live there?"
"Yes. I am British, though."
"Did you wake in Paris?"
"Yes."
"And how long have you been a part of this life?"
"Three years and eight months."
"Lovely! So, Thorfinna, why did you come to visit us today?"
"I have heard of your immense power, and came to seek a place in your guard." Excellent! She might stay. She had to stay. I had to get to know her. Aro nodded. "Brothers, let us counsel." He grabbed my and Marcus' hands. I showed him a picture of her as one of us, telling him she would be an excellent member of the guard. Aro raised his eyebrows at me. I could guess what he was seeing.
"Well, lovely Thorfinna," he began, turning to face her, "we have counselled, and come to the conclusion that you would be very welcome as a member of our guard." Thorfinna nodded. Aro looked at me mischievously. "I'm sure Caius could show you to your room. Caius?" This was new. I never took responsibility for new guard. But I was quite pleased to be in charge of her. I rose from my throne, gesturing at her to follow me. When we were a reasonable distance away from the throne room I said, "Hello, I am Caius."