Immortal Tears
Chapter 11
Marcus of the Volturi:
Esme was quiet. It had been weeks since she had first come to Volterra and the longer she stayed the more her depression settled in on her. I blame most of it on the fact that Esme is stuck up in this tower with the wives. Centuries ago, we put the wives up in this tower because Aro told us that it would be the safest place to keep them, but after spending more time up here, I'm beginning to wonder how long one can live here without dying of boredom. I never really thought about how antsy these women got as we kept them up here, until I began spending time with Esme. I figured Carlisle would prefer I keep her company when he is no longer able to, so I try to spend time with her as often as I can. At least the other two wives are here, they can at least get Esme to smile.
Maybe I can request a small window be placed in the wall for them, I thought as I watched Esme draw a landscape in the sketchbook she had brought with her, although it was beginning to run out of pages. "You only have three pages left," I brought up mindlessly.
She nodded but said nothing, continuing her sketch. I watched as I sat in a chair opposite her. I didn't know what to do to help her feel at home, so I quickly made a mental note to myself to ask Heidi to bring back a sketch pad and a plant or two. Slowly, Esme set down her pencil and the sketchbook and pushed it over to me. I turned it around to get a better look at the landscape. It was actually quite beautiful. A beach scene with swaying palm trees, birds flying in and out of the distant yet lush foliage that surrounded a pretty house. "It looks wonderful. Almost real..." I said surprised she was able to put so much thought in a picture that only existed in her imagination.
"That's because it is. It's what you first see when you walk off the dock and onto the island Carlisle had gotten me as a wedding present," she said softly, her eyes still trained on the paper. I nodded softly. It didn't feel right to be sitting here with her. I didn't want to marry this woman. I wanted her with Carlisle, and I wanted myself with Didyme. I carefully handed it back to her and asked her a few questions as to how she drew the picture, before leaving to keep my peace of mind. Peace always seemed to flee me whenever I felt how much the strings of her heart pulled and ached for her husband, as mine do for my Didyme.
Esme Cullen:
Marcus seemed to be on edge. Not that I blamed him. I was probably much worse than he was, and my emotions were constantly on check by Corin. I definitely understood why Corin was needed. This tower felt like Fort Knox in the middle of siege!
Luckily, I had no complaints on my roommates, Sulpicia and Athenodora were lovely. They welcomed me with open arms and hearts, letting me join in on their activities. Alice and Rose would love them. I was quickly becoming a Barbie for them as I had been for my daughters, my hair and face a new tapestry for them to paint and design. I didn't mind though, it reminded me of home. But, that wasn't always a good thing, it seemed to cause more sorrow than joy. If I could cry in tears Athenodora's beautiful work on my eyes would constantly be ruined. I feel awful for being so emotional, but it's hard to hold back. Every time I try to apologize Sulpicia refuses to hear of it. She always says, "The only one who should apologize is my husband. I love him to no end but this struggle for power needs to stop."
I was always impressed, for one who has been locked in a tower for centuries, Sulpicia had knowledge beyond my years and as sweet as can be. Athenodora on the other hand had more of a temper, but she never directed it towards Sulpicia or I. Athenodora was quite controlled, quite like Bella, but not enough to be a shield. It was curious that the wives of the two most powerful men in the world, soon to be three, would have no special abilities. It wouldn't likely infringe on their political power, of anything it would bring the wives further into politics. So, I suppose it's a blessing we aren't gifted because I honestly don't mind staying out of the political world and I don't think my cellmates mind either, especially since in the vampire political world most cases end in death. I have had enough death in my life to last me the rest of eternity, not including the human deaths I always have to restrain myself for when Aro and Caius bring their wives dinner. Aro is continually trying to get me to drink human blood, but I always refuse. The minute I taste human blood I would be betraying Carlisle further then I could bear.
The only curious thing was, Marcus never came by with any animals. He visited almost every day which was more often than Aro and Caius, and I know he knows I haven't eaten in weeks. I never mention it to him though. I figure there was a reason behind it. I just don't know what it is. Eventually, Sulpicia was the one who officially got tired of watching my invincible body get weaker and turned to her husband as Aro walked in to visit us. "Aro," she said, "Why don't you have Felix run beyond the castle and fetch Esme an animal. We must respect her diet, she respects ours."
I tried to interject, to tell them it wasn't necessary, but Athenodora covered my mouth. "Aro, she's getting weaker. I won't tolerate it, let Caius know," she said with a pointed look.
He nodded, "I will see what I can do my dears. We don't want our dearest Esme walking down the aisle like a zombie in a day or two do we?" He smiled at me. "Oh, I almost forgot to tell you, I invited your family, Esme. I decided that a visit wouldn't hurt."
My eyes widened. Aro invited my family! I could see them again, even if it was the last time! I could still see them before I was eternally bound. For the first time in weeks I was looking forward to my wedding day.
Marcus of the Volturi:
I had spent some time with Esme earlier. She really didn't deserve to go through with this. I would cancel the wedding myself if her family weren't on the line.
Aro was constantly watching our progress, a little too closely for my liking. Personally, I believed Esme was truly beautiful and one of the most wonderful people I had ever met, but my feelings toward her are nothing compared to what Carlisle's were. I wish I could give her more, but it's probably best for both of us as we mourn together the loss of our loved ones.
One of my complaints was always Aro's lack of will to provide for her diet. Aro refused to allow Heidi to bring back a deer or any animal of sorts. He claimed it would be detrimental to our existence to lug a large animal into the castle, just in case it was noticed by a human. This to a point I did agree with, but Aro should at least respect Esme's choice of food. She has refused every drop of human blood he's tried to force down her throat to keep in order to keep Carlisle's honor. Carlisle was able to leave the castle and fend for himself when he lived here, but with Esme in the tower she had no way to leave in order to feed. Carlisle would murder Aro due to his strict instruction to the entire coven not to catch an animal of any sort for Esme. It's a shame he isn't here to help her.
I watched as everyone was getting ready for the wedding. The Cullen's were to arrive within a few hours, and Esme was to be ready at five o'clock. The days had gone by so fast I almost didn't realize their existence. Esme certainly did though. Her eyes were darker than night at new moon, yet she continued to stay strong even with mouthwatering human blood in her face.
Contrary to Aro's beliefs I found Esme very gifted, even if emotion didn't count in his mind. She was exceedingly strong, in more ways than simply resistance. She also hadn't once brought up the idea of killing herself. An idea I had wrestled with every moment since my Didyme died. That isn't to say she hasn't thought of it, but shat least hasn't voiced it, which is a small joy among our sorrow.
*Authors Note:
Marcus is able to feel the bonds between people, which is what he's using when he speaks of Esme's bond with Carlisle. Just to clarify what may have been confusing.