AN: I do NOT own Twilight or any of its characters; no copyright intended. Twilight and its characters belongs to Stephenie Meyer, my characters belong to me. P.S. I kind of slipped some awesome Bones quotes in this chapter.
AN: I also apologize for the long wait! It has been a long series of unfortunate events these past two months. I got sick, then cramps, then college started...so yeah. Life comes first, but I thank you all for being SO patient with my lazy ass. I've been trying to find the motivation to go on with this story. But I will!
"Leave us," Marcus tiredly stated loud enough so that I barely heard it but it was no doubt loud enough for all the vampires in the room to hear. Most likely he was telling the other coven members to leave the room for a more private discussion. And I was right. Flashes of black sped past the marbled room and the doors opened quickly only to shut a few seconds later.
I smiled lightly at the now standing vampire kings, still a little uncomfortable with the breathing-down-the-neck proximity. Marcus and Aro stepped in front of me as Caius helped me stand.
I cradled the bones in my arms. Aro's cold fingers inched towards me, they slowly caressed the side of my jaw and they lingered. Aro seemed to enjoy the contact, and he let me know with the warm smile spreading across his handsome face. It seemed genuine enough and the way his lips quirked told me he hadn't smiled like that in many, many years.
His eyes fluttered and the smile grew wider. It was like Aro was seeing something he really liked. I was confused as to why.
"Why are you smiling like that?" I ask, a little afraid of the answer.
"You are so perfetto." Blood rushed to my face.
Aro seemed to contemplate something, very hard in fact as he practically stared me in the eyes without any physical movement. Marcus made a sound of interest causing both of the other kings to look at him in surprise.
"We must tell her eventually, Aro. Gentle Avalon does not like to be kept in the dark, the truth is better said now than later where the consequences will no doubt drive her further away," Marcus sighed and grasped a lock of my hair, thoroughly enjoying the feel of it.
"You are right, my dear brother." Aro happily agreed.
'Brother… they are all brothers! But…they do not hold any resemblances or similar facial features though. I am going to be in a polygamist relationship with three brothers…oh sweet lord in heaven what have I got myself into?' I've heard and researched cultures that practice harems and polygamy, but never the reverse with…vampire brothers. They didn't look very similar, no doubt they believed they were brothers through the bonds of over three thousand years together before me.
I focused my attention to Aro and Marcus as Caius carefully wrapped his arms around my waist. He obviously doesn't understand the meaning of taking things slow. He nuzzled his face into the exposed neck, his cold skin caressing my own over heated flesh. Goosebumps rose like wildfire. I could feel my heartbeat beating faster at the closeness. The snowy colored wisps of Caius' hair fell over my shoulder and tickled my exposed shoulder.
The overall touch was comforting and warm, easing almost. I guess I should be lucky he isn't trying to turn me or trying to rip off my clothes and have sex with me the moment I agreed.
I usually would stiffen at the initial contact, but the closeness was more inviting than it previously was last night.
What? Oh… the "growing bond."
Trying to ignore Caius and his apparent need to cuddle, Aro firmly laid his whole hand on my cheek. The texture was smooth and non-calloused. A breath left his lips and gently ran over my skin.
"Mia amore, if we want to make this work and you know we do, we will not keep any more secrets from you within reason to your safety." Finally. That's nice to hear.
I feel something in my chest lighten. If they are going to be honest with me then I will give them a fighting chance.
I wait eagerly for Aro to continue. Marcus seems to intently study something that I cannot see. His filmy crimson orbs move from my chest to each of the other kings… his brothers. A miniscule smile grows on his lips. He looked so handsome when he smiled as small as it was.
Calm down, Avalon.
"Vampires have certain gifts." I stop for a second. I heard that word before from him. Gift…that is what he called my superpower yesterday…that monstrous and destructive dusting ability…
"Not every vampire has a gift, but a select few do. That is what our coven is primarily comprised of. Our family is strong. I, Marcus and most of the Volturi have gifts. I am a collector, if you will, of these gifts to strengthen our coven to insure the laws and regulations of the immortal realm." Well, that seemed most useful and reasonable but it sounded a little insane as well.
"Gifts… like what I did yesterday? I didn't mean to do that. It's never done that before; all I used to be able to do was make flowers come back to life, never kill anyone…" Aro chuckled deeply, his hand slid down my face and rested on the un-cuddled side of my neck.
Caius releases a deep rumbling chuckle that vibrates throughout my spine. I feel a smirk press in my skin as he nuzzles the exposed area of the junction of my shoulder and neck. "Oh how I wished to have been there for that no doubt spectacular view."
It was not spectacular, it was disgusting and got everywhere.
"I know that, amore. But, yes, exactly like what you did yesterday. I knew that because of my gift. I can read every thought, memory and experience that has ever entered your mind and passed through my very touch." I froze. He could read me through…touch. My past, my memories, and my last moments with my mother and father…
Cradling the bones as best as I can, I grabbed his hand and pulled it away.
"Please don't. My past…those memories are all I have left. I don't want anyone else to see them. Please don't take them from me…" Aro sadly sighed.
"I wish I could, cara. I cannot control it, it is an automatic response to contact. Dear Marcus' gift is the gift of seeing relationships. This is how he knew of our link to each other. We would have never found you in time if he did not see it." A purr seemed to grow from behind me, Caius was obviously happier than a few hours ago.
Remember Avalon, you promised. You must give them a chance. They are trying…
"Okay," I state. They all stop short and seem confused at my sudden acceptance.
"Okay?" Aro repeats in question.
"Okay. Thank you for telling me that. I believe you. You three believe in the saying, Nemo est Supra Leges: No one is above the law. Well, I believe in my own saying, Ipsa Scientia Potestas Est: Knowledge itself is power." I smile in earnest. I was actually happy that they were so happy. I hesitantly reach my hand back out and grasped Aro's in mine, tightly holding his fingers in mine.
His eyes widen a few millimeters and a large smile grows from ear to ear. His eyes visibly lighten at my instigated contact. A warmth bloomed in me as he lifts my hand to his lips, laying an icy kiss on my fingers.
Que flushed face.
"Can I ask you a question?" I ask quietly. I lower my eyes from the intense gazes of my…mates.
"Of course you can, amore. Anything." Marcus smiles, shuffling to my side and laying a gentle kiss to my temple. I grasp to the bones a little more.
"Was Narelle apart of your…feedings?" I felt sick saying it like that. Aro tilted his head ever so slightly.
"Narelle… Italian for unknown." I blush at Aro's words. But he was right. I named her that for a reason.
They all glanced to the bones in my arms; Caius sighed, fanning over my bare skin leaving more goosebumps in his cold breath's wake.
"Yes, most likely. It was most likely during a time we burned the bodies." I stiffened at his answer. My eyes droop a little. It was sad. But I knew vampires feed on the livings blood to survive… I just didn't expect children to be a part of the equation.
Aro made a huff of irritation at Caius' words.
"Mia amore, these bones are old. You said it they were over five hundred years old…that was the time when the Black Plague made its way into Italy. We took those who suffered its effects throughout many villages, in hopes the plague would fade from the population with less and less of the infected. Vampires do not fall ill; we are already dead. Though the blood was tainted, we still got the sustenance that blood regardlessly had, and the lands began to clear of infected with our help. Think of it as controlling a massive wildfire in a forest, mia bella." I never thought about it like that. This was an actual case of being an angel of mercy.
Her bone marrow was long gone, so I couldn't take a sample to tell if she was sick… I never realized she could have been sick, perhaps she wasn't sick for very long. There was no available technology here that I could have used to test if she was infected with the plague.
I looked deeply into Aro's eyes then glanced to Marcus' own, trying to find the doubt, the lies. Caius' cold arms locked me into his grasp a little tighter as if reassuring me. I didn't see nor felt any deceit. They were telling me the truth.
I felt idiotic.
"I-I…" I was actually speechless. I let Marcus take the bundle of bones from my grasp, he was careful and wrapped them in the cloth.
"Grant it, our methods of feeding were more…primitive. Things have changed over the centuries." That was a little comforting, I suppose.
I gently lifted one of my hands towards my neck to feel the comfort of my necklace but stopped my breath short. It wasn't there.
I glanced sadly to my bare throat and sighed. My eye burned a little. That was from my parents.
"Something troubles you, mia amore. What is it?" I looked up to Marcus' worried expression, Caius and Aro glanced to my neck and Aro let out a small sound of revelation.
"Your necklace. Demetri!" Not a second later said guard appeared and bowed. He stood tall and waiting.
"Yes Masters?" He seemed worried, his eyes held tension while his face remained passive.
"When you tried to grab at dear Avalon that night to stop her from jumping off the balcony, you grabbed her necklace did you not?" Demetri held a look of confusion for a split second before a look of realization took over. He reached into his pocket and fiddled for a second till he winced and produced his closed fist.
He walked in front of me and slowly opened his hand to reveal…
I gasped silently in shock and agony.
My broken necklace. The bone shaped silver piece was snapped in multiple places and the chain was equally broken and bent. It laid ruined in his grasp.
I frowned and felt my eyelids droop in subtle sadness. Caius lets a small growl rumble in his chest in frustration at my emotional drop.
"You idiot," Caius hissed at Demetri and said guard bow3ed his head in respect and shame.
I slowly reached for the broken jewelry in his pale palm. I gently picked up the pieces and closed my eyes in defeat. It was completely ruined and beyond any kind of repair that I could do.
"I deeply apologize, Lady Avalon. I did not mean to break your trinket. When I had grabbed for you, I was more concerned and hectic to save your life than realizing I had broken your belongings." Demetri held a solemn face and I shook my head.
"It is alright. I thank you for considering my life worth that much." Demetri looked like he was going to open his mouth but kept it shut as Aro collected the broken necklace.
"Mia amore, we can get this fixed for you. Perhaps a new one if you so wished?" I shake my head.
"It is a kind thought, Aro. But no. I must let you know this wasn't just any trinket or something to be so easily replaced by another fancy item, it was my mother's necklace before it was mine. It hold more sentiment than anything else." I sigh and don't notice a look pass over Marcus' face and to Aro's in understanding.
"Come tesora, how about Caius takes you back to your room to get dressed in some day clothes and we will later discuss further arrangements." Caius smirks at Marcus' offer. I look up at Marcus with panicked wide eyes and Aro smirks as well. Caius could not be trusted with me yet!
"Behave yourself, brother." Marcus states, leaving no room for argument and Caius rolls his milky crimson eyes and sighs softly. Caius pulls me out of the throne/court room with a guiding hand on my waist as the guards come back into the room behind us. Marcus and Aro stay behind for some reason but I don't ask.
The walk was as comfortable as one could have with being held close to an ice cold vampire king, add to that being essentially partially naked and he won't LET GO.
I glanced back behind us and saw Felix and Jane following us in silence and ever present observation. I huff to myself. Apparently privacy is not a big thing in this place.
I had to practically drag Caius out of my room as he held a devious smile on his lips as I found my clothes in the large closet of my room and said I was getting dressed. They were hung up and put away neatly. I was most definitely staying here from now on.
I frowned when he was still in the room waiting eagerly for me to change. I narrowed my eyes and pointed to the door. Caius let out a simple sigh and turned his back towards me and I rolled my eyes.
'Stubborn pervert.'
Changing in the bathroom was my only option it seemed.
I changed into a formal-casual outfit that kind of went with everyone else in the vampire palace as I so appropriately named. Sheer black pantyhose, a loose off-the-shoulder white lace dress that ended a few inches above the knees, and some black ankle strap sandals. Very simple for the weather.
Good lord, I just realized how much white and light colors I wear compared to everyone else… can we say virgin alert or what.
I twisted my hair into a messy braid and exited the bathroom. Caius turned respectfully and I watched with an embarrassed expression as he gazed down my figure with a painted grin.
"Sei così bella," Caius practically purred at me with dark eyes. I understood enough Italian to know his statement.
"Um… grazie?" He tilted his head in confusion at my hesitance. He flashed in front of me and it took me stiffening my spine to not jump. His pale hands gently grasped mine and held the knuckles to his lips. They were very soft…
"You act like you have never been told that before, mia cuore." I smile awkwardly and shrug.
"I haven't." Caius seemed to freeze in his stance like a marble statue and he sharply gazed at me in disbelief.
"Surely you jest." I look around the room for help but it was just us. He stepped so close to me that a sheet of paper would have a hard time trying to get in between us, towering over my short stature again. I could feel the cold aura around him seep into my warm skin. The blood rushed to my face harshly and Caius leaned his cold face into my exposed shoulder, he inhaled deeply and sighed.
"N-No. I mean my friends would tell me I look nice when I dressed up for their wedding but that was pretty much it." Caius let out a scoff and glanced up at my face and ran his thumb over my hot cheek.
"You are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen in my life, mia cuore. And it has been a very, very long life. It goes to show that those around you in Seattle do not know true beauty." I need air!
The room felt too hot. Damn, he was a really good charmer.
Wait, why was his face coming closer? I tried to make myself a little smaller as he grabbed my wrists in his larger hands and pulled me closer.
"Ah! Mia amore!" Aro happily announced himself as he and Marcus entered the room affectively halting Caius in his process. An irritated look swept over Caius' perfect features and he sighed haggardly. Oh thank the lord for Aro being here!
'Bet he hasn't heard that one before.'
Marcus looked sharply at Caius and sighed at my wide eyed expression.
"I thought you were going to behave Caius?" An aggravated sigh escaped Caius as he gently laid his lips over my knuckles again.
"But I am brother. Her clothes remain in one piece...for now." I gape slightly at his words and narrow my eyes in irritation. I whack his shoulder at the comment and groan in pain.
I hold my throbbing fist and Aro takes them in his own grasp.
"We should have warned you as well, amore, that we are virtually indestructible to humans. Vampires are hard, cold and can only be killed by other vampires then thrown in fire." How morbid. Aro lips take place of where Caius' lips had been and try to ease the aggravated redness of my knuckles. Marcus shakes his head lightly and mutters under his breath to where I cannot hear it but Aro snorts in amusement and Caius smirks.
"Avalon, tonight we will have dinner together and we will discuss your further arrangements of settling you in to your new home. Unfortunately, we must get back to the court room as we had a large meeting date planned for quite some time with our connections with one of China's leading covens. Their messenger just came to announce their arrival in Italy, but we will see you at dinner until then who would you like to join you for the evening. Any guard is at your service." Aro seemed hopeful in his own way as he seemed anxious about my response to them leaving my presence or me possibly escaping again.
Caius sighed aggravated as he too remember the news and joined Marcus' side with an annoyed expression. Was it that hard for them to be around me for a few minutes in peace!?
"I think I will side with Jane if you would allow." I smile stiffly and a subtle look of surprise comes over Aro's and Caius' faces. Marcus seems apprehensive about my decision.
"As you wish, mia amore. Jane!" Jane walks through the doors and bows to Aro, waiting for orders.
"Jane you get the chance to spend the evening with our amore today till sunset. I trust you will do your best?" Jane glanced at me with dark crimson eyes and bowed to Aro and her other masters, even me…
Thought her expression was passive, her eyes were cold and hard. Full of malice that she held well but I knew better. Maybe this wasn't a good idea.
Demetri walked passed Jane and bowed in the same fashion and spoke. "Masters, the Xue-Long Coven has arrived and await." I was presented with quick gentle kisses on the forehead and everyone left but Jane as she stood stoically in front of me. She was small, petite, pale, and her crimson eyes stood out greatly among her honey colored hair. Her brows furrowed gently in a subtle annoyed expression.
She stood as tall as she could in her ebony and crimson robes, her heeled shoes clicked as she followed me out of the room. I walked slowly to allow her to stand beside me like Felix or Demetri had but she stood at a distance on purpose.
She really doesn't like me. I didn't mean to take her masters away from her.
We walked down the corridors of the palace, not one of us made a sound except the light clicking of her heels and my heelless footsteps on the marble floors. The tension in the air was thick.
I glanced back at her and she stared intensely at my face.
"Do you perhaps know where the kitchen is? I would like to make some tea if it wouldn't be too much." She halted and blandly glanced at me and nodded her head. I took her lead and followed as with the many twists of the castle we entered a large kitchen, people bustled around.
I was surprised by the amount of people in the kitchen, the fact they had a kitchen was actually a real surprise.
"I didn't expect anyone in here to be honest. I thought vampires didn't eat." Jane gave me a side glace and replied stoically.
"We don't. We have many human staff members working among the castle grounds. What tea do you want, the chef will prepare it for you." I stopped short and shook my head a little.
"I was actually going to prepare it myself. I may have had many things taken from and placed upon me but my ability to brew tea wasn't one of them. I still have some independence." Jane raised her brow but nodded.
The chef finally noticed us and an irritated look came over her face as she spotted me but it paled as she glanced at Jane. She wiped his flour covered hands on her apron and bowed a little to Jane.
"What can I do for you, Ms. Volturi?" Her thick French accent made her words mesh together. She seemed very nervous. I would be too…scratch that, I still am.
"Lady Abernathy wants tea. Show her where the tea and kettle is kept." The chef looked annoyed as she studied me. Her deep blue eyes gave me a once over and she huffed, seeming unimpressed by what she was seeing. That was insulting.
I bit my tongue. I hated being scrutinized.
Jane stood to the side and waited as the Chef took out a large, elegantly carved, clear glass teapot from the cabinets. She ignored my hands as I reached for it, and she filled it with water and placed it on the stove.
Seriously?
"What tea would you like, Miss Abernathy?" I twitched a little and sighed.
"I can make it myself. Please?" She gave me a side glance and ignored my request. She opened the large pantry and let me walk in.
So many teas. I even saw my own that I bought when I was with… Alice.
I saw one that made me smile and reached for it but stopped as the French woman grabbed another box. Green tea.
"I would actually really enjoy the rose white tea mix." She gave me a look but did as I said. She looked like she wanted to say something.
"Did I do something wrong?" She sighed and gave me another once over.
"Green tea would be better for you. It helps with weight loss and metabolism. Not to mention the tea you picked is very, very expensive. Only used for special guests amongst the castle." I abruptly halted as she took off the teapot and placed it on a silver tray with two empty clear glass teacups settled on little plates. She poured a large amount of the dried leaves and petals into the silver diffuser and placed it by the chain into the hot water.
"Excuse me?" I ask, very affronted now.
The chef smiled stiffly and placed the teapot lid on the pot. She narrowed her eyes, placed her platinum blonde hair behind her ear, and blinked unimpressed. Jane stepped up and icily stated, "Get back to work if you aren't going to do your easily replaceable job." The French woman stiffened and nodded, turning to leave.
I was not done with her yet.
"No." Jane stopped and the Chef looked back with a scoff.
"Excusez-moi?" She acted like she was the offended one.
"That is not how you treat someone. Especially people you don't know. I have done nothing to you and you have treated me like dirt since I walked in here. All I asked for was to be shown where the tea was and that's it. If you aren't going to treat me like a normal human being than just ask someone else to show me where the tea is as you can't do your job without sticking your nose up at anyone who isn't the Volturi." Her pale skin darkened with anger.
"You listen here you-"
"No, you listen here, you vile woman. I have had enough of people treating me like trash for the week and I am done. Just do your job and get back to work, I'm honestly sorry I even asked for tea." I snapped, turned on my heel and grabbed the tray, walking to the door we came from. I turned back for a second to the paling French woman.
"Oh and by the way, my weight is perfectly normal for my height, thank you." I turned back with a huff and could hear Jane speaking to the chef.
"You will be dealt with later when the master hear about you insulting their queen." A choked gasp escaped the French woman as the kitchen doors swung closed.
AN: YEAH! I gave that b**** some backbone! Finally! And yes... I chose Jane shortly as the guard but will most likely switch her out with other members to build her relationships up with the guard. Warning the next chapter will have a very uncomfortable and triggering topic for a brief time, so be warned. It's sexual assault, but not by who you think. Please leave me a comment or like ten! I absolutely love coming back and seeing so much love for this crappy fanfic of mine! What's weirder is that you guys actually like it... why? How'd I do? Was it horrible or eh? *laughs nervously* I really hope you enjoyed this chapter! Ciao~