Renata entered the room, placing her torch carefully in the iron bearer. It made only a soft clicking sound, but it was loud in the stillness. The figure in the chair did not move. He waited for her.
She brushed across the floor, keeping her face steady. When she reached the steps, she lifted her cloak, so as not to trip. It seemed an eternity before she stopped, standing beside his shoulder.
"Renata…" His voice was a breath. She moved around in front to face him.
"Master."
Aro sighed, drumming his fingers on the chair. "I have not heard good news of you," he began softly.
"Master, let me explain—"
"That will not be necessary. The girl is here, and your plan failed. Therefore, no harm done." He smiled then, and her own face lifted. "Come here, dearest one."
She came willingly, kneeling at his feet. He combed his fingers through her hair, thin and black as his own. She closed her eyes, knowing he had forgiven her.
"Yes, Renata," he cooed in Italian. "I do forgive you."
"Grazie, my lord."
"But you must promise from now on to leave such matters to me," he continued. His eyes shone down at her. "I do not want to lose you, little one."
Seeing his good humor, she took a risk. "But, my lord, surely you understand my motive. She—Aster—is out of sorts. She is not happy. I only wanted to ease her burden."
"It is a burden she brings on herself."
His guard sighed. "Are her talents so worth keeping, then?"
"Of course, although we shall not know the full potential until she joins." Aro's teeth glinted. "Which is precisely why I'm so insistent."
"Yes, but to what extent, my lord?"
"That does not concern you."
She stared at him. "Not Caius, I hope?"
Aro didn't answer. Renata rose, clasping his cold hand. "Please don't harm her," she whispered. "It's not worth it."
Aro stroked her cheek, loving as a father. "On the contrary, love," he replied. "It is every bit a worthy undertaking."
