Chapter 23: Fitting In.

Bella POV…

I woke up to find our bedroom in darkness. After I ate dinner and slept through the night, I felt refreshed and new. Caius made careful love to me last night and it was really wonderful. He loved me until I almost passed out in exhaustion. I smiled as I remembered his loving whispers as he moved over me. I didn't know if it was his sex or his sexy voice that made me climax, but it was so good. Maybe both. My smile faded however, when I discovered that I was alone. My hand drifted across the smooth satin sheets to find the indent of his head on the pillow. I stretched and yawned as I came up to a sitting position. I looked around and then spotted Caius sitting in a chair by the fire in the other side of the room. His head turned to look at me and he gazed at me from the light of the flames. That should have made me feel strange with him just staring at me while I slept, but I have grown accustomed to it by now. I wish however that he would come to me. So, I held out my hand to him.

''Please come and hold me, ''I say in a pleasing tone that made his sexy mouth twitch into a grin.

I love it that Caius was so attentive these days. I didn't mind having to be obedient to him because I was getting used to his ways and he loved to indulge me as well. I enjoy talking with him and asked about his day. He tolerated it well and liked my opinions about vampire matters.

''Good morning my lovely, you are finally awake I see. I wish to take you to breakfast so please hurry up and shower. Would you do me the great honor and put on one of your pretty summer dresses? ''

I gave him a questioning look and he just gestured me to the bathroom. I quickly showered and looked through my walk-in closet for a nice blue knee length dress with spaghetti straps and put on my white flats. I gave myself a look over in the mirror and when satisfied with my appearance, I found Caius holding the door open for me. He gave me an approving nod and took my hand and led me to the kitchen.

I like a hearty breakfast but I'm not taking the time to prepare one. Caius said that he would take me to meet some of the guard and Sulpicia today. So, I settled for quick toasted waffles. They were not bad when you slather them with blueberry jam and topped them with whipped cream.

Caius watch me swallow every mouthful. He explained that in his long years as a vampire he didn't remember what food tasted like. He said that as his mate it gave him pleasure to watch me and it fascinated him that I liked it. Sometimes he asked me to describe flavors, but some of what I say makes no sense to him. Like if I describe chocolate for instance, he will not have the point of reference. He never tasted it when he was alive anyway. But he was interested and still asked. His eyes followed every bite, and I wondered to myself if he was doing it because he was simply bored waiting for me to finish. I knew I was his whole reason for existing and couldn't help but laugh at him. I was probably one of great amusement to him as well. He was not just acting this way but the guard too. Jane and Felix mostly. They had eagerly looked after me and took delight in everything I did. It was like oh let's watch what the human will do next. It amazes me. Soon as I finished, Caius offered me his arm and said we were heading to the gardens. As we came out, the bright sun caused him to sparkle beautifully. We made our way to the benches where three women were chatting away.

''Hello, my ladies, ''Caius greeted with me on his arm as we entered the gardens.

Sulpicia, Athenodora, and Corin stood up as we approached. I could see them each in turn had a different look about their face. Athena eyed me with scrutiny and little tolerance. Corin seemed flustered and bowed deeply, earning her a small smile from Caius. Sulpicia smiled ever so sweetly.

''My master. ''

She had a rather girly voice, and a sort of which would become piercing if she were excited and talked a mile a minute. Her mouse brown hair clung to a pointed face in almost down to the waist of a short slim body with small breasts and narrow hips. Thick brown lashes framed huge red eyes. Jane came to Corin's inside and acknowledged her friend with an odd. Sulpicia nodded to me and took my arm from Caius.

''Isabella, it's so good to finally meet you. I heard such wonderful things from the guard. ''She said smiling.

Isabella! I hate her calling me Isabella. I hated my name. Really, I do. It brings to mind some formal name for a grandmother, who lives in Victorian mansion, back in the olden days. Someone as far removed from me as anyone can be. I was a simple girl and Bella was a better name for me.

''It's Bella.''

Sulpicia smiled so gracefully, her face seems even more gorgeous. She is the prettiest vampire you ever have the pleasure to meet, she is more than lovely, in fact she was a goddess. Her long hair glows as the ray of sunshine passed through it. The golden strands sparkle, shimmering and appears to reflect on her features and turn her already porcelain skin lighter. It seemed to make her whole-body shine. Her golden brows arched inquiringly over sparkle ruby eyes at my statement.

''Well, then Bell it is,'' she nodded over me to Caius.

He never glanced once at Athenodora and thanked Sulpicia for being so good to me. Safety around Athena was questionable, but Caius assured me that Marcus has her well in hand. It didn't settle my nerves altogether and I shot him a look of fright as he bid us good morning. But he mouths that I will be fine. I gulped thickly as Sulpicia steered me away through the pathway of flowers. Seeing that I was doing well with at least Sulpicia, Caius left me to it. I was at their mercy for sure. So, we walked around together through the Orchard among the trees, now the fun would begin. My day was getting better and better. With Athena just behind me, it caused me some concern. I could not see if she were going to make a move to hurt me. My only comfort was that Sulpicia had me safely in her sight with Jane on her other side.

''So how are you getting along. ''Sulpicia said starting the conversation.

''I think well, Caius is a thoughtful mate. I have everything I want. ''

A soft snort came from behind me, but I choose to ignore it. Athenodora. I didn't want to deal with her, period. I just signed off on the unpleasant case. However, considering the circumstance we chatted easily, and I was trying hard to fit in. I almost gasped as I saw Athena flit to catch up to us and take my other arm. Corin hurried to Athena's side.

''Mistress Athena, ''scolded Corin in her melodious voice. ''Please walk with me, ''she tried to pull her back, ''you know what master Marcus told you, ''but Athena looked away and ignored her like she was some sort of common houseplant.

''Athena, Corin is trying to get your attention. ''I say, and she shrugs.

''She is merely a servant. ''Said Athena, like she was some sort of subspecies.

Though Athena was short with everyone, I tried to put myself in her shoes. I considered her point of view. She must be hating me right now for all of this. Now she had to accept me and be friends. So, ordered by the Kings of course.

Sulpicia put both arms around me when she saw me shiver. ''Are you alright, Bella? You look so terrified just now. Do not worry you are among your sisters. ''

Athena made no refute and stayed at my side. I could not help but to feel some remorse for Athena. She must be furious and humiliated to be passed up for a human. Caius could have been wiser than just to spring it on to her like that. How could he put me in this position? I had to smooth things over, but how? Things seemed hopeless. Suddenly, Marcus came towards us. I looked over to Athena and she flashed us a nervous glance.

''Athena my sweet, please will you take my hand and walk with me? ''Marcus urged her as she slipped her hand from my arm and gathered her to him and let us pass. They fell a few paces behind, and I heard her sigh.

Athenodora's POV…

Marcus chattered on about mundane things like the weather and I tried to be interested but I was not. He was kind to me but I since he pitied me, and I did not wish to be pitied. I wanted to be loved and desired. Was he just doing this because of our long history? I just didn't know for sure. I'd rather him not be kind and I would have been killed instead. I'd rather death than this. I knew I was being bitter no doubt take it out on others. Mean because life was mean to me. Oh, why must this be? Please love me again, someone love me. I look at Marcus. Will he?

''Athena, Mia Cara, might you walk with me to the fountain? The day is so delightful. ''Asked Marcus.

So, I nodded and he led me on. It seemed he was doing his duty by rescuing me. What so I did not have to strike up a conversation with Bella? I was not as grateful as I should be. I wanted to get to know her. I needed to know what Caius saw in her. I looked over to where Sulpicia was with Bella. They were by the roses. I blocked out Marcus to catch what Bella was saying because suddenly, Sulpicia looked terrified.

''Oh what…that smell …I feel strange. ''Bella was saying and swayed dangerously.

It was daunting to feel frightened for her, but I was. She crumbled to the ground before Sulpicia could catch her. Marcus and I flitted over to her and I watched him knelt and check her.

''She fainted! Get Caius here now! '' Marcus commanded Corin.

''Right away, master. ''