So here is chapter 23, I hope you all haven't had to wait too long, as I wanted to make sure it was worth the wait with plenty to enjoy in this wonderful chapter.
I would love to thank my new followers who have been following me, and all that have continued to follow and favorite this story.
Cathy29jes - yes he will be, I'm planning to introduce him to his mate in the next chapter, as I wanted to do a nice build up first to get to that point. He will make a great mate to her despite her being a baby at this moment.
Jeoliverio - thank you I appreciate that you really like this story it makes writing these new chapters so much worth it. Yes so am I and you shouldn't have to wait too long now as the next chapter should be the start of their first meeting. Well I hope you enjoy this chapter then.
kelmikmag - yes there was and this one has even more information, I'm glad that you read it twice because then you must have enjoyed it twice as much haha. Well she is nice to a degree but I can't keep her nice to everyone so you should enjoy seeing her not nice to certain individuals (Caius).
I don't own twilight and all rights goes to Stephanie Meyer
Chapter 23
Bari POV
Going about my usual day to day things, like getting out of bed, tidying it up, then getting ready for the day, along other things mainly just to avoid being in the room with Aderes and Chelsea as when one argument starts it doesn't take long for another to begin, definitely as it's usually down to Chelsea who starts them up again.
As I sit in my room finishing eating the last of my breakfast, I hear the first bit of complete quietness, where others would think something has gone wrong for me I actually was just taking enjoyment of the complete peace that now seems to allow myself to hear myself think for the first time since the first argument started after Chelsea not long awoken for the second time, which made me consider is she more trouble than she is worth keeping conscious but then I would have to get to her to put the sedatives in and i know that wouldn't be easier then I would have to explain to Aderes why I was doing it and it would make everything more complicated than it needs to be definitely as I still have no clue when my boss or Kur as he supposed to known as is due to arrive in a few days.
While putting away the cutlery and plate I was using for my breakfast, curiosity of the long peace got to me where I felt I had to check even if I was enjoying the quiet from all the arguments that's been going on before. As I walked into the room I saw that Aderes looked to be sleeping, which I was surprised as I thought all this time and the arguments she must've not been human enough to fall asleep but there she is sleeping quietly, whereas Chelsea was just looking up at the ceiling while sitting quite nicely to say the least.
"There's me thinking that the two of you would never stop arguing or in her case fall asleep either" I said with a chuckle, which didn't seem to get a reaction from Chelsea as she didn't seem to notice I was even here, which by now I was used to. For several minutes that passed, she decided to stop looking up and actually looked at me, "you can stop trying to befriend me or anything as until I can work out how to get out of these shackles that bind me here and prevent me from escaping to see why Kur has forced me to stay here the better" Chelsea stated with the same anger tone she been using since she awoken from her sedation, then a small evil looking grin played on her face, "before I forget, If I escape I will drain you dry quicker than even she could stop me if she attempts to stop me" Chelsea pointed at Aderes, " so I say this now keep your distance from me if you want to keep your blood in your body, unless you have a death wish" Chelsea said while still grinning, then as soon as she stopped talking she looked up at the ceiling again like the whole conversation she had with me was all in my head like a bad dream.
I walked out the room very quickly without showing her of my fear, as I have the desperate need to empty my bowels as if that conversation was in my head or not it didn't make me feel very good and slightly afraid of her even if she is chained up, as a threat like that is something that I can't even trust that those chains are stronger enough to hold her if she is a vampire, as every myth or legend I know about them speaks of their supernatural strength and their thirst for blood, so with that in my mind my bowels felt like they are at their weakest to hold everything in as I wasn't used to being threatened like that before.
After a good hour or so I finally managed to feel better now that I got out, but feeling slightly thirsty for a drink as I must have made myself dehydrated, so I took a nice slow stroll towards the kitchen to find a cup to use, as I filled it up with water I found that one cup wasn't enough so I refilled it twice over until I was satisfied that I quenched my thirst. After putting the cup back on the side to reuse later on, I headed back into the room with Chelsea and Aderes was in, as I got into the room and sat down, "I definitely didn't need my supernatural senses to smell that, you really was scared enough to empty your stomach and bowels" Chelsea laughed so much that she didn't realize that she woke up Aderes who looked very dazed. As Aderes rubbed her eyes while Chelsea continued to laugh over and over again, "what's so funny, never mind that what's is that god awful smell, did you threaten the halfling, as you know you shouldn't do that with their weak bowels when they are still new to this world of ours" Aderes explained while yawning as she must have still been quite tired.
"Sorry I couldn't help it, as if the halfling had more knowledge of our world then he could have used his magic to prevent all this or even to shut me up if it bothered him" Chelsea said while sounding quite pleased with herself even though she was talking about me like I wasn't here, even though I was in this room and I heard it all. "You do know I am here and I heard all that, also what is a halfling crap, as I'm not sure if you noticed but I'm human, not a wizard, witch or whatever you two think I am that has magic" I expressed frustratingly, as I wasn't happy that they are the ones shackled and should be unhappy but here I am not shackled or trapped here but not being happy getting taunted by them as I should be the one in control not them.
" Well Bari Lightfoot, if you don't want to be called a halfling then use your magic to, rid yourself of it if you don't want it, but I say this that if you did or could even do that, then you really don't understand what you have till you lose it, as being a vampire like myself I would love to have what you have, the humanity and the ability to wield magic that holds unforgotten power that none could stand in your way of but you speak of it as nothing but made up" Chelsea stated with venom in her tone, yet clearly not even finished speaking as she seems to continue, "as Aderes has clearly been telling me plenty about you including your name that holds power in itself, and she tells me that you have untouched magical potential that if you even touch the surface could do so much, even make you close to invincible so you won't be just a pathetic human with a powerful weapon but a witch, wizard who can wield powerful magic that is unknown to even your species, it could even help your species or be the end of them depending on what you choose to do with it" Chelsea finished explaining with slightly less venom as she seemed to look fed up.
"I'm glad that you both seemed to stop arguing as that what it sounded to me for god knows how long, but I can't be that person who has this power or even wants to use it as it just isn't normal, I am human, who works odd jobs to have a living that I can be proud of with many, many achievements from them, all until now my life has been what I classified as normal, it may not be your normal but it works for me, so all this magic, supernatural stuff is too much for me and I don't think I could get my head around it, not just that I have to always be aware that my boss or Kur or whatever his name is, will be due to visit soon and I can't let him see that you both are awake and not unconscious as he left you both since the last time he arrived" I expressed so much that I worn myself out with how much I got that off my chest as It just didn't seem to get through to them that I don't want any part of their crazy, abnormal world that they think I'm part of.
"Seriously you call working odd jobs normal, that isn't normal, no one in your world would work that kind of jobs if they was normal, as I assume you don't even realize that doing odd jobs you did in the past has actually been helping us in what you called crazy, abnormal world, so strap in because like it or not you are part of it, even if you refuse to accept it, and no more than ever you need to realise that you have power and power that can help you escape here and see what the world can off you instead of you helping it, because sometimes you have to do bad things to help the good even if no one understands why" Chelsea spoke with high volume in her voice, "this still doesn't mean I like you or will not hurt you with the first chance I get" Chelsea followed up with with a evil grin.
"Despite how she said it, she is right and if you do escape and let me out too I will protect you from her despite her being a vampire as much as she thinks she could kill me, she knows she is unable to, so we will give you some time alone to think what we have said, but we will be here to answer any questions you have but don't think we will let this subject dropped as, sooner or later getting out of here is needed to happen as there is something big coming up and we are all part of it" Aderes explained calmly, "one last thing if your gonna use those sedatives at least give us a heads up unlike the other times we want to at least have some awareness of his arrival and will wanna ask you questions about what he wanted from his visit if you live of course" Aderes said with a small wink, but looking at Chelsea she just showed a evil smirk in response.
After all that I walked out the room to find something to do, and try to take it all in, as what they said I couldn't not think about it as I know that whenever I go near them it's gonna be the first thing that comes to my mind, and also the last thing I think about before I go to sleep from now on until, like they said I learn to accept it.
Heidi POV
"Move that table a little to the left it doesn't look right there" I said to the guard who was helping me fix a few little things that didn't look right in the throne room where the celebration will be taking place, " Another thing has anyone heard word back with anyone who went with Demetri on his mission to gather the guests? As it's still looking empty here without the guests" I called out again, then remembered that I forgot that the masters, " If there is anyone who isn't doing something important or helping can someone go and see if the kings and the others are finished in the library yet as if the guests are coming then we will need Master Aro to do his part to ensure we don't have any party crashers or spies attending so we can deal with them" I shouted out while walking out into the hallway to make sure everyone heard me no matter where they was occupied.
" if anyone has a problem with it then take it upon Queen Sulpicia who told me to take charge while she and Queen athenadora is making sure that Isabella is ready and not needing another diaper change again" I announced quite loudly so no one could say they didn't hear me again as I didn't want another guard telling me I had no right to give orders as I wasn't their master or mistress, but I know that I was given permission to make sure that everything went fine for this first celebration to go right and I was intending to make sure nothing went wrong.
Several of the guards I walked passed didn't respond, so I went to find the guard who came back with Demetri's message, as he would be the most likely to know if any of the others should be on their way back with the guests or not, plus he may have more guts than the rest of the useless guards to check to see if the masters are finished with Carlisle and the twins with their conversation as if the guests are to arrive then we be needing them to do their parts for the celebration alongside to join in to make it one to be remembered always ingrained into our memories as it's one thing we don't lose unless they are human memories that fade with time and the change to our immortal self.
As I walk around trying to track down that guard, while checking to see what everyone else was doing and telling them what needs to be done or what they can still do if they wasn't occupied, I finally come across his room the last one closest to the humans rooms near the front of the castle as I remember when he first came here that he said it made him more comfortable to be near them as it gave him a unique connection with the humans that allowed him to keep his human memories intact even with passage of time that should have made some memories fade.
"Ah finally found you, I did wonder if you was still in your room or was occupied with the others, but maybe I should have known as with your unique connection I should have expected you be here" I said with a small sigh, "so what did you need me for, by the way you can use my name as not that I want to tell anyone how to address me it's just that I do like to hear my name used instead of just being called guard if that's allowed, being that I'm still new in this coven" the guard said with a sigh of content, "yes your right it's hard to forget certain things that we used to do as when we have someone who is new we always refer to them as just guard and not by their names as not all new guards last here longer enough for us to call them by name or even remember who's who, so I do apologize about that" I explained honestly, "what was your name as I don't think I ever asked or knew" I asked curiously.
"It's Robert, Robert Lightfoot" the guard said with a small bow to show his respect to me which took me by surprise as I wasn't important enough to be bowed to but I was grateful that he thought he should be, "well it's nice to meet you Robert, well I can see why you still seem to be quick on your feet compared to the others" I chuckled slightly, "just so you know you don't have to bow to everyone just the important individuals like the kings and Queens of our world, but to me you it's not necessary even if I do appreciate it" I explained with a smile.
"So you were gonna say something about what you wanted of me, I assume it's to ask a question or need something from me as I've heard you telling anyone who heard you from the hallways" Robert mentioned, which made me remember why I came here, but I felt a small connection to him that made me smile, " ah yes sorry I forgot myself a moment, so yeah as you heard me calling out, I was just wondering if you be willing to see if the masters, alongside the twins and Carlisle have finished with their business conversation in the library as I sincerely think that if no one gets their attention then they would forget their roles in this celebration among other important matters" I asked him very sweetly.
"I can do that, but why me of everyone who is here, not that I'm saying no I'm just curious to why you picked me for this particular task as it's seems one that someone who has been here longer would be more suited, also you don't have to try so hard with me as I would have agreed anyway as there isn't much for me to do since I returned from my very first mission" Robert replied with a smile of his own, making me feel warm in my undead cold heart, "I will take that in mind next time, but the main reason I asked you as you already been in there with them so I can be certain they will pay you attention instead of others who they may not as they may think you have more to tell from your mission" I explained.
I just watched as Robert just seemed to stay still as a statue, which if he was human I would be worried but I knew he may he just thinking it all over in his mind, "I will do it, but would it be fine if you walk there with me for some company as being odd amongst everyone your the only one has really spoken to me and actually used my name now that you know it, but others don't seem to have the same interest even when I have mentioned it to them that I would have liked them to use my name" Robert said looking to be quite nervous about asking that question, to me I didn't mind as I felt like I should be near him even if was just to talk, as part of me was curious as to how he became one of us and what his life was like before, "sure but I have a sort of a compromise that you can call a proposal of sorts, if you want me to accompany you" I asked while mentally crossing my fingers.
"Well if it allows me to have your company longer than sure why not I will agree to this proposal of yours" Robert said with a small smirk, hearing that make me want to smirk myself as this felt easy to get him to agree to what I wanted but part of me wasn't sure if it was thanks to my enhanced beauty or that he was honestly wanted some company being someone who likes to stay near the human part of the castle instead of being more closely to our own kind, "well my proposal is that if I accompany you to the library where the masters are you be willing to answer my questions even if they feel too personal" I asked waiting for a response back.
Waiting for the seconds to pass with no response, I was gonna think that he was gonna decline my proposal, "ok" was all he said in a quiet meek tone, "so should we get moving then as I'm sure you wanted the masters to be notified now instead of waiting any longer" Robert said while walking towards his door before turning round to see if I was following him. It stunned me yet I knew it shouldn't have been that he was ready to go at this instant, but I followed him as he was right I did want it done now instead of waiting any longer than necessary.
As we walked down the hallway which seemed longer distance that I thought as we walked at a almost human pace, which I assumed he preferred instead of how fast we could go being that he spent so much time with them, the only thing that confused me with him is that unlike Carlisle whose eyes was golden yellow, Robert's eyes was the same as my own despite them both sharing similar values or view's of human or wanting to spend more time with them than our own kind, so I knew that that be a question I would definitely ask about among other questions that I was curious about.
"So do you want to ask the questions now or later as walking at the pace we are it could be a long walk in silence" Robert mentioned with a hearty chuckle, " yeah you're right sorry I was just thinking about how similar you and Carlisle is, yet also so different too which is a bit confusing if it's not offending you" I replied with a confused look on my face despite trying to cover it with my question. "Is Carlisle the one that Demetri mentioned that Aro was inviting personally as I noticed that if he was the one in the room when I told the masters Demetri's message then I did wonder why his eyes was different to everyone else, yet no one seemed to treat him or notice it was different to our own" Robert explained with a look of confusion of his own.
"You haven't heard then, he calls himself a vegetarian as he only feeds on animals as he calls it more humane, whereas what we feed on isn't, but it's not like we all haven't tried to make it better as we do feed on the criminals of the world it's just not that easy with the masters, as they don't go out to feed like the rest of us they use my gift to bring in families or orphans on tours to feed, but we are trying to see if we can sort that out so it's not killing the innocent as much" I explained, "as I was saying Carlisle is a special vampire as with his unusual diet he used to live here with the masters but he also attempted several times to convert all of us to his food source which didn't go well with certain individuals such as the twins if you remember what they can do, so you could see the trouble he could have caused with all that" I continued.
"Sorry I went a bit off topic with trying to tell you and him are so similar, yet different, besides the dietary needs, you both have a strong connection with humans in a sense that you both want to be close to them or be just like them ignoring the fact that you are no longer human if you can understand what I'm trying to get across" I expressed while realizing that we have stopped moving, "so should we continue our walk to the kings or have you got something else to say as I don't mind if we stop for a second" Robert mentioned.
"No I haven't got anything else to ask you that can't be asked later, I just thought that was the main thing that I felt like I needed to ask just then even if it felt a question that could have done with it being less of a mouthful to be said" I say sadly as I lied because I did have plenty to say that I wanted to ask now but knew that getting to see my master's was more important.
So we both continued to walk without stopping in silence, oddly enough we didn't move any faster than the same human pace which was fine for me as it gave me plenty of time to think.
As we eventually got to the door I decided I probably should knock instead of letting Robert, as I knocked three times and waited to let it be known that me and Robert were waiting for permission to enter, "come in" was all we heard and opened the library door to go in. "Sorry to interrupt again we have something to ask you and I was wondering if master Marcus would have a spare moment for myself to speak to him" I addressed the room, master Marcus stood up and just nodded his head, "that's fine we was almost finished anyway, so I'm assuming the guard who is with you is passing your message along while we speak in private I assume" Marcus questioned.
"That is correct, and the guard's name is Robert not guard if we could remember that, no offense" I said sounding very straightforward as I spoke, while hearing a growl from master Caius which I knew was because how I spoke to someone who is higher up than I am, which I knew inside was wrong but felt protective of Robert for no reason that I could understand myself, Marcus turned round to face his brother, "calm down brother she didn't mean no harm to how she said it, I can see that it was instinctual like she didn't do it willingly but inside her she felt she had to correct me which she was correct in doing" Marcus corrected Caius, which surprised me, while Carlisle, master Aro and the twins just smirked or smiled at hearing that.
Marcus turned to back to me "forgive me my dear, it's been awhile since we had to use the guards real names unless they have been around here longer enough to use them, but you said you wished to speak to me in private" Marcus spoke in a calming tone, "thank you and yes that is correct, we could take our conversation to the gardens as I'm assuming it be empty so we could be undisturbed" I mentioned with a small smile.
As we both headed out the library to the gardens as unlike when I was with Robert we used our speed to get there very quickly, "so what is it you wish to speak to me about in private" Marcus asked, "well you said just a second ago that what I did was instinctual, are you saying that I have bonded to him in some way and if so what way is it as I feel protective of him and want to know more about him if that makes any sense" I responded back waiting for a answer back, Marcus began to pace in a circle around the garden while looking at the flora and fauna that was beautifully placed in it, "well you two have bonded, but I would say it's a mate bond or a family bond but it looks like something that I could only describe as static that's making it difficult to read so if you give me sometime I could give you a definite answer when I can see how it forms or if it does" Marcus explained very thoroughly while showing slight hesitation with his explanation that she noticed almost like he didn't want to say something that she may not want to hear but she chose not to ask further and change the subject to another question she wanted to ask.
"I have another question or questions that may tie to each other than intended, well do you know how he came to join our coven or why he could as I know that his gift of his connection to the humans is unique but not exactly like everyone else's that serves a purpose of sorts?" I asked which after I said it, I realized that it was a confusing question at best but knowing how master Marcus was close to his brothers when bringing new coven mates as I thought or hoped he may have a inkling to Robert that could clear it up for me.
"Well now that is a tricky one to answer so please beware that I can only tell you what I know or only suspected myself from my point of view as asking a question or questions like that may be better asked to my brothers as with Aro's appeal for gifted members is always something that is sort out but Caius has his own opinions on bringing new members in" Marcus explained but then paused for a few seconds before continuing, " so it is a wonder like you said how Robert is here with his unique gift as it's not one that I would say either one of my brothers would willing let stay, except and this is just a guess or a theory at best, with Aro's connection to Carlisle and his fascination with how Carlisle is with humans and his animal based diet, maybe he thought that Robert reminded him so much like Carlisle that he wanted one who would stay here instead of leaving to travel the world."
"Of course that still leaves questions about why Robert and Caius as the only thing I can think of to explain his reasoning is just to make Aro happy, alongside that but how Aro and Robert haven't had more of a connection is something that bothers me if Carlisle and Robert are so similar in many ways, besides their dietary needs" Marcus confesses while sounding like part of his answer he gave me to my question or questions was thinking out loud to himself.
"So did that answer your questions my dear, as if there is nothing else then I will best be going to see how the two lovely Queens are doing unless they haven't finished getting Isabella dressed and instead trying to teach her words or play games with her again as they should know that somethings just take time for our little Isabella to learn or do" Marcus mutters out loud with a smile, I tried to think if I had anything else that I wanted to discuss with him, the only thing that I was more curious than anything was about Demetri's whereabouts and why he wanted Marcus to be the one to speak to first with his mystery guests.
"Well there's is a question but nevermind it's probably not important" I said with a small grumble, "I think I know what you wanna ask, but you shouldn't need to worry, he is fine, I already have a good idea of where he is for these mystery guests, and I can't tell you as it would spoil the surprise, as im most certainly sure it will surprise my brothers the most which is going to be intriguing to the say the least" Marcus said with a playful smile and a small wink which I wasn't sure if he was trying to say something with that wink or not.
"Thank you master, I will leave you to it then as I'm gonna head off to see Robert and see how my message went ahead with the other masters" I said with a clearer mind than I did before the conversation. "Well have fun but not too much fun Heidi, I will be seeing you later then as the guests should be here very soon" Marcus laughed as I walked out the garden, I probably should have been worried about what he said or when he laughed after saying it, but it didn't seem that important for me to let worry.
As I went around to head towards Robert's room as I knew that's where he be, unless I finished with Marcus sooner than he did with passing a small message over the remaining masters, as I peeked round the door to see if he was in, all I saw was that he was just on his bed lying down reading a book, one that I didn't recognize from my view, I debated whether to enter and ask or just to go off to find something else to do instead.
"Heidi you can come in, as I know you are there so you might as well come in" Robert replied while not taking his eyes of his book or moving from his lying down position, "sorry I didn't want to intrude as you look occupied, all I was gonna ask was how it went after I left with master Marcus" I mentioned, while feeling little nervous which wasn't something I was used to being in front of someone who isn't one of the masters or the Queens.
"Ah yes it went as well as it can be, master Caius didn't seem pleased that I was back again to pass your message along unlike the last message that came from Demetri as he said it's like I've become everyone's messenger boy, which he called was very degrading, so he told me to start standing up to myself and get others to pass their own messages in future unless it was one of them asking myself to pass a message along, but besides all that they received the message and should be out soon unless they are already out as we speaking at this moment" Robert explained plainly.
"Knowing them they are most likely out as you said as I know that master Marcus is going off to see Isabella and the Queens, besides that what would you like to do until the guests arrive?" I say with a smile.
Aro POV
As we all including myself exit the library minus my brother Marcus who left with Heidi and I assume is checking on my daughter Isabella who should be with my mate and my brother's mate getting ready and other stuff they are likely getting up to, I'm not sure how the others feel after being out of the library but as much as I love dealing with business and everyone getting caught up on anything that others have yet to be updated with, I'm more interested to see what has been happening in our absence.
"I don't know what you lot are going to do now until the remaining guests that are still yet to arrive, hopefully it isn't our reputation that stops them as we did use our newer guards who are less known to speak to them, so it should show we are changing for the better for the right reasons" I asked to them as we all walked out and almost walking in the same direction, "you shouldn't worry brother as even I have some faith in them to arrive even if it's more down to curiosity that we used different guards than normal or that we asked them instead of it being more of a demanding, which is something that I would have preferred doing" Caius told me while placing his hand on me to show he meant every word knowing that I could see everything due to my gift, which gave me peace that even he was trying his best to change even if certain aspects of his personality won't be easy to go away as that is how my brother is and I fully accept and understand that, as that is how I am to a degree with how I act at times.
"So that's why we didn't go on this mission, even though at this point, we was more interested in what we spoke about and soon to get a better look through the whole tome, as I think I speak for my twin here, that our soon to be second transformation that you say we are still in a slow process of, it be nice to know what it gives us that we don't already have" Jane spoke sarcastically which just made Alec her twin smile then nod in agreement.
"Well I will leave you all to get what you plan to do, as I would like to see everyone else to see the changes that's been happening when I left to see more of the world" Carlisle interrupted the silence that came after Jane spoke that I was grateful of my friend for doing, as in the library we all warned him to not repeat his previous speeches that he gave everyone the last time he was living here as me more than the others worried for his safety if he tried to keep trying his luck to have more like himself, as some others would try to harm him despite him being my friend which I have warned everyone not to harm, not even a little, which I know was more hard for Jane and Caius in particular, than it was for anyone else to listen to.
As Carlisle left, while our little group continued to walking about the castle casually, I watched as the twins would look at ease with each other while still being unaware that they have cracks on the once perfect skin even if they know that everyone else can see them, which made me glad that they didn't look worried even if I continue to worry what the possibilities of the outcome of their new transformation, which they seemed to be more interested of what it will provide them that being a vampire with powerful gift hasn't already given them, which I was inclined to agree yet still be worried for them otherwise.
One hour later
As I sit on my throne waiting for the guests to tirelessly arrive with a feeling of being very antsy as my brother and several of the guards asking if I was fine as I couldn't find myself to sit still which for a vampire was unusual but it never bothered me that I seemed to do it. I decided to get out of my seat to find something to do, until a guard from the mission comes out the throne room doors, "sorry for the delay masters we had troubles getting here as some of the guests had issues with each other or wanted to stop to feed before arrival, there should be here in a second as I ran ahead to inform you, so you are ready" a male black haired guard spoke rather quickly, which didn't bother me as it filled me with excitement that we can begin the party and that I should get myself situated by the door to greet everyone while using my gift to ensure no spies are attending.
"Excellent well I better get ready as I'm already dressed, so everyone get ready and any who isn't within hearing distance get them them in and make sure they are dressed and ready for this celebration of ours" I announced in a loud voice showing my enthusiasm while still showing that I gave a order to the ones who wasn't the Queens or my siblings. As everyone rushed around very quickly to get ready or dressed for the small few who were still in the guard uniforms as they call them.
Meanwhile, myself and Caius were standing by the door as he felt he wanted to be there if there were any trouble makers or spies as he didn't want another Felix to happen. As we greeted and welcomed the guests one by one, "welcome", "hope you enjoy your stay", repeating the same words with each guest, while using my gift to check their memories to ensure there is no hidden alliance with someone who is part of their covens, our coven or allies we know of, all coming up clear. Some of the guests that I greeted I looked forward to catching up with more such as Eleazar, and the three sisters called Irina, Katrina, Tanya who I clearly remember as our coven was responsible for killing their mother as she created a immortal child, which what started the law on against creating them, as an immortal child can't control itself like we can even after our newborn stage.
Thankfully the three sisters didn't hold it against us as they knew that breaking the law is something you shouldn't do even if they did miss their mother, as time went by they was very loyal to our coven and always spread it to all nomads and covens alike about listening to our laws so that others didn't share the same fate their mother had.
I knew for a fact that Eleazar would enjoy talking to Carlisle as I remember that he kept to himself as he was warned not to try and push anyone to his food source unless they specifically go to him and ask about it, but I'm most interested to see how many be as interested as I am in my friend's dietary needs as to me it was fascinating to say but to others like Caius my brother he detested the subject and said it was unnatural which I agree with but didn't find it any worth my time to mention it.
The nomads seem the easiest to greet as they didn't seem as interested to talk to either myself or Caius but just wanted to come in and keep to the edges of the room away from others unlike the other covens who was here talking and making conversation with each other or some of the guards which surprised me as I didn't think they would talk to them being that we are the Volturi and that we don't have a positive reputation due to keeping the law the law.
The last of the many, many guests to arrive was two of my oldest friends from Egypt, what used to be a large coven even one to rival our own now, now only to lose all of their members except themselves and Demetri, who is now part of our coven, which Amun more than his mate blames me for turning his son against his coven to be part of the Volturi. Seeing them now after all these years, decades, most likely centuries that have passed yet neither one of us changing our opinion of the other as he hates me while I still see him as a friend for giving me a wonderful gifted guard that has served me well all this time.
"Welcome my old friend, it's been a long time, I do hope you be up for a nice chat to catch up on lost time as we so rarely see you" I say in a very welcoming tone, "you seriously think we are friends after what you did, you may not have destroyed our coven like the Romanians did but you none better as you stole Demetri from us and that is the only reason I'm here, as far as catching up with you I will pass" Amun spoke furiously with venom that even a idiot could tell that the Egyptian coven leader was angry, after seeing this I saw my brother storm over and grab hold of Amun lifting him in the air like he was nothing, even with Amun being older and should be stronger than Caius was.
"Unlike my brother here, if you speak with that venom fueled tone once more I will end you, even if my stupid brother thinks you two are friends, and with your pathetic reason for hating him for Demetri's choice in choosing us over you, well that is something you should speak to him about not us, yes we may have used one of our guards gifts to bond him to us but it not stopped him from or you to interact over the years, and before I forget to mention it's not like you even tried to make an effort to see him or see what he has accomplished being part of our ruling coven of our kind as he has not just been a guard but, a great asset to helping us hunt down the filth of the vampires who try to do wrong, he has also trianed not just one or two guards but nearly every single one under my original tutelage for when he first started" Caius ranted while still never letting go of the Egyptian coven leader, "don't think that now I won't be keeping my eye on you while you stay here as I know for a fact you may not be someone that my brothers will see as a threat but I see you as someone who still holds a pathetic grudge that only weak little humans hold and I know for a fact that we are powerful vampires not weak human with stupid grudges" Caius roared with slightly more of a growling anger in this time as I could tell he was disappointed in how a vampire who is older than us, is showing such a weak human trait as holding a grudge, which I wasn't sure weather to thank my brother for having my back or to to apologize to Amun for how my brother spoke to him, but I decided to do neither as both of what happened was justified as my brother Marcus would tell me.
Caius let go of Amun by throwing him down to the floor, which Amun's mate Kebi rushed over to him to check him over,which I found myself to feel sympathetic towards him as despite how Amun acted he should have at least been let go with less force than my brother used, but as I was about to go over to check him myself, he told his mate he is fine, stood up and brushed himself down before walking back to stand in front of me and my brother.
"I'm sorry my kings, for how I acted, as even while I feel the way I do about how Demetri came to be part of your coven instead of staying with me, where I treated like my very own son, despite not being of blood but of being his creator or sire, you are right with saying that I shouldn't be holding a grudge like that or speaking the way I did, so that I will apologize for" Amun spoke quietly with more respect in his tone, " but as weak as it may sound, which I highly understand and respect your views of it, I just still can't say I will forgive and forget what you did to me Aro, even if it worked out for the better for my son, but Caius what you said that I should have made more of a effort despite my feelings towards your brother, you was correct, maybe in time I will start trying to make that effort" Amun informed, while still not looking to be finished speaking so I didn't see the need to stop him and neither did my brother seemed to attempt to stop him either.
"So I would wholly appreciate it if you wouldn't keep thinking me being here or when I choose to make the effort in future to see my son wherever he chooses to be in the future, if you would give me space and not keep thinking that because you see me as a friend I would be willing to want to he your friend, as all we ever be in acquaintances and nothing more or less, so I will listen to your laws but that's the furthest we will ever be" Amun explained while looking directly at me as he spoke those words, which made me feel sad about it yet I understood that nothing I can do now will change how he feels about it, which I could tell that Caius just nodded and walked away as we wasn't expecting any more guests now.
As Amun and Kebi walked away to join the others, I was alone near the doorway thinking if he was the only one who felt that way about how my actions in the past have effected how my bonds with our species is gonna be like, as I was hoping that would be forgiving and know that we are changing so the past can be forgotten. I felt like that if the others felt the same then do they blame it all on me or the rest of the coven too, as hearing what Amun spoke it seemed it was more me he blamed for bonding Demetri to me than my siblings even while they were there at the time it happened.
"You don't look like your enjoying yourself like you would normally with seeing other covens and the nomads, brother, is there something bothering you or is it what Amun said as pretty much everyone heard it but none besides myself thought it to see how you felt about it'' Marcus spoke while walking towards me. I just nodded not wanting to put a downer on the celebration and allowing everyone to see their old friends or covens that they used to be part of, " I'm fine brother really, let just enjoy celebrating Isabella's birthday and just hope that everything goes well when everyone meets her as one of us will have to tell the twins to bring her in so we can explain to everyone about her so they don't think we are breaking our own laws'' I explained with a fake smile.
"If you're sure brother, what happened with the guards that arrived with the guests, did you speak to them or anything?" Marcus asked, "don't worry Caius spoke to them and said that we will ask them about it afterwards but at this moment we should introduce Isabella and the Queens as I only just noticed that they are not here and are most likely with the twins, probably just so they can make a grand entrance to surprise everyone" I mentioned with a small sigh, but nearly forgetting that our kind haven't seen the Queens since my sister's death.
Thinking about my sister's death again reminded me that Marcus was gonna punish me for keeping it a secret and that I gave him a made up story due to not wanting to lose him and his gift for our coven, "so brother how has everyone's reactions to seeing you moving and acting like your old self instead of the one they know whenever they seen you in the past?" I ask trying to see if a change in subject might take some of what's on my mind, Marcus seemed to brighten at the mention of it, "actually it's been very positive reactions, the shock looks on their faces is enough to make me glad that seeing this version of me again instead of the one they knew, it's funny some of the responses did make me chuckle as if only they knew if they met Isabella how she can make you feel and want to be better person, if you can understand what I'm trying to say" Marcus explained with a genuine smile showing.
"That's wonderful to hear, so no problems so far then, which is good, let's just hope everyone reacts well to when they see her as despite how she looks she isn't normal even for us, but she is part of our coven or family being that we are" I spoke with hope and happiness filling my voice as I spoke, "your not the only one who is hoping for a good reactions as we know that Carlisle was fine with her even if he was slightly confused when we explained everything to him about her, or what she is shown us so far" Marcus said showing to be concerned and worried, which I could definitely agree with feeling myself,"just remember that we have the twins protecting her amongst the rest of the coven who know her, so that should be enough to give us some hope that no matter the outcome everything should be fine" I said feeling hopeful again, where Marcus just nodded and walked to join in with everyone else.
I looked about the room to see where everyone was, deciding to see how Carlisle is doing, as I walk steadily over to him while nodding my head to the guests as I pass until I see Carlisle speaking to the three sisters, Eleazar and his mate Carmen, "hello my friends how's you enjoying it so far I hope the refreshments have been to your liking as besides Carlisle who knows the surprise you all will get to meet her soon as I assume that he's been telling you all about her" I say, Carlisle coughs, "actually I haven't said anything about her but actually I've been talking about my diet with them as they asked about it with me having golden yellow eyes and themselves red like your own Aro" Carlisle says very happily, which makes me happy hearing that as I am happy that he found someone besides myself he can talk about it without criticism or anything," I'm happy for you my friend, well I leave you to it as I better see how the twins are" I say with one of my genuine smiles, before walking out of the room to the library where I suspect they be waiting.
Just before I open the door to leave, I felt a hand on my shoulder, which causes me to turn round to see who it was, as I turned round I see it is none other than Amun again but this time without his mate, "where is my son as I can't see him here, is he on coven business or dead?" Amun questions, when he asked that question I then thought why did he ask me and not anyone else as they would have told him about where Demetri is and most certainly not dead, I wouldn't let that stand if I knew that, "I'm surprised with you Amun that you would think less of me to not informed you if Demetri was dead which he is definitely is not, as none of mine or my brothers coven would let me forget it after the amount of effort your son has put to making this coven strong and powerful in his own right" I said then pause, "not just that I would have thought you ask anyone but myself about his whereabouts as they all know about where he is, but not just that you already told me that we are more acquaintances than friends so I would have thought you wouldn't want to ask me something like this that someone else could have easily told you" I say slightly irritable now as it felt I was given mixed signals with Amun.
"Well you bonded him to you, so I saw every right that you be the only one to know his whereabouts, and now that I'm here you might as well tell me where he is as there's little point in asking anyone else" Amun demanded, "even more so when they are all looking at us like they are expecting something to happen, all except Caius who looks to want to rip me a new one already" Amun said, "you are right he does want to rip you a new one and I can't blame him as to me I'm not sure where either of us stand with you as you can't seem to make up your mind wheather we are friends or not as you came up to me to ask about this and no one else as I've already said they could have easily told you but you choose me the one you hate and blame for Demetri being in my coven and not yours" I said irritably, before needing to finish talking again, "as to Demetri's whereabouts is unknown as he went to go on a side mission to retrieve some mystery guests that he was asked to collect by someone else, and before you ask I don't know who asked him, yet I have a idea who it might be, I am telling the truth that I don't know his whereabouts and I don't know who these guests are but apparently my brother Marcus is supposedly knows but is sworn to secrecy about revealing who they are or why Demetri when arrives to speak to him about it or something" I rant on, "is that good enough for you now or are you still wanting answers that I don't know the answers to or something because if you don't mind me this was supposed to be a happy time to he able to celebrate not to be make this all about you as it's supposed to be about everyone getting to know their old covens and friends that I helped pull them from" I said very angrily as my once cheerful, happy self seemed to disappear as all I felt know was pure rage and anger almost feeling the same as Caius feels most days.
Amun stayed very quiet not saying a single word, actually everyone was quiet and not saying anything or even moving from where they was standing or sitting like what I did or said shocked them, "seriously quiet, so no one wants to blame me for something or hate me more than I already do myself for making things worse or how everything is changing and I can't do diddly squat about it" I ranted still feeling like a volcano that just exploded and that I'm finally letting everything out of my system that I've been holding onto for so long, "someone please say something as I feel like I'm ranting to myself here even with all of you with your eyes staring at me with shock or like I've completely lost my mind" I continue to rant with still silence, "come on Marcus I know you hate me for what I did to my own sister, your mate, you hate me and blame me for it don't you, come on I'm right here if you want to kill me or punishment me, I won't even stop you" I say as I storm over right in front of his face as I didn't care how everyone could see that I just told everyone the real truth not the one false one that they knew.
"Brother I think you need to leave and stay in the gardens to calm yourself down while me and Marcus will explain to everyone and try to make some sense of your sudden outburst" Caius says calming with his hand on my shoulder, I just nod and walk away refusing to look at anyone or even excuse my outburst, all I hear as I walk to the door to head to the gardens is Caius apologizing to everyone and saying he explain when I'm out the room, I just feel dreadful that I have to leave it to my brothers to pick up after my mess while I feel sorry for myself in the gardens alone.
Demetri POV
What felt like a long, long journey from what I refer to being back from the wastelands of Mexico where I retrieve two of the mystery guests to bring along back with me home to Italy, with the Volturi coven that I'm part of. The only thing that made the journey felt so long was the endless questions from my beautiful yet deadly Maria who is my mate, and Major Jasper Whitlock who is also known as the god of war that haven't exactly been around civilization for quite some time, so answering all their questions about why I was asked to bring them, why to the volturi of all places, and the list of questions was endless, thankfully the one question they didn't ask about was Isabella as that is one I think is something to he seen to understand than just hear about.
As I slowly make my way up the stairs to the Volturi castle I debate whether this was the right time to bring these two yet knowing that the wise old lady seemed to think now was the best time as it will benefit not just us three but my coven too, I turn around to face them, "well we have finally arrived here now, you remember what I've told you two numerous of times about what is going to happen and when I say you are to come in" I said, the Major just nods, "we be fine and I have the Major to keep me from getting into too much trouble as you called it" Maria snickered as she knows that even if we are mates I still know that she likes to get into trouble and because the major trusts me enough to know to keep an eye on her to make sure she doesn't get into any trouble here. "Well I'm glad that someone is as I know you like to play your games and here is definitely not the time to play them as I worry what they may do to you if you do" I say worryingly as despite the newborn armies she was innocent to me anyway.
As I continue up the rest of the stairs to open the castle doors I hear quite a bit more than I was expecting from my return back, definitely as I was surprised to hear master Aro sounding angry which was new, as I walk the hallways to the throne room doors, I hear master Caius voice who seems to be the calm one this time which definitely making me confused as it seemed that both two of my masters was acting like each other, as I get closer to the door I open it.
"Boy did I arrive at an awkward moment" I said with a smirk, then instantly regretting saying that, " I'm sorry to arrive late, but I need Master Marcus for something so I hope he is able to come with me unless whatever happened here is more important?" I ask with a smile, while in my mind I'm laughing at everyone's faces except for Amun's face who looked pleased to see me and he was one I wasn't laughing in my mind about but feeling glad to see, but knew that I had more important matters to attend to now.
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