AN: I do not own the Twi-world, thanks SM for sharing.
just wanted to give a quick word of thanks for the guest reviewers as I can't thank you through PMs! I really appreciate your kind words and interest in this story! thanks all!
ATIA
The entire Volturi coven gathered in the throne room awaiting Basileus' return with his new mate. To say this was a monumental event would be an understatement.
The guards, along with the masters, were used to Basileus bringing back another guard to add to their ranks ... and even a couple of sons ... but a mate? Such a thing had never happened before. The guards were a buzz of excitement. Even Marcus seemed to be in good spirits, smiling quietly to himself on his throne.
Only Carlisle and Eleazar had yet to arrive. Aro knew they would be along as soon as Eleazar had convinced their little brother that missing Atia's welcome would have dire consequences for his hide! It wasn't too long before he heard his big brother shoving Carlisle into the throne room, forcibly.
"Talking didn't work, then?" Aro questioned, playfully, as Eleazar approached.
Eleazar rolled his eyes in return. "He has a death wish! I've had to drag him here! Damn idiot!"
Aro laughed lightly, glad that he didn't have to deal with Carlisle and his thunderous mood swings today.
Carlisle huffed indignantly as he walked past both brothers and took a seat in Caius' throne.
"Move, or I will have you removed!" Aro ordered in annoyance.
"Why? Caius isn't even here!" Carlisle replied petulantly.
"Whether Caius is here or not is irrelevant. It's still his throne - not yours."
Caius had been away for almost a year. He'd been sent on an urgent and very important mission to the middle east to check on some outpost covens. The fact that this mission only required Caius and his mate in attendance and was called for following the death of Caius' favourite guard, Antonio, was merely a coincidence. Or, so Aro had convinced the coven.
Carlisle heaved himself out of Caius' throne as he shot daggers to Aro.
Aro laughed at the audacity of his little brother. "He's certainly braver than when he left!" he commented loudly to Eleazar.
"And then some, cocky little shit!" Eleazar agreed as he went to join Sulpicia and Carmen speaking with Marcus - mainly to get away from Carlisle who had chosen to stand behind Aro's throne with Felix and Demetri.
At least you two seem happy to see me, Carlisle thought gloomily, full of self-centred morose.
Aro had to bite his lip to stop himself from laughing at Eleazar. He'd rarely heard his big brother display his irritation so audibly and it amused him greatly.
The guards were getting restless. Aro raised his eyebrows to Magnus. Standing at the head of the guards and with a single raised hand, the new master had his charges under control and the room fell into silence.
Aro sat eyeing up the barrels to the side of the throne floor. All gold bands, he thought joyfully. Ten whole barrels of gold bands! He wondered if he could possibly have one taken out and hidden in his own quarters before his father returned with his new mate. Before he had the chance to instruct the removal of one, or maybe three, the doors swung open and in strolled Basileus, shaking his head to his middle son having already heard his thoughts.
And there she was.
The woman they had all been waiting for, and what a woman! With one hand draped lightly through the creator's arm, Atia glided into the great hall with the grace and elegance of an angel.
"Oh wow!" Carmen commented to Sulpicia.
"She's stunning, so graceful, perfect for our dear father-in-law." Sully returned, equally in awe of the beautiful brunette.
Atia wore a golden gown, decorated in glittering gems and lace. The train of the dress appeared to float behind her as Basileus escorted his new mate towards the thrones.
Sulpicia and Carmen were hardly dressed in rags; they enjoyed the finest of garments and fabrics. But, compared to Atia's attire, they felt positively dowdy.
Basileus introduced his wife to a few choice guards as they moved through the room, taking time to speak with Magnus and Freyr and congratulate them on their new appointment.
"Oh for fuck sake, she's speaking Latin." Felix complained to Carlisle and Demetri.
"Is that what it is?" Carlisle questioned, resulting in smirks from both the boys.
"What's wrong with Latin?" Demetri asked his brother. He couldn't see the issue.
"Nothing, nothing. It's just that we've all been speaking English since Carlisle arrived and now we'll have to switch again." Felix whined. "We were lucky Carmen was already fluent in English, I suppose."
Demetri looked quizzically to Felix. "Brother, you are fluent in every language on this planet. We all are! Who cares if we speak Latin?"
With a sigh and a shrug, Felix returned, "I just can't be bothered to have to think again, and you know Carlisle's Latin is shit so we will be translating all the time."
Seeing Carlisle's annoyance, Demetri burst into light giggles.
"Very funny!" Carlisle replied indignantly, shoving Felix and then Demetri for laughing at him.
"What? You didn't even recognise the language!" Felix said as he shoved his uncle back.
Hearing the exchange behind him, Aro shook his head. "Settle down," he hissed to the three of them, much to Carlisle's annoyance.
Who the fuck does he think he is telling me to settle down!
The boys noticed Carlisle's glare to their father and nudged him. "Not worth it, just don't." Felix whispered, not wishing to antagonize Aro in a room full of people. After a few teething problems, Felix had enjoyed a relatively long winning streak since Basileus left for England - he had no wish to return to the humiliation of public scoldings as soon as the man returned.
Demetri, too, wanted to smooth things over before they turned sour. "His Latin is fine and he can get better - it's not like he can forget what he's already learned," he said, in support of Carlisle. "You are just lazy!" he directed to Felix.
Felix's mouth hung open in mock shock, "I would be offended ... "
"If it wasn't true!" Carlisle interrupted him, though in good humour.
"I wonder if Basileus' new bird has brought any ladies in waiting with her. She seems the type to travel with an entourage, don't you think?" Demetri said, hoping for some fresh meat.
"Okay Lothario, calm down!" Carlisle mocked whilst laughing with Felix.
"Shut the fuck up!" Demetri returned, ready to defend himself.
Before he had chance, Aro was looming over the three of them. "Will ALL of you shut up?!" he ground out dangerously.
The boys backed down and looked submissively to the floor.
Carlisle scoffed and turned away. Shut up yourself, BROTHER! Carlisle replied in his mind. He was neither brave ... nor stupid ... enough to say it out loud.
Finally reaching the throne steps, Basileus lifted his lady's hand to guide her up.
"May I present, my lady, Atia," he announced proudly to the waiting guards who roared and cheered in response.
Atia bowed lightly to her new family before addressing the guards. "Such a warm welcome," she gushed, exuding warmth and geniality. "I am so pleased to finally meet you all."
The guards began clapping, already taken with the new addition to their coven.
Basileus stepped forward. "I know coven festivities usually begin in the evening, but today things will be a little different. All duties are cancelled for the day and I have enough opium infused bloodwine for us all in honour of my new mate."
The welcoming guards were now giddy with joy, rejoicing loudly.
Basileus raised his hand for quiet. "Settle down, settle down. Grab the barrels and the goblets. Someone bring a table. We're taking this party into the castle grounds - the weather is glorious," he ordered as he turned to properly introduce his wife to his family.
"My lord ... " Eleazar called before Basileus could make any introductions.
Basileus walked over to his son as Camren and Sulpicia immediately took his place with Atia.
"Welcome, my lady, welcome." Carmen proffered as she took Atia's hand in her own.
"Perfect, you are simply perfect!" Sulpicia proclaimed with genuine joy.
"You must be Carmen, and you Sulpicia," Atia spoke to each in turn. "I have heard so much about you all. I have looked forward to joining your family for some time now."
The younger women shared their happiness over Atia's arrival in the coven and their own personal elation at having another female in the royal ranks.
Carmen could hardly take her eyes off Atia's glittering gown. "Where did you buy that dress, my lady? The lace, the jewels, it's stunning!" she commented, stroking the sleeve lightly.
"Oh, my dear, I make all my own gowns," Atia replied as though she were dressed in wool and sack cloth. Camren's mouth hung open, envious of the woman's skill.
"Are those your children, Sulpicia dear?" Atia asked, gesturing to the twins waiting diligently behind their mother.
"Yes, yes," Sully replied, bringing the pair forward. "These are our youngest, Jane and Alec."
Atia beamed at the vampire children. "You are the twins! Well you two are famed all over the vampire world! I didn't need Basileus to tell me about the two of you. Very impressive vampires."
Jane delighted in the positive appraisal. "Welcome to the Volturi, my lady."
"Atia. Please, call me Atia," the new lady of Volterra prompted the child gently.
"Welcome, Atia." Alec offered as Jane smiled happily.
Sulpicia looked around the emptying throne room. "Where are Felix and Demetri?" she asked generally.
Atia, too, glanced around the room searching for the lads, "Yes, your eldest boys. Basileus has been regaling me of their exploits. They sound such lively characters," she admitted with a coy smile.
"That's one way of putting it." Carmen coughed in an attempt to cover her less than positive comment.
"Oh Carmen, hush. Let us not put off our new mother-in-law on the first day." Sulpicia joked as they linked arms to head out to the courtyard.
As the ladies took their leave, with the twins following, Atia re-joined her mate.
"My dear, may I introduce my sons. This is Eleazar, Aro and Carlisle." Basileus presented his boys with a proud smile, though truthfully he was praying Carlisle wouldn't ruin this first meeting.
For a moment no one said anything.
"Say hello!" Basileus prompted.
Eleazar shook his head, unsure of what had held him back. "I am so pleased to meet you, my lady," he assured as he took Atia's hand and laid a light kiss in greeting.
"Thank you, Eleazar," Atia replied before turning to Aro.
"I hope you are able to make yourself at home in our coven."
"I am sure I will, Aro. Your father and I have talked so often of Volterra that I feel I know the castle inside-out already." Aro bowed lightly as he withdrew to allow Carlisle to welcome their new mother figure.
"Hi," he grunted in English, rather than the Latin everyone else had used.
Basileus released his breath gruffly as he nudged his youngest son. "Carlisle!" he added, in admonishment.
"It's okay, my love." Atia assured Basileus, as Carlisle flashed from the room before Basileus could say ... or do ... more. "We will all need a little time, I am sure," she said easily, as though there was nothing to take offence to.
"Have you tried our father's special brew, my lady?" Eleazar asked, deflecting the situation beautifully.
"No, I have not yet had the pleasure." Atia returned as Eleazar took her hand and led her out to the courtyard. Aro hung back and walked at a slower pace with their father.
"Well?" Basileus asked his son simply.
"She seems very nice, my lord." Aro replied respectfully. "Not the least bit likely to kill me in my sleep."
Crack! Basileus slapped the back of his son's head, though only lightly. "For one, you don't sleep. For another, I have already told you Atia is nothing like Xanthe, so could you please let that go?" Basileus sounded exasperated but he wasn't really. If Aro is joking about me taking a mate, then he isn't pissed off, really. He will come around to being happy about the idea, he thought as they chatted easily about their extending family.
When they reached the courtyard, Basileus pulled his son back. "You may want to remind Magnus of the strength of the gold banded barrels. He will need to keep a watchful eye on intake for some of our younger guards. Save you the job of policing your boys."
Aro nodded sagely. "Indeed!" he replied.
"I need to speak with Marcus, son. Do excuse me." Basileus left Aro to seek out the other master.
"How are you, my friend?" he asked as he approached, arms spread as wide as his grin.
Marcus leaned into the embrace for a moment before replying, "I am well, my lord. Shall we walk?" Basileus agreed and the pair began a lap of the castle grounds at a slower than human pace.
"You appear to have brought a very angry young man home with you, Basileus. What have you done to Carlisle, my lord?" Marcus observed as they both watched Basileus' youngest son bucking against his eldest.
"Oh Marcus, if only I knew!" Basileus said with a chortle. Carlisle was pissing him off, to be frank, but he wasn't the first vampiric charge to buck against him and he had no doubt that he wouldn't be the last.
"I was hoping he could spend some time with you when you go amongst your town folk, it may help him settle back into coven life." Basileus said, hoping Marcus' calm demeanour would aid Carlisle's reintegration now that they were home.
"Of course," Marcus agreed readily, "although that will have to wait until I return."
Basileus stopped dead in his tracks. "You're going away?" he asked with eyebrows raised in surprise.
Marcus smiled. "I am. I have delayed my plans so I could see you on your return, but I am leaving for Greece tomorrow. There is a Volturi outpost Aro wishes me to check on and I intend to spend a little time reminiscing, too." Marcus actually appeared lively as he spoke, something Basileus was glad to see.
"You aren't going alone though, surely?" Basileus asked. He didn't like any of his members unattended outside the castle, it was too dangerous. Though he understood the need for Caius and Athenodora to leave Volterra, he was less than pleased they had travelled without guards to an undisclosed location.
"No, no. I will be taking a few guards with me." Marcus confirmed. "Eleazar and Carmen were planning on joining me but I believe they will be staying in Volterra now that you are home, my lord."
Basileus felt a pang of guilt hearing that. I could do with Eleazar around right now. I will need his help with Carlisle, that's for sure. I put so much on my son's though and Eleazar and Carmen have had no time away from Volterra since they mated. I should convince him to go, for his own martial wellbeing.
As they continued to walk, Basileus continued to press for information. "Are there any changes I should know about, Marcus? Any changes in bonds?"
Marcus sighed morosely. "Caius has taken Antonio's death far more deeply than I anticipated he would. He withdrew from coven life almost completely. That is why Aro sent him away ... for some time to recoup before his distancing could damage his reputation. Their bond was better when Caius left than it has been in the last few years, my lord. Caius and Athenodora are in the Middle East if his letters are true, and I have no reason to believe they are not. They've been gone almost a year."
Basileus nodded along as Marcus spoke, though he had heard nothing form Marcus that Aro hadn't already divulged.
Marcus continued, "Magnus and Freyr have been elevated to Masters of the Guards, as I am sure you already know. Their bond with your family has increased exponentially. They know of Aro's private living arrangements, which I believe has taken some strain from Aro's shoulders. Felix and Demetri are once again popular guards amongst all members of the coven."
Basileus breathed a sigh of relief. Music to my ears, he happily thought. "Glorious news, my friend, glorious!" he crowed as they re-joined the royal group at the barrel table.
Basileus accepted a goblet from Magnus before joining Atia who had been accosted by Aro's children.
"Have you got any gifts?" Felix inquired with a cheeky grin.
"So impertinent a question so early in the conversation, my boy." Atia replied whilst coiling her hand around her husband's.
"But have you though?" Felix pushed again, receiving a raised eyebrow in warning from Basileus.
Atia giggled. "I, like all women, possess a good many gifts that would baffle your male brain, but as for enhanced vampire abilities ... I am a pilferer of other's gifts."
The young ones looked to each other in shock. "You can take our gifts?" Jane fretted, worry obvious in her soft features.
"Only borrow, my dear. I can borrow them and use them myself. You will find your gifts will not work in my presence, generally." Atia confirmed to the small girl.
"No way?!" Felix questioned. Atia nodded with a knowing smile.
"Jane, use your gift on me." Basileus ordered his granddaughter.
Jane shook her head. "No, thank you," she mumbled, not wishing to be part of any crazy experiment just to set Felix's questions at ease.
"Your gift will not work, my dear. You have nothing to fear." Basileus prompted confidently.
Wary, but not willing to disobey, Jane fixed her glare on Basileus. Nothing. Nothing happened.
Basileus wore a contented smile. "See. She's remarkable, isn't she?" he addressed his vampire grandchildren. "Ahhhh!" Basileus released a low roar of pain before his knees buckled slightly, catching himself just before he fell to the floor.
"She? 'She' has a name, dear husband!" Atia stated as she fixed her mate with a glare for his mild disrespect.
"Harsh, my lady! Harsh!" Basileus replied as he bit into his lip to stop his smile from spreading. Pulling her in closely, he enveloped her in an embrace and whatever he whispered into her ear had them both giggling like teenagers.
"JANE!" Aro bellowed as he flashed to his girl and snatched her up from Alec's side. "What in the name of the gods do you think you are doing?" he questioned harshly with a raised hand ready to spank the child in full view of the entire coven.
"No, Aro! No!" Basileus interrupted, pulling Jane from his grasp.
"It was my doing, not Jane's. I borrowed her gift for a moment, that is all." Atia spoke up for the girl.
Aro looked dumbfounded. "Why?" he asked, in confusion.
"Why? To teach the old goat a lesson, of course." Atia replied whist smoothing out Jane's hair and pulling her close.
Aro held his hands up defensively whilst retreating and smirking to his father. "It's about time he had someone to answer to, my lady."
"Watch it, Aro," Basileus warned playfully.
"Yes. Watch it, Aro ... or you will be answering to me also." Atia added plainly, sending a shiver down Aro's spine.
Not bloody likely, he thought, though he managed to keep the thought from his face whilst he laughed nervously. Basileus heard and he couldn't help but smile at his son's naivety.
"Let us go for a walk, son." Basileus whispered quietly to his eldest boy. The two set off on the same track Basileus and Marcus had previously travelled. "I must apologise to you, El. I hardly had time to tell you about Atia before she arrived. My conversation with Aro last night took longer than I had anticipated." Basileus truly did feel guilty about dropping the bombshell on his boy only moments before he left to collect Atia from the coast.
Eleazar smiled warmly, he held no ill will at all. "Think nothing of it."
Oh son, if only they were all as easy as you, Basileus thought. "You may go to Greece with Marcus if you wish, Eleazar."
"I know that." Eleazar assured. "We are happy to stay, there will be plenty of opportunities to see the world." Basileus read his boy's thoughts, he appeared to be genuine. I will check on Camren before I push you to go, he thought. "I could do with your help here, so long as you are sure about staying?"
"We are, and I am happy to help."
"Tell me, how have things been whilst I was away?" Basileus was certain he was missing something, everything seemed too settled.
"Great, really great!" Eleazar confirmed.
"It is nice to know I am no longer needed!" Basileus joked, clutching a hand to his chest as though his heart were breaking now that he was redundant to his sons.
Eleazar elbowed his father in the ribs. "You know you are needed, Dad. Aro and I missed you very much."
Shoving Eleazar back, Basileus asked, "But, Aro has been okay? No major drama?"
Eleazar smiled at his father's worry. It made him feel safe knowing Basileus was still so concerned about their welfare. "No. With Caius out of the picture for a while and Magnus stepping up in the guard hall things have been pleasantly relaxed around here, to be honest with you."
Basileus threw an arm around Eleazar's shoulders. "That's good to hear. I worried Aro was blocking some horrendous event in his mind to keep me from the details." He finally believed all was well in his coven now.
"There were a few incidents surrounding Antonio's demise, but I will leave Aro to tell you about that. Even Felix and Demetri have behaved," Eleazar noted, and then a fleeting memory passed through his mind that gave him cause to stop and laugh. "Though, just after you left Demetri had two guards in your bed." Eleazar continued to chuckle seeing Basileus' face became stricken with disgust.
"He did what?!"
Eleazar nodded as he kept up his laughter. "Aro must have forgotten about it. I had too, truth be told, but I overheard Demetri's panicked words to Felix."
Basileus looked around the courtyard, zoning in on Demetri within a few moments. "I'll wring that little sod's neck for him!" he said, hoping the brat heard him somehow.
"Good to have you back, Dad." Eleazar whispered as he patted his father's back. Basileus continued to glare at the young guard for the rest of this walk with Eleazar.
"How are you finding married life after all this time as a bachelor?"
Basileus looked coyly to his eldest son. "We have been seeing each other for quite a while already, El," he admitted, feeling shameful that he had not only kept the relationship secret for so long, but also that he hadn't had time to tell Eleazar anything before Atia arrived.
"A decade, so Aro tells me." Eleazar responded without any malice or annoyance in his tone.
Basileus was truly grateful for his son's understanding. Carlisle, and even Aro, were enough to deal with. "There or there about," he concurred.
"She is amazingly gifted, more so than any other vampire I have ever met!" Eleazar commented, though Basileus could hear his son's thoughts; he was wondering what she was ... something more than 'vampire', he thought.
"She's a witch, El. Or was before she was turned. Her powers are incredible – some of them even work on me! I can't read her thoughts, for example. She's amazing!"
Eleazar felt blown away, he wasn't expecting a witch, of all things. "Do you love her?" Eleazar pushed, though he was sure of the answer already.
"You would not be meeting her if I didn't, son." Basileus confirmed.
Taking a look around to ensure their conversation was private, Basileus brought the two of them to a stop. "I haven't dared ask Aro yet, and Carlisle has been a little volatile since I told him about Atia, but how do you feel about me taking a mate?"
Eleazar placed a hand on his father's shoulder, "I am happy for you, Dad, and they will be, too." Watching as his father's face turned from stern concern to contentment, Eleazar smiled to himself.
Starting to walk again, Basileus commented, "Aro will come around. Carlisle is another matter."
Eleazar would have liked to disagree but having already had several altercations with his little brother, who had only been home less than a day, he could see there would be trouble ahead.
"How does Atia feel about taking on a coven of vampires ... a family of vampires, no less?" Eleazar asked, thinking it must have been an interesting conversation between the two of them, if nothing else.
Basileus smiled as he thought back to his earlier meetings with Atia. "She was apprehensive at first. That's partly why it's taken so long for us to get to this point. But Atia was more than ready to join us this last year or so."
Eleazar nodded. "And, what would you like us to call her? Is Atia our mother?"
Basileus' breath hitched in his throat. He wanted that so badly, but it was too soon. That was the sort of love that had to grow and it would take time to foster such a bond. "I am sure, for now, 'Atia' will service. In time, I hope you grow to think of her as a mother. I am certain that is what she wishes, also."
Eleazar readily agreed. "In time, I am sure that will be the case, my lord."
Looking around the grounds again, everyone seemed to be in good spirits.
"Caius is coming back isn't he, El?" Basileus quizzed his son.
"I believe so."
Basileus heaved a sigh of relief. "Thank the gods! Everybody is far too happy!" Eleazar laughed, though he had to agree. Basileus watched the guards for a moment. "Not a single guard fight, no tit for tat, no one's getting mouthy! It's crazy here!"
Eleazar knew the answer to that. "All the guards are scared to death of Magnus' rebuke. They won't step out of line with him around." he commented, approvingly.
"Why though? I can't imagine Magnus being as severe as Caius, or even Aro for that matter." Basileus couldn't work out how Magnus was controlling the guards.
"Well for one, Magnus is in with the guards almost all of the time, whereas Caius and Aro are only involved with the guards whilst they are on duty or there is a dispute of some kind. Magnus is there all the time and he can control emotions, so he settles disputes before they even start. He regularly throws guards in the dungeons for the night if they slightly step out of line. Plus, he's nearly as big as you, dad. When Magnus wallops a guard, they know about it! Just ask Felix or Demetri!"
Basileus was pleased to hear things were going so well and Magnus was managing the guard so expertly – and without Caius' cruelty too! "So our boys have been giving Magnus trouble?" he enquired.
Eleazar shrugged. "To start with there were a few problems with Felix. It was a bit of a mess, to be honest. Like I said earlier – ask Aro about it."
Basileus didn't push further. Eleazar would have told him if there was a real issue, so he decided to take the matter up with Aro as advised.
"Marcus looks well" Basileus commented as the man caught his eye, playing the flute with his fellow composers from the guard. "Certainly less morose," he added, sure he saw the man smiling joyfully for a moment.
"He is, he really is." Eleazar confirmed. "And it's not all opium, either. Freyr has him giving lessons on 'culture' to the guards on a daily basis in the guard hall. Marcus has surprised me; he really is an animated teacher. He is far from the man he once was but at least he is socialising again."
Basileus could only empathise with Marcus. The pain you must have suffered losing Didyme is unimaginable for me, but to see you taking any joy from life again, my friend, is tonic to my worry over you. "Well done Freyr!" Basileus congratulated, making a mental note to thank the shield maiden for her contribution to Marcus' happiness.
"Freyr has become the mother hen of the guards since she and Magnus were elevated in status." Eleazar declared.
Basileus laughed, as if that was news! "Freyr has always been mother hen of the guards, it was a perfect appointment. I am really pleased with all I have returned to. I usually walk into a disaster zone."
"Yes, it is quite a turnabout, isn't it? You have brought the disaster zone to us this time!" Eleazar replied, gesturing to Carlisle who was goofing around with Felix, Demetri and some of the younger guards.
Shaking his head in frustrated annoyance over his youngest son's apparent regression to the temperamental newborn stage, Basileus replied, "Hmmm, he was such a good newborn I really thought Carlisle would be plain sailing."
"He will come around, my lord. Give him time." Eleazar offered in comfort, however, Basileus knew better.
"How many hidings do you think he will be getting during that time, El?"
Eleazar guffawed before he answered, "Ha! I'm not betting against you, my lord!"
Basileus ruffled his son's hair playfully. "You've always been my sensible boy, son."
"Carlisle seems to have reverted to a teenager going by his attitude – what the hell happened in England?" Eleazar hadn't managed to get anything out of Carlisle during his brief talks with him since they'd arrived home. Only that Basileus, for an undisclosed reason, was a prick ... which wasn't particularly illuminating.
"Not all that much. We visited his old town, he worked as a doctor in inner London during the plague outbreak. Almost everyone there had the disease and the smell of diseased blood had no allure to him at all. I thought he truly enjoyed helping people, we talked of him doing something with humans when we returned here. Maybe not a doctor, but certainly more access to people so he can build on his control."
Basileus reeled off the events of their trip briefly."I was quite amazed by him ... he did really well." Once again Basileus left out the minor detail that he had snapped the pastor's neck.
Then a great fire broke out and we had to leave. I literally had to throw him over my shoulder and carry him back to the boat to come home."
Eleazar laughed at the imagery.
"It's not funny, Eleazar." Basileus scolded him abruptly with a harsh slap to his closest thigh. The almighty crack drew the attention of a good many guards, much to Eleazar's ire. "The idiot wanted to help people stuck in the fire."
Eleazar rolled his eyes at his brother's stupidity. "You explained how very flammable vampires are, yes?"
Basileus gave his son a withering look. "Of course I did, but he obviously knew better!"
Eleazar could sense his father's growing annoyance. "So that's when his new attitude started?"
Basileus nodded. "Pretty much. Though once we were sailing away from England he eased up a little."
The pair came to a wooden arbour with a bench attached to the side of the castle. Basileus took a seat rather than continuing his walk and Eleazar mimicked his actions.
"That was just Carlisle being frustrated that he couldn't save the humans though, I believe. When I told him about Atia ... that's when things became ... troublesome." Troublesome! Basileus repeated to himself. Understatement of the year. He tipped our damn boat over with his raging tantrum and we had to swim to France, damn ingrate! Basileus grimaced remembering the thrashing he'd given his son on the shore of Rouen. He had been particularly forceful with his delivery. Though he'd only spanked Carlisle with the palm of his hand, Basileus knew he'd put far more of his strength into each slap than was entirely necessary.
"But why? What are his reasons?" Eleazar's questions brought Basileus out of his memories.
"His thoughts mainly revolved around being the only one without a mate, being treated like a youth, wanting more freedom, NOT wanting another 'parent'. I think that is his main worry."
"But why, though? I don't understand why another parent would be such a worry for him." Eleazar pushed to better understand how to help his brother.
Basileus leaned forward with his elbows on his knees. "Carlisle is used to male environments, son. He grew up with the pastor, now he lives with me. He spends most of his time with you and Aro. Those four men in his life have all had cause to rebuke him, which is humiliating enough in Carlisle's eyes, but the idea of that rebuke coming from a woman feels wrong to him."
Eleazar's face skewed up in confusion. "Why is that his first thought? That's ... well it's ... so fucked up!"
Basileus looked back to his eldest son. "Your little brother is a bit 'fucked up', El. He has serious issues around trust and the power of those deemed above him in any way. Aro thinks he may have an issue because he has never had a mother and perhaps cannot see any benefit to one."
Eleazar didn't really know what to say, it sounded like Carlisle's problems were going to become everyone's problem with all that was running through his little brother's head. "He will just need time, that's all," he replied confidently, if falsely.
Basileus knew his son didn't believe it but he appreciated his efforts to supress his worries.
The two fell into a comfortable silence whilst watching the rest of the coven mill around the courtyard in general merriment.
"Atia is surrounded, shouldn't you help her?" Eleazar commented, seeing a veritable swarm of vampires encompassing his new mother figure.
Basileus laughed as he leaned back into his chair. "Atia is a strong, independent woman, son - she can hold a room better than I can!"
Eleazar watched as Atia had the gathering guards enchanted, telling them tales of her adventuring across the globe. "It sounds like Atia has lived a daring life up to now – will she settle for family life?"
Basileus smiled contentedly. "I have given her my heart, son, and as the saying goes - for the one to whom much has been entrusted, much will be expected."