AN: I don't own anything, just playing with the characters :)
Sorry for the delay, we've had some technical issues! Back up and running now with plenty more instalments to come :)
1668, JANUARY - PAYROLL
"My queen, Marcus is already here," Aro called out as he rushed into his chambers.
Sulpicia's heart sank. She was glad of their covenmate's safe return, for Marcus had been away over a year now and she had missed his presence. When Lev and Odi had tracked down Marcus, Eleazar, and their accompanying guards to bring them home, Marcus had refused and insisted on continuing his travels. He had also taken over Odi's duty of meeting with the Egyptian coven to bring them to Volterra for Aro's offer of amnesty. Though she felt relief that Marcus was home, she was worried for her poor boy who had to face the master over his most recent misdeeds.
"Shall we take Felix to him, my love?"
Aro shook his head. "Not yet, I will meet with Marcus first," he said as he passed his mate on his way to their bed chamber.
Sulpicia scrubbed a hand down her face, discarding her needlework to the side table. "Will he be very angry, do you think?" she asked in trepidation.
Aro heard but he wasn't sure how to answer. If it had been his chambers someone had broken into, he knew how pissed off he would be ... but Marcus? Aro quickly changed and came back to Sulpicia, wrapping his arms around her from behind her chair.
"The old Marcus would have reacted furiously. I have no idea how 'Marcus the widower' will wish to proceed."
Sulpicia stiffened in his arms. "My love, Felix has been through so much recently. You must try and temper any ferocity."
Aro scoffed. "My queen, Felix has only been through that which he has caused himself. Marcus will not hurt him, it's not his way."
Sulpicia knew Aro was right, of course, but her baby was suffering and that was all she cared about, whether it was the boy's own doing or not made little difference to her.
"Where is Felix? Aro asked before nuzzling his wife's neck. "I should warn him at least."
"He's in his room. He's always in his room. You and Basileus have broken his spirit ... "
"Not this again, please!" Aro interrupted as he stalked out of the room. I cannot listen to any more of your 'poor Felix' rhetoric, he said to himself as he sought out his son.
Felix was, as Sulpicia had said, in his room. When Aro entered, Felix was lying on his bed staring into space whilst Demetri flitted about the bed chamber.
"Busy?" Aro asked sarcastically.
"I'm bored stupid!" Demetri replied in a huff. "He's just stupid," he added about his big brother.
"Hey!" Felix scoffed. "Unnecessary!"
Aro shook his head. "Let us end this fight before it begins," he said pointedly to Demetri, who looked away in annoyance. "Marcus is home," Aro told his eldest flatly.
Felix felt his stomach flip and he looked to his father with panic clear in his eyes. "Should I go to him?" he asked. Please say no! Please!
"Not yet. I will talk to him first," Aro said kindly. Though he didn't agree with Sulpicia's molly coddling of their son, particularly when the boy had been so damn reckless, he didn't want to bring him any additional worry either.
"What do you think he's going to say?" Felix asked, voice shaking as he spoke.
Aro sat next to Felix on his bed. "Well, I have already had the door to his chambers replaced. The door to the terrace that you smashed will be fixed today. I cannot replace his opium, but I will give him the money to do so."
Felix looked shyly to his father. He truly felt embarrassed about what he and Carlisle had done. "Thank you," he said softly, but he was still worried about what Marcus would actually do in response to his chambers being infiltrated.
"Marcus is generally very understanding," Aro told his boy. "I think you may live through it," he added with a smile.
Felix gulped. Aro's gentle joke didn't help ease his worries one bit.
"I will be calling a meeting of the two towers at noon. We will all meet in the library and you will be apologising to Marcus whilst we are there."
Aro's announcement sent a shiver of fear through Felix's whole body. "No, Dad, please! he whined. "Can't I go and see him in his quarters? In private!"
Aro laughed. "I highly doubt Marcus will want you in his chambers again, Felix," he pointed out as he stood to leave. "You have an hour to come up with an apology."
Leaving Felix looking desperately sad, Aro turned to Demetri. "I am assuming Lucy will be at the meeting, she is part of Caius' household," he said, watching for a reaction.
Demetri shrugged. He didn't feel anything about the girl anymore, which was odd. He wanted to feel, but whatever Chelsea had done to his bonds with the one-time love of his life had ended any feelings he ever had, or could have over Lucy.
Aro nodded as a pang of guilt twisted his heart. It was for his own good, he told himself, although, he was starting to really worry about what he had done to his son. Demetri, though calm at that moment, had been a damn nightmare to live with - he'd even come to blows with Felix ... which almost never happened.
"Felix, could you go to Caius, please, and tell him to bring his household to the meeting. Demetri, go to the guard hall and tell Freyr and Magnus to come."
Both boys looked to their father with a raised eyebrow.
"We aren't supposed to leave the tower," Felix said, wondering if this was a trick. After his short stint in the dungeons, he was intent upon proving his place in his family through best behaviour and, if this was a test, he wasn't going to fall at the first hurdle.
Aro smiled. "I know that, but I need you to run this errand. Go straight there and come straight back. Understood?"
They had only been restricted to the tower for a few weeks but they were already going stir crazy held up in their rooms. Demetri, in particular, seemed to be suffering from the lack of stimuli, which was unusual as it was normally Felix who was bouncing off the walls.
Aro had fleetingly wondered if Chelsea's magic had affected his son emotionally as he was so quick to tear and temper ... he didn't think on it long. Facing his faults wasn't Aro's strong point and if Chelsea's gift had damaged his boy in such a way he didn't want to feel or face the blame.
The short time out of their chambers that Aro was offering was more than welcome and both of his sons bounced happily from their room to do their father's bidding. Aro knew he was going against his father, but with the excuse of sending his boys on an errand, he hoped to test the waters with how rigidly Basileus wanted to stick to their restriction. Three months is a bloody long time, he thought.
On his way to seek out Marcus, Aro popped into Eleazar's apartment. "Brother!" he called out from the doorway.
Within a moment Eleazar appeared at the door.
"Would you and Carmen meet me in the library at noon? I need to run through my new plans for coven administration before the guards return."
Eleazar nodded. "Certainly. Should we bring Carlisle?" he asked quietly, in case their little brother wasn't invited and he should overhear.
"Yes, please do." Aro smirked evilly. "Tell him Marcus will be there so he'd better have his apology well rehearsed!"
Eleazar burst out laughing. "Brilliant!" he exclaimed, enjoying Carlisle's predicament in a way only a sibling could. "I haven't had the opportunity to tell you yet," Eleazar whispered, "but guess who our little brother took a thrashing from ... " he let his voice trail off as Aro narrowed his eyes.
"No. Surely not!"
Eleazar nodded. "Our dear mother," he confirmed.
Aro whistled. "And, so it begins!" he said, knowing he would be next. "What has Carlisle said about it?"
Eleazar hushed his brother - he was talking far too loudly and gleefully! "Shush! Not a lot. We could do with getting him on his own so you can read his thoughts."
Aro smirked. "You sound nervous, brother."
"Aren't you?" Eleazar returned with a raised eyebrow. "Of all of us, you require the most correction!"
Aro scoffed. "I require none! Although, granted, I seem to end up with the most. I am vaguely interested in how Atia would go about it, I must admit."
Eleazar placed a hand on his brother's shoulder. "Curiosity killed the cat, little brother. You should think on that."
Aro laughed. Eleazar often told him that his inquisitiveness was his main downfall. He didn't have time to wonder about his mother's technique for now, he had to get on and see Marcus. "Tell Basileus about the meeting, will you? Oh, and Atia, I suppose."
Eleazar winced at the way his brother spat their mother's name. "You are dancing close to the line, Aro. Be careful there."
Aro shrugged nonchalantly as he went on his way.
Standing outside Marcus' door, Aro sighed deeply before steeling himself to knock. Even so, he wasn't quite prepared for the blustering anger Marcus displayed when he answered the door.
"Would you care to explain to me what the hell has been going on whilst I was away?" Marcus demanded.
Aro stood back and held his hands up defensively. "May I come in?" he asked respectfully.
Marcus stood back to allow Aro to pass.
Fuck! Aro cursed in his head when he realised in his quest to fix Marcus' chambers he had forgotten to order a clean-up ... the entire room stank of the congealed bloodied sick that Felix had brought up when Aro and Basileus had confronted the delinquent vampires. Must I arrange everything?!
"Brother, I am so sorry. I will have this cleaned immediately."
Marcus slammed the door. "No, Aro!" he boomed. "First you will explain why that puddle of vomit is there in the first place!"
Aro sighed. So, Marcus the widower can be just as angry as old Marcus. Good to know. "I will, my friend. Carlisle and Felix broke into your chambers and smoked your opium. Felix was then sick," he told his co-master, feeling quite ashamed of both his son and brother's actions of late.
Marcus looked ready to explode. "THEY DID WHAT?!" he yelled, much to Aro's surprise.
Aro could tell Marcus was ready to find the pair of miscreants and tear them new assholes! He flashed to the door to cut off Marcus' exit. "Please, brother, they have both been punished severely. I have already replaced your outer door. The terrace door will be fitted today and this should be enough to replace the opium they took." Aro passed Marcus a coin pouch as he spoke.
Marcus threw the purse to the floor. "You think money can make up for their disrespect?" he asked incredulously.
"No, of course it cannot, brother." Aro placated. "I have whipped them both in the throne room, their movements in this castle are restricted until further notice, I even had Felix thrown in the dungeons ... in Caius' playroom ... for a few hours. I assure you, their abhorrent behaviour has not been taken lightly." Aro watched as his words sunk in and Marcus began to soften his pose. "They will both be at your disposal and you may exact any punishment you deem fit."
Marcus nodded deeply. "And why aren't they here now? Why are they hiding?" he spat, disgusted with the pair of Volturi princes.
"I thought it best to explain the situation before they saw you, brother. That is all."
Marcus nodded again and went to take a seat near the window. He opened it wide to allow the fresh air to dispel some of the vomit stench. "I expect my quarters to scrubbed from top to bottom, Aro," he said, sounding much calmer.
"I will fetch some guards ... "
"No! Carlisle and Felix. They can do it under my supervision."
Aro hadn't heard Marcus sound forceful in many years. Though he would have preferred different circumstances, it was good to have the guy back. "That sounds perfect," Aro agreed. "Anything else?" he asked tentatively.
"You whipped them already?" Marcus asked for confirmation.
"I did. Three for Felix and five for Carlisle ... it was mostly Carlisle's orchestrating," Aro admitted, wishing he could wring their necks for the shame they were bringing him.
"Carlisle was certainly an angry young man when I left on my travels. Has he been that way the whole time I was away?" Marcus asked.
Aro nodded. "He has outdone every foolish scheme Felix and Demetri have ever come up with!"
Marcus laughed.
"I am serious, brother. He has been a nightmare and he's taken Felix along as his accomplice. But, I can honestly say that his reign of terror is now at an end." Aro leaned into the window frame with his arms folded.
Marcus noted that his brother-in-law looked confident when he spoke. "If you are sure, Aro, I will concede to your judgment on the matter."
Aro gave himself a mental pat on the back, having averted another disaster. "Come with me to the library, Marcus," Aro requested. "I have called for a meeting to discuss the new payroll I am setting up, everyone else will join us shortly."
Marcus raised his eyebrows. "A payroll? Whatever else have I missed, Aro?"
Aro laughed heartily. "So much, brother, so much."
…
It took a good while for Marcus to relax in Aro's presence in the library ... even with Aro using all his tricks to put his fellow master at ease. Once Marcus started talking about his travels around Greece, his agitation began to truly dissipate.
"Did you go to my father's farm, brother?" Aro asked, unsure how he felt about hearing of the old olive grove. He had only been back once himself - when he killed his father and turned Didyme. The place held few happy memories for Aro, even after all the time that had passed since he was turned.
"I did, brother. You wouldn't recognize the place. Much of your old lands have become a new village. It seems to be a happy place."
Aro nodded, but Marcus could tell that he didn't want to hear anymore.
"I went to Egypt after Greece," Marcus said, kindly moving their conversation forward.
Aro's interest was piqued. "Were you successful with Amun?" he asked with some trepidation.
Marcus smiled. "I was, brother. Amun and I have always shared a certain respect. He has agreed to bring his coven to Volterra at Easter, though I must say, he wasn't happy with the rather scant details I could offer as to why he should."
Aro scoffed. "I bet he wasn't!" Aro and Amun didn't share the same mutual respect as Marcus and Amun did - Amun thought Aro to be an evil dictator and Aro thought Amun to be a cantankerous antique.
"I would like to know more about it myself, Aro." Marcus interrupted the coven leader's thoughts.
"Of course, brother. I have sent word to the seven major covens - the Egyptians, the Denali coven, Hilda in England, the Irish coven, the Amazonians, the French, and the African coven. My hope is that I can wrangle them all into becoming one cohesive union who will not so much be under the Volturi, but will be Volturi sanctioned and aid our efforts to keep vampire law."
Aro sat back and linked his hands across his chest. He had been through this conversation with Caius, Magnus and Freyr already and none of them were happy with his plans. Basileus' reaction had been the most brutal, accusing Aro of losing his mind wishing to fill their halls with dangerous enemies. Aro hoped Marcus would offer reasonable counsel for his latest mastermind.
Marcus wore a face of contemplation as he considered Aro's intentions.
"You are being honest with me, brother?" Marcus asked. "You aren't planning on taking them out when they arrive here, are you?"
Aro's tinkling laughter filled the grand library. "No brother, they will be quite safe within our walls, I assure you. I may be testing the extent of my negotiating skills, but I truly hope I can convince the covens to agree to coming together for the common good."
Marcus leaned into his chair and mimicked Aro's pose. "This all sounds very political, Aro."
Aro shrugged in return. "It's a natural progression, Marcus. Look at the humans ... in our lifetime we have seen them grow from bumbling cave dwellers to forming cities and states, organising themselves for defence and then attack. They govern themselves with common goals, they have law, they have order. And yet, here we still are with rogue vampires unable to commit to the most basic covenants vital to our survival."
Marcus smiled to himself. "I can see you have had to defend your position on this idea of yours - that was well rehearsed, brother."
Aro smiled coyly in return. "That obvious?"
Marcus smiled knowingly.
"What do you say, Marcus? I know everyone is waiting for your disapproval so they can bring an end to my plans."
"Who is everyone?" Marcus asked, without answering Aro's question.
"My father, my brothers, the other masters ... so that would be everyone I have told!" Aro sat forward on the edge of his seat, desperate to hear Marcus' thoughts. He knew they were crucial to taking his propositions forward.
"What are you hiding, Aro. Why would you go to such efforts?" Marcus asked whilst looking straight into Aro's eyes.
Aro felt like his soul was on display to his co-master. How do you do that? he thought, wishing Marcus would just agree with him.
"This is honourable, Marcus. I will be straight, honest. I want to open our castle to the covens and allow them to see inside. I will show them the gifted vampires contained within and offer them some concessions for taking up my offer. It isn't so much a military conflagration as it is an armistice and a chance to combine forces ... " Aro stopped and added quietly, "it will hopefully provide a new revenue stream, too."
Marcus burst out laughing at Aro's mumbled add on. "So that's it, they have to pay for the privilege. I assume this new revenue will be bankrolling your payroll system, yes?"
Aro threw his head back to rest atop his chair.
"I haven't said I oppose your plans, Aro," Marcus said cautiously, seeing his brother-in-law looked ready to throw a fit. "It's just that with inviting such volatile beings into our castle we will all be at great risk. The rewards have to be worth that risk."
Aro met Marcus' eye. "I agree with you there. Nothing lasts forever, brother. What do you want our legacy to be? We are the royal coven of the vampire world. But, half of those we serve believe us to be tyrannical dictators. The other half hardly consider us at all. In a world where the humans are becoming more cohesive, creating new technologies, governed and managed ... we cannot risk falling by the wayside now. Vampires have had time to become civilised but they have failed to do so under their own volition. So, now we must impose order on them all. I am inviting the covens who live peacefully, legally, to join our cause. It is an invitation, nothing more, or less, than that. They will be free to leave without accepting the offer, if they wish. There will be no need for animosity, but, if there is any, our coven will be well prepared to deal with it."
Whilst Aro implored Marcus to see reason on the matter, he had to wonder what the hell he would do if the man opposed him. They idea of having to cancel all the covens was too horrendous to seriously contemplate. The shame of telling the other covens that I don't have control of my own would be too much to bear… and the Volturi would never again be taken seriously! Come on, Marcus, he begged in his mind.
As if Marcus could hear him, he answered Aro's pleas. "I will back you, brother," he answered, finally.
"You will?" Aro asked, surprise clear on his face.
Marcus laughed lightly. "I am rather interested to see what will happen."
Before Aro could express his gratitude, the library doors sprang to life, allowing both the north and south tower inhabitants to invade their private conversation.
Both masters stood politely to their guests and Aro took the opportunity to speak quickly with Marcus. "About Felix and Carlisle ... "
Marcus waved away his co-master. "You have no need to worry, brother," he said kindly before leaving the coven king's side to greet the creator.
"Marcus! We are so very glad to have you back, my friend," Basileus sang out, happily embracing the master.
"I am glad to return, my lord. Though my chambers were a shock, I must say." Marcus fixed Carlisle and Felix with a deadly glare that had them both stop in their tracks.
As the rest in attendance continued towards the affronted master, the pair of trouble makers were left alone in the doorway.
"Nothing to say?" Marcus asked whilst maintaining his glare.
"They have plenty to say, my friend, but they can keep. How was your trip?" Basileus deflected the situation beautifully.
Carlisle and Felix, however, remained where they stood, unsure what they should do as the rest of their company took seats near Marcus whilst he told them of his travels.
"Carlisle, should we go over there?" Felix asked his uncle quietly.
It was the first time they had clapped eyes on each other since Felix was collected from the dungeons and Carlisle had been as nervous about meeting up with his nephew again as he had about facing Marcus. He knew he had to distance himself from his nephew - Aro had made it clear that otherwise the boy would be cast from the coven, or even killed! He couldn't have that on his conscience, he just couldn't.
Both Basileus and Atia had made their feelings clear on the matter - if Carlisle convinced Felix of anything other than perfect princely behaviour he would be the one in the dungeons next time ... but he didn't want to hurt Felix's feelings either by freezing him out.
Carlisle shrugged, it seemed like a safe non-comital response and he wasn't sure what they should do anyway. When he saw Aro strolling towards them he felt his stomach flip.
"I do hope we aren't making any plans?" he sang lightly.
"No, no, we weren't, you can check!" Felix rambled, wanting desperately not to displease his father.
Aro held up a hand to silence his son. "I was joking, Felix. Come and sit, both of you," he said, turning on his heel to re-join his family.
"What?!" Basileus bellowed before the three of them had made it over. "You agree with Aro?" he asked Marcus incredulously.
Aro smiled triumphantly. "He's told you then," he crowed, unable to keep the smile from his face.
"Marcus, you cannot possibly think Aro's intention to unite the covens will actually work?" Caius asked in much the manner of Basileus.
"I believe if anyone can convince the coven leaders, Aro can. And he is right - we should progress as a race, otherwise, what is the point?"
Basileus had his head in his hands. He had told his son that if Marcus would back him then so would he, but of course, he never expected the usually conservative Marcus to agree with Aro's reckless scheme.
Eleazar clapped a hand on Aro's shoulder. "Interesting times ahead then, brother," he said nervously.
Atia shook her head and took her husband's hands in her own. "I am not happy about opening our coven doors to outside world," she told him, hoping he would put an end to Aro's plans. "Think about your children, Aro!" she added, throwing a look of disdain to her son.
"I have thought about MY children, thank you very much," Aro spat in reply. "Alec can bring an entire room to its knees, if necessary. Painlessly and without arousing animosity."
Alec preened from where he sat sandwiched between Carmen and his mother.
"Of course, if more drastic measures are needed, Jane can burn the bastards," Aro added gleefully, giving his daughter a wink.
"That is precisely what I am worried about!" Basileus interjected whilst Atia admonished Aro for his language.
Choosing to ignore both his parents for the moment, Aro knew just how to move the discussion on to a more palatable topic.
"Shall we discuss the payroll? It is the reason I have called for you all to attend this meeting," Aro announced.
Everyone bar Basileus and Atia were keen to hear Aro's proposals. Atia attempted to return to the matter of the covens convening but with Aro turning his back on her and diving straight into talks of salaries and titles, no one paid her any attention.
"I propose a salary system for each household, the money to be used as you see fit - invest it, redecorate your chambers, stick it under your bed, buy yourself something pretty. Whatever you wish." Aro turned to Marcus first. "Marcus, I hoped you would consider taking your favourite guards into your chambers. We will be increasing in numbers in the coming years and we will need to make room. Talia and Phoebe would be the obvious choice, I know you enjoy their music."
Marcus nodded and accepted the slip of parchment Aro offered him.
"I assume I will be responsible for their wages?" he said as he glanced over Aro's notes.
Aro nodded. "If you are willing, my friend."
"You wish me to take on a new role, also?" Marcus asked, having read as much in Aro's script.
"Nothing you aren't already doing, brother. I would like you take on the role of teaching languages, literature, culture, and the like in our coven. Your new salary should be enough to cover any, and all, supplies you need within that roll."
Marcus beamed. "And then some! Happily, Aro. I will speak with Talia and Phoebe. How much should I pay them?"
Aro simply smiled. "Whatever you deem them worthy, brother."
Turning to Caius, Aro handed him his parchment piece. "This should be more than enough to cover all of your needs, brother, though you must share nicely," he said sarcastically.
Caius snatched the slip from Aro's hands. "Funny, Aro, how very funny," he jeered, pushing Aro away.
Caius looked over his list and raised an eyebrow. "I am to fund my own supplies in the dungeons?!"
Aro laughed. "You will have more than enough to cover all your expenses, Caius. And make sure you pay Heidi and Lucy, too."
Aro looked towards Caius' young guards. Heidi seemed happily interested whilst Lucy had worn the same dejected expression since her relationship with Demetri had been brought to a forceful end. "They should have some perks to living with you so make sure to pay them both well."
Caius scoffed. "Again, very funny, Aro! Though I must say, I am happy with this new arrangement. It's one of your better ideas."
Aro smirked and rolled his eyes to Caius' back-handed compliment.
Magnus smiled broadly when Aro offered him and Freyr a small quire of parchment. Within the little booklet were listed the names of each guard with their associated gift and a suggested ranking for each member.
"Your task will involve more administration, my friends."
Magnus scanned the lists. "I can see that, Aro. Will we be administering all of the guards' wages?" he asked flicking through the pages before handing the booklet to his mate.
"You will, yes. Including any payments due to any other coven members who perform castle duties ... it's all your remit. I suggest you link wages to duties ... you are free to construct your own system."
Freyr glanced up from the pages of Sulpicia's beautiful script. "That's quite a task, Aro," she said, eying the coven king with suspicion.
"I know, my dear. For that, I apologise. Though there are two of you and you will be paid handsomely for your trouble."
"How handsomely?" Caius' jealousy pushed him to ask.
Aro merely smiled, knowing ignoring him would drive Caius mad.
"We can manage it, Aro," Magnus said, breaking the tension and slipping the booklet into the inside pocket of his dress coat.
Freyr was already wondering how to construct a system that the guards would be happy with whilst also ensuring all castle duties were willingly covered. "How will we convince the guards to take on the lesser roles if they will be paid less for them?"
Aro sighed. "For the moment, things like cleaning should be shared equally between them. After the covens leave, we will be taking on a new batch of newborns – going forward, any non-gifted recruits will become our cleaning staff."
Magnus looked worried. "That will greatly concern some of our current 'non-gifted' guards. I will want to assure them they will not be relegated to such a role in the future," he said forcefully.
Aro twitched in response. He was still getting used to being told rather than asked things by Magnus and Freyr. He encouraged them both to be forceful in their status, but it still put Aro on the back foot when it was directed at him. Luckily, Aro did a decent job, generally, of hiding his true feelings, especially when he knew they weren't justified. Unfortunately, Aro couldn't really lie to Magnus. He couldn't stop himself from feeling things, even if he could stop himself from showing it, and, through his gift, Magnus picked up on Aro's feelings immediately.
It only lasted a mere moment, but the two coven leaders eyed each other warily before Aro answered in a way that would reassure Magnus not only of the status of his non-gifted guards, but also of his position as a master of the coven.
"Certainly, brother." Aro had never called Magnus 'brother' before. It was common to hear the three original masters referring to each other in such a way, but Aro referring to Magnus as such had never occurred. That simple word made a bold statement to all in attendance, especially Magnus and Freyr.
"What happens when we have a mission ... who pays for that?" Caius asked whilst doing some sums in his head. There's no way I am paying for it! he thought.
"You've never had a wage before and now you can't spare a florin? Really?" Aro responded, mildly, shaming his co-master and his miserly ways. Sighing, Aro knew to expect as much from his brother-in-arms.
"I will pay for missions, Caius," he confirmed, adding to himself, "as I always have!"
"Now for you two!" Aro announced, turning to Eleazar and calling Carlisle closer.
Once they were side-by-side, Aro offered them each a small piece of parchment. Before they could take them, however, Aro placed a hand over the notes they held. "Please understand that for now, your royal duties are small, but more will be expected of you in the coming years - your pay packets take account of this already so don't expect a raise when you actually start 'working'."
Eleazar sighed. "There goes my dreams of my own castle, then," he said in good humour. The amount Aro had jotted down on paper would be more than enough to buy his own castle in a few years if he so wished, but without knowing how much everyone else would be getting, he didn't want to make the fact known in present company.
Carlisle, however, didn't hide his knew fortune quite as well. Sporting a goofy grin and eyes wide with shock, Aro had to quickly block Caius' view from his brother's expression.
"What is the reason for all of this, Aro?" Basileus asked his son. He had already discussed with Aro that he and Atia wouldn't be on the new payroll as they both independently dripped with wealth already.
"Well, Dad," Aro began as he took a seat, "you know as well as I do that vampires are led by lust and fear and greed. Our coven should provide an answer to all their wants - it's how we will attract the best and most brilliant to our doors."
Basileus sighed. "More bloody vampires with whom to contend."
Aro didn't understand his father's reluctance for his plans of expansion. Not that he cared to try and understand; he was going to push ahead anyway.
"So ... " Felix spoke up, after much jabbing from Demetri and Alec. "Is there a slip of paper for us in all that?" he asked, pointing to the small bundle of parchment pieces on the table between them.
"Felix!" Sulpicia hushed to her boy.
Aro bit his lip as he considered waiting until he had his sons on his own. But, where's the fun in that? he thought. "Alec, Jane, your payments will begin today. You two, on the other hand," he said, addressing Felix and Demetri, "will have to wait until your three month restriction is up before you will be paid a single florin from me."
Demetri huffed and puffed and sulked but stayed relatively quiet over the injustice.
"That's not fair," Felix grumbled. He spoke in a deathly calm manner which was most unlike Felix. Senseless raging, sure, moody and sullen, naturally. But quiet calm ... no, that wasn't Felix at all. "You have only set up this fucking payroll so you could use it against me."
Basileus looked to Aro, who seemed to be so pleased with himself and his new heights of genius planning that he had hardly registered his son's words.
Bloody useless! Basileus thought to his son before turning on Felix. "Hey! You will watch your mouth, boy!"
If looks could kill, Basileus would have been six foot under with the glare Felix bravely aimed at him.
"Neither of you will be taking on any guard rounds from Magnus and Freyr until your time is up so you won't be picking up any cash that way, either," Aro told his boys. He knew how they worked.
Bastard, the both thought in response.
Basileus heard them both, but more galling than that was the look of disdain Felix was still shooting him. "Felix, if you keep glaring at me you will lose the use of your legs for the rest of your restriction, too!"
Felix visibly shrank into his seat with wide, frightened eyes now trained to his hands.
"Whilst we are on the subject," Basileus slapped Aro across the top of his head, resulting in a mild hiss from his son, "three months I said, and at no point did I mention they would be running errands for you outside of the tower!"
Aro shrank into his seat a little ... in much the way Felix had, damn it.
Marcus broke the short awkward silence that fell between the group. "Actually, Felix, I will be taking the first three months of Carlisle's pay to redecorate my chambers."
"You will?" Basileus asked, sounding impressed and voicing the thoughts of all in the group.
"Hmm," Marcus murmured with a nod.
Carlisle was incensed but had the sense to keep his head down.
"That is most fitting, Marcus. And, may I take the opportunity to apologise, unreservedly, on behalf of Felix and myself for our trespasses against you." Carlisle's apology was perfectly prepared but he meant it, he truly did.
"Do you have a reason for your actions, Carlisle?" Marcus asked, sitting comfortably in his chair.
Carlisle shook his head. "Not a good one, no," he admitted honestly.
Marcus looked the younger man up and down in disgust. He had felt rampant with rage when he'd returned to find his quarters had been tampered with, but now he just felt disgusted that Carlisle ... especially Carlisle ... would do such a thing.
"I believe I have shown you nothing but kindness since you arrived in our coven, have I not?"
Carlisle nodded. "You have. I can only apologise ... "
Marcus cut him off quickly. "When you first arrived, I invited you into my chambers, I spent many hours reading with you, educating you at your request."
Carlisle's eyes flickered to Basileus - his father could hear his thoughts begging for help.
Not a chance son, you deserve your shame, and more!
Marcus continued. "You were a newborn at the time and I put up with more than my share of your volatile attitude." Marcus wasn't trying to embarrass Carlisle, though he knew he was. He was simply expressing his hurt over Carlisle's betrayal.
"Volatile?" Basileus questioned the master.
"Hmm, yes," Marcus confirmed, "and I am being kind."
Carlisle felt his stomach hit the floor. He knew Marcus had never told Basileus of his less than perfect behaviour whist Marcus had been his teacher. "I am sorry about that, too." Carlisle offered meekly, not daring to look up from the floor.
"I excused your behaviour then, newborns are temperamental beings. But now ... and without even the offer of any reasoning. Disappointing, Carlisle. Violating my privacy and my generosity and for no good cause. Very disappointing."
Carlisle felt his face flush with a phantom blush, his shame burning into his cheeks.
Caius was all but bouncing in his seat, truly enjoying the floor show! I'd have happily paid an entrance fee to witness such an event and here it is for free, he thought gleefully.
Basileus wasn't having that. "Carlisle, sit," he ordered simply once he was sure Marcus was done, much to Carlisle's relief.
"Caius!" the creator called out, snapping the master from his thoughts. "Perhaps we should talk about your treatment of that poor waif whilst we are all together?" Basileus captured the attention of the entire room and cast that attention directly on Caius.
"Huh?!" Caius questioned dumbfounded.
"Lucy!" Basileus confirmed the 'waif' in question.
"I am sure I don't know what you mean, my lord." Caius' earlier glee over public scoldings had, unsurprisingly, completely dissipated now.
"Would you like me to spell it out?" Basileus asked evilly.
Caius stopped breathing as he looked around the room. Most looked on awkwardly. Carlisle and Aro, however, appeared a little smug. "Perhaps we could discuss this in private, my lord?" Caius asked desperately.
Basileus nodded slowly. "That may be for the best, especially if the matter becomes physical between us."
Caius nearly chocked on his own venom. "My lord, I would never ... "
Basileus' booming laughter interrupted Caius. "No, Caius, you wouldn't get physical with me. But, me with you ... we'll see won't we."
The tension in the room was starting to agitate Magnus. He thumbed through the guard lists from Aro in an attempt to distract himself. "The wage packets we decide on for the guards ... " he mused aloud, "can they be sanctioned based on performance, behaviour and the like?"
Aro smiled slyly to his co-master. "Indeed, they can, and I hope you will choose to do so. I think sanctions on their wages will instill model behaviour from our guards."
All the other adults muttered their agreements as Aro's four children and Athenodora's ladies in waiting wore thunderous expressions.
"Especially the younger ones, don't you think?" Carmen whispered to Sulpicia, who readily agreed, earning them both a toddlerish scowl from Felix and Demetri.
"We will never see a penny of that money!" Demetri whispered to his brother.
Felix was about to respond when he looked up in time to see Basileus giving him a very clear warning with his raised eyebrows.
Felix was a little less pissed off with losing his allowance now that Carlisle was also going to be similarly punished, although he knew it was spiteful of him. "I am really sorry, too, Marcus," he said quietly.
Marcus looked the youth up and down. "Well, you will both be coming with me after we have finished here - you are to clean my quarters," he said pointedly.
"You didn't have Marcus' quarters cleaned?" Atia asked Aro in surprise.
"I have been busy!" he shot back. "Some of us have work to do."
Atia slapped Aro's arm, the only part of him in reachable distance.
Aro was ready to respond but he noted the look of daring in his mother's eyes and thought better of it in such large company. "It was an oversight. Although ... Carlisle and Felix cleaning up is sweet justice really, don't you think?" he asked the group.
Caius agreed but he was bored - he had hoped Aro would stand up to Atia so he could enjoy another floor show.
Aro caught Caius' expression and he knew what his brother was thinking. He also knew exactly how to wind Caius up in return. "Sulpicia and Carmen will be taking care of the administration of coven pay matters. Please direct any queries to them," Aro announced, watching Caius and Athenodora's reaction.
He was pleased to see mild annoyance for two reasons. Firstly, they knew well enough not to kick up a fuss, and secondly, they were a little annoyed ... he liked that.
Atia saw the glee chance his face. She most definitely did not like that.
"When is pay day brother?" Eleazar had taken note of Atia's scowl ... even if Aro had failed to notice how close to the line he was dancing ... and attempted to divert everyone's attention back to the matter at hand.
Aro clapped his hands together. "I am glad you asked, El. I believe our good ladies have worked out payment schedules to begin at the end of this month." Aro turned to Magnus and Freyr. "That should be enough time for you to work out what you will do with the guards, yes?"
Magnus smiled tightly as he tapped his breast pocket where his booklet was held again. "Plenty, Aro."
"Wonderful. Since a good many of the guards are home now, we shall address them tomorrow. I will leave you to inform the stragglers as, and when, they return."
Magnus and Freyr agreed, both thinking of how to construct their guards' new roles with varied remuneration attached.
"Where is all of this money coming from, Aro?" Caius asked, wondering how much Aro had been holding out on him over the years if he could suddenly afford to dish out such handsome wages to their coven.
Aro spun around to face Caius and Athenodora who was seated next to him. "It will be a combined effort to begin with, brother." Aro bowed to his father. "Basileus has agreed to partly fund the new payroll until the covens pay us tribute. I will put up the rest from my own treasury."
Caius cupped his chin with one hand and wore a rare face of contemplation. "So this, all of this," he said waving his slip of parchment around with his free hand, "relies on the covens you invite to join our forces to be willing to pay us for the privilege?"
Aro smiled as he paced around the group. "That's about the size of it."
Caius shook his head. "That's a huge risk, Aro! What if they refuse? Will you take back the payroll you promised? We will have an uprising!"
Aro's tinkling laughter filled the room, giving the impression that the books which lined the walls were the source of the laughter. "Have faith, brother," Aro said happily, "there's always Plan B."
Caius looked warily around the room, glad to see that everyone else looked just as mystified by Aro's Plan B as he did - no one knew what he meant.
"And Plan B is?" Eleazar asked, voicing everyone's thoughts.
"We will become money lenders to the humans. We may do that alongside the coven tributes, in fact. I can see no reason why we shouldn't do both."
Basileus had heard enough. He was behind his son with the changes to the administration and the payroll introduction, he had even promised to back him in his plans to unite the covens if Aro could convince Marcus of the same. But this? he questioned. No!
"Aro you are going too far, this is too much risk!"
Aro shrugged. "It's easy money, my lord."
"I will not have humans coming to this castle, begging for money!" Basileus boomed.
Aro held up his hands placatingly. "I would not wish that either, my lord. It was just an idea."
I know you better than that,son! Basileus thought. "Well you can forget the idea. It isn't happening. Put your efforts into getting the covens on board to pay tribute instead, or you will be funding this whole thing from your own coffers."
Aro felt a flash anger transverse through his body but, save for his eyes widening briefly, he managed to contain himself.
"Are we finished here, Aro?" Marcus asked. "I wish to have my quarters returned to a usable state before the day is out," he said, glaring at Carlisle.
Felix was relieved to see much of Marcus' annoyance was directed towards his uncle but he was still concerned about being alone with the master in his private chambers.
Aro smiled to his brother-in-law. "We are, indeed. Please keep Felix within your sights, brother."
Felix released a shaky sigh as he got to his feet. He bowed to Marcus as he passed. With one last look over his shoulder to make sure Carlisle was following, Felix trudged out of the library behind Marcus.
"I need to have the measurements for the tailors ready by this evening," Freyr said, pulling her mate to his feet along with her. "I will visit your household shortly, my ladies," she offered politely before leaving with Magnus.
The rest of the gathering soon followed, dispersing to their own areas of the castle.