This might not have been the trouble with Marcus you were referring to, but I enjoyed it. :) Still taking suggestions, enjoy!
The three moved in a comfortable silence, Wendy thinking briefly of being a child, holding her parents hands and being pulled into the air. It felt like that, the same level of comfort and peace that being a little girl had provided. Yet this was different, of course, these were not her parents. Yet, they may just end up loving her as much as her family had. Smiling quietly at the thought she leaned her head against Aro's shoulder while they walked, feeling the way he loosened at her touch.
In that moment Wendy let herself imagine what he looked like without his suit jacket. He could be lithe or muscled, it was hard to tell under the pristine layers. Her mind wandered further, less clothes, and gentle hands on her skin. A thumb pulling at her bottom lip, or soft lips on her navel. While she thought, Aro placed his other hand on top of hers, squeezing slightly.
It took several more seconds of her daydreaming for Aro to let out a long breath. "Cuore mio, with thoughts like that I will be forced to postpone today's meetings."
In response she let out a squeak of embarrassment, her head hanging low to hide from his burning expression. Automatically she pulled free from Aro's touch, hiding instantly in Caius's chest, who instantly wrapped his arms around her with a jovial laugh. Aro didn't take offense at the action, instead laughing as well. There was a light energy in the air between them, and for the first time in a very long time indeed Aro felt young again.
Like a boy walking down the cobblestone roads of his village, waiting to greet a mother he could no longer remember in the shining warmth of the sun. Caius seemed to catch onto his mood, instantly slinging his arm over the woman's shoulder. Gesturing minutely with his head in camaraderie. Aro reached out again taking her hand, closing his ruby eyes at the assault of memories he wanted to see a thousand times.
Every time they touched new fresh memories were present to greet him. There was nothing more enjoyable than knowing her every thought and emotion, to know she was happy. Continuing into the main room they split away, moving in their stoic ways toward each respective throne. Marcus was already present, though looking more aware than the last time she'd seen him.
It seemed like a lifetime ago since they met for the first time. Wendy made sure to send her kindest smile his way as a greeting. Marcus brightened slightly, sitting up further in his chair giving her a small smile in return. Wanting to chase the shadows that seemed to linger around him away, Wendy moved reflexively toward the man leaning down to place a kiss on his cheek.
The other two kings watched the exchange with their own guarded amusement, Aro waving Jane forward with a wave of his hand. It drew Wendy's attention to see the way the 'little girl' floated with the slightest nonverbal command. She looked at Aro like a God, small in comparison. Unable to help herself, for a moment a flash of jealousy hit her, before Wendy let it go. Aro did not harbor feelings for a girl that looked no older than fourteen.
Marcus glanced at her, shooting a look of understanding and patience that calmed Wendy greatly. It was Marcus who spoke to the twins, "Show her some of what her new home has to offer, unless Wendy has somewhere she would like to go."
Realizing she'd left her notebook in her rooms, Wendy walked up to Aro stepping on the dais to touch his cheek. Seeing her intentions he smiled, the guard watching curiously at their normally so reserved masters. "Of course you may, carina. Purchase whatever you will need, both the twins are fluent in Italian and can help with the arrangements."
Excited by the prospect, she turned to see both of them waiting patiently near the exit door. Wendy moved to join the siblings, walking as confidently as she could, wanting to show a strong face for the people who had overnight become her family. Although her bond pulled her toward Aro and Caius like a magnet, the others had always appealed to her in a way she hadn't fully been able to place. This was her coven, and something instinctual had reminded her of that fact, as she walked with the two one at each side.
They walked slightly behind her, but Wendy wasn't having that. She gestured them forward with an eyebrow in challenge in Jane's direction. At the gesture Jane immediately pushed to meet the challenge, a certain level of pride forever influencing every decision. Alec followed more because his sister did than anything. The three continued to walk through the way she'd entered, though they made one turn that changed everything exponentially.
Exiting past a sleek reception desk, a human woman called out to them in greeting. Neither of the twins acknowledged her presence, and Wendy couldn't help but think that she would no doubt eventually end up on the menu. She tried to pretend it bothered her, but vampirism and the cruelty of humans had made it easy to let go of the part of her that held such a grief for killing.
This was her nature, the same nature snakes had for mice. It was simply how the world worked, the predator ate the prey. It was more than clear which species was part of the superior race. Ahead of them was another large set of wooden doors, which when opened led out to a large courtyard with an elegant stone fountain. The day was excessively cloudy, boarding on a downpour at any second.
The two had shed their normal outer cloaks beside the door before leaving, as to blend better with the few people out and about. Jane wearing a simple ankle length black dress and Alec in a long sleeve black sweater and trousers. It hit Wendy all at once that she'd not fed as Aro had suggested earlier that morning. Surprisingly it was Alec who seemed to notice her distress, he stepped forward with the concern clear on his face. "We can go back in."
Sending him an appreciative smile, without thinking she reached out cupping his cheek for a moment. He responded by fluttering his eyes closed, looking more like a child than centuries old. Jane reached out too touching her brother's wrist in a soft symbol of affection. "Thank you." Wendy's voice was once again barely audible. "I'm okay."
She felt drained just getting those four words out, but it felt good too like being freed with each word spoken. There had been six now, and she could only hope for more. They both seemed surprised, yet glad to hear her speak, steeling themselves for their travels. Jane gave soft spoken directions as they went and glared at anyone who walked too close. It endeared Wendy more to the little blonde each time she stared daggers at each human they passed.
The contacts they wore made Jane and Alec have blue eyes, with hers a dark brown to hide the extra vibrancy of the red in her newborn orbs. Though they failed to blend in completely with Jane's fire and their own remarkable beauty. Two cherubic children and a gorgeous mother, the idea of being considered their mother fluttered something in Wendy's chest. Acting on instinct she reached out taking both of their hands as they crossed the road, barely realizing what she had done until they reached the other side and she let go.
It was silly, Jane and Alec were older than her by hundreds of years. Not only that they were more of a threat to a car than a car was to them. Unsure of how they'd react she caught Alec with a contented expression and Jane's severity had lessened considerably. Neither looked offended or upset by the action, both continuing on with her like it was the most natural thing in the world.
It made Wendy smile as they went, perfect white teeth flashing at both of them. Alec responded in kind smiling as well as he pulled the door to their destination open with a flourish. The shop owner noticed them right away, an older woman with large orange glasses that took up most of her face. She said something in Italian to which Alec responded to in a thank you.
Next it was Jane explaining something, most likely Wendy's muteness given the woman's pity. Not being a fan for being pitied by anyone Wendy held in her own internal frustration and began to glance around the shop. They had plenty to choose from, the store both doubling for paint and furniture. Walking toward the swatches of color, Alec and Jane were quick to follow.
Jane's voice was so quiet the shopkeeper wouldn't have been able to pick it up. "For what room, mistress?"
Wendy mimed writing and opening a book, which caused Alec to respond, "An office?" She nodded yes and went back to looking at the paint. It still amazed her from time to time how vivid the colors now were to her supernatural eyes. "The one next to the masters?" She nodded again.
Now that they knew what they were looking for Jane seemed to perk up a little, "Did you have a particular color in mind, mistress?"
Wendy pointed to the orange column, swirling her finger toward the lighter shades instead of the darker. They all continued to stare for a time before Jane and Alec suddenly moved in unison both pointing at a single color. Golden pumpkin. It was a light color, but had a bronze finish to it that made the color seem regal. With the two of them so in sync she nodded deciding on their agreed color, handing the swatch to Alec so he could make the arrangements.
Next came finding the furniture for the room, something Jane seemed to enjoy with the way her face had softened since entering the store. Wendy wished desperately that she could ask Jane if she enjoyed interior decorating, but couldn't get the words out, only managing to gap like a fish in the girl's direction.
Jane watched her unsure before gesturing toward a desk, made of light wood. "Mistress, what about this one?" Wendy not liking the bulkiness of it shook her head, so they continued on among the office supplies. After a little while looking they came across a designer desk in the back, made of glass and brass. The glass top went a little further than a semi circle with straight smooth brass legs.
There wasn't any storage, but Wendy had an idea for a built- in bookshelf on one side of the room that would take care of that. There was a clear plastic chair to match, causing Wendy to give Jane the go ahead for the set. Alec gave a call to someone in the lower guard to come pick everything up and they were headed back quickly after. She was excited to memorize every passageway of the city as they headed home, going in one of the side entrances this time.
Once inside Alec insisted she feed, taking her down a floor to the basement of the castle, though it was clear these tunnels led to catacombs further in. Staring at the humans grouped in cells, she thought for a moment if feeling guilty was the right thing to do. It was clear they were being fed, as none of them looked malnourished. Yet the fear was palpable in the air, they knew they were going to die.
Wendy stood for a moment, looking in between the bars. The tiniest hint of guilt curled it's way up her chest before it reached the burning in her throat, and Wendy was reminded that they were the cattle and she the wolf. Regardless she did not play with her food, walking away without a drop of blood on her. Jane seemed pleased by her control and cleanliness, "If only you could consume your food with such elegance, brother."
Alec apparently having heard this conversation before just huffed out a breath, "It certainly wouldn't hurt you to enjoy the hunt, little sister."
Jane looked like she was about to fire back, but glanced at Wendy and went quiet. She moved almost minutely back a few inches so that the woman was in the lead and began to follow once more. Alec noticing his sister's morose behavior copied her, the two always moving in silent unison. It took Wendy a moment to realize why. They'd come into the hearing range of others in the Volturi.
Wendy was unsure if it was due to their reserved personalities or their pride that kept the twins silent. Not wanting to stir the pot, she pretended nothing had changed making their way to the office beside Aro's own. When they arrived the twins shared a look, but didn't comment instead going inside to assist in cleaning up the room. Wanting to practice blending in, Wendy forced herself to do it at human speeds and strength.
She didn't want to accidentally smash a hole in the wall or bust the large oval window. The two accompanying her followed her lead, all of them working slowly throughout the room. Though it was Alec and Jane who removed the old furniture, while she carefully cleaned the window. With each swipe of her wrist the room filled with light, making it already seem bigger and grander than it was.
The ceiling was high, taller than she'd originally seen ending in a slight dome at the top. It was pretty, with the chandelier hanging some ten feet down in the center of the room. Part way through the process Felix and another vampire she'd not met, and wasn't introduced to, dropped off the things they'd bought. With the room clean she could see the large stones against the floor which helped to age the room tastefully.
After delivering the furniture Felix stayed to help construct the built in shelving on the wall by the door, going up to the top of the fifteen foot ceilings. He did not take his time pretending to be a human to do so, going about his work with a knowledge of carpentry she didn't expect him to have. His abilities with the shelves didn't seem to surprise the witch twins, as they ignored him while he worked so that they could paint the walls.
Each one of them selected a wall, slowly going up further and further until the light orange color seemed to gleam. The two had made the right choice, with the ceiling painted a pristine white it made the space sparkle. Without worrying about the wet paint, the plus side of being a vampire, they brought the furniture in, positioning the desk and chair into the center of the room. The shelves Felix built were in a dark oak that matched everything adding to the rustic style of the space.
Twirling in place to take it all in Wendy smiled, leaning against the desk with pride. Forever was a long time, so it felt good to have a room of her own so close to her own lovers dedicated to her own hobbies. Though it would take a little more time before she could remember what those hobbies had been. She could picture plenty of various visits that would take place here, especially due to having them both mates so close.
It didn't seem she'd wait long before the first visitor. Marcus slipped somewhat bashfully through the door, gesturing silently for the two inside to make their leave. Once gone he smiled at her, a soft comforting kind of smile that relaxed her body subconsciously. Marcus himself looked sad, but content too as he crossed his arms behind him to survey the room. "This was my Didyme's office."
Marcus seemed a thousand miles away, looking sickly. Wendy gave him an imploring glance, waiting patiently to see if he would begin talking on his own. "She didn't use it much, more often ending up sharing my office. I think that she would have liked you, happy to see her brother settled after so many centuries." He walked standing before the clear window so he could look out into the gardens below. "I doubt I will ever feel alive again."
Wendy came to stand beside him one hand coming to rest on his shoulder, for what little comfort could be offered. She'd just met Aro and Caius, yet the idea of losing them tore something apart inside her. To have been alive so long, forced to stay sentinel over the supernatural world, without a reason to do so. His existence was her worst fear in life. Even if she were to become a dear friend, Wendy was unsure how she would ever be able to help with such an ache.
Perhaps that was the point though, to understand his pain was so profound that no amount of friendship could ever bandage it. So instead of offering words of comfort that Marcus had heard before, Wendy did the one thing she was exceptionally good at. She stood with him in silence. It was clear Marcus was used to the way people chattered around him, thinking he wasn't paying attention.
So her silence lessened the grief on his mind allowing himself a moment to appreciate the gardens. "Would you like to go on a walk with me? I'll have any supplies you may need brought here in your absence." She was quick to agree, moving to follow him out. Instead of taking his arm, she just walked close beside him. They moved silently toward the exit, not needing to stay anything as they moved out into the outdoor space.
It was the first time Wendy had had the chance to see the grounds, taking a deep breath as they exited. She'd gotten light smells of the garden from inside, but to be standing in it was a different feeling on her senses. It was a windy day, the plants in their plethora of colors and strong floral scent made her sigh. "This was Didyme's garden, plants carefully tended and replaced as needed throughout the centuries."
They walked through the space, many times Wendy coming to a stop to observe some flower or another. Marcus seemed to like her interest often giving her knowledge about each species that she took a liking to. They'd made it about half way through the garden when Jane, Felix, and another she'd not met entered the garden at vampiric speed. They stopped circling the two in a triangle of security.
Marcus stiffened, reaching out to pull Wendy closer to him. "What's happened?"
It was Felix who responded with a hint of sadness in his tone, "Corin was killed protecting the wives during an expedition. They've returned unharmed to the castle."
Wendy was thoughtful over his words, choosing to ignore the fact they were still being referred to as the wives for the time being. Jane sensing her unease glanced toward her, "You are our main priority, mistress. The women will need to fend for themselves soon enough."
Sending the small blonde a small smile they moved toward the entrance, keeping a close eye out for any intruders. Marcus was more aware than she'd ever seen him, his eyes watching carefully with each step toward the doors. Though she couldn't shake her fear for her mates, needing to know where they were and if they too were safe. The one she didn't know spoke as they entered into the stone hallway. "Santiago," His introduction was short, "We will move you to the throne room with the kings. From there the whole guard will be waiting to protect you."
Before they could get entirely down the hallway they were approached by Alec and Demetri as well. "We were sent as added guard." It was fairly clear that Caius and Aro did not want to meet the same fate as Marcus. No amount of cation to be spared where Wendy was concerned. They moved quickly not bothering with human speeds as they made their way to the throne room.
As soon as she cleared the doors Aro was upon her reaching out to touch skin in a desperation to see her thoughts. "Tesoro, are you injured?" He turned to the guards immediately after, "Report."
The guard spread out covering the doors as she was moved with him to the dias, Caius waiting next to them for his own worry to be dissuaded. It was Jane who gave the report her voice remaining neutral despite the circumstances. "We arrived to find the Mistress Wendy and Master Marcus in the gardens. They had received no trouble, and were brought here without anything suspicious or dangerous occurring."
After finding out that his mate was safe Caius exploded, "How did this happen!?" His voice boomed through the room causing the whole guard to go stiff. "One of our guard is dead. Demetri, why are you not tracking this killer?"
At being called out Demetri stepped forward the alarm growing on his face, "I was not given the order-"
Before he could finish his sentence Caius cut him off, "Jane."
Wendy watched in a mixture of surprise and horror as Jane despite any later regrets turned and looked at her friend. The man dropped near instantly, letting out a long brutal cry as his hands came up to cover his head. His screams echoed through the room, many of the guard remaining calm and neutral otherwise risking facing the wrath of one of their masters. Felix had clenched his fists, but his face gave nothing away.
Not able to bear it for a second longer, Wendy snapped forward placing her hand on Jane's shoulder. At the order the girl stopped immediately turning for further orders. At the interruption the blonde king let out a long fierce snarl. "Blodwen, get away from him. He has failed at his duties as a member of the Elite Guard. Jane continue, now!"
Before Jane could do as asked, Wendy thrust herself forward covering Demetri's body with her own. This was her friend, the man who had shown her the first sunset of her new life. There was no way she was going to allow him to be injured for something that he didn't even do. There was no doubt that he'd have been hunting down the killer, if only he'd been asked to.
Jane froze unsure how to proceed turning to look at Aro with wide unsure eyes. No one had so completely got in the way of a king's orders before and came out alive. Yet this was their mate, not some common rabble. There was no threatening of the pyre to be done in this case. If it had been anyone else, Jane would have had them screaming on their back.
Aro sighed, two fingers coming to rub the bridge of his nose. "There is no more expressive way for our mate to tell us how she feels, brother."
Caius remaining in place chest heaving in his own rage, fangs at the ready, just a moment from a fight. "Wendy." He walked down to where she remained crouched protectively over Demetri's shaking frame. He'd come back to his senses, but it was clear the guard didn't know what to make of this, just remained still below her. "Step away."
The king stood there pointing at his side like she was some kind of petulant child. Letting Demetri suffer would be against everything she stood for as a person. Caius pointing at his feet like a disciplining father only pulled the newborn rage that was always swirling inside her. It reminded Wendy of all the times she'd spent fighting for her life against others her age.
There had been a few she'd grown to care for, and she would have done anything to protect them. Yet she'd never been able to, they had always met their end anyway usually very publicly due to her protection. This would not be one of those times. Wendy would not be weak. No one else was going to die, because she couldn't save them. She steeled her position, looking down at Demetri. "Stay put." Her voice was quiet, but held the amount of demand it needed for him to instantly nod.
Wendy had done more than just protect Demetri. She had sent a message to every member of their coven that she was not going to put herself above other members, regardless of rank. Aro saw them as a collection, Caius as chess pieces in a battle where his survival was the most important part. Their queen had risked Jane's gift to protect one of them, disobeying her mates to do so. Just like that, every member of the guard would not hesitate to lay their lives down for her.
She'd earned their trust with a few steps. Shifting into a protective position in front of Demetri she stared down her mate taking in the way he'd begun to shake in rage. Taking a long breath she pulled at the voice inside her, "I will not move."
Wendy had figured out how their coven operated immediately. The Elite guard was split into a smaller Private Guard, some under special missions regarding the kings. Renata and Chelsea belonged directly to Aro, Felix and Santiago to Caius, Afton to Marcus. It was the highest rank a guard could achieve, and it granted them a level of power not granted to others. "Demetri and Jane have been chosen for my personal guard, you are not to lay a hand on either without my express permission. That permission has not been granted."
At this Aro laughed, moving to sit in his throne, the mirth clear in his eyes. "You've been beaten, brother. Now sit down before you rile up the room further." His tone held a hint of an order that reminded Wendy that it was Aro most times who ran the show.
For a moment she thought that Caius might argue, but instead he huffed, still not releasing his anger and sat back down in his throne. Wendy was slow to step away from her protective stance, turning to help Demetri to his feet. She'd made a huge decision by claiming these two as her personal guard. It was a big accomplishment to be selected by one of the kings, and it would no doubt be seen as a serious status update for both of the Elite Guard members.
Demetri wasn't stupid he knew that the kings saw him as disposable, all it took was a better tracker to come along and he'd be out on his ass just like the last one. Yet being selected by their queen meant that wouldn't happen, the two were under her protection. They could not be used without her permission, every task they were assigned would now need to go through her first.
She'd guaranteed them a home for eternity, more so she also protected Jane from being forced to use her powers on anyone the queen didn't think deserved it. Choosing Jane was a dangerous move, with Aro's affection for her. Wendy turned looking at the two kings, looking at Aro for his reaction.
Instead of being angry he just gave her a wide grin, fingers pressed together in front of his mouth. "Well played, anima gemella." She smiled in return, if there was anything Aro respected it was cleverness and she'd only seemed to impress him. Feeling better with this decision, she looked over at Demetri seeing the way he stood protectively over her shoulder, Jane beside him.
When Wendy looked at Alec, he flashed her the brightest smile she'd seen him make. He was happy to have his sister looked out for by someone with so much power. Turning toward Demetri she took a firm breath deciding words were not going to be an obstacle anymore for her, there was no time for silence as a queen. "Demetri, will you be able to track this killer once night falls?"
He nodded not responding out loud, something she knew easily how to read after so many years as a mute.
"Good, when the moon rises take Felix and Santiago with you. I want the killer brought back alive, though in pieces for the trip would be fine."
For the first time since she entered the room Caius smiled.
Cuore mio - My heart (Italian)
Carina - Cute (Italian)
Tesoro - Darling (Italian)
Anima gemella - Twin Soul / mate (Italian)
Reviews are unexpected, but always appreciated!