Two days later
My hearts been fluttering like a maniac all day. The kings gave me no indication as to what time they were going to arrive so I've been drastically shifting between panic, fear, and excitement since last night. I have no idea how to dress, how to act, or even just what to do. I changed outfits over 20 times now and the house was spotless and redecorated by noon. I was much too jittery to watch T.V, draw, or really anything. I've been resigned to pacing around and checking the clock.
Sleep was an unknown concept for the last couple days, but I coated on makeup to cover that little note. I decided to put enough effort in my appearance so they won't get the satisfaction of seeing me look terrible, but not too much effort for the fear that it would only encourage them to kidnap me. I wore a tight fitting brown tank top that swooped low enough to show off cleavage, with a pair of dark blue shorts. While waiting I contemplated changing clothes again, but decided against it for the sake of my sanity.
I left out some of my best art pieces around the cottage. While strategically putting them up, I couldn't help but tear apart every little issue I had with them. One picture was of my daughter. She was paused mid-turn with a large smile plastered on her face. Lilith was out in our old garden, surrounded by a lush variety of flowers. She had on a light floral dress that danced around her. I didn't care for some of the color choices I made, and I got some details about her form wrong. Nothing that a casual observer would catch, but if someone stared at it long enough or had a trained eye- like Caius- then they would easily be able to point out the flaws riddled throughout the piece. The others include a couple landscapes and one of my cat, space junk. I'm utterly embarrassed to show them to him, but I'll believe Carlisle's word that Caius will take an interest in my artwork.
The long key board in the family room was enough of an enticement for Aro musically, but it took me some time to decipher which of my strategy video games he would like. I wanted to pick the best ones for him, but I had no idea as to what he would find interesting. On the dark oak table I set up my fancy glass chess board. It looked beautiful on the red stained crochet table cloth. I went to the library in Seattle the day before and tried picking out a bunch of books from each genre. There wasn't really a good place to put them that would make it obvious that it's meant for the kings, so the books ended up stacked on the kitchen table.
Every 30 minutes or so, I would glance outside the windows to see if anyone was there. As the sun began to set, my heart hammered so fast that I thought I could die. The anxiety and fear were extremely prominent still, but excitement was slowly taking over. I felt a sharp tug on me and I dashed out my front door. There, walking out of the thick forest and into my back yard, were the kings and their guard. Without a thought I found myself running full speed to them.
Marcus flitted to me about half way over and pulled me into a hug. His unique smell that I recalled from the many nights I would snuggle up to his ripped shirt filled my nose. At the moment of contact, I felt so elated that I was afraid I might float away if he released me. The constant pain, insecurities, and all the rest of the negative feelings disappeared. I felt so fucking happy, free, and….ridiculously tired. Before sleep evaded me at every turn, but now I was fighting a war against it, and quickly losing. The security and happiness encouraged that raging calm to spread through my body. After only a couple of seconds being held, I felt myself passing out.
Right before the world went dark, I heard a long exasperated sigh and Marcus saying, "Finally."
I awoke slowly, taking my time to stretch and let my thoughts clear up. One of my many blankets was wrapped around me loosely. As I sat up, I noticed that the straps on my brown tank top were broken and the middle of my shirt was ripped. What the hell? I heard a knocking on my door before Aro, Marcus, and Caius stepped in. Aro looked me over and smiled.
"Your makeup is smudged my dear, but I still think you look much more rested then the few brief moments before your passing out." I blushed and dashed past them to the bathroom. God damn this makeup. I looked like a raccoon with bird's nest hair. So much for my fantasies of them seeing me and going, 'I can't tell she's been suffering.' Now the bastards are probably going to gloat. I glanced at the hanging clock and noted that it was already 8pm. I got ready- putting on nothing but a little eye liner and I exited the bathroom to find the kings where I left them. They each looked me over with pitch black eyes, making me blush. Aro hummed in approval.
"Why is my shirt all ripped up?" Judging by Caius's attention dropping to the floor in anger, and the way Marcus glanced over at him I guessed that Caius had something to do with it.
"You guys didn't…" I was cut off by Caius who bit out the word "No." Okay then…
I went to my dresser and pulled out another shirt. "Well anyways, I apologize for passing out. I promise I don't usually do that." I put it on in the bathroom and came out in a short sleeve black top. "Marcus informed us that you probably had little to no sleep during our separation. You had us worried though. You've been asleep for 3 days." I gawked at Aro like an idiot for a few seconds before I regained my composure.
"Well I'm sorry that you had to wait around. I left books that I thought you guys might like on the table." Marcus smiled along with Aro, "Yes, we read a few of them and appreciate that you made an effort." I got a bit bashful at Marcus's words.
"Alright, let's go to the family room instead of standing awkwardly in here." I motioned to usher them out. Caius sat in my caramel recliner while Aro and Marcus sat on either side of my comfortable dark brown couch. Aro patted at the middle cushion while resting his head on his other hand. I really didn't like that even in my home, he just oozed composure and power. The way he looked reminded me of the time in that throne room…no, no, no. I can't let them get me like this. I got to show my own power house nature, but not let my anger burst out of me like it has before. I grabbed one of the head chairs from the kitchen and positioned it in front of all three of them. Aro seemed amused by my move.
"Again I am sorry for wasting three days of your time," I gave an appreciative smile in hopes to win them over a bit, "I'm grateful for your patience. So I've been thinking and I have a proposition, if you would hear me out." Aro gestured with his hand for me to continue while the other two stayed motionless. This was nearly impossible with all three of their undivided attention on me.
"I would like to ask for you to give me another four days. I was thinking about spending the three days with you individually. We should spend um….quality time to get to know each other. Then on the fourth day when we all have a better understanding of one another, we can sit down and talk everything over."
Aro's full smile was breathtaking. "Ah, I was wondering how you intended to coax us to let you stay. I would love to get to know you privately." His eyes glinted wickedly as he said that making me gulp. Marcus nodded in agreement and Caius didn't out right say no.
Aro clasped his hands together in child-like excitement. "Well it's settled then. I cannot wait for a proper chance to court you, but for the sake of us not tearing each other apart with the order of this arrangement, I suggest you make the decision."
"Well…there is an art show going on a couple towns over tomorrow," Caius perked up a very small degree, "So I was thinking maybe Caius and I could go out first…" I tried to give like a bashful look while fluttering my eyelashes a bit, but I probably looked as though a bug got stuck in my eye. Whatever look I gave him seemed to work because his own eyes widened a bit before turning his attention elsewhere.
"Then the next day Aro and I can go out, which leaves Marcus for the last day." I glimpsed over to Marcus apologetically. He didn't really give any indication of how he felt about my answer. Aro didn't seem displeased but he could easily be faking it. "Alright my flower, we will go along with your plan. Be mindful though that our time is valuable. We cannot leave our home for long."
We sat around for a couple minutes before it clicked that I should play proper hostess for tonight. I got up from my chair and moved it back to the kitchen. "Alright well I don't have much, but there is a keyboard, T.V, video games, books, and a chess board if you get bored. Would you like me to put something on T.V?"
"This is ridiculous." Great Caius found his words…I turned to him and we locked eyes as he continued. "I'm not going to pretend everything to look over why we came here for three days. You are not worth the suffering we will feel in your absence and you have yet to be punished for your transgressions." I sighed before responding. "Caius, please just be patient. So far we have only really seen the worst of one another. Let's not make hasty decisions about the relationship based off of that alone. Won't you at least give me tomorrow?" He stayed silent but kept his eyes on me. Caius then tsked before getting up and going to the kitchen. Even when angry, they all were so graceful. I bit my lip in contemplation and anger, but chose to not pursue it further. His silence seems to be the closest I'll get to an agreement.
Marcus got up and retrieved a book before returning to the couch to read while Aro got up and walked over to me. "I saw that your learning to play through Edward thoughts," He gestured to the piano, "How are those lessons coming along?"
"Um, not well. I have trouble with two handed playing and haven't gotten much practice since coming back from Italy." He nodded. "I see, can I play for a little?"
"Sure go for it," I shrugged. Aro put his hand around my waist, making me jump a little. "Would you sit next to me dear?" I hated that I missed this proximity so much to the point where I found myself sitting next to him on the bench. I turned the keyboard on for him and he took little time to accustom himself to it. Then Aro started to play…
It was the most beautiful thing. I thought Edward was talented, but for freaks sake Aro was on a whole other level. He was amazing. I gawked like a love struck school girl as he played gorgeous melodies. When he stopped it was difficult to not ask for him to continue. "Wow…" I shook my head. "You make Edward look like he's just flapping his hands everywhere." Aro chuckled lightly.
"How are the Cullen's doing?" I looked away at his question. "They seem to be doing fine, but I haven't seen them much lately. I've been busy." From my peripherals I noticed him staring at me with those eyes that made me feel exposed. "Well since you are going to be stolen away by my brother tomorrow, I was planning on visiting them. Has Isabella been changed yet?" I bit my lip.
"No," but I quickly added in, "…but they do intend too." He nodded. "I take it, they know of our current situation." His voice had undertones of displeasure. It was understandable that he didn't wish for them to see that their leaders have a weakness. "Yes, they know." Aro hummed but didn't say anything further.
"Can you keep playing?" That smile re-graced his lips and he agreed. Melodies continued and I ended up scooting closer and resting my head on his shoulder. "I should go to bed," I mumbled. Aro stopped and left a lingering kiss on my forehead.
"It's going to be difficult to refrain from touching you," he sighed against me. I shivered but escaped the room before anything could happen. The excitement and dread mixed with anticipation for tomorrow made it difficult to relax…that and the fact I could stop thinking about the three men just outside my door, but after an hour or so passed by I was able to get to sleep.