Disclaimer: I am not Stephenie Meyer. I do not own any of the Twilight characters. I only own Juliet.
AN: Shout out to my sister for all her editorial skills; you truly are a jedi master. :D Special thanks to everyone who reads and reviews! I really appreciate the feedback, it keeps me going. Hope you all enjoy this next chapter. hugs to all
CHAPTER IV – ENCOUNTER
The next morning I sent a messenger to Aro informing him that I would be absent from court for the next five months. I gave no specifics, since there was no point in stating the obvious. I instructed the messenger to emphasize that I must not be disturbed unless it is urgent. Aro's reply was anticipated. His messenger relayed that Aro would honor my wishes under the condition that when summoned I must come. I agreed. I had no other choice. To ensure Juliet's safety I had to keep Aro's anger at bay.
Over the next few months my every waking moment was spent with Juliet, except for when I had to feed. To my surprise and delight she had a quiet temperament and did not demand conversation. Her occasional questions were few and far in between; never intrusive or ill-timed. I myself asked no questions about her human life nor did she offer any meaningful information. As time revealed, frequently Juliet suffered from nightmares during her slumber, which led me to assume she had experienced a degree of pain in her past. This was a subject I refused to address. We were already too close for comfort; I did not need to narrow the gap any further.
Juliet proved to be easy to please and I found myself ridiculously catering to her smiles. One day in the library she mentioned how she loved gardening. That very day I constructed for her a small indoor garden with a skylight at its center. My gift pleased her greatly. She literally giggled and clapped her hands in joy. I am ashamed to admit that I felt elated by her expression of gratitude. As far as female requirements, she had only the bare essentials needed for personal hygiene and toiletries, but she never asked for more. However, early on Juliet did bring up an obvious point that slipped my mind.
"Marcus, what should I do when my menstrual cycle occurs?"
I stared at her in shock. What is she implying?
"What I mean is, should I not be around you because of the blood?"
I immediately felt like an idiot for not realizing the conflict sooner. "Forgive my slowness. Yes, it would be best if I was absent until your cycle ends, and alert me beforehand."
"Okay." She did not seem disappointed by my response. Obviously it made sense, but I had to admit I would miss seeing her for those few days, but I would never voice this.
Over time, our interactions with each other became harmonious as we carried out the same routine day after day. Naturally, I prepared myself for the time when I would find Juliet sobbing with fear and demanding her freedom, but that day never came. She almost seemed, dare I say, content spending her days with me in this medieval environment, which only added to my bewilderment. More questions filled my already occupied mind, yet, I refused to give my anxiety voice. A part of me did not want this serenity to end; however, time could not be ignored for long.
It was a Sunday morning when I heard the call of a messenger. The envoy respectfully waited in the forey asking for my audience. Distance of the sound carried could never be heard by Juliet, but for my vampire hearing the messenger might as well have been standing right next to me. I coked my head as I listened to the invisible sound, and then excused myself from Juliet's company. It was a summons from Aro. Apparently two bands of newborns were warring with each other in Mexico. Such rivalry was expected but its urgency could not be diminished. I could not refuse Aro's order and confirmed my pending arrival to the herald. I returned to Juliet regretful for having to inform her of the absence I must take. As expected I found her tending to her roses.
"Juliet."
"Yes? What's wrong? You look troubled."
"Somewhat. It seems I must attend court for a time. There is a small disturbance with our kind in the Americas."
"For how long?"
"I am unsure. Perhaps hours, perhaps days. I will return."
"Marcus, can I come with you?"
"That would not be wise. You know why I restrict your traveling."
"Yes, I know. It's just that…"
She did not finish her sentence, but I did not need her words, her face said it all. Her eyes were dim and downcast. Her brows furrowed with apprehension and her lips tightened with distress. I knew whatever worries she had were superfluous and, more importantly, exposing her to the coven would be dangerous. On the other hand, a nagging voice warned me against leaving her here unattended and vulnerable. I found myself granting her request.
"If I agree to you accompanying me you must swear to do exactly as I say."
"Yes, yes, I swear."
With a mournful sigh, I relented, "Then you may come."
"Thank you, Marcus!" Her smile could not grow any wider than right now.
Why was she so happy to remain with me? Despite the months I have spent with her, this human was still a mystery to me. A mystery I refused to investigate further.
I took the southeast tunnel leading to the main counsel room. True, this made the journey much longer than needed, but no one used this tunnel. I did not have the patience to deal with encountering a member of the coven. Juliet asked no questions along the way, which I was grateful for. My mood was unpleasant at the moment and I feared any response I gave would be cold.
Upon reaching the main lobby, I lead Juliet past the receptionist's booth on to the spare room that was used as a study for Gianna (one of the human devotees). Gesturing with my hand I had Juliet enter first.
"Now stay here until my return. Gianna will see to your needs. She is a human so no alarm is needed, but you are not to ask her nor give her any information. Understood?" Only after the words left my mouth did I regret my tone. I feared that I sounded like an overbearing father, and her response confirmed my fears.
"Yes, Marcus." Her voice was timid and obedient as she shook her head. Letting out an exasperated sigh, I took my leave.
Juliet's POV
It seemed Marcus had been gone a long time but I couldn't know for sure. There was no clock in the room nor did I have a watch. True to his word, that Gianna lady did make sure to bring me food and refreshments. I was happy to find that she did not impose her company on me. To be honest, I've never liked people much. Plus, it doesn't help that I'm not good at being sociable.
The room I was to stay in was entertaining enough. There were plenty of books, paintings on the walls and a few sculptures. Who ever decorated this room had expensive tastes. It looked like a study of some kind. There was an office desk, but no computer or telephone. The drawers were empty except for one that contained stationary supplies. There were two large armchairs against the side walls and then an enormous couch against the predominant wall. As I continued exploring the room, I soon found an old record player. Thank God, music! I looked inside the stand it sat on top of for records and luck proved to be on my side. To my delight there were several records. As I went through the albums I found an impressive collection from the classical to the operatic. And then I found it; Giacomo Puccini's "Nessun Dorma." I have no idea if it's an original or not. The thought frightens me a bit as I realize it could be true; Marcus did say they were immortal. A small shiver goes down my back. Not wanting to take a chance, I very carefully place the record on the player and began the track.
As soon as the song begins, I close my eyes and I let my mind carry me away to my dreams. Away from this prison, away from the pain, away to some place green. I'm running through a meadow and the sun is shining down upon me. A cool breeze flows through my hair and I am at peace. I hear birds singing joyously and then I see him. My one true love; the man who was meant for me. Finally someone who will never abuse me, never take advantage of me, never lie to me, never abandon me. I leap into his arms as he embraces me and all I feel is him. His heat engulfs me and I feel his breath upon my neck as he declares his undying love for me. For the first time in my life I am safe. I let the tears stream down my face as the song climaxes and I hear the audience clapping as the song ends, but the clapping continues. What?! I snap open my eyes realizing someone else is here! "Bravo." I quickly wipe away my tears as I face…Felix.
"Crying again, little girl? Tisk, tisk, you really shouldn't make that a habit."
"What are you doing here?" Without thinking I let my voice rise with anger. His response only solidifies my regret. Just as I thought, he gets off on my reactions, just like all the others. A wicked smile crosses his lips as his crimson eyes sparkle with either lust or hunger. I sweep my eyes to the door and am relieved to see that it's open. Marcus, where are you? Quickly I get a hold of myself and will my body into submission. As if sensing my newly regained control, I see his smile slowly diminish. The silence is broken by the sound of static from the record player.
"So, you like Puccini?" Felix goes to the recorder player and slowly returns the track back to its slipcover. I slowly walk backwards putting more space in between us. "Do you even know what he's saying?"
"Yes."
"Really? Prove it."
"I don't have to prove anything."
"Just as I thought, you don't know what he's saying."
"Yes, I do." This time his challenge isn't verbal, he simply raises one eyebrow in protest. I know what he's doing but my anger is getting the better of me. "What do you want me to do? Sing it for you?"
"Ha! Do you sing?" -Silence- "I didn't think so. No, no singing required. Just a few verses will do. Surely you can do that, can't you?"
"O Princess, in your cold room, watch the stars, that tremble with love and with hope. But my secret is hidden within me, my name no one shall know..." I can't believe I just did that! Surprisingly, Felix doesn't speak; instead he just stares at me in shock. Yes, I believe it is shock. His eyes look different now, not in color of course, but different almost…kind. Well, whatever it is, he ruins it by speaking.
"Well, I see you have some intelligence." As he speaks he retrieves another record and puts it on the player. Immediately I recognize it as "Una Furtiva Lagrima."
"Do you know this song?"
"Yes." He raises his eyebrow once more and before he speaks I answer, "Donizetti's Una Furtiva Lagrima." Again I see the shock spread across his face. What kind of simpleton does he take me for? Putting back on the cool guy act he continues this interrogation.
"How about this one?"
As the new track plays I hear Puccini's "Che gelida manina" which I voice.
"Yes, Pavarotti was a great singer, but nothing compares to the original." My surprise must have been written on my face because he continued to elaborate on his statement. "It was 1896 when I saw La boheme which was quite a luxury for someone of my…station."
I didn't speak; I had no words. 1896! My feelings were jumbled, I wasn't quite sure if I was put off by realizing his age or jealous that he was able to see the original opera.
"What a surprise a loss for words." Felix laughs under his breath at his slight.
My anger burns inside me banging against the cage I keep it in. God, he pisses me off! My anger almost makes me forget that he was an undead monster. As Che Gelida Manina plays in the background, he suddenly faces me, boring his eyes into mine. I look away only to notice him moving towards me. Quickly, perhaps too quickly, I back away from him until I am pinned against the wall. Barely a foot in between us there he stands staring at me. Is this how I die?
"I see now why he likes you, but you know he'll never say it. He will never claim you. He's too scared." Felix seemed to spit at the end. I stare at him in silence. Confusion has me tongue tied. What is he talking about? "And even if he does change you, how long do you think he'll keep you around?" His words were becoming more vicious. As I slowly mull over his words, his implications began to make sense; he's talking about Marus.
"Just watch, he'll push you away one of these days…that is if he doesn't kill you first."
"Why are you telling me this?" He accomplished his goal. Yes, I was scared and his words got to me.
He didn't answer right away. My hurt must have shown because his facial expressions began to soften and the grimace he wore disappeared. For the first time Felix was stammering and seemed, dare I say, vulnerable. "Because…because I…"
Before he could finish his answer a loud roaring stung my ears. I winced at the sound before seeing the source. Marcus stood in the doorway. His ruby eyes seemed to be on fire as his lips were curled up in a snarl. Felix immediately crouched in front of me, hissing like a panther. In the time it took me to blink and reopen my eyes, Marcus had crossed the room and was choking Felix at the neck banging his head against the stone wall. Felix was struggling wildly, but it was clear Marcus was stronger. At least, that is what it looked like to me. I stayed frozen on the opposite side of the room, afraid to even breathe. Soon their brawling broke open the stone wall that they fought against sending them flying into another room. I covered my ears as the crashing sounded like a bomb going off. Everything that followed afterwards is hazy. I briefly saw two figures speed past me to where Marcus and Felix were fighting, and then Gianna took me by the arm, rather roughly, and dragged me out of the room.