"No Bree! Defend to the right!"
With a heavy sigh, Felicity watched as, for what appeared to be the umpteenth time, Bree fell to Felix's attacks as they attempted to spar. The new born seemed to have no talent for fighting, incapable of even the most basic of defence as Demetri signalled for his friend to let the young girl free of his grasp, moving quickly to check her for any damage.
Victoria hadn't done anything to prepare her new born army for a true fight, had lead them to believe that the initial strength of their first year would be enough to hold them. Bree had thought no differently it seemed as she let Demetri fuss over her, looking a little disappointed at failing once more. Felicity simply chose to smile kindly as those still uncertain eyes met her own and she took a step forward into the training area.
"Don't worry about it Bree. Not everyone is born gifted in fighting as Felix is, but we will not give up on you. I believe in you Bree, Don't ever forget that"
Bree seemed to perk up slightly as Felicity came to stand beside her, bending down and placing an affectionate, sisterly kiss against the top of her head. She had faith and she understood that Bree simply needed time. For the first time, Bree felt at home, surrounded by people who accepted her and seemingly loved her regardless. It was everything she had hoped for and more she thought as she found herself smiling, something she had forgotten she could do, before looking to Felix once more.
"Again?"
Felicity chuckled, happy to see the new born finding a new fire for the life she now had. She had been so quiet for the first week, refusing to speak to anyone other than the fair-haired human and Demetri, clinging for fear of her life to both of them. It was only through gentle coaxing by others around her that she now had begun to build friendships of her own.
"Felicity? The kings are asking for you"
Snapping from her thoughts, Felicity turned towards the door, meeting the gaze of Roxanne as the red head seemed focused on another in the room. Following her gaze, Felicity had to stifle her laughter as Felix caught the woman's gaze and gave a charming smile, averting his eyes shyly and seeming to forget the new born that charged at him, seeing clearly the open weakness in his defence. He grunted, his attempt to appear calm for the woman at the door failing as he was thrown to the floor and Bree squealed in triumph, all in the room laughing along with her as Felicity moved to follow the chuckling red head out of the room.
"I will be right there… You may wish to nurse that bruised ego of yours Felix. Bree is learning quickly how to topple giants"
Walking through the corridors, Felicity couldn't help but notice two very distinct oddities as she walked alongside her red headed friend. Firstly, she was avoiding eye contact completely, choosing to stare straight ahead rather than engage the fair haired woman at her side. Secondly, she was refusing to speak beyond one word answers whenever Felicity attempted conversation. It was perplexing and all too painfully obvious of what the reason seemed to be. Embarrassment.
"Miss Valerious. I assure you that, despite your attempts to hide the truth from me. I already know of your feelings towards Felix. I am not so oblivious to the hearts of others that I cannot decipher the glances you exchange and the way you 'accidently' brush against each other in the corridor."
Roxanne's head snapped round at this, her face turning an endearing shade of red from embarrassment as she tried to sputter for a reply, clearly having not realised how much attention Felicity paired to her actions. She gave a slight sigh as Felicity continued to speak, realising that she couldn't truly hide from the infamous blonde before her.
"The question, really, is how long have you both been seeing each other?"
"Erm… Not long, only a few weeks really, just after Bree joined the coven. I know this is odd to ask, but can we try to keep this between us for now? Felix and I are still getting used to our relationship. I know that Aro will find out, but just speak to him, if anyone can convince him to leave us alone, it's you"
She merely nodded, seeing the relief on her friends face as they rounded the final corner and finished their journal in silence, not willing to risk vampire hearing catching the tail end of their conversation.
"I will see you in the office tomorrow, enjoy the rest of your day Miss Valerious"
"Same to you Miss Jenkins"
The pair shared a little chuckle with each other at the unnecessary formality between them before Felicity pushed open the office door and disappeared into the room, her smile growing warmer as she met the loving gazes of her three kings, Aro sat behind his desk as Caius looked out upon the courtyard and Marcus read a book upon the sofa, swiftly shutting it to give her his full attention.
"Ah, Mia Cara, you look as beautiful as ever"
Caius all but purred in agreement with Aro's statement as he flitted from his position to hold her gently around the waist, the length of his body pressed to her back as she blushed a deep burgundy and the wonderful aroma of her blood was pushed stronger to the surface. How he loved this reaction from her. Marcus simply shook his head at his brother's antics, not failing to appreciate it's results as he took a moment to appreciate the scent of her blood for himself before speaking to her also.
"Apologies, my love, we know you are busy with the training of young Bree. How does she fare?"
"Her progress is slow but not completely stagnant. I feel that it may be her own self-doubts that hold her back but they are beginning to lessen as she grows more accustomed to life here with us. I still can't get a grip on her mind either, to the point where I don't think I will without assistance… I believe we may need to call upon the aide of Eleazar in this matter"
Aro seemed deep in thought at her words, nodding his head slightly as she looked to him for confirmation of denial.
"Then I shall send word to him. I am sure he will not object upon the matter"
"Thank you Aro. But I get the feeling that my time spent with Bree is not the only thing you wanted to speak with me about. What is on your mind my loves?"
The endearment fell from her lips with an ease she had not expected nor had she intended, fighting to keep her face masked of the concern that shot through her heart as she registered the emotions that passed across her three mates faces. Joy, love and a strange sort of peace.
"Ah, my treasure, you know the words to warm these ancient hearts of ours"
Caius' words were a mere breath, a whisper against the shall of her ear as a shiver ran up her spine, biting her lip to hold back the sigh of ecstasy at the simply act before Marcus took pity and continued to say what his teasing brothers would not.
"You are correct, little love. The true reason for this meeting is of a much more personal nature. I am sure you understand the… implications… of a vampire mating bond"
Her blush was renewed as her mind provided a very prominent answer. Sex. They wanted to have a discussion about the possibilities of their sex life. She wanted to shrink away suddenly, not because of them but simply from the topic. Surely they knew of her own situation in the matter?
"We are aware that you are a virgin, Mia Cara, there is no need to feel shy or embarrassed. But it is the matter of sex that prompts the need for this discussion. Your acceptance and return of our feelings means that we cannot ignore our urges for much longer. But sex in your current state of mortality could prove dangerous for you"
Aro took the chance to speak as Marcus fell silent, the idea of their urges and needs being the cause of pain or, even worse, death to her too much for him to bear.
"For this reason, we want to discuss with you the date of your turning. We know that it is something we have not broached over the years, but now we must my dear"
She felt frozen at his words. She had always known that it would happen one day, her turning. But, perhaps, a deep fear within her now caused her to doubt the path that fate had chosen. She knew the pain would be intense and knew that, after three days of maddening pain, she would awake with a new life. There was no way to avoid such things and, despite her fears, she didn't really want too, the thought of spending the rest of eternity with the one's that held her heart was too wonderful to ever wish to fight. So, as she looked into the eyes of her three love's, a new strength took hold in her soul.
"Then let us talk and organise the beginning of our future"
Placing a gentle kiss against the cheeks of each king, they took a seat upon the large sofa and began the process of organising what lay ahead. Never fearing the shadows that loomed so close to their dreams.