Chapter 4
Jane stood before Aro in the throne room, hoping that this was not her end. She had been called here only moments before and feared what Aro would do. It frightened Jane that no one surrounded them, she and Aro were completely alone; neither Marcus nor Caius sat here or any of the Volturi guard. Jane had no idea what this meant, but knew it couldn't be good.
"Master, you called me?"
"Yes Jane," he sighed, "We seem to have a problem."
"Master--"
"Don't speak when I'm speaking Jane, it's rude," he said calmly.
Jane's mouth snapped shut. Aro stood up and walked towards her, then placed his hand on her cheek.
"You don't seem to understand the way of things," he looked curious for a moment, "Why do you think you love me?"
"Master, I don't think it, I know. I love you with every fiber of my being. No one wants to understand how I feel. I know Sulpicia is your wife, but can't you make room in your heart for me as well?"
A smirk touched Aro's lips, "So, you'd be content being called my whore behind your back."
Jane winced, that statement stung her and she said nothing. She looked up at him and saw the slightest hint of pity run through his crimson eyes. She recoiled in shock, pulling her face from his touch.
"You pity me? I don't want sympathy, I want…" she couldn't finish.
"Jane, sweet, you can tell me you love me all you want, but I can't and won't return the sentiment. You're my most precious gem; can't you be content with that?"
"If by gem you mean tool, then no. You're treating me like an idiot child."
"Well, you are a child and despite centuries of existence that isn't likely to change," Aro stepped towards her again and cupped her small face in his hands.
For a moment Jane let herself believe her delusion, that she was a step closer to the love she craved, but realization hit her as she caught Aro's smirk. Again she stepped away from him, this time in anger.
"Don't touch me" she hissed.
Aro laughed, "Since when have you had a problem with that?"
"You can see every thought I've ever had and know that I speak truth. You know how long I've…felt this way, but still you throw it in my face… You don't care. I'm just a weapon to you, nothing more, not a real person."
"Dear Jane, don't say that. I care a great deal for you as I care for all my gems, but Sulpicia is not like the rest of you. She belongs by my side."
Jane looked down, "And if Sulpicia were gone?" she whispered.
Instantly the smile on Aro's face was gone. His hand encircled her throat and held her several inches above the ground.
"Jane, that is not in any way funny," it seemed to come out in a growl, "You already crossed a line. Harm her or even threaten her again and you will be the one who is gone."
He then dropped her, and turned to sit on his throne.
"How do you know that you love Sulpicia?" Jane blurted out.
Aro's face remained blank, "You may leave now Jane."
"You won't even consider the possibility--"
"Jane I am done. If I hear any more of this I'll be angry not just annoyed. Go, now."
Jane nodded, walking away, and leaving Aro alone on his throne.
He sat there, his eyes closed in thought, until Caius floated in.
"Caius this is not the time. Go away."
"This is my home as well Aro; I can come and go as I please."
Aro gave him an icy look then turned away, "What do you want?"
"Jane is giving you trouble."
"Really? I hadn't noticed."
Caius actually smiled, "No need to be so ill-tempered, brother. Sulpicia is angry. She's with Athenadora now and can't seem to calm down."
"Are you a spy now?"
"Aro please, when either of those two are angry I can't get far enough. If Jane were just a useless pawn I would say get rid of her, but unfortunately it's not so simple. She's using that against you, she knows she won't be so easily rid of."
Aro sighed, "I care for Jane."
"Oh, so you do."
Aro glared at him, "Don't be foolish, I care for her like…"
"A daughter?"
Aro chuckled, "No, not like that."
"I see, like a very important jewel, not like a daughter, but you don't count her as one of the others. But Aro, when have you had trouble destroying what you care for?"
Aro turned to Caius with annoyance "Jane is important Caius; I'm not going to give up a power like that over something so stupid."
"She poses a threat to your wife; I don't think that is something stupid."
"I didn't mean it like that…go away Caius, I have to think."
Caius smirked, "Well then I can't interrupt that, not with all the random bits of thought running through your mind, most of them not your own."
Caius turned to leave then turned back, "If Jane is too much of a problem I will get rid of her, despite what you say. We all saw what she did to Sulpicia and I'm sure no one would rally to Jane's side."
When he left Aro sat alone again. He laughed to himself, "My existence has become much more interesting."