"What on EARTH POSSESSED you YOU insolent-"
"Caius, give the boy a chance to explain himself. I'm quite interested in hearing why our dear Alec felt the need to hide his budding romance." Aro stood, as his mouth curled into the smile of the Grinch. He removed his gloves and handed them off to Demetri, then motioned at Alec who was having trouble meeting his eye. "I'm NOT going to lie, I am not the least bit pleased…but not surprised either." Aro stroked the top of Alec's hand, then turned it to look at his palm. "That's right," He said, noticing the absence of the typical grey discoloration in the center of his hands, "You HAVEN'T been working very much lately. Tsk tsk," He nodded at the red ink stains on his finger tips, "You've been writing instead, haven't you?"
"Yes!" Jane interjected, stepping forward, "Countless letters full of 'poetic' GARBAGE! A COMPLETE waste of time and-"
"I don't think Aro asked for a witness!" Alec spat at her, feeling a little vengeful. "You're just malicious because I'M not getting the interrogation followed by the torturous punishment YOU felt necessary. You may be the executioner, but you're not the jury and you're sure as hell not the judge, so silence yourself."
The tiny blonde tried to keep her mouth from gaping, shocked at the way her brother had addressed her. That was incredibly out of character for him to snap at her. She took a moment to calm herself before she cleared her throat, "That is yet to be decided. Aro has yet to speak and when he says the word, I will REVEL in my position as executioner and that attitude of yours will cost you once it's MY turn to put a dagger in YOUR back."
Aro's head went back and forth like he was watching tennis, and found their argument equally as entertaining, "Well then. I guess it's up to me to take sides." He got a grip on Alec's hand, exhaling into focus. His eyes were shut while he read the every thought of the accused. After a moment, he opened his eyes, and turned towards the thrones, "It seems that our dear Alec is better suited for the name Romeo. Ah young love,"
"It's a liability." Marcus groaned.
"Perhaps," Aro chimed.
"Perhaps?!" Jane shouted. "How could you POSSIBLY-"
"How could YOU POSSIBLY question your generous leader?" Aro interrupted.
Jane's eyes widened as she bowed her head and took a step back into her place in the shadow, "My apologies."
"PERHAPS you could learn some humility from your brother." He suggested.
Alec smirked as his sister stood in shame, something he would've never done before.
Aro turned back to Alec, releasing his hand, "After centuries of working with you, I never new you had a poetic side…and I'm not entirely decided on how I feel about that. I just dove into your thoughts, you have yet to have the privilege of knowing mine. While I aided you in finding said mate, she being a Cullen will undoubtedly make things difficult. That concerns me considering you're as you seem quite serious about this girl."
"Marietta,"
"Pretty name."
"It suits her."
"Charming," Aro said, stretching his arm across Alec's shoulders, "Walk with me. We need to discuss our situation."
"While I enjoy the company of the Cullens, they're not likely to give up one of their own." Aro explained, voice echoing down the long dark corridor.
"I'm aware."
"It's comforting to know she came from…a good home…but at the same time we've been trying to talk Alice into joining the guard for centuries to no avail."
"Yes but she consider join because Jasper refuses. If I became her mate, she would be more likely to join-wait. She would join the guard?" Alec asked a little caught off guard.
Aro looked up from wafting the smell of a candle to his nose, "Hm? Oh that…it's probable but not definite and don't get ahead of yourself…Tell me a little about Marietta."
Alec smiled at the mention of her name, "Well, she's from Atlanta, Georgia. Her parents died in a car accident so Carlisle changed her before she could. Alice and Jasper took her under their wings-"
"Oh dear…They're not the most fond of us."
"But both ARE fond of romantic notions…"
"Speaking of romantic notions…She appeared to have a lovely shape, but I didn't get to see her face."
"She has a round face, sparkle in her eyes. They're golden and warm. And her smile is happy and innocent."
"Charming. About how old would you assume she is?"
"She was turned when she was fifteen."
"I meant total." There was no answer. "Alec?"
"Sixteen."
"Oh my…why she's just a child…that further complicates things. They will think you're taking advantage of the dreams of a young girl."
He sighed, "I'm not. She's just as interested in me as I am in her; just read any of her letters."
"Did you two have any time alone?"
"Yes."
"Where?"
"The garden. She said it reminded her of the set of Romeo and Juliet, so she called it Verona. I think it's fitting she's very interesting in theatre-"
"Did you touch her?"
"That's abrupt-"
"DID you touch her?"
Alec ran his hand through his hair not sure whether to be proud or embarrassed. "We kissed."
"Is that ALL?"
Their chat was turning into an interrogation, "I mean-"
"Did you MARK her?" Some vampires get married while others are content with the commitment of being mates. Everyone has the bite mark from their creator, but for those that have mates, they have a different mark. That one is typically located somewhere around the shoulders or neck and is solid shape, like a nip was taken off. Usually it's placed during or after the consummation of the relationship and it's like a wedding ring to warn singles to back off.
The suggestion that Alec would take her like that upset him, "No! Of course not!..." Aro nodded. Alec rocked on his feet, considering what it would be like for Marietta to come to Italy, become HIS mate, bare HIS mark. He shook off a grin, "Not YET."
"Good. I wouldn't want anything immoral on your record."
Alec laughed silently at the irony of protecting the morality of a murderer, "Believe me, you've never given me the chance…As I was saying, she's interested in theatre and has a fine taste for the arts."
"Really?"
"Yes. She has a voice like an angel and is even adept in opera which, if I'm correct, you enjoy very much."
"That I do."
"And she can dance and act, not to mention she has a genius IQ and can speak five our six languages including Italian. She has this energy and these quirks; it's unique and special."
Aro nodded, pleased, "The more I hear, the more I admire your choice."
Alec was getting excited thinking that it may actually work. "Also, there would be another immortal girl around. Jane isn't very feminine, but with Marietta she loves fine dresses and jewelry and would be HAPPY to play as your doll."
"Excellent! W-"
"That's not all…she has ANOTHER talent that you might be more interested in."
Aro's face lit up, "You don't say?"
"She can read desires. I've seen her do it. It would be incredibly useful for her to stand beside you."
His eyes darted as he mused about his new lap dog, "Why yes, yes she would." He turned, "Thank you for talking with me. I regret that you didn't say something earlier. However, your written correspondence has gained her trust which is needed. Unfortunately I cannot make plans until I know more."
"How do I find out more?" Alec almost shouted eagerly, then realizing his mistake, he cleared his throat to calm himself.
"Don't ask me…ask her…there has to be an evening flight to Washington tonight."
"You're allowing me to go on my own to find her?"
"That seems to be the case, yes. I only ask that you're not discovered by her family or their canine companions. Discuss the future with her. I would very much like to meet her."
Alec couldn't help but smirk as he picked his jaw up off the floor, in complete shock.
"Well, what are you waiting for? You have a plane ticket to purchase."
"What about my duties here?"
"Face it, you've temporarily abandoned them anyway."
"And the rest of-"
"I AM in charge and I WILL handle your sister and the coven because I WANT to get to know Marietta. Now if you'll excuse me I have some plans to draw up and you have a lovely young lady waiting for your visit."
"How can I thank you-"
"By convincing HER to come visit ME. Now go, you're, as they say, burning daylight. Oh, and try to avoid BURNING IN DAYLIGHT. Ta-ta! Good luck!" He waved as Alec zoomed to his room to throw together a bag and make a run for the airport.