A/N: Okay, this one is a little shorter but I wanted to get past this and start on her first full day with the Kings. I hope it doesn't feel to rushed. Also, if you would be so kind as to let me know how the kings came out. It's my first time trying to write out their personalities. So let me know how they came out. Please and thank you lovelies. Now enjoy!
Disclaimer:Ori is mine, nothing else.
Oriana felt like the cheery room she'd been led to was mocking her. She had followed Alec along twisting halls, effectively making it so she couldn't find her way out no matter how hard she tried, and dropped her off at a large red, white and gold library with instructions to wait patiently and make herself comfortable. She was sat on a fluffy golden couch, the cushions nearly swallowing her whole, with a fire crackling away happily in a fireplace the was even taller than she was. The room inspired relaxation, but the pain in her wrist and stress of the situation caused her muscles to bunch painfully.
As the minutes drug by her anxiety was slowly replaced with utter boredom. Standing slowly she made her way to the nearest bookshelf, arms high in the air as she stretched out her back. Most of the books were in another language, multitudes of different lettering spread across the spines. Some of them she was able to recognize; French, Italian, German, and Spanish were easy. Than there were the ones with odd twisting symbols, harsh lines interspersed with flowing script. Yet one in English she could not find. Seriously? A billion books and not one I can read?
Her search had her walking further into the cavernous room, fingers trailing softly against hard covers. In took almost ten minutes but she was finally able to find a section of books she could understand, scanning the titles quickly for something of interest. Landing on an unremarkable green book, 'Greeks Greatest Myths' glinting gold at her, a bright smile lit her face and she snatched up her find. Making her way back to the couch she'd been occupying before Ori plopped herself down, hissing slightly as her wrist was jarred. However, ignoring the pain was getting easier.
She'd just cracked the cover, running her fingers over the words of Prometheus' tale, when the door finally opened.
Eyes wide she watched as Aro entered the room, hands full of medical equipment, and despite his kind smile she felt herself curl into the corner of the couch as far as she could. He must have noticed, as he frowned and looked troubled by her actions, but continued to move further into the space. Sitting slowly on the couch, still a good deal of distance between them, the noirette set his handful on the table and simply stared, milky red eyes trailing from her head to her toes and back again. His gaze caused her heart to quicken and a shiver raced down her spine so she settled for examining the objects he'd brought along.
A large ace bandage, high quality wrist brace, bottle of water and a huge bottle of extra-strength pain reliever...all still sealed tight in their packaging.
"How about we see to that wrist now darling?" Soft as his voice was, Ori was still startled, jerking her gaze to his and burrowing further into the corner. Come on Ori this isn't you! Stop being such a girl! She tried to shake off her unease but the nerves were relentless. He'd offered his hand, holding it halfway between them, palm held out to her unthreateningly. She just stared, hazel orbs dancing from hand to face and back again. The longer she hesitated the further his face fell until finally the man sighed sadly, gaze shifting to the fire and fingers curling into his palm softly as his hand lowered.
Silence stretched between them, heavy and awkward. Studying the wood in front of her the water and pain pills were pushed into her field of vision, a pale hand moving it in front of her so quickly she'd not even seen him shift. Biting gently on her lower lip she contemplated the objects for a few seconds before slowly reaching out. Pulling the objects into her lap she wrestled with the cap, bottle clenched between her legs and good hand fumbling on the top. Growling in aggravation she curled her body over the irritating object. Damn child proof caps! Soft laughter brought up her gaze, and suddenly her burning glare was aimed at a smiling Aro.
"May I?" Not waiting for an answer the vampire simply reached over and plucked the container out of her grasp, twirling it open effortlessly. Irritation overriding her nerves she snatched it out of his hands when he offered it back. Checking the milligrams she dug her fingers into the open neck, making a small victory noise when she had four small gel caps sitting in her palm. The opened water bottle appeared in front of her and she jerked back, incredulous gaze on the innocent object. How did he... I didn't even feel him take it! Snatching the water from his hand she tossed back the pills quickly.
As they simply sat there together the awkwardness faded and Ori found she wasn't nervous anymore. In the back of her mind she remembered that this man was a vampire king. A powerful being who ruled with an iron fist. But when he was just sitting there quietly, hazy crimson eyes focused on her miserably it was hard to see that. Chewing on the inside of her cheek Ori finally sighed softly, shifting a few inches closer to the man and offering her injured arm quietly, eyes focused intently on the merry inferno.
Not even a second later cold hands were on her skin, senses buzzing at the odd sensation. Not sure if she could look him in the eyes she instead watched as his fingers trailed delicately over the bruised flesh, adding a little more pressure now and then. It caused her to wince but it wasn't awful, his frigid hands even soothed the injury. To say she was surprised would be a gross understatement. Who knew a creature who was able to crush stone with his fingers could be so delicate. His soft humming surrounded them as he inspected the limb before a satisfied sound escaped him.
"Well I do believe it's just sprained. Maybe a small fracture at most." Barely a flicker of movement and then he was unraveling the wrap. Anchoring the end half way up her forearm he tenderly rolled the tan material around her arm and wrist, looping it over her palm a few times before ending it where it had started, small silver hooks keeping the thing in place. "It's not too tight is it?" His concern was confusing but she still shook her head to the negative. Another sad sigh, but he continued on. "Keep it wrapped. We'll get you ice. I'm...unsure as to how long mortals take to heal. It seems such a long time. When I had Gianna run to get you what was needed I was at a loss. Luckily she seemed to know what would be necessary. If there's anything else just let me know. Or one of the guards. They are to obey you as they do us."
It took a minute for her to realize, because it seemed nearly impossible, but Aro was rambling. This commanding, poised, elegant vampire king was babbling. Because of her? Her head was slowly cocking to the side, fascination in her wide gaze as this ancient being worked himself into a state. Now he was just nattering away about the modern medical items, how different it was from the last time he remembered needing medical attention. There was mild alarm in his gaze, like he really wanted to stop talking but simply couldn't. It was too much, so without a thought Ori placed her hand on his arm.
"Aro."
It was enough to quiet him, and now he was just staring at where she gripped his sleeve.
"May I ask you something?"
Pulling back her hand into her lap she twisted her fingers together, picking lightly at her nails, gaze riveted on the fire.
"You are a king in your castle... I'm sure you may do whatever you desire."
Instead of a question there were chilled fingers gently cupping her chin, turning her face so she and Aro were finally looking into each others eyes. There were no words, just an electric silence. When it finally looked like the dark haired vampire would speak there was a soft knock at the door, emitting a hesitant Demitri. The king did not look pleased, staring the intruder down intensely.
"Master."
"Demitri. I told the guard I was not to be disturbed, did I not?" Her didn't remove his fingers from her chin, thumb stroking lightly against her bottom lip. His gentle touch was so at odds with his displeased words. He spoke harshly, a dark layer of threat shimmering just beneath the surface.
"Apologies my King. Unfortunately there is a matter in the council room that requires your attention."
For a moment it seemed like he wasn't going to leave, red eyes roving slowly over her face. Then he smiled, just a small quirk of the lips, and leaned forward to place a small kiss against her brow. Jerking back Ori watched with wide eyes as the king stood and gracefully made his way out the door.
"Demitri, if you would be so kind as to escort Oriana to her room. I'm sure she must be quite tired at this point." His words made her realize that, yes, she was tired. Exhausted actually. Thinking back, the last time she'd slept was on the plane over. Does being unconscious count as sleeping? Hm. "Il mio fiore." The now familiar term caught her attention, bringing her thoughts back to the leaving king. "I must tend to some matters. I shall be with you as soon as I can. Rest and I will see you when you wake."
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
The council room was empty save his brothers when Aro strode into the room. He stopped just inside the doors, watching the scene in front of him with amusement. Marcus sat in his throne, fingers linked under his chin and leaning back looking more relaxed than he'd been in a long time. Caius on the other hand was raging, pacing in front of the dais, eyes blazing and limbs gesturing in the air wildly. Orianas presence had shaken something loose in his fellow leaders as well. Not having had contact with the woman yet left them wanting, not sure what it could be that pulled them towards her. Soon that would be remedied. He'd seen it all in the little fortune tellers head. She was made for the three of them and she would be their Queen. And what a glorious vampire she'd make.
"Brothers."
Two pairs of red eyes swung to him, one gentle and smiling-the other with destruction in their depths, and he simply smiled.
"I assume the situation I was summoned for is actually just Caius throwing his hissy fit?" Making his way to his own seat he ignored the blondes snarl, twirling into the chair and sending the angered vampire a calming glance. "Now what has thrown you into a rampage dear brother?"
"What has... Must you ask Aro!" The snow haired king stood directly in front of the noirette, glare fierce and shoulders tensed, arms crossed commandingly in front of him. "How about everything you have done to handle our Cullen situation! We've been waiting years to finally handle those abominations...and you let them WALK AWAY! Not to mention the disgusting mortal you still have lurking in the castle. Have the years finally gotten to you Aro?!"
Aro watched the man, indulgent amusement melting into a snarl as he went so far as to insult their mate. Standing quickly he made his way down to the still irate vampire, intent on teaching him the proper way to speak about their queen, when a pale hand was pushed gently against his chest. A matching one was placed against Caius' shoulder and Aro stopped his pursuit.
"Come now, lets not fight. Aro he does not know." Marcus' soft voice wrapped around them, calming their ire. The brunette was right. While Aro had seen it all Caius knew nothing of what had happened when the Cullens had been here. Marcus doesn't know either. Of course the man knew something. Aro was sure a bond had formed with the pretty human so Marcus would know about Orianas link with the noirette, but the others wouldn't have formed yet. Not until they saw her properly and not hidden behind her hair. The both of them were lacking in very important information. Sighing in acceptance he backed away from them, sinking back into his thrown.
"I'm afraid it's not just Caius who is unaware dear brother." Puzzled looks were thrown his way and Aro gestured vaguely to either side of him, a motion for the standing vampires to join him. Within a second they were both sitting, expressions curious and wary. After indulging in a few unneeded breaths Aro dove in.
"Caius. I have my reasons for handling the Cullens as I did. Bella will become one of us. Soon. I thought it best to let the Swan girl leave peacefully, seeing as she is Orianas niece. I didn't want to upset her by forcefully turning the girl." The blonde was confused. About to demand answers, particularly about why they should care about upsetting the pathetic creature, when Aros flew up and effectively stalled the question on his tongue. "It seems fate has finally decided to smile upon us my brothers, for our mate has found us."
Shock slapped the previously unaware kings in the face, stealing any words they might have had. Marcus couldn't believe it. That after all this time, after the death of his beautiful Didyme and centuries of loneliness, his true mate had finally appeared. Aros sister had been wonderful, a true blessing in his dark existence, but they had both known the other wasn't the one who had been made for them. Oh they had been happy, absolutely blissful really, but they had been more like loving friends who shared an unshakable bond. After a millennia alone they'd figured they would never find their other half, and so they came together to be the companions they needed. Now though, he had another chance at love, with his true mate. He'd never felt lighter before in his life.
Caius on the other hand wouldn't believe it. The words made something inside of him click together and unexplainable joy flowed through his system. Despite this his face stayed angry, expression twisting almost menacingly as he pictured the girl that had stood in front of them earlier. He'd noticed her when he'd entered the room, untamable curls hiding her face and huddled in on herself. At the time something had tugged at his being as the soothing scent of the world after a lightening storm wrapped around his senses. The frizzy human had been the source, and he could admit he'd been intrigued. But to have her as a mate. His true mate! It was impossible. There could be no way he was tied to something so weak.
Suddenly Caius was gone, the large doors violently slamming against the walls and a ferocious growl echoing around the room. Aro stared sadly after the younger man for a few minutes before shifting his attention to Marcus. The brunette was taking the news much better, smiling slightly and eyes glittering with hope. Returning his brothers joyful expression Aro stood and extended a hand to the man. "Come Marcus, lets find something to entertain ourselves with until our mate wakes up."
Taking the offered hand the taller vampire stood gracefully, falling into step with Aro easily. They left the room in companionable silence, thoughts of their little mate running through their heads.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Ori simply shut the door of her new room on the bowing vampire, unable to take any more simpering or 'my lady's. She'd crossed paths with a few more vampires on her way to her quarters, each of them showing her respect she had no desire for. Breathing deeply she pressed her forehead into the cold wood of her door. Refusing to move from her spot she turned to the room, back pressed tight to the oak. Beautiful. The room she'd been given was the most beautiful one she'd ever seen. Deep purples, blues and greens made up the décor, blending and swirling together.
The soft looking shag carpet was royal purple. A matching color covered the lower half of her walls, making it seem like they simply melted into the floor. The top half of her walls were navy blue, blending seamlessly into the purple. On either side of the door stood large empty bookshelves, also oak, and on the opposite wall a matching desk was placed. To the right of the desk was an open door, displaying her own private bathroom. Pushed against the wall to her right was a queen sized four poster bed. Large fluffy forest green pillows and comforter were spread across its surface, light purple designs swirling their way across the fabric. A dark purple, almost black, canopy hung gently around the top of the frame. Opposite the bed there was another door, fully closed, but if she had to guess Ori would say it was probably a closet. Other than the door the wall was blank, no other decoration on the walls or furniture pushed against it.
The comforting room had the opposite effect on the woman and she could feel the tears pressing tight against the back of her eyes. Crossing the room she kicked off her boots, dropping like a stone onto the mattress and pressing her face tight against the comforter. It feels like a cloud. Everything was so fancy and ornate, the very best money could buy. So different from her brothers house. The tears finally escaped as she thought of Charlie. She wondered if Bella had made it home alright. She hoped so, for her brothers sake. What would he think happened to her though. All of her stuff was still scattered around his living room. Her car was outside the house and her violin had been left behind. She didn't even have her cell phone. Feeling very alone and more than a little helpless she let herself cry, deep sobs racking her body and soaking the expensive material under her.
Eventually her tears stopped and her breathing slowed, drifting quietly into a restless sleep.
Okay, so I had a little nervous!Aro in there cuz he's adorable. Let me know how the kings came out and I'll see you all in my next update. Peace and love babies!