The Doomed Secretary : a Volturi one-shot

Number 216 - Francesca

Francesca was so happy to have been offered a secretarial job at the Palazzo dei Priori, she felt as if she were walking on air. It seemed like a mundane job, but her employers were mysterious and rarely seen in public. She tried to get information about them, but her business connections could only tell her they were wealthy and powerful. Apparently they contributed money to the city of Volterra and the church, and actually worked with the local officials and law enforcement to keep the city running well and safe for its people. She had not yet met her employers, but was hoping to make connections of her own if she were able to play go-between with the city leaders and her new bosses.

There were three, she had been told at the interview. All brothers, their names were Aro di Volturi, Marcus di Volturi, and Caius di Volturi. She didn't know their ages which only made them more mysterious.

She had arrived at the castle, meeting with the senior secretary Gianna, who showed her to her room. Francesca was intrigued that she was going to be living at the castle full time. This would save her having to rent a small apartment nearby. "Gianna, when will I meet with my employers?"

"They will let you know when they want to see you. Be ready at all times, since it could be very last minute," Gianna replied, opening the balcony door to air out the room. "Always wear dresses and heels. Never slacks." She noticed the odd look she got in return. "Don't worry. They never touch the secretaries in that way. Aro and Caius have wives. Marcus lost his wife long ago and shows no interest in another."

"Ah, I see," Francesca said, glad being hit on by her employers wasn't a danger.

"You will be brought breakfast every morning to your room by one of the Guard..."

"Guard?"

"Yes, those who work more closely with the Volturi. They run errands and protect the castle and its inhabitants. We will rarely have direct contact with the three...employers, unless required to take a message to them, generally urgent ones or those received from certain people. Don't worry. When we start your training, I'll show you all of that. Lunch you may eat only in the kitchen with the other staff. Supper you may eat in the kitchen or feel free to go out into the village." Gianna headed for the door. "Tonight is yours to unpack and relax. A supper tray will be brought around around 7:00 pm. Your shift will begin at 9:00 am, and end when the day's work is done," she said with a smile, then left Francesca alone.

Francesca began to unpack her clothing into the dresser and wardrobe. When she opened the wardrobe, she was surprised to see clothing and accessories already there. The drawers likewise had slips, night gowns and underthings. No wonder the salary wasn't excessive considering who was paying her. She had a place to live, all meals, and clothing.

A tall man with black hair brought her the supper tray she was expecting. He said nothing and left. When she was finished eating, she left the tray outside by the door so he would not have to bother her to pick it up.

The next morning, she rose early and made ready for work, unsure when breakfast would be arriving. She head a knock on the door, and opened it to find the same tall man with dark hair holding a tray. The food smelled good even coming from under the stainless steel lid.

"Hi, my name is Francesca. I'm the new secretary. This is my first day here."

The tall man gave her a knowing smirk, then placed the tray on the desk. "I'm Felix, and will be bringing you your breakfast this week."

"This week?"

"It may change from week to week, depending on who is absent from the castle. We're sometimes sent away for days at a time," he explained. "Enjoy your meal, and welcome." Then he was gone.

"Well, that was better," she mused about his more talkative nature today. She then sat down to eat.

oooooooooo

Francesca had been working at the castle for a week and still no sign of her employers. She had to tell herself this was probably their way, and as long as she did her job well, there would be no reason for them to let her go. She assumed eventually they would want to meet her.

Gianna was a wonderful teacher. She taught Francesca about the work they would be doing. Most involved the upkeep of the castle and the interactions with the local officials. She was shown how to access various files of information on her computer, including the list of those who were important enough, that any correspondence from them would be hand delivered to the Volturi leaders immediately. She was also shown the online calendar where any appointments with city officials and the Chief of Police, among others, were to be added and transmitted to the Guard members who worked with the secretaries.

Sometimes the Volturi leaders would leave the castle to meet with their contacts. More often than not, they would come here, so it was up to Gianna and Francesca to make sure they were taken to the appropriate office, notify a guard so that the proper leader knew they had company. Each leader had their own offices down the long corridor lit oddly with flaming torches. It seemed so medieval to Francesca, but it was interesting.

Francesca found herself curious about the important people the Volturi maintained contact with. Some names she knew, others she did not. Gianna clucked at her for browsing, so Francesca smiled, her cheeks pink for getting caught. "Sorry. It's just all so fascinating."

oooooooooo

The expected day finally arrived. Francesca was going to meet with the Volturi leaders this afternoon for the first time since she had started working. Gianna had handed her a note from Aro di Volturi, telling Francesca to come to the throne room. One of the guards would come to bring her to them at 4:00 pm.

As the time approached, Francesca grew more nervous. Were these men fair employers? She hoped so.

She heard footsteps and looked up to a handsome man with dark blonde hair. She stood from her desk chair and smiled. "Hello, I'm Francesca. Are you taking me to meet with the Volturi?"

"Yes, I am. Demetri is my name. Please come with me." He headed down the corridor with Francesca in tow. They came to a set of carved wooden doors, which Demetri opened easily. He came to stand before three ornate chairs sitting in a dais. On each sat a man, the leaders Gianna had mentioned no doubt.

The man in the middle rose and stepped down the stairs, a smile on his pale face. "Welcome, my dear. We are so happy you're here. Gianna has only the best things to say about you." He held out his hand to Francesca as if to shake it, but instead, he grabbed her hand and enclosed it with his other, pulling her closer. She heard him sigh as he seemed to zone out, still holding her hand. After a few minutes, he released it and stepped back.

"My, you are an ambitious one, aren't you. Well, we will see what we can do to make your desires a reality." He turned back toward the stairs and walked up them. "Francesca, this is my brother, Marcus, and the scowling one over there is my brother Caius."

For brothers, Francesca noted they looked nothing alike. "I'm pleased to meet you all. I have been enjoying my time here, and Gianna is a wonderful example."

"We're pleased to hear that. And are you comfortable?"

"Oh yes, Mr di Volturi, very comfortable. Everything is perfect. Thank you for your generosity." She couldn't keep from staring at all three men. Their skin was not only pale, their visages were beautiful and their eyes were red. Just the irises, but it wasn't normal.

"Please, call me Master Aro."

"Master?" Francesca was confused.

"Let me explain, my dear. We, all of us here in the castle, are vampires. Except for dear Gianna. She is working toward that end. You may too, if you wish. Think of it. Immortality and a permanent place here in our coven. You will never be alone, never age or sicken, and keep your beauty forever. I am also aware of your ambitions, and I may be able to assist you with that."

"Vampires," she muttered to herself. They did look different, but were all politeness and generosity, not the monsters she was used to seeing in films.

"Talk to Gianna about it. She knows answers to many of the questions you may have. Go now. Continue doing your job well and your future here will be assured." Aro waved his hand dismissively. Francesca was led out of the room by Felix and led back to her desk.

One day, Francesca was given a printed computer letter by Gianna, who told her to write it out, neatly, for that personal touch. She was then to take it to Master Aro for his inspection and signature.

She knocked on the large wooden doors and was let in by a guard. She walked up to the dais and waited for Master to signal to her. He took the pen and the letter and read it. He face darkened when he noticed a letter missing from a word.

"Aro, she is doing well. One small mistake should not be counted against her," Marcus whispered.

Caius was about to protest when Aro said, "Very well, brother. One more chance." He asked Francesca to re-write the letter and bring back the corrected version for his signature.

She left the room, letting the tears fall only after she was further down the corridor. It was then she realized how exacting Aro was. She fixed the missive, and Aro signed it, handing it back with his usual smile.

Francesca knew she would have to work hard to be allowed to stay here.

oooooooooo

Francesca had been with the Volturi for a year. The Masters seemed to like her and approved of her work which was mistake free all this time. Soon, they might offer her the promised immortality. She felt after getting to know them and the Guard, she would accept. How could she not.

A week later, she was told by Demetri she would be expected to appear before the three Masters in an hour.

She wondered why they wanted to speak with her. Had she made another mistake? She had worked so hard to learn to do things the way they wanted things done, and she thought she had been successful.

Ok, be optimistic, Francesca, she thought. Perhaps they were going to let her know she was doing well, and they had decided to keep her on. Perhaps it was about her change. Were they ready to make her an immortal so soon? Gianna had not even been changed yet.

Going through her wardrobe, she checked dress after dress, until she found one in a perfect shade of cool green. She put on the dress after showering, then pulled her hair into a ponytail, added some drop earrings, and put on only a bit of makeup. No ostentatiousness, according to Gianna.

Demetri came at the appointed time and led Francesca to the throne room, where she saw the three Volturi sitting in their usual places. Felix was already there, standing by the wooden doors.

Aro seemed to be examining Francesca while she stood before him. He gave her a smile, then crooked a finger at Felix and Demetri, who sped to her side.

Francesca looked from Aro to Caius and finally to Marcus, whose expression was suddenly one of pity, as if he knew something.

Before she could move, Felix grabbed her by the throat and pressed his face against her neck below her ear. He bit hard, her blood flooding into his mouth. Demetri watched with jealousy while his friend drank the latest secretary.

"Why?" Francesca asked, feeling her life ebbing away. She didn't know what she had done wrong. And then it was over, and Felix let her body slip to the floor.

"Aro, what was wrong with Francesca? She seemed to be doing well, and learning more. Her loyalty was unquestionable."

Caius' expression became a slow smile, cold and unpleasant.

Aro turned to Marcus and shrugged. "I didn't like the colour of her dress."

The End (of another secretary)