Bella POV

"Why did you bar Athenodora from your room tonight?" I found myself asking. The question slipped out before I could stop it.

I internally kicked myself for asking that question. Why did I even ask that? How stupid could I have been? I didn't want to be the homewrecker for Caius's marriage to Athenodora, or the reason why their marriage ended, but I knew it was bound to happen. I also knew the fact that there was probably a reason why Caius didn't want to see her, and that reason was me. But still, I don't even know I even said that.

Before I was able to say something, Caius replied to my question.

"You know that I was married to Athenodora, and I still am. However, that doesn't mean anything as we no longer love each other. We're just together, pretty much for the title purposes. However, I do admit that I haven't seen much of her around and I assume it may be because of you, and she's wanting to keep her distance, but for safety and your predicaments- it's safe to hinder her from my quarters. You are safe here, don't forget that." \

"Oh," I murmured. It made complete sense on the reason why. I lived in a castle full of vampires, what did I expect? It was obvious that they were trying to protect my safety while I remained a human- and especially, if I was to live out my life here in Volterra- it made complete sense.

"May I ask why haven't you divorced her yet if you no longer love her, and haven't for a while? I mean for us humans, sometimes unhappiness can lead to getting a divorce especially if the marriage isn't working out," I pointed out, curiosity lacing my tone. "I just don't understand why you don't just get one?"

Caius sighed and looked away. It took several moments for him to reply to my question and I sat there, wondering whether or not I overstepped. I knew it wasn't my place to question someone else's relationship or even give them advice in their relationship (even though I knew there was probably no saving it). But I couldn't help but try, particularly if Caius was my mate supposedly, and I wanted to see him happy.

Happiness was what we both deserved after all that we have been through. I didn't know much about him, or the relationship between him and Athenodora- but I don't think it mattered. We were too people that deserved to experience happiness, right?

"It's not that simple," Caius eventually said, snapping me out of my thoughts.

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"How much has that idiot vampire told you about us?" Caius instead asked.

"Not much," I replied.

I thought back to the conversation that me and Edward- thinking about his name made me feel a pang in my heart, but I ignored the feeling; there was no reason for this, I had to be strong; we had before that disastrous birthday party they threw me. Back then, I was truly adamant that we were going to be together forever, and he would change me. I just never expected what he did to happen. But Edward never told me anything about the Volturi besides how much their lifestyle was different and held the rules of the vampire world- but nothing else concerning the Volturi.

Whatever answer Caius expected seemed to please him, as he gave me a smile in response. It wasn't a bloodcurdling smile, one that would chill my insides, but simply one tone that made me feel warm inside, like my answer pleased him.

"The Volturi have enemies, ones that would be glad to finally get rid of. The Romanian coven is one of the prime examples that would love to see our downfall, and would most likely exploit our weakness. If word caught out that one of the king's of the vampires didn't find their mate- they might use that to their advantage. They would most likely have found you and possibly kill you …"

The last two words were choked out, and I'm pretty sure if vampires could cry, he would be crying as soon as he said that.

"Oh, that's why… And Athenodora. Where does she come in?" I asked, even though I knew the answer of the fact that Athenodora gave him companionship during his thousands of years of existence- but I never heard of his past, nor the formation of the Volturi- so this was all interesting to me.

"I met Athenodora before I met Aro and Marcus, so before the Volturi's formation. The Romanian coven led an attack over my territory. However, their attack was too much to where not only did I lose that territory, but I also had to flee from them in order to save my life. During that time, I met Athenodora- her beauty not only captivated me, but she gave me companionship from what I desired. I thought in time, we would become mates or find our mates- but we haven't, until now."

"After you met me," I clarified.

He nodded.

"You said you were planning on divorcing and sending on her way to find her mate. Hopefully, on really good terms… But wouldn't word get out to your enemies that you have finally found your mate and is currently a human, and would kill me."

Caius nodded gravely.

"That's a risk I am willing to take, besides the Volturi is powerful and will be able to protect you. Besides, you won't have to worry about being a human for long- you'll be turned into a vampire in probably less than a year's time or something."

"Oh."

I let out a giant yawn as the rush of exhaustion ran through my veins. I didn't even want to know what time it was, but considering everything that had happened today, maybe the adrenaline was finally wearing off or it could be the painkillers that played a role in me being exhausted.

"You should sleep," Caius murmured. "It might do you some good, considering that your body is still hurt and trying to recover from what happened to you."

"I'm not tired," I protested.

Caius gave me a look that probably told me that I was an idiot, but my body refused to allow me to do anything as a response and the world was starting to turn to shades of darkness.

"Can you stay?" I murmured. "In case the nightmares come."

I didn't hear Caius's answer, but the gentle strums that started to comb through my hair, not only lured me more into sleep's grasp, but was the only answer I really needed, before I knew nothing else.

Edit (Update: July 7th, 2024)- This chapter was so cute, and was the only thing allowed me to write and kept certain plot points by allowing Bella to learn more about Caius's past than anything. The next two chapters have just have ideas that are not written out yet.

Story is on Ao3 under Fire is Everywhere!