Chapter Text
After walking in random directions through the castle hoping to find someone who resembled the two women from the Volteri tree, I finally got some sense and went out in search of someone who could help me.
My first thought was to find Jane or Alec, however, I knew they were very loyal to Aro and I didn't want to put them in any uncomfortable positions while I sorted out my own feelings on my discovery. Which left Demetri.
East wing it is.
I spotted the elegantly dressed vampire at the bottom of the Eastern turret and called out to him, "Demetri!"
He turned and instantly appeared before my eyes, bowing his head in greeting "Mi Lady."
I smiled at him, "Hey Demetri, I'm sorry to bother you from..." I glanced at the twisting steps knowing Jasper was up there somewhere "... duties-"
"-It is no problem at all Mi Lady."
I shot him a thankful look and continued "It's just I was going through some old books in the library and found out some information that I would like to have confirmed."
He cocked his head to the side, "And what might that be?"
I decided to just cut to the chase, "Do Sulpicia and Athenodora live in the castle, or even in Italy at all?" I saw shock pass over his face, then hesitation and finally reluctance, sighing I reassured him "Don't worry Demetri, I know they are the Kings wives, I just don't know much else and would rather like to."
He seemed to look more himself at my words and he nodded "So the Kings told you then?"
I pursed my lips at the reminded, not wanting to lie I opted for a single sharp "No," Before shooting him a look to answer my previous inquiry.
The uncomfortable look was back but he did start to speak, "The ladies go for trips often, rarely are they found in the castle, the last I heard they were in Australia."
I thanked him for his answer and was about to leave before another thought occurred to me, "Demetri, do you know what their role is within, well-" I gestured around me "All of this?"
He looked thoughtful "The ladies provided council for the kings on occasional trials, they have access to all the documents within Volterra and are permitted to sit in and vote on any court decisions, perhaps if you wish to know more of their positions, you should read some court documents, I would suggest starting from 1000 AD, they have become much more involved recently."
"Thank you." He smiled and disappeared, I turned and headed back to the library. Seems like I had more reading to do.
The court documents were enlightening, to say the least. Once I had gotten used to the format, the reading actually happened really quickly, it was fast approaching midnight and as I hadn't gone to see my mates it was likely the hadn't realised how late it was, which was better for me.
The papers hadn't provided much more information on the other women's' positions, aside from what Demetri had described, but that had proven an insight into their character. Across a thousand years worth of decisions made it became apparent to me that some sketchy shit was going on. A pattern had arisen in the fact that Sulpicia and Athenodora managed to debate the Kings on several clear cut cases, it didn't make sense when viewing the information written down, the list of crimes associated with Matthew Barthelow was extensive, from 3 public reveals to being caught in the act of sheltering moon children hideaways, and yet as Aro seemed fully prepared to sentence the Vampire a gap in the timing happened and then a rationalised defence was proposed by Sulpicia and endorsed by Athenodora, the defence was weak at best but seemed to work on the Kings every time.
I thought back to what I knew of my first encounter to the Kings and realised even before they had properly known me they were prepared to bend the rules for me in terms of Bella, yet, glancing back at the papers littering the floor in front of the couch I knew something wasn't right.
I decide to think about it a different way, if the Kings were not willingly submitting to their wives desires within the courtroom, then it was unwilling, which lead to the next question, how does one make someone as powerful as the Kings agree to something they don't want to do?
The answer seemed fairly obvious to me, it didn't happen, it just wasn't possible, however, being surrounded by Vampires I decided to try and open my mind a little further.
Pushing off the ground, I went to start looking through the library once again, this time not any particular book in mind but the vague idea of supernatural gifts of manipulation or even perhaps objects.
My search lead me to St James's Book of Mystical Artifacts to enhance or give a Vampire powers. Within the book, I found an extensive list of possible Vampires special abilities and the theory of how they would be affected when paired with each of the artefacts catalogued.
"Ah-Ha!" I grinned at the page in triumph, there in shimmering silver letters was the description of a Vampiric gift of persuasion and forced infatuation, the two powers were within the psyche manipulation section and were on separate pages, but I was drawn to them after reading the limitations of the powers, the gift of persuasion took several minutes to become active, during which the vampire would have to recite an incantation or series of words.
The gift of forced infatuation only worked on another Vampire they had shared venom with, such as a lover or sire/siree, the gift can be shared with another vampire but only if both vampires remained within a close distance of each other during the sharing of powers.
The gifts fit the situation, if Sulpicia and Athenodora could manipulate the kings this would be the way they were doing in, unfortunately, there was a plot hole. Aro. There was no way that Aro wouldn't have touched his wife at some point, so I was either a paranoid girl feeling threatened by two other women or, they had a way to manipulate the gifts of another vampire.
Thumbing to the page which pared objects with powers my gaze fell on the image of a ring, it was a simple band with a crimson stone set in the centre. I didn't even look at the words accompanying it, this section of the book was written in Italian and I had yet to learn the language, but the image pulled at a memory and I closed my eyes trying to remember what was so familiar about it.
Edward.
Edward was wearing the ring, or one similar, I remembered seeing it on his hand when he held me out the window, I hadn't paid attention too it at the time, but my memory was not often wrong, and I was sure of this.
I stuck a bit of paper into the page to mark my spot and slammed it shut, tucking it under my arm I raced from the library running to the kitchens where I knew Jane would be, having formed a strange sort of friendship with the cook I had told off earlier in my stay.
"Jane!" She turned at my call and gave a questioning look. "Can you take me to where Alice is being held please?"
"Right this way." One thing I loved about Jane was she rarely asked questions.
I hadn't been to the dungeons yet, not really desiring seeing Alice again, but unfortunately, no matter how sure I was about Edward and the ring, I had to be absolutely certain before bringing it up with my mates, after all accusing the, well queens I assumed, of treason, was probably treason in itself.
Jane opened the entrance to the dungeon and I tried not to see the resemblance to the cell I had been held in. She stayed by the door but handed me the keys, which I wouldn't need, I had no intention of letting Alice out, we could talk through the bars just fine.
I came to a stop outside her cell. Seeing her curled up on the stone floor I felt a stag of empathy and regret, those feelings quickly vanished when she caught sight of me and started screaming bloody murder all the while slamming into the cell door.
A quick glance back at Jane confirmed my guard was watching the scene attentively. I nodded at Jane and with a look from the girl Alice fell silent in a soundless scream.
I gestured for Jane to stop and as Alice caught her breath I spoke up, "Tell me about the ring."
I look of shock passed Alice's face before she sneered "What ring?"
Gritting my teeth I stepped closer, not certain on the facts I tried to keep myself as evasive as possible while still being assertive and as though I knew what I was asking. "You know what I'm talking about. The ring Edward donned on his hand, the one with the red gem. Tell me about it."
She scoffed, "Go to hell."
I gave a put upon sigh and reassured myself on what I was prepared to do for answers. "Jane."
This time a scream pierced the air, it wavered but stayed strong until Alice lost her breath. At that point Jane stopped, seemingly understanding the process.
"I don't enjoy hurting you Alice-" She let out a delirious snort "-but don't misunderstand me, I'm willing to do whatever it takes to get you to talk, and I will. Things will be easier for you if you give up now rather than later."
I was greeted with a hard look and more screams.
She lasted two more times before apparently deciding what I wanted to know wasn't worth the pain and once she started to talk she began to reveal in the secrets she was spilling. On one hand, it was nice to know my fears were founded about my mate's wives, on the other the rumours of thousand years of deception was definitely going to be a difficult subject to broach.
Thankfully I now had the answer to how the Cullens had managed to deceive Aro, and hopefully that would be proof enough to raise suspicions about their wives before they threw me from the castle for treason. Apparently I'm not an optimist.
--RoT--
I burst into the Kings study out of breath having just run from the throne room and found it empty. The study was not empty which I instantly found out as three concerned vampires began firing questions about my state.
Not bothering to answer I strode over to Aro's desk and let the heavy book thump onto the desk, I flicked it open to my bookmarked page and turned to perch on the edge of the desk with it behind me and my confused mates to my front.I decided to get the first thing out of the way immediately. "Were you ever planning on telling me? Or were you just going to keep me dark, well forever?"
My words gave my mates pause as they seemed to realise that I was upset, and it was directed at them. Aro decided to take the wounded animal approach and held up his hands in an attempt to calm me I suppose. Not that it mattered, I wasn't mad, upset they were dishonest and decidedly a little hurt, but not mad.
"I'm afraid my dear, we are not sure what you are referring to?" Aro stepped forward as he spoke, but not wanting him to touch me yet as I wanted to talk through my emotions and discoveries I bared my teeth in warning.
He took the hint and froze, which did give me a rush of satisfaction seeing all of them looking so worried, despite not being angry it did make me feel a little better that they were as on edge as I was.
However, I did still love them and didn't want to drag out the conversation any longer than necessary, so I clarified. "I am referring to the fact that you are all married to different wives."
If it was possible for a Vampire to pale they surely would have done in that moment.
Caius attempted to speak "Cariss-"
I continued talking "Sulpicia, Athenodora..." I gave a pointed look to Marcus but didn't mention Didyme, as far as I knew she hadn't manipulated the Kings or any of the Laws so I had no problem with her.
"Devika-" Marcus this time "We were unsure how to bring it up, but we never would have kept it from you indefinitely, we just didn't think it was the right time."
I surveyed their anxious faces "I figured that was most likely the case." The relief that shot through them was instant at my words and frankly I much preferred them when they didn't look afraid of me."But, I am unhappy that I was kept in the dark, I understand why, you did it, but still hurt." I saw pain grace Aro's face and no doubt the same reflected in the others. "Do they know about me?"
Aro took the lead "It is likely, word will have probably reached them by now."
I nodded before asking another question "So, what exactly were you planning on doing? Telling me and then we all join in a relationship or are you only partnered with your respective wives? I don't understand how this works."
Caius flashed to my side and gently took my hand, apparently unable to go a moment longer without touching me, "No Amore, you are our mate, our final piece. The most sacred of bonds is the mating bond, it comes before every other."
I frowned "So you were planning on just kicking them to the curb, I imagine I wouldn't like that very much after several thousand years with someone only to be replaced without a thought."
Marcus interjected "I can see how it may appear that way to you, as you are still learning of our world, however, you must understand Sulpicia and Athenodora were well aware of the conditions of their marriage, they knew if we should find our last mate then they would no longer have a connection with their partner."
Aro added on "Vampires marry for company, but it is known in our world that once a mate is found, the marriage ceases to exist and the two part on friendly terms."
That did make me feel better about the ordeal, "So if mates are more important than marriages, why didn't you guys become 'company' for each other?"
Caius chuckled "What makes you think we did not Carissima?"
I flushed. Thankfully Aro came to my rescue "When a bond has not been fulfilled, there is an ache inside a vampire which can be drowned by the temporary fix of marrying another, as we are a bond of four and only three of us had met, the bond was incomplete and the ache remained."
"I'm sorry." I felt terrible now that I knew my mates had been suffering due to my absence, to the point they needed more than just their other mates to cause the feeling to stop.
I felt Caius's hand card through my hair, "You must not be, it is not a thing you could have controlled."
Marcus nodded "Yes and we all would have waited many more millennia for you if we had too."
I gave a quick smile before twisting around and pulling the open book into my lap, "Well now these questions have been answers, I suppose I'd better tell you what I found."
"You found something my dear?" Aro's voice came for a different spot and I looked up to see both him and Marcus positioned elegantly on chairs in front of me.
"Yes. You know how the Cullens managed to somehow get past your powers?"
"Indeed, I have been quite curious about that. Are you saying you perhaps have found the cause?"
I held out the book for him to take and voiced what I had found, "So, When Edward held me out the window-"
A growl sounded to my right and I remembered my mates hadn't been present for that, so only Aro knew.
"-Well I saw he had a ring on, one that had a stone in the middle just like that one."
Aro looked down at the book and I watched fascinated and his eyes flicked back and forth fast enough I could only see when they paused momentarily. A second later he let out a hum of fascination before passing the book to Marcus.
Once they had all read through it, Aro spoke again, "You are truly marvellous my dear, however, I was not aware you could read Italian."
"I can't. But I saw the picture which I then remembered Edward with the ring and I thought that I should go and ask Alice about it-" I got three concerned looks at that so I reassured them "-I took Jane with me, and I questioned Alice, she told me about the ring and how it can block a person's ability to read minds, but in a way that replaces the memories rather than leaving a blank space."
Marcus stood and came to my other side "Very well done Amore, however, I do wonder how you managed to get the Cullen girl to talk?"
"I took Jane."
A chuckle came from my right and I couldn't help but feel warm with the admiring gazes I was being given.
"You are truly remarkable" Aro spoke
But I wasn't finished yet, "Actually there's more."
"Oh?"
"And I doubt you'll like this as much. So the reason I was looking at that book-" I nodded to the volume now back on the desk "-In the first place was because I wanted to know more about your wives-" A grumble from Caius "-I was reading Court documents from the last thousand years and noticed that on several occasions the verdict was illogical, and on each of these occasions moments before the verdict is announced, time from the minutes is missing and then your wives provided a case, which you always agree with no matter how utterly bullshit it is."
Aro frowned not a single ounce of his usually cheerful nature on his face, which made a tinge of fear shoot through my heart. Hurriedly I pulled a few folded examples from my pocket and passed them to him.
A second passed, before Aro looked up, still very silent and if anything more murderous in his expression. I briefly considered that he might just kill me for daring to suggest that their judgments were biased, however, I pushed it aside in favour of grabbing the book again and flipping back to the pages with the vampire powers I believed their wives to have.
"I think that you were being unknowingly influenced by your wives. If they have these powers and the rings to make it so you can't see what they are doing then it's possible they may have been manipulating you guys for their own agenda... I know it's kind of far fetched but it does fill in the gaps..." I trailed off when no one else said a word.
I shifted slightly as a glazed look crossed Aro's eyes, a look at Caius revealed the same deep in though expression, but Marcus was outwardly furious, I shrunk back and tried to backpedal a bit "Obviously I don't really know what I'm talking about and I'm sure you have a reason for the choices you made during the trials, I'm probably just-"
"Mi ocelle, calm yourself we are not upset with you-" I let myself be captured in Marcus's gaze "-They are simply processing and trying to think back on what we can remember of those times."
I slipped down from the table and went into his open arms, relishing the hug after the long day. I pulled away to see my other two mates watching me. I smiled, "Sorry, to dump this all on you at once."
"Nonsense." Aro walked forward and looked down at me with pure delight in his eyes "In such a short time you have found and uncovered treason, with so little knowledge at your disposal as well. You will be a fearsome Queen indeed mi Amore."
His hand went to my chin and as he touched it he froze a look of pain gracing his features before I could ask he spoke, "I am sorry we frightened you Devika, my dear, but please believe me when I say we would never harm you, even should our opinions differ."
I let my fingers wrap around his and held his gaze as I answered, "I know that, I do, just like you said everything is new to me and I wasn't sure If I was doing the right thing telling you of my suspicions, it's hardly concrete evidence and is rather a strong accusation to make, especially to the Queens."
A different cold hand pulled me to face them and I saw Caius's hardened expression "They never were and never will be Queens Amore, that title only belongs to one."
"Indeed" Came Marcus's agreement.
"Oh. I didn't know that."
A purr sounded from Aro and I felt myself react like I always did, "You are most adorable in your innocence my love, but I am sure you will be just as breathtaking when our world comes as easily to you as us."
The words were poetic and so genuine I wanted to curse, goddamn handsome vampires always making me emotional.
A chuckle from Aro reminded me he was still touching me, but it was the last thought I had before the wind was pulled from my lungs and I was flashed to Marcus's bedroom. It was darker than mine and was accented with a deep midnight blue, I didn't get long to view it before I was pulled into a filthy kiss by the owner of the room.
I let my hand clutch at the front of Marcus's suit before slipping them inside and set to exploring. It was a heady experience being able to just touch another being, it didn't get much easier to think when I felt another body slide up behind me and their hands wander across my flesh.
As Marcus broke the kiss he was switched out by Aro, so it was Caius behind me.
Aro's kisses trailed down my neck and he paused at my throat, letting out a growl and his teeth grazed my skin before he moved on.
I was feeling delighted shivers run down my back, but when I saw a flash of movement and Marcus pull Aro into a kiss I let out the building whimper.
Both vampires had their eyes open and staring at me, knowing exactly how to kiss the other. Caius nuzzled the back of my ear and lightly bit where it joined the side of my head, "You like that Devi? Do you like seeing your mates take pleasure in each other?"
Apparently my vampires had the gift of being able to render me speechless because the only sound I could make in response was a whine.
I saw Caius give the other two a meaningful look, but was unable to summon up the energy to be worried.
I found out what it meant soon enough, when Aro switched places with Caius, effortlessly pulling my weight into him, and resuming tailing kissed down the side of my face.
Caius flashed in front of Marcus and without a moment's hesitation sunk to his knees. I let out a gasp as the reality of the situation hit me and my mind was filled with images, Aro chuckled in my ear before breathing out a single word "Watch."
Marcus looked down at Caius and rapidly removed his blazer and shirt, leaving himself topless. I greedily took in the sight and caught Marcus's cocky grin as his eyes held mine.
Caius hands rose to Marcus's slacks and pulled the latch free, pushing the offending fabric down, I felt my legs turn to liquid when I saw Marcus went commando, probably because they were born before underwear became commonplace, my mind helpfully commented. A snort for Aro momentarily distracted me until a sharp nip from the vampire pulled me back to the present "Watch Amore."
I looked back over to my mates and flushed as they were both looking directly at me, upon seeing my attention return to the scene, Caius wrapped his lips around Marcus and gave a show.
I groaned as I watched, almost as though I was the one being pleasured, the sight was electrifying and intoxicating.
"Isn't he good." Purred Aro into my ear as he stroked up and down my sides, "Quite the sight."
"Oltre bello," I agreed, taking pleasure in the pause Aro made, signalling his shock at my Italian, which I had been secretly trying to start learning, he probably hadn't picked it from my memories due to the other far more pressing matters on my mind from before.
Aro resumed bathing me in kisses, with far more built-up energy after that, whispering filthy words, narrating the scene in front of me. Caius held behind Marcus's knee and Marcus had his fingers tangled in platinum locks, a look of ecstasy on his face, which his head back and eyes shut, I quite liked the look on him.
The same could be said for Caius, debauchery suited him and he was clearly good at what he was doing, not to mention he seemed to enjoy it.
Moments later Marcus started to let out half-formed sounds, occasionally in response to something Aro had said, he no doubt hearing, but mostly when Caius's eyes shone with a glint, usually meaning he had swiped his tongue over Marcus's head or pushed his cock all the way to the back of his throat.
A moment passed and I looked to Aro a question on my tongue, I didn't have to ask before I found myself behind the elder vampire and I greedily latched onto his neck kissing him like had been done to me.
Marcus let out a choked sound and came.
I slid my arms around Marcus and held him as he came down from the rush, giving his neck a nip when the impulse hit, in response, he spun me around so I was in between him and Caius, who had moved from the floor.
"Melilla," He purred dangerously, I only smirked cockily before spinning to Caius and pulling him into a kiss. I heard the other two groan at the sight but was more conscious of Caius who was swiping his tongue inside my mouth and pulling on my lip with his teeth.
Once I pulled away I licked my lips thoughtfully, the taste of Marcus was strange, not unpleasant, but too faint to decide on a verdict. My mates seemed to be watching me for a reaction so I turned to Caius and cocked my head to the side "Can I do it to you?"
A noise of delight came from Aro but I was picked up and placed on Caius's lap on the couch before I could turn. A surprised sound left me at the abrupt position change and I turned my head in confusion to Caius. "Your innocence is most enticing, but I do not think we should rush you into such things."
I frowned ready to protest the innocence label, Maybe I hadn't done anything like this before, but I was a quick learner and I could surely replicate what Caius had done.
Aro bet me to it "Perhaps another time darling, for now, let us indulge in your pleasure."
"Wha-" I was cut off by my own gasp as Aro sunk to his knees in front of me, reminding me of the other night, my legs once again spread by Caius's with his arms restrained across mine.
Marcus appeared at my side and held my gaze as his arms reached out to grasp the top of my trousers and slide them free. I squirmed as I was left in my underwear which I could feel had gotten wet.
Marcus brushed his finger along the words on my hip, "The Earth is littered with the ruins of empires that believed they were eternal." He chuckled and nibbled on my ear, "Are we eternal little one?"
"Only if you ruin me." I gasped
Aro took a deep breath in through his nose and his eyes darkened in what I recognised as hunger. He leaned forward and without any warning licked up my clothed heat. I let out a muffled shriek.
He pulled back with a grin "Hardly touched and already so sensitive my love." I flushed in embarrassment, but was unable to comment before, Aro grabbed the side of my knickers and I heard the fabric rip.
His tongue came into contact with my skin and I felt my head fall onto Caius's shoulder with a cry. He purred behind me and I was assaulted with pleasure unlike any I'd felt before as Aro flicked his tongue and dove into me.
I was vaguely aware of Caius cooing and Marcus to my right stroking and kissing me, just as I was aware of the sobs of pleasure the wracked my body, it was overwhelming, too much and not enough.
I felt a heat building up in me and my gasps reduced to panting and keening noises. The heat built until I was choking out Aro's name in succession along with pleads for something I couldn't place.
"Please... please... Aro..."
Marcus whispered into my ear as the feeling got so much I felt like It was surely too much, "Let go beloved, let it happen."
I sobbed as the pleasure reached a peak and I shuddered in my mate's arms.
I blinked a few times, moments later and saw Aro 's head pop up from between my legs, he gave a wink and mirrored my previous actions of licking my lips. I whined.
The next second I found myself In a comfy bed surrounded by my mates, I drifted to the sound of three sets of purrs.
--RoT--