𝕄𝕪 𝔸𝕟𝕘𝕖𝕝// 𝔹𝕖𝕝𝕝𝕒 𝕊𝕨𝕒𝕟 𝕩 ℂ𝕒𝕦𝕚𝕤 𝕍𝕠𝕝𝕥𝕦𝕣𝕚

My Angel: Chapter 4

BPOV

I never liked the idea of dressing up for social events like homecoming or prom, while I was in high school. It seemed silly, like playing princess for the evening - merely pretending to be someone special. The one time I was conned into participating, I felt like an absolute imposter. Tonight however, wearing this remarkably fine gown, I felt like I could actually be a fine lady. Marcus had not guilted me into dressing this way. He merely pointed out that it needed to be done, to help cement my place in their coven. I have been treated respectfully by these vampires, not like a silly human - incapable of higher brain function, and it has made all the difference in the world.

Jane's exit from my room left the door standing wide, and I saw Caius - really saw him. In the cave all that registered was that he was frighteningly torn apart and did not appear to be improving. Only the need help him stayed in the forefront of my mind. His features hardly mattered. In the hospital I was honestly astonished to wake up at all. He could have killed me easily, but instead, had me cared for. The next surprise came when I realized a king was inviting me to his home. Yes, I knew who he was, and I guessed, correctly, they were going to want information, before my use came to its end.

Tonight he is dressed in a finely tailored raven-black suit that contrasts sharply with his skin - now clear of lacerations - and his smooth pale hair. His shirt and tie are also black, and though I have heard descriptions of men wearing all black before, I had no idea the effect could be so incredibly impressive. His figure, standing tall and powerfully lean in the doorway, suddenly reminded me that here stood - not just a vampire king, but a remarkably handsome man, who was inexplicably still standing stationary, staring back at me. Caius' somewhat dumbfounded reaction was extremely flattering. I felt my cheeks heat, and tried to put these thoughts aside. They would surely do me no good.

Traitorous emotions burned furiously in my chest - hope, excitement, and gratitude - when his hands first formed awkward words and letters during his sign language debut. He could have simply spoken the words, yes. Both complimenting me and showing the effort he had expended in such a short time however - was truly and deeply moving.

I will not fall for another vampire.

I will not fall for another vampire.

If this has to become my personal go-to mantra then so be it. Once was enough to show me that I don't fit into this world long term.

On this handsome and surprisingly thoughtful king's arm, I am led to a small, stone walled, room. It is surprisingly empty. Before I can ask, Caius leans down to speak lowly in my ear. "We are situated directly behind the thrones. Aro will have heard the door we just closed, and should announce you shortly. Do not fear, this will not take long, and you may remain beside me, if that is your wish."

Yes, that sounds fantastic. Clinging tightly to his arm will be far less obvious than nervously wringing my hands in front of - who knows how many - vampires. I nod once firmly to accept his proposition.
Not even a minute later, Caius hears what he was waiting for. He opened the throne room door and slowly led me through. Once inside, I heard the end of Aro's introduction. "...guest Miss Isabella Swan."

I had never before been in a room with so many people, that was still completely silent. It was unnerving to day the least. The only audible breath drawn was my own and the only other sound was the gentle swish of my skirt as we made our way around to the front of the three imposing thrones.

I unconsciously squeezed Caius' arm with my left hand, and he responded by pulling his arm in closer, gently squeezing my forearm to his side. At last we made it to the front of Caius' own throne. We remained facing the other two kings, while Aro brought forth the beautiful woman standing to his right. "My dear Isabella," he began dramatically, which I understand from Jane is the norm for him, "may I present to you, my lovely wife Sulpicia."