𝑬𝒄𝒍𝒊𝒑𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝑭𝒂𝒕𝒆

𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝟗

Aveline's days had settled into a rhythm—a blend of trials, lessons in queenly etiquette from Marcus per her request, and occasional moments spent with Aro and Caius when Marcus visited Didyme's grave. She found comfort in the routine, even enjoying her time in the game room with the guard even more as the days go by, though each day felt like a carefully orchestrated dance. By now, Aveline had memorized the entire layout of the Volturi castle, along with the rules that governed it. If it were up to Aro, he would have made Aveline queen immediately, but she and Marcus had decided to wait a month before taking that step.

Today, however, was different from her usual routine. Marcus had gone to visit Didyme's grave, and Aveline decided to stay in her room. Her once-empty quarters had been transformed, filled with her personal touches. The closet overflowed with clothes, shoes, and lingerie, collected during her frequent shopping trips with Heidi. They had discovered much in common during these outings, even down to eerily similar tastes and mannerisms. Despite their growing friendship, there was a veil of mystery between them—Heidi knew little about Aveline's past, and Aveline knew just as little about hers. But Aveline intended to change that.

Her room had an adjoining office, a space she had begun to fill with books for her future royal duties. The office connected directly to the kings' personal library, a convenient link that often led to impromptu conversations with Caius and Aro. Athenadora and Sulpicia were frequent visitors as well, often appearing unannounced to settle on her loveseats for long chats over blood mixed tea. In fact, all four of them were expected to drop by any moment.

A knock on her door pulled her from her thoughts. "Come in!" she called out, excitement bubbling in her voice, already knowing who it was. The door swung open, and Sulpicia and Athenadora burst in, their laughter filling the room like a fresh breeze, their husbands, Aro and Caius, following behind with amused smirks.

"Ava!" Athenadora squealed, practically launching herself at Aveline to pull her into a tight hug. "We've missed you!"

"Don't forget me!" Sulpicia chimed in, squeezing into the embrace and adding her own enthusiastic hug. Aveline giggled as they enveloped her, their infectious energy lighting up the room.

"Well, if it isn't my favorite troublemakers," Aveline teased as they finally pulled away, flashing a warm smile at Aro and Caius, who lingered near the doorway. She had grown surprisingly close to the two kings over the past weeks, despite their initial intimidating presence.

Aro raised a playful brow. "Troublemakers? My dear Aveline, I assure you, we are the picture of decorum."

"Right," Aveline snorted, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "And I suppose that means Caius is secretly a teddy bear under that terrifying scowl?"

Caius crossed his arms, a mock glare on his face. "Careful, Aveline. Teddy bears can bite."

Athenadora snickered. "Trust me, he's all fluff once you get past the growling."

Sulpicia nodded, feigning a serious tone. "It's the fur, really. Makes him look bigger and scarier than he actually is."

Caius shot his wife a narrowed glance, his lips twitching as if fighting a smile. "I think you two have spent far too much time together. Aveline's wicked sense of humor is rubbing off on you."

"Oh, please," Aveline waved them off, grinning. "You all know you're just softies deep down."

Aro chuckled, stepping forward. "So, what are you four all dressed up for?" Aveline asked, her eyes sweeping over their outfits, curiosity piqued. Aro wore an elegant dark suit, while Caius had on something equally sophisticated, and their wives looked stunning in their matching ensembles.