The Inauspicious Beginnings Of A Prince
by Laura Spudzmom
Chapter 05
With one long assessing look at him from top to bottom, her eyes widened a bit and she backed up, clearing her throat delicately.
"My apologies Carlisle, Esme. I had no idea he was so…so…." She rolled her hand through the air, searching for the proper words that wouldn't offend her friends.
Smirking, Rosalie decided to help her out. "Grown up perhaps, Tanya?"
Breath rushed out of Tanya in relief. "Yes! Grown up. That's perfect. Thank you Rose."
"Anytime."
Scowling, Jasper swept his gaze over the group, coming to rest finally on Carlisle.
"What are you doing here? I distinctly remember saying in my last missive that I'd rather not have you visit."
Carlisle nodded. "Yes that's true son, and has been true for every request of the last nine years. We decided to take the initiative and simply show up."
Esme was clutching to Carlisle's arm, a desperate, anguished look on her face as she watched her son and husband interact for the first time since their last disastrous day together nine years ago.
She remembered every detail as if it were yesterday.
Her little rebellious son cursing Carlisle and the sounds coming from the basement room as Carlisle spanked their son; his anguished cries and eventual pleas for it to stop.
It all still wrenched at her heart and she'd wondered every day since then if that spanking hadn't happened, would her son have stayed with them, eventually becoming part of the family?
She tried her best not to harbor resentment, especially toward her husband. He was raised, after all, in a very different time. A time where children were chastened physically quite often and for far less than her little son had said and done.
Yet still, that little doubt was always there, eating away at her as the days passed and contact with her son was denied her.
Letting go of Carlisle's arm she walked toward her son cautiously, as if he would bolt at any minute.
Finally standing in front of him, she looked up into his eyes. Eyes that were so like hers as a human. They watched her carefully and she could see conflict swirling through them.
Slowly, she reached a hand up to cup her palm over his cheek, her thumb gently moving to caress. "I have missed you so." She murmured quietly, emotion tightening her voice.
Jasper clenched his eyes closed as her pain, regret and longing flooded him.
It was almost enough to bring him to his knees and he had to concentrate to push it back and shut it out somewhat.
He had no idea what to do with these pure emotions from the woman he had thought he hated all these years.
Perhaps, if he'd been able to feel with his ability back then, he might have given her more of a chance , especially when he felt the deep current of pure love running under the surface of all the pain she felt.
He did the only thing he could think to do. He reached out and took her into his arms and she let out a breath she'd been holding as she cried quietly against him.
Carlisle watched on in quiet amazement as his wife and son embraced literally for the first time.
He wondered how five quietly murmured words could have accomplished so much in so short a time.
Of course, he had no idea about Jasper's ability; no idea that the emotions, more than any words, had moved his reticent son.
The surprised voice of Aro broke through the thick, tense silence and Jasper released Esme, backing away, his gaze cast down in his inner turmoil.
"The Cullen's and the Denali's! What a delightful surprise! No need to ask what brings you to us as you're no doubt here to see our beloved Prince."
Not even noticing the widened eyes of the two covens standing before him, he continued.
"Jasper, have you summoned someone to show them to guest quarters?"
Jasper shook his head.
"No Uncle, I haven't. We were just getting acquainted as they've only just arrived."
Rosalie scoffed while Emmett chuckled.
This raised Aro's curiosity and he discreetly brushed his hand against his nephews, casting a sidelong glance at him and a disapproving frown at his receptionist after doing so.
"I see. Well let us get you all settled then shall we? And then, we shall have a small chat nephew."
Jasper smirked at him and it was so like Caius' smirk that he rolled his eyes and sighed. "Your father has ruined you young one."
Jasper moved back to Giana and asked her to summon a lower guard in fluent Italian as he sat himself on the edge of her desk to wait while Aro engaged most of the group in quiet conversation.
Rosalie and Emmett, however, made their way over to him, Emmett grinning widely.
"So, it seems the little monster is all grown up. That was quite the audio show you put on when we arrived. I thought poor Edward was gonna dissolve into the floor in embarrassment."
Jasper raised a brow at that.
"Isn't he a bit old to be embarrassed by such things?"
Rosalie scoffed and Emmett chuckled.
" Well, you would think so, but he hasn't yet lost that pesky V-card yet so he's pretty skittish towards all things sexual."
This had both of Jasper's brows raised in disbelief.
A quick glance over at the vampire in question had Jasper smirking again.
Edward was scowling at them, hands buried deeply in his pockets.
Jasper looked back at Emmett and grinned widely.
"No shit? That's….well hell, that's pretty damn sad when I think about it. Why hasn't anyone done something? Set him up with that smoking hot strawberry blonde I just met. She seems game."
Emmett laughed. "Oh, Tanya? She's been after him for more years than you've been alive but he won't touch her. Pisses her off too."
Jasper shook his head as this was a concept that he simply couldn't understand.
He looked between Emmett and Rosalie.
"Perhaps her stature is displeasing to him? Maybe he's into something a little more manly, if you know what I mean?"
Emmett's laugh was so loud, they drew the attention of the whole crowd, and Edward was now glaring at them murderously.
Rosalie patted Emmett's arm to try and calm him. "Perhaps we should change the subject?"
Jasper merely shrugged and looked toward his Uncle and Carlisle who were now approaching him accompanied by a vampire who looked to be of Spanish decent.
Aro made the introduction.
"Jasper, this is Eleazar of the Denali Coven. His talent is to identify the talents in other vampires and the potential talents in some humans. He wanted to meet you. Eleazar, this is our beloved Prince, son of Caius."
He shot an apologetic look at Carlisle so saying and Carlisle gave him a small nod in acceptance.
Eleazar bowed. "My Prince. It is an honor to meet you."
Jasper tipped his head regally in acknowledgement. "I am happy to make your acquaintance Eleazar."
Jasper noticed that Eleazar had an expression on his face that could be described as awestruck and raised his brows in a questioning manner at the man.
"Forgive me My Prince, but you are the most powerful empath that I have ever encountered! I wonder, are you able to manipulate whole groups?"
Jasper forewent answering, instead choosing to demonstrate as he sent out mirth to those still milling about, causing inexplicable laughter to sweep the room.
He pulled the emotions back and looked at Eleazar with a brow cocked.
"Remarkable! Am I correct to assume that you can also feel the emotions from those around you?"
Jasper nodded.
"I can. I try to block most of it though as it would be overwhelming if I didn't. It took me a good while to master the blocking but I got it eventually. There are still instances where very strong emotion will affect me, but again
I can block with the proper amount of effort."
He noticed that Carlisle was nodding while staring down at the floor before abruptly moving to lock his gaze with his son's.
"That's what happened earlier with your mother isn't it?"
Instead of answering, Jasper furrowed his brow and looked away, not yet comfortable with speaking about what he had felt from her and his reaction to it.
He was rescued from further discussion by the lower guard's arrival and deep bow.
"My Prince, the rooms are ready for your guests if you would like for me to escort them?"
Jasper stood. "Yes, please do so."
Turning to the group at large he raised his voice just enough to get their attention.
"If you'll all please follow the guard, he will show you to your rooms. I will see you later this evening for a formal reception. Until then, I bid you a pleasant afternoon."
Giving a shallow bow, he made a hasty retreat to his rooms in the royal wing of the castle, breathing a sigh of relief when he was safely behind his door.
Feeling a desperate need for an outlet, Jasper sought out Felix, knocking lightly on his door.
"My Prince." He said, bowing.
Jasper almost growled in frustration.
"Cut the formal shit Felix. I need a spar. You up for it?"
Closing his door behind him, Felix fell into step beside Jasper. "You know I am."
Sensing his Prince's dark mood, he said nothing more as they made their way to the training chamber and stripped down to pants only.
They didn't circle each other for long, Jasper choosing to be the aggressor.
He needed the physical exertion, the contact, and yes, if he was honest with himself, the pain.
The problem with being essentially a hybrid was that he bled when injured whereas his vampire counterparts did not.
So even though they took as much, if not more punishment, they looked fine while he looked, well, injured.
It would take him a good feeding and a day to recuperate fully which only served to annoy him further today for some reason.
He thought he had come to terms with that aspect of himself years ago.
Perhaps the impromptu visit of his biological parents had something to do with all these dark feelings; feelings that he had chosen to push away in lieu of dealing with them.
All of this self reflection and inattention cost him dearly when Felix was able to get a hold on his arm and flip him, wrenching his shoulder viciously, drawing a pained gasp from him as he lay there on the stone floor.
"Oh shit Jasper! What have I done? Where does it hurt?"
"Shoulder." He ground out through gritted teeth. "I can't move my arm."
Felix jumped up. "I'll be right back. I'm going to get your Father."
Rushing to the royal wing, Felix tried Aro's study first and made the right guess as all three Kings were there along with Carlisle and Eleazar.
They all looked at him in alarm when they saw his state.
He bowed hastily. "Forgive my intrusion Masters, but the Prince is injured and requires assistance."
Caius shot up from his seat a second before Carlisle.
"Where is he Felix?"
"He's in the training chamber Master."
They made their way as a group, and found Jasper lying there, still with eyes shut tightly against the pain.
Taking one look at his son, Caius ordered Felix to bring a human and Felix hurried off.
Carlisle looked to Aro, a question in his eyes.
"Whenever he is injured, he requires a fresh feed to heal more quickly from it."
Jasper gasped as his Father felt his shoulder, gently moving his arm as he assessed the damage.
Kneeling on the opposite side of Jasper, Carlisle caught Caius' eye. "May I?" He asked, gesturing toward Jasper's injury.
Jasper's eyes shot open and he growled out. "No. Don't touch me."
Carlisle backed off, hands held up in surrender.
"Alright son, I won't. Don't worry. I simply thought to help assess your injury."
Jasper pierced him with a cold gaze. "I swore that you'd never touch me again nine years ago and I meant it."
Nodding in regret, Carlisle stood and moved off to the side just as Felix dragged in a terrified human man who was mumbling questions frantically.
Carlisle closed his eyes briefly as the man was brought to his son, who stood with the help of Caius, carefully supporting his arm against his body.
Felix held the man from behind, locking his arms in place so he couldn't hurt Jasper further in his struggles as Jasper leaned forward sinking descended fangs into the mans neck, drinking deeply.
When he had finished, Caius rounded on Felix.
"What happened?"
Jasper answered instead. "Father, it's not Felix' fault. I asked him to spar with me and was not fully focused on the match. I was distracted. It was fully my fault. If I had been focused he wouldn't have gotten hold on my arm and even if he had, I would have been able to escape the hold without injury."
Caius gave a sharp nod.
"Very well. You will require rest for the arm for at least two days and you will be unable to attend the reception this evening."
Seeing his son about to protest, he held up a hand.
"You know that I don't often insist on things my son, but on this, I insist. You need rest to heal quickly, now that you've had fresh blood.'
Jasper nodded. "You're right of course. Thank you Father. I'll take my leave now, if you'll excuse me?"
Caius nodded and Jasper made his way back to his rooms, lying down when he got there.
Intending to close his eyes for just a few moments, he drifted off to a deep sleep that lasted the night.
Later that night at the reception, Esme had finally gathered the courage to approach Caius and Athenadora, her son's parents for the past nine years.
She had agonized over her decision to speak with them, but that hug from her son earlier that afternoon had steeled her resolve.
"My King, My Queen, may I speak privately with you both when it's convenient?"
Dora answered for both.
"Of course Esme. I assume this is about Jasper?"
Esme nodded. "Yes it is.”
Caius offered both women an arm. "No time like the present then. Shall we?"
Leading them to a private room just off of the main hall, Caius seated both ladies and then himself, looking to Esme expectantly once settled.
She began hesitantly.
"I am seeking your help in convincing Jasper to come with us when we leave here for our new home in Forks. I realize that it's probably asking a lot from you as I know that your love for him is deep and genuine but I've never really gotten a chance to know the child I nurtured in my body and gave birth to. I had to go through losing him twice and I can't explain how painful that was, but I'm not trying to make you feel guilty. I am so grateful that he has had your love and care these past years, words can never express. But I would like a chance to get to know him before he is completely through growing and maturing; just a little piece for myself."
She met their gazes earnestly.
"I'm not even asking on behalf of my husband and that's why he's not here. He knew nothing of my plans of speaking to you. I want this, more than anything in this world."
Caius sat deeply into his chair, regal fingers tapping the arm rhythmically.
"You are aware that I will not force him to do anything or go anywhere he does not wish to.
I swore to him that I would not force him to maintain a relationship with you and your husband when he came here and I have always kept my word to him about this subject and many others.
I will not jeopardize that. This decision is solely his to make, and I'm sorry Esme, but I will not participate in any attempt to influence him toward one decision over another."
Shame shot through her as she realized that was exactly what she was hoping he would do for her and she felt the need to apologize.
"I owe you both an apology. I'm very ashamed to admit that I was trying to get you to influence Jasper and that was very wrong for me to do, but I had to try. I've never really been a selfish person, but I find myself feeling very selfish where he is concerned at the moment."
She looked at them both with a wan smile.
"I will speak to him, and, you're right, it will be entirely his decision. That's all I can do."
With one long assessing look at him from top to bottom, her eyes widened a bit and she backed up, clearing her throat delicately.
"My apologies Carlisle, Esme. I had no idea he was so…so…." She rolled her hand through the air, searching for the proper words that wouldn't offend her friends.
Smirking, Rosalie decided to help her out. "Grown up perhaps, Tanya?"
Breath rushed out of Tanya in relief. "Yes! Grown up. That's perfect. Thank you Rose."
"Anytime."
Scowling, Jasper swept his gaze over the group, coming to rest finally on Carlisle.
"What are you doing here? I distinctly remember saying in my last missive that I'd rather not have you visit."
Carlisle nodded. "Yes that's true son, and has been true for every request of the last nine years. We decided to take the initiative and simply show up."
Esme was clutching to Carlisle's arm, a desperate, anguished look on her face as she watched her son and husband interact for the first time since their last disastrous day together nine years ago.
She remembered every detail as if it were yesterday.
Her little rebellious son cursing Carlisle and the sounds coming from the basement room as Carlisle spanked their son; his anguished cries and eventual pleas for it to stop.
It all still wrenched at her heart and she'd wondered every day since then if that spanking hadn't happened, would her son have stayed with them, eventually becoming part of the family?
She tried her best not to harbor resentment, especially toward her husband. He was raised, after all, in a very different time. A time where children were chastened physically quite often and for far less than her little son had said and done.
Yet still, that little doubt was always there, eating away at her as the days passed and contact with her son was denied her.
Letting go of Carlisle's arm she walked toward her son cautiously, as if he would bolt at any minute.
Finally standing in front of him, she looked up into his eyes. Eyes that were so like hers as a human. They watched her carefully and she could see conflict swirling through them.
Slowly, she reached a hand up to cup her palm over his cheek, her thumb gently moving to caress. "I have missed you so." She murmured quietly, emotion tightening her voice.
Jasper clenched his eyes closed as her pain, regret and longing flooded him.
It was almost enough to bring him to his knees and he had to concentrate to push it back and shut it out somewhat.
He had no idea what to do with these pure emotions from the woman he had thought he hated all these years.
Perhaps, if he'd been able to feel with his ability back then, he might have given her more of a chance , especially when he felt the deep current of pure love running under the surface of all the pain she felt.
He did the only thing he could think to do. He reached out and took her into his arms and she let out a breath she'd been holding as she cried quietly against him.
Carlisle watched on in quiet amazement as his wife and son embraced literally for the first time.
He wondered how five quietly murmured words could have accomplished so much in so short a time.
Of course, he had no idea about Jasper's ability; no idea that the emotions, more than any words, had moved his reticent son.
The surprised voice of Aro broke through the thick, tense silence and Jasper released Esme, backing away, his gaze cast down in his inner turmoil.
"The Cullen's and the Denali's! What a delightful surprise! No need to ask what brings you to us as you're no doubt here to see our beloved Prince."
Not even noticing the widened eyes of the two covens standing before him, he continued.
"Jasper, have you summoned someone to show them to guest quarters?"
Jasper shook his head.
"No Uncle, I haven't. We were just getting acquainted as they've only just arrived."
Rosalie scoffed while Emmett chuckled.
This raised Aro's curiosity and he discreetly brushed his hand against his nephews, casting a sidelong glance at him and a disapproving frown at his receptionist after doing so.
"I see. Well let us get you all settled then shall we? And then, we shall have a small chat nephew."
Jasper smirked at him and it was so like Caius' smirk that he rolled his eyes and sighed. "Your father has ruined you young one."
Jasper moved back to Giana and asked her to summon a lower guard in fluent Italian as he sat himself on the edge of her desk to wait while Aro engaged most of the group in quiet conversation.
Rosalie and Emmett, however, made their way over to him, Emmett grinning widely.
"So, it seems the little monster is all grown up. That was quite the audio show you put on when we arrived. I thought poor Edward was gonna dissolve into the floor in embarrassment."
Jasper raised a brow at that.
"Isn't he a bit old to be embarrassed by such things?"
Rosalie scoffed and Emmett chuckled.
" Well, you would think so, but he hasn't yet lost that pesky V-card yet so he's pretty skittish towards all things sexual."
This had both of Jasper's brows raised in disbelief.
A quick glance over at the vampire in question had Jasper smirking again.
Edward was scowling at them, hands buried deeply in his pockets.
Jasper looked back at Emmett and grinned widely.
"No shit? That's….well hell, that's pretty damn sad when I think about it. Why hasn't anyone done something? Set him up with that smoking hot strawberry blonde I just met. She seems game."
Emmett laughed. "Oh, Tanya? She's been after him for more years than you've been alive but he won't touch her. Pisses her off too."
Jasper shook his head as this was a concept that he simply couldn't understand.
He looked between Emmett and Rosalie.
"Perhaps her stature is displeasing to him? Maybe he's into something a little more manly, if you know what I mean?"
Emmett's laugh was so loud, they drew the attention of the whole crowd, and Edward was now glaring at them murderously.
Rosalie patted Emmett's arm to try and calm him. "Perhaps we should change the subject?"
Jasper merely shrugged and looked toward his Uncle and Carlisle who were now approaching him accompanied by a vampire who looked to be of Spanish decent.
Aro made the introduction.
"Jasper, this is Eleazar of the Denali Coven. His talent is to identify the talents in other vampires and the potential talents in some humans. He wanted to meet you. Eleazar, this is our beloved Prince, son of Caius."
He shot an apologetic look at Carlisle so saying and Carlisle gave him a small nod in acceptance.
Eleazar bowed. "My Prince. It is an honor to meet you."
Jasper tipped his head regally in acknowledgement. "I am happy to make your acquaintance Eleazar."
Jasper noticed that Eleazar had an expression on his face that could be described as awestruck and raised his brows in a questioning manner at the man.
"Forgive me My Prince, but you are the most powerful empath that I have ever encountered! I wonder, are you able to manipulate whole groups?"
Jasper forewent answering, instead choosing to demonstrate as he sent out mirth to those still milling about, causing inexplicable laughter to sweep the room.
He pulled the emotions back and looked at Eleazar with a brow cocked.
"Remarkable! Am I correct to assume that you can also feel the emotions from those around you?"
Jasper nodded.
"I can. I try to block most of it though as it would be overwhelming if I didn't. It took me a good while to master the blocking but I got it eventually. There are still instances where very strong emotion will affect me, but again
I can block with the proper amount of effort."
He noticed that Carlisle was nodding while staring down at the floor before abruptly moving to lock his gaze with his son's.
"That's what happened earlier with your mother isn't it?"
Instead of answering, Jasper furrowed his brow and looked away, not yet comfortable with speaking about what he had felt from her and his reaction to it.
He was rescued from further discussion by the lower guard's arrival and deep bow.
"My Prince, the rooms are ready for your guests if you would like for me to escort them?"
Jasper stood. "Yes, please do so."
Turning to the group at large he raised his voice just enough to get their attention.
"If you'll all please follow the guard, he will show you to your rooms. I will see you later this evening for a formal reception. Until then, I bid you a pleasant afternoon."
Giving a shallow bow, he made a hasty retreat to his rooms in the royal wing of the castle, breathing a sigh of relief when he was safely behind his door.
Feeling a desperate need for an outlet, Jasper sought out Felix, knocking lightly on his door.
"My Prince." He said, bowing.
Jasper almost growled in frustration.
"Cut the formal shit Felix. I need a spar. You up for it?"
Closing his door behind him, Felix fell into step beside Jasper. "You know I am."
Sensing his Prince's dark mood, he said nothing more as they made their way to the training chamber and stripped down to pants only.
They didn't circle each other for long, Jasper choosing to be the aggressor.
He needed the physical exertion, the contact, and yes, if he was honest with himself, the pain.
The problem with being essentially a hybrid was that he bled when injured whereas his vampire counterparts did not.
So even though they took as much, if not more punishment, they looked fine while he looked, well, injured.
It would take him a good feeding and a day to recuperate fully which only served to annoy him further today for some reason.
He thought he had come to terms with that aspect of himself years ago.
Perhaps the impromptu visit of his biological parents had something to do with all these dark feelings; feelings that he had chosen to push away in lieu of dealing with them.
All of this self reflection and inattention cost him dearly when Felix was able to get a hold on his arm and flip him, wrenching his shoulder viciously, drawing a pained gasp from him as he lay there on the stone floor.
"Oh shit Jasper! What have I done? Where does it hurt?"
"Shoulder." He ground out through gritted teeth. "I can't move my arm."
Felix jumped up. "I'll be right back. I'm going to get your Father."
Rushing to the royal wing, Felix tried Aro's study first and made the right guess as all three Kings were there along with Carlisle and Eleazar.
They all looked at him in alarm when they saw his state.
He bowed hastily. "Forgive my intrusion Masters, but the Prince is injured and requires assistance."
Caius shot up from his seat a second before Carlisle.
"Where is he Felix?"
"He's in the training chamber Master."
They made their way as a group, and found Jasper lying there, still with eyes shut tightly against the pain.
Taking one look at his son, Caius ordered Felix to bring a human and Felix hurried off.
Carlisle looked to Aro, a question in his eyes.
"Whenever he is injured, he requires a fresh feed to heal more quickly from it."
Jasper gasped as his Father felt his shoulder, gently moving his arm as he assessed the damage.
Kneeling on the opposite side of Jasper, Carlisle caught Caius' eye. "May I?" He asked, gesturing toward Jasper's injury.
Jasper's eyes shot open and he growled out. "No. Don't touch me."
Carlisle backed off, hands held up in surrender.
"Alright son, I won't. Don't worry. I simply thought to help assess your injury."
Jasper pierced him with a cold gaze. "I swore that you'd never touch me again nine years ago and I meant it."
Nodding in regret, Carlisle stood and moved off to the side just as Felix dragged in a terrified human man who was mumbling questions frantically.
Carlisle closed his eyes briefly as the man was brought to his son, who stood with the help of Caius, carefully supporting his arm against his body.
Felix held the man from behind, locking his arms in place so he couldn't hurt Jasper further in his struggles as Jasper leaned forward sinking descended fangs into the mans neck, drinking deeply.
When he had finished, Caius rounded on Felix.
"What happened?"
Jasper answered instead. "Father, it's not Felix' fault. I asked him to spar with me and was not fully focused on the match. I was distracted. It was fully my fault. If I had been focused he wouldn't have gotten hold on my arm and even if he had, I would have been able to escape the hold without injury."
Caius gave a sharp nod.
"Very well. You will require rest for the arm for at least two days and you will be unable to attend the reception this evening."
Seeing his son about to protest, he held up a hand.
"You know that I don't often insist on things my son, but on this, I insist. You need rest to heal quickly, now that you've had fresh blood.'
Jasper nodded. "You're right of course. Thank you Father. I'll take my leave now, if you'll excuse me?"
Caius nodded and Jasper made his way back to his rooms, lying down when he got there.
Intending to close his eyes for just a few moments, he drifted off to a deep sleep that lasted the night.
Later that night at the reception, Esme had finally gathered the courage to approach Caius and Athenadora, her son's parents for the past nine years.
She had agonized over her decision to speak with them, but that hug from her son earlier that afternoon had steeled her resolve.
"My King, My Queen, may I speak privately with you both when it's convenient?"
Dora answered for both.
"Of course Esme. I assume this is about Jasper?"
Esme nodded. "Yes it is.”
Caius offered both women an arm. "No time like the present then. Shall we?"
Leading them to a private room just off of the main hall, Caius seated both ladies and then himself, looking to Esme expectantly once settled.
She began hesitantly.
"I am seeking your help in convincing Jasper to come with us when we leave here for our new home in Forks. I realize that it's probably asking a lot from you as I know that your love for him is deep and genuine but I've never really gotten a chance to know the child I nurtured in my body and gave birth to. I had to go through losing him twice and I can't explain how painful that was, but I'm not trying to make you feel guilty. I am so grateful that he has had your love and care these past years, words can never express. But I would like a chance to get to know him before he is completely through growing and maturing; just a little piece for myself."
She met their gazes earnestly.
"I'm not even asking on behalf of my husband and that's why he's not here. He knew nothing of my plans of speaking to you. I want this, more than anything in this world."
Caius sat deeply into his chair, regal fingers tapping the arm rhythmically.
"You are aware that I will not force him to do anything or go anywhere he does not wish to.
I swore to him that I would not force him to maintain a relationship with you and your husband when he came here and I have always kept my word to him about this subject and many others.
I will not jeopardize that. This decision is solely his to make, and I'm sorry Esme, but I will not participate in any attempt to influence him toward one decision over another."
Shame shot through her as she realized that was exactly what she was hoping he would do for her and she felt the need to apologize.
"I owe you both an apology. I'm very ashamed to admit that I was trying to get you to influence Jasper and that was very wrong for me to do, but I had to try. I've never really been a selfish person, but I find myself feeling very selfish where he is concerned at the moment."
She looked at them both with a wan smile.
"I will speak to him, and, you're right, it will be entirely his decision. That's all I can do."
DISCLAIMER: Twilight and its inclusive material is copyright to Stephenie Meyer. Original creation, including but not limited to plot and characters, is copyright to the respective authors of each story. No copyright infringement is intended.