I love this story so much. This is my third time reading it, and every time I find something new to adore about it. You've captured Aro beautifully, and your interpretation of Sulpicia is by far my favorite across all the fanfiction I've read. It does after all, take a great woman to enchant Aro. Thank you for such a masterpiece!

Thank you for an ejoyable read

I like it very much. Sulpicia is awesome!

Gosh, this is beautiful. See, what you're doing here is something I haven't mastered: that way of phrasing things that makes it ethereal and beautiful. The story feels like torchlight down a stone hallway, or snow falling over a silent city. The kind of thing you read aloud in a whisper.

Anyway, it's lovely.

I forgot to say before, I really liked that moment where Aro purposely kept fabric between him and Sulpicia, giving her some mental space. I thought that was very thoughtful- a completely unnecessary gift from him, and shows that he does have some tenderness for her, despite the walls that must remain between them.

This was a nice way to end the story- showing the inhabitants of Volterra having a little fun, with Sulpicia and Aro looking on- not quite proud parents, but indulgent rulers, for a while. I'm glad they are able to return to their own brand of happiness.

And we come to the end! This was absolutely wonderful to read. Very well done.

This is sad! Now that Carlisle is gone, she realizes finally that she really did *like* him, and not just as a tool or a plaything. She... misses him. And not only that- she finally met someone good enough to get a glimpse of the kind of life she will never have: a decent one. Not that she would really want that kind of life, but it's enough to make her, if just for a moment, hate what she has become, not just where she is. And she doesn't even have the comfort of perfect union with Aro- she never will.

Yay! I'm glad someone requested a Caius/Athenadora scene. It's probably the same thing I would have requested. (other than another Aro/Carlisle confrontation) I just love how she's managed to tame him a bit- but not too much.

That's quite a reunion ;) Definitely their style!

I wish I could feel bad for Jane, but I just can't. Even if this is the reason she gets so sadistic later on, I can't get past it. I guess I do feel bad about how Aro has used her, but to be fair, Alec tried to warn her.

I'm glad they let Carlisle depart with dignity. Still, I'm dying to know if Aro ever said anything else to him in private re: the Sulpicia thing.

Aw, I like how you brought the necklace from chapter one back into it! A lovely way for us readers to relax into their reunion.

Well, malignant as it is, I'm happy to see them make up a bit. Of course, for these two, making up involves hurting other people- par for the course, I expect. I would almost believe Aro's surrender, if he didn't slip in the "as always" lie, and if his loss wasn't so minor compared to hers. (Carlisle gets sent away, and Jane.. stays and gets mouth-kisses nonetheless) But at this point, I think Sulpicia had better take what she can get- both in terms of his compromise and his silken diplomacy.

As undeserving as they both are, I hope they grow closer again :)

From Carlisle's and Sulpicia's exchange, I still think it's just emotional infidelity- though the fact that he didn't flinch at her touch implies that he has felt it before, to some extent. But then again, the fact that she's purposely rubbing the hand-holding into her memory for Aro's hurt later on, implies that this is the worst she can come up with. Either way, I feel so badly for Carlisle!

And for Sulpicia, too. This whole thing was just to hurt Aro back, and although she is taking some pleasure in his rage, she is becoming disappointed that he is not crawling back to her properly. I'm dying to know what passed between Aro and Carlisle, in these chapters!

Wow- great chapter! I hardly breathed while I was reading it! Chess was the perfect setting for Aro closing in on Carlisle's guilt. (I vote emotional infidelity, by the way- I can't fathom Carlisle being *truly* seduced, young as he is... not canon Carlisle, at any rate)

Sulpicia had the perfect answer to Aro's accusation! And it was enough for him to finally show his true hypocritical colors- and boy, he doesn't like them showing. Saint in a white hat, indeed! I can just see Vladimir chuckling over this exchange as he reads about it into vampire-world tabloids.

And then, she had anther perfect answer to his pulling the creator card, and again to hurting her physically. Whoever walks out of the room first wins! Bleed, Aro! (though I'd like to see her *try* to leave him. In my head canon, Chelsea's already involved in Sulpicia's loyalty, besides the whole mate bond!)

*awesome* chapter. awesome.

"neurotic" is a very good word for this coven- whether you include the Guards or not! I'm starting to see why you enjoy writing about them so much ;)

Athenadora's description of Carlisle is interesting. It's hard to fit that with the quiet assurance that Carlisle has in Twilight- but then, Edward plainly tells Bella (using the present tense, no less) that Carlisle finds peace in serving as a physician, that is serves as his penance. I wonder, how similar Carlisle is to Edward in terms of being too hard on himself. I would say no, just because he's more a man of action that Edward, and has achieved so much, but on the other hand, it would sure explain a lot about where Edward gets it... !

oh, ARO! I can't believe he's rubbing this right in Sulpicia's face! Or does he truly believe that her heart is so cold, as to not be hurt? (I might not blame him, if he did- she's done her best to perpetuate the possibility). Watch out, Carlisle, watch out! *bites nails*

I love Sulpicia's first impressions of Carlisle- both for their poetic musings and also for her complete inability to understand that someone as *good* as Carlisle might actually exist.

Later on, I can see why she is troubled, but also intrigued by his piety- it's almost a stain against the moral scenery that she is used to. But as her bafflement turns to intrigue and then to interest (or revenge?)... this is going to be interesting! watch out, Carlisle! :)

Sulpicia in a bad mood is a frightening prospect! I'm glad she finally thought to deny Aro- maybe that will get his attention... though it'll probably just push him closer to Jane ugh!

Oh, I LOVED the scene with her and Caius. She finally lost control enough to show her temper, and it ends up hitting the wrong brother. And his words are so wise! well said, Caius! (you are really making me like him.. quite an accomplishment!)

CARLISLE! :)