"I was not much of an active participant by the time takeover was attempted," Marcus says dryly. "It was easier to do as Aro and Caius asked than to attempt to gainsay them, and I was much drawn to ease after my mate was killed." He lets go of her hand and puts his arm around her shoulders; she pats the back of his hand. "Aro feared the coordination humans were capable of in the face of vampire fractiousness - it was why he was so pleased to find Chelsea, and to have me to abet her - and Caius desired power."