I have two huge obsessions. One with Rebekah and one with Tristan. So I thought why not put them together? Tristan needs love too. I hope I have written a story that makes sense with the timeline, which honestly has not been that clear in the flashbacks. I am not sure, but I THINK that The Strix was created after they fled the de Martel home the first time. It makes sense because the trinity ran from Mikael for a hundred years. Since we have no idea how or when Tristan was turned I chose to write that for myself. I don't know if there are any other fics for Tribekah out there (see what I did there?) but I do hope others will write for them. I think they make sense together and could have had a beautiful and murderous relationship. I also wanted to find a way to explain Rebekah's craving for love and a family of her own. I hope this shows that to some degree.
This will be a two-part story. So follow for the second half which should be up soon! And please, please tell me what you think! This pairing is of course, totally new to me!
Heaven is a place on earth with you
Tell me all the things you want to do
I heard that you like the bad girls
Honey, is that true?
It's better than I ever even knew
They say that the world was built for two
Only worth living if somebody is loving you
Baby now you do
Up until Rebekah Mikaelson had entered the House of de Martel, she had never really thought about love. In the centuries that came to follow, it would be one of the only things she would seek out. The one thing that made her different from her family. Love would fill a void in her heart, left from long ago. A painful, gut wrenching void that she would often pass off as something else if her mind lingered on it long enough to warrant attention. Countless lovers, boyfriends, came and went in her life. Some of those men she loved very much, none of them she loved so passionately as the brown haired, hazel eyed young man from so long ago.
He was her first great love and they were each other's best kept secret, even a thousand years later.
Rebekah and Aurora became fast friends. Perhaps because they were two of the few unwed girls that lived on the estate. Perhaps it was because they had the same sharp wit and wild souls. Most of all, perhaps it was that they both spent so much time with Niklaus. The three would pass countless hours together. They loved to ride horses and the de Martels' had some of the most beautiful Rebekah had ever laid eyes on in her life. Often, they would ride the horses out onto the grassy hills just past the estate and rest near a river there. Aurora would twirl Rebekah's long hair around her fingers and they would giggle as friends often do, while Niklaus kept a watchful eye on them both.
Growing up in a poor village that was dominated by men and where women were better seen than heard, this new found freedom was a thrill to Rebekah. Aurora was her first true friend. Her first confidant. They could talk about anything in front of Nik, he would sit idley by for hours and watch them with a smile on his lips. Even Niklaus found comfort and for that, Rebekah was grateful.
Until the night Rebekah found out there was more to Aurora and Niklaus' relationship than she realized. She was unable to sleep and was wandering the halls they now called home, when she heard a disruption. Quickly padding down the hall, her heart beating fast in her chest, she turned the corner sharply only to be horrified. Nikalus and Aurora, caught up in an embrace, kissing each other so feverishly that Rebekah's cheeks turned red from embarassment. A gasp escaped her lips before she could stop it and she watched as the two of them froze.
Niklaus' eyes danced back and forth between them, his jaw trembling with paranoia. Aurora dropped her eyes to the floor, ashamed perhaps?
"Rebekah," Nik let go of Aurora and moved toward his sister.
"What are you thinking, Niklaus?" Rebekah spat "Tristan would skin you alive were he to find out."
"We both know I could overpower him," he said with a bit of triumph in his voice.
"Nik, don't," Aurora grabbed him by the arm "You promised me you wouldn't hurt him."
"So all this time, all these outings together," Rebekah shook her head "It was just a ploy for the two of you to get away?"
"Rebekah, please don't be that way, love," Aurora moved closer to her "You know that I am very fond of you. You're my closest friend...We shall be more than that now, in time we shall be sisters."
"You are the woman who is taking my brother away," Rebekah spat back.
"Rebekah," Nik narrowed his eyes at her "You have my word this will not effect our stay here. I will continue to honor our family. Now go back to your chambers immediately."
Rebekah didn't move, staring intently into her brother's eyes.
"That was not a request," he growled slightly in a low voice, that actually took her aback.
"Please don't be angry," Aurora pleaded with her "I only want to be your friend. I love your brother deeply and I promise I will never tell a soul what you are. It does not matter to me."
"You have put us all at risk," Rebekah shook her head "First Lucien, now this? If we lose our place here, it will be on you Niklaus. If our family is destroyed, forced to opposite ends of the earth to escape father...I hope that you remember this moment. I hope you remember the choices you make affect us all."
She turned and left them both speechless in the darkened corridor.
Days passed by at an achingly slow pace.
Elijah spent many days with the Count, learning his mannerisms and strategies as they hunted together. Class and manners came easy to Elijah; it wasn't long until he fit in among the richest guests that visited the Count and Elijah often helped him entertain them with grandiose stories of their supposed equally as rich father.
Kol spent far too much time entertaining of a different kind; it was one young lady after another. Kol suffered the most controlling his bloodlust. His desire to rip open young maidens' necks was sometimes to much to bare and the burden was left to Finn or Elijah to help him clean up his mess in the middle of the night.
Finn kept much to himself. He often sat outside and studied the stars. He learned that the Count kept a witch on the estate for predictions and medicines. Finn often spent time with her, learning her spells and hearing her stories. In some way, he felt close to his mother as he listened to her spin great tales of spells and potions that could change the very earth they walked upon.
Niklaus of course, stole time with Auorora. He also adopted Lucien into his fold and the two would spend many an afternoon sparring together. It had pained him to hear Lucien speak lovingly of Aurora. Lucien was the first good friend he had acquired on his own. The topic of Aurora was better left undiscussed, unuttered as they went about draining necks in the darkness of night. He also had to deal with Aurora's constant pleas to become one of them. The mere thought of causing her harm, of making her what he was made his skin crawl and he would not hear of it.
Niklaus also felt pain that his little sister would not even look at him. She would cast her eyes away every time he tried to make contact with her across the table. He had no idea what she did in the day because she would disappear for hours without telling a soul. It was not like her to be so distant, so cold, with him.
Rebekah felt alone. She no longer sought out the attention of her friend, knowing fully well that she was so wrapped up in lust with Niklaus to pay her any mind. Each of her brothers had their own agendas. She would see them in the morning at the Count's breakfast table and for dinner. The rest of the time she was on her own.
Although it was not customary for a lady to travel by horseback unachaperoned, no matter how short the distance, she did anyway. She would take one of the Count's finest stallions out for a ride into the wilderness. She felt free as she sailed across the dirt on the back of the black horse. His hair glistening in the sun, along with her own long flowing blonde hair.
She doubted her family even missed her when she took these times away for herself. Sometimes she wished the earth would open up and swallow her, end her torment. She was cursed to a life of suffering and heartbreak and loneliness. No one could love a girl who was a monster. No one would marry a girl who ripped open people's necks for food and got drunk on blood as other's did on wine. Perhaps other ladies could grow to love Elijah, Kol and Finn but as a young woman she was destined to be alone. Nobody wanted a tainted woman.
On one of these rides, deep into the countryside, she stopped to rest. After tying up the horse to a tree, she laid down in the lush grass. Her fingers played with the daylight ring she wore. Perhaps it wouldn't be so bad to rip it from her bony finger. The flames that would engulf her might for just a while make her feel alive. As she reached to slide the silver object from it's rightful place she was interrupted.
"Lady Rebekah?"
She jumped, gasping loudly and turned to find Tristan de Martel standing behind her, atop his own horse.
"Lord Tristan," she quickly stood to her feet, trying her best to smooth out the bottom of her blue dress.
"I didn't mean to startle you, my lady," he slid down from his horse and methodically tied it alongside her own.
"It's quite all right," she lied, her heartbeat finally slowing to a normal pace.
"What are you doing out alone?" he inquired as he moved closer to her.
The truth was, Tristan frightened her despite the fact she could easily take him out. She had seen the lashings he had given Lucien. His fierce temper was widely known throughout the estate. No one dared to anger him. If he learned the truth about what they were, she feared he would make sure Mikael found them.
"I, I needed some time my lord," she quickly pushed her hair behind her ear "Some time alone."
"Surely you know a lady such as yourself should not be leaving the grounds alone. You need an escort."
"Yes, well, my brothers were all occupied," she forced a smile "I did not wish to disturb them."
"You mustn't gain a reputation, Rebekah. I would hate to see such a fate fall upon you."
"And what concern is it of your's my lord, how people see me?"
"Perhaps I find you charming, innocent beyond measure," he walked closer to her "I value such virtues."
"You barely know me," she blushed slightly, the nearness of him causing her to shift uncomfortably.
"Something I desire to change," he smiled softly at her.
The Lord Tristan letting down his guard, smiling and speaking sweetly? She had only seen him be so gentle with his sister. All others got icy stairs and ferocity.
"You mustn't worry about me, my lord," she looked up into his hazel eyes "I plan to spend the entire day here..."
"Then I shall join you," he motioned to the grass and she sank down onto it.
He sat down beside her and she felt the pull of the scent of his blood. She had learned much about her vampirism since they had moved in with the de Martels. The control of the bloodlust had become much easier and though his blood was intoxicating, she found it easier to ignore her desire.
"My lord..." she began.
"Tristan," he looked over at her with a serious expression "There is no need for you to be so formal with me, Rebekah."
"All others address you with such formality," she looked over at him as the wind caught her hair.
"But you are immune to such demands," he insisted "I do not place demands on those who have earned my respect."
"I am an unmarried woman, defying the rules of this world, choosing to go out on my own into the wilderness without escort, and yet I have earned your respect?"
"Yes," he smiled "We are more alike than you might assume Rebekah.""
"We are kindred souls then? Are we not?" she looked up underneath her long eyelashes.
"I believe so."
"And yet I am not as cruel as you," she said without thinking.
She saw his jaw clench ever so slightly and she immediately feared he would leave her. He did not. Instead, he turned to her with interest.
"What of my cruelty? Do you find it unjust?"
"I dress Lucien's wounds," she found her nerve "The lashings you cut into his back...It is frightening my lord...your temper."
"You needn't fear me," he reached out and held her chin in his hands "Lucien gets what he deserves. If you have a fondness for him, then I do understand your outrage but you must know this Rebekah, I only wish to protect my sister."
"Love is not wrong, Tristan," she shook her head slowly "Lucien loves Aurora. He should not be punished for that."
"My sister knows not what she wants. She is as innocent as you. Aurora must be protected from that which she does not understand," she saw his eyes grow angry as he looked off into the distance "I am sure your brothers have felt the same..."
"That's impossible," she responded "I've never been in love. I have never sought or been sought after by a suitor."
Tristan looked at her with shock, his eyes widening and his mouth slowly falling open.
"I do not believe it," he shook his head "A girl as lovely as you..."
Rebekah felt her cheeks blush again.
"Perhaps my brothers warded off potential husbands without my knowledge," she shrugged "But I have never felt love for a man, my lord."
"Tristan," he reminded her.
"Tristan."
"I am sure they have thwarded off many a young man," he smiled at her "Brothers tend to do that. Especially when their fathers are so distant. Elijah has told me of your father's disposition. It is much like my own father."
"The Count is lacking in...charm," Rebekah felt another insult slip again.
He laughed heartily and she felt herself sigh inwardly with relief. He had a bewitching laugh.
"Forgive me," she smiled "I did not mean to speak ill of your father..."
"No, you are quite right," he relaxed back on his hands "My father has no love in his heart. I believe it left with my mother."
"Is that why Aurora and you are so close?"
"Yes," he nodded, his tone becoming more serious "We must protect each other, Aurora and I. In truth, we are all we have."
"I feel the same way about my brothers," she looked over at him "Particularly Niklaus. Since we were children, we have protected each other from harm."
"Niklaus is a strange character, if you don't mind me saying so, my lady," he pondered "He keeps very much to himself."
"Yes, well Nik has never been much for conversation," it was her turn to laugh "He finds solace in other things. He is quite the artist."
"I have seen some of his paintings," Tristan looked out over the rolling green hills "They are quite good."
Suddenly, he stood to his feet and extended his hand to her.
"Could I interest you in a walk, my lady? If we are to break all of the rules of decorum, we might as well enjoy this beautiful day."
Rebekah reached up and allowed him to take her hand, bringing her to her feet. As he did, she felt her foot hit against his boot and before she knew it, she stumbled slightly. His hand immediately went to the small of her back to steady her and she found their faces mere inches apart. Her breath hitched in her throat; she wasn't entirely certain but she believed his did as well.
"I must confess something to you Rebekah," he removed his hand from her back but they remained close "I have never...pursued a woman before..."
"And why not my lord? Surely you are most doubtedly sought after?"
"I have entertained my share of offers," he looked into her eyes "But no one has ever held my interest...Until now."
"Perhaps we are kindred spirits, Tristan," Rebekah smiled at him, looping her arm through his extended one.
For the next several weeks, they could be found at each other's side. Although they made sure to steer clear of most prying eyes. Rebekah feared what her brothers would think and Tristan quite honestly did not want to hear Aurora's raving jealousy.
But with Aurora unknowingly distracted by Niklaus and each of Rebekah's brothers otherwise engaged, it was not that difficult.
"Have you never danced, Lady Rebekah?" Tristan look at her with surprise as they stood in the great room one afternoon.
The Count was away on a hunting trip with Elijah and the others were scattered around the estate. To Rebekah, it felt like they were the only two people in the world.
"Have you not been taught properly?"
Of course a lady of her supposed breeding should know such things and her mind raced with a good excuse on why she knew nothing of the sort. A lie.
"I spent much of my time with my mother," she forced a calm exterior "And as I told you before, I wasn't sought after. Perhaps my father did not see a reason for me to learn."
"That is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard," he walked closer to her and she felt her breath hitch.
"I'm, I'm sorry my lord," she dropped her eyes to the floor.
"Remind me when I have the pleasure of meeting your father, to tell him what a pompous ass he is."
Rebekah looked up at him and giggled. If only he knew how true that statement was.
"I will remind you."
"Now," he held out his hand "I shall teach you. Although if you intend to use such knowledge on other suitors..."
"Never," she shook her head.
They stared into each other's eyes for a moment. Rebekah felt her stomach flipping inside her and she wished he would say something.
"That is good to hear, Rebekah," he pulled her closer and let go of her hand, instead guiding his hand up her back and onto the back of her neck.
"My lord," she whispered, the loudest she could speak because she felt she would melt into a puddle on the floor.
"Tristan," he insisted, as he guided her mouth toward his.
"Tristan," she managed to speak before his lips took her's.
She felt like every part of her was on fire, complete euphoria like when she drank from the vein. He guided her head with his hand as their kisses deepened and his heartbeat matched her own. She felt herself whimper inside when he finally pulled away.
"You shall be mine," he pushed hair out of her eyes that had fallen out of place "Is that what you would like?"
"Yes," she managed to say, although she still found it difficult to stand.
"Then you must learn how to dance properly," he held out his hand again "For I want to dance with you."
"Rebekah," Tristan breathed into her mouth, as she felt him push her against the wall of the hallway.
For a split second, she recalled seeing Niklaus and Aurora in this same predicament. Now she understood. Now she knew why it was worth the risk.
His hands went up into her hair which had grown even longer and he tugged slightly on it as his lips traced her's with tenderness, then more aggression.
"Tristan," she whispered when their mouthes parted "We might be seen."
"And if we are?" he nuzzled against her neck and lightly kissed a trail up the side "I am the Lord of this house...I do what I want. And you..."
He looked up into her eyes and smiled so brightly, unlike any smile she had ever seen on his face before.
"You shall be my wife."
"Your wife?" Rebekah gasped, and she felt herself stiffen in his arms.
"Does that not please you Rebekah?" he stood back, confusion creasing his brow.
"No, no it does," she grabbed him by the hands and pulled him back to her "It does very much. I, I never could have imagined that you would, would grow to..."
"Love you?" he raised his eyebrows, as he brushed the hair away from her face, letting his hand linger on her cheek.
"Yes," she bit her lip and her eyes fell to her feet "Do you?"
"I love you more with every day that passes," he smiled "Who could not love you? I believe I have loved you since the first day we spent together. I wish nothing but for you to remain by my side forever."
If only he knew how long forever could be, she thought. She needed to tell him. She wanted to tell him the truth about herself but the fear of his reaction kept her from it. And now, now he wanted her to be his wife. A thrill went through her body as she allowed it to set in.
"And you, Rebekah?" he moved closer until she could feel his hips pressing against her "What is it that you feel for me?"
"Love," she finally looked into his eyes "I love you Tristan de Martel. If your desire is to marry me, then I would graciously accept."
He laughed and pressed his mouth to her's again.
"Imagine one day being the Countess of this estate," he said later, as he walked her to her bedchamber arm in arm.
"Titles are not important to me Tristan," she layed her head lightly on his shoulder as they walked.
"Everything I inherit will be yours as well, Rebekah. We shall live like kings. I will hold all the control as my father has before me. No one shall have a finer life than we."
"As long as I am with you, I do not care where we live," she smiled.
Her mind drifted to growing up in a hut in the middle of their tiny village. It paled drastically to Tristan's upbringing, although he didn't know it. Yet, another lie. He thought she had grown up in a fine home, with servants and stables. Instead she had grown up sleeping on a straw bed on the floor between two of her brothers and carried water every day from the river.
"I suppose I should write your father, asking for you hand," Tristan thought aloud as they reached her door.
If he wrote a letter to her supposed father, then their whole cover would be blown. Rebekah felt fear and desperation welling up inside of her. She loved Tristan. Madly. He was everything she had ever dreamed of in a husband. He had his faults, but then so did she. She would not, could not, have everything ripped from her.
"There will be time for that," she smiled sweetly at him, as she pushed the door open to her room.
"Goodnight, my sweet Rebekah," he reached up and planted a kiss on her forehead.
"Must you go?" she felt brave, brazen even.
She had never fantasized about a man. Never thought what it might be like to share a bed with a man, her body with a man. Not until now. Now she craved it, thought about it day and night. The touch of Tristan's hands on her body, the safety of falling asleep with his arms around her. It was enticing to say the least. Now that she knew his true feelings, she let the words roll off her tongue before she could think better of it. She just couldn't bare the thought of being alone without him.
"What are you suggesting?"
His tone and face were serious. His hazel eyes burning a hole through her own.
Had she angered him? Had she lived up to the reputation he feared she would get that first day when he found her in the fields? She quickly stumbled on a response, desperate to hide her embarassment. She shouldn't have mentioned the thought. Just because Niklaus and Aurora had shared a bed, did not mean she should be so bold. Especially with Tristan, the heir to the estate.
"I do not want to do anything that upsets you," she shook her head "It was incredibly presumptious of me to make such a request of you. We are unmarried and it is frowned upon and..."
"Do you wish for me to stay with you?" he whispered as he laced the fingers of his right hand with her's.
A devilish smile played on his lips and she felt herself relax a little.
"Only if it is my lord's desire," she whispered hoarsely.
"Oh, the desires I have for you," he squeezed her hand tighter.
"I do not want to do anything to stand in the way of our plans. People will talk and..." Rebekah continued to wrattle on.
"Don't you worry about that," he shook his head "The first one to open their mouth, will have their tongue ripped out. I will take care of you, Rebekah. I will protect you. You shall never have to worry again."
Although that should have frightened her, his quick temper, it didn't anymore. She was somewhat ashamed to admit that it excited her. Maybe it was because she too was capable of terrible things. The truth was she knew now Tristan would never do anything to harm her. It gave her peace. She and Aurora were probably the only two safe from his wrath.
She did worry what he might do to her brothers since they felt they could not retaliate in order to keep their secret but she found herself caring less and less of what happened to everyone else. It was a feeling that scared her. Her humanity slipping away with each day that passed, except for her love for Tristan and her family.
"We are alone here Rebekah," he moved closer to her, his hands grabbing her by the waist "No one can touch us. We can do whatever we desire to do."
"And what does my lord desire most?" she smiled coyly at him.
"I shall show you, my love," he gently pushed her back into the room and shut the door, locking it behind him.
Rebekah felt fear rise up inside her. A different kind of fear. She had never done anything like this before. What if she did the wrong thing? Said the wrong thing? What would he think of her? Would he still want to marry her?
"You're thinking to much Rebekah," he guided her face to look at him as he read her thoughts "If this is what you want, then I want nothing but to please you."
"And I, you," she whispered before his mouth crashed into hers.
As his steady fingers worked to untie the corset on the back of her dress, she felt her breath hitch with every move. He was doing it slowly, painfully slow. She assumed, however, this was his plan. She could feel his warm breath on the back of her neck and she could hear how fast his heart was beating.
When he finished, he spun her around to face him.
"You are so beautiful," he admired her in the candlelight, running his finger down and over her collarbone, the dress still intact.
She reached up and pulled one shoulder of the dress down and then the other, as slowly as possible. It was time to make him ache with longing. The dress dropped to the floor and she was left only in her undergarments. She kicked off her shoes and then reached out, pulling Tristan's shirt over his head. Her pale fingers danced over his bare chest and he shivered slightly with her touch.
"When I am your wife, will this cease to occur?" she smiled softly at him.
"I can never imagine a time that I would not wish to be doing this, with you," he reached out and pulled her top from her body, leaving her bare before him.
She watched as his eyes took her in, and felt the blush return to her cheeks. No man had ever seen her naked.
"I want nothing more than to feel your skin against mine," he said in a more husky voice, his heart beat so loud now it was pounding in Rebekah's ears.
She took off her bottom undergarments, as did he. Now they stood there before each other, naked and somewhat vulnerable. Two lost souls, who knew nothing about who they were but knew what they weren't. Two souls who were sure of one thing, their love for one another.
Tristan's arm was wrapped tightly around her body as he lay behind her. She giggled slightly as his fingers ran up and down her body, tickling her bare skin. He laughed and flipped her over to face him.
"I want to marry as soon as possible," he ran his finger down her bare side "I can not bare a night without you."
"You will stay tonight then?" she pressed her lips against his adam's apple and kissed a trail down his throat and chest.
"Yes," he moaned slightly "You could not drag me from this room."
She laughed and rested her head on his chest. His heartbeat was normal now, content, controlled. He kissed the top of her golden hair and she sighed.
"So this is what happiness feels like," he breathed out.
"Yes," she whispered as she traced circles with her finger on his chest.
"You were right, you know?" he shifted so that he could see her face.
"About what?" she asked absently, reliving the last hour in her mind all over again.
"When you told me I was cruel," he sighed "I am cruel. I am viscious with people who disobey me."
Rebekah looked up at him with confusion and held his face in her hand.
"But when I am with you," he placed his hand over her own "I don't feel cruel."
"You have never been cruel to me," she smiled assuringly at him "You are far to good to me, Tristan."
"I fear I am not good enough, my love," he pulled her up closer to him, wrapping a protective arm around her bare shoulders.
She knew that feeling all to well. Her demons might be different from Tristan's but she could relate to the feeling of losing control, of allowing your emotions to consume you.
They lay together, in silence for quite some time. It was so comfortable though. So familiar and soothing to Rebekah. Tristan's thumb would occasionally stroke her lower back.
"We shall be happy, my love...Perhaps I shall speak with your brothers after breakfast."
"What?" she sat up suddenly, the sheet falling from her body leaving her exposed.
"I realize it is not your father's permission but I believe if I spoke with Finn and Elijah, received their blessing on our marriage then we could move forward with our plans."
"I, I don't think that's a good idea," she shook her head.
"And why not?"
"They know nothing of our relationship, Tristan," she sighed "You can not just thrust this onto them over scones at breakfast. My brothers are visciously protective, especially Niklaus. They will not take well to this."
"I imagine Aurora will be the same," Tristan smiled "But she, as well as your brothers, will learn to accept each of us into their rightful families. There is no need to worry, my love."
"Could we wait?" she sighed "Just a few days, so I might speak with Elijah?"
"If that is what you want," he nodded "Then I will honor your request...I will not, however, go a night without you in my arms."
She reached over and kissed him softly on the lips. His hands moved up into her hair and before long she found herself reveling in intoxicating sin once again.
The sun rose over the estate and Tristan was finally able to pull himself away from the warmth of Rebekah's bed. He stared at her as she slept peacefully and he found himself hoping her dreams were of him.
Closing the door behind him, he turned to leave and was met with one of his father's guards.
"Lord Tristan, where have you been?" he spat at him, as if he were a child.
Tristan felt the anger rising up in his throat.
"I do not see how that is any of your concern," he tried to move past him but could not.
"You have layed with that woman," the guard's face grew twisted with disgust "Your father must know that you are commiserating with those who are less than you."
Tristan's hand jutted out and grabbed the guard by the throat. He pushed him back against the wall just outside Rebekah's door.
"She is not less than me," he growled between gritted teeth "And it would do you well to retract such a statement before I am forced to silence you."
"She is a whore my lord, to lay with a man before marriage."
Just then, Tristan heard Rebekah's breathing behind him and he turned to find her in her nightgown staring straight at the guard who had just branded her with such a vile name. He could see the pain in her eyes and it only fueled his anger.
"You are vermon," he tightened his grip on the guard's throat "Not fit for my father's army, only fit to follow me around as some sort of watchman while all the while you want nothing more than to be rid of me and this fictious title my father has bestowed upon you."
The man squirmed underneath his strong grip.
"No matter, I will end your suffering. Once you apologize to Lady Rebekah."
The man relaxed slightly as Tristan released his throat just enough so he might speak.
"Now!" he demanded, his eyes blazing.
"I,...I, I," he stumbled nervously.
Tristant tightened his grip again, so tight the man could not breathe and Rebekah watched as the life began to slowly drain from him. She could offer the man a proper, more swift death but even if she were free to do so, she wouldn't.
"Lady Rebekah shall be my wife," he said hoarsely as the man began to lose consciousness "And as we live our lives together, you will be forgotten for the miserable bastard that you were."
The man's eyes closed and Rebekah heard his heart stop beating a few seconds later. Tristan dropped him to the floor and then turned to her.
"Rebekah," he stepped toward her, as he was afraid of her reaction to witnessing murder at his hand.
"Tristan," she reached out and wrapped her arms around him.
"Are you afraid my love?" he asked, as he held her close.
"No," she shook her head.
"Do not think another thought about what that vile creature said," Tristan whispered into her hair.
"I do not wish to cause you trouble Tristan," she pulled back to look in his eyes "If I am unworthy..."
"It is I who am not worthy of such a love," he took her face in his hands, as a tear slid down her cheek.
His thumb brushed it away and he kissed her forehead with vigor.
"Now, return to your bedchamber and I will dispose of this," he glanced back at the dead guard on the floor.
Rebekah nodded.
"Please do speak to Elijah today," he continued to run his smooth hands down her cheek.
"I will," she bit her lip "I promise."