Chapter 03

Disclaim : I do not own Vampire Dairies.

Elena's POV

Waking up alone is very normal to me. But waking up with someone watching you is a bit creepy. As I open my eyes, I stretch out onto the soft mattress. I look to my side and notice that the bed is empty. I smile a little because maybe yesterday was only a dream. But yet again I wouldn't be in a soft comfortable bed with linen that feels so smooth on my skin. I sit up straight and a yawn escapes me. I giggle a bit at myself and then I see High Priest Elijah sitting at the table staring at me.

I pull the covers up to my shoulders and stare at him in disbelief. Somewhat shocked that he was sitting there watching me sleep the entire time. But I'm not even sure when the Prince left or how he left. I look from side to side and I notice that we are alone, his stare becomes a bit intense and I realised that I should probably be bowing when I acknowledged him. I almost fall out of the bed but I catch my balance and I bow at him.

I hear the chair move and I guess that he is now on his feet and then I hear him walk towards me. I stay the way I am until I see his feet in front of me. "You may rise." He commands and I raise my head but I look at anything except him. "Robes are placed on the desk, please get dress and make yourself presentable before we have breakfast." He turns on his heal and he makes his way towards the door.

I look at the desk and as he said there were clothing on the desk. I notice that the robes of yesterday has been removed and that the cups and the vases have been taken away as well but was replaced by breakfast and 2 vases and 2 golden cups. I must have been really tired to sleep through all of that. I walk to the desk and I splash some water on my face from the washing bowl and I wash my face with the soap next to it. I dry my hands and face before picking up a brush and brushing all the kinks out of my hair. I get undress quickly and take the new robes into my hands. The softness feels amazing against my skin and I get dressed in the beautiful purple dress. The dress is tied over my one shoulder and is short.

I see another belt and I tie it around my waist before putting on the sandals that is placed to the side. I look at myself in the mirror and smile somewhat because being here so far hasn't been that bad. I walk towards that table in the middle of the room and sit down when the door opens and High Priest Elijah walks in and straight to the chair across from me, sitting down with ease.

"A few rules for you now that you will be staying in the royal palace." I nod as he dishes out two plates and fill both with food before placing one plate in front of me and the other in front of him. "Breakfast and dinner will be served in the royal chambers, thus every morning and evening you will be with Prince Klaus. Lunch will be together with the Royal family in the main hall."

"Must I fetch the meals High Priest?" I ask breaking of a piece of bread and nibble at the end.

"No, the slaves will ensure that breakfast and dinner is brought to the chambers. But you must ensure that you are bathed and dressed before the breakfast is served. Prince Klaus is a person who likes routine." High Priest Elijah explained as he too starts to enjoy his meal.

"Yes High Priest, may I ask where the bathing chambers are? And what robes am I to wear?" I ask as I stand to take the one vase which I now know is filled with orange juice and pour in the two cups.

"You will be escorted to the Princes bathing chambers to where you will find your daily robes ready. A slave will ensure that there are fresh robes daily with soaps and everything that you might need. You will then be escorted back to the sleeping chambers to join the Prince for breakfast." He takes the cup and sip on the juice.

"Yes High Priest. What must I do when the Prince is not here?" I ask and I take a sip of the juice which is freshly squeezed.

"When the Prince is not here I will be joining you for breakfast or dinner. You won't ever be left alone when dinning." I nod my head in a respectful manner so he knows that I understand. "During the day there will always be someone with you and you will be able to do daily tasks and duties. Currently I will be you escort until you understand the rules of the palace."

"I understand High Priest." I reply as I slowly take in what he is explaining. I'm going to be handled like a child with constant supervision. I finish my breakfast and drink the last sip of my juice and I continue to watch the High Priest finish his breakfast.

"Today I will be showing you the palace and everywhere you are allowed." He finished his meal and pushed his plate forward and stood up. I follow and stand up, quickly placing the plates onto one another. "You don't need to do that." He states as he walks toward the door opening the one side. I soon leave the plates and move to him and then we are in the hall and we are greeted by two guards who seem very friendly.

High Priest Elijah extends his arm and I take it without hesitation. We start to walk through the hallway and then we turn left and walk for a few feet then we go down some stairs and we enters what looks like the library. From the roof to the floor it was packed with scrolls and on the bare walls were hieroglyphs. We move to the far wall.

"This is the story of the Kul-Elna. It turned into a ghost village when our Pharaoh had received information that the village was filled with criminals of various crimes, and in confusion the whole village was massacred because we did not know that there were innocent people as well. The crimes in neighbouring villages reduced dramatically. But till today the Kul-Elna is known as the ghost village as the souls of the criminals still remain trapped in the village. People are warned not to go into the village as we have heard that a lot of people have disappeared." High Priest Elijah explained as I follow his finger as he is showing me the symbols on walls.

"When criminals are apprehended and trialed they are sentenced to Kul-Elna and they are not heard of ever again. Some very brave people have entered the village and when they return, if they return they are not the same. From what I have heard the tainted souls of the deceased criminals killed in the massacre steal your soul and you are never the same again." He continued as he looks at me quite seriously and I must say that I am quite intrigued by what he is telling me. "My father had been killed in the massacre when one criminal had stabbed him in his heart and he was left there. I fear that his soul may linger in Kul Elna but I pray to the Gods that he is safely with them."

I can't help but feel sorry for the High Priest. I touch his hand softly and I look at him and through his eyes I can see his sadden soul. I can't image how he must be feeling. "I'm sorry for the loss of your father High Priest." He gives me a small smile and I know that he will be fine.

"The same criminal that had stabbed my father that day had murdered my mother a few years prior just after I was born." I try to hide the shock that I'm feeling but I can't. How can so much happen to one person and he loose everyone so close to him. I wanted to comfort him but I didn't know how to. He looked thoughtful for a moment and then his facial expression changed to his normal demeanour. "There is a rumour that a child survived the massacre and that he is now known as the Thief King who is looking for vengeance for all the souls trapped in the Kul Elna. But it's just a rumour." He finished and soon he leads me to the wall on the left.

We started on the top left as he was going to tell me another part of our history. "When Pharaoh Michael was a young boy, his father and the Pharaoh then had gone on many quests, thus he discovered the whole of Egypt and some of the neighbouring cities. Pharaoh Mathew was the Pharaoh who took control of the land and made this kingdom what it is today. On this whole wall is how he concurred wars and how he discovered Egypt. Once you have been taught how to read hieroglyphs I will ensure that you read of his past." He moved a bit faster now as he explained to me about the previous Pharaoh.

I was surprised that they would teach me and school me. I don't know what they have in store for me but by the looks of it they would ensure that I am educated. I follow the High Priest as he explains the other walls and what they presented.

Kul Elna soon something forgotten as he started showing me scrolls and explained what they mean and what they stand for. By the looks of it I had a lot to learn from our past and even our present. After High Priest Elijah finishes his tour of the library we make our way to the main hall where lunch will be served. And it is astounding how we could spend the whole morning learning in the library.

When we enter Great Wife Ester, Princess Rebekah and Prince Kol is already seated. Both myself and High Priest Elijah bow. "You may enter." Great Wife Ester's voice is soft and calming as we stand and I follow High Priest Elijah to 3 empty chairs to which he gestures me to sit in one and he sits next to me. Across from me is Princess Rebekah and across from High Priest Elijah is Prince Kol. "The Pharaoh and Prince Klaus are on their way. We can proceed with lunch." Great Wife Ester said as she smiled towards the rest of us.

She then stands and takes a plate before picking some salad and some meat then sitting back down to start her meal. Soon High Priest Elijah takes a plate and fill it with a salad, some meat and freshly baked bread. He places the plate in front of me before he starts helping himself followed by Prince Kol and Princess Rebekah.

We eat in silence until the door opens and I can hear the Pharaoh is not happy. The tone he is speaking in is that of annoyance and anger. "How long will it take for the new tomb to be prepared?" he asks and next to him is a young man trying to keep up with him.

"Well Pharaoh Michael it might take 3 days at the most to prepare a new tomb." the man states. Everyone around the table stands and bows as the Pharaoh makes his way to his chair followed by the young man and a very annoyed looking Prince Klaus who takes his place next to me across from his mother.

"Must a new tomb be prepared?" Great Wife Ester asked as she looks at her husband who simply nods at her. She soon stand up and prepares a plate of food for her husband and place it in front of him and he starts to eat. "I will ensure that all preparations are made for the new tomb. I can't believe the audacity of those thieves." She said sitting back down and eating her own meal.

"Well The thief king striked again, seeing that it was him and his men. He had removed grandfathers' corpse from the tomb, and put it on display in town." Prince Klaus said as I watched the royal family speak among themselves. I look to High Priest Elijah and he too is more interested in the conversation than anything else.

"Who does he think he his? That is beyond disrespectful." Princess Rebekah said as she stares at Prince Klaus.

"Well by the looks of it he is still up to no good and trying to bring this family down. We must just stay strong and increase the amount of guards that we already have. Who knows, next he will come after one of you." Pharaoh Michael says as he now starts to eat his meat.

"I'll make the necessary arrangements Pharaoh Michael." High Priest Elijah says as he stands from his place at the table and walk out.

"Father I suggest that till these thieves are arrested and brought to trail we must place the Palace on lock down." Prince Kol says.

"Indeed Kol. After lunch I will speak to the chief guard. Until the thieves are caught none of you are to be alone. Always ensure that guards accompany you if you are going somewhere. That is an order." Pharaoh Michael says as he continues to eat his meal.

For a few moments we ate in silence, no one saying a word nor looking away from their plates in front of them. I eat quietly and kept my eyes between my plate and Prince Klaus that is next to me. He would occasionally glance at me then back to his plate.

So the rumours had to be true about the Thief King from Kul Elna. He had survived and he was terrorising the royal family. By desecrating the previous Pharaohs tomb it showed that he had no respect for the royal family. It's sad that someone can keep so much hate for one family that he would go to great lengths to bring the family down. I prayed that I never had to meet this Thief King.

"Elena, Klaus will make sure that you are informed of this King of thieves, I'm sure that Elijah has already told you about what happened at Kul Elna." First I'm surprised that the Pharaoh is speaking to me directly but quickly nod my head to notify him that High Priest Elijah has spoken about some of it.

"Yes Pharaoh Michael." I reply as I stare at him with big eyes.

"Klaus please make sure she knows what to do when she encounters the thief." Pharaoh Michael looks to Prince Klaus to which he just raises an eye brow before nodding his head. Soon the room is filled with silence again. When all the plates are empty a slave comes into the room and starts to clean the table to which we still sit in silence.

When Pharaoh Michaels stands we all rise and bow our heads as he and his wife leave the room together. Prince Kol extends his hand to Princess Rebekah and they leave the room as well. Soon only myself and Prince Klaus is left.

"Let's go." He says while extending his arm to me and I bow my head before taking his arm and he leads me out of the dining room. As we walk down the hall, I notice a shadow in the corner of my eye and I look towards it stopping both myself and Prince Klaus. He then looks in the direction I'm facing before turning back forward. "It's probably just a guard." He mumbles and we are on our way again. We turn into another corridor and then entre the court yard which is located in the centre of the palace.

I just could not get the feeling away that someone is following us. We walk towards what looks like benches and he releases my arm and gestures to me to sit. I sit down and I look up to him as he puts one of his hands in his short blonde hair. Something then moves behind him and I try to see past him but to no success.

I look back at him and he looks stressed and tired. "Prince Klaus are you okay?" I ask and he timeously looks at me. It looks like his mind is slowly busy processing the words that I asked.

"Yes, Elena. I'm fine, just tired." He replies as he moves and sits next to me, now with his head is in both his hands. I can hear him sigh and I look back in front of me to where I see a person in a bright red cloak standing a small distance from us.

I want to say to Prince Klaus that there is someone standing there but the person raises him forefinger to his mouth silencing me. Even thou I can only see his chin and mouth and a bit of his nose, I can't make out who it is. I turn to Prince Klaus who is still in the same position as before then I look back and the figure is gone.

I look on in disbelieve as I look around but I don't see the bright red cloak anywhere. Prince Klaus sits up and moves his hands to rest next to him and he looks up to the sky.

"If you see anyone out of the ordinary in the palace you must report it. Meaning that if they are not part of my family or the guards you need to report it." Prince Klaus starts to speak and I look at him.

"Yes Prince Klaus." I answer.

"This King of Thieves, he's a dangerous man Elena. He is willing to do anything to get revenge. If that means killing guards or people he will. You need to understand that this is not a game." I nod my head at Prince Klaus and I can really see that the Thief King is making him worry. "I don't think that he would do something to you but you need to be alert and very careful." I can truly hear in his voice that he is worried. And I nod my head again as he looks at me.

Something in his eyes has changed from what I had seen last night. They seem alert yet concerned. He moves a bit closer to me and he looks me straight in my eyes pleading me to understand. Our little intimate moment is stopped when 4 guards enter the court yards.

"So much for privacy." He mumbles as he moves away and greets the guards with a nod. "Two of these guards will daily be with you." Prince Klaus says as he stand and walks to one of the guard they exchange a few words before the guard leave and he comes back and sit beside me.

We sit quietly and I just admire the gardens in the court yard. Prince Klaus is next to me and he is sitting with his eyes closed, seeming to enjoy the sun on his skin. I can hear birds and the flow of the water and its soothing to my soul.

Right now I think I'm seeing more of whom Prince Klaus is then any other person. He seems soothing and relaxed as he just sit next to me. If it wasn't for his breathing one would think he is a statue. I turn and I look at him, his features are in a way very beautiful his lips look soft and he has some stubble on his chin not enough to call a beard thou. His hair is short and has a curl in it. His robe only covers his shoulders and it reveals a golden well-toned body.

I must say that he truly is an attractive man and that I feel attracted to him. Yet I feel that I need to get to know him, because you can't judge someone on their appearance. From what I see and what I have seen with me he is quite the gentleman and it is much appreciated. He turns his head and he opens his eyes looking straight at me.

I'm embarrassed that he caught me staring at him and my cheeks start to warm up. I quickly look at the plants next to us and he starts laughing at me. I turn back to him and frown because I don't understand what he finds amusing about the situation.

"That blush you have is quite something." He jokes as he gives me a big smile showing of his beautiful white teeth. Now I'm sure I'm blushing even more and I turn away and he start laughing even more and that only makes me blush more. "Elena it's okay I'm just teasing you." He says in between his laughter.

I find it hard to get rid of the blush and soon I give up and just look out in front of me. Ignore his laughter. He soon stops his antics and then he's smiling at me again. And I haven't seen him smile like this before and it just fits him it makes him more handsome.

"Elena, tell me about where you are from and about yourself." He states as he sits back still smiling.

"Sure Prince Klaus." I sound a bit unsure as I think of what to tell him. "I'm from a small village near Al Minya. Everyone knows everyone in the village which can lead to trouble sometimes because news travels fast." As I start to tell Prince Klaus about who I am and where I'm from I become more and more relaxed with him. And that was strange. "I am an only child, my mother could not have children after me, and she had some complications." I say feeling a bit sad as I think of my parents. It's hard to not cry when thinking of them.

"Tell me about yourself, what you like and dislike." He asked and I give him a small smile.

"I love to just go walking, it seems to calm me and distract me but at our village you can't really wander too far. Being outside is relaxing and I enjoy looking at the sky whether at night or during the day, it fascinates me. I dislike people that are rude or mean." I mumble as I look up at the sky.

Prince Klaus looks up at the sky then at me then back at the sky. "Why does the sky fascinate you?" he asks.

"The way it changes colours when its night time or dawn. It's constant and during the day it's such a beautiful colour. When the Gods bless us with rain I enjoy to stand in the rain and let the water wash over me. It's the small things but it truly is magnificent." I say as I look down and I notice that he is now watching me.

"I've never thought of it like that. But thank you for sharing with me." He says as he glances at the sky for one last time. "High Priest Elijah said that you turned 16 a few days prior to my birthday celebration?"

"Yes Prince Klaus but it was more than just a few days it was about 34 days ago." I say not really knowing why he was mentioning this.

"Did you have any one special in your life back then?" he asks getting a bit more serious.

"No Prince I did not. My family was very strict concerning that. My father would only approve of such a thing if I was to be 18." I answer in all honesty to which the Prince raised his eyebrow in amusement.

"I see." Was all he said as he looked in front of him smirking all the way.

We hear steps and soon we see High Priest Elijah with two guards following him and the girl from the previous night. I believe her name is Hailey and she seemed to be in a sour mood as they approach us. Both High Priest Elijah and Hailey bow as they reach us and the guards move to the other side.

For some reason Hailey looks very uncomfortable. I can see Prince Klaus sighing as he stands and soon him and Hailey walked further into the court yard. High Priest Elijah looks at me with a frown on his face. I want to ask why he is frowning but instead look to where I can see Prince Klaus and Hailey. By the way her hands are moving and explaining and Prince Klaus's eyes just furrowing I can see it is an unpleasant conversation.

I look back at High Priest Elijah and his eyes are following me again making me feel uncomfortable. He folds his arms over his chest and lets out a breath as he moves his eyes to look at Prince Klaus and Hailey then he looks back at me sighing.

When we hear High Priest Elijah's name being called by Prince Klaus we turn to them and soon the High Priest walks towards them and then they are in a heated discussion. I look towards the guards who are now speaking among themselves and then something red catches my eye.

It's the same man as before in his red cloak, he's watching Prince Klaus and High Priest Elijah and Hailey closely as if he is studying them. I look to the guards who are still speaking among themselves and then to Prince Klaus and it seems that no one notices this man standing in the courtyard in broad day light. I get to my feet and then the person looks at me.

His cloak now reveals his ice cold blue eyes. They stare right into my soul and I can't move. I feel a bit worried that I have been caught by this man and it gets hard to breath. He narrows his eyes at me and I stumble back and fall onto the bench. Still no one notices this man standing in the court yard. His hand move up to his face where he wiggles his forefinger at me, letting me know not to do something stupid.

I gulp hard and watch him move his other hand to the sword at his side. And I can't help but fear this man. I hear footsteps and turn towards Prince Klaus who looks more than a bit frustrated. I quickly glance back and the man in the red cloak has disappeared. I try to say something but my throat is dry and I can't seem to form words.

Prince Klaus extends his hand to me and I take it, my shaking composure not even notices. He somewhat pulls me up and he leads me of into the palace. Hailey and High Priest Elijah follow behind us as we make our way through the palace. Soon we are in front of big doors to which the guards open and we enter the room.

The room is big with beautiful drapes hanging from the ceiling. On the opposite side of the room are two golden chairs where the Pharaoh and Great Wife Ester is seated. In front of them is a long table with chairs and I follow Prince Klaus to one side while High Priest Elijah takes Hailey to the other and we sit down. The table is made out of wood and the chairs as well. There is a table cloth on the table and a vase with beautiful flowers in the middle of the table. Next to it there are two vases and 6 golden cups. High Priest Elijah takes the vase and pours some liquid into 3 of the cups. Prince Klaus bends forward and takes two cups placing one in front of me.

"High Priest Elijah has informed us of your situation concerning Hailey." Pharaoh Michaels said not looking very pleased about the situation at hand.

"Father what do you suggest we do?" Prince Klaus asked as he takes a sip from the cup.

"Klaus you were not thinking! How can you let this happen!" Pharaoh Michaels yelled. And I have never seen the Pharaoh act this way.

"We were both taking part in it! It's not only my fault!" He stated raising his eyebrow..

"Do you plan on marrying her and making her you're Great Wife?" Pharaoh Michaels asked and I'm sure if he got any angrier he would pop a vein in his forehead.

"No. I don't. I have other plans." Prince Klaus said as calmly as a summer's breeze. Now High Priest Elijah is looking at me and then at Prince Klaus and then he was staring at the Pharaoh.

"And why won't you!" yelled Hailey tears now running down her beautiful face.

"Why would I wed with someone who has been with half of the Priests in this Palace? Including Kol as well. That child could belong to anyone." Prince Klaus says matter of fact sipping from his cup again. This time Hailey just sat down her face is full of shock.

Pharaoh Michael looks at Prince Klaus then at Hailey then back at Klaus. I can't forget the look of pure horror on Great Wife Ester's face as I glanced at her then to the Pharaoh. This was all just a bit upsetting and very uncomfortable. I had never been in such a situation before. Knowing that Hailey was with child and not quite knowing who the father was.

"Hailey I had thought more of you. You are a disgrace to your family." Great Wife Ester says burying her head in her hands.

"Well we do not know who the father is, it could be either Kol or Klaus…" Pharaoh Michaels says but is interrupted by Prince Klaus.

"Or half of the Priests." Prince Klaus says smirking a bit.

"Klaus keep quiet!" Great Wife Ester says looking at him and if looks could kill he would already have his tomb robbed by the Thief King.

"We can't be sure. But we can't make like this never happened. The best option would be to make Hailey a Priestess in the Palace if Klaus does not marry her." High Priest Elijah said getting every ones attention.

It's quite for a few seconds and seems that every one is deep in thought. I keep glancing between the people not sure what my place is in all of this or am I just tagging along for the fun of it. Pharaoh Michael makes eye contact with me before looking at Prince Klaus.

"You can't take the throne from me if you are not married Klaus. And your time is running out," Pharaoh Michael says in a calm eerie voice that sends chills down my spine.

"I plan on getting married." Prince Klaus replies and briefly glances at me smiling softly.

"And how do you plan on doing that?" Great Wife Ester asks a bit more curious now.

"I have the perfect candidate. That still has all her modesty and beliefs, that would most likely produce great successors to lead in my footsteps. Just give me time." Prince Klaus say and this time I get shivers down my spine. I look to Hailey who is now balling her eyes out in the chair across from me.

High Priest Elijah is staring at Prince Klaus with disbelieve and he slams his hands down on the table. "Would you really wait almost 2 years just for that?" he exclaims.

"Yes. But just remember that the rules can change and those two years can change to a few months." Klaus says smirking at High Priest Elijah and by now I have no idea what they are talking about. Just of a person that he would make his wife and he would have to wait 2 . . . .

This couldn't be true! Of course he wasn't talking about me because it is law that no person under the age of 18 may be married. He is probable making a joke. Maybe Hailey was 16….. No it was not her that he was talking about… because he said that he would never marry her. Maybe it was someone else. I start to feel dizzy because this is all mind boggling.

"Enough Klaus. Elijah your right, get everything ready and ensure that Hailey is sworn in and everything is ready for her. We'll take her in and take care of her and the child." Pharaoh Michael says rubbing his head in frustration. "Elijah you can take Hailey out and please ensure that Elena is taken to Klaus's chambers. I just need to speak to him quickly."

High Priest Elijah nods his head and stands quickly taking Hailey by her hand and then moving to me and extending his other hand to me. I take it without question and he leads us out of the room. As we leave I can hear Pharaoh Michael yelling at Klaus. It's hard to make out what they are saying behind closed doors and High Priest Elijah is pulling us along too fast. Soon we are in front of the sleeping chambers for the priests and priestess.

"Elena, please wait here while I show Hailey to her sleeping chambers. I'll be right back." He says and I nod my head. They soon disappear into a corridor and I am left alone. I turn to the side and look at the hieroglyphs on the walls. They just amuse me as I stare at all of the markings.

I see a shadow next to me and assume that High Priest Elijah has returned. But the shadow does not speak nor move and when I turn to face whoever is standing beside me I am met with a tall figure in a blue robe his brown eyes staring into mine. He starts to move to me and his movements are fast and soon he is in front of me. His eyebrows moved into a deep frown as he stares at me.

I'm about to say something, to ask who this man is when he moves his hand over my mouth silencing me. "So you're Klaus' new pet. Quite beautiful I might add." He says as he spins me around and pulls me to him, his hand still covering my mouth. He presses his face into the nape of my neck and breaths in making me shudder. "Mmmmm so sweet." He hums into my ear.

There's a sound of men approaching, most probably guards patrolling the hallway, the man holding me sidesteps us into a dark corridor keeping still as the men pass. His hand was pressing painfully against my mouth and I wanted to bit him but his grip was too tight. When the men passed and we could no longer hear their footsteps the man spins me around and press me against the wall. His hands now on either side of my head. As I stare into his eyes not sure of what might happen next. He licks his lips seductively then moves down and licks my neck, making me shiver in disgust. "Taste just as sweet." He says as his head is right opposite mine. He furrows his brows again before smiling. "I'll be watching you closely little dove." He turned and disappeared into the darkness.

Tears are welling up in my eyes as I wrap my arms around myself and stare out in front of me. My knees give way and soon I'm on the floor and I'm crying freely because I have never felt so disgusted in my life. He acted in the most in appropriate way and I can still feel the roughness of his tongue on my neck, making me feel nauseas. I place one hand on my mouth as not to throw up.

I'm highly terrified of what had happened and I felt ashamed that this man had touched me. I move my knees up to my chest and wrap my arms around them. I hear my name being called and I look to the side to where I can see High Priest Elijah who rushes around the corner and when he sees me he rushes to me bending down in front of me.

"Elena, are you okay? What happened?" he asks placing his hands on my shoulders. I can see that he is really worried and that makes me cry even more. He moves to the side where he places one hand behind my back and the other at my knees and then he picks me up into his arms and he starts to move. He softly hushes me as he walks to Klaus' chambers and soon enough we are there and the guards open the doors and we step into the room and walk towards the bed, where he places me on the bed. He sits next to me and pulls me closer. "What happened?" he asks.

"There was a man,…." I trailed of as High Priest Elijah softly rubs my back in a soothing way to make me continue with my story. "He was wearing a blue rode… he came up to me…." And I just struggle to say the words as I remember what had happened. "He grabbed me and silenced me…." I stop and I try to catch my breath.

"What happened then?" Elijah asks as he stares into my eyes.

"He pulled me into the corridor because there were guards coming…" I shut my eyes as I shudder again at the thought of his tongue on me. "When they walked pasted he said something about me being the Princes new pet and he made me feel very uncomfortable…" High Priest Elijah's eyes got big as he stared down at me. "He licked me…" I almost gauge when I think about it and now I'm crying even more. "And said he'll be watching me…" High Priest Elijah wraps his arms tightly around me and pulls me towards him still stroking my back.

His efforts in trying to calm me are useless then he strokes my hair and moves back a bit. "I'm sorry Elena. Sometimes the thieves get into the palace. It won't happen again." He vowed looking me straight in my eyes as if making a silent promise. "Don't tell Prince Klaus." He whispers into my ear. And we sit there with him holding me and me slowly drying all my teats until there weren't any. "I think you can go bathe… before dinner." He lets me, standing up from the bed and moving to the door and slipping out quickly. A few seconds later and he returned with Bonny next to him.

She's smiling brightly at me as High Priest Elijah moves to the wardrobe, she walks to me. Her smile is quite something as I can't help but greet her with a small smile myself. High Priest Elijah soon walks to us with robes in his hands and give them to Bonny who take them and with her other hand she takes my hand, pulling me up from the bed and lead me to the door. "Let's get you cleaned…. Nothing like a relaxing bath to take everything off your mind."

We leave Prince Klaus' sleeping chambers and make our way to the bathing chambers, 2 guards following us closely. When we enter the bathing chambers the guards remain outside the door is closed. We walk to the table and stool I was seated at yesterday and Bonnie places the robes on the table then smile at me. She takes a vase and hand it to me before giving me soap and a sponge.

"I know you like your privacy so here the soap, and soap for your hair and a sponge. I'll sit at the door and wait till you are finished then I'll bring you a towel, okay?" Bonnie asked and I nod my head. She walks off to the side where she sits down and I turn to the water. I make my way to the water and place my items on the first step. I quickly remove my dress and belt then my sandals and walk into the water to the second step. The water is low and its sooths my soul as I sit on the second step.

I rinse my hair in the water and sit back up. The water is very calming as I stare at it for a few seconds before grabbing the sponge and loafing it with the soap. I start to wash my body and pay special attention to the place where the man had licked me. I scrub vigorously at the spot until its red and sore then I use the special soap on my hair and ensure that I work the soap into my hair until I am massaging my scalp. I soon rinse of the soap and turn to see where Bonnie is. She's still seated at the door and she's smiling brightly at me. I smile back at her and turn back again.

I sit back again and think of how everything has changed. From the celebration last night to the nice conversation I and Prince Klaus shared in the courtyard. Maybe this wasn't as bad as I thought but still… the fact that he would want to take me as his wife… If my allegations were correct that is. And then I remember the man in the courtyard with the bright blue eyes.

Those eyes. I don't know whether to fear them or to just ignore the fact that I am seeing strange people in the Palace. The man had clearly threatened me if I was to say something. Maybe it was just nothing and I was seeing things. So many things were running around in my mind. Even Hailey and that she might be with Prince Klaus' child. That made me feel a bit upset but I had no real reason to be upset.

I sigh because clearly today has been too long and I feel tired. And I wonder if Prince Klaus was going to act the same way he did last night and that made me shudder again. Hopefully he wouldn't expect anything from me. I look around to see Bonnie again. "Bonnie may I have a towel?" I ask and she jumps to her feet, grab a towel and move towards me. I quickly stand up out of the water as she hands me a towel. "Thank you." I say and she nods her head.

"Let's get you dried and dressed." She said as she moved towards the table and stool. I follow her and sit down in the stool. As yesterday she wraps my hair into a towel and then she takes a small cloth and hands it to me. "It's for you face." She says and I take it and dry my face.

I'm quite curious to how she became a slave in the palace. Maybe it isn't my place to ask but I wanted to at least know someone in this palace apart from High Priest Elijah and Prince Klaus. I turn to Bonnie and I almost want to just forget the question but her smile encourages me. "Bonnie, how did you become a servant?" I asked a bit unsure.

She looks at me for a second and then she frowns. "My mother died giving birth to me and my father was killed by the guards for treason, Great Wife Ester had saved me by taking me in and that is how I became a servant." She said and I soon regret that I had asked such a question because it was clearly a sad subject for her.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have asked." I try to apologise but she just gives me a faint smile.

"It's fine. I'm very grateful of Great Wife Ester." She says as she towel dries my hair.

"Do you enjoy it here at the palace?" I ask looking up at her.

She stops her movement and look down at me. "I love it here; every one treats me very nicely not like the other servants. The royal family is very civil and I really didn't have anything to do until you arrived. Prince Klaus wanted only me to attend to you meaning that you must be pretty important." She said giving me her bright smile again. "So you should get used to me being around you because I'm your personnel servant as from now." She said as she quickly makes my hair a bun then pulls me up to stand.

I quickly dry myself and she takes the towel from me before she dresses me in a simple little gown made of pure silk. She looks me over then winks at me. "It's almost dinner?" I ask more then tell her and she nods at me.

"Let's get you to Prince Klaus' chamber." She says and we start to make our way to the door to which she opens the door and the guards smile lightly at the both of us. As we make our way the guards follow us closely until Bonnie opens the door to Prince Klaus' chambers and she lets me in.

I walk into the room and Prince Klaus is seated at the table with the dinner ready. I gasp and then bow. To which he chuckles. He stands from his seat and walks over to me extending his hand to me. I look up at him in surprise but take his hand. And he leads me to the table where we are seated across from each other.

"You look beautiful Elena." Prince Klaus says as he looks into my eyes. His comment makes me blush.

"Thank you Prince Klaus." I almost blabber because I'm feeling really nervous.

"Would you please fill our plates with food." He asks and I nod standing and taking a plate for him. "Something of everything please." He asks me and I comply. Placing something of everything on his place then placing it in front of him. I then take a plate for myself and grab a piece of bread and some meat and fruit, I place my plate in front of me then take two cups and take a vase and poor some dark purple liquid into both. Placing one cup in front of Prince Klaus and the other in front of myself then I sit down. "Thank you he says as he takes the cup and takes a sip humming as he places the cup back.

When he starts eating I follow him and I eat small pieces of everything in my plate. I then take the cup and sip the liquid which is sweet and I feel a bit nerves because every now and again Prince Klaus will look at me and smile. I gulp down the rest of the liquid and then eat about half of what is in my plate before I am completely full. Prince Klaus smiles at me and then pour some more liquid into my cup and I gratefully take it. I sip twice before downing the rest.

"Thirsty?" he asks as he fills my glass again. And I just nod my head. As I finish my third cup he finishes his food and sits back into his seat as he stares at me. "You should go slow with the wine Elena." He says and I frown at him. Was this wine that we were drinking? I felt a bit dizzy but it passed quickly and then it felt like a mountain was removed from my shoulders. I couldn't really explain how I was feeling but one word came to mind. Free.

And I just forget where I am and why I'm here and I forget the man with the bright blue eyes and the man in the blue cape. And I smile at Prince Klaus. "It really tastes very good, may I have another cup?" I ask innocently. To which Prince Klaus chuckles again and pours another cups.

"Sure, just go slow with this one." He states putting the vase down. I nod my head and take the cup sipping at it. I hum as I taste the wine. "Do you enjoy dancing?" He asks and I giggle because I can't dance I always fall over my feet.

"I can't dance. To be honest I'm very clumsy." I reply giggling a bit more. Prince Klaus places his cup on the table then he stands and moves to my chair and extends his hand. I look up at him in surprise but he just smiles at me.

"Come on, I'll teach you." He says and at first I'm staring at him with disbelieve and then I swallow the wine that's left in my cup and place it on the table before taking his hand. He pulls me up and against him. He takes my other hand and places it on his shoulders as he places his hand on my lower back and he starts swaying us back and forth. "Just follow my movement." He says and I follow how we step back and forward and soon we are dancing to no music and just to the rhythm of our breathing. I'm surprise when he twirls me around and pulls me back to him.

But he make me giggle as we continue to move swaying around the room. And soon he pulls me closely against him and he bends me backwards in a dip. He stares down at me and I can't help but bite my lip. He smiles at me and then he moves his head towards mine and places a soft kiss on my forehead. Before pulling me up and twirling me again. "See it's not that bad." He says and I nod my head.

"Not that bad at all." I say moving back to my chair and him moving across from me. "We should do that again, I really like it." I can't help as I smile like an idiot while looking at him.

"Of course we will." He says winking at me. And I start to blush but it seems so normal as we sit here. "Elena," he ask and I nod my head towards him.

"Yes Prince Klaus?" I answer.

"Don't mind my father and don't think of what he spoke about today. And don't mind Hailey, she is not with my child I can assure you that." He says looking serious and I haven't really seen him like this before because there is certainty in his eyes as he speaks of his father and of Hailey which encourages me to believe every word that leaves his mouth.

"I won't Prince Klaus." I say now staring at him.

"My father gets overwhelmed sometimes and now with the thief king running a mock in the city it's not helping. I spoke to him and said that I would like to get to know you and see maybe you could in the future be my wife." He said looking a bit unsure. And it was true… he did want to marry me and that made me squeal in excitement like a little girl.

He smiled at my reaction it seemed that he was looking for that reaction. But I'm not quite sure why I reacted like that. Did I truly want to be Great Wife Ester to the Pharaoh of Egypt? Did I want to be with Prince Klaus. He did say that we would get to know each other… But it was soon forgotten because I was so caught up in my thought that I didn't notice him stand and move to me. He's now in front of me staring at me.

"I promise not to push you into anything unless you are willing in the matter, so we can try it and just see how things are okay? Are you willing to try?" He asked me very seriously.

"We'll try." I almost whisper and he smiles at me like he has never smiled before. And I can't help but smile back at him and then I yawn, suddenly feeling very sleepy. Prince Klaus laughs at me and kisses my forehead again before taking my hand.

"Time for bed." He says and I nod my head looking up him. He pulls me up and leads me to the bed and when I'm in bed he moves to his side and lays down and covers himself. It's not even a few seconds and I am gone. And everything that had just happened vanished from my mind as my dreams are filled with blonde men with blue grey eyes.