One of my favorite chapters to write-enjoy!

Chapter 10

Over the next few days, Elena's condition worsened. She had a fever that wouldn't break and she was becoming delirious. She was hot one minute and freezing the next. The servants did everything they could to help her, but her outcome was slim. It was up to her now.

Damon never left her side, not even for a second. Being very worried about her, he didn't want to leave her. He had occupied one of the cushioned armchairs for the last few days by her bed. Whenever she was shaking in her bed, he put a cool cloth on her forehead and held her hand gently. She seemed to calm after she felt his touch. It was truly remarkable. He was very worried about her; God help him if she didn't recover…

One night, Damon fell asleep on the bed next to her. He woke up feeling her hand run through his soft black hair. Sitting up and looking at her, he noticed she was gazing at him with an emotion he couldn't quite figure out. He felt her forehead and she felt fine. Her fever was finally broken.

"Thank God you're okay!" he exclaimed, pulling her to him and hugging him. Elena held her look of shock over his shoulder.

"I'm fine. I was out of it for awhile," she spoke gently. "May I have some water please?"

"Of course, dear." On her bedside table there was a pitcher of water-he poured her a glass and helped her drink from it. He didn't want her moving much for awhile.

"Thank you."

"You're very welcome." He pulled her blankets back over her shoulders. She needed her rest; the worst was over at least.

"Stay with me," she asked. He looked into her sleepy face and there was no way he could deny her. He got comfortable in the chair again.

"You don't have to sleep in that uncomfortable chair all night. Join me on the bed. I doubt you'll fondle or maul me in my sleep," she laughed.

"Wouldn't dream of it." Smiling, he gently got on one side of the bed and lay by her side. He gazed at her longingly before closing his eyes.

"Damon…what was your childhood like?"

Damon's eyes snapped open and stared at her. Not exactly the question he thought she would ask.

"It's not exactly an uplifting story…" he started to say.

"I just want you to tell me something about yourself. I know nothing about you at all," she pleaded.

Damon sighed heavily. He had never shared his private hell with anyone. But something about this beautiful girl in front of him…opening herself to him…why not?

"Okay, as you wish my lady," he smiled at her. She smiled back encouragingly, taking his hand and holding it in hers as they both lay back on the bed.

"I was born to Giuseppe and Vanessa Salvatore. They ruled as king and queen. Since I was born, my father hated me and I don't even know why. My mother loved me; she was the most beautiful woman in the world to me. She held me, paid attention to me, laughed with me…well, you get the point. She became very ill, never fully recovering. She died when I was five years old."

Elena's intake of breath took his attention. He looked at her with a sorrowful expression.

"I was a nice boy, I suppose. But if I broke something, laughed, made him mad or disobeyed my father in any way, he would whip me in the courtyard in front of everyone. He relished in the opportunities to punish me for anything. He wanted to show the entire kingdom what a disappointment I was to him." His eyes glistened as the horrible memories resurfaced. He didn't seem to be looking at anyone now. Elena gripped his hand tighter in her own. He looked at her. A small smile appeared on his face.

"He was the one who taught me that the only way people would obey you is if they feared you. I learned that from him, trying to impress him. It didn't matter to him. He still thought of me as a failure of a son. When he died about 8 years ago, everyone in the kingdom left. All that were here are myself and my servants." He took a breath before continuing. But he wouldn't tell her about his curse. He couldn't tell her about that.

It took a minute before Elena spoke. "I'm so sorry, Damon. That must have been awful for you, an abusive father. Forgive me for speaking so bluntly, but I'm glad King Salvatore is dead. He can't hurt you anymore. Just the thought of somebody hurting you like that…"

He was comforted by her words. He brought her hand to his lips and kissed it.

"You have nothing to be sorry for, Elena. It happened and I've come to live with it. It's over and done with." He looked into her eyes.

"I became the prince. I was awful to all of them, as you saw. I am not that man anymore, Elena. You changed that about me and for the better." This time, he was looking directly into her eyes. She looked at him with an odd expression.

"You're welcome, your highness," she smiled lightly. After the deep and intense conversations they had, it was much needed.

Damon smiled back at her and pulled her close to his chest. Elena closed her eyes as sleep began to overtake her. He smiled.

Jenna opened the door a smidge to look inside. She smiled brightly at the sight of Damon holding Elena; Elena had her arms wrapped around his middle. Stefan and Logan poked their heads in as well and smiled. Jenna quietly shut the door.

"What did I tell you boys? I knew they would get along eventually!" Jenna squealed.

"It's finally happening!" Logan looked upward to say a thank you.

The Village

Tyler and Matt looked out the window of the local pub. From where they were sitting they had a perfect view of the Gilbert cottage.

"I want to be informed if John Gilbert leaves. Understand?" Tyler asked.

"Yes Tyler." Matt said. Tyler left to go home for the night. Matt and a few other men still sat and watched the house. Tyler had ordered an all day, all night watch be set. If John left, they would be ready for him.

Next Day-The Castle

Damon held Elena all night long. For the first half, he simply gazed at her. Her beauty, both external and internal, mesmerized him. He didn't think anyone could or would ever like him in his lifetime including his own childhood. But she had proven him wrong—she liked him despite the way he looked. He looked like a monster and looking back, he literally was one.

But Elena had changed all of that. He was a new man thanks to her kindness and compassion. His heart hurt just thinking about the way he had treated her when she first showed up at his castle. No wonder she didn't want to see him; it wasn't his hideous face that she couldn't stand, it was his attitude then.

When the first rays of light filtered through Damon's chamber, Elena stirred. Opening her eyes, she looked at her surroundings and remembered where she was. Turning around, she was met by the sight of a sleeping Damon. She liked looking at him when he was sleeping; his fangs and red eyes were hidden in sleep. He simply looked at peace.

As if sensing that she was watching her, he opened his eyes. He smiled until he heard Elena's intake of breath. His smile fell when he thought he heard her gasping in fright.

"I'm sorry, I-"

"Don't hide from me, Damon. I don't mind your looks," she turned his face back to her to look into his red eyes, trying to make light of the situation.

He smiled back at her.

"How about I help you walk around the castle-get your strength back?"

"I'd love to Damon."

When Jenna took Elena into the washroom to help her bathe and get dressed, Damon went back to his own room to change his clothes. As he looked at himself in the cracked mirror, he found himself truly smiling for the first time in a very long time.

"I love her mom," Damon said, looking at the torn portrait on his wall.