Part 25
Nadine had never been more confused in her life. What was going on here? Had Tristan de Martel actually said that he wanted to wed her? It was definitely official now; he had really lost his mind. She was too shocked to react, but she could hear all the things he was saying about Lucien. Tristan would make Lucien a nobleman; give him land and a comfortable life. Lucien would never have to enslave again… Assuming Tristan actually meant what he said. Why on Earth did he want to marry a servant? Was that even possible? Why was he asking for her consent? He kept talking and talking, wanting to hear her answer. She couldn't give him one, she was like paralyzed.
"Puppet?"
She startled when he gently placed two fingers below her chin and lifted it until she met his pale blue eyes.
"I know this must be confusing to you," he stated. "To be honest, this is quite confusing to me too."
He paused and sighed.
"I want you, puppet, I really do. I know I haven't always treated you well, but that will all change. Tell me, will you accept me as your husband?"
The whole thing made absolutely no sense to Nadine, but she knew there really was only one answer she could give to him. Not that she thought there would ever be a wedding; surely he would come to his senses before that. Right now it was best to simply play along, so she nodded. His gaze became more piercing.
"Yes?"
She swallowed and nodded again. He was staring at her, slowly his lips curved into a smile.
"My puppet…" he muttered and leaned closer. His thumb caressed her cheek and bottom lip. "Will you grant me a kiss?"
It took a moment before her mind was able to comprehend his words. A kiss? He wanted to kiss her? She gasped when he reached up and cupped the back of her neck with one hand.
"It's alright, puppet," he muttered and gently tugged her closer. "All I am asking is a kiss. Have you ever been kissed?"
Quickly she shook her head, hoping that he couldn't tell she was lying. Her first and only kiss with Kol had been…confusing. At least she knew what to expect. His tongue forcing its way into her mouth. She wasn't looking forward to that, but she could take it. Assuming he would settle for that.
"Good," he stated, stroking his thumb along the side of her neck. "I want to know what you like."
He lowered his head and brushed his lips softly over hers. The kiss only lasted two seconds, so she didn't really have time to react to it.
"I want to find out what feels good to you," he whispered and touched the sensitive skin below her ear with his lips. The touch made her flinch, but she had to admit that it didn't feel unpleasant. Just…foreign. Her breathing sped up as he put his hand on her hip and pulled her even closer.
"You feel so good," he murmured absentmindedly and smelled her hair. "Tell me what you like, puppet."
She had no idea what to think when he captured her mouth with his own. Why would he care what she liked? She didn't know what she liked, but she hoped that he would keep his tongue to himself. When Kol had stuck his tongue into her mouth she had felt that she couldn't breathe. What was Tristan doing? His lips weren't really demanding, he was more like tasting her.
He shaped her lips with his, tilting his head this way and that, as though searching for the best angle. It didn't feel bad, although he touched her lips with the tip of his tongue. It kind of tickled and she relaxed a little when she saw that he didn't try to force his tongue into her mouth. The kiss wasn't rough, his lips felt surprisingly soft. What was wrong with her, this was Tristan, Count de Martel's son. She hated him. Yet an involuntary shiver raced up her spine and her heart started to pound faster. He was licking his lips when he finally pulled back.
"You taste amazing, puppet. Did you like that?"
Her face was bright red; she couldn't bring herself to look at him. Thankfully he didn't make her; he simply touched her cheek with his thumb.
"No need to worry, I understand this is all new to you. I will teach you everything you need to know and I am convinced that you will be happy with me."
5 days later
"Niklaus."
Klaus startled, he had been so lost in his thoughts that he hadn't noticed Finn. The sun had set a moment ago and he was on his way to the chapel to meet Aurora. He really wasn't sure what he was doing and the last thing he wanted was to take advantage of her. She was a sweet and beautiful girl, everything a man could want. Spending time with her had made him feel better, helped him to ease his guilt. They had kissed couple of times and of course he had liked it, but a part of him had still thought about Nadine. He hadn't seen her in days and he wasn't planning to see her. She would most definitely be better off without him.
"Yes?" Klaus asked and turned to look at his brother.
Finn seemed tense and gloomier than usual.
"Can I have a word with you?"
"Yes, sure. What is it?"
Finn crossed his arms.
"Did you speak with Lucien before he left?"
"No, I didn't," Klaus replied. "Why do you ask?"
Klaus had heard that Count de Martel had sent Lucien to run some errand couple of days ago, but he hadn't paid much attention to it.
"I am concerned about his sister," Finn stated.
"What? Why?"
Finn pressed his lips together.
"Lucien seemed very distressed the last time I saw him, but I didn't have a chance to speak with him before he left. I also haven't been able to see Nadine."
"Why not?" Klaus asked tensely.
"Because Lord Tristan does not allow anyone to see her. Apparently his mistress, Lady Giselle, is beyond furious and she has spread some very vulgar rumors about Nadine."
Klaus was unable to speak; how was it possible he hadn't heard about any of this? Well, the answer was simple; he had been too busy feeling sorry for himself to pay attention to anything else.
"Why have you not done anything?" he muttered.
"Like what?" Finn asked coolly. "Kill the guards and march into Lord Tristan's chamber?"
Klaus clenched his fists.
"He is keeping her there?"
"Yes, as far as I know."
Klaus had certainly heard more than enough. He headed to Tristan's chamber without saying a word to his brother. There were four guards standing in front of the door. Obviously Klaus could have got rid of them, but that would have been a foolish thing to do. Instead he went outside. The night was starless and cloudy; he doubted that anyone could see him climbing up the wall. When he reached the window of Tristan's chamber, he couldn't believe what he was seeing. Nadine was sitting on the sofa wearing a white silk nightgown, she was eating grapes. Her feet were in Tristan's lap, he was massaging them.
"How were your lessons today, puppet?" he asked. "Useful?"
She nodded.
"Good. According to Raoul, you are an excellent student. You will be ready soon."
He lifted her leg and kissed her ankle.
"And your brother will be back tomorrow, I know you have missed him."
She looked up at him and nodded. Klaus couldn't believe his eyes when she crawled onto Tristan's lap and kissed his cheek. He smiled at her and caressed her lips with his thumb.
"I love you, puppet."
What… What the hell was going on?