Chapter 9

4 weeks later

"Not bad, brother," Kol hummed as Elijah's arrow reached its target. All the ladies under the sunshade clapped eagerly, but Elijah barely noticed them. His eyes were on Fay who was smiling at him. She had such a lovely smile. And a delightful personality. Of course, he had noticed that before, but to be honest, he had never really considered her as a potential companion. She had just been… Fay.

Quiet, loyal, hardworking Fay. Elijah had never seen her as his family's property, and he had never mistreated her. Granted, he had fed from her, but he had also tried his best to be kind to her. She deserved to be treated kindly and after a careful consideration, he had made his decision. He would take her as his wife. A companion like her was just what he needed.

Perhaps she wasn't stunningly beautiful like Tatia, but she possessed plenty of good qualities. She was kind, warm, modest, loyal, selfless, pretty. An ideal companion. A good wife. Niklaus had been right about that. Elijah noticed him sitting few feet away, whittling at a chunk of wood.

"Now, let me show you how it's really done," Kol chuckled arrogantly and gave their female audience a charming smile. Rebekah, who was sitting beside Lady Aurora, rolled her eyes.

During their time here, Elijah had noticed that the nobles had a lot of time in their hands. They could spend the whole day in the garden playing silly games such as throwing an axe or shooting arrows. Lucien was serving them food and drinks. He had certainly done a lot for Elijah and his family.

"That's an impressive work, my lord," Elijah heard Lucien saying to Niklaus.

"Just something to pass a dull day, but I take it, along with a word of a friend," Niklaus replied.

"Yes… As a friend I come to you now. There is something I must ask of you…"

Elijah didn't pay attention to the rest of their conversation; he was concentrated on Fay. He would tell her his decision tonight. They could be wed tomorrow. Surely, she wanted it to happen as soon as possible. Not that he minded, he was already looking forward to their wedding night.

He had been a perfect gentleman during the courtship, he hadn't even kissed her. Hopefully she would let him do that tonight, even though they weren't married yet. Well, that would be nothing more than a formality. This time tomorrow, she would be his wife.

Fay sat at the dresser and brushed her hair. She was hoping to look nice tonight when she would surprise Niklaus. He had seemed distressed earlier today, but she hadn't had a chance to talk to him alone, so she was planning to go to his chamber and take him some supper. She could help him relax by massaging his shoulders and feet.

They hadn't spent much time together lately, but she understood why. He was busy playing his part here. For his family and for Fay. He certainly deserved to be spoiled tonight. A sudden knock on the door startled her for a moment, she wasn't expecting anyone. A servant had already brought the food and wine she was planning to take to Niklaus.

"Come in."

Her eyes widened as she saw Elijah entering her chamber. Quickly she stood up.

"Elijah… Good evening," she managed to say. He had insisted that she must call him just Elijah, as strange as that had felt at first.

"Good evening, Fay," he replied smiling. "I hope I am not disturbing you?"

"No, no, not at all," she assured, although she couldn't understand why he was here. Unless…

"Is something wrong?" she gasped. "Has something happened to Niklaus? Or someone else?"

"No, no, everything is fine," he replied.

She was relieved, but also confused. Why was he here in this hour? They had taken many walks in the garden and she had tried her best to make him feel better, just like Niklaus had asked, but Elijah had never come to her chamber before. Perhaps he wanted to talk about something.

"That's good. What can I do for you?" she asked smiling.

He was a good man, and she didn't mind helping him. Not to mention they would be a family soon.

"Well…." he started. "There is something important I need to tell you."

She nodded.

"Of course."

He smiled as he walked over to her and took her hands between his.

"Fay… You are a wonderful woman. Surely you know that."

His words confused her, but she managed to smile.

"Thank you, you are very kind."

He shook his head as he ran his fingers over her cheek.

"No, I consider myself lucky. I want to take you as my wife."

Her eyes widened as she stared at him, unable to understand his words.

"I would be honored to take you as my wife," he continued and pulled her into his embrace. "My sweet Fay…"

His lips touched hers. He was kissing her. For a moment she was too shocked to react. He groaned as he pressed her against the wall.

"Fay… Let me have you tonight."

That brought her back to reality. She tried to push him away, but he didn't even notice that. His lips were devouring hers, muffling her protests. This couldn't be happening. He was a good man. He wouldn't do this to her.

"Stop!" she cried out desperately as soon as their lips finally parted. "Please!"

"It's alright," he assured calmingly. "I know we are not married yet and we can wait until tomorrow if you want to." He paused and caressed her cheek. "Would you grant me just one more kiss?"

She was utterly shocked as she tried to move away from him. Surprisingly he didn't stop her.

"Fay?" he asked, confused. "What is wrong?"

She ran to the door as fast as she could.

"Fay!"

She managed to open the door and continued running, although she knew she couldn't outrun him. Her heart was beating with fear as she expected him to grab her. Screaming for help wasn't an option, she could only pray that she could somehow get to Niklaus. By some miracle, she reached the door to his chamber and knocked in panic. He wasn't there. On no…

Her whole body was shaking as she turned around, expecting to see Elijah standing behind her. There was no one in the hallway. Where was he? She wasted no time wondering about that, she needed to find Niklaus. Thankfully she saw Lucien going to the chapel. He could know where Niklaus was. She went after him and was just about to call his name when she saw it.

A man and a woman kissing passionately. He had lifted her up against the wall and she had wrapped her legs around his waist. It took a second before Fay recognized them. Niklaus and Lady Aurora.