Chapter 6

"Oh my," Fay gasped as she looked around in Niklaus' bedchamber. "This whole place is amazing." She paused and turned to look at Niklaus. "I never could have imagined anything like this."

Niklaus smiled, it was nice to see her so excited. Thankfully everything had went well with Count de Martel and they were now his guests. Lucien had introduced Fay as their cousin and their family's ward. Niklaus was pleased about that, he certainly didn't want to send Fay to the servant's quarters. She deserved to be treated the same way than the rest of them.

"Well, this is certainly better than sleeping on the ground," Niklaus replied.

Fay nodded eagerly.

"A real bed... I have never slept in a bed before."

"Really? I want you to enjoy this then."

A flush was rising in her cheeks as she blinked few times.

"Shall I stay here with you?"

"No," Niklaus replied immediately. "I mean... You have your own chamber."

She was clearly confused as she looked at him.

"But... I thought that we... You would want us to be together now."

Niklaus bit his bottom lip, trying to choose his words carefully.

"That wouldn't feel right to me," he stated. "We are not married yet."

Her eyes widened when she heard the last word. He hadn't meant to say it, but it had slipped. Idiot... He really wanted to kick himself.

"You want to wed me?"

Her trusting eyes were full of hope and joy. Despite everything he had done to her, she still trusted him and adored him. She was a sweet and kindhearted girl. There was no doubt that she would be an excellent wife. And yet... He did care about her, but he didn't love her. Nevertheless, he still owed her his protection. She would be a good wife and he would eventually learn to love her. That was the right thing to do. The only decent thing.

"Yes. Will you be my wife?"

Her eyes watered up before she pounced on him.

"Yes, yes, of course," she sobbed. "I love you so much and promise I will be a good wife."

"I know," he murmured while stroking her hair.

Her body felt warm against him and he could practically sense her glowing with happiness. She deserved to be happy. This was the right thing to do. Finally, he pulled away and cupped her face. Tears were still coursing down her cheeks, he wiped them away with his thumbs.

"I don't want us to share a bed before the wedding," he stated, knowing perfectly well how hypocrite he was. He had already taken her innocence and she should have hated him for it. For some reason she didn't.

"I understand," she assured smiling. "When..."

"I am not sure. Probably not here."

She nodded.

"Shall we tell your family together?"

"Not yet. I don't want anyone to know yet."

She was a little confused, but of course she agreed. She most likely thought that it wasn't her place to question him. The realization made him feel even more miserable. Not that he had any right to complain. He had known how she felt about him, and he had taken advantage of her feelings. He had been nothing but selfish and despicable.

Not to mention a pathetic coward. He should have protected her from Mikael. Somehow. He should have never hurt her like that. She should have hated him for it. Why didn't she? Why did she still love him and trust him?

"As long as you are happy, I am too," she assured and kissed his cheek.

He couldn't say anything or even look at her in the eyes. This was the right thing to do. He owed her at least this much.

3 hours later

Niklaus looked curiously around the hall that was full of people. Nobles, servants, guards, musicians. He had never seen anything like it; Count de Martel certainly knew how to throw a feast. The red and gold tunic Niklaus was wearing felt soft and pleasant, unlike anything he had worn before.

Elijah was talking to Count de Martel himself and Finn was standing with couple of noblemen. Kol on the other hand was nowhere to be seen, at least not yet. Fay was standing with Rebekah; they were both smiling. In fact, Niklaus had never seen Fay so happy.

That reassured him that he really had done the right thing. She deserved to be happy and he would try his hardest to make her happy. After a moment Niklaus noticed Lucien, the servant was silently observing the crowd. He didn't notice Niklaus approaching him and startled as he spoke.

"You've proven to be an immense help."

"Of course, my lord," Lucien replied.

"Though I must say you don't seem at all disturbed about leading us into your master's home."

Lucien's expression tensed.

"My master is a cruel drunkard who torments his minions for sport. Beggars who seek supper, vessels who cannot pay a debt. Like my own father."

"Ah."

"All these "gentlefolk" behind their silks and their jewels, they are slavers, killers. Whatever evil you are, you walk amongst greater evil still," Lucien stated bitterly. "What do I care if you kill a lot of them."

Niklaus glanced at him, understanding why the servant had been so eager to help them. And he suspected that Lucien was right about these people. Absentmindedly Niklaus glanced at the entrance and noticed a man and a woman entering the room arm in arm. They were drawing a lot of attention, people turned to look at them. The woman... She was absolutely gorgeous. Red hair, blue eyes, perfect face...

"Who are they?" Niklaus murmured.

Lucien glanced at the entrance as well and seemed somewhat uncomfortable when he saw the man and the woman.

"Um, they're Count's children, the Lord Tristan and his sister the Lady Aurora."

"She is exquisite," Niklaus murmured, he couldn't get his eyes off the woman. She was standing in front of her father now and she was also looking at Niklaus. He had never in his life seen anything so beautiful.

"Yes, as her brother is wicked," Lucien stated tensely. "Might I suggest that you avoid them completely."

"Hmm."

Niklaus barely heard him, he was still staring at her. Lady Aurora. He hadn't even spoken to her and he knew nothing about her, but he still felt something he had never felt before. Not even with Tatia. He couldn't identify the feeling, but it was there. He needed to meet her. That was all he was able to think about.