Chapter 8

"What are your thoughts of Fay?" Niklaus asked.

Elijah looked at his brother and frowned.

"What?"

They were walking in the garden, Niklaus had asked Elijah to join him. The day was beautiful, and Elijah certainly didn't mind taking a walk, but he had also noticed that something was bothering his brother. They had talked about Kol and his latest mischiefs, Rebekah who loved her life as a noblewoman, Count de Martel and his son, Lucien and so on, until Niklaus had paused before suddenly asking his question.

"What are your thoughts of Fay?" Niklaus repeated, keeping his face free from emotion. Yet he didn't look at Elijah.

"Well… She is a nice girl," Elijah replied, confused by the question.

"Yes… Yes she is. And pretty, would you agree?"

Elijah's eyebrows furrowed again.

"I suppose so. Why are you asking?"

Niklaus was quiet for a moment before replying.

"I… I need to ask you something very important," he finally murmured.

Elijah heard the distress in his voice. Something was wrong.

"Of course, what is it?"

Niklaus pressed his lips together and took a deep breath before finally facing Elijah.

"Is there any chance you would consider wedding Fay?"

Elijah's eyes widened; this was the last thing he had expected.

"What?" he gasped.

"I think we can both agree that she would be a good wife," Niklaus continued. "Could you consider wedding her?"

"Where is this coming from?" Elijah asked. "And why would you want me to wed her? I was under the impression that you wanted her."

Niklaus looked away.

"I need someone to look after her," he murmured. "And I know that she would be safe with you. What say you, brother? Will you take her as your wife?"

Elijah stared at him disbelievingly. He didn't even know where to start.

"For goodness sake, Niklaus, I barely know the girl. Yes, she is a sweet girl, but why would I want to wed her? And why would she want to wed me?"

"Please, Elijah, this is very important," Niklaus pleaded. "I… I can't tell you all the details yet, but could you please try to get to know her? I would be forever in your debt."

"Why?" Elijah asked and crossed his arms. "Why do you want me to wed her?"

"Because I trust you," Niklaus replied. "I know that you're a good man and I know that you wouldn't hurt her. And I want you to be happy. I truly believe that she could make you happy."

Elijah still wasn't sure what to think. There was definitely much more to this.

"And what does she think?"

"She agrees," Niklaus replied quickly. Too quickly. "And she wants to get to know you. Could you please at least try this?"

"Niklaus…"

"I need you to do this for me, brother," Niklaus cut in. "Please. Just spend some time with her. Get to know her. That's all I ask."

Elijah considered the situation for a moment. Obviously, the whole thing was strange to say the least, but he could also tell that Niklaus was desperate. What did Elijah really had to lose? Would spending time with a pretty girl be so bad?

"Alright," he finally said. "I will spend some time with her, but I won't promise anything else. And I also expect you to tell me the whole story."

"I will," Niklaus assured. "When the time is right, I will tell you everything, I swear. Thank you, brother, you won't regret this."

"What?" Fay gasped. She was utterly confused by Niklaus' request. "You… You want me to…"

"Be Elijah's friend," Niklaus finished smiling. "You know how hard losing Tatia was for him and I really think that he needs a friend like you. Someone kind and compassionate."

Fay blinked few times insecurely.

"But… Wouldn't it be inappropriate for me to spend time with another man?"

"No, no, not at all. In fact, I am asking you to do this for my poor brother."

Fay wasn't sure what to say. Denying Niklaus' request felt wrong, but so did obeying him. She was afraid that spending time with Elijah would give Niklaus a reason to question her loyalty to him. But on the other hand, he was the one asking her to do this. He was her betrothed and she wanted to do everything she could to make him happy.

"I am not sure if I can help your brother…"

"I know you can," Niklaus cut in and cupped her face. "Will you do this for me?"

She nodded immediately.

"Of course, if you really want me to."

"I do," he assured and touched her cheek with his thumb. "Thank you."

She smiled and kissed his cheek.

"You don't have to thank me. Your happiness is my happiness too."

His body tensed, but he was still smiling.

"You deserve so much better," he murmured. "I will make sure you will get it."

She wrapped her arms around him and buried her face in his shoulder. He was an amazing man. So kind and gentle. He deserved everything she would be able to give him. Her heart, her body, her soul. She would die for him if she had to. Give him all her love. She felt that she was the luckiest woman in the world.