Chapter 15

"Lucien," Fay gasped, but he didn't seem to even notice her. His furious eyes were solely on Tristan. And he had a dagger in his hand.

"You," Tristan murmured disbelievingly. "How by all that is damned can you be free?"

Lucien growled furiously and charged at Tristan with the dagger.

"No!" Fay cried out as the spear of one of Tristan's guards penetrated Lucien's chest. "No, no, no!"

Shock was written all over Lucien's face as he gasped before collapsing on the floor. Fay knelt next to him and gently caressed his cheek as he took his last breaths.

"It's alright," she assured, tears rolling down her cheeks. He stared at her and squeezed her hand until he was gone. Fay bowed her head and sobbed. No… This was like a nightmare.

"Fay!" Niklaus' voice cried out.

She felt a strong pair of arms wrapping around her and helping her to her feet.

"Fay?"

She let out a sob and wrapped her arms tightly around Niklaus. Right now, she didn't care about anything else, she only wanted someone to hold her.

"I'm so sorry," he murmured, his hand stroking her hair. "Come with me."

She was too upset to protest or resist him as he led her out of Tristan's chamber.

"His body…" she murmured. "He deserves a proper burial."

"Yes, of course. I will take care of that, I promise."

Neither of them said anything else before they reached her chamber.

"Would you like to lie down?" he asked.

She shook her head; she was unable to look at him.

"Fay… I… I truly am sorry. About everything."

"Why did you lie to me?" she murmured.

"That was never my intention, I just… I wanted to do what was right. I really care about you."

Her heart ached because of everything that had happened tonight, but she had no strength left to cry anymore.

"You love her," she stated tiredly.

"Yes," he admitted after a pause. "I never meant to…"

"Please. Don't."

He was quiet for a moment before continuing.

"I will still look after you, I give you my word."

His words cut her like a knife, but she buried the pain deep inside of her. It was time to forget her ridiculous dreams and deal with the reality.

"I appreciate that," she murmured callously.

"Elijah would also like to look after you. Do you think that you could consider that?"

"Of course," she replied calmly. "That would be my honor."

"Fay…"

She looked up and finally met his gaze. He looked distressed. Few hours ago, she would have done everything she could to make him feel better. She would have done anything for him. That wasn't her place anymore, she belonged to Elijah now.

"I think I would like to lie down now, if you don't mind."

"Of course." He paused and touched her shoulder. "I better go back and take care of… Lucien. I am sorry you have to see that."

"He was a good man," she murmured. "He didn't deserve it."

"I know. I tried to stop him, but I was too late."

"You released him?"

Niklaus nodded.

"Yes, I meant to help him out of the castle, but…" He paused as he suddenly realized something. "What were you doing in Tristan's chamber?"

"I was trying to help Lucien."

Niklaus frowned.

"How?" he asked sharply. "If he touched you…"

"He didn't," Fay cut in coolly. "Not that it would matter if he would have, I trust that you have informed master Elijah that I am not a maiden."

Niklaus bowed his head.

"I… You know I never wanted to…"

"Yes, I know," Fay stated, struggling to control herself. "I would like to rest now."

Niklaus nodded.

"Yes, of course. We can talk more later."

That was the last thing she wanted, but obviously her wants were meaningless.

"Good night, Fay."

"Good night."

She collapsed on the bed as soon as Niklaus had left. Tears were filling her eyes and this time she didn't even try to stop them. She cried for poor Lucien and for all her shattered dreams. She cried until there were no tears left and she could finally fall asleep. Despite her exhaustion, her dreams were restless, but she didn't wake up when someone placed a blanket over her and kissed her forehead.

"I will see you again very soon."