A/N: Hello everyone! Well, I am very muchly enjoying reading your comments. Most of them seem to be focused on Tristan and whether or not he's being genuinely nice to Elena. I am loving all of your theories and suggestions, it makes me very happy. Updates may be a bit sketchy for the next two days cause I'm working nights and night-time is when I do most of my writing. I'm back to normal day shifts next week and I'll try to do an update at least every two days, if not every day.

I'm all you've got.

"No."

The word was barely audible and was distorted heavily by mutilated mouth. Lucien cocked his head.

"What was that?"

"No!" I slammed my knee up as hard as I could, jamming it into his crotch. He let out a sharp cry. I used the opportunity to ram my body against him, knocking him off of me. I bolted for the door, ignoring the dizziness. I managed to stumble out of the room and fled down the stairs. I knew that if he wanted to, he could easily catch up with me.

I made my way out of the house and into the garden. My blood was flowing thicker and darkness was clawing at the edge of my vision, threatening to consume me entirely. I tripped and collapsed on the grass. I tried to get back to my feet but the pain and the dizziness had got too much. After some struggle, I managed to roll onto my back, staring up at the sky. Tears clouded my already blurred sight, flowing thick and fast. My body heaved with each choking sob and sent another stab of pain through me as the movement agitated my wounds.

Was I dying?

I saw the shape of someone on the edge of my field of vision. I tried to turn my head but it felt incredibly heavy.

"What has he done to you?" Tristan knelt beside me. He carefully moved me into a sitting position. I turned my head away, reluctant to show him the damage. "Elena, let me see…"

I turned my head slowly, my eyes bloodshot and cheeks tearstained. He rested a hand on my chin, examining the damage before pulling back. He bit his wrist and placed it at my tender mouth. I whimpered and turned my head away.

"Elena, you need healing." He carefully moved my head back in place, settling his wrist at my lips and letting the blood drip down my throat. I groaned softly but didn't resist. I felt my skin tingle and itch as it knitted back together. Tristan retrieved a handkerchief from his pocket and offered it to me. I took it and wiped away the worst of the blood before handing it back to him.

"He's never been that bad before…" I whispered, my voice hoarse. "Did I do something wrong? I know I shouldn't have talked back but… even before when I did that, he didn't treat me like this…"

"He feels threatened with me here, he's taking it out on you. You did nothing wrong Elena, I promise." I sighed, looking away. "Elena, I want to tell you a story. A long time ago, before we became vampires, I found Tristan in a compromising situation with my dear sister. I'd always known of his affection for her but I was confident that his desires would never come to fruition. After all, he was a lowly servant. But that night, I found them together and I was… enraged. I had him placed in the dungeon, beaten and then I took my knife… I cut him from mouth to cheek in much the same way he did to you. And that is why he did this tonight and why he let you run out from his room out here where he knew I would see you. He is sending me a message."

"Why?"

"Because he knows I present a great threat to him. Because I care for you."

"You don't care for me, you don't know me."

"That's true, I don't know you very well but even I can see that you are a special young lady who is in a very bad situation. And I would like to change that." He looked up at the stars. "I cannot take you from him permanently. As I said before, he's worth more alive in his fugitive state and… while I do care for you Elena, you can't expect something for nothing. However I can certainly give you a few days reprieve and send him away until his business is concluded."

"He won't agree to that."

"He doesn't have to agree. I have a way of making it happen. Just wait till breakfast, I'll deal with him then."

"Why are you being kind to me?"

"Do I need a reason to be kind to a young lady in trouble?"

"You just said you can't expect something for nothing."

"Well in this case, I can make an exception."

I stared out across the garden. My skin had healed but the pain was still there, albeit reduced. We sat in silence. I half expected him to leave me out there but he stayed beside me, sat on the grass, looking up at the stars.

"I'm sorry if I upset your sister," I said quietly.

"She's easily upset, she'll be fine. Although, I'll admit your little revelation at dinner was somewhat surprising."

"The whole queen thing?"

"Yes." He looked over at me. "So which of the Mikaelson brothers is your king?"

"Why do I need a king?"

"You don't, I was just curious. I can imagine Niklaus using your position to his advantage."

"Well he hasn't. And no, he's not my 'king'." He watched me, his expression patiently expectant. I sighed. "When I left, Kol and Elijah had both proposed to me. I never got the chance to give them an answer. But I guess you could say I am a queen of many kings."

He chuckled softly.

"I can see why Elijah would like you."

"Were you and he close?"

"Oh exceptionally so. For a time it was almost like we were the same person. As such, I feel a level of responsibility for you." He got up. "You should really get some sleep."

"I don't want to go back…"

"I understand that. I'll get you some clean clothes and you can sleep in with your daughters? Would that be alright?" I considered and nodded. He helped me to my fight, steadying me as a wave of dizziness swept over me.

He carefully ushered me inside and up the stairs. A door opened and I froze, fearing a sudden assault from Lucien. Aurora stepped onto the hallway and looked over at us.

"Has someone been misbehaving?" she asked, her voice soft and innocent as she took in my bloody and dishevelled form. Tristan moved to block me from her view.

"It's nothing to concern yourself with my dear, go back to bed." He ushered me past her and took me to the girls' room. He disappeared down the hall, returning a moment later with a shirt. "Here. I'm afraid I don't have any women's clothes and I doubt Aurora's would fit."

"It's fine, thank you." I went to open the door but paused. "Thank you, for tonight."

"Anytime."

I let myself into the girl's room and changed out of my bloodstained dress into the shirt Tristan had given me. I locked the door and checked it twice to make sure that it was secure. I knew if Lucien was determined to come in it wouldn't really stop him but it made me feel a little safer. I climbed into their bed and wrapped my arms around them, holding them tight. Lilah's eyes opened a little and looked up at me. I turned my head a little so she wouldn't see the tears that still stained my face. She reached up and gently placed her hand on my cheek. I stroked her hair and kissed her forehead before settling down. I held them both close to me, feeling their steady heartbeats and drawing comfort from the sensation. I could be strong for them. I had to be.

The next morning, I was woken by a loud banging on my door.

"Elena!"

Oh crap, Lucien. I turned my head and saw Lilah was awake, hidden under the covers with only her eyes visible to me. She was terrified, trembling slightly. Blair was on my other side and she looked afraid too which was in a way even worse than Lilah's terror. Lilah had always had a reason to be scared of Lucien. But he'd never scared Blair before. They knew something was wrong.

I murmured reassurance into their ears and reluctantly climbed out of bed. They clung to me, whimpering softly. I carefully extracted myself and went to the door. I hesitated and unlocked it. I opened the door and stepped outside into the hall, not wanting the twins to witness what might happen.

"Hello Lucien…"

"Where have you been?!" He snarled, glaring at me.

"I felt that it was better if I got some distance from you after last night…"

"You don't get to decide that. You are my wife, you sleep in my bed." His eyes registered Tristan's shirt on me. "What the fuck is that?"

"My dress was covered in blood and I didn't want to go back into the room to get a clean one. So Tristan leant me a shirt." I folded my arms. He growled and grabbed my shoulders, slamming me against the door. I winced.

"Get dressed," he hissed. "Come downstairs, have breakfast. And then afterwards, you are going to go up to our room and wait there until I come for you. And when I do come, you are going to be a good little wife and make up for everything you've done."

He stalked off downstairs. My breathing was frantic and my heart was racing. I went to the bedroom and got dressed, then came back to the girls' room. I started to dress them, my hand trembling. I felt a few tears running down my cheek. Blair frowned and touched my face.

"Mama why are you crying?"

"I… I'm fine sweetie." I wiped my eyes. "See? No tears. Mama is fine." I finished dressing them. "Shall we go and have breakfast with Lucien and Tristan?"

They both nodded.

"I like Tristan," said Blair. "He was nice to us."

"Was he? That's good." I took their hands and carefully led them downstairs. Tristan, Lucien and Aurora were all at the table. Tristan was toying with a knife, turning it over in his fingers. I got the girls situated and took my own seat, keeping my head down.

"Aww the dolls are back!" said Aurora. "They're so pretty."

We ate in silence. Once the girls' plates were empty I noticed something pass between Aurora and Tristan, a meaningful look.

"Would you girls like to come and play with me?" Aurora asked, getting up. "We can play dress up with my pretty clothes!"

They looked at me and then nodded. She led them out of the room. I felt an urge to go after them, reluctant to leave them alone with her.

"Lucien," said Tristan. "I know you're very keen to get the answers you want from the sisters. So I feel that it would be better if you stayed with them for a few days, until they give you what you want. Elena and the girls will be quite comfortable here in the meantime."

"You must be turning senile if you think I'd leave Elena here with you," said Lucien calmly.

"I'm hardly senile." He got to his feet and went to the sideboard that was situated behind me. He poured himself a drink and rested one hand on the back of my chair, still toying with the knife. "But you don't really have a choice Lucien."

Tristan pressed the knife against my throat. I let out a small squeak of shock and fear. What was he doing? He was supposed to be on my side.

"What are you doing Tristan?" asked Lucien, getting to his feet.

"You didn't seem to notice that Elena's injuries have healed. Now, I know that you need her alive and human for your little plan to work. So if I was to open up her throat right here, that would not be ideal for you." He pressed the knife tighter to my neck, a single bead of blood broke loose and ran down the curve of my throat. "Here are your choices. You can get up, leave my house and go to the sisters. Stay there until you have your answers. Or you can stay in your seat and I will slit Elena's throat, robbing you of your prize."

Lucien scowled and got to his feet.

"Aya!" called Tristan. "Make sure Lucien gets to where he's meant to be."

Aya appeared at the doorway and escorted Lucien out. Tristan waited until the sound of the front door closing was heard and set down the knife. He took the seat beside me.

"I'm sorry if I frightened you but it was the only way that I thought I could get him to leave."

"I… I'm fine… th… thank you."

"I figure I've bought you at least a few days reprieve. Make the most of them."

He kissed my cheek and left the room. I stayed where I was, my heart beating frantically in my chest. I looked at the knife, discarded on the table. The silver surface was stained with a coppery hue from the residue of my blood, a droplet hung from the point of the knife, threatening to drip down onto the tablecloth. I touched my throat, already healing from the vampire blood in my system. He hadn't really wanted to hurt me… had he? He was just trying to help me…

So why did I feel like I'd exchanged the frying pan for the fire?