Chapter 7

Knight in shining armor

Klaus was lost in his thoughts as he headed to his room. The day had certainly been interesting; it had given him a lot to think about. He has just had a chat with Freya and she had told him some very interesting things about their "houseguest". Of course nothing was certain yet, but if Freya's speculations were correct… Klaus stopped as he suddenly spotted Brie. She was standing in front of Elijah's door, knocking quietly. She was wearing a short nightie and she was hugging herself.

"Elijah?" she called with a shaky voice.

"He's not here," Klaus stated, making the girl jump. It wasn't difficult to see that something had happened; she seemed to be shaken to her core.

"Oh…" she murmured, she wasn't looking at him. "Do you… Do you know when he's coming back?"

"No, I'm afraid not, he needed to take care of some things."

"Oh… I…Thank you."

"Wait, wait," he said and stepped in front of her when she tried to walk past him. "What's wrong, love?"

"Nothing," she murmured, keeping her eyes on the floor.

"Hey," he said and touched her shoulder, making her flinch. "It's alright, you can tell me. I'll help you, I promise."

She hesitated for a moment before speaking.

"I… I wouldn't want to be alone."

"Oh, I see. Come with me then, we'll figure everything out together."

He smiled when she looked up. The opportunity was more than perfect and he wasn't going to waste it. Obviously the poor thing needed a friend right now.

"It's alright," he assured calmingly. "You'll be safe with me."

Again she hesitated, but he could tell that she desperately wanted to believe him. Klaus' guess was that Kol had paid the poor girl a visit. It seemed that his little brother had really managed to upset her.

"Come on, sweetheart," he said and gently wrapped his arm around her waist. "Let's get you a nice cup of tea and then you can tell me all about it."

Her body was stiff, but she didn't protest as he guided her to his room.

"Take a seat and make yourself comfortable, I'll be right back."

It was late, but fortunately they always had at least one maid here. He found her and told her to bring him a cup of tea. Brie was sitting on his bed when he returned, she was still hugging herself.

"You'll have that tea soon," he said.

"Thank you," she murmured.

"You're welcome." He paused and sat down next to her. "Are you feeling any better?"

She shook her head.

"Do you want to tell me what happened? You don't have to if you don't want to."

She was quiet for a moment before she looked at him.

"May I stay here?"

"Yes, of course. As I said, you'll be safe here."

She let out a weak sigh; it seemed that she was exhausted.

"Thank you so much. I…"

"It's alright," he assured. "I'm guessing that this has something to do with Kol."

She shivered.

"It… I'm sure it was my fault," she murmured.

"He didn't hurt you, did he?"

She shook her head.

"No, but… he scares me," she said quietly.

"I completely understand," Klaus replied and took her hand. "My brother has always been volatile and unpredictable. I'm truly sorry for him; he had no right to upset you."

"No, it was my fault…"

"Hey," he cut in. "I meant it, he had no right to upset you. I won't let him do it again."

She looked up and gave him a grateful smile.

"Thank you. I… It's not me I'm worried about, it's my little one."

He smiled too and glanced at her tiny baby bump.

"Yes, of course. I love children and I truly admire your protectiveness. I have no doubt that you will be an excellent mother."

Her smile grew wider.

"You really think so?"

"Absolutely. Have you thought about names yet?"

She nodded eagerly; obviously this was a pleasant subject for her.

"Yes, I… I was thinking Sunny for a girl and Bo for a boy."

"Wonderful names, I love them."

She smiled happily and looked at him like he would be the kindest person in the world.

"Thank you. I want my little one to have a good life."

"Of course, what mother wouldn't?" He paused and took her hand between his own. "Listen, Brie, I really am sorry for my brother and I would like to offer you my help. I would like to be your friend."

She looked confused.

"My friend?"

He smiled.

"Yes, that's right. I want to help you and your child."

She was quiet for a brief moment before replying.

"That's very kind of you, but why?"

"Well… As I said, I love children and this is my niece or nephew we are talking about. Obviously my brother doesn't want to act like a man, but I don't want you to think that you would be alone. I would be more than happy to keep you and your child safe. I think you know that I can do that."

She hesitated for a moment before replying.

"What would you want in return?"

He smiled and shook his head.

"Nothing. Only your friendship."

Again she hesitated before speaking.

"Does that mean sex?"

"No, no, absolutely not. I only want to be your friend."

For now. If Freya was indeed right about this girl, she and Klaus would be much more than friends. But all in good time, right now he needed to gain her trust and make sure that she saw him as her knight in shining armor. Fortunately Kol had made that more than easy.

"Ah, there's your tea, love," Klaus said as the maid opened the door after knocking.

"Thank you."

She looked calmer now as she took small sips out of her cup. Poor thing. Klaus had no doubt that Elijah wouldn't approve his plans for her, but really, he was only doing her a favor. She needed someone to look after her and her child and he was willing and able to do that. For a small price.

"Here, sweetheart," he hummed and pulled the cover down after she had finished her tea. "Why don't you lie down and rest, you'll be safe here."

Clearly she was exhausted, she obeyed without arguing.

"Thank you," she murmured sleepily.

"The pleasure is all mine," he replied smiling. "I can assure you."