Another chapter, I tried to get this chapter in as early as possible. Hope you enjoy and here goes…
Chapter 14…
The Mikaelson Estate…NOLA 1745
It was nearly dawn when Klaus finally returned Caroline to her room. The child had fallen asleep while he painted and Klaus managed to get the beginning of his work done. Caroline now lay peacefully asleep with the other children and Klaus retired to his room for the night. He made sure to bolt the door of his secret studio and wash up before laying down, he had a lot on his mind lately. He thought about the children, each of them special in their own way. They had brought a certain joy to him and his siblings lives, a joy that had long been lost. Klaus rolled onto his side, one random thought plaguing him… what would happen to the children when they had to flee again? They couldn't possibly stay here with Ayana. Mikael would slaughter every last one of them. Klaus realised he needed a plan and would have to speak to his siblings and the servants about this. The safety of the children was at stake.
"Caroline! Wake up, our teacher will be here soon!" Stefan shouted as he tried to shake his sister awake. Caroline was not ready to wake up yet, she was still groggy from the night before and Josie had to carry her out of bed and into the bath. A little while later the kids were bathed, dressed and seated for breakfast. Elijah was reading the morning's paper and Rebekah was engaged in a conversation with Levern and Josie about which dress would go with the new shoes she had purchased.
They had just finished eating when a there was a knock at the door. "I think your tutor must have arrived children." Rebekah said and turned her attention to her brothers. "We must interview her first before she meets the children." Elijah said from behind his paper. "UH…well I have shopping to do today, so Nik I assume you will be giving this interview." "Actually Bekah, I have some matters to attend to in the bayou, so it looks like it's up to our dear older brother to do." Klaus replied. Elijah poked his head out from the corner of the newspaper and was met with two wide and pleading grins from his brother and sister. Elijah just rolled his eyes and sighed in annoyance, folding up his newspaper and getting up to walk toward the office.
Aston rushed to the door and opened it allowing the new tutor to step inside. "Good morning Miss Marshal, you're right on time, please follow me, the master is waiting for you in the office." "Wow! These people are definitely loaded…" was all the new teacher could think has she stared in awe at the mansion she had just entered. She barely had time to look at the home properly before being taken to the office to meet one of the owners.
The servant opened the door and she stepped into the expansive double door office area, as she did her breath hitched and her knees felt like they were about to give way. She was face to face with the most handsome man she had ever seen in her twenty-one years. "Ah, Miss Marshal, you are punctual, this is good. Elijah Mikaelson…" Elijah introduced himself with an extended hand. Grabbing the offered hand like her life depended on it "Hayley Marshal, pleased to make your acquaintance." "Pleasure's all mine." Elijah responded as he offered Hayley a seat and she presented her resume' to him. The whole time she just stared at him, feeling ashamed, "He probably has a wife…" she reasoned. "You're here to teach his kids, not ogle at him…" "Miss Marshal, I see you have taught before at the Gilbert residence, you are well versed in English and French and you are educated as well. Tell me Miss Marshal, which institution did you attend?" "I attended the University of New Orleans, before graduating I was tutored by my father." "Wonderful, did your parents not object to you attending university?" Elijah asked as he paged through her resume'. "Not at all Mr Mikaelson, they had actually encouraged me to pursue further studies. We are a very liberal family, my parents believed that I should be educated just like anyone else." Elijah nodded at this and continued to question her further.
Elijah explained the circumstances of his situation with the children and how they had come to live in the mansion. Hayley nodded in understanding, all she heard was these kids were not his and that he lived with his siblings and had no wife. Hayley wanted to jump for joy at this. "From your resume' I can conclude that you are suitable for this position. You will be on a trial basis for one week. Should you feel that you are not comfortable, you are welcome to leave at any time. However, if we feel you are not performing your duties to our liking, we will have to let you go." Elijah explained and Hayley agreed to this. "I believe it is time you meet your students."
Elijah led Hayley to the parlour where the children were seated. As soon as she walked in she was met with bright smiles and cheery helloes. She introduced herself to the children "Hello children, my name is Miss Marshal, and I am going to be your new tutor." "My name is Caroline!" "I'm Bonnie!" "My name is Katherine Petrova, it's a pleasure to meet you Miss Marshal." The girls eagerly introduced themselves while a shy Stefan sat head down and afraid to look at his new teacher. "And what might your name be?" Hayley asked sweetly. "His name is Stefan!" Caroline answered for her twin, who was still painfully shy. "Stefan, sweetie you don't have to be scared, I won't eat you." Hayley chuckled and Stefan cracked a smile. Meanwhile Elijah watched the exchange between the young girl and the children. She knew her job well. Very soon the children were fighting for her attention and she masterfully calmed them down and explained what they were going to be learning. Elijah left the teacher and her students to themselves and went to update his journal.
Once the initial introduction was over, the children felt comfortable with Hayley and immediately took to her. They loved her and couldn't wait to see her again. When the lessons ended a good five hours later, the children were exhausted. "Why are these lessons so long Miss Marshal? My head hurts from reading so much." Katherine mumbled as she grabbed her head. Hayley chuckled at this, "You have to learn everything sweetie, Math, History, Languages, Anatomy…, you have to have a knowledge of all areas if you are ever to succeed in life." Hayley told the little girl. "Can we succeed tomorrow Miss Marshal…I'm so tired now…." Said Bonnie as she rubbed her eyes. Hayley held back an urge to laugh out aloud. "Alright, I think that's enough for today. You little ones could use a rest." Hayley said waking up from her seat at the table and gathering her things. She had to inform Elijah of the day's progress, which she absolutely loved as she would get to see Elijah again. She exited the parlour and found Levern heading toward the kitchen.
"Excuse me, could you please inform Mr Elijah that I would like to speak to him." Hayley asked. "Of course, Miss Marshal." Levern replied and a short while later she returned with a the oldest Mikaelson and left. "Ah, Miss Marshal, were you successful in today's lessons?" Hayley almost couldn't comprehend the simple question. She was utterly taken by the man in front of her. Everything about him was so enticing, his face alone was enough for her to be sold. "Uh…yes the children were angels…" She replied quickly after Elijah threw her a sceptical look. "I take it you enjoyed your time here, will you be returning tomorrow?" Elijah asked and Hayley was sure she would faint if she looked directly at him. With eyes downcast she replied, "Yes, I much enjoy teaching the children. I will be back tomorrow at eight to continue." "Wonderful, if you are done for the day I will have Ashton arrange a carriage for you." Hayley thanked Elijah for his gesture and continued to secretly eye him. Elijah may have been oblivious to Hayley's interest in him but a certain someone had noticed the new tutor's sudden feelings…
Katherine Petrova had just exited the kitchen when she spotted her teacher speaking to her guardian. Katherine hung back and watched Hayley, picking up on her "liking" toward Elijah. Katherine felt a pull in her chest, whatever ever was going on there, she didn't like it! She couldn't describe why she felt this way but she suddenly disliked her new tutor and Katherine no longer wanted this woman near her siblings, her friend and especially not around Elijah. When Hayley left, Katherine was glad she was gone and immediately ran to Elijah. "Hi, Mr Elijah!" Katherine greeted the original vampire excitedly. "Hello sweetheart…" Elijah greeted back and Katherine felt her heart skip at the word 'sweetheart'. She grinned widely now and asked if Elijah was free to teach her more piano playing. Of course, the music loving Mikaelson would never refuse and soon enough the two were seated at the piano in Elijah's room happily playing away.
"Wait so let me get this straight…you're gonna give us moonlight rings…?" "That is correct." "And in exchange we have to be at your beck and call…I think not Mikaelson!" Jackson Kenner the leader of the Midnight pack spat at Klaus. "You wouldn't be at my beck and call per say, if only my psychotic father decides to harm my family including my wards in any way, you and your pack will be ready to defend us." Klaus explained calmly and Jackson sneered. "I think you should take the deal Jackson." A man said from behind a tree and approached the two's standing position. "Ansel! Good to see you again." Klaus said excited to see his old friend. "Klaus, always a pleasure." Ansel responded shaking Klaus' hand. "It's a good deal Jackson, think of the benefits to your pack, they wouldn't be restricted to this Bayou. They wouldn't have to suffer the pain of turning every full moon…" Ansel reasoned and Jackson mulled over the idea. "Alright, give me some time to discuss this with my pack…" said Jackson and Klaus nodded.
Jackson walked off into the bayou and Ansel and Klaus begun talking. "How are you, old friend? I haven't seen you in ages." Klaus asked and Ansel replied, "I am doing well, the pack has been flourishing, we are well. How has your family been doing, and your sister?". "I am glad to hear that Ansel, my family are all well, and I am afraid I must leave now, you and the Crescent wolves take care." Klaus said as he about to leave Ansel stopped him. "Klaus, about your deal with Jackson…I was wondering if my pack could serve guard as well." Klaus raised an eyebrow at this. "Ansel, your pack already has moonlight rings…you would stand to gain nothing from this deal…" "Can't an old friend not help out another?" Ansel countered and Klaus smiled and said, "Thank you my dearest friend you have done much for me over these years…". Ansel grinned and the two friends shook on their deal.
It was late when Klaus finally arrived home. He made his way to the parlour where his siblings sat. "Niklaus, I was beginning to worry." Elijah said as he handed Klaus a drink. "Nothing to worry about brother, I am still in one piece." Klaus laughed as he seated himself next to his twin. "Where are the children?" he asked. "Asleep." Elijah replied. "Nik, what were you doing in the Bayou?" Rebekah questioned her brother. "I was striking a deal with the wolves, dear sister." "A deal? What kind of deal involves the wolves Niklaus?" Elijah asked. "One that involves our wellbeing brother." Klaus smiled and Rebekah shot him a sceptical look. "I will explain… our murderous psycho of a father is out there somewhere looking to detach our limbs and is not passed harming our loved ones to do so. I arranged a deal with the Midnight and Crescent packs in exchange for moonlight rings which Nana will gladly fashion, if Mikael were to try anything our servants, Nana and most importantly the children be protected." "Are you sure this is wise Niklaus? We don't have the best history with the Midnight pack… and the Crescents already have rings…" "Yes brother, I am well aware of the risk, the Alpha of the Crescents is my dear friend and was willing to accept this deal purely because of our friendship." Klaus said. "Those Crescent wolves really have a liking toward you, is it possible your wolf side is descended from their bloodline?" Rebekah asked. "It is a possibility…Too bad you don't have the werewolf gene or they would like you too." Klaus teased his sister. "And be a smelly, furry mutt! I am quite fine with being just a vampire thanks." Rebekah replied and Klaus and Elijah both laughed at her comment. The siblings decided to retire for the night and said their goodbyes each heading to their respective bedrooms.
Katherine woke up in a mood, she knew exactly what the day held. First, she would bathe, then eat breakfast and then the witch would come back to teach them. Katherine was not happy, she sat with an upset look on her face all throughout breakfast. She ate quietly and then proceeded to the parlour to await the arrival of the person who had her in such a foul mood. When Hayley arrived, she had noticed Katherine's change in behaviour, yesterday the girl was bubbly and eager to learn and today she seemed so distant. "Katherine sweetie, are you alright?" Hayley asked. "Just fine!" Katherine snapped and was shocked at her behaviour. "Katherine! That is no way for a young lady to behave!" Hayley reprimanded the girl and Katherine shot her a death look with a scowl to match. She just huffed and refused to participate in the day's lesson.
When the lessons were done, Hayley went to find Elijah, she had to discuss Katherine's sudden outbursts with him. She found him in the office. "Mr Elijah, I would like to discuss a pressing issue with you." Hayley proceeded to inform Elijah about Katherine. "Well, this is entirely new to me, Katherine has never acted this way before. She is usually such a happy child and very mature for her age." Elijah stated as he exited the office with Hayley in tow. Katherine watched the two from the banister on the first floor. "I just don't have any idea why she would act this way…perhaps I…" Hayley said nervously. "I assure you Miss Marshal, this is no fault of yours. I will have a word with Katherine tonight." Elijah reassured Hayley placing a hand on her shoulder much to the pleasure for the older girl and the displeasure of the girl who was currently crouched down spying on her teacher and her crush. 'She told on me!" Katherine thought. 'Now Mr Elijah is going to be angry…what if he doesn't like me anymore…' Katherine was furious with Hayley now.
Hayley had left some two hours ago and Elijah wondered how to approach Katherine to investigate the problem. He looked at the time, Katherine was late for their music lesson. 'Strange, she is never late…' Elijah thought. He woke up from his place at the piano and decided to look for his student. He searched the bedrooms, kitchen, front yard, everywhere until he found her in the parlour seated on the rug in front of the fire, she had been crying. "Katherine love, there you are I was worried when you did not attend our lesson…" Elijah spoke softly. "Mr Elijah…I'm sorry, I did not realise I was late. I will come now." Katherine said, wiping her face and standing up. "Katherine…is something the matter dear?" "No, Mr Elijah, everything is fine, I will go now." "Katherine love, you were crying…" Elijah stated and Katherine hung her head. She dried the last of her tears and forced a smile, "No, Mr Elijah, I am fine now, I was sad but I am ok now really…" Elijah knew better but he decided to accept the explanation he did not want to force the girl, she would tell him in time what was bothering her.
Throughout the lesson, Katherine was nervous and distracted. Elijah noticed how unfocused she was. Simple pieces that she had mastered long ago she was now playing off-key. "Katherine love, look at me." Elijah said gently as he turned the girl to face him. "Katherine, are you sure there is nothing bothering you?" "Not at all!" the girl responded and looked down, hanging her head. "Love, you can tell me if something is wrong, you know you can always talk to me…" Elijah comforted the little girl who at this moment considered telling her crush her feelings, but she decided against it instead nodding her head in response. "Ok I think that's enough music for today…maybe tomorrow you will feel better and you'll be back to playing like a professional." Elijah smirked and this made Katherine smile. The sad eight-year-old ran off, and Elijah sat at the piano pondering about what might have upset the poor girl. Deep in thought, Elijah almost failed to notice the knock at his door. It was Josie. "Master Elijah, Master Klaus would like to see you in the parlour immediately." "Ah, thank you Josie, I'll be on my way shortly." The maid nodded in response and left. 'Now what does he want…' Elijah thought as he made his way to the parlour.
Elijah entered the parlour and saw his sister seated and his brother standing with a drink in hand. "Niklaus, you so gracefully had me summoned. What is it brother?" Elijah asked taking a seat next to Rebekah. "Ah, yes remember those investors we met with the other day. Well they are interested in investing. We just have to show them that we are a somewhat normal family." Klaus stated and his siblings looked at him with utter shock. "And just how do you propose we come across as a 'normal' family?" Rebekah asked sceptically. "I was thinking…we host a ball!"
Well at least the chapters aren't taking too long this time. I will definitely try to have more chapters up asap. Thank you for taking the time to read this fic and please be kind enough to leave a review. Any comments and suggestions can be done via my Instagram delena_revengero. The story will progress to the future soon so do stay tuned. Peace and love always…xoxo…Delena Revengero.