Part 5
Elijah looked around as he entered the throne hall with his siblings, Alina and Lucien. He had never seen anything like this before. The stone walls were very tall and the windows were large. There were stone pillars, chandeliers, hundreds of candles, armed guards, musicians, servants and people wearing finest silks and jewelry. The center of the attention was the man sitting on the throne. He seemed somewhat bored as he greeted the people who were bowing at him.
"There," Lucien said. "You see the Count de Martel? When you speak to him, you should speak of hunting. He loves his hawks and his hounds. And… Um… May I suggest you bow deep, my lady Rebekah, he also relishes a healthy cleavage."
"Shall I also bow deep?" Alina asked.
"No, sweetheart," Elijah replied tensely.
"Oh. Why not? Don't I have cleavage?"
Rebekah hid her smile behind her hand.
"Do you know what that means, sweetie?"
Alina bit her bottom lip.
"No, but I have a pretty dress now."
"Yes, you do," Lucien said. "You look lovely, my lady."
She smiled, looking proud of herself.
"Thank you, Lucien. I like you."
"Thank you, my lady, I'm happy to hear that."
Curiously she looked around and squeezed Elijah's hand.
"Do I look pretty, papa?" she asked.
Elijah smiled as he looked at her and touched her hair. She looked adorable in her little gown.
"Yes, you do. Just remember what we talked about, alright?"
She nodded.
"I will, papa."
Kol, Niklaus and Finn were all staring up at the ceiling, still amazed by everything they were seeing.
"For God's sake, all of you, stop looking up," Lucien huffed and quickly brushed a lock of stray hair off Kol's shoulder before turning his back on him.
Kol's eyes narrowed as he leaned towards the servant.
"Touch me again and I'll tear your arms straight off," he whispered so quietly that Alina couldn't hear him. His siblings however could.
"Behave, Kol," Finn stated coolly. "I won't ask again."
"This isn't going to work, is it?" Rebekah muttered nervously as they approached the throne.
"Just speak as we practiced," Lucien replied. "And know that you look lovely, my lady. Almost as lovely as the little lady."
Alina let go of Elijah's hand and moved between Rebekah and Lucien.
"Are you worried, brother?" Niklaus whispered to Elijah. Obviously he had noticed that Elijah didn't like this whole plan at all.
"We are placing our lives in the hands of a stranger, Niklaus," Elijah replied tensely. "My daughter's life."
"I will never let anything bad happen to Alina," Niklaus assured. "None of us will. You can count on that."
"Yes, you can, brother," Finn added.
Elijah pressed his lips together, he still didn't like this. They all stopped in front of the throne, Lucien took a step forward and bowed.
"Lucien, you were sent to fetch the Count de Guise," Count de Martel stated.
"Indisposed, Your Grace," Lucien replied. "Gout. May I present his children." Lucien paused and turned to look at Elijah and his siblings. "The Lords Finn, Niklaus, Elijah and Kol. Also the lovely Ladies Rebekah and Alina."
The Count stared at them suspiciously for a brief moment before standing up.
"Your father never mentioned you to me in all our dealings."
A brief, but very uncomfortable silence followed his words, Elijah noticed Lucien swallowing nervously. Before anyone managed to say anything, Alina moved next to Lucien and bowed at the Count.
"It is an honor to meet you," she said, just as Lucien had taught. "You have a very big home."
The Count raised an eyebrow, but Elijah had already found the right words to say.
"Yes, Your Grace, do forgive us. Father was forever distant with his travels and we were largely raised by servants. However, I do know that father would consider it a glorious honor that we should be introduced to society by your noble hand, Your Grace."
"Your Grace," Niklaus continued almost as soon as Elijah had finished. "I look forward to hearing tales of your hunting escapades. Father said that you are the greatest hunter he has ever met."
The Count looked pleased, especially when Niklaus gestured to Rebekah.
"May I present our sister?"
Elijah tensed when he saw the nervousness on Rebekah's face as she stepped forward and bowed deep.
"Rebekah de Guise de Rochefort en Seine," she said softly and smiled at the Count. "Charmed."
The Count was smiling as well when he stared at Rebekah's cleavage.
"You are most welcome to Marseille, my lady."
"Thank you, Your Grace."
The Count nodded and glanced at Alina who had taken Lucien's hand.
"The child is also Count de Guise's?"
"No, Your Grace, she is actually my daughter," Elijah said.
"Where is her mother?"
"Deceased, Your Grace," Elijah replied as calmly as he could.
"Hmm, how unfortunate. Well, you still have plenty of time to find a new one who will give you useful children. Sons, that is."
Elijah had to struggle to stay calm.
"Yes, Your Grace."
From the corner of his eye, he saw the hurt on Alina's face and wanted immediately to pick her up. Unfortunately he couldn't do that, not yet.
"Lucien can take the child to her nursemaid," the Count stated carelessly.
"Sadly her nursemaid passed away during our journey."
"Ah." The Count paused and glanced at Lucien. "Take care of the child until Lord Elijah finds her a new nursemaid."
"Yes, Your Grace," Lucien replied and bowed.
It seemed that the Count didn't like children; he was basically telling Lucien to take Alina out of his sight. Elijah clenched his fists, he was about to tell the Count what he thought of him, but Niklaus touched his shoulder before he managed to do that. Lucien picked Alina up and looked at Elijah.
"I will get her something to eat, my lord," Lucien said quietly.
Somehow Elijah managed to nod.
"Yes, thank you."
Alina wrapped her little arms around Lucien's neck as he carried her out of the throne hall.
"Now, where were we?" The Count said. "Ah yes, your introduction to society… Perhaps that can be arranged, if that is what your father wishes."
"It is, Your Grace," Niklaus replied.
"Hmm. I will throw a feast tonight; you are all invited, of course."
"That would be an honor, Your Grace."
Elijah certainly didn't want to participate, but again, he didn't have much choice. They were nobles now and they had to play their part. If he would be able to do that, Alina would have a roof over her head and a comfortable bed to sleep in. If that meant that Elijah had to tolerate the Count, then he would do that. No matter how much he already disliked the man.