Chapter 8

Katerina

"You certainly look pretty, little one. I am sure Lord Elijah will be pleased."

I smiled at the maid who had helped me to get ready. Her name was Jane and she had always been kind to me. Many maids were rude to me, probably because they thought that I couldn't hear them or at least I couldn't tell anyone. They couldn't understand why Elijah was so kind to me. Of course they didn't dare to be rude when he was present. Not that it mattered to me; they could say and think what ever they wanted. I couldn't help but spun around couple of times. The dress was really beautiful. It was bronze silk. Jane had brushed my hair and made me a nice plait coiffure. I smiled at her and touched her hand.

"You are welcome", she said.

There was a knock on the door.

"Yes?" Jane said.

The door opened and Elijah walked in. Jane bowed.

"My lord."

Elijah looked at me.

"You look beautiful Annabelle", he said smiling.

I smiled too and touched Jane's hand again.

"Yes, good work", Elijah said to her.

"Thank you, my lord."

Elijah held out his hand for me.

"Shall we then?"

I took his hand and we walked to the hall. It was full of people wearing gorgeous clothes. There were candles everywhere and the fire was burning in the fireplace. There was also a plenty of food and drinks. Klaus certainly knew how to celebrate his birthday. I couldn't see him anywhere in the hall. Many people wanted to talk with Elijah so I just stayed close to him and listened. I saw Trevor approaching him.

"Ah, good evening Trevor", Elijah said. "I am pleased you could join us."

"I could not miss the birthday celebration", he replied smiling.

"No considering the gift you claim to bear."

Trevor looked very pleased with himself. So Elijah knew about his gift then. I was curious as well.

"Where is this mystery girl of which you speak?" Elijah asked.

"Right this way", Trevor said and turned. Elijah and I followed him. He walked to a woman who was wearing a purple gown. Her back was turned so I didn't see her face. She had a curly dark brown hair. Trevor touched her shoulder.

"My dear", he said.

She turned around and smiled at Elijah politely.

"Hello", she said.

Elijah looked stunned. I never remembered seeing him like that. She looked at him expectantly, still smiling.

"Forgive me, you remind me of someone", Elijah managed to say.

Was that the reason why he was so stunned? Trevor seemed to be on top of things.

"Katerina, may I introduce the Lord Elijah."

She looked a little surprised. "Pleasure, my lord", she said and bowed.

"The pleasure's mine, Katerina", Elijah said quickly and kissed her hand.

I looked at this woman. She was young and beautiful. She seemed insecure so I guessed she hadn't got used to being in this kind of events. Elijah didn't seem to get his eyes off her. I touched his hand softly. Apparently he had forgotten me completely.

"Katerina, this is Annabelle", he said.

She smiled at me kindly.

"Hello Annabelle."

I smiled too and nodded.

"She can not speak", Elijah explained.

Katerina looked at me compassionately.

"Is she your daughter my lord?" she asked.

"No, she is an orphan. I am looking after her."

"That is so kind of you my lord."

Elijah smiled. Trevor cleared his throat. Elijah gave him an annoyed look.

"Forgive me my lord; will your brother be here soon?"

"Yes, I believe so", Elijah replied. "Excuse us Trevor."

He was about to say something but apparently changed his mind.

"Of course", he murmured and left.

Elijah continued talking with Katerina. He seemed very interested about her. She told him that she was from Bulgaria and she had just arrived to England. She seemed like a sweet girl. A little naïve maybe, but sweet.

"So where is this mysterious host I've heard so much about?" she asked.

"Fashionably late," Elijah replied. "He likes to make an entrance."

I looked around but Klaus didn't seem to be here yet.

"Here he is", Elijah said and pointed towards the stairs.

It took a moment before I saw Klaus walking amongst the guests. He was wearing a blue shirt. He greeted some of his guests politely until he noticed Katerina. I could saw a slight change in his expression. He looked very pleased and maybe a little surprised. He didn't stop staring at her when he approached us. I found that interesting. There was definitely something going on here that I couldn't see. Elijah introduced Klaus to Katerina and he kissed her hand holding his gaze. Katerina was looking at him shyly. His gaze was probably making her uncomfortable.

"From where have you come, Katerina?" Klaus asked.

"I'm new to town, my lord", she replied.

"Katerina is from Bulgaria", Elijah said.

Klaus' lips curved into a smirk.

"Zdravei, Katerina", he said.

She seemed happy to hear her native language.

"Very good."

Klaus smiled at her.

"Do you mind brother", he said turning to Elijah. "I would like to have a moment alone with her."

"No, not at all. Happy birthday, brother", Elijah replied. He seemed a little tense.

Klaus held out his hand for Katerina and led her out of the hall. Elijah didn't move before I took his hand. He looked at me smiling.

"Forgive me, I did not mean to ignore you."

I smiled and shook my head. I didn't mind that but I could see that something was bothering him. I was sure that it had something to do with Katerina. Elijah tried his best to be polite to all the guests who wanted to talk to him. Apparently Klaus had just left from his own party. He and Katerina hadn't come back. Elijah looked like he didn't want to be there either so I wanted to help him out. I took his hand and pointed the door. He hesitated for a second but when he saw lord Byron approaching he quickly lifted me up and headed to the door.

"Forgive me lord Byron but little Annabelle is tired so I must take her to her room."

I wasn't really tired but I yawned and tried to look sleepy. Elijah walked to the door before lord Byron could said anything.

"That was close", Elijah murmured. "He certainly is the last person I want to talk to at the moment."

I hoped that he would tell me what was bothering him. He put me down and we walked to my room. He seemed distracted. I took his hand and pointed at him. He smiled but it was a sad smile.

"Katerina reminded me of someone who I lost a long time ago", Elijah said. "Her name was Tatia. And now Niklaus will finally have what he have wanted for centuries…"

I waited for him to continue but he didn't. He looked thoughtful. Suddenly he seemed to remember that I was there.

"It does not matter, forget that I said anything. Good night Annabelle."

I hugged him before he left. What have Klaus wanted for centuries? Something told me that it wasn't anything nice. I should definitely keep my eyes and ears open.