Answers to lovelifegymnastics and susl, in the beginning of the story, she is 8 now she is 9 and she is a vessel. There will be more details about her later.
Chapter 11
She's so lovely
I sat on a chair in the library looking at Klaus. He was furious. He had killed a poor servant who had just tried to ask him something. All of his vampire lackeys were in the woods with Elijah hunting for Katerina so it was just the two of us.
"What are you staring at?" he asked angrily.
I turned my head away. I didn't want to make him any angrier.
"I meant what I said little girl, if my brother will not bring back what he took from me, I will take something from him."
I stood up really hoping that I could speak. I tried to explain to him with my hands that he was wrong. Elijah hadn't told anything to Katerina.
"What are you doing?" he asked annoyed.
Then it hit me. I could write. I went to the desk trying to get some paper when he stepped in front of me.
"What do you think you are doing?"
I looked into his eyes and took his hand. He didn't yank it away immediately so I tried to mimic writing by making patterns to his palm with my finger. He stared at me emotionlessly.
"You want to write?"
I nodded.
"Fine, write then."
I nodded gratefully and took a piece of paper, quill and a bottle of ink.
Elijah told nothing to Katerina. I was with him since he left here. I believe it was Trevor. He heard your conversation.
I gave the paper to him. He read it and looked at me.
"Why would have Trevor told her?"
I placed both my hands on my chest above my heart.
"Hmm, I see. He had always been an idiot but falling for my doppelganger… Well, I better have a word with him. You will stay here."
I nodded. He yelled to a servant to bring his horse. I waited. And waited. I tried to read but I couldn't concentrate. I was worried about Elijah. I really hoped that Klaus had believed me. It was morning when they finally came back. At least some of them. Elijah came to the library and lifted me in his arms.
"Everything is alright", he murmured.
I hugged him tightly and tried to ask him what happened. He had learned to understand my signs quite well so he put me down and kneeled next to me.
"Katerina managed to escape. And she is a vampire now, which means that Niklaus can never…"
He looked serious. I nodded.
"As you can imagine, he is furious so he went after her. Her and Trevor. I do not know when he is coming back."
I nodded again and pointed at him and myself. He smiled sadly and took me in his arms.
"Do not worry Annabelle, everything will be alright."
...
8 years later
"You look beautiful my lady", Jane said when she brushed my long black hair. "I heard there is another suitor for you."
I smiled. Yes, lord William. He was very rich and charming but it didn't matter. I wasn't going to leave Elijah. He was my family. I owed him my loyalty. Jane helped me to get dressed for dinner. I was wearing a pale blue gown and a corset which I hated. It made my breasts almost pop up. This body had certainly changed a lot during last few years. When I walked across the hallway to the dining room I noticed people staring at me. It happened often now and I really didn't like it. And I certainly didn't like the way these men were looking at me.
"Good evening lady Annabelle", Samuel said smiling.
I nodded and smiled politely. Unfortunately he didn't ignore me anymore. He was always following me around. So was Thomas and most of the other vampire lackeys. I was very grateful for Elijah's protection. At least none of them dared to touch me.
"Annabelle", Elijah said smiling when I got to the dining room.
I kissed his cheek and he pulled out a chair for me. It was just the two of us as usually. Klaus stayed mostly by himself. He had ever since he had come back few years ago. He hadn't been able to find Katerina but I heard rumors that he had slaughtered her entire family in Bulgaria. He had definitely changed. I hadn't seen him very often, since he was always hunting or drinking in some tavern. Elijah said that he would get over it after few decades.
"Lord William sent you another gift", Elijah said. "Some more jewelry."
I sighed. Elijah smiled.
"You know, most young ladies would be flattered for such attention."
I shook me head. I definitely didn't need any attention.
"He has invited us to his ball. Do you wish to go?"
I shrugged.
"Well, perhaps that would be a nice change. What do you think?"
I didn't want to disappoint him so I nodded. I pointed at him demandingly. He smiled.
"Yes, I promise to protect you from any suitors who are too eager."
I smiled and hugged him. It would be fun to dance with him. Elijah was a very good dancer. And I liked being close to him.
"I will ask if Niklaus wish to come as well but I doubt that."
I nodded. He hadn't been in any social functions for a long time so why would he want to go to this ball? But maybe it would be good for him to go out and socialize with people. After the dinner I went with Elijah to the library. I spent a lot of time there reading. Surprisingly Klaus was there as well. He seemed to be drunk as usually. And he was in a bad mood.
"Good evening brother", Elijah greeted him.
"Hmm", he murmured.
"It is actually good that you are here, I was meaning to ask would you like to come to Lord Williams's ball with me and Annabelle…"
"No", Klaus interrupted him annoyed.
"Alright, I understand."
Klaus grabbed some books and headed to the door but he was so drunk that he managed to drop them. I kneeled to pick them up for him. When I raised my head I saw him staring at me. My neckline to be exact. His stare made me very uncomfortable so I handed him the books and quickly moved to the armchair.
"So you are both going to this ball?" Klaus asked.
"Yes", Elijah replied. He sounded surprised.
"Hmm, perhaps I will come with you."
Elijah tapped his shoulder.
"Good for you brother. You should meet some new people and socialize."
"Yes", he murmured. "Socializing sounds good." He looked at me and smiled. "Good night Annabelle, I hope you will save a dance for me."
I smiled and nodded although I still didn't like the way he was looking at me. Somehow it scared me.