She is 17 here and normally I want my characters to be at least 18 but since in this time period people were considered adults sooner than now, I thought she might be 17. Thank you for all your feedback, please let me know if you have any suggestions. Rating may change to M later, I'm not sure yet.

Chapter 12

About men

Klaus looked at his brother who was just coming back from his ride. The girl had been with him. She was riding her own horse now. She was wearing a green riding dress and she had plaited her long hair. She was smiling at Elijah when he helped her down.

When had that little girl grown up and how hadn't he notice that? Soft skin, gorgeous bosom, long silky hair, big blue eyes… She was beautiful. Klaus really wanted to know had Elijah made her his lover yet. Probably, why else would he keep her around? Perhaps his brother would be willing to share… He really wanted to have a taste of her.

...

It was a stormy night. I was nervous about the ball. It would be tomorrow night. I didn't really like those events. I liked it more when it was just me and Elijah. I knew I couldn't dance just with him so I had to be prepared to another night of boring conversations. Fortunately all I had to do was smile and nod. Those men would probably be busy staring at my breasts anyway. It wouldn't matter to them if I was listening to them or not. And besides, I could handle them. It was Klaus who worried me. I really didn't like the way he was looking at me now.

I felt restless so I probably wouldn't be able to sleep. Usually in nights like this I sneaked into Elijah's chamber and fell asleep listening to his voice when he read something to me. I was only wearing my long white nightgown but I didn't think I would run into anyone. I knocked Elijah's door before I opened it. He was in bed.

"You can not sleep?" he asked.

I shook my head and curled up next to him like I often did and leaned my head to his chest. I started to move so would find more comfortable position. Suddenly I felt his body tensing. I looked at him to see if I had hurt him or something. He looked very uncomfortable.

"Listen Annabelle, I have been meaning to have this conversation with you…"

I looked at him closely. I could tell that this was something important.

"I do not think that you should sleep in my bed anymore", he said.

Had I done something to upset him? I started to sign to him that I was sorry but he stopped me.

"No, no, you have not done anything wrong. But you are not a child anymore and there are certain things you should know. About men."

I was confused and he seemed more and more uncomfortable.

"You must understand that men have… urges. And you are a very beautiful young woman so you must be careful…"

What was he trying to say? Urges… Oh right, he must be talking about the mating thing. If I have understood correctly he wanted that with me. I didn't know what I should do but I was sure that he would guide me through it. I lied down and started to lift my nightgown. He grabbed my hand. I looked at him trying to understand what I was doing wrong. He looked distressed.

"No, I did not mean that I would ask you to… It would be wrong of me you take advantage of you like that. Do you understand what I am saying?"

I didn't. I looked at him insecurely and pointed at myself. He smiled and touched my face.

"There is nothing wrong with you, absolutely nothing. This just does not feel right to me. I suppose I still see you as that little girl I found from the woods. As my…child."

I slowly began to understand what he meant. It made me respect him even more. I smiled and kissed his cheek before I stood up.

"Good night Annabelle", he said smiling warmly.

I went to the hallway and headed to my room when someone suddenly grabbed me and dragged me around the corner. I saw Klaus standing in front of me. I could smell the alcohol when he leaned closer.

"Forgive me if I scared you sweetheart", he said smirking. "But you should know that it is not safe for someone like you to walk around here all alone in the middle of the night." He looked at me from head to toes. "Especially when you are wearing…so little."

I was very uncomfortable and I didn't want to look at him. He touched my cheek and lifted my chin.

"I can take you to my chamber", he whispered. "I promise that you will be safe there."

I shook my head trying to look polite.

"Why not?" he asked annoyed.

I tried to sign to him that I was tired but he didn't understand my signs like Elijah. He pushed me against the wall, not roughly but it still made me shiver. He leaned closer and caressed my cheek.

"How about a kiss then?"

Before I could do anything he pulled me closer and pressed his lips on mine. It felt strange. His tongue was moving inside my mouth. I didn't move until he let me go.

"Hmm", he said licking his lips. "That was your first, was it not? Who would have known…"

I left as quickly as I could.

"Good night my sweet Annabelle, we shall continue this soon", he said after me. I didn't stop before I was in my room. I felt very confused.