This chapter is rated M, just in case.

Chapter 22

To have and to hold

I held still when the maids were getting me ready. My wedding gown was made of ivory silk and the bodice was decorated with small diamonds. It must have cost a fortune. Klaus shouldn't have spent so much money on my gown. The maids were just plaiting some daisies on my hair. I would also have a long veil. I was confused. All of this felt so strange.

Of course I knew what marriage meant but there were still many things I couldn't understand. But I suppose it was generous of Klaus for offering to do this. I didn't think that I was the kind of mate he would have chosen so this was probably just a formality. I didn't expect anything from him. He and Elijah offered me a protection and I was grateful for that.

When the maids were finished they left, wishing me a joyful wedding day. They were all very polite. I couldn't really understand why but I certainly didn't mind. I sat on my bed and waited for Elijah. I was very nervous. Finally the door opened and he walked in. He looked at me and smiled.

"Annabelle…You look so beautiful."

I smiled and thanked him.

"Are you ready?"

I nodded when I suddenly remembered something. I went to my dressing table and picked up the sapphire necklace he had given to me. I wanted to wear it today.

"Here, let me help", Elijah said.

I turned around and lifted my hair. I had always liked this necklace, not just because it was beautiful but because Elijah had given it to me. I hugged him before he helped me with the veil. I squished his hand tightly when we walked to the hall. It was full of people and it had been decorated with pennants, ribbons and flowers. The altar had been built on the middle of the hall. I saw Klaus and a serious looking cleric standing there.

Everyone turned to look at me when I walked across the room. I was probably squishing Elijah's hand so hard that I was surprised he didn't try to yank it away. He was just smiling at me calmingly. I was more than grateful for his presence. And I was also grateful that no one could see my face under the veil.

When we reached the altar, Klaus held out his hand for me and I took it. The ceremony itself didn't last very long. I promised to honor and obey him; he promised to treasure and protect me. Few litanies in Latin and that was it. We were married. Everyone cheered. Klaus lifted my veil and kissed my cheek.

"I shall safe the rest for tonight", he whispered and smirked.

It took a moment before I realized what he meant. I felt stupid for not thinking about it before. Of course he wanted to consummate this marriage. I swallowed. I didn't know how that thing worked. No one had explained it to me. I felt very tense. I couldn't really enjoy the wedding feast. There was plenty of food, drinks and music. Everyone else seemed to have a good time, although Klaus seemed impatient. There were a lot of toasts, speeches, gifts and so on. Apparently Klaus had many wealthy friends who wanted to impress him with their gifts.

"To lord Niklaus and his lovely bride!"

I raised my class to another toast and forced myself to smile, although my jaw hurt. I tried to look for Elijah but he was talking with some of the guests. I startled when I felt someone touching my shoulder.

"I believe we have celebrated enough", Klaus whispered into my ear. He took my hand and started to lead me to the door.

"Thank you all for coming, now I will bid you good night!" he said and lifted me in his arms.

I felt uncomfortable when some of the men started to grin and cheer him on. I tried to tell him to put me down but he carried me all the way to his chamber.

"Finally", he said when he closed the door.

I looked at him insecurely waiting for some kind of instructions. I didn't know what he expected of me. He smiled and caressed my cheek.

"There is no reason to look so scared my sweet."

I signed to him that I didn't know what he wanted me to do. Apparently he understood me.

"Do not worry, I will show you."

I nodded.

"But first, I have a very special wedding gift for you my sweet Annabelle."

He looked very pleased with himself.

"The people who wanted to hurt you…well, you do not have to worry about them anymore."

I asked what he meant.

"I had a nice conversation with this…what was his name again, Sebastian."

I couldn't help but startle when I heard that name. Klaus smiled.

"He and his friends will never bother you again."

I asked how he could know that.

"Oh, they have other things to worry about now. Like being eaten by worms."

I stared at him.

"Yes, they are dead. I took care of that myself."

I couldn't believe it. They were gone… I had never felt so relieved. I signed him thank you and hugged him.

"There is no need to thank me, my sweet", he said. "It was my wedding gift for you."

I nodded. He looked at me and grinned.

"Now, we can finally get to the best part."

Klaus pressed his lips on mine and kissed me hungrily. I tried my best to mimic what he was doing. That made him chuckle.

"You really are a fast learner. I like that."

He seemed to enjoy what I was doing so I continued. I felt his hands caressing my back. He turned me around and started to untie my corset. He dropped it on the floor and wrapped his arms around me. It was strange to feel his hands touching my bare breasts.

"My sweet Annabelle…" he murmured. I felt his lips on my neck.

Suddenly he turned me around again and started to kiss me. My hands went on his chest. I startled when my feet didn't touch the floor anymore. He moved me on the bed so quickly that I didn't even have time to blink. He leaned towards me and touched my face.

"What is it about you…" he murmured before he continued kissing me.

He was too impatient to remove my gown so he just ripped it off me. I wondered would he be sorry when he would remember how expensive it was. Those thoughts vanished when I felt his hand on my most private part. I had never felt anything like it before. I closed my eyes but I could feel his gaze.

"Look at me", he said so I opened my eyes.

I gasped in pain when he entered me. He was very gentle but it still hurt. Fortunately the pain didn't last long.

"Are you alright?" he asked.

I nodded so he continued. It wasn't unpleasant and he certainly seemed to enjoy it. I didn't even mind him biting my neck. Finally he lied down beside me looking very pleased.

"You belong to me now", he said. "And you always will. Now and forever."

I wanted to say to him that forever is a long time but I was too exhausted so sign. I really doubted that he would want to be with me that long.