Here are some answers first, Annabelle won't become a vampire and about how old she looks like in the future, you will see that in this chapter. I wanted to write a little bit about what happens to all of them before the present time. Please let me know if you want more of these chapters or should I just skip to the 21st century? And as you can probably tell, I'm not a historian, so I'm sorry about all the inaccuracy.

Chapter 23

Dear brother

France 1662

I was very excited when Klaus helped me out from the carriage. We were finally here. I saw a huge mansion and a beautiful garden.

"Rebekah certainly have a good taste", Klaus said looking at the mansion.

"Yes she does", Elijah said stepping out as well.

I was looking forward to see Rebekah again. We had met in England few decades ago and I liked her. Maybe she wasn't very sensitive but at least she was honest. I would never forget her reply when Elijah introduced me to her and told her that I was Klaus' wife.

"You have my deepest condolences."

Klaus definitely wasn't happy about that and his expression was really worth seeing. The memory made me smile.

"What is so amusing, sweetheart?" Klaus asked.

I shook my head and signed to him that I was just happy to be here.

"Yes, this is definitely a nice change."

A servant approached us and Klaus told him in fluent French that we were here to see the mistress of the house. We were guided to a gorgeous parlor. Rebekah arrived soon wearing an emerald gown that emphasized her eyes and her long blond hair. She was smiling.

"Nik", she said when she kissed Klaus' cheeks. "Elijah."

Then she turned to me.

"Annabelle."

She kissed my cheeks as well and I greeted her with a smile and a nod.

"Your journey went well, I trust?" she said.

"It was long", Klaus replied.

"And how are things in England?"

"Well, I am sure you have heard about King Charles' return. And I heard that this King Louis is planning some major changes in here", Elijah said.

Klaus sighed.

"Must we talk about politics right away? We just arrived and I am sure my wife would like something to eat."

"Of course", Rebekah said. "The dinner is already served for you."

I actually wasn't that hungry but I thanked her with a smile. I looked around when Rebekah led us to the dining room. This place was truly beautiful. The decoration was very different than what I have seen before. She had many oil color paintings, ornamental chandeliers and lovely rugs. Each piece of furniture also had many small details. I really loved to travel. It was so interesting to see new places.

We had moved few times in England during the last century but I had never been in France before. The journey here was long but I enjoyed every moment. I just hoped that Klaus wouldn't be so overprotective. He seemed to think that I was completely helpless. The dinner was very nice and I enjoyed listening Elijah telling Rebekah about the resent development in England's domestic policy. Rebekah didn't seem very interested though. She wanted to know what the English noblewomen were wearing nowadays. She seemed to enjoy living in France.

We were just finishing our dinner when I heard loud giggling. I looked at the door and saw a young man and two women whose gowns had very revealing neckline. I could see half of their breasts. The man had wrapped his arms around both of the women. There was a grin on his face.

"Well, well. Look who's here", he said.

"I told you not to bring any more of your whores here", Rebekah said angrily.

The man was about to say something but Klaus spoke first.

"So, you did not see fit to mention that he is here?"

"I was planning to tell you after the dinner", Rebekah replied.

Klaus seemed very tense. The man smirked.

"It is nice to see you too brother", he said.

"Kol", Elijah greeted him.

"Elijah", he replied and turned his gaze to me. His smirk grew wider.

"And what have we here?"

I looked at him curiously. So he was Klaus' brother.

"Watch your tongue", Klaus said coldly. "She is my wife."

Kol seemed amused.

"Hmm, Rebekah told me about that but I could not believe it."

He walked to me and kissed my hand.

"Enchanté mon chéri. And what is your name?"

"Her name is Annabelle", Elijah said. "She can not speak."

Kol smirked.

"Really now? Well, that is not a bad thing. Such a beautiful woman needs no words."

Klaus wrapped his arm around me possessively.

"Careful, brother", he said menacingly.

"Of course, I was merely being polite", Kol said innocently. "But, now I must ask you all to excuse me, I have some unfinished business."

He turned back to the women who were smiling seductively. They said something to him in French, I think it was something like "catch us if you can", and ran away giggling.

"I love this country…" he murmured and went after them.

Rebekah seemed very annoyed.

"I have told him over and over again, not in my house, but does he listen? No."

"How long have he been here?" Klaus asked.

"He arrived a month ago", Rebekah replied.

"Hmm. I think Annabelle needs some rest now, this has been a long day."

I really hated when he did that. Spoke about me like I wouldn't be there at all. Rebekah called a maid to show us our room. I barely had time to sign good night to Elijah and Rebekah when Klaus took my hand and practically dragged me with him. I waited until we were alone before I yanked my hand away. He didn't like me to disobey him in front of other people. He had never been violent towards me but I didn't want to intentionally make him angry. I asked him what was wrong.

"Nothing", he replied tensely. "It was a surprise to see my brother. That is all."

I asked him did he have some quarrel with his brother.

"That is…complicated."

He didn't continue and I didn't want to pressure him. I caressed his cheek hoping to help him to relax. I could tell that he was upset. He smiled and kissed my hand.

"My sweet Annabelle. I believe I will take a walk before going to bed."

I knew what that meant but I just nodded.

"Perhaps it will be a long walk so I want you to sleep in Elijah's room tonight."

I asked him why I couldn't sleep here. He looked gloomy.

"Because I do not trust my brother."

I stared at him and asked didn't he trust me. He sighed.

"Yes, but as I said, I do not trust Kol. You will sleep in Elijah's room and that is final."

I knew that he wouldn't change his mind so I didn't bother to argue. And besides, I didn't mind spending some time alone with Elijah. I just didn't appreciate what Klaus was implying.

"Annabelle, I am only thinking what is best for you", he said and kissed me. "Wait here until Elijah comes, I will see you in the morning."

There wasn't really anything to say so I just nodded. When he left I sat beside a dressing table and looked my reflection in the mirror. 162 years had passed and I still looked the same than the day Klaus and Elijah drained me. Something happened to my body that day that I still can't explain. We all noticed that after Klaus and I had been married few years. I didn't age. And my wounds were healing faster now. I still felt pain and my body required food and sleep. And Klaus made sure that I had some of his blood in my system all the time, just in case. It seemed that I really was stuck in this body for good.