Finally got this one finished! Enjoy! :)
August 1567
Elena sat at the table, her glass of wine shaking slightly in her hands.
Her nerves could not be settled, especially when the man riling them sat across from her, the Valierian scum.
King Salvatore was still away on business, but Stefan had joined them for an early dinner, having finished his duties in time.
He and Ronan were now parting words as Elena stared down at her plate.
After Ronan's threat, she was feeling far less hungry.
His dark eyes had found hers a few times throughout the meal, a knowing smirk crossing each time, taunting her with what he had discovered.
Fear filled her at the thought of being at his mercy, but she could only blame herself.
Usually she and Damon were much more careful.
But the moment had been too pressing, to good, to let slip by.
She remembered his release, dried on her inner leg.
They were being incredibly too risky.
And now, someone knew.
Someone who wanted to use this knowledge for their own personal gain.
Elena wondered again what Ronan would want from her.
Coin, perhaps? Gold? Position?
She looked up at him again, thankful to find that he was in a friendly debate with Stefan over tax pricing.
What if he wanted something else from her?
Something more personal.
She knew the affect that she had on males, she wasn't naive.
She also knew that his gaze had shamelessly ran all over her body when he'd first laid eyes to her.
She took a drink of her wine, trying to relax.
This wouldn't be an issue.
The man had not even recognized Damon at first glance, so she assumed it was unlikely he knew of Damon's power.
She would be safe, if she could get to him.
Damon would know what to do.
"How was your lesson?" Stefan's voice cut into her thoughts.
A perfected smile graced her lips, "Enlightening. Lady Ghett is a fine instructor."
Stefan nodded, "She has been boasted upon by many. Father had her requested specifically."
"Relay to him my gratitude," she offered, and Stefan nodded.
"With any luck, he shall return within the week, and you might tell him personally."
Ronan interjected then, "Where is the good king? I was under impression that he was with whom I was meeting with."
Stefan sighed, "He was called away unfortunately, and deeply regrets having you wait. But I assure you, the issues you've addressed will be of pressing concern, once he has returned."
Ronan leaned in his chair, "I am certain they will. But not to worry, the house of Salvatore has offered much enjoyment. I imagine my stay will be more pleasant than not."
Stefan chuckled, missing the wink Ronan threw at Elena, before nodding, "I would have it no other way, my lord."
The rest of dinner passed painfully slow.
Elena did her best to ignore the sly comments or looks Ronan offered her, and thanked the heavens that Stefan had not picked up on anything to see suspicions raised.
He was standing now, offering to pull back her chair.
She allowed this, and stood, as Stefan turned to Ronan.
"The sun will be set soon. If there is anything you wish before nightfall, see it requested quickly. I trust your room is to your standing?"
"Nothing is faulted," Ronan assured him, "Though, if we are to turn in soon, I would offer to escort the princess upstairs. Surely a man of your stature has a list of things left to do."
Elena tensed, and Stefan seemed to notice.
He offered Ronan a polite smile, "Gratitude for the offer, but I am in need of speaking with Elena, myself, tonight. Perhaps another time?"
Elena relaxed, and Ronan knew enough not to press upon a prince's refusal.
"Very well. Goodnight then."
He courtesied as Stefan took Elena's arm, and opened the door.
He nodded at Ronan in departure.
Elena was beyond relieved when the door closed behind them and she was alone with Stefan.
Her fiance seemed to take note of her discomfort as they reached the staircase.
"Does something trouble you, princess?"
Elena faked a smile, "Nothing of concern."
"Elena-" Stefan prodded.
She sighed, "I suppose Sir de Guildar makes me a tad uncomfortable. As you are aware, he escorted me to dinner, during that time, an unsettled feeling came over me."
Stefan squeezed her arm slightly, as it was looped through his, "Ronan is an intimidating man when he wishes to be. He is, after all, spokesman for Valier's king. But you," he stopped as they reached the second floor landing, "You are much more, Elena. You are the Princess of Mystic, and soon, Queen of Aurelia. Do not let him make you feel inferior."
Elena shook her head, turning to face the prince.
"It is not inferiority that I felt. It was uneasiness. His eyes lingered as they fell upon me, and I found it rather rude, and concerning."
Stefan gave her a soft smile, "But were he the only man that found controlling his gaze so difficult. I can not fault him for finding beauty in you. It is complementary of him to be so taken. Did he offend you with word or touch?"
Elena bit her lip.
She couldn't very well tell Stefan of Ronan's threat.
She swallowed, "No. He did not."
"Then put it from thought," Stefan instructed, "He is a well powered man, and his contentment is important to the success of our future dealings with Valier. If he has not harmed you, then surely his intent was misread. Do not look to seek trouble where it does not exist."
Elena groaned internally, but plastered on her usual contented expression.
"Of course. My apologies."
Stefan nodded, "Nothing to worry. Now, I shall see you at breakfast?"
Elena smiled, "Of course."
Leaning in, Stefan placed a quick kiss to her lips, barely a whisper, than another, more firm, upon her cheek.
"Goodnight, Eleniana."
"Goodnight," Elena offered.
She waited until Stefan had completely descended the stairs before she turned.
Part of her wanted to hurry to her room and hide, but another half feared that Ronan would find her there, alone.
She reached for the amulet at her throat.
Gripping it brought her some comfort.
Damon.
She needed Damon.
He'd know what to do about this situation.
He'd know how to handle Ronan.
But she wasn't sure he'd be back yet.
Perhaps she could wait in his room.
With that decided, she turned away from the platform, and headed down the long hallway to her left.
It was the quickest route to the west wing library, which was easy enough to find, now that she had traveled the route a handful of times.
It was brighter than the hallway.
The curtains were open on the vast window, an orange haze filling the room, as the sun set outside.
She hurried across, to the large bookshelf beyond the desk.
Finding the short metallic binding, she pulled, and threw a glance behind her as the walls opened.
She was still alone.
With a breath of relief she quickly entered the passageway, into the dark, cave like hall.
She quickly looked for the torch, but found the wall upon which it was normally perched, bare.
The door behind her closed.
A chill crept down Elena's spine as she was plunged into a darkness so thick she couldn't see her own two hands.
She took a breath to settle herself.
Then another.
It was a straight path down, she rationalized.
She could easily find the end, even in darkness, if she just walked directly forward.
So she did.
Reaching over, she soon felt the stone of the wall under her palm, and used it as a guide.
She walked, letting her fingers trail over the rock, taking slow deliberate steps.
But then she heard it.
And froze.
Careful footsteps, coming from behind her. She spun around.
Of course, in the dark, she could see nothing.
But the odd sense of being watched sent bumps across her skin.
Fear filled her, and she took a step back.
She hit something solid, and jumped, turning again.
But it was only the wall.
She let out a breath.
This was irrational, becoming fearful like a small child.
She focused herself.
She only needed to reach the end of the tunnel without working up a fright.
She could do that.
She shook her head at how silly she was being.
Then something grabbed her.
Elena screamed louder than she ever had in her life, just in time for a hand to clamp around her mouth, and her back to meet the wall.
She struggled, until a familiar voice called out, "Incendia."
Suddenly, all the torches lined along the tunnel lit up, flames burning where they hadn't before.
Damon stood before her, a smirk on his lips.
"You can really scream," he teased.
Elena pushed him away.
"What in the hell is wrong with you?"
He rose a brow, "You were alone, and I was still cloaked. I decided to have some fun."
"Frightening me to my death is not fun!" She scolded.
Damon's head turned, "I didn't realize you would be so jumpy. Apologies."
Elena sighed, resting her head back against the stone.
"No, it is alright. I just was not expecting you."
Damon smiled, deciding it was safe to move closer to her again.
"Nor was I you. I was actually only coming up to change. Stefan wishes to speak to me, and I agreed to meet with him upon my return. I was going to call on you after."
Elena stiffened, "Did Stefan say what words he wished to break with you?"
"Not yet," Damon told her, his hand moving to hold hers, "Why?"
"Not here," she urged, looking around, "Let us move to your chambers."
Damon agreed easily, pulling her from the wall, and leading her down the very, now, lit pathway.
Once the door was secured behind her, Elena allowed herself to breathe.
Damon released her so he could moved to the hollowed hole on the side of his wall that served as a closet.
"You were saying?" He continued, as he reached for a clean shirt, and pulled the one he wore from his body.
Elena bit her lip.
"Damon...earlier when we...when we were together-"
Damon smirked, "How could I forget?"
He stepped over to her, his hands grasping her waist, "Tell me, have you obeyed the orders I gave you? Do you still wear me on your thighs?"
She sighed into his body as he laid a kiss upon her neck.
"Damon," she started again, pushing him away gently, "Please. We need to talk."
He nodded, backing off, "Alright, what troubles you?"
She took a deep breath, then told him off her encounter with Ronan.
Told him how their secret had been discovered, and her fear of what Ronan would demand of her.
Damon's face grew colder with each word, and Elena could see his eyes burn with the magic in his veins.
"I will kill him," Damon stated slowly, once she had finished, "Thinking, for even a moment, that he could threaten you and not pay a price."
Elena cupped his cheek, "Damon, I do not wish for trouble. I just want him gone. Perhaps when you speak to Stefan..."
"I applaud your optimism," he reached up, grabbing her hands, and brought them to his chest, "But he knows, Elena. One word of this and my brother could have us sent to our deaths, if he so wished. I will not have you in danger. I will not lose you."
She nodded, "I do not wish to lose you either, my love, but I do not know what to do."
Damon kissed her head, "I will take care of this, so do not worry. You will be safe."
She kissed him, shortly, "Thank you."
He smiled, "Of course. Now I am going to see Stefan. I will find out if he suspects anything. Then I will take care of Ronan."
He seemed to think to himself for a moment, "It is a shame he is not of magical blood. The fun I would have with him then."
Elena brushed her fingers through his hair.
"Do what you must. I will await you here."
Damon began to nod, then paused, "Perhaps it better if you wait in your own room, until I come for you. I plan on bringing that bastard back here. You might not wish to see that."
She nodded cautiously, "Of course. But you will summon me...once it is finished?"
Again, Damon kissed her, "After tonight, he will no longer be of concern to you."
She felt safe in Damon's arms.
"Good."
Aaaand done!
Can't wait to see what ya'll think ;)