Part 5

Lucien tensed even more when he turned to his sister; she looked at him apologetically and nodded towards the doors. Laurent was standing next to her, looking as friendly as ever. Lucien really couldn't stand him; he was one of Lord Tristan's loyal lackeys. Lucien had heard that Laurent enjoyed humiliating younger servants and executing their punishments. Just like his master. The bastard was looking at Nadine gloatingly; obviously Lord Tristan had sent him to find her. Lucien was more than concerned, he couldn't think of any reason why Lord Tristan would be upset with Nadine.

He hated that she had to serve him, just as much as he hated himself for not being able to do something to help her. Lucien had asked her more than once if Lord Tristan had hurt her, but she had always assured that he hadn't. Hopefully that was true, Lucien didn't think that he could live with himself if poor Nadine had experienced something like that while he, her brother, did nothing. He was a coward, he knew that, and he was ashamed of it.

For so many years he had served these "noble" lords and he had worked hard to improve his position. Many servants would have given a lot to be in his place. Running away would do nothing except get both him and Nadine tortured and killed. Ending up to the dungeons… Lucien couldn't deny that just the thought was terrifying. But to be honest, that wasn't the only reason why he didn't run away. Aurora. He had worshiped her ever since he had laid eyes on her all those years ago. Of course he knew that he was a fool, but he loved her with all his heart. He tried his best to look reassuring and gave Nadine a brief nod before she hurried to the hallway. Focus… It was time to put on a show and he really needed to be convincing.

"Where did your protector go?" Kol asked when they approached the throne.

"To her master," Lucien muttered tensely.

"Who is that?"

"The count's son." Lucien paused and nervously moved a stray hair from Kol's face before turning around. He really, really needed to focus…

"Touch me again and I'll rip your arms straight off," Kol stated, his tone of voice was more than threatening.

Lucien swallowed and tried to pull himself together, for a brief moment he had forgotten who he was dealing with.

"Behave, Kol," Finn snorted. "Or I'll bury you in the ground to rot."

"I would like to see you try…"

"Enough, Kol," Elijah hissed.

"This isn't going to work, is it?" Rebekah murmured.

"It will," Lucien assured. "You look lovely, my lady."

Quickly he stepped in front of the throne and bowed.

"Lucien," Count de Martel stated. "You were sent to fetch the Count de Quise."

"Indisposed, your grace. Gout." Lucien paused and gestured the four men and the woman behind him. "May I present his children, the lords Finn, Niklaus, Elijah and Kol. Also the lovely Lady Rebekah."

Count de Martel observed them intently and stood up.

"Your father never mentioned you to me in all our dealings," he stated sharply, a note of suspicion clear in his voice.

An ominous silence followed his words; Lucien was struggling to hide his nervousness. Someone really needed to say something and fast. Elijah was the one who took the lead.

"Yes, your grace, do forgive us," he said smiling politely and moved in front of the throne. "Father was always distant with his travels; we were largely raised by servants. However I do know that father would consider it a glorious honor if we would be introduced to the society by your…noble hand, your grace."

He was good; Lucien had to give him that, although he certainly hadn't forgotten that this man had wanted him dead.

"Your grace," Niklaus said, following his brother's example. "I look forward hearing tales of your hunting escapades, father often told us what an accomplished hunter you are."

Appealing to the count's vanity was a smart move; Lucien could tell that it was working.

"Really?" Count de Martel stated. "Do you hunt, Lord Niklaus?"

"Yes, your grace, I have ever since I was a child. Nothing gives me greater pleasure."

The count seemed amused.

"I doubt you mean that. Or do you not have desirable women in your father's house?"

"We do, your grace," Kol cut in. "And I noticed that some of the women in your house are quite lovely as well." He smiled and glanced at Lucien. "Like his sister."

The count's eyebrows furrowed.

"Sister?"

"Nadine, your grace," Lucien replied tensely, he was struggling not to glare at Kol. "Lord Tristan's personal servant."

"Ah yes, the mute girl." The count paused and looked at Kol. "That one belongs to my son and he does not share his property."

"Of course, your grace," Elijah said quickly before Kol managed to speak. "Please forgive my brother; I can assure you that he means no disrespect."

Kol didn't seem pleased at all, but he smiled.

"Your grace, may I present our sister," Niklaus cut in, apparently wanting to fix the possible damage Kol had done.

Lucien could tell that Rebekah was nervous, but she smiled when she stepped in front of the count and coyly introduced herself. She certainly had the count's undivided attention when she bowed deep; he smiled while clearly enjoying the view.

"Welcome to my home, my lady."

"Thank you, your grace," she replied and blinked her eyes innocently. "My brothers and I are honored to be here."

Nadine really wouldn't have wanted to leave, but unfortunately she didn't have a choice. She could only hope that everything would go well and Lucien would be safe. Tensely she walked next to Laurent who seemed to be enjoying himself. He probably knew why Lord Tristan was upset with her, but she wouldn't have asked him even if she would have still had a voice. He didn't say anything before they reached the door to Lord Tristan's chamber. She couldn't really understand why he had escorted her here, did he think that she would panic and tried to run? He would no doubt love that.

"Good luck," he stated smiling and knocked the door.

"Enter," Lord Tristan's voice said from inside.

Nadine didn't look at Laurent; she simply pushed the thick door open. Lord Tristan was sitting by the fireplace, staring at the flames. She curtsied when she entered his sumptuous bedchamber.

"Close the door," he ordered without looking up.

She obeyed and stayed in front of the door, keeping her eyes on the floor. She knew better than to move without his order.

"Wine," he stated coolly, he still wasn't looking at her.

Quickly she went to the wine carafe and poured him some wine. She kept her head down and bowed while handing the goblet to him.

"I think I want a foot massage," he said absentmindedly and took a sip out of the goblet; his eyes were still looking at the flames.

Nadine knew him well enough to know that this was calm before storm. For some reason he really was upset with her. She had no idea why, but it didn't really matter. Her face was callous when she kneeled in front of him and carefully took his boots off. This wasn't anything new; she had done this before many times. He didn't say anything when she laid his feet in her lap and started with his right foot. Her thumbs were making circular motions, pressing hard, just the way he liked it. His feet felt quite heavy and her position was uncomfortable, but she had got used to it. That didn't change how much she hated to kneel down in front of him.

"Hmm," he sighed when she switched to his other foot. "Have I ever told you how much I enjoy this?"

No, he hadn't, why would he.

"That is your purpose in this world, is it not? To please me."

No, it certainly wasn't. She gritted her teeth and pressed harder.

"Stand up," he suddenly ordered.

She didn't think that she had pressed too hard, but maybe he had felt her anger. That wasn't a good thing. Quickly she stood up and kept her eyes down, unfortunately she had no idea what to expect. A hit? A kick? Something worse? Lazily he stood up as well and grabbed her chin, forcing her to look at him.

"You think you can leave this castle without my permission?" he snarled.

It took a second before she understood what he was talking about, but it didn't make much sense to her. Lucien had said that the count had agreed for Nadine coming with him. Why was Lord Tristan angry about that? He tightened his grip and leaned down, she was much shorter than him.

"My father does not own you," he continued icily. "I do and you will never go anywhere again unless I say so. Do you understand?"

She nodded, keeping her face free from emotion. His face was only inches away from hers; his cold eyes were staring at her piercingly. For a moment she could have sworn that she saw amusement in his eyes.

"Do you know why I like you, puppet?" he asked.

She hated when he called her that, he was most definitely amused when she shook her head.

"It's not just because I enjoy your silence," he stated. "And I do enjoy it. Every day I have to listen to pathetic excuses, endless flattery, boring compliments, unintelligent conversations, whining, pleas, the list goes on and on." He paused and touched her cheek, she couldn't help but to startle. "But you, puppet, you give me the precious gift of silence. I could do anything to you and yet you would remain silent. That is simply beautiful."

She had no idea what kind of reaction he was hoping to get, so she simply held still and looked into his eyes. Not that she had much choice, he hadn't let go of her chin.

"But…" he continued. "That's not the only thing I like about you. No, it's that delightful fury I see in your eyes. You try to hide it, but I can see it clearly. I bet you would stab me in the heart without hesitation if you would ever have a chance."

He smiled and she shook her head.

"Yes, you would, don't bother denying it. My poor puppet, so damaged. I like that, keeping a wild little beast as a pet. You see…" He paused and grabbed her throat. "We both know you will never act on those urges. Perhaps you don't care how you would be punished, but I know how much you care about your brother."

Nadine struggled to stay calm; she wasn't going to react to his words. There was no chance she would give him that satisfaction. Finally he let go of her and sat down.

"Now, where was I…? Ah yes, my father's celebration tonight. I want you to be there and serve me. Only me."

She nodded and forced herself to curtsy.

"Of course you need to bathe first," he continued and leaned back on his seat. "You will do it now."

She was confused until she realized that there was water in the bathtub.

"I myself bathed already and I was upset to learn that my puppet was not here to assist me. The servant who took your place… Let's just say that I was not pleased with her. Now hurry up, undress and bathe."

Nadine turned around and gritted her teeth, she truly hated him. He was only doing this to humiliate her.

"Did I tell you to turn around?" he asked harshly.

For a brief moment she was so tired of all of this that she wanted to give up. All she would have to do was disobey him or even better, attack him. Maybe she would even manage to hurt him. The thought felt more than appealing, but then she remembered Lucien. She couldn't give up, he needed her. No, she would just numb herself a little more and do this. There was no expression on her face when she turned around and started to undress. He took a sip out of his goblet and observed her; she made sure that she didn't look at him.

He didn't say anything when she was naked, so she walked over to the bathtub and climbed in. The water was cold, but that made no difference. She didn't hurry, there was no reason. He could look all he wanted, she didn't care. That was what she kept telling to herself. When she was finished, she stood up and kept her chin proudly up. She felt his eyes on her the whole time, he was approaching the bathtub. Some part inside of her was screaming, but she didn't move. She flinched when something was suddenly wrapped around her. A bathrobe. His bathrobe.

"See, puppet," he hummed and touched her wet hair. "I can be a merciful master, if you earn that. Now get ready, you have a long night ahead of you."