Part 15

Tristan was known for his perfect self-control, nothing startled him. He never showed his feelings to anyone, except sometimes to his sister. His father had once called him a perfect leader, he remained calm and in control in every situation. Almost every situation. He certainly hadn't prepared for this, having Nadine naked in his arms.

"Puppet?" he said as calmly as he could and lifted her up. Her petite body was completely limp. "Puppet? Nadine?"

She didn't react in any way, but thankfully she seemed to be breathing.

"Alright…" he muttered and carried her to his bed. For a moment he hesitated, should he put her on her back if something was broken? He didn't have much choice; he needed to listen to her heartbeat.

"It's alright, puppet," he muttered and placed her on the bed as carefully as he could. Despite of the certain…thoughts that crossed his mind, he still had enough decency to cover her breasts with a blanket before he pressed his ear against her chest. Fortunately her heartbeat sounded strong and steady. He listened to it for a while, certainly longer than would have been necessary. Her skin felt warm and soft, but he also noticed her other bruises. His poor puppet had really hurt herself. He raised his head and observed her face. She looked so fragile and completely defenseless. It made him feel something quite strange.

"Don't you worry, puppet," he murmured and touched her cheek. "I got you."

He marched to the hallway and ordered the first servant he saw to go and fetch his personal physician, Francis De La Croix. He also ordered two guards in front of his door, making it very clear to them that he didn't want to be disturbed. His guards, unlike most of the servants, knew how to keep their mouth shut, they didn't gossip.

Still he needed to let Nadine's brother know that she wouldn't be coming to their new quarters tonight. He had arranged them a room they could share and a better position for Lucien; he had no doubt that Nadine would appreciate that. She would be grateful. But first things first, she needed to be properly examined. She was right where he had left her when he returned to his chamber, she hadn't moved at all. Fortunately his physician arrived quickly.

"My lord," he said and bowed respectfully. "You sent for me?"

"Yes," Tristan replied, he was standing next to the bed. "I want you to examine her; she fell from the tree and fainted after walking back here."

Francis probably recognized Nadine, but he was smart enough for not to make any foolish remarks. Tristan had never before asked him to treat a servant, but obviously he did his job just as carefully and thoroughly as always.

"I do not think any of her bones are broken, my lord," Francis said after finishing the examination. "It seems that she hit her head, but I cannot see any severe injury. Her body needs some time to heal though."

"Yes…" Tristan muttered and glanced at Nadine. "She probably shouldn't be moved right now. Am I right?"

"Yes," Francis replied quickly. "You are absolutely right, my lord."

That was exactly what Tristan wanted to hear and of course Francis knew that, he was a smart man.

"Good. Anything I need to know?"

Francis looked confused.

"My lord?"

"Is there something she needs right now?" Tristan clarified.

"No, my lord. I believe what she needs is rest."

Tristan stood next to the bed for a while after Francis had left. It was getting dark, so he lit up few candles. Nadine looked very peaceful when he lied down beside her. She sighed weakly when he touched her cheek.

"You truly are beautiful, puppet," he muttered. "You have no idea how much I want you. I suppose I have always wanted you, I just didn't see it before I…" He paused and sighed. "It doesn't matter. None of this makes any sense… What are you doing to me?"

"How dare you?" Lady Giselle snapped. "Do you know who I am?"

"Yes, my lady," one of the guards replied. "I am afraid our orders were very clear, the lord doesn't wish to be disturbed. Not by anyone."

Lady Giselle gritted her teeth and looked at the door to Tristan's bedchamber. He was supposed to be with her tonight. He had never before cancelled their meeting. And what was even worse, he had sent a servant to inform her that he wasn't coming.

"Is he alone?" she asked, barely managing to control her anger.

"We don't know, my lady," the guard replied.

That meant no. The filthy little servant whore… This couldn't be possible, there was no chance he would humiliate her by sleeping with a worthless servant. How had that little harlot managed to pull this off? For a moment Lady Giselle wanted to push the guards aside and storm in or demand Tristan to come out. Fortunately she managed to control herself. Her lips curved into a smile.

"Alright. Good night, gentlemen."

"Good night, my lady."

She turned around and marched towards her own chamber. This needed to be handled properly. She would personally destroy the little servant whore.

Klaus was standing by the window in his chamber, looking at the night sky. He felt restless and irritated; the day certainly hadn't been good. He would have wanted to go and talk to Nadine, but surely she was sleeping already and he couldn't go to the quarters of the servants anyway. Well, he didn't want to stay here by himself either. Some company sounded nice. Absentmindedly he headed to the hallway, wondering what his siblings were doing. At least Kol was likely awake, but he probably wasn't in his chamber. Well, he would soon find out. Surprisingly Kol was in his chamber, he was sitting in the armchair when Klaus opened the door and walked in.

"Haven't you ever heard of knocking?" Kol snorted.

Klaus frowned when he noticed the girl who was sleeping in Kol's bed; she had all her clothes on.

"Isn't that your servant girl?" Klaus asked.

"Yes," Kol replied. "But she has a name you know. Emeline."

"Why is she sleeping in your bed?"

"She was tired. I told her she can rest here."

Klaus looked at him disbelievingly.

"Why would you do that?"

"Why not? She has served me well."

"Right… Are you feeding on her?"

"No," Kol huffed. "Is there a reason why you are here in this hour, brother?"

"Yes, I was wondering if…"

Klaus didn't finish his sentence when the girl suddenly started to moan in her sleep.

"Oh God… Oh, Roland…"

Klaus' eyes widened.

"Well, she seems to be having a happy dream," Kol stated.

"Yes…" Klaus muttered and cleared his throat, the girl was still moaning. "Perhaps you should wake her up."

Kol grinned.

"Why would I do that? Let the girl dream. She has had a crush on this Roland for a long time."

"How do you know that?"

"She told me."

"Uh huh…"

Kol frowned.

"What?"

"Nothing," Klaus replied. "Anyway, I was wondering if you want to have a drink or something. I could use some company."

"Sure, why not. I think my sweet Emeline needs some privacy anyway."