Part 21
Kol smiled while observing Tristan and Nadine in the garden. The whole thing was becoming more interesting than he could have ever imagined. A fascinating experiment indeed. Tristan's eyes were on Nadine the whole time and he was asking her questions; it seemed that he was actually trying to learn something about her. And he had seemed to be very possessive of her. Possessive like a jealous spouse. Who would have ever guessed… Did the notorious lord who everyone was afraid of really have some deeper feelings for his pretty little servant? That was an amusing thought. Nadine however didn't seem amused at all; she was nothing but confused and cautious. Poor thing.
"So…" Tristan said after a moment of silence. "The weather is nice today, would you agree?"
She nodded.
"Do you enjoy taking a walk on a sunny day?"
She nodded again.
"How about riding?"
She bit her bottom lip and hesitated for a moment before nodding.
"Have you ever had your own horse?"
She shook her head.
"Do you like horses?"
She nodded.
"Good to know," he muttered and waved his hand towards the table. "Eat something, puppet. Take whatever you want."
She looked at him cautiously and picked up few grapes.
"You like grapes?"
She nodded.
"Me too."
He was quiet for a moment and looked at her when she ate.
"Do you usually get enough to eat, puppet?"
Her eyes widened, she seemed stunned by his question. He pressed his lips together.
"I take that as a no," he stated. "That should not be the case and it won't be anymore. No need to worry, I will make sure you won't be hungry again. I will take care of you, puppet, I promise."
She looked more and more confused, but she thanked him with a nod. His gaze was becoming more intense when he leaned towards her.
"There is something I need you to do for me…"
"My love!" Lady Giselle's voice suddenly said, she was determinedly walking towards Tristan and Nadine. Kol grinned, he hadn't noticed her. Neither had Tristan and he didn't seem very pleased. Nadine stood up and curtsied, but Lady Giselle didn't pay any attention to her.
"My lady, "Tristan greeted her rigidly. "I am afraid this isn't a good time…"
"I missed you, my love," she cut in smiling and took Nadine's seat.
Tristan's expression tensed, Lady Giselle blinked her eyes seductively and took his hand.
"You look stressed, my love. Let me help you." She paused and glanced at Nadine. "Leave us."
"No," Tristan said firmly before Nadine obeyed.
Lady Giselle looked everything but pleased, but she kept the smile on her face.
"I want her to leave, my love. Make her leave," she purred and tried to sit on Tristan's lap, but he stood up.
"My lady," he started coolly. "As I said, this isn't a good time. I shall meet you later."
Lady Giselle stared at him disbelievingly.
"My love… Surely you don't mean that…"
"I do not have a habit of saying things I do not mean," he cut in sharply. "I shall meet you later, my lady."
There was a glimpse of something very dark in Lady Giselle's eyes, but it was gone in a fraction of a second.
"Of course, my love," she said smiling. "As you wish."
She turned around and walked away, Kol could easily see the rage in her eyes. Oh dear…
"It's alright, puppet," Tristan said calmly after Lady Giselle had left.
Nadine looked nervous; she wrapped her arms around her. Tristan stepped in front of her and cupped her face.
"Hey, it's alright," he repeated. "She won't bother you; I will make sure of that."
She blinked nervously when he stroked her cheek with his thumb.
"Don't be afraid of me, puppet," he muttered, staring at her. "I'm not going to hurt you…"
She turned her head away when he leaned closed. He cleared his throat and took a step back.
"Alright… Where were we…?"
He sat down and motioned her to do the same.
"Eat, puppet. And tell me what else you like."
Poor girl, clearly she had no idea what to think. There was no doubt that her master truly was crazy about her. This was probably the first time Tristan had ever felt like this and he seemed to have trouble handling such feelings. It seemed that he was ready to do pretty much anything to have Nadine. Kol had to admit that he was surprised she hadn't asked for his help already. Oh well, he had time to wait.
"Kol?" Elijah's voice suddenly said. "What are you doing?"
Kol turned to look at him.
"Nothing, just admiring the view."
Elijah glanced at Tristan and Nadine and frowned.
"Isn't that Lucien's sister?"
Kol shrugged innocently.
"Yes, I think it is."
"Why are you looking at her?"
"Why not? She is not unpleasant to look at."
"Yes, apparently you are not the only one who thinks so," Elijah replied dryly. "I feel sorry for her brother if the rumors are true."
Kol turned to look at him.
"What rumors?"
Elijah shook his head.
"Never mind. What I wanted to talk to you about was your…shall we say nighttime activities."
Kol grinned.
"What about them?"
Elijah looked at him harshly.
"I think you know. You have almost exposed us more than once."
"No, I haven't," Kol snorted and waved his hand. "I haven't left anyone alive to tattle."
Elijah sighed and shook his head.
"Kol…"
"Don't start, big brother, I'm not in the mood for your sermons."
Elijah pressed his lips together, he looked tired.
"I know we have all changed, but you… What happened to you?"
"I adapted," Kol replied smiling. "So should you. We are not humans anymore, we are monsters. Why not enjoy it?"
"Maybe we are not humans, but that doesn't mean we should simply abandon our humanity," Elijah stated.
Kol snorted contemptuously.
"Humanity? Oh please. You have taken lives just like I have."
"Yes, I have, but I do not take pleasure in it. Neither do Rebekah or Niklaus."
Kol smiled.
"Are you sure about that? I bet Nik could easily become even worse than me."
"I don't believe that even for a second," Elijah replied firmly.
Kol shrugged.
"Then maybe you don't know our brother as well as you like to think.
Elijah shook his head, but Kol knew he was right. He had seen a glimpse of all the suppressed anger in Nik. Elijah was too blind to see it; he had always coddled Nik. Kol's own anger had made him what he was and he had no doubt that the same thing would happen to Nik sooner or later. That would most definitely be interesting.