Part 26

"Come, puppet," Tristan said. He pushed the covers aside and patted the spot on the bed next to him. "Time to get some rest, I can see you are tired."

Nadine wasn't really nervous when she climbed in the bed and settled beside him. She had gotten used to this, even his bare upper body. He hadn't been intrusive and he had assured to her that he wasn't going to claim her before their wedding night. He had said that he wanted her to get used to his touch before that, so she could enjoy herself as much as he was planning to enjoy himself. This whole thing was actually happening.

Count de Martel himself had come to see Nadine yesterday; clearly he hadn't been pleased with his son's decision. He had made it very clear that Nadine would never have any kind of power; her only purpose would be to please Tristan and bare his children. He had arranged Lucien a very high-ranking title and a large estate in the north. Everything would be final when Lucien would return tomorrow, he would move to his estate after the wedding.

The whole thing still felt unreal to Nadine, she couldn't believe this was actually happening. Tristan really wanted to wed her. A servant. According to him, no one knew yet, he would make the announcement tomorrow night at the celebration. Well, that would be interesting. The whole thing was nothing but insane. Marrying Tristan… Granted, he hadn't treated her badly, but she really couldn't understand what had caused this change in him. Love? Right, sure. He had just woken up one morning and realized that he was in love with a lowly servant.

Not that it really mattered, there was no turning back. Lucien deserved a chance for a happy life, even if Nadine wouldn't be able to be a part of that life. The thought made her heart ache, but surely she would adjust. She would actually be Lady de Martel… How unreal was that? She had hated Tristan and especially his father for so long. There was no chance she would ever stop hating Count de Martel, but she was determined to try her best to get along with Tristan. It would make her life much easier. She had never thought that he was able to feel anything, but it seemed that he actually tried to be kind to her. Every small sign of affection she willingly showed him seemed to please him greatly.

"Listen, puppet," he hummed when she leaned her head on his chest, just like he wanted her to do. "I would like to ask you something."

She raised her head and looked at him. He smiled and caressed her neck with his thumb.

"So beautiful…" he murmured and lowered his head, brushing his lips over the spot on her neck where his thumb had been touching. She didn't flinch, not even when he pressed his face against her neck and inhaled her scent. He often did that, he had said that he loved the scent of her skin. Finally he raised his head and looked into her eyes.

"I would like you to touch me," he stated. "Just a little," he added when he felt her body tense up. "Do you think you can do that?"

She blinked nervously and tried to interpret what exactly he wanted her to do. He took her hand and kissed it calmingly.

"It's alright, I am not asking much." He paused and rolled over onto his back. "See, puppet, you are in control. Touch me anywhere, that's all I ask."

She hesitated for a moment, but he didn't rush her. No one had ever taught these things to her, the only knowledge she had was from the other servant girls. Lay still and don't fight. Unfortunately that didn't apply to this situation. She would have to learn all of this by herself anyway, she had no female relatives to advice her. Touching… That didn't sound too difficult. Cautiously her hand went to his shoulder; her fingers traced his muscle lines. He gasped, making her quickly to remove her hand. She had probably done something wrong…

"No, no," he murmured hoarsely. "Please continue."

She tried again; he bit his bottom lip and watched the insecure way her fingers ran down his chest.

"That's very good… Very good."

She couldn't quite understand what the purpose of this was, but he seemed satisfied, so she continued. His breathing quickened and his muscles tightened as her fingers traced a path up and down his upper body. She didn't know much anything about a male body and she couldn't help but to hope to have someone who could explain some basic things to her. Maybe Lucien… No, definitely not. She could just imagine how uncomfortable he would be. The thought almost made her smile. Unfortunately she had no one else. Soon she wouldn't have him either. No, she wasn't going to feel sorry for herself, Lucien deserved a better life. He would have a nice home and a chance to find a wife and start a family. Maybe he could visit her sometimes and she could visit him.

"Nadine…" Tristan groaned. "Do you think you could kiss me here?"

He was pointing at his stomach. Men seemed to like peculiar things, but why not. She leaned down and kissed his stomach. It made him flinch; he reached down and pulled her up to him. He stared at her intently before he cupped the back of her head and kissed her deeply. The kiss didn't feel unpleasant; he had kissed her several times before.

"Come here," he murmured and guided her head onto his chest. His hand massaged her back soothingly in circular motions.

"It's strange," he hummed and touched the top of her head with his lips. "I have never wanted any woman like I want you, puppet. Nadine. My beautiful Nadine. Tomorrow everyone will know."

The thought made her nervous, she couldn't deny that. She didn't think for a second that the lords and ladies would ever see her as their equal, but they would be forced to be polite to her. That gave her some wicked joy. The other servants who had been in Tristan's chamber when Nadine had been here had certainly been polite to her, although they no doubt saw her as nothing more than Tristan's whore. They could think whatever they wanted; it made no difference to Nadine. She didn't care what anyone thought.

For some reason Niklaus crossed her mind. She hadn't seen him in days, but that didn't matter, he had made it very clear that she meant absolutely nothing to him. For a moment she had thought that they could actually be friends, he had seemed like a nice person, but this was probably for the best. She could have never imagined that things would turn out like this, but life certainly was unpredictable. Things could be much worse, she was certain that she would adjust. Maybe she would be able to help some other people after she would become Tristan's wife. Poor and hungry people. Women and children.

She sighed and allowed her body to relax. Her breath became slow and deep and soon she slipped into sleep. She had no idea how long she had slept when something yanked her from sleep. Someone grabbed her and a hand covered her mouth. She was too disoriented to fight and she couldn't see anything in darkness. Someone was carrying her to the window. The next thing she realized was the cool night air on her face. Then she was falling. She panicked and clung desperately to the person who was holding her.

"It's alright, darling," a soothing voice whispered in her ear. "Your knight is here."

She was shaking and her heart was beating like a drum, but she recognized the voice immediately. Kol.