The Duke's Hunt

Seriously?

Elijah and Claire sit up straighter on the couch, both leaning in, shock and confusion on their faces. "Wait, wait, wait..." Elijah shakes his hands, "you and Deanna? Seriously?"

"Seriously," Klaus nods, sitting back in his seat.

"But, what about Samantha?" Claire asks.

"Who is Samantha?"

Claire places a hand on Elijah's knee, "Deanna's sister." She answers, staring at Klaus expectantly.

Klaus shrugs and folds his hands in his lap, "what about Samantha? As you so pointed out, she's happy with Mister Moore."

"You choose NOW to believe something I say?" Claire asks, giving him a look of disbelief. "Seriously?"

Klaus nods again, staring between them. "Seriously." He repeats, holding his hands up in confusion, "I don't see what the big deal is about, it's what needs to happen, what you," he points to Elijah, "have been asking me about week after week. I thought you'd be over the moon over this."

"But Deanna Winchester?" Elijah stares at him, unsure. "I mean, come on, Niklaus... The two of you together do nothing but get yourselves into trouble, in which puts the entire family on guard. Now you want to marry this woman?"

"Need and want are two very different things, Elijah," Klaus sits forward again. "It doesn't matter what I want, and Rebekah's made a very good point that it'll be effortless for Deanna and I to come together because we have a strong connection to one another."

"Rebekah says?" Elijah shakes his head and sits back again. "Now it all makes sense."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Klaus asks, his voice defensive. "I'll have you know that I care for Miss Winchester, despite our past and differences, she's always been there. She was the first to know about you being alive and has even kept this secret to protect our family. I'm my opinion, there's no greater woman to see as a potential duchess."

Elijah shakes his head again and takes Claire's hand, "I just don't think this is as good of an idea as you or Rebekah may believe. Especially if you have feelings for another woman, let alone her sister. I think you need to rethink this idea, Niklaus. For your own sake, and for Deanna's."

"And for Samantha's," Claire speaks up, giving him a pointed look. "Think how she will feel when she finds out about this, what if-"

"What if nothing, Claire, Samantha Winchester has chosen who she wants. I'm not going to stand in her way to deny her a happiness that she deserves." Klaus raises his voice as he stands up. "This is the last I'll hear of Samantha Winchester, do I make myself clear, Miss Singer?"

Elijah stands to his feet and pokes his index finger over Klaus's chest, "you will watch your tone when you speak to my lady, Niklaus. Do I make myself clear?" He speaks slowly, warningly.

Klaus pushes Elijah's hand away from him and looks between the two, "I am marrying Deanna Winchester whether you like it or not, I won't hear more about your disapproval or doubts." He states with finality before turning around and begins leaving the room. "We leave as the sun sets, Miss Singer."

"Where are you going?" Elijah's asks, taking a step toward him.

"Out." Klaus opens the door and steps out, closing it behind himself before taking a deep breath.

"You want company?" Camille asks, bringing his attention towards her as she moves over on the porch swing. "I understand if you don't."

"Heard all of that, did you?"

Camille shrugs with a smile, "it was hard not to. Elijah's entire energy changes when he becomes protective, it's hard not to tune into what's being spoken about in the house."