Curse of Ravens // Mikaelson

17 Never a Normal Family Dinner

Everyone looked at me. They all expected an answer, but I didn't know what to say. I was flabbergasted. It was probably the best option to be betrothed to a first born over second, but I don't plan to be married to either- so did it matter?

Regardless of who I was betrothed to, it would mean I could channel them for the ritual. It would make my place in Clan Hela sedimentary- and safe- unless I betrayed them again. Which I would, when I turned into a vampire. But once I was a true tribrid, there was nothing they could do to kill me.

I could use Clan Hela until it suited me. Or at least until Maria made her move to drag me in and strip me of my runes. Of course, if she was even capable of going toe to toe with my magic.

It was most likely that she would try to get one of her children to get the drop on me. I wouldn't be expecting an attack from them, after all.

"Think about it, Alice." Maria's tone suggested the end of the night was coming near. We had all finished our meals at this point. I felt the jinx lift, and wanted to bolt for the front door. "You probably won't receive a better offer, considering your father is on our list." This tidbit of information wasn't surprising she knew. Klaus had been on the list for a very long time. Not that Clan Hela could capture him.

"You do not have to give me an answer tonight. You should attend the Canaan Festival next month in New York. You can give me an answer then." Maria decided, looking across the table at me. My eyebrows shoot upwards.

"The Canaan Festival? I thought that was in May."

"In America, Clan Hela celebrates it twice a year. Between Samhain and Yule, and in the spring." Maria gestured to her children. "You are all seventeen. Which means all of you should be participating in Canaan. It's a great opportunity as well, to meet other witches and warlocks in Clan Hela. Even if you do not want to marry one of my children, Alice, you may meet someone willing there." The woman stood up, signaling that she was done with the conversation and visit.

"I will attend." I promised her as a farewell, inclining my head in appreciation. Canaan Festival! I felt like falling out of my chair. The festival was a celebration of the God Baal. And it went into the night, for good reason.

Maria kissed her husband on the cheek, and retired for the night. It wasn't until after she climbed the stairs, that Aleksandr threw his hands up in exasperation.

"It's never a normal family dinner with her, is it?" He snapped, and Anastasia agreed with a little nod.

"I will leave you kids to clean up. Alice, you are welcome to stay until morning. The hour has grown late." Alek senior stands to follow his wife upstairs. "It was a pleasure meeting you. до скорого." See you later.

"прощальный привет." Farewell. I reply. He kissed the top of his son's head as he passed.

"Goodnight Papa." The twins said in unison. Then there was the three of us. After a few long seconds, I started to laugh.

"Your parents are great." I tell them. They started laughing too. "No really, I don't think I've had this much entertainment since... ever. A marriage proposition, at dinner. Like it's the weather." I shake my head. "How the hell do you manage it?"

"It's not strange when she brings up marriage every time I see her." Anastasia pointed out. "I can't even remember a time she didn't talk about my future. It's exhausting." She pours herself some wine. "I need this entire bottle."

We all busted up giggling. "That's how it feels with my Mum too. Not about marriage, but she always wants me to do more than I want. Go to school, branch out. Make normal friends." I rolled my eyes. "What the hell is normal, at this point?"