Anemoia • Mikaelsons mate

Chapter 15

• • • New Orleans, May 1821 • • •

Kol looks down. His back rested against the big tree and Charlotte had laid her head on his lap. She had been silently admiring the many colors in the leaves above them whilst he had been admiring her. "Lottie."

"Kol." Charlotte repeats, imitating his tone in a teasing manner. She gives the vampire an apologetic look upon seeing his unimpressed expression.

"I," Kol hesitates. "I'm happy you're here."

"You invited me to this picnic." Charlotte reminds him, fingers brushing over the sleeve of Kol's shirt. She smiles at the idea of the vampire dressing up just for their little date.

She didn't often get out of the house of the Mikaelsons. This was mostly by her own choice. Her sense of responsibility kept her clustered at home, trying to tidy the already spotless rooms or spend more time with her dear Marcellus when he had time off from his lessons with Elijah.

"I did." Kol agrees. He lets his finger trace Charlotte's jawline. He had always been mesmerized by the way Charlotte had accepted his touches, unafraid. His hands had caused plenty of pain and bloodshed throughout the centuries, but she could still appreciate their softness.

"I have a question."

"Pray tell." Charlotte hums, eyes closing against the glare of the lowering sun.

"Do you love me?"

Charlotte smiles and peels her eyes open to look up at Kol. "You know I do."

"Can you say it?"

"I love you, Kol." Charlotte whispers.

Kol looks at Charlotte with something that can only be described as utter adoration, before a cheeky smile makes its way onto his face. "I'm sorry, darling. Can you repeat yourself? I didn't quite hear you."

Charlotte laughs before indulging in his request. "I love you."

Kol bends down to place a kiss on Charlotte's forehead before gently nudging her off his lap, allowing him to rise. "Now that we have re-established that fact, let's take a stroll. I wish to show you the new animals Niklaus has acquired."

Charlotte sits up with a frown, a little indignant at Kol's teasing. She grabs hold of his offered hand and also rises to her feet before looking up at him. "Kol."

"Yes, my dear?"

Charlotte raises her eyebrows, expectantly.

"Ah, yes." Kol grins apologetically, ducking his head a little in a bashful manner. "I also love you, Charlotte."

She takes his statement into consideration before shooting him a grin. "Last one at the stables is a foozler!" Charlotte shouts over her shoulder as she takes off running.

• • • New Orleans, present-day • • •

"Room service!"

A cheery voice calls through the door, successfully waking Florence from her eventful dream.

"Kaleb?" Florence lets out a startled sound as the door swings open with a bang.

"Rise and shine, sunshine!" Kaleb shouts. He hands the dazed-looking Florence a cup of coffee, tosses the bag with pastries on the bed beside her, and strides towards the balcony, aggressively opening the curtains, and letting bright light pour into the bedroom.

"What are you doing here?" Florence complains as she sets the coffee down on her nightstand. With one hand, she pulls the duvet up to cover her face, hoping to drown out Kaleb's loudness.