The Good Daughter

Fifty three

"Welcome. Thank you for joining us." Elijah's charming smile was in place. I was planted firmly between Kol and Nik. "And we'd like to thank you for your patience during our postponement. We had a family matter to address."

They'd be my guards tonight.

Whether or not it was for my protection or to keep me within their line of sight, they hadn't exactly been clear.

After all, they were taking out the towns biggest protectors and from what I heard, destroyed quite a bit of the town.

Finn and Rebekah had their places on either side of Kol and Nik, and Elijah stood in the middle.

"It's tradition when we're fortunate enough to be together as a family, to commence the night with a dance. Tonight's pick is a centuries old waltz, so if all of you could find yourselves a partner, please join us in the ball room."

There were so many people here.

I spotted a few familiar faces in the crowd, including Tyler who looked amazing in his suit.

Elijah held out a silent hand to me and I knew it wasn't a suggestion. If I could convince Elijah to have mercy, then my brothers wouldn't have to die, not tonight.

He lead me down the steps and into line with a set of dancers. Tyler had paired with Bonnie. At least they'd found someone safe to dance with.

When the music began playing and people started moving, I was surprised at how easily I fell back into the steps I thought I'd forgotten.

We hadn't danced in years. He had been the one to teach me ones they learned as new nobility. This particular waltz was the first I'd ever learned.

It was a dance of trust and little ten year old me certainly did not trust him.

"It must be done." He spoke softly.

"No. You want it to be done. I was the one kidnapped and yet I'm being punished. Their deaths will be swift and I have to carry that grief the rest of my life." Granted I already had plenty of practice.

It was not an experience I wished to repeat.

"What would you have me do? If word got out that we'd let something of this magnitude slide... others would attempt the same."

"Or you make one little exception for your daughter."

Elijah twirled me in time with the music. "They continue to defy us."

"True, they won't just fall in line like everyone else. Does my loyalty not earn me any favors?"

His brow rose. "You speak of loyalty when your behavior has been anything but for the last century."

"I'm not saying let them go."

"We will not be desiccating them." 

"I haven't ever undaggered anyone. Even with ample opportunity. I care about you guys as much as I do them and I thought you of all people would appreciate protecting family." Shit, we were about to switch partners. "Please, Elijah. If I release them, then kill them, but I won't."

"And what if their friends decide to attempt a rescue?"

"I'll make sure they know not to." Was this actually working?

Elijah spun me toward my next partner.

"Hey." I grinned at a puzzled Bonnie. "You look stunning."

"I got your note."

"Not as exciting as the rest of my family?" I spun her, earning a laugh. It was honestly so good to hear. With everything going on.

"They're gonna fit right in, you know. The founding families love things like this."