Paint it Black [The Vampire Diaries]

52

Romania 1440

"You lied," Nikolai whispered in Imani's ear as they trail out of Romania, "and he believed you."

"I didn't lie, brother," Imani insisted.

"We shall rest here for the night, set up camp and leave at dawn," Elijah told everyone, getting things to make camp.

Nikolai and Imani stayed behind as the others helped Elijah, "I with held some of the truth, Kol. You mustn't blame me for that."

"It isn't the first you've lied to your husband, too easy," Kol looked over her in scrutiny, "while I was rotting away in that dreadful coffin, what happened?"

Imani thought to the last century of her life. Her husband becoming obsessed with breaking his curse, the wenches he beds when he believes she's asleep, the angry outbursts whenever she does something he doesn't like. Life has been quite honestly shit for her.

"It's been wonderful," Imani lies, wide smile gracing her face.

Kol shakes his head, not believing a word his sister says.

He sees more than they think he does. He sees the way Elijah and Rebekah tense up whenever Imani asks about her husband whereabouts. Sees Niklaus flirting with whores from whatever town they're staying at. He hears everything. He hears Imani sigh when the dinner she made for her husband goes to waste. He hears the whispers of people feeling sorry for her. He hears her cries.

"One day, dear sister, he will push you to far. By Odin, you pledged your life to him," Kol snaps, "that life may have been drawn out but it's life. When will it be too much? When will your sacrifice be acknowledged?" Kol grabs her hands, feeling the softness they had despite the rough conditions they sometimes live, the cream she makes keeps them soft. "Do you even trust him enough to tell him of Vlad?"

Imani's breath hitches in her throat, "Vlad-"

"About how he died? Mani, I saw."

"Don't tell him," Imani begs, hearing the others get closer, "please?"