From Ashes To Embers(Klaus Mikaelson)

Chapter 14

England, 1492 (Angelina)

   "I am so glad to see you are well, Angelina," Elijah smiles at me as I stir sugar into my porridge. Nik came to my room this morning, offering to bring me up my breakfast, but I insisted I would eat in their private dining room, with Katerina and Elijah, so that my sister knows I'm okay. Although I am realizing now, my sister doesn't seem to care much. She has barely said a couple of words to me since I came down with Nik, holding his arm.

   I am still sore from yesterday, but I don't want to lie in bed all day. I am used to pain anyway. I have felt it many times before.

   I smile back at Elijah, "I was lucky, I suppose."

   "Indeed you were."

   "You will be fine. You have had many falls off horses before, there is no need to make a big deal out of it," Katerina buts in. I stare at her. I know what she means. She is jealous of all the attention I am receiving. It has always been me that has received just a little more attention than Katerina. From women and men alike. It is not as though I can help it. I do not ask for it. If anything, I despise it. I would much rather all the attention be on her.

   "Easy now, Katerina. You almost sound jealous," I say in Bulgarian. I want to put her in her place but I don't want to embarrass her and call her out in front of the two lords. She glares at me.

   "There is to be a ball tonight, ladies," Niklaus says changing the subject. "You are both welcome to attend, if you wish." I look up at Katerina who smiles at him.

   "I would be delighted to, my lord," she gives him almost a flirty smile. I frown. She is hardly still interested in him?

   I look at Nik, but he isn't looking at her, he is looking at me. "Lina.. will you accompany me?" he asks.

   "Perhaps if you do not vex me between then and now, I shall consider it," he smiles wide in amusement.

   "Katerina, would you care to accompany me?" Elijah asks her.

   "Yes, of course I will, my lord," Elijah smiles at her answer and looks to his brother.

   "See, brother. I always told you I was the most charming one." I snigger, Elijah smiles at me, Nik looks both annoyed and amused, and Kat is hard to read.

   "What of the rest of you siblings?" I ask them.

   "Whatever do you mean?" Elijah's smile drops instantly and I wonder if I said something wrong.

   "Well, you told me you had others," I look to Nik, "how come they are not here?"

   "We spent some time in Italy before we came back here. Our sister and two brothers decided to remain a while longer while we traveled on," Elijah tells me.

   "I see. Was it pleasant there? I have always wished to travel to Italy."

   "It was very pleasant, Lina. Perhaps I could take you sometime," Nik smiles at me. I can't help but smile back.

***

Niklaus:

   I make my way to Angelina's room to bring her down to the ball. I want to walk in with her on my arm, I want everyone to know that she is mine. I knock on her door. Lillian opens it. I smile at her. I'm in a good mood tonight. "Lillian, I am here to take Angelina down to the ball."

   "She is not ready yet, my lord. She also has told me to tell you that she will go down by herself, when she is ready." Usually, something like this might anger me, but I only smile. She wants to be bold, make an entrance. She does not like a lot of attention on her most of the time but she strikes me as one who would fancy a dramatic entrance. Just like myself.