Flames In The Family Tree (Elijah Mikaelson)

An Official Mikaelson

Since the day Little Gerard, or Marcellus, was adopted into the Mikaelson family, I have visited every day to help Elijah give him a proper education.

After each lesson, Elijah and I spend the day together, that is, until Celeste comes in and takes him away. The jealousy still rages in the pit of my stomach.

Sometimes, I get the hope that he would see me the way he sees her.

No such luck.

Ugh, and the mixed signals are riding me mad. The certain look he would give when we stared into each other's eyes, and how he would gently press into my back as he watches over my shoulder at Marcellus's work, making me smell his sweet peppermint scent.

Stop it Elizabeth! Marcellus is you're main focus right now.

So, deciding to stand up to my father for Marcellus's behalf, I had Niklaus and Marcellus join me to my home. As I walked in, I asked one of the maids if father was in in the dining room having his afternoon tea. She nodded and replied before returning to her duties.

I lead them to the room, and surely enough, there he was at the table, sipping his tea and reading the paper. "Father, there are some important matters that need to be discussed."

At the sound of my voice he looks up, then smirks when he sees Marcellus and Niklaus close behind me. "Well, I see you've come to return some stolen property!"

Niklaus smirks back. "On the contrary! I've decided the boys shall remain with me."

Father chuckles in amusement. "Unfortunately, he is not for sale."

Niklaus's smirk falls in to a serious a menacing frown and walks closer to him. Marcellus stands in front of me, my hands protectively on his shoulders. "Well, I do not wish to buy him."

Father's face turns red with anger and I jump in. "Please Father! Grant him his freedom! He already lost his mother, the least you can do is not make him suffer under the hands of his own father!" If there's anything I've learned from my father, it's to know when he is over his limit. That time is now.

He stands, glaring at me. "Bite your tongue, Elizabeth! I've had quite enough of your interference! Learn to know when to speak and when to not! You're such a disappointment compared to Emil!" His words hit my heart like a dagger at the sound my brother's name. "Now, he is my slave! So, if I say no?" He questions Niklaus, now ignoring my presence.

Niklaus looks to me and Marcellus, then puts my father in a chokehold. "You seem to have misinterpreted the matter is up for debate!"

After a moment, Father gave in. "Fine, take him! He isn't worth a damn to me anyway!" They walk out, then I begin to follow, when my father grabbed my wrist. "Elizabeth Victoria Gerard you are forbidden to go near that boy again!"

I snapped my wrist back from him. "No, Father! I refuse to listen! Marcellus is my brother and the Mikaelsons are my friends!"

He towers over me. "You will listen or I'll-"

I scoff. "You'll what? Beat me like you do my little brother?"

Suddenly I'm on the floor, a sharp sting filling my cheek, and blood running down my nose. "You want to be with that little nigga, you go and pack your shit and get the hell off my property! Emil wouldn't dare to defy me! It should have been you dead, not my son!"

Tears threatened to fall. "He was my brother, don't you remember?! I'm your daughter!" He picks me up and shoves me towards the front door where the boys are waiting and into Niklaus's arms. "Not anymore! I've had enough of your disgrace!"

My mother rushes into the room and assess the situation. "Russell, what is the meaning of this?!" She comes to me, looking at my face.

"If she wants to be a nigga lover, than she's no daughter of mine!"

Mother looks at Father seething. "She is all we have left Russell! How can you just treat her like this?"

He grabbed her arm, tearing her from me. "You remember your place woman, or I'll put you in it!" He looks to me. "Get out of here! Send someone for your things, I don't want to see your face!" Both my mother and I are crying hysterically as Niklaus took my hand and guided me gently out the door.

By the time we reach the end of the estate, my tears and blood dried to my face. Marcellus was holding my hand comforting me, and I sent him a sad smile.

Nicklaus stopped behind us, finally understanding. "So, he is also your father." He asked, knowing the answer, but wanting Marcellus to confirm it. He does with a nod, and I tense up. Niklaus comes to us and places a hand on Marcellus's shoulder. "You know, my father hated me too. The truth is, family can be more than just those with whom we share blood. We can choose." He spoke to Marcellus, but by the way he glanced at me, I knew he meant it for me too. "Come along, it's time to take the new Mikaelsons home!" He says with a grin, making me smile and squeeze Marcellus's hand.

We left the estate, and for once in my life, I finally felt free.