Riley Meets Motherhood [2] (ON HOLD)

Chapter 18: The Truth Will Not Set You Free

Klaus is explaining to his brothers "my memory of Lucien goes back to a time when our family was happy. To when we were young and naive vampires. Things were good... Or, as good as things could be as vampires hiding in plain sight.

Everyone in Marseilles was held in the thrall of the Count's arrogant son Tristan and his sister, the Lady Aurora. In hindsight, I could have done more to prevent what was to follow. But then, even an endless life cannot be played in reverse."

Flashback ~ Court of Marseilles, 1002 AD

A celebration of some kind is being held outside the Count de Martel's castle, where the entire court has gathered in the yard. Music is being played on instruments nearby, and guests mingle at the various stations.

There are tables laden with fruit, bread, and cheese set up next to a practice field, where several women, including Leila and Aurora, are kneeling in the grass together.

The women watch with interest as Kol, Elijah, and Tristan practice throwing axes at wooden circles propped up several meters away, clapping in amusement when their axe hit its target. When Kol hits the next target, everyone claps, especially Leila.

Kol looks over at her and smiles affectionately and she smiles back and even brighter as he winks at her. Aurora noticing the affectionate tension between them, smiles at Leila and playfully bumps her shoulder against hers, making Leila chuckle.

Near one of the tables, Klaus is sitting in a chair, where he's whittling a horse figurine from a block of wood. Lucien catches Aurora's eye from across the yard and smiles at her. She returns the smile, which does not escape Tristan's notice. When he turns to see Lucien staring at Aurora, he becomes visibly annoyed.

Aurora does her best to pretend like she wasn't interacting with him before Tristan walks away. Lucien then sees his sister and flashes her a smile, which she returns. He then approaches Klaus and smiles when he sees what he's making. "Impressive work, my lord!" Lucien said.

Klaus says, bored "it's a trifle meant to pass a dull day. But, I'll take it, along with the word of a friend!" Klaus smiles at Lucien, who looks both anxious and excited, as he says "it is as a friend that I come to you now. There is something that I must ask of you." Klaus frowns at him warily and in curiosity.

He watches as Lucien pulls a folded piece of parchment from the satchel attached to his belt and holds it out to him, saying "for the Lady Aurora. If you would deliver this to her in secret, I would be eternally grateful." Klaus asks, curiously "are these declarations of love? It's a... bold move."

Klaus takes a swig of wine from his goblet, trying to hide his displeasure at this request. Lucien becomes even more nervous as he once again looks over at Aurora and says "oh, we shared affection for one another as children. But, since then, my station in life has prevented me from declaring my intentions. If she would leave this place with me-" Klaus, alarmed, stands to his feet and cuts him off "not an idea I would advise..." he squeezes Lucien's shoulder affectionately "besides, my family needs you."

Klaus smiles warmly at Lucien, who squirms anxiously and hesitates before he replies "well, your family's stay here cannot last much longer anyhow. Not given your brothers, Jacque and Kol's... decadence. The local villagers believe they are beset by demons! Soon, you'll need to run. Aurora, my sister, and I can run with you! Aid you in your endeavors!"

Lucien holds out the note once more and pleads "Niklaus, please. I would give her the note myself, but Tristan's jealousy is tyrannical. I cannot go near her. But you? You need not fear him, or anyone!"

Klaus looks over at Aurora, clearly feeling torn. Klaus sighs and hesitates for a moment before taking the folded note from him and smiling.
End of Flashback