STOLEN | THE ORIGINALS

2.9 | The Death of Elijah Mikaelson

[ Chapter Twenty-Four ]

LAUGHTER HAD been the first thing Raylynn heard as she emerged from her and Klaus's bedroom. She woke earlier than her son and wanted to let him sleep longer into the morning. But as she changed into more suitable clothes for the day, it seemed that Ryan had other plans.

Raylynn stopped next to the railing that ran along the second floor walkway to see the courtyard below. Her eyes fell on a long table set up in the middle of the room with various kinds of pastries and sweets piled onto its surface. Ryan and Hope claimed seats, munching on their chosen snacks, while Klaus stood next to them and recounted tales of his years in New Orleans.

"I should've seen this coming," Hayley's voice spoke from behind Raylynn. "We're gonna have to force feed them vegetables later just to settle their stomachs."

Raylynn turned to her best friend with a small smile. "Come on, Hales. As long as they don't eat too much, they'll be fine. Besides, it's just for today," she said and began to descend one of the staircases.

Hayley followed her. "We can hope. Klaus is gonna spoil them rotten." She forced a grin onto her face as the two of them approached their children. "Good morning." She moved over to Hope, leaning down to place a kiss on her head. Her gaze then shifted across the sugary foods. "I guess an apple turnover is fruit."

Klaus pressed his lips together and gestured to the snacks. "Well, I saw no harm in indulging our children's sweet tooth. All things in moderation, of course."

Raylynn sighed and stepped toward her son. Ryan greeted his mother by scampering up to stand upright in his chair. He wrapped his arms around her when she was close enough.

Raylynn hugged him back, before she pulled away to straighten out his hair that began to curl at the ends. "Right. Well, thanks to you," she glanced to Klaus, "we need to counteract the sugar with bacon."

Ryan groaned, pouting at his mother. "Ah, but I want another ben-jay."

Raylynn's smile grew at his mispronunciation. "It's beignet, Ry. Not ben-jay."

Ryan shrugged with a sheepish look. "Oh."

Hayley crossed her arms and nodded. "Okay, well..." she started as she leaned down to her daughter's level. "You and your brother don't eat too many, or you'll get a stomach ache." Hope nodded and returned to her breakfast. Hayley turned her attention to Klaus. "Can we talk?"

Raylynn caught Hayley's eye, noticing how the woman wanted her to join them. With the promise that he would not eat too much, Ryan reclaimed his spot next to his sister to finished his beignet. Once the children were occupied, the three adults convened across the room so their conversation could not be heard.