His Perfect Daughter

Chapter 41

*10th Century, Saint Valentine's Day, set sometime in the morning.

As Niklaus turned to sleep the other way, he nearly yelled and jumped at the sight of her, the queen who ruled his nightmares.

"Come Niklaus. We have much to prepare for the Feast of Saint Valentine!" Esther chirped quietly as she roughly grabbed his wrist, making sure not to wake up the rest of his siblings in the huts left and to the right of his.

Without responding, Niklaus did as he was told, standing up immediately, and trailing behind his mother.

"Well aren't you going to ask, my dear? You've always been a curious one. Where's that spirit?" Esther commented as she lead him into the forest.

"I'm not sure when and which questions I'm supposed to ask anymore." Niklaus muttered quietly behind her.

"Don't be silly. There is a time and place for everything. Do not ask questions during certain times and certain places. You know which places and what times, don't be so naive. Stop sulking as if I hurt you." Esther insulted as she dug her nails into his wrist in annoyance and halted.

"I apologize. You're right mother.." Niklaus winced as she finally let go of him.

"Yes, mother knows best. Now then, we'll need to gather some ingredients for the feast. I am leaving this task up to you and Helena." Esther vocalized. "Try anything irresponsible while I am gone and you will suffer greatly." She sternly declared as she reached for his throat. "I know what you have been doing son. Don't you think I knew? I knew you couldn't bare the things you've been doing to that poor girl. You've always had such a soft heart, much different from any of your brothers, your father, and even dear Rebekah. I know you've been visiting that girl when I am asleep. Don't you dare try anything foolish. Do you understand?" Esther taunted, waiting for a reply.

"Yes, I understand mother. I won't. I promise." Niklaus muttered, keeping his breathing low.

"Hm. Self-preservation is key, my dear son. Understand this valuable lesson." Esther vocalized as she dropped her hand to her side and with a flick of her wrist, Helena appeared in front of them. "Behave you two or else I'll pay you both a visit tonight instead of being compassionate and giving you a break." She glanced at Niklaus and Helena before disappearing.

"Why is she giving us a break today?" Helena scoffed. "I do not buy this act. She is planning something."

"She isn't. Today is Saint Valentine's Day." Niklaus mumbled as he picked up the basket and collected herbs.

"Why is that significant?" Helena questioned, kneeling down next to him, and picking a few herbs.

"It celebrates the coming of spring and fertility. As you know, my mother is a witch, and events like this are important. Witches have a sacred duty to nature. However, today isn't about nature, it is a tradition where a female and a male who came of age get paired off. If they do not get paired off then they have intercourse on this day. It supposedly amplifies magic or a spell if a witch decided to perform on this day." Niklaus explained, scattering the ground for hidden herbs and spices.

"That sounds disgusting. People celebrate this to bound others together or have sexual relations? Count me out!" Helena shivered. As she looked around for the specific herbs Niklaus informed her, she noticed a few Water Hemlocks.

"Well not everyone. As I said, most witches do not celebrate this day as it was intended. They use this day for a different purpose. However, I am sure some witches who practice converted religion like my mother, also use it in the in that sense. But wouldn't it be better than this?" Niklaus sighed.