His Perfect Daughter

Chapter 42

*10th Century, Saint Valentine's Day, set sometime during midnight.

"I do not always want or need company." Helena vocalized in annoyance as she shifted, the rattling of her chains echoing the cellar.

"I am not doing it for you." Niklaus scoffed, partially lying. He positioned himself, sitting next to her, one knee up and the other flat on the ground.

"You could bother one of your siblings." Helena scratched the cold dried up bloodied floor, observing the floor and noticing what a mess the cellar had become. She tried her best not to spread that concern across her face. "More specifically....Rebekah." She grinned.

As months went by since it all started, Esther had paid less and less attention to the condition of the cellar. She wouldn't be surprised if Esther stopped paying attention to her condition all together and not in the sense of leaving her to her own devices. She was only allowed to clean herself up twice a week. Helena was growing paranoid. But the thought of being covered in her own blood, sweat, and filth due to neglect, terrified her.

"I am not bothering Rebekah simply because I want to converse and have difficulty sleeping." Niklaus rolled his eyes.

"I'm sure she'll find a swell solution to that one." Helena lightly cackled.

"What are you on about?" Niklaus quirked a brow.

"She fancies you. I'm not sure if it was the kisses I spotted or her own words I overheard between you two. Your pick." Helena shrugged, questioning sarcastically.

"You tailed me?" Niklaus blurted.

"No. As you seem to forgotten, I not only have after hour duties, which I am a very unwilling participant of, but I also have normal duties as a servant." Helena clicked her tongue in annoyance as she continued. "I can't help overhearing conversations or observing others. It keeps me occupied and it is not as if I can turn my hearing or seeing off." She rolled her eyes. "Do not shift the subject."

"Tsk. I am not." Niklaus veered a bit as he continued. "Well stop observing me. I do not need an extra set of eyes. Mother already has it in for me. If you, Rebekah, or I even hint at that, make no mistake, mother will certainly add her to the fun." He scoffed.

"I don't know. It's quite a risk. If Esther is as calculated as you believe she is, then you have got nothing to worry about. Rebekah is your father's favorite." Helena stated.

"That is true." Niklaus nodded. "But that is precisely the reason. She is calculated. She will find a way without raising suspicion. Look how far she's gotten." Niklaus gestured.

"Incorrect. Unlike you, I do not believe she is as strategic as you say. I believe she is manipulative and cunning. Very different. So if we went with my logic, Esther still would not lay a hand on Rebekah. Or at least not in the sense of bringing her into this situation. She was able to get this far due to me being a servant, her servant specifically, and due to her being cautious with you. The only other actual adult here is your father and he does not care for you." Helena explained uncomfortably.

"Cautious with me?" Niklaus questioned.

"Yes. You used to rebel a few times at first but that did not last long. You follow her orders. You obey her no matter what. You've created this paranoid idea about her watching our every move as if she is capable of doing such a thing all 24 hours of the day. You give her a bit too much credit at how witty she seems to be. You are terrified of her and it is as clear as day. And most of all....You are perfect victim and a perfect accomplice at the same time." Helena looked up to meet him as she stared straight into his ocean blue-green eyes.