This is going to be a short story, rated M because of some dark themes.

Part 1

Niklaus looked around in the hall that was full of people. He had never seen anything like it; Count de Martel certainly knew how to throw a feast. The red and gold tunic Niklaus was wearing felt completely foreign to him, the fabric felt nothing but strange. All the noblemen were wearing that kind of tunics and he was supposed to be a nobleman now. He still wasn't sure if he had made the right call by voting to come here.

Elijah and Finn seemed to be doing well, Elijah was having a conversation with the Count himself and Finn with some other nobleman. Rebekah seemed to be enjoying herself; she was getting plenty of attention from many young noblemen. Then there was of course Kol. Niklaus sighed as he spotted his little brother; Kol was just kissing the hand of some blushing young noblewoman. Hopefully Kol would behave while they would be here. After a moment Niklaus noticed Lucien, he was standing next to the wall. He didn't notice Niklaus approaching him.

"You've proven to be an immense help," Niklaus stated, managing to startle Lucien.

"Of course, my lord," Lucien replied.

Niklaus looked at his serious face and felt curiosity.

"Though I must say you don't seem at all disturbed about leading us into your master's home."

Lucien's expression tensed.

"My master is a cruel drunkard who torments his minions for sport. Beggars who seek supper, vessels who cannot pay a debt. Like my own father."

That explained a lot.

"Ah."

"All these "gentle" folks behind their silks and their jewels, they are monsters. Whatever evil you are, you walk among greater evil still," Lucien stated bitterly. "What do I care if you kill a lot of them."

They were both quiet for a moment, Niklaus observed the people in the room. He didn't doubt that Lucien was right about them. Absentmindedly Niklaus glanced at the entrance and noticed a man and a woman entering the room arm in arm. The woman was very beautiful.

"Who are they?" Niklaus asked.

Lucien glanced at the entrance as well and seemed somewhat uncomfortable when he saw the man and the woman.

"Um, they're Count's children, the Lord Tristan and his sister the Lady Aurora."

"Hmm," Niklaus murmured, allowing himself to admire the Count's daughter. Then he saw her. The woman walking behind the Lord Tristan and the Lady Aurora. She was…gorgeous. Dark brown curls, big dark eyes, heart shaped face, full lips…

"What about her?" Niklaus murmured, he couldn't turn his eyes away from this woman. "Who is she?"

"Oh, that's the Lady Violette," Lucien replied. "She is the Count's ward."

Niklaus wasn't familiar with the word.

"What does that mean?"

"Her father was the member of the court and after he passed away, since the lady has no brothers or other male relatives, the Count became her guardian," Lucien explained.

"Ah, I see," Niklaus muttered. "She has no husband?"

Lucien hesitated for a moment before replying.

"No. The Count will decide who she will marry. He has not done that yet, probably because…"

"What?" Niklaus asked when Lucien didn't continue.

"I would advice you to stay away from all of them," Lucien stated tensely. "Lord Tristan is truly his father's son, he knows no mercy."

Niklaus looked at the three of them, especially the Lady Violette. She was just greeting the Count with a bow and a smile. She had the most beautiful smile Niklaus had ever seen. Suddenly she looked up and met Niklaus' gaze. She blinked her eyes rapidly few times; a faint flush was rising in her cheeks as he smiled at her. They looked at one another until Tristan touched her shoulder. She was clearly startled, but she got over that quickly and turned to look at Tristan.

"The lady does not seem very dangerous to me," Niklaus murmured.

"Perhaps not, but I strongly advice you to avoid her," Lucien responded.

"Why is that?"

Lucien seemed uncomfortable.

"Trust me on this, my lord. The smartest thing for you to do is to stay as far away from Lady Violette as you can."