Hybrid Heart

XXXVI. Box Threats

"Well then, is it true?"

Klaus had been by my side again almost as soon as Marcel left. I'd been standing in the middle of the room before Klaus swooped in and led me away from the crowd.

"Which part?"

"You're royalty." He smirked, glancing down as me as we walked.

"That's all you've taken from all of that?" I sniggered at the thought. He'd been so worried about the dangers I was in but he was suddenly distracted by the idea of my lineage. I had to smile at the inquiry.

"No, not all. I just thought we could talk about the serious parts later on," I silently agreed with him. There was also the matter of Elijah, speaking to him alone would probably be better, though I don't imagine Klaus would want to miss out on anything. I know it wasn't going to be a possessive lack of trust, he just wanted to be involved, especially if my newly immortal life was at risk. "I always knew there was something about you, love. I thought you'd have told me you're descended from Kings."

"And Queens. I never thought it was relevant, it's been hundreds of years, after all. I'm not royalty. I'm the daughter of two literature professors, who also weren't royalty. It's more of a thing I could bring up in a support group or at a party." I shrug it off but Klaus is clearly enjoying this too much to let go of it yet.

"Ah yes, all those parties you go to." He teases, smiling down at me.

"Shut up." I can't hide the smile on my face that comes from the gentle bantering that we'd both become accustomed to.I kept my eyes peeled for Elijah. I wanted to know if he'd been in the room. If so, he'd likely be anticipating our conversation. But from what I could see he wasn't anywhere to be seen amongst the people here anymore. He didn't seem like he would much enjoy crowds or attention, what with being a more reserved member of the family. "It would seem I have to talk to your brother though. Don't you agree?" I asked Klaus, curious to see his reaction.

"I do indeed, darling. Perhaps I should ask Marcel to hurry his people along?" He replied, calmly. Level-headed Klaus was very attractive to me indeed.

I agreed with a small nod. Once we'd reached the edge of the room, we stood side by side and watched the activity of the party. People often looked our way, glancing at myself and the Hybrid at my side. I would have felt somewhat nervous but with Klaus stood next to me, I didn't feel any anxiety.

"We must look very good for everyone to be staring at us so much." I comment.

"Of course we do, my love. I'm the Hybrid and you're simply the most beautiful woman they've ever seen, what's not to stare at?" He raised an eyebrow as he spoke.

"Careful now, I'll become vain."

"You can be whatever you like, Annabella. I'll be with you no matter what you become." His words hold a seriousness despite our joking manner. He means it. After a while, Marcel finally came over to speak to us again. Klaus seemed to have rehearsed the whole exchange in his head this time, so not to be humiliated. "Marcel, at last. Myself and Annabella are ready to retire, mind gathering your people?" He smiled, it wasn't genuine but it was patronising enough to be antagonising.

"Yeah, I was thinking your girl looks like she really wants to leave. Or maybe that's just her usual expression? I never know these days but you do have a thing for the broody ones, Stefan Salvatore sure was a-" Marcel is cut off by Klaus's growling voice.

"Watch your tongue, Marcellus."

"He's right. I've always been a miserable sod. I'm afraid Klaus has a type." I decide to intervene, taking ahold of Klaus' arm as I do so, looking up at him with a small smile.