FROSTBITE • mikaelson mate

chapter nine

CHAPTER NINE
arguments and resolutions

"Absolutely not." Elijah's definitive tone sounded across the sweet little tea shop, causing people to glare at us.

Henrik had suggested that we all go out for lunch to get out of the hotel, which was starting to feel suffocating. I had readily agreed, thinking that a public place would be the perfect place to talk to Elijah about possibly finding Klaus. I knew that it was potentially an ill-advised idea but I at least wanted to have a conversation about it.

The tea shop was quaint with pastel blue walls and chairs that didn't match. It was not very busy at the moment, with only two other tables occupied. We sat at a small table, with Elijah opposite me and Henrik beside me. I couldn't help but think it was the perfect place for a date but I put that thought to the side, seeing as the atmosphere we had created was extremely unromantic.

Since we were surrounded by people, I presumed Elijah wouldn't want to make a scene.

I was wrong.

"After everything I have told you, how could you possibly imagine that finding Klaus is a sound idea?" he said, glowering at Henrik. His tone was hard but his manner was the epitome of calm as he proceeded to sip his tea. "You should never have gotten her hopes up, Henrik."

"This is not just about Morgana, it's about me!" Henrik argued, "Klaus is my brother and my best friend!"

Elijah let out an exasperated sigh, "He is not the man you remember."

"I think that it is definitely worth talking about the possibility of finding him, Elijah." I said calmly.

His gaze softened when they landed on me, his tone completely changing, "I do not want you to be hurt, Morgana."

"You said it yourself, he wouldn't hurt me!" I argued, tilting my head to the side. I narrowed my eyes at him, daring him to dispute me.

"I also said that he would take you away from us." Elijah pointed out. I scowled as he carefully placed the tea cup onto the table and adjusted his cufflinks, something I noticed he did often, almost obsessively.

"There is no proof that Klaus would do that, only your skewered opinion!" I sighed, knowing that this argument was going nowhere. Elijah was just as stubborn as I was and neither of us were willing to compromise.

"I just want to talk to him." Henrik said, looking down at the table, a painted expression on his face. I placed a hand on his knee but it did nothing to sooth Elijah's next comment.

"Absolutely not, I thought you were smarter than this, Henrik. You're putting your own selfish desires first instead of prioritizing the safety of our mate." Elijah said sternly and I straightened in my chair. Henrik exhaled sharply and I could tell that he did not like his brother talking to him like that.

I absolutely hated arguments. I spent so many years in the foster system lying awake at night because it was impossible to sleep over the sound of shouting. Raised voices immediately put me on edge and listening to Elijah and Henrik argue made vulnerable emotions rise to the surface. Elijah and Henrik would never talk to me in the way they were speaking to each other.

Needing to get away from the toxic environment, I got up and left. Henrik called my name but I ignored him as I rushed out the door. I chose a direction at random and began to walk. I heard the door open behind me but I kept on walking even faster, basically jogging at this point. All of a sudden, I crashed into someone. I was about to apologize when I realized it was Elijah.

I jumped away from him with wide eyes, glancing towards the door, which was at least 20 feet away by now.

"How did you get here so quickly?" I asked, stunned.