10th CENTURY AD

Dear Astra,

I am sorry for what happened between our fathers and I am sorry that your father did what he did to you. Nobody deserves that— certainly not you. I know that we know not each other that well and I apologize for that. I am just an observer, and from the shadows your light has always been the brightest. Rebekah and Henrik insist that I must be in love with you for the words my father targets at me no longer hurt as much when I see you smile.

I hope that you know that if you ever need to talk to someone, you can always come to me because though we maybe more than a few worlds apart, I know a bit or two about neglectful fathers. I know Elijah seems a bit cold to you as of now but soon you will know that he is just looking out for the rest of us. Just like Finn, he feels that the protection of his family befalls him. Also, don't talk much to Kol— I know that I may be his brother but I am afraid that if the two of you talk for more than five minutes, you will become as sharp-tongued as him.

N̶o̶t̶ t̶h̶a̶t̶ I̶ d̶o̶n̶t̶ l̶i̶k̶e̶ s̶h̶a̶r̶p̶ t̶o̶n̶g̶u̶e̶s̶

I̶f̶ y̶o̶u̶ l̶i̶k̶e̶ t̶h̶a̶t̶ t̶h̶e̶n̶ I̶ d̶o̶ t̶o̶o̶

Scratch what I said earlier— I would want you to do whatever makes you happy.

Perhaps, I do not know what love is and though my mother insists that you are to stay in our house as nothing but a servant girl— I hope you know that you are so much more. You, my dear just as well happens to be my only hope.

Yours always and forever,

Niklaus