Disclaimer: I don't own Vampire Diaries...I just like to pretend I write the show sometimes. and you're awesome for tolerating me for it.

title courtesy of the song 'broken crown' by Mumford and Sons.

i'll never wear your broken crown

1

'son, the greatest trick the Devil pulled was convincing the world there was only one of him'

The disturbance in the air behind him was his first warning he was being followed, not that the hair standing up on the back of his neck was enough to come close to frightening Niklaus Mikaelson.

"I should have known you'd come for me eventually," he said with a smirk. There was no need to turn around and greet the ancient standing a ways behind him. Caroline's body language and the fearful look in her wide eyes told him everything he need to know. With a slight twitch of his fingers and an imploring look in his blue-green eyes, Klaus beckoned her closer to him. Yes, he stood between her and the ancient witch but Klaus needed her to be as close to him as possible if things became less than cordial.

"You're the most powerful creature on this pathetic planet," Silas hissed. "And seeing as I am rather powerless compared to you, it would be wise to seek you out if I had need of anything."

"Then it's rather unfortunate you spent two thousand years rotting under ground. I'm afraid to say I don't offer my services to those who pose a direct threat to me if I choose to offer up any services at all, witch."

"Then, I'm afraid you'll be forced to reconsider, hybrid."

A feral growl ripped from Klaus' throat. He let go of Caroline's wrist as his fangs dropped with a hiss and he whirled around to attack. He lunged towards the ancient with every intention of ripping his throat out but was only met by air. A scream came from behind him and Klaus whirled around to see Caroline pinned against Silas' body, an arm wrapped around her neck as she whimpered and struggled against his deadly grip.

"Sshhh, little one," he whispered mockingly with a cold smirk, his cold blue eyes boring into Klaus' as he stroked Caroline's golden curls out of her face, his long, bony fingers trailing down her cheek. "There's no need to fuss. No need for you to worry. As long as the hybrid behaves, you'll escape with you life, little vampire."

Klaus started towards them only to be blocked by an invisible barrier. He snarled and flashed his fangs at Silas, shoulders tense in frustration at having the tables turned on him so quickly. He strode back and forth in front of the barrier like an angered predator, his golden eyes never leaving the sight in front of him that was making his blood boil.

He lunged again, this time from a different angle only to be blocked once more. Using his speed he moved again and again and again to try and get to Caroline. Each time, Silas moved with him, the magical barrier shifting and no matter where Klaus tried to penetrate it from, Silas' magic moved faster, predicting his attack point.

"Enough!"

Klaus growled and looked up to see Silas' hand poised right over Caroline's heart, the tips of his long fingers touching the exposed skin near her heart.

"Let her go."

"Not until you give me what I want, hybrid."

"Let. Her. Go."

"You have what I don't. You sit on a throne that rightfully belongs to me. I need you to do a favor for me."

"I thought I made myself clear. I do favors for no one."

"Not even this beautiful vampire who has you captivated- body, mind, and soul? Not even when," Silas paused as his hand plunged into Caroline's chest and she screamed out in pain as his murderous fingers settled around her heart, "her life rests in your hands? I see the appeal of someone so young and pure has over a darkened heart like yours. What a pity, Niklaus. It would be an absolute shame," he whispered, against the skin of Caroline's neck, eyes never leaving Klaus, "if I had to dispose of her."

Caroline screamed again, tear filled blues eyes squeezing shut as Silas' started to pull his hand from her chest at an agonizing pace, fingers clenched tightly around her heart.

She managed to look straight into Klaus' eyes. She could see him thinking, scheming a way out of this, a way to get her out of this. With tear-filled blue eyes, Caroline shook her head ever so slightly. She opened her mouth with all the strength she could muster. She had to tell him it was okay, that he needed to let her go and keep fighting.

An alliance with Silas was out of the question. Kol had been right: this was a war they couldn't afford to lose. If Silas won, he would ignite a flame and watch the world burn.

This was to be her end and so be it.

But the hybrid had different plans. He dragged his eyes away from Caroline's pain-filled orbs to stare Silas down, his walls up high around him and his mouth parted so he could, once again, be her saving grace.

"What is it you want?"

A/N: I know, I know another new story before I finish anything else. but this one should be short (ten chappies, tops). I just got a plot bunny jumping around in my head about the backdoor pilot and why Klaus goes to NOLa in the first place and it wouldn't leave me alone. so just indulge me. pretty please?

and, I finally have a free weekend so I can get lots of good stuff for 'In Shadow I Hide', 'Monsters Like Us' and *drum roll please* 'Movie Night: The Sequel' done.

thanks for reading! please review if you have a second, I really appreciate it:)