CH: I - Royal Lies
Niklaus could not have been more annoyed at his current situation. Standing before the court, beside his father, he scanned the throne room full of noblemen who had gathered for the arrival of Duchess of Grent, the Lady Caroline Forbes, and their acceptance of their betrothal.
The acceptance of the proposal had been done under extreme circumstances. Despite his father's victorious rebellion against the crown, much of the country remained in turmoil. The marriage would pacify the realm as Lady Forbes was not just any noblewoman.
Lady Forbes father was legendary Lord Frederick of House Grent, whose bloodline descended from the first settlers of the land. Her mother Elizabeth Forbes, was sister to the late King and daughter to King William IV, Lady Forbes had royal blood in her. Which made her a perfect match for quelling the insurgents done in the name of the late King.
The proposal and arrangements had come from King Alaric, lady Caroline Forbes very own godfather. The very proposal had caused many of protests from the family. It also weakened their prospective ties as many other lords, including King Alaric, had not offered their own eligible females.
"I don't understand why we don't keep her hostage? Why not lure here under the falsehood of marriage?" Kol had been the loudest to protest to the idea of needing to solidify their claim.
Elijah and Niklaus were not as hard headed, they knew outside a small group of noblemen not many held them in great esteem.
"Lady Elizabeth Forbes was wise in having the young Duchess spirited away to King Alaric's realm." Elijah sighed exhausted, "King Alaric has requested the return of her family titles and estate, she also bring a small title of courtesy that he has granted her. That with the combined dowry she will bring, and the added stability to the realm once she is married into our family, should bring us some reprieve of the never ending battles."
Kol had argued that it showed weakness in the family. An outright admittance that the Mikaelson family were not fit to rule the land. Their father had settle the argument and yet Klaus could not stand to have this invisible dagger held against his neck. Either marry this disposed loyalist or continue the fighting that was tearing the realm?
Rebekah had a feather brained notion that his uneasiness was because he harbored no love for the girl and that was why he was so reluctant of the proposal, but it was not because of some foolish notion as love, but that his pride had been wounded as his hand was being forced into marrying her.
The murmuring in the great hall had ceased and soon spread into the the throne room. He cast a quick glance to his younger brother Kol and sister Rebekah the two stood a step below him their attention drawn to the throne entrance as well.
He did not have long to mull about his current circumstances as the sound of approaching music filled the great hall first bounding off the stone wall and into the throne room. The first glimpse of the envoy was the musician leading way serenading the onlookers with a soft yet joyous tune. Rainfall of flower petals were not far off. A mixture of blue and yellow, the house colors of the late King, petals fell behind them as they made a grand spectacle for the entering figures.
Her appearance drew hushed whispers as she entered in a blue and silver dress. The bodice stitched with the sigil of her father's house and her mother's. Lady Caroline seemed to glide instead of walk ensnaring the attention of all. Tall and poised she entered the throne room her head held high and her bright and expressive blue eyes staring forward. There was no hiding the fire that raged behind them. Klaus had to admit that her performance was convincing. She looked demur and lovely but there was an intensity that made her inviting stare discourage any real attempt of interaction.
Stopping just a few feet from the throne her gaze traveled from his father, to him, and to his two siblings. A lovely smile graced her pink lips brightening the look on her face once more.
"Your grace." She knelt her head low the rest of her envoy followed suit.
The throne room once more fell into silence. Every courtier staring in awkward fascination at Klaus's father and his betrothal.
"Welcome, lady Forbes. You're most welcomed back into my kingdom." The words were provocative but they did not sway her composure.
"I am glad to be back home." She rose her face bright and cheerful. Klaus smirked Lady Caroline was playing her part quite well.
His father had fallen for her act as a haughty and victorious smug look took hold of his face. He rose drawing the attention off Lady Caroline.
"It is with great pleasure that I announced the betrothal of my son, and heir, Niklaus to the Duchess of Grent, Lady Caroline Forbes." He motioned to Klaus. With a tight face he stepped before Caroline her bewitching blue eyes holding him longer than he cared to admit.
With a innocent smile she held her hand out a impish grin forming on her face. He stared at her hovering hand, dare he take this devil with a face of an angel's hand? He could feel the eyes of his father and siblings spurring him into taking her hand.
"I am in your care." She spoke softly as his hand took her own.
A thunderous crack of applause filled the room. Even their biggest critics were applauding at the sight of the two. His father clasped him beside his shoulder giving it a hardy whack of approval.
"If you will, my lady, permit me to escort you later to the gardens for a stroll?" his voice was tighter than he liked.
"I would be delighted your highness." With a graceful curtsy she turned back to the curious gazes of court. With a sweet appearance she made her way out of the throne room with as much fanfare as she had entering but with the open admiration of the court as they bowed low as she passed them.
Klaus watched in silence as his father and brother muttered amongst themselves about how agreeable his fiancé was. Even his sister made some jealous remark, all of them fooled by her deceptive act. How was it that he alone was worried? After today's brief interaction Klaus was certain of two things; Lady Caroline was a superb actor and that they had invited a bigger threat into their court then they first thought.
(a/n:There it is guys my first Klaroline multi-fic. I do apologize for any errors as It's late.. I hope you enjoy!)