Blood Secrets
Chapter 1
It was hot like it always had to be in the middle of the summer, France was bustling with so many wonderful things. It was a time of sex, romance, art, music, and dance. A time when courting was a way for a woman to play coy, and a man to hunt the prey. This time was a time of experimentation, men with men and women with women, such a glorious time to be living. The crowd of ladies and gentry did not help the heat to die down in the slightest, in 1903 the main source of entertainment for the wealthy was to host as many parties as one could fit in the summer months. Caroline Forbes, Countess of Avignon, was no different. People started to pile into her home right as the sun was bidding its final farewell, off to be replaced by the moon in all her splendor, time to let the shadows run free and her subjects to stir up some trouble.
The hours passed, as did the drinks, the food, and the company one kept. It was no secret to any who walked over the Countess of Avignon's threshold that everything was to be kept in confidence. Caroline prided herself for the parties she hosted, all that was done behind the closed doors of her sanctuary was left as such. It was when the sun was debating on whether or not it wanted to rise or stay asleep that Caroline finally decided to retire, she was tired and drunk. Her maid already had the basin filled with hot scented water to soak Caroline's aching feet. The merriment was still going on downstairs and she had no doubts that it would continue throughout the day.
When the sun finally greeted the windows, slowly crawling up from the wooden floors to the vaulted ceiling, it was met with a horrific sight. Blood stained the rug and walls, amongst the drunken faces came a fierce scream. Caroline awoke and ran down the grand stairway, only just remembering to wrap a house coat around her thin frame, pulling her platinum hair out from between the two fabrics, she would worry about its state of disarray later. At the last stair she came to an abrupt stop. There, a man stood in the middle of her drawing room, tall with long, slightly curled dirty blonde hair clinging to his sides from the damp heat of July. He angled his head towards her, clear gold eyes held a mocking gaze as he scanned Caroline's appearance.
"Good Morning my sweet petunia, it's wonderful to see you again it's a shame I wasn't invited, you know how I love a good party." The amused grin never leaving his red stained lips.
"Niklaus" the curt reply given as she moved slowly closer to the man making himself at home at her once lively gathering. She tried in vain to stop the small tremor of fear…or was it agitation from being seen amongst the guests, she would stand her ground to him, it would not be like the last time.
"Is that the only greeting you give such a longtime friend?" Caroline ignored the comment and instead extended her hand to the sitting room, he complied with a short nod of the head and strode ever gracefully away.
Caroline bid her guests a quick farewell, not having to worry about the gossip that it would have been if not for in her home. Calling for Bonnie to tend to Niklaus, and hopefully get rid of the corpse now lying in her drawing room, it was such a pity he didn't make a cleaner kill, now she will have to deal with the blood stains.
"I really did like that rug"
she removed herself to the master chamber in order to make herself presentable. Once again she descended the stairs while continuing to look at her once lovely rug…he would be getting her a new one. Caroline stood in front of the door to the sitting room, taking in a few calming breathes. With the last heavy sigh, she moved to grab the handle.
"I won't bite" the silky voice said on the other side of the door, she could hear the smile in his tone and flushed, how could he still get under her skin? He opened the door, and, as she predicted the smile was still there. Caroline fixed him a stern glare.
"What could you possibly be in want of now Niklaus? If I remember correctly in our last farewell you said it would be forever, that I might not be alive the next time you were anywhere near France." Chuckling at her brave face he bid her to sit.
"Did I say forever?... my, it must have escaped my mind; my dear I just couldn't bear the thought of not seeing you again. Imagine my surprise if I came to your address only to find an empty estate? I would be crushed."
"You tricked your way into my life last time, I am afraid it will not be such an easy task again. I wish you all the happiness the world can offer and bid thee good day." She had emphasized the good day by pushing him out of the room and into the main lobby, she kept going until he was outside the main doors; the sunlight fell upon his face, which of course had no effect she knew from her previous adventures with him. Slamming the door however, had the desired reaction.
Thank you for reading this chapter, this is my first time writing a Klaroline FF. I am hoping to post a new chapter every week, i apologize ahead of time for the short chapters, this will be a frequent thing. I have chapters 1-5 finished and am in the process of editing them. please note that the timeline will go back and forth constantly and without a heads up. Eventually it will all make one final product, so please be patient and enjoy piecing the puzzle of their lives together with me. Constructive criticism is always appreciated and i hope you all enjoy the story!
~Evander
