A/N: Alright people, here is chapter two. Lots of love to who reviewed, thank you tremendously. I am not exactly sure on my upload speed at the moment, like I explained to someone else, I like to plan ahead to keep the story from deadening. Also, I apologize that the first two chapters have a difference in length, though I doubt you guys are upset considering that Chapter Two is nearly doubled.

I apologize for being annoying, ha. Read on, peeps.

Rated M for plenty of reasons.

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters.

"And why should we show you the mercy you couldn't show Rebekah," he whispered, "or sweet Caroline."

Chapter Two: Upon Our Necks

Winter: 1453

Caroline's eyes opened to an unfamiliar sight. She laid in a large bed, the size fit for a king. It felt like heaven as she stared at the ceiling. How did she get here? She looked down at her body, a mint colored silk gown that reached her ankles covered her body. She felt the material, marveling at its quality. She tasted copper on her tongue and frowned. Suddenly memories began flooding her mind.

Dirty hands against her breast

Blood soaking her long blonde hair

Stubble against her neck

Her knees shattering against the pavestone

Pain and fear

Then hope

Elijah, Kol, and Klaus

Caroline sat up in bed and rose on the hard wood floor. But she shouldn't be able to walk anymore? Her blue eyes dropped to her knees, she lifted her dress and examined them. They were as if nothing happened. Her fingers grazed her mouth expecting a dried cut, there was nothing there? To her right she noticed a wash basin and found a mirror resting atop it. She picked it up and was mesmerized to find it was made of gold. She looked herself in the face and she looked to be perfectly fine. Normal Caroline, but if anything she was more healthy looking than ever before.

She placed the mirror back down and splashed her face with the water already prepared within the basin. It smelled of lavender. Lavender was very rare and expensive in the land of Virginia, but clearly the flower is nothing compared to gold, or the softest king size mattress she had ever felt. Caroline looked around the room and approached the balcony, outside was a garden the size of her village of Callaghan, there was a vineyard to the right and winter flowers to the left, paths that twisted and wound around and throughout the large garden. It was nippy out and it sent shivers down Caroline's spine, she decided it was time to leave the lovely chambers and figure out where she was and what was going on.

Stepping out into a large hall that had many rooms and was designed with mahogany and curtains made of the finest cloths. Rugs laid on the ground made from exotic animals that Caroline had only heard of from old stories her mother used to tell her of the jungles. She finally found a staircase after counting at least nine sets of chambers, then across the staircase was another set of only God knew how many more rooms.

Caroline walked down a twisted staircase as she stared at the most beautiful paintings she had ever seen in her lifetime of seventeen years. So many colors from the most expensive and rarest wild berries must've been used to make them all. She never watched her steps as she felt herself fall forward, expecting the worst, she closed her eyes and prepared for a painful fall. To her surprise, she landed against someone's chest, strong arms wrapped around her.

"Woah, there. You must watch yourself down these steps, it's a long way down."

She recognized the British accent to be Kol's. Startled she stood up and got back on her own feet. She stood awkwardly face to face with the brown haired and eyed man, noticing he favored Elijah.

"Oh, uh, Kol. I'm so sorry, I was just admiring the amazing art.-" His finger met her lips, cutting her off.

"Silence, darling, all is well. You just better hope I'm always here to catch you."

Caroline's face blushed scarlet at his comment, earning a chuckle from Kol. Kol's eyes grazed her body and he bit his lip. Suddenly the conversation was interrupted by a hand meeting Caroline's lower back, guiding her around Kol in one swift movement. Caroline turned to see Elijah next to her, walking her down the staircase. A chuckle from Kol could be heard from behind the pair as he continued his way back up the stairs.

Kol called over his shoulder, "I'll see you very soon, Caroline."

Caroline blushed once again at the boy close to her age, whispering, 'okay,' so quietly that she could hardly hear herself say it. Elijah ignored the boy's comment and continued their way to the end of the very long staircase.

"So, I presume you slept well?"

Caroline was startled at his sudden speech, "Um, yes, I suppose. That was an extremely soft bed almost as if it were fit for a royal," she giggled.

"Perhaps because it was," the man chuckled.

Caroline's eyes went wide and she stopped in her tracks. They were royals? She assumed she should've known considering everything she woke up to, but it hit her like a ton of bricks. Why was she here? Who were they?

"Niklaus wishes to speak with you. He stands in the garden waiting. I'm sure you have plenty questions that you seek answers to, he will enlighten you."

Elijah reached to a hanger by the door that held coats and cloaks. He handed Caroline her cloak to her and helped her fasten it around her neck. Caroline looked to him and smiled as he held the door leading to outside open for her. Caroline exited the large manor and entered the garden with a smile on her face. The garden was filled with all sorts of winter flowers, leatherleaf, wintergreen, jasmine, lenten rose, and so many more that she had never even seen before. She walked for what seemed like forever, though she didn't mind, the garden was beautiful beyond measures. In the east of the garden she spotted Klaus standing next to a frozen pond, frozen lilies surrounded the ice, the sun reflecting off of them in a way that could be painted.

He turned to face her, then began walking towards her, meeting her halfway. He must've heard her approach, though she didn't see how, she was so far away from human earshot. Caroline suddenly began feeling nervous the closer he approached. He couldn't stop himself from staring at her and it must've been apparent to her. The gown fitted her every curve, and it was apparent to her breasts that the winter air was getting to her, seeing as her dress was thin. She arranged the cloak to cover her more and Klaus silently cursed. Eventually they met, she took his offered hand as he guided her back to the frozen pond.

His voice was the first to breach the silence, "How are you feeling, Caroline?"

"I am quite well, thank you, the room I was granted was extravagant," she replied timidly.

He chuckled, "Well, I would hope so. Seeing as mine is one of the best chambers in all Mikaelson castle."

Caroline met his eyes at this, surprise apparent in her eyes. His chambers? She slept in Klaus' room? Sweet Maker, in his very own bed. Her cheeks burned at the thought. Why had she been brought to his chambers instead of another? They must have plenty to spare.

"I assume you have millions of unanswered questions. 'Who are they? Why am I here? What happened?' Et cetera."

He hit the nail on the head, but Caroline could probably conjure up plenty more.

"Where to begin, Caroline? Well we are the Mikaelson family. My older brother, Finn is elsewhere at the moment, then goes Elijah, myself, Kol, then the baby sister called Rebekah. This is our home, and we are the royals of Mystic Falls. We rule over several other European lands as well, that is where we originated from, but we chose to settle here. Now to answer why you're with us. Well, you see, we were hunting down Dominik for several moons due to an," he paused, "incident with Rebekah. He attempted to pull the stunt he did with you, but fled once Rebekah figured out what was happening. We have been hunting him down ever since. Then along came you, Caroline. When I witnessed what had happened between the two of you, I knew I couldn't just abandon you. You were so fragile and helpless. I hope you are okay with the fact that we took you. We think it would be best that you seek proper rest before we return you."

Pieces slowly began clicking together in Caroline's mind, now she understood who they were. Shouldn't she address him a certain way?

"Lord Klaus, if I may ask, how is it possible for me to heal so quickly, more or less at all? My knees were broken to the point that I couldn't stand. Also, thank you for all you and your family have done for me, do not think I am ungrateful, I beg."

Klaus turned from her as if debating on his next answer for Caroline. He sighed, then turned back to her, opening his mouth and looking her directly in the eyes, his pupils dilating.

"Your knees were just bruised internally, a woman named Bonnie used herbal salve to heal your cuts," he stepped back, then returned to her, "Oh, yes. Please no formalities, just Klaus is fine."

After he finished explaining the look on his face was quite melancholy. Caroline had never head such a simple answer before, it all made so much sense with that one sentence. It was as if all her concerns vanished. Klaus took her hand and began leading her back inside Mikaelson castle. Caroline stared at the winter ground, ice crunching under her leather flats. Klaus put his hand on her lower back, which oddly warmed Caroline up.

He suddenly spoke, "Come to the feast tonight, Caroline. I wish for you to be there."

It was more a demand than a request, but she obviously didn't have much of a choice, regardless. There was something about Klaus that had Caroline itching to learn more. He was a very interesting man that was obviously very passionate about the ones he loved.

Klaus stopped walking again, "And might I ask your surname? I just realized I don't even know your full name."

"My surname is Forbes."

Klaus stared at Caroline as they walked, he noticed her beauty the first time he laid eyes on her, but he let himself look at her like a person in that moment. He looked at her truly, as Caroline Forbes. The blonde, blue-eyed, absolutely ravishingly beautiful damsel in distress. But wait, what does he even care what she looks like? Since when would he care? Why would he give a single damn if she knew the truth about him? If she feared him even. She was a mere human. Human women have never intrigued him before Caroline. They had just been a simple meal, meaningless.

That was the difference between her and a normal human female, he cared for this one. Something about Caroline made him want to protect her, she was so full of light after she had been through so much. She appreciated life, she was a survivor. As the trio hunted Dominik, they picked up the fearful sounds of Caroline from miles back. This caused Klaus to rush, hoping the woman was unharmed when they located her. Then once he found her in the state she was in, broken and bloodied, he knew Dominik's death would be more than torturous. Caroline would have been mostly grateful she passed out if she knew what they did to him.

He looked back at the woman and opened the door for her, following her in he took her cloak and hung it up. His eyes cascaded down her tall, blonde profile from behind. He swallowed the knot in his throat and looked to the floor. It had been so long since he had been with a woman. He shamed himself, he just met this woman and he was already imagining the things he would do to her.

"Klaus? Klaus…"

But it wasn't just about sex. He wanted to know what made this women ticked. Her hopes, her dreams. He wanted to know Caroline Forbes. He shook himself out of his embarrassing stupor. This angered him that a silly woman invaded his mind when he didn't know a single thing about her. Klaus was brought out of thought by Caroline's sweet voice. He decided it would be best for everyone if he left these feelings alone.

"Yes?" He snapped back.

Caroline was startled at his sudden mood swing, she looked to the ground, wary look on her face. She didn't mean to burden her savior, she simply just wondered where she would dress and stay. She couldn't quite understand what she had said to set him off, but felt terrible no less.

"I apologize, Caroline. I did not mean to seem so harsh. What is it you needed?"

She looked back up at him, peering up at him through her long, dark lashes. She gave a small smile and nod. Apology accepted, he presumed.

"I was just going to ask of you, I don't have any clothing, and I am unsure of where I must change or sleep-."

He cut her off, "Not to worry. I had a servant prepare a room for you, clothes and all, you will have a gown picked out for you tonight as well. Your chambers will simply be in the west wing for guests. I will have Ingrid at your beck and call. To help you wash and dress, any basic needs you have will be fulfilled by her."

"But, I mean, that's really not necessary. I am capable of-"

Klaus stepped forward, leaning right by her neck. Caroline felt her heart stop, he was so very close, and he smelled extravagant.

"Nonsense, love," he whispered.

Caroline stood her ground as he simply walked around her, once she turned around a second later, Klaus was gone. Like a phantom he disappeared, leaving no trace behind.

She pondered how she felt of a servant. She was so far treated like royalty when she was naturally a simple commoner. She was hardly above a servant, more or less worth enough to be served by one. Suddenly, a small girl who looked to be a few years younger than Caroline approached bashfully. She had tanned skin, brown hair that sat in a braid on her shoulder, and the greenest of eyes. Caroline smiled back at the younger girl and introduced herself.

"Hello, Lady Caroline, I am Ingrid. I will be serving you for your visit."

Caroline replied bubbly, "It's very nice to meet you, Ingrid. How is your day going?"

Ingrid's cheeks burned, she has never been asked that as a servant, no one much as cared for her to ask. Caroline could tell as much, she grabbed Ingrid's arm and gave a gentle squeeze.

"We are going to be good friends, okay Ingrid?"

Ingrid blushed even deeper and nodded at this. She seemed so dumbfounded. She was used to Lady Rebekah ordering her around and Kol pushing her around or even using her as a snack, sometimes not even caring enough to compel or heal her. Compulsion was not needed either way, she wouldn't dare betray the Mikaelson's. Her family had severed them for generations. She just assumed he would be more careful as to someone finding out he broke the pact. Her great great grandfather and Mikael signed an agreement years ago that the Swallow family would serve as long as they were to be kept safe and not be fed upon.

Caroline soon followed Ingrid to her new chambers, up the ever-winding staircase, and into the room. The furnishings were much lighter than Klaus'. There were potted flowers all over and a normal sized bed took place in the center of the room, the comforter pale blue with golden flowers. Caroline loved how light the room was, it fit her tastes perfectly.

Ingrid stood in the washroom with the basin filled with warmed water scented with mint for Caroline's bath, Klaus ordered her to bathe Caroline and help her into the gown to prepare her for the feast. Ingrid remembered how Caroline told her they would be friends. Her heart warmed and she blushed all over again. She was grateful for the great kindness Caroline has shown when she has just met her. She beckoned Caroline to the basin, and helped her with her gown.

Caroline's face heated when she realized that she was going to be nude in front of Ingrid, whom she hardly knew. No one had ever seen her naked since she was a babe. Caroline frowned at the memory, besides Dominik who exposed her breasts to himself and his men. She shivered at the thought, and continued to undress of her gown and undergarment that covered her sex.

Ingrid could see Caroline's reddened face and pondered why she seemed insecure. She was a beautiful woman, cream skin, long blonde tresses, legs the length of eons, full breasts, a flat but soft stomach, and curved hips. She seemed to be the perfect woman, the kind Ingrid wished she could be. Ingrid's thoughts were soon interrupted as Caroline lowered into the basin.

"Mm, the hot water feels delightful, I have never taken such a bath," she moaned.

Ingrid smiled, "Well, enjoy yourself, Lady Caroline."

"The 'Lady' isn't needed, Ingrid," Caroline giggled.

Ingrid blushed as she slowly poured a bucketful of water over Caroline's hair. She reached for the soap and began humming as she lathered Caroline's hair, watching as the blonde hair bubbled.

"Ingrid?"

Ingrid stopped humming, "Yes, La-I mean, Caroline."

Caroline giggled, "How old are the Mikaelson's?"

Ingrid continued to lather Caroline's hair, "Well, Lady Rebekah is seventeen, being the youngest, I know Sir Kol is eighteen soon to be turning nineteen in mid-spring," Ingrid sighed, "Lord Niklaus is around twenty-four, I suppose, while Sir Elijah is twenty-seven, and I believe Sir Finn just turned twenty-nine."

Caroline stared at the water she sat in, swirling some mint leaves around.

"But why do you speak of Klaus as 'Lord,' and his brothers as 'Sir'?"

Ingrid informed Caroline, "Because when King Mikael retires, Lord Niklaus will be crowned the new King."

Caroline turned to Ingrid, "But why Klaus? Isn't the eldest son of Mikael the heir?"

"Because he holds the most power," Ingrid said with a straight face.

Caroline turned back around so Ingrid could continue washing her hair. The most power? He was merely four years from twenty, how could he hold more power? How could he be stronger than his two older brothers who have lived and breathed far longer? Caroline decided she would save the question for another time. But she had one more.

"Ingrid, one more answer, I ask of you. Why did you choose to serve the Mikaelson's?"

Ingrid rinsed Caroline's hair clean of soap and began washing her back with a rag before she answered, "Well, because my ancestors signed a pact with King Mikael. We have been serving ever since."

Caroline pressed Ingrid further, "A pact of what sort?"

"We must remain servants of the Mikaelson's until the pact is broken. Until one of them feeds upon our neck."

Watch your words, Ingrid. Last thing you would want is the big bad Mikaelson's after you ;)

Seriously hoping people are enjoying this, I am a tad doubtful due to the start.

Thanks guys, I accept all comments and critiques.