AN Please Read: So first off I suck! for waiting over a month to update which is way longer than I promised people so I'm really sorry about that but between Uni work and real life shit I've had some trouble finding time. Which brings me to my next note, so you may or may not have notcied I took off the two/threeshot bit off my above description and that is because after discussing it with my beta I have decided to extend this fic, how long well I'm not entirely sure at the minute, but I can definitely see it going on for a while, the reason being when I started to write the second part it was just getting far too long like 30 plus k long, I realised I just had all these new ideas and characters I wanted to introduce and it wouldn't work the way I originally planned it. So some of you may see this as a good development or a bad one haha I just hope some of you choose to continue to read, I was so amazed at the response this got and I can't thank everyone enough for all nice messages that were left; but I will shut up now and and let you get on with reading. P.S. a special thanks to my beta Sravya for helping me with this P.P.S. Italics mean flashbacks :)

Fortune and Love only Favour the Brave Part 2

"Will it be the red or the yellow dress for this evening Milady?"

Caroline was startled by Bonnie's question, too busy mulling over as what she could only describe as the most vexatious introduction in history, at least for her anyways.

Now the Prince on the other hand had seemed quite pleased with himself, that maddening smirk prominent on his face as she was introduced by her father albeit begrudgingly to the future King of England…

"Well your Grace, now that you've met my eldest and most beautiful daughter Anne I must introduce you to the rest of my family."

William gestured to the two women behind an awestruck Anne who was currently running a finger over the spot on her hand where her future husband had left a barely there kiss that was designed to leave any women wanting for more. Caroline had winced watching as the lips that were on hers no more than an hour ago make contact with her sister's delicate skin.

"Your Grace, my wife, the Duchess of Suffolk, Lady Elizabeth Forbes." William presented the older of the two blondes who stood before him, clad in a high neck floral gown and adorning a polite smile that had been moulded and perfected in her years as a member of high society.

"Duchess, you have a most lovely home" Caroline watched as Klaus bowed his head in respect.

"Thank you, your Grace it is a joy to have you here," her mother gave a low curtsey in return.

"And this is Caroline, she is my youngest daughter" her father introduced her next, where she froze, unsure of how to act and still baffled by the whole situation.

She was snapped out of her open mouthed state by her mother giving her a hard nudge in the back, as the Prince came to stand in front of her.

"Your Grace, what an honour it is to meet you" she replicated her mother's curtsey to perfection, her words filled with respect but her eyes scolded the Prince, demanding that he had a great deal of explaining to do.

"My Lady, the pleasure is all mine" He gave her a smile that beamed nothing if not trouble.

She felt a jolt go through her as he picked up her left hand gently; bringing her up from the bent position she was currently in to meet his own blue orbs. As he moved his head down she all but gasped realising his intentions.

The second his lips met her skin she was immediately brought back to the memory of them caressing another part of her, and like clockwork his tongue made the same motion on her hand as it did on her lips, surprising her by letting it slip out and run smoothly through the gaps of her fingers. It would have been a completely unnoticeable action to the company hovering around the two luckily, and would have appeared to mirror the chaste kiss he had given Anne, but Caroline cautioned him with her eyes, while trying to resist the need to close her own feeling the ache his kiss left her with.

Realising that time had stretched on she pulled away her hand quickly from the Prince's grasp, and looked away from his humorous expression; well at least one of them seemed to find this predicament they had caught themselves in entertaining.

Introductions had continued in the front parlour after that and Caroline had found it very hard to contain her feelings which at the current moment were a mix of rage and anxiety. She felt her hands shake and sweat as she attempted polite conversation with the other members of the Prince's party. The first of which was John Gilbert himself who she was certainly right about in her first impression of meeting him, he stood far too close to her and when enquired about the Prince his responses were curt and filled with disinterest.

The rest of the party included one Stefan Salvatore, the Prince's guard and seemingly good friend who was kind enough to her. They had spoken for a short time before he was dragged away by her Mother who was currently questioning him for his reasons for being here and rather snobbily might she add, not that it surprised her, her mother was hardly know for tact when it came to the 'lower class'.

Another member was one of the current King's council Lord Atticus Shane who she had learned was here too oversee that the promise between the two families were kept, seeing as he was the one to suggest the marriage proposal in the first place. Again he was polite enough, but there was something…strange in his eyes that Caroline could not quite put her finger on, it spoke volumes to her though, and warned her to be weary.

Finally last but not least the King's youngest son Prince Henrik a boy of fourteen was here to as he put it 'keep his big brother company.' He had seemed like a sweet boy, in fact she had probably spent the most time speaking to him in preference, well that and she was trying to avoid the heated stares of the older Prince at the other end of the room whose attention was occupied by either Anne or her father.

When it was finally announced that it was time for everyone to be settled in for the evening dinner that would take place she had thanked the heavens and all but ran from the room and away from her pretender who she had seen trying to subtlety follow her out the room.

So that is how she ended up here, sitting at her vanity, frantically drawing circles on the aged mahogany while Bonnie fussed over her, readying her for a dinner that she'd give anything not to have to attend.

"Milady?"

"Oh apologies Bonnie, the yellow one will do fine. You know how Anne has red marked as her signature colour, why she'd have a fit if I even attempted to wear it" she feigned humour poorly assessing the gowns by her dresser.

"I have to say Milady it's strange to be helping you dress in the evening, I'm so used to the morning and night routine" Bonnie laughed.

"Yes I know" Caroline chuckled along with her "Mother insisted though, apparently the ladies of the court all have a new dress for the evening, seems like wasted time if you ask me."

"Oh you'd just rather be out attending to Alstrome."

At Bonnie's tease Caroline became quiet, while her words were full of light-hearted jest they brought Caroline back to thoughts of the morning passed.

"Milady are you okay?" Bonnie put the dresses down, seeing her lady's sombre expression, coming forward to kneel beside her at the vanity.

"Of course I am, why do you ask?" she pushed her curls behind her ear nervously.

"It's just that you haven't been yourself since you came back from your ride this afternoon and you never did tell me what happened that had you in such a state."

"Well I assure you I'm fine Bonnie"

"Are you sure about that milady? Because I…"

"I said I'm fine Bonnie" she snapped frustrated.

"Of course" Bonnie nodded quickly, her head down "I shouldn't have spoken out of turn."

Caroline automatically felt guilty realising her words, and cursed herself for taking her anger out on her friend.

"Bonnie no" she grabbed the frowning girl's hand bringing it between both of her own "I'm sorry, you didn't do anything wrong at all. I have just had a very…strange day is all."

Bonnie nodded understandingly "Well if you want to talk about it, I think you know that I am quite good at keeping secrets."

Ah yes Caroline knows just how good. How many times had Bonnie covered for her when she would sneak out of her lessons to go and ride Alstrome? How many times had she listened to her flutter on about how irritated she would get at her parents' constant put downs? And how many times had she held her in a comforting embrace when it all would become too much that day? Yes, Bonnie was a loyal friend like no other, and Caroline knew she could trust the girl with her with her life if it came down to it.

So she took the curious girl by the arm and pulled her over to the large bed. Both climbed on and made themselves comfortable allowing Caroline to begin her adventurous tale of mysterious riders, sweet kisses and whispered promises. Bonnie's expressions had varied between thrilled and absolutely smitten, lost in a spoken romance novel only to be turned into looks of horror and sorrow as Caroline finished her tale on the very sour note that it held. The shocking ending being that her frog quite literally turned into a prince, but not one that would belong to her, but too her sister; a tragic tale indeed.

"Milady, words have seemed to have left me, I'm sorry" Bonnie shook her head in disbelief of the tale she had been told.

"There's no need to apologise. I found myself in quite a similar state when I saw him standing there like a preened peacock" she rolled her eyes "I'm sure everyone must have thought I was trying very hard to catch flies."

Both girls laughed at the joke, well perhaps Caroline was convinced her story was not of a happy ending, but Bonnie was not so sure.

"Are you sure that Prince Niklaus knew who you were when you both shared that kiss milady?"

"Oh he most certainly knew" Caroline huffed "I had told him my name yet he neglected to share his…now I see why."

"Yes surely your reaction would have been most different had you realised you were scolding the future ruler of our country" Bonnie exclaimed in jest.

"Well he deserved it" she pouted "What was he doing riding anyways? Shouldn't he have been carried into Suffolk in a golden carriage, surrounded by the rest of his herd waiting on him hand and foot like the Prince he is?"

"You shouldn't believe everything you hear Milady" Bonnie smiled.

"What?"

"Well I just meant perhaps his talk of wanting to escape was the truth" Bonnie mused "perhaps you and he aren't so different after all" she giggled at Caroline's disgruntled face.

"I very highly doubt that" she snorted "besides what does it matter? He came here to meet his future Queen, the best thing we can both do now is avoid each other."

"You're going to avoid the Prince of England?" Bonnie raised her brow in disbelief.

"Yes I am." Caroline returned nodding in determination.

"Milady are sure that is a good idea?"

"Not entirely" Caroline sighed in doubt "but it is the only way, if I were to respond to whatever game he is playing, tell me what good would it do? What would ever come of it?"

"Milady" Bonnie reached out to her, seeing the beaten and defeated look upon her face.

"It is of no need, I will be fine," neglecting the comforting touch she stood and faced her vanity once more, not wanting to spend any longer on the uncomfortable subject.

"I would really like to just get ready for dinner" she gave a small smile nodding to the bright flowing gown stitched with white lilies that she was to wear.

"As you wish milady" Bonnie gave a nod understanding her lady needed more time.

Taking a deep breath, Caroline looked at herself in the mirror deciding she would be discouraged no longer, if the Prince wanted to play with her she would not be a willing participant; she would do everything to ignore and reject him tonight. He may be a Prince, but she was no whore in his bed. Perhaps she mused that it was time for the Black Prince to meet his match.

"Oh Come on Nik how long does it take you to get ready? You're worse than Rebekah!"

Klaus heard the young boy enter his given room, huffing and stomping his foot impatiently making him give a hearty laugh.

"Now we both know that's a lie, no one takes longer than our sister to get ready" he mocked.

"That is true" Henrik chuckled "Still I'm hungry and would like to get some food before Stefan eats it all."

Ah yes, his best friend was quite the ripper when it came to food, Klaus shuddered; anything in his wake was devoured quickly enough.

If Stefan were here now, he would plead innocence and claim that he needed the energy the food brought him after a long day of chasing Klaus all over the kingdom, making sure he wasn't getting himself into any trouble, not that it rarely ever stopped him.

"Well why don't you head down to the dining area, I shall be there soon enough."

"Fine" Henrik gave a deep sigh "but no escape attempts, your betrothed awaits" he gave a smirk that greatly resembled that of his older brother.

"Don't remind me," Klaus rolled his eyes thinking of the high pitched and brazen girl who threw herself at him from the moment he walked through the door.

Of course Anne was beautiful, there was no denying it, but her beauty was of a more symmetrical nature. He had seen it a hundred times before, the long sleek hair, the pushed up breasts and the cat like eyes; all enticing to him of course, why his time spent at court was filled with tons of women of the same complexion; but much like the court, these women became boring to him to the point that they were nothing more than a string of warm bodies provided to give him some entertainment and pleasure.

"Yes I found her rather…direct" Henrik scrunched his face unable to find another word without coming off as a bit of an arse.

"I liked the other sister though," he smiled. "She was fun to talk too; I hope I get to sit next to her tonight."

Klaus grinned at his little brother's proclamation as he sauntered out the door waving after him, it seemed the Lady Caroline had managed to beguile another Mikaelson this day not that it surprised him, his brother was nothing if not a good judge of character, and Klaus knew himself from his own meeting with the beautiful blonde that people like Caroline certainly don't just come out of thin air.

She was a pleasant surprise Caroline, her beauty was more of a natural one, more majestic. It was that fire she held that drew her to him however, the way she had put him in place, demanding respect; it was humbling really. He wasn't sure what he wanted of Caroline, but he knew that he longed to see her alone again. He had seen her face when she found out who he really was, and he wanted the chance to explain himself; he didn't want to see that look of betrayal cloud her face any longer. He also felt giddiness at having the bet they had made fulfilled, to once again be able to nip and suck at those succulent pink lips of hers, there was nothing he'd like more.

As he smoothed the creases in his jacket made of black velvet and made his way out the door he pondered on how he was going to escape the clutch of his current betrothed and her swindling father to try and get Caroline somewhere where they could speak in private.

Luckily it seemed that God was on Klaus's side tonight, as he walked down long staircase he faintly heard the soft serenade of what he was sure was Caroline's voice not far behind him.

He grinned at the revelation and hurried down the steps so that she would not catch him and run in the other direction as she had earlier; no this time he would get her exactly where he wanted, he smirked hiding in a corner darkened by the lack of torches. She wouldn't be able to run this time, and he would get to speak his piece to her.

Once she had finished getting ready, Caroline had sent Bonnie on her way to get her own dinner before making her way downstairs and towards her family's very large dining area, but before she could reach the door she was suddenly yanked into a shadowed corner. She readied herself to scream for help as her back hit the wall when her attacker in question anticipated her move and clamped a hand around her mouth.

"I believe you owe me something ,my love."

Caroline recognised that voice, opening her eyes that had closed automatically in fear she was able to faintly make out the handsome face in the darkness that was beaming brightly at her in contrast. Well it looks as though avoiding him was no longer an option; he had made that task immensely impossible for her now.

Klaus who had been smiling at his small victory, saw the apparent anger rising on Caroline's heated cheeks and took it as his cue to take a step back removing his hand from her mouth and moving aside, but not far enough to allow her escape.

Caroline watched the prince curiously, as he allowed her to stand back up from her previously leaned position and compose herself.

"Your Grace" she gave a small and hesitant curtsey ignoring his lingering gaze.

Seeing her action, Klaus gave an unpleased huff and took her gently by the elbows making her face him once again.

"Don't do that" he said shaking his head.

"Do what your Grace?"

"Pretend that you don't know who I am"

At this Caroline's anger jumped to heights unknown, how dare he point his finger at her? She pushed his hands away from her form.

"Well I don't know who you are your Grace" she replied tightly "all I know is that the man I met earlier today was clearly not truthful, so you will have to excuse me if I'm not feeling very conjusive when cornered yet again into conversation with him."

Klaus grinned to himself at her defiant tone, once again telling him off, he had to say he wasn't one who enjoyed being told what to do, but coming from her he found it more endearing than irritating.

"Something amusing, your Grace?" she raised her brow at him.

"Nothing," he replied simply that smug grin still prominent.

"No. Please tell me" she put her hands on her hips "Is it the way I was so easily fooled by you, you now think me one of your many mindless ladies that will bend to your every whim and…"

"No Caroline" Klaus took her by the shoulders stopping her frantic rant "I apologise, it was not my intent to make you feel that way…about anything" pleading with her to understand.

Caroline heard the genuine tone his voice took, she wanted to believe him, there was something about him that made her want to believe him, but how could she? She didn't know him, she just met him.

Only then she realised how close he had gotten to her, their bodies aligned against one another, his hands still on her shoulders gently pushing her back into the wall as hot breath was passed between them.

"You still owe me that kiss love" he whispered.

"Your Grace, please I…"

"My name is Klaus…say it."

His faced moved towards hers, and as much as she wanted to give in, she knew it would be a fruitless endeavour, a dangerous path to tread and she refused to suffer the consequences.

"Please your Grace, I ask you don't" she placed a hand on his chest stopping him and moving her head to the side.

Klaus hearing her plea stepped back and shook his head in disappointment at her rejection, he should have expected it, and it was a fool's mistake thinking she would want to kiss him after what she believes he did to her. However her words were still a rejection and anyone who had been acquainted with Klaus knew he didn't act gallantly when steered from something he wanted.

"So that's it, then it seems" he waved his hands to the side, his cruel eyes piercing her.

"I beg your pardon?" Caroline asked confused, smoothing down her dress still dizzy from his previous closeness.

"You find out who I really am and suddenly everything has changed."

Caroline gaped at him, she honestly couldn't believe what she was hearing,

"Of course everything has changed, you are the Prince of England, not the simple rider I believed you to be and you lied to me on that fact."

"Hold the dramatics sweetheart, I think you will find that I did not lie to you, I just simply neglected to tell you who I was at the time" he smirked at her. "And given your reaction I was completely justified in my choice."

"Well how about the small issue of the reason for your being here?" At this she saw his face drop and smiled triumphant "Yes the reason being my sister, your betrothed, any of this sounding familiar your Grace?"

"Well yes I…"

"Good then your amnesia has disappeared, tis such a shame the disease seemed to seize you earlier."

He gave a frustrated grunt at her sarcasm, "Which is the reason I pulled you into the shadows, away from prying eyes and ears; I wanted the chance to explain."

"Explain?" she spat "Explain what? You found out my title yet still continued in your advances, you used me."

"Caroline please, you misunderstand my actions" he implored. "Yes, I knew who you were the moment you introduced yourself but I…"

"Your Grace?" a manly voice echoed through the hall in search effectively cutting him off, surrendering them both still.

It was John, Klaus realised and rolled his eyes; he really wanted nothing more than to throw the vile man out of a very high window. Ever since the news of his father dying he had done nothing but follow Klaus blindly, keeping an eye on him at all times, looking for ways to discourage the council as accepting him as the next king of England.

The man despised Klaus, believing that his brother Elijah was the rightful heir to the throne, which in truth by age he would have been, had he not been disinherited and banished by their father, but that's a tale for another time. The point was John did not support the next King of England, and would do whatever it took to get him knocked off the line of succession, this was a fact Klaus knew.

It was the exact reason Klaus had rode ahead of time on his way to Suffolk, he just needed some time to himself without having to be reprimanded for his actions and provoked for his choices, and coming across Caroline had just been a pleasant surprise. Before he could further explain any of this to the girl in question, she spoke up first.

"It seems you are being called upon your Grace, I suppose we must take our leave" she made a gesture for him to let her pass.

"Caroline…I" He tried to reach out to her, but retracted as she held her arms across her chest.

"We wouldn't want to keep your betrothed waiting; I know she is very eager to share more words with you."

She spoke with a sadness that made Klaus feel a stab of pain in his chest, but as she pushed passed him, her form disappearing into the shadows he knew the discussion had come to an end.

Gathering his wits he managed to drag himself out of the dark corner only to be bombarded by a reprimanding John keen on pestering him; he tuned out the short and irritating man though, as his head was filled with thoughts of sorrow and missed opportunities that he had been hit with on this day.

Dinner was for lack of a better term a frivolous affair, full of cordial conversation and overused praising of the Prince who sat solemnly at the table, looking as if he'd rather be anywhere else.

Klaus was used to the forced laughs and the unfaithful smiles, why life at court was nothing more than this, and while his apparent "betrothed" sat next to him trying to seduce him with her low cut gown and perfected edict, he found his attention never deferred far from the beautiful blonde in the across the table, the candlelit shade above her creating a halo of light that surrounded her, absorbed her.

She sat between John and Henrik, while John leered at her disgustingly, to whom he found himself catching a snarl at he was thankful his brother kept her company. Of course he was happy his brother had gotten his wish, but he'd be lying if he didn't admit he had hoped that it would have been him sitting next to her instead, making her laugh, for what a melodic sound it was.

"So your Grace how do you find your accommodations?" he heard Anne's voice break through and sighed, disgruntled from being taken away from his previous activity.

"They are comfortable enough, my Lady"

Anne not happy with his short reply tried again moving closer "Well you should know they are not too far from my own should you ever need anything."

Klaus smirked at the obvious flirt "That's very…kind of you my Lady."

"Please call me Anne, given the circumstances I think it would be wise for us to speak more knowingly of each other wouldn't you agree?"

"Of course" he smiled at her tightly and took a large gulp of his wine longing for the evening to go by faster.

He wished that Stefan could have been sat next to him instead of at the end of the table, at least he would have been brought some good cheer then; but no, next to him was none other than his very own matchmaker Atticus Shane, not so subtlety spying on the conversation held between the soon to be weds.

He wasn't the only one who was putting on a good show however, across the table Caroline stabbed at the meat on her plate frustrated at the seduction act happening in front of her.

"What did that poor pig ever do too you?" the boy to her right jested, snapping her out of her unpleasant reverie.

"Nothing," she coughed putting her fork down embarrassed "I was just…assessing the tenderness of the meat."

"Oh really?" the boy laughed to which caused her own set of giggles to take place at her ludicrous response.

They were both interrupted by her sister's own loud and exaggerated laugh as she clutched onto the Prince's arm making Caroline shake her head at in distaste.

"She seems rather taken with him" Henrik smirked at the couple in front of him.

"Well I'm sure the Prince is used to it" Caroline whispered back bitterly.

"Oh without a doubt," Henrik kept his grin and faced Caroline "but she's not the image that has managed to capture his attention all night" he raised his eyes knowingly at her.

Caroline looked at the young prince shocked and nervous at his assessment, but before she could comment on his observation she heard Anne call out her name from across the table.

"Caroline did you hear that? His Grace has invited us to travel back with him to court upon his leave, your introduction will be fabulous as your presented as one of the Prince's own party" her admiring eyes never left Klaus as she spoke.

While Anne may be pleased with this new development, Caroline certainly was not, inwardly groaning at the thought of being held in a confided space during a long period of time with the two betrotheds, at least here the estate was large enough that she would be able to get away from time to time.

"Caroline," she could practically feel her father's scowl "Isn't that a very generous offer that Prince Niklaus has made?"

"Very generous indeed, I give my thanks to your Grace" she replied swiftly not quite looking at the Prince and taking an ample sip of her wine for measure.

"Oh you'll have to excuse Caroline." Anne jumped in "She'd rather be riding through the fields on that wild horse of hers, or have her head buried in a work of mindless fiction than spend a night in celebration with actual people of class, only god knows why" she teased.

Caroline hid her embarrassment behind her goblet as certain members of the table around her chuckled; she prayed that the red on her cheeks could be mistaken for the flush from the cool and sweet liquid.

"Well I can't say I'm one to judge" Klaus swooped in to her own surprise. "My own steed is a rather wild one in his own, I've found that the fields just outside Westminster are the only place he will settle, perhaps we can ride out together sometime Lady Caroline?"

Caroline was sure her face had gone completely florid by now, as all eyes trained on her, curious as to why the Prince would even care to ask of such a thing of her.

She saw her mother across the way giving her an urgent look that told her to respond and to do it appropriately.

Forcing a polite smile upon her face she cleared her throat and responded with a small "Perhaps."

"Well I for one would love to go riding with you" Anne proclaimed "I have been told many times that I am quite adapt at the art of hunting your Grace, an activity you yourself partake in or so I'm told" she smirked at him licking her lips.

"That's one way of putting it" Caroline heard the Earl snort into his glass next to her.

"I do hunt on occasion that is correct, it all depends on my mood really." Klaus gave a short nod then turned his attention back to Caroline tired of pretending to care about mindless and uninteresting topics.

"So you like books Caroline? My sister Rebekah is quite the avid reader herself, I think that the two of you would get along famously, although her tastes lie within the tragic and forbidden romances category" he chortled "What subjects interest you my Lady?"

"Oh Caroline's the adventure type, always dreaming about some far off and magical land isn't that right dear sister?"

Caroline bit her lip angry, knowing that Anne was baiting her, upset with the current lack of focus being diverted from herself.

"As a point of fact recently I have been studying a play written by Euripides the great Greek tragedian; he wrote it based upon the legend of the enchantress Medea, have you heard of it your Grace?" she smiled bitterly at him.

"It sounds familiar, but I'm sorry to say I could not recite it."

"Well allow me to jog your memory; Medea was the daughter of a King who ruled Colchis, there she met a man named Jason who had travelled far to claim his own inheritance, proving himself worthy by going on a quest to find an object called The Golden Fleece that would be a symbol of his kingship."

"I think I'm going to need some more wine," John cut her off rudely, standing to go and get another pitcher from one of the servants.

"Anyhow, a deal was struck between Medea and Jason when he came to Colchis, she promised to help him in the numerous and dangerous tasks he would have to face along the way, and in return he promised to take her hand in marriage when he became King."

"And did he prove valiant?" Henrik asked next to her, enthralled with the story.

"In the tasks, yes with the help of Medea he was able to escape the clutch of death; he took his title, and they sailed to Corinth where Medea bore him two sons."

"Some tragedy," Anne scoffed "That is a happy ending if I've ever heard one."

"Not entirely," Caroline shook her head and pointed her gaze towards Klaus.

"He ended up leaving her for another woman, and in turn Medea filled with rage, and betrayal poisoned her and fled taking her sons and leaving Jason to live out the rest of his days alone never able to forget the feel of revenge served by a woman scorned."

Klaus and Caroline looked on at one another; he could see the point she was trying to make with her sordid tale, speaking in volumes that they were sailing towards violent waters and one if not both of them would end up drowning if they didn't try and forget the events that had occurred earlier today.

It did not discourage him however, as a matter of fact he felt fascinated and intrigued by her intelligence and her wit; and of course when someone told him he couldn't have something, well he only found that a more powerful motivator.

"Well Caroline I think that's enough of the history lesson for one night" her father cut in nervously at the now quiet table "We want to entertain the Prince while he is in our humble home, not send him into an early sleep with these tedious tales of yours."

"On the contrary Duke Forbes, I find the Lady Caroline most engaging" he smiled devilishly and raised his glass towards the beguiling blonde.

Caroline inwardly sighed in defeat and chastised him sliently for his shameless ways, she had hoped her warning would work feeling now more anxious than ever of the coming days to pass; but she could not deny the slight fluttering in her stomach that stayed steady for the rest of the evening as sinners eyes danced with her own.

Finally after an incredibly long and eventful day Caroline was able to go to bed and forget about the cluster of worries that plagued her. She threw the first chemise she found on and wished Bonnie a goodnight before climbing under her many warm covers and blowing out the candle by her bedside, burrowing herself deep into the heavenly mattress.

She closed her eyes welcoming a much needed sleep and hummed contently, but before she could fully emerge herself, something jumped on her bed making her give a yell of panic and move to the bedside table grabbing the first hard object she could find. She turned ready to launch it at her attacker but stopped stupefied as she was met with the form of her amused sister holding a small candle and not a large and dangerous assailant.

"Boo" Anne whispered giggling at her sister's dramatic reaction.

"Anne," Caroline gritted confused. "What in the world are you doing here?" she grabbed the candle from her hands and lit the one at her bedside again, displeased at the need people felt to scare her into an early grave today.

"Apparently I was about to be brushed to death by my clearly fearless sister"

"What?" Caroline asked confusedly before following Anne's humour filled eyes down to her hand still clutching what seemed to be a small and silver hairbrush, sighing she threw the object in the draw of the wooden table before turning back to her grinning sister.

"Well I apologise I didn't have time to find a suitable weapon, I'm not exactly used to being assaulted in the night, well if you don't count this morning that is. Should I expect this to become a pattern?" she quipped.

"Oh is my company really that bad?" Anne pouted.

"You're just lucky no one seems to have heard us" Caroline shot back.

"A fact that surprises me greatly, taking into account your very large squeal, how very uncouth of you, Caroline I must say."

"Oh please go back to bed Anne, I'm not in the mood for your games and how did you even get in here? I didn't hear the door open."

"I came in while Bonnie was helping you change and hid behind the dresser, really you two should be more alert" Anne scolded lightly "What if I had been John Gilbert, hiding in the dark, drunk and ready to steal your maidenhead; I have to say I wouldn't put it past the man."

"Don't joke, the man spent the night 'accidently' brushing his leg against mine while slurring comments about how the pork was too dry" she gave a disgusted shiver.

"Well perhaps he wanted a taste of something a lot more…wet" she smirked at her.

"Ugh Anne" Caroline felt the bile rise in her throat at such thoughts of the Earl.

"Oh don't be so prudent I'm sure it wouldn't be so bad, he is virtually the richest man in the country next to the royal family and he's of an age that comes with much experience" she winked.

"Please stop" she rolled her eyes giving the girl a hard nudge before laying back down far too tired for this.

"Prospects are thin these days Caroline" Anne said burrowing herself under the covers next to her sister. "Not everyone can marry into the English Dynasty after all" she beamed.

Here we come full circle, Caroline rolled her eyes; couldn't she go a moment not having to think about the Prince today? She hoped tomorrow she could escape into town and avoid him and his blasted name.

"Yes I see you're quite besotted with your Fiancée."

"How could I fail to be, did you not see him? I have to say I think our children will quite handsome and I can only imagine how pleasurable the activities leading up too such events will be" she smiled blissfully.

"Well you would know" Caroline raised her brow and Anne sneered at the remark before lying down next to her.

"I did find something quite peculiar this evening" she said after a few moments pass.

"And what was that?" Caroline asked yawning.

"The Prince Niklaus, he seemed to be somewhat interested in a great deal of what you had to say."

"You think?" Caroline feigned indifference, thankful that Anne could see her face as she turned her head the other way.

"Hmm, I mean I suppose he was just trying to be courteous but I must admit I found it rather…odd" she said cryptically.

At this Caroline did turn her head back to the girl who leaned on the pillow, gazing at her in question.

"Odd how?" Caroline prepared herself for what she was sure would be a lashing insult.

"Don't look at me like that I just meant that he came here to get to know his future wife yet he speaks to you, and as we proved this evening your interests are of an…acquired taste, so I fail to see the desire in such musings" she finished shaking her head.

"Well perhaps he found what I had to say of his own 'tastes' as you put it."

"Oh don't be bitter Caroline it's highly unattractive" she huffed "never mind I'm sure he was just trying to be polite to his betrothed's sister, good show and all."

Caroline silently scoffed at this, moving to turn back feeling more exhausted than when she had first lay down if that was even possible. Before she could make the move however, Anne grabbed Caroline's wrist tightly making her face the now serious girl in question but mostly annoyance.

"It is of no consequence after all a great deal of his time will be spent with me over the coming days, and when the time does come we both know who his Queen will be, isn't that right baby sister?"

Caroline recognised the whispered warning in her voice, the threatening smile that reared its place whenever Anne did not get her way.

"Indeed" Caroline simply said sourness laced to her voice.

The girl in question took Caroline's answer giving her a satisfied smile and released her wrist.

"Sweet dreams sister" she leaned over and gave Caroline a gentle kiss on the forehead then proceeded to lie down, snuggling into the covers and closing her eyes in content, it was as if the previous moment hadn't just happened.

Caroline looked at the girl in bafflement, how Anne could go from murdering you with her cruel words one minute too lathering you with all the sweetness in the world the next she did not know, there was almost something pathological about it.

She lay back in her place assessing the position the two were in, side by side; it brought her back to a time long ago when the two girls were still children, both innocent and ignorant of the ways of the world…

1527, Suffolk Place

It had been a long winter and with it brought violent thunderstorms that thrashed and pounded against the stone walls of the manor, leaving Caroline a girl of only nine at the time hiding under her covers sobbing with fear.

Pastor Florence had once told her that thunder was God's wrath; it was his way of speaking his displeasure to all the sinners in the world, all the non-believers; well Caroline attended mass all the time she didn't understand why God would be so angry at her, it made her weep so.

She gave a breath of relief when she heard the creak of the door as it opened and small feet saunter across the room and into the save haven of her bed.

"Anne" she sniffed, smiling at her heroine, watching as the young girl climbed into the thick blankets, submerging herself in the warmth given.

"Oh Caroline don't cry there's nothing to be afraid of I promise" she hugged the still shaking blonde.

"But Pastor Florence says…"

"Who cares what Pastor Florence says, he's an old cod"

"Anne" she giggled at her sister's cheeky words.

"It's true, I don't believe his stories and neither should you."

"Well what do you think thunder is if it's not God?" she asked gazing out of the rain covered glass, wondering why such a thing existed in the world.

"I don't know" Anne shrugged then gave a mischievous smile "Maybe it's just daddy's snoring."

Both girls laughed and lay down, throwing the covers over their heads so no one would hear them.

Caroline smiled at her big sister, she was always there to protect her, to make her feel better, and always there when her mother and father weren't. She hoped it would always be like this.

"Anne when we get older you'll still come when it thunders won't you?"

"No." Anne replied shortly, her eyes closed.

"Oh." Caroline whispered a sadness and fear washing over her at her sister's reply.

"You won't need me then silly," Anne opened her eyes and jumped up tackling a dejected Caroline into the mattress "By then we'll both have our Prince's to protect us."

"Like in the stories Grandma reads?" Caroline asked smiling.

"Exactly" Anne replied "They will slay the thunder and then you'll never have to listen to it again."

"Really?" Caroline giggled imagining finding a prince who would do such a thing for her.

"Yes, when am I ever wrong?" Anne exclaimed "but just in case our Princes get a little lost trying to find us, I promise that I won't ever leave you alone little sister, not when it thunders, not ever."

"You swear it?" Caroline held her hand out.

"I swear it" Anne replied linking her small fingers through Caroline's.

Both girls fell back into a deep slumber untroubled that night, linked to one another and dreaming happily of their fairy tale endings, one story never complete without the other…

Caroline eyes watered slightly at the care free memory, how she longed for simpler times; but she knew that everything was different now. As they lay in this bed they were no longer children, no longer innocent, they were certainly no longer linked and the only Prince was the one that stood between them, the one that Caroline could never allow herself to have and the one that Anne would do anything to have.

So alas the two sisters slept that night as they did all those years ago, together and side by side once more, two crowns of black and gold surrounding them; and although only an inch lay between them on the bed; both girls knew the sad truth that the inch was more like a mile, and it would only grow larger with time…

Poor Caroline she's had a rough day :P So a lot of new faces turning up, all of who you will get to meet offically in the upcoming chapters, starting next with Stefan since he didn't get any dialogue in this chapter bless him; lets just say Klaus gets a bit occupied in the next chapter and wants someone to be his eyes and ears with Caroline. Now Caroline will have her hands full from an accidental run in with someone from her past who doesn't exactly get off on the right foot with Klaus...hmmm ;)

So? if you have the time to spare please let me know what you think and know that constructive critism is welcomed, This is a whole new territory for me so advice is appreciated.

Thanks for reading :)