Cami awoke to find herself alone. Sunrays pierced through the curtains, bathing her face in sunlight. She smiled, oddly content.
Yes, she was married to a monster, but if their first night together was any indication, Cami found herself not hating the prospect of spending the rest of her life with Klaus Mikaelson.
Where was he?
Cami donned her robe and quietly exited Klaus' chambers. Cami tried in vain not to blush when she met servants knowing eyes in the hallway. She pulled her robe tighter in an attempt to look dignified when she asked for directions back to her room.
Once there, while she waited for her morning bath to be drawn, Cami stood naked in front of a mirror. Cami looked for external changes in her body. Were her breasts look rounder or was it all in her mind? Was she now a real woman since she experienced orgasms? Cami touched the area where she was currently sore. Cami still smelled his husky scent. Her neck, and other parts of her body were still red in areas where Klaus sucked on her skin. Yes, he definitely left his mark.
After she was bathed and dressed, a servant informed Cami breakfast was ready. Cami quickly walked to the dining area, only to see she would be eating alone. That dampened Cami's spirits, but she pushed the disappointment aside.
As she ate, Cami heard noises outside; Someone arrived on horseback. Her ears perked up when she heard Klaus' voice. Cami found that she was eager to see him again. She met him at the door, greeting him with a wide smile.
"Good morning."
Klaus didn't return her smile. In fact, he didn't look at Cami at all. As Klaus spoke, he looked over her shoulder. "I brought you vervain." He briskly handed her the plant. "We leave shortly, so finish your breakfast and be ready to depart accordingly." Klaus instructed before leaving her.
Cami was momentarily flustered before following her husband outside. Klaus was gently stroking his horse's mane. He didn't turn around to face her.
"Have I done something to offend you?" Cami asked quietly. She didn't understand the reason for Klaus' distance.
"Not yet." Came the low reply. "However questioning me will certainly do it."
Cami awkwardly held the vervain in her hands. Her uncertainty wasn't enough to make her back down. "I just thought..." Cami ducked her head. "Last night..."
Klaus finally turned around to see the blush on his wife's face as she looked at the ground. His brow furrowed as if in confusion "Last night, yes. You performed your duties quite adequately."
Cami's eyes snapped up to Klaus', incredulous at his words. "My duties?"
Cami shut her mouth, which had been hanging ajar. That's all it was to Klaus? A duty? Cami searched his face but it was closed and impassive. Cami's heart dropped to her feet.
Klaus played her. What's worse was she let him. He made her feel wanted and beautiful. It was all lies. Cami knew better than to trust him and she was still fooled. She slept with Klaus. Twice! Cami gave herself to Klaus and now he was throwing it back at her as if it was nothing. "Performed adequately" her ass.
Cami drew herself up. "Apologies, I was confused, and mistaken. It won't happen again."
Klaus' blue eyes met Cami's for the first time that day. He saw the hurt she clearly wanted to hide. "See that it doesn't." He said in an emotionless voice and turned back to his horse, dismissing Cami. "Be ready to depart."
Cami stood frozen at his coldness before runningback into the house. She had been right all along, marriage to Klaus was a nightmare. But Cami would keep her promise to her husband. She would never mistake his intentions or let him in her body and her heart, again.
For the next two days, they travelled in silence. Cami rode in the carriage. She alternating her time between sleeping, reading, and worrying about her future. Thankfully Klaus rode ahead on horseback. Cami refused to cry. She knew Klaus and the vampire posse they travelled with would be able to hear her.
One of Klaus' vampires rode with Cami in the carriage. The vampire was female, and didn't speak a word to Cami other than to inform her of when they were about to stop to rest.
When they did stop, Cami never strayed far from the carriage. She had never been around so many vampires and she didn't trust any of them. A few of them shot her interested looks but most ignored her. Any other time, Cami would have been fascinated and studied them. Now she was too wrapped up in her own worries.
Cami thought of escape but knew it would be unlikely. If she was going to run she would do it when Klaus didn't have his little army around them. No, Cami knew she would have to bide her time.
Twenty feet ahead, Klaus kept his ears trained on Cami. He heard every move she made. Klaus was aware of when she slept, read, or sneezed.
Once again, Klaus reprimanded himself for not killing Camille. Fortunately his act of indifference two days ago shut down any warm feelings between them. Camille had not looked at him since their last conversation. The hostility between them would pay off when Kol met up with their travelling party. Klaus was dreaded seeing his younger brother tomorrow. He knew it would take everything to keep Kol's temper at bay.
The next day Klaus was proven correct. After greeting each other gleefully Kol sniffed the air. Klaus' chest tightened as Kol smiled.
"What is that I smell?" Kol pointed his head toward the carriage. "Did you bring me a snack, Nik? You shouldn't have."
Right on cue, Camille exited the carriage.
"Beautiful thing." Kol murmured approvingly, his eyes turning black and his fangs showing. Suddenly they disappeared as his eyes squinted at something. Klaus turned to find what caught Kol's attention. It was the wedding band on Camille's finger.
"She's your wife?" Kol exclaimed. He scowled at Klaus, before grabbing him and whisking them both away to a place where they wouldn't be overheard.
"Why is she alive?" Kol gritted out.
Klaus checked their surroundings. Kol had brought them into a forest clearing. "What good is she dead right now? Elijah will see through any accident that befalls her. If I bring her to court, believe I'm trying-"
"Bollocks, Nik." Kol shook his head. "You swore-"
"I merely delayed. I still mean to keep my oath. Camille will die." Klaus fought to keep his face impassive as Kol scrutinized him.
"When?"
"When the time is right." Klaus said calmly. "Elijah should at least lay eyes on her."
Kol sighed. "I see your reasoning. For a moment I thought you'd gone soft."
"Never." Klaus lied.
Kol sped away with Klaus on his heels. They stood over a small cliff overlooking travelling party. Kol only had eyes for Camille.
Kol closed his eyes. "I can smell her blood from here. Its delicious." He grinned at his brother. "Have you drank from her?"
"You know I have." Klaus smirked.
"Then can I have a taste?" Kol licked his lips. "I could use a snack."
"No." When Kol looked at him sideways Klaus acted offended. "For heavens sake she's my wife, Kol. Mine. Only I get to feed from her."
Kol shrugged. "Wouldn't be the first time you shared what's yours." Kol squinted and returned to camp, once again with Klaus following. He studied Camille closer. "I don't see any bite marks on her."
"I gave her my blood." Klaus said nonchalantly.
"Ah. Have you bedded her?"
As if she sensed them discussing her, Camille's gazed flashed to the two brothers. Her green eyes were filled with anger but Klaus saw the flash of hurt the anger covered. Kol chuckled as Camille looked away.
"I see she isn't keen on being bitten."
"She knows better than to test me, lest my fangs find her neck again." The words felt hollow like Klaus' chest. "Camille knows her place."
"Good thing." Kol nodded. "But I'm sure your Aurora will be all too happy to remind her." Kol frowned.
Klaus raised his eyebrows. "Now look who's gone soft."
"Not at all. I think beautiful things are at their most alluring when they're being destroyed." Kol kept his dark eyes on Camille as she stretched. In the morning light her blond hair gave the appearance of a halo. "I can't wait to see Camille at her most beautiful." Kol finished gleefully.
Klaus smile didn't reach his eyes.
Cami's back arched in pleasure at the feeling of Klaus stretching her warm damp sheath with every stroke. Cami was helpless to stop her croons and moans. Klaus gently cupped her face as he kissed her cheeks, her eyelids then her lips.
Cami could barely respond. The gentle whisper of his hands over her skin didn't match his rough thrusts. Unsatisfied, Klaus put one of Cami's legs over his shoulder. Cami yelled out his name as he went even deeper. Klaus reminded Cami to keep her eyes open.
This one request was hard to honor. Every time Klaus moved inside her Cami's eyes closed. Suddenly their positions were reversed. Now Cami was riding Klaus. She threw her head back in ecstasy. Klaus watched her intently, she trembled when his fingers played with the gateway to her soul. As Cami moved her hips back and forth Klaus matched her thrusts. Each movement was bringing Cami closer. She hurriedly chased the orgasm, eyes closed. All Cami could hear was Klaus' shouts and the rough way their skin slapped together. Klaus grabbed her hips. She was so close. Just when Cami was about to come, she woke up.
Cami sat up, covered in a layer of sweat. Her heart beat rapidly in her chest. She didn't understand. It felt so real. Cami felt between her legs, she was wet. Not again.
Cami groaned in frustration. Every night she kept dreaming of sexual encounters with Klaus. Why? Why had her body not let him go? Or was her subconscious only acting out her buried desires?
No. Cami didn't want Klaus. She didn't want him anywhere near her.
Cami rubbed her temples as she yawned. It was not as if her other dreams were so pleasant. Sleep was elusive to Cami. She tossed and turned in her makeshift bed. Cami missed her family, she missed her home. She was afraid of a land full of vampires. Fear kept her up at night. The only time she slept at night fully were those damn sex dreams (more like nightmares).
Cami laid back down and tried to return to sleep, an effort she knew would be in vain. Tomorrow would be filled with more travelling, and Cami catching naps in the carriage.
After another eleven days of travel, Cami finally set her eyes on Elijah's castle. It surpassed her expectations. As the sun began to set the bricks began to shimmer like gold.
The feeling was totally unlike when they entered vampire country five days ago. Then, Cami expected a sharp change of climate and terrain.
Whenever Cami imagined vampire country before she pictured a dark mountainous land with no vegitation or signs of life, and vampires lurking around every corner. Instead, Cami found vampire country the same as human country. They did pass mountains that took her breath away, but if the vampire travelling in the carriage with Cami hadn't voiced her pleasure of being on her home soil, Cami wouldn't have known the difference.
But now, as the carriage rolled into the outter courtyard, Cami knew she would have picked out Elijah's grand castle anywhere. It was so enormous, built from a combination of brick and marble it was a magnificent sight to behold. As the door to the carriage opened, Cami remembered to keep her mouth closed. The courtyard buzzed with activity. People stopped to stare at Cami. She did her best to ignore them.
Cami suddenly remembered the story of how Elijah came to possess this wonderful palace. It was once owned by a human king who ruled the area. Then Elijah and his siblings arrived on the scene. The king put up an impressive fight, but in the end, he fell. Elijah killed him and his queen. The royal couple had six children. The Mikaelsons killed half of them. Of those left, one was made their slave, one sent away to spread the word of new leadership, and the last turned into a vampire.
Cami swallowed, noting the predatory glances thrown her way. She straightened herself, determined to look unperturbed. This was her debut at court. Cami refused to have it ruled by fear, even if that's all she felt at the moment. Cami wished she had a familiar face to lean on. But she had no one. None of her old servants, no family, no friends, and certainly no husband. Speak of the devil, Klaus joined Cami.
She focused on the servants unloading their luggage.
"I don't need to tell you the importance of the next few hours." Klaus said in a low voice. It was the first time they spoke since Klaus hurt her.
"Then why are you?" Cami snapped, rolling her eyes over to his.
Klaus' blue eyes were cloudy. His nostril's flared and his brow furrowed. Klaus shifted his stance as he glared down at Cami. His eyes bored into hers, drilling in the message he wouldn't say with his mouth. Cami would act happy. She would put on the show and be the best damn new bride Elijah ever saw, or there would be dire consequences.
All of this was communicated effectively without speaking. Cami tore her gaze away and set her jaw. This is why Klaus picked her? To be his human puppet. Cami wished she listened to ***. She should have gone straight home instead of walking around town. Then she never would have met Klaus.
Klaus kept looking at Cami even when she turned away. Kol's chuckles made Klaus swing his gaze over to his brother.
"The joys of marriage." Kol said and lifted his canteen to Klaus in salute before drinking.
"Are you drunk?" Klaus demanded.
"Possibly." Kol shrugged, the silly smile never leaving his face.
"Take my arm." Klaus told Cami. She stiffly obeyed. Her full lips were in a firm line.
As they walked through the arched gateway into the inner court, Klaus watched Cami transform.
She lifted her chin high, her eyes lit up, and an easy smile replaced her scowl. Cami's green eyes widened in wonder as she took in the castle. Klaus wasn't sure if it was part of her act or not but it was convincing.
When they entered the banquet hall, Elijah and Hayley sat on their thrones. They stood and met Klaus and Cami halfway. Cami curtsied respectfully as introductions are made.
Elijah kissed her hand. "My new sister is lovely. You've picked a fine woman Niklaus." A small smile appeared on Klaus' face. "Tell me, Camille how was your journey?"
Cami took in the handsome man before her. Where Klaus face was made up of curves, Elijah's was made of harsh angles. He and Kol favored each other with their dark colouring and facial structure. Cami bit the inside of her cheek. So, this was the man responsible for her current plight. All of the marriages were Elijah's stupid idea. He stood before her grinning, and welcoming like a fool. As if Cami had any choice to be here. Cami wanted to stake Elijah where he stood. It wouldn't kill him, but it would make Cami feel better. Instead she smiled.
"Long, my lord. But it was worth it to see the splendor of your castle."
"Why Camille, flattery will get you everywhere." Elijah was pleased. He turned toward his brother. "I do hope my brother has been on his best behavior. Has he been any trouble?"
Klaus was careful not to betray his worry over Camille's answer. Cami kept Elijah's steady gaze.
"He wouldn't be your brother if he wasn't." Cami's face was serious before her eyes sparked with humor.
The group laughed at Klaus' expense. Klaus hadn't seen Camille this bright and glowing since...well, ever. He had no idea she was such a good actress.
While they talked during dinner, Cami put on a good show. When necessary Cami played shy, or nervous. She laughed at Klaus' jokes and answered Elijah's questions truthfully. When Hayley asked how Klaus chose Cami, told the story.
"I had no idea who he was." Cami said. "Klaus was so charming and intriguing."
Camille looked over at Klaus. In that moment Klaus wished he was the cause of Camille's glow. That the way her bright eyes looked at him was genuine. Klaus parted his lips to speak as Cami spoke again.
"I still can't believe it." I can't believe I fell for it.
"Neither can I." Hayley muttered sipping from her goblet
Elijah, Klaus, and the rest of the vampires drank blood from their goblets. Cami's stomach tossed at the sight. How long would she have to play the role of contented wife?
Every second Cami fought the impulse to run screaming from the room. She could feel eyes studying her. The lustful way some vampires looked at Klaus didn't go unnoticed by Cami. She wondered which women Klaus had taken into his bed. When most greeted Klaus they had eyes for him alone. When they spoke to Cami they didn't look at her, passing her over as if she were insignificant.
"Have you two consummated the marriage?" Elijah asked in a low voice.
Klaus nodded while Cami turned bright red. Elijah and Hayley hid smiles at Cami's reaction.
Klaus let his mind wander, wondering what Camille would look like if he poured honey over her naked body like she was currently pouring it over a biscuit. His crotch tightened. Klaus couldn't help it, he still wanted her. It wasn't enough for him to invade Camille's dreams. At least he knew Camille still wanted him. Klaus entered her mind as she slept, but once he got the dream going, he let Camille take over. She wanted to ride him. And blast it, Klaus wanted to let her. He chanced it, every night when he ran off as soon as he felt her waking up. Klaus eyes zeroed in on the movement of Camille's lips. He wanted those lips around his cock. Klaus fidgeted in his seat.
A pretty vampire slowly sauntered up to the table. Her neckline plunged and her red hair flowed over her shoulders. Out of the corner of Cami's eye, she saw Klaus pause as he drank.
"My lords." The young woman curtsied. "My ladies." As she rose, her blue eyes caught Klaus and smirked seductively. Klaus raised his chin ever so slightly in acknowledgment.
"Camille, this is the Lady Aurora de Martel." Elijah said politely. His smile didn't reach his eyes. Hayley failed to hide a frown.
"Camille." Aurora's smile was predatory. Unlike the others, she looked at Cami with amusement. Her gaze hardened at the sight of Cami's wedding band then disappeared. "What a lovely name. We will be seeing a lot of each other, I think."
"I look forward to it." Cami said evenly.
Aurora looked surprised that Cami responded. Her eyes glittered with a secret. Aurora winked at Cami before sauntering off.
Cami looked at Klaus, who had kept his eyes on the musicians the entire time. She raised an eyebrow. Seriously? Aurora was Klaus' mistress. If the playful manner wasn't enough to tip Cami off, the triumphant smirk was. Like Aurora knew something Cami didn't.
Cami found Aurora's eyes on her even while she mingled with other vampires. Cami didnt shirk from Aurora's gaze. She raised a glass to Aurora, pointedly showing off the wedding ring. Aurora's smile faltered. Cami smiled as she drank, enjoying her small victory before her thoughts turned to her husband.
Klaus hadn't returned to his light demeanor since Aurora's appearance. He was distracted, his eyes kept flitting over to Aurora. Klaus still wanted her. Was this why he pulled away from Cami? Sleeping with Cami had been his duty and nothing more.
Cami stood, and the rest of the gentlemen in the room followed suit.
"Please, sit." Cami gestured.
"Where are you going?" Klaus asked. Cami noted his good acting. For a moment she thought the worry in his voice was sincere.
"Pardon me, my lord, my lady." Cami said to Elijah and Hayley. "Are there utilities?"
"Only for the servants." Hayley responded. She gave Cami directions to the bathroom.
Cami sped off before Klaus could ask if he needed to accompany her.
"Sit down, Niklaus." Elijah said. "Although your concern over your bride is surprising."
Klaus ignored the doubt on Hayley's face and focused on Elijah. "You said you wanted this alliance to work."
"Frankly I'm shocked she made it this far." Elijah confessed.
"Where is Rebekah?" Klaus asked, changing the subject.
"Getting ready I assume. She'll make her dramatic appearance as always."
"Camille seems nice." Hayley said. "Stupid, but nice."
"Why would you call her stupid?" Klaus bit back his defense of his bride.
"She likes you, doesn't she?" Hayley quipped.
Klaus wanted to inform the werewolf that Cami was intelligent and she now hated him. Instead he coolly replied, "If a person is dumb for liking their spouse then you are easily the biggest idiot in the realm."
Hayley bristled and looked away while a small smile crept onto Elijah's face. Klaus didn't know why Hayley bothered with pretending to hate her marriage to Elijah anyway. It wasn't rainbows and kittens but it was functional. Watching the couple eye each other nervously and share a secret smile made Klaus jealous.
He ruined what common ground he and Cami found on their wedding night. Self destructing as always, only this time it was on purpose. Somehow that made Klaus feel even more like an idiot. Cami purposely getting a rise out of Aurora put her in more danger. The brave/foolish human surprised Klaus at every turn.
Aurora stopped her socializing to give him an even look. Klaus knew what that meant. He gave her the slightest nod of his head, signalling his lover to meet him outside. Aurora discretely slipped out of the room. Klaus downed his goblet of wine before meeting her. He didn't look forward to Aurora's demand for Cami's blood.
Aurora began her lament before the door shut behind Klaus. "Why is she still alive?" Aurora's voice trembled at the betrayal. "You swore, Nik! You said I would never have to lay eyes on her and here she is! As if her very existence is not enough to vex me, she insists on taunting me! Camille." Aurora spat her name. "I would like to-"
Her tirade was cut short by Klaus grabbing Aurora into his arms and kissing her roughly. At first Aurora fought Klaus, determined to speak but soon her efforts turned to returning his kissed with fervor. Aurora bit Klaus' bottom lip and tugged on it.
"Someone missed me." She whispered, giggling.
Klaus didn't give her a chance to speak another word. To Aurora's delighted cries, he spun her around and bent her over a nearby table.
Aurora braced herself in anticipation. "I missed you too, my love."
Klaus dragged Aurora's undergarments down so that they pooled around her ankles. Klaus needed to remember who he was before meeting Camille. He shouldn't have picked her. He shouldn't have slept with her. Now he felt protective because on some base level Klaus knew he cared about her. Klaus needed to forget Camille and remember who he was and who he loved. He barely registered Aurora's words as he dropped his trousers.
"Why don't we bring in your new bride so she can watch us like we did that human girl five years ago? It was glorious-"
Aurora was stopped short by Klaus entering her. He roughly grabbed her hips and thrust into her furiously.
"You're right, I did miss you." Aurora smiled, at his words, breathless. "I don't plan on sharing you for the moment. You're mine, and I am yours."
Klaus didn't care if Aurora's yelling brought attention to their whereabouts. He was finally feeling something familiar.
...
Feeling slightly refreshed from relieving herself, Cami took her time going back to the dining hall. She felt a wind and a blur came to a stop before her. Cami prayed the vampire wouldn't mistake her for a snack.
"I knew I smelled someone new." The blonde vampire smiled, bolstering Cami's uneasiness. "You must be my new sister."
"Rebekah Mikaelson." Cami stated, taking all of the lady in.
Rebekah's long blonde locks reached down to her waist. She wore an elegant dark green gown with tasteful jewelry. Rebekah cocked her head to the side as id she were listening for something. "And you are Camille. Nearly everyone's talking about you in there."
"Wonderful." Cami muttered, not needing confirmation on what she already knew. They were probably taking bets on how long she'd live. "Isn't my lady a tad late to the party?"
Rebekah waved her tardiness away. "It doesn't matter when I arrive as long as I'm there. Besides, the most interesting thing about tonight is right before me." She began circling Cami. "The human girl Nik chose as his wife. I never thought I'd get to see you."
Cami kept her smile steady. "Likewise." She didn't appreciate the way Rebekah eyed her. Like she was an interesting specimen for study.
"Has Kol been kind to you?" Rebekah suddenly asked. "I use the term 'kind' loosely. He and Nik made a scene at Hayley and Elijah's banquet."
"No." Kol disappeared from Cami's sights for most of the evening. When she did see him he was entertaining guests with a drink permanently in his hand. Cami wanted to finish this conversation quickly. "I ought to return."
"I ought to change." Rebekah huffed. "I never wear the lady of the hour's color to her event because it reflects her." She explained, "You may not be wearing it but green is definitely your color, love."
Rebekah breezed away before Cami could process whether her statement was a compliment.
On the way back to the dining hall Cami heard pleasured moans and panting coming from a room. At least someone's enjoying themselves.
"My love."
Cami froze. That was Aurora's voice. She crept around the corner and saw what she feared the most.
The door was slightly open. Cami recognized the back of Klaus' body and she sounds coming from it as he continued thrusting into Aurora, who was bent over a table. Thanks to the angle of a mirror in the room, Cami saw the ecstasy on Aurora's sweaty face. Cami shut her mouth, she didn't realize it was hanging open. She knew she didn't need to see this but she couldn't look away. Aurora's eyes opened, and met Cami's in the mirror. She smirked triumphantly at Cami before shutting her eyes and returning to pleasure.
Cami swallowed. A burning feeling took over her body. She turned on her heel. Cami couldn't do this. She couldn't be Klaus' wife and she couldn't put up a charade. Not when Klaus was sleeping with another woman at the banquet meant to honor their marriage. Just when Cami thought Klaus couldn't shit on their marriage more! And he expected Cami to play the role of contented wife for Elijah while he defiled their marriage? Who the fuck does he think he is?
"Are you alright?" Hayley asked as Cami sat down. Elijah was talking to some leaders.
"I'm tired." Cami refused to meet Hayley's eyes.
"Camille!" Elijah returned with Kol at his side. He looked around. "Where is Niklaus?"
"Here." Klaus stood behind Cami's chair.
Finished with Aurora already?
Cami didn't dare turn around. Klaus' presence was overwhelming. She wondered if Aurora was nearby .
Hayley noticed how Cami stiffened at Klaus' voice. Her eyes shifted from Cami to Klaus.
Cami didn't dare turn around. Klaus' presence was overwhelming, Cami was as aware of him as she was her own breathing.
"I wanted the new couple to honor us all with a dance." Elijah said.
"No!"
Klaus and Cami answered in unison, but Cami's no was the most forceful. Cami hated dancing in general because she was bad at it and she was not making an exception for her philandering husband.
Klaus raised an eyebrow at Camille's emphatic answer. His eyes bored into the back of her skull, wishing he could see into her mind.
Elijah tried again. "Tonight is a celebration of your union. You haven't danced all night."
"My lord, I have a confession to make." Cami started.
Rebekah strutted over to their table. "Everyone relax, I am here." She had changed into a deep blue gown.
"Impeccable timing as always Bekah." Kol saluted her with his goblet.
Rebekah put her hands on her hips. "What? Am I interrupting something?"
"You were saying, Camille?" Elijah said.
Everyone looked at Cami sharply. "I am tired." She said. "In my current state my dancing would be pitiful, frankly. I do not wish to embarass myself or my lord in front of such a large audience."
Elijah started again but Hayley touched his arm, silencing him.
Cami managed to give her an appreciative nod. To Elijah, "Apologies. Another time, my lord."
Klaus spoke up. "We travel to our home on the morrow. Camille will need all the rest she can get."
Cami bristled when Klaus said her name. She didn't know they were leaving court tomorrow. When was she supposed to find out?
Cami stood, "Excuse me. I would like to retire for the evening. Gratitude, my lord, lady."
She kissed Klaus' hand, wishing she had the nerve to bite it. "My lord."
"My lady."
Cami kept her eyes on the ground, not sparing Klaus a backwards glance as she hurried off. Cami may have to live with him, but Klaus' house would never be Cami's home.
Klaus' home was not as massive and ornate as Elijah's, but it was still gigantic. Cami knew she grew up privileged, her parent's home was the second largest in town. Klaus' mansion was at least quadruple the size of the Maxwell's. That was just the mansion, or as Cami called, the mini palace. She wasn't counting the stables, the pond she saw, and the acres of land surrounding it.
In the foyer, Cami noted the different way Klaus and Elijah decorated their domain. Artwork tastefully hung on the walls, Cami assumed it was Klaus'. Some weapons were also on display. Cami's thoughts turned to Harrison. Her heart ached for her blacksmith. They planned to live comfortably. Cami would decorate their home in a manner that would feel warm and relaxing. The complete opposite of what she was looking at. The manor was as intimidating as the man who owned it.
Klaus stood next to Cami, "Welcome home."
Cami pulled her overcoat close to her body. How could anyone feel at home here?
Klaus nodded to someone behind Cami. A servant stepped up. She had around face and body. By her dress and the way she carried herself, Cami figured she was probably the head servant.
"Follow me, my lady."
Cami looked at Klaus, he may be horrible, but he was familiar. He was already gone. Cami chastised herself for seeking any form of comfort from him. The servant led Cami through a section of the mansion to her suite.
"These are your quarters, lady."
Cami's quarters were a massive suite. Servants were already milling about, busy unpacking her things. The sitting room was the first room Cami saw. To the left was her bedroom, which connected to her bathroom and closet. To the right were two spare bedrooms. Cami explored it all, taking it in with awe. The only flaw was how dark it was.
"Open all of the curtains," she instructed. "I want my rooms bright."
Soon the room was warmer and lighter. Cami relaxed slightly. She returned to the sitting room where there was less activity.
"Where are Klaus' quarters?" Cami asked the head servant.
"In the west wing, my lady."
"This is the east wing." Cami stated, admiring the view from the window.
"Yes, my lady."
Cami would have been offended that Klaus placed her far away from him and damn near the end of the house but she was too relieved. There was no possible way for him to bump into her. Not only that but there would be no late night visits, which Cami assumed from their second night of marriage. Klaus no longer desired her.
Cami turned to the servant. "What is your name?"
"Elaine, my lady."
"Am I correct in assuming you are the head servant?"
"Yes, my lady. You shall meet the majordomo later. Should you require anything you can ask me."
"Thank you Elaine." Cami noticed the lines around Elaine's eyes. She was middle aged. Cami felt relieved. She hadn't seen anyone of older age since she left home. It felt good to be surrounded by humans. Familiar.
Of course it was then Cami noticed three of the vampires that travelled with them were instructing servants to bring luggage into the other two rooms.
Cami walked over to one. "What are you doing?"
The vampire didn't look startled, although she and Cami never interacted before. In fact, Cami never spoke to any of Klaus' vampires unless absolutely necessary. She smiled down at Cami in amusement.
"I am moving in, my lady. We all are."
To Cami's annoyance, servants kept bringing the vampire's belongings.
"No, you're not. Remove your things from my room at once." Cami resented having to look up at the vampire. She was at least three inches taller than Cami.
"Apologies my lady, but I cannot." She looked anything but apologetic. "Lord Klaus, commands that we stay. We are your personal guard."
Cami was incredulous. "Surely I do not require a guard in my own quarters."
"Any qualms you have must be taken up with your husband."
Cami crossed her arms. "Trust me, they will be."
It took Cami half an hour to navigate the hallways and find where Klaus was. The added time added fuel to her irritation. For a brief moment Cami wondered if she'd walk in on Klaus fucking one of the servants but her anger propelled her forward.
She burst into Klaus' study. "Am I to have no privacy?"
Klaus was facing the window, he didn't bother turning around. "No."
Cami stormed around his desk to face him. "Why do I need guards sleeping in my chambers?"
"It's a safety precaution."
"It's an invasion of privacy!"
Klaus snapped. "Like it or not Camille it's done!"
Cami jumped at his tone. His eyes were furious, but Cami was even moreso. "Are you that unused to being questioned? You chose me, you demanded that I marry you and now after bringing me here you want to put me far away and put guards on me like I'm a prisoner." Klaus looked away, Cami read it as a sign of guilt. "I'm not living like this. You don't want this marriage and neither do I."
"Yes well we don't have a choice in the matter, love. You're staying right here with me. I wouldn't get any ideas of running away. "Don't forget our deal. You marry me, your family lives. Go back on your word, and I go back on mine." Cami's heart dropped. "Last I checked you have a rather large family."
Cami slapped him. They both looked at each other. Cami trembled with rage, and fear. She waited for Klaus to attack but he simply looked at her. Cami blinked away the tears forming in her eyes.
"Bastard."
How could this be the same man who asked her to trust him nearly a week ago?
Cami's face became steel. Her voice was low. "You once said I was a fighter, you were right. I will never stop fighting against you." she glared at Klaus, not breaking eye contact.
She took Klaus in. The curve of his mouth, the bump on the bridge of his nose, his deep blue eyes. At the moment he looked soft, vulnerable, human. That was the man she made love to. Cami realized that it was making love for her. She surrendered to her attraction to Klaus because he offered her hope. Hope that their marriage wouldn't be detrimental to their lives. That they could make it work. Then Klaus crushed that hope after he got what he wanted. Now, there was without a doubt, nothing between her and Klaus. No warmth, no friendship. Whatever she had felt wasn't real. Cami was numb at the thought of her bleak future.
"I wish I never met you at that painting." She said before leaving him.
...
It was easy to get lost in the mansion. Cami ambled through, with no destination in mind. She didn't know how much time passed. she was so consumed in her thoughts.
Cami chaffed under her mother at home. She thought she escaped having a dictator in her life by marrying Klaus. How foolish she was to think Klaus would be better than her mother. Cami would never feel loved or cared about again. She was stuck in this house, hidden away only to be brought out when needed to put on a show for Elijah. Cami let the tears flow freely.
Although Cami couldn't see them, could feel herself being watched, probably by her personal "guard". They were nothing more than spies. The trio would report every movement Cami made back to Klaus.
"I know you're there." Cami's voice warbled. "Fuck off, I don't need your protection."
She drifted on. When she saw a door that led outside she flung it open. The outside air was like an endorphin to Cami's body. She was no longer cooped up and caged.
Cami walked around outside, finding the gardens but not going in for fear of getting lost. She heard the neighing of horses, and saw a gazebo near the lake. Sean loved swimming. Cami sat on a stone bench, alone with her thoughts. As the sun set, chill bumps rose on Cami's arm, thanks to the chilly air. Perhaps she would sleep outside. Cami couldn't go back inside the manor. Klaus' presence was suffocating.
"My lady." A male voice said. "Dinner has been prepared."
"I'm not hungry." Cami muttered.
"Would you like it brought outside to you?"
Cami turned around, yelling. "I said I'm not hungry!"
More time passed. Eventually Cami's guards revealed themselves, melting out of the shadows.
"I'm not returning inside. You'll have to toss me over your shoulder and make me."
They remained silent.
Cami wished for a blanket. She wanted to keep warm but didn't move a muscle. Eventually she fell asleep.
The warmth of the sun woke Cami up. She covered her eyes at the brightness. Someone had draped a blanket around Cami and placed a pillow under her head.
Cami heard footsteps. It was same man who told her dinner was ready.
"Good morning."
Cami sat up. "Have you come to tell me breakfast is ready?"
The man smiled. "No, but I can let the chef know you're up and to start preparing it. I wanted to inform you that Klaus has departed for a tour with his brother Kol."
"What tour? For how long?" Cami's voice was hoarse.
"I am do not have the details, my lady. It was quite abrupt, but your husband isn't here. Klaus is gone."