Yay I'm back! New chapter, hope you all like it, we're diving more into the good stuff now! ;)

(not like that, get your mind out of the gutter! :P)

Chapter 4

It's been three days since Caroline returned home, though it still feels nothing like home. She fights with Rebekah on the daily; avoids Kol's creepy stares, and tries to stay as far away from Klaus as possible. She knows she cannot avoid him forever, especially since she will eventually have to marry him if she plans to be queen some day, which she absolutely does. The only good moments in her day come from strategy meetings with Elijah who is the only Mikaelson capable of actually treating her like a human being, and talking to Bonnie. Unfortunately the latter has a nasty habit of disappearing for hours on end during the little bit of free time she has, meaning that they often end up having heart to hearts while folding laundry or dusting antiques.

Currently Caroline sits thrown dramatically across a bench seat in the grand foyer, whining to her best friend and making a lackluster attempt to clean the end table beside her. Bonnie continuously tells her she doesn't need to help, but that would just seam… wrong. It is no more Bonnie's fault that she was born a maid than it is Caroline's that she was born a princess. Though even with all the cleaning, Caroline is starting to think Bonnie may have gotten the better end of this deal. She can marry whomever she wants. "Last night I literally dove into one of the secret tunnels when I heard boots coming down the hallway, he's turning me into a crazy person" she sighs throwing her arms out dramatically

Bonnie raises her eyebrow at her friend, smiling "painting of your grandfather in the west wing?" she guesses

Caroline laughs, the little joke helping her un-tense her shoulders as the calm of having her best friend beside her washes over her "pendulum clock underneath the library" she mumbles "I had just finished showing Elijah a map of the kingdom and surrounding lands. He thinks we should train some more security for borders, which is actually a really good idea because it will not only help with security but should also bolster tcitizen morale and per capita income which is great for he economy. The more common people with jobs the better for everyone"

Bonnie smirks at her friend's blatant attempt to change the subject, listening to her speak quickly, rambling on about tithes and jobs and agriculture. It is as if the princess doesn't realize that Bonnie knows every single one of her tells. Bonnie raising her eyebrows, thinking to herself that she refuses to give the princess a pass. They are going to talk about this. "So you assumed Klaus was coming to find his brother and jumped in the clock, sound logic" she jokes trying to keep the mood light, which of course Caroline takes as an out and once again changes the topic. For only a few minuets she allows Caroline to chatter on about all of the wonderful decisions her and Elijah are making before dropping a line that she knows will force her friend to discuss what's really bothering her "it sounds like you would be much happier if you were marrying Elijah"

Caroline glares, perfectly happy to avoid the actual subject of her disdain. She throws her legs back onto the ground, rests her hands on her temples and sighs, "It still wouldn't be ideal, but at least I could stomach that."

"Caroline Forbes" Bonnie says, putting down her duster to connect her hand with her hip "I have had enough of your whining. Are you not the girl that spent an entire week with that repulsive Danish lord that the king sent over to ensure nothing went wrong in the trade agreement?"

"oh god don't remind me! " Caroline makes a disgusted face, remembering sitting in one of the dining rooms every night that week, complaining to Bonnie about how much she did not want to do it only to have her father walk in and tell her that it is a princess' duty to think of her country first. So she did. And she has not stopped thiking of her country, but this just feels like more than she can handle. Then again, at the time she was convinced that the lord was more than she could handle. "I showed him around the kingdom for days" she raises her hand to point it at Bonnie "and he had a serious wandering hand issue"

"See" Bonnie says, moving to sit beside her friend to comfort her "You have made many sacrifices for your kingdom," she smiles, trying to inspire in her friend the bravery she is going to need "and though you may not have always like it, I don't recall you throwing yourself into this deep of a pity party. If anyone can handle this situation with a well plastered fake smile- which you will need to convince the people- it's you"

Caroline pouts, feeling defeated "but I don't want to"

"I know" the understanding is clear in her voice "but that is the down side of being royalty" they sit in silence for a few moments before Bonnie remembers where she is supposed to be and stands abruptly, speaking quickly "the upside however is that you don't need to run to the kitchen and help chop vegetables right now" she smiles beginning to exit

Caroline narrows her eyes. Every time they get even a little bit of time together Bonnie suddenly gets up and leaves. What is she up to? Until now Caroline has remained silent, but she cannot hold it in any longer "ok no, we have a chef. Several since the Mikaelson's moved in, you don't need to be chopping vegetables " she says suspiciously

Bonnie flounders for a second, not sure what to say, the truth would certainly not be good for either of them "uh yeah, well the Mikaelson's are just really big on the staff being busy all the time, they've made some serious changes" she says lamely

Caroline rolls her eyes, unconvinced "really? Is that why you never have even thirty seconds of free time anymore"

"Uh yeah, I really have to go. See you tomorrow" she smiles running out of the room

"probably not" Caroline sighs falling back onto the cushions

XXX

The princess smiles, making her way to the second floor library, pushing the whole Bonnie acting strange thing out of her mind (because seriously, she saw the kitchen staff last night when she was avoiding eating with the Mikaelson's and they do not need any help), but she refuses to be worrying about drama with childhood friends right now. She has a meeting with Elijah and she has to be on top of her game. She refuses to blow it with the one member of her new family who actually respects her and her opinions. Of course, they are great opinions, she didn't spend all those hours every week learning about political leadership and espionage for nothing!

Caroline reaches up to push open the heavy mahogany door of the politics and history section of the library, but the smile falls from her face the second the door opens, and suddenly the best part of her day becomes the worst.

"What are you doing here?" She scowls

Klaus raises his eyebrows, giving her a cheeky grin. It is truly a gift how the man manages to seam childish and completely terrifying at the same time. His dimpled smile screams happiness and warmth but his eyes are filled with enough ice to freeze a person in their spot while he rips their heart out. He is the single most unsettling man Caroline has ever met "nice to see you too, sweetheart" Caroline remains completely still, fear hidden behind a scowl, refusing to reply "why don't you take a seat, I think we need to talk" he says gesturing graciously toward the chair in front of her. He softens a little when she doesn't respond and says more earnestly "come on, what do you have to lose, hm?"

The seventeen year old girl inside of Caroline feels her heart involuntarily jump at the little softening of his eyes and wider spread of his easy smile, melting her fear and replacing it with something else, something she really doesn't want to deal with right now (or ever!). She is just lucky that years of experience have taught her how to push that little girl inside away and compose her outside into the princess she has to be. With a mask of perfectly emotionless features she moves gracefully toward the chair, smoothing her skirts as she takes her seat

A moment of semi-uncomfortable silence passes between them. Klaus' eyes seem to pierce right through her, studying every inch of her face as though he is trying to commit it to memory. Caroline shifts a little in her chair, folding her hands in her lap "so… where is Elijah?"

Klaus laughs, actually laughs… it's a strange sight, his face that is usually so serious and menacing transforming instantly. It's not a type of laugh that Caroline is used to. Not carefree and smiling, more amusedly surprised. He is looking at Caroline as though she is the most confusing and intriguing thing he's ever seen "piece of advice love, when a man who intends to marry you asks you to talk, maybe wait at least a few moments before mentioning his brother." He tilts his head "one might start to make some very uncharitable assumptions"

Blood rushes to Caroline's cheeks in embarrassment and anger "well you will have to forgive me, it is not as though I was expecting you" she says curtly

"I don't have to do anything" his words are harsh but his face remains unchanged, features set in that unsettling mask of intrigued amusement and ever present hostility "and as for Elijah, I sent him to attend to a bit of-" he pauses, smirking at some cruel joke that Caroline does not understand "business in the village with our sister and Kol because-"

"Slaughtering more innocent people who threaten you?" Caroline cuts him off in hostility

"No one threatens me" Klaus growls, amusement dropping in favor of pure maleficence "least of all you which you would do well to remember" the princess continues to glare at him, but nods slowly to signal her disdainful understanding.

Klaus leans back in his chair, taking a breath to calm himself. This is not how he wanted this conversation to go. Not that he has a problem threatening the girl, but it would all be so much easier if she could just co-operate. Though, he has to admit, there is something intriguing about her pride. In some ways it bring to mind a younger, more naive version of himself. Weak, unable to attain the kind of power she knows she was born for, forced to kneel to others in a desperate attempt to save that which matters most to her.

Klaus pushes the thought from his head, now is not the time for sympathizing with the Forbes girl. There are certainly many parts of her that he enjoys and fully intends to indulge himself in, but he will have several years to play with her after the wedding and before she must be disposed of. For now he is determined to keep this meeting strictly business. Though neither the determined, angry, yet somehow still adorably pouty stare she is fixing on him or the tight green silk garment fixed tightly around her body are helping his resolve.

He shakes his head, returning to business "I sent them off because we need to talk"

"And you could not simply call for me? " She challenges in a huff "You have to encroach on the hour a day I get to discuss what actually matters to me with the one person who treats me with some decency"

Klaus slams his hand on the table in anger "I suppose I could have, but there are a lot of clocks around. I'd hate for you to get lost on the way to our meeting" his glare in intense and carries with it the meaning behind his words. He knows- he knows that she has been trying to avoid him and he knows how she escaped that night. There is nowhere she can hide.

"Touché" she concedes tersely, motioning for him to begin

"I have been very generous in giving you time to adjust, but it is time we make a joint announcement to the people regarding your future here"

Caroline exhales loudly, rolling her eyes and looking briefly away "so you want me to stand in front of my people holding your hand and tell them to trust you and respect your authority"

Klaus nods his head "I don't know why you're acting so surprised Caroline, this was the deal you came to me with. The support of the commoners is what you offer and need I remind you that in exchange you receive both your life and a say in civilian welfare."

Caroline continues to look angrily at him, upset not only by his pompous attitude and condescending tone, but also because she knows he is right. She agreed to this. She just neglected to consider how difficult it is going to be to swallow her pride and do what is best.

"Fine" she says through her teeth "but if you think that I am going to stand there quietly while you use me to make some stupid power play then you are crazy. I will write the announcement and address my people"

Unbelievable. She is absolutely unbelievable; sitting here making demands of him… does she not understand how this works? He should not be the one making deals, she should do exactly as he says and be grateful for what he has offered. "Careful princess, you overestimate your power in this relationship"

"And you underestimate my power in this country" she fires back "I understand that it may be difficult for your ego to accept this, but you need me as much as I need you"

Klaus grits his teeth, hating the loss of power, no matter how small "we do the announcement together"

"Agreed"

Klaus exhales, running a hand over his face "we can decide what to say later, but for now I think it is imperative that the wedding happen as soon as possible to make the announcement resonate more potently with the people"

Sadness washes over Caroline, her face falling at his words. Of course, the wedding. A day that she has looked forward to her entire life- a beautiful dress, all of her friends and family, her father giving her away to the man she loves- it is what every little girl old enough to throw a pillow case over the back of her head dreams of, but not what she will experience. He probably wants to do it quickly and quietly. Caroline looks up with just her eyes, briefly catching the man in front of her seaming distraught by her sadness and holding back tears she nods slowly, the fight leaving her body

Klaus is utterly shocked by the instant transformation that the words have on her, it is unsettling to watch the strong, argumentative little spitfire turn completely crestfallen in an instant. Her tear filled nod pulls at the dead organ inside his chest and no matter how much he fights it, he cannot help but feel for the princess. It is easy to forget when she argues how young she is. Seventeen is a pitiful amount of years to truly live. Yet this girl is somehow prepared to give up the rest of her life. Klaus' eyes catch hers and he can almost see the loss of a real wedding day swimming in her clear blue irises

And suddenly he is speaking, seemingly against his will "good, since we are agreed on that you may start the preparations whenever you like" what? No, she can't! This is not about her! "I want the day to be so grand the kingdom will not soon forget it" no, he wants it to be small and official and just enough to placate the masses, but she is not fighting tears anymore and for some reason that forces him to continue "my sister will want to be heavily involved and will of course be one of your maids, but invite any other friends you wish to come and help with the preparations" the last thing he needs is a bunch of girls running around with fabric… but now she is smiling. It may be slight, just a small upturn of one corner of her mouth, but it is the most beautiful thing Klaus has ever seen. He would do anything to keep it on her face "you have one week and full use of royal resources. Let's really put on a show" he smiles back at her and she nods again, her top teeth latching onto her bottom lip as her eyes glaze over with plans. She is happy. It is in that instant that Klaus feels something terrifying inside of him, something that makes him want to do anything to keep this beautiful, intelligent, brave woman in front of him happy for as long as he lives. Only one thought manages to manifest itself in his brain over the whirl blond curls and porcelain skin-

This is not good.

And we see the king crack! I really hope you guys liked the chapter, next time: more on where Bonnie has been disappearing too and a royal announcement that you do not want to miss!