Edited by my dearest friend klovec.

Posted for Klaroline AU week on tumblr.

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Caroline watched her mother covertly from under her lashes, her satin slippers sinking into the red plush carpet of the opera house. Lady Forbes was not pleased at the way the night's events unfolded. If not for Alaric's sensible warning about offending Lord Mikaelson, they would not be here at all. Even with her mother's bristling annoyance, excitement bubbled in Caroline's stomach at attending her first opera. She only wished Elena would share her joy. Her friend wore an air of pained acceptance. At least Bonnie, from the wide-eyed look she gave Caroline, appeared to be enjoying the moment.

Arriving at Klaus' opera box, she searched the groups of people milling about the corridor for any sight of him. She didn't see him anywhere and her heart burned with disappointment. Surprised at her reaction, she rushed into the box before anyone would notice the heightened color in her cheeks. Descending into the darkness, her senses tingled with apprehension. The curtains that faced the stage were cracked open slightly, allowing a slim slash of light inside. Insulated against the world, cocooned in the dark, she started at the touch of a hand on hers.

"Caroline," a voice purred near her.

He was already here. Waiting.

Her eyes adjusted to the darkness until at last he appeared before her in the shadows, exactly like his namesake...Lucifer. A shiver of pleasure danced over her skin.

"Klaus."

He lifted her fingertips to his mouth. Eyes lowered, her gaze was drawn to her small hand enfolded in his larger one. It evoked a sense of safety. For a moment the problems that battened against her stilled, dissolving with the warmth of his grasp. His lips lingered over her hand and he pressed not one, but two kisses to the back of her glove and her heart pitched into a dizzying rhythm.

"You came." The low and husky timber of his voice brought to mind the passionate kiss they shared the night before in his carriage.

"You know very well I couldn't refuse," Caroline countered, fighting back the urge to dwell on those sinful memories.

He smirked. "You look beautiful."

Caroline tried not to blush and failed. Happiness bloomed in her chest.

The orchestra played one long and steady note, heralding the beginning of the opera. She quickly moved to the curtains of the box to part them, but she wasn't fast enough. The door swung open to reveal her mother with Alaric and her friends in tow.

"Caroline what are you doing in the dark with the Earl?" her mother asked in a shrill voice.

"Lady Forbes, Mr. Saltzman, Lady Elena, Lady Bonnie," Klaus greeted each of them with a bow. "It is such a pleasure to have you join me this evening."

His display of proper manners brought color to Lady Forbes face, forcing her to respond in kind. "It was most thoughtful of you to invite us. I know Caroline has wished to attend the opera for a while."

Anxiety trickled through Caroline's veins at having her mother and Klaus in such close proximity. She busied herself with opening the curtains of the box to hide her discomfort. Revealing the stage, she took a moment to let the beautiful view sink in. She could see all of the theatre and most of the audience from their perfectly centered spot. She surveyed the crowd, seeing several families she recognized. Inclining her head slightly, she acknowledged their slightly shocked stares at finding her in the Earl's box. Their open gossip brought another flash of heat into her cheeks. What must they think of her presence here?

"I really don't mind sitting in the back."

Caroline turned from the stage at her mother's strained voice.

Klaus touched the middle seat in the front row of chairs. "I insist. It is by far the best seat in the house. Besides you wouldn't want to sit in the back with myself and have your vision obscured."

Lady Forbes shook her head. "Since it is your box, I couldn't possibly deny you the pleasure of sitting in the front."

"You are my guest," Klaus countered. The playful smile that hovered over his lips caused Caroline to look at him suspiciously.

Unable to refuse such graciousness, her mother gave up at last, taking her seat with a loud sniff

Klaus moved to the next gilt chair. "Mr. Saltzman, if you would take the seat next to Lady Forbes, you will see why I chose this box. The view is most excellent."

"You are quite right," Mr. Saltzman said with a grin, very much aware of what Klaus was attempting with the seating arrangements. Taking the chair, he faced Lady Forbes. "Lord Mikaelson is quite generous, is he not?"

"Most," Lady Forbes snapped.

"I would really suggest, Lady Elena, that you take the seat next to Mr. Saltzman. I believe Caroline mentioned you had distaste for the opera? From this view, I do think you will change your mind." Klaus gestured towards the chair.

"It is a wonderful view." Elena gave him a teasing glance. "Maybe Caroline would like to sit here?"

"She can sit in the second row with me," Bonnie piped up, taking a seat in the back.

Caroline couldn't believe Klaus or Bonnie. He cleverly maneuvered the situation so they would be seated together in the semidarkness without her mother's constant gaze and Bonnie helped him. Her friend would be as much a chaperone as the chair she sat on. Caroline was well aware that Bonnie was quite enjoying what she saw as the reformation of a rake.

"I really don't think Caroline should-," Lady Forbes began, only to have her voice drowned out by a sudden swell of music from the orchestra.

Caroline frowned at being forced to sit in the back of the box with Klaus for the whole performance. She wasn't sure she wanted to be so close to him. Taking her chair, she spread her skirts carefully, not wishing to wrinkle the fine fabric.

Klaus slid into the seat next to her and she kept her eyes lowered, not willing to give him any encouragement or recognition. She was not about to reward his scheming, especially since it forced her to sit so close to him. Why even now her gown touched the side of his leg and, if she wasn't mistaken, his chair was even closer to hers than before.

"Do you attend the opera often, my lord?" Lady Forbes polite question did not manage to hide her condescension.

"Frequently. Although never with such lovely guests as tonight." Klaus glanced at Caroline, a twinkle in his eyes.

"That is a surprise." Lady Forbes said with disdain. "I hadn't expected that you would enjoy this type of entertainment,"

"You would be surprised. I have always had an appreciation for the arts, especially opera."

"Really? What is your favorite opera?" Lady Forbes tone made it clear how little she believed him.

A slow smile spread across Klaus's face. "That would have to be Faust. This version especially."

"Ah, yes. Faust. Good choice," Alaric interjected. "Lord Mikaelson must be a romantic at heart."

Liz looked down her aristocratic nose at her friend. "There is nothing romantic about Faust."

"But it took only one look at Marguerite for Faust to sell his soul to the devil," Bonnie replied with a slight sigh, blushing when Lady Forbes, Alaric and Elena turned to look at her.

"You are conveniently forgetting the opera is a tragedy, my dear." With a long-suffering look at Caroline, Lady Forbes turned to face the stage.

Caroline lost all sense of where she was and who she was with the minute the orchestral music soared. The curtains opened, revealing the opening act and she leaned forward in her seat. She excitedly took it all in, her pulse racing when the devil tempted Faust with Marguerite. When he sold his soul for a chance at love and happiness, uneasiness crept into her. Like Faust, Caroline made deals with devils. First with Klaus for Elena's reputation at Lucifer's Lair and second with Kai to protect her father's name and her own social standing. Trying not to dwell on the consequences of her actions, she lost herself in the majestic voices of the village chorus.

When Faust came upon Marguerite to express his desire and admiration, Caroline's heart melted for the lovers. She waited breathlessly to see what would happen next. In her excitement, her fan slipped from her fingers to land on the floor. Acting the gentleman, Klaus reached down to pick it up for her.

"You're using my gift?" Klaus asked in a rough voice.

Caroline bit her lip. It hadn't been her intention to carry it tonight. She didn't want to encourage his suit anymore than she had. It was only when she looked at its beauty, the vibrantly colored hummingbirds in flight she couldn't resist. She never expected him to notice. Or to look at her the way he did, desire heavy his eyes.

"It matched my gown." She held out her gloved hand to accept the fan with a nonchalance she didn't feel.

"Then I shall buy you a hundred fans. In all the colors of the rainbow, so you always carry my gifts."

"No, you have given me enough," Caroline rushed to answer. "I couldn't possible accept another gift from you. To do so would mean we truly are courting."

"And what would you call this, love? Or the kiss we shared last night?"

Caroline yanked the fan from his hand and flicked open the sticks, fanning her heated cheeks. "Foolishness." She turned back to the opera. Marguerite held the jewels Faust left for her and the soprano's beautiful voice soared, sending chills down Caroline's spine.

Klaus leaned in to whisper near her ear. "Let me be Faust and lay my fortune at your feet to gain your favor."

"I will not be swayed by your wealth or your gifts, Klaus." Caroline snapped her fan shut and set it back once more on her lap.

"No?" Klaus took her hand in his.

Shivers flew up her spine at the burning touch. He scorched her skin straight though the thin material of her gloves.

"Then what shall I offer?" He leaned in even closer, his breath tickling the curls at her ear. "Will you have my soul? For it is yours if you marry me."

"What of your heart?"

Klaus stiffened, his hand tight on hers. "I have none."

His voice stabbed her in the heart like a sword. She ached for him, for the life he must lead to think such a thing. "I don't believe you."

"Then find it, sweetheart," he said with bitterness.

It was a challenge Caroline yearned to accept. To prove to him that he was not truly the Lucifer everyone believed him to be. For her he had shown kindness, saved her reputation twice without ever using it as leverage. A man without a heart would never have done that.

"Shhh. Must you make so much noise?" Elena turned around to look at them, her eyes widening at catching them holding hands.

At the disturbance, Bonnie glanced over at Caroline and giggled.

Embarrassment flooded Caroline and she yanked her hand from Klaus' grasp without a moment to spare. Her mother turned and caught her eye, her gaze forbidding. Making it clear further conversation or interruptions would not be tolerated. With a prim smile, Caroline folded her hands in her lap like her conversation with Klaus, his touch, never happened.

The rich voice of Marguerite followed by Faust's combined and Caroline tried once more to let the magic of the music overwhelm her senses. It was useless. All she could think about was the man seated next to her and the alarming effect he had on her. Unable to help herself, she found herself stealing glances at him during the remainder of the act. Every time she looked in his direction, much to her nervousness, she found his gaze pointedly on her. When at last the third act ended, she jumped up from her seat.

Moving to her mother's chair to force a light conversation, she was confronted by the stares, whispers and pointed fingers of many of the opera's patrons. With the opera house's gaslights turned on, everyone could see the Earl of Alverstoke's box was filled with guests. Her mother, very aware of the delicate situation they were in, fixed her mouth with a smile of firm determination and waved to fellow acquaintances. Accosted by some faces openly staring in shock and disapproval, Caroline lifted her chin. She refused to be cowed or ashamed of being in Klaus' box.

"Lady Caroline," hailed a male voice from the doorway of the box.

Eager for the interruption, she turned to face the speaker. Tyler stood before them with a tight smile on his face. He obviously disapproved of her being with Klaus at the opera but was too polite to say so.

"I thought that was you I saw from across the theatre." He gave Lady Forbes a questioning look.

Caroline fiddled with her fan, flicking it open. "Yes, his lordship has allowed us the use of his box."

A look of intense dislike flashed across Tyler's features. "Quite kind of him. If I had known you wished to attend the opera I would have offered my box. You only needed to ask."

She prickled with irritation at the rebuke in his tone. How could she possibly have asked him such a thing? It was improper, to say the least, to invite oneself to a social occasion. If anything, he should have known to ask her. He knew how much she enjoyed music and how she had studied it and sung at family events since she was a small child.

"Lord Lockwood, have you have met his lordship, the Earl of Alverstoke?" Liz asked in a strained tone.

"They spoke at Grenville's ball," Caroline interjected, glancing from Klaus's arrogant face to Tyler's disdainful one. They looked like they had at Grenville's when Klaus asked for a dance. About to come to blows at any moment. Caroline racked her brain for a neutral topic of conversation she could introduce.

"Lady Caroline, perhaps you would join me for a glass of champagne?" Lord Lockwood turned his gaze to her, completely dismissing everyone else in the box. His behavior bordered on rude and it insulted Klaus, who as their host, should be the one to procure drinks.

Caroline was torn. Part of her wanted nothing more than to escape the emotional unrest and turmoil to be found in the opera box. Tyler might annoy her at times, but he was safe and predictable. Still, much as she might want to...she couldn't abandon Klaus. He was her host. It was rude and it went against her sense of fairness.

"My daughter would love to accept your offer," her mother replied, not even waiting for Caroline to answer. "How generous of you to offer, Lord Lockwood. I am sure Caroline is parched. I know I am."

Unable to refuse now, she walked past her mother to join Tyler.

"Enjoy yourself, dear. Don't worry about hurrying back."

Frustration erupted in Caroline at the smug tone in her mother's voice. She wanted Caroline to dally long enough with Lord Lockwood that Klaus would spend the rest of the opera without her. It was quite improper and her mother didn't seem to care. Glowering at her parent, Caroline accepted Tyler's arm. As she left the box she peeked at Klaus. He stood half in the shadows, a cold smile carved into his face. Caroline suppressed a shiver. He would not forget this slight.

Klaus swallowed back an oath. He waited until Caroline and Lockwood left the box before he addressed Lady Forbes, "Is it your custom to let Lady Caroline go off alone?"

Lady Forbes fixed a haughty gaze on him. "She's not alone, my Lord. She is in the company of a gentleman."

From her words, it was clear to everyone what she really meant. Klaus was anything but a gentleman. In her eyes, he was in every way unfit to even kiss the hem of her daughter's gown. He tightened his fist around the back of the delicate chair he held. Sharp pain shot through his palm, the wood frame splintering in his hand.

"You would call that man a gentleman?"

"His breeding and fortune are impeccable and there has never been a hint of scandal attached to him. Besides, I am a good friend of Lady Lockwood's and Caroline has known him since she was a babe. I have no doubt he is a man of honor who can be trusted."

"Maybe you need to look closer at his nocturnal activities," Klaus drawled, his burning desire for revenge on Lord Lockwood outweighing his better judgment. "He has been observed on numerous occasions consorting with light skirts. When his mama is not in town, he spends his evenings playing the Lothario with half of London's Birds of Paradise."

Lady Forbes grimaced and flicked her fan open, her nervous gaze falling from Klaus to rest on the fluttering object.

Catching her unsettled for once, a crescendo of triumph surged in Klaus.

"Every gentleman sows a few oats before settling down. Surely, you of all people would understand that."

At her insinuation, anger blazed in Klaus and he struggled to remain calm. He was never one for a casual dalliance with a bit of muslin and for her to believe so infuriated him. He wanted to call her out at her words like he would if she were a gentleman.

"Don't you think the last act most enjoyable?" Mr. Saltzman raised his voice to catch everyone's attention. "The soprano has a most impressive voice. How nice of you to have lent us your box, Lord Mikaelson. I would have hated to miss such a powerful performance. "

"It is wonderful. What is your favorite part, Lady Forbes?" Lady Bonnie asked.

While Klaus appreciated Lady Bonnie's and Mr. Saltzman's attempts to sway the conversation to a different topic, he refused to play their game.

"Lady Forbes, while I do not presume to know Lord Lockwood's intentions..." Klaus couldn't help the way his lip curled in disgust when he said his rival's name. "I do know mine. Since the moment I made Lady Caroline's acquaintance, she has enchanted me. I have done nothing since then but attempt to court her and show both of you that my intentions are honorable. I would gladly give her my name and fortune this day if she would have me. Can you say the same for Lord Lockwood?"

"It was always assumed between Lady Lockwood and myself -" Lady Forbes' fan trembled in her hand.

"That he would offer for Lady Caroline? I wonder why he hasn't then?" Klaus didn't spare his gloating. He didn't care in the least how his words devastated Lady Forbes. "Do you trust him? Are you willing to bet your daughter's reputation he will behave himself based on your friendship with his mother?"

Mr. Saltzman cleared his throat. "Liz...Caroline is like a daughter to me and I wouldn't leave her alone with any gentleman. Whether I trusted their family or not."

Lady Forbes winced at Mr. Saltzman's grave use of her given name and she heaved a great sigh. "If you would do me the favor of fetching Lady Caroline and bringing her straight back to the box I would be most grateful."

Klaus smirked, pleasure pumping in his veins at having so easily defeated Lady Forbes. "I will return her to you immediately."

"I think I know what my favorite part of Faust so far is, Bonnie," Mr. Saltzman said, catching Klaus' gaze before he could leave. "Faust's courtship of Marguerite. I can't help but root for the poor gentleman."

Stunned to the core, Klaus attempted to process the gentleman's soft-spoken approval. Was it possible he had an ally? Someone who saw beneath the facade of Lucifer to the gentleman he wanted to be for Caroline? For he did wish that for her sake. To prove he was worthy of her hand. He only needed a little more time to stick the last few swords he held in the Duke Mikaelson's hide and watch him fall from grace. Then maybe he could truly be a gentleman after all.

"It can't be forgotten that he sold his soul, and after everything he did, still ended up in Hell." Lady Forbes turned away from Klaus, her tone troubled.

Urgent to catch Caroline and be on his way, Klaus ignored her direct barb and bowed to Lady Elena and Lady Bonnie. He stalked down the hallway towards the stairs, struggling with whether or not he wanted to be proved right about Lord Lockwood and his intentions. While he had concrete proof of the man's tastes in light skirts he didn't know if Lord Lockwood ever propositioned a lady. Perhaps he should have stayed silent and held his tongue. He didn't wish to have made things worse for himself by his insinuations about Lord Lockwood.

Tonight was supposed to allow him to get closer to Caroline, while showing off how he could behave in society. Now the whole evening revolved around Lord Lockwood and his indiscretions. Whether he was behaving inappropriately towards Caroline or not. God knew if he was, Klaus would kill him.

Reaching the bottom of the staircase he found Caroline, sipping champagne in the lobby. She was not alone with Lord Lockwood or in any distress. She was surround by several gentlemen, with one of society's most formidable matrons in attendance. Relieved and not wishing to draw attention to himself, he ducked behind a pillar to avoid being caught openly staring at Caroline with Lord Lockwood.

"Lady Caroline, how on earth do you tolerate that devil?"

Klaus stood perfectly still, his lungs squeezing all the air from his chest.

"She can't. I had to rescue her."

There was a ripple of laughter and Klaus lay his head against the cold marble pillar. The chill did little to cool the storm of rage in his chest.

"There was no rescuing," Caroline returned, her voice sharp. "I was merely thirsty for a glass of champagne."

"But...but aren't you terrified to be near him? You know what they say-" A female voice said.

"The Earl of Alverstoke has been nothing but a perfect gentleman to me. He was even kind enough to lend his box for the evening so I might attend my first opera. I think, Amelia, you best spend more time worrying about what they are saying about you than gossip about a man who is not here to defend himself."

Klaus lifted his head up, her words the sweetest balm to his anger. Caroline was standing up for him. Not only in private, but publicly for everyone to hear. There was a strange ache in his heart. One so exquisitely painful, he wasn't sure he wished it to ever go away.

From the hallway nearby, he overheard laughing and the sound of champagne being guzzled. He would have ignored what sounded like a group of very drunken gentleman, except for one of them slurred Caroline's name. The use of her given name without her title provoked him and once more anger beat a rhythm within him. He clenched his jaw tight. Forced into a position between Caroline with her society crowd and the degenerates close by, he couldn't move or he would reveal his presence.

"Lady Forbes must be so appalled at the connection."

"Behaved like a perfect gentleman? Ha! He has been in her skirts already. Probably tupped the lady right out of her."

Klaus chest erupted into flames and he saw red. Unable to control himself any longer he stepped out from behind the pillar. He was fully prepared to challenge the gentlemen to a duel. No matter how many he would have to kill. Before he could ascertain who spoke, the orchestra played and held a single loud note. It heralded the start of the opera's fourth act and in a blur of colors and shapes, everyone scattered. Cheated of the chance to maim and destroy, he struggled with his rage. He wanted to shoot someone or something and drown himself in a bottle of claret.

He turned around to catch Caroline and march her back to the opera box...Only to find her gone. He pushed his way through the crowd, ignoring the reactions around him. The orchestra blared several more long notes. It was nearly time for the opera to start again. A glint of brilliant golden hair caught his eye. It must be Caroline. Except, she was not going in the direction of his box. His stomach twisted, plummeting to his feet. She was going to Lord Lockwood's box.

Taking the steps one at a time in a throng of people, Klaus lost her once more. When at last he reached the hallway at the top of the stairs, it was to find everyone already safe in their boxes. Vibrating with worry and anger, he knocked on door after door, peering inside the dark to find her. He interrupted families with debutantes, courtesans openly flirting and even a couple in various states of undress. Reaching the last box, he recognized Caroline's voice and he hesitated to open the door.

The last place Caroline wanted to be was in an opera box alone with Tyler. She wished he never offered to escort her to the lobby for champagne. The entire time they were there, he belittled and made fun of Klaus. Every insult pricked at her sensitive soul. She found herself compelled to defend Klaus and make it clear to everyone how gentlemanly he behaved with her. Which he had every time they met...until the moments when he kissed her. Her heart skipped, her cheeks reddening at remembering the kisses. How unladylike she was in her response to them. How she hungered for more, for something she couldn't have.

"Seeing you with cavort with that degenerate has made me realize a few things."

Caroline nodded, trying to pay attention to what Tyler said. If she could only stop thinking of Klaus. How handsome he looked in his black suit and trousers, his dark green vest trimmed in gold. How he made her feel like the most beautiful woman in the world.

"I'm not sure if you are doing it to force my hand or because you enjoy the scandal you are causing. Either way, you must stop. It isn't proper. Or decent. I will not tolerate such behavior from the woman I intend to marry."

"Intend to marry?" Caroline stared at him, all thoughts of Klaus coming to an abrupt halt.

"Of course." Tyler smiled at her, like he enjoyed her shock. "I didn't want our engagement to come about this way, but I see no other course of action now."

Caroline struggled to speak. Was he actually proposing marriage? He had said he needed to talk to her about something important. Something that couldn't wait. "I don't understand."

Tyler grinned. "So will you, Care?"

"I'm sorry. What?"

"Marry me."

She froze. This was the moment she wanted. The moment she dreamed of since the start of the season. So why did it hurt to breathe? Tyler was everything she needed. His fortune would save her and her mother from poverty and pay Kai's blackmail.

"You're not saying yes."

"I'm...I'm...thinking."

Tyler's eyes glowed with incredulity. "You don't know whether you want to marry me?"

"Yes." Caroline winced at the look of outrage on his face. "I don't mean it like that. It's only that you surprised me. I didn't expect you to do this now."

"When would you have me do it? When your reputation is completely ruined by dallying with Lucifer and no one else will have you?"

"Don't call him that," she snapped, unable to hold her tongue.

"You defend him now? Even alone with me?" Tyler's brows furrowed in disbelief. "He runs a gambling den. Preys on the less fortunate and depraved. He is in no way suitable to spend a minute in your company."

Caroline sucked in a breath. "I know what he does and while I disagree with his profession, it doesn't define who he is."

"Where is this coming from? Has he put these words in your mouth?"

"Seriously? Am I not allowed to have a brain and think for myself?"

"Of course you are, Care." Tyler ran his fingers through his hair in agitation. "But you are wrong about him. If only I could take you to his place. Show you how he lives his life. You would never want to be in his presence again. Trust me."

Tyler had visited Lucifer's Lair. She could tell from the surety of his tone. "You've been there. Haven't you?"

His mouth tightened in to a frown. "You know better. That is a question you should never ask me or any other gentleman."

"You are asking me to marry you. Why shouldn't I know what kind of life you live when you aren't with me at society gatherings? How can I make a decision without all the facts?"

"The decision was made by our mothers long ago," Tyler sputtered, glaring at her. "You only have to say, 'yes'."

"I know." Caroline tried to say yes. She really did. Except, her mouth couldn't seem to be able to form the word.

Tyler's face shifted into an ugly expression. "Is this because of him?"

"Maybe? I don't know." She stared at the ground in misery. Her mother was going to be so disappointed and upset with her. She didn't even want to think about how she would work things out with Kai now.

"You're refusing me?"

Caroline bit her lip and nodded.

"Maybe I need to treat you like he would."

Tyler dragged her into a painful embrace. Before Caroline could argue, his lips were on hers. Shock flashed in her, freezing her to the spot. Tyler's arms tightened around her, his mouth mashing at hers. He thrust his tongue deep into her and she gagged, trying to jerk him away. Unlike Klaus' tender and passionate kisses, this was horrible. Thoroughly disgusted, Caroline raised her foot to stab the heel of her shoe into Tyler's foot.

"Let her go," a familiar voice threatened, the tone sharper then a blade.

Klaus stood in the doorway, his whole being radiating violence. Like the very devil he was named for, he looked ready to unleash hell on Tyler at any moment.

Tyler hesitated and Caroline stomped on his foot. With a howl he released her. "Care! What was that for?"

"Don't speak her name. You aren't worthy of breathing the same air as her," Klaus snarled.

"If you don't mind this is a personal matter between Lady Caroline and myself," Tyler said, purposefully emphasizing her name. "So, if you would leave us -"

Klaus stalked into the box, danger in every step. His whole body was coiled taunt, menace in the hard line of his muscles. "Get out."

Tyler turned to look at her, his mouth tight. "I'm not leaving you alone with him."

"Like she is safer with you? I know of your reputation, Lockwood. Your indiscretions. Lady Caroline need not worry I shall force my attentions on her."

For once, Tyler appeared taken aback. Horror flickered in his eyes. He recovered quickly, his normally haughty arrogance returning to his features within seconds. "You dare compare your life of sin and debauchery to mine? You are called Lucifer for good reason. Through threats and blackmail you have weaseled your way into society, forcing yourself where you are not wanted. I will not tolerate you deceiving Lady Caroline into thinking you are anything but the blackguard you are."

Klaus stilled. He said not a word. The box, deadly silent, scared more Caroline more than if Klaus punched Tyler. She made the mistake of looking directly into Klaus' eyes. They were empty. Devoid of any spark of life. She shivered, her blood turning to ice in her veins.

"Name your seconds, Lockwood. We will settle this tonight."

Klaus' voice cracked through the air like a whip. It lashed into Tyler and his shoulders jerked as if he truly was struck.

The space between Klaus and Tyler throbbed with impending violence. Caroline inhaled, her breath sticking in in her throat. She needed to defuse the situation quickly before Tyler got hurt. She wasn't about to let him bleed over her. For from the gossip she gleaned, Klaus was a well-known shot and had pinked at least a dozen gentlemen in past fights.

"Gladly. Tell me where you wish to die -"

"Enough!" Caroline jumped between the two gentlemen. "There will be no duel. Not now. Not ever."

Tyler scowled at her. "Stay out of this."

"I will not." Caroline turned to face Tyler. "End this now. Please. Take back your insult of Lord Mikaelson."

"This is not your place to interfere," Tyler barked. "I would rather die by his bullet then debase myself to that devil."

Caroline bristled and fought back the urge to slap him.

Klaus strode towards them until he stood directly behind her. "Watch yourself, Lockwood. I will not have Lady Caroline insulted."

"You won't?" Tyler laughed harshly. "You insult her with your attentions."

Without being able to see Klaus she sensed him. The hiss of breath, the escalating tension in his body and the impending savagery he soon wouldn't be able to control. She whipped around and stared directly into his eyes. The color of blackened gold, they burned with rage.

"Please don't hurt him."

Klaus gazed back at her without the slightest flicker in his eyes that he registered her plea. Tears glazed Caroline's vision and she took a step towards him. He stood cold and still as marble, but she could see the fire that blazed within him.

"Caroline! What are you doing?" Tyler demanded.

She ignored him. Taking a deep breath, she took Klaus' hand in hers. The darkness in his eyes lightened and her heart skipped a small beat. Emboldened, she lay his hand against her cheek. Gazing deep into the abyss of his eyes once more, she searched for the gentleman who was always so tender to her.

"Klaus. I am begging you. Don't duel with Lord Lockwood."

He studied her intently, his hand releasing hers to cup the side of her face. She leaned into his gentle touch. "Ignore his slander and release him from this duel."

"You would ask this? After how he has maligned me in your presence?"

"I would." Caroline swallowed back her nervousness at his forbidding tone and smiled up at him. "Because I know you would not for the world wish to hurt me. You want to court me and if you continue down this path with Lord Lockwood, it would destroy any chance we would have at happiness."

"Is that what it takes to have your consent? Letting him go?"

Caroline nodded, barely breathing.

Klaus hesitated only the slightest of moments. "There will be no duel, Lord Lockwood. I am satisfied your slurs meant nothing. I would suggest you return to your seat."

"Do you honestly want me to leave you alone with this reprobate, Lady Caroline?"

She blanched at Tyler's formal use of her title. He would never forgive her for this night. She turned towards him, her heart aching. "Please leave."

"I can't believe this." Tyler's voice was ripe with outrage, like the very notion of him leaving was ridiculous.

"You heard, Lady Caroline." Klaus' lips twisted into a cold smirk.

Tyler made no move to leave. He stared at Caroline, his features implacable. "If I leave, there will not be another proposal. Our families will never unite. No matter how much our mothers wish it."

Caroline looked up at the man she watched grow up with her. She tried to think of how to say what she needed to and not create animosity between them. "Lord Lockwood. Over the years you have been most kind to me any my family and I would not for the world wish to hurt you...but I find we make better friends then marriage partners."

"I leave you to your disgrace then." Tyler gave her a hard stare and strode out of the box.

She wanted to cry at the loss of him. Not in love with him she nonetheless loved him. Now she didn't know where they stood or how she would explain all of this to her mother.

Klaus slipped in front of her. He tipped her head up with his fingertips and gazed into her eyes. "You care for him?"

"Yes. Thank you for not hurting him. I know it went against the codes of honor for you to withdraw from the duel."

"I did it for you, love. All for you."

Caroline lowered her lashes, unable to look upon the pure emotion in his eyes.

Klaus lowered his head, pressing the softest and sweetest kiss upon her lips. Warmth cascaded through Caroline, her heart melting at his tenderness. He tucked her into his embrace, like he could soothe and protect her from the pain of the world.

"You defended me downstairs," Klaus murmured near her ear.

The vulnerability in his voice surprised her. "You were there?" She hadn't known. Shame trickled into her what he must have heard from her society friends.

"I followed you. I didn't trust Lord Lockwood, so I convinced your mother to let me fetch you."

"They don't even know you. It was wrong for them to make assumptions."

"There are thing about me that aren't gentlemanly. Things that I have done, things that I will do soon in the future. However, I swear to you that when the dust settles I will try to be the gentleman you wish me to be."

In this perfect moment, his arms around her, Caroline no longer cared. She only wanted him to kiss her. She tilted her head up to look at him, her lips parting. He caressed the side of her face, smoothing a curl behind her ear. Klaus appeared to be memorizing her. With painful slowness his mouth met hers. The kiss so tender and loving, she fell into him. He overwhelmed her, eclipsed the world around her. Nearly swooning, her fingertips slid to his face to stroke his rough cheeks. She tried to show him with her mouth, with her touch, how he sent her heart soaring to dizzying heights.

He pulled away first, waking her too soon from the spell he spun. Leaning in he pressed his lips reverently to her forehead. "I need to take you back to the box. The opera will be over soon."

"My mother. She will be so worried I haven't returned."

"Which is why we are heading back. Now that we are properly courting, Lady Forbes would not appreciate for us to be alone in dark opera boxes."

Caroline couldn't help laughing. "Now you worry about propriety?"

Klaus smiled at her, and held out his arm. "With my reputation, I have a lot of work to do."

Upon reaching the box, the opera ended. Caroline went instantly to her mother, reassuring her that yes she had a nice time with Lord Lockwood. There was no point in telling her the truth. Her mother would figure out soon enough there would never be a match between her and Tyler.

"Thank you, my lord for fetching my daughter."

Caroline looked sharply at her mother. From her relieved tone it sounded like her mother rather thought Klaus went to rescue her. What had he told her? In fact, if she didn't know better, she would suspect the look her mother was now giving the Earl was one of begrudging respect.

"Will your lordship be attending the De Lisle garden party on Wednesday?" Her mother asked.

Klaus inclined his head.

"Good. We will see you then."

Gathering her skirts around her, her mother made it clear that they would be departing for the evening. Picking up on her cue, Elena and Alaric rose from their chairs. Bonnie gave Caroline a searching glance, making it clear a talk was in order.

"Thank you for your gracious invitation this evening, my lord." Caroline curtsied to Klaus, smiling up at him at the remembrance of their kiss. How for her, he swallowed his pride and released Tyler.

Klaus bowed, an amused smirk on his lips. "The pleasure was all mine, Lady Caroline."

Following her mother out of the box, Caroline looked back at Klaus to have a memory to take with her. The look of happiness she saw on his face stayed with her long after they left the opera.

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Thanks for reading. I hope you enjoyed the chapter. If you get the time, stop by tumblr and check out the other entries for AU week. They are all really incredible.