December 2715, Manhattan Kingdom

Caroline gave herself one last look in the floor length mirror outside the ballroom, preparing herself to enter. Her dress was in the latest style, a traditional ball gown skirt with a daring plunging neckline that accentuated her slim waist and generous curves. Elena had helped her sweep her unruly curls back in an elaborate fishtail braid.

Plastering on her court smile, Caroline nodded to the nearest guard. The guard immediately opened the big gilded doors that lead to the main hall, and Caroline heard the trumpets announce the royal entrance.

Caroline slowly made her way into the great hall followed by Elena and the rest of her ladies, smiling graciously at the bowed heads of her greatest nobles. Lord Alaric looked up and caught Caroline's eye, gesturing slightly with his head to the back of the crowd.

Looking over Caroline saw the one man in the hall still standing, and she found her eyes once again drawn to his disconcerting stare. The corner of his moth twitched up in a smirk as he bowed his head smoothly, a greeting of equals.

Caroline didn't know whether to be intrigued or irritated by his bold stare, and bowed her head in return, knowing she had a part to play.

"Thank you everyone for coming tonight to welcome our dear friends from the Kingdom of New England," Caroline announced, pitching her voice so all in the hall could hear. "King Niklaus, we are so pleased that you and your retinue were able to accept our invitation. We have much planned for your visit and hope that it is mutually beneficial to both of our kingdoms. In the meantime, we invite you to enjoy your first evening at the court of Manhattan, and this gathering in your honor."

Servants started to appear throughout the hall with gold platters filled with delicate crystal glasses of the finest champagne.

"Please, if everyone would take a glass, and join me in a toast to the future friendship between our kingdoms!" Caroline finished, scanning the faces of her nobles holding their glasses aloft, and almost laughed at the eagerness and enthusiasm clear on Lord Alaric's face.

Caroline raised the glass to her lips and took a deep drink to fortify herself for the night of pleasantries ahead.


Klaus had resigned himself to the fact that this marriage might be inevitable before setting foot in the St. Regis- though he had yet to admit that to his arrogant little sister. It would be the logical solution to so many problems. Klaus could use Caroline's impeccable bloodlines to lend credibility to his throne, while using Manhattan's wealth to ensure the Southern army thought twice before marching on the North.

Klaus knew his reputation in the field preceded him. It gave him grim satisfaction to know that King Marcellus would think twice about facing him in the place of an untried girl. And then of course there was the alluring possibility of expanding his own empire, his own dynasty, which he wasn't quite as immune to as he had once thought. He was determined, however, that if he was going to be saddled with a wife he didn't want, he would dictate the terms and be well recompensed for doing his duty.

Klaus sipped his Scotch as he bantered lightly with Stefan and the Duke of Albany, who had been their escort upon their arrival and seemed to feel an obligation to see to their comfort. Klaus only half listened as his eyes discreetly tracked the golden-haired Queen as she moved gracefully around the room.

While he was still not thrilled about the prospect of marrying an over indulged princess who thought herself too good for him, he could not deny that he was strongly attracted to her physically. Caroline's smoky eyes gave her a sultry look that complemented the bold cut of her dress. Perhaps this marriage wouldn't be all hardship and sacrifice after all, Klaus thought with a smirk.

"My god, is that a smile? Don't tell me my you are actually enjoying this 'pompous occasion for worthless court peacocks to preen and gossip?'" Rebekah commented cheekily, as she smiled sweetly at her brother.

Klaus quickly checked that the Duke of Albany was still fully absorbed in his conversation with Stefan before taking his sister's arm and leading her slightly away from the pair.

"I believe I called them useless court peacocks, but I suppose the sentiment remains the same," Klaus responds drily. "And enjoy might be too strong a word- although it has been an excellent opportunity to observe the Manhattan court."

Rebekah gave Klaus a knowing smirk, "Ah yes, I noticed you have been observing one Manhattan resident in particular quite extensively. Is that what has you smiling, dear brother?"

Klaus smiled innocently, "On the contrary, little sister. There are quite a few very enticing prospects for our brief stay here. Like that delicious little brunette among the Queen's ladies, clearly making eyes at me all night. A cousin of Her Majesty, I believe?"

Rebekah rolled her eyes, "Keep your eye on the prize, Nik. I know you are smart enough to see the benefits this marriage could bring. I also know you find her attractive- "

"Be careful, Bekah. Nobody likes a know-it-all," Klaus chided mockingly.

"Well, what I don't know is why you are not doing anything about it!" Rebekah huffed.

Klaus raised an eyebrow, "I'm here, aren't I? Ready to throw myself on the altar of marriage for the good of New England."

"Well, I am not sure passive sacrifice will be enough, Nik," Rebekah snapped. "While Manhattan is in need of a strong alliance, you are not the only eligible bachelor around. And in the end, it will be the Queen's decision whom she marries, not her advisors. "

Klaus looked at his sister shrewdly, "Are you suggesting Queen Caroline already has someone in mind, then? One of the young Manhattan nobles?"

"A childhood friend – Sir Tyler Lockwood. He is completely unsuitable though. For now."

Klaus racked his brain, trying to recall the familiar name. Lockwood.

"Wasn't it a Richard Lockwood who was accused of leaking military secrets to the Rhode Island insurgents?" the corner of his mouth pulled up in a grim smile. "Yes, I could see how the man's son would not make an appropriate husband for a Queen."

Rebekah rolled her eyes, and Klaus looked at her skeptically.

"Are you sure you have your story correct? I doubt the high and mighty Queen of Manhattan would stoop to the level of a traitor's son. One without a drop of royal blood, no less," Klaus mused cynically.

"You would think you of all people would know not to judge a book by its cover," Rebekah admonished. "Maybe if you gave her a chance- "

Klaus rolled his eyes and was about to respond, when a sudden hush fell over the room. His danger senses on alert, he tensed, the easygoing mask falling slightly to reveal the career soldier. His steely gaze systematically tracked the area, categorizing potential threats, and stopped as a man arrogantly strode through the ballroom doors.

Klaus watched as the man smiled condescendingly at the polite bows of the whispering guest, as if he was the King returning to his court. Judging by the trail of followers, who Klaus quickly dismissed as insignificant bottom feeders and sycophants, it was obvious this man thought quite highly of himself.

"So it seems Lord Mason has finally decided to return to court," the Duke of Albany mused behind Klaus.

Klaus's eyes snapped to the Duke, who was pleased to have caught the young King's attention.

"The Queen's uncle," the Duke whispered conspiratorially. "He has been absent from court for quite some time."

"His daughter is one of the Queen's ladies, yes?" Rebekah asked politely, seeing Klaus's attention waning.

He had already turned away from the conversation, hardly listening, as he continued to track the path of Lord Mason. He found himself bristling instinctually at the arrogance of the man, representative of everything he hated about the nobility.

Finally he watched the man stop in front of the young Queen, taking her her hand in his and kissing her cheek before sketching a shallow bow. Klaus wondered curiously if the action had been genuine or patronizing. He caught sight of the Queen's face as she snatched back her hand. Her perfect court mask from earlier was still in place, but he didn't think he had mistaken the flash of fury in her hard cerulean eyes.

Patronizing, then.

Klaus started to drift closer, curious to hear the hushed conversation between the two Forbes. He was only a few feet aways, when he happened to look up at her face and witness her carefully composed facade crack, as her eyes narrowed dangerously.


Caroline gave her uncle a tight-lipped smile, trying to contain the anger she felt rising. And the urge to throw her drink into his smug face. First he ignored her summons, then he waltzed into her court as if he owned the place. And how he had the audacity to scold her as if she was still a child- in front of a crowd of her nobles no less! Caroline felt her cultivated regal calm start to slip.

"My dear child, I know the crown is a burden you did not expect- nor were properly prepared for- but I worry that you are listening to terrible council. As your uncle, I feel it is my duty to my dear belated brother, to help stop this ridiculous farce before it is too late," Mason continued smoothly, a paternal smile on his lips that disgusted Caroline.

"Lord Mason," Caroline responded, purposely using his formal title. "You do surprise me! I heard that you have expressed public concern about my supposed marriage to a Manhattan noble. I thought it would please you that I am pursuing options that will bring new strength to the kingdom and put those rumors to rest."

Mason smiled as he patted her hand condescendingly, "Ah, Caroline, I do hope this is not all part of some adolescent plan to make young Tyler jealous? I would hate to think that you are treating the serious business of ruling as a game piece in a young lovers' quarrel?"

Out of the corner of her eye, Caroline noticed the nobles nearest to the conversation whisper in delight. No doubt waiting for the moment they could tell their friends and colleagues how the Queen was merely a flighty young girl putting her own passions and desires before the kingdom.

Looking at her uncle's face, she knew that was exactly what he had intended. Caroline bit her lip hard until she tasted blood, and turned back to her uncle a brittle smile in place.

"While I appreciate your concern, I assure you that is the furthest thing from the truth. Tyler is merely a childhood friend. I am quite serious about forming an alliance that will benefit Manhattan, and have no intention of shirking that duty," she answered in a measured tone.

"Ah, well then, I fear I still must protest for the greater good of the kingdom. I am sure, even sequestered as you were, you have heard stories about this young man's rise to power? Blood-thirsty, brutal- not to mention his other predilections where women are involved," Lord Mason answered loftily. "Think about what you would be letting loose on the kingdom! What would your parents think if they knew you were contemplating such a match? If they knew that you planned to hand over the kingdom to a jumped up traitor to do as he pleased?"

Caroline's last strand of patience snapped at the mention of her parents. Her eyes narrowed in fury, a sure sign that her temper was about to explode. Mason saw the warning, and gloried in it, pushing further, eyes mocking.

"Granted, I understand how a young girl like you could be charmed by a handsome face like King Niklaus-"

"Stop, you're making me blush," a sardonic voice broke in from behind Mason. "And we have not even been properly introduced."

Mason turned around quickly and came face to face with King Niklaus, his smile benevolent but his eyes like ice. Mason, who prided himself on his imperturbable demeanor, felt an unwelcome shiver go up his spine as he stared into those eyes. Recovering quickly he bowed to the young King.

"King Niklaus, it is a pleasure to finally meet you. I apologize, I have just recently arrived and was having a private conversation with my niece," Lord Mason said smoothly. "Allow me to introduce myself- I am Lord Mason Forbes, at your service."

"Well, it seems my reputation precedes me, so I won't waste time with pointless introductions. I actually was hoping I could borrow the Queen for a moment? She promised me a dance and I am here to collect," Klaus gave Mason a cocky smile. "You will forgive me, I'm sure?"

And with that Klaus grabbed Caroline's hand and pulled her to the dance floor. Caroline barely had time to process what happened before her uncle's scowling face disappeared and she found herself in the middle of the crowded lobby, supported by strong arms.

She looked up at Klaus as he effortlessly lead her into the middle of a complex waltz.

As their eyes met, Klaus gave her a devastatingly rakish smile and tightened his grip on her waist almost imperceptibly. Caroline flushed, to her dismay, and looked away.

She didn't know why this man could disconcert her so much with a smile and a touch, but it made her angry. Especially after what her uncle had said about being charmed by a handsome face. Caroline steeled herself to meet Klaus's intense gaze, and arched one delicate eyebrow.

"I don't recall promising you a dance, my lord," she remarked primly.

Klaus's smile turned mischievous. "Ah yes, I hope you can forgive me that small lie. I couldn't help overhear your little tête-à-tête with your uncle, and it seemed prudent that you remove yourself from the situation. Before it escalated and perhaps impacted our future chance of an alliance."

"I had no idea you were such a diplomat, Your Grace," Caroline answered, uncomfortable that this stranger had been able to read her so easily.

Klaus laughed lightly, "Hardly a diplomat, Your Majesty. But every good soldier knows the importance of evasive maneuvers behind enemy lines."

Caroline eyed him with sudden interest, "Do you consider my uncle your enemy, then?"

Klaus didn't miss a beat, "Do you consider him your enemy?"

Caroline smiled wryly and answered breezily, "Touché. Although it is very unchivalrous to answer a question with another question. I admit, I expected more from the hero who rescued me from enemy clutches."

Klaus's face suddenly turned serious at Caroline's caustic comment. "I am sure you know enough about me to know I am no white knight."

Caroline studied him carefully, her expression an enigma to Klaus. One that he suddenly desperately wanted to solve. The corner of one lip twitched upwards in a small smile.

"That is good, my lord. Because I assure you, I am no damsel in distress- nor do I need to be rescued."

Before Klaus could respond, Caroline's eyes suddenly released their hold on him and focused on something just behind his shoulder, the small smile disappearing as if it was never there. Turning to follow her sudden shift in gaze, Klaus came face to face with her Lord Chancellor.

"Your Graces," Alaric nodded respectfully. "I apologize for the interruption."

Alaric turned to Caroline, "Your Majesty, may I request your presence for a moment?"

"Of course, Lord Alaric," Caroline answered smoothly and turned to Klaus. "If you will excuse me, I must attend to this."

Klaus acquiesced gracefully, having known this would happen at some point. No doubt the Queen and her chief advisor were regrouping on her uncle's unexpected, and unpleasant, arrival. And any and all implications it would have on the future of Manhattan- including his own state visit.

He just wished the old Lord Chancellor hadn't acted with quite so much alacrity.

Sighing Klaus grabbed a Scotch from a passing server and took a large swig, turning to find his sister through the crowd of useless court peacocks.