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Chapter 10: Hope
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"Everyday is a new beginning, take a deep breath and start again."
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If looks could kill, she would be dead.
Bonnie watched as the almighty Original hybrid paced back and forth anxiously waiting for his blood to do its job. "Why isn't she waking up? Are you sure you fed her my blood?" He asked angrily.
"I swear on my life that I did," Bonnie replied, her voice tired. The hybrid had been constantly lecturing and threatening her for the past few minutes yet it had felt more than two hours. Bonnie felt guilty as it is, she didn't need him reminding her every minute that this was her fault.
"What type of witch are you? This is the result of your incompetency. Didn't I tell you to keep her safe? To put a protection spell on her? Do you have a death wish witch?" he snarled, his anger boiling as he looked at his wife's lifeless body.
"I did put a protection spell on her. I don't understand how this could've happen. Another witch must have casted a spell that counteracted the spell I placed," Bonnie replied trying to understand the situation herself.
"I should just kill you. I've killed people for less," the Original growled.
"Can you just stop? I love Caroline like a sister, I would do anything to keep her alive, even if it meant sacrificing myself."
"If what you said is remotely true, this would never have happened," he countered.
"I'm sorry. I know I messed up."
"You're SORRY?" He ridiculed. "You don't get to be sorry. You let this happen! I trusted you to keep her safe or I've would got a more capable witch to protect her!"
"I know this is my fault," the young witch yelled unintentionally giving him one of her witchy migraines.
Klaus groaned feeling her magic take effect. He had always despised witches and their little tricks. He flashed towards her, his hand immediately going to her neck. "Make yourself useful and find me some human blood. Or I can't make any promises that I won't just kill you for this," he threatened sliding his fingers to the back of her neck.
"Let me go," she chocked against his steel grasp. He was cutting off her air supply. Bonnie knew the situation was not in her favor. One flick of his wrist and her neck would be snapped.
"Bring me fresh blood," he roared and let her go. He knew Caroline would hate him if he hurt her friend.
He didn't have to tell her twice. Bonnie scurried away as she prayed for her best friend to wake up.
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Once the witch was out of sight, Klaus moved cautiously towards her. He sat himself on the bed and gathered her unconscious body in his arms. He held her close as he sat down in the middle of the huge bed. He prayed to whatever spiritual forces that she would be alright and cursing fate that brought her to him.
He would rather have lived a horrible and lonely existence for an eternity than hurt her. Klaus remained vigilant, never letting her go. He unconsciously stroked her soft blonde hair as he waited for her to wake up.
She looked so peaceful. Her angelic face looked like a beautiful artistic rendition of what a goddess might look like. She was undeniably the most beautiful creature he had ever laid eyes upon. Long lashes rested on her pale porcelain skin. His gaze travelled lower to admire her slightly parted pink lips and he couldn't help but reminisce how delicious those perfectly curved lips tasted.
By God, she was a beauty. Her face was truly delicate – the perfect foil for those huge blue eyes. Her long blonde curls framing her face like a lovely halo.
Klaus shook his head, morbidly disgusted with himself. How could someone that resembled something close to an angel ever love a monster like him?
She was light and goodness, and he was the snarling beast- the devil that would only taint everything good about her. They hadn't spoken much about their future and he didn't have the slightest clue whether she could accept her new life. Did she ever think of turning into a vampire?
He was truly afraid she would hate it. She was far too pure for the monstrosity of his nature. She was too good. How was she going to feed from humans when the slightest thought of harming a person terrifies her?
Klaus needed her to trust that his intentions were good, regardless of how it came across. He would never have forced her into vampirism if it wasn't what she wanted. He only slipped his blood in her drinks as an extra safety precaution.
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The heavy fog finally lifted and Caroline slowly began to register the sensations and sounds seeping into her conscious mind bit by bit. Where was she? For a moment, she was disorientated and struggled to remember where she was or what had happened before she blacked out.
Klaus's familiar scent hit her as she tried to shake the grogginess.
Her eyes fluttered open as she adjusted her sight to the dark room. What happened?
When her eye lashes finally fluttered, Klaus held his breath. "Caroline," Klaus held her hand and immediately started checking on her. "I thought I lost you," he whispered.
"Klaus?" Caroline croaked feeling her throat burning like fire. Her neck ache tremendously and she couldn't help but groaned in pain. What happened before she blacked out?
"Caroline, can you hear me?" He asked worriedly helping the blonde sit up.
"Klaus I.." She tried wracking her brain to remember what had happened before her world went black.
"Can you remember anything?"
The last thing she recalled was the crazy red head…wait..the woman had pushed her down the flight of stairs. Caroline had thought she was going to die, how was she still alive.
"I…I remember finding a woman…her name was…was…Genevieve..she said to send you a message," Caroline frowned trying to remember more.
"I'm gonna torture that witch until she begs for her death," Klaus roared clenching his fist together.
"Oh My God, she pushed me down the stairs," she exclaimed remembering. "How…How am I…I fell down the flight of stairs.." she inspected her body confusedly. Her body felt fine, no broken bones except for the itching sensation of her throat.
"Caroline love, I need you to take a deep breath."
"What's wrong?"
"You didn't survive the fall," Klaus said softly.
"What? I don't understand. I'm fine…"
"You died with a broken neck."
"But..I'm alive.."
"You had my blood in your system. You're in transition love."
She blinked, not understanding what he was telling her. "Transition?"
"To a vampire sweetheart."
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"I'm a vampire?" She croaked staring at him.
"Almost," he nodded slowly, his eyes conveying his regret and agony, as if he had committed the gravest of sins against her. "I'm sorry."
It took a moment for the reality of it to sink in. "How?"
"I've had Bonnie slipped my blood in your drinks as a safety precaution."
Caroline's eyes pricked with heat. She was dead… No…This was not what she wanted. She didn't want to be a vampire, not yet at least. She was young and her feelings for the man were still blooming. She couldn't stop the hot tears from spilling.
This was not supposed to happen. What would her parents think of her now? She was still trying to persuade her mom to believe that Klaus wouldn't hurt her yet now she herself had been turned into a blood-sucking creature.
The image of her tear-streaked face had his heart constricted in pain. The hybrid gently wiped away her tears with an infinitely tender sweep of his fingertips. She looked so fragile as if she would break just by the slightest force.
"I'm sorry I've pulled you into this existence without your permission. I failed you, I promised to keep you safe," he said his voice full of emotion.
"Don't," she croaked, her throat incredibly dry, the word a thick paste in her mouth. "You saved me."
Klaus shook his head. "No, Genevieve was after me, not you. Now, I've condemned you with the life of a monster. I can't forgive myself for this."
Caroline tried to speak but it was too hard. She needed for him to understand that this wasn't his fault. With tremendous effort, she focused all her will on lifting her body up despite her aching neck. It seemed to weigh fifty pounds as she inched her palm slowly to place her hand against his cheek. "You saved my life Klaus. There's nothing to forgive."
"No Caroline, I brought this on you," he said unrelenting. She really was too good for him.
She coughed feeling her throat burnt but she didn't care. The blonde had to convince him that this was not his fault and that she would never blame him. It might not have been what she wanted but at least she was still alive, somewhat.
"I'm glad you've been feeding me your blood," she said just above a whisper.
"It was selfish of me but you already know that I'm a selfish man. It was just meant to be a safety precaution; I never wanted to turn you against your will. Your witchy friend was supposed to be the one protecting you," he said grimly. "Do you hate me?"
Caroline heard the vulnerability and fear in his voice and it dawned on her that he had assumed the worst. She brushed her fingers into his hair, tugging on them gently for his full attention. "No, I don't hate you. How can I hate you?"
"Caro—"
"Klaus, I love you," she croaked cutting him off effectively.
He stared at her, his heart thundering at her confession. She loved him despite everything.
"I...," he tried not knowing what to say as he closed his eyes in frustration. Tears began burning beneath his closed eyes.
The knock and the movement of the door opening interrupted them. "Caroline, you're awake. Thank goodness," Bonnie rushed to the blonde's side.
Caroline watched as Klaus turned his back to avoid the humiliation of the witch seeing him cry.
"Hey Bon," she smiled with much effort. Her throat really was killing her.
"I'm so sorry Caroline…I should have protected you better," the brunette said solemnly.
"Did you bring what I asked you?" Klaus said lowly after reigning in his moment of weakness.
"I brought one of the servants."
"Let him in while you see yourself out."
"But I.." The witch wanted to be by her friend's side when she completed her transition. It was the least she could do.
"No, I need you to make Caroline a daylight ring. Hopefully you won't fail with such a simple spell," he sneered.
Bonnie wanted to argue or even better give him another witchy migraine for the tone he was using. She was a competent witch that wasn't just going to listen and obey to his every command. She might be new at witchcraft but she was trying her best.
Caroline grabbed onto Bonnie's hand and shook her head, silently signaling the witch to do what Klaus ordered. The blonde knew how rash and aggressive her husband could be and she wasn't going to let Bonnie suffer his wrath.
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When Bonnie had left, Klaus compelled the human servant inside. He then went back to sit besides her explaining the process of her transition.
"You need to consume human blood to complete the transition love."
Caroline nodded, she had expected that much.
She could hear the human's heart hammering loudly in his chest. Her senses were heightened seeing as she could smell the scent of blood pumping through the veins of the young compelled servant. It was so close, just under the skin and she was so damn thirsty. Her mind was repulsed at the thought of it but her body had other ideas. She felt the inner monster in her stirred demanding to be fed.
Klaus could see the fear in her eyes as he let his hybrid features descend. Without a second thought, he ran his double set of fangs along the wrist of the compelled human, cutting a line that welled the rich liquid.
A terrible pressure built in either side of her mouth as she watched the blood started pooling around the man's wrist. She could feel something pushing forward near the top of her gum line trying to slide through her gum tissue.
It hurt.
Sensing her hesitation, the Original held out the bloodied wrist to her. "You need to drink love."
Instead of moving forward, she reared back. She couldn't do this. She didn't want to feed from the innocent human. She would not hurt him.
"No," she shook her head in spite of the insistent throbbing. "I don't want to hurt him."
Klaus sighed trying to think of another method of persuasion. She pushed herself further away from the human until her back hit the headboard. Her mother was right, vampires were monsters. She couldn't fathom herself relying on their blood to survive.
"Sweetheart, vampires live on blood. I promised you he wouldn't even feel the pain."
"It's still wrong."
"Please, I need you to drink," he said in a gentler tone in hopes of coaxing her. "You'll be immortal like me."
His words compelled her to face the reality of the situation. It hit her like a ton of bricks. She was going to be immortal, whereas her parents and Bonnie remained mortal. She was not going to age further. Worst of all, with her newfound immortality she was inevitably going to out live all her family and friends. Did she really want that? To remain forever eighteen while she watch her parents grow old?
She would have to watch their health deteriorate until their impending death. Did she really want this life? It was an undeniable fact that she would only have her husband to rely upon. What if a few decades later, he grows tired of her..what would she do then? Being immortal and alone sounded worst than death itself.
"Sweetheart," the hybrid tried again.
"Do you want me to turn?"
"Of course," he said trying to keep his voice even. Couldn't she see that's what he has been trying to do?
"What if you change your mind about us? I'll be immortal without any friends of family. You're all I have, I'll have no one if you decide you don't want me in the future."
Klaus instantly detected her worries and knew what was the cause. He had confessed earlier during their stay on the island that he couldn't promise her that he'll love her for eternity. "I remembered what I said," he said slowly. "We can discuss about it when you complete your transition." He didn't want to make empty promises, not to her especially.
Besides, deep down the hybrid was certain she wouldn't want to spend her immortal life with him anyways. He was a broken man; she could do so much better than him.
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Caroline was still having second thoughts about everything. She was worried she wouldn't be able to control her blood lust and she didn't think she would be able to survive with the guilt of killing someone.
"I'll help you through every step of the way. I just need you to drink love," the hybrid cooed bringing the human before her.
She looked at the bleeding wound on the servant's wrist and felt her new fangs pushing out.
"Trust me," he said in a husky whisper.
With that, Caroline closed her eyes and leaned forward, letting her tongue reach out blindly toward the source of the delicious tantalizing scent.
She lapped once, and the glorious liquid heat shimmered down her throat leaving a fiery trail. The rich liquid tasted wonderful, like an aged, spicy wine. She felt her fangs unconsciously latched on to the wrist and a warm appreciative sound rumbled in the back of her throat.
Klaus watched in pride as she fed from the human. He always knew she would be gloriously beautiful as a vampire. He frowned a little though when he noticed how fast she was draining the man.
"Sweetheart, you need to slow down." He wasn't going to let her drain him not wanting to risk her hating him later.
When she wasn't stopping, he withdrew the human's wrist from her grasp. "No," she emitted a soft whimper. The blood tasted so good yet it wasn't enough. She was still so hungry. "I'm not finished."
The Original swiftly compelled the human away before she could continue feeding from him. "Take a deep breath love."
"I need more," she pleaded; her pink tongue darted out, swirling over the end of a pearly fang.
He reached forward and wrapped his arm around her waist so that her back snugged up against his broad chest. He wasn't going to risk letting her go in fear she would try and attack someone else.
"Please," she whimpered.
To her absolute surprise, her husband held his forearm before her silently giving her permission to feed from him.
"Have at it love," his husky whisper in her ear shot a shiver of desire rocketing down her spine.
She looked at his wrist debating whether she should. She didn't want to hurt him, as she knew how painful it was.
"Feed from me instead," he said gently. He didn't want her to risk hurting anyone. Now that she had consumed human blood, she had fully turned into a vampire. If she was hungry, he wouldn't mind satisfying her urge with his blood.
The king bit into his wrist to further entice her. She hesitated for a few seconds before her control snapped and she leap forward and sunk her fangs into his bleeding wrist.
She was amazed at how delicious her husband tasted and welcomed his warm, tasty blood without pause. She had thought a few seconds ago that human blood was delicious yet Klaus's blood was a thousand times better.
"Hmmm," she couldn't help but moan at the intoxicating taste while she greedily gulped down his rich potent blood.
Caroline wasn't the only one enjoying this as Klaus was close to groaning in pleasure at the sensation of her warm tongue on his skin. It sure as hell didn't help that the curve of her bottom was pressing back against his groin as she leaned forward to feed.
Despite his best efforts, he couldn't stop himself from feeling arouse at the sight. He swallowed hard, fighting back the fierce lust of longing pulling at him.
Caroline's your main priority. Think with your head, not you dick.
He really did try, but the subtle scrape of her tiny fangs against his flesh made his skin tighten and body ache from head to toe. He backed up from her slightly hoping she was too hungry to notice the rock hard ridge pressed up against her backside.
It didn't help that the sensation of her fangs sinking into his skin made his every nerve come alive as a pure current of ecstasy flowed from where they connected through his veins straight to his heart.
He let her feed seeing how much she was enjoying it and knowing how much she needed it. He knew from experience how strong the bloodlust was for a newly turned vampire. Even if she could exercise some form of control, she would still lose the battle over her inner demons and succumb to the bloodlust.
He chose to give her his blood because vampire blood was more potent compared to humans and Original blood especially an Original Hybrid blood would be the rarest and most powerful of all. Hence why for five centuries, Klaus had been extremely reluctant to provide his blood to anyone.
He knew how unique and powerful his blood was. His blood remains to be the only cure to a werewolf bite. He had only a handful of times given out his blood, however, when it came to the blonde, he didn't have to think twice before he offered her his blood.
When he finally felt that she had taken enough, he gently pulled his wrist from her. Her fangs slipped from his skin as he eased his arm away from her.
"I'm sorry," she turned her head, her eyes apologetic. She knew she had taken a copious amount of his blood seeing as her hunger had considerably faded.
"How are you feeling?" He asked wiping the smear of his blood off her lips.
"Better, I don't feel the raging hunger," she said slowly lifting his wrist to inspect the wound. She was surprised to find that it had fully healed like it had never happened.
"Good," he smiled pressing a light kiss on her temple. He was just glad she was safe and sound.
"Is the man I fed from going to be okay?"
He nodded," He's going to be fine."
"I'm sorry for taking so much blood, I couldn't help myself. I was just so hungry," she said with shame.
"I promise it will get better," he stroked her hair tenderly. The hybrid himself had been through the phase. Months after he and his family were newly turned, he still lacked control of his blood lust. It wasn't until a few decades later where he managed to regain some self-control. "You should be fine for the next few hours as my blood is more potent than human blood. You won't get hungry that easily."
Caroline nodded numbly, her mind thinking of the repercussions of her actions. "You promise you won't let me kill anyone?"
"I promise love. I won't let you kill because I know you won't be able to live with the guilt of it."
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It had been three days since she had turned. The pair had managed to travel back to the palace after Bonnie had spelled her a daylight ring. The young queen was still trying to get used to her new status.
As a vampire, she realized her emotions were heightened and it became imperative that she learned to get a better grip of her feelings to avoid a rampage. Besides that, she found herself slowly getting used to her new heightened senses. Klaus had given her a basic overview of her new abilities.
"You now have heightened senses. You'll be able to see, hear, and smell better. It'll take time to get used to all the change but it will come in time," he told her when she awoken.
"I can hear everything even the sounds from the kitchen," she said in awed.
"It's incredible isn't it?"
He had also given her the general idea of what she could do and can't do. She was glad she was much more durable than her human self. Though, being a vampire also had its weaknesses.
"The most important thing to remember about being a vampire is that although you can't really die of natural causes, you still can be killed. I know this sounds confusing but you have to remember this. There are basically three ways to be killed. First, sunlight will turn you to ashes so you can never ever take your daylight ring off. I'll get my witch to spell you another daylight bracelet later for added protection. Second, a stake in the heart will also kill you. And last but not least, cutting your head off will also leave you dead. Otherwise, if you lose an arm, hand or break any parts of your body, you would be healed in a few hours."
Klaus also explained their unique ability of compulsion. She was enthralled by the notion of how she was able to replace someone else's memory. However, a part of her didn't agree to it knowing how much it sucked to have your free will taken away from you.
The Scottish princess had always hated how in their society men had the only say in everything. Women were seen to be inferior even if they were educated. It was expected for men to rule over their wives. Even the law gave a husband full rights over his wife. She was strongly against this belief as she was a person, not someone's property. She should have free will and a say in what she wanted, hence why she wasn't so fond of the idea of compulsion.
Caroline was just relief her husband was different than typical men. She had seen how harsh some of the Scottish lords treated her friends. Her friend Lexi married a notorious Scottish lord- Lord Lee who had on many occasions raised his hand on her friend. Caroline felt sick when she saw the bruises on her friend. It was worst that Lexi believed she herself was responsible for her beating.
Maybe her new gift wasn't so bad. She could use it to serve some justice. She could compel Lord Lee to stop hurting her friend.
She was also happy with her super speed and super strength, her reflexes were heightened. She was jarred from her musings by the sound of the opening door.
"Can I come in?" Klaus poked his head into their chamber doors.
"Of course," she mused sitting up from the bed. She had moved in to his room since their arrival, finally taking the step to share their marital bed. She felt safer beside him knowing he would be there to catch her if she fell. Caroline was still unable to control her bloodlust and had been relying on her husband to keep her in line.
"I brought you some blood," he said taking a seat beside her.
Caroline accepted the goblet filled blood gratefully and took a generous sip. Her husband had suggested that she remained in closed doors until she learnt some form of control to avoid any damage. She had no objections to that knowing how dangerous it was for her to be out and about with her current predicament.
"How are you feeling?" He asked looking at her.
"Just as good as I was this morning," she teased.
Klaus had become increasingly protective since they got back. She found the situation ironic as she was more durable now compared to her human self. "You worry too much my husband."
She silently finished the blood loving the taste of it as it flowed down her throat. They had formed an agreement that Klaus would be bringing her blood in goblets to avoid the risk of her killing someone. She was on board with his proposal and thought it was better this way as she wasn't particularly fond of the idea of plunging her fangs in another. Safe for her husbands.
Klaus's blood was truly euphoric and she had been craving more of it since she had a taste of it three days ago. Her husband had not offered her his blood since then and she felt guilty for her obsession, which was why she kept it a secret. He had explained to her that blood was a vampire's only food source and she found it weird how she craved his blood instead of humans.
"Would you like to go out today?" He suggested realizing how bored she must be.
"Really? Can I?" She beamed excitedly.
Klaus nodded, "You need some fresh air after being locked in here for three days. Besides, we need to get you a dress for Rebekah's birthday ball next week."
"Are you sure you don't have more pressing matters to attend to?" Since her transition, Klaus had been doing both of their royal duties to cover for her. He had been so busy that she mostly saw him during the night and once during the afternoon when he delivered her a goblet of blood.
"I'm absolutely certain my love," he grinned standing up.
"Let me just quickly get dressed," she said as she looked down at the night shift she was wearing. She hadn't bothered to dress assuming she was going to stay in bed all day.
"Are you still hungry though?" Klaus had to ask just as a precaution.
She looked down ashamedly, "Yes." The one goblet wasn't enough to curb her hunger. It hadn't been enough for the past few days. She had been having five goblets each day yet she still felt the growing hunger.
Rebekah had tried to teach her how to feed with the eat, snatch, erase technique, yet Caroline was still hesitant to give it a shot. She remembered her first feed and the thought of her ability to almost drain the man dry haunted her. She wasn't going to risk it. She rather remained hungry than hurt an innocent.
"Should I get more blood?" He asked already preparing to fetch some.
When he received no response, he stopped moving and looked back at her. He could tell she was keeping something from him by the way she was stalling. It was the first time that she was reluctant to speak her mind. "Sweetheart?"
"Can..I…" she looked down playing with her fingers hesitating.
He moved to stand before her, "What is it?"
"Can..I..I..have your blood instead?" she said just above a whisper.
The Original was confounded with her request. She wanted his blood? He found it extremely weird that she was craving his blood. Vampires especially baby vampires desire human blood not vampire blood.
"It's okay if you don't want to," she added when he remained stoic.
"Are you sure you don't want human blood?" He asked once he snapped out of his thoughts.
"I know it's weird but I just can't get the taste of your blood out of my head," she admitted.
He knew he should be worried about this but Klaus hoped and prayed it was a one-time thing. Maybe she just wanted your blood because it fills her hunger up better, he reasoned. That must be it. His only fear was that she had formed some sort of sire bond towards him but he immediately relinquished the thought as quickly as it came. It was definitely not a sire bond. It couldn't be.
"Go for it," he told her sitting down once more while lifting his hand towards her.
She took his exposed wrist with slight trepidation as she looked at him for confirmation.
"Drink," he ordered softly, pressing it to her mouth.
She cupped his wrist gently and pressed the exposed skin to her lips in a feather light kiss before she bit down and sank her fangs into the flesh. She sucked in small tugs, savoring the taste of his blood. It felt powerful and rich just like she remembered and she slowly felt herself gaining more strength and power.
"Easy love," Klaus said after a few minutes, pulling his wrist gently out of her reach. He took a moment to enjoy the sight of her mouth smeared with his blood. He couldn't deny that he loved the vampire side of her. She looked breathtaking with her fangs still dripping with blood.
"Oh God, I'm so sorry," she apologized immediately. It sucked to know she still couldn't control herself. She was just grateful it was her husband and not some random human.
"It's okay, you did better this time round," Klaus offered seeing her so upset.
"You're lying." She could tell he wanted her to feel better and not put so much pressure on herself but she hated not being in control. Her neurotic tendency needed control.
"Feeding from the vein takes a lot of practice. I myself painted a whole town red before I started getting a grip of it. You're doing great love."
She didn't believe it but went along with it. "Do you mind?" She asked shyly needing to get dressed.
"Right, I'll wait for you outside then," he nodded gesturing her courtesans to help her with her dress.
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Caroline's heart fell when she noticed the other woman in the carriage.
"Hey Caroline," Rebekah beamed with a smile moving for her sister to sit beside her.
"Hey Rebekah," the young queen quickly smiled hiding her disappointment. She had assumed she was going to have a nice quiet date with her husband. They still had a lot to talk about, thus why she was a tad beaten by the Original blonde's presence.
"Bekah," Klaus grinned hoping on the opposite seat a few minutes later. He had fallen behind for a quick drink. Caroline had taken quite a lot of his blood.
"How are you feeling?" Rebekah asked diving straight in when the carriage started to move.
"Still the same."
"How's the bloodlust?"
"As bad as ever. How long did it take you to control it?"
Rebekah looked away sheepishly. "Truthfully, I had a harder time than Nik. It didn't help that there wasn't anyone to teach us what to do, we basically went with our basic urges."
"I just don't want to hurt anybody."
"We're all here to help you," she said softly.
"My sister is right. It will come naturally sooner or later," Klaus assured her.
Once they arrived in town, Rebekah had left the pair to start hunting down for the material she wanted.
"Are you sure I should attend the ball?"
"Of course. Our subjects would be dying to see you," he chuckled.
"I'm serious Klaus," she reprimanded. "I'm going crazy here due to my lack of control."
"You'll be fine love. I won't let you hurt anyone," he repeated his promise with a sigh.
"I trust you but I don't trust myself," she muttered to herself.
"Now stop frowning and let's find you a dress fit for a queen," he pushed her into the small boutique distracting her from her thoughts.
Caroline watched as her husband gave the seamstress a sketch and some instructions on what he was after.
"I don't even get to choose my own dress?" she teased standing beside him.
"It's my gift to you."
"You know I have tons of dresses already. I don't actually need something new."
"Nonsense. We can't let Rebekah be the center of attention."
"It's her birthday though," she countered.
"It's not just a typical ball. It's actually more of an excuse to show the supernatural community who is in charge. It's turned into sort of a Mikaelson tradition which we have every decade or so. My brother Elijah and his wife Katerina would be attending as well."
"So it's like some sort of supernatural power play?"
"You could put it that way. My family and I are referred to as vampire royalties and it's sort of our responsibility to keep the rest of our species in line. It's a good way to show who is in charge and to also keep a close eye if there are any rebels."
"Where do I come into this?"
"Well, I intend to introduce to our guests that you're my queen, their supernatural queen."
She gulped, "Wow, that's a lot to take in."
"Fret not love, you were basically born to be my queen."
She was flattered at his compliment, still not used to his flirty remarks. "I was not born to be a queen."
"Of course you are. You've been betrothed to me since you were an infant, princess of Scotland," he reminded her. There was actually much more to that, but Klaus didn't felt the need to tell her.
"You're making it seemed like I am destined to be wedded to you and be your queen," she rebuked finding it so far from the truth.
"I would admit that I wasn't fond on the thought of having a bride at first not until I actually saw you."
"How sweet of you," she drawled rolling her eyes. It was obviously not love at first sight for her.
"Shall we get going?" Klaus asked offering her his arm.
"What about the measurements?" she questioned.
"I've already given it to her."
"What? How do you know my measurements?" She felt uncomfortable with him knowing her so well. She felt exposed, more vulnerable than she preferred.
"Well, you are my wife," he started than leaned forward to whisper, "And I've already seen you naked."
"Klaus," she swatted his chest in horror.
"You've got nothing to hide love," he continued pushing her buttons.
She blushed and looked down, "Stop it. You've seen me naked once, how could you possibly know my measurements?"
"A body like yours is hard to forget," his mouth quirked. "And I would believe I know women well enough to figure out their size."
Caroline wanted to slap the smirk of his face. How dare he make fun of her? She already knew he had a very demanding sexual appetite however flaunting his sexual history to her sure wasn't earning him points in her favor.
"Seriously?" She quirked at eyebrow at him.
"Come on love, ease up. I was trying to make a joke."
"Well don't."
"I don't see what's the problem here. Everyone in England knows that you're my wife. It won't be weird for a husband to know his wife's body."
She knew it was silly, but naturally she was self conscious of herself. Caroline knew that Klaus had been with many women- women who were prettier than her or had a more delicate body than her. As a result, she was always nervous around him.
"Where are you going?" he called after her seeing her rushing towards the doors of the small boutique. He quickly gave the seamstress a few further instructions before rushing out to find her.
"Caroline, wait up."
She ignored him by quickening her pace. She needed to get away from him. Those damn heightened emotions were tormenting her as she felt the surge of her insecurities stronger than before.
"Sweetheart," he flashed forward to keep up with her.
"Go away Klaus."
"Talk to me. Did I say something to upset you?"
The young queen let out a small, bitter laugh. Of course he wouldn't know anything. "Don't worry about it."
"Caroline love," he started reaching out to hold her wrist in an effort to stop her.
"I don't want to talk about it," she said hurriedly wriggling her wrist out of his hold.
"Why not?" He asked bewildered.
"I just don't."
He frowned at the distance she was suddenly placing between them. "You're infuriating," he grumbled coolly. Why was she suddenly pushing him away?
For the life of him, the Original could not recall what he did for her sudden change in attitude. They were flirting and enjoying one another's company just a few moments ago.
"I'm infuriating?" She scoffed.
"Yes. Has anyone ever told you that you are the most stubborn female?"
"Nice to know how much I repulsed you," she glared, her expression tight.
"That was not what I meant," he informed her tersely. He didn't like how she was twisting his words against him. Their marriage seemed like a game where each step forward they took, they would ultimately take two steps back. He was growing tired of this cycle.
"Stop lying."
"See, there's the stubbornness I'm talking about."
She lifted her chin to meet his eyes, "I'm not stubborn."
"You're infuriating," he continued as if she hadn't spoken. "And beautiful. So damned beautiful you take my breath away."
Shocked out of her anger, she stood stiff not able to form a reply.
"I wished I could read your mind so I can understand what goes in that pretty head of yours. However the reality is I don't have that power, so I need you to talk to me," he said staring deeply into her eyes.
The young vampire instantly realized she'd made a horrible tactical error. She was letting her insecurities get the better of her. Again. Because the eyes were the windows to the soul and she could see how much he meant them. Klaus might have had lot of women before her, but he chose her.
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The hybrid saw how much his words affected her and guessed she was upset because of his earlier reference of the many women he had in the past. Wanting to rid her of all her poisonous self- doubts, his lips came down on hers hard.
Her mouth opened in shock and automatically, she bit him.
Klaus cursed against her mouth, but didn't step back. He continued to kiss her, willing to make her believe he only wanted her and that the other women were nothing compared to her. He coaxed her lips with gentle strokes, sweeping his tongue into her mouth with slow thrusts as he waited for her to respond to his kiss.
She should bite him again. She really should. How dare he thought he could try and kiss away everything?
But he tasted so good, felt so good. It was the first time he had kissed her since the incident. She had forgotten how wonderful it felt to have his lips on hers. The taste of his lips was enough to make her forget everything else.
She leaned against him, her palms flattening against his broad chest and she relaxed responding to his kisses.
Klaus held her close, his hands caging her small body tightly to him yet his kisses remained gentle.
The kiss lasted for what seemed an eternity and Caroline was surprised at how different it felt than before. The kiss felt sensual and it enlivened all her senses. She really couldn't describe how good it felt, it was just that good.
Klaus was the one who broke the kiss when he picked up the sound of footsteps nearing them. He knew the frown upon etiquette of kissing in public and would not want to be caught up in the town's folk gossip.
He moved to whisper in her ear, breath ragged, "You make me crazy, Caroline Mikaelson."
Breathless, the queen took some unnecessary breath to calm her racing heart.
"You have nothing to be jealous of. I want you and only you. Even my wolf part wants you and it scares me, as this is the first time in my five centuries of living that I feel so strongly for another. You have nothing to be worried about. This is very much real for me too."
"How did you know?" Was she so easy to read? She couldn't understand how one minute he couldn't figure her out, yet the next he read her like an open book.
"I need you to stop doubting what we have okay? I can tell you now that I want to spend my immortal life with you. I couldn't promise you before but I can now. You are beautiful either as a human or vampire and I really want you to be mine forever."
He had planned on telling his intentions towards her soon, since their first intimate night together at the island however he hadn't had the chance due to their argument and her unexpected transition. He knew after making love to her that he would never grow tired of her. She was the one. The woman he always wanted but didn't know existed.
He was reluctant to believe that he could learn to love another other than family in the beginning, but she remained in and out of his every conscious, sometimes unconscious thoughts. It terrified him how much he cared for her, how much he had fallen for her.
The memory of her lifeless body hounded him. The fear of losing her was indescribable that he didn't know what he would have done if she was gone. Even his fear of Mikael's wrath was nothing compared to his fear of losing her.
The event certainly put things into perspective for the hybrid and he was more than ready to admit how much she meant to him. He wanted to commit to her. To spend his eternal life cherishing and loving her.
"Klaus..I.." His confession floored her very core. It truly exceeded her wildest imagination that she meant as much to him as he did to her. She had been scared she'd be just another notch in his belt when she was human and the uncertainty had multiplied ten fold since turning.
A thought occurred to him, "Do you not see yourself with me a century from now?" He had always kept everything to himself as he couldn't risk revealing himself so deeply to her and show his vulnerability.
"No, it's not that. How do you know that you'll want me in a century? You said so yourself, this is the first time for you. How can you be so certain you would want me for eternity?"
"I've lived a very long life to know what I want," he said softly realizing what it could mean. "Unless….you…am I not enough? Do you want other…men in your life?" He said in a voice that he fought to keep steady.
When Caroline didn't answer right away, hurt filled his eyes and he looked away.
"No, I didn't mean that. How could you possibly think so low of me? It's just I've never felt for someone so strongly before," she bit her lip in response.
"It's the heightened emotions," he noted. "What are you afraid of?"
"You. I'm afraid of you….my feelings for you…how deeply I'm in love with you," she explained quietly.
"I'm terrified of this as well," he muttered. "It's unchartered territory for me too."
"But you've been with countless amount of women to know what you want.." she trailed off.
"So you think sleeping with other men can help you decide what you want?" the hybrid said, his tone spiteful now.
"You've got it all wrong," she reached over to squeeze his hand. "I don't need other men to know that I want you." Don't ask her how, but she'd known for a while that she could only love this complex man before her. There was just an unexplainable connection that made her feel as if she was made for him.
"You're talking in riddles Caroline. But for what it's worth, I would never forced you to remain by my side if it's not what you want."
"I know you won't force me to do anything I don't want. I'm not afraid of you hurting me because I know you won't….it's just…you're over five hundred years old while I'm only eighteen. You'll always have five centuries of experience over me."
"Are you uncomfortable with our age gap?"
"Can you blame me?" she asked softly. Even without technicalities, their age gap remained to be an issue. It was a daunting reminder that he was so much more experienced and knowledgable than her. Sometimes, she wondered if she'd ever learn to satisfy him with her lack of knowledge.
"Sweetheart, you need to adjust your perception of time when you become a vampire. Celebrate the fact that you are no longer bound by trivial human conventions, you're free. Most importantly, I don't care that I'm ridiculously older than you. We're vampires. Ages is nothing but a number love."
"But with age comes experience," she said, her cupid's bow lips curved into a little frown. "I will never be able to satisfy you intellectually as well as physically."
"Now you're being silly," he accused. "I need you to stop trying to find fault in what we have. You're perfect just the way you are. It doesn't bother me that you can't please me, because I can teach you the ways in bed. We have an eternity for you to learn and experience everything in life."
"You're right," she said after a brief pause to think it through. "I'm sorry you have to constantly deal with my neurotic insecurities."
He shook his head smiling, glad that he managed to calm her down and get them to where they were before.
"Yes, you can be a neurotic mess, but you're my neurotic mess," he answered, using his thumb to brush a loose strand of her curl.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
"You're in a good mood," the blonde Original noted.
"Indeed I am," the hybrid mused.
"I have a feeling it has something to do with your little blonde wife."
Klaus grinned as he watched his beautiful wife skipped in front of them towards their home.
"I'm really happy for you Nik. You deserve happiness," Rebekah smiled following her brother's gaze. "Who knew she had it in her to tame the beast."
"I'm most definitely not domesticated," Klaus warned.
"Whatever you say big brother," she teased. "She's different, a good different," Rebekah can't help but add.
"She's perfect. She's full of light, brave, loyal and innocent," he sighed.
"She completes you," she noted. "She balances you out. A match made in heaven I guess."
"I wouldn't go that far. She's too good for me. I'll end up corrupting her."
"Nik, you seriously need to stop with your self loathing. Even a blind man can see that you are infatuated with her and I know she's in love with you too. So stop doubting what you have or you might ruin your only chance at happiness."
"I'm glad to see you have so much confidence in your own brother," he said sarcastically.
"Puh—lease. I've done my fair share in helping you with her."
"Thank you," he said after a thought.
"My brother thanking me," she said feigning shock.
"Don't push it," he growled.
"Fine, but Nik, since I played a huge part in reconciling your marriage…can I.."
He knew where the conversation was heading. His sister wanted something from him.
"What do you want baby sister?"
"Your word."
"My word?"
She nodded, "I have a date for my birthday ball and I want your word that he remains alive for as long as I see fit."
"You wound me with such a lack of confidence dear sister."
"Your word," she said once more not buying his innocent act. Out of her brothers, Klaus seemed to be the most protective of all. She lost count of how many of her suitors he had murdered in their five centuries together. She resented this side of him, the side that couldn't let her be happy. "It's the least you can do after all I've done for you," she added more forcefully.
"Fine, you have my word."
"I'm trusting you. No games Nik" she warned with wariness.
"I promise, no games Bekah."
"Good or I'll make you regret it Nik."
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
"You look beautiful Care," Bonnie said as the brunette helped her dress for bed.
"Thanks for drawing me a bath. I really needed the scented soaps to relieve some of the stress."
"Of course. How are you adjusting? I feel so remorseful for bringing this life upon you," Bonnie apologized for the umpteenth time.
"Bon, stop apologizing. It would have happened sooner or later," the blonde comforted. "Thankfully Klaus and his family have been helping me through the whole ordeal."
"Is this your special way of showing him your gratitude?" she teased as she helped Caroline with her fur outer gown. Bonnie could tell her friend had the intention to seduce the Original into bed tonight.
"I just think it's time we buried the hatchet," she said taking a glance of her reflection.
"I told you everything would work out, though not the way I expected. But as long as you're happy, I'm always support you."
"It's about time I fulfill my duties as his dutiful wife," she said shyly, content with how she looked. Bonnie had braided her hair and woven it with tiny flowers of white and yellow. The style seemed to accentuate her face shape.
"At least you are more durable now than before," Bonnie mumbled still worried for her friend's well being. The witch was still skeptical that the King had only pure intentions for her friend. Even though, she had witnessed first handedly how much he cared for her friend, she was still wary that his infatuation with her friend would last. She had heard rumors of how his Majesty's well- known love of women and his insatiable sexual appetite. She didn't think he was much different than King Henry the VIII in that department.
"Doesn't mean I'm not nervous though," Caroline replied playing with the necklace. She still wore the necklace Klaus had given her, the vervain necklace. She had remembered him compelling her not to remove it at all costs and he explained to her that Original vampires could still compel vampires.
"Well, from all the scandalous details you told me before, I'm sure your night together will be fine," Bonnie said with a weak smile.
"Thanks Bon."
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
The candles had burned down low in their marital chamber, yet there was still no sign of her husband. Caroline had been waiting patiently on their bed for the past couple of hours. Her fingers absentmindedly played with the silk linen as she waited patiently for her husband to come to her.
She had planned on surprising him, however it seemed her plan wasn't going as she intended as she tried to fight off her weariness. It was impeccable timing that her darling husband decided to join her then.
"Why aren't you asleep yet?" Klaus whispered.
"I've been waiting for you," she said sitting up to lean on the headboard.
"Is there something on your mind love?" He asked and took a sip of his wine on the bedside table.
"Not really."
"You should rest then love," he shrugged out of his over gown, letting it fall to the floor at his feet.
Caroline stood up averting her gaze to carefully remove her own outer gown, leaving herself clothed in only a thin white nightdress Rebekah had given her earlier. She peeked a look at him to gauge his reaction.
"Caroline love…"
"Make love to me," she announced with as much confidence as she could muster.
She was giving him permission to be intimate again. He didn't need to be told twice. He motioned for her to get into the bed first as he made quick work of removing his doublet and the remaining pieces of clothing.
Caroline laid on the bed stiff as she tried to calm her racing heart. She remembered how good he had made her feel and she was excited to feel that high again.
"Are you sure about this?" He climbed in the other side and lay down next to her. It was obvious she was nervous and maybe a little frightened. He wasn't going to push her for intimacy if it isn't what she wanted. He could wait until she was comfortable with the act again.
"I'm sure,' she nodded noticing that he had stripped down into only a long white linen shirt. Her cheeks reddened a tinge at the visible open V of the shirt as she took a glance at his bare chest. Caroline was still very far from being comfortable with a naked man, despite it being her husband.
Slowly, he reached over to untie the cords of her nightdress, loosening the bodice. "You look ravishing in this. Is this new?"
"Mmmm, your sister gave it to me actually," she muttered numbly, his callous fingers sending sparks all over her body.
The Scottish princess had to agree with him. The gown Rebekah gave her was gorgeous. It was made of the softest of fabrics; pure white and it fitted her slender and chaste body remarkably.
"My sister huh," he loosened the garment letting it fall past her shoulders. Rebekah must have really liked this new suitor of hers.
Slowly, he leaned forward to brush her braided hair from her shoulder to kiss the pale exposed flesh.
Instinctively, her body tensed under his touch.
"Relax love, it will make the experience much more enjoyable," he said huskily. Then he gently slipped his hand beneath the white cotton and caught one of her breasts in his fingers.
"Oh," she gasped at his sudden touch. Caroline had assumed he would kiss her first before they advanced further.
He stiffened at her cry. Was she regretting this already? The king was about to retract his hand when she placed her hand above his and gave him a soft smile. "Don't."
"We don't have to this if you are not ready," he told her tenderly.
"I want this," she said drawing her hands up to wrap them around his neck.
"As my queen wishes," he rasped before lowering his head to finally press his mouth against hers.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
"Enzo, My Lord," the raven haired Salvatore bowed.
"You requested for my presence."
"Yes, I heard word from England that both the King and Queen have managed to survive the fire. They've actually been back in the country for a while."
"Surprise, surprise," Enzo smirked finding the situation entertaining. He had felt slightly guilty for summoning the pretty blonde's death though he wasn't pleased the annoying older vampire survived.
"I think it's time we pay them a visit, don't you think?"
Damon grinned, his mind already concocting a plan. "The royal family are having a birthday ball next week."
"Wonderful, up for gatecrashing the event mate?"
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
T.B.C
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Hey all! Sorry for the long wait! Been having my finals, I actually still have another paper next week but I just had to get this out. I promise to update more often once I'm done with that last paper as I'll be having my summer break then which means I'll have heaps of time to update this and my two other stories.
Let me know what you think
Until next time then ;)