Chapter 10

15th century England Klaus sat by the fire in his northern England castle. He didn't even feel the warmth on his skin. He leaned forward quickly and reached into the flames. He watched as his skin blistered and bubbled. A strange grimace spread across his face although he did not feel the pain. He had turned his emotions off years ago. He pulled his hand out and watched as it healed itself. He turned and looked towards the door and looked back at his hand.

"Hello brother." he said as Elijah walked towards him.
"Niklaus." Elijah said slowly, glancing at his hand watching the flesh regenerate itself.
"I have some news." "About the doppelganger." Klaus said raising a glass of wine to his lips and drank.
"Yes." he said standing a short distance from Klaus. "Get her and bring her here." he said
"But brother she has done nothing wrong. She is innocent in Paulina's curse against you. And Caroline." Klaus snapped his head up and glared at Elijah.
"Do not mention her name to me." he yelled. "Either of their names."

No one else knew of his personal torment day in and day out except his brother Elijah. And now he was beginning to resent confiding in him. He resented turning Elijah centuries ago because he wanted a companion that he could speak to. Someone to share the stories off their past and keep the memories of his human life close. A companion so he would not arouse suspicion living alone. It made it easier. The life they lead.
Someone was always watching his back for thought that the more places that he lived in and moved to that he would lose Caroline. But that was not the case. There was no breaking their connection, their curse. For she was cursed as well as he was. She was not able to rest. She was bound to Klaus for eternity. In life she would have wanted nothing else, but like this was no way to be with the one you loved.

Caroline followed him where ever he went. Wanting him, calling out to him, screaming for him. But when he looked at her, when he saw, her she was standing silently. He had tried to speak to her. He had tried to touch her but could not. Caroline was distraught. She was tired from trying to reach out to Niklaus. 500 years of watching him was exhausting. And heartbreaking.

"Bring her to me Elijah." he growled. He turned and looked at his brother.
"The doppelganger will break the curse." he said again and raised a glass again. His eyes searched the room and fell on Caroline. Standing, ghostly and silent.
"NOW!" he hollered. Elijah looked at the place where his brothers eyes had before. He saw nothing. He turned back to Klaus and nodded.
"Brother." he said and turned and left. Klaus' eyes flit over to Caroline again then back to the dancing flames.

500 years was a long time to be haunted by the love of your life. 500 years of trying to live his life without her but always having her near. He wanted to be rid of her now. He wanted peace for her and himself. He didn't want to be reminded of what Paulina took from them everyday, planned a party as usual. He always had parties. He wanted to be surrounded by people and have them worship him. Wealthy and handsome. He always enjoy being the center of attention. And as a vampire it was no different. His desire was heightened.

Niklaus walked down the staircase and into the room. He saw Elijah and made his way towards him. Then he saw her. She looked a copy of Paulina. Her raven hair hung over her shoulders in soft ringlets. He stopped dead in his tracks for a fraction of a second, not noticeable enough to the human eye. He continued to walk towards her. He felt her attraction to him. That would make what he needed to do easier. If she trusted in him and wanted to be close to him then he could take full advantage and control of the situation.

"Katerina." said Elijah. "May I introduce to you the Lord Niklaus."
Katerina Petrova curtsied to him never breaking their eye contact. Niklaus reached forward and took her hand in his. Elijah watched, his eyes moving from Katerina to Niklaus then to the kissed Katerina's hand.

"Niklaus is the name my father gave me. Please call me Klaus."