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Chapter 14

Fear of the dark, fear of the dark, I have a constant fear that something's always near

Kol bopped his head to Iron Maiden, which was blaring from the car's speakers. He was on his way to meet the new Canadian Prime Minister, Richard Turner, and his wife, Maria. A member of the Conservative Party of Canada, the party had swept to power in October's elections, after the leader of the Liberal Party and previous PM- Anna Carter, had decided that her second term had been her last. This sweeping came because Anna's successor was Frank Rhodes, a highly unpopular figure with everyone outside of his party due to his divisive politics and unwelcoming persona. Due to Canada's strong links with the UK as a result of the Commonwealth, and the fact that Mikael was the Head of State in the country, the Turners had been invited as soon as possible in order to forge good links.

Mikael had made it mandatory for all of the children to be present at the ceremony due to its high importance. Kol had rolled his eyes when he'd heard this, but had not complained, as he was not really surprised. Out of all their foreign links, it was clear that Mikael most favoured the Canadians the most, due to their shared heritage. Mikael had liked Anna a lot, though he disagreed with their politics- the King was a conservative, though was not permitted to say this out loud due to the impartiality of his position.

Whilst Klaus often received verbal unkindness, Kol was just ignored. As fourth in line to the throne, who would probably be bumped down to at least eighth after Elijah and Finn (and in one unlikely event, Klaus), had children. In fairness, even if Kol was shot up to first for some reason, or had been born the eldest, he still wouldn't receive his father's favour. Due to his immaturity, Mikael often felt that his youngest son was not good enough for his title. Whilst Kol being immature wasn't exactly a new thing, he'd even been judged against it as a boy. When he was a child, Kol did not enjoy the pomp and ceremony that he was forced to attend, and as such, often fussed and fiddled. Instead of exempting Kol from such occasions, or perhaps find a way of keeping him entertained, Mikael just believed that his son needed to learn from birth to be quiet and reserved, even at five. Elijah and Finn had already perfected it at a young age, and Klaus had learned to accept it, so Mikael did not take his son's age into account.

Whilst Klaus didn't feel an ounce of love for his father, Kol did love him somewhat, but not necessarily like him. Like all of the siblings, he felt more of a fondness for his mother, who made more of an effort to love and nurture him throughout the years.

Suddenly, Kol remembered something- his father had tasked him with getting a small gift for Richard Turner. Wanting his two youngest to get involved, Mikael had requested that Rebekah buy something for Maria and Kol for Richard. Nothing fancy, he'd been told, just a simple gift as a token of appreciation from the Mikaelson children. As the gifts were on behalf of all of the siblings, Kol and Rebekah knew that they needed to do well.

Shit.

Kol started panicking, he didn't know what do. He was already on his way to the palace, and he hadn't got a gift like asked. His father would kill him; he'd expected that his son take on responsibility. It would look so embarrassing when they'd announce gifts for the Canadian couple, with the gifts only then going to Richard, and not his wife. It was only an hour before the car would be arriving at Buckingham Palace, the pair inside, ready to greet them. They needed briefing beforehand, so Kol would need to get there even earlier. As he got into thought, he suddenly noticed a record shop. Richard Turner was a huge fan of Elvis, and some records would be the perfect gift for an older fellow.

Bingo.

"Can you stop the car please?"

The driver slid the large black vehicle into the side of the room.

"Chetana, can you do me a favour?"

Chetana, the bodyguard seated in the passenger seat, turned to him.

"What do you need, sir?"

"Can you please run into the gift shop just over there and find a gift box big enough for two or three records? You're carrying my money, aren't you, just get some of it out of there and pay for it. I'm going to the record shop next door.

"Of course."

Both exited the car, Chetana going down to the gift shop and Kol rushed into the record shop. As soon as he entered, he noticed an interesting sight.

Davina Claire, the tailor's granddaughter stood in the middle of the store, looking over records. The sign on that section read 'Classical Music,' something that did not surprise him, considering the degree which she was studying.

He'd been automatically attracted to Davina the moment that he saw her. She was of course, in his opinion, hot- but in the cute hot kind of way as opposed to smoking hot. Being Kol, he'd arrogantly expected that she'd fall for his charms, but had been shocked when she had not. He wasn't used to girls rejecting him. Davina hadn't seemed like she disliked him, per se, not openly looking annoyed or upset, but it was clear that she was more focused on her work than him. For some reason, he couldn't get the girl who rejected him out of his head. Was it because she was attractive, or was it something much more?

Confidently, he walked over.

"Hello Davina."

She jumped out of her skin, obviously surprised by the sight of the prince- she'd been so focused on the records that she'd barely even heard the bell of the door ring, indicating an entrance or exit. Smiling politely, she chose not to curtsey like most did.

"Hi, your highness," she addressed him formally, as she had when he'd come to the palace.

"We're not in the palace, Davina, call me Kol. How have you been doing?"

She shrugged, "Not bad, I guess. Doing a Masters is pretty hard, but I have a few job interviews lined up for when I graduate in June, so hopefully I'll have something to go to straight away. Yourself?"

"Fine, fine, just getting a gift for Prime Minister Turner."

"Ah yes, I saw on the news. I love Canada; I went to Toronto for two weeks with my parents when I was a teenager- it's amazing, I could imagine living there if I ever had to leave the UK."

"Yes, it's a wonderful country."

They paused for a moment.

"I see you like records," he made another stab at conversation, trying to keep the brunette interested.

"Yes, I really like the old rustic feel. My grandfather got me a record player for my sixteenth birthday, and I've always treasured it. I've found that this place does the best selection in the area, though London has just the best music scene- well, apart from Manchester of course. Independent record shops like this are the best, but they're dying out and it's such a pity. All these councils getting hiking up rents, or parking fees so that people can't afford. Then people buy on the internet, and I know I sound like an OAP, but it's a shame. Still, whatever way people buy records- whether online or in the shops, it's great that the old love of music is being spread."

"I don't think I've paid for music in 10 years."

Davina laughed slightly.

"What music are you getting for the Prime Minister?"

"He likes Elvis. What do you like?"

"Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven- all that kind of thing."

"You know, I could take you to the opera one day- royal box, all that."

He winked at her.

"Look, I'm flattered, but I feel that we should keep our relationship professional. Plus, I'm extremely busy with my degree and I don't need any distractions, I'm at the top of my class and I don't intend to slip any lower. If I get a distinction, it will get me a much better chance of being able to get a decent job at an orchestra."

Kol's eyes widened- damn, rejection.

"I wouldn't worry about all that professional malarkey; Klaus and Caroline are totally together."

Davina raised an eyebrow.

"Klaus and Caroline are together?"

Davina and Caroline had briefly met when the latter had gone in to do some checks about the tuxes. They'd had a good chatter about their views on the men they were assisting, and Davina had made some comments about how Kol kept trying to hit on her, much to her chagrin. Caroline had already mentioned how annoying Klaus was, and the two had bonded.

"Well, no, but Klaus is obviously in love with her or something- he always talks about her, and gets all alert when someone mentions her name, even when he's been not listening, but let's keep that between us. He doesn't like it when we mention it, gets a bit defensive."

"Noted."

"Anyway, Royal Albert Hall- last night at the Proms?"

She shook her dark hair slightly.

"I'm afraid not. Anyway, if you excuse me, I must be going- and I'm sure you have to get back to the Prime Minister in time."

Damn.

"Well, if you ever change your mind, you have my number. When I do dates, I do them well- and for a girl like you, I wouldn't slack."

Davina was struck by how he gave her a genuine smile, instead of the cheeky grin he'd given everyone else when they'd met.

"Goodbye, Kol," she smiled back.

"Goodbye, Miss. Davina- until we meet again."

Davina rolled her eyes at the mock bow, exiting the shop. As she passed the window, she stopped for a moment and sent him a knowing smile, before going out of view.

Kol was struck by how much of an affect that girl at him. Realising he had to be a bit quicker, he went over to the 50's section, followed by the section marked 'E' as records were categorised by the first names of the artists, not their surname. He didn't pretend to have much knowledge of the superstar, so instead grabbed three of the ones had less stock in, as they seemed to be the most popular out of them all. Going up to the counter, he paid for them before exiting the shop.

Chetana was waiting by the car, and opened the door for him, handing him the gift box. When they had set off back to the palace, he started wrapping it.

Like with Klaus, no one expected him to settle down. Elijah had Katherine, Finn had Sage and Rebekah hoped to find someone one day. Whilst Klaus did not believe in love but understood monogamy, it was the opposite for his younger brother. Kol believed that there was romantic love out there, but he just couldn't hack the idea of staying with one person. He enjoyed being with different women, playing the field. He wanted to experience life. Klaus was a flirt, and had slept with more women than his older siblings, but he was nothing on Kol in terms of actual numbers. There was a reason he was a legend in that upper class social circle.

The car started into Buckingham Palace, obviously going through the usual procedures. At the front gate, a large number of people waving Canadian flags were gathered, waving them up high and chattering excitedly at the idea of the PM coming. This happened whenever a foreign dignitary- whether royal or politician- arrived, with their countrymen or those supporting them gathering to wave them into the country. The largest Kol had ever seen was two years ago was when the Prime Minister of India came, when the crowd was HUGE- a bird's eye view of the Mall and surrounding areas would simply show a display of Indian flags covering their faces, and the whole of the outside.

Rushing to arrive in time, he held the present tightly to him. Skidding to a halt outside the door, he took a deep breath as he readied himself. The doors opened and...

"His Highness, Prince Kol of Wales."

He didn't see why they had to do the announcement whenever he entered a function, but it was tradition, and he couldn't really argue with that.

As soon as Mikael saw the gift box, he sighed with relief.

"Hi everyone," Kol greeted, noticing Rebekah holding a small present box in her hands.

"Son, nice to see you," Mikael nodded, as Esther went over to give him a hug and a kiss on both cheeks, "What did you get for our guests?"

"I got Prime Minister Turner a collection of Elvis records."

"A good choice," the King seemed surprised at his son's intuitiveness, "Rebekah purchased a small necklace from an independent boutique- Mrs. Turner is said to have quite the collection, I'm sure that both gifts will be appreciate. Now, stand in line boy, they're almost here."

Kol went and stood next to Klaus, who was on the end. The two shared a glance, and it was then when Kol noticed that not only was Katherine present, but Sage too. It was very rare that Sage attended engagements, so that made him understand the importance of the situation. Finn was holding his beloved's hand, carefully stroking it with his thumb.

Flashback

Cambridge University, about nine years previously

Finn's eyes shifted behind him in the crowded hall at the university. Several bodyguards surrounded him, all in the civilian clothing, but obvious in appearance as they stood out like a sore thumb. Due to how busy the fair was, security was concerned that it would be easy for someone to slip over and hurt him, so they were keeping a close eye on him. They'd insisted on having the hall checked beforehand, with each staffer having an enhanced DBS check thrown upon them. He'd been at the place for less than a week, and he'd already felt the restrictions. His flatmates had to be carefully vetted, and he felt awkward shaking theirs and their parents' hands when he had two large guards flanking him, looking intimidating without even trying.

Strolling around the place, he felt all eyes land on him. People whispered, obviously interested in the prince. His brother was in the year above, so they should be used to it, but most of the people at the fair were freshers like him, therefore not used to him.

Sigh. At least lectures were starting Monday, maybe the novelty would wear off by then. He trusted the lecturers to be professional, and hopefully his classmates would be the same. They were all at one of the best universities in the world, doing a degree that most would see as niche and perhaps difficult, meaning that these people would be fairly mature. At least Elijah had been kind to him, dropping over for a cup of tea a few days prior, in order to give him advice as to how to adapt in this new environment.

Some café owner was at stall, displaying some of her home-made fruit juices. Wanting to taste some, he went for an apple juice. It seemed as though the owner had been ignored, and looked absolutely delighted at the prospect of someone at least taking an interest in her. Tasting a small amount, he licked his lips and let it settle on his tongue, before deciding he liked it and therefore drinking the rest.

"Very nice."

"You like it?" the young woman asked, eyes wide.

He nodded earnestly, "Yes."

"Oh God, thank you, not many people have come over you know."

"I'll have to let them know."

The woman looked as though her Christmas come early as she thanked the young man for his kindness, before he went off.

As he strolled through the wares, he happened to look up.

The girl was stood across the way, flaming red hair making her so distinguishable in the large, bland crowds. Whilst most people were laughing and chatting with peers, she had her head stuck in a book at the charity book stall. It was though as it was the most interesting thing in the world, as she smiled and mouthed along, the occasional laugh striking her features, allowing her lips to upturn in joy. Finn found that he could not tear his eyes away from the pretty redhead who took pleasure only in the novel in her hand and not anything else. Perhaps it was a treasured book to her, or one which was previously an undiscovered gem. Whatever it was, it made her happy.

For that reason, he felt eager to introduce herself. At university, it was encouraged to make friends, and he wanted to meet people who he felt to be interesting. Finn was a fellow bookworm- he was studying Classics, for Christ's sake- and he felt a kindred spirit in the girl who loved her chapters.

Indicating to his bodyguards that he was moving over there by simply a flicker of his eyes, he walked straight over, having to bustle through the busy crowds of students- it seemed that all of the Cambridge first years- as well as those who had started a new postgraduate degree- had arrived into the fair. The girl hadn't even noticed his presence, her eyes still completely focused on the pages in front of her.

"Hello there."

The teenager looked up, her light blue eyes meeting his.

"Hi."

"I'm Finn, Finn Mikaelson," he held out a hand, which she took.

"I know who you are," she laughed slightly; "I think everyone does. Sage Brownley."

"Brownley, have I heard that name before?"

"My family are esteemed lawyers, you may have heard of some of my family members."

"Harold Brownley- the one who was prosecuting when they sent down the Field Killer?"

"My uncle," she smiled, "All of my family are lawyers- parents, uncles and aunts, grandparents, even my little brother wants to when he starts university."

"And what do you study?"

"Law."

Finn laughed, "I guess I should have seen that coming. I'm studying Classics."

"Ah, I did that at A-Level- English Literature, History, Classics and Latin."

"Those are the exact same A-levels I did."

"Well," Sage cocked an eyebrow, "I guess we're very similar people. Finn- can I call you Finn? Good. How are you finding it all so far?"

"It's a bit strange, not waking up in palaces and castles, but I must say I prefer having to fend for myself than merely calling for a maid. My flatmates are nice- they had a bit of a shock when I walked in- and they're pretty accommodating about the ridiculous amount of security that comes with living me, though I'm afraid it may take a while for them to get used to it. I've enjoyed the bars of Cambridge; I'm not really into clubs- I don't drink to excess, both out of dislike of hangovers and the paparazzi following our family around like bloodhounds, sniffing for the first bit of scandal. I'm looking forward to starting classes."

"I admit I'm not one for clubs either. I'd much rather be at a house party or a bar, they're a lot more fun, smaller gatherings. All that light and loud music, it makes me feel worse than the alcohol."

They lulled into an awkward silence, before Finn decided to try a new tactic.

"I see you enjoyed your book- which is it, if I may ask?"

Sage held it up, "Anne of Green Gables, it's a personal favourite of mine. My grandmother always read it to me as a child, and I fell in love with the series. I have a copy at home- several actually, but I suppose one more could not hurt."

"I agree."

The two chatted for a little longer, not realising that the crowds around them were thinning to the point that, by the time they had realised this, there were not many people left in the crowd. Seeing this, Sage let out a small gasp of shock when she checked her dainty watch.

"I must be going, there's a tennis taster session that I must ready for. I guess I'll see you around?"

For some reason, Sage's voice seemed a little hopeful.

"I guess so."

A small smirk upon her features, she placed the book down and walked away, red hair bobbing behind her as she did not even give him the satisfaction of glancing back. Finn straightened up, watching until she had walked out of the double fire exit doors, and even after.

With that, he was hooked.

End of flashback

Mikael and Esther stood in the middle of the group, Finn, Sage, Elijah and Katherine on one side, with the other three on the other. The royal couple looked completely cool and at ease, the years of learning how to do a poker face. It was practically mandatory for the entire family to look as though they had no emotion, as though they had absolutely no emotions.

At every event, they had to look exactly correct in what emotions they were saying. If visiting an ill child, or someone else of misfortune, they had to make extra sure that their faces portrayed the sympathies they felt; otherwise they would be accused of being heartless or uncaring. When a foreign leader from a country with a shoddy human rights record, or issues with themselves, they had to look interested in order to be polite, but if they looked too agreeable, then they'd be criticised for agreeing with problematic policies. There had been an incident a few years ago when a high-ranking politician from Saudi Arabia had come, and it looked like Klaus had become a little too friendly with him when he invited him to try clay pigeon shooting at one of the numerous, sprawling country manners. Klaus had done it to be polite- not kind- but the media still splashed out the inevitable headlines. He was suddenly a friend of a highly unpopular and often brutal regime. The prince of course did not favour the actions of the Saudis- for starters; torturing people for their love or gender wasn't his cup of tea. It took a while for the newspapers- whether it be the Daily Mail or The Guardian, to stop criticising his actions, though it was still mentioned time to time.

He noticed Katherine stood next to Elijah, the picture of confidence.

Though Katherine had more confidence than Sage- hell, she had more confidence than anyone- she'd had a harder time adjusting to royal life. Sage tended to be dignified, refined and passive, whereas Katherine lacked those traits to a somewhat large degree. The brunette held passion and a free will, and did not enjoy the constraints of royal life. Being told where to go, how to walk, how to talk, she had dreaded her very first royal engagement. It had been a relatively easy one, going to an art gallery, but she was still aware of what was expected her. Esther had stepped up to the plate in order to help the young girl under her wing, but it had been harder than it had been for Sage, who quickly found that she was a lot more suited for royal life than was expected. Katherine had eventually moulded into the role, though she still had trouble from time to time.

Klaus supposed that Mikael had his opinions of his future daughter-in-laws (plural, as he was sure that Sage and Finn would marry). The Mikaelson family patriarch was clearly pleased that Elijah was engaged to a woman from a high family, with an excellent education and links to the royal family that went back generations. Maybe Mikael would have preferred Tatia- as did everyone, bar the Mikaelson children, Caroline, Marcel and the Salvatores, but he still felt confident in his son's choice of love. She would ascend titles upon marriage, and would become a Duchess, though she had been lucky enough to have one since birth. She would follow Esther as Queen, and would soon be confined to the reads of Wikipedia centuries later by school children doing research projects. As both the heir apparent and direct descendant of his Majesty, Elijah had to ask for permission before proposing to Katherine. Mikael had been most delighted.

Sage, he liked. Though middle-class (Klaus had to give it to Mikael, he wasn't actually snobby on terms of a person's birth), she had the intelligence, hard work and dignity to make her a favourable option as a Princess Consort. Her family had a spotless reputation, and were the most excellent guests when they visited the palace on occasion.

Mikael was still pushing for Tatia, but not because he wanted Klaus to be happy- he just wanted his son to make a 'respectable' match. For Kol, he was less bothered- as long as the girl wasn't a total embarrassment, he didn't care, as Kol was so far down the pecking order that he didn't get much of a good king. He favoured Rebekah more so than the two before her, and again hoped that she would be as lucky as Finn and Elijah were. Whilst Rebekah wasn't the player that Kol and Klaus were, she just hadn't had that much luck in love, but still held hope for the future. Rebekah wanted the love that so often came with marriage, along with the delightful children that also came with it. Out of all of the children, she was the most family oriented, seeing it as less of a duty like her brothers, and more of something that she genuinely wanted.

She was like Caroline in that respect.

Damn it, how did that girl always enter his mind? It seemed that all he could think about was the sweet, ambitious but feisty young wedding planner. Even at events like this, when he should be thinking about the engagement ahead, he was thinking about the blonde.

He hadn't even flirted with her- at least that much, maybe once or twice at the ball. He mainly made the odd innuendo. Instead of taking the bait, she had rejected him, and quite soundly too, making no bones about her utter contempt for his flirtatious ways. Women never usually rejected him, but it was definitely not that which bothered him. Caroline Forbes was no doubt an attractive girl, intelligent and witty and fun, and in normal circumstances, at a bar or that sort of place, he would have danced with her, bought her a drink and then brought her home, the usual thing.

He'd met women who modelled for a living, women who had IQs nearly as high as Hawking's and those with a wit that they could sell out Live at the Apollo. Yet for some reason, whilst Caroline did not have these traits in ways that they did, she seemed more than them. There was an indescribable charm surrounding her, a charm that had entrapped Klaus, so much so that he would deny it to anyone who asked, though it seemed that his siblings had noticed.

Marcel had only seen them together once, at the ball, but he'd seen the chemistry between the two of them, and had teased him mercilessly about it.

Whilst Marcel teased, it seemed that Katherine had designated herself as head of the Klaus and Caroline Society. If the two were fictional characters, she would probably 'ship' them. Katherine wasn't giggly and girly in her plot to test their affections; instead she was more mischievous and manipulative in her schemes. She wasn't the type that would lock them in a cupboard, or secretly record an (admittedly unlikely) confession of love, but would instead push their buttons or mockingly get them to realise that they'd said something that may reveal their feelings, or the feelings she perceived them to have.

Klaus didn't know what he felt towards Caroline, but he knew that if anything did happen, it wouldn't go farther than a one night stand, and even that was unlikely due to the nature of the work. Caroline cared too much about her job to push professional boundaries, and Klaus knew that. He wouldn't bother anyway. It seemed that Katherine thought that she'd finally found someone that her future brother-in-law would potentially love, but even she wasn't naive enough to think that he would do anything about it. When the wedding was done, he hoped that they would remain friends. Everyone liked her enough for her to have the potential to be a member of the inner circle, but he didn't know yet. Katherine didn't have any female friends like the guys had male friends, so perhaps Caroline would be an excellent choice in that regard.

Still, he couldn't help that jealousy that bubbled inside him when someone flirted with her. He wasn't bothered if it was Damon or Kol, as he knew that it was in their nature, but he hated if it was someone who was more than a threat. He had no reason to stop it, as he was not her boyfriend and she was a free woman, she could do as she pleased. These men had nothing on the wealth and power he had to offer, but it was not those things that she sought. Caroline was like his sister in that she wanted that love, the romance- dancing in the kitchen, enjoying activities sexual and non-sexual, receiving surprise gifts and giving those gifts in return. Klaus would never be that man, and never wanted to be. In that respect, he didn't understand why Katherine thought that he and Caroline were compatible.

He'd resigned himself, whether sadly or not, that it would never be.

Klaus felt himself pushed forward, indicating that it was time for him to get ready. Following his family, they simultaneously walked out of the front doors and went to the edge of the steps leading down. Each family member did their own version of the poker face, as the smiles would not be broken out until the Turners were in sight.

A black car, followed by police vehicles, drove down the driveway, Canadian flags beating against the spring wind. Klaus' eyes followed it all the way down before it did half a u-turn and stopped up against the red carpet laid out of the steps.

As soon as the Turners stepped out, the band took up position and started blaring 'O Canada,' following the tradition of the national anthem of the visiting country being played when they arrived. It was at this point that Mikael started to smile, and moved forward.

As Klaus and the rest of the family moved forward in order to do the same, he allowed himself the luxury of being distracted by what was at hand. Fake smile on his face, he readied himself to do his duty a prince, as was always done.

Hello everyone, Chapter 14 done. Sorry it was a bit of a filler, but I just wanted a little more on Kol and Finn, who have had less attention than their siblings thus far. I'm also leading a little more into potential storylines.

Next time: Klaus and Caroline's relationship gets more of a push after he pays her another visit in a surprising place. Because I'm kind, the chapter will be published in two weeks instead of the usual three.

Thanks again and see you around xxx