In Love with the King

by suzypyong

He was the future King of England. She was the Princess of Scotland. Betrothed since young, the Scottish princess was forced to marry the future King of England to ensure an alliance against France. Can she learn to love her husband or is the marriage doomed from the start? Tudor/ Regency Era/ Werewolf Mates AU [INDEFINITE HIATUS]

14. Chapter 14

I'm really astounded by the amount of responses this fic has gotten and I'm truly thankful for all your support. Your reviews truly inspire me to update as frequently as I'm able to. Thanks to all my regulars (you know who you are) and all others that have left me a feedback in the last chapter. On another note, I'm pleased to inform you that the majority of you guessed my little question right ;)

Well enough of me ranting, on with the story ~~

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

Chapter 14: Make you feel my love

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

After surveying the town for a bit, Klaus picked the busiest establishment to enter. He was thirsty and he rather indulge his blood lust where dead bodies wouldn't become too much of a hassle to cover up.

No one questioned his presence when he entered the brothel. Unsurprisingly, there were plenty of male patrons drinking and women were dancing or sitting on laps. The place smelled of strong drink and sweat and his heightened hearing also picked up moans and grunts from the rooms on the floor above.

He quickly attracted many female workers after walking in. In particular, a voluptuous woman sidled up next to him and put her arm around him. "You're new here," she smiled in a coy manner.

The hybrid said nothing. The woman was far from appealing and her touch triggered no response from his body. He gestured to another woman while shrugging off the first whore. He didn't find any of them attractive and only picked her through the smell of her blood. It smelled sweeter than the first whore.

The woman seemed shy as she escorted him upstairs. The floorboards creaked on the second level that was dark except for a few oil lamps. With little interest in carnal relations, he followed his hired mistress into a small room at the end of the hall.

"Your Majesty," the woman muttered untying the simple dress she had on once the door was closed.

Klaus was surprised she could recognized him yet he remained stoic rasping out. "Come here."

She did as she was told and he wasted no time in compelling her to keep quiet before grabbing her neck roughly and sank his fangs into her jugular. Her blood wasn't explosive but it did the job of calming his raging hunger.

It wasn't long before her body sagged limply from the blood lost. "Go and fetch me your friends," he compelled hungry for more blood.

By the time he was finally satiated, it was approaching the crack of dawn. He slipped away silently once he was satisfied the six women he had fed one had no recollection of him and were alive. He didn't want to get in trouble with his wife and he knew she would be furious if she found out he had drained her people, no matter their status. He also knew that Caroline wouldn't be happy that he had entered into a whorehouse but it had to be done.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

"How could you stand by and watch her care for that monster?"

The familiar furious tone startled the blonde from her slumber. She knew whom that voice belonged to.

"What could I possibly do Bill?" The Scottish queen rebuked angrily at her husband. "You didn't think I tried?"

"You should have tried harder!" He still couldn't accept that his daughter was living with a blood-sucking monster.

Waking up to the arguing voices of her parents was not what she had in mind. She hated it more that they were fighting because of her.

"How is this my fault?" Elizabeth rebuked glaring at her husband. "You were the one insistent on this marriage in the first place! Is the alliance with England worth our daughter's life?"

"Don't you dare speak to me like that," her father growled angry at his lack of authority.

Caroline tried blocking out their voices not wanting to listen to their conversation. She turned around in her chaise only to find that the other side of it was empty. Her husband nowhere in sight. Where could he possibly be? Maybe it was better that he wasn't here. She didn't want him listening in on all the awful things her parents were saying.

She pushed herself off her bed and started dressing herself ready to stop their quarrel. It was time she set the record straight, as she couldn't stand their rumble any longer.

"Good morning, Your Highness," one of the guards bowed to her as she headed over to the other wing of the castle where her parent's chambers were located.

"Good morning," she nodded with a bright smile as she passed by a number of their servants returning their greeting gracefully.

She couldn't help but sigh as she reached their chambers a few minutes later. She could still hear them arguing from the other side. She was ready to knock on the door to interrupt them when she heard something that made her frown deeply and halted her from alerting her presence.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

"He doesn't even love her," The queen shook her head sadly.

"I'm not surprise. He's a monster. Monsters don't love."

"Poor Caroline. He must have brainwashed her or put her under some sort of spell," she said painfully. "And I wasn't referring to him incapable of love because he's a vampire."

"What do you mean?" Bill croaked trying to sit up without much success.

"What are you doing?" Elizabeth cried out in alarm pushing him back down. "You aren't supposed to move honey."

"What do you mean?" He repeated.

"I spoke to Madame LaRue earlier this morning."

"Josephine?" Bill questioned. Madame LaRue was a close acquaintance of the Scottish royal family and he furrowed his brows not understanding the connection between their acquaintance and his son- in- law.

Elizabeth nodded. "Apparently her son Vincent saw Klaus spending the night at the brothel he frequented. He's not even faithful to her Bill. How can Caroline love him?"

"You're right. He must have put her under the spell or something. How can she love a lying cheating bastard! Our daughter deserves better than being procured and enticed by a monster," Bill snapped not liking the truth. He knew the English kings were notorious for having multiple women but a small part of him had held on to the tiny glimmer of hope that her daughter's husband would be different.

It hadn't even been a six months since Caroline's marriage to the monster and he was already growing sick of her.

"You need to talk to her Bill. She has always listened to you since she was little," Elizabeth pleaded. "I don't want her near the monster. It's not safe."

"I will. Our daughter needs our protection," the King nodded. "Let her know I want to talk to her, will you?"

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

Caroline felt numb as she overheard her parent's converse about her. She didn't want to believe it but she knew deep down it wasn't a lie. She had grew up with Vincent and knew that despite his self obsessed character, he wasn't a liar, which meant that her husband had in fact spent the night in the damn brothel.

She quickly slipped away returning to her chambers needing to get away from everything. To think she was just about to reason with her parents why they should accept him.

She was confused, baffled and hurt. She thought she was enough. He had reassured her that she was enough, yet the truth was glaringly different. She didn't want to judge him or jump to conclusions, but what else could he possibly do in a brothel except gain pleasure from those skilled women. Was she so bad in bed that he rather seek comfort elsewhere?

Among the tumult of mixed emotions, the one that stood out was humiliation. She was ashamed that she was still a naïve little princess believing in everything he was feeding her. She was also mortified that others would now assume she wasn't able to satisfy her husband hence why he was already having mistresses.

The blonde held back her tears as she increased her speed, not wanting to make the servants passing by suspicious. She couldn't wait to reach her bedroom where she could shut herself and try to process what she had discovered. She was sobbing when she entered her quarters.

"Sweetheart?" Klaus looked at her worriedly surprise to see a tearful mate. He had left earlier in the morning for a quiet walk around the castle compounds trying to clear his head and was greeted with an empty room at his return.

"How could you?" She screamed, breaking down into convulsive sobs.

"What's wrong?" He asked growing anxious at her distraught state. He could not fathom what could have gone wrong in the few hours he had left her side.

"Where were you last night?" She looked up at him with teary eyes. She needed to know the truth, even if it would hurt. She also wanted to see if he would lie to her face again.

He heaved a sigh and kneeled down to face her. "In bed with you obviously. I didn't want to wake you. I was just out strolling."

"Please don't lie to me," she said.

The hybrid fumbled trying to find words not understanding what had made her this upset. "Love, what's the matter?" He asked softly wiping away her falling tears.

She shook her head not wanting to tell him the truth. She wanted him to be honest and revealing what she had known defeated the purpose.

"Ssh," he pulled her forward so her face was buried into his chest. "I'm here," he murmured, running his hand through her hair trying his best to calm her.

Caroline clutched onto him sobbing in his shirt. She didn't know what to make of everything.

"Talk to me, my love."

She continued crying while holding tightly on to him. She wanted more than to deny it but she could smell the lingering scent of those women on him. It was mingled with his distinctive scent. "I know you visited our local brothel last night." She whispered unable to look up.

Klaus tensed immediately after hearing that. "Love, you are mistaken," he tried lifting her face up to his. The need to explain his visit becoming stronger when he realized it was because of him that she was this upset.

"I always knew I would never be enough. I just don't understand why you found the need to lie to me when I asked you if you wanted a mistress," she added trying to keep her voice from breaking. She didn't understand why she was getting so angry over it when she had expected this sort of behavior from him. Yet she couldn't stop the sense of possessives eating at her. The urge to let others know that he was hers and hers only.

"Sweetheart, listen to me," he cupped her cheek in his palm and made her look at him. "You've got it all wrong."

Her lips quivered, and something broke apart inside of him. He could feel the pain she was feeling through their bond and it seemed to sadden him further.

"I was only there to feed," he stroked a few loose tendrils of her hair back from her face with tenderness. "I wasn't sure whether the occupants in the castle was on vervain and I didn't want to risk it."

"Really?"

"Really," he said not a second later. "Why would you even think that?" He asked emotion welling up in him at the thought that she would think he would ever do that to her. She was his mate for Christ's sake and he knew his werewolf would only ever need her.

"Vincent said he saw you there and I just –" She stopped herself from going further as she wasn't sure how she would even begin to explain why she had doubted him. She didn't sound quite as certain anymore.

"You trusted this Vincent guy over me?" He growled not understanding why she still thought so lowly of him. Hadn't he repeatedly shown her what she meant to him? She hadn't even bothered to check it with him before she began assuming the worst. He was furious that she could have doubted his love for her.

"He's not just some guy. I grew up with him," she tried to explain despite knowing it would only anger him further.

Klaus shook his head in disbelief at her response. It hurt that she seemed to trust the man over himself- her own husband. "I don't believe this," he bit out, his temper rising. "I'm your husband for fuck's sake! How could you take his word over mine!" He released her and stood up not wanting to vent his penned up hurt and anger at her.

"Klaus I'm sorry," she got up to her feet following him frantically. "I didn't mean to assume the worst." Caroline knew she didn't. It was just the combination of her hormones and hearing her parents talking about him that made her believe in the worst. She realized immediately she had been stupid to even doubt him.

"Well you did," he said exhausted. "Do you even trust me?" he added a beat after.

He obviously wasn't done.

"Of course I do," she fought the stream of fresh tears threatening to fall. How did she end up screwing things up again?

"It sure doesn't seem like it," he responded bitterly.

"Klaus, please don't –"

"No Caroline, let's face it, you don't trust me. If you trusted me you would have come to me first before jumping into unfounded conclusions!" He burst out, his eyes momentarily flashing yellow. "The only reason I went there in the first place was because I was thirsty. Need I remind you that you took a lot of my blood," he continued his tirade, not able to look at her.

"That's not what I'm doing. You know I trust you with all my heart and soul," she said in desperation biting her bottom lip with her teeth.

"Do I? I want to believe you, I really do but everything says otherwise," he continued taking another step back when she stepped closer. "No matter what I do to prove how much I love you, it will never be enough. You're willing to take your parent's words and even the man's words over mine."

He really should have known. The Original was used to being distrusted. Even the trust he had with his siblings were rocky at best despite their 'always and forever' vow. He was accustomed to people thinking the worst of him, expecting the worst from him. But he genuinely had never expected it from her, his mate. He had believed they had moved on from all that, burying the hatchet in the past, though it seemed it was only him that deemed that.

The young queen felt sick all the way through to her soul as she saw disappointment and hurt in his eyes, his lips thinning into a hard line.

"Where are you going?" She questioned seeing him turn away.

"I need to be alone," he didn't even bother looking back as he walked away from her.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

She watched the door slammed shut and fell to the floor. She was the one responsible for this. Her marriage was on the rocks because of her accusations.

Curling into a ball, she let the tears flow, not caring that her eyes would be puffy and red.

"Caroline sweetie, can I come in?" She heard her mother's voice accompanied by a light rap moments later.

Caroline ignored the knocking for a few minutes, hoping that her mother would go away. She was in no mood and state to talk to her or her father.

"Honey, I'm coming in," The queen announced pushing the door opened. "Honey, why are you crying?" Elizabeth Forbes hurried to her daughter's side inspecting her daughter worriedly, feeling her cries tug at her heart.

"Not now mother," she sobbed curling into an even tighter ball.

"Caroline, you're scarring me," her mother's voice quivered, a sign of helplessness.

"It's Klaus," she whispered when it remained clear that her mother wasn't going to leave.

"Did he hurt you?" The Scottish queen spat while searching for any signs of her daughter being abused by him.

"It's not that," she wailed feeling the sudden stab of pain in the pit of her stomach due to their mating bond. She felt his pain as if it was her own, his pain, his anger, and all of his current emotions. She could feel him lashing out, the continuous torment of his bones breaking.

"Tell me, sweetie. Do you want to leave him?" The older blonde prodded carefully, deliberating each word as she spoke.

She shook her head, gulping and sobbing. "No! No, of course not."

"Caroline if he's hurting you in anyway, you need to tell me. Your father and I will do whatever it takes to keep you safe."

"It only hurts here," the young blonde pointed to her heart. She loves him. There was no one else for her and it pained her to know she was the one responsible for the hurt he was feeling.

"Your heart?" Elizabeth repeated with scrunched nose, not liking the sound of where the conversation was heading.

"Why do I always screw things up mother? There must be something wrong with me! And this time, I've messed up big," she rambled on looking up at her mother for guidance.

"Oh honey," Elizabeth gave a daughter a hug trying to calm her.

"He's going to hate me," she cried even harder.

"Ssh, sweetie. It will be okay. I promise you, it will be okay."

"No mother, I hurt him. He will hate me."

"He won't. Trust me. He's not that innocent to begin with," said her mother.

"Don't say that mother," she defended her husband.

"Don't cry, he's not worth it my darling," her mother soothed. "I really hate to break this to you but he's already seeking out other women. Vincent LaRue saw him at the whorehouse last night. Honey, if he's already doing it here, think about what he does in London."

"He's never cheated on me mother," Caroline replied. "He's a good husband to me."

"Darling, I know how the English court works. They encouraged love affairs and secret liaisons. It's really different than how we live here," the Scottish queen explained slowly. "He went to a brothel sweetie. I'm sure you know what goes on in it."

"You know nothing mother," Caroline responded harshly.

"Caroline, watch your tone," Elizabeth scolded. Couldn't her daughter see that all she wanted was for Caroline to live a happy human life?

"Please mother. I don't want to hear anymore of what you have to say if you are determine to smear my husband's reputation," the young blonde answered stiffly gathering herself together.

"Can't you see your father and I only want what's best for you? We want you to be happy and have a family. Don't you want to have your own child to cherish?" The queen tried her best to convince her daughter knowing how much her daughter had wanted to have her own family.

"I know you're doing what's best for me," Caroline spoke gently unconsciously placing her hand over the small bump that was barely showing.

"Honey," Elizabeth started then paused, her eyes widening as she took in her daughter's posture and body language. She had noticed her daughter hadn't worn a corset yesterday and had found it weird. Combining with the way her daughter seemed to place her hand protectively over her stomach; she was gradually growing increasingly suspicious. Was it possible that Caroline was...

"Be honest with me darling. Are you with child?" Elizabeth looked at her daughter nervously.

Caroline tried looking away knowing her mother would know if she was lying. "What?" she asked with a crack voice.

"Caroline," Elizabeth turned her daughter's face to face hers, studying her facial expression. "Are you with child?"

"How did you know?" Caroline asked nervously, biting her lower lip.

"Does he know?" Elizabeth asked immediately getting agitated.

"Klaus?"

"Please tell me he doesn't." The older blonde instantly shot up, pacing the floor. There was no doubt now that they would need to do whatever it took to protect their daughter. The monster would soon start hurting her daughter once he was done screwing with his other lovers. He would flip as soon as he realizes that his wife had committed the gravest sin of all- adultery.

"What's wrong mother?" Caroline asked meekly, feeling confused at how agitated her mother suddenly became. Wasn't she happy that she was with child?

"Your husband cannot know that you're carrying another man's child," her mother snapped, grabbing Caroline's shoulders and shook them with a little force. "Do you understand?" The queen would rather die than see her daughter executed because of this.

"I—" For a split second, Caroline considered spilling everything to her mother but instead she managed to refrain herself. Her relationship with Klaus was already on a very rough note, she didn't need this to become another issue between them.

"Who's the father Caroline?" The queen asked frantically.

"Mother, there's something –"

"A duke perhaps?" She looked at her daughter hopefully. The queen did not want to see her daughter delivering an illegitimate child but she would learn to accept it if her daughter was happy.

"Mother, listen to me," the princess began but was cut off before she could continue.

"Regardless of who the father is you understand that he can't know. He'll kill you if he finds out that that you were not devoted to him."

"Mother –" She tried interrupting again but it seemed her mother was convinced that Caroline had been unfaithful. She understood that it was a reasonable assumption seeing as her husband was technically dead. Despite that, it didn't make it sound any better though to have her mother insinuate that she had been whoring herself out to other men.

"Enough Caroline. Your father and I will do what's best for you and the baby. You'll listen to us, understand?"

"Mother, you need to listen to me."

"Remember, he cannot find out," Elizabeth repeated seriously before giving her daughter a quick kiss on her cheek. "Your father is going to be so happy to hear this." She heard her mother mumbled followed by the opening and closing of her doors without another look back.

Gradually, the young hybrid gathered herself to sit down on her chaise. It had only been the second day back in her home and she already felt exhausted with everything. She was supposed to try and convince her parents the good in her husband during the duration of their stay, in reality though, everything that had happened was exactly the opposite.

Her husband was furious and despondent because of her and now her parents were going to think that she was a harlot for spreading her legs. Caroline wiped her dried tears with the palm of one hand and gave a long shuddering sigh.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

It was late at night when the Original hybrid once again stepped foot into the castle. He had spent the entire day hunting in his wolf form trying to release his frustration and disappointment by hunting down animals.

He pushed the doors open as quietly as he could in fear of waking her. He was still mad at her and had no desire to talk to her.

"Klaus," his wife greeted him softly.

Damn it. He had truly thought she would have fallen asleep by now.

"Go to sleep Caroline," he said coldly as he removed his clothing.

"Are you still mad at me?" She climbed out of bed to close their distance.

"What do you think?" He snapped barely sparing a glance at her.

Caroline was beginning to regret waiting up for him. She hadn't expected him to be so hostile. He was clearly still angry at her. She swallowed against the fear clogging her throat. She needed to explain herself or she knew she wouldn't be able to sleep. "Can we talk?"

"Not tonight," he said slipping onto the bed and tightly pulling the coverlet over his naked chest.

"Klaus, I shouldn't have listened to what other people said. I'm sorry for assuming the worst."

"Don't be. It's not your first time thinking the worst of me."

She shivered at his ice-cold uncaring tone.

"I'm actually glad I only have to live up to your low expectations," he continued wanting to hurt her like she had did to him. "As I actually did a lot more than feed on them."

Caroline swallowed down the nausea that had been her constant companion. She knew he was taunting her and her heart ached at his resentment. "I don't believe you," she said gently climbing into bed beside him.

"Of course you don't. It's not really that surprising seeing as you don't trust me," he spat, turning away from her hunching himself to his side of the bed.

She lay awake for a long time, tormented by her own wanting, knowing by his shallow breathing, the tension that she sensed even though their bodies weren't touching, that Klaus, too, was awake. She was also cold and all she wanted to do was snuggle into his warm embrace and feel his breath on her neck but she knew it wouldn't have been received well.

"I'm truly sorry that I'm such a useless mate," she choked out, turning to her side as well. Her heart hurt and her stomach churned, most importantly she could feel the tears squeezing through her tightly closed eyelids, escaping down her cheeks.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

Klaus felt his heart twist when he heard her sobs. It was stupid of him for wanting to hurt her when he was feeling the amplified effects of her pain. Hearing her sobs tore at him like nothing else had before and he knew he had fucked up badly.

Had he really just hurt her that much? Enough to make her cry over him? He felt more ashamed of himself than he ever had in his life. He'd hurt her this badly, his mate, just because he couldn't accept one accusation.

Listening to her apologizing that she was not worthy of him was the final nail in the coffin. It infuriated him how she constantly thought she was beneath him or how insecure she turned into when it came to their relationship. He thought part of it was because she was hormonal but a huge part of it was because she thought she couldn't please him sexually.

"I'd deserve it," he thought to himself in dismay at the possibility of her leaving him. He shouldn't have let his anger get the better of him by trying to inflict pain on her. She was still so young and innocent that it was understandable she was confused and skeptical about everything. She was only eighteen and could not truly comprehend the meaning of forever. He should have been more attuned to her doubts and worries.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

Caroline tried to be quiet about it, muffling her sobs in the sheets, but there was no mistaking the quivering breaths and shudders racking her body. She had caught him flinching away when her hand brushed lightly against his and she hurriedly eased her body closer to the edge to avoid any further contact. It was a terrible and painful realization that he didn't even want her to touch him.

The Original tried fighting down the urge to care but he couldn't stop the guilt gnawing at him. His cold heart constricted as she continued to quietly sob. He tried closing his eyes forcing himself to block out her cries. However, it did nothing as she was still sobbing silently an hour later.

Not able to withstand her cries for a second longer, he turned to face her back and carefully reached for her. "Caroline, sweetheart."

"I'm sorry, I can move to another chamber if that's what you want," she whispered brokenly shifting further away from him.

"Look at me," his voice sounded thick and rough, even to his own ears. He hesitated to touch her, but ultimately turned her around to face him.

She tensed as at his sudden attention and tried to pull away.

"Don't," he gritted out squeezing her hand.

She remained silent, eyeing him in confusion. She was prepared to leave yet he had stopped her. She could not comprehend why.

His lips thinned as he brushed her cheek with his thumb to wipe away the tears that had fallen. "No more tears, love."

"I made a stupid mistake. Klaus, you have to believe me. I trust you more than my life itself," she cried looking up at him with teary eyes. "I was stupid. I'm so sorry." The last thing she had wanted was to spoil what she had with him.

"Enough, get some rest." The Original was well aware that nothing good would come out if they had the conversation tonight. They were both still feeling the remnants of being vulnerable.

She choked on a sob as she struggled to stop her tears. But it was so hard. It seemed that he still did not believed her.

"Ssh...we'll work this out in the morning," he promised, tucking her against him.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

When Caroline woke in grey dawn she didn't know where she was or what had roused her. It was only when she tried turning that she recalled that she was in her bed with her husband beside her. She opened her eyes and stared into the sleeping form of her husband. Her heart filled with joy at having his masculine form sleeping beside her. At least he hadn't kicked her out of bed.

Memories of what he said the night before rushed back to her as she lay still, listening to his even breathing. "I'm sorry I'm so pathetic," she said as she studied his handsome features.

After all these months, Caroline was still awestruck by Klaus's exceptional good looks. Even in slumber, he exhibited charismatic charm that sent her senses fleeing. There was something about his dirty blonde curls that made her want to spend an eternity curling her fingers into it. His stormy blue eyes, though closed now, captured her heart. But it was his lips that she would never tire of looking at, or kissing for that matter.

The young queen still found it hard to believe that he was hers. Her one true mate. As if in a hypnotic state, she lowered her head, her lips softly touching his. It took only a second for her to retract her brazen move, glad he was unaware of it. But when she opened her eyes, he was looking back at her.

Caroline could only blush, turning red at being caught. "I didn't realize you were awake," she muttered shyly.

"Mmm," he hummed, secretly content by her actions.

They were silent for a few moments more before Caroline broke their thoughts. "About last night," she began with much hesitance.

"I want to apologize," he offered seeing her eyes widen in surprise. "I shouldn't have directed my anger at you."

"I'm the one that should be apologizing," she cut in needing him to know how she really felt. "I trust you with all my heart. Please believe me," she stared at him trying to convey her feelings. "You can feel it, can't you?"

He caught one of her hands and brought it to his lips to place a tender kiss. He could feel her emotions through the bond. He could feel her guilt but most of all he could feel her love.

Relief flooded through her system at his smile. "I love you more than anything." She whispered stroking her fingertips lightly over the stubble on his cheek. The emotional toil of this connection would have wreaked havoc on her if it hadn't been for him. "I love you," she repeated softly.

"As do I, my love," he said feeling his already dead heart beating quicker at her bright smile. Now he was the one cupping her face in his hands as he told her, "And I lied, I was only there for blood. Nothing else."

His blue eyes shone with honesty and the young hybrid could feel everything. His concern, his possessiveness, his absolute adoration and most importantly, his love. "You're mine just like I'm yours," he declared, gazing at her with warmth.

"I shouldn't have doubted you," she murmured against his skin.

"I agree, but I should have been more considerate towards you. You are so young love that it's hard for you to grasp the concept of eternity and the extent of my feelings."

"I'm sorry. I know that you've reassured me many times, but sometimes I just can't stop feeling insecure," she admitted her voice trembling.

"Love, you are my destined mate. You're it for me. You don't have to feel insecure around me."

"I know, sometimes I just can't help it," she whispered truthfully. "You have so much more experience over me and I just can't—"

"You forget the bond goes both ways," he added stopping her mid way. "I can't stand being slammed by the tsunami of emotions stemming your lack of faith in me." He caressed her hair and pulled her into the crook of his arm.

She sighed and snuggled as close to his warm body as she could. "I know it was stupid. I won't let it get the better of me again."

"Good, because it pains me every time you question or discredit what we have."

"I'm so—"

She was cut off before she could apologize again when his lips pressed so tentatively against hers. She was surprise initially but naturally she could do nothing less than respond, letting his lips guide hers, pressing against him, tasting of his warmth and fullness until she was heady with the heat of the kiss. She moaned softly, the sound taken by his mouth on hers.

When he finally pulled away, he gazed at her intently. "Stop apologizing," he said in a hoarse whisper.

Caroline took a deep breath, "But—"

"No buts. I don't want to hear it," his voice still only a rasp. He framed her face with his hands, "I mean it. It's in the past, let's not bring it up again."

"You forgive me then?" She asked softly.

"There's nothing to forgive, sweetheart. We both said things that we didn't really mean," he said pecking her nose quickly. "We'll put this behind us alright."

"I'd like that," she smiled at him before she leant forward and placed a soft kiss on his cheek.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

Martello Tower, South England

"Update me, Damon," Enzo commanded as they entered his cabin to plan their next move.

"It appears the Queen was heavily guarded. Unfortunately, none of our men were able to survive the attack to report what had truly went down."

"That's not possible," Enzo slammed his hand on the desk, anger seeping in his veins. He was still irritated that the English royal couple managed to survive the ship disaster he had orchestrated.

"Word is that the King has left to accompany the Queen for her travels. This is the opportunity we have been waiting for."

"Are your sources reliable?" Enzo questioned while studying the map.

"Most definitely. My brother was the one that sent word," Damon smirked while handing his friend a tumbler of ale.

"He hasn't been exposed yet I assumed," Enzo took a gracious sip of the offered beverage.

"Stefan's careful. I can assure you there's no need to worry that he'll be a liability," Damon responded.

"Good, as we'll need his help to ambush them."

"I've informed him of our plan of attack and he's aware of his duties."

"Excellent," the France King drawled, a battle strategy forming in his mind.

"Everything is going according to plan. Stefan has developed the King's trust over the course of the past year and has been appointed as Earl Marshal." Damon beamed proud of his younger brother's quick accomplishments. As the older brother, Damon was hesitant to let his only brother travel to the neighboring country to act as an informant for the French. It took a couple of months before he was convinced Stefan would be able to pull off being a spy.

"I'll have to award that talented brother of yours. I've heard that the King has huge trust issues though it seems your brother has managed to win his favor," Enzo chuckled while seating on the chair. He gestured for his friend to do the same.

"Stefan also mentioned in the letter that I received earlier today that he is trying to seduce the princess," the raven haired Salvatore said, his face breaking into a smile.

"The King's sister?"

"Yes. I know my brother, he'll get the job done," Damon spoke out with pride.

"He needs to be careful. We all do. They are Original vampires. Their abilities surpass whatever we have," Enzo warned, remembering how the bastard was about to rip his heart out.

"I know, hence why we need to be smart about everything," Damon agreed looking at the map. "Attacking the palace now with the King away is our best chance at taking over the land."

"I agree," Enzo remarked placing his finger on a point on the map. "I suggest we invade the lands from here."

Damon studied the spot indicated by Enzo's finger. "Alright, I'll let our men know. What are we going to do with the Queen though? Should we attempt another kidnap?"

Enzo glanced at the map momentarily as he contemplated what was the best course of action he should take. "No, they'll have to return sooner or later. We'll take her then."

Damon nodded as he tried to accept his friend's decision in the matter.

"Something is troubling you," Enzo noted glancing at his confidante.

"I just don't think kidnapping the Queen is a good idea. We've lost a considerable amount of men and vampires in less than a day just by attempting to kidnap her and yet we still failed. Imagine what he'll do to us if we successfully kidnap his wife."

"I understand your apprehension," Enzo spoke up crossing his arms over his chest.

"Is she worth it?" Damon added. He was aware of the tiny infatuation his friend had for the blonde. There was no denying that the Scottish princess had a pretty face but he didn't think she was worth losing their kingdom and men to.

"Mate, I do think she's worth it. She's just so innocent. She saw the good in me even when we were both strangers," Enzo smiled reminiscing of the fond memory of her.

"She's married," Damon deadpanned needing his friend to think rationally on the matter. He didn't want to be the bearer of bad news but he knew deep down that Enzo and the young Queen would never work. Going up against one Original was already a mad man's mission. To go against the whole Original family was just plain suicide.

"I didn't say I'll have her for myself. I know the chances of that happening are slim to none. She confessed to me herself that she is in love with the monster," the French King explained downing the rest of the ale.

"Why do we need her then?" asked the raven- haired Salvatore.

Enzo leaned back in his chair with a smug grin plastered on his face. "Leverage. If he loves her, he'll do whatever it takes to protect her. Kidnapping her would work in our favor."

"I guess this could work," Damon pursed his lips as he mentally pictured what could possibly be the worst-case scenario.

"It's unbelievable how stupid the English King is to leave the palace at the beginnings of a war. Once we control the land, the wealth of it will be ours to take."

"I truly hope this works," Damon muttered voicing his concerns.

"I want you to raid the towns along the river tomorrow. Once we control the river and port, we will be able to strike any part of the land we wish. We'll kill whomever that gets in our way. I want vengeance for the humiliation I had suffered when he was staying at my land."

"I will start preparations for the attack," Damon stood up as he spoke.

"Tomorrow we begin to expand our empire," the French King stated as he saw his friend out.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

Linlithgow Palace, Scotland

"Klaus," Caroline called out softly as she laid sprawled halfway atop her husband's naked chest.

"Hmm," he hummed enjoying the way she was draped over him. The pair had remained in bed after making up earlier, both not wanting to venture outside their bubble yet.

"I need to tell you something." She was determined to tell him the truth of what happened with her mother yesterday. She didn't want him finding out through someone else.

"Go on then," he turned to face her, giving her his full attention.

"Don't get mad alright," she lifted his hand and kissed his knuckles.

He nodded starting to feel uneasy at what she could possibly tell him.

Swallowing hard, the Scottish princess took a deep breath and spit the words out. "My mother knows I'm with child."

He stiffened at the revelation as he tried keeping his emotions in check. "How?"

"I was placing my hand on my tummy," she sighed as she dragged his hand to the barely visible swell. "My mother figured out when she noticed my actions. I wasn't going to tell her but she could tell I was lying when I tried to deny it." Her face glowed hot and red embarrassed by her innocence.

"Alright then," Klaus nodded contemplating what to do next. He wasn't against her parents knowing that she was carrying his child because they hated him; he was more concerned of them being a danger towards his child. They had tried convincing his wife that he wasn't worthy of her love just yesterday and it annoyed him that he couldn't calculate what they might do.

"There's one more thing," Caroline said softly as she mentally prepared herself for the worst.

"What else?" Klaus asked flatly.

"My parent's think I'm carrying another man's child."

"You're what?" The Original raised his voice, the familiar wave of possessiveness he had felt for her swept through him again.

"My mother assumed that as she knows you're a vampire. You couldn't have possibly be the father," she explained feebly. She regretted not trying to correct her mother but then she wasn't even certain whether Klaus would prefer her parents knowing that he was the one that impregnated her. Seeing as, he had been the one that forbid her to tell her parents of the existence of the little life growing inside of her.

"What did you tell her?" He asked with a bitter tone. He knew it was foolish to want the world to know that she was carrying his child yet he wanted to, despite knowing how dangerous it was if word got out.

"I wasn't sure how to respond. I went along with my mother as I didn't know what you wanted me to say," she said carefully, trying to gauge his reaction. Please say something, she thought.

Finally, the Original hybrid spoke up. "I suppose it's better this way."

She looked at him with wide eyes, not expecting that response. "What?" she breathed out sitting up.

He followed suit sitting up as well. "It would be better if they don't find out the true parentage of the baby," he clarified.

Caroline shook her head, shock at his response. "I don't understand. You want them to think I'm a whore?"

"Sweetheart, you know that's not what I mean," he said gently.

"No, it is. They'll think I'm a whore!" She spat glaring at him. She couldn't understand why he would even suggest it.

"Caroline, the fewer people that know about this miracle child the better. I'm trying to keep both of you safe. Please don't try and argue with me on your safety," he sighed, wiping his hands over his face in frustration. Things were becoming far too complicated. He couldn't trust her parents, not when he knew how much they hated his nature.

"Klaus, they won't hurt the baby. You should have seen how happy my mother was when she discovered the truth," she added trying to convince her husband.

"It's not that simple Caroline. Telling them I'm the father would mean that they will know I'm a hybrid."

"What's wrong with that?" She furrowed her brows not understanding his line of reasoning.

"They will figure out you're a hybrid as well. Are you ready to tell your parents that you are a monster like me?" He knew it was a low blow but he needed her to accept his decision on the matter. "Or worse, do you think they'll be happy when they know the child is not human?"

"How are you so positive that our child isn't human?" Her voice croaked as she asked.

"Because I'm not human and I claimed you as my mate when it happened. Our child would most likely be a hybrid as well but part wolf and witch," he theorized.

"That doesn't mean they will hate my child," she countered, trying to not get too emotional.

"We need to think this through rationally. I know you want what's best for our child and I want that as well. However, I just don't think it's ideal to tell your parents. Especially not now when they are trying to separate us."

"What are you talking about?" she drew her knees up wrapping her arms around them huddling herself. Did he know of something she didn't?

"Your parents have been arguing since this morning about our relationship. They want you as far away from me as possible. They're even planning to form an alliance with France to take me out of the picture," he told her truthfully of what he had picked up. He hadn't meant on listening in at first but he needed to know what they were thinking to decide what was the best course of action to take.

"That's not possible," she shook her head, looking sick.

"It's going to be fine," he cupped her cheek and trained his gaze on hers.

"Why can't I hear them?" She asked still not believing that her parents were actually thinking of alliancing with France. She had thought she had come to an understanding with her mother back when they had spent the few days in Leeds. Her mother had said she only cared for her happiness and that she would stop trying to convince Caroline to leave him.

"I'm the Original hybrid love, my abilities far exceed those of a typical vampire," he humored trying to lighten the situation. He hadn't planned on telling her what he had overhead. He didn't want to be the one to ruin her relationship with her parents. He only spoke the truth when he knew it was the only way to get her to listen to him.

"No," she murmured in denial. "They're only trying to make me leave because they think I'm carrying another man's child. My mother thinks you'll hurt me if you find out because she assumes I've committed adultery. They won't do anything if they know that you're the father," she defended her parents.

"I won't risk it." He looked pained, knowing what he said would hurt her.

Caroline blinked heavily, not expecting the outcome. She had been convinced that he would have given this to her.

"Not until I'm persuaded to believe that it's safe for them to know," he added quietly.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

Greenwich Palace, England

"Bonnie," the cheeky prince tapped the Duchess of Britanny's shoulder.

"Your highness," the young duchess curtsied.

"It's Kol, darling," he grinned lifting her hands to his lips and pressed a kiss to her knuckles.

"Your highness," the brunette stuttered retracting her hand instantly. She had been wary of him since the first day she arrived at court. The Original had been trying to get her attention with his constant flirtatious comments.

"Please, enough with the unnecessary formalities," Kol waved off with a grin. The duchess was certainly differently than the women he had dallied with. She hadn't caved to his attentions and despite his best efforts, she seemed to appear disinterested to his advancements.

"What can I do for you Kol?" Bonnie spoke out trying to keep her voice steady.

"Can't I converse with you without requesting a favor?" The Original chuckled soaking in her discomfort. "Walk with me," he announced when she remained silent. "I promise I won't bite."

"Alright," she agreed glancing at him cautiously before following his lead. Bonnie wasn't blind, she was fully aware of the fact that the obnoxious younger Mikaelson was handsome. Hence why, she didn't want anything to do with him.

Caroline had told her previously of his little infatuation with her, which she had promptly brushed off. She had heard rumors of the prince's many dalliances and Bonnie had no interest to be another one of those women.

"You know rejecting me only makes me more interested to get to know you," he smirked seeing her fidget as they strolled around the halls.

"I'm not interested in monsters," she said with contempt. She was still trying to accept that her best friend was married to the most dangerous being on earth and that she was carrying his offspring.

"Ohh, feisty," Kol laughed softly at her admission. "Just the type I enjoy."

"Your charm won't work on me. I'm a witch. I can't be compelled," she reminded him, wanting him to leave her alone.

"We'll see," he said sounding confident. Kol was certain the animosity between them would stop at some point, as women never could resist him. "Just a piece of advice though, I'm aware of how unlikely it seems that my paranoid and short tempered brother is in love with your friend, but trust me he is. I've never seen him so protective over someone before not even with us his family, not even with Bekah. Besides, you heard it yourself that they're mates. You need to learn to accept it. Most importantly, they're both happy and I believe that's what really matters," he muttered before flashing away leaving Bonnie to soak in his wise words by herself.

Bonnie stood frozen in shock at his proclamation. Perhaps she was wrong. There was more to him than just his flirty persona. It amazed her how he knew what was going through her mind. Maybe she really shouldn't be so hard on him.

The duchess had to agree though, as long as her best friend was happy, so was she.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

Despite the awkward circumstances, the day went by peacefully for the royal couple. The pair had both lunch and dinner with her parents where Klaus had mostly kept to himself. Caroline didn't blame him though knowing how uncomfortable it was when he knew how much her parents hated him. Moreover, she herself wasn't in a talkative mood either.

She didn't understand why he was so adamant on keeping their child a secret. She was going to start showing soon and didn't think it would do any harm in telling her parents the true parentage of their child. She had dropped the subject when it became apparent he wasn't going to change his mind. Though it didn't mean she wasn't going to try again later.

Besides coming together for meals, she had spent the majority of the day away from him telling him she needed some space. The blonde was still very much unwilling to accept the outcome that this was going to be her child's future. A dirty little secret that no one could know. She didn't want that life for her child.

There were multiple times where she had thought of telling the truth yet she couldn't bring herself because of the uncertainty. She was afraid that her parents would shun her away if they found out that she herself was a monster as well. Klaus had made a valid point and seeing the amount of contempt her parents directed towards her husband only added to her doubts.

"There's nothing I can do that would change your mind?" She spoke out as he entered their chambers later that night.

"Caroline," the Original sighed discarding his tunic before turning to face her. Almost immediately he drew in an unnecessary breath at the sight of her. Was she trying to seduce him to agree with that transparent night shift?

"I understand your concerns," she took a step forward and inhaled deeply, his momentary shock giving her courage to continue. To seduce him to get her what she wanted was her genius plan. It was the boldest and rashest thing that she had could have done, but if seducing him was what it took for him to agree, she would at least have to give it a try. Katherine had given her some advice on it when they had taken a stroll in the gardens a few days earlier. Her cheeks flushed pink remembering all the sordid details of their conversation.

He cleared his throat uncomfortably as he shifted his gaze away from her breasts. "Love, it's not safe," he murmured, his voice hoarse. He was too tempted to yank the thin cotton fabric to bare her to his eyes.

"We don't know that," she spoke softly closing the distance between them. "It's just my parents, no one else will need to know." With a trembling hand, she drew her fingertips over his chest in figure eights, the pads of her fingers whispering across his skin.

"Caroline," he whispered breathlessly, stiffening beneath her touch. What was she trying to do?

"I don't want them to think I'm a whore. I have not committed a sin and they should know that," she continued, caressing the sculpted planes of his abdomen. Her husband was breathing hard, and she saw his erection straining against his breeches indicating that what she did pleased him. Thank heavens, she thought, as she really had no clue what she was doing. She had never been the one to initiate intercourse in all the handful of times they've joined together and was just basing everything with the crash course Katherine had given her.

"Caroline, the truth will not only put you and our child in danger but your parents as well," Klaus rasped trying his best not to be affected by her sensual touch.

"What do you mean?" She lifted her head, scowling.

"I have numerous enemies. The same goes with my siblings. We've made too many in our five centuries of existence. Take Genevieve for example, my enemies are vindictive. They will not hesitate to hurt anyone in order to hurt me. The bloody witch had intended on killing you and she would have succeeded if my blood wasn't in your system. What's worst, she's actually at the very bottom of the list of people who wants me dead. Can you see why it's safer for them to not know?"

"Are you telling me that they'll use my parents to send a message?" She shivered remembering Genevieve's last words. The words that would forever haunt her.

"Yes sweetheart. I really don't want to see you feel with guilt if anything happens to them because you had told them the truth," he reached for her arm, stopping her fingers from grazing his navel. "It's just safer for them to not know. They won't be able to protect our child. Only we can."

"You don't care that they think I've been with another man?" She questioned. It had bothered her how calm he was taking the situation. She had expected a more possessive and aggressive response. Caroline would have thrown a tantrum if the roles were reversed. It was so unlike her husband to be alright with the arrangement. He had always been dominant and possessive and she couldn't understand the sudden change in attitude.

"Of course I do. You're my mate. But for the sake of your safety and my sanity, I would rather they think someone else is the father."

His response deflated her hopes but she still could not comprehend the logic in his reasoning. "What about what I want? I don't want others to think I've committed adultery. What sort of person would they see me as?"

"It's for your safety," he sighed. Why couldn't she understand that he was just trying to look out for her? It was agony for him to allow the rumor to spread, as all he wanted to know was let the whole world knew whom she belong to. However, it wasn't safe. Laying a claim on her would not just indicate he had a weakness but it would also make her a primary target. His enemies would not hesitate to hurt her in order to hurt him. He was not going to let his selfishness endanger her life.

"I'm not that breakable. I can protect myself," she countered despite knowing it was fruitless.

"Sweetheart, it's too risky. They'll ultimately be a liability for me."

"How can you say that? My parents will not be a liability," she defended fiercely. "And I've told you before, I want my mother at my side when I go into labor."

"Don't be difficult," he said calmly. The Original was exhausted from the day. All he wanted was to retire for the night.

"Don't placate me, Klaus. I understand that you have many enemies but this is important to me. If you truly love me, you'll do this one thing for me, for our child," she met his gaze levelly.

"Love," her husband sighed clenching his fist.

"You said so yourself that they are trying to separate us. If you tell them the truth, they would stop," she reasoned as she slid her hands around his neck to close their distance.

"Caroline," he warned. She was so close to him, the could breathe the fragrance of her skin, feel the soft warm puffs of her breath, almost taste the rosy lips she moistened with her tongue, nervously.

"For me please," she said, and her voice was soft and sweet, like wild honey.

"You're not playing fair," he grimaced gathering her into his arms. Where did she even learn how to persuade him like this?

She rose on her tiptoes and placed a soft kiss to his mouth. "I know," she admitted shyly. "But this is important to me."

"I know." His voice sounded thick as his fingers bit into her waist. He could feel his resolve weakening, the desire to please and keep her happy overpowering.

The princess kept her hands where they were, resting on his wide shoulders, smiled into his eyes, and leaned forward, so that her breasts just brushed his chest. "I get that it's risky but this might be my only chance at having a child and I really want my mother there for me."

The hybrid groaned when she gave him big, puppy dog eyes, batting her eyelashes innocently. It was adorable and he knew he couldn't deny her this. He would do anything to make her happy. He just had to ensure that he could entrust this secret to her parents. "Alright," he gave in.

"Thank you," she rose on her tiptoes to kiss him again.

Seeing how she brightened up with a smile made it all worth it, he thought. "You know I'll do anything for you," he reminded her before kissing her again. This kiss deeper, harder, and she moaned softly and gave herself up to it hot demand. He felt her relax against him as he sucked in her bottom lip.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

His kiss was like a drug. It made her breathing quicken and her breasts swelled. She craved more and it surprised her how much she wanted him to claim her at that very moment. She gradually comprehended the truth in Cary's words. She was turning into a possessive control freak for her mate.

When he drew back, she felt disappointed at the sudden loss of contact.

"You're getting really good at this," he murmured before returning his mouth to hers.

Her hands moved from his shoulders to his neck, needing to be closer to him. "Mmmm," she hummed cradling his head.

Klaus groaned when her fingers teased the hair on his nape. Her gentle, almost hesitant touch only stoking the fires higher. He had to stop before it got out of hand.

With supreme effort he reluctantly broke the kiss easing away with a regretful growl. She frowned and her eyes snapped open.

His groin tightened as he studied her. Her blue eyes were dark and heavy with desire, her lips bruised and swollen from his kisses. He also noted her flushed cheeks.

"What's wrong?" She pulled back, breathless.

"We don't have to do this tonight," he got out, knowing his voice was thick with lust. He knew it wouldn't take any effort to have her now, but he needed to stop.

"What..why?" She blinked. Did he not like it? She could have sworn he had said she was getting good at it. "Am I that bad?"

The hybrid silenced her with the tip of his forefinger laid gently over her lips. "Stop doubting yourself. You are a glorious kisser."

"Then why-?"

"I don't want you to think that I only agreed because of sex," he said huskily, his fingers playing with her curls.

"I don't think that," she said honestly.

""You shouldn't feel obligated," he continued looking deeply into her eyes.

"I don't feel obligated," she replied in a soft voice and pressed her covered breasts against his chiseled naked chest. "I want this. I want you to make love to me."

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

T.B.C

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

Sorry for the long wait. It's not really surprising but the semester is taking a toll on me. Furthermore, finals are in less than a month so I won't have time to update for the time being. On the bright side, I'll have a month off to write as much as I can after that (:

Let me know what you think ;)