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Chapter One: Welcome to the Phoenix Region

Ten Years Prior

The great Klaus Mikaelson was pacing the floor of his throne room, trying to think of a solution. There was a war brewing on his hands - one that he desperately wished to get out of. He needed to find a place of unity with the other regions - but how? He knew that his was better. Everyone else did too. However, just because he was better individually didn't mean anything if the rest of the regions decided to ban together to overthrow him.

He was going to need an ally.

"Hayley, love, what are we going to do?" he asked his wife, his queen. He always turned to her for guidance. And right now he needed her calm, level-headedness to get him through this. The entire region would be at stake if he failed to come up with a plan.

Hayley was careful with her response - meticulous even. "You could write to him. Propose an alliance of some sort between our regions."

"Him?" Klaus said, and for a moment, he was dumbfounded. Then, just as suddenly as he had forgotten who him was, he remembered. Malivore Kirby - a once friend, now barely acquaintances. Perhaps one of the leaders who hated him the most. But also, as Hayley had slyly pointed out, the one who would risk it all for an alliance. The Phoenix King was a power-seeker, and allying yourself with the most powerful region of all would certainly benefit him. "Oh, yes, yes. Him. What would we have to offer?"

"Write to him and find out, Niklaus," Hayley said, standing up from where she had been seated just moments beforehand. "Or else the entire Crescent Region will have to pay for your procrastination. I refuse to let that happen to our people."

Klaus met her eye, and for a moment, the two seemed to consider bickering. However, Klaus and Hayley were always like this. They fought harder than anyone, but they also loved the same way. It was a tightrope of a balance, but they always managed to keep the other from falling off. It was what worked between them - though it would probably make little sense to anyone else who glanced their way.

The man nodded, before walking off towards his study, his hand already itching to write to his old friend.

It took a few weeks for them to arrange an in person meeting - but here they were. The meeting room in the Phoenix Region was just as Klaus thought it might be - decked in dark reds and oranges, with a hint of black. A bit too colorful for the Mikaelson's taste, but he could see why his friend enjoyed it. It was suitable for the personality - all fire, no weaknesses. Klaus could admire a motto and position such as that. It was very similar to his own.

Evil and powerful aren't always synonyms. Crescents are powerful with the hand of compassion.

"So, Niklaus, I believe I have an idea on how to go about this alliance, if you are interested in hearing my thoughts," Malivore said from where he sat across from him at the table.

Truthfully, Klaus didn't have any ideas of his own, so this was a relief to hear. He had wondered about a trading agreement, though that seemed like child's play with the thread of war looming over their heads. Besides, their regions were so similar in goods and means that a trade might not be beneficial to either. "I'm interested in hearing it, Malivore. No promises we will agree," Klaus said, because even though he was desperate, he would never let that show. Klaus was a man of honor, and men with honor did not get desperate. At least, not publicly.

"I've been told you have a young daughter - age 10? I have a son the same age," Malivore said simply, leaning forward. "What do we say about an arrangement? Bring the kingdoms together, unite into one when they're to marry. An unstoppable force."

Of all the things he expected Malivore to propose, a union between their children had not been one of them. Klaus's mind instantly traveled to his only child - Hope. She was his light in the bad days; a symbol of what he was fighting for. Would condemning her to a marriage before her eleventh birthday be suitable? Klaus didn't know. However, his daughter was a lot like him - held in dignity. She would do what she needed to for the region, and Klaus would be proud of her no matter what. The benefits of the kingdoms would result in good fortune. It would delay the war, if not completely stop it. Hope would know what was right for the kingdom. Surely, she would agree.

Not that Klaus had any intentions in asking her. He didn't even bother to get Hayley's agreement, though he probably should have. Klaus pressed his lips together slightly, keeping his silence. Almost as though to look as if he weren't jumping at the opportunity. A face of calamity in the midst of chaos. Finally, after what felt like hours, Klaus leaned forward, his hands clasping tightly in front of him.

"You have a deal, Malivore. The two shall be wed."

Present

The carriage bobbed carefully over broken concrete as it pulled through the castle gates. The auburn-haired girl inside grimaced softly at being shaken around - she had never loved carriage rides. They always made her awfully motion sick. Today was no exception, although it was hard to decide if that was from the ride or from the destination. Somehow, going to meet her fiance felt more like she was riding to her death. She knew this was right for her region - to prevent a war by asserting the Crescents and Phoenixes as the most powerful. Still, no girl wanted to be forced to marry a man she had never met.

Though, Hope also knew that this could be good for her. Her own parents had met due to an arrangement, and they were one of the happiest couples that she had ever seen in her region. They rarely fought, and when they did, it was reserved - far away from where they thought Hope could hear (though sometimes she did sneak around the castle to listen). An arrangement had worked well for her mother and father. She had to hope that the same would be true of her. If it wasn't, the rest of her life might be doomed to be nothing more than a queen to a king she didn't love.

Hope didn't like the idea of just being a queen, though she knew it was expected of her. Much less to a man she didn't love.

Hope leaned forward slightly to glance out the window, and she could see the gorgeous palace in the distance. Just as her father had told her, it was a fairly large red building. It wasn't as architecturally appealing as her own home in the Crescent Region, but she thought it was nice nonetheless. On the bright side, it looked like it had a gorgeous courtyard and multiple gardens. Hope liked to spend most of her time outside, so at least there were plenty of places for her to do just that.

She had stared at the castle for so long, that she didn't notice they were stopping until the door to her carriage swung open. Standing outside the door were her two favorite guards - Kaleb Hawkins and Milton Greasley - the ones she requested go with her to the Phoenix Region, as they were close. She could use friends in this trying time.

"Miss Mikaelson," Kaleb said, causing Hope to look at him. "Sir Kirby awaits in the parlor. We should be going in."

Hope nodded, reaching forward to grab his hand. Kaleb helped her out of the carriage, and she couldn't help but glance up at the castle, taking a deep breath. Her home for the next three months. Her secondary home for the rest of her life. She better start to get used to its red tint, which the more she stared at, she was starting to hate. Why would anyone choose to use a color that similar to fire, phoenix or not? She just didn't understand it.

"Hope," a voice sounded behind her, and she jumped, nearly forgetting her best friend had been in the carriage with her. She had been so lost in her own thoughts, that she had forgotten all about Alyssa. "You can't stand out here all day. The sooner you go in, the sooner we can go to our rooms."

Hope nodded again, unsure of how to speak at this moment in time. She didn't trust her voice. Nerves were entwining themselves around her body, and all she could think about was that her fiance might be horrible. She might be doomed to unhappiness for the rest of her eternity. Her hands must have been visibly shaking, because she felt a thin hand slide into her own. Alyssa's touch instantly calmed her nerves, and she could feel herself breathing a bit more regularly. "Let's go," Alyssa's voice said softly.

The two girls, with a guard on each side began to ascend the stairs leading up to the big golden entryway to the castle. Hope's eyes drank in every detail that she could - choosing to focus on things like architecture and landscaping compared to who lied behind the door.

But, soon, she had no choice. The doors were opening.

Hope couldn't breathe. She was going to drown without being near water.

The group of four stepped through the threshold.

Is this what dying felt like? Were you aware of everything as it happened?

"Miss Mikaelson," a voice said, and Hope had to take a moment before she placed it to a face. Standing in front of her was a boy her age - just a few inches taller than her. He had bushy black hair, and what appeared to be a kind smile.

She knew his name before he could say it.

"I'm Landon Kirby. Welcome to the Phoenix Region."

And, suddenly, Hope was falling into a pit of darkness - unable to crawl out. Unable to escape.

—

When Hope came to a few hours later, she was very aware of someone dabbing her forehead with a wet cloth. At first, she was barely bothered by it, but all of the sudden she realized someone had to be on the other side of the cloth, and she had no idea who was taking care of her like this. The auburn-haired girl sat up quickly - shooting up like a jack in the box. However, as she did this, the person dabbing her head was not prepared. Their heads collided in a smack - leaving a pounding sensation in Hope's forehead. Though, on second thought, that might have been there beforehand.

Her eyes fluttered open quickly, and for a moment, Hope wondered if she was dreaming. Sitting across from her on the bed was someone who must have been an angel of some kind. She couldn't help but just stare at the girl, biting down on her bottom lip as every fiber of her being felt as though this moment wasn't real.

"What a wonderful way to repay me taking care of you," the girl said, and Hope realized that if she was talking, she was, in fact, real. "By giving me a concussion."

Hope blinked back sharpy. Her own maids and servants would never dream of speaking to her like that. Did they really let things go so easily here in this region? That would certainly have a stop put to it once she and Landon—

She cut that thought off immediately, looking at her. "I beg your pardon?" Hope asked, raising an eyebrow.

"You gave us all quite the fright when you fainted earlier. I immediately volunteered to help you have a comfortable wake, and you respond by clanking your head against mine! And you haven't even said sorry, yet!"

"Who do you think you are?" Hope asked, watching her carefully. "The help at my castle would never—"

"The help?" The brunette let out a laugh, and Hope couldn't help but think it sounded like a music box. It was a soft sound, melodic and light. Even if it was tinted with sarcasm. "I am not a servant. I'm simply a friend of Mr. Kirby's, and offered to take care of you out of the goodness of my heart. I'm deeply regretting that notion now."

Hope was immediately embarrassed for calling the girl a servant - both out loud and in her mind. She wrinkled her nose softly, pressing her forehead to her palm. "I'm so sorry," Hope immediately said, glancing over at her. "I just—I've had a rough day, and my mind is not fully here."

The girl, who had been angry just a few moments ago, seemed to relax a bit. "Well, of course you have. You traveled quite a bit, and clearly you're ill."

"Ill?"

"Well, you did faint."

"Oh. Right. Well, I'm afraid that had less to do with an illness than it did with meeting your friend."

The girl stilled for a moment, seeming to process what Hope was saying. "Of course. I can assume meeting your fiance for the first time is a bit overwhelming." Hope nodded, not saying anything in reply for a moment. "Well, I do hope that you're okay, Miss Mikaelson. Miss Chang was awfully worried. Should I go get her?"

"Um, that would be great, actually. If you could send my guards up as well." However, after the girl gave her a look, Hope immediately backtracked. "Or, uh, not that I think it's your job to send people to me. Um, I can go get them." Hope said, moving to get out of bed. The other girl chuckled softly, moving to rest a hand on her shoulder. Hope immediately looked at the placement, before looking up at her. She wasn't used to being touched by anyone other than Kaleb, Milton, and Alyssa. Normally, being touched sent Hope into a panic.

She was not panicking right now. At least, not from being touched.

When the girl was done laughing - a sound Hope was becoming quite taken with - she shook her head. "You shouldn't be moving yet, Miss Mikaelson. I'll go get them. Though, now I do believe you'll owe me a favor in the future."

Hope narrowed her eyebrows. "A favor?"

"Yes."

She did not elaborate any further. And Hope didn't want to argue with her. Besides, she was kind of intrigued what this favor might end up being. Hope glanced at her for a moment, biting down on her bottom lip. "Okay," she finally breathed out, looking into her soft, brown eyes.

"I'll have them sent up, Miss Mikaelson," the girl got up, heading to the door. For a moment, Hope just watched her leave, before suddenly, words were escaping from her mouth.

"Hope."

"I beg your pardon?" the girl said, turning around to look at her.

"My name. Um, you can call me Hope."

The brunette was quiet for a moment, looking at the auburn-haired princess. For the first time since leaving her region a few days ago, Hope felt truly seen.

"Hope," she said softly. "I'm Josette."

"Absolutely not." Hope said, feeling a bit of her usual confidence coming back to her now. (The pain in her head was long forgotten now.) "Josette sounds like an old woman. I shall call you Josie. It's much more fitting."

Josie raised an eyebrow, but Hope could see a smirk turning up on her side. "Fine. Josie, then."

"I look forward to you cashing in your favor, Josie."

"Likewise, Hope."

Author's Note:

I hope you guys enjoyed the first chapter of War of Hearts! This is an AU story very close to my heart, and I'm very excited to see where it goes! I hope you'll find that its not only unique, but a fun angsty, Hosie filled story!

As most of my stories are, I dedicate this to Kimberlina Jones! She's my Hosie partner is crime, so I hope she enjoys this so much!

It would mean the world to me if you would review the story! Your comments keep me going!

Until next time!

-Carey

Chapter One: Welcome to the Phoenix Region

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