Edited by my dearest friend klovec.

Rated Very Mature

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Caroline walked towards the throne room, the train of her long gown trailing behind her. Her hand rested on Klaus' arm and she could tell from the hard set of his face, the tightly coiled tension in his shoulders that he fought hard to retain his control. A casual observer, unfamiliar with him, would only see what he wanted them to. The elegance of his tuxedo, his perfectly tousled hair, the cool indifference in his blue eyes and the small smirk that twisted his lips. She knew differently and she stroked his arm lightly with her thumb, a soothing touch.

At their approach, the gold doors to the throne room opened and the two guards manning them bowed slightly.

Klaus leaned in near her ear, murmuring under his breath, "If I didn't tell you before, you look every inch a Queen."

"Thank you." Caroline's cheeks heated, her heart soaring at the praise. Why did his compliments continue to affect her so? Had she fallen so far that she looked forward to them now, craved them?

If she did look like a Queen, it must be due to the hard work of Rebekah, Margaretha and Dimina. Her gown was a masterpiece of blue silk with a green chiffon overlay, embroidered in streaks of sliver that looked like the dust left behind a falling star. Every way she moved her dress changed colors, resembling the sea or the sky sparkling with starry light. Her hair was down and she wore the tiara and necklace Klaus gave her the night of the opera.

Her steps slowed the closer they got to the doors and Klaus frowned. "Mikael won't hurt you. I won't allow it."

"I know. I'm not worried." She smiled at him, hiding her fear behind a facade of false bravery.

Together they entered the throne room, the bright light of the chandeliers catching the silver in her dress, setting it alight. The room made of gold and black marble seemed never-ending. The walls were covered in shiny, gilt trimmed mirrors and the ceiling painted with scenes depicting Lucifer's fall and what looked like the building of Hell.

Klaus led her onto the red carpet laid out on the marble floor that ended at the throne. On both sides of the carpet stood all of the Demon nobility dressed in their finest, bowing and dropping into curtsies as she and Klaus walked by. Closer to the throne, she caught sight of Rebekah and Finn looking worried and next to them, a cold smile on his face was Kol. He winked when she passed and she knew he meant to give her courage. Caroline forced herself to look away and straight ahead at the King, refusing to cower before him.

At first, she saw only the gold crown glinting on his head and the contrast of his black and white tuxedo. Soon, his features took shape. The sharp lines of his face, the set of his cruel mouth and his hate filled eyes. The lack of any light at all within them struck her, sending terror clawing her insides like a wild beast. Her breath died in her lungs, sickness whirling in her stomach. She ignored it, stiffened and pointed her spine even straighter, hiding her fear. Upon reaching the throne Klaus inclined his head slightly, only there was no respect to be found anywhere within his gesture. She didn't curtsy. He wasn't her King and as an Angel she refused to lower herself to him.

"My son," Mikael greeted, his tone bordering on insulting. "Introduce me."

"Caroline, I want you to meet His Majesty, the King of Hell."

She noticed he didn't call him father, even now in his presence. Like Klaus earlier, she inclined her head in acknowledgement.

Mikael eyed Caroline, his eyes roving over her, assessing, like he stripped her naked before the court. "What a prize you have brought to us. Your Caroline is not only an Angel of the highest order; she is a bearer of light. A very special uniqueness within such rare beauty."

She swallowed, her nerves jumping at the Kings knowledge. Had he seen her type before over the centuries?

"Caroline is not a prize for Hell's gain," Klaus replied, his voice tight.

"More for your own gain, I have heard." Mikael rose from the throne, stepping over to them. "You seek to bind yourself to her, make her your Princess?"

"I do," Klaus laid his gloved hand on top of hers.

"What do you think of this, Caroline?" The King moved until he stood next to her. He held out his hand for her to take. A command, a royal one.

Caroline slid her hand from under Klaus' to give to Mikael. He lifted it to his lips with an elegant flair, kissing the back. She wanted to yank her hand from his, scrub away his black touch.

"I know you were not willingly brought here. Your Angelic brethren plot your rescue even now. Do you wish to return to them or stay here? With Niklaus?" Mikael scoffed, like the idea made no sense.

The King still held her hand, his grip strong, and in his eyes she saw his true desire. Mikael wished her to humiliate his son. Let Klaus believe his vow of binding himself to her was a lost cause. Within her heart she struggled. She wanted to return home and be with her sisters. Only, if she told the King her desire it would hurt Klaus. Make him appear a fool and Mikael would win. Could she lie and affirm their binding, making it seem real?

The throne room was no longer silent. Voices hummed, clothing rustled with movement and Mikael's smirk deepened at her refusal to answer. She needed to say something.

Taking a deep breath, she spoke at last, "I want nothing more than to remain at his side." She demurely lowered her eyes, shy at her declaration. With a tremble deep within, she waited for the lie she told to burn, to bring with it shame and guilt. Nothing. She felt nothing. Did lying come easy to her now? It made her want to cry.

"Do you, dear?" Mikael asked, a fake kindness in his tone, releasing her hand. "You can be honest with me. I will not let him hurt you."

"I do not fear, Klaus." Caroline lifted her chin, staring directly into the King's soulless eyes. She breathed a sigh of relief at this small truth. She knew Klaus wouldn't hurt her. He might storm and yell and seek to hold her prisoner forever but she didn't fear him like she once did.

Mikael appeared disgruntled by her answer and he released her hand. "You should know there have been others before you."

Caroline thought of the girls from the night before and more than likely the dozens of others and sharp pains ripped through her chest.

"I hardly think that matters," Klaus drawled. "Caroline knows since I first saw her, none other exists."

The pain that crippled her lifted and she wondered at it.

"Niklaus is such a romantic," Mikael said coldly. "Is it the kidnapping that won your heart, my dear? Being a prisoner?"

Caroline bit her lip, unsure of how to respond.

"Enough with the interrogation." Klaus stepped forward to her side, taking her hand in his to reassure her.

"But, your future Princess and I were having such a nice conversation."

"I found nothing nice about it," Klaus spat. "You are trying to discredit my relationship with Caroline."

Mikael smiled slyly at them. "I was only assuring myself you hadn't brainwashed her."

"I am not brainwashed," Caroline spoke out for all to hear. "You insult your son."

"My son?" Mikael flinched, his composure cracking. "Yes, my son. Forgive me, Caroline, for assuring myself that your feelings are real."

"You are forgiven." She regarded him with trepidation, preparing herself for his next attack.

He stared back at her with malice and ice formed in veins, her blood freezing. "Caroline, you have special talents that only now are you starting to tap into. I have been told you purify souls, but there is so much else you can do with your powers. Hell, would benefit greatly from your gifts, as would I."

"Caroline is not here to be used," Klaus snarled and letting go of her hand, he moved closer to Mikael with the grace of a predator, ready to spring at the slightest provocation.

"Don't you think with such powers at her disposal she deserves a more elated status than that of Princess?" Mikael asked, his voice vicious. "Maybe she should aim higher. I would make her a Queen. My Queen."

Caroline gasped, her gaze racing to Klaus. He vibrated with fury, his eyes flaring to amber.

"I would die before I would let you abuse her so," Klaus spat.

"That can be arranged, boy," Mikael preened with pleasure at Klaus' reaction. "And then were would your Angel be? Come Caroline." He held out his arm for her to take, like a gentleman wishing to take a stroll. "Don't you think a Queen's crown would suit you more?"

Bile filled her stomach, flowing into her throat and Caroline barely stood her ground. She wanted to flee, to hide from the evil in his voice. What darkness resided within Mikael that he should wish to destroy his son in this way?"

"I care not for such a title," she whispered

Klaus leapt in front of Caroline to protect her. "She will be Queen on your deathbed, old man. " His voice, the dark violence within, terrified Caroline.

"Your mother and I, we always planned on more children, but since she is no more..." Mikael said, as if his son never threatened his life.

"You murdered her because she refused to carry any more of your Devil spawn," Klaus shouted out for everyone to hear.

Mikael shrugged. "Semantics. Come Caroline, bind yourself to me and we will have an heir the oracle will chose over this one."

Caroline was going to be sick all over the floor. Her heart thudded in her head, her pulse drumming painfully within her.

The King beckoned towards a servant who rushed forward with a silver platter on which rested a gold dagger and white linen cloth. "Leave Niklaus and I will swear a blood oath to make you Queen."

Klaus' muscles rippled in his back, his hands fisting, ready to swing. Before he could attack his father, Caroline touched his shoulder. She prayed her touch would bring him back from the brink of violence.

Mikael picked up the dagger, a wicked smirk marring his features. "Caroline, I can help you grow into your powers, give you the ability to do more than just purify. Have you ever wondered what good you could do if your light were stronger and you didn't tire so easily? I can teach you this."

"I would rather burn in Hell Fire than be your Queen," Caroline answered without the slightest hesitation, her voice ringing out clear and true in the throne room.

"You insult Caroline and you will die for that." Klaus turned to look at her, a fierce gleam in his eyes. They vowed retribution on her behalf.

Mikael paid no heed to Klaus' threat "How long you think she will last in Hell without your protection when it is you who are dead?"

Gasps filled the room at the King's declaration.

The King grinned. "In fact, let's have a demonstration of how easy it will be for me to kill you once I have the right weapon."

"Hand me a dagger now and I will bathe in your blood!" Klaus stalked over to Mikael, stopping when they were face to face.

"You forget, boy, how fast I can take you down. How many cuts, wounds and broken bones have come your way from me?"

"Not this time."

"Are you sure this is the path you wish to take? You will only prove to Caroline what a weak partner she has chosen."

Klaus flung off his coat. "Swords, daggers? Or something more exotic?"

Mikael eyed him in surprise. Clearly not expecting Klaus to continue with the challenge. He seemed at a loss for words.

"Swords. They always were your downfall." Mikael handed his binding dagger to a servant and shrugged out of his tuxedo coat. "Finn, bring me the dueling swords."

"Father. Nik. Stop this madness," Finn pleaded.

"How useless you are to me even now," Mikael laughed.

Finn shrank, his father's words hitting their mark. He walked to the far side of the throne room where some weapons were hung.

Reality hit Caroline. Klaus and Mikael intended to duel. Horror blasted into her chest like heat from a furnace, followed by the cold of fear. She ran to Klaus, taking his hand. "Don't. Please."

"He insulted you, love," Klaus growled. "I won't stand for that. I told you I would protect you."

"No. This isn't protecting me. I will never forgive myself if you are hurt." Tears rolled down Caroline's cheeks at the thought of him wounded and bleeding out. "I couldn't bear it."

"Don't worry. I shall be fine. He cannot kill me."

"He can still hurt you." Caroline flung her arms around him, hugging him. "I won't let you do this."

"I need to do this." Klaus pulled out of her embrace, his hand skimming the side of her face. "Trust me. Everything will be fine."

Finn handed a sword to Mikael and the King whipped the air with it. "Enough Niklaus! I grow impatient for your humiliation. Finish your tender words or I will start now without you."

Klaus looked down at her, not even the slightest hint of fear in his eyes. They shone with adoration for her. "Kiss me for luck?"

Caroline stood up on her tiptoes, her hands cupping the sides of his face, feeling his soft stubble along her fingertips. Pressing her lips to his, she poured all of her fear, yearning and desire for him into the kiss. He kissed her back, his touch firm yet gentle. She forgot they stood in the throne room before a crowd of Demons, even that Mikael wished to kill Klaus. She fell into him, fell into the connection they had. All too soon, he pulled away.

Klaus smiled at her and turned to take the sword Finn held for him. "Watch over Caroline. Get Kol and Rebekah to keep her safe."

"Good luck, Nik," Finn said, his features drawn and solemn.

"I don't need it."

Finn held out his arm for Caroline and she let him lead her to the side of the room where Rebekah and Kol stood. Drained of all color, Rebekah looked like she could faint at any minute. Kol smiled a welcome, but his eyes glinted like chips of black ice. Caroline stood between the two siblings; glad they understood her terror.

"Don't worry, darling," Kol drawled. "Nik will not fail."

"He knows what he is doing," Rebekah added more to herself than anyone else.

Klaus swung his sword in the air, circling and slashing.

"Enough! Let me show them how this is really done." Mikael moved into the center of the room and Klaus followed.

Caroline held her breath, her fear cresting in her like tidal waves.

The two men advanced on each other. Their swords met with a fierce crack, sparks cascading to the floor. She flinched, wanting to turn away. Only she couldn't. Not when Klaus needed her support. Mikael thrust and Klaus deflected. They parried back and forth, their feet elegantly running patterns on the marble floor. Over and over, the clank of swords pounded in her head.

"You got much better since the last time," Mikael grunted, lowering his sword

"I have been practicing. For just such an occasion as this."

"Who has been teaching you?"

Klaus smirked. "And risk their life by telling you? I think it shall remain my secret."

The fight continued, each one of them taking turns gaining on the other. They twirled, running back and forth in the throne room, their swords never at rest. With an elegant swipe, Klaus broke Mikael's defenses, slicing at Mikael's chest. The King hissed at the blade cutting through his dress shirt. Blood bubbled up from the wound, staining the white fabric.

"First blood goes to Nik," Finn shouted over the murmurings of the court.

Caroline exhaled. It was over. Klaus unhurt. Her legs nearly fell from under her in relief.

"Had enough?" Klaus taunted Mikael.

"Never!" The King thrust again at Klaus, banging his sword against his son's.

"What is happening? Why are they still fighting?" Caroline asked, turning to Rebekah and Kol for an answer.

Rebekah gripped her hand painfully until Caroline felt it all the way into her bones.

"It is not over until one of them concedes," Kol replied in a hard tone.

"Will that ever happen?"

"Eventually one of them will be exhausted enough to no longer continue," Kol said.

Caroline swayed in horror, grateful for Rebekah's hold on her hand, helping to keep her steady. She knew Klaus, he would rather be sliced to pieces then give in to his father."

Klaus and Mikael continued to spar. Back and forth, slashing and slicing at each other, over and over. Their swords whistled in the air. They moved faster and faster until they almost blurred together. Klaus sidestepped a lunge from Mikael and faltered on his feet. Off balance for only a second, it was enough for the King to pierce Klaus' arm. Blood ran from the wound, dripping to the floor.

Caroline cried out and started to run towards Klaus. Kol grabbed her shoulder, the iron of his grip stopping her in her tracks.

"You don't want to be doing that," Kol threatened.

"Why? Klaus is hurt."

"And the last thing he needs is your worry and tears. He needs to focus on defeating our father, not pretty little blonde Angels."

Caroline looked to Rebekah for help and Klaus' sister nodded her head in agreement.

"He is right. The best thing we can do is stay away."

"But, we need to help him"

Rebekah took Caroline's hand in hers again. "We will. Until then we wait and watch."

Klaus yelled and attacked Mikael again.

Caroline blinked back her tears. This was not the time to be weak. She focused on Klaus and Mikael. The crackle of their swords, metal on metal thumped rhythmically like a drum. The sparks from the blades hitting billowed in clouds of flickering lights that drifted to the floor. Klaus and Mikael were locked in a deadly dance and she could do nothing but watch helplessly on the sidelines.

Mikael shouted, trying to move faster as Klaus' attacks quickened. Only he couldn't seem to regain his earlier pace. The king looked tired, sweat running down his face. The longer they fought, the more energy Klaus appeared to have. He thrust at Mikael repeatedly. Over and over, breaking through the King's defenses until his sword sank into Mikael's chest. The weapon squelched through muscle and tissue to protrude from the King's back.

Caroline's heart slammed into her throat. Impaled by Klaus' sword, Mikael stared down at his chest with a look of horror on his face. Blood streamed from the wound, painting the King's shirt red. Klaus withdrew the weapon and Caroline's stomach curled at the squishy, popping noise.

The entire throne room thrummed with deafening noise as Mikael staggered to stand upright. Klaus stepped away from his father, a dribble of blood running down the blade of his sword.

"Ready to retire?" Klaus taunted, his voice cold and cruel.

"I will see you burn before you ever sit on that throne." Mikael struggled to stay steady on his feet, eventually regaining his balance enough to hold his sword out again.

"That is enough!" Finn yelled, stalking out from the crowd to stand between Klaus and Mikael. "You have both proven that you are willing to fight until bloody. What is the point? You can't kill each other. All you are doing is making fools of yourselves."

Mikael swung his head to look at his son, his mouth wide with shock.

Finn blinked several times, like he didn't believe what he just did. Raising his head in front of the staring crowd, he puffed out his chest. "End this and call it a draw."

Waves of hope swelled in Caroline at Finn's daring. If only Mikael and Klaus would listen? Even though she knew her prayers couldn't be heard, she started to speak them silently.

Finn walked over to his father thrusting out his hands to receive his father's sword.

Glaring at Klaus, Mikael shoved his sword at Finn to take.

"It is a draw...for now," Mikael snarled.

More than a threat, it was a promise of a repeat performance and Caroline's hopes washed away, her sickness returning. The next time they battled, it would be with the Lance of Longinus and only one of them would walk away.

Finn walked to his brother to take his sword and Klaus glowered at him.

"Now is not the time, Nik," Finn said under his breath.

"It's not a draw. He is a coward," Klaus bit out. He stepped back from his brother and threw the sword like a spear towards the back of the room. It whizzed high in the air, sinking into the cushioned seat of the gold and jeweled throne.

The entire room erupted into wild noise.

Caroline forced herself to breath at Klaus' sign of disrespect. She needed to get him out of the throne room before Mikael could react further. Caroline grabbed Rebekah's arm. When the girl hardly reacted, Caroline shook her slightly to get her attention.

"Rebekah!"

Kol gave his sister a sharp look. "Now is not the time for dramatics, Bekah"

"No? Because it looks like Nik just made things a lot worse. You really think father will take this without some kind of retaliation?"

Kol started to argue and Caroline held up her hand to shut him up.

"Not now. I need you both to distract your father. I am going to get Klaus away from here." Caroline didn't wait for them to answer.

Completely focused on Mikael, Klaus didn't even notice her approach. He stood tall and proud, barely even winded after the fight. His jaw was clenched, the angles of his face sharp with fury and his eyes glowed amber.

"Klaus?" Caroline touched him on the shoulder, swallowing dryly at the blood still flowing from his wound.

He turned to look at her, gold leaping in his irises. "Caroline?" Klaus blinked and his eyes returned to their normal stark blue.

"We need to leave."

"I'm not finished here yet," Klaus answered flatly, his gaze flying back to Mikael.

"Yes. You are." Caroline stood in front of him, her fingertips grazing his cheeks to get his attention. "You fought for my honor and you won."

"He called it a draw."

His voice lashed out with hatred, the violence that still thundered inside of him.

"It doesn't matter. Everyone here knows you won."

Caroline recognized Rebekah's light laughter from nearby. Glancing across the room, she found the girl with her hand on Mikael's arm. She appeared to be leading him away from the throne towards a group of the King's admirers. Following behind them was Kol, his normally expressive face blank as paper.

How much time did they have before Mikael tired of Rebekah and he decided to torture Klaus more? Caroline leaned in closer to him, forcing him to focus on her, "Please, take me back to your rooms. I don't think I can stand to be in your father's presence any longer."

Klaus tore his gaze from Mikael at her plea. "When you see him again, he will beg for forgiveness at the foot of your throne."

Caroline took his hand, practically dragging him out of the throne room. "I would rather not see him again at all."

Rajanak waited for them outside the gold doors and while his eyes widened with concern at the sight of blood, he didn't even grunt. Reaching Klaus' rooms, Mikael's guards were still stationed in front of the entrance. Ignoring them, Caroline led Klaus inside the chambers.

"Rajanak, could you get me a basin of water and some towels?" Caroline asked.

The servant bowed slightly and left the room, the doors shutting behind him.

Klaus walked over to the table that held the brimstone wine and poured a glass, taking a long drink

"You need to sit down." Caroline tried not to look at the wound in his arm, the blood still wet.

"In a minute."

Caroline joined him and taking the goblet from his hand, she set it back down. "Now."

"Are you trying to take care of me?" He smirked, playfulness sparkling in his eyes

"Yes. Someone has to."

Klaus sighed, but without protest he went and sat in the chair before the fireplace. Rajanak entered the room carrying a large silver basin of water, several towels hanging off his arm.

"If you wouldn't mind putting that over there?" Caroline pointed to the chair next to Klaus'.

Rajanak obeyed and left the room.

Caroline bent down to examine Klaus' arm. The sleeve of his white dress shirt was stained the dark red of the blood roses that grew in the garden. She lightly touched the area around the wound to see how deep it went. It had to be several inches deep and her breath stuck in lungs.

Klaus hissed. "I will heal, love. You don't have to do that."

"What if you get something in the wound, like dirt, and it doesn't heal correctly." Her voice trembled and tears started to sting her eyes. "You could be scarred forever." The idea bothered her, that he should carry physical marks along with the mental ones from his father's abuse.

"It is a scar of honor and I would treasure it since I received it punishing Mikael for his insult to you."

Caroline inhaled, her insides fluttering. "You didn't have to do that. I would never want you to risk yourself for me."

"I did have to and I always will."

She tried not look into his eyes because she feared what she would see. Focusing on her task, she dipped a towel in the basin of water, wringing it out. Turning back to Klaus, heat flashed into her cheeks. "You...you... are going to have to take your shirt off."

"Am I?" He chuckled and started to unbutton his shirt, flinching a little every time he moved his hurt arm.

Caroline lowered her gaze while he slipped out of the garment.

"I'm ready."

She stood still, her gaze on the floor.

"Caroline, love, look at me."

Klaus' tone was so tender, more heat rushed into her face. With a small exhale, she lifted her head to look at him. His muscular chest was bare before her, his skin shadowed by the firelight. He was beautiful. Like something out of one of the paintings or sculptures she studied in his art books. He could have been carved from marble and she ached to touch him.

"I'm...I'm just going to wipe the blood and clean you a bit," she whispered. Caroline took the wet cloth and dabbed at the crimson stains on his arm, mopping them away. His muscles flexed under her gentle touch and she bit her lip. She circled the puncture in his bicep, careful not to hurt him. The cut was rough and jagged, but already the edges of it were knitting and smoothing out.

"It doesn't look so bad," she said. It amazed her how fast he could heal.

Caroline refreshed the cloth in the water, staining it deep red. She cleaned what remained of the blood on his arm, trying to ignore how close she was to him. The heat radiating from his smooth skin intoxicated her. Her movements slowed and she struggled to breath, the air thick in her lungs. What was wrong with her? With a jerk, she moved away from him, crying out when he grabbed her wrist.

She fell into his lap, dropping the wet towel to the floor. "What are you doing?"

"Kiss me."

Her hands landed on his chest, her fingers grazing his hot flesh and she nearly moaned. "I...we...shouldn't."

Klaus sighed and she stole a look at him from under her lashes, his mouth...the softness of his lips, the way she knew he would taste, it tempted her. He was her sinful apple and being with him, her ultimate downfall. She wanted more than anything to have this moment with him, to luxuriate in his touch and his kisses. What he did tonight, no other had ever done before. Klaus risked humiliation by his father's hands, had fought and bled for her, all to prove to the court that in insulting her, they insulted him. He proved he would do anything to keep her safe from harm.

Caroline's fingers roved from his chest to his face, smoothing the slight roughness on his cheeks. He froze at her touch and inhaled. She leaned in further, her lips brushing his in a whisper of a touch. He sat so very still, barely breathing. Needing this, wanting him, she pressed her mouth against his. He opened to her and she thought he sighed when she at last tasted him - brimstone wine, magic and that darkness so uniquely him. This time, it didn't scare her.

She kissed him harder, taking everything he offered and he answered, giving her more. Her hands, no longer were content to touch his face, they went to his hair, tugging him even closer. Passion electrified her, sparking current through all her senses. She wanted to devour him, to steal his breath away until a part of him belonged to her forever. Caroline curled even closer into him, pressing up against his chest. She yearned to be touched by him, tingled everywhere for him.

Klaus lifted his mouth from hers and she nipped at his lips, demanding more. He laughed lightly, kissing his way down the side of her face. Finding the spot on her neck that always drove her crazy, he suckled the tender skin. Caroline shivered, every part of her becoming highly sensitized. Her nipples tightened and low in her core, she liquefied. His hands at last touched her and she moaned when they smoothed their way down her back. They rounded her buttocks and he lifted her as he stood. Her legs wrapped naturally around his hips and her fevered core jolted at touch of his jutting manhood.

Caroline started to protest when he carried her to the bed and he silenced her with his mouth. Without once removing his lips from hers, he lay her down on the mattress, his body sliding next to hers. One of his hands now free, slipped under her gown, skimming up her stockinged leg. She shivered at the heat of his fingers on her skin at the very top of her stocking. He played with the ribboned edge, his touch scorching her thigh.

His mouth left hers, finding again that earth shattering place on her neck. Tremors raced up and down her spine and she arched her back. His lips continued to kiss her down her throat and along the edge of the neckline of her gown. Caroline's breasts started to ache and to her surprise, she wanted his mouth to go even lower. To kiss her there as he did her neck. The very idea shocked her and when he tongued an erect nipple through the silk of her gown, she gasped at the pleasure it brought. His mouth, oh, she couldn't even comprehend it. Desire burst into her, traveled down between her legs and she nearly cried out loud. Caroline needed something, wanted something she wasn't sure she understood, but she couldn't stop now.

Klaus lifted his head to look at Caroline. She was flushed the soft color of a pale pink rose, her eyes glazed to a dark emerald green and her lips red and swollen. She looked more beautiful than ever. He didn't want to pressure her in any way, only his need for her, it brought him to his knees. He started to stop, only to have her moan in objection when his mouth left her breast. Klaus obliged her by tonguing again at her peaked nipple. His hand went higher, moving to trace patterns on her soft, creamy inner thigh. Already, he could feel the heat pouring out from between her legs and he wanted nothing more than to find the pearl there, give her a small taste of the heaven he could bring her.

He moved his head to tease her other breast and as if she sensed his desire to touch her even more intimately, her thighs spread open slightly. Klaus took it for a sign, finding the soft downy curls at her center. With a feather light touch, he brushed the tip of his finger over her slit. Her whole body shuddered. Emboldened by her response, he did it again and bit back his own groan when he felt her wet heat. One more touch and her nubbin protruded slightly from her curls. He circled it with his finger and her hands threaded through his hair, tugging his head towards her face.

"What are you doing to me?" She asked, her voice trembling.

"Giving you pleasure. Should I stop?"

Her body stiffened only to relax once more. Miraculously, she shook her head.

Klaus smiled and his heart leapt with joy. This was everything he ever wanted, what he dreamed of and he could barely restrain himself. He knew he needed to go slow, show her how good he could make her feel. Earn himself her ultimate gift. He wanted this so much his muscles, bones and tissue hummed with desire for Caroline. Never before had he known true passion and it terrified him. She made him crazy, a crazy he never wanted to go away.

He circled her pearl once more, dipping his finger into her molten core. She was so very slick, so very hot, that the mere thought of thrusting into her made him even more painfully hard. Klaus fingered her with light touches, teasing and stroking until she made a sound he never heard her make before. She tensed, her hips arching into his hand. She had to be close. He moved to the entrance of her womanhood, using first one finger and then another to stretch her, get her used to the sensations. Then he went again to the tip of her cleft, the place she craved more of his touch. He circled and tantalized until her hips moved rhythmically against his hand, then he slowed. She panted and moaned, the sounds making his head thick with lust. He couldn't hold back much longer.

Lifting his head to her mouth, he kissed her hard. He wanted to swallow her cries when she came, relish her first little death at his hands. Quickening his touch he knew the exact moment she climaxed and he became so hard it pained him.

Klaus kept kissing her, light and slow now, like he awoke the sleeping princess. At first, she was too overwhelmed to respond, but then slowly she kissed him back. His fingers slipped back between her thighs, moving slightly in and out of her silky core.

"What did you do to me," she whispered, pulling her mouth from his.

"Did you not like it?" .

"It...I have never known such a thing before."

Klaus kissed her again, his lips soft on her hers. "Consider it only the beginning of the pleasure I can show you. If you let me?"

Caroline shook lightly as he continued to thrust between her thighs slowly with his fingers. Growing wetter at his touch, he thrilled at her responsiveness and her passion for him.

"You wish to have relations with me?"

Klaus groaned. "More than you can imagine, love. I have waited eternities for this moment, but I can wait more if I have too." What a lovesick fool he was. He never before gave a woman such control in the bedroom. He wanted to be ill at the gesture, but her acceptance of their intimacy meant everything to him. "I have to tell you that what we do might cause you some pain at first, but I guarantee it will be short lasting and then you will only have pleasure." To emphasize his point, he brushed his thumb over her still sensitive pearl of flesh.

Caroline hissed. "This would give you pleasure like you gave me."

His Queen. What an innocent she was. He vowed then and there that he would try never again to cause her to hurt. "Yes."

She didn't speak, only nodded. Reaching for him, Caroline kissed him, savaged his mouth, giving him permission with her body.

Caroline didn't want to stop kissing Klaus. Not ever. When he pulled away, slipping out of his clothes, she wanted to cry for him to come back. Seconds seemed hours before he returned. Lying back down on the bed with her, he lifted the skirt of her gown. She wanted to cover herself from his dark gaze, but when she started to, he looked at her with such hunger she stopped. Klaus spread her legs, his fingers slipping back inside of her and she tried to stay still. Only, his slight thrusts deep within her, followed by the slip of his thumb on her most sensitive spot wouldn't allow her to lay still. Her hips seemed to move with a will of their own.

Klaus pinned his gaze on her, his eyes dark blue swirled in gold. "Will you let me in, let me love you?

Caroline stared at him. She didn't know how to even answer that question, didn't really understand what he meant. So, she did what seemed natural, she captured his mouth with her own. She kissed him, reveling in the taste of him, the velvet caress of his tongue. His kisses stopped and he situated his hips between hers and something soft and yet hard touched her entrance. He rubbed against her lightly with the tip of what could only be his manhood, stroking again that little part of her that made her jerk and she bit her lip.

Klaus pulled his head up, focusing his brilliant eyes directly into hers. He looked at her with what seemed worship, like she was the center of his entire world. She couldn't help it. Her heart lit up with the brightness of a thousand lightening bugs in a night sky. Klaus smiled, moving his hips, he thrust into her.

Pressure. Uncomfortable pressure filled her and when he moved further into her, she tensed.

"Relax, love. I promise it will be better soon."

She tried, spreading her legs further to accommodate his thickness. He moved slow, further and further inside of her and she tried to breathe. He must have sensed her discomfort, because he swooped down and slashed his mouth over hers. Klaus kissed her slowly, distracting her with sweetness. With one more thrust, he filled her completely. Inside of her at last, he started to move in long, slow stokes.

At first, they stretched her, bursting her with a strange fullness. She wiggled her hips a little to ease the ache between her legs. His hands cupped her buttocks, positioning her slightly different, never ceasing his movements. No longer so uncomfortable she focused on the new tingly feelings she experienced - the sparking of her nerves throughout her body, the slip of his heated skin on hers, the blood beginning to roar in her eyes.

Klaus buried his head in her neck and his fingers moved between their bodies. She tensed as he sought and found again the bit of flesh that earlier brought her so much enjoyment. With slow motions, he circled and rubbed the erotic spot and she started to see white.

Caroline bucked against Klaus, her hips moving rhythmically. His thrusts between her thighs, his touches, peaked her pleasure higher. She gripped his shoulders, her fingers digging into his flesh. Her breath came in gasps and pants, every part of her trembling and quivering. She was so close to reaching that magnificent place again where the world fell away and nothing existed but her and Klaus. Caroline climbed ever closer to that place, flying higher and higher. Blasts of light sparkled before her eyes, her insides at last exploding to sensations she could no longer control.

Klaus cried out, his warmth filling her and Caroline floated in a cloud of dazzling pleasure. Never experiencing this kind of happiness before, she savored it, not wishing it to end. His mouth found hers and his lips pressed against hers with soft reverent touches. This kiss was different. Unlike, any other they shared before. Sweet and shy, it spoke of a new kind of intimacy between them.

Klaus pulled his mouth from hers, turning to lie on his side next to her. His fingers lightly traced the side of her cheek. "Caroline...my love," he murmured, his voice hoarse.

Caroline smiled at the endearment.

"I swear it will be better for you next time."

Her smile faded. Reality slammed into her world, sending her plummeting back to earth. Next time? Would there be a next time? She still wanted to go home to her family. When she decided to be with Klaus tonight, she hadn't given any thought to the future and what this would mean.

"Klaus —"

He stopped her next words with a kiss. A long, slow one, like he tried to force away her thoughts and what she had been about to say. "We'll talk tomorrow," he murmured against her lips.

Yes, tomorrow. For tonight, she would pretend she could be someone different than who she was. Pretend that he wasn't the son of the Devil and as an Angel she didn't have a duty to Heaven.

Caroline snuggled her head into his chest, ignoring the worries of her heart and the foreboding sense that she would never be this happy again.

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Still here? Thanks for your patience in sticking with this story after such a long time. I stressed out and edited this chapter way too much. Sigh. I sincerely hope it was worth the wait. You can reach me here or on my tumblr. :)