Fixing Mistakes
Chapter 9 - Accepting Fate
Will you be my wife. The phrase echoed in Caroline's head, stuck on an endless loop as all she could do was stare at her daylight ring in a state of shock. How could Klaus possibly have her daylight ring? It had been missing since the moment she had set foot in the past. Had Klaus found it?
"Caroline?" Klaus was starting to panic at the silent Caroline. She had been staring at the ring he had placed in her palm for several minutes with a shocked look on her face, "Is there something wrong?"
Caroline continued to stare at the ring, "Where..." She licked her lips before finally looking up at Klaus, "Where did you get this?"
"The ring?" Klaus asked.
Caroline nodded.
Klaus was unsure why Caroline was asking about the ring but he answered her question anyway, "I bought it from a merchant on the market." Misinterpretating why she had asked him, he reassured her, "It is not stolen. I can assure you that I indeed buy it."
"That is not why I asked." Caroline replied, she took the ring between her fingers and brought it up to her face for a closer look, "I used to have a ring similar to this."
"Do you not like the ring?" Klaus asked, his heart sinking at having no answer from Caroline.
"I love it." Caroline responded in a soft voice. She had grown to love her daylight ring after time, so much so that she felt almost naked without it on her finger these past few months.
"Then why do you still hesitate? Why have you not answered my proposal?" Heartbreak began to show in Klaus's eyes as he spoke with Caroline. He needed her answer soon or he would be devastated.
Caroline's heart ached as she heard the barely disguised hurt in Klaus's voice. He wanted an answer from her and it was on the tip of her tongue. She had just assumed that the witch or whatever that brought her here had just left her to live out the rest of her days in the past. But what if that wasn't the case. What if she could be ripped away from Klaus at a moments notice. She would leave him heartbroken and alone, never knowing what happened to her, his wife. Could she risk his and her own happiness on the hope that she would stay here until she died, or did she rip out his heart now on the fear that one day she may be sent back. Then again, what if it never happened? What if Caroline subjected them to the acutest kind of heartbreak and she never left. She would have to watch Klaus move on with another girl while she dwelled on her own misfortune. The possibilities were endless, her choice however was simple. Hope or fear. The choice was hers.
Tears filled Klaus's eyes at Caroline's silence. He obviously had his answer. While he may love her with every single beat of his heart, she did not. Swallowing hard he gazed at the floor, unable to look upon her beautiful face for fear of the pain it would cause him, "I am sorry, Miss Caroline." He turned and began walking toward the entrance of the cave, "For thinking I ever deserved a love like you."
Caroline felt a pain rip through her heart at Klaus's words and the desolation clear in his voice. He thought she was about to tell him no. Swallowing her remaining fear she ran to him, "Klaus!"
Klaus hesitated at Caroline's voice, every bone in his body demanded that he run away from her, run far and never look back. However, it was Caroline and no matter the pain it would cause him he would grant her one last moment. One moment where she would either cause irreparable damage to his heart or bring him the greatest joy he will ever know. He turned around and slowly lifted his gaze to meet hers.
"I am scared." Caroline confessed, unshed tears clinging to her lashes, "Scared of losing you and I'm scared of loving you. My heart is fragile and I don't know if it could survive anymore heartbreak."
"Do you believe that I would ever leave you?" Klaus asked, incredulous that Caroline could ever believe that, "Because that is untrue." Klaus took Caroline's hand and held it against his chest, "I could never leave you, the thought would never even enter my mind. I love you so much and all I wish is for you to love me half as much as I love you."
"Do not doubt that I love you, Klaus, because I do." Caroline raised her other to cup Klaus's jaw, "So very much." She bit her lip as insecurity gripped her, "But you do not know everything about me."
"I will learn." Klaus vowed, hope entering his eyes for the first time since he asked for her hand, "I will spend forever learning every single thing about you."
Caroline breath caught, Klaus's speech made her heart thump in her chest, his words were so sweet. It made her hope that they could do this, that maybe she would never have to leave and could spend her life with the man she loved. Perhaps one day she could be honest with him and reveal just when she was from.
"So..." Klaus took the ring from between Caroline's fingers and sank to his knees, "Caroline," he held her hand in his and placed the ring on the tip of her finger, "will you allow me to spend our life together learning everything about you as you learn all there is to know about me." Gathering his courage he repeated, "Will you be my wife?" He held his breath for her answer.
Caroline looked once more at her daylight ring and then back into Klaus's hopeful stare, "I will." She chose hope.
Klaus's shoulders sagged with relief, a wide bright smile covered his lips as he slid her ring the rest of the way along her finger. When it was firmly in place he brought her hand to his lips and he kissed the ring.
It felt like coming home, the moment her ring was slid on her finger Caroline felt complete, her ring was back where it belonged albeit on another finger than she usually wore it. As she gazed at her returned ring a smile grace her lips, I am engaged. To Niklaus Mikaelson, she giggled with joy and disbelief, I will be Caroline Mikaelson. That sounded right to her so she repeated it out loud, "Caroline Mikaelson."
Klaus eyes shone bright with utter happiness at hearing Caroline speak her future name. Two words were enough to make him smile with joy. He had feared that he would spend the rest of his life alone, or stuck in a tug of war with Elijah for Tatia's affections, a war he knew that neither he nor Elijah would have ever won as Tatia was incapable of giving her heart to any one man. The moment he saw Caroline his destiny was forever changed. He had been bewitched from their very first meeting, she was a beautiful angel that he would never deserve and yet she had picked him to bask in her love. He would never cause her to doubt the depth of his love and devotion. He would worship and cherish her for the rest of his days.
Klaus and Caroline spent the rest of the day exploring the caves and discussing their future together before returning to their village as night fell.
"Goodnight, my love." Klaus kissed Caroline's cheek, after walking her to her home.
"Night." Caroline smiled at Klaus before entering Ayana's home.
"I see you have acquired some new jewellery since you've been gone." Ayana gestured at the ring adorning Caroline's finger, "I take it that you and Niklaus..." She left the question hanging for Caroline to answer.
"Yes." Caroline answered, a grin covering her face as she thought of Klaus, "Niklaus asked me to be his wife and I accepted."
"Was that wise, child?" Ayana questioned.
"What do you mean?" Caroline asked, unsure of Ayana's meaning.
"You are not from this time, Caroline." Ayana replied, not wanting to bring Caroline's mood down but she felt she must ask, "What if you were sent back?"
"But what if I'm not?" Caroline asked, her voice choked with emotion, "I decided to take a risk. I may leave or I may stay forever." She closed her eyes and shook her head, a sad smile on her lips, "All I know is that I will spend whatever time I have here with the man I love."
Ayana narrowed her eyes, "Did you not think how it would effect Niklaus if you were to suddenly disappear."
"Yes, I did." Caroline answered, "I agonized over it. I hesitated so long Niklaus thought my answer was no."
"When it was in fact the opposite?" Ayana asked, shaking her head at the pain she was sure Klaus would be in soon. Caroline was not meant to be here and sooner or later the Spirits would return her to where she belonged.
Caroline walked over to Ayana and took her hand in hers, "I am so very thankful that you took me in when Mikael threw me out." She squeezed the hands encased in hers, "That means everything to me." She briefly glanced down before continuing, "I don't need you to accept my choices but it would mean a lot to me if you could."
Ayana smiled at Caroline, "I will accept your choices as long as YOU accept their consequences."
"I have." Caroline had already accepted that, she knew very well their could be consequences to her choice, hurt feelings or even bloody consequences. She chose hope, the hope that her and Klaus could work. While also deliberately forgetting about the immortality spell that could be performed at anytime.
"Very well then." Ayana smiled briefly at Caroline, "I will accept your choices but keep in mind my objections."
Caroline nodded her head eagerly, "I will not forget, Ayana."
Ayana tilted her head in acknowledgement before going back to her reading. Esther and herself were still searching for a spell to protect the children from Mikael's wrath.
Caroline snuggled under the blanket letting the heat and the dancing light from the fire lull her into a peaceful slumber.
"It is almost time for you to return, Caroline"
"Your task is near completion."
"Your bond is almost unbreakable."
"Your love strong."
"Soon."
"The mistakes will be fixed."
"Ah!" Caroline gasped awake, her eyes flying open as she sat upright. She breathed heavily, her heart pounding in her chest at the dream she'd just had. It was strange, she was in a chamber, an alter of water nearby and a nearly six foot mirror in front of her. As she'd got lost in her own reflection she swore she briefly saw Klaus in it. Before she could explore that thought more, two echoey, powerful, authoritarian voices spoke. It said things about returning, tasks, bonds, love, and mistakes. What the hell kind of dream was that? Was is it her subconscious fears or something else?
Wrapping her blanket tighter around herself Caroline walked toward the window. Looking outside she noticed that it was still dark except for a few pinkish rays, the Sun barely peaking above the horizon.
Caroline decided to return to her room and go back to sleep. It was early, too early for even this times early risers. Feeling exhausted she slipped between the sheets and fell back to sleep, undisturbed by dreams.
The next day Klaus and Caroline gathered his family; bar Mikael, at Ayana's to announce their news.
Once all of them were settled Caroline began, "We have brought you all here to announce some news."
Klaus took Caroline's hand in his as he revealed, "I asked Caroline to be my wife," he looked at Caroline and smiled widely at her, "and she accepted."
Esther smiled, "That is wonderful news, Niklaus." She hugged first Caroline, then Klaus, "I am happy for you both."
"Thank you, mother." Klaus eyes held tears as he thanked Esther.
Esther cupped Klaus's face, "You are welcome, my son."
Rebekah squealed with joy, "I can call you sister!" She wrapped her arms around Caroline and held her tight, "You already feel like one to me."
"Bit too tight, Rebekah." Caroline squeezed as all the oxygen in her lungs was squeezed out.
Rebekah let go, a blush on her cheeks, "Sorry!"
"It was nothing." Caroline laughed once before becoming serious, "I want you to stand beside me."
Rebekah's whole face brightened with happiness, "It would be my honor."
Kol joined Caroline and Rebekah, "Are you certain that you wish to be attached to my brother?" He winked at her and smirked, "I am still available, darling, and more than willing to run away with you."
"I'm sure you would." Caroline giggled, "But I am very happy with Niklaus."
"It is your loss." Kol shook his head with mock sadness, "I must find another to give my heart."
Caroline patted Kol's shoulder, "And I will feel sorry for that girl."
"Hey!" Kol pouted, he puffed his chest out, "I am a great catch."
"Sure you are." Caroline giggled.
"Woman are practically falling through our door in pursuit of you." Rebekah laughed.
"I do not see many of your suitors, sister." Kol crossed his arms, huffing in annoyance.
Rebekah lost her smile, "You are too self absorbed for any self respecting girl to be interested in you." She narrowed her eyes at Kol, "You are more likely to stare at your own reflection than pay attention to anyone else."
"Okay!" Caroline got in between Kol and Rebekah, placing her hands on each of their chests, "No need for a fight. This is mine and Niklaus's day to celebrate." She pointed her finger at Kol in warning, "Do not ruin it."
Kol withered under Caroline's glare. Shifting from foot to foot he nodded his head, "I will behave."
"Good." Caroline was pleased, she loved Kol and Rebekah like they were her own family but their sniping did get on her nerves.
"Sorry, Caroline." Rebekah was chagrined, she did not want to act like the child her father accused her of being but Kol was so infuriating. He knew just where to push to get a rise out of her.
"It is forgiven." Caroline smiled at Rebekah and hooked her arm in hers, "Now, let's talk about ideas for our dresses."
Rebekah happily talked to Caroline about all the fabrics and ribbons that were on offer. As none of this interested Kol, he quickly congratulated Klaus and snuck out to find something more interesting to do.
"Congratulations, Niklaus." Finn gave Klaus a firm hug and pat on the back, "You have picked a fine woman."
"Thank you, Finn." Klaus smiled at Finn, happy that his family approved of Caroline.
Elijah joined them, "I am happy for you, Niklaus." He smiled as he glanced at Caroline, "She will bring you a lifetime of happiness."
Klaus grinned after following Elijah's sight line to see his beautiful bride to be laughing, "I am a very lucky man."
"Yes, you are." Elijah agreed, then he smiled at his brother and placed his hand on Klaus's shoulder, "And she is a lucky woman to have you."
Klaus choked up with emotion at Elijah's words, "Thank you, Elijah."
"It is the truth." Elijah stated, Caroline was as lucky to have Klaus as he was to have her.
"I have a question for you." Klaus smiled, "Would you stand beside me?"
Elijah bowed his head, "I would be honored."
Klaus and Elijah joined Caroline and Rebekah where they chatter together, laughter flowing freely between them.
Esther watched her family, they were so happy at this current moment and it warmed her heart to witness. Caroline would make a wonderful addition to her family and would be a excellent wife for Klaus. She frowned. Mikael would not think so, he would not be pleased to hear of Klaus's engagement. Her eyes met Ayana'a and she gestured with her head for them to go outside.
Esther waited outside for Ayana to join her. Klaus's engagement spurned her on even more to protect her family against Mikael's hatred.
Ayana stepped outside to stand beside Esther, "What is it?"
"Have you found any spell that can help me protect my family?" Esther asked.
Ayana folded her hands in front of herself, "There is a spell but it is something that must not be used."
"We must use it!" Esther cried in desperation, "I have to protect them."
Ayana shook her head, "No we do not need to use it." She frowned at her friend as she explained, "It uses the very darkest of magics and must never be used again!"
"Again?" Esther perked up at hearing this, "Whom has used it before?"
"I cannot say." Ayana had already said too much, no one must know of her ancestor Qetsiyah's Immortality spell, the spell she used on the man she was about to marry, Silas. On their wedding day when she drank the elixir she realised that Silas had used her and had already used the potion on himself. He intended to give the elixir meant for Qetsiyah to his real love, Amara. Her ancestor was betrayed, in her anger she killed Amara, let Silas find her and imprisoned his body on an Island where no one could find him. Ayana could not allow anyone to use that spell.
Esther grabbed hold of Ayana's arm, "Ayana, please! You must help me."
"No, Esther!" Ayana ripped her arm away from Esther's grip, "It is against nature." She walked toward the door, turning her head to state, "Find another way." She entered her home.
Esther glared after Ayana. She couldn't believe that Ayana had some spell that could protect her family and she refused to share it. Not for long, Esther thought, I will get that spell!
Long after everyone had fallen asleep Esther left her home and crept through the village until she reached Ayana's home. As she had been here many times before she knew her way around. Silently she searched the front room until she found Ayana's grimoires. She searched through them until she found what she was looking for. Pulling out her own book she copied the spell before putting the grimoires back and silently leaving Ayana's to return to her own home.
Ara turned to Nera, "The time approaches."
Nera nodded her head, "Soon, sister, very soon."
TBC
AN - What do you guys think? This is more of a filler chapter, the real action is in the next one. Until next time X X X