Caroline and Klaus walked to the castle doors, unsure of how to approach the guards.
"What do we say to them?" she asked in a hushed tone.
"We say that we're travelers and looking for a place to stay."
"You mean tell the truth?"
"To an extent…I wouldn't tell them about the spell," he said, like it should have been the most obvious thing in the world. She furrowed her brows.
"Well duh." Caroline shook her head, trying to calm her nerves as they approached where the guards stood. The two were on the large side. They looked muscular enough to protect the castle from intruders without any help. When Klaus and Caroline reached the door, one guard held a sword out to block their path.
"What business do you have with the king and queen?" he said in a monotone voice.
"My friend and I are traveling, but have nowhere to stay," Caroline attempted in her sweetest voice. Maybe he would take pity on her?
The guard's gaze narrowed as he searched them for any hint of dishonesty. His sword dropped though, and his head nodded toward the door.
"Follow me," he told them, before walking to the doors and opening it for them. Caroline looked to Klaus before walking inside.
The three had entered into a long hallway, completely made of stone. A long red carpet lay on the floor, leading to another wooden door. Paintings lined the walls along with many different decorative shields. Klaus and Caroline followed the guard through the next wooden door.
It was like they were truly in a king's castle. The area was massive, with a grand staircase in the dead center as someone walked in. Once on the stairs, a person could go either left and up a flight of stairs, or right up another flight. Who knew what was even up there. She guessed numerous bedrooms.
Downstairs, an exquisite rug covered the wooden floors. More paintings and shields lined the walls. The furniture was simply too breathtaking for words. Everything looked comfortable enough to fall asleep instantly in. A large fireplace could be seen by some of the couches and chairs. Large windows that went from the ceiling to the floor brought in streams of sunlight. There was more that Caroline couldn't see, but she didn't want to leave the guard's sight. Besides, it was already a lot for her to take in. It put Klaus's mansion to shame. Complete…and utter shame.
"Stay close," the guard said sternly. Caroline and Klaus nodded before following him down another corridor, past the stairs and windows that showed any passerby a great view of the lake that surrounded the castle. She really needed to get out of town more.
The guard opened a set of large, wooden doors. Inside, was an open room, with practically no décor on the walls, and had only large windows to bring light into the room. At the opposite end sat two large thrones. A man and a woman sat in each.
"Your majesties, I present two wandering travelers looking for shelter. They seek your help, if you so wish to give it."
"Thank you, Sir Alexander. We shall see them. You may go back to your post," the man said. The guard bowed before making his departure. That left Caroline and Klaus with the rather familiar looking couple.
The woman's hair was long, and as black as night. She wore a dress that was all as white as snow, her hair having been done in tight curls. The queen's eyes held kindness in them though, and her blood red lips were curving up into a smile at the newcomers in front of her. The king looked like he would be a tall man if he were standing. His light brown hair was short, and he was definitely handsome. He looked as if he would be as compassionate as the queen, but he still held a bit of an edge to him, much like her as well. It was like they were two halves of the same soul. Caroline could see why they were together.
"So you two are traveling?" The queen asked them softly, her voice sweet and kind, just like Caroline had suspected.
"Yes. We're far from home, and need a place to stay. This land is unfamiliar to us, and we don't know where to go," Caroline informed her. The king looked skeptical at her answer though.
"Your clothes…they are different from what we've seen. Which kingdom do you come from?"
"Kingdom?" Klaus asked, disbelief apparent as he spoke.
"Yes. Kingdom." The king reiterated.
"Um…your majesty. We don't," Caroline began, but Klaus didn't let her finish.
"We come from the kingdom of Mystic Falls."
"Mystic Falls," the queen said, trying out the new words, "I've never heard of such a place."
"It is far, far away," Caroline said, nodding her head.
"Well you poor things," the queen said sympathetically. She rose from her seat and walked gracefully to Caroline. She gave Klaus a once over as well. "You both look so dirty. And you sir look like you've been in the Enchanted Forest."
"Enchanted forest?" Klaus asked. Caroline was sure her face conveyed the confusion she felt as well.
"Oh my gosh," Caroline exclaimed, everything clicking all at once, "You…your…"
"Snow? Yes, I'm sure you've heard of me from even your kingdom. I guess you know that's my husband then, Prince Charming."
"Snow, I'm a king now," he said, a smile on his face all the while, "and I have a name as you very well know."
"Yes, James. I am aware you have a name. Charming is still my preference," Snow said playfully.
"Do not confuse our visitors, dear. They may call me King James."
"Fine, fine. As it stands, I believe they need a new change of clothes. What are your names?" She asked happily.
Caroline was still stunned as to what she had figured out, but how did she tell Klaus about it when Snow and Charming were in front of her? She shook her head and managed to get her name out. "Caroline. I'm Caroline, and this is Klaus."
"Caroline. What a beautiful name. Well, Caroline, let's get you and your friend some new clothes. I don't know what you two are in, but those don't look very comfortable."
"Thank you, that's very kind. But we-"
"I insist. Gabriel!" Snow looked around, searching for someone. A man appeared from a door beside the two thrones, walking briskly to his queen before bowing.
"Yes ma'am?"
"Take our guest, Klaus, to get fitted for some new clothes. He's been frolicking in the Enchanted Forest it seems, and needs new attire."
"Frolic? I do not fuc-" Klaus said heatedly.
"Klaus! It's okay. The queen is right. We need better clothes for this kingdom," she said pointedly, hopefully conveying subtly that it would help them. If they were going to be here for any length of time, then they needed to blend. He calmed down a little at her expression, nodding tensely as he followed Gabriel behind the door.
Snow took Caroline's hand gently. "Come! We shall find you some fitting clothes. You and your friend may stay for dinner and for the night if you wish."
"That would be wonderful. I can't thank you enough."
"No need, just follow me. I shall find something for you myself," she said cheerfully, taking her to the door opposite the one Klaus and Daniel went through.
They went through a long corridor, through a doorway that led to a spiral staircase, and into a large bedroom. It had a huge four-poster bed, fit for a king and queen. Sheer curtains hung down, barely covering anyone inside up from the outside world. A tall wardrobe stood beside a door that led to what appeared to be a washroom. That was where Snow began rifling through dresses.
"So…why are you really here, Caroline?" Snow asked quietly, as she continued her search. Caroline was taken aback by the frankness.
"What do you mean?" Caroline asked, sitting on a chair placed in the corner.
"I mean your clothing is strange, your friend obviously doesn't know what the Enchanted Forest is, and you both have been lying through your teeth. I can't help you if I don't know the truth," Snow said matter-of-factually. So she had known? And hadn't said anything? Did that mean Charming knew? Caroline sighed, deciding that it had to be safe to trust them, considering who they were.
"I don't think you'll believe me. I still can't wrap my head around what's happening."
"Try me."
"Well…I think…that I come from a different world," she said hesitantly. Snow furrowed her brows, still looking at outfits.
"Okay…please continue."
"I was trying to get away from someone, and my friend…she knows magic."
"The good magic or the bad magic?"
"The good kind. She was trying to help us. My friends and I all got out safe, but something went wrong with the spell she used. Klaus and I got separated from the others, but I'm afraid we may be stuck…here…without a way home."
"But Caroline, we use magic here. How are you so sure you're in another world?"
"Because…I've read about you. In books I've had since I was a child. You were in my storybooks," Caroline admitted quietly.
Snow seemed confused by her confession. "Storybooks?"
"Yes. Like a fairy tale…as in not real."
"As you can see, I'm very real though."
"That's what I don't understand. Nothing makes sense, and I'm so confused your majesty."
"Calm down, child, it's alright. If what you say is true, and you are from some place else, then we should be able to fix this. Like I said, my world has magic."
"You know how to help me?" Caroline said hopefully, but Snow only shook her head.
"No. I don't. However, I am sure I could point you in the direction of someone who would know. First, we have to get you properly dressed. Otherwise you'll stick out like an adult in Neverland."
Snow pulled out a beautiful light blue dress from her closet. She held it out to Caroline, silently asking her to try it on. Caroline did just that, changing in the washroom so Snow couldn't see her. When she came back into the bedroom, she walked over to the full-length mirror and twirled.
The sleeves weren't joined to the shoulder, leaving hers a little bare. The neckline plunged down her chest, showing off a fair amount of cleavage. Brown ribbon hung just below where the open neckline ended, and some also trailed up to her shoulders. The sleeves and the dress itself clung tightly to her body, displaying her curves respectfully. The dress flowed down to her feet, swirling around her when she spun in circles. Snow had also put out brown flats for her to wear with the dress. Everything was absolutely stunning.
"I love it."
"Then it is yours," Snow said smiling.
"Are you sure?" Caroline asked in shock. She was just giving her the dress?
"Of course! Besides, you will need it more than I will. I suspect you have a long journey ahead of you."
"Will this really be good for traveling in though?"
"I have seen women travel in much less suitable attire. I can give you a hunting outfit of mine too, for you to change into when that dress becomes uncomfortable. I have a brown traveling cloak that will surely come in handy too."
"That would be a good back up plan. Thank you so much."
"No problem at all. I will be sure the stable boy brings you one of my horses in the morning to ride as well. And we can pack you with provisions, to hold you over until you reach your destination."
Provisions…oh no! Food! How were Klaus and Caroline supposed to eat when they…well, they needed blood to satiate their hunger? That would have to be something she discussed with Klaus later. This was not good. She didn't remember her storybooks having vampires and hybrids in them. How were they supposed to feed unnoticed?
"Oh! I almost forgot." Snow shuffled over to her bedside table, pulling something out of the drawer. It was a golden necklace with an unidentifiable pendant.
"What is that?" Caroline asked, curious at the gift Snow wanted to give her.
"A necklace with a small bottle of fairy dust attached. This will help you in a pinch, and for any dire situation," Snow said, carefully putting the necklace over Caroline's neck, so that it dangled on her bare chest.
"Thank you…again. For all you've done."
"You are most welcome. Now, tell me…that man…is he with you? Is he your prince?" Snow asked excitedly. Caroline began shaking her hands frantically.
"No, no, no. To be honest, Klaus and I shouldn't even be considered friends. We kind of just got…stuck with each other. I have another prince."
"Oh really?"
"Yes, and I don't know where he is."
"You know…when Charming and I met, he was engaged to another woman!"
"I actually didn't know that." That detail hadn't been in the storybook she read.
"Oh yes. They were engaged, and we met because he caught me stealing from the carriage they were riding in."
"You were stealing?"
"Oh I am quite the spitfire, but it wasn't for evil purposes. I thought it was one of the Evil Queen's carriages. I despise her, and at the time wished to wreck havoc on her in any way possible. Charming caught me though, and chased me down until I was caught in a net that had been set. When we first met…I didn't like or trust him one bit."
"You didn't?"
"Nope. I didn't know that he was my true love. The more time we spent together though, the more I found myself falling for him. It is obvious now that he is a good man, and completely trustworthy. It just took a little time for me to see."
"I think I understand what you're trying to say, but Klaus and I will never be like that."
"Are you sure? He seems quite fond of you."
"How could you tell?"
"By the looks he kept giving you in the throne room. He seems very protective of you. I don't know anything about this other boy of yours, but this Klaus appears to truly care about you. Even if he has a rough exterior."
"You don't know about the things he's done. He's an evil man. Klaus could never really love someone. All he thinks and cares about are his…possessions." Caroline wasn't so sure Snow would understand what a hybrid or vampire was. Then again, Dracula might exist in this world. But that was a risk she wasn't willing to take.
"Then you must open his eyes to what else is possible for him," Snow said smiling, "True love will fix any problem."
"That might work here, but in…my world," she had to keep herself from saying real world, "it doesn't always work. In fact, it rarely does."
"I see. Well, just sleep on it. Maybe you'll reconsider. After all, true love can only work when both parties are actually in love. Not just one."
"Neither of us are in love with each other, so it will never work. I can't be in love with someone like him."
"Okay, okay. Oh! We should get going," Snow said as she got up and took Caroline's hand gently, "Dinner will be ready soon. We should head to the dining hall."
Caroline nodded and walked with Snow down the stairs and through many more hallways before reaching the dining room. A long wooden table almost filled the room up completely. Candles stood in the middle of the table, giving a room a soft glow as the sun began to set outside. Two men stood looking out the window when Snow and Caroline entered. After they turned around, Caroline had to hold back her shock.
One was King James, but the other was Klaus. He had been dressed in this world's clothing as well. He wore a brown vest, or tunic (she wasn't sure what to call it), with light gray sleeves underneath. Over his sleeves were brown leather arm-guards, something that looked like it was for an archer's use. His pants and boots matched his vest, and he looked rather attractive in them.
She realized that Klaus was raking his eyes over her, much like she was doing with him. She had to stop that! Caroline couldn't be doing that with a man who had murdered people! It was unethical!
Klaus snapped out of his daze as well, shaking his head as he walked over to mirror Charming's current actions. He pulled out a chair for Caroline, like King James had done for Snow. Charming sat at the end of the long table, Snow sat to his right, Caroline sat to his left, and Klaus sat beside of Caroline. Snow began filling Charming in on everything she had told Caroline while the dinner was being served. It looked like some sort of cooked bird, with an array of colorful vegetables scattered around it for flavor and appearance. Klaus had given her a stern look after realizing she had divulged some information to Snow, but appeared to visibly relax when he realized not everything had been told.
"Who do you think would be able to help them most? Who could help them find their friends and get home?" Charming asked his wife.
"I considered Rumpelstiltskin, but his services come with a price."
"All magic comes with a price, dear."
"You know what I mean. Perhaps the Mad Hatter could help? Maybe the fairy godmother?"
"The blue fairy?"
"Possibly. The genie?"
"Too tricky. You have to phrase your wish just right with him."
"True. Oh…I'm afraid I don't have as good of an idea as I thought. But maybe…yes! They could go see Grandmother Willow! She'll have an answer."
"Yes, that is a thought. That frisky woman gives me the creeps though."
"She just likes you," Snow teased. Caroline and Klaus looked at each other in confusion. He probably had no idea what was going on. Caroline was just surprised Grandmother Willow actually existed.
"Where does Grandmother Willow live?" Caroline asked.
"In the Enchanted Forest of course. We can get you a map, but I will also send a note to my good friend Red tonight as well. She knows the forest like the back of her hand, and could surely help you navigate it. The forest is large, and can be very dangerous at night. A guide would be useful."
"That would be terrific," Caroline said gratefully. Thank god they had arrived at Snow's castle, rather than the Evil Queen's. That would have been disastrous. Klaus might have fit in more maybe, but still disastrous for her.
"So it is settled? Tomorrow they set off for Grandmother Willow?" Charming asked the group.
Caroline turned to Klaus, searching his face for an answer. He seemed unhappy with the problem they had gotten into, but he nodded his head slowly, agreeing that he would go along with it. Caroline smiled and nodded too, bringing a smile to both Charming and Snow.
"Wonderful. If you will excuse us, Charming and I have business to attend to. Please feel free to stay and eat as long as you like. Caroline, your room is where I got you your dress. Klaus will be staying in the room across from yours," Snow said kindly. Caroline nodded to the couple as they got up and left the dining hall together.
Now Klaus and Caroline were completely alone.
"What in the hell is going on?" Klaus growled, albeit quietly. Caroline bit her lower lip.
"I think we're in a place where fairy tales exist."
"You've got to be kidding me. Fairy tales?" he said in disbelief.
"Yes. Fairy tales. Ones I've read about in books."
"That's the most absurd thing I've ever heard."
"Really? Vampires, werewolves, witches, and hybrids aren't supposed to be real either. Yet, here we are!" she retorted. Klaus's silence was all the answer she needed. Point one for Caroline.
"What does this all mean? How are we supposed to find out what happened to Rebekah and the others?" he asked.
"I guess we visit Grandmother Willow like Snow and Charming suggested."
"Who is Grandmother Willow?"
"Don't you read any fairy tales?"
"Not exactly, love. My dear mother didn't exactly read bedtime stories to my siblings and I as children."
"Right. Well, Grandmother Willow is from the movie Pocahontas. She's a willow tree. I don't know if she would be considered a fairy tale, but apparently, she exists here."
"So we see her, and then what?"
"Then she tells us where to go. This land is full of magic. We just have to find someone who knows how to use it for our needs. And Klaus?"
"Yes?"
"What about food? We can eat the food they give us, but it's not going to quench our thirst. They don't know we're a vampire and a hybrid."
"I prefer humans, but for now, we can go on the Rippah's choice of diets. I'm sure animals live in this Enchanted Forest."
"I guess. It's not like I want to eat Bambi though," Caroline whispered jokingly, but then her eyes widened and she started shaking Klaus's arm frantically, "I don't want to eat Bambi!"
"What? Dammit, Caroline. Calm down," he hissed, "I don't know who fucking Bambi is, but if something starts talking, we'll just walk away. Okay?" Caroline took in a few deep breaths before letting go of his arm and nodding.
"Fine. Yea, that works."
"Good. Are we settled then? Shall we go to bed?"
"I think that would be best," she said quietly, standing up to wait by her chair, "Do you think we'll find them?"
Klaus looked very tired as he shrugged, falling in step beside her. "I don't know. I hope…but I don't know."
"What if we don't find them? What if we never get out?"
"We have to get back. I still have a world to show you," he smirked.
"Seriously? I'm trying to get back home, and all you can do is give me some cheesy line?" Klaus's eyes narrowed as he turned his head away so he wasn't facing her.
"We'll get back. This, I promise you. I won't rest until Esther is gone and my family can once again be together."
"Of course," Caroline sighed.
"What?"
"Nothing, just…nothing. We need to get some sleep. Apparently, we have a big quest to go on tomorrow."
"Right. See you tomorrow, Caroline," Klaus said softly, grabbing her hand as she was turning around to place a gentle kiss on it, "Sleep well."
"You too," she said quietly. Klaus turned on his heels and walked into his bedroom, not once looking back. She shook her head as she walked into her bedroom and closed the door. God he was infuriating. But now she was stuck with him for who knew how long. Hopefully, Grandmother Willow had more answers than Snow and Charming did. Caroline wanted to find Tyler and the rest of them. Maybe if they found Bonnie, she would have an answer to this mess.
What if she wasn't there though? What if her and Tyler and Matt all got zapped to some other place? Or worse? No…she couldn't think like that. They were fine, and would be happy to see Caroline. Just like she was going to be happy to see them. The journey with Klaus wasn't going to be easy, but what choice did she have? She had to work with him, or they would never get back, and they would never find the others. There was no way any good could come from her being with Klaus for so long, but it was necessary, especially in this world.
Only time would tell what obstacles they had to overcome. Or who.
A/N: Hope you guys don't mind me putting Grandmother Willow in this. She is just a sassy tree, and I love her.
Thank you to everyone who reviewed, followed, and put this story in their favorites. I'm excited for it's potential, and hope to meet expectations!
I'm envisioning each chapter to be like a mini adventure, with a different character for each chapter. So feel free to keep giving me characters you might want to see. I have my own ideas, but I have room to put in some requests =)
Also, TVD tonight loves! I'm so excited. Can't wait for more Klaroline scenes.
Next chapter, we meet the Cheshire cat, and somebody else. Who will it be? Tune in to find out!