History Hides the Truth - VI Before the Beast
Summary: TVD Rewrite surrounding Klaroline. Caroline has spent centuries away from her husband after helping her best friend escape him. After finding a new companion in Chicago, she solves his bloodlust problems with a little help and forms a new best friend. In the present Caroline comes to Mystic Falls, eager to assist her best friend find love.
I do not own The Vampire Diaries.
CAROLINE
England 1374
I closed the door behind me with a soft click as I entered the dark hallway. With a candlelit lantern in my hand, I managed to see my way through the house at this late hour.
Outside the night sky was filled with storm clouds bolting down onto the ground. I rested the lantern onto a nearby ledge as I stood undercover watching the rain fall. I thought about when it would end as I missed my parents and little brother. I was awfully grateful for the shelter and clean clothes that was offered to me. Thankfully my drenched hair had dried by the time I retired to the guest chambers.
"Could I be of assistance Lady Caroline?" The sound of pattering water was joined by a deep accent. I turned around with only the candle light revealing my face.
"I am sorry," I apologised. "I could not sleep."
"It is not a problem," Klaus nodded stepping beside me with our shoulders almost touching. "Such a terrible storm, please feel free to stay as long as you like."
"Thank you, I am grateful Lord Niklaus," I smiled softly glancing to his features.
"Klaus, please."
"Then Caroline is fine."
"It is good to finally meet Rebekah's friend. She speaks very high of you," he stated with a soft smile.
"Ah, I am pleased. We have become quite close," I glanced at him once again finding his eyes on me. "What sort of thing does she say?" I inquired, interested in what her brother knew about me.
"Your home resides on the other side of the village with your parents. My sister believes you met after arguing over who would buy a specific gown," I chuckled softly with a nod, confirming his suspicions. "So it is true, seems you and my sister are quite alike."
"Yes, I have found that," I nodded, sometimes it felt like Rebekah was my sister. I did not voice that to Klaus, not wanting to push my way into their family.
"I do believe you have a younger brother named Daniel, enjoy summer walks and throwing balls," he smirked. I got the impression that he was quite proud at the information he had required.
"Very good," I giggled. "You seem to know me quite well. Perhaps you would like to share a few details about yourself?"
"Hmm perhaps I would," he smirked softly. "But I would hate to keep a woman from her beauty sleep."
"I should probably head back to my room. It is just this storm," I glanced back at it once again. "I do hope it lets me sleep."
"I hope so too," he stated with a soft smile. "Let me escort you to your chambers Caroline." I enjoyed the way my name rolled off his tongue.
"Thank you for the offer Klaus, but there is no need," I knew my room was just a few doors down the corridor but still he insisted by offering me his arm.
"But I insist." I glanced at his arm before wrapping my own around his with a soft smile upon my lips. He reached for lantern which allowed us to see our way back.
"Thank you." He nodded displaying a set of dimples as his lips curved. I could not help but stare at his features as we made the short walk back.
"Well I shall bid you goodnight," he spoke softly. I assumed it was to not wake his siblings.
"Thank you for the company," I nodded. "Goodnight Klaus." I walked into the doorway of my room glancing back to him as he handed me the lantern.
"Goodnight love," he smiled softly. I stepped further into my room preparing myself for the rest of the night.
KLAUS
I wiped my lips, removing the woman's blood as her dead body was draped across the dining table.
"Nik! What are you doing?" Rebekah rushed into the room. "Caroline could be downstairs at any moment!"
"Calm yourself sister," I sighed before signalling for a few of the compelled servants to remove the corpse. "See, she is on her way out."
"But you've stained the table cloth! Caroline, doesn't know about us Nik and she doesn't need to find out like this!"
"Perhaps you should lower your voice Rebekah. She may be human but she can still hear," I suggested. "If the presentation of the room is so important Rebekah, then give your order for it to be fixed. I can stall your friend if necessary."
"I'm sure you can." Kol smirked, leaning against a wall by the doorway. "But you'd hate to keep her from her beauty eating." He chuckled, providing me with evidence that my younger brother had overheard my moments with the blonde human last night. "Seems like Nik wants your little friend all to himself."
"Shut up Kol," I growled.
"Perhaps I should court her instead," Kol wondered moving closer to Rebekah and I with a mischievous smirk.
"Why? So you can treat her like one of your other harlots?" I accused him, raising my finger with anger.
"Nik, Kol, please," Rebekah sighed. "She is my friend and you know I don't have many, so please don't ruin this for me." I nodded. I had no intension of ruining anything with Rebekah, I just wanted to spend a little time with her as well.
"Good morning Caroline," I heard my elder brother say in the hallway. It seemed she was downstairs already. "I hope you slept well."
"Good morning," her tone filled my ears as I made my way out of the dining hall. "Yes, thank you." Her eyes connected with mine as I stood beside my brother. "Klaus," she greeted me.
"Good morning love," I smiled softly finding her lips mirroring the position. "Rebekah is in the dining room if you are after her." I extended by arm to direct her to the correct entrance.
"Thank you," she nodded. As she walked passed me, in one of Rebekah's gowns, her sweet fragrance flooded my senses gluing my gaze to her figure before she left the room.
CAROLINE
I had stayed for lunch at the Mikaelsons before announcing my departure. Sitting in between Rebekah and Klaus, I enjoyed a delightful meal with pleasant conversation. I learnt much about my friend's brothers although I did question where their parents were. I instantly regretted it as the room went silent. I was informed about a recent accident which claimed both their lives placing the eldest brother, Elijah, at the head position of the estate.
"Thank you for your hospitality," I smiled softly as I prepared myself for the journey home. "I really appreciate it all."
"You are welcome to stay whenever you need to Caroline," Elijah nodded with a kind tone.
"I do hope you get home safe," Rebekah pulled me into a friendly embrace. "We must meet up again soon when we can rely on the weather to be pleasant," she gave a light chuckle and pulled away from me.
"Yes, and I look forward to it," I expressed before my eyes moved to her older brother.
"I will make sure Caroline has a safe journey," Klaus' voice drew me in. "I am heading in her estate's direction anyway. Theo will be riding out."
"His prize possession," Kol sniggered in my ear. I glanced at him trying to show him I didn't enjoy his close proximity.
"Are you ready Caroline?" Klaus asked kindly, extending his hand for me to take. I nodded.
"Thank you again, I must invite you all over to my home for dinner one day," I offered before taking his warm hand.
"That is a very generous offer," Elijah accepted. "Have a safe journey back."
"See you again Caroline," Rebekah waved happily as I walked away by Niklaus' side. I felt at home there.
He led me towards a carriage pulled by two horses. He released my palm and stroked one of the horses' chocolate coat.
"This is Theo, my horse," he introduced me to the animal that Kol was referring to.
"Intricate markings," I observed glancing down his back.
"Quite," he smiled before helping me into the carriage behind the horseman who sat waiting for his signal.
Soon enough the two horses began to trot away from the manor where my friend resides. I glanced around the area before letting my gaze rest on Rebekah's brother for a moment too long.
"Do you like horses?" He asked me, trying to make conversation. I nodded.
"Yes, we have several at home. I visit them sometimes," I spoke as my lips refused to stop curving.
"Do you ride?"
"Not very well, my mother is appalled by my ability," I chuckled softly. "I am sure it will approve in time."
"I am happy to teach you if you require assistance?" He offered with our gazes never leaving each other's.
"I would like that, thank you," I grinned happily.
"Fantastic," he smirked before leaning forward to speak with the driver.
Virginia Present Day
"Take the next left mate," Klaus' voice erupted the peaceful silence.
In the back of the dark vehicle, I sat scrunched into the door trying to increase the distance between myself and Klaus who sat on the opposite side. His hand continuously reached out to touch my leg. I complained by voicing a disapproving groan causing Stefan to turn around to face me as he sat in the front.
"Oh sweetheart, don't be like that," Klaus stroked my hair like I was a pet. That's all he saw me as now; someone to claim as his own.
"Leave her alone Klaus," Stefan had by back until Klaus gave him a harsh glare.
I had been thinking about the first time I was sat in this situation with him. He was so kind and friendly instead of the beast he had now become. His scent continued to linger in the air which increased the pace of my dead heart which held affections for this monstrous man.
Eventually the vehicle stopped in an airport car park. Klaus climbed out and walked around the car to find Stefan already out.
"Leave her here Klaus. You have me, surely that is enough," Stefan tried to bargain for me once again. I knew my husband wouldn't give in to his pleas. If anything he'd leave Stefan behind to save himself from hearing his constant begs.
"I suggest you hold your tongue Salvatore, you are in no position to speak for her," Klaus' tone was harsh as he raised a finger to him.
The next thing I knew was the door I was leant on was being opened. I shifted my position so I didn't fall out as I felt Klaus' arms enclose around me. I groaned.
"Come here love," he whispered endearingly into my ear as he cradled me in his arms. My head and heart argued internally about whether I enjoyed the action or not.
Soon my feet felt the hard ground so I could stand beside the car. I instantly turned to Stefan with an anxious expression. He stepped closer and wrapped his arms around me as Klaus turned to speak with someone else about some information.
"I'm sorry Caroline," he whispered and I nodded resting my head in my best friend's chest. I brought my left hand to his shoulder before he spoke again. "Your ring…it has switched fingers." His observation caused me to pull away from him and glance at the gem. It was probably time to confess.
"It's not just a daylight ring Stefan…" My eyes stayed glued to the stone as my fingers touched it. "It's my…wedding ring." I glanced up to him, with apologetic features, finding his eyes widened slightly. "I married centuries ago, and then I ran from him." I explained on a simple level.
"Why didn't you tell me?" His tone questioned our friendship over the past century.
"I tried to move on with my life, but he won't let me," I sighed bowing my head slightly.
"Who?"
"The secret's out then love," Klaus returned to the scene wrapping an arm around me. His gaze moved to Stefan who watched us closely, "Stefan mate, let me introduce you to the Mrs Niklaus Mikaelson."
Stefan was speechless. Many emotions flooded across his face at once showing me how betrayed he felt. My lips frowned in response as I tried to pull from my husband but his grip tightened. I tried to hold back the tears as I felt the loss of one of my closest friends.
A/N Seriously I cannot believe the response! Thank you so much for all your reviews! Please keep sending me them, I love hearing your thoughts.