Damon

"Who started all this?"

Saltzman bend down and removed my shoes. "The guards caught them in time. However, one got away. Their identities are still unknown." He placed them down and stood up.

"Did you see them?"

Saltzman nodded and handed a filled wine glass to me. I took a sip. "Can you guess who they are?"

He hesitated for a moment before answering. "...While the guards dragged them away, I swore I saw a burned mark on one of their necks...A burned mark written in initials, M.F. You know very well than I do who their leader is."

I lowered the glass down. "Klaus Michaelson. And all this time I thought he remained hidden in France...I am guessing those initials stand as Mystic Falls. Am I correct?"

"Yes, sire."

"You told me all there is in Mystic Falls is just a lousy saloon with a crowd of gypsies. I don't see why Klaus would be in charge of such a place."

Saltzman looked at me uneasily. I handed him the wine glass, and he took it with an almost trembling hand. "Is there something else you're not telling me, Alaric?"

"Your majesty this isn't something you should be taking lightly. I fear Michaelson is forming a rebellion there in Mystic Falls. And unfortunately, it is not just gypsies and thieves serving him, many of your people are also involved - villagers, farmers, including servants who once worked here in the palace. Those men the guards capture, for example, I recognize them as last Christmas kitchen servants."

I nodded. "That is a problem. Make sure you send word that those prisoners will be questioned within two days. But during those short days I will allow great torture upon them, if one of them dies, I could care less. Just make sure one man remains alive."

"Yes, sir."

Saltzman turned to leave.

"Wait."

He turned around. "Yes?"

"I need you to go visit the harem again. Inform Elena Gilbert that she is welcome to attend court. After her amusing performance tonight, it will be entertaining to watch her do something more regrettable again."

"Yes, sir."

"You may go. I no longer need your assistance. Good night."

Saltzman turned around and headed toward the door. But suddenly he stopped and came back to me. "Sir if I may, I don't like the idea of bringing her to court. Some of your guests were not very amused as you were back at the feast."

I smiled. "That's what I like about her. I never liked those men in the first place, especially Wallace. There are many times I am tempted to yell at their faces, or throw them out of my palace. But seeing such a woman torture them for me ease my thirst of annoyance and irritation. Just do as I say, Alaric. I know what I am doing."

He urged. "But sir, it is unlikely of you to order an invitation for a simple court woman. Usually, those arrangements are done by someone else. I don't mean to offend you in anyway, sir. But in my eyes I see you have interest toward her, and you seem to forget you must never be with such a woman with that kind of reputation. You are a king. The father of this nation. Please remember to be careful of the decisions you make and the people you acquaint with."

"Alaric, the two of us promised to interact comfortably when no one is present. But right now you crossed the line by that promise; I told you I know what I am doing. I am shocked you call me a blind idiot who is just recklessly doing as I please."

Saltzman opened his mouth to protest. But I spoke in time to silence him. "I know you didn't mean it that way. But be careful, my friend, that you are speaking to me, your king. You may leave. And don't forget of my request. Good night."

He sighed, and slowly turned away to the doorway.

Klaus Michaelson that little devil. I hadn't heard from him over seven years. After everything he did in the past, he still has the stomach to dare enter my country. I remember him clearly like a book. The way he looks. The way he operates. The things he done for me. The mistakes he made that tore us apart...My friendship with him that tore my family apart.

Klaus and I lied down on the grass, with a fine feast arranged on a widespread picnic basket beside us.

I threw a grape in my mouth. "Is your father well?"

"Oh he's fine. One blow in the ribs doesn't stop him from winning the tournament."

I chucked. "The crowd was laughing hysterically when your father just leaped up on his feet with a smile curved on his lips after being plunged down with the spear."

Klaus smiled. "I was worried when he fell. I thought father lost, but when he got up on his feet, I wanted to slap myself to ever thinking that one strike will stop him from losing."

"Mind if I join you?" A voice asked.

The two of us shielded our eyes from the sun, and looked up. It's Stefan. We sat up straight.

"Ah, brother. What are you doing here?"

Stefan shrugged. "Just wanted to join you. May I?"

I nodded. "Of course, brother. Please, sit down."

When Stefan sat down, I turned my head to Klaus. He looked uncomfortable and annoyed as he watched Stefan snatch an apple off the fruit bowl. I never thought it was a problem with Stefan being with my friends. But I am regretting my decision for letting him just sit down, I never knew that Klaus was uncomfortable of Stefan's presence.

I cleared my throat. "So brother, what were you doing?"

He munched on the apple and swallowed. "I was in the library with father. But he fell asleep again, so I just stepped out to take a walk. I spotted Rebekah by the way, but I just wanted to be with you two instead."

I raised an eyebrow. "You saw Rebekah? Why didn't you stay with her instead? I'm sure she would want some company as much as you do."

Stefan lowered the apple. "I always spend time with her. I just miss spending some time with you. You don't mind do you?"

Both Klaus and Stefan looked at me. I'm trapped. I haven't the slightest idea who to choose. If I choose to help Klaus, I will hurt my brother with my harsh words and actions. I wouldn't want him to think I am uncomfortable or embarrassed for him to be near my friends. However, if I choose Stefan then it will be too hard for Klaus to come here and see me...I love Stefan. But Klaus has always been so good to me – listening to what I have trouble with, and advice me with my problems...My tongue is tangled to such people I truly care about...

"Go to Rebekah. I'm sure she will be comfortable being near you."

Stefan's face fell. "What? Are you saying you are not comfortable being near me?"

I nodded. "Yes. Are you deaf? You heard what I said, go to her. I want to spend some time alone with Klaus, if you don't mind."

Klaus' face changed with a smile. I just looked at him, avoiding Stefan's heartbroken face.

"All r-right, then. I'm sorry for embarrassing you, brother..." He stood up and walked away in quick speed.

My heart is pounding, I could taste the bitter guilt in my mouth. The shiver in my spine rising to my neck. I am just dying to say something, anything that could get my mind off what I just did.

"H-how is your s-s-sister?"

Klaus reached for his wine glass. He lowered his eyes down at it silently. "Oh. Same as usual...She eats. She sleeps. She annoys me. And when we come here she starts off with your baby brother."

I curved a shaky smile. "Do you see a future for those two lovebirds?"

He shook his head. "I hope not." He continued to stare at the glass. The disappointment and worry in his eyes returned.

I placed a hand on his shoulder. "My friend, what is the matter? Do you hate Stefan too much for you to bear?"

"Damon you are my friend. One of the people I truly trust. I hope you won't be offended what I have to say."

"Of course, be free to tell me anything."

He hesitated for a moment, but slowly started to speak. "Damon, I like your brother very much. He is a good lad, strong, and young. God knows my sister instantly agrees by my words as well. However, I do not want your brother...Well, I do not wish for my sister to be in a future with the royal family."

I nodded. "That's understandable, Klaus."

"You know better than I do of what Rebekah's life will be like. She is still young and naïve to understand; blinded by all the fine clothing and rich jewelry she could own, and the grand respect she will receive to complete strangers. However, if your brother and Rebekah marry, then she will go through an unpleasant life just to keep her reputation clean for his sake, and people in court will encourage her to help her husband be in line to be king...I apologize to speak to you in such a way, my friend. But this is the truth I speak, and the truth that will happen if my sister ever marries Stefan."

I am speechless and feel like a fool for not thinking about this before. It will be hard on Rebekah to live such a life, even though she may be in love with Stefan. Besides its not easy for myself to live this kind of life either. People in court gossip about my friendship with Klaus, how it is showing shame to the upper class and that befriending commoners will bring danger to the royal family. Although his father is a famous war hero, a low birth will always remain in their status, no matter what kind of colossal achievement that may be accomplished. The worst part is that there are no options to settle the situation without tears and sorrow. If Klaus and I let those two get married, they will go through a difficult marriage in the social world. If the two of us tell them they must separate, and inform them their relationship is no longer possible, then they would be furious and upset to hear such horrid words of their relationship. Either way, Stefan and Rebekah must be married according to their status. I just wish I was more aware of such a possible situation from the beginning. It is my mistake to allow my brother to be so open to a woman who is not possible to be with.

I covered my face with my hands. "I feel like a fool. I never realized this."

"No. No Damon this isn't our fault. It is our fault for being so blind to allow our siblings to fall in love."

"Is this the reason why you dislike Stefan?"

"Dislike isn't the word I would use, but uneasy and uncomfortable are better definitions of my feelings when both our siblings are together."

I was very fortunate when Stefan forgave me of my stupid behavior I acted toward him during the past. Never have I felt so happy and relieved when Klaus was gone from my life. The horrible mistakes he done still haunts me, in my dreams and my thoughts. But the past cannot return to the present. My only concern now is that Klaus will ruin me and Stefan again, but in a more advance, brutal level. I must be prepare for it. I vowed to myself that Klaus will never ruin me again. And that vow I will never break. Ever.