Hello lovely readers! Thank you for your positive response for this story, particularly those who took time to review! I am so excited that I just had to get the second chapter out-it's a bit shorter and more of a filler chapter, but I hope you enjoy it all the same. Happy reading!
Chapter Two
Caroline awoke to a tickling sensation, feeling a small draft from her window caressing her face. Stretching and stifling a yawn, she snuggled deeper into the covers and closed her eyes, unwilling to leave the comfort of her bed to start her usual routine. All of a sudden, she sat bolt upright, brushing her blonde tendrils out of her face as last night's events came rushing back to her. The decree stated that the guards were to collect the eligible women this very morning!
Throwing the woolen blanket and sheets off her body, Caroline scrambled out of bed and into the kitchen, fixing herself a quick breakfast of eggs, cheese, and an apple. Sitting down at the table, she mentally ran a list of items she would need to pack for her week-long stay at the Mikaelson castle. Not that she had much to pack. Despite their magic, the witches of Mystic Falls were no strangers to poverty, largely due to swindling and threats from the vampires who cared little for their comfort.
Still shoveling cheese into her mouth, Caroline decided a bath would help relieve the tension she felt as well as cleanse her body. Entering the bathroom, she was surprised to see Stefan already there, drawing a bath. Turning around and straightening up from his task, Stefan shot her a small smile. "I hope you don't mind that I drew this for you. I've been awake for some time already, and I thought to myself, who knows? This might be my future queen I'm serving," he chuckled jokingly.
Caroline laughed. "Of course I don't mind, Stefan. Although we both know there is no possible way that I would be selected," she said, her expression suddenly grave, shivering at the thought of being the wife of King Niklaus.
Stefan's expression softened. "Do not underestimate yourself, Care. You would make a wonderful and just queen."
"At what cost, Stefan? My freedom? Leaving you forever? Not to mention a husband who has committed atrocities I can only dream of," Caroline replied, her voice melancholic. She was quickly becoming emotional, overwhelmed with the thought of leaving home, and let out a shaky laugh that almost sounded like a sob. I don't want to cry in front of Stefan. I can't be weak…I don't want to be weak. I must be strong and make him proud of me. She lifted her chin and managed to regain some semblance of control. "I thank you for your unwavering confidence in me, Stefan, but I shall cross that bridge when I come to it. Which is hopefully never," she added in jest. She shoved Stefan out of the bathroom playfully. "Now the possible-future queen demands that you leave her to take her bath."
"As you wish, Your Grace!" Stefan made a great show of bowing to Caroline, grabbing her hand and kissing it fondly.
Caroline giggled. "Now leave me in peace, Salvatore, before I have your hands for a trophy!"
Stefan's face contorted in horror. "Y-yes, Oh Mighty Queen! I am but a slave to your every whim!" With that, he ran out of the room and slammed the door, grinning to himself as he heard Caroline's triumphant laugh.
Caroline emerged sometime later, freshly bathed, with her lovely curls tamed in a long braid down her back and wearing her most becoming gown. It was a light sea-green, with long sleeves and pretty white flowers embroidered into the bodice. She figured that although she was poor, that was no excuse to not look as presentable as possible. After all, she was staying with royalty.
Stefan looked at his young cousin fondly, thinking she had never looked prettier. "Katherine and Elena will be here soon to accompany you to the city square; that's where the guards will escort you to the castle. Are you packed yet?" he asked her.
"Yes, I am just about ready," Caroline replied. She set her leather satchel that held her small amount of clothing, shoes and accessories down by the door. Reaching for her warm forest green cloak that hung on a peg by the door, she made to fasten it around her neck when Stefan interrupted.
"Here, let me do that," he offered. Caroline chuckled softly. Stefan, ever the sweet gentleman. How can I leave him and do this alone?
"Well…I suppose this is goodbye, for now," Caroline said finally, her voice slightly strained. She felt that she was about to break down, but she wanted to stay strong for Stefan's sake if not her own.
"Caroline, before you leave, I must tell you something of great importance," he said, catching Caroline's bright blue eyes with his own and giving her a serious look.
"Yes, Stefan?" she replied with a nervous voice.
Stefan clasped her hands in his and gave her a reassuring squeeze. "This may come as a surprise to you, but you are the only witch of eligible age that will be entering this competition."
Caroline's eyes widened. "Wh-what?" she stuttered. "But…but how is that possible?" she wondered, her brow furrowed in confusion. Surely there must be other witches involved?
"Think about it, Care. Do you have any witch friends your age?" He asked.
Caroline frowned, searching her brain for names and faces, but she eventually shook her head.
Stefan smiled sadly. "There are so few of us left because of the vampires, and most witches and warlocks are much older than you and I, or have fled the city altogether in fear. This decree included the witches for the sake of appearances, as a farce, to give an illusion of justice and equal representation—or at least that is my opinion. But I need you to promise me something, Caroline." His grip tightened on her hands.
"Promise you what?" Caroline whispered.
"I need you to promise me that no matter what happens, you will not reveal to anyone inside the castle that you are a witch. You could become a target to the other vampire competitors, not because you are human, but because they could exploit your magic. Just keep your head down and keep vervain on you at all times. Here."
He handed her a small leather pouch, containing small vials of the precious vervain water. "Ingest this daily so it will stay in your system. And I think it is time I give you this."
From his pocket, he produced a thin silver necklace with a small pendant of deep blue stone overlaid with silver. "The blue stone is called lapis lazuli. This belonged to your mother. I managed to rescue it out of the fire that your parents died in," he said softly. "I have waited for the right moment to pass it on to you. It has vervain in it and as long as you wear it, it will protect you from compulsion," he continued as he walked behind Caroline, brushing her braid back and fastening the clasp around her neck.
Caroline's lip trembled. "It's beautiful, Stefan." She had vague memories of her mother, but before now had no keepsake to remember her by. She closed her eyes, her throat closing up as she willed the pain away, burying it deep within her heart. Now is not the time for weeping, she told herself sternly. Opening her eyes, she caught Stefan regarding her with a mixture of concern and worry in his dark eyes.
"I have already asked Katherine and Elena to keep a close eye on you and protect you. Promise me you will not reveal yourself, Caroline," he pleaded.
"Of course I promise…but I'm terrified, Stef" she whispered. "You have been my protector for as long as I can remember. How can I do this without you?" Caroline cried, her restraint on her emotions cracking. Abandoning her façade of strength, she threw her arms around Stefan's neck and sobbed into his white shirt. Stefan embraced her fiercely, tucking his chin over her head affectionately.
After a few minutes when Caroline was calming down, he cupped his hands around her face, his thumbs wiping away the tears that were still slowly trailing down her cheeks. "Shh, it's alright, dear one," he soothed her, reverting to his pet name for her when she was younger. "I will always protect you. But nothing happens by chance. You were chosen to undergo this ordeal alone for a reason. In time, it will become clear to you what that reason may be, but for now, you need to trust yourself and your strength to carry you through it."
Caroline took a deep, steadying breath. "You are wise beyond your years, cousin," she half-smiled through her drying tears.
Just then, a knock at the door announced the arrival of the Gilbert twins. Stefan embraced her once final time, rubbing her back gently, before releasing her. "Now, go show the world what Caroline Forbes is capable of," he grinned at her, striding over to answer the door. Caroline squared her shoulders and followed him.
Well, here goes nothing.
Mysic Falls' city square was located close to the center of the city, a good two mile walk on foot from Caroline's home in the witches' neighborhood. Elena had arranged for the three friends to ride on the back of a vegetable cart to avoid the walk, which none of them had the desire or energy for in their current state of anxiety. The twins had also dressed in their finest clothes, Elena wearing a lavender dress with matching violet-colored belt, and Katherine in a more daring scarlet dress with a low neckline and a belt of gold. After arranging their belongings in the back of the cart, the girls sat on the edge, each observing the buildings and people passing by. They soon left the humble witches' sector for the more ornate structures of the rest of Mystic Falls: beautiful stone buildings, various shops and street vendors, and citizens dressed in richer fabrics.
Caroline was deep in thought, having never left the witches' sector before and taking in all the sights and sounds enveloping her, when Katherine interrupted her musings.
"Listen, Care, we know Stefan told you not to reveal your identity as a…well…you know," she said quietly, looking around to make sure no one in the street had overheard.
"Yes, he told me. You two are supposed to help protect me, he said," Caroline replied just as quietly.
"As if Stefan had to ask for us to keep our best friend safe," Elena's voice dripped with sarcasm, shooting Caroline a grin.
The blonde grabbed her best friends' hands and squeezed, showing them her gratitude.
"Thank you both," she whispered.
"Don't thank us just yet. We've discovered a slight problem. Vampires will be able to tell that you are human by the scent of your blood, especially since you will be the only witch among the competitors," Katherine stated seriously.
Caroline's eyes widened. She had certainly not thought of that. How could Stefan miss that?
Elena continued, "Luckily, Kat and I have concocted a credible explanation should anyone discover your humanity: just explain to them that you were passing through the city square and were accidentally rounded up with the others in all the confusion. Besides, your scent will most likely be difficult to detect when you will be constantly surrounded by the smell of vampires" she added.
Caroline nodded. "That makes sense. Even so, I can only hope no one will question me," she said. She could feel the stirrings of fear rising up within her chest, straining to overtake her faculties.
"We will keep you safe, Caroline. No one messes with Katherine Gilbert's best friend and lives!" Katherine nudged her, trying to cheer her up and lighten the mood.
"Indeed. God help the poor soul who crosses Katherine Gilbert," Caroline nudged back, giggling. "Your wrath knows no bounds!"
"And don't you forget it, either!" Katherine said loudly, swinging her legs back and forth.
Laughing, the trio forgot their troubles for a little while, chatting animatedly as the city passed by. After a short while, however, the cart began to slow rather abruptly, throwing the girls off-balance in the process in a tangle of limbs.
Detaching herself from the other two, Elena sat up and turned around, craning her neck. "Kat, Care! Look! We've arrived!"
Please review and let me know your thoughts! I apologize for the lack of Klaus, but don't worry, all in good time :)