Robin Hood + Klaroline. This was my Klaroline AU Week contribution which never made it to the deadline (not surprisingly).
Everything I do
"Get off your lazy backside," Klaus chided, poking his youngest brother in the leg with his archery bow. He was stretched out against one of the larger elm trees in Sherwood Forrest.
"Must you bother me, Niklaus," he scoffed, pushing his bow away and sending him a dirty look in the process. "We've been riding non-stop for weeks and my backside is incredibly sore; the least you could do is allow me some form of rest."
"You'll rest once we have King Richard back safely in England," Klaus insisted. "Until then nothing else matters, least of all your sleeping schedule, Kol."
He really shouldn't have been surprised given his younger brother hadn't changed since they were children growing up in the nearby village in Nottingham. Their mother had done well in raising them but Kol always was the exception to the rule. He called it ambition, Klaus called it a grossly exaggerated sense of entitlement.
Unlike Kol, Klaus had worked hard for all he'd achieved. He hadn't always been the outlaw that people knew today after all. He'd once been a nobleman with multiple parcels of land and business interests until he'd been called away to fight in the Crusades.
Upon returning from the Holy Wars afar, Klaus had discovered his land stolen by the greedy Normans who had invaded and seized power from the Saxons. His personal revenge had soon made way for a deep sympathy to the people who had much less and were being cruelly punished for their lowly stature in Medieval society. Finding Richard and bringing him home would be the only way to right all the wrongs inflicted on their people.
"You know, just for once it would be nice to not have to listen to the Mikaelson sibling squabbles," another voice interrupted, a hat pulled over his face as he lay on the ground nearby.
"I'm sorry Lorenzo, are we interrupting your reverie?" Klaus shot back sarcastically. Just once he would have liked his men to have been far less opinionated and more bloody merry.
"Well, now that you mention it Niklaus…"
"It's best not to poke the bear," Lucien offered, busy feeding his hungry horse with one hand and running the other soothingly along her chestnut mane. "Surely you should know that by now."
"Remind me why I choose to be in your company?"
"Only because we're related, unfortunately," Kol muttered.
"It's because no one else would put up with your grumpy ass and incessant mood swings," Enzo chuckled.
"Well, excuse me if I have other things on my mind, like trying to save England from Prince John and his Norman aggressors. I still can't believe our reconnaissance mission to the north has yielded nothing of Richard's whereabouts."
"We all thought it would," Lucien said. "Don't be too hard on yourself, Klaus."
"How can I not? It has been months and we still don't have anything to take down John or bring Richard home to his rightful place on the throne."
"It takes time," Enzo murmured. "We just need…"
"Enough time has passed," Klaus growled, impatiently. "It is time we retaliate and show John just who and what he's up against."
"How exactly?"
"Now we're back from the north, I suggest we go to his castle and make ourselves known. I've been craving some action after weeks of frustrating dead ends."
"Prince John and the Sheriff of Nottingham are already well versed in your escapades brother, in fact the whole of England is given that whole robbing the rich to feed the poor motto."
"And even if they didn't this is ludicrous," Enzo scoffed. "Last time I checked we did not have the man power to overthrow his army. That is a suicide mission if ever I heard one."
"Afraid your hair might get a little messy in the scuffle, Lorenzo?" Klaus joked. "Come on, where's your sense of adventure?"
"It's lying dormant until we have the information on Richard's captors we need," Enzo argued. "You realise the Prince is hosting a masquerade ball tonight, you wouldn't want to get within an inch of him surrounded by all those Norman sycophants."
"A ball? And you're just telling me this now, Enzo? What exactly is the occasion?"
"Only because I didn't want you running off half cocked into a roomful of vengeful Normans," he muttered. "You may annoy me daily but I wouldn't wish that fate even on my worst enemy."
"You're just full of compliments today, aren't you? But you didn't answer my question."
"John's ward, Lady Caroline, is arriving today." His ears pricked up at the mention of the beautiful maiden he'd heard much of but never witnessed in person.
"I couldn't think of a better reason to go to the castle. I would feel rude if I didn't at least introduce myself and welcome her personally to town."
"I think he's been eating too many of those berries in the forest," Lucien snorted. "She would never look twice at a Saxon outlaw and you know it, Klaus."
"I think you underestimate my charm and wit, Lucien," he teased.
"Well, one thing I wouldn't underestimate is how bad you smell," Kol groaned, holding his nose. "And not to mention the fact that hole riddled ensemble isn't exactly ball worthy."
"Well, it's a good thing we have such an accomplished seamstress for a sister then."
"Leave Rebekah out of your silly games, Niklaus," Enzo chided. Klaus wasn't really surprised given the obvious but undeclared feelings between the two.
They'd known each other as children but Enzo had always considered himself unworthy of her love or her hand in marriage. As much as his childhood best friend frustrated him immensely, Klaus couldn't imagine a better suitor for his sister but he was no matchmaker and given the increasing danger they faced with John in charge, her safety was of upmost importance.
"I have no intention of risking her safety, Enzo," he promised, his blue eyes glancing into his brown ones sincerely. "But I seem to think Rebekah will like the challenge of creating something for the ball."
"As much I enjoy sitting around and discussing clothing," Kol groaned. "How exactly do you intend on overthrowing the current regime on your own?"
"Well, being handy with a bow and an expert swordsman should hold me in good stead," Klaus boasted. The three groaned in response, obviously not as impressed with his take on things.
"Are you daft? It's definitely the berries causing this false sense of security," Lucien reiterated.
"As much as I hate to admit it, Enzo is correct," Klaus winced. "Walking in there on my own would be foolish but I have a better plan."
"Tell me it doesn't include a chaperone; you know how much I hate dress-ups."
"And you wonder why you don't meet any ladies, Lucien?" Kol grinned, Lucien taking him by surprise and throwing a stray rock in his direction. "Ouch."
"My disguise will be the perfect cover to discover John's plans for Richard and England."
"How do you plan on disguising that," Kol asked gesturing to his face. Klaus happened to think he had a pretty face not that he was willing to discuss that particular thought with his men.
"Didn't you hear Enzo? It's masquerade, Kol, I can disguise myself however I like." Klaus could attend undetected, search the castle and its inhabitants for information and maybe even fit in a meeting with Lady Caroline. It seemed too long since he'd entertained a woman, let alone one with a title and royal connections.
Unfortunately, being on a mission didn't lend itself to female company, not that Klaus minded for two reasons. The first was his mission to reunite Richard with his people and expel the Normans from his beloved England. The second, of which he had never spoken, was strangely much more difficult given it involved an emotional entanglement from two years earlier he couldn't acquit and probably never would.
"It's almost midday, we need to depart if I am to secure a costume for this evening." Klaus didn't bother to look back, just bounded towards his chestnut mare and mounted flawlessly, securing his sword in the saddle pocket. He could hear the myriad of rowdy protests from behind but kept riding, Klaus figured their lazy backsides deserved it. Anyway, they would catch up sooner or later, they always did.
Later that evening…
The castle was abuzz with activity; Klaus had arrived in disguise letting his eyes wander around the ominous structure. Knowing the inner workings of the castle as well as its entry and exit points would be vital information for future missions.
Crowds dressed in various, bright and imaginative costumes filtered into the grand hall. How they could celebrate when they were causing such suffering to the Saxons was unfathomable to Klaus. Maybe he'd never been poor but would never treat those beneath him any differently.
Although his outfit wasn't as grand as some given their meagre budget, it was equally if not more creative. Although slightly biased, Klaus knew his sister's talents would rival even the most experienced of dressmakers.
While Kol had ridiculed the final product, unsurprisingly, Klaus was pleased with her choice. She could have been more vengeful given their lively and sometimes adversarial childhood but Rebekah had created a stunning, deep, green ensemble. He was the forest, and given his affinity to Sherwood it seemed fitting even down to the wooded, brown mask she'd created from its trees.
Klaus wandered around the room, sending a few brief nods to other guests, so as not to arouse any suspicion. John rose to speak and welcome the guests milling around the ballroom. He wouldn't have cared except for the breathtaking blonde by his side, attired in a dazzling mixture of azure and emerald fabric. Her mask was feathered and perfectly embodied the peacock she was portraying.
His breath hitched in his throat and there was no denying the dizziness he was experiencing was accidental. He could recognise a beautiful woman obviously but what struck him the most was those blue eyes beneath the mask which seemed eerily familiar.
2 years earlier…
His accident had all happened so quickly. One minute he was immersed in battle and the next he'd fallen from his horse, the blood from his opponent's sword gushing freely from the wound. He didn't remember much after that. He'd woken groggily in the confines of a medical tent, other casualties from battle lying nearby in various states of injury.
"It doesn't hurt that much," she teased, her hands applying compression to his wounded abdomen. Although the natural lighting was poor and the pain had dulled his senses, Klaus couldn't miss the mischievous smile his nurse was sending his way.
"Have you been stabbed lately milady?"
"Only silly boys who indulge in silly wars find themselves in that predicament."
"Then why are you tending to my wound?" He asked curiously, noting the wisps of blonde waves that were peeking out from beneath her white scarf. "You know if I'm such a silly boy."
"Even silly boys need someone to care for them," she replied stoically, applying the bandage tightly and making him wince in pain. Somehow looking into her expressive, blue eyes seemed to make it a little less overwhelming. Her pale skin was the colour of porcelain and Klaus immediately wanted to touch it to see if it was as soft as it looked. "Besides how would I be able to face your mother?"
"She has passed unfortunately," he murmured, thinking about how kind and nurturing Esther was to him and his siblings. He noticed her playful expression grow serious and immediately wanted to ease her awkwardness. "But I hope that means you will continue to inflict pain on me with your bandage application."
"That you can count on Sir," she responded, her glorious smile returning and banishing any pain in the process. "Especially when you dare to critique my technique."
"Did you always want to be a nurse?"
"I did," she admitted. "But it was not a path my parents wished me to follow."
"I can't imagine why with that technique," he joked. "Although if you're not a nurse then why are you tending to soldiers in the Crusades? Did you volunteer your services?"
"Has anyone told you that you ask too many questions?"
"Call it boredom," he said. "I've never been a very good patient."
"That much I have gathered," she smiled. "But I must go. I have many other officers to attend to today, Sir."
Call him greedy and a little jealous but Klaus didn't want his beautiful and feisty maiden to be tending to anyone but him. "Can't you stay a little longer?"
She seemed to be weighing up her options given the adorable way she was biting her bottom lip. "But your wound has been redressed, what would I do?" If Klaus were to be honest the options were infinite.
"Could you read to me?" He asked. "It is one of my favourite past times and I have missed it immensely during the crusade."
"And what would you like to read?" He didn't speak, just gestured to his belongings nearby. She made her way towards them, rifling through his bag and extracting a faded, leather bound notebook. She gave him a curious look before sitting again at his bedside. "There's no title, what is this?"
"Please," he begged. "Just read it." She didn't argue, just opened it slowly to the bookmarked page.
"Today, my son Niklaus… Your name is Niklaus?"
"That's my full name, only my family still call me that, mainly to irritate me. You may use Klaus, that's what my friends call me."
"But we have just met, how can you call me your friend so soon, Sir?" Klaus knew he wanted to be much more than friends with her but he would take anything he could procure.
"What is your name, friend?" He asked, sending her a cheeky grin. She faltered slightly, her smile disappearing briefly before responding in a hushed tone.
"Elizabeth."
"And your friends call you Liz?"
"No, just Elizabeth."
"That is a beautiful name." He gazed into her eyes as she did his, dark blue on light. He took a mental picture knowing her eyes would be an image he'd never forget. She coughed, breaking the moment and lowering her eyes. He could make out a slight blush crossing her face and was incredibly pleased that he seemed to be having the same effect on her as she was on him at that moment.
"Now, where were we?" She murmured, her finger grazing the page to recover her spot.
"Today, my son Niklaus came into the world and even though I have one child already my heart is brimming with love. He does have a fierce tendency to cry for attention but that only makes me love him more."
"I'm with your mother about crying for attention," she laughed, her blue eyes dancing wickedly. "I can tell this journal is going to be a page turner."
Klaus didn't respond, mainly because he was so overwhelmed by his feelings for this amazing woman he'd only known a short time. He didn't know it then but that was when Klaus fell in love for the first time.
Elizabeth tended to him again and every day he fell deeper in love with her. She shied away from anything too personal, something that intrigued Klaus but he had no intention of scaring her away. Their time spent together was too precious.
A week later he'd woken, his excruciating pain a mere memory. Klaus believed it had less to do with the healing process and more to do with his nurse. He was feeling buoyed by the thought of her company again but she never returned to his bedside. Apparently she'd been called away to tend to others further afield. Klaus wanted to believe that was true and she hadn't the time to say goodbye but after no further contact he'd given up on ever seeing his angel again.
Klaus shook his head, determined to focus on his task given blue eyes were a common feature and it was just his memories playing tricks. Dinner passed without much incident, although he could have done without their crass behaviour and mindless boasting. England was suffering and they were celebrating that fact.
Dinner had long since finished and Klaus made his way towards the hall determined to procure some intelligence from his excursion into enemy territory. A nearby courtyard loomed in the distance alight with the warm glow of white candles. He made his way outside, relishing in the fresh night air. What he wasn't expecting was the beautiful maiden he'd been staring at during dinner to emerge unescorted. She was an immaculate creature and Klaus knew the rumours about her beauty had been much under exaggerated.
"I didn't realise anyone was out here," she said, noting his presence.
"I can leave milady, if you wish?" She shook her head, making her way towards him and noting his ensemble.
"Do you have a passion for botany, Sir?" He didn't respond immediately because it wasn't just her eyes or those blonde waves that seemed familiar anymore, it was the playful and high pitched intonation of the word Sir that he recalled all too well. A waft of her vanilla scent was enough to confirm his suspicions. How was his nurse Elizabeth the Lady Caroline?
He felt his chest constrict unsure of just how to proceed. Obviously the silence had been longer than he thought because she continued. "Botany is the study..."
"Of plants," he finished. "I know, milady. You could say that I love the environment, especially the tranquillity that comes from a leafy forest." She faltered slightly, whether it was because she recognised his voice or the stories his mother shared through her journal about his childhood.
"I knew someone once who felt the same way," she murmured, her gaze downcast. Even with her mask fastened to her face, Klaus could make out a slight and telling blush.
"And who was that?"
"You wouldn't know him."
"Oh really? I think you'd be surprised actually," Klaus murmured, beginning to lift his mask before he noticed the sudden gathering of hostile guards nearby. His identity had obviously been discovered. They all seemed angered but Klaus could say the same thing given he was just about to admit everything to Lady Caroline or Elizabeth as he knew her more intimately.
"And why is that exactly?"
"Trust me," he murmured before making a run for it, his hidden sword now drawn. He might never escape alive but somehow after coming into contact with her after all this time, Klaus could actually live with that fate.
TBC?