As Klaus swings on the wooden chair gently, Hope's eyes begin to droop, her tiny body growing more relaxed with each sway. In a soothing tone, Klaus tells her the story of the prince and the seer.
"Once upon a time, in a faraway kingdom, there lived a young prince. From a tender age, he possessed a compassionate and sensitive soul that was deeply connected to the beauty of nature. The mysterious forests that surrounded his castle called out to him, and he would spend hours exploring their hidden wonders.
Creativity flowed through his veins like a gentle breeze, for he loved to paint and sing. But his father, the king, did not understand or appreciate his artistic nature. In his desire to mold his son into a fearless warrior, the king resorted to harsh methods, beating the prince so severely that his true self would be overshadowed.
As the prince grew into a powerful young man, the king became fearful of his true potential. In desperation, he sought the help of an evil witch, asking her to cast a spell to keep the prince's true self dormant and limit his vast power.
For aeons, the prince was searching for a way to undo the witch's spell, and each time he was close to breaking the curse, the elements he had were wrong. As he faced one failure after another, his hope was dashed, and the prince became heartless, manipulative, and cruel.
One fateful day, the prince encountered an old sailor who spoke of a woman with the power to gaze into the past and the future. This woman held the key to breaking the curse and setting the prince free. Filled with hope, the prince embarked on a journey to find her, sailing to a place where the rare beauty of the land merged with the immensity of the sea. The light, pure and wild, poured from the horizon, guiding him to the ethereal mountain where the old gods concealed the secrets of the cosmos.
Legend had it that an enigmatic being had been cursed to live forever within the magical enclaves of the mountain. This ethereal guardian possessed the ability to commune with the gods, safeguarding ancient wisdom and hidden truths. It was said that only those who approach with pure intentions and a sincere desire for enlightenment may catch a glimpse of her enigmatic presence.
The prince, clever enough to identify her, sought her assistance in breaking the curse that held him captive. Unfortunately, the seer, seeing into the depths of his soul, found no trace of love within him. She sensed his selfish motives and manipulative ways, but she did not turn him away. Instead, she allowed him into her realm, her heart aching for companionship after years of solitude.
The prince found solace in the friendship of someone intelligent and caring. They bonded over their shared love for horses, enjoying long walks and deep conversations about poetry and art. As his frozen heart began to melt, the prince grew terrified of losing himself.
Unwilling to let go of his monstrous acts, the prince hatched a plan to betray the seer's trust by attempting to steal one of her sacred objects. However, the seer discovered his treachery and pushed by anger and disappointment, she banished the prince from her land and her life."
Now, my littlest wolf, the prince, has to make another journey to that enchanting mountain. But don't worry, my dear daughter; I assure you that this time I will find the answers I'm looking for, and I will come back to you.
Our family will be together again, and we will triumph. I will make things right, and you will experience peace and happiness in your life, no matter what.
Hayley stood there, her frail figure leaning against the doorframe. Klaus could see the tears forming in her eyes. "
Don't worry, little wolf." Klaus said in a gentle tone, extending his hand to carefully transfer the slumbering child to her crib.
Hayley nodded "I know you'll always protect us, Klaus, but this situation feels as if we are running out of time."
Klaus lovingly tucked the blankets around the toddler, assuring, "Our family's safety is my utmost priority," and planted a tender kiss on Hope's forehead.
Approaching Hayley, he expressed, "I know that my deeds to you were terrible, and I can never fully apologise for the pain I caused. I took you from our daughter, but, you have to know, there isn't anyone I trust more to take care of her than you."
Hayley tilted her head in understanding, placing her hand on his shoulder.
Klaus maintained a serious demeanor as his eyes locked with hers. "Always remember who you are," he emphasized. "You are not only a queen but also an Alpha, and above all, a Mikaelson.
And suddenly, a spark of brilliance illuminated his face: "And in the unlikely event that you regain your sanity and decide to pursue more refined accommodations, behold my famous golden credit card."
With a burst of laughter, Hayley punched him hard in the arm.
"Travel safe, Klaus, and do stay out of trouble," the brunette said with a wink as Klaus waved goodbye and headed towards the airport.