Archive of Our Own

England 1462

Elizabeth Forbes reached out and slowly closed the eyes of her now dead father in law. King William Forbes I died with no direct male heir to leave his throne to; no desire as to claim who would successfully take the throne upon his death. His own son, and namesake, had died long before his daughter had been born. The question of succession laid within Elizabeth’s womb after years of failure to conceive; the whole of England praying for it to be a boy. Yet when a daughter appeared, Princess Caroline, the country had been sent into a fury. Elizabeth had once been promised that she would be queen, to birth the next son who would one day be king. Yet, her husband and the prince had thrown all her hard work and scheming away why his late like habits made him ill and took his life.

The line of succession could never pass to a woman.

Elizabeth jumped when she felt a cool hand placed upon her shoulder. She turned to see her oldest friend and confidant Duchess Carol Lockwood, behind her. When Elizabeth first held her daughter in her arms, she knew that she would name her after the closest person she had to a sister. Carol had married the nephew of the King, Lord Richard Lockwood, the Duke of Somerset shortly after her own wedding. Elizabeth had introduced the two, hoping to make the match, never realizing that she would set her friend up to possibly become the next queen. 

“You know what this means.” Elizabeth whispered slowly, gazing up to her friend. Lady Carol had muted brown hair, soft eyes and a porcelain face. She stood from the bedside and gazed towards Carol, the latter who nodded slowly. “Richard will take the throne. He is the next heir and Tyler one day will become king.”

“Not if Ansel challenges it.” Carol retorted and Elizabeth bit her lip hard enough to almost draw blood, thinking of the one other person who could possibly challenge Richard’s succession. “They are both his nephews, both born from the King’s younger sisters, born only hours apart and Ansel being the elder. He will challenge it and he has the support.” 

“Ansel is cavorting with Duchess Mikaelson! Her second child is his bastard! He dotes upon that boy! If Ansel becomes King, you know he will have that bastard legitimized and stationed as his heir! We cannot let that happen!” Elizabeth cried, thinking upon the Duke of Cornwall, Lord Ansel Wolfe, hating the man with a passion. She had never thought much of Ansel, always preferring his cousin Richard when she had met them at her wedding to Bill. 

“Then what do you propose?”

“A marriage. Between Tyler and Caroline.” Carol paused, her eyes flickering in interest. They had joked before when Caroline had been born, a few years after Tyler, that they should have the two engaged and married, uniting the Lockwood and Forbes houses. However, there was no laughter in Elizabeth’s tone or wishful thinking, only a deadly seriousness. “If we unite Tyler and Caroline in marriage, he will have the Forbes allies behind Richard. If we can take Ansel down, then there will be no need to worry about who will sit on the throne next. Tyler will one day be King and that bastard will never wear the crown.” 

“There will be war, Elizabeth. One way or the other, my husband is going to go to war.”

“Unfortunately, I do not see any other outcome.” Elizabeth replied in a somber tone, hating how the world was crumbling around her. She loved her daughter but never before had she wished that she had given birth to a son. Blinking back tears, all she could hope was that Richard defeated Ansel easily, claiming the throne for himself and naming Tyler as his heir. 

Elizabeth’s hope had never been more crushed when Ansel drove his sword through Richard’s chest, passing on the feud over the throne to their children, Lord Tyler Lockwood and Prince Niklaus Mikaelson. 

England 1485

The rain splattered against the stone window as Caroline gazed out into the dark strom. The splattering made her feel as though the end had finally come. A country at war, a war that had lasted as long as she had been alive. The question of succession finally answered and Caroline knew that it was not in her family’s favor. The news had yet to reach her but the rain was an omen, and one of ill tidings. 

She saw the rider racing through the unforgiving weather towards her maternal grandfather’s estate and she closed her eyes. She sunk down onto the cushioned bench that rested just beneath the window. She could hear the pounding of the front door two rooms over. She listened from the dining hall, but could only make out muffled whispers. It mattered not. She knew what news the rider brought. Caroline leaned forward, pressing her forehead against the cold glass. 

It took her longer for her mother to seek her out than she expected. She counted each of her breaths, watching as its heat fogged up the glass. When she heard the gentle footsteps of her mother heading down the hallway and the creaking of the door, did Caroline let a few tears slip down her cheek. She could feel her mother’s presence behind her, the sound of crinkling parchment in her hands overshadowed the splattering of the cold rain. 

“What does it say?” Caroline asked, not sure if she wanted to know the answer or not. She wrapped her arms around her chest, bracing herself for the inevitable truth. Trying to imagine his dark eyes and loose smile spreading across his copper skin. Trying to remember how it felt to kiss him and mourning the knowledge that she would never know what it was like for her body to love him. “Just tell me.”

“Tyler met Niklaus on the battlefield. It was a close fight but Niklaus came out the victor.” Her mother replied in a gentle tone. She stepped up behind her and placed her hand on her daughter’s shoulder. “Niklaus killed him.” Caroline let out an anguished cry, her knees curling up to her chest and her body leaning against the window. “Niklaus is to be crowned in a fortnight.” 

“So the bastard becomes a king, taking Tyler’s throne.” Caroline sobbed harder, unable to control herself. Elizabeth sat down beside her daughter and pulled Caroline to her chest, rocking her slowly. Caroline cried into her mother’s chest, gripping her arms tightly, curling her fingers into her skin. “I loved him. I really loved him and now he is gone.” Caroline let out another devastated cry, unable to hold anything back. “He was going to be king and he promised that when he returned home, we would marry.” 

“I know, honey. I know.” Elizabeth soothed, running her fingers through Caroline’s golden curls. “But in war, not every promise could be kept. Niklaus had more supporters. He was the son of the late King Ansel. Whether his legitimacy is valid or not, he will be our next king and we cannot afford to defy him now. But one day, we will have our revenge. I promise you that. “

“He can rot in hell.”

“Caroline, there was more to that letter.” Elizabeth’s tone was grim and dark, setting Caroline’s hairs on end. She pulled back from her mother’s embrace to gaze up at the same blue eyes she had inherited. “The letter was from Niklaus himself. He wants to unit the houses. Put an end to the war once for all. In order to do that, he needs a marriage.”

“No. No. Do not ask me to do this….” Caroline stood from the bench, pacing around the room as her heart pounded in her chest. She had spent the last three years alone hating the bastard son of a false king because he was trying to take what rightfully belonged to the man she loved. When King Ansel proclaimed that he intended to allow his bastard son to succeed him to the throne, a throne that should have belonged to Tyler’s father Richard, Richard’s supporters were enraged. It was one thing for Ansel to strike down Richard nearly fifteen years previously and steal the throne from his son but to legitimize a child he had with a married duchess? A bastard who bore his step-father’s surname even after the truth of his paternity came to light. It baffled Caroline that anyone would have put their forces behind him at all when it was clear Tyler was the prince who was wronged. 

A prince that now laid dead somewhere, slain in battle. 

“We have no choice. Niklaus is demanding your hand.” Elizabeth said softly and Caroline whipped around to look at her mother with wide terrified eyes. “The war between the Lockwood and Mikaelson houses is not over yet. We will strike against him but we need time. For now he will take the throne and we cannot deny him. If he wants a bride then he shall have one.”

“Then let him marry someone else!” Caroline cried, running her hair through her curls. “My engagement to Tyler was not a secret. He would have known that I was promised to him and is doing this to punish our family for aiding the Lockwoods.” She felt as though her heart was breaking into a thousand different pieces. The idea of marrying Niklaus Mikaelson, a bastard sitting upon the throne, calling him husband made bile rise in her throat. “There is an entire country full of women who would do anything to be his queen. Let him pick one of them.” 

“He is asking for you specifically.” Caroline shook her head, tears streaming down her cheeks harder than before. Elizabeth came up and touched her shoulders gently. “You are the most beloved lady among the Lockwood supporters. You are the granddaughter of a King. Niklaus wants to ensure that a rebellion does not arise and by uniting the houses, your union would stop that. Then your children would have both Forbes and Mikaelson heritage in their veins.” 

“I can’t. Please. Don’t make me. Please.” Her knees gave out and she collapsed into her mother’s arms, unable to mend her broken heart. Elizabeth sank to the ground as she held her daughter, kissing the top of her head and rocking her back and forth. “He isn’t Tyler. I don’t love him. I can’t.” Elizabeth kissed the top of her head, holding her close. “I hate him. I will always hate him.”

England 1490

“Your Grace?” Caroline pulled herself away from the window, gazing out into the bright courtyard, the summer breeze wafting through the open glass and the sound of her son’s laughter could be heard echoing up into the castle walls. She turned to see one of her husband’s messengers holding a piece of parchment in her hand. A few of her ladies' in waiting peered over towards her curiously but knew that she was not going to give them an inch.  “A letter arrived for you.”

“Thank you, Theirry.” Caroline replied gently, giving the manservant a small smile, knowing he would send word to the King about the correspondence. He gave her a small bow and quickly left her living quarters, shutting the door tightly behind him. She knew come dinner that he would pry in a manner that he thought was subtle, trying to inquire about the letter and as always, Caroline would be honest with him. She learned long ago that dishonesty when it came to her husband would get her nowhere. She peered down at the parchment and noted that the seal was not broken; the sight caused Caroline to shake her head and roll her eyes as she sat down on the settee beside two of her ladies. 

At least he doesn't read my letters first anymore. She thought as she broke the familiar seal, dreading the contents inside. The beginning of her marriage had been filled with heated arguments, hateful stares and passionate nights that she hated herself, at the time, for enjoying. Now there was a silent understanding that lingered between them, a silence Caroline was trying to get the courage to break. Taking a deep breath, she looked down at the words on the parchment and began to read. 

My Dearest Caroline,

The last four years, as you know, have been dreadful. I miss you and it burdens my heart that I am no longer welcome at court or with you and my grandson. I think of you both daily and pray that one day you’ll find a way for your husband to forgive me; or at least, show me clemency. I beg of you to take pity upon your mother and upstand the honor and dignity of your family name. You may be a Mikaelson by marriage but you will always be a Forbes by blood. The crown upon your head-

Caroline folded the letter again without even finishing it. It was all the same every time and she could no longer bear the read anymore of her mother’s words. That bridge had been burned long ago and she had no desire to relieve such tragedy. Her mother’s actions put her life and the child she was carrying at risk, even though they were not the intended targets of the assaiantion. 

The feud between the Lockwoods and Mikaelsons had ended on a battlefield nearly five years ago. She only wished that her mother could accept that fact. It was Elizabeth who forced her into this marriage, one she had not wanted, and now begged for mercy for her own actions. Perhaps the young girl whose hand had been forced years previously would have felt guilt and loyalty towards the woman who gave her life but now she felt very little of either. 

“Everything alright?” Elena’s voice chimed and Caroline turned towards her old friend, contemplating her answer. The relationship she shared with the young duchess was a strange one. They were two women from the other side of the war, similarly bound to another when their allies had lost. Yet, their relationship had grown strained, their loyalties that once were the same were not aligned as they once were. “You look pale.” 

“I’m well. Thank you.”

“Perhaps you should rest. We all know how much of a terror Nik is when you’re unwell.” Rebekah replied with a coy smile, showing Caroline just how far her relationship with her sister-in-law had grown. She had been placed as a lady’s maid on Caroline’s court just after the latter’s marriage for the sole purpose of being a spy, relaying anything that would have been considered damning to her brother. While the tides have changed and her court was no longer what it used to be, Caroline wondered if she could really consider Rebekah a friend. At the very least, she knew that Rebekah would always be honest, almost to a fault. Rebekah had once said that it was her honesty that had drawn her late husband, Lord Donovan, to court her.

“I am not ill, I assure you but I will be taking my leave. I have some business to discuss with my husband.” Caroline stood, the woman in her immediate court following suit, setting down their embroidery and books as their queen stood. They all gave a small curtsy as was customary and she headed towards the door, the rest of them followed suit. 

Once Caroline made her way down the long stone chamber, each of her ladies dispatched in different directions, knowing they could not linger in her living quarters without her presence. Caroline let out a sigh of relief at their overbearing presence gone. Even in the beginning, she found their constant company to be exhausting and in the years since her marriage, that was the one thing that had not changed. If she could change one thing, it would have been the constant need for their companionship. 

Caroline weaved through the castle walls, passing by the never ending amount of people who made up her home; each and everyone of them bowing as she passed. Pembroke Castle was nothing more than a small city cramped behind large stone walls. Once upon a time, Caroline had thought the servants at her family’s estate, lands that now belonged to her son when her mother’s rights had been stripped from her, made the vast land feel crowded but now she knew it was nothing compared to living at court. 

You always knew you would end up here, Caroline. The only difference was the man you had married. Would you have been any happier with Tyler? The thought bubbled up inside her once again. It was a question she had thought on for a long time over the years. At first, she swore that she would have been happier to call Tyler her husband and king. Now, having grown older and lived a life filled with both fury and passion, Caroline finally had an answer to what she had struggled with for so long. 

Once she finally made her way through the wing of the castle and stood in front of her husband’s solar door, was she able to take a deep breath. Clutting the parchment in one hand, she raised the other and rapped her knuckles against the wood; waiting for the sound of his voice to beckon her inside. 

England 1485

Caroline wanted to die. Death would have been preferable to the misery she felt now. She looked beautiful one the outside, a long blue gown that matched the color of her eyes and an elegant bun piled on top of her head with a silver crown nestled into her curls but on the inside, she felt as though she was nothing but a broken shell. The taste of the red wine on her lips did nothing to ease her misery. If anything, it tasted of ash and failure. 

She glanced towards her left, seeing her new husband seated beside her, his eyes fixated on the dancing crowd in front of them. Caroline had to admit that he was far more handsome than she had thought. She always imagined him being ugly, with a long nose and warts but she supposed that it was only fitting for the devil to be disguised in a beautiful package. She did not know if that was a blessing or a curse. 

Niklaus was dressed in a deep royal blue, an offset of her own dress, with a silver grown similar to hers resting on his head. Caroline had the urge to reach out and rip it from his head, feeling as though the crown did not belong there. He would never be her king. Even with the vows she had spoken only hours earlier, she knew that her heart would always belong to Tyler. In the back of her mind, she wondered what Tyler would think of her betrayal, marrying the man that not only sat upon his rightful throne but having to submit to him in every way possible. 

At least Caroline was thankful Tyler was dead so he did not have to see her treason. 

“You know, for a woman who is about to be crowned queen in a few days, you do not look too thrilled about it. I do hope you look more thrilled at your coronation than you do at our wedding.” Niklaus cooed beside her, amusement clouding his tone as though he enjoyed watching her suffer. Caroline narrowed her eyes and her nails curled into the wood of the chair she sat in. She looked out upon the wedding feast with misery and bit the inside of her cheek, keeping her from throwing some insult that would end with her beheaded. “If it makes you feel any better Sweetheart, I’m not thrilled about this marriage either.”

“First, I am not your sweetheart and second, why marry me then? I’m sure there were plenty of girls for you to choose from.” Caroline snapped, her lips curling in disdain. “You could have taken your stolen throne, married whomever you pleased and left me to mourn Tyler in peace.”

The amusement slipped from Niklaus’s feateurs, his expression growing dark at the mention of the throne and Tyler. Caroline could see the hatred for her lost love in every ounce of his glare. He reached over and picked up his goblet, taking a long swing of his wine before slamming it back down on the table; the movement causing Caroline to jump. Niklaus stood, the throne-like chair sliding behind him and everyone around him freezing; the music pausing at the sight of the new King stance. Slowly, he held out his hand to Caroline and looked down at her, nothing but irritation and frustration in his eyes.

“Dance with me.” It wasn’t an offer or question but instead a command. Caroline knew she had little choice, so she slipped her hand into his and stood from her seat. Niklaus led her towards the center of the room, their guests scurrying out of their way; ensuring that the new monarchs had their space. Caroline stood in the center of the room, Niklaus in front of her, waiting for the music to begin and for him to place his hands on her. He raised his hand and motioned for the music to begin playing again. 

The room filled with music again and Niklaus placed one hand on her hip while the other grabbed her hand. Caroline had never danced with a man in such a manner, for it would have been considered improper but she was a married woman now and her new husband had every right to touch her as he pleased. She felt her body tense at the thought. They began to dance, swaying to the music but Caroline felt nothing but silence between them. 

“Let me make one thing clear.” Niklaus whispered to her, his lips close to her ear. “My father was the king. He was your grandfather’s heir due to being his eldest nephew. When Lord Richard started an uproar, believing that he should have the throne, this entire mess started because the Lockwoods believed they were entitled to something they were not. I am the King now and you will respect me as such.” Caroline bit the inside of her cheek again, her body following his lead around the dance floor. “Just as I will treat you with every respect as a Queen.” 

“I do not feel respected at this moment.” Caroline admitted, her body tense and fearful of what was to come. Her mother had prepared her as best she could for what would occur on her wedding night, bracing herself for the pain her new husband was bound to cause her. As though Niklaus knew what she was thinking, there was a softening in his features that she did not know what to make of such an expression. 

“I would never hurt you, Caroline.” 

“You already have.” Carline snapped, her gaze turning to look at her new husband. His grip tightened slightly in her hand and on her hip, as though he took personal offense at the thought of harming her. Caroline looked directly into his eyes, refusing to back down from a challenge. If she was to be married  to the man, she refused to allow him to control her. “Tyler was the rightful heir to the throne, whether your father was king or not. You were an illegitimate child therefore the crown should have gone to King Ansel’s next male heir, which would have been Tyler. Not you.” 

“According to the Pope, I have been legitimized and therefore the rightful heir.” Niklaus spun her quickly, the concept of the Pope allowing such a man to be the next king made her stomach roll. “And may I remind you that my father married my mother after the death of her first husband and installed her as Queen. The throne was mine and Lord Lockwood would still be alive today if he didn’t decide to rise up and start a war.”

Tears pricked in her eyes, memories of all the times she had begged Tyler to stay with her and let go of the vendetta against Niklaus. She had hated Niklaus because he had stolen Tyler away from her long before he rode off into battle. Caroline would have been content living her life on her mother’s estate with her husband and their children, only supporting the Lockwoods because it was something Tyler and her mother had wanted. 

“You say you would never hurt me?” Caroline asked him and he nodded. “You killed Tyler and I loved him. I loved him more than you could ever understand and before I had the chance to mourn him, my hand was forced to marry the man who murdered him.” The music around them slowed and Niklaus paused, studying her. “So yes. Take your throne and call yourself a King. I don’t care but know that you married someone who would never be able to love you and that her heart will always belong to your enemy.” 

Niklaus took a step back from her, studying every inch of her person. She had thought there would have been anger in his face but she did not find any. If anything, she could almost see sympathy in his eyes. Caroline could feel the entire court gazing at them, curious as to what was occurring between the newly married couple. 

“Perhaps I should have fought Elijah harder when he suggested I marry you.” Niklaus' tone was low and if Caroline had not been standing directly in front of him, she would not have been able to hear him at all. Niklaus reached out and picked up her hand, placing his lips to her knuckles gently; his eyes flickering up to hers. “I’ll see you tonight, Your Majesty.

Without another word, Niklaus walked around her and headed towards the large oak doors that led out into the corridors and out of the massive dining hall. Caroline stood in the middle of the room alone, the crown resting on her head and the eyes of an enemy court looking at her. Realizing that she was surrounded by little allies and support, Caroline had never felt more alone in her life. 

England 1490

“Come in.” Klaus’s voice sounded from the other side of the study door and Caroline pushed  the door open, stepping inside. Klaus was seated at the desk, quill in hand, writing a letter on a small piece of parchment. She eyed her husband carefully. He was dressed in a deep red coat with gold buttons and no crown to be seen. While he enjoyed being king and it would have once made her hate to admit it, he was a good one. “Caroline, are you alright?” 

“Yes. I am well.” Her eyes flickered towards the man sitting across from Klaus. Caroline should not have been surprised to find Elijah with Klaus. Over the years, Caroline had never been able to warm up to her brother-in-law. He was a kingmaker in many ways, always whispering in Klaus’s ear and while her husband did not always listen to Elijah’s advice, Caroline found it unsettling how much she trusted his brother. “I was hoping to have a word with you. It’s a personal matter.” 

“Of course. Elijah, we will continue this later.” Klaus directed to his brother, a command Elijah knew he would not be able to disobey. The latter nodded and stood from his seat, making his way towards the door. He gave Caroline a slight bow, causing her to scowl at him, making her dislike quiet plain. Elijah chuckled and left the study easily, shutting the door tightly behind him. “He doesn’t hate you, you know? He quite likes you actually and has done everything he can to amend for past sins.”  

“Everyone likes me.” Caroline reported with the roll of her eyes and completely ignoring the latter part of what he had said. It was true, the entire country had rejoiced when Klaus had married Caroline, the people loving her as their queen due to their love for her grandfather. She supposed in the early days of her marriage, that loyalty emboldened her because she knew it had once annoyed and infuriated her husband. She gripped the letter in her hand and held it out to him, Klaus’s smirk slipping from his lips, taking the parchment from her hand. “I received a letter this morning as I’m sure you know. It is from my mother.”

“What assination attempt is she plotting now?” Klaus scowled, flipping open the letter and reading over the words her mother had written to her. Caroline watched as his expression grew colder and colder with each word. “No plot but she wants you to ask for mercy on her behalf? Wanting to be involved in our son’s life? Absolutely not. My mercy for her ended when I didn’t have her executed.” 

“I know.” Caroline let out a slow breath, the words she wanted to say on the tip of her tongue but as always she held back. Instead she sunk down into the chair across from Klaus. “And I agree. I do not want her near Will anymore than you do.” Klaus nodded, the conversation was an old one between them. She accepted Klaus’s judgment of her mother’s fate and would not fight it. “I haven’t written to her. Not in years. Not since she was first banished.”

“Honestly?” Klaus asked, surprise written on his face. It pained Caroline that there was a part of him that still clung to old wounds and suspicions of the pain they both created in the beginning of their marriage. Years had passed and Caroline knew she was no longer that vengeful girl he had taken as his bride and he was not the prideful King who believed he owed her loyalty. “Why?” 

“She may be my mother but what she did, it could hurt me and our son just as much as it was meant to kill you.” Caroline replied simply, wanting so desperately to tell him the truth but she did not know if he would accept the words or believe her, or want them at all. “You are my husband and my King. My loyalty belongs to you.” Klaus leaned forward, his expression turning into one of surprise and pleasure. “My mother is nothing to me anymore.”

“You begged for her life.”

“I love her but just because you love someone does not mean your loyalty belongs to them.” Caroline paused, wondering how to proceed. Her relationship with Klaus was one of mutual understanding and respect. Klaus always respected her, even when he thought she had betrayed him. “She will always be my mother but like I said, your husband and Will’s father. That means so much more to me than her never ending vendetta.” 

“I have to admit that your loyalty possibly was the hardest battle I had to fight.” Klaus said with a smirk on his lips, leaning back into his chair. Caroline couldn’t help but chuckle, nodding her head in agreement. Klaus tossed the letter onto his desk, looking at her with curiosity, folding his fingers together in front of him. “So, what should we do? It's been about what? Four and a half years and she continues to write. She wont stop.” 

“No. She won’t but I don’t know. I never want to see her again but I don’t want her to die.” Klaus nodded at her words, knowing that he would not strike against Elizabeth again unless Caroline told him too. “All of her closest supporters are dead and she is surrounded by your men. The Gilbert’s will do nothing since Elena still remains at court. I know you are informed of each and every single one of her movements. I guess we should just let her rot in her banishment. Alone.”

“Death would be kinder, Sweetheart.” 

“Perhaps.” Caroline shrugged, knowing that her mother was living in the misery of her own making. “But that is not our problem now is it?” Klaus shook his head, giving her that smirk that always told Caroline that he was proud of her, a smirk she had once hated and one she now craved. “I’ll let you return to your letter.” She stood, making her way to the door, pausing as she gripped the knob and looking over her shoulder. “Will you come to me tonight? Unless you’re preoccupied?” 

Klaus had never taken a mistress. Not once. She had inquired as to why but he just replied that he would always respect her, and bedding women that were not her was a disrespect that  he could not afford. At first she assumed it was because he was avoiding another war, one illegitimate child could offset the succession again, especially since Klaus had fought hard to keep his crown. But now, she was not so sure. 

“I’m never too preoccupied for you. I'll see you tonight, Sweetheart.” 

England 1485

Caroline looked at herself in the mirror. Her lady maid had loosened her hair so it hung down around her shoulders. Gown was the blue gown she had been married in, replaced by a long white nightgown that would not be comfortable to sleep in. It was far more revealing than her typical shifts she slept in but Caroline was no fool. 

The nightgown was meant for Niklaus more so than herself. 

She reached for her wine, taking a long sip, preparing herself for the inevitable. She had assumed that procession would crowd around her bed, listening and waiting for NIklaus to bed her and consummate their marriage but when she was brought to her new royal chambers alone, Caroline did not know if that soothed her or terrified her. 

In any moment, she would find herself alone with Niklaus for the first time and she was expected to give her body to him. He promised that he would never hurt her and she was hoping that he was true to his word. Maybe she could close her eyes and pretend that it was Tyler making love to her and not Niklaus. 

A sharp knock startled her and she turned from the mirror, nearly spilling the red wine that was in the goblet she was clutching. She looked around and set the goblet down upon a small table, trying her best to calm her racing heart. She wrapped her arms around her chest and called out to bid the man she knew was on the other side of the door to enter. 

“Come in.” The door creaked as Niklaus opened, stepping inside the chamber. His eyes studied the room, noting the touches Caroline had requested be made for her comfort before looking at her. He had changed from his wedding clothes, wearing nothing but a tunic and loose breeches that would have been used to sleep in. Caroline wanted to hate herself for thinking him handsome.

“You look beautiful.” Niklaus whispered and Caroline was not sure if she was meant to hear that or not. He looked her over for a few seconds before slowly stepping towards her. Caroline’s nerves were getting the best of her and she could feel her body freeze, terrified of what he was going to do to her. As he stood before her, Niklaus reached out and tucked a stray curl behind her ear. “We don’t have to do this. If you don’t want this, I’ll leave and let you sleep.” 

“But we have to consummate the marriage. It won’t be considered valid and-”

“I care little for that.” Caroline’s eyes widened at his confession. “It is no secret that neither one of us wants to be married to the other but we have taken our vows and for better or worse, you are my wife. I will never harm you Caroline. I’m not that kind of man. When I take you to bed, you will want it and you will enjoy my touch.”

Caroline found herself at a crossroads. She could send him away, and spend her wedding night still a virgin or she could let herself go and allow him to touch her. While she hated him and wanted nothing more than to not be married to him, she believed him when he said he would never hurt her. From the moment he stepped into the room, he could have picked her up and thrown her down upon the bed, doing what he wanted to her and yet instead he was offering her a way out; and a way for him to later proclaim the marriage null and void. Caroline was not about to allow him the opportunity to toss her aside.

“No. It's okay. I want this.” Taking a deep breath and gathering every inch of her bravery, Caroline took his hand and led him towards the four poster-bed. She sat down upon it and scooted towards the middle, laying down and waiting for him to join her. “I just...I don’t know what I am doing so just...you’ll have to teach me.”

“You mean you’ve never…”

“No, of course not!” 

“My apologies. I had just assumed that you and….well….it doesn't matter now.” Niklaus pulled the tunic over his head, revealing his naked chest to her. Caroline sucked a breath at the sight of him. She had never seen a man in such a state of undress, only ever having lived with her mother and her servants. While she spent the majority of her life around Tyler, knowing that she would one day be his wife, she had never seen him unclothed. 

But Niklaus was something she had not expected. Her body felt flushed and warm, the heat pooling between her legs. Caroline was confused, not understanding why the sight of his naked chest would cause her body to become aflame, nor what it meant. Niklaus crawled onto the bed, placing his hands on either side of her head and peering down at her. 

“Open your legs.” Caroline felt herself tense but Niklaus’s tone was gentle. She took a few deep breaths, reminding herself of his promise and slowly opened her legs enough to allow him to kneel between them. Caroline hated that she had to put her trust in him. She loathed the fact that she had to give herself to him and the fact  that a small part of her enjoyed the sight of him hoovering open her. “If you’re changing your mine..”

“No. I’m not. Just nervous. That is all.” Caroline whispered and Niklaus searched her face, looking for the smallest hint of dishonesty. Unsure of what she should do, she reached up and touched his face, unsure if this would be welcome. “I have no reason to trust you, as I’m sure you have no reason to be kind to me but just, be gentle?” 

“I promised I would never hurt you and I meant that, no matter how much I dislike you, I’m not a man who harms a woman.” Before Caroline could respond, Niklaus leaned down and took Caroline’s lips with his, kissing her gently. She had only been kissed a few times and all had been with Tyler. They were chased and quick pecks before her mother descended upon them. She wanted to compare the two but Caroline found that her eyes were sliding shut and she fell into the light kiss easily; until she felt his hand on her hip. Her eyes shot open and she could feel his smirk against her skin. “Close your eyes, and just let yourself feel.” 

“Okay.” Giving him one last look, Caroline closed her eyes again and tried to keep her mind blank as Niklaus pressed a series of light kisses on her face. As his lips trailed down her jaw line to her neck, his thumb began drawing small circles over her nightgown, gently pressing down onto her hip. His lips began sucking on her neck, latching onto the spot where her neck and shoulder met. “ Oh!” 

Niklaus grinned against her skin, continuing to kiss and suck at the spot that made her moan. She bit down on her bottom lip, trying to keep herself from making the noise again but found that it was a helpless battle. She moaned again, her mind focused solely on the feeling of his lips that she almost missed his hand slipping underneath the hem of her nightgown. When his fingers began spreading themselves across her thigh, Caroline’s eyes snapped open again and she sucked in a breath. 

But Niklaus did not notice. His hand slowly inched its way upward, pausing just before he reached the space between her legs. His tongue pressed against her pulse point, just as his fingers slipped between her lips and coating themselves in her warm juices. Caroline had never been touched there before and when he pressed against a sensitive spot just inside her lips, she could not help but cry out. 

“Niklaus- what.”

“Klaus. Call me Klaus.” Niklaus, Klaus, murmured against her skin, his fingers began to press and twirl against the spot between her legs. Caroline’s hips bucked against his hand and her eyes fell shut, moaning again at the feeling of his fingers. It was new, forgien and overwhelmingly pleasant. She no longer cared if it was Klaus or Tyler, only that he continued to keep touching her like that. 

“Klaus. Please. Keep doing that.” Caroline breathed out in a husky moan, her hips moving along with his hand. His fingers slipped down further into her now pooling wet heat and teased her opening with his fingers. He pressed his thumb against that sensitive numb, continuing to build the pleasure she was already feeling and then slipped one finger inside her. “Yes!” 

Klaus pulled away from her neck, hovering over her to watch her expression. He began thrusting his finger in and out of her slowly, slipping a second one inside, spreading them apart in order to stretch her. Caroline’s hands curled into the sheets, her eyes closed and her bottom lip between her teeth, whimpers coming from the back of her throat. There was a pressure building in the pit of her stomach and between her legs, reaching towards something she didn’t understand.

“Open your eyes. Look at me.” Obeying his clear command, Caroline opened her eyes to look up at her new husband, his hungry gaze peering down at her. Klaus added a third finger inside her, his hand working faster and faster, bringing her towards that edge. “Come for me Caroline. Come for me.” Something inside her snapped, causing her back to arch and his name to fall from her lips as the most blissful feeling overcame her. “There is a good girl. Ride it out.” 

Caroline kept her eyes on Klaus as the waves overcame her, noting how he enjoyed watching her fall apart. His fingers slowed down and Klaus pulled them out of her gently, causing her to whimper at the loss of contact. 

“Is that normal? Whatever that was?” Klaus leaned down and kissed her lips, not answering her but she could feel the smirk on his lips, telling her that he was pleased by the reaction. She felt him settle between her legs and his finger going to unfasten his night breeches, pulling the strings apart and freeing his straining erection. Caroline looked down between them and her eyes widened at the sight of the massive throbbing member. “How is that going to fit?! You said it wouldn’t hurt?!” 

“It won’t hurt, I promise and it will fit. Quite snug I assume.” Klaus’s grin turned filthy and he leaned down to kiss her again, cutting off any retrot she may have replied with. Klaus ran his member over her dripping core, coating himself in her juices before aligning himself up with her entrance. Slowly, and very gently he eased himself inside her until he was all the way inside. “ Christ you’re tight.”

Caroline waited for the pain to come, just her mother told her it would but she felt no pain at all. She was fuller than she had ever been and it was a slight uncomfortable but there was no ounce of pain to be found. Klaus’s weight above her was welcoming and when his hips slowly withdrew, only to thrust back inside of her did all rational thought leave her. 

“Don’t stop! Klaus! Please!” Over and over, Klaus thrusted in and out of her, moaning and grunting into her neck. Caroline wrapped her arms around him, her fingers weaving into his hair and she held on as he continued to fuck her. Her hard nipples pressed against the top of her nightgown, scraping against his moving chest. She could feel that same feeling bubble up inside her, building far quicker than before. When Klaus’s hips picked up speed, Caroline felt herself let go and that burst of pleasure came over her again. “Yes! Klaus, oh god. Yes!” 

As she screamed, Klaus froze over her, giving a loud moan before his weight slumping on top of her. She could feel his ragged breath on her skin, slowing down with each breath he took. Gently, he slid out of her body, Caroline whimpering at the sensitivity and rolled onto his back. Neither said a word to the other, both just staring up at the ceiling. After a minute, Klaus got off the bed, dressed and left without speaking or looking at her.

Caroline realized two things at that moment. The first was that her mother had lied about the marriage bed and the second was the guilt that settled into her stomach at the fact that she had enjoyed it. 

England 1490

“Your Majesty!” Caroline turned to see Elena walking towards her in the bright summer sun. She had hoped to stroll through the gardens alone, seeking out her son and having a few moments with him while there was still daylight left. But it was clear Elena had other ideas. Elena looped her arm through Caroline’s and fell into step with her easily, walking together as  they had many times in their youth. “My apologies for disturbing you but I wanted to see if you’re well. You seemed distracted this morning and Elijah mentioned that you seemed upset when he saw you with Klaus.” 

“I am well, thank you.” Caroline said with a smile, knowing that Elena was hoping to learn the contents of her letter but she had stopped confiding in her old friend long ago. She was never quite sure where Elena’s loyalties lie. Once upon a time, Caroline knew exactly whose side of the war she had chosen but now she could never know if her heart had truly changed. “You can tell your husband that everything is well.” 

“Elijah is just concerned for you, that is all. He is hoping that the King will come around to the match.” Elena said and Caroline tried not to roll her eyes. One of the few requests that Klaus ignored of his brother’s was the hope of arranging a marriage between their son and heir to the throne with Elijah and Elena’s daughter. “They get along so well.”

“William is only four and Tatia is two. They get along like any children, perfectly fine one moment and then they are fighting the next.” Caroline said in a bored tone and Elena laughed, nodding her head in agreement. “Klaus and I have been discussing a possible match between Will and Princess Aurora of France, but I’ll be honest, the idea of arranging him with anyone leaves me with a bad feeling.”

“Both of our marriages were arranged and they turned out well enough.” There was something in Elena’s tone, a hint of dissatisfaction that made Caroline weary of the last few years. Elena had married Elijah in a tear stained ceremony almost a year after her own. Elena had fought hard against the marriage, to the point that she had to be locked away in a chamber as a hostage while the two men she loved rotted away in the tower above her. Both to be executed mere days after she had taken her vows. 

“They did.” 

“Do you ever wish it had turned out differently?” Elena whispered in a low tone, looking at Caroline with the same old eyes as her friend. “I mean, Elijah and I get along well and he has always been kind to me. I love Tatia more than my own life but sometimes I can’t help but wonder what it would had been like if Tyler-”

“Do not speak his name.” Caroline hissed, digging her nails into Elena’s arm, causing her to hiss slightly.“You should know better than speak his name here. If the wrong person heard you even hint that you were supporting the Lockwoods you would end up in the tower; marriage to Elijah or no.” Caroline looked around, noting that no one was paying them much mind. “Klaus is my husband and he is your king. The past no longer matters and it is time to let it go unless you want to end up exiled like my mother or worse.” 

“What has happened to you?” Elena asked, stopping completely and looked at Caroline with such heartbreak. “What happened to the girl who loved Tyler so much that you were devastated when the news of his death reached us?” Caroline did not answer but could feel her face going cold. “I went to their execution, you know. Elijah forbade me from going but I went anyway.”

“Damon and Stefan brought it upon themselves.” Caroline bit out, thinking back on the two young men she had once called friends. The anger bubbling up inside her as she thought of them and the recklessness that nearly cost her everything. Elena gave a huff, shaking her head and Caroline could see how blind Elena was to Damon and Stefan’s charms, despite the fact that she had married another man. 

“I watched as ax swung down, each time. Stefan went first. Easily, he didn’t even fight. He didn’t see me but he didn’t even look into the crowd before the ax chopped off his head.” Tears welled up in Elena’s eyes and she crossed her arms, lost in a nightmare. “Then came Damon. He looked. He saw me and he held my gaze the entire time. I was the last person he saw as he died.” Elena took a few steps closer, looking at Caroline as though she had swung the ax herself. “King Niklaus may have swayed you, made you forget that he murdered the man you once said you loved. But I don’t. You may see a husband and the father of your son but all I see is the man who killed the ones that I loved.”

“Tyler died in war. He would have killed Klaus just as easily and just as quickly. I came to terms with that a long time ago.” Caroline’s tone went hard, her eyes narrowing and hating the fact that she was forever refusing to see that war had no innocent sides. “And yet, you seem to forget that not only did the men you claim to have loved tried to assassinate my husband but they also tried to kill me; but you always seem to forget that part, don’t you. So yes, Klaus had them executed for treason and it was what they deserved.”

“But your mother. She is still alive, isn’t she? Writing to you.” Elena snapped back. “I know that letter was from her. Do you respond or just let her be cast aside?” Elena gave a bitter laugh, turning towards the two children who were running through the gardens and yet never really seeing them. “She arranged the whole thing. Was willing to sacrifice you if it meant that Niklaus was gone and yet he spared her, because you asked him too. He would have done the same for Stefan and Damon if you had only asked. ” 

Elena turned away and headed towards her daughter, a little girl with long brown hair and bright brown eyes, a mixture of both of her parents. Her own son was only a foot behind her, surrounded by guards and his nanny. The young boy spotted his mother and began sprinting across the lawn, passing Elena as he went. 

“Duchess Mikaelson.” Elena pasued, her shoulders going ridgid at her title. She turned to look over her shoulder, her face cold and hurt, making Caroline wonder if she still hated the title that had been forced upon her. “You never would have picked between them. Klaus made the choice easy.” 

It was low, she knew that but the only reason why Stefan and Damon agreed to help her mother was because Elena was being held at court as her lady in waiting. If she had chosen between them long before Caroline had been married to Klaus, one of them if not both would still have their heads. Yet, Elena loved them both and they loved her with equal passion.

England 1486

Caroline paced back and forth, her hand resting on her bulging belly. She could feel her child moving inside her, almost as though they knew something was wrong. She looked around the locked cold chamber. Elena curled up in the corner, tears streaming down her face while Elizabeth sat almost bordly beside the window, gazing out into the field; the guard perched at her side, watching her every move.

Her mother. 

The moment the arrow came flying past her head, slicing cheek and just missing Klaus’s chest, Caroline knew that her mother was the reason that first arrow being cast. Elizabeth had gone silent in the past months, ever since Caroline announced that she was with child. Ever since she had found some form of calm understanding with her husband in the wake of the announcement. Gone were the whispers of treason and finding a way to end the Mikaelson reign. 

“Your Grace, you should sit and let me take a look at your cheek.” Caroline turned to see Rebekah’s worried gaze on her. Lady Donovan, the king’s sister, had both been kind and cold to her in equal measure. Yet, Caroline knew that her concern for the child growing in her belly was genuine. Caroline nodded, looping her arm through Rebekah’s and headed towards the bench, but then the oak door burst open and a furious Klaus stormed inside, two of his brothers on his heels. 

“WHERE IS SHE!?” Klaus’s voice bellowed, echoing off the wall as his heels clicked against the stone flooring. At first, Caroline thought he was looking for her mother but when his angry glare landed on her, her heart leapt into her throat. He slowly walked towards her, almost as though he was a predator stalking his prey. Klaus towered over her, his hands clenched to his side and his anger radiating off of him. Caroline had seen her husband angry several times over the months since they had married but never had it been directed towards her. “Did. You. Know?”

“What?”

“Did you know?” Klaus hissed through his teeth. His eyes narrowed and for the first time, Klaus truly looked at her like he hated her. “We searched your mother’s chambers and there were letters from both the Salvatore brothers plotting my assistantion. Elijah seems to believe that it would not be too much of a coincidence for you not  to be involved. So, answer me. Did. You. Know.”

“No! Of course not!” 

“Are you lying?!” 

“Klaus, I wouldn’t wouldn’t risk myself or our child.” 

“Caroline-”

“She isn’t lying to you, Nik.” Rebekah’s voice chimed in, breaking the staring contest between the two of them. Both of them turned to look at her to see her glaring at her brother with annoyance and frustration. Rebekah forced herself between Caroline and Klaus, staring up at him with not only anger but disappointment. “Look at her face. That arrow was meant for both of you, and every arrow that followed. Do you honestly believe that she would sacrifice herself and her child? For some vendetta that her mother cooked up?” 

“I don’t know what to believe, Bekah.” Klaus replied in a helpless tone. His shoulders sagged and Caroline both felt relief and anger swelling up inside her. “All I know is that a sea of arrows tried to kill not only myself but my family.” His eyes flickered to her and she had thought  that she saw a hint of remorse but she didn’t want to acknowledge it at that moment. “She is a Forbes. She was in love with my rival and her mother clearly was actively plotting against me. What would you have me think?”

“I would have you start thinking with your brain and stop listening to Elijah’s conspiracy theories.” Rebekah shot a vengeful glare to her eldest brother, who simply lifted his chin but remained silent. “I spend more time with your wife than you do, and trust me when I tell you that she had little time to plot anything without me knowing it. Not only that, she loves that child more than herself. Maybe she doesn’t love you but she would never risk that baby.”

Klaus nodded, looking at his sister before gazing at Caroline’s angry face. She crossed her arms and waited for him to say something. Never before had she thought she would be grateful for Rebekah’s never ending presence but here she was, happy to have an ally in the one person who Caroline knew could make Klaus see reason. Rebekah stepped away and let her brother stand before Caroline again.

“Sweetheart-” 

Crack!

Caroline raised her hand and slapped Klaus across the face. The room went still, everyone freezing, waiting for Klaus’s reaction. He reached up and grabbed his chin, rubbing the spot on his cheek that her hand had connected with his skin. He took a deep breath and looked at her through those long lashes and any ounce of feeling she may have gained towards him in the last few months halted. 

“I deserved that.” Klaus admitted and Caroline could almost feel the tension in the room break. Rebekah’s shoulders sagged and even Elena’s body relaxed slightly, remaining silent through the whole exchange. Both Kol and Elijah looked at one another, making Caroline feel as though they had wanted her to be behind the assination. 

“I thought we had reached a point where we understood one another.” Caroline said, tears filling her eyes and silently cursing the emotions the pregnancy brought out in her. “Did we not discuss this? We agreed for the sake of our child that we would try and put this bloody war behind us and yet, you honestly think that I would risk my own life? The life of our child? To simply end yours?” Klaus reached out but Caroline batted his hand away. “Do not touch me.” 

“I’m sorry. You’re right. I shouldn’t have assumed. It's just that your mother clearly was behind it and the two of you are close….” Klaus trailed off but Caroline’s hateful gaze never waivered or flinched, tears streaming down her face, the salt from them causing the cut on her cheek to sting. She did not want to admit that Klaus’s doubt in her hurt far more than she wanted to admit; even more than her own mother’s betrayal. “We’ll discuss this later and I’ll….just...I don’t know…” 

“I never confided in Caroline when I plotted to kill you. I figured she would eventually thank me once you were dead.” Elizabeth spoke for the first time, causing Klaus’s shoulders to tense again and his eyes to narrow. He whipped his head around to see Elizabeth standing from her seat, attempting to step forward but the guard gripping her shoulder and pushing her back down into her seat. “I never would have harmed my daughter or grandchild. The attack was not meant to occur until after the birth but the boys grew impatient. They wanted Lady Elena back and acted rashly. Even then, they were not meant to aim for Caroline, that was a decision of their own making. They were meant to aim for just you, but I guess the foolish boys lost faith in her. Unsure of what side she was really on.” 

The room looked to Klaus, everything going still once more. He turned away from Caroline completely, walking slowly toward Elizabeth just as he had done to her daughter.  Yet, Elizabeth did not waiver and Caroline was once again reminded just how much Elizabeth hated Klaus, simply because she did not like his father, feeling as though Richard would have been a better King almost two decades ago. 

“And yet you were willing to put them both in danger in order to kill me.” Klaus replied in a low tone, loathing echoing into each of it. “I’ll be honest, I never thought much of the Salvatore brothers, besides knowing that keeping Lord Gilbert’s daughter at court would keep them in line. I suppose I underestimated them. I underestimated you.” 

“Men always underestimate the strength of women and it will always be their downfall.” Elizabeth said in a cold tone and Caroline realized that the mother who once sang to her as a child, read to her and played with her in the gardens was gone. She had been so consumed by a war that should have ended with Tyler’s death that there was nothing left of her. “You’ve already proved today that you underestimate my daughter. For even I noticed just how much her loyalty has already swayed since the moment she discovered she was carrying your child.”

“Maybe I have and I’ll have to work to regain that trust that a few moments of doubt clearly caused me.” Klaus paused looking over his shoulder at her, regret played on his face. “And clearly for what I’m about to do.” He took a deep breath and closed his eyes. “Stefan and Damon Salvatore are in the tower, they are set to be executed in three weeks time.”

“No!” Elena’s voice cried out for the first time. She lunged from her stead and placed herself at Klaus’s feet. Caroline could see the tears streaming down her face and she wanted to go to her old friend, but Rebekah placed a hand on her forearm, shaking her head, telling her it was best to stay still. “Please. Please, don’t kill  them. Please!” 

“Their deaths were sealed the moment they shot an arrow towards my pregnant wife. Your friend.” Klaus knelt down before the sobbing woman and looked at her face. “But don’t worry, you will not die an old maid. You’ll remain here at court to ensure that your father and brother do not presume to try and strike at me like your dear Salvatores did.” Elena cried harder, breathing becoming difficult and her sobs filled the room, replacing the empty silence. “And my brother Elijah will take you for his wife. I’m sure the two of you can plan a wedding before the executioner arrives.” 

“Niklaus..” Elijah stepped forward but Klaus held up his hand, silencing his brother. Klaus turned his angry gaze to Elijah and stood. It was clear that Elijah had no intention of taking Elena as his bride, never once considering her as someone he would align his wife to. “Be reasonable-”

“I am being reasonable.” Klaus snapped. “You always gave me good counsel. You were the one to suggest that I marry Caroline, King Willaim’s granddaughter in order to unite both the Lockwood side with ours. Yet, even with Caroline set as queen they still plot against me.” He walked towards his brother and glared at Elijah. “And while I do not believe you meant any ill will by it, you were the one who suspected Caroline of being behind the assinsation and that clearly was not the case. So, as your King, I am ordering you to take Lady Elena as your wife, uniting the Gilbert and Mikaelson lines together. Just as I had done when I married Caroline. Understand?”

“Of course Your Majesty.” Elijah replied, his teeth clenching and his eyes flickering towards Elena; the latter who was still sobbing on the ground. “I will endeavor to fall into the Queen’s good graces again, for doubting her loyalty to you.” Caroline glared at Elijah, finding it in herself to never find it in herself to forgive him for swaying Klaus against her. “And what of Lady Elizabeth?” 

“Send her to the tower.”

“No! Wait! Please!” Panic swelled up in Caroline and she stepped towards her husband just as the guard had seized Elizabeth’s arm, pulling her upward. Elizabeth tried to fight against the guard but they overpowered her easily. “Please. Please don’t kill her.” Caroline sobbed, grabbing ahold of Klaus’s hand and kneeling before him. “Don’t kill her. Send her away, banish her and I will never speak to her again. But please, do not kill her.”

“She plotted to have me assassinated and you want me to simply banish her? Her recklessness would have gotten both you and our child killed.” Klaus said in an incredulous tone, his eyes growing wide as he looked down upon his wife, who for the first time since their marriage knelt before him. Caroline grabbed his hand and kissed his knuckles, tears streaming down her face. “Why would you beg for her life when she nearly cost you yours?”

“Because she is my mother.” Caroline replied simply, unsure what she could say to make him understand. “And no matter how great her betrayal is, I cannot find it in myself to want her dead but I promise that I will never lay eyes on her again if you send her away. Just., please, do not have her executed.”

He did not answer right away, the room waiting on bated breath once again for Klaus to make a decision. Instead of saying anything, Klaus lowered himself to Caroline’s eye level, kneeling before her just as she had done him. His eyes gazed down at her swollen stomach and then towards the cut on her face before landing on her pleading eyes. 

“Why do I find it hard to deny you anything?” Klaus whispered, just low enough for her to hear and the corner of her lips turned upward, tears rushing from her eyes in relief. “Take Lady Elizabeth to her chambers. Remove anything and everything that could be used to write to anyone outside the castle. Books, parchment, quill’s and everything is to be removed and destroyed. No one is to communicate with her or go to her. She will remain locked in that chamber until I can find appropriate accommodations, where she will stay imprisoned for the remainder of her life.” 

Klaus leaned forward and kissed the top of Caroline’s forehead before standing and turning towards the oak door, the guards pulling Elizabeth behind him. She began cursing and screaming, threatening Klaus with everything she could but it fell on deaf ears but all Caroline could hear was the pounding of her heart. 

England 1490 

Caroline sat at her vanity, gazing at herself in the mirror and slowly brushing through her long blonde locks. She had dismissed her maid, preferring to brush her hair herself as she waited for her husband to join her. He would be there soon enough and she knew that he would never break a promise to her. He had always kept his word to her since the day he banished her mother, never once doubting her again and doing what he could to win her loyalty.

She took a deep breath and thought back to the last few years and everything her and Klaus had tried to build. It was a long and difficult journey but they finally had come to a place where  she felt that she could possibly tell him the secret she let fester in her heart for so long. Caroline regretted each and every time she refrained from telling him, terrified that he, while comfortable with her, could never accept the truth and that it would ruin  everything.

Perhaps that is why marriage was always going to be a long and winding road. 

A knock pulled Caroline from her thoughts, her heart pounding in her chest. She counted three seconds and smiled as she heard the door creak open as she bid him to enter, Klaus’s head peeking in before stepping into the chamber completely. It was a routine they had created on the nights Klaus would come to her bed, he would knock three times, telling her exactly the purpose for his visit, waiting for her permission. 

Klaus closed the door behind him and walked across the room to stand behind her, his eyes looking at her through the mirror. He took the brush from her hand and gently began running it through her hair; his fingers massaging her scalp as he went. Caroline moaned at the feeling of his fingers touching the back of her neck as he worked. 

“You seem happy tonight.” HIs tone was light and her lips perked up into a smile. She looked at him through the mirror, seeing his amused expression on his face. He sat down the brush onto the vanity and pushed her hair to the side, his fingers trailing down her neck. “And here I thought your disagreement with Duchess Mikaelson this afternoon would have put a damper on your spirits.” Caroline rolled her eyes at him and he gave a dimpled laugh. “You knew I would hear about it.”

“Yes, I’m sure plenty of your sycophants ran happily to tell you of the tif.” Caroline replied, completely unsurprised that he would have learned about the words she would have exchanged with Elena. Yet, he did not seem angry, just curious, knowing that Caroline would be honest with him if he asked her what had transpired. “Just as I am confident that you were briefed on what we had discussed.”

“I do not have people listening to your conversations, Sweetheart.” Caroline snorted in amusement, giving him a look of disbelief in the mirror. “Well, not anymore.” He chuckled and leaned down to kiss the top of her head. “Elena’s conversations are a completely different matter and it would seem that she is having difficulty letting go of the past.”

“That is one way of putting it.” Caroline muttered under her breath, her shoulders sagging in frustration. “Is the past always going to haunt us? Is Elena never going to be able to let Stefan and Damon go? Give happiness with Elijah a chance but she is unable to really just live.” She shook her head, gripping Klaus’s hand and kissing his knuckles. “She is like my mother, living in the midst of a fight that is long over.” 

“And you? Have you put it behind you?” Klaus asked and Caroline startled, noting the change in his expression; the happy smile morphing into a sad and almost forlorn one. She opened her mouth in rebuttal but he stopped her. “I’m not accusing you of anything, I know better than that now. That is a mistake I’ll never make again but I’ve noticed that you have been quiet as of late. Like you were thinking about something.” 

“I’m just going through everything.” Her mind went into a frenzy and her heartbeat began to pick up. She turned on the seat of her vanity and took a deep breath. She reached out and took Klaus’s hands into hers. “I have been thinking about our marriage and how we have come to a place where I’m happy. We work well together, when your temper doesn’t get in the way, that is.”

“That's fair.” Klaus chuckled but he was still looking at her curiously. He pulled her hands up to his lips, pressing a kiss to her knuckles. “But what has brought all this up? If you’re happy, why does it seem as though you’re anything but?” 

“Because there is something I want to tell you but I just do not know how you would take it.”  Caroline whispered and Klaus froze, his expression falling into one of worry and concern. Carline stood and reached up to touch his face. “Just, hear me out before you saything, okay?” Klaus nodded his head, placing his hands on her shoulders, almost as though he needed to hold her in order to brace himself for the words that were to slip for her lips. “I’ve been thinking alot about Tyler.” 

The name made his expression turn to stone. Even after all the years since his death, that name could still send Klaus into a fury. It never made sense to Caroline, he had won; he met him on the battlefield and struck him down. Repeating the history that had come before them. He took the throne while Tyler was buried deep into the ground.

“I see.” 

“No you don’t.” She cupped his face, making him look at her, needing to see his eyes when she finally purged herself of the last thing weighing on her soul. “I had loved him once, that is no secret but Tyler is gone. My broken heart had mended a long time ago and…” Caroline sucked in a breath, knowing that there was no going back now that she had begun. “What I felt for Tyler, in all the years that I had known him and all the promises he had made cannot compare to what I feel for you.”

Klaus’s eyes had gone wide and if it was even possible, he had gone even more still. His lips parted and his grip on her shoulder tightened. Within a second, Caroline found herself being pulled into his arms, wrapping hers around his neck and his lips descending upon hers. They had kissed furiously, their lips battling for dominance; a never ending dancing that neither were willing to lose. When Klaus broke the kiss, he rested his forehead against hers. Their eyes locked with one another and their breaths mingled between them. 

“Tell me. Let me hear the words.”

“I love you, King Niklaus Mikaelson.” Klaus kissed her again, his hands wandering over her body, cupping her breasts and touching every part of her he could find. He pushed the sleeve of her shift down to expose her shoulder, leaning down to kiss the top of her shoulder. Caroline tilted her head, moaning as his lips touched the pulse point of her neck. “I take it you’re happy then?”

“I do not have words to express how I’m feeling.” Klaus pulled away, reaching down and lifting Caroline off the ground, causing her to laugh as he carried her to her bed. He laid her down and crawled over her body, placing his hands on either side of her face. Caroline spread her legs, making room for his body between them. “There are so many things I want to say to you but I find myself speechless.” 

“Then show me.” Caroline leaned up to kiss him gently before smiling into his lips. “Words were never your strong suit anyway.”  Klaus laughed, his hands going to her waist and tickling her slightly in retaliation, causing her to laugh and squeal at his ministrations. “I’m sorry, but it's true.” Caroline’s voice rang out through her laughter. Klaus stopped his playful assault and Caroline just smiled widely up at him. “I love you anyway, faults and all.” 

An unreadable expression slipped over his face, one Caroline had seen a thousand times before and for the first time, she finally understood what was going on behind those blue eyes. Klaus leaned down and kissed her deeply, his fingers reaching up and pulling at the strings at the top of her shift. He pulled the fabric down, exposing her breasts to the cold hair. He trailed a series of kisses from her lips, down her chest until his lips latched onto her nipple, sucking at her mound. 

Caroline moaned and bit her bottom lip, allowing herself to feel her husband's tongue nip and suck at her breast. His hands gripped her shift and pulled it down, Caroline lifting her hips in order for him to toss it to the side of the bed. Klaus pulled back and gazed over her naked body. Much like he had done the first night he had bedded her all those years ago, he pulled his tunic over his head, exposing his bare chest to her. She sat up and reached for the strings on his breeches but he grabbed her wrists, stopping her.

“No. Not yet. I need to love you first.” The word took her by surprise, heat pooling between her eyes and tears prickling in her eyes. It was not a full confession, but she knew that it was only the beginning of one. Caroline nodded and laid back down, pulling Klaus with her. His lips touched hers again, slowly kissing her before returning to her breast. 

Klaus had been in her bed hundreds of times in the last five years but this felt different. His kisses were different, gentler, relaying a message where his words were just not strong enough. His fingers trailed over her skin, caressing  every part of her that he could touch. Lower and lower his lips went, creating an invisible path until he was perched between her legs. 

A king bowing before his queen.

“Klaus!”  Caroline cried out, her hands going into his hair the moment his tongue touched her clit. He circled her nub and his fingers tracing her entrance. He kissed and sucked at her, his gaze never leaving hers as he pleasured her. Higher and higher he was bringing her towards the edge that they both knew was close. With a few more licks of his tongue, Caroline’s back was arching as she came against his tongue. “Yes! Klaus. Yes.”

As she began to calm down, Klaus began to kiss his way up her body; his body covering his again. Their lips met again, Caroline tasting herself on his lips. She reached down and began pulling at the strings of his breeches apart and pushing them down, neither of them willing to break their kiss until it became too difficult for them to undress him. Klaus kicked off his breeches and aligned himself up with her entrance. 

“Say it again. I want to hear you say it again.” Klaus pleaded, his voice fragile, almost afraid that he had heard her wrong before. Caroline reached up with both her hands, caressing his cheekbones and gave him a watery smile. 

“I love you.” The moment the words left her lips, Klaus pushed into her, filling her completely. He leaned down and kissed her neck, shoulder and every inch of skin he could find. Slowly he withdrew his hips and began thrusting in and out of her. His pace was tortuous but Caroline could feel everything that Klaus had never said. Every glance, question, moment of trust were those three little words lingering in his actions. 

“I love you.” Thrust. “ I love you.” Thrust. “ I love you.” Thrust. 

Emotions were not something Klaus was good at showing through words, but everything he felt bleed into his actions and how he treated those around him. Caroline wondered why she had not realized the depth of Klaus’s emotions sooner. From the moment in the chamber, fresh from nearly dying, Klaus had made every action to prove to Caroline what she had meant to him; long before he had known what he was feeling. As he made love to her, whispering his devotion in her ear, she knew they were not words she would hear every day, but she would see them in every gesture, smile and action he showed towards her. 

“I love you!” Caroline whispered back to him as she came again, crying out his name right after. Hearing the words again, caused Klaus to stilled above her, resting his head against her forehead and his lips parting as he spilled himself inside her. Caroline reached up and wrapped her arms around his shoulders, bringing him down into a lazy kiss. “I love you.” 

Klaus pulled out of her, moving to lay beside her and pulling her into his arms. Caroline went happily, resting her head against his chest. She listened to his heartbeat, her fingers trailing up and down his chest. He placed a gentle kiss on her forehead as his fingers ran through her hair again. At first, Klaus had always left her alone when he bedded her but over time he would linger, holding her close. Yet, this felt different and she understood why. 

It wasn’t just because he loved her; it was because she loved him. Something she now knew he never thought would have been possible.

“When did you know?” Caroline whispered into his chest, placing a kiss just above his heart. “I knew one our third anniversary when you had gifted me that drawing of William and me. You could have given me jewels or an entire country but you took the time to give me something you knew I would cherish. That's when I knew.” 

“That was two and a half years ago!” Klaus pulled away and gave her an incredulous look. He shook his head and leaned down to kiss the top of her head. “Although I suppose I’m no better. I just never said anything because I didn’t know how to express it. I cannot tell you the time I had fallen but by the time I had realized it, I was already in too deep.” Klaus kissed the crown of her head again. “I had just always assumed you would never love me back, our history being too difficult to overcome.”

“What are you saying?”

“I realized that I loved you the night our son was born.”

England 1486

Caroline held the small infant in her arms, rocking him gently in her arms. She leaned down and kissed the top of his head, a love she had never felt before consuming her. In all the grief and heartache she had suffered in the last year; the loss of Tyler, the start of her marriage and learning about her mother’s never ending desire to topple the Mikaelson family, Caroline realized everything had been worth it to bring that child into her arms. 

Her son and the heir to the throne.

The labor had been long and tortuous, only Rebekah there to hold her hand as she was the only one of her ladies in waiting who had given birth; a boy named after his late father. The midwife was an older woman and kind but it was Rebekah who had gotten Caroline through the worst of it. Caroline had never felt such pain before, the feeling of her body being ripped apart for hours. She cursed Klaus with every fiber of her being but once it was over and she held her son for the first time, Caroline knew that everything had been worth it.

The child had been cleaned, as had Caroline and the bedding changed. She rested comfortably in her chambers, cradling the child to her breast. She could hear Rebekah humming softly, tidying the room as they waited for Klaus to come. The midwife had left to deliver the news that he had a son, and heir. The small boy’s eyes were still closed but he reached up and patted Caroline’s nose with his small hands. If it wasn’t for the sound of shoes hitting the stone floor, running at a rapid pace towards her chamber. Both Rebekah and Caroline exchanged an amused look before focusing on the door.

For the first time since she had married him, Klaus did not knock on her chamber door. Instead he opened the door with such force that she had thought it would come off the hinges. His eyes were wide, frantic as he searched the chamber, landing on Caroline and noting the boy in her arms. His shoulders sagged in relief and a small smile playing on his lips, standing still as though he was unable to move.

Rebekah gave a small chuckle, sat down the trinket she had been fussing with and walked towards her brother. She placed a small kiss on Klaus’s cheek, whispering congratulations in his ear and left the chamber, closing the door behind her as she went. Slowly, almost as though he was unsure on what he should do, Klaus made his way around the bed and sat down on the edge beside Caroline. His eyes were fixated on the infant in her arms, the small boy who yawned widely, exhausted from his very long day. 

“Do you want to hold him?” Caroline asked, breaking Klaus’s gaze from the boy, turning to look up at her. He seemed panicked for a moment, as though he was not the man who had led armies across a battlefield or waged war against a rival oppinnate. Caroline wondered if he was more terrified at the prospect of holding his son rather than shedding blood in the midst of war. Klaus blinked a few times but then slowly nodded his head. “Hold out your arms and make sure to support the head.”

Caroline leaned forward, wincing as she did as her body still hurt from childbirth. She placed their son gently in his arms, watching as Klaus held him gently but protectively. He leaned down and placed a kiss on the top of his head, the same motion he had done to her in the months as their relationship had slowly thawed. As Caroline watched the father of her son hold their newborn to his chest, she realized that at some point that her hatred for him had vanished. She no longer despised the sight of him. While she had resolved to try and make this marriage and monarchy work for the sake of the child she was carrying, Caroline realized that she still hung onto some resentment towards Klaus. 

Watching him hold their child erased those last few moments of doubt. It wasn’t love but it was the start to something better. 

“He needs a name.” Caroline replied, reaching out to touch the small hands that were still waving around in the air. Klaus just nodded, still unable to look away from him and Caroline knew that he loved that boy just as much as she did. “I cannot think of a name that is good enough. Everything seems to fall short.”

“William.” Klaus stated without hesitation, still looking at the child. “Name him after your father and grandfather. After a king that was loved on both sides.” Caroline looked at the child and she knew what Klaus was right. The boy was perfect and there was no other name that she could think would be good enough. “Prince William. Will for short.”

“Will. I love it.” Caroline smiled wildly, reaching out to grip Klaus’s shoulder. “Prince William Ansel Mikaelson.” His eyes snapped to hers, the shock clearly written in them. It was clear that he wasn’t even going to suggest his father’s name because he believed that Caroline would shoot it down immediately. “You loved your father and while he was not a king my family supported, there are many people in England that did.” She looked over to the boy again, smiling lightly. “The purpose of our marriage was to unit the houses. A Forbes and Mikealson alliance, ending the war of succession once and for all. I think that our unity should be reflected in our son. A child born of both houses.” 

“I think you’re right.” Klaus nodded, turning his gaze back to his son; pressing another kiss to his forehead. “William Ansel Mikaelson.” As though Will knew his name already, he began to cry; letting out a deafening wail that echoed throughout the chamber. Klaus’s eyes grew wide and his face panicked. He turned towards Caroline, unsure what to do with the screaming child in his arms. “What happened? What is wrong?”

“I think he is hungry. Hand him here.” Gently as he could, Klaus placed the screaming infant into his mother’s arms and watched as Caroline pulled down the front of her shift and let her breast slip out. Klaus watched in fascination as Caroline coaxed the child to her nipple, and Will latched on in order to feed from her breast. “There we go. He is a quick learner. Rebekah said that when her son was born, it took him far longer to learn to feed.” 

“Does that hurt?”

“No. Well, it's tugs and is a strange feeling but not awful.” Caroline told him with a smile in her voice. She looked up to see Klaus gazing at her, an expression written on his face that she had never seen before. It was a mixture of surprise, shock, elation and sadness all rolled into one. Caroline could not understand what moment was consuming him but she could tell that it was something important. “Are you alright?”

“Yes. I’m perfect. Just…..overwhelmed.” Klaus’s voice was low and hoarse, as though his words were stuck in his throat. Her shoulders sagged and she nodded. It was a momentous day. Their roles had shifted, making room for a new one that she realized neither one was prepared for. “And you, do you feel okay? Nothing amiss? You’ll recover?” 

“I am well, I promise.” With her free hand, Caroline reached out and gripped his hand gently before nodding her head towards the space beside her. His eyes flickered to the space and back to Caroline, appearing as though he had never been in her bed before, while the child in her arms proved otherwise. “Come. Sit with us.”

Klaus stood from the edge of the bed, kicked off his shoes and crawled onto the space beside her. He raised his arm in order to wrap it around her shoulders but hesitated. Caroline rolled her eyes and took his hand, wrapping it around her so she could rest against his side. Neither spoke, instead just fascinated by their son, watching him feed and then slowly drift off to sleep. Klaus leaned down and kissed the top of her head, causing her to smile and feel perfectly happy for the first time in close to a year. 

While it was not the life she had thought she wanted, married to a man she had once believed was a monster, Caroline realized that she could find happiness with Klaus. One journey was already put behind them, a war and the personal battle between them was over. No longer was the man holding her, her enemy but instead her husband and the father of her son. 

And one day, she would realize just how deeply she grew to love him.