The Prince of Mystic Falls

15. Hamlet

Pairing: Klaus/Jeremy-mild M/m-bent over, ruler

Klaus didn't sleep well although he was exhausted. Nicole's screams seemed to echo through his head. When leader of that awful coven had contacted him, he didn't think she was trying to set him up. It wasn't until she wanted him to sacrifice the boys that he knew she was no better than they. Anyone who would threaten children like Nicole did was worthless to him. How did he not see it before? Perhaps her beauty and grace seduced him, after all he was still a man. The boys would miss the chocolate fondue she set out for Sunday brunches, and the salve. That reminded him that they would need a new housekeeper. He groaned and rolled out of bed.

Rebekah knocked and came in as his was putting on his robe.

"Ah, could you knock and then wait, Sister?" Klaus remarked as he put on his slippers.

"Sure, sorry. I just wanted to see if you heard from Elijah or Kol yet," Rebekah asked with anticipation.

"No news. I just checked my phone," Klaus said with a worried smile.

"Nik, I'm getting worried. What is going on down there?" Rebekah revealed twisting her blond hair in her fingers.

"Worry not. Elijah is there and he will bring Kol back kicking and screaming if he must," Klaus told her grasping her lightly by the shoulders.

"You two won't be too hard on him will you? Nicole is gone and that should be punishment enough," Rebekah pleaded.

"Oh, he's going to get the worst thrashing of his life. I cannot lie about that. From both of us, both we must find him first," Klaus said looking at his watch.

"Oh Nik, he was doing so well. I just don't want him to feel like he's not..." Rebekah started.

"Loved? Sister, I assure you, we'll take good care of him. Do you trust me?" Klaus said.

"Yes, Nik. I do. I just worry," Rebekah admitted.

"I know. It seems like so much is at stake. We've lost people before, but not without a fight. We won't lose anyone. I'll see to that," Klaus promised. Klaus thought of how they lost Marcel. He would never forgive himself for that. He never could go to the opera again.

"Okay. Oh, I made pancakes if anyone is hungry. Not bloody crepes like you-know-who made," Rebekah snarked.

"Thank you. I'll go see if anyone is up," Klaus said patting her arm gently.

Klaus made a stop in the study before he walked into his sons' room which was wide open. They must have sleep through the night because Tyler was unclothed and the other two were sporting pink backsides. He'd have to make sure they were properly clothed, especially with his little sister around. Klaus went over and noticed a few redder areas, but no bruises. He frowned. He had promised Jeremy a spanking this morning before breakfast. Klaus wasn't sure he had the heart to do it.

"Boys, wake up. I'm going to need your help today. Get dressed," Klaus said clapping his hands briskly.