Waging Wars: A Klaroline Fanfiction

2.

"Queen," Klaus mumbled absently that night while lounging in his chair at dinner.

He'd barely touched the food in front of him, preoccupied with thoughts of the Lockwoods and a certain blonde beauty. He'd decided it couldn't be a swift taking as far as the Lockwood kingdom was concerned. He had to be meticulous. He had to have every angle covered. King Lockwood was conniving and smart, Klaus couldn't underestimate him. He knew he would eventually be able to out maneuver the king, however. Nobody was safe when it came to Klaus's plans.

"Did you say something?" Hayley asked, sitting next to him.

"No," he answered, searching the crowded table for Elijah. "Elijah, we need a word later."

Elijah nodded his head from further down the table where he sat next to the flaxen haired beauty Klaus had seen in the courtyard. He'd found out that she was one of Rebekah's ladies, but nothing more. He couldn't ask without sounding suspicious, but he suspected Rebekah already knew. Sometimes she knew him too well.

"Sister," he began as she eyed him warily from across from Kol. "How long will you be visiting?"

She set her fork down and sat tall, ready for a battle it seemed. "I'm unsure. Do you wish for me to leave so soon?"

Klaus smiled briefly, showing her he knew what she was up to. "Of course not. You know this castle will always be your home. You and my favorite brother in-law and favorite ally are always welcome. I just wonder how long you will stay before the Prince notices you're gone," he answered snidely, getting a glare from her. Although the Prince gave Rebekah whatever she wished, what she couldn't stand was the way he ignored her.

"He always misses me. Besides," she lowered her voice in a mock whisper. "The men around the castle seem to be in better spirits when I arrive. Obviously they like to admire the beauty of me and my ladies."

Klaus glanced at the woman who sat next to Elijah having an animated conversation with a brilliant smile on her face. "Perhaps we will suffer through your company then, if only for the good of my men."

She smiled, the imp. "Perhaps."

Later that night after convening with Elijah on the Lockwood issue, Klaus walked the quiet grounds. Guards melted into the shadows as the inhabitants slept peacefully in their beds, something Klaus was unaccustomed to. It had been years since the king had a restful night's sleep, plagued by worries of his kingdom or the rare nightmare. So, he took to walking the halls and grounds at night, hoping to calm his mind. He eventually found himself in the stables and in the presence of his current obsession.

"Do you like horses?" he asked after a moment of watching her and she gasped, turning so swiftly her skirts flared around her ankles.

She bowed. "Your Majesty. I didn't see you."

The sound of her voice made him smile. It was sweet, but had commanding undertones. "You're one of Rebekah's ladies. What's your name?"

Her eyes swept him and Klaus almost thought she wouldn't answer. "Caroline."

"Beautiful woman."

"Excuse me?" she asked, shocked someone would be so forthright.

"Your name. It means beautiful woman," he said, stepping closer toward her and the blessed object of her fascination. "And you never answered me. Do you like horses?"

She eyed him again. "Yes, I do, but only from afar."

"You never learned?" he asked, patting the chestnut sixteen hands horse and planning on how he could teach her. "You're a lady in waiting, usually they excel at every kind of hobby imaginable."