His Love

Chapter 11

Tara's POV
"Love, it's been two hours—you need to start getting ready," Klaus said with a hint of impatience.

"Okay," I mumbled, frowning slightly.

"I've called in a makeup artist and stylist. They'll be here in a few minutes. I'll come back when the party is about to start." He leaned down, pecked my lips, and walked out of the room.

Five minutes later, I had started changing when the door opened again.

"Hello, Ms. Tara! We're here to style you," one of the women chirped.

"What are your names?" I asked politely.

"I'm Beckie, and this is Samantha," she introduced as they both got to work.

The next hour was filled with tugging, curling, and the smothering scent of makeup. By the time they were done, I barely recognized myself.

"You look absolutely gorgeous," Beckie and Samantha said in unison.

"Thank you," I replied, blushing.

"Since we're finished, we'll be heading out. Enjoy the party!" They packed up and left just as Klaus walked in.

He looked dashing—his hair slicked back with subtle curls at the ends. He wore 1820s-style wool trousers with a figured silk waistcoat in dark black and blue, matching my dress perfectly.

"I have something to complete your look," Klaus said, pulling out a stunning rhinestone necklace. He fastened it around my neck.

"Klaus, it's beautiful," I said, touching the delicate jewels.

"I'm glad you like it. I want tonight to be special for you."

"I'm a little nervous... how many people are downstairs?" I asked, my voice trembling slightly.

"Not many. This is one of our smallest balls," Klaus said with a soft laugh.

I gulped and took his offered arm.

When we stepped out of the bedroom, the sound of music and flashing party lights filled the air. As we descended the grand staircase, I felt dozens of eyes on us. When we reached the bottom, Klaus turned to me, his hand gently caressing my face.

"What's wrong?" he asked.

"You lied. You told me it would be a small crowd," I whispered.

"I didn't lie. It is fewer people than we usually have," he said with a sly grin.

"Really?" I asked, surprised.

"You look stunning, darling," Kol interjected, flashing me a charming smile.

"Thanks, Kol," I replied, grinning back.

"That's the dress I picked out!" Rebekah beamed, nudging Marcel.

"Tara, let's dance," Klaus said suddenly, offering his hand.

"I'm not a very good dancer," I protested, but he pulled me onto the dance floor anyway.

The music shifted to an old-fashioned waltz. Klaus spun me out and back toward him, my dress twirling with the motion. My heels made it hard to move gracefully, so he placed my feet on top of his.

I quickly realized that everyone was watching us—no one else was dancing. When the song ended, Klaus kissed my hand and led me back to his family. The crowd resumed their conversations as if nothing had happened.

⸻

Klaus's POV
"You two looked good out there, brother," Elijah said with a knowing smile.