Claudia Lockwood-Mikaelson

Bonus - The Proposal

Klaus has been acting suspicious all week and I'm starting to feel insecure. He is busy all the time and isn't prioritising seeing me.

My pregnancy hormones exacerbate my worry when I wake up one morning and he's not there. Is he cheating on me? Did he ever come to bed last night? Pushing aside my silly thoughts because I know how loyal my mate is, I head downstairs where I bump into Maeve.

"How are you feeling this morning?" She beams, as bright and bubbly as ever. Where she gets her optimism from I don't know, but I appreciate it.

"No vomiting this morning," I reply pleased to report it. "Baby kept me awake last night though, she kept kicking me under my ribs."

"Ouch," Maeve winces. "I can create a tonic for you to help with the pain if you'd like," she drops in conversation casually like she isn't suggesting something crazy. But she is.

I stare at her a little unsure as to how I should approach this.

"Are you using magic again?" I question quietly, not wanting to create a scene or make her uncomfortable.

"Only a little. Elijah watches me while I do it so I don't panic or have to worry about anything."

"Anything?" I probe, desperate for more information but recalling the last time she refused to elaborate on the topic. She was not willing to talk about it at all then, and it doesn't seem like she will open up this time either.

"Hmm," she hums vaguely and so I force my question down, not wanting to upset her.

Nik told me she's deeply traumatised by what happened to her with Mikael and he even advised me to keep my inquisitive mouth shut about it. I know he meant it because he's never said something so seriously like that. It worries me a lot that I'm in the dark about her past.

"Will a tonic be safe with the baby?" I ask instead of pushing and her tensed shoulders relax when I move the subject on.

"Yes, if pain killers don't work, we can try a tonic," she replies quietly, mulling over my options.

I agree, partially for the pain relief but also to encourage Maeve to use her magic in more than just life threatening situations. It can't be good for her to bottle it all up until something dreadful happens. I imagine it's very hard.

We head downstairs and Nik looks me up and down, before ordering me to change into a pretty dress.

"What?" I scoff at him. "I'm literally in jeans and a t-shirt?"

What is his problem today?

"Claudia, I only meant it might be more comfortable, I heard the baby kicked you last night," he adds smoothly with a worried look that makes me forgive him instantly.

I walk over to give him a kiss before replying.

"I'm comfy in this, thank you."

"I tell you what, why don't we both get dressed nicely and go out to take some photos together?" Maeve slyly suggests as casually as she can and I don't protest her idea.

"All right," I'm a bit surprised but I remember we always used to take lots of photos together at Stanford, now we hardly at all. It will be nice, it will feel like old times with her again.

When I head back on upstairs, Maeve winks at my mate.

"Go on ahead," she whispers when they're out of earshot, "I'll text you when we're nearly there."