The Long Lost Tribrid

1. Hey Princess

Hope's Pov:

I am Hope Mikaelson, the daughter of Klaus and Hayley Mikaelson, two of the most formidable and feared individuals in the kingdom. Their reputation for ruthlessness precedes them, and it was through sheer luck and determination that I managed to escape the treacherous realm of Bloody Hollows.

Three years ago, my life took an unexpected turn when my older sister helped me escape and got me free of my parents grasp. Caroline, the benevolent queen of Twincrest, discovered my true identity. Recognizing me as the long-lost queen, she took me under her wing, offering me sanctuary and protection within the walls of her kingdom. Since that fateful day, I have been living in hiding, adopting the alias of Hope Marshall to conceal my true lineage and the power that comes with it.

The burden of my secret weighs heavily upon me, known only to a select few. Caroline, my savior and mentor, guards this knowledge fiercely. The only other person privy to my true identity is Josie, my girlfriend.

To cope with the constant fear of discovery and the trauma of my past, I found solace in an unexpected pursuit: monster hunting. What began as a mere distraction, a way to channel my pent-up emotions has evolved into a passionate hobby. It gives me purpose, allowing me to protect others while simultaneously battling my own inner demons.

As I meander through the grand halls of Twincrest's castle, my senses are overwhelmed by the stark contrast to my former home. The air here is lighter, filled with the gentle murmur of courtly life rather than the oppressive silence of Bloody Hollows. The stone walls, adorned with tapestries depicting tales of valor and compassion, stand in sharp contrast to the dark, foreboding corridors I once knew. Every step I take serves as a poignant reminder of how far I've come, and how different my life has become in this new realm of hope and possibility.

"Hey princess," I hear Josie's raspy voice greet me, her footsteps echoing softly in the hallway as they come to a halt just behind me. The familiar warmth of her presence sends a shiver down my spine.

I pivot on my heel, meeting her gaze with a playful roll of my eyes. "Stop calling me that," I chide, though there's no real annoyance in my tone. The corners of my mouth twitch, threatening to betray my amusement.

"Why? It's what you are, isn't it?" She smirks, tilting her head slightly to the side. Her eyes sparkle with mischief, a look I've come to both love and fear in equal measure.

"Yes, but I have a name, you know?" I retort, reaching out to grasp her hips. The fabric of her dress is soft beneath my fingers, and I can feel the warmth of her skin through the material.

She places her hands atop mine, her touch gentle yet electrifying. "Oh, I know," she murmurs, her voice dropping to a husky whisper. "I was screaming it just last night-"

My eyes widen in panic, and I quickly clap my hand over her mouth. My gaze darts around the castle's hallway, searching for any sign that someone might have overheard. The stone walls seem to loom closer, as if they too are listening in on our conversation.

She chuckles against my palm, the sound muffled but unmistakable. Gently, she removes my hand from her mouth, intertwining our fingers as she pulls me closer. "Relax, my love," she soothes, her breath warm against my cheek. "No one is here."

"We need to be careful," I insist, my voice dropping to match her whisper. The fear that's always simmering beneath the surface bubbles up, tightening my chest. "You know the people are here. They could take you away from me." The words taste bitter on my tongue, the very thought of losing her sending a wave of dread through me.

"Hope, baby," Josie says, her voice soft but firm. Her hands move to cup my face, her touch grounding me. "My mom is the Queen. She won't let anyone take me from you. Twincrest isn't like Bloody Hollows." Her words are meant to reassure, but they also serve as a reminder of the stark differences between our homes, between our worlds.