Uncharted Territory

Chapter 3

Caroline walked into her designated suite, astonished with the room around her. It was a smaller suite than the main one that Klaus would be residing in, but it had the same luxurious feel to it. When she walked in the conjoining doorway, the first thing to greet her was a kitchen-like nook designed completely in a burnt sienna cherrywood. There was a sink and a miniature stove on one counter - which she was sure she would never use anyway - and an island bar across from it with two bar stools.

The living area of the suite was carpeted in white and two white deco sofas sat across from one another, long grey throw pillows strategically placed. In between the two, a dark wood coffee table stood proudly, embellished with an assortment of pamphlets and a cast iron candy dish filled with wrapped chocolates. In the center, a miniature version of the lilies from the lobby blossomed, bringing a ray of sunshine to the room. Behind the right sofa was a window to the streets fifty seven stories below and a breathtaking view of the Empire State Building right next door. So much for Rebekah taking the best view, Caroline thought with a satisfied smirk.

The far back wall was entirely finished in a medium cherrywood, acting as an oversized headboard for the queen bed below it. The comforter and pillows were fluffed and untouched, an ocean of white begging her to dive in. Beside that was a doorway which she could only assume led to the bathroom, but when she walked in, the word 'bathroom' seemed too simple a word.

On the left, a double vanity stretched as long as the wall with two sinks, an abundance of towels hanging on the racks and in the shelving below. There were all kinds of fancy toiletries and enough outlets to plug in all of her hair tools at the same time. An enormous mirror hovered above it all, dauntingly. As she glimpsed her reflection, she noticed the bathtub - no, sorry - thejacuzzi behind her. It was knee-deep, long and wide enough to fit three, maybe four, bodies inside, with water jets on every side. Black and white candles lined the edges, along with three boxes with assorted bath salts and soaps. A long luxurious bath was soon the agenda. But even past the jacuzzi tub there was a shower cubicle, translucent on all sides, again easily accommodating more than one person. This was definitely going to be her favorite place in the hotel.

As she went back out to the main room of the suite, Caroline was startled by a tall, tanned brunette coming out from behind the kitchen nook. She hadn't gotten around to checking that area out yet and vaguely wondered what was back there, but the appearance of this unexpected stranger set her off balance. The girl looked just as surprised to see her there. Her almond eyes were wide with guilt.

"Sorry," she mumbled an apology. "I was just...following orders."

"It's okay," Caroline smiled, the truth dawning on her. "You're one of Klaus' hybrids?"

The girl let out a short, flippant laugh. "I guess I am." She extended her slender fingers. "But I prefer Kimberley."

Caroline shook her hand, surprised by the firm grip. "I'm Caroline."

"I know," Kimberley nodded. "I was assigned to deliver your stuff up here."

She blinked, two blonde eyebrows rising. "Oh."

"I, uh, put it all in the closet. I figured that'd be where you'd want it." She laughed, a nervous tension seeping out. "I mean, that's where clothes go, right?"

Caroline nodded, still trying to figure out what to make of the situation and Kimberley. She'd never formally met any of Klaus' hybrids, save for Tyler. Was she even allowed to? She plastered a polite, phony smile to her face.

"Well, thank you. I appreciate it."

Kimberley shook her head, her dark waves bouncing. "I'm just doing what I was told."