Royal Sacrifices

L'amour e la Diplomazia

"You were down there for an entire week without me knowing?" Elena screeches, turning her gaze from the princess to her twin "why did you not tell me Katherine!!"

The brunette in question rolls her eyes, speaking truthfully "because Elena, as much as everyone adores you, you are incapable of keeping your mouth shut!"

Elena huffs, muttering something about that not being true and Caroline knows she should break in and defend Elena, but she just continues to smile. It feels like old times. Sitting here on the porch, overlooking the rose gardens with Elena and Katherine bickering, Bonnie bringing them tea, the Salvatore brothers wandering the castle (no doubt arguing over which one of them loves Elena more), it feels... normal. She sighs, bringing the delicate teacup to her smiling mouth, allowing herself to bask in the simplicity of the illusion of life before the Mikaelson's.

"Anyway" Katherine waves a hand, evaporating Caroline's mirage of paradise "enough about your ego, Caroline you must tell us all the news at court"

The princess sighs, wanting to preserve the moment of normalcy just a little bit longer "oh we will get to that soon enough. Klaus and his siblings are partaking of a hunt at the moment but once they get back we will all have dinner and you will be introduced to the monsters in law then. For now, I want to hear all about you two!"

"Oh but our lives are so much more boring than yours" Elena pouts

"The famous Pierce girls boring? Never!" Caroline exclaims in a mock scandalized tone "where could we begin" she says, putting her finger to her lip, gaze casting out towards the garden "hmmmmm, what could you girls possible have to tell me about?" the twins remain frustratingly quiet, either not picking up on Caroline's obvious hints or just ignoring them "how about we start with..."she raises an eyebrow, leaning forward "the Salvatore brother-"

"How about we don't" Katherine scoffs, rolling her eyes

"Oh come on" Caroline begs "I would give anything to drown myself in drama that is not my own! Please, save me from my own thoughts!" she clutches Elena's hand in her right one and Katherine's in her left

Elena looks down guiltily, clearly not wanting to speak "I suppose at least you cannot judge me"

"I would never judge you Elena" Caroline says tenderly, realizing that this is something more than the siblings arguing over who was courted by which Salvatore first "you can tell me anything"

The brunette nods, refusing to meet Caroline's gaze "Stefan proposed" she says quietly

Caroline pulls her head back in surprise "oh, wow" she says, pausing for a beat "wait, I'm confused. Isn't this a good thing! You and Stefan are perfect together!" she smiles, already wondering if she could talk Klaus into a double wedding- definitely not- or at least convince Elena to be married at the palace!

Elena remains looking down in shame "it would be, except um... I sort of-"

"She kissed Damon" Katherine says, somehow managing to layer those three words with concern, disinterest, and disgust all at the same time.

Caroline's eyes fly to Katherine and then back to Elena "YOU DID WHAT!?"

"SHHH" Elena turns sharply towards her sister "I have not told Stefan yet and I would prefer he not hear about it from either of your shouting!"

"Wait" Caroline says turning back to Elena "you did accept the proposal, right?" Elena's silence and downcast gaze are all the answer she needs. Seriously? Elena rejected the perfect man, a man that she is in love with just because his brother showed her a bit of attention? Does she not realize what a luxury it is that her parents are allowing her to choose the man she marries? That she even has parents! The princess reels back in anger "so what" she begins incredulously "are you like switching Salvatore's now?"