Buried Secrets ((ON HOLD))

Chapter Four: The Hero

"Then the large creature came for me, tossing me to the ground. My weapon was lost in the struggle, too far from reach and for a moment, I believed myself a dead man. However, it was then I noticed it. The sharp rock on the ground beside me. I managed to hit the beast, which of course gave me enough time to reach for my sword. I struck it down and its fur is now a lovely coat." Klaus finished with a grin, mainly looking at Katerina, even though the story had been entertainment for everyone at the banquet. She simply seemed to be the one who was paying the most attention.

A gentle sigh of wonder left Katerina's lips as she listened to the ending of the story. "That is fascinating." She managed to say softly. Her entire focus was on Klaus and every word he spoke. He had truly enchanted her, as proven by her barely touched meal.

"Yes, that was an absolutely fascinating tale, brother." Elijah spoke up. "Some might even say unbelievable."

"Where was that again?" Katerina asked curiously. Her first instinct about him had been correct. He was worldly, and exciting. Whenever she was near him it was difficult to want anything else except to experience everything he spoke of.

"A tiny little village far, far away from here. You would have never heard of it."

Katerina easily accepted his answer, having found no reason why he would lie. "No matter the case, I am highly glad you escaped and were able to slay the beast." She was attempting to have a casual conversation with him, but she could already feel her cheeks heating up slightly.

Klaus couldn't help but chuckle as he caught sight of her expression. Did every word shared with him make her flustered? It appeared so. "And why is that? Is my life truly that valuable?"

"Of course." Katerina had answered before she had time to think it through. It was only when she saw Klaus' smug expression that she realized she had been far too forward. "I-I only mean. You are a lord. Surely your life holds a significant amount of value." She stuttered out in a lame attempt to save herself from any further embarrassment. Though it didn't appear to work as she heard the chuckle that left Klaus' lips.

"Yes, I suppose. However I urge you to not think less of yourself. Your life...is quite valuable as well. A title does not make a man or a woman. The way they live does."

Katerina listened to him attentively. Each word he spoke only fascinated her further. He was so wise, and down to earth. She had never met a man as important as he who was so welcoming and approachable. She couldn't help but smile. It seemed to be an unbreakable habit when around Klaus Mikaelson.

"What else have you encountered during your travels?"

Klaus chuckled a little and reached for his wine, taking a small sip. "Now then, if I answered that question we would be here all night. I've seen things you could not possibly imagine."

Katerina giggled and managed to take a small bite of her food. "I would not mind." She mumbled and lowered her gaze to her meal, just so she wouldn't have to meet his eyes and embarrass herself even further.

He smirked at her answer, already having guessed she would've said something similar. It seemed befriending her was easier than any of them could've predicted. He hardly spent any time with her except at his birthday celebration and now. Yet she seemed far too attached already. He was frankly growing quite bored. He figured this would have been a challenge. Instead she was as trusting as she was, well, beautiful for lack of a better word. He wasn't blind after all.

Though before he could further contemplate what to do next, a noise was heard from the left side of the table.

"Apologies my lord."