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The Third Wife
Caroline was nervous, nausea rolled in the pit of her stomach. The wine did not make it better, despite the rich taste against her tongue. She knew that her worries were not unwarranted but it wasn’t as though she was to die tonight. She peeked a look from the corner of her eye, taking in the form of her new husband, King Niklaus of House Mikaelson. The Mikaelson sigil, a gray wolf, embroidered onto his fine clothing, such elegance made for royalty. His sandy blonde hair held a slight curl to it, a small one hanging in his eyes.
Those blue eyes are deadly. Caroline thought to herself, knowing that she could fall deeply into them and see nothing but darkness looking back at her. He was a beautiful man, and a powerful one. He held the world in the palm of his hand, so easy to simply curl his fingers and destroy everything he touched. But he was the king and the world was his to destroy. There was little anyone could do, for his heir was his brother Kol, a man equally wild as he was untamed. At least with Klaus, he could rule England as a good king, even with the chaos that he created. Kol would simply burn everything to the ground and laugh while doing so.
Give him a son, Caroline and everything will be fine. Her father had whispered to her that morning, just before he took her arm and walked her down the aisle, placing her hand into Klaus’s in order to take her vows. Klaus had looked at her with reverence, desire and affection that had been born out of the final days of his previous wife’s life. They courted as Aurora was imprisoned in the tower of London, waiting for her execution.
Aurora de Martel, the woman who was as legendary and as she was hated throughout England. She seduced Klaus, pulling him away from his beloved Queen Tatia, causing him to put her aside, exiling her to a convent while he found a way to divorce her. Many still believed the marriage between Klaus and Aurora to be false, that until Tatia died in the cold and stone convent, she remained England’s true queen. Less than a fortnight after Aurora’s death, Klaus took his third bride.
Yet, Caroline supposed that it didn’t matter now. They both were dead, buried into the ground and the delicate crown would soon be perched on her head, much to her father’s ambitious glee. Klaus enjoyed her fire, her unwillingness to submit and constantly challenged him, pushing back against his belief that the world owed him something. King or no, Caroline was not some wallflower who would stand aside and become nothing more than the breeder who pushed out a prince.
If she was to be queen, then she would earn it, even if it meant her demise.
“My mother told me that the more you frown, the more likely you are to get wrinkles.” Klaus whispered in her ear, his lips not touching her skin but she could feel his breath on her. It sent shivers down her spine and goosebumps to erupt over her body. A warm heat erupted between her legs and she shifted uncomfortably, something Klaus caught because that knowing smirk spread across his lips. Klaus infuriated her, driving her mad but she couldn’t say that she didn’t desire him. “What is it that has you so bothered? It is our wedding day. You should be happy.”
“Do you want the truth or for me to tell you what you want to hear?” Caroline asked, reaching for her wine, bringing it to her lips but not tasting it at all. She looked at him over the rim of her goblet, blinking slightly and taking in his curious glance. His eyes trailed over her, consuming her in the way he had from the moment they met. She wondered if Auroa would still be alive if her father never brought Caroline to court.
She had an affair with her own brother, Caroline. It is unlikely that Klaus would have been forgiving of such a sin.
“Both.”
“Well, what you want me to say is that I’m happy and excited for the day, which is true, but you want me to be nervous and concerned about what nights events will bring.” She sat the goblet down and shifted in her seat, peering at him directly into his eyes. “You want me to say that giving a man one's virtue is a terrifying thing. That I’m nervous and scared of what that means, as any maiden would be. Yet, beneath all that, the exhilarating thought of what it would be like to be in your bed.”
“You’re right, that does please me.” He chuckled, tilting his head to the side and the blue of his eyes going a shade darker. There had always been a fire that lingered between them. A spark that Caroline could not place with the other men who courted her. If Klaus had not been king, had not had a line of lovers and wives trailing behind him, she would have fallen easily. That terrified her. “But what are you really thinking?”
“I’m wondering how long it will be before I disappoint you.” Klaus froze, his eyes narrowed and the air around them grew cold. The wedding party could feel the shift, whispers echoing through the grand hall and curious glances being shot in their direction. “Will I end up discarded in some convent or with my head on a spike?
“Unless you plan on betraying me like she did, I believe you’ll be fine.” Klaus replied, his tone cold and unfeeling but not angry, which soothed Caroline’s worry just slightly. “Tatia was lovely but I never should have married her. Our union was cursed from the beginning since she had been married to Elijah first. They warned me that marrying my brother’s widow would bring nothing but misery. We suffered too many losses because of it.”
The stillborns. The sorrow that echoed through the country each time Tatia was unable to produce an heir. Only one child survived, a young girl who was as beautiful as her mother had been. Princess Katerina was nearly identical to her mother, which was why Klaus kept her away from court. Part of Caroline couldn’t blame him while the other side of her wanted to devise a way for her to bring the girl to court, bond with her without prickling Klaus’s ire.
“I’m many things, but not a fool.” Feeling a bit daring and curious at how far she could push against his moods, knowing how they shifted so quickly, Caroline reached out and took his hand, weaving their fingers together. “I made a vow today, and I take my vows seriously. I do not break a promise. You have my word.”
A look passed over Klaus’s expression, one that she could not read but he never let go of her hand. The tension around them eased and the mood shifted to one befitting a royal wedding. The noise level picked up, both in voices and music, the rest of the court falling back into the easy manner they had before once Klaus’s shoulders relaxed. His frigid posture ceased but a dark smile crossed his lips, the dimples creasing in his cheeks.
“You have my word.” Klaus chuckled, reaching for his wine and bringing it to his lips. Caroline watched as he drank lightly but she sensed it was something for his hands to do rather than in thirst. There was affection in his voice, a tone she had only ever heard when referring to Kol or his sister, Princess Rebekah. “Oh Elijah. Haunting me from beyond the grave. Bastard.”
“I don’t understand.”
“It's nothing.” Klaus shook his head, the curl that refused to remain in its place, danced before his eyes while Caroline narrowed hers. Klaus laughed lightly, noting Caroline’s annoyance at remaining in the dark. “Really. It is not anything important. Just that you have my word was a phrase my brother used often enough that hearing it slip from your lips makes me wonder if he is…I’m not sure, giving his blessing or something. Sending his approval of this marriage, almost like I finally got it right.”
“You did. We can make this work, you and I.” Caroline assured him, offering a smile, knowing that at least part of her meant what she said. She was thrusted into this role, not of her own choosing but because her family wanted more power than they already had. If making Klaus happy was her ticket to survival, then it was best that she attempted to love him.
“Elijah would have made a much better king if he had lived.”
“Do not sell yourself short, you're a good king.” England thrived under Klaus’s rule, especially after the war that his parents had fought, decades of two families claiming they were the one true heir, until they married one another and ended the feud. A peaceful unity that Klaus upheld when he wasn’t off displacing his wives. “Even if you’re unlucky in love.”
“Hopefully not anymore.” Klaus replied, bringing her hand to his lips and pressing a kiss to the back of her knuckles. With a gentle squeeze, he let go of it and turned to face the festivities. Caroline followed his gaze, catching the eye of her father, who raised a goblet to her and wore a proud look on his face.
If anyone can tame a wayward King, it is you.
The wedding feast continued into the night. Drunken screams and yells could be heard echoing through the castle, bouncing off the stone walls well after Caroline had retired for the night. She listened to the cheers as she waited in her new chambers. Elegant tapestries hung on the walls, comfortable and plush sofas with bookshelves filled with more leather bound books than she had ever seen.
Yet, it was the bed that drew her attention. A large four poster bed with deep burgundy curtains that hung around it. Wool blankets covered the feather bedding and more pillows than necessary lined it. It was bigger than the one back home and the one she had slept in when she first arrived in court. It was luxurious and she knew that it was meant for more than just sleeping. As she waited, Caroline could not help but think about what was to occur in that bed.
She had been told horror stories of what the marriage bed was like, her mother’s dissatisfaction with her father ringing loudly in her ears. Yet others claimed differently. Maids whispered and giggled about the stable boys while her cousin told her it was not bad if the man knew what he was doing. Something deep down told her that Klaus wouldn’t make this horrible for her.
Her ladies in waiting had come and gone, young women she hardly knew outside of the family name, preparing her the best they could for the night. They removed her gown and brushed her hair, undoing the curls that rested around her shoulders. The nightgown she wore was elegant and soft, showing more skin than she was used to. The sight of her reflection in the mirror, the raw beauty reserved only for a husband to see, had her ladies in waiting whispering; all of them knowing what she would be doing soon enough.
A soft and gentle knock pulled Caroline from her thoughts. Allowing a moment's hesitation, she bid the knocker to enter, knowing full well who was on the other side of the door. Klaus opened the door slowly, the sound of creaking hinges filled the otherwise silent room. He stood before her, dressed down as though he was due to crawl into bed. His trousers were loose and his tunic untucked. He seemed nervous, something that surprised her, and almost bashful. For some reason, that made her feel less anxious.
“Hello husband.”
“Hello my wife.” Klaus stepped into the bedchamber, closing the door behind him and stood just in front of it before making his way towards her. His feet were bare against the stone, each step deliberate but graceful. Caroline could feel her heartbeat pounding in her chest and the reality of the night weighing on her shoulders. It wasn’t that she didn’t want this, for Klaus was pleasing to look at, she just built the concept up in her head that she did not know what to do now that it was before her. “How are you?”
“Nervous.” Caroline replied with a slight hitch in her voice and Klaus gave her a kind smile, the dimples creasing in his cheeks. He reached out and pushed a blond curl behind her ear, the tips of his fingers caressing her cheekbones. She sucked in a breath at the contact, the slight touch sending shock waves through her body. Klaus noticed and gave a small chuckle, the sound was deep and husky, causing a fresh heat to become a flame between her legs.
“Don’t be.” He whispered, cupping her cheek and this thumb tracing small invisible lines across her skin. He leaned forward and pressed his lips against hers, giving her a gentle kiss. The feeling was light and warm, causing Caroline’s eyes to flutter shut and enjoy the embrace. Klaus placed his free hand on her hip, pulling her closer until her chest was flushed against his, causing her to wrap her arms around his shoulders. “I will be gentle. The first time anyway.”
“The first time?” Klaus did not answer, instead pulling her into a deeper kiss. His lips moved against hers and Caroline did her best to keep up, trying to learn a dance that she had never done before. It didn’t seem to bother him, instead she could feel his fingers curling against her hip, slowly dragging the fabric up her leg, revealing her bare skin to the cold chamber. His warm palm pressed against her skin, moving towards the inside of her thigh.
Caroline moaned into his lips, shifting her weight onto one foot, making it easier for Klaus’s hand to move upward. His lips still moved against hers but the motion slowed. Higher and higher his hand moved, the heat between her legs was becoming unbearable. When the tips of his fingers made contact with her clit Caroline cried out, breaking the kiss completely.
“Oh Sweetheart, I have so much to show you.” Klaus whispered into her ear, her head tilting backwards as his finger made slow and circular motions between her legs. Caroline’s nails dug into his shoulders, her forehead resting against his and their eyes locking with one another. Klaus played with her, sending a pleasurable feeling coursing through her that she had not expected. She lifted her leg, hooking it around his hip in hopes that it would bring him closer. In response, Klaus’s finger left her clit and slowly dipped inside her entrance, causing her to cry out his name. “That's it. Just feel.”
“Klaus.” Caroline whimpered as he thrusted his finger in and out of her, before adding a second and then a third. She felt stretched but pleasantly so. The heel of his hand pressing against her clit, her hips matching the tempo of his hand, rutting against him. She did not care how she looked or the sounds that were coming out of her. All she could do was continue to chase that feeling that was building in the pit of her stomach. “Don’t stop. Please. Don’t stop.”
“Never.” Klaus cooed, his hand continuing with the same pressure and stride as he had been, building her pleasure. Caroline opened her eyes, catching Klaus’s eye and the lust filled gaze he gave her. His eyes had grown dark and his lips full and parted. He seemed lost in a trace, watching her as she took her pleasure from him. “You’re almost there. Come on. Let go. Can you do that for me? Let go.”
A burst of something Caroline had never experienced wrecked through her, tossing her head back and closing her eyes. She cried out so loudly she was sure someone outside of their chamber had heard her. She didn’t care. All that mattered was riding out the wave that Klaus had created. It broke slowly, easing her down to reality and once her eyes fluttered open again, Klaus gently pulled his fingers from her body, the loss causing her to his and whimper.
“What was that?”
“That was perfection.” The tone of his voice dropped, a deep chuckle coming from the back of his throat. He unhooked her knee from his hip, taking a step back from her. It took a moment for Caroline to gain her balance, feeling uneasy on her feet. The sight caused Klaus to smirk, making Caroline narrow her eyes and the desire to wipe the smile of his lips blooming in her chest. “But not good enough if you’re still feeling defensive.”
Before Caroline could retort, the reply just on the tip of her lips, Klaus pulled the tunic over his head, revealing his naked chest to her. She took in the rigid muscles and the small trail of hair that dipped beneath his trousers. Her voice catching in her throat, watching as he pushed his trousers down and leaving nothing else on his body. Caroline couldn’t help but allow her eyes to trace over him, pausing at the appendage that hung between his legs, an appendage that appeared to be throbbing and hard.
“Oh.”
“Come here.” Klaus held out his hand and Caroline took it, allowing him to pull her closer to him. He brought her hand down to touch him, gently wrapping her fingers around his throbbing member. He guided her hand up and down, the feeling of his slick skin moving in the palm of her hand. He groaned and Caroline watched as a pleasurable expression fell over his face, making her wonder if he was experiencing the same gratification she just experienced.
“Good? Am I doing this right?”
“Yes. You’re doing wonderful.” Despite his assurance, Klaus pulled her hand away from him and leaned in to kiss her, not allowing her to question why he stopped. He dropped her hand and placed it on her shoulder, slowly pushing the strap that held up her dress off her. With a gentle tug, Klaus pulled the nightgown from her body, leaving Caroline standing in the middle of the room completely naked. “Beautiful.”
Her first instinct was to move her arms to cover herself, hide away her body and to reject the vulnerable feeling that overcame her. However, Klaus reached for her, wrapping his arms around her and kissing her deeply. The feeling faded away as her breasts pressed against his naked chest, her nipples hard and aching. The kiss was long and passionate, Klaus’s tongue slipping between her lips and his teeth nipping at her gently. Caroline wrapped her arms around him, her fingers weaving in his blonde curls and her nails digging into his scalp.
“Klaus!” Caroline chuckled as he reached down and lifted her off the ground, her legs wrapping around his waist; holding onto him tightly so he didn’t drop her. Klaus did not reply, simply moving his kisses away from her lips towards her pulse point as he carried her to the bed. He tossed her onto the middle of it, causing the cold air to rush past her as she landed. However, the chill did not last long as Klaus crawled on top of her, leaning down to kiss her again.
His hands were everywhere, running up and down the length of her body, palming her breast and his fingers pinching at her nipples. He chuckled as she hissed and moaned, enjoying the small sounds she made as he kissed and touched her. His lips made their way down her body, suckking and biting at her breast, his teeth nipping at her nipples. He didn’t linger there long, the desire for his lips to kiss every inch of her body prevailing. Klaus’s hands spread her legs wider, making room for him as he descended lower. Caroline leaned up on her elbows, looking down at him in question. The answer came when he pressed his tongue against her clit, licking the length of her.
“Christ!” She called out, falling back on the bed and he continued to suck and lick and kiss. Her hips rutted against his face, trying to find the pleasure she wanted to feel again but he gripped her hips, holding her down as he played with her. Her fingers went to his hair, unsure if she was guiding him or if she just needed something to cling to. Her toes curled into the feather bed, all the lessons of what it meant to be a proper lady fading her. The only thing she could focus on or feel was Klaus’s tongue.
Unlike before, the burst she had felt was not something that had built slowly in the pit of her stomach. This came on suddenly and blindly. Her back arched off the bed and her head was tossed back. Klaus did not ease her down this time, instead he pressed a soft kiss on the inside of her thigh and crawled up her body. Before Caroline could say or do anything, Klaus aligned himself with her entrance and pushed inside, filling and stretching her in ways that she didn't know were possible. There was a slight pinch but it was nothing, muffled by the heat and desire she was already feeling.
“Are you okay?” He whispered, peering down at her, remaining still and unmoving inside her. Caroline did not answer, instead she reached up and pulled him down into a searing kiss, the taste of herself on his lips causing her to moan. Klaus needed no other invitation. He withdrew his hips, his member all but leaving her before he pushed back in. The movement caused Caroline to moan and wince at the same time.
Over and over again Klaus did this, thrusting in and out at a torturous pace. His eyes never left hers, watching every expression that fell over her face, searching for a mixture of satisfaction and discomfort. Soon enough, Caroline figured out the rhythm and was able to keep up with him. She moved against him, her hips rising and falling alongside his. Klaus’s lips parted and a groan slipped past them, his own bliss taking over. Just as she was learning this dance he created, Klaus picked up the pace. While the thrusts were not brutal, they were harder and faster than before.
Caroline could hear the bed began to creak beneath them. The wooden headboard hit against the stone as he moved above her. His head dropped into her shoulder, his breath hot against her neck. She wrapped her legs around his waist, gripping his shoulders and holding him closely. He was chasing that release and she knew it, wanting to help him reach that point again.
But he didn’t stay in that position for long. Klaus let out a loud groan and pulled back, sitting on his knees and he was no longer on top of her. His member was still eased inside her, but he gripped her hips and lifted them upward, causing him to go deeper. His grip was hard and bruising against her hips, his pace as he pounded inside her unforgiving. There was nothing Caroline could do to keep up, she just reached behind her head and gripped the pillows she rested against.
“Touch yourself.” Klaus commanded roughly as though the words were hard to get out. Yet, Caroline didn’t understand his meaning, peering at him with a gaze filled with confusion and pleasure. He reached with one hand, letting go of her hip for a second and grabbed her wrist. He brought her hand to her clip, pressing her own fingers to it and moving rapidly. “Touch yourself and make yourself come for me.”
Catching onto his meaning, Caroline played with herself, easily finding a pace that matched his thrusts. Klaus let go of her hand, gripping her hip against and continued his own release. The mixture of him inside her and the feeling of her own finger teasing her clit, Caroline could feel her final burst of ecstasy cascading over her. She did not know what she cried out, but the words caused Klaus to freeze, his expression morphing into one of pure satisfaction and mind numbing gratification as he released himself inside her.
“Caroline.” Her name tumbled from his lips and she was unable to look away from him. It lasted only a moment before he pulled out of her and lay down beside her. Both of them were breathing heavily, neither fully able to catch their breath. Klaus reached for her hand, weaving their fingers together and bringing it to his lips, pressing a kiss on the back of it. He pulled her to him, wrapping his arms tightly around her. Caroline went willingly, resting her head against his chest and listened to his rapid heartbeat.
A year later when she held her son in her arms, finally giving Klaus the heir to the throne he so desperately sought after, Caroline couldn’t deny the happiness that consumed her; even if the crown she wore was heavy.