#true hats off to matt he built that tension up so well | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

misssophiachase · 7 years

Photo

Happy Independence Day to all of my American friends!

So, this July 4 themed, modern royalty drabble is very loosely based on Prince Harry’s infamous trip to Las Vegas but different because it’s with Klaroline : )

This is dedicated to my favourite angry baker @megansarah11. Happy belated birthday, luv!

Justice and Independence

Lobby - MGM Grand Hotel - Las Vegas, Nevada - July 3

“Why did you decide to get married on the Fourth of July weekend in Las Vegas again?” Caroline insisted, pushing her way through the throng gathered outside the MGM Grand, bags in hand.

“Because we met at this hotel three years ago on Independence Day. I thought it was romantic returning here to exchange vows,” Lexi replied. “Don’t tell me you don’t remember, Care? You were there when we met, although the margaritas might have affected your memory.”

“Very funny,” she scowled.

Of course she remembered that weekend. Bonnie had been dumped by her worthless, cheating boyfriend and Katherine had convinced the four girls to take a road trip. One that, unbeknownst to Caroline, would end in Nevada. Las Vegas to be exact. Katherine argued that had she told her their destination Caroline wouldn’t have come and she was right. Vegas just wasn’t her style she’d insisted, to which Katherine replied with an exaggerated eye roll.

Caroline wasn’t boring, well that’s what she told herself anyway. She’d always been too busy during college striving for the best grades for her future career and it had paid off. She was the newly-appointed director of a not-for-profit organisation and couldn’t think of a better or more fulfilling way to spend her time. In fact, she was due in Malawi next month to tour the much needed sanitation infrastructure they’d built in one of the poorest villages.

If she was being honest, the overt opulence of Vegas didn’t quite sit well with Caroline. But Lexi was one of her closest friends, so she’d never begrudge her a dream wedding. She’d always liked Matt and had to admit they made the perfect couple.

He was the star quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers and had been on a team trip when they’d met poolside. Their chemistry had been instantaneous and Caroline had never seen Lexi so happy and that look on Matt’s face when they were together was enough to convince Caroline he was equally as besotted.

Feelings aside, Caroline was determined to survive the weekend. She was one of four bridesmaids and knew she had to make this occasion perfect for Lexi.

“Seriously?” Katherine groaned. “What’s with the hold-up? I need to get to the spa pronto and combat this dry skin thanks to this stifling desert air.”

“It shouldn’t be a moment Miss,” the receptionist assured. “We just had an unexpected VIP guest check-in.”

“What are we, chopped liver?” She muttered under her breath.

“Who are you exactly?” Caroline teased, knowing the celebrity was Matt and his teammates, not them. He had a last minute practice session and so was arriving later that day.

“Well, that would explain the traffic madness outside,” Bonnie huffed, placing her bags on the ground with a bang. “Last time I checked I wasn’t your personal porter, Katherine. We’re only here for the weekend, what the hell do you have in here?”

“I need to be prepared for any occasion, Bon. So anyway, who’s this mystery VIP?” Katherine purred, leaning across the desk and exposing some extra cleavage on purpose. “Anyone we’d know?”

“My lips are sealed,” he uttered, his eyes reluctantly diverting from her cleavage. “Looks like your rooms are ready and our wedding planner has said she’ll come up shortly to finalise the details for tomorrow.”

“Hallelujah,” Anna sighed, joining them at the front desk. “I hope there’s going to be a nice goodies basket included too?”

“You practically ate like a three course meal on the drive over, Anna. Do you ever think about anything else?”

“Ah, no,” she grinned. “Come on ladies, let’s get this party started.”

Skyloft Suite - Two hours later

“These lights are bloody impressive,” Enzo whistled, taking in the view of the famous Las Vegas strip from the suite window as the sun slipped lazily over the horizon in streaks of bright oranges and pinks.

“Says the Vegas virgin,” Klaus smirked from his place in the hotel spa.

“We can’t all be Princes and travel the world,” he scoffed. “I’m just a lowly protective services agent who’s lucky to even get a vacation given your gruelling schedule of social events Romeo.”

“You’re welcome to take my place, Enzo.”

Although people liked to think he had the perfect life, Klaus hated all of the unwanted scrutiny and attention his position attracted. His siblings seemed to accept the responsibility far better than he ever had and Klaus was more than happy to let them do that while he enjoyed himself to the fullest, starting with July Fourth weekend in Vegas.

“I’m not sure you mind too much when it comes to protecting Rebekah,” Klaus responded, sending his body guard a knowing smile. Although not public knowledge, the attraction between Enzo and his younger sister and princess was well known amongst their entourage. It had been simmering for some time but the Queen didn’t look too kindly upon such an uneven match for obvious reasons.

“You know more than anyone else about my professionalism,” he responded tartly. It was true and Klaus wished his grandmother could see just what an honourable match he would be for the Princess, if she bothered to get to know him. “Which is why I’m going to tell you…”

“Please, enough with the lectures,” Klaus groaned.

“Well, I wouldn’t be doing my job if…”

“Last time I checked you’re my bodyguard, not my mother, mate.”

“Well, someone has to be, Klaus.”

“You’ve been around Rebekah too long,” Klaus shot back, sending his brother a dirty look. “Now, how about a whiskey? I’m absolutely parched.”

Morimoto Restaurant - Four hours later

“To the Bride and Groom,” Anna toasted, raising her champagne flute in the air.

Matt, Katherine’s brother and Anna’s boyfriend Jeremy and his NFL teammates Jesse and Tyler had arrived a few hours earlier and the bridal party was enjoying the rehearsal dinner at the famed Japanese restaurant at the MGM Grand.

The rest of the table repeated her sentiments, clinking their glasses together in celebration. Caroline felt the tension in her body slowing start to ebb away, finally beginning to relax. That massage at the spa earlier was just what she needed. Maybe a wedding in Vegas wasn’t going to be so bad.

It certainly wasn’t going to be your typical wedding, with only the bridal party attending and the small reception taking place at one of the private cabanas with July 4 themed fare. They wanted their wedding to resemble how they met after all.

“Does anyone know who this mysterious VIP is staying at the hotel?” Katherine asked the table, looking specifically in Matt’s direction. She’d been stalking the hallways hoping to find out who was staying at the MGM Grand but no luck so far. Caroline had to give her friend points for dogged determination and persistence.

“Why are you looking at me?” He baulked. “You know just because I’m a football player doesn’t mean I know every celebrity out there, Katherine.”

“You really need to get over this weird scavenger hunt, Kat,” Caroline implored. “I mean who really cares about celebrities; you know present company excluded and all that.”

“I care,�� she pouted. “What if it’s Chris Hemsworth or Brad Pitt?”

“Well, last time I checked Kitty Kat, Chris Hemsworth is happily married,” Bonnie observed. “And Brad Pitt is just all sorts of complicated right now and I never took you for the child friendly type and he’s got like a lot.”

“Plus, aren’t we good enough company for you?” Lexi asked, feigning annoyance.

They’d all laughed off her curiosity as dinner arrived. The girls were staying together overnight even though they had their own rooms. So, Caroline had ventured back to her suite to grab her pyjamas and some overnight supplies.

Given their room was only directly down the hall, Caroline decided to change there, putting on her pyjamas which consisted of a blue, fitted singlet and tiny, white shorts and tying back her blonde waves into a high ponytail. Grabbing her toiletries bag, she opened her room door not expecting the sight that met her in the corridor.

He was stark naked, well except for a cowboy hat placed strategically over his nether regions. Caroline wasn’t sure where to look. His toned physique was nothing short of impressive and those dark, blonde curls, crimson lips and stubble weren’t so bad either.

“Hide me, please?” He pleaded, racing past her and into the doorway wearily, looking back briefly before going inside. “There’s someone I really don’t need to run into looking like this.”

“And yet you feel the need to punish me instead,” she shot back, just as he pulled her inside too and shut the door behind them. Caroline shivered as his pale skin made contact with hers, desperately trying to avert her gaze. “What the hell do you think you’re doing in here?”

“Sorry, I don’t usually make a habit of running into strangers’ rooms,” he apologised. Caroline couldn’t miss his crisp, English accent as he said it.

“And what about running around public places naked?” She asked her eyes fixed firmly on the floor, hoping to avoid anything even more awkward.

“Only when I lose a bet and we’ve run out of ice,” he explained. “I mean the odds of beating a straight flush are extremely rare and…”

“I cannot believe this,” she interrupted, her eyes still not meeting his naked form. “I’m calling the police.” Caroline made her way towards the bedside table and reached for the phone.

“Oh, come on love,” he attempted to reason with her. “There’s no need to be so hasty. This is just a little misunderstanding. You’ll laugh about it later, trust me.”

“I highly doubt that,” Caroline hissed, forgetting about his current state of nakedness and glancing over to meet those blue eyes briefly.

“Please, don’t,” he begged. “If you do, things could get a little messy.”

“Oh really? More than this?” She argued, now placing both hands on her hips. “I’ll give you thirty seconds to explain.” As she stared at him more closely (carefully trying not to peruse any lower than his neck), Caroline was trying to figure out just why he looked so familiar.

“My family won’t look upon this too kindly, I guess you could say,” he uttered feebly.

“So, you’re scared of having to explain this to mommy?’ She scoffed, thinking he was just another rich kid with a trust fund. "Unbelievable.” She picked up the phone, pushing a button and listening for the operator to dial out. “Yes, I’d like the Las Vegas Police Station, please.”

The naked stranger took his opportunity grabbing the phone receiver from her tight grasp, his cowboy hat falling onto the ground in the process. Caroline was too dumbstruck to fight back, whoever this guy was he certainly had some impressive assets. “Oh my eyes! What do you think you’re doing?” She managed to bite out, her face flushed and Caroline knew her skin was now a very deep shade of pink.

“Sorry about that,” he murmured, replacing the receiver and returning the hat over his private parts. “But I, uh, couldn’t let you call the police.”

“Obviously,” she growled. “What do you want? Money or something? Is this some pathetic attempt to rob me?”

“Yeah, I’m your friendly neighbourhood, naked thief,” he teased. “Look, I don’t want your money, I just needed somewhere to hide out but I’ll leave. Any chance you could lend me a robe though?”

“Unbelievable,” she muttered.

“Well, if you’d prefer me like this then,” he smirked, flashing a stray and not so unattractive dimple in her direction.

“I never said that,” she snapped, retrieving the white, fluffy robe from the hooks on the back of the bathroom door before throwing it at him unceremoniously. “In fact, there’s nothing I’d love more than for you to put some clothes on.”

“Not that I’m judging or anything, but you’re almost as bad as me,” he offered, turning his back to her and flashing his taut backside. When it came to a perfect physique this stranger had it all, pity about his weird personality traits.

“And how do you see that?” She growled, relieved to see him tying the robe at the front as he turned back around.

“Well, where were you going in those skimpy shorts and singlet? Booty call, sweetheart?”

“Seriously, you are really going to judge me right now, buddy?”

“I’m not complaining or anything, I was merely stating…”

“Urgh, get out,” she huffed, gesturing to the door. “Wouldn’t want mommy grounding you or anything.”

As soon as he’d left Caroline leant against the door wondering what the hell had just transpired. And why did he still seem so familiar? Caroline wasn’t going to take any chances, placing the other robe over her pyjamas and making her way to Lexi’s suite thinking this was best left between her and the arrogant stranger.

SkyLoft Suite - July 4

“I cannot believe you left the room naked,” Enzo chided, as Klaus consulted himself in the bathroom mirror the next morning. “I take a phone call and go to the bathroom for a few minutes and your idiotic; high roller buddies let the Prince of England go out in public with only a Stetson to protect his modesty.”

“Well, to be fair I did say I’d get the ice if I lost that hand.” Klaus had called some of his wealthy; Las Vegas mates around so they could have a friendly poker match, not expecting it to descend into such frivolity. It was Vegas though and drinking neat scotch all night would do that to a person.

“Naked though? How old are you again? You know anyone could have seen you, dumbass.”

“Well…”

“Well, what? Don’t tell me I’m going to turn on TMZ and find you strolling around the hotel butt naked.”

“I did recognise Nathaniel Lucas, that Royal correspondent from The Mirror, skulking around the place but don’t worry grandma I ran into a nearby suite before he saw me. I’ll have you know that even completely inebriated I still have my wits about me.”

“Well, thank god for your bloody wits,” Enzo muttered. “And you wonder why you need a babysitter?”

“I thought you didn’t like me calling you that?”

“I don’t but it’s true,” Enzo muttered begrudgingly. “Do you think they found out about the wedding and that’s why Lucas was sniffing around?”

“The Groom doesn’t even know I’m coming to his wedding, let alone The Mirror.”

Matt Donovan had unexpectedly become one of his good friends after they met at an English pub when he was playing an exhibition NFL match. They’d started a competitive game of darts and the night had descended into some drunken fun. Given their high profiles Klaus and Matt would usually try to catch up discreetly and avoid the unwanted media attention.

When he’d told Klaus he was getting married and asked him to be groomsman, Klaus had turned him down telling Matt that he didn’t want his and Lexi’s wedding to descend into a media circus. His disappointment at declining never faded though and Klaus decided to make a surprise appearance.

What he hadn’t expected was to turn up naked in some girl’s suite last night. Klaus had to admit that uptight hostility was kind of refreshingly sexy, so too the woman herself. Especially attired in such skimpy clothing. The one thing he’d been relieved about was she didn’t seem to recognise him and they’d no doubt never see each other again.

“So, should I ask about this stranger’s suite and the robe you managed to acquire in the process? I hope there’s no lawsuits pending, Niklaus. I’m not sure the Queen could take it.”

“You are sounding more like my grandmother every day,” he drawled sarcastically. “Now, who’s ready for a nice, summer wedding?”

Forever Grand Wedding Chapel - Three hours later

Lexi looked beautiful. Caroline always knew she would but seeing the strapless, white Vera Wang creation on her was absolutely stunning in this moment. Her blonde hair had been pulled back into a chignon at the base of her neck with a few wavy tendrils framing her face. Pearl earrings complimented the similar embellishments on her dress. Although the reception was going to be a casual affair, Lexi wanted her wedding ceremony to be more traditional.

“Are you ready?” Caroline grinned, passing her the blush pink bouquet of peonies. Anna, Bonnie and Kat were organising some last minute details with the wedding planner leaving Caroline to finalise Lexi’s outfit.

“Too bad if I’m not,” she grinned. “Also, I should let you know that there’s going to be a new addition to the bridal party.”

“Excuse me? You seem entirely too calm for such a big change this close to the ceremony.”

“One of Matt’s friends decided to surprise him and show up in Vegas,” she explained. “I figured I could be a complete bridezilla about this but I know how much it means to Matt. And, let’s just say, it was difficult to say no to this particular addition.”

“Who is it, another teammate?”

“Uh, no not quite,” she uttered. “Anyway, the numbers were uneven and you know how much I like symmetry so that means you and Bonnie don’t need to share Jesse. Although I’m sure he’ll be gutted by that fact.” Given the groomsman had been making jokes in the lead up about having two women to share, Caroline was pretty certain he would be.

“Anyway, we’ll talk about that later. Come on Care, let’s get me married.”

Caroline wanted to ask about this mystery groomsman but if Lexi was relaxed then so was she. Caroline regarded herself in the mirror one last time. Lexi had chosen flowing, chiffon gowns for the four girls, each in a different shade. Hers was a beautiful, peach strapless dress, her blonde hair flowing over her shoulders in loose waves.

As the familiar music began to play throughout the small chapel, Caroline took her position to walk up the aisle after Bonnie. As she made her way to the makeshift altar, Caroline’s mouth dropped unable to hide her surprise.

Standing in a grey suit was her naked visitor from last night. She was surprised she recognised him given he was fully clothed. Unfortunately he looked more handsome than ever and she couldn’t miss the knowing smirk he sent her way. Bastard. Why he of all people was part of the bridal party Caroline would never know.

It was only when she was standing across from him that it hit her with blunt force. She knew exactly who he was and suddenly she felt a little ill thinking back to their conversation the previous night. She decided to blame her ignorance on the fact his state of undress had proved to be a very large distraction.

One hour later and they were dressed down in bikinis (each corresponding to the colour of their bridesmaid gown) lazing by the pool at the intimate cabana venue. Tables were filled with a selection of July fourth goodies including; hot dogs, burgers and potato salad, amongst other things, and a red, white and blue wedding cake to complete the theme.

“I have to admit I’m liking this menu,” Caroline smiled, biting into a slice of fresh watermelon. “But I think we have enough here to feed an army.”

“You forget, we have Anna,” Bonnie teased, watching their friend practically hoover up the food.

“I heard that,” she muttered between mouthfuls.

“At least now we know who the mystery VIP was,” Katherine murmured taking in his appearance appreciatively. He and Matt seemed to be having fun catching up, both seated by the pool with their legs submerged in the water, Coronas in hand. “I never would have guessed royalty though, Matty Blue eyes certainly is coming up in the world.”

“How does Matt know the Prince of England exactly?” Bonnie asked, looking to Lexi curiously. “And who’s the serious brunette loitering over there? I noticed him standing in the corner of the church too.”

“That’s Enzo, his security detail,” she explained. Caroline wondered where his security detail was when he was running around the hotel naked. “As for how they met, apparently it was at the pub. They played some darts, got raucously drunk and bonded. Probably not the most conventional meeting story with a Prince.”

“Who the hell cares how they met,” Anna purred, eyeing him up. It was obviously the only distraction that would make her cease stuffing her face. “He is even more gorgeous in the flesh, especially in those tight….”

“Ah-hem. Excuse me, boyfriend here,” Jeremy interrupted, overhearing their conversation.

“I still think you’re gorgeous, honey,” Anna cooed. “I told you, I love you more than cheese, remember?”

“And that’s saying something, Jer,” Katherine told her brother sarcastically.

“Gee, thanks sis,” he groaned, jumping into the water to join his teammates and spraying them all with water on purpose.

“Mature,” Katherine squealed, wiping the unwanted water from her skin. “But more importantly back to the Prince. It should be against the law to look that good in swimmers.”

“Oh, come on, he’s not that good,” Caroline lied, remembering that body well and exactly what was housed under those swimmers.

“Are you feeling okay, Care?”

“Yeah,” Bonnie agreed. “Has the hot, desert sun warped your mind or something?”

As much as she wanted to agree with her friend’s assessment of his physical attributes give they were in fact true, Caroline knew exactly what a smug bastard he was and had no intention of telling anyone about their unorthodox first meeting. The fact that he represented the royal family and was wandering around naked in hotels spoke volumes about the kind of person he was.

She could feel his eyes trained on her across the pool and she suddenly felt flustered knowing it wasn’t only due to the hot, desert sun as Bonnie liked to put it.

“I’m going for a swim,” she murmured by way of response, slipping into the pool and submerging herself under the water, determined to try and wash him from her mind.

Private Cabana – Ninety minutes later

To say he was surprised to see the familiar blonde walking up the aisle was an understatement. Not only did she look more beautiful than ever, she also happened to know his friend. How, Klaus wasn’t quite sure. But he had every intention of finding out and that was exactly what he did earlier.

“So, you did well, mate,” Klaus said, gesturing to Lexi from his vantage point by the pool with the groom.

“She is certainly gorgeous,” he grinned.

“Well, that and the fact she keeps your idiotic ass in check,” he laughed. He hadn’t known her long but from what Klaus could tell Lexi could hold her own.

“Her and the other four,” he joked. “It’s like I’ve not just gained a wife but four very opinionated sisters.”

“So, she’s known them for a while?”

“Since high school, you couldn’t get four more different girls. Speaking of which, looks like you have a few admirers across the pool.” Matt said, gesturing subtly towards the brunettes checking him out.

Although all very attractive, Klaus was only interested in the gorgeous blonde and by the looks of the complete disinterest on her face, she didn’t feel the same way about him.

“You know I prefer blondes, Matt.”

“Well, you’ve picked the wrong blonde,” he chuckled. “Caroline isn’t your type and she is way too smart to be seduced by you, even if you are royalty.”

“I’m deeply offended by that,” he baulked. “Maybe I don’t want to seduce her. Did you ever think that I might like her?”

“You only met Caroline like five minutes ago, man,” Matt scoffed. “Excuse me if I’m dubious about your intentions.”

What Matt didn’t know was they’d actually met earlier than that. Granted he didn’t make the best first impression but Klaus was hoping to change that and felt like this coincidence was his chance. Unfortunately by the curious glances of her friends, his cover was well and truly blown now.

“Small world, huh?” Klaus offered, joining her by the BBQ to get some patties for his burger. Looking at her in the peach bikini, Klaus couldn’t believe how stunning she seemed to get every time he saw her. That disapproving look on her face wasn’t doing her any favours though.

“Yeah, too small,” she mumbled, her eyes not leaving the meat sizzling away.

“I am sorry about last night, if I’d known…”

“What? You wouldn’t have jumped into my room completely naked last night?” She hissed.

“Well…” he trailed off thinking that it wasn’t the first time he’d placed himself in a precarious situation after a night of drinking.

“Look, I get it,” she interrupted. “If this is because you’re scared of me telling my friends and the Queen or whoever else finding out, then don’t worry.”

“I’m actually surprised you didn’t tell anyone to be honest,” he murmured. Klaus was so used to people using his high profile against him but she didn’t seem to care. “Thank you for your discretion, it means a lot, Caroline.” Klaus had to admit her name sounded heavenly rolling off his tongue and all he wanted was to say it again and often.

“If you must know, I have absolutely no interest in the poor life choices you make.” Caroline looked past Klaus and could swear she saw his sombre bodyguard crack a smile as said it.

“My poor life choices? It was one game of poker. Granted it got a bit out of hand but I’m perfectly fine with my life choices, sweetheart.”

“Well, good for you,” she drawled. “Now, I’m going to go and eat my burger before I completely lose my appetite.”

Klaus watched as she walked away, thinking just how much of a frustrating, holier than thou, pain in the ass this woman was and just how much it made him want her more.

Nhkoma Area Development Programme – Malawi – six weeks later

Caroline sat in the back of the jeep as they approached the village. While it had taken her over a day and a few stops, Caroline was so excited to be there. Her company had been working for months on fundraising for this much needed sanitation project in the Nhkoma area and it was wonderful to see it come to fruition, especially for all the local residents, young and old who were crowded around curious about her arrival.

She jumped out of the jeep, adjusting her wide brimmed hat to ward off the scorching sun. Although extremely hot and covered in flies, Caroline couldn’t wait to see what they’d done and the effect it would have on the community.

“Miss Forbes,” James, the director of the programme came forward to greet her. “Thank you for coming. It’s so good to finally meet you face to face.”

“Oh, please, it’s Caroline,” she smiled, shaking his hand. “It’s my absolute pleasure to be here and see everything first hand.”

“This really is a lifesaving project and will do so much for improving the health of the people here,” he agreed. “They’re actually pretty excited today to have a few international visitors.”

“Visitors?” Caroline asked curiously. Last time she checked, she was the only one who was due to tour the new facilities.

“It was all arranged at such short notice and I do apologise for the inconvenience, Caroline. They were extremely reluctant to reveal too many details to anyone given the high profile of our other guest and the associated security issues as I’m sure you’d understand. ”

“Well, having someone well known to witness this project will be extremely beneficial for this and future endeavours in the area I imagine, James.”

“We certainly don’t begrudge the publicity that’s for sure,” he agreed. “Now how about I show you to your tent so you can drop your bags before our tour,” he suggested, leading her to a nearby makeshift camp and gesturing to one of the tents. “I’ll leave you to get settled but will be back in about ten minutes.”

Caroline smiled in his direction before making her way to the row of tents, suddenly forgetting which one he’d pointed at because they all looked the same. Was it the one on the left or right?

She decided to try one, hoping that no one was already in there if she guessed wrong. Opening up the flap, she peered inside faced with a very naked man, his back to her as he attempted to change. In fact looking at that toned backside, Caroline could swear he was familiar. “Uh, I’m sorry,” she squeaked awkwardly. “Wrong tent.”

Replacing the flap hurriedly, Caroline reeled backwards in shock, and found herself falling back into a very hard chest in the process. She turned around, her face still flushed in embarrassment as she was met with a very serious and familiar face. “It’s you.”

“Well, hello to you too, Miss,” he responded in a strong, English accent, a slight smile tugging at his lips. “Is everything okay?” Caroline had a feeling he knew exactly what was wrong.

“Please tell me that’s Prince Elijah or Kol in there.”

“I think we both know the answer to that,” Enzo said. “You should really get to know the Prince; you might find you have more in common than first thought.”

“That’s highly unlikely,” she muttered.

“Lovely to see you too, Caroline,” a familiar voice interrupted. “And here I thought you’d be happy to see me again. We seem to be developing a pattern.”

“You’re the one who can’t keep his nudity to himself,” she scoffed trying to ignore just how handsome he looked. His stubble had since grown into a slight beard and Caroline had to admit the casual jeans and khaki shirt look suited him.

Not that she’d admit it aloud but Caroline might have googled him a few times in the past weeks. She was surprised to see absolutely no stories or photos of him partying around London. In fact the only one she’d seen was him visiting a cancer ward at the Royal Children’s Hospital. She’d be lying if the picture of him hugging a seven year-old girl with terminal brain cancer didn’t melt her heart. Maybe she’d misjudged his life choices, well only some of them given his nude run.

“Maybe that first time was my fault but I wasn’t the one who walked into my tent while I was innocently changing,” he smirked. All Caroline wanted to do was wipe it off his face.

“It was a mistake,” she spluttered. “Anyway, what is all of this? Are you following me or something?”

“Oh, don’t flatter yourself, love,” he drawled. “I had no idea you’d even be here.”

“A likely story,” she muttered. Before Klaus could bite back, Enzo coughed loud enough to get their attention. They turned around, noticing James standing there watching their lively exchange with avid interest.

“Looks like I won’t need to make any formal introductions then,” he smiled, albeit awkwardly. “Should we begin the tour?”

Campsite - Five Hours later

Klaus sat by the fire and looked around the campsite thinking how different this desert was to the one he’d been in six weeks earlier. He’d actually enjoyed himself for the most part. It was great to see Matt so happy and even though he was convinced Caroline despised him, Klaus couldn’t remember when he’d had more fun with a girl. She didn’t treat him like a Prince and that was something he’d been craving for years. Klaus figured that’s why he wasn’t ready to settle down because he hadn’t met anyone who could see past all of the royal bluster.

Although not widely reported, because it was more interesting for the media to comment on his love life, his real passion was charity work especially with kids. He’d spent a lot of time raising awareness for children’s cancer charities in England and more recently in different parts of Africa to combat children’s health and encourage education.

It had actually been Enzo who’d told him about the new sanitation project in Malawi and Klaus decided to pay them a visit given he wanted to see it first hand and hopefully promote similar initiatives in other parts of Africa.

“Good to see you’ve kept your clothes on this time,” she murmured, taking a reluctant seat next to him on the log.

“The night is still young, love,” he grinned.

“You are unbelievable.”

“And you are entirely too uptight for your own good, Caroline. What is so wrong with having a laugh or making a joke? Last time I checked that doesn’t make me a bad person. Now maybe walking around naked and running into other people’s suites I’ll give you but the rest is all your issues.”

“I was surprised to see you here.”

“For the last time, I didn’t follow you here, sweetheart.”

“I know,” she conceded. “I think your knowledge speaks for itself. Well, that and the fact that James told me about a few of your past initiatives and Enzo mentioned you were looking at trying to get this replicated in other villages.”

“I’m glad you believe other people about me,” he growled.

“Sorry, let’s just say first impressions are very difficult to forget but I’d be willing to declare a truce and possibly work together for the greater good.”

“I suppose that might work,” he turned to face her and offered his hand, not expecting the delicious warmth to spread through his body from one touch. “You know, I happen to be the best ghost story teller of all time. I’m talking spine chilling stuff that will make you jump into my lap in fright.”

“I bet you’d like that,” she groaned. “Okay, just as long as you keep your clothes on everything will be fine.”

Turned out it was sooner rather than later when she saw him naked again but this time neither of them were complaining. Klaus knew he had a certain, nosy bodyguard to thank for matchmaking them and was so glad to see him happily married to Rebekah. Turns out it wasn’t just his sister that had found true love either. His brothers were besotted by two of their very own Americans that Caroline knew well.

It was a cold and wintery morning at their apartment in London two years later, when Klaus got down on one knee completely naked and proposed. He said it was fitting given the way they met and she agreed, although begged him not to tell people that’s how the Prince of England popped the question. Upon agreeing to marry him and become Princess, Caroline’s only condition was that she could continue doing her charity work and Klaus was more than happy to be by her side doing it too.

You can read and review HERE

#justice and independence #misssophiachase #klaroline drabbles #perhaps one day #happy birthday Megan luv #hope you enjoy this #modern royalty klaroline #happy fourth of july my american friends

65 notes · View notes