Chapter Twenty: A New Year

One Year Later. . .

Sweden

Caroline could hear the cheers becoming increasingly loud as the members of the royal court of Sweden started singing a cheerful, Swedish folk song that Caroline had no idea what they meant. As queen of France she had been obliged to learn a few, polite Swedish phrases since it was her sister in law, Rebekah who was getting married to Prince Stefan.

But her Swedish was horrible and Klaus' was only a little bit better. Thankfully, the jolly Swedish family knew rapid French and a few broken phrases in English that they could communicate well.

The Swedish people were known to throw large, extravagant parties and so far, neither Klaus nor Caroline had been disappointed. Everything seemed to be decorated with extravagant flower decorations and ice crystals and the food was delicious, Caroline was afraid that she was going to go up another dress size.

"Your sister looks so happy," Caroline said with a sigh as she turned towards Rebekah. For two people who had only meet a handful of times, Rebekah and Stefan seemed like a young couple in love. Not like Klaus and Caroline had been at the beginning.

Rebekah was dressed in a white dress that hugged her curves and was covered in dozens of little pearls and golden lace. Her icy blond hair was pulled back in a Swedish hairstyle that seemed to involved braids as she stole another kiss from her husband.

Klaus snorted. "She should be, this wedding is costing a fortune. Especially since my dear little sister insisted she should have three wedding dresses because we decided to hold up her wedding party."

"Still, it's rude to talk about money." Caroline shivered, even though it was late summer there was the occasional, small breeze after all they were having the wedding near the coast of the ocean.

Klaus frowned as he put his arm around her shoulder. "Are you sure that you should even be outside? You're nursing the baby, Caroline."

"I know and do not worry, my love I will go back inside when they give me a slice of cake." Caroline said as she pressed her lips towards Klaus' still frowning ones. "Our little prince will be all right."

Klaus smiled as he kissed their son, Theo on the head. Theo stirred a little in his sleep. "You know best, but after you get your slice of cake you two will be going inside."

Klaus and Caroline turned back towards the dance floor where Elena and Elijah were dancing together slowly. Elena had her head pressed against his chest, you could see her bulging pregnant belly under her emerald dress.

"I fear that Elena will give birth in Sweden." Caroline giggled. "Who would have thought."

Klaus squeezed her hand and kissed it softly. "Give Theo to the nanny, love. Will you care for one last dance my queen?"

Caroline giggle as she gave a small curtsy. "I would love too, my king."

The End

So, this is the end of Stand by Me, short and sweet. Thank you everyone for your support I really appreciate it!