Story 2: The Challenging Proposal

Early Saturday morning on his way back home from visiting the bayou, King Klaus stops by the bar to have a chat with his adopted son Marcellus, aka Marcel. It is never too early to have a drink and chat in New Orleans as the two have a long history together, because Klaus is an “original” vampire who sired Marcel, which is why he is like an adopted son to Klaus. Being an original meant that he was one of the very first vampires created; he is also part werewolf at that, making him a hybrid. He came back to New Orleans to take back this city he created and reign over all of the people. It has been about a year since then and he has won his spot as the royal king.

Walking through the bar entrance, Klaus looks to his left and sees his son and smirks, “Hello, Marcellus. To what do I owe this chat with you?”

“Well, now that you’ve taken back the French Quarter and made New Orleans your kingdom, I have a proposition to make.” Marcel begins to propose his statement. “I know we’ve had our differences, but I want to work alongside you. We can rule the city together like the good ole days. What do you say?”

A young, beautiful waitress with medium-length, blonde locks walks by to take their order. Her succulent aroma attracts the two men.

“So what can I get you guys?” She briefly glances at Klaus and then looks at Marcel.

“I’ll have your finest whiskey on the rocks.” Klaus interrupts their moment.

"I’ll just have a beer. Thanks, Cami.” Marcel smiles at Cami and blankly looks back at Klaus. “Really?”

“Well, you were having a moment, but you didn’t quite introduce me to her. Is that your new toy?”

Cami brings back the drinks before Marcel can answer. “Why don’t I introduce both of you to each other? Camille, this is Klaus...Klaus, Camille...He’s a long-time friend.” Marcel reluctantly introduces Klaus.

“Oh...it’s nice to meet you, Klaus. I haven’t seen you around. What brings you to New Orleans?”

“Just some family business is all.” Klaus smiles one of his cunningly seductive smiles.

Entranced by Klaus and his charming British accent, Cami catches herself and responds, “Ahem...welcome back. I’m sure New Orleans misses you.” She goes about her business, tending to other customers as Klaus and Marcel continue their conversation until late afternoon.

Later that evening, Klaus still can’t get Cami’s scent off his mind. Her blood isn’t like any other. Though he may have had many loves in his life, he feels like she’ll be different. Klaus scurries to boldly offer Marcel this trade...“If you want to work by my side with no tricks, I want Camille to be my queen.”

“She’s a good friend, Klaus. I don’t want to ruin that. But if you are to approach anyone with this proposal, you should speak with her uncle who is like a father to her, Reverend Kieran O’Connell.”

“The reverend?? Of all people to mentor and raise her…” Because it’s so late in the night, he must wait until morning, so he heads back to his room to sleep.

At eight in the morning, before the service begins, Klaus walks to the church and enters the corridor, luckily enough to find the reverend prepping his message.

“Reverend O’Connell! Fancy meeting you here,” Klaus sarcastically announces.

“Well, this is a church. Can I help you, sir?” Confused, Reverend O’Connell steps to the side of the platform.

“You may already know who I am, ruler of the city...destroyer of lives. I am here to ask something of you...a blessing of sorts…” Klaus mentions hesitantly. With open ears, Reverend O’Connell remains silent. Clearing his throat Klaus begins to ask, “I am here to ask for your niece Camille’s hand in marriage. I know that this may be a surprise, but I...”

Cutting Klaus off, Reverend O’Connell responds immediately, “You are right. I do know who you are, Klaus Mikaelson, original vampire. I know we’re in the house of God, but don’t think for a second that I would allow my niece to be with a monster like you.”

“Well...you didn’t quite let me finish...I’m willing to make a deal with you. I shall not disobey, disrespect or disregard your wish. I don’t want to fight. She is unlike anyone I have ever met. I’ll do anything to have her as my bride, my queen. ”

The reverend examines Klaus’ movements as Klaus voices his proposal and contemplates his offer. The reverend knows he cannot hover or protect his niece forever and decides to offer Klaus this one condition.

“One thing I will not accept and if you defy me, you know your alliance with the human faction will have some consequences.”

“I understand.”

“You will not turn her into a vampire, nor will you allow anyone else to turn her. If her blood is what you seek, she will have to give her consent in order for you to feed on her blood, no compulsion. But by NO means will she become one of your kind.”

Not as hesitant as Reverend O’Connell believed Klaus would be, Klaus' reluctantly accepts the reverend's deal. “I want nothing more than for her to live a normal, human life. You have my word. I will keep her safe for as long as I can.”

“Then you have my blessing…”

As the day drags on, Klaus encounters Camille and doesn’t compel her, but asks her to be his bride. Surprised, she looks at him and gives a tiny grin. “I’m not one to jump the gun, but I’m willing to take it slow.”

Klaus smiles back. “As expected from a smart, beautiful woman like you.”

Author's Note: The original story I rewrote about is of King Shantanu and Satyavati. This story is about King Shantanu encountering Satyavati and her scent by the Yamuna River. Because her scent is radiant he wants to marry her. After he meets her, the rest of the story tells of how she received such a gift of an alluring scent. She was helping some people and a Brahmin, Parashara, across the river in her ferry and at that time she had a fishy smell emanating from her. He offers her a deal, where she bears his child and in return she will be gifted with an alluring scent that will remain for the rest of her life. She takes the offer, he hovers a cloud over her and then it disappears and he goes about his way. She bears his child and her child grows quick, becoming Vyasa and as he leaves to meditate, he lets her know that he will appear if she needs him just by calling his name. After Vyasa leaves, Parashara gives her virginity back to her and gifts her an alluring scent. King Shantanu is entranced by it and decides to ask her adopted father for her hand in marriage. Her father offers one condition, that Vyasa will be the next in line for the throne. King Shantanu can't accept, as Devavrata, son of Ganga, is heir to the throne and so he leaves without Satyavati.

In my version, I incorporated the T.V. series: The Originals. The characters I chose from the show were, Niklaus Mikaelson, the vampire/werewolf, as King Shantanu and Camille O'Connell, the human, as Satyavati. Then I had Marcellus(Marcel) play as Devavrata and Reverend Kieran O'Connell as Satyavati's adopted father. Though Devavrata was not in the original story, I thought to include a character like him, because Marcel is so relevant in the show and it would add to the story. The beginning of the story actually occurred in the show, but with different dialogue and interaction. The way Cami and Klaus met was also different. I thought it would be fun to have Cami's blood be the alluring scent since Klaus and Marcel are vampires and her uncle as her adopted father, since he is kind of like that in the show. I hope the story was relayed interestingly, because it was extremely fun to do this and I would love to continue the story or incorporate a different series!

Bibliography: PDE Mahabharata - Indian Myth & Legend: King Shantanu and Satyavati by Donald A. Mackenzie.