'Niklaus,' Mother called sharply.
Niklaus glanced at her, for once, removing his furious gaze from Kol.
'Come.'
Shooting a glare of deep loathing towards Kol, who looked amused, Nik pushed past him, into the other room.
'Rebekah wasn't even out of her box a day, before she tried to ruin my life!' Nik burst out to his Mother. 'What happened to peace, acceptance – family?' his voice grew softer.
Mother turned to him, her eyes filled with sadness and pity. 'You put daggers in their hearts,' she said softly. 'You expect them to go down on their knees and kiss your feet for reuniting them?'
'So it's a crime to want our family to be as we were?' Nik asked, wincing slightly.
Mother continued, more sharply, 'You need to give it time, Niklaus. I've had a thousand years on the Other Side to be angry and to heal. I'm here to make sure this family does the same.'
Nik blinked confusedly. 'I just don't understand,' he said softly, looking at his Mother. 'I killed you and still you forgive me.'
Smiling at him warmly, Mother moved closer. 'It's been my dream for a thousand years that this family could be as one,' she said tenderly. She shook her head, smiling at her son. 'Forgiveness is not a chore; it's a gift.'
Nik gave a small mocking scoff. Mother seemed to sense his doubt, because, with a smile playing about her face, she changed the subject. 'Now, who are you bringing to the ball this evening?'
Scoffing, Nik looked away. For a quick moment, he wondered if he should tell his mother about his – affections for Caroline. The sharp, witty blonde had been through as many hardships at him, he thought. But –
'Don't be ridiculous,' he scorned, fixing his mother with a look. 'You're lucky I'm even going.'
'Well,' Mother smiled at him. 'I wish you would reconsider.'
With a slightly knowing smile that somehow unnerved Nik, she continued, 'It's going to be a magical evening.'