A Winter's Ball.

He watched her, as she faked smiles and pleasantries. As she was pulled into conversation with boozy older woman about how successful she'd become, listened as the complemented the beautiful young woman she'd turned into. He watched as she accepted the double bladed niceties with that same almost sincere smile. Klaus was impressed by her.

He never would admit such sentiment to her, she wouldn't let him forget it. But he was impressed. She wore a mask so well that no one even realized that the smile on her face was forced. That they were mere peasants standing before a queen. They still thought her nothing more of her than a naive princess.

Suddenly the Salvatore's nickname of the girl made sense. He'd seen this side of her, he knew just how small towns people thought and he'd awarded her the title. Not because he thought she was anything less, no obviously he knew she was so much more than that. Apparently Damon Salvatore had been smarter than he'd given him credit for.

Klaus also wouldn't be admitting that anytime soon either. Actually he'd never be forthcoming of such a thing.

The rest of the part was spent doing much of the same, watching her as she participated in human sentimentalities all the while observing his prize from the corner of his eyes. His doppleganger was just as expected, just like all the ones before her. Uninteresting except for her usefulness to him. He only need one from her.

Now the man on the doppelganger's arm and the necklace around her neck, now that was interesting. His grasp on her elbow tightens when he sees it. If she notices the pressure she doesn't notice. Keeps up with whatever conversation she'd been pulled into.

Marcella Eden Forbes ignored him. He has half the mind to remind her who was in charge, until at the tip of his fingers where they touch flesh feel a jolt of shock. Like angry electricity. A warning.

Klaus is suddenly struck with another revelation.

He wasn't the one in charge here. She was, and she'd been from the very beginning. A true Mikaelson indeed.

Letting him believe he had control.