A/N: No, Klaus won't rape Elena. Not in this fic. However, he is NOT going to suddenly become nice. Okay?

Klaus' head jerked like i'd struck him. He stared at me for a moment before speaking.

"So you love him then?"

"I didn't say that" i muttered. I hadn't said it. I didn't have to. The implication had been clear in my voice. Klaus growled and tugged angrily at my hair.

"I could kill you in a second, so start talking" Preservation and pride battled inside my head. Preservation won out.

"I don't know! Okay? I don't know what i feel for Elijah but it's a million miles away from what i feel for you!" He pulled away from me and stalked across the room where he stood, pinching the bridge of his nose in an effort to calm down. I stayed where i was, gaze pinned on the floor.

"Come here" he said quietly. I didn't move fast enough and he darted over and grabbed my wrist, twisting it sharply. I cried out and struggled. He released me after a moment, letting me tumble to the ground.

"Ask me again why i won't sleep with you!" i cried, cradling my wrist. He didn't say anything, just stalked towards the door. He paused in the doorway and half turned.

"Oh, i almost forgot" his voice was cold, emotionless. Empty. "The date of the wedding has been changed. Two weeks from today" He left the room, closing the door with a quiet click but it felt like a slam to me. I felt like my throat was closing up. I couldn't breathe, couldn't think. Just one word echoed through my mind.

No.

No.

No.

No.

Over and over again, louder and louder. I whispered the word aloud, my voice rising and rising until eventually i was screaming at the top of my lungs.

NO!

NO!

NO!

NO!

My fists beat at the walls. I no longer cared about pain. My entire world was crashing down on me and i was helpless to stop it. I was alone. I was weak. I was so, so scared.

My voice trailed away to a feeble mewl of pain and anger. Every emotion i felt summed up in that one insignificant little noise. Eventually even that faded. I simply lay on the floor in the destruction i'd created and didn't move.

***And***

I didn't see Klaus or Elijah for the next few days. The witch, Leia, brought me food and clean clothes every day but she wouldn't say a word even when i begged her. I wondered how long my exile would go on for.

***Then***

A week. I received my first visitor exactly a week after my indiscretion with Elijah. And my first visitor was...the man himself.

I was oddly relieved when he entered. I'd been fearful that Klaus had daggered him or worse. When i saw him, i flung my arms around him and held on so tight, afraid he'd disappear. He stroked my hair and whispered sweet nothings into my ear, relieved to see me as well i thought.

"Are you okay? Has he hurt you?" he asked as soon as we broke apart. I shook my head. I knew Elijah wasn't referring to a broken wrist. "I was afraid he would"

"He's sticking to his word. He won't force me until after..." i broke down. Elijah's arms instantly encircled me again and he rubbed my back soothingly. I calmed down and looked at him. "He's brought forward the wedding day. He knows i won't submit, this way he has an excuse to hurt me!" Elijah was quite for several minutes, deep in thought.

"Well..." he said slowly after the long pause "Maybe you should"

"Should? Should what?"

"Submit. Either way you're being forced into something but...surely it's better to do it on your own terms? Take what little control you can"

"You think i should seduce Klaus?" He shrugged. I considered this for a moment. Maybe, if i did take charge it wouldn't be so bad. And then, maybe he would calm down and slow his advances...or he could get worse.

Could i take that risk?

Should I?

Yes. I had to.

"Okay" i said quietly "I'll do it..." Elijah forced a tight smile "Just one problem. Klaus can barely stand to look at me right now, let alone be in a room alone with me. And i'm in solitary confinement"

"Oh, that ended when your period did Elena. You're free to roam again" i sighed in relief. This room was nice but staring at four walls was driving me insane.

"Okay" i started to formulate a plan "Okay, i'll do it. Tonight"

"So soon?"

"I need to get it done or i'll chicken out and Klaus will...force me"

"Elena, remember if you start this you can't back out in the middle. You have to see it through" Elijah warned.

"You suggested it" i said, giving him a look.

"Yes, and i support your choice but i don't want you rushing and getting hurt even worse" i smiled, grateful for him.

"Thank you. But i'm sure. I know what i'm doing. Besides..." i smiled weakly "Can't go much worse then my escape attempt, can it?" he chuckled and placed a finger to my lips.

"Shhh, Klaus doesn't know about that" i grinned conspiratorially and hugged Elijah again.

"Will you stay with me? Until tonight" he nodded.

"Of course my love"