A/N: I'm really sorry for the late update but this chapter was a tough one. I never had so many characters in the same place at once and while I knew how I wanted the ball to go, writing it was a bit more difficult than I expected. This is also the longest chapter I've ever written and this is only the first part of the ball…so yeah…I hope it lives up to everyone's expectations.
Enjoy!
Days later…
Bonnie took a deep breath as she stared at her reflection in floor length mirror. She stood inside the master bedroom of the Governor's mansion, a place Elijah owned and which had been chosen as the perfect location for the ball.
Bonnie was startled to see the face that stared back at her. She looked regal, matured, not a girl but a woman. She could only hope that her nerves would not betray her in the hours to come.
She had decided upon a red silk-chiffon, lace and tulle strapless gown with a sweetheart neckline that showed just the right amount of cleavage, the tiered cascade ruffled skirt accentuated her figure. Her hair had been pulled up in an intricate bun and the smoky eye makeup made her green eyes pop.
The dress was beautiful. The fabric was soft against her palms as she moved them over the bodice. She had never worn something so soft or so expensive in her life.
A soft smile graced her lips as she looked down and touched her stomach, it had started to swell just slightly, it was hardly noticeable but Bonnie could see it, her baby was growing with each passing day. She took a deep breath and began chanting the protection spell. She was not going to take any chances this night. Her child would be protected at all costs.
There was a tingle and her hand glowed as a warm feeling spread over her belly as the protection spell took effect.
Bonnie looked up and stared at her reflection once more. She felt beautiful. She was glowing-that had more to do with her pregnancy but still, while she had never been vain in that moment she really felt truly beautiful.
Is this how Cinderella felt before the ball? Bonnie wondered.
"You are absolutely stunning," an accented voice said from the doorway.
Bonnie spun around at the sound of his voice and her breath caught in her throat. Klaus looked hot, elegantly dressed in a black tux. She had seen him in formal clothing before, in the white suit he had worn at the decades dance in Mystic Falls. He had looked really good then but tonight he looked extremely handsome and dashing.
Klaus had always looked attractive in his regular clothing but he looked damn sexy and appealing in a tux as well. Bonnie bit her lip feeling the heat stirring in her belly. Since his return from Tennessee, Bonnie had not been able to keep her hands off him. Klaus certainly hadn't mind.
"I feel like a princess," she said with a soft almost shy smile.
"Not a princess but a queen." Klaus stepped inside the room and stopped a few feet in front of her. He stood silently contemplating her, his gaze moving across her face and her neck before slowly moving down her body, drinking the sight of her in the red silk dress, red was his favorite color. He licked his lips as he undressed her with his eyes.
Bonnie felt a nervous flutter in the pit of her stomach at the sensual way in which Klaus's eyes moved over her body. He was anything but subtle in his appreciation of her body. She felt an all too familiar throb between her legs when he met her eyes with a heated look, a look that told her perfectly what he wanted to do to her.
The bond pulsed with desire from both ends.
"As beautiful as you look my love, something is missing," Klaus told her with a dimpled smile. He did his best to contain the lust he felt in that moment before he did something lewd like rip her dress apart, throw her on the floor and claim her like a beast.
As sorely tempted as he was to claim her right there, Klaus knew that he would not be able to stop, the ball would be all but forgotten. A few minutes, an hour of stolen pleasure was not enough. Klaus indented to take his time and worship every inch of her skin. And he couldn't let his need for her to cloud his judgment. He needed to have a cool head in the hours to come. They both needed to be at the top of their game.
"What?" Bonnie asked touching her hair and wondering if she had a loose strand of hair or maybe it was her dress. "Is something wrong with the dress?" She looked down at her dress and wondered what could be wrong. The French designer had tailored it perfectly to her figure. It was probably the last time she was going to wear something like this as her belly was starting to swell.
"Nothing is wrong," Klaus chuckled. "You are perfect. I have never seen someone as beautiful as you," he declared. The intensity of his gaze made her weak in the knees and caused a slight tremor over her body. But it was the raw sincerity of his words that took her breath away and had her heart leaping with joy. Klaus was not the kind of man to throw compliments lightly; when he gave them he truly meant them and his words made Bonnie's insides melt.
"Well, you don't look so bad yourself," she said with a flirty smile. "You look incredibly handsome…sexy," she finished feeling the heat on her face.
"Don't be fooled love. I'm the devil in disguise." He winked before giving her a playful smirk.
Bonnie grinned and took notice of the black velvet case he was holding in one of his hands. "What is that?" she asked curiously. Klaus offered her another smile before he opened the box and showed her what was inside.
Bonnie gasped upon seeing the sparkling white diamond drop necklace and matching earrings. It was impressive. "Klaus, I can't-" it must cost a fortune. The diamonds sparkled with the light from the chandelier above them.
Klaus set the case on a nearby table before picking the diamond necklace. "Turn around," he ordered.
"It's too much I-" Bonnie couldn't accept such costly jewelry. It was probably worth more than what her father made in a year.
"It's a gift worthy of a queen." Klaus told her, "turn around," his tone left no room for argument.
Bonnie reluctantly turned her back to him and Klaus fastened the necklace around her neck. She shivered when she felt his fingertips caressing the skin on the back of her neck before slowly moving over shoulders and further down until he touched the zipper of her gown.
Bonnie gasped throwing her head back against his chest when a vivid image suddenly assaulted her mind.
Her hands painfully clutching the edges of the dresser as she felt his sharp claws rip the silky material of her dress in half, exposing the caramel skin to his hungry gaze as he tore it off her body with ease while his ardent mouth sucked on her pulse point, fangs grazing the soft flesh.
She instinctively arched her back, rubbing herself against the hard length of his body, moaning with a mix of pain and pleasure as his claws sank into her hips drawing blood.
Klaus lowered her body and bent her over the dresser. Bonnie shivered as her elbows touched the cold surface. His fingertips traced her spine, causing goose bumps to form on her heated skin and a slight tremor to ripple over her body. She spread her legs apart as he possessively grabbed her hips.
Klaus slid into her with one powerful thrust that tore a scream from her throat.
Bonnie was jolted out of her vision when Klaus nuzzled her neck, gently kissing below her ear. "Klaus…" she moaned as he held her around the waist, pressing her back against his front. She could feel how hard and ready he was to make the fantasy turn to reality. And she desperately wanted him to do so.
"Later," he whispered seductively in her ear. It was a promise.
Bonnie bit her lip, her body felt on fire and her heart had nearly burst out of her chest. Why wait? She thought her brain clouded with desire, they could easily steal a few minutes before the ball…
Bonnie shook her head. She knew that if they did that now they would never get out of this room. A couple of minutes were not enough to contain the lava of passion burning their insides.
She pulled away from him trying to control her hormones before Klaus helped her with the earrings.
"I'll give them back after the ball." Bonnie promised.
Klaus shook his head. "They're yours now."
Bonnie turned around to face him once more ready to protest but Klaus silenced her by placing his index finger over her red lips.
A soft smiled formed on Bonnie's lips, "let me guess these were the property of some princess…"
"Actually," Klaus murmured placing his hands on her waist and pulling her body against him. "They belonged to an Empress."
Of course, she should have known. Bonnie hooked her arms around his neck and stared into his face. "I'm nervous," she admitted in a whisper.
"I know." He could feel her apprehension through the bond. "You have nothing to worry about; everything will go according to plan," he said with confidence. "I won't let anyone hurt you." Klaus promised while resting his forehead against hers. "I'll keep you safe, both of you."
Bonnie knew that he would. She closed her eyes and enjoyed the quiet moment between them.
It was the calm before the storm and they both knew it.
Matt watched mesmerized as Rebekah finished the last touches on her appearance in front of the bathroom mirror. She was wearing a dark blue gown with a transparent v neckline and cap sleeves, her hair had been pulled into a half up do and her jewelry sparkled with the bathroom light.
"You're staring," she caught his gaze over the mirror and smiled.
"I'm speechless," Matt said while placing his hands inside the pockets of his pants and leaning against the door frame. He was dressed in a well tailored black tux. "You're gorgeous." He still couldn't believe she was his girlfriend. How the hell did he end up being so lucky?
Rebekah turned around and walked towards him, "You look rather dashing too." She said while pulling him towards her. "Although I do like you better without any clothes on," she murmured against his lips.
Matt smiled. "Yeah?" he bumped his nose against hers causing Rebekah to giggle. "How much time to we have left?" he asked in a whisper. Her eyes sparked with mischief at his words and her glossy lips formed a wicked grin.
"The guests are just starting to arrive," Rebekah whispered back wrapping her arms around his neck, "we got plenty of time I wager."
"Good." Matt kissed her, wrapping one arm around her waist and pressing her body against his. He began walking backwards until the back of his knees hit the bed. He pulled Rebekah with him as he fell on the bed, his girl on top of him.
Rebekah giggled breaking the kiss and caressing his cheek, "remember what we talked about?"
Matt sighed. "I'm to stay close to Belle and Jesse while you and your siblings make your grand entrance and give speeches." The night before they had a 'family' meeting of sorts in which Elijah had given a general outline of what was to be expected at the ball.
Rebekah snorted, "Elijah has always been the one to give the welcoming speech to our guests." She kissed Matt lightly on the lips. "I will be entering with him, while Nik escorts Bonnie."
Matt nodded. "I know." It had been decided that he would not be entering with them. Elijah didn't want anyone trying to use him against Rebekah. Matt had agreed. He was no fool. He knew there was a lot at stake. He knew most, if not all of their enemies would be in attendance. "But I better have the first and second," he gave her a peck on the lips with each of his words, "the third," another peck, "the fourth," he continued, "and the fifth dance," he finished with another peck in her soft lips.
Rebekah laughed. "You can have all of them," she murmured before taking possession of his lips and devouring his mouth in a hungry and desperate kiss.
Matt's hands caressed the soft material of her dress, moving over her back as the kiss deepened. He rolled on top of her, never breaking the kiss. His hand cupped her breast before moving down to her stomach and down still, until he found the slit of her silk dress and caressed the heated skin underneath.
Rebekah moaned arching her back and welcoming his familiar touch. "Don't stop," she gasped as Matt's hand found that sweet spot where she needed him the most.
Matt had no plans of doing so. They had time after all.
Riley fixed the bowtie of his tux as he and Jesse waited patiently for their sire. The guest had started arriving at the Governor's house about half an hour before, mingling on the first floor in a mix of anticipation, nervousness, and curiosity.
The servers moved around the floor offering drinks and tending to the guests every need before the hosts of the ball made their presence known.
Jesse had his elbows on the staircase railing in the second floor as he watched the new arrivals. "No vampires so far," he commented. All the guests he had spotted were human. The witches had not arrived either.
"You think they'll try anything?" Riley asked while moving to stand next to his friend. The way Klaus had talked to them the night before made it feel like rather than going to a ball they were going to a slaughter.
"Probably." They were fools in Jesse's opinion. Anyone who thought they could go against Klaus and live to tell the tale was an idiot. The ones who might possibly stand a chance were the witches but Angelica and Bonnie had perform a spell earlier that day; a spell that would prevent any witches inside the property from doing magic. But while the witches would be neutralized there was no telling what the vampires had planned. What both hybrids knew however was that they had to be prepared for everything.
The sound of a door opening and closing had them both turning around and moving back inside the medium size sitting room.
Belle and Angelica stepped out of one of the rooms. While the witch had chosen a discreet black dress, Belle looked like a princess in a beaded champagne color gown.
"You're so pretty." Riley blurted out taken by surprised by how beautiful and elegant she looked.
"You too," Belle said her cheeks turning pink. "Not pretty, that's girly and you're not girly or a girl…I mean you're a guy so..." she rambled nervously. "You look hot…I mean handsome." She said rapidly before looking down at the floor in embarrassment.
Angelica and Jesse shared a knowing look.
"You both look beautiful," Jesse said smoothly while giving them his most charming smile.
"Yes," Riley agreed with a nervous cough, just realizing he hadn't complimented Angelica. "Both of you are beautiful."
"Thank-you," Angelica replied at their compliments.
"Are we ready?" Felix's voice grabbed all of their attention. He was also impeccably dressed in a tux. "Does everybody know what our duties are tonight?"
The hybrids nodded before they all turn towards the door when they sensed their sire approaching.
Klaus looked at each and every one of them as he stepped inside the sitting area. "My siblings and I will wait a few more minutes before making our entrance but you can go and start mingling with the guests. Pay attention to anything you hear or see that might be suspicious…" he said. "I need you all to be on the alert. I don't want any surprises." He turned towards Belle, "your senses might be a little overwhelmed at first with so many supernaturals in one place not to mention the humans in attendance."
"I just fed." The petite girl told him. "We went hunting earlier today and I just had two blood bags." She didn't want to take any chances. She was getting better at controlling the hunger pains.
"You need to be prepared." Klaus said staring into her eyes. She was the youngest hybrid in the pack after all. "If the vampires or the witches attack, you and Jesse are in charge of getting Bonnie and Matt out of here. No matter what you see or hear, you are to get them out." It was a command and it resonated through the sire bond.
Belle nodded. "I will, sire."
Klaus turned to Felix and Riley, "don't show any mercy. Those who dare attack will die, plain and simple," he ordered. It was not in his nature to be merciful. He didn't even feel pity for the humans that no doubt would get caught in the crossfire.
Klaus turned to Angelica last, he opened his mouth but the dark haired witch cut him off. "I can take care of myself," she told him. "I know what to do should things turn for the worst."
"Good." Klaus smiled.
Another door opened and Elijah made his way inside the sitting room. He too was elegantly dressed in a black tux.
"Go," Klaus ordered. "And remember all we have planned." He had given them plenty of instructions in the days leading up to the ball. They all knew the parts they had to play.
The hybrids and the witch exited the room and began making their way downstairs.
"And so it begins," Elijah murmured once both brothers were left alone.
"Indeed."
Both brothers exchanged knowing looks. While they had planned and discussed plenty with the hybrids and Angelica, with Bonnie and Rebekah and even Matt, they were the only two people who knew exactly what was going to happen this night.
"I suppose we should start making our way downstairs and greet our guests." Elijah said just as Bonnie and Rebekah made their way inside the sitting room.
"You both look stunning," Elijah said smiling as he looked at both girls.
"Thank-you," Bonnie moved towards Klaus's side.
"You look quite handsome yourself," Rebekah told Elijah as she kissed his cheek. "As do you." She said turning towards Klaus and kissing his stubble cheek as well. "It feels like all times doesn't it?"
Klaus smiled remembering the countless balls he had attended with his siblings. He took Bonnie's hand in his and gave it a gentle squeeze. "Are you ready?"
"Ready as I'll ever be I guess." Bonnie mumbled nervously. "I hope I don't trip with this dress and fall flat on my face."
"Don't you dare," Rebekah said sharply as she took Elijah's arm. Klaus and Bonnie were going to descent first, with Rebekah and Elijah following after them. Matt had already gone downstairs. "This is your big moment Bonnie," Rebekah continued, "don't mess it up."
Easier said than done, Bonnie thought with a tense smile. The butterflies in her stomach had intensified and her heart was pounding so loudly she was afraid it would pop out of her chest at any moment. All three originals could hear it, of course.
"You will be fine," Elijah told her with a soft smile. "You must remember not to let any nervousness show, do not show any weakness for they won't hesitate to use it against you." he wasn't trying to scare her but to warn her that she was about to walk down to a room filled with people who could be a threat to her and her child.
"You guys have more experience at his than me," Bonnie said."This is my first ball you know." And she was feeling like a fish out of water and it hadn't even started!
Klaus brought their joined hands up to his lips and placed a soft kiss on her knuckles. "There is no need to worry love, you will do splendidly."
"Just do what we do," Rebekah suggested with a mischievous glint in her eyes. She shared a secretive and knowing smile with her brothers.
"It always seems to work no matter the circumstances," Elijah agreed.
Klaus smirked. "That's because we have perfected the art in a thousand years."
Bonnie stared at the three Original siblings with confusion. "What do you guys do exactly?" Did they have some sort of ritual to prepare for big events?
"We always walk into any room with confidence in the knowledge that everyone else is beneath us." Rebekah answered while grinning.
Bonnie snorted. Humbleness did not seem to exist in the Mikaelson's vocabulary.
Klaus lifted his other hand to her face, lightly tracing her cheek as he stared into her green orbs. "You are a queen," he told her, "and the time has come for you to act as such." The confidence in his words, the belief in his eyes that he knew she could do this, gave Bonnie the strength and reassurance she needed.
Bonnie took a deep breath and nodded. She needed to be at the top of her game tonight. She couldn't let their enemies get the best of her. She had to put away any fear, any doubt she felt, far way in the depths of her mind.
Together they walked out of the room and made their way downstairs.
The three Bennett witches made their way inside the Governor's mansion dressed to their very best. The first floor was already filled with guest chattering and moving curiously from room to room, all of them waiting expectantly for the Mikaelsons. Everyone who was of importance in the city had been invited, like the mayor of New Orleans and his wife, prominent business families and any others who had connections with the supernatural world or were aware of its existence.
The moment they stepped through the threshold Joanna shivered. Warning bells rang in her head as she felt a shiver run down her spine. Something is off. She thought.
"You okay?" Lucy asked seeing the strange look on her mother's face.
"I'm fine. I just felt a sudden chill is all." Joanna smiled reassuringly but she couldn't help but feel a sense of dread in the pit of her stomach.
"This is a bad idea." Abby said ominously as her eyes moved around the room trying to locate her daughter.
"It's a ball hosted by vampires, what do you expect." Lucy took a glass of champagne from one of the servers and scanned the people gathered in small groups in the formal living room. She felt the presence of another witch and turned towards the opposite side of the room where she spotted a dark haired witch dressed in black walking arm and arm with a hybrid.
As if feeling Lucy's eyes on her, the dark haired witch turned her head and met her eyes. She whispered something in the hybrid's ear and the two crossed the room making their way toward the Bennett women.
"She's powerful," Joanna murmured standing next to Lucy and watching as the couple approached them.
"It is a great honor to meet you, witches of the line of the blessed." The witch said with a slight bow of her head. "My name is Angelica and this is Felix," she introduced them to the hybrid.
"The honor is ours," Lucy's mother replied politely. "My name is Joanna and this is my daughter Lucy," the younger witch nodded. "And my cousin Abby," Joanna introduced.
The vampire stared at Angelica, a look of distrust on her face. "You're Klaus's witch," she eyed Felix as well, "and one of the abominations he created."
Lucy closed her eyes and shook her head, giving her mother a look as if to say, is she seriously doing this now?
"An abomination just like you," Felix replied coldly.
Abby saw red.
Joanna placed a gentle hand on her arm. "We are not here to fight," she reminded her cousin. "We are unlikely allies in this war." She said looking at Angelica and Felix. "We are on the same side."
"That we are," Angelica agreed. A look of understanding passed between both women before Angelica and Felix departed to mingle with the other guests.
"You really want to dig your own grave don't you?" Lucy turned in annoyance towards Abby.
"Klaus is a monster and the hybrids he created-"
"Enough." Joanna silenced her. "Whether you like it or not, on this night we are fighting on his side." Her tone left no room for argument. "For Bonnie," Joanna said staring deeply into Abby's eyes. "For your daughter," she emphasized the word. She wasn't fond of vampires either but sometimes difficult choices had to be made.
Abby reluctantly nodded. As much as she hated Klaus and anything related to him, she was going to have to tolerate him and god forbid even help him, if things turned for the worst. Which deep down Abby knew it was bound to happen. Something told her this ball was going to end up in blood.
A sudden chill was felt then and all three women turned in time to witness the arrival of a group of vampires led by a tall, dark skinned man.
"The vampire king," Joanna whispered. In the days since their arrival in New Orleans they had heard different stories about Marcel Gerard and his ruthless rule over the city.
There was a serious look on the vampire's face as he surveyed the room with a strange sense of familiarity. He immediately made his way towards the Mayor of New Orleans with a polite smile on his handsome face.
"Things are about to get interesting," Lucy said as she took a sip of her champagne.
No sooner had the vampires arrived when the werewolves made their entrance.
The temperature in the room seemed to drop all of a sudden and tense electricity charged the air.
Abby unconsciously rubbed her arms as her vampire senses exploded alerting her to presence of the werewolves nearby.
Even the humans could feel a slight change in the air. While their senses were not as sharp as the witches, vampires, or even werewolves their self preservation instincts did sent warning bells. They knew something was about to go down.
The tension multiplied tenfold when the witches made their entrance a few minutes later.
All three supernatural species had come together in one single place for the first time in a very long time.
The air around the mansion crackled with the undeniable power of each species.
"We shouldn't have come," Charles commented as he spotted the group of vampires glaring at them. Five wolf elders had decided to accompany Ishmael and Carry to the ball hosted by the Mikaelson family. Charles had already started to regret that decision. His skin itched as he felt the sharp gazes of the undead, their looks promising murder.
There was one vampire in particular that was ready to jump at them, had it not been for his friend who seemed to be holding him back. The vampire king on the other hand, did his best to ignore them.
"We need to be here," Carry muttered his brown eyes focused on the vampire king, on the bastard that had given the order to kill his clan. Cary wanted nothing more than to teach him a lesson.
"This will end in blood." Mila, the only elder woman in the clan said as she surveyed the room nervously. There was a tense atmosphere in the air that was making everyone uncomfortable. Even the humans could feel it.
"I hope it does," another wolf whispered. "I'll gladly rip that son of a bitch's head." He stared unflinchingly into Marcel's direction.
Marcel no doubt could feel their gazes on him but the vampire purposely ignored them. He beamed and nodded and charmed everyone he came into contact with but he stayed far away from the werewolves' way.
"Calm down," Ishmael's calmed and controlled voice put the brakes on the flaring werewolf tempters. "We are here to observe and listen, not to instigate any bloodshed." Not on purpose at least, he thought.
"And if they attack?" Charles asked turning to face his Alpha. "What then?" he challenged.
Ishmael's eyes darkened. "We kill them," he stated simply. He was not going to lose any more werewolves to the vampires.
"Fuck!" another elder cursed. "I don't know who we have to be more wary of, the vampires or them." He said pointing to the group of women that had just arrived at the mansion.
"Both," Cary mumbled as he watched the witches warily. He didn't trust any of them. They were probably plotting something, of that he was certain.
The air cracked with electricity, there was a sense of anticipation in the air. Everyone seemed to be waiting for something to happen but no one knew exactly what that was.
There was an energy building, coiling around the room, ready to explode at any moment.
A sudden silence befell all the guest and all heads turned to the spiral staircase almost at the same time.
All eyes were suddenly glued to the four figures making their way down.
Bonnie took a deep breath, lifted her chin and did her best to project the same aura of confidence and even arrogance Klaus and his siblings showed.
Do not let them intimidate you, Bonnie thought. You can do this.
All heads turned the moment the Original family walked down the stairs. Silence descended among the guests as they watched their every movement.
Bonnie remembered the night she and Matt had been crowned prom queen and king. The attention she got in that one moment was nothing compared to now. All eyes were on them, curious gazes that made her skin prickle and her heart stutter.
The crowd seemed to part like the sea as they stopped at the bottom of the stairs.
The first person that came up to them was the Mayor of New Orleans, a fat little man, with red cheeks who seemed to be pleasant enough if not rather oblivious.
Easy to manipulate, Bonnie thought as the mayor introduced himself and his wife.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Mayor de la Fontaine," Klaus greeted putting on his most pleasant smile. "My bother Elijah and my sister Rebekah," he introduced first, "and this," he said turning towards Bonnie, a hint of mischief in eyes. "This is my lovely wife, Bonnie."
Bonnie froze at his words. Her heart jumped out of her chest and she turned as red as her dress.
"How lovely to meet you," the Mayor shook her hand but Bonnie barely reacted. She felt dazed and utterly stunned by Klaus's introduction.
Wife, Klaus had just introduced her as his wife. His wife…Ishmael had assumed she was Klaus's wife and he hadn't corrected him but this…Klaus had willingly introduced her as his wife. Did Klaus consider her his wife in his heart?
Oh my god! She was hyperventilating.
His wife, Klaus's wife, Mrs. Mikaelson…
Mrs. Bonnie Mikaelson
Mrs. Bonnie Bennett-Mikaelson
It actually has a nice ring doesn't it? Her mind supplied. Bonnie was so stunned by Klaus's introduction that she zoned out of the conversation. It wasn't until she realized that all eyes had turned towards her and seemed to be waiting expectantly for some sort of answer that she blinked herself back to reality.
"I'm sorry what?" she asked feeling embarrassed. This was not the way to make a good first impression.
"The Mayor just asked what you think of New Orleans, sweetheart." Klaus said with a playful grin.
"Oh, right…it's beautiful." Bonnie answered stammering a little.
Rebekah giggled playfully and even Elijah's lips curved into an amused smile at her reaction.
Bonnie smiled politely as the Mayor began rambling on and on about the city.
It was the first of many introductions as it seemed everyone wanted to talk to them. The humans at least, for the vampires kept themselves in one corner of the room, while the witches stood in the opposite corner, both groups sending murderous looks at each other the whole while.
Bonnie smiled as she was introduced to so many people she could hardly remember their names or faces. Everything was a blur after Klaus introduced her as his wife. How the hell was she supposed to concentrate after the magnitude of that introduction?
She met a bunch of prominent business people who were not only aware of the existence of vampires but actually had many professional and personal relationships with them. New Orleans was very different from Mystic Falls, it had a more intricate network of people and vampires working together.
There was even a priest in attendance whom according to Klaus was the leader of the human faction in the city. "I created the faction three hundred years ago, to represent the four main species that lived in the French Quarter…" Klaus told her, after the priest introduced himself as Father Kieran O'Connell.
"The faction is now only run by humans." The priest said regarding the hybrid carefully.
"Perhaps that shall soon change," Klaus muttered cryptically. Judging by the hard look on the priest's eyes he did not like that idea.
When they finally got around and met the witches in attendance, Bonnie felt a chill run down her spine.
Agnes and Bastiana were the last leaders left of the New Orleans coven. They greeted Bonnie politely but the hard set of their eyes and mouth did nothing to appease Bonnie's nerves.
"I do believe my brother sent an invitation to the Regent," Klaus commented as he regarded the group carefully. And the fucking bitch had not dared to show up. He thought angrily. People these days, they lacked manners.
"Madame LaRue has not attended any festivities in recent years," Agnes replied coldly. She hated vampires and she hated werewolves, Klaus was both.
"And Sophie Deveraux? I believe my brother invited her as well." Klaus asked casually.
"She did not wish to attend." Sabine, her friend replied. Sophie had been terrified of what Klaus or Marcel could do to her and no matter how hard Sabine had tried to convince her to attend the ball, the witch had refused. Maybe it was for the best.
"A witch in the arm of a vampire," one tall and skinny witch with a pointed nose commented while staring directly at Bonnie. "A pity that someone from your line has fallen so far, it's a disgrace," she spat.
Bonnie's eyes narrowed. "And I pity the witches who live in fear of vampires." She said defiantly. "Those who believe they are so powerful and yet let vampires walk all over them. That's a disgrace, wouldn't you say?"
A chuckle escaped Sabine's lips, while Agnes stared at Bonnie with curiosity. The other witches looked furious. If looks could kill, Bonnie would've been six feet under.
Klaus chuckled not bothering to hide his glee at Bonnie's biting words. "What can you expect love, the witches of the Quarter are mediocre at best."
The glares that he received from the group of witches were more pitiful than threatening. Did they honestly think they could scare him?
Three witches in particular seemed ready to want to jump and attack them but Bastiana stopped them with a wave of her hand. Now was not the time. "Why have you invited us here?" She asked suddenly. "To be in the same room as vampires and werewolves, have we not been insulted enough?"
"Believe me when I decide to insult you, you will know." Klaus retorted. "After the waltz my brother and I would like to speak with the leaders of each species present today."
"What for?" Agnes asked genuinely curious.
"Let's just say that things are about to change quite drastically in the Quarter," Klaus smiled before leading Bonnie away, the witches' gazes following their every move.
The last person Bonnie was introduced to was Marcel Gerard and his group of vampires. She had expected to see him with an entire army but he had surprisingly arrived with just a handful of vampires.
He was also very different from what Bonnie had imagined. He was tall, dark skinned and with an impossibly white and contagious smile. He was definitely charming and had an easy going way about him that could put anyone at ease.
Klaus once again introduced her as his wife and Bonnie couldn't help but turn red once more.
Marcel stared at her face with an almost hungry look. "Wife…who would've thought," he commented, his eyes never leaving Bonnie's face. If he was shocked or surprised by the revelation it was carefully kept hidden under a mask of neutrality. "It's a pleasure to meet you," he said as he kissed the back of her hand and gave her the friendliest and flintiest smile he could muster. "I've heard so much about you."
"I wish I could say the same thing." Bonnie muttered. She hadn't forgotten the attack his vampires had made on the werewolf camp and judging by the glares coming from Klaus's relatives it was something they were not ready to forget either.
Klaus chuckled. "Marcel is not as popular as he thinks he is."
"Not all of us are as infamous as you." Marcel retorted, not liking his sire's tone. He glared in Klaus's direction before focusing on Bonnie once more.
"And yet you wish you were," The viciousness in the hybrid's tone was more than evident.
The tension between them the two of them was palpable. Bonnie hoped they could control their tempers because from the glares on both of their faces they looked ready to attack each other.
"Where is your witch?" Klaus asked suddenly, "afraid to bring her to a vampire party."
"Not all us like to parade our witches as if they were some possession or toy." Marcel said deviously, taunting him with the way the hybrid had paraded Bonnie around the room.
"No, you prefer to keep her lock up and use her to subdue her own kind," Elijah's said coming to stand on Bonnie's other side. The Originals always presented a united front against their enemies. "One should pity the poor girl."
"You know nothing." Marcel hissed taking a step forward. The vampire behind him, Diego, Bonnie recalled seemed ready to jump and defend Marcel but two others held him back. The rest of the group watched them nervously not knowing what to do.
Marcel turned to Klaus and grinned. "One should feel pity for your poor wife," he gave Bonnie a quite convincing sad look, but she could see underneath the mask. "Having to deal with all your baggage and daddy issues…you must be a saint." He said to Bonnie a wicked grin on his face.
Bonnie glared at him.
"You're one to talk," Klaus growled. "Do you still tremble with the sound of a whip, boy?" He sneered. Bonnie flinched at the fury that echoed through the bond and the venomous remark he made, even Elijah was startled. In that moment Klaus uncanny resemblance to Mikael was eerie.
Marcel growled and moved closer until both men were standing face to face, neither willing to back down.
Bonnie got in between them. She placed one hand on Klaus's chest while she pushed against Marcel's chest with the other. Now was not the time to get into a fight.
The vampire gasped as he felt the jolt of her power, pushing him back with ease. He couldn't help but feel intrigued by the tiny witch. He could feel the tendrils of her magic on his skin, even through his clothes, powerful, threatening, and easily letting him know that he had to fall in line or else.
"There is no need to lose your tempers." Bonnie told them calmly. "The party is barely getting started." She grabbed Klaus by the arm and dragged him away before he decided to instigate any bloodshed.
Klaus reluctantly let her take him away, muttering angrily under his breath.
Elijah remained behind while Marcel's eyes were glued to the girl in the red dress, watching her retreating form with curiosity and raw hunger.
Her power was intoxicating, as well as her scent, and her beauty. He couldn't help but be enthralled.
There was something about Bonnie…
Marcel was so captivate that he momentarily let his guard down, letting his emotions reflect on his face which Elijah studied carefully.
"Be careful Marcel," Elijah's voice brought the other vampire back to reality.
Marcel stared at the elder Original, his face becoming a mask once more.
"Bonnie is off limits." Elijah warned him, the threat implicit in his voice.
Marcel's lips twitched into an amused grin. "Are you once again lusting after your brother's woman Elijah?" he taunted. He knew part of the muddy history between the brothers and a girl that they had once lusted after, Rebekah had told him. Rebekah had told him a lot of secrets. "It seems to be your favorite pastime isn't it?"
Elijah's eyes darkened as he took a menacing step forward. Marcel did not back down.
"And your favorite pastime it seems is to want what my brother has," Elijah's face broke into a sardonic grin. "Tell me Marcellus, how long have you been fantasizing about becoming Klaus Mikaelson?"
Marcel growled vampire face surfacing, the anger giving away to impulsiveness.
In a flash Elijah had grabbed him and sped him into the balcony, away from prying eyes. He slammed Marcel hard against the house wall and kept him rooted to the spot.
"I am an Original," Elijah hissed. "Never forget that." He could easily rip Marcel's heart out and be done with it, and they both knew it.
In the next second, Elijah flashed out of there, leaving an angry Marcel behind.
Rebekah rolled her eyes as another useless human introduced themselves to her. She and Matt exchange knowing looks.
Rebekah shivered; her skin still tingled from their heated encountered earlier in the evening. For one crazy moment she thought of sneaking way upstairs with Matt but Elijah was determined to establish important connections in the city and he also wanted to present a united front against their enemies, so he kept dragging her from one side of the room to another to greet their guests.
Until he had left her on her own sensing some sort of trouble brewing with Marcel and Niklaus.
Rebekah had done her best to avoid her former lover. She had kept herself as far away as possible from Marcel. But she could feel his lingering gaze on her skin from time to time.
Rebekah put on her best fake smile as they were introduced to Francesca Correa a prominent business woman who had quite a lot on influence in the city.
"And what do you do?" Rebekah asked in a bore tone. The hairs on the back of her neck stood up and her skin prickled as she felt his gaze on her skin once more. From the moment they had descended the stairs, Rebekah had made it a point to ignore him. But Marcel seemed to be trying to get her attention.
"My family and I own the Palace Royale Casino," Francesca told her. She started talking some more about her business but Rebekah tuned her out. Matt kept the conversation going for a little bit before Francesca left them to mingle with the other guests.
"Are you all right?" Matt asked seeing the distressed look on her face.
"He's watching," Rebekah muttered under her breath.
Matt squeezed her hand. "If you want to talk to him…"
"You don't mind?" Rebekah questioned curiously.
Matt shrugged. "He's the past." He said with confidence. He felt certain of what he and Rebekah had and nothing was going to get in the way of that. He also knew that Rebekah had thought Marcel had died and had mourned him greatly. Rebekah had told him the important details of her relationship with Marcel and had also assured him that said feelings were long dead.
Marcel's eyes followed her everywhere and much as Rebekah tried she couldn't pretend anymore. She finally turned her head to the side and stared directly into his dark eyes.
Marcel grinned with victory.
Rebekah turned to Matt once more. "I won't be long." She said. "I promise."
Matt nodded giving her hand one gentle reassuring squeeze. Rebekah turned to leave, ready to make her way to the gardens but Matt stopped her abruptly.
She didn't have time to question him because in the next second he had pulled her against him and planted one hell of a kiss on her, without carrying who was watching, and yes, to mark his territory against the vampire. He was a guy after all.
Rebekah nibbled on his lower lip before pulling away, "Matt Donovan, I think I like this wild side of you."
Matt grinned before kissing her once more. Elijah would certainly not approve of their behavior, with so many eyes staring at them but they didn't give a damn.
Rebekah smiled once more before she made her way out of the room. Matt watched her go and noticed Marcel following her outside.
He grabbed a flute of champagne from one of the servers and made his way towards Jesse to distract himself until Rebekah's return.
Marcel did his best to keep control of the anger he felt at Elijah and Klaus. He was not going to let their words get to him. He stood in the shadows, watching and learning, doing his best not to attract attention any more than necessary. Diego was more than ready to jump at the werewolves; he hated them with passion after all. Thierry was the only one calming him down. The other vampires he had brought with him kept close, nervously waiting for his signal.
Marcel barely paid them any attention. He felt intrigued.
From the moment Klaus had descended the stairs with the petite witch on his arm, Marcel had known she was different. Not only because Klaus himself had escorted her and kept her at his side as he moved around the room- a possessive hand on her lower back- but because of the power that radiated off the tiny witch in waves, he had never felt anything like it.
If Davina was a bright burning candle, the girl on Klaus's arm was the sun.
Bonnie
That was her name. And she was Klaus's wife. Marcel still couldn't believe it. How the hell had that fucking bastard gotten himself such a beautiful and powerful witch as a wife?
Klaus had always been fascinated by witches, he had always had a weird obsession with them, Marcel knew it, but something told him this was different. If he had married the girl she was clearly very special.
He watched them as they moved around the room as if they were the only two people in the world. There was a connection between them, an intimacy. He had sensed it when he had briefly spoken to them earlier. Love is a vampire's greatest weakness…Marcel recalled Klaus telling him once. His lips curved into a sly smile. Oh how the mighty have fallen, he thought. You have delivered your own undoing in a silver platter, Marcel though with a pleased smile as he watched Klaus. His sire wasn't as untouchable as he believed himself to be.
Klaus Mikaelson had a weakness and he had willingly introduced her to Marcel.
"You seem quite pleased with yourself," Father Kieran said coming to stand next to him.
"I'm surprised to see you here," Marcel commented. "You rarely leave the church."
"As the leader of the human faction I was invited," Father Kieran replied.
Marcel crossed his arms over his chest and leaned against the wall, his dark eyes glued to the girl in red. "Should I add you to my list of enemies Kieran?" he asked in a neutral tone. He turned his gaze to another girl, in blue. Sweet Rebekah who kept trying to pretend that she could not feel his heated gaze.
Marcel had stared at her from time to time, trying to make her turn and face him. But Rebekah refused as she paraded around with a human boy. A human, Marcel shook his head. Dear Rebekah, she never seemed to learn. Klaus was going to turn that boy into his dinner sooner or later.
"I want what is best for the humans in this city Marcel." The priest replied. "That is my duty and responsibility."
Marcel rolled his eyes. He wasn't particularly fond of the self righteous priest. But Kieran had been the one to inform him of the Harvest ritual taking place, to plead with him to help the Harvest girls. It had been his intervention that had allowed Marcel to save Davina.
"Where is Davina tonight?" Kieran asked casually.
"Safe," Marcel replied quickly. Davina had wanted to come to the ball, she had insisted but Marcel had refused. It was no doubt what Klaus wanted, for him to bring Davina straight into the wolf's den. Marcel knew better than that. He was not going to let Klaus get his hands on Davina and use her for his own advantage or worst kill her. Davina was at St. Anne's church with some of his vampires loyally guarding her, she was far away from what was about to unfold. And that was for the best.
"I told you to get her out of here," the priest continued in a much quieter tone. "And instead you keep her locked up in that attic and use her for you own advantage-"
"I don't have time for this," Marcel muttered. He left before Kieran could go on with one of his sermons. They had been having the same discussion since he had saved Davina and Marcel was getting tired of the priest's meddling.
He had spotted Rebekah slipping out of room and Marcel followed her. The time had come for them to face each other.
"She's not here." Agnes murmured as she sat in one corner of the room, watching as everyone seemed to carter around to that family of leeches. "You said she would be here."
"She will come," Bastiana replied. "Don't worry," the plan had already been set in motion; nothing would stop it now.
Sabine kept her mouth shut. It was obvious they were plotting something but the two elders had not informed the rest of the witches of the coven what that was. The only thing she was sure of, was that the Seer was somehow involved.
Sabine's eyes moved towards the girl in red. The one that had captivated everyone from the moment she walked down the stairs. A powerful witch indeed, Sabine thought. Bonnie Bennett was certainly a force to be reckoned with. Sabine still felt amused at her little encounter with the rigid elders of the coven, Bonnie had shown some spine.
She unconsciously touched her left wrist where the skin seemed to throb and burn.
I demand a witch's oath…
Sabine shook her head. She was not going to think about that now. Instead she turned her gaze towards Marcel Gerard, who was trying his best to stay in the shadows at the opposite end of the room and who couldn't seem to keep his eyes away from the Bennett witch and from Rebekah Mikaelson. The so called vampire king kept staring back and forth between both women. He had a history with Rebekah after all.
She watched as Rebekah slipped out of the room, followed closely by Marcel. Some things never changed.
Katie, another witch from their coven sat nervously next to Sabine gripping her dress until her knuckles turned white. She kept looking at Thierry, one of Marcel's generals.
"You're still screwing him," Sabine muttered as she glanced at Katie. Stupid girl!
Katie pressed her lips together, keeping quiet but it was that silence that gave her away.
"You're a fool," Sabine told her. If Bastiana or Agnes were to learn that Katie was screwing one of Marcel's vampires they would burn her alive.
"You don't understand," Katie whispered quietly.
"I understand more than you think," Sabine told her giving her a hard look. "Nothing good ever comes from a witch loving a vampire," she told the girl. "Only death…" she stood up abruptly. She needed a drink.
"The last time I saw you, the city was burning and you and your siblings were fleeting from your daddy…"
Rebekah froze momentarily at the sound of that familiar voice, before she turned around and came face to face with her ex lover. She had felt his gaze on her throughout the night and had done her best to ignore him, until now.
"I thought you were dead." Rebekah said. She had mourned him. She had blamed herself for his 'death' for quite a while, until Stefan had come into her life.
"You never looked back to find out for sure." Marcel told her taking a step closer.
The two of them stared at each other, countless memories coming to the surface. It had been one hundred years since they had seen each other. And there was quite a lot of history between them.
Rebekah shook her head, "how convenient for you." She didn't bother to hide the anger in her voice.
"Why are you here, Rebekah?" Marcel asked searching her face for any type of clue. He had been good at reading her once upon a time. With Rebekah, it had always been easy to know what she was thinking and feeling unlike Klaus who was harder to read or Elijah who was nearly impossible.
"This city was my home once," Rebekah smiled. "My brothers and I got quite nostalgic …"
"You expect me to believe that?" Marcel shook his head, lips curving into a smile. "If there is one thing I know is that wherever you and your brothers are, you always cause trouble and it never ends well for the people around you."
"It seems to have ended well for you." Rebekah replied."Marcel Gerard, King of the city. I shouldn't be surprised; you always wanted to be like Niklaus. He built you in his own image after all."
"I'm not like him." Marcel hissed.
"No," Rebekah agreed. "You will never be like him." Nik was in a league of his own. She tilted her head and regarded Marcel's face carefully. "Even after all you've achieved, you still fear him?"
"I fear no one." Marcel replied. "If Klaus thinks he will take my city from me, he has another thing coming."
"How long were you plotting against my brother's back?" Rebekah wondered. "You always wanted to have it all didn't you?"
"Rebekah…" Marcel made a move to touch her arm, she pulled away immediately.
"When Nik found out about our relationship and daggered me as punishment, he gave you a choice." Rebekah said angrily, "to take the dagger out and live out a human life with me or to become a vampire. You chose to be a vampire and I was daggered for fifty-two years." She had once again been punished for choosing love. "And yet, I still took you back years later…" Nik had always said she was a fool when it came to love. "When Nik finally gave his blessing for us to be together one hundred years ago, you betrayed us. You chose power over me…again." How many times has my heart been broken? Rebekah wondered. All for a love that had not been worth it.
"Everything I did, I did it for you." Marcel said in a gentle tone.
Rebekah laughed. "Don't. Don't you dare pretend that your betrayal was so that we could be together," she hissed. It was a lie and she knew it. "My brother will never forgive you for calling Mikael. You sold us to our worst enemy!"
"And the role you played in that?" Marcel snapped. "Do you think Klaus will forgive you?"
Rebekah glared at him. Her deepest, darkness secret, the one thing she had kept from her brother. Nik had always wondered how Mikael had found them…if he knew the truth…he would hate her.
"I trusted you." Rebekah said softly hating the way her voice trembled. "I trusted you with my family's greatest weakness because I loved you and you used me. You betrayed me. You betrayed us." She had been the one to tell Marcel about Mikael, Rebekah had confided in him and she had been burned for it. Everything they had built had been taken away the night Mikael had come for them. They had barely been able to escape with their lives. And for that Rebekah would nerver forgive Marcel.
She had given Marcel the key to destroy her family. How foolish and stupid she had been.
"Klaus will never forgive you," Marcel said playing on her insecurities. "He will even take it out on that human pet of yours. You'll end up daggered again, that's his favorite punishment for you isn't it?"
Rebekah wouldn't put it past him. Niklaus would find a way to punish her for the role she played in Mikael arriving in New Orleans one hundred years ago. But she also knew Bonnie would never allow any harm to come to Matt and that gave her some peace of mind. "Perhaps…" she murmured. "But at the end of the day a few decades, a century daggered is nothing," she hid her fears and doubts from her voice. She was not going to let Marcel's words get to her. "I suppose I should be used to it. But above all, I am his blood." Her eyes glinted as she took a step closer to the vampire. Nik could hurt her and punish her but he would never kill her. The same could not be said for Marcel. "What Nik might do to me is nothing compared to what he will do to you." She whispered in his ear.
Marcel turned his head so their faces were merely inches apart. "And yet you will still choose his side?" he questioned leaning even closer, their lips a few centimeters apart. "After everything he has done to you. After all the times he has hurt you…" his eyes bored into hers, challenging her to contract him with those dark pools that had once attracted her like a moth to a flame. There had always been a pull between them, a sizzling chemistry, like two magnets who couldn't seem to break apart no matter how hard they tried. "Don't you want to get revenge?" he murmured lips softly brushing hers, a quick gentle touch, like the tips of a butterfly wing. "Don't you want to make him suffer?"
One hundred years ago she would have shivered with anticipation or pull his head forward and kissed him like there was no tomorrow. Instead Rebekah's full lips curved into a sly grin. She lifted her hand and touched his cheek. Marcel leaned into her touch a knowing smirk on his face.
Did she want to hurt Nik?
Yes, There was a part of Rebekah that wanted her brother to know what it was like to be daggered for centuries, to make him suffer, to hurt him like he had hurt her time and time again. But at the same time she wanted his approval, she wanted his love and protection like when she had been a little girl.
She hated and loved Niklaus in equal measure.
Perhaps she and Elijah were cursed to be foolish enough to believe that their rascal brother could change, Elijah more so than her. And while she would gladly liked to teach Nik a lesson or two at the end of the day she was not going to let anyone try and hurt him. It was one thing for the Originals to fight with each other, to betray and stab one another in the back and seek revenge for past wrongs. They had been doing just that for the past one thousand years after all. But it was an entirely different matter when someone else tried to do the same to one of their own.
She had lost two brothers already…she would not lose another.
Family was above all.
When Rebekah leaned closer, Marcel licked his lips and grinned. He dipped his head down and was more than ready to claim her full lips in a long anticipated kiss.
"Nik is my brother." Rebekah said stopping him. "I will always choose him." She stared directly into his eyes, "and if you come after him, you come after me and Elijah." She snarled, her vampire face surfacing for a few seconds. "And make no mistake Marcel, we will rip you apart." With those words she turned around and began walking back inside the house.
We stick together as one, always and forever.
The promise they had made to each other, a vow that was as strong as the day it had been made. A vow Rebekah intended to keep.
Marcel's jaw clenched as he watched her walk away.
"Apple cider," Lucy said handing Bonnie a glass.
"Thank-you," Bonnie smiled at her cousin and took the glass, drinking the cool juice greedily. Meeting so many people at once had been exhausting.
"I'll be right back," Klaus told Bonnie. He kissed Bonnie's cheek and nodded in Lucy's direction before making his way towards Ishmael and Cary. He had something to discuss with them.
"So when were you going to tell me, Mrs. Mikaelson?" Lucy teased.
Bonnie nearly choked on her cider. "We are not…I don't know why he…" She stammered feeling the heat spread from her face and down to her neck and chest. She still couldn't believe Klaus had introduced her to everyone as his wife. She definitely needed to talk to him about that.
Her mother had looked murderous when she had heard him. Bonnie had done her best to avoid her. She had greeted her and Joanna rather quickly before making her way towards the other guests.
Lucy smiled. "He's one smooth son of bitch."
Bonnie smiled, feeling giddy, and warm and fuzzy inside. She caught her mother's gaze standing a few feet away, next to Joanna. Abby offered her a small smile. Bonnie smiled back feeling a sudden sadness.
"She'll come around," Lucy told her noticing the look between mother and daughter. "You'll see."
"I doubt it." Bonnie mumbled. She could only hope, but she would not be foolish enough to live on that false hope.
Elijah approached them suddenly. "It's the time for the toast and waltz," he told Bonnie with a smile.
The green eyed witch nodded. "I don't think you have been properly introduced," she said. "Elijah this is my cousin Lucy," she introduced them. "Lucy, this is Elijah Mikaelson."
"Pleasure," Elijah answered taking Lucy's hand in his and placing a small kiss on the back of her hand.
Lucy raised an eyebrow, "My, my, my, aren't you charming?"
"I'll go get Klaus," Bonnie said leaving them alone.
Lucy tilted her head to the side and stared at Elijah. "So you're the one they call honorable," Lucy muttered studying his face carefully before her gaze lowered and moved unashamedly over his body, taking in every detail of his elegant appearance. He seemed uptight and the kind of person who loved to be in control of everything.
Someone needs to ruffle you feathers, Lucy thought biting her lip. She certainly wouldn't mind sacrificing herself for the cause.
"I am." Elijah said as he raised an eyebrow very much aware of her lingering gaze on his body. He was certainly not a stranger to that kind of reaction from the opposite sex but there was something about the way Lucy did it.
"Are you as honorable as they say in the bedroom?" Lucy asked with a saucy grin.
Elijah's lips parted before he pressed them together once more. It rarely happened but he had been caught off guard by her question. He had just met her and he had not expected something as such to come out of her mouth.
Lucy's grin widened when he didn't say anything. "I guess we'll have to see," she winked before turning around and making her way towards her mother and aunt. She had just walked a few paces when she suddenly turned back to look at him over her shoulder, a flirty smile on her pretty face. "And the answer is yes by the way,"
"Excuse me?" Elijah frowned. He hadn't asked her anything.
"I will dance with you." Lucy told him with clear amusement.
"I haven't asked you to dance," he blurted out before he could stop himself.
Any other woman would have been offended by his tone but Lucy had a mischievous smile on her face. "You will." She told him with confidence. With that, she made her way towards her mother and aunt.
Elijah's gaze slowly moved over the tight and silky material of her green dress, which emphasized her curves perfectly. He unconsciously licked his lips at the sight of her swaying hips.
"Welcome and thank-you ladies and gentlemen for accompanying us this night," Elijah politely addressed their guests. His dark eyes moved over the group gathered around them. Everyone who was in attendance knew who they where, knew of the existence of vampires. There were no pretenses here. They had been invited for a very specific reason. "Three hundred years ago our family arrived in New Orleans from the old world. We made this city our home." Elijah's smooth voice resonated on the first floor.
"We helped built this city," Klaus spoke up, "shape its identity, fought its enemies, and created a safe and thriving community that it's still remembered to this day." He smiled blue eyes twinkling as if he knew some kind of secret they didn't. "We are extremely delighted to be back." His gaze lingered on Marcel and his vampires momentarily before he continued. "We are happy to make this city our home once more."
"We will like to make a toast," Elijah said as one of the servers approached them with a tray of champagne glasses. Elijah handed Rebekah a glass while Klaus did the same with Bonnie.
"To this beautiful city," Elijah raised his glass, "to its people, and above all, to family."
Everyone lifted their glasses and toasted with the Mikaelsons, drinking the exquisite liquid. Except for Bonnie, she merely pretended to drink, placing the champagne flute to her lips but never taking a sip. It wasn't good for the baby.
"It's tradition for us to commence the evening with a dance, please joins us in the ballroom." Elijah directed their guest.
Klaus took Bonnie's hand and led the way towards the large ballroom.
They stopped right at the center of the beautiful decorated and candle lit room and turned to face each other.
The mayor and his wife were close by, as well as Rebekah and Matt. And Bonnie was surprised to see her cousin Lucy and Elijah on her other side. Lucy only winked at Bonnie's questioning look.
There were other couples anxiously waiting for the music to start; among them a giddy Belle and a rather reluctant Riley.
"Don't step on my toes," she told him.
Riley only shook his head, he hated dancing but for Belle he found himself making the exception.
Jesse was a few feet away flirting with a red haired girl. While Angelica and Felix were a few feet away from him ready for the first waltz.
Katie looked longingly at Thierry but he did he's best to ignore her. He didn't want to risk anyone finding out about their secret affair.
Sabine's eyes were glued to Elijah and the tall, voluptuous woman on his arms. She kept her back to the wall, watching them with acute interest.
While Marcel and Francesca Correa moved to the center of the ballroom, pretty close to Klaus and Bonnie.
Joanna and Abby watched the dancing couples from the sidelines while Ishmael and Cary did the same, just a few feet away from them.
As the first notes of music began filling the room, the couples bowed and moved closer.
Klaus placed his hand on the small of Bonnie's back and pressed her body to his in a rather sensual manner that made the young witch blush. Her hand was sweaty and her heart was beating like a bird against a cage.
Don't trip, Bonnie thought. She hoped that the waltzing lessons Caroline forced her to attend would paid off.
Klaus took the lead and they began spinning around the room.
The first few moments of their dance were in silence as Bonnie was doing her best not to trip and embarrassed herself. When she finally began to relax in his arms, she took the courage to approach the subject that had been revolving in her mind.
She muttered a silencing spell around them, so no one would be able to hear their conversation. Klaus arched an eyebrow impressed.
"You introduced me as your wife," Bonnie said feeling the heat on her face once more.
"I did." Klaus grinned as he twirled her around the ballroom. Bonnie giggled when he let her out of his arms and pulled her back in with expert ease. He was an excellent dancer.
"But…we are not…" Bonnie closed her eyes momentarily. "Why did you do it?" she finally asked.
"I'm one thousand years old Bonnie, girlfriend seems too small a word to encompass what you mean to me," he answered honestly.
Bonnie's breath hitched.
"I suppose I could call you my lover but you are much more than that." He continued. There was something in the way he was looking at her, as if he was trying to communicate some hidden message. Something he wasn't able to say with words yet. "In the eyes of the wolves you are my wife." It had felt natural to refer to her as such but now he felt a moment of uncertainty.
What if she didn't want such compromise? She was so young still. What if she didn't want him in the way he wanted her?
"Does it bother you?" he asked almost in a whisper, trying to keep a neutral tone in his voice and avoiding her eyes. The bond however betrayed his real feelings.
Bonnie could feel his uncertainty and the nervousness he felt about her answer. It was rather cute. It was a rare thing for Klaus to show his insecurities, the last thing he wanted was to appear weak but due to the bond he couldn't really keep things from her for long.
"No," Bonnie whispered back. It was the truth. She had been taken by surprise certainly but in her heart she knew the truth. She liked the idea of people thinking she was his wife, of him thinking and referring to her as such. Perhaps one day we could make it official, she thought dreamily.
The two stared into each other's eyes as the waltz came to an end. They stood holding hands and gazing at each other, completely oblivious to everything around them.
Klaus smiled- a genuine kind of smile that was rarely seen- if ever upon his face, except when it came to her. The more time he spent with her, the more he found himself smiling.
Their bond pulsed with happiness and another type of emotion he could not truly describe, except that it made him feel warm inside. His cold, dead, and cruel heart pounded loudly in his ears as he stared at her. Feeling the heat spread inside his body and burn his veins from the inside out, a heat that had nothing to do with lust, but adoration…devotion…and…
Is this love? He wondered. Is this what it feels like to love someone?
His Bonnie, his lover, his bonded, the mother of his child, his wife and his everything…Bonnie Bennett had not only gotten under his skin but had made him feel things he had never felt before. Things he had never thought he could feel or deserve. She completed him.
The doors of the ballroom suddenly burst opened.
Klaus jerked his head to the side as he felt the threatening presence. Bonnie turned as well knowing exactly who it was that had come to interrupt their moment. It was the moment she had been anticipating. The person she had been looking forward to meeting and had not been able to find among the guests earlier in the evening.
The Seer and her coven had arrived.
The witches led by Agnes and Bastiana immediately stood and went to her side, showing where their loyalties lay, with the exception of Sabine who kept herself against the wall, a frown on her face.
At the same moment Abby, Joanna, Lucy, and Angelica moved towards Bonnie's side. Letting the witches know that Bonnie had a coven of her own.
The temperature in the room seemed to drop as the air was filled with an undeniable tension once more.
The music stopped. The couples twirling around the room also stopped as they felt the change in the air. They instinctively knew something important was about to happen.
Klaus and Elijah exchanged looks.
Ishmael and Cary moved closer to Bonnie as did Klaus's hybrids. All of them ready should Bonnie need their help.
Matt squeezed Rebekah's hand nervously as they stared at the Seer and her coven.
Marcel looked from the Seer to Bonnie trying to determine which witch to place his bet on. Despite what he knew of the Seer and the deal he had with her, Marcel was leaning more towards the beauty in red.
Bonnie lifted her chin and stared unflinchingly into the Seer's face. When she had sent the invitation, her note had been a challenge. A challenge the Seer had accepted by showing up to the ball.
The time has come to end this. Bonnie thought squaring her shoulders and preparing herself.
The Seer waited expectantly for Bonnie to acknowledge her presence, to say the first word, to come to her. To show the respect and deference other witches had shown her before and to recognize the Seer's powerful position in New Orleans.
Bonnie didn't. Instead she waited for the Seer to come to her. She would not make the first move, if she did Bonnie knew it would be a show of weakness. This was a power play, that's why the Seer had arrived this late to put Bonnie on the spot in front of all the guests.
The guests anxiously looked from one witch to the other, waiting to see who would cave first.
The Seer waited, her lips tightly pressed together and challenging Bonnie with her eyes to come and greet her.
She was going to keep on waiting because Bonnie had no intention of doing so. Instead Bonnie turned to the side where the band nervously waited for any instructions.
"Continue," Bonnie ordered her voice loud and clear. She deliberately turned her back to the Seer, ignoring her as she smiled at Klaus and offered him her hand. "Shall we?" She wanted to continue dancing. Their waltz had been rudely interrupted by the late arrival.
Klaus smiled from ear to ear and took her hand.
There were a couple of gasps from the witches. No one had ever dared to ignore the Seer before; everyone seemed to live in fear of her, except for Bonnie. This was a great insult and everyone knew it.
The music filled the room once more and the guest took their cues from their hosts. The couples began to move once more around the ballroom.
Elijah grabbed Lucy's hand and twirled her around.
Ishmael offered a polite smile towards Joanna who accepted his offered hand and began dancing with the older wolf.
Rebekah beamed at Bonnie, clearly proud of her friend before she and Matt began waltzing once more.
Bonnie Bennett had just snubbed the Seer and her entire coven in front of the most important members of the city of New Orleans. In front of all the supernatural species gathered in the mansion.
The Seer's hands clenched painfully together as she watched Bonnie and Klaus dance without care, ignoring her presence, fury swirled inside her and ignited her blood with fire.
Iris bit her lip until she drew blood. Her mentor's plan of arriving late and forcing Bonnie to show some respect had horrendously backfired in her face.
The Seer had just learned a very important lesson.
Bonnie Bennett was the Queen. She bowed to no one. And the game was being played by her rules now.