Chapter 21

Elena was pacing through her room, desperately, waiting for Caroline to walk in. She was late, too late…she should've arrived an hour ago but still, there was no sign of her. The last week had been perfect, they made their plans and convinced Damon to meet a few members of the council. They didn't tell him the whole plan, just parts of it. He was willing to work with them and that was the most important thing at the moment. For now, the only thing they needed to worry about was Stefan, and how to ruin his name without going too far.

"I'm so sorry I'm late," Caroline apologized when she walked in the room.

"God Care, I'm so glad you're here. Where have you been?" she said relieved, at least her friend was here now.

"You know Matt and I …we kind of… lost track of time and I still needed to for the ball. So…"

"Yeah I get it," she said rolling her eyes. "The guests would be here any moment."

"I know. Are you ready?"

"I think so. Do you like my dress?" Elena asked while turning around. "Bonnie made it for me."

"It's gorgeous; she should've been a designer."

"She's my designer. I told her she should start her own label but I guess she's just too shy to do so."

"Yeah, she never liked being the center of attention. Although I think you should tell everyone she was the one that made this beautiful dress."

"I can do that. Besides, who designed yours? It's absolutely perfect," Elena said in adoration. Caroline was wearing a beautiful velvet red dress which made her look amazing. It was very stylish and still classic.

"Thanks. You know the girl that made my wedding dress? She designed this one too."

"It's almost as beautiful as your wedding dress, which was way too cute on you."

"I know, right. I love her designs; she's really experienced and unique."

"Did you ask Elijah to come tonight?"

"Yeah I convinced him. Normally he wasn't coming but with my charm…of course he hadn't been able to refuse my offer. I told him I would dance with him tonight."

"Oh my gosh, that's so you. Of course he needed to accept it."

"Indeed. I'm pretty amazing huh?"

"I think it's better not to answer that question."

"Oh come on Elena, you know I'm right."

"You always say you're right."

"That's because I am."

"Cocky, much?"

"Oh please, now let's go play host at our dance."

"There's no way out, huh?"

"Elena, relax, everything's going to be just fine!"

"I really hope you're right. Oh wait, you're the one that's always right, huh?" she answered sarcastically.

The guests were arriving and Elena could feel the nerves getting the best of her. This was too important…everything needed to go perfect. "Hello beautiful," she heard someone whisper in her ear, even before turning around she already knew who it was.

"Damon you…," words got stuck in her throat when she looked at him. He was wearing a black tuxedo which looked stunning on him. Her eyes walked all over his body and she knew she was in trouble. She knew it will be impossible for her to keep her eyes of him.

"…are incredibly handsome? I know, sweetheart, you don't have to remind me. You look quite amazing yourself."

She just rolled her eyes at his words. "Are you ready?"

"For what exactly, Elena?" he asked innocently.

"You know well enough for what. Elijah will arrive any moment now."

"Why again do I need to make a good impression for that jerk?"

"Because he's the leader of the council; the one who has the power to make you king."

"Elena, I really don't need someone like him to become king."

"Actually, I think you do. He's a good friend of Stefan's and he'll do everything to make sure you won't become the next king…that's of course as long as you're not friends with him. If he likes you better than Stefan, he would be a great help."

"You do realize that if he finds out about our relationship he's going to ban me away from this country, do you?"

"That's why we need to keep it a secret, of course."

"What exactly is your plan?"

"He likes me a lot, just like he loves Caroline. If he decides you'd be a better king for the country, he'll attempt to arrange a marriage between the two us, that way, he'll be friends with both the king and queen. That's why we need to make sure Stefan wants to divorce me as soon as possible."

"Yeah, about that…Kat's doing an excellent job."

"What do you mean by that?"

"Well, Stefan decided that he's going to marry her. They'll return tomorrow noon to start making the arrangements. From what I've heard, that Elijah guy you're talking about, he's not very pleased with that. He was already making plans to dethrone my brother because he dislikes Katherine."

"You're sure? That's wonderful and perfect timing too. I really should thank her, she's been a great help to us."

"She only did it because I blackmailed her and she's having something to gain from it too."

"It doesn't matter, as long as she keeps playing on our side."

"You're right but…" Before Damon could end his sentences, Caroline came running towards them and interrupted their conversation.

"I'm sorry to interrupt, your highness," she said while bowing. They were still on a society ball so Caroline had to act like an inferior to the queen. "Mr. Elijah has arrived and I wanted to inform you."

"Thank you, Ms Caroline. Do you wish to speak to me in private?" Elena asked winking.

"I'd love too, my lady," she winked back.

They walked together towards the closest private chamber so no one would interrupt them. "Well…?" Elena asked nervously.

"Did you hear the rumors?"

"You mean that Stefan's going to marry Katherine Pierce?"

"Let me guess, Damon told you already? That bastard, it was my novelty…anyways, Elijah and his men are furious. He already called Stefan several times but he can't change Stefan's mind. Now he's really pissed. This is the perfect opportunity for Damon and Elijah to meet. The guy's searching for a plan B and I'm sure he'll find one if he meets Damon. This is it; this is the opportunity we were waiting for. Stefan's name is ruined according to Elijah and he needs to find a solution. A new king would be the perfect one."

"Yeah, that's what Damon and I were discussing just now. Though Damon isn't really fond of him, I'm sure they can make a good business deal. After all, Damon can be very charming if he has to."

"I know. That's why they have to meet. Do you think you can introduce them? Or do I need to do it?"

On the other side of the castle.

"Good evening, sir. You must be Elijah?"

"The one and only, who do I own the pleasure?"

"My name is Damon, Damon Salvatore."

"Well, well, if it isn't the long lost brother. I heard a lot about you. Although it came to my attention that you two don't share a very strong brothers' bond.

"We never were very close, even when we were kids. But that doesn't take away my love for this country."

"So I've been told. You're doing a pretty good job at running the country without you brother's help," he praised.

"I do my best. Since my brother isn't really interest in leading a beautiful place like this, I'm willing to take over his job. After all, I'm still second in line…it's in my blood."

"I see. Don't you miss the 'land of promises'?"

"I do love America and my business there is going great. But this country is my home and the longer I stay, the less I wish to leave."

"Do you ever think about coming back?"

"If I get the opportunity to stay, I'd love to."

"And you're willing to take over your brother's job as long as you need to?"

"Of course, why wouldn't I?"

"I must say I'm impressed with your unselfishness. We'll be good friends. But I have one last question for you, Mr. Salvatore."

"Feel free to ask," Damon said faking a smile.

"If someone would give you the opportunity to take over the country, would you take it?"

There was the question he was waiting for. Elena had been right, this man knew what he wanted. "I would love to take it. As much as I respect my brother and everything he's done for this country, I'm sure I can make a better job. He just doesn't seem to know how many opportunities and chances this place holds. I intend to do as much as I can to make sure this country will progress as much as I'm sure it can. I can ensure you that many of our neighbors would be jealous of what we've accomplished and even more of what we'll accomplish in the next few years."

"That's exactly what I needed to hear. Enjoy your evening, Damon."

"You too, Elijah."

That went well, Damon thought relieved. He hoped Elena would be happy with the progress they made tonight. He couldn't wait to tell her.

"My lady?" someone called when Elena walked back into the huge ballroom.

"Yes?" Elena asked while she turned around to face Elijah.

"I'm glad to see you, my lady. I wanted to talk to you."

"Of course, is this a private conversation my lord? Should retire to one of the conference rooms?"

"I don't think that will be necessary."

"Well good. What do you want to speak to me about?"

"Do you love your husband Miss Elena? Are you happy with Stefan?"

"What?" she asked affronted. "I don't think that's a proper question to ask Mr. Elijah. I do not wish to be rude, but I am still your queen."

"I'm sorry if I've offended you, my lady. I was just curious. Well, would you like to divorce him?"

"Oh, my lord, I think you're smart enough to know that there was never much 'love' involved in my marriage to the king. It was an unusual agreement between two countries, nothing more. As much as I respect my king, our lives are pretty much separate; as I'm sure you've heard…" Elena said, sadness reading in her voice.

"If I could give you the opportunity to divorce the king but stay queen, would you take it?"

"I'd love to hear more about that Mr. Elijah. What do you mean about staying queen? If I divorce him, I can no longer be a queen. I'll be nothing more than a simple noble woman."

"What if I told you I already found another king? Someone who can replace Stefan? Would you marry him if I ask you to? Would you stay true to me?

"That's a lot to take, sir…" Elena answered faking her confusion to perfection "…but I would always stay true to you. Now, can I ask you a question myself?"

"Of course, my lady."

"Who would that person be? The one that can replace Stefan, I mean?"

"That would be his brother, Damon Salvatore. He looks like the perfect replacement." Elena's heart made a little jump hearing Damon's name.. 'Did they already meet?' she asked herself.

"Do you know him?"

"I just met him a few minutes ago. But I already had heard a lot of good things about him."

"So, you think he'll be a good king?"

"I'm sure of it. He has a good vision on this country's future, that, and the fact that he's doing an excellent job keeping things together while the king has…well, other preoccupations. Correct me if I'm wrong, but he seems to be 'easy on the eye' too. He managed to turn a few heads and half of the ladies at this ball are already in love with him," he said "even the married ones…" he added in a playful voice.

"I have not thought about something like this, sir. After all, I'm still a married woman and my loyalty stays with the king. But I have to admit, your offer is very alluring. I do know Mr. Salvatore in person and he's a very kind man. If that's your wish, I'll marry him."

"Well great," the man answered, his voice filled with joy. "You just made me a very happy man, my lady. You gave me the perfect solution for the troubles this country it's going through."

"You're welcome, sir. I'm always happy to help you, you've been nothing but kind to me."

"That's because you're a very lovely lady, your highness. You're a great queen to this country."

"Thank you, Mr. Elijah. I appreciate your opinion."

"Well, enjoy your night ma'am. May I suggest a dance with your soon to be ex-bother-in-low? Who knows maybe you'll find in him what you couldn't find in your husband"

"I'll consider it."

"I wish you a very good evening my queen!" he said before leaving her, stunned. She just nodded and gave him a weak smile. 'Oh my fucking god,' Elena thought, 'we're winning!'

I hope you all enjoyed the chapter. The story is coming closer and closer to it's end. I still don't know how many chapters we've left but I guess it will be between 3 and 5.

So if you read my other story, you already know I'm gonna start a new story soon, but here's the summary for the ones who didn't know yet.

Summary: When Elena turns eighteen, she throws a huge birthday party. Totally drunk, she sleeps with a blue eyed stranger. What happens when four years later, he turns out to be her new boss?

Xoxo