Happy New Year guys! Thanks for being patient and sticking with me for this update.

10. The guests

Everyone was going all around the palace getting things ready. Rebekah and Marcel were set to arrive any moment along with the rest of their guests from far away. Royalty, emissaries, and merchants along with their envoys. All for the wedding of the wolf king.

The palace was abuzz with activity. It was quite busy normally with the litany of servants, nobles, merchants, and soldiers who came daily basis, but the wedding preparations added an extra level of chaos to the mix. Nevertheless, Niklaus allowed the excitement to radiate towards himself. He couldn't remember if he felt that way during his first wedding. There was a sense of duty and resignation but that was all he could remember. He met Aurora mere hours before they took their vows. He remembered thinking that she was beautiful and hoped her disposition wouldn't cause any problems in the future.

Now, there was still a sense of duty and it was greater than before, but this time he didn't make himself drink half a goblet of wine to stomach the upcoming nuptials. He wasn't wracking his mind with possible scenarios about his future bride. He knew who Bonnie was and they matched.

It wasn't that he found his first marriage to be completely unpleasant – at least not in the beginning. When he first met Aurora, he thought it was understood between them that even though their marriage was arranged, it didn't need to be unpleasant. They could be civil, perhaps even friendly with one another. Niklaus never entertained the notion that he would marry for love. Maybe when he was a boy still listening to Rebekah babble her favorite fairytales and some managed to sink into him. That all faded by the time he was in his teens. By then the nature of his parent's marriage was transparent enough to dispel all childish ideas of noble, courtly love.

Esther was a great beauty from Leptia; the second daughter of the king and his wife. Her older sister, Dahlia was the heir apparent to the throne since in Leptian culture women ruled could inherit the throne without prejudice even if a son was had after. Esther was the spare so to speak and a good match for the then king of Mystia, Mikael. Rumor had it that things were good between them in the beginning. Then after Freya's birth, Mikael's eyes began to wander. Then he forgot what being King was all about spending more time in brothels than war council meetings. Then everything gradually went to shit.

After Finn's death and Mikael's assassination by his hand, it was clear that if there was the smallest notion of choosing a partner for anything other than their usefulness to his kingdom, it needed to disappear. The late Seer and friend to his mother, Ayanna, told him that he was destined to have three children born of him and that those children would bring the kingdom to an age of great wealth and their names would be remembered far and wide. This was before he confronted King Gregor of Purva on the battlefield. He was trying to seek information about the success of his efforts. The last part of that particular prophecy was kept to himself. He shared it with no one till the present day, not even Elijah or Stefan. The true seriousness of it made his tongue curl into dust any time he thought of even uttering it. The importance of an heir was greater to him than anyone could even imagine.

Ayanna then added that he would meet a witch who would surely tame him. He carried her words with him for close to five years.

The manner was of taming was kept ambiguous per the nature of prophecy but despite all the excitement he felt at meeting a real witch, it was not until he looked into the emerald green eyes of Bonnie Bennett that he realized what it meant and how connected those two things were.

During their first year of marriage, he relaxed telling himself that children didn't always come instantly. Then the second year passed by. By the third, his frustrations could no longer be kept hidden. Niklaus could admit his attitude towards his former wife grew cold even if he wasn't deliberately cruel. Aurora noticed it and did all she could to get pregnant but it was no use. He went to healers himself to ensure he was not the cause. They maintained that she was healthy and should have no issues conceiving but every attempt failed.

By the fourth year, Niklaus admitted to himself that their marriage was a mistake. If he was destined to have three children then it was not with her. He tried to remain cordial but it became easier to resent her each passing month she bled with no news of pregnancy. Deep down he knew it was unfair of him. All things considered, it wasn't her fault. They'd done everything right but she was not meant for him and they both knew that. Their marriage was a laugh in the eyes of fate. Added was the fact that they had nothing else in common. She was no wolf and didn't pretend to have an interest in his gods. They couldn't be in the same room for longer than an hour before breaking into an argument of some sort. Aurora tolerated Elijah and didn't get along with Kol who made it his mission to antagonize her every chance he got. Not to mention the fact that she never seemed to adjust to Mystia.

Aurora couldn't understand that. Her main goal was to be queen and children were supposed to be her ticket to cement such a claim.

She was a woman with her ambitions. The ambition was not a crime but it was dangerous when directionless. Couple that with power for the sake of itself and a chaotic mess was abound.

Power was the main drug coveted by every man of both high, middle, and low birth. Niklaus understood the draw of power but he coveted the idea of a legacy more. Not just the mere act of having power and misusing it. Numerous kings ruled but their names faded like the writing on the sand after a wave. A legacy could never be wiped out.

There was a more tactful way to have handled everything. But his anxieties about growing older, the rumblings of the council, and those who preferred his father's shameful reign due to how it benefitted them pushed him to act in a manner that was not so thoughtful towards Aurora. When Bonnie arrived, he didn't shy away from fondling her like a lover in front of his red-blooded wife. He didn't regret it but he regretted how the action affected Aurora.

Hard choices came with the territory. Sometimes even choices that seemed cruel and heartless. A king couldn't consider his happiness if it came at the expense of his kingdom, the very people he swore to rule and protect. A descendant of Fenrir could not fail in his duty. Niklaus was not his father.

But with Bonnie Bennett, duty didn't seem like a daunting thing to be endured with a stiff neck and lifeless eyes. Yes, her presence with practical but pleasurable too and it wasn't just the sex. Klaus was loath to admit it but apart from his brothers' company, he'd been lonely for some time. Aurora couldn't provide the sort of companionship he craved and prostitutes even less. The simple act of lying in bed with someone to just speak, with clothes still on, unloading fears and frustrations, observations he couldn't speak out for fear of eavesdropping walls. Bonnie was a greater friend than he could have asked for. Sometimes, he wondered if she could be more. An odd thing to think about since she was going to be his wife in a few days but such was his lot. He wondered if it was because she was a witch and he spent his entire life understanding them. Deep down he knew there was more to it.

The Wolf King was in his private study with Elijah when a young page arrived looking nervous as anyone would in their presence.

"From Purva, Your Majesty," the boy whispered.

"Thank you." Klaus collected it and waved him off. When they were alone once more, he unsealed it and read quietly, Elijah looking at him to gauge the nature of the news from his countenance. Niklaus gave nothing away reading the letter and digesting the content before folding it and placing it on his desk.

"Well?" Elijah inquired.

"King Dorian has taken ill. He will be unable to attend the wedding and is sending an emissary in his stead," Niklaus stated.

Elijah mulled over the news. "Do you think there is any reason for concern?"

"I'm not sure yet. His past actions have spelled no need." Niklaus pondered. King Dorian Oddson was the current king of Purva. After the Battle of Brethour and victory over Lucian and his father, Gregor, their house fell into disarray and was subsequently overthrown. It seemed even the Purvans despised their mad king and saw his death as a reason to remove the cursed House once and for all. Lucian fled with his small group of supporters away from Lupine to the other continent. The coward fled the moment he got his father's severed head knowing that if he retaliated, Purva would be struck down without haste. Niklaus was allied with Orleans, Leptia, and the scattered city-states. Uprisings within his own kingdom against him were too significant to ignore. Many were willing to align with Mystia against him. A shame since Niklaus looked forward to slaughtering him as well. At least he would have peace of mind then.

Oddson was the next house with a claim to the throne and King Dorian was crowned. A young but shrewd man, he decided the best course was to make peace with Mystia, not war. After all, the Mikaelson's waged war over how their siblings were killed by the former king. The rest of Purva was not involved in that quarrel and the perpetrator was dead.

So far, they have had a cordial relationship. At one point, a marriage agreement was considered but Dorian had no sisters or female relatives and Aurora was offered before any other Purvan noble could be considered.

"Has he sent someone in his place?"

"His brother Harald."

Elijah pondered on what actions to take next. "We still have certain... ears in Purva. We should ask for information to be gathered on the matter and anything related to it."

"Good idea," Klaus agreed. "I'll speak to Stefan hopefully before our guests arrive."

The situation was not an unusual one. It was quite a common thing for rulers to fall ill or be held up by certain responsibilities that kept them from making a polite appearance. But with Purva, Niklaus learned to never take things by just the surface appearance. Certain mistakes could not be repeated.

Rebekah Gerard neé Mikealson was the second girl born to Mikael and Esther. At first, it seemed like she had nothing in common with her brothers from afar but a few words from her lips, and that notion was dispelled. She was every bit a Mikaelson.

Rebekah was a beautiful woman with long blonde hair and a statuesque figure. Her husband, King Marcel Gerard of Orleans, was equally as breathtaking. Together they made a handsome couple. Their daughter, Irina, got the best of both their features.

They were received in the upper levels of the king's private wing. Merely months before this same venue was where Bonnie danced for Klaus for the first time and he decided that the witch would be his wife. Now here she was as his betrothed preparing to meet his family.

Funny how life worked.

Bonnie was nervous to meet the Queen of Orleans and her husband. Jeremy had filled her in on the nature of Rebekah's relationship with Klaus.

"They are quite close. Naturally, they clashed a lot in her youth," he disclosed over an afternoon meal together the previous day. He plucked a grape from the plate and bit into it. "He takes her counsel seriously even if it might not seem so."

"So she's the one I have to impress?" Bonnie curled her lip to hide her nerves.

Jeremy shrugged. "You've already gotten the King. I doubt there's anything that would change his mind. But having his sister on your side would make things much easier for you."

Klaus assured her the previous night that Rebekah would love her. "You tolerate me so obviously she'll be your biggest supporter. That alone is an admirable attribute in my sister's eyes."

That morning she drank lemongrass tea to calm her nausea chocking, it up to anxiety. She had been feeling it for about a day but a quick sip from the concoction Caroline made her feel much better.

The assurances were all positive from all sides but that didn't deter her worries.

Bonnie stood with her grandmother and sisters in the hall dressed in a black form-fitting dress. The style was more reminiscent of her dresses as a nomad with the back left bare and the neckline plunging scandalously. A few ladies were already whispering about it. The reaction was a mixed bag of admiration and disdain for such a daring look.

Klaus liked it stating that he enjoyed it when she mixed Mystian styles along with hers. It occurred to her that meeting her betrothed's favorite sibling in a scandalous outfit may not be the traditional thing to do but she wanted Rebekah to see her for who she was since she felt no shame for it. It was up to the queen to like or hate her for it.

Kol kissed both his sister's cheeks. "I bet you're driving Marcel up the wall huh?"

"She is," King Marcel grinned but one could see he was utterly devoted to her. The same smiles he sent her way and his hands in hers squeezing gently.

"Where is Irina? I'm sure she's been missing her favorite uncle."

"The journey was quite long and she was unused to it so she's currently asleep with her caretaker," Marcel explained.

Kol pouted at that. He'd been looking forward to seeing his niece once again. The last time was when he visited Orleans right after she was born. Rebekah assured him that they would once she was awoken from her nap.

"Dear sister, you look as fair as ever," Elijah greeted kissing both of her cheeks. "I'm glad the weather in Orleans is treating you well."

Rebekah smiled hugging her oldest brother tight. "It is. And you look the same. A bit taller and surprisingly fresh. I thought Nik would have run you ragged by now."

"Hilarious," Klaus deadpanned before letting his sister hug him. Theirs went on for longer. It was obvious that the two were quite close. Klaus could admit that he missed his sister but was happy that she was living a good life in Orleans. "I'm surprised you haven't run poor Marcellus mad yet."

"She tries but I can handle her," King Marcel grinned teasingly.

Rebekah rolled her eyes. "It's a miracle you get anything done without my help. I'm the reason that kingdom is still standing."

"And you never let me forget," he sighed dramatically.

Klaus slid his arm around Bonnie's waist. "Marcellus, Rebekah, I would like you to meet my bride, Bonnie Bennett."

"King Marcellus, Queen Rebekah, it's a pleasure to meet the people Klaus speaks so highly of," Bonnie greeted with a smile allowing Marcel to take her hand for a customary kiss.

"Please, call me Marcel. Only Klaus calls me Marcellus even though I've reminded him that no one but my old tutor addressed me as such in my youth," Marcel regarded her with a charming grin. "Any woman who can successfully tame this wild wolf is a woman I can respect." That earned laughter from everyone but Rebekah who just hummed beneath her breath. The action worried Bonnie but she did her best not to let it show.

"Tame? What an interesting word you use, my love," Rebekah said evenly. "So far everyone's acting like Nik is a wild animal she's brought to heel with her cunt."

Lucy and Caroline passed each other quick looks. Sheila's eyebrows raised imperceptibly. Elijah cleared his throat. Kol's eyes widened to the size of dinner plates. Thankfully no one else caught it.

"Rebekah," Klaus spoke sharply.

"What?" she answered innocently.

Bonnie made sure to brighten her smile despite the burning she felt inside. "I care about your brother and he cares for me. I would never seek to tame him rather I'm grateful that he allows me the privilege of being close to him."

"A step upwards from the former Queen I'm sure," the blonde smiled politely.

"Bonnie's far better than Aurora. A witch with power unmatched and she doesn't make my ears bleed any time she opens her mouth," Kol added his own two cents.

"Ah yes, Klaus and his interest in witches. Good to know that never cooled off."

The words did not make Bonnie feel at ease despite how Klaus gripped her hand in comfort and shot his sister a look. Rebekah was protective over her family and Bonnie would need to prove that she was no threat. A task that seemed easier said than done.

After dinner, Rebekah invited Bonnie to take a stroll with her in the gardens. Klaus talked with his sister beforehand about her conduct during dinner. She'd said nothing quite as explicit as that first comment but her remarks all through were cutting and curt.

"Would it kill you to stop the intimidating act for once?" he growled in annoyance within the privacy of his study.

Rebekah remained unconcerned. "Excuse me for not welcoming the woman who decided to marry after knowing for one whole day."

"You do not get to act like I'm a foolish boy making a mistake for my own pleasure. I have thought this through. I have Fenrir on my side. She is my chosen mate," Klaus said with an air of finality.

Rebekah sipped her wine. "And what makes you so sure? I never liked Aurora but you let her go with a truly frightening speed. You're planning to make this witch a Queen with power, not a consort. Yet there is nothing to indicate she deserves this level of service. Surely you can understand my position."

"The sensible thing to do Bekah would be getting to know her. You've neglected to do that. Snarky and disarming comments won't make you correct. They serve you alienate my new bride and annoy me." Klaus dropped the jug of wine on the table with a thud.

His sister sighed dropping her goblet. "Fine. I was without decorum tonight. But I was worried about you. I've been worried about you ever since I received that letter announcing that you're getting married again! Nik, you've carried this prophecy with you all your life. I'm just scared that you've latched on to the first person who resembles it without thinking. I know you want children and I understand all your worries, but I don't want you to make a mistake that will ultimately harm yourself and Mystia."

Klaus sipped his wine mulling over her words. Eventually, he replied to her. "Thank you for your worry and care. But I've ruled this kingdom for almost ten years. I am capable of making choices by weighing them against every other option. I know you see me as some fanatic to the gods but it is more than that. After all, I've seen and experienced, there can be no doubt. Worry for me but respect me enough to make the correct choice, sister."

She bit her lip looking down then looked back at her brother. "I meant no disrespect. I will speak to Bonnie tonight on more neutral ground. And I'll be less of a bitch."

He squeezed her shoulder. "Well I can't ask you to perform miracles now, can I?"

Rebekah and Bonnie strolled through the private courtyard in silence. At night it was even more lovely. The moonlight made the roses and sunflowers bloom more than ever and the statue of Fenrir and Loptr glowed with ethereal energy. The princess took the time to survey her new sister-in-law with a keen eye. Away from the shadow of her overbearing brother and the adoration of those in his circle, she wanted to know who Bonnie Bennett was.

"Did Nik ever tell you about the time he broke his arm trying to climb up the palace windows when we were children?" she broke the silence.

Bonnie's lips twitched. "I'm sure you know your brother well enough to know that won't ever come up in casual conversation."

Rebekah huffed a laugh. "Of course not. Kol hasn't had the time to tell it to you yet then."

"He's told me numerous others but nothing about breaking an arm. I'm a bit annoyed he must have left a good one out." She'd spent plenty of time in the company of Kol and Jeremy. The latter was reluctant whenever she was in the presence of both himself and his lover due to old habits. They were partners now but a scheming mind never relaxed for anyone. He found it easier when it was just Bonnie. On the other hand, Kol was a breath of fresh air. It was astounding how someone who grew up with Elijah and Klaus as brothers was so non-threatening. At least when compared with them. But then again as the third son with three brothers at the time ahead of him, the throne never seemed in the grasp to worry too much. He had the luxury of being carefree.

"Oh, it is a good one." the guards escorting them crunched the gravel beneath their feet. Rebekah waved a hand to signal they keep some paces away. "When I was about six years old and Niklaus was eleven, our mother spent a week in her chambers from a blood sickness. The healers told us that it was contagious and so mother ordered that none of the children be allowed in her chambers. No one felt it worse than Nik. He was the closest to her."

Bonnie connected that long ago. The way he spoke about her, the longing he tried to hide. His reverence for witches came directly from her due to her ancestry. She was his closest companion when his father was too busy drinking and pillaging brothels to be a proper father and king.

"We were in the gardens playing but Nik was distracted. He kept looking up at her window with this longing look on his face." Her voice was a mixture of fondness and longing. "Eventually he got this mad idea that he would climb over the rose trellis and sneak his way into her room. The endeavor failed in the end and he ended up with a broken arm."

"I can imagine."

"Mother was so angry with him. But despite all the scolding, he didn't crack. He didn't care. He told her that he couldn't rest unless he was assured that she was alright." Her lips trembled slightly at the memory.

Bonnie felt distaste towards the Orleanian Queen all night for her tactics that evening. She understood the reason but that didn't make it feel any better. Sharp insults peppered in polite doublespeak. All for the crime of daring the share the same bed with Klaus. Her quarrel was not with witches in general or even the rest of the Bennett's, but Bonnie alone.

But seeing her saddened by the memory of her mother moved the witch. She too could relate even though her mother was lost at a very young age.

"I was unkind to you tonight Bonnie Bennett," Rebekah stated.

"Yes, you were."

They stopped at the stone benches. "I will say that it's because my brother has a big heart despite the image he puts up. When he decides to love, he loves hard."

"That's not what we are. I care about him," Bonnie quickly corrected.

Rebekah narrowed her eyes and smirked. "Of course. Your marriage is a partnership of like minds. But that's the way all marriages should be, whether romantic or not. I still have no inkling about whether I like you nor not but I will promise to respect you if you give me a reason to."

Bonnie inhaled. The night was ripe with power. Magic thrummed potently at her fingertips. The full moon was close. "I understand. You're his sister and he would like our interactions to be with animosity but don't let my polite act tonight fool you into thinking that I'm some docile little thing. I care about your brother very much and I am willing to endure certain things for his sake. But I won't be spoken to like one without a name."

The look she gave Rebekah strengthen the resolve of her words. The Orleanian queen could smell the sharp citrus in the air and for the first time understood the magnitude of Bonnie's power. "Understood."

"Good. I will take my leave now, my queen."

Bonnie Bennett would be an interesting one to watch. No wonder Nik was so enamored with her.

I feel like this chapter should have been longer but oh well. Just hope it isn't terrible.