Thanksgiving break was one of the most important times during the year, not only was it the group's favorite holiday, it was finally the annual Monaco charity auction. Everyone was in desperate need of a vacation after the last stressful couple of weeks.
Since getting back from Bali, they'd been thrown straight to the wolves. After coming back, a lot of time had been spent in court getting Tyler and Hayley sentenced to life in prison, then being forced into mandatory therapy, and re-entering society. Although a statement had been released to the press, it didn't stop the media from hounding the Manhattan teenagers since returning to school. They'd been put on a spectacle for everyone to see, but after a while and a few threats from Katherine, the looks had slowly stopped, Caroline was dominating the social scene again, and every week was a new party.
Nothing would ever be the same though. It was clear in the way Caroline flinched every time a loud noise struck out and she would rub at the scars embedded in her hand. You could see it when Klaus would move his arm, but stop and wince because of the gunshot that nearly cost him his arm. It was prominent when Katherine would wake up in the middle of the night and wander the halls, her footsteps echoing across the floor. Damon could never seem to stop looking for Elena, everytime she wandered out of his sight, his heart raced a little faster until she would appear and slip her hand into his.
They had all been at the trial that sent Tyler and Hayley to jail. They all felt free and liberated when the pair had been dragged away to a permanent purgatory, but nothing would ever change that they were different.
The second the bell rang, signaling the start of the week long Thanksgiving break, the nine teenagers had left school. Narrowly escaping the press and hopped onto a private jet bound for Monaco. Their safe haven away from New York's prying eyes.
Caroline leaned her head back against Klaus' chest, holding tightly onto his white henley, a habit she'd picked up after the whole incident. It wasn't uncommon to see wrinkles in his shirt where she'd been holding on too tight.
"Have you spoken to Freya yet?" Caroline asked Klaus, she'd gone back to Monaco with Keelin as soon as Klaus was back on his feet. According to Kol the air between Mikael and Freya was tense, but the brewing fight was put on hold because of the incident.
Klaus stroked her blond curls and grimaced. "Not yet, but she called Rebekah. Demands we all have dinner when we land. I adore my sisters, but they have a habit of being quite needy."
Caroline clicked her tongue and slapped his chest lightly. "Although Freya and Beks can get a little demanding, they mean well."
"This dinner is more or less just for us to meet Keelin and for Freya to start building her side of the Mikaelson family war." Klaus explained, waving his hand and motion towards the air. "Our mother will side with our father, Finn will side with our mother because he's stuck to her side, as will Sage. We all know Elijah's favorite sister is Freya, but he's too honorable to pick. So if Freya has Rebekah, Kol, and I, then it's an even half for her and an even half for our father."
"But Mikael's a businessman." Caroline pointed out. "All of our families have been closely entwined with the royal family, would he really jeopardize that?"
"You know what he's like, Caroline." Klaus sighed. "He's a cruel man with unchanging opinions."
"How can such a cruel man have such wonderful kids." Caroline muttered, but leaned up and kissed Klaus' cheek.
The Monaco Palace was stunning, and just as beautiful as it had ever been when the Manhattan teenagers had arrived. The large gravel courtyard was filled to the brim with citizens all barely being kept back by guards and a small gate. Close to the front of the gate, near the dais stood dozens of reporters, all trying to get a glimpse of the royal family and the arrival of the Manhattan guests.
The whole royal family stood out on the front steps, all dressed in appropriate fashion, looking more regal than ever. Keelin was standing in the middle, clad in a matching white pants suit, her dark hair pulled into a bun with her tiara gleaming in the light. Freya was standing close to her, but not in an intimate way, wearing a nice chic black dress, hair pulled back elegantly, and her neck dripping with jewels. As far as the rest of the world was concerned, Freya was a very close and trusted friend of the royal family, completely unaware of the true nature of their relationship.
Klaus was the first person out of the limo, having dressed in a nice navy blue suit, who held out his hand for Caroline to get out. The blond in question wore a blue and white tweed skirt, matching tweed jacket, accompanied by red bottomed navy blue heels. The crowd grew wild for her, she was a fashion icon all over the world, but Monaco's population was especially keen to her sense of fashion. She tucked her arm into Klaus', showing the crowd her angelic smile and they moved off to the side for the next person to get out.
Which happened to be Damon, he got out of the limo and flashed a bright smile to the crowd of girls near the front and they cheered loudly, nearly swooning at the sight of him in his pinstripe suit. He stuck his hand out for Elena to grab next, and she delicately stepped out, tugging lightly on her lilac tweed dress and adjusted her white sweater. Not used to the large crowd and attention, she tucked her head closer to Damon's shoulder and stood between him and Caroline to block herself from the view of everyone else.
Unlike the other boys, Kol got out next, but instead of properly walking out, he jumped out and made a spectacle of himself. Waving wildly to the girls, blowing kisses, and watching them fawn over him. Kol laughed amusingly before spinning Davina out of the limo and dipping her back, planting a firm kiss to her lips. The crowd of onlookers cheered, throwing flowers at the couple. Kol finally pulled back and brushed Davina's pink tweed jacket back on her shoulder where it had fallen when he dipped her.
Katherine got out next, shining in her black and gold tweed dress. She turned her back and smiled over her shoulder, posing a nice shot for the reporters. Followed closely behind her was Rebekah, who was wearing a white tweed skirt, not unlike Caroline's and stood next to Katherine. It was a million dollar photo of the two of them. Looking elegant and beautiful, probably going on the front cover of some magazine or newspaper. Stefan popped up behind Rebekah, offering his arms each to Katherine and Rebekah, escorting them off to the side, never one to be in the press too much.
The second to last person to get out of the limo was Tatia, whole unlike the rest of the girls was not wearing a tweed ensemble, but a tacky striped dress, one that looked like it came straight off a Gap kids catalog. Beside the fact, she posed for the cameras and it definitely wasn't a picture going on the cover of any magazine.
Enzo was the last person to exit the limo, clad in a dark green suit. He was looking regal and mysterious, causing the crowd to push harder against the guards. Enzo flashed his million dollar smile and waved to the crowd, winking at the same group of girls Damon had in the beginning.
Together the ten teenagers walked down the preset up red carpet towards the royal family. As per tradition, they all stood together, the royal family near the front steps, and posed for a picture that was definitely going to be in the newspapers. Just above Keelin, Katherine and Caroline linked their arms, flashing a gleaming smile for the cameras. And in one little expression the rest of the world saw a statement, that they were back and ready to take over the kingdom.
Davina slipped into a lilac purple dress that flared out around her waist and moved her hair to the side to reach the zipper, although before she could Kol came up from behind her and pulled it up himself, letting his fingers brush against her spine. She shivered involuntarily and looked up at him.
"Thanks, I need to find shoes and then we can leave for dinner with your siblings." Davina murmured and leaned into his chest. Kol wrapped his hands around her waist, his suit pants already on and his white dress shirt was unbuttoned.
Kol looked down at the sight of his girlfriend and raked his eyes over her. "My, my, Davina Claire, aren't just the prettiest girl in the castle."
"I suppose it's a good thing I'm your girl then, hmm?" Davina said seductively and reached up to place a soft kiss on Kol's chin. He spun her around in his arms and kissed her hard on the lips, wondering how he could love something so much.
Davina gripped the opening of his dress shirt tightly and pulled his body close to hers, leaning into the kiss before pulling back and swiping a thumb across his lip. He reached out and licked the pad of her thumb and Davina pulled back with a wince, wiping her wet finger on his undershirt.
"Gross, Kol." Davina whined and narrowed her eyes. He let out a hearty laugh and brushed her dark curls behind her shoulder, magically bringing out a diamond necklace with a large ruby in the middle.
"I hope this present makes up for my lack of manners, Love." Kol responded and draped the heavy jewel on her throat, clasping it tightly.
"It's beautiful." Davina smiled as she buttoned up her shirt for him, leaving the bottom one open like he usually preferred.
"I hate to ruin the moment, darling, but have you made a decision about your mother?" Kol asked, turning around to grab a ring and place it on her finger. Davina sighed and placed a hand on her hip.
"I haven't yet, I talked with Kat about it though, she said I have to make a choice too." Davina answered irritatedly, walking over to the open luggage and pulling out a matching black suit jacket for Kol to wear. Admittedly she'd been ignoring her mother for the last couple of weeks and it was starting to get on her nerves the way people would glance at her or freeze mid sentence when the topic of moms was brought up.
"Have you called her?" Kol prodded, knowing Davina was annoyed but pushed the topic anyway.
Davina spun around and glared at him. "Can we not talk about this right now."
"Davina, you can't pretend like she doesn't exist forever." Kol said softly, picking up on Davina's dark expression.
"She's my problem, I'll deal with it." Davina answered, slamming a pair of sling backs onto the vanity, her temper rising by the second.
"Maybe that's why you can't make a choice, because you view her as a problem." Kol retorted, crossing his arms.
"I'm not doing this right now." Davina scoffed and roughly shoved her feet into a pair of Manolo Blahnik pumps, knowing if she'd speak again she would say something she'd regret.
"I understand where you're coming from, Davina, but I'm telling you-" Kol started, but was roughly cut off by Davina.
"No you don't." Davina whispered. "You're mother, as absent as she may be, was still around and even then you had all your siblings. I didn't have either of those things. I'm just not ready to face her, can't you understand that?"
"Of course I do, darling." Kol began. "But this-"
"Isn't your concern." Davina finally just snapped. She swiped a glimmering shawl off the back of a chair and slammed the door behind her.
"Are you nervous?" Freya asked Keelin, as she adjusted the napkins on the table. The two had gone early to dinner to make sure everything was in place, but Freya had been a complete wreck. In her mind Freya already knew she would always have the support of her siblings no matter who she married, but it was important that they like Keelin. Admittedly it wasn't the first time they'd all met, afterall Monaco trips were frequent, but it would be the first time Keelin was being introduced as a girlfriend.
The first pair to arrive was Stefan and Rebekah, which surprised Freya because her sister was known to be late due to the extensive time she spent on getting ready.
"Hello, sister!" Rebekah said excitedly and engulfed the girl in a hug. Freya patted her back and kissed her hairline.
"Hi, Beks." Freya laughed and pulled back. Then she turned her attention to Stefan who came forward and kissed her cheek. "Hi Stefan."
"Hey Freya." Stefan responded. "You look beautiful."
"Thanks." Freya said before grabbing Keelin's arm and pulling her forward.
"I'm glad you guys could make it to dinner." Keelin said politely, trying to give a good impression.
"No need to be so formal, love, we've all met before and you're going to marry my sister." Rebekah said bluntly and smiled. Keelin looked at her for a moment before a large smile broke out across her face.
Stefan glanced at Freya and watched her let out a much needed breath. "Where's everyone else?"
"You're the first ones here." Keelin answered Stefan, "come sit."
The four of them sat down and drinks were placed in front of them, Keelin turning a blind eye to blatantly alcoholic drinks Stefan and Rebekah had. Caroline was next to arrive by herself, which was odd since her and Klaus were practically attached at the hip lately. Stefan stood up to greet her first and kissed her on the cheek.
"Hey Care, where's Klaus?" Stefan had asked as soon as she sat down and said her hello's to the others.
"He said he had a surprise for Freya, but he'll be here soon." Caroline answered with a mischievous smile on her face.
Freya looked worried. "Please tell me it's not some elaborate thing that's going to end in a disaster."
"Of course not." Caroline laughed. "You'll love it, promise."
"So you're Klaus' girlfriend?" Keelin asked politely. "I seem to remember him fawning all over you and you turning away his advances."
Caroline blushed a light color while Stefan and Rebekah let out loud laughs from next to her. "We grew up I guess, stopped playing mind games and finally went out on a date."
Keelin and Freya baited her into telling them all about their first date and how it happened, Caroline told the whole story vividly and showed them the diamond bracelet Klaus had gotten her. They both fawned over it and Freya made jokes about how Klaus was only romantic when it came to Caroline.
Although the story was cut short when Davina came walking into the room with barely concealed anger on her face, Kol sulked behind her. Everyone at the table exchanged looks but didn't comment on it as Davina dropped into a seat next to Rebekah and Kol hesitantly sat next to her. He tried to reach out for her hand, but she yanked it away without batting an eye.
In turn Kol winced and looked at his sister. "Hello sister, Keelin lovely to see you again."
"Nice to see you again as well." Keelin answered politely, trying to divert the attention away from Davina and Kol's obvious fight. "Freya's youngest brother?"
"That we know of." Rebekah muttered. "Our newest sibling is on the way and our mother is keeping the gender a surprise."
"Where's Nik?" Kol interrupted before Rebekah could get into a rant.
"Why dear brother, I didn't know you cared?" Klaus answered for himself, he was standing in the doorway wearing a smug grin and had his hands folded behind his back.
"I heard you had a surprise or me?" Freya interrupted, sensing how easily her brothers were about to get into a petty fight.
"I do." Klaus said smugly. He threw open the doors he had just come in from and on the other side was a perfectly dressed Elijah Mikaelson. Freya looked wide eyed and squealed, jumping out of her chair.
"You came!" She said excitedly and hugged him tightly. He looked taken aback by her assault, but hugged her back nonetheless. Before he had a chance to recover, Rebekah had replaced Freya and was hugging him tightly.
"Hello, sister." Elijah said and looked sweetly down at Rebekah. Then he turned and smiled at Freya, it was the kind of smile he only reserved for his sisters. Everyone settled back at the table and the food had finally arrived.
"I thought you said you were tied up at school?" Freya asked Elijah, sipping on her chardonnay.
"I managed to switch some things around and come." Elijah said cryptically.
"In other words Mother asked you to come." Kol corrected him. Elijah glared at him and narrowed his eyes but didn't deny nor confirm the statement.
"Kol!" Rebekah snapped. "Don't you have a filter?"
"Rebekah!" Kol mocked. "Do you have an off button?"
"You're insufferable!" Rebekah hissed and glared at him. He mocked her by placing a hand over his heart with a fake hurt expression.
Elijah slammed his cup down, not hard enough to break but enough to make a noise. "Children, please, we're trying to have a nice dinner."
Both of them got quiet and didn't say anything else, but Rebekah was still glaring at Kol and he was mocking her expression. Elijah shared a look with Freya, an exasperated one that only they could master as the older set of Mikaelson siblings.
"So," Keelin interrupted, being the princess of Monaco made her skilled in the art of distraction. "I know that Caroline's dating Klaus, but what about your guys' relationship?" Keelin asked, referring to Rebekah and Kol.
Rebekah sparked up at the chance to boast about her perfect relationship, but that turned out to be short lived because Davina had a deep scowl on her face. Kol winced at her glare and turned his head away. Everyone went a little quiet at the awkward tension.
It was a rare sight to see Davina and Kol fighting, in all the years they'd known each other and dated, they'd only fought four times. Caroline and Rebekah exchanged off looks and then Caroline spoke up.
"Excuse me, I need to go to the bathroom. Rebekah, Davina, come with me?" It was polite and diplomatic, a voice she mastered early on in her life, but the underlying message left no room for a discussion. Rebekah and Davina both stood up and Caroline linked their arms together, forcing them out of the dining hall.
Klaus smirked into his drink and looked at his youngest brother. "Well done, Kol."
"Come off it, Nik." Kol snapped and glared darkly. "I seem to remember you and Angel being in the same situation many times before."
"Kol, Niklaus, perhaps now isn't the best time." Elijah warned. Kol flipped him off and slumped back into his chair while Klaus simply rolled his eyes and knocked back his drink. Stefan looked around awkwardly and smiled apologetically at Freya and Keelin.
Keelin didn't look like she knew what to do in the situation, but Freya, who grew up with the others, just leaned her head back and poured herself more champagne. She should've known they wouldn't make it past the first course.
Caroline marched right past the bathroom door and shoved both girls into an empty sitting room, then promptly pulled out her phone and made a quick call. Less than a minute later, Katherine popped into the room clad in a negligee, silk robe, and her hair pinned up with an emerald clip.
"What's going on?" Katherine asked as soon as she glanced around at the other three girls.
"Davina?" Caroline prodded softly. "What happened?"
Davina dropped into a chair and shrugged indignantly. "We got into a fight."
"Wanna elaborate on that?" Rebekah said in her usual tone. Then she walked over to the bar and poured them each a drink.
"He kept asking about my mom and I lost it." Davina said.
"You and Kol haven't fought about anything in years and it was never over anything serious." Katherine said. "What suddenly changed in the magical sunshine world of Kol and Davina?"
Davina glared at her and crossed her arms. "We got into a fight, the end."
"Sweetie." Caroline started and squished herself into the chair next to Davina. "You're not really mad at Kol, are you?"
Davina sighed and buried her face into Caroline's shoulder. "No. Well maybe a little, but mostly no."
"So what is it then?" Rebekah asked again, handing them all drinks. She and Katherine moved to sit on the incredibly expensive and old coffee table across from Davina and Caroline.
"It's my mom." Davina said shortly. "She left me. I made peace with that because I never thought she was coming back. Then she did and provided absolutely no answer to questions I didn't even realize I had. To make things worse I had to find out she left and ended up raising someone else's daughter." Davina's speech had ended in a quiet tone and none of the other girls had the heart to say anything else. "I keep wondering if the only reason she left was because I was too much of a reminder about her mistakes."
"I don't believe that's appropriate attire to be walking around in, Katerina." The brunette in the question was sent on a mission to get chocolate and was on her way back to the room where the three other girls were waiting for her. Although after she heard that particular voice, she winced, knowing exactly who that voice belonged to.
"I seem to remember you liking this particular outfit." Katherine said boldly. "But now I'm certain you don't get to have an opinion about me at all."
"Katerina…" Elijah started, moving closer to her. On instinct Katherine took a step back and placed both her hands on her right hip.
"I thought you weren't coming this year." Katherine commented, looking him straight in the eye. Elijah could just reach out and kiss her, but everything about her stance was defensive.
"My mother asked me to come check on my siblings." Elijah responded, he looked her over and saw a bandage peeking out from right underneath the hem of her negligee, a result of the kidnapping. He couldn't help but feel the raw panic crawl beneath his skin at the thought of her in danger.
"Always the honorable golden boy." Katherine scoffed, tucking a stray curl behind her ear. She was completely conflicted that half of her body wanted to run the other way and never look back, probably the rational side. But the other half of her was telling her to throw it all to hell and kiss him.
"Is that always how you see me?" Elijah asked, narrowing his eyes. It was the reputation he'd built, but he could never tell if Katherine truly thought that way or if she was making a mockery of it.
Katherine's head snapped up. "Is that the way you want me too?"
"That's not an answer." Elijah retorted.
"Then I suppose I don't have one." Katherine responded and pursed her lips. "Goodbye, Elijah."
She turned on her heels to walk away, ignoring her racing pulse, but was stopped by a soft tug.
"I've let you walk away from me too many times, Katerina." Elijah whispered.
Katherine turned around and looked him in the eye. "Elijah, are you still in Yale? Are you still three years older? Are you still with Celeste?"
"Yes, but-" Elijah started, trying to defend himself.
"No buts." Katherine snapped. "We are where we are and a few nostalgic encounters isn't going to give me a reason to stay."