"What are you doing?" Amy asked as she stared out the window at Klaus from her spot by the kitchen sink. She was scrubbing dishes and trying not to think about what her husband could possibly be doing that required digging up big ditches full of dirt. Because whatever it was, it was probably nothing good. Ever since he'd heard that Mikael and Sybil were getting married, he'd lost his head. And that was never a good thing.

"Mom?" She let out a scream as she felt a hand grip her shoulder from behind, and the turned around to look into the startled eyes of her daughter, Natalie.

"Sorry," she gasped. "I'm sorry if I frightened you. I was just...I was thinking of something terrifying. You want to talk?"

"Oh, I'm sorry," Natalie apologized and stepped back. "I'm sorry if I frightened you too. I just...you looked busy staring at Dad's butt and I didn't want to interrupt."

Amy blushed and wiped her hands on her apron. "No, it's nothing like that. Did you want to talk? I promise the dishes can wait." Then she noticed the little pink bag that was swinging from her daughter's finger. "That looks familiar," she grinned. "Is it what I think it is? Or are you hiding something else in there?"

"No." Now it was Natalie's turn to blush. "I got some nice lingerie with my pocket money. Like what you have. But I might have gone a little overboard." She pulled the pink lace set out. "Here it is. Do you like it, or do you think it's too much?"

"No, I love it!" Amy grinned and ruffled her daughter's shorter hair. "It's beautiful and so Parisian!"

"You don't think it's too much or that it will look ridiculous on me?"

"No, of course not!" Amy shook her head. "As for your other question, who are you planning on seeing it besides yourself? Anyone?"

"No..." Natalie shook her head. "Not at the moment, anyway."

Amy smiled. "Well, it's very much something I would wear and I think you'll look lovely in it."

"Oh, thank you!" Natalie cried, surprising her mother for just a moment by jumping in her arms and wrapping her in a tight hug. "You don't know what a relief it is to hear you say that!" Then she blushed and released her grip. "Sorry," she said. "I..I was just excited."

"Why are you sorry?" Amy asked, pushing some of her daughter's hair behind her ears. "You don't have to be sorry about a hug. We can hug whenever you want!"

Natalie gave her mother one more shy smile, then turned to the window, her jaw dropping. "What the fuck?" She cried.

"Language, young lady," Amy reprimanded.

"I know, but Mom, look outside!" Natalie pointed. "Daddy has a lot of dead bodies and he's piling them up one on top of the other in the grass!"

"What?!" Amy cried, gently pushing Natalie over a little so that she could get a better look once she'd pushed the lace curtains further apart. "He keeps up with this and he's gonna be deader than those corpses are!" Then she steeled herself, pulled open the French door, and marched out onto the deck that overlooked the large back yard to yell at her husband. "Niklaus Mikaelson, just what do you think you are doing?" She thought about getting close enough to slap him, but the smell of the bodies was beginning to make her nauseous and it would wreck the whole impact of what she was saying if she fainted or threw up.

"Oh, hello, love," he said as if he weren't doing anything more exciting than gardening. "I'm awfully sorry if having these bodies around is inconveniencing you, but I felt I should resume my regular activities: Running, stretching, killing...it's doing me so much good!"

He turned and Amy saw that his face and hands were covered with blood. Her eyes widened as he advanced on her, probably hoping for some sort of embrace, but there was no way. "Are you crazy?" She yelled. "You promised me you wouldn't do this sort of thing anymore."

"Did I?" He asked, grinning and showing blood-soaked teeth. "Well, obviously I lied, didn't I?"

Amy shook her head. "Well, I obviously can't stop you, but...clean up the yard and then yourself. Don't forget that we have to be at the wedding in less than an hour!"

"Forget?" Klaus asked, then threw his head back, his laughter loud. "Oh, I haven't forgotten, Amy, love. In fact, I'm rather looking forward to it." He then made his way into the kitchen where he kissed the forehead od a shocked Natalie. "Dear, when you want to learn how to hunt and kill humans, just let me know, all right?"

"Oh, my gosh, don't say that!" Amy cried. "Don't encourage that sort of behavior in your daughter!" She stomped her foot and moved to hit him on the shoulder but he deftly moved out of the way.

"Sorry to cut this short, but I think I'll go shower now," he said. "It seems like I've upset your mother."

He walked away and Natalie gave her mother a look of concern. "What the hell is wrong with him, Mom?"

Amy was breathing hard and all she could do was give her daughter a shrug. "Ever since he found out that his hated stepfather, Mikael Mikaelson, is marrying his ex, Sybil Vane, he's been acting this way. Must've been harder for him than I thought." She paused. "I...I better go shower and dress now."

Natalie put a hand on her mother's arm. The fact that she seemed incredibly stressed had not escaped her daughter. "You want me to come to the wedding too?" She asked. "For moral support? Do you think they would mind?"

Amy chuckled and gave her a hug. "You would do that for me?"

"Of course," Natalie replied. "Except that I don't have anything to wear in my closet. I couldn't perhaps borrow something, could I?"

"Sure," Amy nodded. "Come with me. I don't think that will be difficult at all."

"Eleanor! Eleanor!"

"What?" Ellie cried. She was sitting on her and Lucifer's bed filing her nails while he finished getting dressed in their closet. "And why are you yelling? The door to the closet is open and I'm in the same room. If you poked your head out, you could see me!"

"Well, if you're in hearing distance, why aren't you answering me?" He asked. "Can you blame me for thinking you left?"

"I was gonna answer you in a little bit," Ellie replied. "I'm busy!"

He stuck his hands out of the closet. One hand held a blue tie, and one hand held a red one. "Now that I have your attention, blue tie or red tie?"

"Well, I'm in red and I don't think we should be too matchy, so go with the blue," Ellie told him, hopping off the bed.

"See," Lucifer told her, coming up behind her and giving her a spank as she giggled and pulled her dress on. Then he grabbed her and nibbled and licked her earlobe and neck. "You want me to pull your zipper up?" He asked."Or are you giving me a reason to keep it down?" He kissed her soundly as she threw her arms around his neck and kissed him back, his hands sliding down her back and over her bottom.

"I...I don't know," she panted before she kissed him deeply. "What do you think?"

"It all depends on you, darling."

"Down," she murmured as his hands cupped her bottom and and pulled her close. "Keep it down." The she looked up and shook her head as his hand began sliding up her skirt. "No!" She cried. "No, we have to focus! Stop distracting me and behave!"

"Or what?" Lucifer's lip quirked. "You'll spank me? You'll cuff me? Please tell me what you'll do if I don't!"

"I'm serious!" Ellie cried, although that look made her feel hot like always. "We need to leave soon!"

"How did you know the dress code was red?" Lucifer asked.

"Well, I asked your sister, and she told me," Ellie replied. "I think she kind of wants at least me there, but I feel so bad intruding. It's not like I was actually invited. That we were actually invited."

"Oh, for Dad's sake, Eleanor!" He sighed loudly and pulled her zipper up. "Do you remember who we are? Surely given our standing, they wouldn't be foolish enough to snub us. Our invitations just got lost in the mail."

"Gosh, now I'm married to Maleficent. Lucky me," Ellie drawled. "You're not gonna curse anyone when we get there, are you?"

"Don't be silly, of course not!" Lucifer shook his head.

They then heard laughter from the doorway and turned to see Milo leaning into the room and watching them. "I don't believe this. You two weren't officially invited to the Wedding of the Century, but you're going to crash it anyway. Have I ever made clear how much I love both of you?"

"Laugh all you want," Lucifer told him. "But we're going and that's that!"

"You know," Milo said, crossing his arms. "If you took me with you, that could help keep you there. They wouldn't throw you out if you had your toddler with you."

"You aren't a toddler!" Ellie reminded him.

"Well, I'm still your littlest boy," he pointed out. "I mean how long ago was I born?"

"He has a point, Eleanor," Lucifer felt he had to agree.

"Oh, whatever," Ellie sighed. "It's not like one more will hurt since, as I need to reiterate for the ten thousandth time: We were not actually invited to this wedding!" She paused as her son turned his back. "But make sure you at least look presentable! Do you need your father to come help you find something to wear?"

"No, I got it!" Milo assured her.

Ellie didn't exactly believe him, but she had no choice but to shut her eyes, take a deep breath, and hope that he was telling the truth.

Gabrielle stared at Arthur, who sat beside her in the driver's seat of his sports car as they made their way to the wedding, wondering why she'd agreed to this arrangement in the first place. And why he was even going. "Remind me why you feel the need to go to this wedding again? You aren't close to either the bride or the groom and you hate your mother and your stepfather."

Arthur shrugged. "All true, but since I was at the engagement party, it makes sense for me to be at the wedding too, doesn't it?"

"It would if you were invited," Gabrielle agreed with a roll of her eyes. "And I don't think you were."

"Did that stop me from coming to the engagement party?" Arthur asked. "No, it did not. Plus, this time it's different. I'm your plus one!"

"How is it different?" Gabrielle cried. "That's the same nonsense you pulled last time!" She crossed her arms and looked very irritated.

"And it worked so well the first time that we're doing it again!" Arthur grinned.

Gabrielle sighed. "It's not like I can deny you entrance to your mother's home."

"So true," he agreed.

She looked at all the black Arthur wore from head to toe and frowned. "Aren't you under-dressed, even for you?"

"Well, my suit is in the back," he explained. "And it's a nice suit. I'm not so ungentlemanly that I'd show up at a black tie event in jeans. You said that a lot of it was just girls' time with you, Sybil and the others, so I think that until that ends, I'll occupy myself with a trail ride. And I don't believe I would want to show up with with my suit smelling like horse, so this one is making the sacrifice."

"Wow," Gabrielle gave him a small smile. "That's...that's very considerate of you."

"I can be considerate," Arthur nodded. "I know you don't expect it, but I have to keep you on your toes. I bet my mother won't mind if I use the trail. If she fusses, I'll just pay the fee or something."

"I didn't think of you as a rider," Gabrielle told him. "What a nice thing to hear."

"Don't tell my mother though," Arthur warned. "Not that she'll care, but keep it to yourself, please. That valley that she and that husband of hers-"

"His name is Elijah."

"I don't give a damn what his name is," Arthur replied curtly. "But that valley...it must be a dream to ride in."

Gabrielle nodded. "I'd like to ride there someday myself if I'm lucky enough to have the opportunity. Perhaps I'll see you there."

Arthur chuckled. "Well, look at us having a civilized and cordial exchange!"

Gabrielle's eyes narrowed. "I am always civilized and cordial! You're the one who needs to learn those things!"

Arthur sucked in a breath. "Two seconds. Well, it was fun while it lasted."

They exchanged a small laugh and then she realized that he was staring at her intently. "What?" She asked. "Something wrong with my outfit? Does it look awful?"

"Oh, no, no!" He said quickly and turned to blink before looking at her again. "I guess I'm staring because I love it. I like the whole Parisian vibe you have going on with that red hat. It's very you."

Gabrielle blushed. "Should I be touched or insulted? I thought you hated everything Parisian?"

"Not all of it," Arthur shook his head while locking eyes with her. "I like you."

To say she was shocked by this admission would be an understatement. He had to be playing with her somehow. She swallowed, nodded, and lapsed into silence as he got on the road that would lead them straight to the farm.

As Avery shut her car door, she was surprised to see another car pull up beside hers, and Malachai get out, shutting the door gently behind him. He wore a sweater, pants, and riding boots. "Hi," she greeted him with a smile.

"Hi, yourself," Malachai returned her words and her grin and tried not to look her over or stare too much. "Am I early?"

Avery shrugged. "If you are, I'm sure Elijah won't care. I have a feeling that this wedding is still a lot for him to process and I bet he'd love to have someone around to distract him."

Malachai's lip quirked. "And as the person who is the cause of Elijah's distress, are you ashamed of yourself?"

"Of course not," Avery shook her head. "It's been a long time since his father was happy. If anyone should know that, you should."

"It's been a lot time since he was good, too," Malachai countered.

"Sybil is helping with that," Avery said firmly. "What's with the boots? Are you thinking of riding?"

"Yes," Malachai nodded. "That is a reason someone would wear riding boots."

"I just didn't think that you could ride a horse," Avery shot back.

"Well, it's been a while so if you want to see me look like a fool, you might have a chance," Malachai admitted, his hands buried deep in the pockets of his riding trousers.

"You...can I say you look very handsome just now?" Avery complimented shyly.

"Thank you," Malachai nodded, clearing his throat and looking her over discreetly. "You look lovely too, Avery."

"You think so?" She asked, getting close enough to him that he got a good whiff of the lovely lilac perfume she was wearing. "I mean, I always thought red was my color, but it's nice for someone to agree."

"Oh, yes..." He cought and backed away. "I'm wearing a black velvet suit myself, so I don't think we'll clash."

Avery sighed. "I guess we won't." She paused. "Malachai?"

"Yes?"

"I never thought I would say this, but...this thing...what's going on between us. It's too weird. Let's just stay friends. That'll make things more comfortable. You're the best man and I'm the bridesmaid. Let's put the past behind us and forget our little affair. It's too hard anymore for me to play the polite society girl with you."

Malachai went pale and swallowed. He didn't know why he hadn't anticipated this. It seemed like whenever Avery had things one way, she wasn't satisfied until she had them another. And after all the work he was doing to become a more confident, smooth man, too! "Why don't we talk more about this another time," he requested.

"Oh," Avery nodded. "Okay, I understand."

Then they both heard a discreet cough and turned to see Gabrielle. "Hello, you two," she said. "I apologize if I'm interrupting something."

"No, you're not," Avery shook her head. "And you look lovely, Gabrielle."

Malachai nodded in agreement and greeted her also.

Gabrielle took Avery's and twirled her. "I'm sorry, but I had to get a better look at this beautiful dress," she said. "It's absolutely breathtaking!"

"Thank you," Avery told her. "And I...I feel really bad that you've been demoted to 'guest' at this wedding when you should really be Sybil's bridesmaid."

"Oh, thank you, but...I'm just glad to be here at all," Gabrielle told her.

"Don't worry about that. Selina will get over the trouble she's having about you and Arthur and you'll be as good of friends as you used to be," Avery said. "I'm sure of it!"

"I hope you're right." Then Gabrielle turned to Malachai, taking note of his outfit. "Are you thinking of taking a ride before the wedding?"

"Yes, I think I will."

"What a coincidence! Arthur is in the barn preparing a horse right now. Perhaps you could ride with him."

"Oh, joy," Malachai got out. "Arthur is preparing a horse right now so maybe I could right with him...goody!"

Avery snorted and looked down at her shoes.

"You're very sarcastic, aren't you?" Gabrielle chuckled. "Well, luckily for you, he's feeling like being charming today."

"It's definitely my lucky day, then," Malachai smirked, punching his fist in the air before bading them farewell. "Good day, ladies. I'll head to the barn and let you have your celebrations with Sybil." He then strode off, whistling softly.

"Did you...did you say Arthur was actually charming?" Avery asked hopefully. Maybe this match had some promise after all!

Gabrielle saw Avery's hopeful look and shook her head. "I know you mean well, but don't push me and Arthur together like you did with Sybil and Mikael. Please don't, I beg of you. It's a tragedy waiting to happen!" She then turned on her heel and strode off toward the farmhouse.

Right, Avery thought to herself, not able or willing to let go of the sliver of hope Gabrielle had given her. They had enjoyed each other's company. Maybe they weren't such a lost cause as a pair after all.

Sybil clutched the back of a chair tight enough for her knuckles to turn white. "I'm so nervous that I think I'm going to throw up!" She cried. Then she stepped away to run a brush through her hair and look at herself in a full-length antique mirror once she'd put the gold brush down.

"Are you all right?" Remiel asked worryingly, coming to put a hand on her back in case she fainted. "Can I get you some water with lemon? Some clear soda?"

Sybil smiled at the angel and rubbed her belly. "No, the babies are fine, Remiel. But thank you, it's very sweet of you to offer."

"She means she's nervous because she's marrying the man she's in love with," Selina said to Remiel as she entered and put the wedding dress on a hook. "There. Now, do you need help getting into it?"

"It probably wouldn't hurt," Sybil replied. "I mean, if I wasn't pregnant, that would be one thing, but the fabric's kind of delicate and I don't want it to tear." Then she laughed nervously, her thoughts coming back to Mikael. "Oh, god! I'm getting married! But if it's to someone I love, should I feel nervous?"

"It's normal," Selina replied. "Ask Elijah and he'll tell you about the stir I made at our last wedding."

Sybil swallowed. Selina and Elijah seemed like they loved each other so much! How many weddings had they had?

Remiel reached out and gently stroked the gown's light pink skirt. "This is a beautiful dress, Sybil. And not typical for weddings. I like it."

"Me too!" Kayla added.

"Thanks," Sybil sighed and gazed at it too. "I just couldn't see myself wearing white and when I saw this in the shop, I knew I had to have it then and there. Paid for it with my own money and everything!"

"I bet Mikael was delighted to hear that," Selina grinned.

"Not really, but...he let it go. I just hope he likes it and thinks I look beautiful."

"If that's the dress you're going to wear, I don't think you have anything to worry about," Lucas said from the doorway. "I think you'll look beautiful."

"Thanks for the compliment," Sybil said as Kayla strode over to the door and tried to shoo him out. "Move along, Junior. This is a women-only celebration!"

"Oh, come on!" Lucas complained. "I just want to congratulate my great-great-great-great-great-"

He trailed off when he saw that both Sybil and Selina were wide eyed and shaking their heads. "Just joking!" He winked. "I just...I want to wish you great happiness with Grandpa Mikael, Miss Vane."

"Thank you, Lucas," Sybil smiled. "And you don't need to be so formal; you can call me by my name since we'll soon be family."

"Right," Lucas saluted with a grin. "Sybil it is then!"

He disappeared, only to be replaced by his father, Ricky, not long after.

"No worries, ladies," he said. "I'm not here to intrude; just to bring two more guests into the party."

He excused himself and Avery and Gabrielle appeared and gave Sybil hugs. They then went to sit and Sybil looked around at all who had come to celebrate with her, her eyes filling with happy tears as she put a hand on her heart. "I just...I had no idea I was so loved. Thank you all for coming to celebrate with me. It means the world!"

"Hey, hey," Gabrielle said, taking a tissue out of her purse and handing it over. "No tears on your wedding day."

Sybil sniffled and wiped her eyes. "I promise that they're happy tears, really. "When I...when I came back from the afterlife, I thought I would never be able to...to find love again."

"Especially not in the form of Mikael Mikaelson," Selina teased, pouring some lemonade for Sybil and then opening a bottle of wine for everyone else.

As they drank their drinks, Sybil lowered her eyes. "I know you and he have had a lot of difficulties in the past and you still have some now, but...he's not like that with me."

"Well, I should hope not," Gabrielle said and then took another sip from her glass. "Otherwise I wouldn't want you to marry him!"

"He's definitely changed a lot since you wrapped him around your little finger," Selina teased. "Not enough for Elijah and I to move back to the city, but...enough that him coming here doesn't fill us with the amount of dread it once did."

"I don't know what you two are talking about!" Sybil protested vehemently. "I have not wrapped him around my little finger!"

"Well, he's certainly under your spell," Avery agreed. "And that dress...that dress is gorgeous!"

"It is, isn't it?" Sybil smiled. "I wanted something voluminous and short in pink silk. I just hope the white ballet flats will go with it."

"Speaking of shoes," Kayla said, eying her mother. "Didn't we receive a package for Sybil from Mikael? Where is it?"

"You're right, I almost forgot about the gift!" Selina said, putting her glass down, running to Elijah's office, and then coming back with a large bag. "For you," she said to Sybil. "I wonder what's in it? I promise I didn't peek!"

Everyone in the room gathered around it. "Ooooh! Louboutin!"

"Oh, what did he do now?" Sybil grumbled as she looked at the bag, her arms crossed over her chest. She hadn't wanted him to pull a stunt like this and he knew it!

"Let's look at the card!" Gabrielle said, taking it out and opening it. "To my Queen, you deserve the best. Love Mikael. Awww! Let's see what he got you." She gave Sybil a nudge. "Come on. Open the bag!"

They all squealed in delight again after Sybil opened the bag and pulled out a pair of pink silk high heeled sandals with a large, sparkling rock at the back of each heel.

Sybil swayed on her feet a little and when Selina grabbed her to hold her steady, she asked, "are you seeing what I'm seeing? Those can't be diamonds, can they?"

"Let me check," Selina held out her hand to see one of the shoes. "Knowing my father-in-law, I wouldn't be surprised.

"Yes," Gabrielle nodded after she and Selina had studied it for a little bit. "It's diamonds, all right!"

"Oh, no!" Sybil put a hand on either side of her face. "I can't believe he did this! It's too much!"

"Will you just take the damn shoes and wear them?" Avery asked. "They're a nice gift! Be grateful!"

Sybil sighed. "You know what? You're right. There's...there's no harm in accepting a gift. And he was good to let me buy my own dress without complaint, so...I guess, I can, in good conscious, wear these shoes."

"See?" Avery cried and patted her on the back as everyone laughed and cheered. "Was that so hard?"

Selina gave Gabrielle a look as she refilled everyone's glasses.

"I would like to thank you for letting me attend my friend's wedding," Gabrielle told her. "It means a lot to me. I know you can't stand me, and-"

"You're welcome," Selina interrupted. "And for Steve's sake, Gabrielle! I have nothing against you! It would be horribly hypocritical of me to hold your mistakes against you because it's not like I've never done the same. Just...Just after we've deal with this and made peace...don't ever lie to me again. Please? I don't like being lied to."

"Done!" Gabrielle nodded. "I will never lie to you or keep things you need to know from you ever again."

"Good," Selina smiled and raised her glass. "Now...a toast!"

Everyone raised their glasses.

"To Sybil," Selina continued. "May she find happiness with Mikael!"

"Hear, hear!" Everyone agreed.

Sybil grinned and sat down to sip her lemonade and snack on things. "Can I take this whole plate?" She asked Selina. "Do you mind?"

"Oh, no, take it!" Selina shook her head. "I know you and your twins are probably starving. It'll save you from having to make multiple trips!"

"Thank you," Sybil told her gratefully. "You are a...a Steve send!"

"Where is it?" Selina whispered to herself, clicking her tongue as she made her way to the kitchen, nodding at staff from the catering company they'd hired to help with the food, something she was grateful for. Putting a wedding and cake together for someone like her father in law was tough enough without having to worry about the food too.

"Here!" She cried triumphantly, grabbing the champagne bottle by the neck. Then she turned and let out a shout as she ran into her husband, the bottle bumping into his chest.

"Oh, god," he cried.

"I'm so sorry!" Selina cried. "I didn't see you! Are you hurt?"

"No, I'm fine," he gave her a smile. "And I see you found the bottle I left for you."

"Yes," Selina smiled back. "It's champagne time." She held it up. "I promise this is just the second bottle, if you're worried."

"No, I wasn't going to say anything," he assured. "Except that you look lovely. And I'm glad you don't seem to be stressing over what there is to stress about."

"You look very dashing yourself!" Selina smiled and gave him a kiss on the cheek. "And of course i'm not stressing...yet. So lay it on me. Anything I can do quickly before I head back into the fray?"

He blushed. "No, not that I can think of if the cake is under control, which I know it is because you wouldn't forget a detail like that. And I have to thank your mother and uncle for agreeing to watch Mackenzie for the day. You know I love our little girl but this would have been even more difficult with her underfoot."

Selina nodded. "Believe me, Mama insisted." Then she grinned as she realized his eyes were straying from her face down to her chest because of her low-cut red dress. "See anything you like?"

"Oh, yes," he blushed again. "You look very sexy too." He winked. "The low neckline and short skirt were the way to go."

She smirked. "Don't I know it!"

Then he cleared his throat. "I'm so glad we're not fighting about Gabrielle and Arthur anymore."

"Yes," Selina sighed. "We talked it over and decided we wanted to renew our friendship again."

"Good!" Elijah grinned. "That's good!"

Selina nodded. "Yes, well...one more time: anything I can do here?"

"Not so far," Elijah shook his head. "The jazz duo just arrived along with the singer."

Selina smiled. "I think your father will enjoy that."

"Yes," Elijah nodded. "I think he will too. Now you just get back to the other ladies cause I think all we can do now is wait for more guests to arrive."

As the doorbell rang, Elijah opened the door without seeing who was really on the other side. "Hello!" He greeted. "Welcome to the Mikaelson-Vane wedding. Guest of the bride or guest of the groom?"

"Well, I don't think you'd ever be convinced we're friends of the groom," Lucifer drawled. "So what other option does that leave?" He gave his most infectious grin. "Hello, Elijah. Lovely to see you."

"Lucifer..." Elijah began. "And Eleanor and Milo too?" He watched as the devil's wife and son trailed after him, Ellie as red as her dress and Milo with a broad smirk.

"Hello, Elijah," Ellie said. "I...I know how this must look. And I hope you don't mind that we brought Milo with us. I told Lucifer it would be gauche for us to just show up, but..."

"But I told her that we were obviously invited and our invitation got lost in the mail, so wouldn't it be rude not to show?" Lucifer finished.

"I was just about to check and see if you were on the guest list," Elijah told him.

"Oh, you're so funny," Lucifer chuckled and grabbed some champagne from a passing tray.

"Don't drink that!" Ellie cried, even though she felt a glass of her own would soothe her nerves. She then watched helplessly as Milo stole appetizers from another tray. "Oh, damn," she muttered. "This is so embarrassing!"

"Now," Lucifer said to Elijah as he put his free hand on Ellie's shoulder. "Are you telling me that I actually need a physical invitation to attend this event?"

"Yes," Elijah nodded. "That's what I'm saying."

Milo was chuckling, even though the atmosphere was clearly uncomfortable.

"Come on, Elijah," Ellie pleaded. "His sister is here, and his dad will be here. Can't you squeeze in a few more?"

"His sister is here because she's Sybil's bridesmaid," Elijah told her patiently. "Who are you all to Sybil?"

"Well, nothing yet, but it's easy to figure out, isn't it? Eventually she'll be tired of your father and not want to be married to him anymore. We'll be the ones to help her out of it so it would be good for her to know us," Lucifer replied.

Milo just continued to laugh as his mother looked sour.

"Lucifer, that's not something we say before a wedding!" She snapped.

"Why not?" Lucifer asked. "Of course we don't want anything to go wrong but I'm sure it would be helpful for Sybil to know she has someone in her corner if there's ever a change of plans."

Elijah looked at Milo. "There's no point in telling your parents that they weren't invited, is there?"

"Probably not. You might as well just officially invite us."

"Oh, all right," Elijah huffed. "You're officially invited! As you already know, there are drinks and food available, and a jazz band outside to entertain you. And Ellie, if you would like, my wife, Remiel, and the ladies are in our rooms having a little get together. I'm sure they would love to have you join them."

"See, Eleanor, isn't this delightful? I told you Elijah would see reason!"

"What's delightful is that we didn't get thrown out!" Ellie snapped. "Now, I'm gonna go be elsewhere, thank you."

At that moment, Selina appeared. "I just came to get Eloise some more water. Everything good here?"

"Yes," Elijah nodded. The canape and hors d'oeuvre table is set up with someone standing watch and the champagne is ready."

"Good," Selina nodded. "I like it when there are no problems."

"The night is still young but at least for the moment, we can count our blessings, darling."

"True," Selina nodded. "But shush about that. Don't jinx it when things are going so well. I don't think I'll hear the end of it from your father if they don't."

Just then, the doorbell rang.

"Speak of the..." Elijah began and trailed off as Lucifer raised an eyebrow. "I think that's my father," he finished. "I'll go get the door." He opened it and was relieved to see Mikael holding his tux bag and shoes. "Hello, Father. I'm glad it was you and not someone else. Would you like some help?"

"I wouldn't say no," Mikael nodded. "Thank you very much, son."

"Hello, Mikael," Selina greeted him with a smile. "Congratulations on your big day and if you would like a sneak peek at your cake..." She pointed. "It's that way."

"Good to know," he said, taking her hand and giving it a kiss. "I can't wait to see the results of all your hard work, but first..." he looked her over. "You look lovely!"

Eyes wide, she turned to face her husband. "He kissed me!" She mouthed. Then, gently detaching her hand from Mikael's, she gave him one last smile. "Congratulations! I'll let you mingle with your son while I make my way back to your bride to be. She asked me for water and she probably thinks I went all the way to the ocean for it by now. Excuse me."

As left the men, she noticed Ellie. "I know that look," she said. "I thought your husband would bring you here. Want to come and have a drink with me?"

"If it's not an inconvenience, then yes please," Ellie nodded, letting Selina take her hand.

"I knew he would pull something like this," Selina assured her. "I was expecting you, so don't worry."

"One last question," Mikael out out as they were leaving. "Did you give her her gift?"

"Of course," Selina nodded. "You have wonderful taste!"

"Thank you," Mikael said. "Did she like them? I bet she thought they were too much. I know this about her, but I just can't help myself!"

"Yes and yes," Selina winked. "But don't worry, we talked her into accepting them. See you later, Mikael."

As soon as they were gone, Elijah cleared his throat. "So...are you ready, Father?"

"I am, actually," Mikael nodded. "I'm very eager to have Sybil as my wife."

"Good," Elijah said, taking him in the direction of his private office.

Along the way, Mikael couldn't help but admire what had been done to one of the larger parlor rooms. There were several gold chairs set out, tied with white ribbon. A red velvet carpet ran down the center of the room to a podium that had pots of roses on either side.

"My goodness, son. You've really outdone yourself!"

"Don't thank me," Elijah shook his head. "I'm just marrying you. The rest was all Selina's doing." He paused. "Well, except for the jazz band. That was me."

"Well, thank you, son!" He paused. "Thank you for doing an awful lot for a man who wasn't the best father."

Elijah nodded. "I know we've had our ups and downs but...you treated me well. I have...I have good memories."

"I'm glad," Mikael nodded. "Something about you reminds me of the good parts of me."

"I'll take that as a compliment," Elijah said. "And by the way, your other children have been invited too."

Mikael scoffed. "It's a nice gesture but I doubt they'll come."

"They might," Elijah said. "It's not every day Mikael Mikaelson gets married."

Mikael's eyes lit up. "Well, there is that!"

Just then the doorbell rang. "Excuse me, Father. I need to go get that. You think you can find my office. You can change into your suit there."

"Of course, go on," Mikael assured him. "Don't worry about it."

And as Elijah headed for the door, his father wasn't the one he was worried about. Rather it was the idea of who could be on the other side of the door.