While Caroline was looking at the stuck Hayley, Niklaus was already contacting Elijah to let him know of the current events.

"What is happening? Why can't I get in?!" Hayley shrieked.

"No worries. We just had a powerful witch cast a protection around the property. Apparently the spell senses you as a threat. I'll try to get in touch with the woman and see if anything has gone wrong", Niklaus spoke to Hayley with no hint or attempt to comfort. It all seemed bland as the words came out of his mouth.

Before letting Hayley respond, Niklaus had turned his back on her and placed his hands around Caroline's back to guide her back to the house. Hayley tried to call the man back to face her and explain what was happening but all he said was he'd get back to her.


After about an hour, Elijah had arrived and had taken note of the infuriated woman stuck outside the boundaries of their property.

"It seems like we harbored quite a powerful woman for the past few days, and without us knowing", were his first words as he approached Niklaus.

Niklaus only nodded in return still in deep thought. It was quite baffling how Maiashrani had hidden her ability from all of them. Despite the ward that she had put over the property, he remained skeptical of her. What did she have to gain by helping them?

"What do you plan to do with Hayley?" Elijah interrupted his thoughts.

"Set her up in a nearby house and I'll have her guarded day and night. What happened only confirms that she's been up to no good", Klaus was about to leave Elijah alone when the man spoke up again.

"I heard that Hayley has been getting close with quite a number of witches", Niklaus only smirked and left the room. He expected as much, and he was prepared.


To say that Caroline was pleased would be an understatement. She could now enjoy her days without a certain wolf trying to ruin it. And all of Klaus' time and attention. She suddenly stopped herself in surprise at her own thoughts. She chuckled inwardly and dismissed it, thinking she was just thrilled to have Hayley out of her sight.

She was wearing an unconscious smile when Niklaus chanced upon her and couldn't help but be infected with her happy mood.

"I see someone's happy," he whispered in her ear.

Caroline jumped away from the voice and sighed in relief upon realizing it was Klaus. She gave another dazzling smile and giggled.

"Well she isn't exactly my ideal housemate," she answered back still cheery.

"Touche, my love. I feel quite better knowing she won't be sleeping here for a while."

Caroline frowned. "What do you mean for a while?"

"Sweetheart, we don't know until when this ward will last. I doubt that it will be for eternity, so let's just enjoy it while we can," Niklaus tried to make the best of the situation.

Caroline only smiled a little before slowly hugging Klaus, which despite her speed still surprised him. He hugged her back and kissed her forehead, as if assuring her that she will soon have her paradise.

"Soon love, I'll make all your dreams come true. I promise," Klaus looked her in the eyes with such devotion she couldn't contain a small tear that slipped.

Caroline was happy. Klaus had never broken his promise, and she knew that he would keep this new one no matter what happens. She kissed him with all the passion and love she could muster. Her eyes suddenly widened with the realization of that emotion. She suddenly backed away from Klaus who had confusion written all over his face.

"Oh my god," Caroline gasped.

"What's wrong love?" Klaus was now checking her for any signs of hurt or possibly a spell cast on her.

Caroline was now teary-eyed and looking at Klaus who was now panicking in his mind. She threw herself back in his arms and kissed his neck as she whispered, "I love you Klaus."

Niklaus suddenly stiffened as he looked at her in the eyes again. He tried to look for any sign of lies or maybe confusion, even a spell. He found none but that foreign look he never quite saw in anyone. It warmed his heart.

"Is that how you'll look at me from now on my love?" He cupped her face never wanting her eyes to leave his.

Caroline chuckled still emotional. "Always and forever, Klaus. I love you."

She had never seen him smile the way he was now and it made butterflies flutter in her stomach. Klaus pulled her in for another tight hug and kissed her again, their tongues entwining.

"I would love to ravage you sweetheart, but this calls for a grand celebration. Tomorrow night we'll hold a ball in your honor, my queen."

He put his forehead on hers and gave her another dazzling smile. "You will wear a gown fit for a queen, my love."

Caroline laughed but never doubted his words. He did love to spoil her and now she was no longer afraid to bask in the glory of his attention. It was also the perfect time knowing Hayley won't be able to attend which satisfied her for the meantime.


Niklaus discussed the details of the ball with Elijah. It was hitting two birds with one stone. He was inviting everyone, thus letting the barrier do the rest of the job of determining his true allies. He doubted Caroline would approve of his plan since he never mentioned it. At the moment she only knew that it was to celebrate her acceptance of him.

Suddenly, Caroline barged through the room he and Elijah were in. "Klaus, I was thinking. The ball would be a great chance to see who our true enemies are."

Niklaus beamed at her. Not only for thinking of the same thing but for clearly taking his side, making his enemies hers. Ours, he thought.

"Already ahead of you love," he grinned at her.

Caroline crossed her arms. "Did you even think of running it by me if I didn't come up with the same idea?"

Caught unaware, Niklaus smiled sheepishly. "Of course love, why wouldn't I?"

"Uh huh. So no plans huh," Caroline smirked as she raised her eyebrows. "You're lucky I have to plan this party and make sure I look like I'm queen of the world tomorrow."

"You are my love. I wouldn't allow it any other way," Niklaus pecked her on the lips.

Caroline smiled at him and kissed him back.


It was the day of the ball and Caroline was in her element, giving orders and criticizing the smallest detail. Rebekah scoffed when the woman had taken charge, seeing almost nothing had changed about the woman except the addition of her brother.

Caroline was pulled out of her moment when Klaus suddenly twirled her to face him and kissed her on the lips. She giggled and lightly slapped him on the shoulder as she tried to create distance between them. "Klaus, I have to finish preparing."

"Now love, it would be a waste to not let the party planner I hired do it for you", Klaus started to lead her upstairs to her room. On her bed was a majestic gown of blood red accented with gold.

"Does yours match mine?" She queried. He nodded happily, expecting the question and ushered her to start getting ready for the ball.

"How will you make sure Hayley won't make a fuss outside?" Caroline followed up.

"Don't worry sweetheart, I had a witch confine her for the meantime." Klaus appeased her and gave a final kiss on her forehead before leaving to let her prepare.

Several hours later, Klaus was knocking on Caroline's door. "Are you ready, love?"

Caroline emerged from the room, her hair elegantly swept up in a bun with a few tendrils falling here and there perfectly framing her face and accenting her eyes. He was entranced. She looked liked a true queen in her dress that he picked out himself. Pride glimmered in his eyes as he saw that she had worn the jewelry he had picked out as well. Ruby and gold glistened across her fair complexion and he promised himself she only deserved the finest. The jewelry suit her better than the previous royal who owned it.


Visitors that were able to enter had their presence announced by a staff as it was done in medieval times. Once all the guests were accounted for, it was Niklaus and Caroline's queue to enter.

The staff bellowed,"Niklaus Mikaelson and his Queen, Caroline Forbes."

Caroline couldn't help but smile at the title given to her. With Klaus she truly felt like royalty, knowing his power and influence. But most importantly, how he treated and spoiled her every chance he could get. With her arms entwined in his, they looked at their audience from above and smiled regally. Every bit the power couple, everyone clapped at their presence. Even if it was for show, Caroline loved being the center of attention. She didn't have to beg or scrape for it now and that thought relieved her.

When they went down to socialize, Klaus never left her side. He introduced her to older vampires and witches and it delighted her to know that they still have quite a number of powerful allies.

When they started to dance she took it as an opportunity to clarify her place in Klaus' life.

"You really had to introduce me as a queen?" she asked smiling.

Klaus smiled back, " they'd eventually have to know who their queen is. I am practically the king of supernatural New Orleans love. As a matter of fact, the Mikaelson family is practically royalty in our world."

Caroline knew this of course. "So I'm your girlfriend now?"

Klaus chuckled, "if that's how you want to call it. Then yes love, I am your boyfriend."

Caroline beamed at him as their lips met for another kiss that this time the world could see. She savoured the moment, not caring how intimate they were in public. She'd let the kiss last as long as she can.