Chapter 18

The wedding was to take place in the Gypsy encampment. It was customary, had said the Elders. The Mikaelsons didn't mind either way, as long as they left as soon as the ceremony was over.

And so the whole Mikaelsons, and some of their men, like Enzo, showed up in the afternoon. Klaus leading, Kol a step behind a reluctant expression on his face. Elijah stood next to Kol, probably to keep an eye on him. Freya, Rebekah and Henrik were also there. Marcel was conspicuously absent, still in lock up, which explained the sour look on Rebekah's face.

Still, they were here. And despite the relative tension with the gypsies at their arrival, even greater than when Elijah visited alone, after all Klaus and Kol were here this time, the Elders welcomed them in if a bit wary. And so the wedding began.

-O-

Davina had not had a good day. She was woken early and then scrubbed clean, after which she was dressed in her wedding gown, before make-up was applied to her face, she still draw a line to the minimum amount of make-up and thankfully her wish was listened to. Her hair was done, front bangs held back from her face, the rest falling in dark curls over her shoulders. A flower crown fixing her veil in place completed the ensemble.

As she looked at herself in the mirror, Davina had a hard time recognizing herself. She looked like a young woman instead of the girl she was yesterday, she wondered if she smiled, would it look like it was the happiest day of her life.

Not wishing to look more at herself, she brought down the veil over her face.

She'd been left alone when they were done helping her prepare, or dressing her up like a doll, amended Davina in her mind. She appreciated the moment of solitude before her life completely changed, and at the same time she wished for time to move more quickly so it was over with sooner.

Sophie entered her caravan and looked at her without speaking for a moment.

"It's time." She finally said.

Davina closed her eyes and took a breath before rising to her feet and walking toward the door who'd seal her future.

"Davina," Sophie stopped her just before getting out, a hand on her white covered arm. "You've never felt like you fitted here, with us, maybe this will be good for you and you'll finally find what you're looking for." She whispered to her.

Davina didn't answer, she didn't want to listen to those peoples platitudes. She was through with it, they would not get more out of her while she was led like a lamb to the slaughter. She brushed off the hand on her arm and went out.

-O-

Kol was never the most patient man, so the wait until his future bride appeared seemed interminable. It wasn't like he was like most grooms on their wedding, happy and nervous as they waited to marry their wife. No, he was forced into this, would rather be elsewhere, but he was also curious. What kind of bride was he supposed to marry ?

When he saw the white figure led toward him, and the officiant going to marry them, his first thought was that they must have chosen to cover her with a veil because she was ugly. He turned to glance at his brothers but both were giving him this look, like they wouldn't let him escape today.

Looking back to the front, the girl had reached his side and quietly stood there, she was short. He really hoped she wasn't younger than she was supposed to be, he couldn't marry an hysterical teenage girl. Granted, she didn't look ready to go into hysteric, glancing down, he saw her hands were steady, no sign of trembling. Well, here goes his hope that if she broke down during the wedding he gets home scot-free.

"We are all gathered today to celebrate the union between two families..." The officiant began his speech.

Kol looked before him, half tuning him out, he was getting bored. But a slight movement next to him made him glance from the corner of his eyes, the girl was raising her veil for this part of the ceremony. And for the first time he saw the face of his future wife. She wasn't smiling, but neither was he.

She was beautiful, all dark hair, pretty eyes and pouty mouth.

Damn. He definitely couldn't get out of this now. But then again as he looked discreetly at her he though he wouldn't mind having such a pretty wife. She glanced out the corner of her eyes at him as well, and their eyes met, sending Kol pulse racing. Now he was interested.

"Kol Mikaelson take this woman has your wedded wife."

Kol eyes went back to the officiant, thankfully the ceremony did not require him to speak, probably a precaution deemed necessary by both sides.

"Davina Claire take this man has your wedded husband."

The officiant took a ceremonial dagger out and both held out their hand. First, Kol palm was cut, then Davina's. Good thing they weren't squeamish.

"And so, blood becomes one..." Continued the officiant as both slightly turned to each other and pressed their hand together. The warmth of the skin to skin contact made Kol crave more. But instead they released their hands.

"I declare you husband and wife."

Applause rang out around them, and once again they exchanged a look. However, both were swept by their side of the family quickly to be offered congratulations. Freya was already there, bandaging his wound, glancing at the side, he saw a woman doing the same for Davina.

"Satisfied with your new bride's looks ?" Klaus whispered in Kol's ear.

Kol threw him a glance, but didn't speak which his brother took as an affirmation if judging by his smug look.

"We should go greet her." Elijah intervened.

Freya nodded and the group headed the few steps to Davina's side.

"Welcome to the family, Davina isn't it. I am Freya Mikaelson." Freya took her hands in hers.

"Thank you and yes." Davina did not shy away or avoid her searching gaze like a blushing bride, she didn't know what the older woman saw in her eyes but she nodded, smiled, and released her hands.

"Yes, welcome." Klaus Mikaelson said, observing her, and Davina felt uncomfortable under his gaze, not like he was looking at her lecherously, there wasn't an ounce of that in his eyes, but the calculation there was plain. So that was Klaus Mikaelson, Chicago up and coming big bad.

Elijah, Rebekah and Henrik introduced themselves next. The older neatly dressed man attitude to her was neutral, the girl around her age seemed to be in a bad mood, and on the opposite, the boy was smiling at her happily.

"Now that that is done, it is time to go home. Of course, everyone is invited to celebrate at the Mystic with us." Klaus turned to smile magnanimously at the Elders observing the interaction.

And so, half an hour later Davina was for the first time in a speakeasy, the famous Mystic. And at her side was seated her new husband, Kol.

"Davina." He said. Nobody was paying attention to them right now, she turned to him. "I like it, it's a good name." He looked at her, their eyes crossing once more, she felt her skin warm.

"Kol." She called his name in turn for the first time, it felt foreign on her tongue, but she could get used to it. And the way his eyes darkened at the sound of his name on her lips.

At that moment, they were handed glasses of champagne and Klaus raised his glass and addressed the crowd.

"To our brother and his lovely bride, may they be happy together. Always and Forever."

For the crowd, it might not have meant much, but Kol and all the others Mikaelson understood, Always and Forever was their family's promise to always stand by each other. When they drank it was as if a vow was renewed.

Rebekah was angry at Klaus, she loved Marcel, but she also loved her family and her overprotective brother. Even as she was torn these days, she still brought the glass to her lips and took a sip.

-O-

Caroline watched the celebration, watched for the first time the Mikaelsons all together here at the same time. They looked like any family celebrating the marriage of one of their own.

People were laughing, drinking, dancing. And it was probably the busiest and happiest occasion she witnessed since her arrival in town.

She had only learned about the wedding that afternoon from Gloria as they hurried around to prepare for this party. That had thrown her for a loop for a bit. But arranged marriage or not, people just wanted the easy excuse to drink and merrymake. She was busy herself, bustling behind the bar.

But it didn't distract her from taking the occasion to observe the Mikaelson. Freya, the older sister she'd never seen before was talking to Gloria at the bar in hushed tones. Henrik, the youngest Mikaelson had nearly bowled her over earlier as he was running around with friends, he'd apologized, given her a smile when she'd said it was okay and went back to his friends, he certainly had the charm of a Mikaelson, but there was also an air of innocence around him. Unusually Rebekah hadn't danced the whole night and stayed at the bar, nursing a drink, loneliness apparent in her eyes. Everyone knew about her and Marcel now, so no one dared provoke this dragon. The only presence she seemed to tolerate was Matt who was filling her glass and occasionally exchanged some words with her. Caroline was a bit surprised, she hadn't known they were friends, he'd never seemed fond of the Mikaelsons after all. Elijah was milling around, and Klaus, he was up in the booth overlooking the room observing his court like a king. Sometimes she swears she could feel his eyes on her, but she didn't check if she was right. She couldn't be right.

The protagonist of the celebration, the newlyweds, were at different end of the room now, both surrounded by people. Kol seemed engaged in a drinking contest, while Davina had giggling girls all around her talking at her rather than with her, the new Mikaelson seemed bored from what Caroline observed.

She couldn't wait to take her break. She'd been serving people for hours. Had a couple of drinks herself truth be told, but Gloria was lenient on this special occasion. She got out of behind the counter and tried to make her way through the crowd of people to the back room, she was nearly there when she was jostled by a group of drunk patrons. Hands reached out behind her to stabilize her, a shock like electricity ran through her at the contact. She turned around and came face to face with Klaus.

"Careful there sweetheart." He smiled teasingly at her.

"Hi." She breathed. Then wanted to hit her head for it, calling herself stupid. Why did she say that ? Like that too ? She cleared her throat under the amused gaze of Klaus.

"I guess I should offer my congratulations." She began anew.

"I'm not the one who got married." He raised an eyebrow.

"No, but it's in the family." She shrugged. "Family's important for you Mikaelsons isn't it ?" She looked in his eyes and she couldn't describe the emotions she read in them at her words.

"It is." He responded seriously. "But I'm not here to talk about my family. Would you care for a dance ?" He extended his hand.

"I don't know, it didn't end that well last time." Caroline raised an eyebrow at him.

"Are you still holding that over my head ? Give me another chance. I promise, today is just about you and I." He motioned to his hand, still out, a challenging air about him.

Caroline swallowed. Hesitated, then put her hand in his.

He smiled and didn't lose any time leading her on the space reserved to dance. Other couples parting for them.

As he put his hand on her waist and hers on his shoulder and they began to sway to the melody playing, she could feel gazes on them. But she ignored them. Klaus was so close to her, she could smell his spicy scent with an inkling of tobacco. The gruffness of his stubble on her temple. And the warmth of his body seeping into her. It felt like the cacophonies of noises around them became muted and there was only the two of them in their bubble.

The song ended and Caroline felt as though the bubble was popped as everything came back into focus. Her heartbeat was so loud in her ribcage, she wondered if Klaus could hear it. This was dangerous.

"I need to go back to work Mr Mikaelson." She plastered a polite smile on her face taking a step back.

"It's your favorite excuse isn't it Caroline." Klaus didn't let go of his hold on her.

"Well, I happen to always be working when we see each other." She defended herself.

"So you are. We should do something about that." His voice dipped lower and he leaned in to her to speak in her ear. "I know you know my name Caroline, you used it once, I'd like you to continue."

"It was in the heat of the moment." She protested and realized her poor choice of words as his eyes darkened.

"I meant that it would be inappropriate to be so informal." She quickly rectified.

"You can be as informal you want with me, I promise."

"That's already the second promise you made me tonight. You should be careful." She whispered to him.

"Am I not holding the first ?" He raised an eyebrow.

"Thank you for the dance Klaus." He kept her blue eyes locked with his.

Finally, he released her and took a step back.

"Anytime Caroline."

-O-

Davina was alone in a room once again, comtemplating her life. This morning it was in the little caravan she'd lived in the last five years, but now she'd never set foot in it again, all her possessions were gathered into the three beat up suitcases taking a corner of the room.

Earlier, as it was getting late, Freya had taken her two youngest siblings home along with Davina. Then after giving her a quick tour of the house, Freya had lead her there. Kol's room. Her new bedroom.

The blonde had told her she was down the hall if she needed anything and left her to her own devices.

She'd lost the veil a long time ago, but she'd finally been able to get out of her wedding dress. Now she was wearing a nightdress, still white, ironically enough, but much more comfortable.

She couldn't help being nervous. Was she expected to wait for her new husband ? It was their wedding night. But did she really want to go through with it ?

To distract herself from her nerves, she was looking around the room, there wasn't much, but what caught Davina's eye was the phonograph on the dresser. She got closer to inspect it. Could she make it work to listen to the record already on it. But she was a bit afraid of accidentally breaking it, she wasn't sure how expensive it must be.

"Want my help Darling ?"

She jumped a bit at the voice and half turned to see Kol observing her in the embrasure of the door.

"Is it alright to listen to some music ?" She gathered her wits, and asked fearlessly.

Kol entered the room, closing the door behind him, and walked to her. He reached to the Phonogram and the music was turned on.

"I do have impeccable taste in music." He smirked down at her. They hadn't been so close since the wedding, and the pull between them was still here and well.

"I'm told it's tradition for newlyweds to share a dance." He extended a hand to her.

Davina glanced at the hand and back into his eyes before putting her hand in his. They began to sway to the music.

"For the record, I don't care much about traditions." Not after being a Harvest girl and today.

"A girl after my own heart." Kol grinned mischievously.

Kol was truly handsome, especially when he smiled like that. When she'd laid eyes on him first at the ceremony, she'd thought him attractive, she'd been told he was only a few years older than her so she wasn't expecting an old man, but the sight was a pleasant surprise. She hadn't missed the jealous looks of her fellow Harvest Girls either. None of the men or boys in their clan were as handsome as her brand new husband. Serve them right. It had made her feel marginally better about the whole affair.

She wasn't sure what to make of Kol yet. She didn't like that she'd been forced into this marriage. But as they slow danced she couldn't deny her attraction. So when Kol leaned in to kiss her, she let him. She even returned the kiss, clumsily as she wasn't well practiced. She felt him smile against her lips. His hands in her hair and the small of her back, pulled her closer and she was eager to feel more. Her hands went to his shirt, opening it and pulling it down as Kol broke the kiss, looking searchingly at her.

"I'm not much of a gentleman Darling. If we don't stop now, I won't stop at all." He warned her seriously, even as his eyes were darkened with lust watching her.

Davina took a step back and he tensed. She smiled despite her renewed nervousness and her hands went to her own nightgown she pulled it off, leaving her in her undergarments. His eyes took her in and the look in them made her feel beautiful.

"Then don't." She simply said, and Kol had already closed the distance between their body, covering her lips with his more roughly than earlier before coming up for air.

Opening back her eyes, she smiled at him and throwing her arms around his neck, kissed him again.

For those that are curious about the characters ages:

Caroline:18

Klaus:23

Elijah:27

Rebekah:18

Kol:20

Freya:31

Henrik:15

Bonnie:18

Matt:19

Enzo:26

Marcel:23

Davina:17