CHAPTER FIVE

Mikaelson Compound, New Orleans, Louisiana

Klaus hangs up and places his phone into his back jeans pocket just as Marcel wanders in from the Jackson Square entrance to the compound.

"Klaus, you called?"

"Marcellus. Thank you for agreeing to the terms of our deal so quickly."

"Ofcourse. How is my Little Mamma?" At this the hybrid raises his eyebrow.

"Little Mama?"

"Too soon Pops?" Marcel questions. They both laugh before turning somewhat serious again.

"You continue to surprise, you're genuinely concerned. Yet, you've yet to have the pleasure of speaking or meeting with Caroline."

"Hey, after everything you showed me, I don't need to. I get it man. Caroline is one in a trillion. Whatever she needs. She's family. We look after our family, always and forever right... That's the Mikaelson way."

Walking over to the portable bar, Klaus pours Marcel and himself a glass of bourbon. "I'm glad to see you show your devotion and loyalty towards Caroline so easily." Marcel takes the drink his father is offering him while Klaus continues his ranting.

"Unfortunately the same can not be said of her friends. They lack the capacity to see beyond the latest Petrova Doppelganger, Elena. Only ever using my Caroline as a pawn when in reality she is a true Queen. One who must be protected at all costs."

"A toast, to the Queen! Long may she reign, Keep the Mad King on his toes. And hopefully my head attached to my body and my heart in my chest!"

"Mad King indeed." Klaus laughs lightly. "Ah Marcellus, I have missed your sense of humor. Glad to see its return at last my boy."

"I've missed you too, old man." The pair embrace, past grievances forgotten. All forgiven, father and son reunited once more.

Walking into the courtyard from Jackson Square, Elijah and Rebekah are both utterly perplexed by the sight which greets them. A strange sense of deja vu washes over the pair.

"Marcellus, Niklaus. Consorting with the enemy brother? Questions Elijah.

"ELijah, Bekah." Marcel greeted them.

"Nothing so nefarious Elijah. Marcel and I have reached an acceptable accord to the mutual benefit of both parties. Henceforth, we are looking forward to the future of our city and are a family united once more."

"What do you get out of this agreement Marcel? Elijah asks suspiciously.

"Why, the keys to the Kingdom baby!" Marcel smiles widely.

"Temporarily. Probationary. A Regency, if you will. Elijah, you will help guide Marcel in the direction which is best for the family and the city."

"Yeah, yeah, I know not to throw any wild parties while you're gone Pops."

"Only until our return."

"Speaking of which, shouldn't you be heading out?"

"YOU'RE LEAVING!!" screamed Rebekah. Klaus rolls his eyes at his sisters overly dramatic outburst. Marcel just grins back at his father.

"Give my love to our Queen and the Queen's mother."

"I shall not proclaim your love. Rather inform her that you have bent the knee and sworn to be her faithful servant."

"That works too. If either of you need anything, call and I'll send a few of my guys."

"Since you are in such a generous mood. I'll take young Joshua off your hands for the duration of my trip. So hard to find a worthwhile minion in that backwater hell of a town."

"I thought Zack ws your guy?"

"Zackary is more, shall we say "a middle management minion."

"Your words or the Queens?"

Breaking into a wide smile... "The Queen and I speak as one."

CHAPTER FIVE