VII. Seduction isn't making someone do what they don't want to do. Seduction is enticing someone into doing what they secretly want to do already. ~ Waiter Rant
"Dearest Guests,
You are formally invited to the Mystic Falls Annual Founders Masquerade Ball. It will be held in the Grand Hall on the 31st of October at 8 pm.
We truly anticipate your arrival."
The population read over the golden calligraphy engraved on the invitations delicately that fills them with excitement and anticipation towards the event. Women scatter across the state and hold up the phone lines to find their fantastical dresses and men rush towards the tailors to get their suits designed. The hype of the event is all this small town talks about for the next week keeping them on their toes.
However, our fellow characters are more worried of Ester's plans and involvements with this town and her chimeras. But nonetheless, they join in the trials and tribulations of dress/suit shopping as one must always endure before a big event.
On the night, men tuck in their ties and straighten their bows before curling their arms out for their fair ladies. The Salvatore brothers slick their hair back and Stefan straightens his bow before pulling down his waist coat while Damon fixes his silver tie before placing it under his waist coat then the both slip on their black masks. Their gazes avert from the mirrors and up at the stairs.
Caroline descends down the stairs in an angelic strapless white gown with intricate silver embroiderer on the torso of the dress. Her blond curls cascade beautifully down one side and clipped by a white diamond clip. Her white ceramic mask sits on her face and has similar silver designs.
"My lady." Stefan says delicately as he extends his arm out for her.
Elena walks in and Caroline can see the love stricken faces of Damon and Stefan as they eye her in her burgundy strapless gown as she walks through the floor like Aphrodite wearing a golden Greek mask. The ripples on the bottom of her dress that trails majestically making her look elegant. Caroline walks up to her offering a smile,
"You look beautiful." She says sincerely and Elena blushes a little
"Thank you."
The doors open and everyone's gazes are averted at the Originals walking into the hall like they dominated it. The men are sleek and sharp in their personalized and tailor made tuxedoes exposing their broad shoulders with their hairs slicked back neatly. Walking in with their charming half smiles making every girl swoon for them. Meanwhile, Rebekah enters with a black gown and her hair falling gracefully down her shoulders in soft curls. Her vibrant red lips are playing a victorious smirk, probably believing she is the most superior woman in the room. They all are wearing black masks that seem to have been designed and shaped to suit their personalities.
"The big and the bad all walking in at once. Sure ravens have become good omens now." Caroline comments
"I don't see Ester." Stefan mentions
"The old witch is wearing a mask smart ass. None of us can find her." Damon says
"And why are you so agitated?" Caroline asks poking Damon's chest
"Nothing Blondie." Damon says irritated, holding her hand to stop her poking
"I'm going to look around then." Caroline says waving her hands up in defeat before walking away.
"You look breathtaking."
Caroline turns around to see Kol and without a response he snatches her bare hands and grazes his fingers over her soft silky skin before placing a seductive heated kiss on her hand. She can feel his smirk on her skin. He doesn't let go of her hand instead he brings her closer to him and leans in closer to her ear, taking in the smell of lilies. "I can pretend to be anyone you want tonight." Kol whispers in a sultry tone. She can feel his warmth breath dancing around her bare neck.
"Kol." Caroline responds seductively, "Pretend to be dead." Her voice drops into a whisper close to his ear and an amusing grin plays his face while he snakes his arm around her waist before pulling her in and caging her tightly in his arms. She tries to pull away but he is persistent.
"You were always the fun one." Kol says running his finger down her jaw line
"Your brother is going to murder you Kol."
"Hence why you were so much fun. One night beautiful. Promise. Although I cannot promise that you won't want more." Kol's eyebrows cock up while his lips curl up and the glint of lust flashes through his eyes
"Kol." Someone growls
"Brother. You shouldn't be rude and interrupt me while I am with a lady." Kol says
"Your lady is mine." Klaus states grimly before placing a death grip on Kol's shoulder causing his to lose his grip around Caroline's waist. "Now leave." Klaus demands and Kol bids after rolling his eyes and placing yet another kiss on Caroline but on her cheeks this time just for the amusement to see his brother's fury.
"I can take care of myself Niklaus." Caroline states
"Clearly." He says sarcastically
"Jealousy was never becoming of you." Caroline says and Klaus scoffs
"Dance with me." He says extending his hand out to which Caroline reluctantly accepts.
She's bored in a week, big dreams but nothing material
And I refuse to believe that love is for the weak
I said I'm not vulnerable
Klaus leads her to the dance floor before pulling her in closer to him, so close that her warmth radiates on him. They sway within rhythm and he has an unexpectedly loose grip on her hand as his other hand trails down her back to intertwine around her waist. She places her hand on his broad shoulder and gazes into his icy blue eyes that are shining at her. Not once in this coordinated dance did Klaus leave his gaze off of her. He spins her and pulls her in before leaning in.
"Remember in 1613, when we danced like this in the King's palace?" Klaus says
"Even that night was a masquerade. What are the odds?" Caroline recalls
Hey lady, said I don't wanna fight
Like pretty girls need cowboys
I need you here tonight
"Come away with me." His voice drops to a low whisper. Enticing her with the idea of escaping away from the dance with him. She wants to refuse so badly, but something in her says she must join him.
"Fine." She whispers in defeat and he grins enthusiastically.
"Brilliant."
Klaus takes her to the abandoned corridors of the hall and the music blaring out in the hall is still heard where they were. The whole time, he had his hand around her which surprising she hasn't made a remark or even tries to pull it out of his hands. He stops in front of a large window that fills the whole wall. It presents the moonlit sky with millions of stars blinking in the dark sheet while the willow tree hangs gracefully. The lake shimmers under the moon and provides serenity to the landscape. The scene is breathtaking and Caroline touches the glass of the window as if hoping to touch the whole scene at once with her fingertips.
"This is beautiful." Caroline says softly
"Do you remember this lake?" Klaus asks
"We used to swim in this lake at night when our parents told us not too. Mother used to get so mad at me every time she caught me. Thankfully she didn't tell father or he would have had your head." She mentions
"It was best during summer. The whole place came to life."
"Do you think it still feels the same? The water. The trees." Caroline asks absent mindedly and Klaus stares at her confusingly yet at the same time astonished at how her beauty amplifies under the moonlight.
"I wouldn't know sweetheart." Klaus finally responds, "Caroline." She turns around and abruptly his hands are on her face, taking the mask off and he swears he is blown away. Her blue eyes shine back at him and her porcelain skin is glowing. He grazes her jaw line before leaning in slowly closer to her lips just before taking his own mask off. Their lips are a breath away, "Klaus." She says weakly trying to stop him.
"Am I that bad?" Klaus asks
"Yes." She responds
"How can I acquit myself?"
"You can leave me alone." She says placing her hands on his firm chest and slightly pushing his chest back a little but her hands are caught by his.
"How can I just leave the woman that I have loved for a thousand years? It is all I know Caroline." Caroline looks up at him and is sure that if she had a beating heart it would beat right out of her chest. His suave words and heart melting features, it is the reason why she fell in love with him a thousand years ago and even continued to.
"We should go back inside. I hear a toast is coming." She says walking away and Klaus inwardly curse.
"Where have you been Barbie? I've been texting you." Damon asks
"Around. Why? What's wrong?" She asks
"It's about—"
"Ladies and Gentleman. Thank you all for coming this evening. I'd like to introduce to you the latest council member, Ester Michelson." Carole introduces
"What?" Caroline asks incredulously
"I texted you." Damon says
"I came to this town as it is the town my ancestors grew up in and I hope to be able to rebuild its historical roots." Ester says raising her glass
"Ester. What brings you here?" Caroline asks leaning against the door frame
"You look darling Caroline."
"I wish I can say the same to you."
"What do you want Ester?" Damon ask straight to the point.
"Is it not obvious?" Ester says
"She must think we are mind readers guys." Damon calls out
"Hello mother." Rebekah says grimly from behind with her brothers having lined up behind her.
"Look at this. My children uniting. Never would have I thought I would see the day." Ester comments
"Why are you making Chimeras?" Caroline asks
"To rid these abominations." She responds harshly
"You just need one. Why make more?" Caroline asks
"Dear child. You are always such a feisty one. Your mother had great troubles with you while you grew up. Always complaining how your sharp tongue would get you killed one day."
"Don't speak of my mother Ester."
"She was my best friend Caroline long before she was your mother."
"Answer her question Ester." Stefan interjects
"If you must know. I built the army to completely annihilate Mystic Falls."
AN: Here's the new chapter. Hope you enjoyed it. Thank you all for the reviews and alerts and favorites it is very much appreciated, love you all for it. Anyways, sorry for long update hope you liked it :). Take care and please reviews.