A/N:Please excuse bad grammar.
Disclaimer: Not Mine.
Obey
No matter how much she burrowed into the furs that covered her mattress, the cold chill of reality sunk into her bones. She felt him. It was if he was beside her, inside her, surrounding her with his want. She could not decipher the rage from lust burning through her center. He eventually slipped away taking the warmth with him. She was left with her dark and lonely thoughts.
Once again she wondered how did I get to this place? Her battered heart and racing mind out of sync, her soul torn apart. She came here to save her family. How did she end up witnessing the death of so many of her sisters? How did she miss the part when she gave her heart to a vampire, the vampire?
She loved him. She knew that now. It was just another truth that blindsided her amongst the blood, amongst the littered bodies of her fellow mages.
It was what kept her there, in her bed, too afraid to deal with the fact that her chosen mate was her mortal enemy. She lay there in guilt, in utter shame, as she wished he were there with her. Her thoughts, her very being was at war. She protected her own. She protected those she loved. It was her way, their way. Niklaus was a bastard. One way or another, he would force her to choose.
-o0o-
Color danced in the sky. The air was alive with magic. It surrounded her until she felt as if she was being squeezed. Like she would pop and crimson magic would flow from her like juice. She rose to catch her breath. She rose because her magic called to them. The sun was barely peeking into her window but the Triumvirate was here. Here, waiting. Here at White Oak Castle. Here, officially fusing two worlds she so desperately wanted to keep apart. Here, to know doubt tear her apart, to yank free the part of her who belonged to him. They would make her choose.
-o0o-
Kael stood above them with Bartholomew and Cara by her side. The Merlin himself sat in the field beyond the castle waiting to strike. They were ready for war. Kael counted eleven of the sixteen covens. The field looked like a rainbow as flags flew signifying magic lineage. Traveler silver girded the group. The time jumpers' magic hummed as it stood, a wall of death to anyone who tried to move past it.
What have you done, my boy? Kael thought trying to figure her way out of Niklaus's mess.
"We stand no chance." Cara said looking out over the field. She was working fast enchanting arrows to always find a magical target.
"Maybe with Sapphire we could have held them but now…" Cara said looking at the teal of the coven Yemaya. The mermaids could do wondrous things with water, and the sky was full of clouds, and the castle grounds was chosen years ago for the river that ran underneath.
"You can't call to the dragons?" Bartholomew said grounding his power. The veteran mage reached deep into the rocks and earth beneath him drawing on the life in the soil.
"We are a reclusive race. My brethren could care less if vampires or witches for that matter are wiped from this earth."
"At least the necros aren't here." Cara said grateful she would not die being ripped apart by zombies. She smirked over at Kael, and watched hypnotized as the dragon sprouted and shed black scales on her arms repeatedly. The ground was littered with waif thin skin. The pelts hardened once the dragon enchanted them with her breath.
Cara had heard of the infamous yet rare fireblades but she had never seen one, let alone watched a dragon make hundreds of them in minutes. Cara was once again grateful that she was on Kael side and she would not get caught in the neck by a blade that would burn through flesh until it severed whatever it was attached to.
"Necromancers love Niklaus. Every since he came into to power they have more than enough spirits to power their spells."
"Bart, can you summon Lord Malachi?" Cara asked trying to not have a panic attack.
They were woefully outnumbered, no matter the beings and weapons they had at their disposal.
The dragon and witch watched as the warlock closed his eyes and reached out with his magic.
"They are too far north." He said opening his eyes.
"Greta would flatten them for even daring to step on our land." Cara hissed looking out to the field again. Kael sighed. The witchling was right.
"Greta isn't here."
"And why is that? Why are we here? You saw what…"
"Cara, mind your tongue. You are Gemini, and Malachi is our leader. And he is vampire."
"But…"
"Was Magda's death not enough for you, witchling?" Kael questioned.
"I have rounded up everyone that has some magical ability." Lord Damon said climbing the last steps to the siege tower. "My men are in position in the woods. Stefan's are guarding the children in the keep."
Kael, Bart and Cara looked over the rag tag group of servants, companions and prisoners as they entered the landing. They could barely detect any power.
"It's just us three then to guard against the Merlin and the heads of the sixteen houses." Cara said turning back to the field.
"It's four of us and I only count eleven covens." Bonnie said stepping onto the tower glancing out over the inner curtain wall. Bonnie was dressed in her crimson battle cloak.
"Hell, no. I told Mari to guard you. You are carrying the King's heir. All the children are in the keep. Take your stomach to the keep." Lord Damon said pointing to the stairs.
"And what happens to the children when they breach the gate and storm into the castle. I rather help hold the line than be stuck like a sitting duck." Bonnie answered somberly looking out at the magic community, her magic community.
"The stubborn independent thing got old the second you let the king do that to you." Lord Damon said pointing to her slightly protruding stomach. Bonnie just glared back at the Lord. He rolled his eyes.
"Kael, do something here." Lord Damon said going to the edge of the tower. He saw hundreds of witches surrounded by still trees. His men were close. They must have already made it through the catacombs and out into the woods.
"How are you feeling?" Kael said ignoring the dark circles, red eyes, and raw nose.
"Fine." Bonnie said shrinking a little under her gaze.
"What?" Lord Damon said turning back to face the two women.
"If I force you to the keep will you stay put?" Kael said strengthening the wards on the castle gates.
"No." Bonnie returned.
"Are you serious?" Lord Damon said to the old dragon.
"Let her stay. She's right we need her, and at least up here it will be easier to escape. Is that not right, Mari?"
"It is." Mari said climbing unto the tower.
"You heard that right Barnie…" Lord Damon said turning to the warlock.
"For the hundredth time my name is Bartholomew." Lord Damon eyed the man then turned to find a less prissy ally.
"Mari, you heard Kael say she could stay, after I ordered her to the keep." Lord Damon continued.
"It amazes me the power Niklaus has over all of you." Mari said surveying the task before them.
"And yet here you stand little Kitsune." The Dragon said stepping up beside the woman.
"He pays me well."
"Ah, is that it?" Kael said smiling to herself. Bonnie looked between the two women her eyes narrowed. Mari, always conscious of her surroundings, changed the subject.
"I find it odd the Triumvirate would storm the castle when I am sure they have spies that know exactly were Niklaus is. If it looks bad I will help you escape Bonnie, but you have to go when I say so. No more cloaking spells."
Bonnie was about to respond when the air crackled around them. The traveler's protection ward split in two allowing the Merlin, the intercepts, and his advisors through. The parade stopped just before the castle's ward.
"The triumvirate requests an audience with the King." A page called from the ground.
"What is the nature of this request?" Lord Damon answered.
"You have no authority to question the Merlin." One of the intercepts snarled up at Lord Damon.
"I am the King's representative." Lord Damon answered quashing the annoyance he felt.
"Representative? Is the Hybrid King too good to entertain the Order of the Mage? Does he think so little of us," Another one of the Merlin's minions flung.
"I assure you the King holds the order in high regard." Lord Damon volleyed.
"Then why is he not here to greet the Merlin? To welcome the Order himself." Simone Bassett smirked up them. Her platinum strands glistening in the sun.
Careful boy, they want you to say he is not here. So they can tie Niklaus to the deaths of the witches. They will have every reason to take this castle and annihilate us, and then claim retribution. Kael sent to the vampire silently. Damon jumped as the words danced in his head. It amazed him the things dragons could do.
Bonnie was afraid. Her heart and mind was racing. Why did they come here when they could have met Niklaus on the field? They knew children were here, humans, witches. They were mages. They protected innocents.
"The king is taking special care to ensure the castle is prepared for his honored guests." Lord Damon stalled.
Everyone held their breath as they watched Gerard de Luc silver magic bloom around him. It was powerful and radiant. He rose until he was level with them just outside Kael's force field. He spoke and his voice carried out across the field and into the bowels of the castle.
"Your welcome is hollow and full of deceit. Tell me Lord Damon, where is the Hybrid King? He would never send a lowly pimp to greet his enemies. He would rather put in a show of power."
Bonnie's heart stuttered, as she watched hundreds of battle tested witches ready their spells.
Damon was speechless, as well as the rest of them. The high wizard smirked as his hand rose and the castle ward shook as several traveler witches attacked it with brute force.
Bonnie, Cara, Bartholomew fed power into the ward, as Kael's skin burst into black scales. Her eyes slanted and glowed yellow. She would stay in humanoid form until she no longer had a choice. She hated to release the beast even on her enemies. She hated eating mages. Their magic affected hers and always took forever to leave her system.
Bonnie knew they could not hold the ward long, not against these numbers. She started to split her power. At that moment Bonnie felt the baby kick for the first time. She gasped and Mari and Damon turned to her.
"What is it?" Mari asked concerned.
"You can't keep this up." Damon said his sword drawn. He watched Lady Rose, Duke Lorenzo, and Sir Alaric move their men into position just beyond the tree line.
"I'm good. Well, I'm fine." Bonnie answered.
The ward rippled but stood. Bonnie had managed to charge an attack spell while holding the wall. Bean tickled her. She was worried at first but Bonnie didn't get the sense that she was in trouble. For some strange reason she thought her baby was enjoying itself. Which was crazy. It was only a few months old. She was trying to hold the wall, keep her spell charged, and check in with her stomach for any signs of trouble. She was already exhausted. Damon was…
"Lord Damon is correct. This is…ridiculous. You're party cannot sustain this. I never understood why mages would defend these creatures." The Merlin said still floating before them without breaking a sweat.
"You're right Gerard." Emily said stepping unto the landing. Bonnie looked around her. The towers and the curtain walls of the castle flooded with crimson, black, and rust. The Blood, Death, and Topaz covens had arrived. The ward rippled again as Topaz added their magic to the ward. The energy wave knocked the traveler's on their asses.
"Do my eyes deceive me? Is Blood Coven standing with the hybrid?"
"The Blood and Topaz Coven are standing with the consort of this castle. The necros are here for fun."
"Greta?" Bonnie asked looking around. Out of all the colors represented here today. The witch still did not see Sapphire blue.
"I'm pretty sure she means you." Damon whispered to Bonnie, winking at Lucy. Lucy pursed her lips as red energy begins to spin in her hands. The Merlin's eyes narrowed.
"Consort? Maybe I am going blind in my old age, but I don't see any Sapphire. I certainly do not see Lady Martin. Matter of fact there seems to be quite a few people missing from the vampire court. Lord Stefan, Lord Marcel, Lord Malachi…Magda."
"Maybe you are going senile, Jerry or maybe your spies are just incompetent. The consort of this castle stands before you. May I introduce, the Seamstress of Souls, Temptress of Time, Enchantress of Elements, the High Priestess of the Blood Coven, and the Consort of the Vampire Court, Bonnie Amelia Bennett."
Bonnie was dreaming. She had to be. Everyone was staring at her expectantly, and she just wanted to go back to bed and cry.
The Merlin chuckled. "Emily, please do not make this any worst for yourself. You were just getting your footing back."
Emily picked up Bonnie's hand brandishing the Mikealson crest. Kael smiled.
"The color drained from the Merlin's face."
"So you do recognize the insignia. Lord Damon has any other woman ever wore his crest, bore his mark." Emily said pulling Bonnie's hair away from her neck to show the two wounds that had healed.
"Never." Lord Damon said grinning.
"How dare you, Merlin. The Hybrid King has sent out his queen and her attendants to greet you. The sire of Qetsiyah herself, and you show her nothing but disrespect." Kael snarked.
"This is a farce, father. She was third priestess six months ago, barely a novice, and now she's the High Priestess. She is nothing but the hybrid King's whore." Simone barked from her place on the ground.
That was the moment. The moment Simone narrowed her eyes, crooked her mouth and spat out that horrible insipid word. All at once Bonnie wanted it all to stop, and she wanted Niklaus here to punch him in the neck. She wanted it more than anything. She was so tired. So confused. She wanted him to make it all go away.
Her magic called to him, across the fields, across space, and across time. She was always with him. Everywhere he went, the longing to be near her and their baby remained. Magick had no choice but to obey. Seconds later he stood beside her, washed in the blood of their enemies.
Everyone gasped including Bonnie. Bean kicked her approval.
"That's impossible." The Merlin said staring at Bonnie. Niklaus looked around alarmed. One minute he was torturing Kol's page the next he was… at home. His home. Surrounded by witches. Niklaus looked down at Bonnie then his eyes narrowed at Gerard Du Lac.
The Merlin sighed as he took in the fury in the hybrid's eyes. Davina popped in beside the king. She took in her surroundings. She looked out at the field and disappeared. Seconds later, Malachi appeared on the Castle wall, and then Marcel and then their army slowly started to materialize in front of the castle gates until a small force of vampires and hybrids surrounded the traveler force field, and green mingled with red, black, and rust on the castle walls. Davina and Maddox were the last arrivals on the crowded wall. The witch and her small group of rogue travelling vitches were clearly tired. They wore no robes despite their immense magical talent. They were vampire.
"What is the meaning of this Merlin?" Niklaus spat. His vehemence barely contained. The Merlin did not flinch.
"You tell me hybrid. I have received some disturbing reports that you have been slaughtering witches. I know this could not be true after the tireless negotiations we endured to formulate a peace treaty. Not so soon after Qetsiyah's death." Lucy had to grab Emily's hand to keep her from casting.
"I immediately set out to dispel these terrible rumors. I had just been extended a warm welcome when you arrived. From your consort?"
Niklaus glanced at the witch his brow raised. He noticed the dark circles and the red eyes. He went to grab her chin so he could take a good look at her but she flinched away from him. Ah, yes. He was a monster. He sighed. At least she was safe, no thanks to the coward before him. He would kill them all.
Kael looked alarmed she knew what he was thinking. They could not fight this battle and win. They may take the day but they would lose tomorrow.
Bonnie sensed Niklaus plans as well. She grabbed his hand and squeezed. The hybrid king looked down at their hands intertwined, in front of the high court, in front of their enemies, and in front of all the magical community. His ring gleamed brilliantly on her delicate fingers. His seed nestled in the protruding belly barely hidden by her crimson cloak. His anger was quelled chased out by logic and their future.
"I'm afraid the rumors are true Merlin." Everyone looked at the Hybrid King.
"I was brutally attacked by a small coven of witches using sex magic. I was simply defending myself. As I am sure the consort would have told you." Everyone again looked at the King surprised. He had just made Bonnie, a human witch, high court.
"The problem old friend is that we agreed that witches would be under my purview to punish."
"Actually, the contract states that in life or death situations defensive maneuvers are acceptable." Lord Donavan said out of breath, the signed treaty in his hands. Marcel patted the man on his back then took his former position on the wall.
"So we have come to an agreement. Please Merlin, allow us to extend invitation to our honored guests." Bonnie said smiling up at the old wizard.
Gerard de Luc was clearly disappointed, but he had no choice but to agree. He knew further battle would be devastating to both nations. He had missed this opportunity, or rather the intelligence his spies provided had not had been as forthcoming as it should have been. Niklaus looked over the man who clearly thought the danger was over. He knew the woman beside him like he knew himself. Her dazzling smile was anything but friendly.
-o0o-
"No. No. No. Why are they not attacking," Kol spat pacing, watching the action from afar.
"Is that? It could not be." Elijah said peering into the scope. "Brother, Niklaus is on the castle wall."
"What? He was in the North as of last night. There is no way." Kol said trying to snatch the instrument away from his older brother. Elijah would not yield.
"He is there and almost the entirety of his elite guards." Elijah reported.
"Why did the Merlin not attack? Surely, he is not afraid of the Blood Coven."
"Their numbers do look significant. Though they are still not what they once were." Elijah responded.
"The blood coven had trickled into the annals of obscurity." Kol said pacing again.
"How many times must I remind you we have been dead for more then seventy years, Kol. They have had more than enough opportunity to rebuild." Rebekah said annoyed.
"It was clever brother, using the Merlin's thirst for conquest to quench yours but again it seems your plan has failed." Elijah stated.
"How did you get him to agree to this Kol? Especially after the stunt you pulled." Rebekah asked.
"The enemy of my enemy is my friend."
"Am I to believe the Merlin excused your behavior to move against Niklaus?" Rebekah questioned.
"Of course he agreed. With all the inside information we learned about the ins and outs of the castle, Niklaus's position, and maneuvers, it was not very hard to convince Gerard to strike. Especially since our dear brother turned down the Merlin's spoiled brat. Gerard is embarrassed and greedy, two attributes that lend themselves to manipulation."
"You know as well as I do he plans to double cross us later." Elijah said continuing to watch the castle.
"I would not have it any other way." Kol smiled at Elijah.
"Well, I hope you are prepared brother. Niklaus has wiped out most of your army. He slaughtered your witches, and this little plot has just failed miserably. Do you think your personal guard and your spies can topple the vampire court?" Rebekah questioned.
"My guards?" Kol said turning to his sister. There was something in her voice he did not like.
"Yes, brother. Yours. I am done. I am tired of hiding. I am alive and I plan on living." Rebekah declared.
"Rebekah, think of what he did to you." Kol implored.
"I have actually been doing quite a bit of thinking as I have been slogging around in the muck. I was angry. I am angry."
"Let us finish him then sister." Kol interjected.
"Angry at allowing myself to be pulled into both of your nonsense again. You both would get on swimmingly if you were not so much a like. War and conquest, there is more to life than that you know."
"He stabbed you in the back, literally." Kol tried.
"No. No. Greta did, and she has been cast out like a leper. When that thought dawned on me, I was incredibly elated. And I realized it was the first time I have felt that way since we awoke. I am done."
"Are you going to go crawling back to him, then?" Kol spat itching for a white oak stake. Rebekah knew what he was thinking. He and Niklaus could be twins.
"No. I am going to walk up to those gates, and demand my land and forget the two of you exist." Rebekah said signaling her maids to attend her. They gathered her things.
"Rebekah, do you really think Niklaus is going to allow you to do that." Elijah finally said turning from the view they had of White Oak Castle.
"I do. The Merlin just attacked White Oak Castle knowing full well Niklaus was not inside. My brother, the Niklaus I know would have had his head the moment he set eyes on him. The Merlin still stands, something has changed him. I pray he will spare some mercy for his beloved sister."
Rebekah began to walk towards Damon's guards. She turned.
"Elijah, I always welcome your company." Rebekah said.
"Elijah, think about what he has done: Mother, Father, Katerina." Kol argued.
"Do not patronize me, brother. Your manipulations pale to the ones I have faced from our mother, father, Katerina, and yes even, Niklaus. But I will not join you sister. Someone has to teach Niklaus a lesson."
"I am afraid brother, that both of you are ill prepared for that task. I do not wish to lose you again, you either Kol. Let us go live our lives. The best revenge is happiness in spite of our enemies."
"His pain will make me happy." Kol hissed. Rebekah sighed.
"Elijah?"
"I wish you all the happiness sister."
"So it is just the two of us." Kol said after watching his sister and her party depart.
"We should check in with our secret weapon. See if the next step in our plan is ready." Kol said determined to soldier on.
"I'm not sure that is the appropriate recourse in light of today's events." Elijah said thinking of all their plans being laid to waste. His brother had the unique ability to attract loyal followers without returning the favor.
"So Gerard is a coward. We can not make the same mistake." Kol said signaling his servants and guards to start packing up.
"Fear is a warning Kol not a weakness." Elijah said signaling his few compatriots to do the same.
"Where is the strength in cowing to our brother's servants." Kol returned thinking about the failed attempt again.
"Gerard showed no sign of halting his attack until Emily arrived." Elijah pointed out. He looked through his scope again.
"So he is afraid of the blood coven. They are a weakened." Kol rebutted.
"They are the coven who ushered Niklaus into power." Elijah answered observing the goings on.
"The travelers outnumber them three to one. I could have Emily's head tomorrow."
"I'm not convinced that would matter." Elijah said noticing the woman beside his brother on the wall.
"Why?" Kol asked stopping packing to look at his brother.
"Because dear brother. The green eyed girl is holding Qetsiyah's staff and clothed in the high priestess robe." Elijah said handing Kol the scope. Kol pursed his lips but took the contraption anyway.
He peered through the scope. There was a rainbow of cloaks lined on the wall, witches protecting his big brother. If only he had a fireball spell that could sail that far, maybe if someone sucked him off while he fashioned it. The sex energy would be enough to power it. He was just about to turn away when he noticed her.
"Who is that? She is beautiful."
"Notice anything else?"
"Nice breasts."
"The ring on her finger." Elijah directed.
"Holy fuck. Is that?"
"The Mikealson Crest."
"He has lost his mind." Kol whispered. Elijah rolled his eyes.
"Her stomach, brother." Elijah led. Kol dropped the scope. His mouth stood open. Elijah spoke for his speechless sibling.
"She is with child."
I hope you enjoyed it!