Disclaimer: Not mine.
Ownership
The vampire court and their allies filed into the lower court dining hall. The upper court was crowded with servants preparing a feast for tomorrow's reaffirmation of the peace treaty. As ordered, a table had been prepared for the king and his most trusted guests to have supper. His guard and his lieutenants took their customary places. The kitchens opened and trays of game and vegetables were trotted out. Niklaus was still filthy, but he had matters to attend to, and he was famished. Luckily, the ever-diligent Habiba brought him a bowl of water to at least wash his face and hands.
The king sat. Marcel took his seat to the left, but Damon did not take his newly appointed seat directly to the right. Niklaus looked to the Lord. Damon smirked at the king, and seconds later, Lord Salvatore hobbled into the room with the help of his wife and his most trusted guard, Lexi. The table cheered. Everyone raised their glasses as Stefan slowly made his way to the front of the table. Damon took Stefan from Lady Caroline and helped him settle into his seat on the king's left. Niklaus gripped his prodigy's shoulder. He could not contain the smile, or the relief that washed over him.
"Welcome back. Which mage do I reward for this gift?"
"The companion, majesty." Stefan said glancing to Lady Caroline who was bubbling while showing Bonnie her seat at the table. Niklaus's eyes quickly glanced in their direction but failed to reach his mate's face.
"Greta helped too." Stefan said somberly just learning of the witch's departure. Niklaus turned to Stefan incredulous. "I think she was feeling nostalgic," Stefan reasoned.
Niklaus sighed. How did things get so out of hand? He did not have long to ponder on the turmoil of his current predicament.
The leaders of the Topaz, Necromancer, and Blood covens poured into the room. After everyone had been settled, the King looked out across the table. Making sure to nod or make eye contact with everyone, except, he could not bring himself to look at the only person he truly wanted to talk to. It was an irrational fear he had never known and one he wanted to rid himself of quickly.
He would waste no more time. He had to end his siblings so things could go back to normal. They would be lucky to get caskets this time.
"Marcel, see that the Triumvirate is settled in well. Topaz and the death dealers are my honored guests. We will only offer our best, and make sure all their needs are met." The king said raising a glass to Aramis, the Topaz leader, and Widow, master of the Necros seated at the other end of the hall. Both leaders nodded in response.
"Put the Merlin and his counsel in the south wing. Mari, I need intel on the Triumvirate. I want know the Merlin, and his advisors' every move. You will find the suites in the south wing are conducive to your special charms." The shaped shifter nodded continuing her precision slicing of the squab on her plate.
"Damon, leave you and Stefan's men in the field. Kael, Malachi, I want battle spells ready to go. I want your best feeding the wards."
"As you wish sire." Malachi said spearing potatoes on a fork.
"I take it you and the blood coven will protect my companion, Emily?" Niklaus said to the blood coven leaders who were seated very close to the King. It was a mark of respect, and a sign that they were accepted into his confidence. Niklaus looked at Bonnie for the first time in what seemed like days, the fires of her rage instantly blistering him. His eyes darted to the bloody fowl on his plate.
Niklaus's overwhelming guilt was the only thing that kept him from putting her in her place. For the most part, she was being well behaved. It was unlike her. She had hardly said anything to anyone. Caroline was animated beside her. So excited that her husband was awake, and her friend was finally allowed to sit with the court. Lady Vanessa was equally talkative, but Bonnie listened and nodded politely.
Her smile was counterfeit and on the verge of menacing. Her occasional words were honey laced with poison. As far as away as she was, Niklaus listened to every syllable, every disguised sigh she uttered. He heard every beat of her elevated heartbeat. Tasted every pheromone in the air drenched in her fury.
Emily watched the King with interest. It was clear he was pretending he cared about diplomacy when his every attention was focused on her niece. Bonnie was doing her best to control the tsunami of power and anger swirling inside of her. Emily sighed. He was guilty. He had absolutely murdered those covens in the North, but here she sat at his side instead of in the south wing with his enemies, with her magic family.
"I'm afraid you will have to discuss that with our coven leader, Niklaus. I have relinquished my rights, which is tradition when a witch's power and talent outstrips her master."
"And what of skill? She has just finished her apprenticeship." Niklaus murmured heatedly. Emily was surprised at the veiled anger.
"I was under the impression that Lady Greta or Kael would continue her tutelage." Emily said looking to the dragon. Qetsiyah's oldest confidant sighed into her goblet.
"Kael acts as my trusted advisor and leader of all my covens. She does not have the time. And Greta…her allegiance is no longer with the court."
"Maybe Lord Malachi…" Emily stopped midsentence when she noticed the shadow creeping over the King's face." Emily sighed. He was a petulant child. He wanted to dampen her gift. Well, not on her watch.
"I wish to apply for membership to the Vampire court." Lucy and Gloria looked to Emily stunned. Lucy looked to Bonnie for some clue, but the witch was too far down with the "wives" of the court. She should be at the head of the table as the new head of their coven.
"Denied." Niklaus said before Marcel could speak. Marcel found this curious. Niklaus had never cared about administration. Emily would be an asset. An asset they needed now that Greta had defected.
"Is there a problem, sire?" Emily said looking him in the eye.
"This is a ploy. You know as well as I do making Bonnie, the leader of your coven…"
"Gives her rights protected in the treaty." Emily smiled. It had just dawned on her. Maybe…he did have some affinity for her. Or maybe he wanted her power to his self.
"You know Niklaus, I don't know if I should be flattered that you think I am that smart or offended that you think I would paint a target on my nieces' back and jeopardize her life. If I didn't think, no believe, in my soul that she was ready…"
"How is that possible?" Niklaus interrupted. "You haven't even seen her do magic in months." He hissed. His anger was starting to get the notice of the rest of the table. Luckily, the dessert was being brought out. All the guests turned to the court's famous chocolate truffles and mint ice cream.
So it's not power. Emily thought, unsure of what she was discovering. She sighed and tried the truth.
"No, but I have felt it. I have felt every spell cast, her every enchantment whispered. I have felt my power pull and squirm, aching to join hers as she grows stronger. Her magic is subjugating me. Do you know her power called us here? At dawn, we had no choice but to rise and make our way to the castle. Her magic summoned us."
"Only…" Niklaus stuttered.
"Ancient ones could do that." Emily said watching him comprehend. "She's barely old enough to bare your child. I am not trying to take her away Niklaus, but I must obey the laws of magick. I'm just as afraid of losing her as you." Emily said finally realizing the foundation of his objection. She would have thought it was impossible but, it was clear as day now.
"Don't make assumptions, Emily." Niklaus whispered into his dessert. The witch waited until the red of his cheeks faded.
"I have no choice. We had no choice. We are blood coven. Of course, we would have come on our own, but our coven leader demanded we move faster."
"She is my companion, the mother of my child. The consort of the vampire court."
"She was born and bred mage, and now she is the irrefutable leader of the Blood coven."
-o0o-
He wasn't a child. He was a man. No. In fact, he was a powerful being. He was her King. She was with his child. He had every right to see her. He could demand she see him. She would yell and gripe, and possibly set him on fire. It is nothing he hadn't experienced before. She hated him. She always hated him. Why should now be any different? This moment.
"Sire, are you going to go in?" Mari questioned appearing from the shadows. She had been watching him for almost a half an hour. His hesitance was painfully awkward.
"Mari, What are you-" Niklaus said startled.
"I take pride in my work, Majesty. I am protecting the consort as you requested." Mari finished for him. The king was definitely rattled.
"I will take over your duties for the night." Niklaus said quietly glancing at the door.
"Sire, if you enter who will watch-"
"I am completely capable of protecting her. Besides, I am not going to visit the consort tonight. She's used a lot of magic in battle. She is probably too spent for my usual goings-on."
"I'm sure she would be satisfied with just your presence. She did pull you hundreds of miles through time and space." Mari reasoned.
"She was afraid. Fear is a powerful accelerant for magic."
"So is love." Niklaus growled in warning. Mari smiled in response.
"A bid you adieu majesty."
"So is rage." The King said softly to himself. He melted back into the shadows from which Mari sprang.
-o0o-
He was there, just beyond her reach. His essence hung in the air sliding against her skin. She couldn't decide if it would be worst if he finally showed himself or if she wanted him to fade back into whatever forest her magic plucked him from. She released a breath. How did I do that?
The day's events pressed upon her as she lay once again burrowed into mattress. As much as she was annoyed that he was hiding, as much as she wanted to yell into the night, rage at her invisible suitor, she knew the other feeling he conjured, home. She didn't know what to say to him anyway. Too much had happened today that completely wrecked her view of the world.
Bonnie glanced to Qetsiyah's staff and the crimson robe draped over her wardrobe door. It was insane. Emily clearly had it wrong. There was no way. She wasn't ready. Coven leader took years of practice and skill she just did not have. You pulled a living being through time and space, Bonnie. Her inner voice reminded her. Did I do that or did Tessa? The moment she thought her name her magic surged. Bean flipped happily in her stomach.
"You are a weird kid. You like it when Mommy uses magic?" Bonnie said cupping her stomach. She almost smiled, until her magic surged again pulling towards the bowels of the castle. Something was wrong… It came to her in a flash. The Blood Coven's legacy was under attack. Her staff was in her hands in a second. The cloak leapt off the wardrobe glided over her shoulders while she threw open the door.
She could barely make him out in the shadows. She needed time and space to deal with her baby's father. She had neither in the darkened corridors of White Oak Castle. Of course he followed her and his personal guard followed him. She couldn't believe she never felt it before; all that silent malice skulking through the castle. Bonnie felt something foreign too, a magic that did not belong here, a magic that was once familiar.
-o0o-
His senses strained trying to give his brain any image or idea of what she might be doing behind those walls. His ears flicked. She had just spoken for the first time since the dinner. Why was she using magic alone in her bedroom? And how did she know his boy liked it? He could have asked her. He could have walked in and started the fight they both knew were coming. He decided to just watch over them for a while. Make sure they were safe, that she was safe. At least, that is what he told himself as he listened to her toss in her bed. He stood at attention when her feet hit the floor. He moved closer to the bedroom when the door opened. She glanced in his direction for a second then took off down the corridor. He followed her as she went deeper into the castle.
The little miscreant had found Qetsiyah's chambers. She knew the forbidden part of the castle well. He would have to talk to Mari. Bonnie moved sure of her step despite the maze the underground passages could be. His men weren't far behind. They were almost there when Bonnie turned and spat an incantation at him. He dodged the spell but his men were hit dead-on. Their once hidden bodies hit the floor frozen from a powerful paralysis spell.
Niklaus turned to her shocked, stepping into the light. She smiled that crooked smile of hers and sashayed around the corner. He knew she was trouble the moment he laid eyes on her.
-o0o-
When Bonnie finally realized what lay ahead of her at Qetsiyah's quarters she decided they didn't need any witnesses. The spell was out her mouth before she had fully pulled it from her memory. Of Course, Niklaus was deadly fast. The spell missed him by a hair. His men fell away like she assumed they would. His dumbfounded expression was everything she needed in that moment. Maybe Lucy was right, she was a bit petty.
She was amazed he hadn't snapped. Did she really call home the Hybrid King? She was a novice after all. Maybe his spirit, his fight was left behind on that bloody field. Bonnie closed her eyes. She didn't want to think about that now. She steeled herself for her own battle that she was sure would not end well for her, Niklaus, or the whole of the three nations.
-o0o-
What was she doing? He was a fool. He knew that now. She could be leading him to his death, yet he followed her more curious than anything. That's when he knew he would follow her anywhere.
-o0o-
Bonnie stopped just before a familiar force field. The Merlin had some nerve. How dare he step foot on castle grounds demanding war, and then try to lay siege to her heritage. His magic was polluting the remnants of Qetsiyah's power. It hung to the walls like a web. Its sticky tendrils forced her back with an overwhelming sense of revulsion. It was ingenious and effectively blocking anyone from entering the sorceress's chambers. He wanted something in that room very badly to once again almost start a war and risk the certain death that was standing 10 paces away from Bonnie.
She quickly erected her own field to keep Niklaus at bay. She didn't need him rushing in, triggering a spell, and disintegrating the castle in the process.
"You are powerful child. I will give you that, but no one can get pass the barrier, especially a woman in your state."
"Why? Why are you doing this? The Hybrid King will have your head."
"Why? Do you really think I will allow a vitch hybrid to be born of the blood coven? To be born to that abomination. That kind of power is unimaginable. He will wield your child like sword, and you will either be dead or the nursing maid."
"No. It is very unlikely my child will be a werevitch."
"Psst. You are so naïve. Why do you think Qetsiyah formed an alliance with the hybrid? I knew Silas was a dimwit. She opened her legs. He opened his mouth and then she stole my birthright."
"I don't understand."
"We had worked on it, for years, me and Silas. The spell was mind boggling. It took years-years as his apprentice. I mopped, ran errands, and fetched his whores, and then cleaned up the bloody mess when he was done. I hated every minute. I could leave at any time but I knew this spell would change the kingdom forever. I had no idea he completed it. None, until I saw that stomach, heard your title, and felt the pull of the magic surrounding you. And I knew he had done it somehow. He was great. Silas was a legend but he had his faults namely, women-traitorous harpies that wanted his power. She was no different you know. Qetsiyah, the Sorceress of sorrows, indeed. She left him dying coughing up blood all so her line could bare the tribrid."
"Are you drunk?"
"No, I am sober, as clear as I have ever been? I am taking what is mine."
"What exactly is that… a spell?"
"Yes, the spell that is gestating the parasite in your stomach. Unfortunately my dear, your child will be undone."
His words pierced her like a sword. He was mad. He was ludicrous if he thought he was going to harm her child.
"Undone?" Bonnie laughed, power surging, starting to swirl around her.
"Oh Merlin, you underestimate me, apparently, like you underestimated my ancestor. Bonnie raised her hands and the invisible web of magic went up in blue flame and turn to ash. She stepped towards him then immediately dodged a nasty lightning bolt. She spat the same paralysis incantation at him but his silver magic wrapped around it and squeezed it until it popped. Sparks of residual hung in the air then dissipated.
"You don't have the skill, witch." The merlin said dodging all the spells Bonnie was throwing at him. She worked hard throwing any and everything she could think of while slowly eating away the pollutant magic working against Qetsiyah's essence. She had no idea if he was lying or even sane, but she had to do something to stop him.
Niklaus wasn't helping as he kept running towards the force field to her back. He was yelling, cursing, and then suddenly snarling but she had insulated the corridor so the merlin would think they were alone. She could handle this.
-o0o-
He would kill her. He would lock her up in the dungeons until she realized who was boss here. How could she? She was so stubborn. How could she endanger her life, his seed's life to prove some point? He would strangle her right after he disemboweled the coward attacking his mate in his castle. His castle. Things had gotten way out of bounds. No one fears him any longer. That had to be remedied immediately.
His shoulder was growing raw with pain as he continues to try to ram into the barrier. He realized he was expending her magic and making her weak, therefore vulnerable, so he stopped to think. He climbed unto the walls to see how far the energy field rose. He dropped to his feet and dug into the foundation on the floor. His witch had thought of everything.
-o0o-
Bonnie jumped out of the way as a nasty torch curse streaked across her left side, its tendrils licking and scorching her skin. He would not hurt bean. He would not destroy their legacy. That thought gave her an idea. She vomited magic at merlin. He dodged it just as she thought. Her would be assailant stumbled beyond her force field and into the waiting jaws of the wolf king.
Bonnie watched in relief as the Merlin fought with her mate. She turned to wipe away all traces of the Merlin's magic but instead was met with a healthy dose of it.
-o0o-
Niklaus howled in pain when he saw her go down. He ripped a chunk out the merlin's leg then leapt over his bent form to check on Bonnie. She wasn't moving but her attacker smiled maniacally.
"Who's a good pup? You should have chosen wiser hybrid." Simone said forming a muzzle spell in her hands. Niklaus leapt at her but was hit with magic. The Merlin had regained his composure. Niklaus growled looking left to right positioning himself in front of Bonnie. The Time Travelers smiled and begin to assault him with a barrage of spells. He growled through the pain determine not to let them take her. He was immortal dammit. They would not take her. His vision blurred. His throat hurt from the whimpers. The world grew dimmer with each new magic blast. His eyes closed. He could not surrender. He would not. The world went black.
They popped back open when he heard the crack and the Merlin scream in agony.
Rebekah. Niklaus thought losing consciousness.
-o0o-
The scream jarred her awake. Niklaus lay on top of her unconscious in his wolf form. She looked around him, and platinum blonde hair fanned the floor. As she gently moved him off of her. Simone Bassett was lying on the floor, her lifeless blue eyes staring up at her. The merlin was preoccupied with the woman from the pictures in the king's bedroom. His sister.
She moved at vampire speed throwing spells at the Merlin. She was fast but her magic was no match for the veteran mage. Her blasting spells wasn't anything more than a nuisance against Du Lac's masterful force field.
Bonnie pulled the poisoned magic from the air then siphoned it into a curse she had read in one of Qetsiyah's books. With a flick of her hands she snapped Rebekah's neck and unleashed the curse onto the merlin. The vitch was an excellent distraction.
The silver magic surged into his center. His skin began to bubble. Bumps of puss burst from his skin. Bonnie knew from her studies his internal organs were being infected too. The ooze poured out and quickly cooled into silver cotton threads. His mouth overflowed with molten silver choking the life from him. When the curse had done its work, the merlin was no more.
Bonnie sighed in relief. A tiny hand print pressed against her pouch.
"Are you giving me a hi-five? Are you congratulating mommy?" Bonnie said suddenly exhausted. Her stomach rumbled. Bonnie placed a protection ward around Qetsiyah's vault.
"Yeah, I'm pretty proud too kid." Bonnie went over to the large wolf on the floor. He looked as if he was… The wolf flipped over on his side. His legs were waving in the air. Bonnie smiled. Another hand print pressed against her middle. "Is that your daddy? You want to pet daddy? He did well. Didn't he?"
-o0o-
When Niklaus awoke he was in his bedchambers. He heard Bonnie's voice through the walls and followed it through the passage into his war room. His generals sat rapt listening to her every word. The blood coven was stationed around the room. Emily sat to Bonnie's left and Lucy to the right. The blood coven had taken over an entire end of his table. His chair sat empty with everyone else in the room in their rightful place.
"What is the meaning of this?"
Bonnie looked up at him, and then over to Marcel.
"The merlin is dead." Marcel supplied.
"How?" Niklaus said taking his seat never taking his eyes off of Bonnie.
"The consort killed him." Kael said with a hint of pride in her voice.
"How? You were unconscious when I…" Niklaus started.
"I killed the daughter. Your witch killed Gerard. I have never seen its like. She mummified him with his own magic." Rebekah said stepping into the room.
"Seize her." Niklaus said to the guards. The guard froze in place. Everyone turned to Bonnie.
"Is this really necessary, Nik? I come to beg your forgiveness and to ask to be reinstated to the court." Niklaus chuckled.
"Your arrogance and presumption astounds me. You have been terrorizing my countryside for months now. You almost killed Stefan."
"Me? You know I would never. Okay Maybe, I killed a few of your men."
"You took out a third of our witches and half of our vampires." Stefan supplied.
"Maybe, I should have slit your throat." Caroline almost jumped from her set. Bonnie's invisible magic kept her in place.
"My lord." Bonnie said quietly. Everyone turned to the witch. "Without her we both would have been lost. Correction-all three of us would be lost." Bonnie said somberly.
Niklaus blanched at the truth in her words. He wanted to stab something, namely Kol, but Rebekah would have to do.
"Lock her in the dungeons."
"My Lord."
"Did, I not make myself clear." Niklaus said to his men. The men tried to move but to no avail. Bonnie would not release her spell. Niklaus turned to Marcel and Malachi. Before Bonnie could catch them the shield went up. Marcel stood and grabbed Rebekah. The warlock and hybrid escorted Rebekah out of the room. Bonnie and Niklaus did not see that thought, they were too busy glaring at one another.
Bonnie ignored the stares from her witches. It was now or never. This thing, this festering rage would consume her and him, and probably some innocent person if they did not deal with it. She would not let it be her bean.
"Clear the room." Bonnie said quietly.
Niklaus's people looked to him. The King narrowed his eyes at her. Bonnie sighed and the blood coven stood, spells at the ready.
Niklaus smiled. She wanted to fight. Well, so did he. Niklaus nodded to Stefan. The vampire court stood and began to file out of the room. The blood coven left only after every hybrid and vampire had left the room.
"We need to talk." Bonnie said once they were alone.
"Really? To whom am I speaking, my consort or the leader of the blood coven?"
"Consort? Are we that easily replaced?"
"What?"
"Does that title not belong to Greta any longer?"
"What are you playing at?"
"What are you playing at?" Bonnie.
"I understand that Emily has been filling your head with promises of power of freedom but…"
"But what, Niklaus?"
"Is that what you want power, to be a coven leader, to be the merlin?"
"It's what I have always wanted. It's what any witch would want."
"I didn't think you were like that."
"No, you didn't think I had the skill, the power, to pull it off. What does it matter anyway Niklaus? We are all disposable to you."
"We"
"Witches. 50 years of partnership. Doesn't matter. I can just replace her. Young women and men in the prime of their lives. Doesn't matter. They are just PAWNS IN A WAR WITH MY SIBLINGS. DISPENSIBLE BLOOD BAGS."
"That is unfair."
"UNFAIR?"
"Everything is mage and vampire WITH YOU! What about family and enemies?"
"They were my family. They were my sisters and brothers. Your enemies are your brothers and sisters."
"And so are yours. Your sisters and brothers had no qualms about polluting themselves with my brother's sex magic madness."
"Why is that Niklaus? Why do they hate the hybrid king so?"
"Because I did what was necessary to protect myself and those who are loyal to me. Those I love. Because I do what is necessary. Always and forever. Did I kill those witches? Fuck yes. I drank and drank and I bathed in their blood because they would have no problem slitting your throat to get back at me. I do what is necessary. So hate me. I am the monster keeping you safe and warm at night."
"YOU…Who kept who safe in the bowels of this castle? I pulled all of that black magic in and I choked the life out of the leader of my nation."
"THIS IS YOUR NATION. I AM YOUR LEADER. YOU ARE VAMPIRE. YOU WEAR MY CREST."
"I AM MAGE. HOW MANY TIMES DO I HAVE TO TELL YOU THAT? WHEN WILL YOU SEE ME?" Bonnie screamed.
"YOU ARE MINE." He screamed desperately.
In a flash he was in her face, crowding her against the table. It was a moment before she realized he had somehow positioned her on the edge, removed her undergarments and filled her. Her heart said yes. She was his. She belonged to him. She wanted to be completely possessed by him. She wanted to be infected with his power, passion, and his unequivocal Klausness. His touch was rapturous, his tongue devastating. And in that moment she didn't think she couldn't go on living without him pressed into her. She knew he was speaking a language no one knew he knew. But there, hidden in that smooth slick rhythm claiming her over and over was a delicious and glorious secret. Every stroke, every bite, and every mark made him hers as well. Her scent would haunt him. She had become his home, he was homesick, and that slick hot place between her legs welcomed him completely. He drowned in her. They belonged to each other. The magic of their connection seared that truth in their minds, hearts, and souls, and then they were released into a storm of pleasure. Waves broke over their skin. The tides crashed inside them controlled by the orbiting satellite that was their love and magic.
He didn't want to move, but he was very aware of her state and how uncomfortable she must be. Her eyes were barely open. Her skin slick with their sweat, and her face was as calm as he had ever seen. He picked her up gently and carried her to his chambers. He deposited her on the bed pulling the furs up around her, and then slid in behind her curled frame. Her breathing slowed.
He whispered before she could drift off, "I see you. Sometimes you're all I see. I see the mother of my child. She is stubborn, powerful, and incredibly beautiful spending every moment trying to break away from me."
"Then you are a blind. I am mage. But, you giant stubborn, elitist fool, despite my common sense, I am also vampire. I wear your crest, carry your child, and hold Qetsiyah's staff with pride.
-o0o-
"What are we going to do?" Bonnie said. Dawn was near and the magic community would want answers.
"I don't know. It seems we are being attacked on all fronts. My brother I understand, but the Merlin? By himself?"
"Something about Qetsiyah and bean."
"The baby? What did he want with my son?"
"He was afraid of her. He was trying to kill her." Bonnie admitted. She was still unsure if she could divulge the things about her ancestor. She needed to do some research. She needed Emily. She needed Greta.
"I was going to have his body washed and given to his people but, now I think I will let my dogs have it."
"You think you're going to just hand over the Merlin and his daughter's body to the magic nation and they are going to do what…thank you for your courteousness."
"He attacked me and my family. He got put down by my family. It's in the peace treaty."
"Your family includes your sister you know."
"The sister who has laid siege to my kingdom. Who for all I know could have orchestrated this whole thing to get back into my good graces."
"That is unbelievable. No one is that connive-"Bonnie stopped mid-sentence as she thought of Niklaus and the Hybrid court when she first came here.
"I'm sure this whole thing is some scheme in my brother's plan."
"Maybe, but he is being helped. He knew exactly were Qetsiyah's chamber was. He knew how to move through the castle without being detected until the last minute. It had to be a powerful cloaking-" Bonnie paused again as Greta popped in her head. No. She thought furiously. She wouldn't. She loves him too much despite the way he has behaved.
"What is it?" Niklaus said reading her face.
"Nothing, I have to meet with Emily." Bonnie said rising from the bed.
"But I am not done having my way with you."
"The Triumvirate is without a Merlin. The whole of the magic community is about to revolt. We must come up with a plan. I need my second."
"You're second?" Niklaus chuckled, "High priestess, please calm yourself. I have decided that Malachi would make a great Merlin."
"Malachi? As in your magical henchman? The Gemini coven leader?"
"Magical henchman?"
"Are you trying to put the entire mage community under your control?"
"I control three of the sixteen covens, maybe the topaz and the necros will join me as well."
"You have the Gemini coven under your control, and a few solitary practitioners. Where are the other two alliances?"
"I am going to kill Greta, and make Jasmina the Sapphire leader."
"Magic covens don't work like that. The most powerful would seize control…Phaedra. Unless you plan on-" Bonnie narrowed her eyes at him and sighed. "Have you really not learned anything?"
"Have you not? And now, I have the blood coven."
"You have the blood coven?"
"Are you saying I do not?"
"I'm saying we are under attack, we need to head off this Merlin situation, and protect our child."
"I'm doing that by seizing control of the magic community and the vampire court."
-o0o-
Shock reverberated around the room. The lower court had been filled the second time in 24 hours. This time it was standing room only in the chamber full of mages. Thousands of magic users sat and watched their leaders figure out their next steps inside the magical incircle. At three points in the center of the room three elders of the community formed a triangle-the triumvirate. Their magic was zinging back and forth between the intercepts: Birt, the leader of Yemaya, Calum of the Druids, and Dinè, the bruja. Inside the triangle the coven leaders and their seconds sat in a magic circle staring at the lifeless body of their former Merlin and his daughter.
Shock soon turned to anger as the time traveler coven demanded retribution. Kael did her best to explain the circumstances but they all wanted to hear from the only witness in the room, their newest member, the High Priestess of the Blood Coven.
Bonnie was at a lost. She had no idea what to say. Three months ago she would be among those calling for blood. The only thing she could do was tell the truth, and explained why the Merlin had forfeited his life the moment he threatened bean's.
Harold sneered as she recounted what happened. "And are we to believe the lies of the abominations whore?"
Bonnie hated that word. She gritted her teeth, and continued. Harold suddenly leapt at her when she explained Rebekah had snapped Simone's neck. The intercepts' power snatched him from the air and flung him from the incircle. He would awaken in the dungeon caves in the mage forest. Another time traveler stood to take his place from the sidelines. She sat her silver eyes regarding Bonnie. She bowed to the three counselors and the story went on.
"So it seems" Dinè chimed.
"We have ourselves." Calum continued.
"A conundrum." Birt finished. They continued that way, finishing each other's statements. It was a manifestation of their connection.
"We are without leader."
"We are without ambassador."
"We are without our Merlin."
The three intercepts eyes went blank the heads snapped back. They began to speak in unison.
"The time of the ancient ones is once again upon us. Power that has not been felt for centuries. From the chaos will rise an emissary. They will repair kin. They will restore peace. They will lead with a magick unlike anyone has ever seen."
The three intercepts eyes cleared. They slowly sat upright.
"A prophecy has been rendered."
"For the second time this year the fates herald a great power."
"Someone here is the key to uniting the three kingdoms."
"Do it fast as the scheming factions are seeking power."
"Do it unwaveringly so they will know your strength."
"Do it with honor so we will all respect instead of fear you."
A whisper went around the room people trying to imagine who the fortune might be speaking of. It was the first time Bonnie had witnessed a prophecy, but the second time that year for Kael who waited just outside the incircle.
"The time has come"
"To name the ambassador"
"To coronate our Merlin"
"Who will come and step into the incircle?"
"Who will come and place this mantle on your shoulders?"
"Who will come and speak for mage?"
Bonnie was queasy and it had nothing to do with her pregnancy. Malachi breached the incircle and half the room hissed in outrage.
"It was a wonder they let Gemini in the room." Bonnie heard someone whisper. One by one five practitioners made their way into the incircle declaring their intent to be merlin. After a few minutes no one else stepped forward.
"There is more."
"There is more."
"Why do you shrug your heritage?"
No one moved.
"There is more."
"More souls capable of greatness."
"Why do you fear your legacy?"
Bonnie smiled when Emily rose and made her way to the center. She was always the vigilant leader, guiding people into their destinies. Gloria immediately stood and took Emily's place by Bonnie's side. Bonnie knew no one would vote for Emily. It is a well-known fact that Birt is preparing to voyage to the other side. Emily will stand as intercept in her place.
"One brave soul stepping into their future."
"There is more."
"Why do you deny the voice that cries out to you?"
Bonnie's head spun when Kael entered the circle as well. Niklaus was heading his bets.
"No more hiding in the shadows."
"There is more"
"One soul afraid of what she is really is."
The air blurred around the column near the kitchen doors. Greta appeared.
"Seize her!" Malachi shouted to his men. Blue light burst into the room, as the entirety of the sapphire coven appeared in the room. Sapphire had finally rejoined the magical community. The witches had hell in their eyes, sorrow in their hearts, and deadly curses spinning in their hands. They outnumbered Gemini three to one.
Malachi looked to Bonnie. "Consort, do something. Gemini and Blood coven can take them together. Gloria and Lucy looked to her Crimson robes shifted back waiting for the command.
Greta glared at Bonnie. Bonnie glared at Greta. Bonnie was undecided. After what seemed like an eternity, Greta slowly made her way into the inner circle. The power surged as she entered. Bean flipped in her stomach.
"So it is."
"They stand before you."
"Who is worthy?"
"The dragon is mighty and versatile."
"The golden demigod."
"Where does her loyalty lie?"
"The Gemini is cunning."
"The brilliant master"
"Is he too smart for his own good?"
"Natia, the whale rider."
"She has the heart."
"Is her compassion a weakness?"
"The sapphire witch."
"The powerhouse"
"Does she only think of herself?"
Bonnie thought wearily. Bean was active in her tummy.
The triumvirate turned to the mages in the room.
"Who will it be?" They stated in unison.
"We need strength to protect us from the hybrid." A sapphire called out.
"We need to make peace with him. One of his servants will be best to do that." An elderly practitioner said pointing towards Malachi and Kael.
"We need to be independent and move away from the hybrid." A Topaz chimed in.
"We need to get back to the fundamentals of our craft, helping people." A skin walker said gesturing to Natia.
"Who will it be?" The triumvirate spoke again looking to the coven leaders. Sixteen covens and each High Priestess and her second got a vote. Bonnie watched as 30 balls of light floated to the candidate of everyone's choice. Natia got 4. Greta got 10. Malachi got 6. Kael got 7, and the others got 1. Two mages immediately ceded their votes to Malachi. After some thought, Natia ceded her votes to Greta. Kael sighed but ceded her votes to Malachi. The last mage gave over his vote to Greta.
"What is this?"
"The vote is not finished."
"Two souls unsure of who they choose."
Lucy looked at Bonnie and the magic floating above her head. "Bonnie, I chose Kael because I thought that was what you would want." Lucy whispered. Bonnie's magic danced above her in time with her bean who flittered around in her stomach.
Bonnie did not know that much about Malachi. After all these months she did not know what kind of man he was, but she knew Greta. She knew how cruel and vindictive she could be. She knew that she was aware of Qetsiyah's chambers. She had the power to destabilize the Kingdom and right now she hated her mate.
The other witch undecided stepped out of the circle. She could not bring herself to vote for either of the Hybrid King's stooges.
Malachi smiled in triumph, stepping towards the epicenter of the circle-the rightful place of the Merlin.
Bonnie sighed. Her magic began to move from its place above her and floated towards Malachi. Greta sneered. Bonnie looked away and the room exploded with whispers. Bonnie looked back to the center of her circle and gulped as her magic floated above Greta's head.
She couldn't find the guilt or shame. She didn't know why but she was sure she had made the right choice for the magic community. Unfortunately, it might be the wrong choice for connection she had just sealed with the wolf king.
-o0o-
Kol and Elijah watched the proceedings through a soothsayer's mirror magic.
"I must say brother, this is by far the best outcome I have seen from you thus far."
"To be honest, I'm shocked as well. I couldn't have asked the fates for a better situation."
"What are our next steps?"
"We request an audience with the Merlin of course."
I hope you enjoyed it!