Elena had been 'donating' blood to Klaus now for nearly two years. Every few months Klaus would roll into mystic falls and pay Elena a little visit and take some of her blood. Almost as soon as he'd arrive, he'd be gone again. It was an arrangement that meant Klaus got what he wanted, and the rest of mystic falls got what they wanted; Klaus gone. He was hated by pretty much everyone, except Caroline who maintained that despite his obvious faults (the fact he's totally evil), she thought he was hot. Elena had never disagreed with her, but felt pretty strongly that the fact he murdered a member of her family made his dimples a little less charming.
No one had ever known exactly where Klaus was when he wasn't in Mystic Falls, and no one knew what he was up to. It would be a little more worrying if they didn't like the peace from him so much. Klaus was incredibly powerful, and as an original and a hybrid, everyone knew going against him and his family would be stupid. Of course, that had never stopped Damon from making threats in the past. Klaus maintained that for the past 1000 years he had been a step ahead of everyone, and the idea that Klaus was just out there in the world, not planning anything was just a little hard to believe.
Elena sat in the passenger seat of Klaus' vintage sports car, turned her head away from him and pretended to sleep. She'd occasionally feel him glance over at her, but he never said a word. She knew she had potentially every reason to be scared for her life right now. Klaus was driving her across America and no one knew where she was. Hell, they probably wouldn't even suspect Klaus had anything to do with her disappearance. He'd collected his blood from her last month, as far as they'd think he'd be off out of mystic falls for at least another couple of months. But yet, Elena didn't feel scared. She couldn't explain how or why, but she didn't feel like his plans for her felt sinister. And she always knew Klaus would protect her with his life, he needed her.
Eventually Elena's pretend sleep became a real sleep, and she had no idea how long she had been travelling before Klaus nudged her to wake her up.
"Welcome to New Orleans, sweetheart. I've got a good feeling you're going to like it here." He smirked at her. Elena rolled her eyes and stretched. She realised she could move all her limbs again.
"Just don't think I'm going to be eating any gumbo or listening to Jazz" she remarked.
"Don't be a bore" scruffed Klaus "This is my city you know. Well, it used to be. We built this city from the ground, me and my family. The powers in control is well, a little more complicated now than I would like it to be. But it's a fantastic city all the same."
"Oh great. You've brought me into the middle of your power scuffle have you? You want to regain control of New Orleans? Of all the cities in the world-" Elena began but was cut off by Klaus.
"-New Orleans is the best one. And believe me when I say I've been to them all, love. And don't worry your pretty little head, you won't be getting involved with any of my erm, political issues. Your safety as my blood bank is my number one concern so we'll talk rules when we arrive at the house."
And oh my, what a house it was. Elena stepped out of the car and looked up in amazement at just how grand and beautiful it was. Klaus smiled ear to ear when he saw how lit up her face was. It was a beautiful old, mansion with beautiful balconies with flowers growing along, and big old windows, and grand doorways. Elena loved it.
"Do you like it?" Klaus asked, rather hoping that she did.
"Klaus it's beautiful." Elena replied.
"Yes, well it's not quite as beautiful as the first place me and my family lived here, but this is home now." Klaus said, whilst unpacking some bags from the trunk of the car.
"Erm speaking of your family…are any of them here? Or will they be?" Elena asked. Elena had only met Rebekah and Elijah, and although she didn't mind Elijah she hated Rebekah. And she knew Klaus had other siblings that she was sure could be just as evil.
Klaus laughed.
"Don't worry love. They're all out of the city at the moment. Rebekah has followed some new man out to Florence so I'm sure she won't be back for a while. The rest shouldn't be back too soon either."
Elena wasn't quite sure why she hadn't tried to run yet. Klaus had kidnapped her, like actually drugged her, bundled her into a car and drove across America, kidnapped her. She felt safe, and for once the constant Stefan/Damon drama wasn't plaguing her thoughts. Maybe this really could be like a holiday..?
No, don't let yourself relax too much, Elena thought. He clearly has an endgame here. But at the same time, there's nothing wrong with enjoying what I can whilst I'm stuck here, Elena thought.
"Would you like to come inside and look around your new living arrangements?" Klaus enquired.
Elena stepped inside the big oak door and was instantly amazed by the huge grand chandelier and marble staircase. The house was beautiful, with more rooms than she could count. There were no tv's or any electronics really, instead that was a large, grand library and enough books to fill a hundred lifetimes worth of reading. It was clearly a passion of Klaus'.
Klaus showed Elena to her bedroom. A beautiful, large bedroom with gorgeous colour schemes and a bed big enough for ten people. In her bathroom was a rolltop bath, and a window seat which looked over the gardens.
"Now for rules" Klaus began, "First, you are not allowed to leave this house without me or one of the servants. I can't have you running off home. Second, no contact with anyone. Third, I will collect your blood once a week and so I need you eating properly and taking care of your health. This is Lydia, she will be your own personal servant and will ensure you stick to all these rules." Klaus pointed to a tiny-framed, petite girl standing in the doorway. She can't be much older than me, Elena thought.
Elena dramatically bowed at Klaus' feet and pretended to kiss them.
"Yes master Klaus, of course master Klaus, whatever you wish master Klaus" Elena said sarcastically, feeling a little more like a prisoner now.
Klaus just rolled his eyes.
"Now, love, there's some clothes in the closet for you. Get ready, I'm about to take you out and show you the finest city in the world."