A/N: here it is!

Damon did the only thing he could think of. Her head twisted to the left until he heard the snap, crackle and pop; her body fell limp onto the bed. Certainly the thought of it wasn't unappealing, but the older vampire recognized this for exactly what it was; a coping mechanism after dealing with the shock of the past couple of months. Now he just needed to wait for her to reset and reboot.

Damon drove while Caroline sang along to the Beach boys; Elena's body was strewn about the back seat of his convertible. Due to the circumstances he and blondie had thought it best to get to Klaus's place as soon as drove straight through Mississippi; Damon and Caroline snipping at each other over the choice of radio station and out of key singing.

Klaus answered his cell phone, pleased to see Caroline's name on the caller I.D. "Well, love. This is certainly a pleasant surprise. What can I do for you?"

"How about letting us in," a knock sounded at the door and Klaus's grin fell from his face. Stalking towards the door, he was met with Caroline along with Damon who was carrying Elena in a fireman's carry.

A genuine smile crept on his face and he stepped back to allow them entrance. "Please, do make yourselves at home," he invited them in.

"Ms. Petrova," the maid called her as she gently woke her from her nap. Katherine woke up groggy and still in her clothes from earlier that day. "Mr. Mikaelson would like you to join him and his company for dinner."

"Company," she asked. Sitting up, she tried to sweet talk her maid into telling her who was here.

"Mr. Mikaelson has them locked up in his study with him to discuss business." Going into Katherine's walk in closet, she pulled a long beaded gown in a rose quartz color and laid it out with a pair of nude stilettos and accessories. "He would like it very much for you to impress his business partners."

Katherine made her way down the staircase, wearing a stunning Ellie Saab gown with a deep v neckline and long sleeves, belted at the waist before a long slit up the front revealed her long legs. The beading was extraordinary but made the dress sheer; the pink color made her olive skin glow and her cheeks blush. Pulled back, her hair was pinned into a chic chignon. Centuries of wearing six inch heels helped the newly made human glide in her stilettos.

At the bottom of the steps, Klaus held an arm out for her and proceeded to escort her to the formal dining room. He was equally as handsome in his tux and pleased at her reaction when they entered the dark room, lit only by candle light and decorated with beautiful peonies as a quartet played in the background. The room was filled with a dozen guests when Katherine spotted someone and her eyes narrowed. Before she could confront them a toast began and Klaus summoned her to his side.

"Thank you all for the pleasure of your company this evening. Here among me are my most trusted friends," he gave a sly nod to the back of the room. "And it is among your presence that I would like to introduce you to my ward; the young and lovely Katerina Petrova whom I have pledged to care for and protect however long she may live," Katherine heard the double meaning in Klaus's words; as long as I allow her to live. Continuing, "As her guardian, my utmost priority is to ensure her happiness and safe being. And so tonight, I entrust her care to one of you as I grant my blessing and announce their engagement."

Katherine turned to Klaus in shock and awe, finally turning to look among the crowd when her eyes caught his.

"To the marriage of Katerina Petrova to my dear brother Elijah," Klaus held up his champagne flute as did the other guests. Katherine's breath caught as she gasped.