Chapter 3

Disclaimer: I don't own the Vampire Diaries. I'm just borrowing.

Note: Previously, in "In the Lion's Den," Caroline regains consciousness and meets Klaus and Amelia.

Hey, everyone! Just got an idea for this next chapter while in the tub. No spoilers, just sit back, relax, and enjoy!

ON WITH THE SHOW!

Mikaelson Mansion – Next Day…

Caroline yawned and stretched as she awoke the next morning. She then took a look around and saw that what she experienced last night wasn't a dream, and that she was really in Klaus' family's mansion. Deciding that it didn't matter, she went to the bathroom to get showered. The bathroom she stepped into was beautiful, and it somehow reminded her of the one she had written about. In one of the books (although it escaped her as to which one), Destiny actually finds herself in a mansion much like this one during a case she was investigating. Of course, said mansion turned out to be haunted by a vengeful demon who was out to destroy the mortals, which Destiny and Sebastian eventually defeated and…

Seriously, I've got to stop having these flashbacks to my books, she thought. I mean, these things couldn't possibly happen in real life, can they? Okay, sure Klaus bears a resemblance to Sebastian, but that doesn't mean that he actually is Sebastian. He's no more Sebastian than I am Destiny Meadows. Come on, Caroline, focus, damn it.

Shaking her head, Caroline washed her hair and body, hoping to at least rid herself of any horrors she might have witnessed. Once she was finished, she stepped out of the shower and wrapped a towel around herself, heading out of the bathroom to find some clean clothes. When she walked back into her room, she found some clothes on her bed, all neatly folded out and laid out for her. Curiously, she went to the closet and found it full of clothes just like the ones on the bed. What the hell?

Caroline shook her head again, telling herself that this was probably Amelia's doing, even though her mind told her that it was probably Klaus. Not about to refuse anything, Caroline got dressed and dried her hair, heading out of the room and downstairs. When she reached the bottom flight, she was surprised to see Klaus standing there, a smile on his face.

"Good morning, love. I trust you slept well?"

Caroline nodded. "Yes, I did, considering what I went through last night." She smiled. "Thank you for the new wardrobe, though you really didn't have to go to all that trouble. I get that it's your job as the host to make me feel comfortable, but..."

Klaus maintained his smile as he placed his index finger on her lips to shush her. "Honestly, Caroline, must you analyze everything? I know that you're a writer and all, but I am simply being a good host, as you said before."

"You're right, I shouldn't analyze everything," she replied. "It's a stupid habit I've had for years." Shaking her head for perhaps the umpteenth time that morning, she added, "So, what were you doing in the alley last night? I know it doesn't matter, but I'm curious."

Klaus didn't reply, just led her to the dining room, where Caroline saw that the equivalent of a continental breakfast at a hotel was set out for them. Wow, this is beyond impressive. How did he get all of this set up while I was showering and dressing? I guess I shouldn't question it. After all, Klaus is going out of his way to make me feel like an honored guest.

No sooner did she finish this than another blonde entered. This has to be Rebekah, the one Klaus told me about last night. She's awfully pretty. Before Caroline could speak, she said, her eyes bright with excitement, "Oh my God, I can't believe this is really her! Amelia told me that our guest was a famous author, but I didn't want to believe her until I actually saw her with my eyes!"

Caroline smiled. "Amelia was telling the truth, but you really don't have to make a big deal about it. I'm here to find inspiration for my next book."

"Oh, you'll definitely find plenty of inspiration here," said Rebekah. "In fact, we're more than willing to help you." She looked at Klaus and then back at their guest. "Nik, Amelia, and I are your biggest fans, you know."

Caroline's smile faded. "Wait, this isn't going to be like Misery, is it? I'm James Caan, and you're Kathy Bates, and you're going to subject me to unspeakable torture if I decide to kill Destiny off and force me to write her back into the story."

Rebekah laughed at the reference to that movie. "You misunderstand, Caroline. What I meant was maybe you can have Destiny and Sebastian do something different than they've done in the earlier books?" Seeing the confused look on her face, she added, "Think about it, what have Destiny and Sebastian faced over the course of the series?"

"Well, they've faced zombies, evil witches, werewolves, ghosts, and demons."

"Exactly," said Rebekah. "Well, how about you introduce Sebastian's family into the story? Not to mention some evil vampires that they've been trying to defeat for centuries? That's sure to give your readers something to read. Sure, they've read about the other stuff our heroes have dealt with, but maybe it's time to write something new?"

Caroline was about to reply when Klaus said, "Rebekah, I'm sure that Caroline has received story ideas from fans all the time."

"No, Klaus, I think she has a point," said Caroline. "I think the reason I have writer's block is because maybe my brain is telling me that it's time to abandon the storylines I've used in the previous books and to use something different."

"I knew you'd agree," said Rebekah. "I've always wondered what it would be like for Destiny to meet Sebastian's family, since he's already met her sister, Jenny."

Caroline nodded, knowing who Rebekah was referring to. She had based Destiny's sister, Jenny, on her stepsister, Jessica, who had been adopted by her father, Bill, and his partner-husband, Stephen, from Japan as a baby. The only difference was Jenny was eighteen, whereas Jessica was fifteen. "Thank you, Rebekah, I'll be sure to use your idea for my next book."

"No, Caroline, thank you for introducing us to Destiny Meadows," said Rebekah. "You have no idea just how exciting it is to read yet another adventure with her and Sebastian." She saw Klaus giving her a rather annoyed look. "Well, I won't keep you. Enjoy."

Klaus shook his head after he saw his sister leave. Was it his imagination or did Amelia's overly enthusiastic attitude already rubbed off on Rebekah instead of waiting until Evelyn was older? Bloody hell, the things I have to deal with on a daily basis. Still, I am curious where Caroline is going to take this idea she's been given. I too have wondered what an encounter with the Kruschev clan would be like for the lovely Destiny Meadows.

Note: I'll end Chapter 3 here, since I have nothing else to add and I don't want to be redundant. Enjoy what's here and I assure you, Caroline will use the new story idea Rebekah gave her.

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