Hey lovelies,

Did I say how much I love each and every reader out there? Seriously, I could not have gone on this epic journey without you, you guys gave this story life and brought it to this point. I send out a huge heartfelt thank you, I sincerely do :)

So, I read each and every review and I'm glad you guys went with my first idea, that there should be a concluding chapter. I completely agree.

However, that concluding chapter is still in the works. I'm trying to perfect it and trying to do the story justice. However, whilst I'm working on that, I thought I'd give you this short chapter, just to keep up the momentum.

I want to keep the drive to the story up and keep you interested and also say a huge thank you, so whilst I work on the epilogue (or two ;) , I hope this chapter keeps you satisfied. It's sort of a filler chapter.

And I hope you guys enjoy it, I really do :) So enjoy :)

& don't forget to review and give me any of your thoughts or ideas, this is your last chance! :)

Enjoy :)

Kingdom Come

The dusky night sky sank further into the ground as morning came. Caroline slept through it all contentedly, dreamlessly, by Klaus' side. And he never once took his eyes off her, in fear that she would be snatched away.

His heart was content, satisfied, at ease, knowing that what he had waited for his entire life was finally right beside him, where it rightfully should be.

The bright lights shone behind them as his plane whisked them back home.

How surreal it all seemed. It wasn't all too long ago when he had bee descending upon this town, descending upon his quest, uncertain of what the outcome would be. And now, everything was in its right place, everything worked out. Never did he once imagine that this was how it would all play out.

It couldn't have been more perfect.

Caroline purred as she readjusted herself lightly in Klaus' grip. He couldn't help but break a smile at the sight of her. She looked at peace, unafraid.

He leaned back, finally beginning to relax.

A part of him was tired and glad, that all the repercussions of his actions evened out. Glad that he could now focus all his attention onto the very thing that caused his heart to beat.

He couldn't wait to start the next chapter of his life, his life with Caroline. He couldn't wait to show her the world, show her the beauty that he loved before eh emt her. He couldn't wait to make her his.

It was all he'd ever wanted.

He remembered Marcel's parting words before he left earlier.

"I've known you for centuries. You taught me everything I know. We're a good team, we work well. We've got enemies Klaus. But together, together we could fight them all off. You could be king, isn't that everything you've always wanted? You could rule this town, anything – everything you wanted; it could all be yours. This could be your kingdom. Just say the word." Marcel's eyes were sincere, persuasive.

And they worked to push him into thinking about it. And it was everything he ever wanted; to be king, to rule.

But that was his past. This was a new era. He now had a future; Caroline.

Klaus closed his eyes for a moment as he thought how far he had come. He smiled as he met Marcel's eyes.

"You're right Marcel". Marcel straightened as a small smile broke. "That is what I wanted. But not anymore." He glanced down, "What is the point in ruling a kingdom when it will never be enough. When you won't fully be satisfied, when there will always be faults, problems, enemies. When all it will cause you is heartache?"

Marcel's face fell.

"See, I'll never truly be satisfied with being King. Not when there's something better out there. Something to live for, someone to live for." He glanced back at Caroline sleeping. "Truth is; I've found everything I'll ever need. I don't need a kingdom to rule to be truly happy, not when it's right there." An angelic smile brushed off his lips as his eyes scanned over Caroline.

"Well" Marcel started, walking to Klaus' side, following his adoring gaze to Caroline. "There's nothing I can say to change your mind?"

Klaus side glanced Marcel. "Afraid not, mate".

Marcel matted his lips, nodding. "Well," he turned to face him. "It's been a good run." He laughed. "Say, I never thought Niklaus Mikaelson of all people would ever give up the chance to rule a kingdom in return for love".

Klaus laughed lightly. "Well, some say love and hope is a vampire's greatest weakness." Marcel eyed him conspicuously. "But I'm a hybrid," Marcel laughed, "And I consider both to be my strengths".

"Well my friend, I wish you the best of luck" Marcel reached out his hand to shake Klaus'.

"Thanks mate".

Klaus turned and started for Caroline.

"But my offer still stands," Marcel called, causing Klaus to turn, he continued, "y'know, if it doesn't work out for you".

Klaus grinned, "I wouldn't count on it, mate". With that, he gently placed his hands under Caroline and lifted her into his arms, careful to not wake her before leaving the house that held her captive for the last few hours.

And now, he carried her gently out of the car and up the stairs to his mansion. The sun was high in the sky, burning bright.

As Rebekah opened the front door, Klaus slipped in behind, heading for his room whilst Elijah and Rebekah settled into their home.

He placed her gently onto his bed, pulling the covers over her. He brushed away her hair and sat beside her for a moment.

She was so tired; she'd slept through the entire journey. Klaus knew she was still weak; she was still healing from the spell. She needed to drink his blood, at least, in order to fully get her strength back. But he couldn't bring himself to awake her when she looked so peaceful asleep.

After a short while, he decided to go downstairs. He would see if he had any blood bags for when she woke up, in case she refused his blood.

Downstairs, she was met by Rebekah.

"Well, that was a couple of eventful days" she said coolly.

Klaus opened the fridge. "Don't remind me Rebekah".

"Well, I'm just saying, you know, it was pretty dramatic and chaotic and even dangerous and I wouldn't know how you would have pulled it off with this outcome without, well, you know, a few extra helping hands."

Klaus peered back at her with a playful grin as she perched against the kitchen counter. She looked preoccupied with her nails but there was a smug grin on her lips. And then Elijah stepped in behind her with a small smirk, he had obviously been hearing in. Both brothers exchanged a knowing look.

"Forgive me Rebekah but, are you after my appraisal?" Elijah laughed.

"Well a polite thank you wouldn't go amiss. I mean, after all, you couldn't have done it without our help".

Klaus glanced at Elijah who seemed to agree. Klaus shut the fridge door and headed for the counter.

"Fine. Yes, Rebekah, it appears I did need a few extra hands dealing with the witch." Rebekah glanced at Elijah behind with a wider smug grin. "And given the circumstances, there's a possibility that I couldn't have pulled it off without your help, though I really don't see what exactly you did that benefited me or the situation." Klaus finished with a fighting smile.

Rebekah pouted, shooting Elijah a look. He shrugged. "I think what Niklaus means is thank you Rebekah, he couldn't have gotten Caroline back without you".

Klaus widened her eyes at her "Satisfied?"

She huffed. "I guess it'll do". She reached over and picked up the blood bag he got out of the fridge.

"For Caroline?" she asked and Klaus nodded. She let out a deep breath. "So what's the plan now, what are you going to do?"

Klaus snatched the blood bag back and looked for a glass. "Well Rebekah, that's for me to know and for you to dot-dot-dot" he mused as he opened and closed doors.

"What?! That's not fair!" she scowled. Klaus worked to empty the blood bag into the glass.

"Life isn't fair, love".

Rebekah rolled her eyes. "Says you who unbelievably has everything he's ever wanted".

Klaus matted his lips as he looked to his sister. "Well what can I say, good things come to those who wait".

Rebekah narrowed her eyes. "Did you just seriously say that?" She glanced at Elijah, dumbfounded.

"You heard me" Klaus grinned as Rebekah arched her eyebrows and cocked her head to the said, thoroughly shocked.

"Okay, who are you and what have you done with my brother; the evil mastermind behind the vampire wars and vengeance?"

Klaus rolled his eyes.

"Oh watch out Rebekah, I'm sure he's still in there" Elijah spoke, a sense of humour in his voice.

Klaus bit his bottom lip and looked up. "Oh, I wouldn't be so sure".

"Whatever," Rebekah shrugged, "There's no way you've changed, I give it a week before you go on your murderous rampage. Hayley better watch out, she'll be top on your list followed by Tyler and probably Elena. Hell, even Sophie if Marcel hadn't beat you to it. I even bet-"

Klaus interrupted her, "Rebekah, I'm not murdering anyone." He was truthful, honest.

Elijah straightened, hearing the honesty and sincerity in him. He wasn't surprised, he'd seen this from a mile off.

It was a moment before Rebekah spoke again.

"I actually believe you".

In return to Rebekah's words, Klaus gave a heartfelt smile. "And so you should."

"Wow" she breathed. "You really have changed Nik".

Klaus shook his head as he picked up the glass off the counter and made his way around them.

"No," he said with a growing smile as he met her eyes. "I fell in love".

He glanced at Elijah and sensed his understanding. "Love is the light that scares the darkness away". With that, Klaus turned to leave.

Klaus' words filtered through Elijah's mind as he remembered back to the conversation he overheard between Klaus and Marcel back in New Orleans. He now understood Klaus' refusal to Marcel.

He had everything here. Why rule a town that held no resemblance to true and honest love. Why force allegiances with things that would in the end, break anyway. Why live up false pretences when in the end, you'll be lying to yourself anyway. That's all Klaus had been doing all this time. It's he wasted his life doing.

From forcing his own family into loving him to creating an artificial one only to watch it combust as nature too its toll.

There was no point in ruling a kingdom when darkness would still prevail within Klaus.

No, Klaus was right. There was only one resolution, one ending, one fact.

Love is the light that scares darkness away.

Caroline was and is his light. She shines bright enough to awake the dark side of him. And it was evident she had worked her magic.

It's no wonder Klaus turned Marcel down, Elijah thought.

Klaus had his kingdom. It was right here. It was right here all along.

Caroline was his kingdom.

Thank you so so so so so much for reading, I love you so much for it! *hands over Joseph Morgan as a treat* :D

Please don't forget to leave a review and let me know what you thought! And any suggestions, make sure you let me know :)

Thank you! & PS; I will do personal shoutouts before the epilogue :)