Patreon
At the Mikaelson mansion, Katherine followed Rebekah with trepidation; this was a reckoning 500 years in the making. She stood outside the parlor room for what felt like an eternity, barely daring to breathe. Her heart raced as she finally took a deep breath, steeling herself before stepping inside.
The room was dimly lit, the tension palpable. Seated were the three Mikaelson brothers and Rebekah. Klaus and Elijah sat stiffly, their postures betraying their readiness to strike, while Kol and Rebekah lounged casually, their expressions carelessly amused.
"So, Kitkat, how was your day?" Kol drawled lazily, his eyes gleaming with mischief.
Klaus and Elijah shot him sharp looks, Klaus growling in irritation.
Katherine, ever the master of sarcasm, replied with a snarky grin, "Why, Kol, it was fabulous—because I had the pleasure of attending this delightful gathering."
Kol chuckled, clearly entertained, while Elijah let out a resigned sigh. Klaus, on the other hand, remained silent, his face a stone mask of barely restrained anger.
"Well, Kitkat," Kol continued, leaning back in his chair, "this little gathering isn't just a social call. It's your trial. Time to see what punishment is fitting for the crimes you've committed."
Katherine's eyes narrowed, her tone laced with defiance. "A trial? And who, exactly, gave you the right to judge me?"
Kol smiled, pleased by her fire. "Oh, the Petrova spirit. Why, Katerina? Because that's how it's always been. And always will be. All vampires answer to us. You may have been free for 500 years, but that freedom was an illusion. When we demand something, it's done."
Katherine muttered under her breath, "Elitist assholes."
Kol's grin widened. "Ah, darling, we are elitists. Nobles in our own culture, nobles in many others. You, however, are not. And now, let's address your crimes."
Katherine's jaw clenched, but she remained silent, bracing herself for what was to come.
"You evaded the ritual 500 years ago, thereby preventing my brother from breaking his curse. The price you paid was the massacre of your family and a life spent on the run, always hunted. Yet here you are, alive and still defiant."
Katherine's eyes glistened for a brief moment at the mention of her family, but she quickly masked her emotions with a steely expression.
"And then," Kol went on, his tone casual but sharp, "there's the matter of Stefan Salvatore. I've heard… rumors of your compulsion. It seems it wasn't just about love, but something much darker. Some call it rape. But, I'd rather hear it from you before passing judgment."
Katherine flinched, her defenses crumbling slightly. "Why are you asking me this?" she demanded.
Kol's expression softened, just a fraction. "Because, darling, for 500 years you evaded Niklaus. You were hunted, but not truly. Had we wanted, we could've ended it far sooner. You've survived because he allowed it. Our elder brother," he gestured towards Klaus, "has always had a soft spot for you. But I, personally, prefer hearing the truth directly from the source. So, what did you compel Stefan to do?"
Katherine stood frozen, her breath catching in her throat. The weight of the room seemed to press down on her. Still, she took a grounding breath and faced them all.
"I compelled Stefan to act on his feelings for me," she admitted quietly. "I was on the verge of flipping my emotions, and I needed someone—something—to hold onto. Stefan had feelings for me. But he didn't want to come between me and Damon. I chose him because I… liked him more than I ever liked Damon. I was tired. Exhausted. I wanted to turn my humanity off and go on a spree, to die or disappear. And Stefan was my anchor. I don't know why I'm even telling you this."
Kol smirked. "That would be a little trick of mine. I may have keyed your magic so you can't lie. You're free to stop talking whenever you want, of course. But if you do speak, it'll be the truth."
Klaus raised an eyebrow at Kol, intrigued, while Elijah looked bewildered. Rebekah, meanwhile, watched Kol with understanding, almost as if she had known this was coming.
"And what exactly are you proposing, Kol?" Klaus asked, his voice a low growl.
"Oh, you'll like this punishment, Nik," Kol said with a smile, his tone almost playful.
"Go on, then. Let's hear it," Klaus replied, leaning forward slightly, his eyes gleaming with curiosity.
Everyone knew Klaus wouldn't agree to anything without hearing the terms first.
"Katerina Petrova, the biggest, baddest bitch of the past 500 years," Kol began theatrically, earning eye rolls from the others, "your punishment is simple: you will be under our control. No more running, no more scheming behind our backs. You will serve us when called upon. And as a delightful twist—" Kol paused, a wicked grin spreading across his face, "—you will be compelled never to betray us. Ever again."
Katherine's face drained of color. The thought of being under their control, of losing her autonomy after centuries of survival, was far worse than any physical punishment. Her defiance wavered, fear creeping in.
"Of course," Kol added, "if you refuse, we can always make it worse. Much worse."
Klaus sat back, his expression thoughtful as he studied Katherine. Elijah's face remained unreadable, while Rebekah watched with quiet satisfaction.
"And why should I spare her?" Klaus asked, his voice low but dangerous.
Kol's grin never faltered. "Because, Nik, she's far more useful alive. A tool at our disposal, a reminder of who holds the real power. Besides, it'll be fun to watch her try to resist… and fail."
Klaus leaned forward, locking eyes with Katherine. "Do you accept, Katerina?"
Katherine swallowed hard, knowing she had no real choice. "I accept."
"Good," Klaus said, his voice dark and menacing. "Then let the fun begin."