liarfaker presents

The Mikaelsons as Political Animals drabble series

Full summary of the general idea:

Divorced former First Lady Esther Mikaelson is currently serving as the Secretary of State. She finds an unlikely ally in a D.C. journalist Caroline Forbes who had previously dedicated herself to tearing the Mikaelson family to pieces.

Caroline enters the family which consists of a divorced matriarch who still harbors some feelings for her womanizer ex-husband; two badboy sons who probably take after their father; two ideal sons who most certainly take after their mother, and an emotional daughter who loves too easily and too recklessly. When Caroline discovers the truth about Esther's old extramarital affair and the real history of Klaus' parentage, her relations with Klaus become even more tense. As if they didn't hate each other enough already.

"When this breaks every reporter in the world will want to know your answer."

And so the campaign shit hits the fan.

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#1

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When Caroline Forbes crosses the threshold of the Mikaelson mansion, she's astonished by the actual luxury the family lives in.

In the small town of Mystic Falls nobody dreamed of marble floors and stairs so high even Cinderella would get dizzy. Crystal chandeliers hanging under the high ceiling make Caroline feel so small.

She's surrounded by millions of dollars. And she wouldn't be Caroline Forbes if she didn't run into an arm-less statue of a naked woman. (Because, quoting Esther Mikaelson the patron saint of arts and whatnot, thanks to art this world still has a soul.)

The string quartet could pick up the tempo, though. It's an engagement party, not a funeral, right? Political créme de la créme doesn't seem to mind, of course. God forbid.

"Caroline!" She hears a familiar voice, low and soft, that of a caring mother. But don't let appearances mislead you. This woman is a predator. She is the goddamn—

"Madam Secretary."

"Esther, please. I'm so glad you could make it with that busy schedule of yours."

"Yeah. Me too."

It's not like Caroline's been preparing for this since Monday, trying on dress after dress and driving her make-up artist aka best friend Bonnie crazy.

"Don't you think the future bride looks absolutely amazing tonight?" Esther coos and nods at the young, fragile brunette standing in a circle of photographers. Her glittering choco-gold dress fits like a glove. She musters a shy smile at the camera. Just when her fiancé joins her in front of the press she finally stands up taller arching her back, her smile becoming braver.

"Ah, the lovebirds. Time for the toast."

Caroline is again left alone in the crowd, suddenly feeling like a poor party-crasher in her strawberry pink cocktail dress. Nobody told her it was supposed to be a freaking fairytale ball.

In the furthest corner of the room, two pairs of eyes are following Caroline's steps. The brown ones watch her with interest, the blue ones—with annoyance.

"I remember her from some press conference. She looks like a tasty little thing."

"I can't believe mother did that to us." The blue-eyed sighs in disbelief.

"Look at those curves, Klaus. I'd gladly grant her a private interview. In my bedroom."

"Say another word, you traitor, and I'll tear out your liver."

The silver clings against the glass, which means the announcement is coming. Esther Mikaelson stands at the top of the marble stairs, towering over the excited mass. Her eyes search for something—someone?—for a second, then darken a little before she blinks and she's the hostess again.

"Good Evening, ladies and gentlemen. Waiters are coming around with champagne. I invite you all to join me in raising a glass. It provides me with no greater joy then to see my family back together as one. A mother's the happiest when all her children are back home, especially for such a momentous occasion. Elena, Elijah, I wish you provide us with many more of them." She sends them a warm, meaningful smile. Elena Gilbert blushes. "I'd like to thank you all for being part of this spectacular evening. Cheers!"

Caroline stands by a column nervously squeezing the black satin clutch in her hands. Tonight, Caroline reminds herself, she's a guest. Tonight's the time to bond with the family she'll be a part of from now on. That's the deal with Esther. The proverbial peace pipe.

Easier said than done, she thinks when someone clears their throat behind her back and she's already rolling her eyes while turning away.

"Good evening."

Seriously? She definitely needs a drink.

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A/N: It's just a kind of experiment. Let's see how it goes.