Since becoming a part of the human faction, Camille O'Connell had been to more meetings, war councils, and political gatherings than she ever cared for. The other type of event she hated? The galas. She never got to let loose and enjoy herself, not like the other guests. It wasn't like in movies where she could dance away the night and have expensive but tasteless food. No, she always had her guard up because she knew that she was being watched and judged the entire time.

Watched by vampires, watched by the wolves. Most importantly, watched by members of her own faction who didn't think she belonged. They considered her too young and too inexperienced. All despite the fact that she helped try to maintain the peace between factions and rid the Quarter of threats such as Esther and Finn Mikaelson while the rest of them had been trying to pick up the pieces and rebuild amongst themselves. But it didn't matter, to them she was just a young naïve woman who lucked her way into power by having important family connections, even though most of them came from old families as well. Cami knew the only reasons they let her in were A) the arsenal she inherited from her late uncle Kieran. Not only did it hold a large collection of dark magic weapons but it also had some well-kept, O'Connell-know-only secrets. B) The fact that she already earned the trust of the leaders of the werewolf, vampire, and witch communities. Most importantly, the Mikaelsons, the most powerful family in the city, and the world. The original vampires. The original hybrid, Klaus Mikaelson himself, considered her a friend. Her connections to the other factions made her invaluable and they hated her for it. It wasn't fair, but when is life ever?

Cami sighed and looked at the clock. 7:45 pm. The party started at eight and she was still in her bathrobe.

She didn't want to go to the gala this evening, she even considered blowing it off but didn't because she wanted to look strong. It also helped that the party was being held at the Mikaelson compound. The familiar setting would calm her and her friends from the supernatural side would be there to keep her company.

The party was being held in honor of the new mayor, Donald Sumpter, to officially welcome him to the supernatural world. He promised to maintain peace and balance the power in the Quarter. Cami had met him once before and he was optimistic and reasonable, she believed he could do some good.

She fingered through the clothes in her closet. The ball's theme was black and white so that made it easier to choose what to wear. Should she go black pants and a dressy top? No, no slacking off on her looks. These people saw her looking average every day and this was an opportunity for her to look stunning. Cami reached to the back of her closet and pulled out a dress still wrapped in the plastic it had been placed in the day she left the store.

It was strapless and had a white X in the front with a black backdrop. The X started at the top of her breasts and stopped at her waist, accentuating her curves. The rest of it fell to the ground but if she walked a split on the right side exposed her leg. If that wasn't enough the back featured a diamond cut out leaving the top and middle exposed. The fabric picked up just before her waist.

The dress wasn't her style at all but she was talked into getting it by Rebekah Mikaelson the first time they went out shopping together. Shopping, another activity Cami didn't take spectacular joy in, but it didn't matter, Rebekah had enough enthusiasm for the both of them. She had tried on practically everything in the store and practically threatened Cami into trying it on. Cami had been mortified when she put it on but Rebekah had been nodding like a bobble head.

"You look amazing!" She said in her unique British accent.

Cami admitted it didn't look half bad but her eyes nearly popped out of her head when she saw the price. After she took the dress off Rebekah snatched it and went to the counter.

"Don't worry about price Cami, money is no object." She waved the worry off of Cami's face. "That dress was made for you, the only crime would be in not getting it. Besides—" She said as she slid the black Amex card across to the cashier. "—this is on Nik. It's the least he could do after all you've done in helping us. If Elijah can strut around in his expensive suits all day surely you can own one decent looking dress."

Cami had murmured a thanks and placed the dress at the back of her closet the minute she got home. Rebekah would be at the party tonight, so she'd finally get to see Cami wear it.

Then the matter was settled, Cami would wear the dress to show her appreciation to Rebekah and to knock her peers off of their feet. She decided to be like Rebekah tonight: let her hair down and relax. This party was the perfect opportunity to do so. And if it was being held at the compound…well if Cami was being honest with herself her peers in the human faction weren't the only people whose eye she was hoping to catch.

After giving her invite to an attendant Cami entered the compound with her mouth nearly hanging open. It never ceased to surprise her how the Mikaelsons could throw a party. The common look of the courtyard had been lost in an array of fancy lights, a bar, a makeshift stage, and an elegant arrangement of tables. They even managed to fit in a live orchestra. Party guests sat down, socialized, and a few danced on the dancefloor. Everyone was dressed to the nines and Cami was happy she decided against the slacks and top.

Instead of the normal curls she wore Cami blow dried her hair straight with a side part. She paired the dress with a set of chandelier diamond earrings, some bright red lipstick to add a pop of color, and around her neck she wore her uncle's key to the arsenal. It was plain and didn't really go with the rest of her outfit but it was a reminder to herself, and everyone else, the place she held and why they needed her. It came to a rest right before her cleavage.

Cami worked her way through the crowd, shaking hands, returning compliments, and making small talk. She made her way over to where most of the human faction were sitting. Instead of mingling they sat down arrogantly waiting for people to speak to them. Cami didn't see Mayor Donald with them, he must be meeting the other faction leaders. She decided to take the high road and went to the head of the table where Henry Boudreaux sat. The self-proclaimed head of their faction. He sat as if he owned the entire floor and his eyes never left hers as she made her way over to him.

"Good evening, Mr. Boudreaux." Cami said extending her hand to shake his.

"Ms. O'Connell. I see you deigned grace us with your presence." His eyes flicked over her body. "Although I can say it was worth the wait."

Ew, inside Cami cringed, the guy was old enough to be her grandfather. Then again, so was another certain someone…a hundred times over in fact, but he didn't look or act like it.

"You look handsome as well. I hope you enjoy the party." Cami withdrew her hand and tried to make her retreat.

"Yes this is a lovely home, the Mikaelsons know how to throw a party."

"That they do." Cami paused before continuing, "I hope you weigh the benefits of having them as allies."

"The humans' relationship with that family is tentative at best." That was true, they were allies in the loosest sense of the word.

"That family? You say that as if you aren't sitting down in their fancy chairs sipping on their expensive champagne."

Next to him Elizabeth Coin's eyes narrowed while Billy Turner almost spat out his drink and barely hid a laugh. Henry slowly put his glass down. "You better watch your tongue girl. I'll do whatever is best for our species. Can the same be said about you? Your affections for these creatures put us all at risk."

Cami's face burned at the reprimand.

Henry leaned forward and spoke so only Cami could hear. "Some friendly advice: your friends may be powerful, but so am I. You don't want me as an enemy. Remember that O'Connell." He glared greedily at the key that hung around her neck. Maybe wearing it wasn't such a good idea after all.

Cami knew she should walk away but instead she smiled with an easy confidence that she didn't possess. "I'm sure you heard about what happened our predecessors when they went up against Klaus. Do you really want to share their fate?" Henry's face paled. "Since we're dealing out friendly advice, here's some: you may not want the Mikaelsons as allies, but you sure as hell don't want them as enemies. Remember that, Mr. Boudreaux." She stood back up and smiled at the rest of the table. "Enjoy the rest of your evening."

Billy sent her a short wave and a genuine smile. The rest ignored her. As she walked way she heard Elizabeth scoffed, "Where is she going? Off to see her friends?"

Cami ignored her and continued walking. The nerve of Boudreaux! He ought to watch what he was saying. Did he forget that there were people there with supernatural hearing or was he too arrogant to care? He always knew just what to say to play on her insecurities. How many times had Cami questioned her own personal involvement with the supernatural creatures? She felt more at home with witches and vampires than she did with her own species. Was she some kind of freak? So far Cami had been walking with no destination in mind when a voice stopped her.

"Cami!"

"Uh-oh, I'd recognize that voice anywhere." Cami held out open arms as Rebekah embraced her.

She looked amazing in an off the shoulder light pink gown. "You look fantastic."

"Don't I always? Do not ask me how long it took for me to flat iron this." She pointed to the normally curly black hair that was miraculously straightened. "Five years being stuck in this body and I can still barely manage this hair."

Cami felt a twinge of sympathy. Rebekah had been body jumped into a young African American witch while her true original body was kept downstairs in a coffin. They still hadn't been able to undo the spell that her brother Kol had placed on her. Regardless, Rebekah had forgiven Kol, right before he died…it was a long story.

"Any ways, you my darling, look spectacular. Can I pick out a dress or what? Look at that hair. You're definitely a knockout." Cami rolled her eyes good-naturedly. "I'm serious, you could have your pick of the litter to take home with you tonight."

"That is the furthest thing from my mi—"

"Rebekah, Cami? Oh thank God!"

They both turned to see Hayley Marshall, the werewolf Queen herself. She looked stunning in a red ball gown. Cami was always slightly jealous, Hayley seemed so effortlessly beautiful. After a round of hugs and compliments Hayley rolled her eyes.

"I can't believe Jack made me come to this thing alone."

Cami nodded knowingly, Hayley was even less of an extravagant person than Cami. "Where is he?"

"Hiding in the bayou, he told me to give the new mayor his regards, the coward."

"Have you met Donald?" Rebekah asked eagerly, "he's a handsome devil."

"Don't you have Marcel?"

Rebekah looked offended. "Am I not allowed to admire other men? We all don't have hunky alpha male husbands to go home to Hayley."

"Hunky alpha male husbands who hide out in the bayou to avoid giving a tedious speech and suck up to the new man in power? Yeah, you're really missing out."

"Donald looks like he'll be a good mayor. He'll try to keep the peace." Cami said as she fingered her necklace.

"I hope so, although it's been quiet for the most part I'm itching for a fight." Hayley said.

"I've been improving on my magic as well, I can give quite the nasty headache. Cami, would you like me to give one to that old fart Henry? I saw the way he was talking to you."

Hayley's eyes narrowed. "That bastard who tried to get werewolves to stay in the bayou unless summoned?" She turned to Cami. "Give the word and I'll snap his neck."

"As much as I'd like him gone, you know you can't. The werewolf queen killing the head of the human faction?"

"Let me do it then," Rebekah piped up glaring in Henry's direction. "I know it will be tougher in a witch's body but it'll be well worth the satisfaction."

Cami laughed, "I love you guys. But we all know why peace means so much." She looked at Hayley meaningfully. "How is the little princess?"

Rebekah laughed knowingly while Hayley rubbed her temples. "Angry, she's mad that she can't come down to the party. I'm afraid Klaus has spoiled her already. She thinks she's the center of attention."

"She is for him."

"True, Nik loves her more than anything on earth. Your daughter will be the most spoiled child in all of history. Clearly he doesn't know how to hold back." Rebekah said gesturing around the room.

Hayley voiced Cami's thoughts. "Where is Klaus? I haven't seen him since I put Hope in her room."

Rebekah waved the question off. "You know him, probably supervising every detail, or meeting with the mayor privately."

Cami ignored the sinking feeling in her chest. She hadn't caught a glimpse of Klaus all night, he wasn't the reason she came but she still wanted to at least tell him hello.

All three heard the sound of scuffling and saw a fight about to break out between a vampire and a werewolf.

"I better go handle that." Hayley said already walking off. "It may be the most interesting part of the evening."

Rebekah raised her eyebrows at Cami. "Well?"

"Well what?"

"You and I are two of the most gorgeous women in attendance. We are going to enjoy ourselves tonight."