Note: I've been planning this for a while now and have finally got an idea of where I'd like to take this, so I figured hey, why not post the first chapter up today and see what everyone thinks. Here's some slow-burn Stefonnie, reviews are bear hugs. XO (Also note, as much as I adore this pairing, this is a Bonnie story first and foremost)

The Queen's Undoing

Mystic Falls, Virginia

Every woman has her limit. I had thought all this time that I'd reached mine when I became this monster; this unforgivable parasite that took without permission or remorse. She'd always said that I was destined for this; for greatness and her companionship and for longer than I had cared to live that's what we'd had. And it was wonderful, it was perfect. I'd found in her a family that had long ago abandoned me. But when we met him, it all changed. When we met him, my first instinct was to leave and never return – how else would he stay this perfect person? How else would that wondrous light in his leaf green eyes still sparkle with the glimmers of hope and youth? If we stayed we'd suck him dry like we did everything we came across. We'd take the very essence of him and suck it in through our teeth, all the grit, all the chewy beauty he possessed. All of him would be slaughtered at the altar of our insatiable appetites. And even he wouldn't be enough – not in that context, no. But as I watched him I came to understand that he in fact may very well be too much. His beauty was surpassed by his soul; I'd never seen anything quite like it in all my years. And there were so many of those. Too many of those. But he made me feel like I made sense outside of my own mind, my own worries, my own misgivings. He looked at me in a way that I never thought I'd want to be looked at, but once he had, no other expression on his face would ever suffice. And no other face could grasp my attention like his, hold me captivated the way he did. And yet the urge to flee remained prominent, I knew I wouldn't survive here, my identity, my true identity would have me killed.

Yet even so, my human visage was not conducive to his world either – how many more reasons did I need to leave? Because of my skin, my beautiful skin, the only thing Katherine would admit to envying of me, I was a target in the 'modern' world. So I hid behind yet another mask, I pretended to be my Maker's handmaiden; so that I could survive. So that I could see him, speak with him, run from him…kiss him.

So that I could love him. But I'd always known, the second I first saw him, that one day I'd have to leave him. I just never expected the circumstances I would be under when we finally said goodbye.

Who Goes There?

Circa 1864

Salvatore Estate

"Mystery is a woman's greatest asset," Katherine was saying as they approached the large estate, "Consider this another layer through which to be seen and to see, another perspective with which to rule the world." That, Bonnie found, was always the problem with Katherine. She was so eloquent, so poised, so beautiful that murder seemed like a slight of hand, gorging herself on human blood seemed like high tea with a few select esteemed friends. She could convince just about anyone to do just about anything. And on the rare occasion that she was politely rebuffed, she used compulsion, the dark sheen covering her eyes as she fed ruthlessly on the culprit to teach them a lesson even after she got her way. She had her rules and everyone else had to live by them.

"Remind me again why we're here in Virginia?" Bonnie complained with a delicate yawn, "I loathe Americans, they have the foulest ideologies." Katherine hummed in agreement as she curled her finger through one of Bonnie's long chocolate ringlets that hung well below her waist.

"Klaus was picking up on our scent," Katherine reminded her prodigy, "We had no choice. And I know you'll have to pretend to be my handmaiden, but I promise I won't put you over my knee if you forget to press my dresses." The doppelgänger's smile was infectious. "This is all temporary, I just need to get this one small thing then we flee. No one has to get hurt." Bonnie gave her a stern look.

"You say that but we both know someone always does." Katherine tilted her head to the side thoughtfully as the horses drew to a stop, halting their procession. "And though it's never us, I do worry about the mess we leave in our wake, it's hardly inconspicuous." Katherine leaned in then, affection glittering in her whiskey coloured eyes.

"My sweet Bonnie," she began, "When will you see that everything outside of our world, anyone who crosses our path – they are meaningless to me and I treat them as such, as for our feeding habits while I must agree that I could be more discreet I will also never deviate from my nature which is and always has been –"

"–To conquer all." Bonnie finished for her. "I know Katerina, and I adore you for it. But my concern will never fade."

"Which is what I adore in you," Katherine said as she swooped up and ghosted her fingers over her own hair and face as if she were ever in a state other than perfection, "You keep me tethered to the Earth my dear child, without you I'm sure I wouldn't have had a life worth living." Bonnie found herself slowing that moment, savouring it. Katherine was never particularly emotive or empathetic so these simple words sent ripples throughout Bonnie's mind as she clung to them, scraps of affection that she would never admit to being starved of. Katherine had swept out of the carriage without another word or a backwards glance and Bonnie found herself happier still; another moment stewed in the lingering affections of Katerina Petrova. And as quickly as it came was Bonnie yanked up and out of her thoughts as she was called out to meet their new hosts – the Salvatores.

When father told me that we'd be having a new visitor, I hadn't expected what was presented to me that sweltering morning. Yes, Miss Katherine was incredibly beautiful, but her handmaiden that lay hidden under a plain cream bonnet, with hair longer than her mistress' was possibly the most beautiful creature I'd ever had the pleasure of meeting. Her face was heart-shaped and curved at every possible encounter, but her eyes –

"Stefan, where are your manners?" Giuseppe's voice cut through my thoughts like a bolt of lightning. I blushed, as if by instinct and diverted my attention to the lady who stood in front of me expectantly. Her eyes were wide and the loveliest mixture of brown with flecks of honey in them. Her olive skin and brown tresses should have had me swooning, and they might have, if I hadn't just caught a full glimpse of the handmaiden's face – she was truly exquisite.

"Stefan Salvatore." I said, my voice low and humble, yet admittedly distracted.

"Katherine Pierce." the woman replied and I smiled.

"Welcome." I said, with the proper gentlemanly flourish I had learned from my father when we were amongst guests of high society. "I hear you'll be staying with us for some time, allow me to show you to your room."

"Where will my lady be staying?" Katherine enquired and I faltered, looking back to my father, "She is of the highest value to me, I trust that she'll be looked after sufficiently?"

"Of course Miss Pierce." I replied easily, although, I myself had no way to guarantee this. Just then my father swept up to her, his blue eyes bright and his face as welcoming as I've ever seen it.

"She will most certainly be placed in suitable quarters, and once you're all settled in and well acquainted we'll all sit down for dinner." Katherine's face lit up like he'd just handed her the world on a silver platter.

"Mister Salvatore, you are as kind as you are handsome," she said and I could have sworn I saw a flush of colour permeate his cheek, quick as a snap of fingers, "I'll take my leave now, dearest Bonnie and I have been travelling for what seems to be years on end."

"Of course," I said, "Let me show you to your room." Bonnie, her name was Bonnie.

Bonnie Bennett has seen many things in her life. She'd seen innards wrapped around the remaining corpses like garish ribbons. Shredded sinew, burst vessels in eyes, jagged bones, fingertips pressed into throats, squeezing, taking…yet the most horrifying thing she'd seen to date had been the direct gaze of one Stefan Salvatore. His eyes weren't nearly as green as hers, his skin wasn't nearly as perfectly olive as Katherine's but his heartbeat, his mouth, his hair…his arms, his teeth, the way he stood, the way he'd glanced at her like he was sneaking something precious right under the nose of its owner, every facet of him called to her in a way blood never dared.

"Bonnie dear?" Katherine called as she stepped into Bonnie's quarters, Katherine scanned the room quickly and the corner of her mouth turned down in distaste. "But a few weeks my love," she reminded her progeny, "Then we'll have what we need and leave."

"A few weeks? What on Earth for? I thought this was a week-long lapse of judgement?" Katherine smiled warmly.

"It's the boy, there's something about him." Bonnie swallowed back her horror. No, not him. He was too good for them.

"There's always something about 'him'," she replied easily, her features serene and indifferent, "And it always ends the same way. With him dead." She fiddled with her pendant for a moment before dropping into the valley of her dress. It was her most treasured possession, the green of the emerald echoing the colour of her eyes perfectly. She'd had it longer than she'd had Katherine and that meant no one got near it, let alone saw it. "Katherine, I –"

"We'll do the locator spell as soon as I have enough blood for you and then, if he is susceptible to my charms…" her smile was slick and beautiful, "We bring him with us."

"You mean to turn him?" Bonnie hissed lowly, shocked. Katherine shrugged daintily, her smile still a mile wide.

"The more I think about it the more I know he'd be perfect for it, with that face, emboldened by darkness, couldn't you just picture it?" Bonnie's eyes widened a little at the faraway look on her Maker's face.

"I can picture it clearly." Bonnie admitted, having the foresight to keep her tone neutral and typically indifferent. Truthfully, she had no claim over him or his destiny, which is not to say she'd be passive about her influence thereof…but, going against Katerina Petrova over some sweet-faced country-boy? Even newborns had more sense in them than that. "There is the matter of his brother however." Bonnie continued, fiddling with the fabric of her skirt. Katherine pursed her lips thoughtfully; they'd both seen the photographs gracing the walls and table tops as they were shown around the Manor – the older brother was handsome too, of course, but his presence lacking meant they couldn't simply compel the father and leave…too many loopholes there.

"His brother is irrelevant." Katherine dismissed. "We'll deal with the other Salvatore when he returns."

"Which is when…exactly?" Bonnie pressed with a quirk to her brow. Katherine huffed and shrugged daintily, pressing her lips together.

"Who knows?" She practically yawned, "But until then I am on blood-scavenging duty and you, my sweet," her eyes glittered, "Are ordered to do as little as possible to keep your strength up. Okay?" Bonnie smiled, reluctantly, but smiled all the same.

"Yes…mother." She teased with a small grin before turning serious. "There is ample presence of magic in this area, it should be easy for me to draw on its essence if need be." Katherine's smile was contagious.

"Perfect," The Maker cooed, "You'll be unstoppable."

Hello Little Witch

Circa 1600

Bonnie Bennett was no ordinary vampire.

After Katherine herself turned into a member of the undead in her rebellion against Klaus' efforts she made her life's work to protect herself from him by any and every means possible. This led her to discover the truth behind the Legend of the Undead Witch. There were whispers of a young Bennett witch, so powerful that after spending her life on the run from covens hoping to use her or make her the High Priestess, she cast a protection spell and managed to cocoon herself in a shell of power and immortality since the tenth century, hidden in the ample forests of the Southern Hemisphere. Katherine sought her ought, as a means of protection and one fateful day, stumbled across the very tomb after years of searching.

A simple caress to the smooth, shell surface of the magic coffin damn near burnt Katherine's skin off, but she persevered with a defiant hiss.

"Wake up…" She cooed, leaning in, just stopping short before her skin met with the surface, "Wake up little witch." She tilted her head curiously at the object, inlaid with vines, blossoms and a flurry of insects. "I hear you've been running," she spoke casually, trying to see through the purple colour in vain, "So have I, and it because of this that I know I can give you one thing you're desperately craving now…a family." Katherine's wicked gaze grazed over the egg-like cocoon in front of her. "I can give you that," she went on sweetly, "I can be your family." She was lying through her teeth; anyone who'd been in her company longer than a minute could have told you that. But she needed this witch; she needed this immortal child to side with her so that she could live out the century. "And I can promise you this; because there is nothing more I want for myself." Her eyes narrowed as impatience flashed through her. She pursed her lips as she glared down at the impossible tomb. As she was about to slam her fist down on the thing a single crack ran down the centre of it. The fissure spread and branched out, a golden light bleeding through the openings. Katherine didn't bother hiding her astonishment. A loud whirring began, quickly building to the scream of a siren and the brunette vampire fell over, mouth wide, head spinning with an indescribable pain that left her winded and writhing. Katherine could do no more than watch as the cocoon fell apart and a small body emerged, covered in a thick, golden fluid that fell off of her body, finding no purchase on her smooth skin. The only thing the witch wore was a shimmering gold necklace with an emerald charm hanging between her breasts. Katherine blinked stupidly as the girl's features came into focus and the witch took in her surroundings and the numb vampire before looking down at herself.

"Won't do." The witch muttered musically and not a second later was she housed in a dress much like Katherine's, but where the vampire's was a powdery blue colour, the witch chose a forest green hue. Complimenting her malachite eyes. Waving a hand over her person, she dried and curled her hair; adding in small flowers here and there, swept a touch of colour to her mouth and cheeks. She was beautiful. "Who are you?" Katherine gagged at the magic still burning through her veins. "Oh," The witch gasped, "Apologies." The magic ebbed out of the vampire and the doppelgänger gasped, shooting upright with a small scowl etched onto her forehead. "Safety." The witch shrugged, "I'm sure you understand." Katherine pursed her lips, admittedly impressed but refused to comment.

"I am Katherine Pierce." She responded and the witch's eyes lit up.

"That is a beautiful name." She replied, "Mine is Bonnie."

"Bonnie?" Katherine echoed, "And what of your family name?"

"I have none." The witch replied, "As you know."

"Yes but even orphans had a mother and father at some point, a legacy?"

"This one does not." Bonnie replied easily.

"You're exceptionally powerful." The vampire noted. Bonnie smiled.

"As are you Miss Petrova." Katherine's brows lifted. "I know too much for my own good." She went on. "Cursed, I call it."

"Blessed is what it is." Katherine countered pointedly, "So how much do you know?" Bonnie pressed her mouth together, amusement glittering in her eyes.

"I know that you think you lied to me about wanting to be a family together, but you do. I know your every intention with me…and I must warn you, most, if not all of it, will soon lean to my favour." Katherine narrowed her eyes. "I am the most powerful witch this world knows of, you'd do well to remember that upon your resurrection of me."

"Is that a threat?" Bonnie shook her head sweetly.

"It's a reminder of your responsibility to me." Bonnie said, "I am yours now, as much as you are mine. We are family. I've seen it." Katherine had absolutely no idea what to make of her.

"I…"

"You weren't expecting this I know," Bonnie finished for her, "But then again, you did believe rather easily that with the flourish of a well-told lie that I would be your blind minion." Bonnie's smiling eyes dared the vampire to deny it. "All things considered you're quite out of your depths here." Katherine sneered and before she could think of rushing forward she was inched backwards – roughly. Bonnie's face remained serene.

"Then why even come out of your tomb?" The vampire wondered.

"I've slept too long," the witch admitted, "Besides, I happen to like you." Katherine frowned prettily. "It's true, from what I've learned about you in the last while," she leaned forward a little then, "And I've learned everything there is to know about you," she grinned, "I can safely say that you should be the one to wake me."

"So you'll come with me then?" Katherine wondered? "You'll help me?"

"I shall," Bonnie replied happily, "On one condition," Katherine would have promised her anything at this point. "You turn me into a vampire." The vampire's mouth fell open.

"Absolutely not!" She yelped. Bonnie smiled. Everything was falling into place already.

Stay excellent