Disclaimer: This story is based on characters created by L.J. Smith, as portrayed in the TV series created by Kevin Williamson and Julie Plec. All rights to their respective owners. No copyright infringement intended.

Author's Note: Ok, so I'm officially crazy. Why on earth would I want to start yet another story when I already have three going, and I have writer's block? I have no excuse. Except that I'm crazy about Delena and want to use them in as many stories as possible : ) So, this is in no way an original idea. I haven't read another fanfic on here using this particular "Beauty and Beast"-concept, but I only found this site a couple of months ago, so I'm sure there are other stories like this one already out there. Some of my favorite YouTube-videos use this particular concept, and I really wanted to write my version of it.

Setting: Well, as this is based on the Disney version (no copyright infringement intended), it is an AU-story set sometime in the past, like storybook-time. The language is a little bit mixed between contemporary English and old-time English. Hey, it's my story and I'll write what I want to ; )

Enjoy!

BEHIND THE CASTLE WALLS

PROLOGUE

Elena Gilbert stretched out in bed, enjoying the morning sun. It was her day to sleep in. Her brother Jeremy had promised to take care of breakfast. It was just the two of them now. Their parents had died three months ago of consumption. It was a miracle that neither she nor Jeremy caught the deadly infection themselves. Half the town of Mystic Falls had fallen victim to the endemic disease. No-one had come to see them after their parents' death. They feared Elena or Jeremy carried the virus, and so they were basically shunned. As they had a large garden, there was really no need to go into town. And Elena had her books, and her writing. She would sit by her window late at night, an oil lamp her only companion, and write. Her father had been a writer, too, and he left behind a collection of books, journals, and notebooks waiting to be filled. Elena wrote to escape the harsh reality that had thrust itself upon their family. They had no living relatives and the most she could hope for was to find a wealthy man to marry who might take pity on her little brother as well. Jeremy should have learned a trade by now, but the consumption that plagued their parents had drained him of his zest for life and aspirations. His only comfort was to draw. He was a skilful artist, but who would pay him for his work?

Elena was brought out of her reveries by a sharp knock on the door. She hurriedly put on her robe, ashamed of how worn-out it was, and went to open the door. She could hear Jeremy in the kitchen. "Master Lockwood," she gasped. The young man on her doorstep was none other than the son of the largest property owner in Mystic Falls, the man whose tenants the Gilberts had been for as long as she could remember.

"Elena," he bowed gracefully, taking her hand in his and moving it to his lips. Elena quickly removed her hand from his grip, trying to not cause offense while doing so. "Please, call me Tyler."

"Very well. Good morning, Tyler," Elena said pleasantly.

"And a good morrow to you as well, my fair maiden."

"What can I do for you?"

"First, let me extend my deepest sympathies for your loss."

"Thank you."

"I would have come sooner, but my father fell ill."

"Oh. I'm sorry."

"My father is fading quickly. He has asked me to assume his duties."

"I'm sorry we are behind on our rent… I have not been able to find work for myself or Jeremy, and we have not been able to sell our vegetables at the market due to the epidemic."

"Oh, do not trouble yourself with such concerns, my dear Elena. I have come to propose a solution to all your problems."

"Oh?" Elena was nonplussed. Why was Tyler Lockwood being so informal with one of his tenants?

"I have come to make you my wife," he proclaimed proudly, as if she would swoon with gratitude at the prospect. Elena did nothing of the sort. Instead, she slammed the door in his face.

Panting, Elena leaned against the sturdy old door, trying to compose herself. She had just slammed the door on Tyler Lockwood. The repercussions could be catastrophic. But the idea was ludicrous. Tyler Lockwood was a ladies' man of epic proportions. He had girls and women fawning over him during all hours of the day. What would he want with her? She was but a peasant. Why should he want her for his wife? No. She would not give herself to him. She would not.

Tyler Lockwood was furious. The audacity of the woman! He had never met anyone that defied him like she had just done. She had humiliated him! Who did she think she was? He could have her and her brother out on the streets with the snap of his fingers.

"Struck out, huh?" His manservant taunted him. If Matthew Donovan hadn't been a favorite of his mother's, Tyler would have struck him across the face.

"She is being impossible, and foolish."

"Yes, master. No woman could ever resist your charms for long."

"For once, you are correct, Matthew. I shall woo her. Once she is my wife, she shall polish my boots with her silky mane." Head held high, Tyler strode off. Shaking his head, Matt followed. He knew of Elena Gilbert. She was not one to be easily swayed.

Author's Note: There you go, a very short prologue. I hope you like it : ) Don't worry - Damon will appear sooner or later… in the next chapter, to be exact…

Trivia: When I chose a cause of death for the Gilberts, I just picked an illness. I later looked it up on Wikipedia, and found this statement: Before the Industrial Revolution, tuberculosis may sometimes have been regarded as vampirism.