Disclaimer: Ain't mine.

Consideration

The king was trying to decide between the venison and lobster. He would have both but eating too much human food always interfered with his after dinner drink, and tonight he had a lovely woman from Singapore lined up. Her blood was a treat that he did not often get to partake of.

As he waved over the platter of lobster he ignored Greta's scowl. Camille cut into the venison flank happily. Greta sighed and he could bare it no longer.

"Out with it." He said cracking into the crustacean.

"Your Majesty?" His witch said innocently. Niklaus rolled his eyes.

"How long are you going to pout like an infant before you spring into full tantrum?" Niklaus said sliding the buttery sweet meat between his lips.

"I was unaware I was pouting."

"Enough. I grow bored of your games. Spit it out or swallow it." Niklaus commanded.

Greta sighed, glaring at her plate.

"I thought we meant more to you that's all. If you wanted an heir…"

"I don't want an heir." Niklaus responded bored.

"Then why are you tracing around after that horrible girl?"

Niklaus ignored her biting into his salad.

"It's clear she's after your power. Her and her father probably cooked up some scheme to infiltrate the castle. And of course your wayward dick is leading you right into her hands."

Camille's eyes were glued to the wall. Niklaus ignored Greta.

"Camille how is lady Genevieve? Is she still suffering from fever?"

"She's better. Much better, we actually spent the afternoon gossiping about the pairing ceremonies and the likely pairs."

"Really?" Niklaus feigned interest.

"Yes, we think Lord Tyler will have a companion soon, he and Lexa Hunter have been spending a lot of time together. We are more than sure Lorenzo will choose that perky girl Gretchen. He would have chosen Gwen, but Lorenzo likes to be worshipped and that poor girl doesn't want to be here."

"Poor girl. Did she not pledge voluntarily?"

"She needed the blood Niklaus."

"You know whose story is sad…the Bennett Witch." Greta said somberly.

"The witch making a mockery of the lower court. She pledged to be here just like everyone else. I grow tired of these trumped up tales of woe."

"She didn't pledge to be here. She sacrificed herself so her cousin wouldn't have to leave her family. Apparently she had a bright magical future ahead of her. I mean the girl is powerful. She could have led the Blood Coven but she gave it all up for her family. Talk about loyalty and dedication."

"How do you know the extent of her power?"

"Did you not feel it the other night? It crashed into me like a wave at the companion ball. The girl's magical genome has to be powerful. It looks like Malachi is going to get the vitch heir he has been dreaming about."

"Malachi?" Niklaus said choking a little on his wine. "I thought he preferred purebloods."

Greta shrugged.

"All his children have left him. He grows lonely. Besides I think he likes the idea of having someone to share his magic with. Does that bother you my lord?"

"No why should it?"

"I don't know."

"Does it bother you, Greta?"

"No. Why should it?"

-o0o-

The death rattle had set in. The old woman wheezed making it hard for the king to think. He sat by the bed looking on her wrinkled features. He was awed by the assault of time on the human body. This once fearsome creature was now a shade, a ghost of her former self. She was too frail to feed herself but somehow the stubborn old woman still had the power to contain four originals. Power that great was mind-bending.

It had been an unlikely truce between the two of them. He had secretly cared for her in her later years in exchange for the magical binding that held his siblings in place, and her execution of that bastard Silas. He had grown use to seeking her counsel, even if he ignored it. The blood witch would be missed.

He had days, if that, before his siblings would be free. He could speculate all he wanted but he knew they were coming for him, and his kingdom. Kol would burn it down without hesitation. Rebekah would slaughter every thing he loved, and Elijah would aid the king's enemies if it meant seeing him fall.

Even knowing these truths didn't dampen his yearning to reunite with his siblings. He longed for a family, his family. He was an arse to the Ripper but he understood his fascination with the Lady Caroline and his half blood mutts. He knew why Marcel spent his nights away from the castle, Camille took every opportunity to visit the lower town, and why Greta clung to him like a vice.

He knew he was going to sire a half blood. His desires and fears gave him no choice. Simone would bare him a vitch, he was sure of it. But what if she didn't? Damon, Lorenzo, and Alaric would have a field day with the gossip. Gods knows what Greta would have to say. A thought occurred to him. What would Simone do?

The King knew she would abandon the child. He didn't want an heir, especially a half blood one, but he knew what it was to be unwanted and unloved. He wouldn't abandon his seed. He would love it regardless. If he was going to do this he was going to do it right. His child required more than what Simone Bassett and her political aspirations were offering.

-o0o-

Bonnie was nervous. After a week of attending events and mingling with vampires today was the day for interested parties to make their proposals. She sat at a table in her chambers her knees jumping as servants delivered preliminary dowry contracts. Caroline took each one and placed it on the table. Bonnie stared down at the envelopes. At sundown all offers must be in, and then Bonnie would decide which vampire she wanted to be paired with. They would announce their "partnership" at the companion ball tomorrow night.

She initially said she wanted to wait and see all the offers at once, but the sun was about to set, and Bonnie couldn't stand it anymore. She ripped into the first envelope reading the fine print.

The witch scoffed at Malachi's offer. He was generous with his money, but Bonnie would not be offering him any magical assistance. There would be no conjugal visitations. He would also not be in charge of their child's magical learning. He did offer her a residence in the lower town as she requested, and a shop. It was actually fair, and with further negotiations could be perfect. She reached for the next package.

Sir Luka agreed to all her terms regarding the child, but he wanted her to reside with him, and he wanted to make the child the old fashion way. Matter of fact, after close inspection, all offers rejected magical copulation as Lady Caroline said they would. Duke Jeremy's contract stated that he didn't want her to work. She was to be in full care of their child at all times.

She was surprised when she opened the last envelope and saw that Damon had submitted an offer giving her everything she wanted only if she slept with him and produced a male vitch. Bonnie snorted. Not in a million years.

Jeremy's contract was out of the question. Damon's was laughable, she was sure he wouldn't budge on the sex. Her best options were Sir Luka and Malachi. Bonnie was sure the varlock was more interested in the child than her. Once she gave birth she would be free of him, and they could negotiate visitation and the child's education. Sir Luka was sweet, but she wanted her own space.

Bonnie looked out the window. It was almost twilight. Malachi or Luka. She would have to decide before noon tomorrow. There was a knock at the door. Caroline got up and opened the door. A squire stood a note in hands.

Caroline took it and brought it to the witch. Bonnie looked at the scrawling confused.

"What does it say?" Caroline said taking in the witch's expression.

"It says Sir Luka rescinds his offer." Bonnie said bewildered. Caroline eyes narrowed. She was about to speak when another knock sounded. Caroline opened the door again. A servant from Lord Damon's house stood a note in his hands. Caroline took it and read it.

"Damon rescinds his also. What the hell?" Caroline said scowling.

"Did I do something wrong?" Bonnie asked her heart sinking in her gut.

A note slipped under the door. Caroline opened the door as Duke Jeremy's manservant was walking away. "Bonnie I'm so sorry. I don't know what's going on." Caroline said looking at another rescinded contract notification.

Before she could sit again someone was knocking. Caroline opened it, and Lord Malachi stood in the doorway. The Lady nodded. The warlock walked into the room his eyes on Bonnie.

"Ms. Bennett, I've come to inform you that I am withdrawing my contract. I wanted to do it in person to convey to you how much I wanted our partnership to work. Remember if you should ever need an ally or sponsor, my door is always open." Malachi said.

"But why…What's going on?" Bonnie said worried. This meant she had no offers. She would have to work off her contract. She would become an indentured servant. Malachi looked pained.

"Well to be frank…" There was another knock on the door. Bonnie glanced out the window by the door. It was dusk. Her fate had been sealed. Caroline swung the door open again, and in walked the King.

"Your majesty." The blonde said bowing. Malachi did the same.

"Malachi, I'm surprised to see you here." The King said walking over to the table Bonnie was sitting at taking the seat opposite her. The warlock sighed looking into the king's eyes.

"I was just leaving." The man said heading towards the door. He gave Bonnie a meaningful glance then walked out the door.

"Caroline, I believe your husband is looking for you." Niklaus said looking over the anxious witch in front of him.

Caroline didn't want to leave Bonnie alone with the King, especially at a time like this, but she had no choice.

"I will stop by tomorrow, Bonnie." Lady Caroline said worried.

"She will be quite busy tomorrow, Caroline. You should know that. You are the expert in the process." The King said dryly. Caroline eyes narrowed.

"I'll see you Bonnie." She said challenging the King, then left the room. Bonnie sat silently observing the predator before her. Fear was doing its job and revving her up. Whatever this was it wasn't good. She was going to have to kill or at least maim the king, somehow get out of the castle, and go to the Lycan council for asylum.

"From what I hear, you have had an exciting day."

"You did this, didn't you? Is this some sort of punishment for not falling on my knees and worshiping at the sight of you? I'll report you to the order of the mage, and the Lycan Council." Bonnie watched a smirk form on Niklaus lips.

"This is funny? Destroying my life? My future?" Bonnie said furiously.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I was picturing you on your knees." Niklaus said.

"You're disgusting."

"Save your faux indignation, witch. You're future? You have no desire to be vampire's whore."

"So, you make sure I'm a vampire's slave"

"Well, actually that's up to you." The king said pulling a scroll from his jacket. He placed it on the table in front of the witch.

Bonnie unrolled the scroll and nearly keeled over. The King was making her a proposal. In it he gave her everything she wanted. Everything. He even agreed to magical copulation.

"I don't understand."

"Well, when a sperm connects with an egg…"

"I'm sure your minions find you amusing."

"And how do you find me Ms. Bennett?" Bonnie blinked at the King.

"Speak your mind. No harm will come to you."

"Annoying."

"So the feeling is mutual."

"Why do you want your sperm to connect with my egg? Everyone knows you hate half bloods and humans. You had a traveler princess here following you around."

"It's of no matter. If you accept my proposal you will move to the east wing tomorrow. You and the baby can move to the lower town once you have given birth. Of course you understand he or she will need to be guarded at all times. I will pay the full amount of your contract, and furnish your living."

"I plan on making my own living."

"Selling crushed leaves and berries. That may be swell from whatever little backwards village from which you hail, but not for royalty. My child will not live as a pauper. As I said I will furnish your living and you can dabble at your hobby, as long as my child is being taken care of."

"Hobby? I'm a skilled mage practiced in the art of healing."

"I've checked your credentials you've just finished your apprenticeship."

"If you don't think I have the magical talent why are you offering me a contract, you need a strong magical genome to produce a werewolf, vampire and witch hybrid."

"Don't presume to know my intentions, Ms. Bennett. I will want to try to conceive right away. I'll give you a day or two to settle into your chambers and then we will begin the copulation ritual." The king said rising.

"Wait, I haven't accepted your offer."

"You will."

"Just because you stacked the deck against me doesn't mean…"

"For the record, I had nothing to do with your offers disappearing. Well not intentionally. The court does it out of respect, but truthfully who would stand a chance against a King. Who wouldn't want their child to be royalty?"

"You're so arrogant."

"You call it arrogance. I call it honesty. I gave you everything you asked for, witch, and I am getting very little in return."

"Very Little…" Bonnie couldn't believe this man. "You're asking me to bare your heir who could be the most powerful being in the world. I could die in childbirth. If I don't I will have to dedicate my life to your child."

"So dramatic. I doubt you could produce the world's first werevitch. And the child will be yours to instruct and raise as you requested so it will be more yours than mine. As far as your predicament, maybe you should direct a little of your disdain towards your cousin, or more aptly yourself. You chose to be here Bonnie. I can call you Bonnie, now, since you will soon be in the family way. I am offering you a generous deal."

Bonnie just stared at him. Niklaus opened the door.

"You know there are women who would gladly fall on their knees to be where you are."

"And yet you chose me." Bonnie said rousing from her state of disbelief.

"Touché." The king agreed walking out into the night.

-o0o-

Bonnie had not moved from the doorway. Her bags sat at her feet as she peeked inside the gigantic chamber. She was in the sitting room, and to her left she could see a giant four-poster bed through double doors and to the right a dressing room. The room was bright and cheery with colors reminding the witch of spring. Sunlight poured in through the large windows. The furniture looked comfortable and solid. This was by far the most luxurious place she had ever lived in.

The witch noticed an overburdened bookshelf in the corner. She could see drag marks from where it had recently been added to the room. She walked over and her stomach fluttered as she peered at the titles. The complete works of Jane Austen and her contemporaries, Ann Radcliffe, Francis Burney, and Maria Edgeworth lumbered the first shelf. The second contained Shelley, Dumas, Collins, and Shakespeare. The third shelf was an assorted mix of novels, everything from Octavia Butler and Nalini Singh to Alisa Valdes and Amy Tan. The fourth and fifth shelves contained theories of magic, and the genealogies and history of the Vampire court. This was almost considerate.

"I see you made it." A woman's voice said behind the witch. Bonnie turned and was face to face with the King's consort.

"Allow me to introduce myself…"

"Lady Greta." Bonnie said smiling cautiously. She heard the woman could be cruel. She was no doubt here to lay down the law and stake her claim. The vitch smiled at Bonnie.

"Very good. I stopped by to invite you to dinner Sunday, and to make sure the room is to your liking. Men aren't good with the details." Greta said as her hand slid along the fabric of the tablecloth.

Bonnie thought that was ironic, usually she would agree with the woman, but the King had gotten everything right. Down to the altar, and magical supplies in the back of the room. Whatever he was getting out of this it had to be important to him.

"I would love to attend. I just need a time and place."

"We could meet in the King's dinning…Oh wait. You're not allowed in there. I could meet you here but it would be a long walk for the servants from the upper court kitchens. How about a picnic in the gardens? I'm sure the cook wouldn't mind making a basket for the King's concub… special guest."

"Hello Bonnie." Lady Caroline said walking into the room with Camille in tow.

"Lady Caroline." Bonnie said tightly.

"Are we interrupting something?" Camille asked looking between the two women.

"No your Ladyship. Lady Greta was just leaving." Bonnie said smiling. Greta's brow rose.

"I was. It's so drafty down here. I'm afraid if I don't scurry back up to the upper court, I might catch something. I'll see you Ladies later at court. Bonnie I'll see you at the ceremony tonight." Greta said walking out of the room.

"I think it's safe to say she doesn't like me." Bonnie said to Caroline.

"Greta doesn't like anyone much except for Niklaus. She tolerates Malachi. It took her five years to acknowledge me." Camille said sitting on a settee. Bonnie sighed picking up her things to begin putting them away.

"What a lovely chamber. I think it may be bigger then mine." Camille commented looking around the room.

"I guess being the mother of the King's child gets you the nicest room in the lower court." Bonnie said opening an armoire.

"Oh this isn't the lower court. This is a guest chamber. You're staying where the King entertains visitors from the Lycan council, and Triumvirate. He must think highly of you." Camille informed.

"King Niklaus? He just wants to make sure his heir is taken care of." Bonnie assured her.

"I don't know about that, but I do know we need to get you ready for the ceremony." Caroline said opening the door.

In walked a team of servants. One carrying a garment bag, another a comb, and the last painting brushes.

"Haven't you poked and prodded me enough your ladyship." Bonnie said eyeing the hairdresser. The woman was older and liked to pop her when she moved too much.

"Your about to be introduced as the future mother of the King's child. Trust me, you are going to want to look your best." Bonnie watched the seamstress unzip the garment bag.

"Seriously? White?" Bonnie said groaning.

"I thought we would play into the virgin theme. It will lull your enemies into a false sense of safety when they try to stab you in the back."

"Then you can knock their heads off." Camille said eating one of the grapes on Bonnie's dinning table. Bonnie eyed the blonde everyone had described as sweet and gullible. If Camille was gullible, then Lady Greta was a fairy princess.

"Don't forget to stay calm and lean into the King when he bites you." Caroline said helping Bonnie out of her clothes.

"When he what?" Bonnie said her eyes darting between the two blondes.

"The King has to mark you as his. It's a part of the ceremony." Camille said. Caroline avoided Bonnie's eyes.

"Healsohastokissyou." Caroline mumbled.

"Nope. Nope. I can't do it. I won't do it." Bonnie said backing up and shaking her head.

"He's a very good kisser-surprisingly tender, and attentive. It's when he gets excited he gets a little rough. But I like that sort of thing." Camille said as if they were discussing the weather instead of the King's sexual proclivities.

Bonnie and Caroline smiled at each other.

"See, it could be worse. You could have to sleep with him." Caroline offered.

"Thank the heavens for magical copulation." Bonnie said.