I have no idea where this idea came from but it plonked into my head so I decided to run with it.
It was heart breaking really. At least it would have be, if the Coven were so gracious as to let her have a heart. Oh they could silence her, bully her and demand of her, but they could not change her heart. Nor the love held dearly within.
He was really such a handsome boy. It was a daily pleasure to inspect the castle and to admire the young prince through her magic. Through the looking glass the entire household was completely unawares, as the Coven demanded.
No mother or father to speak of, the boy was a critical case. The principality would have significant importance in the providence of the realm. It was in the Coven's interest to ensure the security of the future; to ensure the prince was a good and just ruler.
Never mind that he was a parentless child in need of guidance. The Coven had no personal interest.
It was no wonder that the boy was uncontrollable. It was inevitable.
So she may have been a little too lenient. It could not be helped. He was such a beautiful boy; but the Coven did not look kindly upon favouritism among their wards – as unaware as they were of the Coven.
No mother to nurse him. It was no surprise he had no love. No gentle hand to show him compassion and in turn teach him to be kindly in regard.
A father who had nothing to do with the infant. Looking upon the newborn's face was a painful reminder of his mother. He was harsh with the boy. No wonder that the boy had such a temper. No consistency to teach him leniency and restraint.
Of course the boy was too young to understand after his father's passing. He was the Master now, but the fearful servants did not have the authority to discipline the boy, nor deny his ludicrous demands. So of course his was wildly unruly, demanding and selfish.
Still, he had such a handsome face; the strong features of his father and the dazzling colouring of his mother. He was a golden beauty. He could not be denied and she exulted in watching him slowly grow into a man.
But perhaps she had been somewhat lax in her judgement. A little intervention beforehand might have spared this unnecessary unpleasantness. But she could not be expected to act so cruelly upon a growing child who had lost so much already.
Besides, it was the Coven's decision that had brought them to this very predicament in the first place. She had been as objective as could be expected. He could be such a lovely boy.
She couldn't help seeing his father looking back out of those eyes. They could be so stony and bleak, but she knew somewhere the joy was still in there buried away.
So he may have insulted a few of the servants. It was to be expected. The help were not supposed to act above their station. And allies from neighbouring kingdoms had been ignored; but he was still a child. What could a child possibly discuss with men three times his age?
But those with such fine looks were often afforded a little leniency. It could not be helped. She would often glance through the mirror and look admiringly upon that golden hair and his angelic face. Many adored that beatific face of his and she understood. She herself had endured many suitors who gazed upon her with such longing and worship. Certainly it enflamed his vanity; but she was certain he would grow tired of it. He would soon learn there were much more important things than beauty.
But the Coven did not see it that way.
Perhaps she had failed somewhat it her duty. The Enchantress was not best pleased to be shown her own folly under such harsh light. But she did think of the young prince with such fondness, it seemed only fair to give him one last chance.
Surely there would still be remnants of a gracious nature within him. Her own purity of soul would call to his. He would feel the deep resonance between them and he would realise his wrong doings.
It would take but a single rose to test his virtue.
She was certain she could prove the boy could be selfless, humble and kind.
How terrible to realise her mistake. She had once again been blinded by her affection for the prince. She could almost feel the Coven gloating with righteousness. How sorry she was to see the callous youth before her. She desperately hoped a worthy nature was still buried somewhere within.
It was heartbreaking, but it had to be done. Even this beastly form could not dissolve the love she felt for the prince. Even as all traces of the father's face disappeared behind tusks and fur; the mother's ethereal beauty smothered by the grotesque – still she loved him.
It was cruel to be sure, but she granted him at least the use of the mirror. She knew he would shun this new world he was now trapped in. It was harsh, she knew – but it was all for the best.
She had made a grave error and now it had to be rectified. The prince had to learn to love, and she was sure such drastic measures would guarantee this. Or at least save the kingdom from a tyrannical ruler.
Anyone who could love him as much, if not more than, she – especially with that hideous face – would turn the bleakness of his soul. If their will could endure his imperious temper, perhaps he would learn humility within their reason. Given time, he might just find another wayward soul and come to learn that an act of kindness can bring its own rewards.
And if not, she would have to live with her mistakes, with the brute she had allowed to rise within the boy. But the Enchantress was almost certain it would turn out right in the end.
After all, mother knows best.
Okay, so yes. The randomn idea that the Enchantress was Prince Adam's mother. I like to think her motherly pride blinded her for a little while to the cruelty that was growing in his heart.
Anyway, hope you enjoyed :)
XJaxX
