Language Lapses
A Belle/Beast Fanfiction
As a king-to-be, he had been introduced to the French language early on. He had ignored the droning on of his tutor (who was now regrettably and ironically a dictionary) for the most part. His mastery of indifference was perfected instead. The spectacled man was one of the few working at the castle who didn't cringe at the Prince's bouts of temper...but that didn't grant him attention.
When the curse hit, learning the romance language became unnecessary. He couldn't be sure how much he had retained in the time since...and hadn't given it much thought...until she arrived.
The first instance he could recall was shortly after their encounter with the wolves. He had woken in the armchair to the sound of water being poured. Belle wrung out a washcloth and after an admonition not to lick the wound on his forearm, placed it down with a firm but gentle hand. He had overreacted of course and a heated discussion ensued. They exchanged barbs until they reached a draw. In the silence after, the brunette had voiced a quiet thank you, making his brow raise in surprise. The encouraging looks of the assembled staff had prompted a gruff "You're welcome."
Silence surrounded the group and everyone believed the conversation over. He heard a couple relieved sighs. It had ended remarkably well considering their past attempts at talking. So it was with amazement that long forgotten words rumbled from his chest.
"Vous allez bien?"
Their delivery was fluid and without hesitation, pushing past years of neglect.
Her eyes grew large for a moment, her shock evident. His pulse rushed at the reaction and he was ready to apologize when a softness he hadn't seen before took its place.
"I'm alright I think. A little shaken up but it could have been much worse if you hadn't come along. Thank you for asking."
The lump at his throat didn't allow him to respond. He nodded in acknowledgment and she moved to moisten the cloth again.
Maybe he had held onto a fraction of French after all.