A/N: Hello! Here's the first chapter of Book 1. Please review my dears, I would love you all for it. This book, like the first, hasn't been beta-read.

Enjoy!

…..

Chapter 1

The Letter

Maurice pushed the library doors open, searching for his daughter. The wall-to-ceiling bookshelves were filled with thick novels and spellbooks, and the old man smiled upon seeing his daughter.

Belle was standing atop a tall ladder, slipping a book into its place. Her long brown hair was tied back in a ponytail, a few locks brushing against her cheeks. Her dark eyes flickered to the man below her, and she broke into a smile, "Hello Papa."

Maurice gave a small laugh, "Hello my dear."

"Were you looking for me?"

"Yes." His expression turned worrisome. "Royal Guards are gathering everyone in the square."

Belle's eyes flashed with panic. The Royal Guards only ever came into town for two reasons…to deliver a message or if the Queen was passing through.

Maurice helped his daughter down from the ladder. "Well whatever it is they want, we should go out and see."

Her daughter clutched at her skirt nervously, "If you say so."

OOO

Belle stood beside her father as they joined the crowd gathered at in the town square. Two guards were dressed in silver armour, atop unicorns with obsidian horns. One guard cleared his throat. Pulling out a piece of paper, he began to read:

My subjects,

I am sure by now that you know of my Beast. Unfortunately, he is becoming more and more uncooperative as the days pass. I am seeking a Tamer to train my Beast to obey me once more.

As you're aware, I hired several Tamers just a week ago. Sadly however, all of those that I hired have been less than successful. The Tamer who wishes to train my Beast must come to me at sundown. Whoever comes to me and succeeds in training my Beast will be richly rewarded.

Sincerely,

Your Queen

As the guards rode away, the crowd dispersed. Maurice turned to his daughter, "Belle my dear, I will go."

"No! Papa, you can't!"

"If you remember, I told you I was a Tamer in my youth…"

Belle shook her head, her eyes pleading. "That doesn't matter. You can't go! You'll be killed!"

Maurice's gaze softened, "You have nothing to worry about."

His daughter fixed him with a stern look. "Yes I do Papa. It's too dangerous."

The old man narrowed his eyes at her, "Well if this Beast has even gotten out of the Queen's control then it must be powerful. Someone has to go and train it!"

Belle crossed her arms, "Exactly. Which is why I'll be going."

Maurice shook his head, a frantic look in his eyes. "No! I won't allow it!"

"But Papa, no one else in this village knows anything about being a Tamer. You've told me all of your tales. I know exactly what to do."

The old man's brows furrowed, "There has to be another way."

Belle squeezed his hands, looking into his eyes. "I'm sorry Papa, but I have to go."

Maurice sighed, stroking his daughter's hands. "I raised you too well."

She smiled, "I love you Papa. Please, I have to do this. If I don't, the Beast will get out of control."

"I'll go in your place before I let you anywhere near that Beast!"

"The Queen still has some control over the Beast, so she will make sure it doesn't kill me."

Maurice gritted his teeth, "The Queen is heartless."

Belle pursed her lips. The woman who ruled the kingdom wasn't known as The Wicked Queen for nothing. "I…I'm sure she'll keep me safe until I train the Beast."

"I'm not so sure."

"Papa, please. I have to go. If I don't, who knows what the Beast will do."

Maurice nodded reluctantly. "I…I can see your point. At least allow me to give you my potions before you leave."