It all started with a young prince.
When he was very young, the prince's mother passed away. That very same year was the start of his father's long, extensive travels throughout the kingdom.
Prince Kurt lived alone in his family's palace, with only the servants and their children as company. By the time he reached the age of fourteen, Prince Kurt was bitter and selfish, angry at the world outside of the palace walls.
Then came one stormy night. An old beggar woman rapped at the door of the castle, asking for shelter from the heavy winds and rain.
Prince Kurt refused to let the woman stay, saying that she was hideous.
Almost instantly after he said this, the old woman began to glow and transform right before the prince's eyes. Soon, a beautiful woman stood before him, her stare cold.
The prince apologized and offered her a night's stay, but the woman refused.
"For your arrogance and cruel heartedness, young prince, I hereby cast a curse on you and all others who live in this palace. You will become on the outside what you are in, and if in two years' time, if you have not found someone you care for, and who cares for you in return despite your appearance, you will forever remain in this state." she announced, vanishing.
Almost immediately, the change began to take place. The prince doubled over in pain, nearly passing out from it.
When the pain faded, he looked at his hands. They were covered in a thick, light hair. In shock, he stumbled to the nearest mirror, gazing upon himself in horror.
He was truly a beast.