-An Invitation-

Dear guest, we invite you in joining the King and Queen, with their first annual Autumn Festival!
Spread word to all your neighbors and dress in your finest clothes.
Masks will be provided, curtesy of the King.
There will be food, music, and games for all.
We will have staff onboard to chaperone your children while you mingle with others, including the Majesties themselves!

So, come one, come all!
Come to the Autumn Festival!
Castle gates open at 5pm
Party begins at 6pm

"So, how is it?" asked a portly man with glee, handing over the paper. Another man scowled and narrowed his eyes. They were walking down the corridor and stepped through the double doors at the end of the hall.

"This is awful, Cogsworth," he said, stretching syllables. He paused before looking down at the paper and then handing it back. "Write it again."

Cogsworth growled with frustration as he snatched the paper right back. "Really, Forte! Can nothing ever satisfy you?" he snapped. Forte's dulled expression changed into a smug one as the corner of his lips curled.

"I am a man…" he started, before pausing. "…of particular tastes," he emphasized, lifting his right index finger to rest across his chin, while his other hand supported the elbow.

Cogsworth turned to face the royal couple in the large throne room. "Your Majesties, can you please tell him that this invitation is fine?! I've rewritten this note five times already!"

Adam gripped the armrests slightly and replied firmly, "Do not raise your voice to me, Cogsworth."

Cogsworth blushed sheepishly and said bashfully, "I-I apologize, Your Majesty."

Forte stood at attention, returning his arms to his side, steely eyes unwavering. Adam continued, "I appointed Forte to proofread the invitation, because he one of the most literate of our staff to ensure we make a good impression to the public."

Forte slightly chuckled, then said before bowing slowly, eyes closed, "I'm humbled by your kind words, Master." Cogsworth sighed with disbelief, then pleaded to Adam and Belle, "PLEASE, can either one of you read it? I have a sneaking suspicion Ol' Maestro here just wants to see me in agony!"

Forte slowly turned his head to Cogsworth and said, expressionless, "Oh please, dear Cogsworth. I want no such thing."

Belle tilted her head in sympathy, brown locks of loose hair falling about her face, framing it beautifully. She said gently, "Here, Cogsworth. Let me see the invitation." She held out her hand to reach for the note.

Cogsworth perked up with joy again and hurried up the stairs to Queen Belle's seat. "H-here you are, Your Majesty." Cogsworth said breathlessly. Belle scanned the invite and nodded with approval upon finishing, and then Cogsworth cheered under his breath.

"I don't see anything wrong here, it looks just fine." Belle said as she handed back the paper.

"His handwriting is atrocious," Forte added. "He needs the practice."

Both Belle and Adam gave Forte a disbelief look, to which he grinned mischievously. "Honestly, Forte," Adam huffed, slumping in his seat. "What am I going to do with you?"

Cogsworth came down from the stairs and made his way past Forte, sticking his tongue out at him as he passed him and out the door. Forte's grin instantly vanished before Cogsworth even left eye contact, let alone the room.

"Please behave for this event; I don't want any trouble, Forte." King Adam warned. Forte, again bowed slightly with his eyes closed, and said meekly, "Yes, Sire. Of course I will Master. This is the first autumn event you're hosting. And do sit up Sire, it's bad posture to slouch."

"And you and Fife need to get started with the composing, Maestro." Belle chimed brightly. "We have but one week left to prepare, and everyone is busy at work."

Forte smiled slightly and replied, "Oh but Fife and I are almost complete with the score. I'd best go off to oversee his progress… and help him if needed." With that, Forte pivoted on his heels and talked towards the door.

"Oh, and Forte?" Belle called out. He stopped and turned towards the royal couple. "Tell Mrs. Potts to bring the children back, will you?" He nodded quietly and Belle relaxed. "Thank you," she said calmly, and waved him off.

"Your Majesties," he said, bowing before leaving.

A/N: This story takes place after the events of BatB: tWoF. The events in this story is non-canon to the previous story.

This story will also have site-exclusive endings, with the other on DeviantArt. This will NOT be a light-hearted story, and each chapter that has sensitive content will have a trigger warning at the top of each page. You have been warned.

Have a safe fun Halloween, lovelies.