A/N: Hello my darlings! I have Chapter 2 here. Thank you LeafLinx for the review. I'm so happy that my stories make you happy.

Please review my pretties.

Oh…and enjoy!

….

Chapter 2

The Dark Manor

Belle attempted to slow her racing heart as she stood in fear. A dirt road cut through the forest, winding all the way to the Dark Manor. The home of The Wicked Queen. Belle shivered as the cold air bit her bare arms.

A mud puddle splashed her skirt as a beautiful carriage pulled up in front of her. The door opened, and a man stuck his head out. He had a round face, neat auburn hair and a moustache.

The man gave a warm smile, "Are you the Tamer that the Queen sent for?"

Belle watched as the man made room beside him. He was expecting her to answer. She pursed her lips, "Um…yes."

Extending his hand, the man helped her into the seat beside him. "I don't mean to be rude, but I was expecting someone with battle armour and weapons."

The young woman's concern only grew at his words. "Um, I have my father's magic vials." Papa never mentioned anything about armour. He never said it was necessary.

"What's your name, child?"

"Belle." She turned to him, "Who are you?"

"My name is Cogsworth."

"Do you…do you work for the Queen?"

"Yes."

"I hear she used to be kind. Is that true?"

Cogsworth became visibly pained, "I…don't want to discuss it. Let's just say that there were…events…that pushed her to lose her kindness."

Belle went silent. She got the feeling that even if Cogsworth told her, she wouldn't want to know. Desperate to change the subject, she inquired, "So…have you ever seen the Beast?"

"Yes. He…He is frightening at first, but you get used to the way he looks."

The young woman clenched her fists. How hideous could this creature be? How big was he? Was he covered in fur or scales? She had never seen the Beast, she had only heard tales. She just hoped that she wouldn't be frozen with fear at the sight of him.

OOO

Belle stared in awe at her surroundings as Cogsworth led her through the gorgeous castle. She was brought from her thoughts when the man in front of her spoke. "Please wait here. I will come back and take you to where you need to be soon."

"Where are you going?"

"I have to tell the Queen of your arrival."

Belle nodded, watching as Cogsworth exited the room. Upon hearing the door click shut, she looked around the room. It was large, with dark red couches and chairs and a glass table. A living room.

"Hello there my dear."

Belle let out a small scream. She whirled around to face the owner of the unfamiliar male voice. Seeing no one, she called out. "Hello? Is someone here?"

"I'm down here, sweet girl."

Belle's eyes flickered to a lit fireplace. The voice seemed to have come from the fire. Her brows knitted together in confusion as she stepped closer, "H-Hello?"

To her shock, a male face appeared in the roaring flames of the fire. Belle would have dismissed it as her mind playing tricks…if it weren't for the fact that the face was in complete focus and clarity.

It gave a small smile, "Hello."

Belle knelt down slowly, "Who…Who are you?"

"My name is Lumiere, my dear."

"Why are you…I mean…how come you're in the fire?"

The man sighed, "The Queen. She cursed me long ago. I am the fireplace you see before you. I am asleep unless the fire is lit. Then, I awaken and I can communicate by using the fire, as you can see."

Belle blinked, processing the information. "Oh."

Lumiere's gaze softened, "It's a lot to take in, I know. I'm sorry for startling you before. Most strangers who see me run screaming."

"I can imagine so."

"I assume you are the Tamer that the Queen sent for?"

Belle sighed, squeezing the hem of her dress. "Can you keep a secret, Lumiere? I…I'm actually not a Tamer. My father was, but he is old and I came here in his place."

"The Queen…let's just say she doesn't like being lied to."

"Oh, but I know what to do. My father told me." She paused, before asking, "Where is the Queen?"

"I don't know. But I wish you the best of luck today, my dear. Shall I warm you until the Queen arrives?"

Belle shook her head, "Oh, not if it's going to be problem."

"It's no problem at all. Now, relax my dear. Make yourself at home."

The young woman smiled, sitting on the couch facing Lumiere. "Thank you."

…..

A/N: Well, what did you all think? Yes, Lumiere in this book was cursed into a fireplace. Why a fireplace and not a candle? I have no idea.

Who wants to see our beloved Wicked Queen Babette next chapter?

See you soon,

~Babetteisawesome