Okay so I lied. This first chapter is going to be short as well. It is just getting everything set up the way I want. It seems rather rushed I know, but really Marie's story is not the one I want to tell. I want to get to Belle as soon as possible. After this chapter things will be slower and more involved. So please stick with it for just this chapter. Please. The next chapter will be longer I swear.
The main hall of the castle was abuzz. The lord had requested that all be gathered there. No one had seen him in several days, but all had heard the horrifying breaking of furniture and the roar of some kind of nightmarish animal.
Finally someone at the top of the stairs stood and silenced them all. The man, who was in his early thirties, was the lord's right hand man Lumiere. His usually cheerful handsome face was a mask of somberness. Everyone held their breath, afraid of what horrible tragedy had occurred.
"Everyone, may I have your attention please. When I call your name, stand in front of the stairs. Mrs. Potts, Cogsworth, Chip, Babette, Mrs. Duprey, Thomason…"
The list went on. Each person stepped forward as their names were called, bewildered at what was happening.
When he had reached about ten people he stopped. "If I have called your name, you are to remain here. If I have not called your name, you are dismissed."
A clamor arose from the people gathered. Dismissed?! How could that be?! Had they done something the master didn't approve of? Why were only a few people kept out of so many?
"Please," Lumiere said, raising his hand to quiet them once again. "This is straight from the Master himself. It is regrettable, but it is already done. Please pack your belongings and leave before the evening. If you want letters of recommendation the Master will compose such letters for you in order for you to seek other employment. That is all."
Despite everyone asking, begging for an explanation, Lumiere had none to give. They begged to see the master, to beg for their jobs, but Lumiere refused to let them pass, saying the lord himself had denied seeing anyone and that no exception was to be taken. So, there being no way to change things, the dismissed servants packed and left sadly.
But one in particular felt it the most : a young woman named Marie, for she had no family, no home and nowhere to go. It would be nigh on impossible for her to get another job such as this, a safe place where she could be comfortable and protected. She feared where she would end up.
And, in fact, her fears were justified. With the massive exodus of servants from the castle they all converged on the small town nearby. The town doubled in size overnight. Jobs went quickly. Some were left in the streets as beggars. Marie was one of these, too young for anything except one…
Gaston looked up as the door to the tavern opened. His smiled as a young woman walked in. He assessed her quickly.
Pretty thing. Young, possibly early twenties. Thick chestnut hair that tumbled in waves over small shoulders. Large eyes the color of honey. No money from the way she was dressed and the terrified look in her eyes betrayed innocence of life and its cruelties. His favorite kind of woman. Easily dominated, easy to take advantage of.
Standing, he put on his charming smile as he came forward. "Bonjour mademoiselle. Welcome to my tavern. Is there something I can help you with?" he asked, his eyes raking up and down her body.
Timid, oh so timid. Like a scared doe. And he loved to hunt.
"I… I came to ask… the butcher said that you might have a job available…"
He looked her over again, as if inspecting her. "Not the kind of job you would be able to do," he said. "I am looking for a special kind of woman. One who can tend to many… patrons."
Her large eyes blinked and slowly widened in understanding. She swallowed hard. "I… I will do anything."
"Anything?" he asked, lifting an eyebrow at her doubtfully. "Are you sure you know what you are saying?"
She nodded. "Yes. It will happen anyway, if I live on the streets. I would rather have a roof over my head… and be paid."
Gaston laughed. "That it will cherie, that it will. What is your name mon ange?"
"Marie," she answered, her head now held high.
"Well Marie, I can offer you the roof you want and the pay you desire. You will also have protection, being in my employ. No one will harm you, I will see to that. But you must be willing to do what I say, with whom I say, when I say it. Is that understood?"
She hesitated only once before nodding.
"Excellent," he said, pulling out chair and sitting down with a piece of paper and a pen. "Now, your first order is to go and get me a beer while I make up your contract."
As he watched her walk away, her slim hips swaying with each step he grinned a wolfish grin. Yes, she would make him quite a bit of money before she wore out.
Gaston is such a jerk isn't he? Don't get me wrong, I love him as a villain, but in this story he is going to pretty much be a dick.
Yes I said going to be. This will not be the last time we see Gaston...