Chapter 3: The Monster Within
2nd Edition
They overslept and ended up having an early lunch. While she and Anna were gathering petals in the greenhouse, Kai announced that their aunt and uncle had arrived. They followed Kai into one of the reception rooms.
Kai held the door and announced, "Her Majesty, Queen Elsa and Her Highness, Princess Anna. His Highness, Prince Adam and Her Highness, Princess Belle have arrived."
Before Kai even finished, her sister was already hugging their Aunt Belle. "I've missed you! I'm so glad you ve come."
Prince Adam walked over and offered his hand, palm up. In the past, Elsa would make an excuse not to touch him. Taking a deep breath, Elsa put her hand on his. He bent down to kiss her hand gently and then cupped it with his other in a very protective manner. "Dear Elsa, how are you?"
"I'm fine." Prince Adam was her father's third cousin. His hair had more brown compared to her father's. Unlike her father's slight build, he was broad chested and easily towered over other men in the castle.
Matching blue eyes watched her with concern as he asked in his deep bass voice, "Truly?"
Elsa's eyes widened with alarm before bowing her head in shame. "So... you've heard?"
"We heard rumors from other travelers," said Princess Belle as she hugged her. "If you don't mind, can you tell us what happened?"
"It may take a while."
"We plan to stay for at least two weeks. I think we have time to listen." Her aunt sat down on the long sofa and patted the empty spot next to her.
Elsa sat down and Anna sat beside her. When she felt a warm hand enclose her own, she looked over at Anna who smiled reassuringly and squeezed her hand. For a moment, she closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Slowly, she narrated what happened since the coronation party with Anna adding her side at the right time.
When she was done, the clock had struck three. For a few moments, no one spoke.
Finally, Prince Adam broke the silence when he knelt before Elsa.
"I'm so sorry, my dear. I should have been suspicious when you made all those excuses about studying whenever we wanted to see you. If I knew, I could've tried to find someone who can help."
"I don't think anyone could help a monster like me, said Elsa bitterly as she stared at the floor in shame.
"I've known true monsters. Listen to me." Gently, he lifted her chin. "You. Are. Not. A. Monster."
Before she could stop herself, she retorted icily, "How would you know?"
Prince Adam looked at his wife, who nodded slightly. Princess Belle stood up and took Anna's hand.
"I'm sure you two have affairs of state to discuss. Anna, would you mind showing me to our room? I'd like to change out of these shoes. They're not as comfortable as I thought."
As Princess Belle led her away, Anna glanced back with worry. Silently, Elsa formed the words, "It's ok."
The look of relief on Anna's face was the last thing she saw as the door closed. Prince Adam sat down beside her.
"Let me tell you a story when I was a young and foolish prince. When I was around 11 years old, I was a very spoiled boy. One night, some servants put my toy soldiers away while I was having dinner. I got angry so I drove them out into the snowstorm."
Her hand leapt to her mouth at the unexpected cruel act. "Did you... let them back in?"
He stared at the wall. "I didn't plan to. When I heard knocking on the castle door, I thought one of them returned. I opened the door myself to yell at him. But it wasn't a servant. It was an old woman. She offered me a single rose in exchange for shelter from the bitter cold."
He paused and continued slowly as if each word took an effort to utter.
"Repulsed by her haggard appearance, I refused the gift, but she warned me not to be deceived by appearances, for beauty is found within. After I told her to leave, the old woman's ugliness melted away to reveal a beautiful enchantress. I tried to apologize, but it was too late, for she had seen that there was no love in my heart, and as punishment, she transformed me into a hideous beast, and placed a powerful spell on the castle, and all who lived there. The rose was enchanted, and would bloom until I turned 21. If I could learn to love another, and earn her love in return by the time the last petal fell, then the spell would be broken. If not, I'd be doomed to remain a beast forever. As the years passed, I fell into despair, and lost all hope, for who could ever learn to love a beast?"
For several moments, only the ticking of the wall clock broke the silence. Prince Adam put his big hand on top of hers. "So you see, I know what it's like to be a monster, since I was one myself until I turned 21. It's thanks to your aunt that I'm no longer a beast."
Elsa looked at him incredulously for any hints that he was making up the story, but his blue eyes shone with sincerity. "How... how did Aunt Belle break the spell?"
A bittersweet smile formed on Prince Adam's face. "Any tale I offer will be a paltry attempt. It's best if you ask her. She already knows that I told you."
At that instant, Elsa understood why Aunt Belle left with Anna. "Thank you for sharing this with me, uncle."
He squeezed her shoulder reassuringly. "Remember, you're not a monster. You're just a very gifted young lady. Be proud of what you've accomplished... already a queen at 21. When I turned 21, I was in no condition to govern. Although my older brothers were already helping my father, I felt that I needed to do my part. It's thanks to my Belle that I managed to catch up." His voice rumbled darkly. "And appearances can be deceiving. In my mind, the true monster is Hans."
"Hans has been sent back to his country for punishment."
"Good riddance. If there's anything I've learned about appearances is that the truth can be shrouded in layers. Things aren't always sun or snow. Sometimes, the truth is hidden in the clouds. Sometimes, you have to change your point of view to see it."
"I'll remember that."
"Good." He cleared his throat. "I hate to talk business while you're on bed rest, but there's still the matter of those who sided with the Duke. With your permission, I'd like to take some steps to clean them out."
"Of course, uncle. Let me get the scepter from the treasure room." Since her parents' death, her uncle would visit whenever he could to help with the administration of the country. By having the scepter, he showed that he was given permission to act in her place. She trusted him to do what was necessary during her recovery. After giving him the scepter, Elsa went back to her room to think about what her uncle said.
Behind the Scenes - Short skits that may or may not be related to the main story
Belle: We're coming up to Main street. Smile, dear.
Beast: (bares fangs, growls) I AM smiling.
Crowd: Look! There they are!
Belle & Beast: (wave)
Crowd: It's Elsa and Anna! *click*flash*click*flash*click*flash*click*flash*click*flash*click*flash*
After the parade:
Beast: (tosses headpiece) This is getting out of hand! I feel like I'm not even there!
Naveen: At least you're not on the same platform with them. Nobody takes our picture. As soon as it turns those two to the crowd, cameras go off like crazy!
Merida: Hey, look at it this way. At least, people might start to notice you.
Naveen: (looks sad)
Belle: Merida! Be mindful about what you say, young lady!
Merida: Ooops, sorry.
Peter Pan: Hot scoop guys! I found a petition to put Elsa and Anna at the start of the parade!
Belle & Beast: (GASP!)
