The journey to the beast's mansion was much longer than Sarah had remembered. She was impatient to see her mother; perhaps that was adding to the length. Her companion was the silent sort who barely spoke two words. He was also not too keen on fraternizing with noblewomen, which could be viewed as inappropriate.
When she arrived at the beast's mansion and knocked on the door, it was opened by a strange, rather unkempt-looking man.
"Oh good, you're here," he commented. "I didn't recognize you at first. You look different."
She did look different since she left. She had grown since she had left the mansion and was on the cusp of womanhood. She had more access to finery, and had been well trained in maintaining her appearance. But how was this stranger to know what she had looked like before?
"Excuse me, but who are you?" Sarah questioned, her eyes narrowed.
He gave her a rather irritated look, which was actually rather familiar to her.
"It's me, Rayan," he answered. "Clearly, the curse has broken and I've resumed my normal form."
That had to be the correct explanation, but Sarah was finding the news hard to digest.
"But how?"
"I don't know," he responded irritably, "But let's talk about that later. Come see Maman first. She should be resting now. The doctor just left."
Rayan then invited in the footman after inquiring as to who he was. Sarah had almost forgotten about him, and was thankful that Rayan had developed a better sense of courtesy towards guests.
Maman was overjoyed when she entered the room.
"Sarah!" she half-squealed weakly, reaching her hand out. Sarah rushed to take her hand and squeezed it.
"You shouldn't have come," her mother had started to say. "I know how busy your duties keep you, and you need to maintain your position at the palace, and I really was in no danger." But then halfway through her speech, her expression changed and she said, "I'm so glad you're here!"
Sarah assured her that she had a few days' leave and that her position was to be in no way impacted.
Sarah became aware that Rayan had sat down on Jasmin's other side and was watching them quietly. She felt strangely uncomfortable in his presence now that he was a human again.
"Maman, do you need anything? Should I get you anything to eat?" He asked.
"No, dear one. I think I just wish to sleep now," Maman responded. "Sarah, you must be hungry?"
"Would you like something to eat?" Rayan asked her.
Sarah realized only then how hungry she was. She nodded.
It was strange having a meal prepared for her by Rayan. Not that it was any good. He mostly served the broth that he had prepared for Jasmin in her weak condition, and to one with a healthy appetite, it seemed rather unappetizing. However, it was strange not to have him order her around for once.
She asked where the footman had gone, and he responded that he had sent him up to a room with his own bowl of food. Sarah didn't say anything, but she had hoped he would join them for the meal; it would make her feel less awkward.
"When did the curse break?" she asked to break the silence.
Rayan shrugged. "I woke up like this today."
"You seem rather well adjusted," she commented.
He shrugged again. "I had all morning to get used it." After a pause he added, "Actually, it's still rather strange. I feel unbalanced when I try to walk or hold things."
"How did Maman react?"
"She was delighted. It might have helped with her recovery."
Sarah stopped herself from grimacing. "Who else knows?"
"Only the doctor. I assume he will have told the governor already, so my uncle should know soon."
"So will you go back to the palace then?"
He nodded. "Yes, as soon as Maman is well. I'll write to my uncle so she can move to the palace as well."
Sarah liked that idea a lot, though she supposed she still would have to share her mother with Rayan. But she thanked him.
"Why do you think the curse broke?"
Now Rayan scowled at her. "You ask too many questions," he muttered. "Maman said it must be because I've looked after her so selflessly these past few days."
Sarah snorted involuntarily. His scowl deepened further.