Title: La Belle et La Bête
Author: Shelby
Summary: Lady Blair Waldorf has been wed to Lord Charles Bass. She knows little of him since he has been kept in his castle by his father practically all his life. Others tell her he is an awful man. Then how has she fallen in love with him? (Historical CB Series)
A/N: Thank you so much for the reviews! I am still very behind on replying to them, but school has been crazy lately as I've said before and I've been missing a lot of sleep and then having to catch up and such. Please forgive me and enjoy the chapter!
If Deviant-Art links do not work for you then email me. My email is: starf girl 3529 yahoo . com (Remove the Spaces)
First Scene Inspired Artwork (Remove the Spaces):
http : / / red passion . deviant art . com / art / Be-mine- 77119146
Blair's Dress (Remove the Spaces):
http : / / i68 . photo bucket . com / albums / i31 / costumers guide / Marie-Antoinette / ohcap marie / yellow %20 walking / image 002529 . jpg
http : / / i68 . photo bucket . com / albums / i31 / costumers guide / Marie-Antoinette / ohcap marie / yellow %20 walking / image 002525 . jpg
Chuck's Outfit Inspired by (Remove the Spaces):
http : / / arcadia dolls . deviant art . com / art / Il-Cavaliere-Misterioso-III- 114387117
http : / / arcadia dolls . deviant art . com / art / Il-Cavaliere-Misterioso-IV- 114387174
Duchess de Polignac Dress on the left (Remove the Spaces):
http :/ / www . costumers guide . com / MA / pink stripes 2 . jpg
http : / / www . costumers guide . com / MA / pink stripes 7a . jpg
Abby's Picture and her Dress (Remove the Spaces):
http : / / they-say-i-am-crazy . deviant art . com / art / Marie-Antoinette-Icon- 31-140579606
http : / / they-say-i-am-crazy . deviant art . com / art / Marie-Antoinette-Icon-33- 140579908
--
Blair glanced out the window at the brightness of the day. She knew that it was not morning. They had been out late last night and without a doubt, slept in. She smiled, her brown curls cascaded down her back, in her white night gown. It was most comfortable.
"Blair," Chuck murmured in his slumber.
She turned to look at him sprawled out on the bed. He was to awake soon, that she knew. With a sly grin she tiptoed back and crawled onto the end. He moaned again in his sleep and she had to refrain from giggling. She got between his legs and lied on top of him, her hands up around his neck.
"Chuck," Blair whispered and nuzzled his cheek, "it is time to greet the daylight, my love."
His eyes opened to reveal the alluring, ebony that she had come to love so dearly. His lips tugged up into a treacherous, but affectionate grin.
"I must say this current position is one I do hope you shall make a tradition," Chuck drawled.
In response, she giggled and nuzzled his nose with hers. Her ruby lips then gently pecked his own. For some reason, she felt the need to be affectionate and playful with him today. It was almost like puppy love type actions, but the mature passion they had, still brewed beneath the surface.
"Did you fancy the masquerade last night, love?" Blair inquired. She refused to remove herself from her position on top of him. He didn't seem to mind in the least with that decision.
"I savor in anything involving my gorgeous wife. As for the event, I saw no problem with it. After all, I am exceedingly certain of what's hidden behind the mask… and the dress for that matter," Chuck returned. His tantalizing eyes sparkled.
"You are nothing short of heinous," she scolded playfully.
"You love it." He knew that she did and that made the butterflies within his stomach soar to new heights. And the fact that her luscious, chestnut curls hung down around his face, made the winged creatures that much more excited.
"Well," her hand caressed his cheek, "I do love you… so I suppose that I adore even your most insidious qualities. They do come in handy within the locked doors of our bedchambers." She winked at him with a playful giggle and kissed his jaw line.
His eyes closed and he smiled in delight. The feel of her soft lips on his marble-like skin felt otherworldly. Her hand then stroked his other cheek as she kissed her way across his face to his lips. He remained still and allowed his wife to take full control of him in indescribable pleasure.
"I wish to never leave this bed," Chuck breathed. She looked up from her kisses and stopped momentarily. Her fingers traced the outline of his lips.
"Oh, but we must," Blair teased, "there are far too many places with equal, if not more, enjoyment for us to partake in."
"You are a goddess, my love." He shook his head and looked at her with complete pride. She was his Blair, his wife, and most of all just… his.
"Then you are my god," she returned with a smirk. Her lips pecked against his again, but then she pushed herself up. He groaned and sat up with a frown. His hands reached to pull her back down onto the bed with him.
"No, no," she scolded playfully and shook her finger. He let out a low growl and pursed his lips.
"It is time to awake." Blair took hold of his hands and pulled him from the bed with her. She wrapped his arms around her waist and opened up her bureau. He still pouted, but placed his chin on her shoulder and kissed her jaw line.
"You shall call on Nathaniel and the Duchess today," Chuck guessed. She continued to finger through her selection of dresses, but nodded her head.
"I shall," her head then turned and she looked at him hopefully, "Will you think of it to join us today in our visit? I do wish to show you off." Her doe brown eyes stared him down while her ruby lips pouted.
"You do not play fair, love," Chuck sighed. How was he to refuse her at all for one, but then when she looked at him in such a way? Even the most bitter and acrimonious old man could not refuse with one simple glance at her.
"I know," Blair giggled as she pulled out a dress. She then turned and put a hand to his chest.
"Now go on and wash up. Then come back to me. I shall pick out something for you to wear." She started to fix the collar of his nightshirt absentmindedly.
"What activities shall you be dressing me for today?" he asked teasingly. Her eyes flickered back up to his and she shook her head with a smile.
"It will only be lunch out on the terrace and perhaps a walk on the beach you're required to attend. I highly doubt you and Nathaniel shall wish to listen to me and Gabrielle's womanly talk." She winked at him.
"That depends what this womanly talk entails," Chuck mused with a suggestive tone.
"Keep that naughty mouth of yours shut, Bass or I shall shut it for you," Blair warned with her left eyebrow arched. He merely chuckled in response. Then after an openmouthed kiss, he took his leave.
--
Chuck entered the bedchambers to see Blair by the floor length mirror. He leaned up against the door, crossed his arms, and smirked. After a while, she felt his eyes on her and spun around. Her appearance literally took his breath away.
Blair wore a floor length, pastel yellow dress. It had a full skirt, sleeves that went just past her elbows, and a nicely cut square cleavage line. It was one he specifically remembered Madame Bouvier had fitted her for. The dress had much detail in ruffles and design. It also came complete with a matching hat. She had her hair, curls around her face, but then the ringlets tied together into a low ponytail that rested on her shoulder and breasts. She had rouge on her lips and bright red lipstick.
"How do I look?" she finally questioned. Her hands held up the skirt and she twirled around once. He chuckled at how playful and cutesy she acted.
"Divine," Chuck responded.
"Merci," Blair winked and then came towards him. She took hold of his hands and led him to the bed. He looked to it to see that she had his outfit laid out perfectly.
"Why do I have the feeling these were made as a set?" Chuck asked with a knowing smirk. His left eyebrow rose.
"Because they were," she replied and then brought up the shirt.
"You intend to dress me?" His tone held much amusement.
"Yes!" Blair sighed and laughed with widened eyes, "If you would stop asking so many questions, love. Now be cooperative and appreciate the attention."
"My wish is your command," Chuck teased. He then quieted down and allowed her to fawn over him. When she got to things like buttons and collars, he started to really enjoy it. She was so focused and loving with him. For a moment it made him wonder if that was how children felt when their mothers dressed them. That was not a good thought though, so he pushed it away.
When she was finished, she took hold of his hand and brought him to the mirror.
"Perfect," Blair sighed happily.
He wore a coat and pants that matched the color of her dress. The coat had a collar that stood up around his neck and in usual style went down to stop just above his knees. He wore a white dress shirt and then also a white vest with a gold embroidered design. He did not miss the roses that looked exact to the ones on her hat on the side of his coat and around his neck either.
"Roses?" Chuck smirked with amusement as he turned back around to face her. She merely shook her head and put a finger to his lips. He silenced.
"You look absolutely dashing, my love," She told him. Her lips then connected with his and he moaned. When they pulled apart, she smirked.
"Yellow is one of my favorite colors," he nodded. She giggled and parted her lips, but never got the chance to speak. The door opened and they looked down to see Prince Edward run inside.
"RUFF!" the puppy barked and ran to Blair's feet.
"His majesty, this is most rude!" Abby cried in horror as she ran in after him. She scooped him up in her arms and shook her finger at him.
"You cannot just leave during playtime," she scolded. The dog licked her hand and barked again. Slowly, she looked up and her eyes widened. Abigail realized what room she had ran into.
"It is fine," Blair said immediately and sent her an assuring smile. She then reached her hand out and smoothed back some of the child's blond, crazy curls.
Abby had on a little white dress of a lacy material. She now had many others and it was one of the informal ones. Chuck was used to her picking out the very fancy ones Blair had gotten her.
"Are you not a princess today, Abigail?" Chuck nodded towards her attire.
"Of course not, Lord Bass, this is not a princess dress. Today I am the fairy queen of the garden and Prince Edward is my little lamb," her little brow furrowed and she frowned suddenly, "but his majesty is not behaving." Her lips twisted into a pout as she looked down to Prince Edward.
Chuck looked to his wife with a smile. They had grown used to her wild imagination and all the roles she played daily, her and Prince Edward.
Blair laughed warmly and picked Abby up. She then carried her and Prince Edward to the playroom that had been set up for her. He followed and watched as Blair sat her down on the rug gently and went to the shelf. She retrieved a jar of puppy treats and knelt down.
"This is how you shall get his majesty to behave, my sweet," Blair explained. She took off the top of the decorated jar and pulled out a dog cookie. Abby took it in her small hand and then fed it to Prince Edward. The puppy ate it up and licked the child's face.
"Merci," Abby grinned proudly towards Blair.
His wife nodded with a large smile and then fixed Abbey's hair one more time. She whispered sweet things to her he could not make out. But that did not keep his eyes from what he saw. Blair was past being fond of the little girl, she was attached to her. It made him think it was certain that she wanted children. And that made his stomach turn. That was not good. He didn't want her to end up like his mother. He wouldn't be able to take that.
"Alright my little Dauphine of the castle, you watch over Prince Edward while I have lunch with Lord Bass," Blair told Abby and stood up. Her voice broke him from his thoughts. He quickly rid of the unpleasant expression and looked to her.
"Make sure to provide her with whatever she requests. You must watch her at all times though. She has a tendency to wonder off lately and get lost in the castle," Blair instructed to the maid who sat in the corner.
Since Abby had gotten lost in the castle and accidently locked in a closet one day, Blair insisted to have someone always watching over her.
"Of course, your ladyship," the maid nodded obediently.
"See you in a little while, Abby," Blair waved.
Abby's little hand shot up and she smiled.
Chuck stepped aside and let his wife out the door. She and he took hands and went to wait for Gabrielle and Nate out on the terrace. The table was set up for lunch and it was the best day to eat outside. Even the waves below were calm and a gorgeous blue color. Everything was perfect.
--
"This castle is simply lovely," the Duchess giggled in delight. Her hands touched Blair's and the two girls shared a smile. They all sat at a table on the terrace. It was now set up with the last course, dessert.
"And the view is so magnificent! If I were able to swim, I'd just rid of this dress and dive right into the ocean." She motioned towards the waves and then turned back.
"Oh you simply must try this one. The cream is heavenly inside of it," Blair told her as she held out a tray of dessert. Gabrielle picked one out and took a bite of it.
"Oh my, this is superb! Nate, you must try one too," the Duchess giggled. She took another one from the tray and held it up to his mouth. He blushed crimson, but she smiled at him casually. Finally, he opened his mouth and ate it.
"It is most good," Nate nodded. He then took a sip of his drink.
Chuck smiled at Blair from across the table. She grinned back at him with a wink. It was a small intimate moment and then Blair turned back to the Duchess.
"Blair, did I hear correctly that you have a splendid opera in town?" Gabrielle asked as she took a sip of her drink.
"Unfortunately, she only made Serena and I go as children fifteen-hundred times," Nate muttered. Blair glared at him and stuck out her tongue. Her husband chuckled and shook his head.
"Do not listen to him, Gabrielle. The opera house here is marvelous. Nathaniel's intelligence is just not up to par enough to enjoy it." Blair shot him a bitchy smirk and then laughed.
"Well if it is so wonderful then we should go again while I'm in town. I do say I could find a way to make dear Nathaniel, here enjoy it. It would be the most of fun," the Duchess expressed and put a hand to her chest.
"Of course when I say we, I mean all of us. I could have Nathaniel as my escort and you with your husband. Thank heavens my husband isn't in town though because I don't think he would fair too well with Nate. A dreadfully serious man, if I do so say myself." She rolled her eyes and nodded her head.
"Well then I do not think he would get along with our Nathaniel. He is anything, but serious," Blair returned, but looked straight at Nate with a smirk. He widened his eyes and blushed.
"I do not think him like anyone at all I have ever met before, my husband I mean. And what a cold household he keeps. It makes me envy you for this little heaven you've created," she added with a nod.
"Well you are welcome any time you wish," the brunette returned.
"I dare say I may be back again then," Gabrielle laughed.
"Then a toast to your stay," Nate smiled genuinely and held up his glass.
"Why thank you," she held up her own glass.
"To my new friend," Blair added. She then looked from Gabrielle to Chuck who raised his glass as well, but seemed more intent watching her with a certain fascination.
"And to Chuck and Blair for being so in love," the Duchess proclaimed.
"To Chuck and Blair," Nate nodded and raised his glass again. He tapped it to Chuck's and Blair did the same with her glass to Gabrielle's.
The whole time, they gazed into each other's eyes.
--
A/N: I have to admit this was one of my favorite chapters. But what did you think of it?