Chapter 25

It was still harboring to much a chill outside for there to be any sightings of butterflies taking flight. It would seem that all the butterflies were instead residing in Belles stomach causing her to feel endless fluttering sensations. Why did this sense of excitement seem to consume her since the Beast had asked her spend the evening together. He said it was to thank her, and had given no mention of anything else. It was a simple dinner among friends, before she left…that just happened to involve dancing.

What if there really was another point to this, that could imply certain feelings, or was that what she wanted it to be, and was fabricating this illusion in her mind. Was her heart still fighting against her choice to leave, would it go so far as this? Well it would make no difference in her decision and beside she still had the option to come back someday. She felt confident that the Beast would allow this and that put her mind at ease a little. Now it was time to get ready for this evening.

Never had she put so much thought into choosing a outfit for any occasion, but now it was turning into a decision that required hours to make. Madame la Grande Bouche had waited countless years for such a moment, and had been absolutely overcome with joy to offer guidance on selecting the prefect evening gown.

There was one dress that both seemed to find a cut above the rest and while trying it on, Belle couldn't help twirling around the room. The fabric was like a golden sun burst, with gorgeous layers of lace and ruffles. The top did hang a b it loose, but was still rather decent in form. Pausing in front of the mirror, she felt like someone new, full of confidence and pride. With her hair carefully styled in a half bun, while the rest caressed her shoulders, she smiled at her reflection. She was now ready for whatever the evening might hold.

Meanwhile the Beast was at a complete loss on just how to ready himself for this night, and was now at the mercy of the castle's romantic expert Lumiere, to advise him in any way he could.

"Just talk to her, tell her plainly how you feel, and don't forget to use that manly wit. You need to show her you can be bold and daring enough to sweep her off her feet. And if all else fails, shower her with compliments." It was easy enough for Lumiere, as this was hardly anything new to him.

The blessed seamstress's had been called upon to work their magic again, and they had created an elegant suit, the bluish color of the fabric nearly matching that of his eyes. He had been subjected to an unpleasant bath, along with an hour long hair grooming and was now awaiting the retrieval of a mirror to view the final results. This gave him time to think things over. He knew Lumiere was right and he somehow had to tell Belle how he had come to care for her. He also had to decided once and for all if these emotions and feelings of his all signaled true love.

He had been told by Lumiere that love could be felt any number of ways and often differently for each. There was no one who could tell him for certain what his feelings were; he would just know when the time was right. He had known this would likely be the case from the start and at least now felt he had the ability to do so, but he would first have to face the mirror. Aside from the magical one He had been avoiding mirrors so many years, dreading the image that would be looking back at him.

All who had assisted him in these preparations now held their breath as he gazed into the smooth glass surface. For the first time in 10 years he wasn't appalled by what was reflected, and even gave a very small smile, which his mirror image gave back in return. The moment was here at last.

The two had arranged to meet in the dining hall. The entire staff had truly out done themselves in every aspect for preparing the most romantic atmosphere there had ever been. Now they would pull back and let these two souls be free to mingle. The Beast was the first to arrive and now counted the minutes till Belle would make her own entrance.

In some ways this felt as though it were a reenactment of the first evening he had waited for her, partly aware at the time that she would never come. He paced nervously just as he had done then, surely this time would prove different. She had to come this time; she had said that she would be here. From the looks of the staff, they were thinking along the same lines, hoping this effort would not be in vain.

The door to the room opened and this time a slender figure stood there. He just stared at her, eyes growing wide. He had always thought her beautiful, without her ever trying. But now this young woman before him was radiating a beauty so great she might have been mistaken for an angel...

Author Notes: Now let the magic of the evening unfold on these two star crossed lovers :) To be continued...