Author notes: Surprise my son insisted I update 2x's today so here you go...but be warned it's a cliff hanger ;)
Chapter 29
The way to the west wing was becoming etched in her mind, and while she was still trying to regain all composure she had to acknowledge the many changes that had taken place in this part of the castle. It was no longer a hallway filled with the broken shards of furniture and wood. That had all been cleared away and the floor free of shattered glass.
She gazed at the beast, mentally asking him what had brought about this new found spark for cleaning. He was grateful she had noticed, and wished that could be the reason behind their presence there now, only they both knew it wasn't.
Belle had no guesses as to what he planned to show her, what he could have that would allow them to see Gaston. She probably should have known better, in a castle such as this, strange things happened all the time, so why should this not be reasonably taken into consideration.
This was all happening too fast and was it really only a short time ago that they were two minds at peace with the world, were still revolving around the ballroom floor? Each taking in the other as though they were intoxicated with their rush of feelings, feelings so beautiful, that neither knew existed in the other.
The beast had continued to hold Belles hand during their walk, and let his hand drop as they approached the door. Why they had even come here, Belle wondered. She knew what this room was, that it was his alone, and wanted to respect his privacy.
Not since the night of the storm had she come here, and she still felt badly about coming here then or anytime before, even if it was for good reason. She still meant no intrusion upon him. Yet here they were, and why he had brought her instead of retrieving this "object" himself was a very intriguing question.
The room was dark when they entered but once her eyes adjusted it was obvious the room resembled a regular bedroom, almost the same layout as hers. Now free of all debris the marble floor shone, a king sized bed was neatly name and all present furnishings were intact. The Beast caught her looking around amazed, and she hoped he wasn't offended by her staring.
"It's so different. It looks wonderful in here." "I uh…was going to…show you later." This discussion on any sort of normal subject felt strange for this time and he guide her towards the back of the room. The rose was there waiting, its petals growing ever fewer. The few that did remain were limp and the entire steam bent with this weight,
Its increase in wilting was noticed by both parties, though it was a common sight to only one. Belle had barely time to stop herself from asking what had caused its decline. She hadn't forgotten the first time she had laid eyes on its beauty.
Its sweet calling had made itself known to her many times over the past few months. But she had learned to ignore its melody. Now standing this close to it, the volume should have been much greater, but it was hardly emitting any sound at all.
This was totally unrealized by the Beast as he himself had never heard it produce any sort of sound, and was not even aware that Belle could. It would seem she as the only one who could.
The Beast carefully picked up the mirror from the table, its surface reflected his face back. He hoped he was correct in this; perhaps the mirror would only work for him alone. Please just show her what she needs to see, he silently begged.
To Belle this looked like just a simple hand mirror, true it was very fancy with roses craved around its frame, but it otherwise appeared no different than any other mirror. Yet the way he was holding it, as though it the greatest treasure in the world, she knew it had to be something more.
He held to out to her, "This mirror is magical, and it can show you anything you wish to see. You just ask it." He felt himself blushing at the memory of all those times he has used it to watch her, and was thankful she didn't see it. The mirror felt a bit heavier than expected, but she held it tightly, not at all doubting the beast's words. "Please I'd like to see …Gaston." She tried to say this clearly, but her voice trembled in speaking his name.
The mirror immediately gave a blinding flash of green light which nearly caused Belle to drop the mirror in surprise. She squinted at the brightness, seeing it's reflecting surface turning hazy, then an image became clear. Gaston was standing there in the woods; there were two other men with her that she recognized from the village. They were talking in excited voices. "It's all true, the castle, the beast. That crazy old man was right all along."
"Let's go back there now!" the blond haired man standing beside him shouted. The other man with wild curls of red, nodded in agreement "Yeah We'll knock him dead in minut…" he was cut off as Gaston hit first him then the other man in the face, "Idiots! Who knows what else could be in there? Suppose there is more than one? There are only 3 of us; we need to gather more men from the village THEN WE'LL ATTACK!"
The blonde hair man moved to raise his arm in a cheer, and then stopped. "But wait…what about the girl." To answer Gaston smiled lightly, "Oh I'm sure we can come up with something. She is quite the beauty after all." The two men grinned darkly and they made fast towards their horses. The image now grew dark, and Belle lowered the mirror.
Her worst fears had been confirmed, and looking back up at the beast, she couldn't do anything but turn away, feeling more afraid then she ever had in her life, and wishing she could erase what they had both just heard. He came to her placing himself just behind her as he had done before to hold her.
They were unaware they were no longer alone. Cogsworth had entered the room, having been sent along by the curious staff to learn what was going on. He saw the beast standing there, but his view of Belle was blocked. "Ahhh, excuse me your highness, but…." Then he stopped, both speaking and nearly breathing as he saw a hint of a golden dress, a very familiar looking gown, seen only a short time earlier. Then the Beast turned fully revealing Belle in front of him. She had heard, she knew.
