Chapter 39-An Enchanted Reunion

He was fearful, and he wasn't going to try and cover that up. He was afraid for both Belle and himself knowing full well what this woman was capable of doing "I… I wasn't expecting to see you again." His voice was giving away to his fears, and Belle gripped his hand tightly. "Adam, who is she?' she whispered, in an also shaking tone. Judging by Adams expression, it seemed obvious this woman was no stranger here.

The woman was quite stunning to behold, with flowing hair the color of corn silk. She was very fair skinned and her dress was a pale green, the same as her eyes. Her face appeared kind but there was firmness behind it. When she spoke her voice was very light and airy, "I think I need no real introduction as to who I am, but for your sake my dear, I will oblige. I am the Enchantress who placed the spell upon this castle and all whom were living here." Belle was left unsure what to say or do, while Adam tried to fight this building tension. "I never thought you'd come back after all this time."

The Enchantress nodded, "It is me young Prince, and I must say I am very pleased with the process you have made. You need not be afraid, I am not here to do anything except to ensure that all is now as it was and answer to anything you would like to address."

It seemed like too much of gamble, it couldn't really be that easy, that she had come here to merely hear him voice any concerns. He was no longer as naïve as he had been at 15 about how his actions might have consequences and knew better now. It stood to reason that to give a crude remark or lecture about the suffrage endured during the curse seemed like it could only be used as another reason to place such a curse upon him yet again. Suddenly there was a thought coming to mind, one that really did require mentioning and he would take his chances with it. He tried to keep his voice sounding far braver than he felt.

"Actually I do have one question, if you could answer for me?" When the Enchantress kept to her calm manner, he did relax just a little. "Of course Young Prince, but I think I might already know what your question is, and am I correct in thinking it involves your father."

How was she able to do that, had she been reading his mind? That was certainly something he didn't feel entitled enough to ask her, and went ahead with his intended question. "In a way yes it does involve him. My question is why did you punish only me? I wasn't the only one who had developed a heart that bore no love. What about my father, he never showed any love towards me, his own son?"

While her face retained its kind features the Enchantress did raise her eyebrow at him slightly. When she spoke again her tone held a bit of challenge to it.

"Is that what you think? That I would honestly allow the actions of your father to go forgotten after all this time? I am very well aware what pain he caused you and while I agree he deserves to face consequences, it is not up to me what they should be. That choice lies with you alone."

For a moment Adam was rendered silent, but he quickly recovered, "What do you mean?" "I shall bring your father here, now if you like, and you may do with him as you see fit. He is yours to punish in any manner you choose. But before that I think you should be made aware that your father knew well of your situation, I saw to that, as well as preventing him from coming here during that time."

Belle had reframed from speaking her mind till now, but this notion of keeping his father away stuck a chord with her. "But WHY? He was so lonely and miserable, why would you keep them apart like that?"

The Enchantress did not appear at all offended, and was completely understanding of Belles reaction and her voice now returned to its calm tone of acknowledgement "I realize you have a longing to keep family close my dear, and that is a very kind quality of yours. But might I remind you of the state he was in when you first came here, it was only far worse in the beginning, so do you really think that would have been wise. Mind you I did consider it for a time, but did not wish to put you, Adam in a position where you might have done something you'd greatly regret."

Adam knew she was correct in her assumption, he would have shown no restraint in his actions against his father had he been there, and he would have most definitely hated himself for it. Belle also had to agree.

The Enchantress spoke again "So how shall this unfold young Prince. When do you wish him brought before you so that he might face the judgement he deserves?"

Adam knew this was not something to be done without taking time to first reflect, to take this all in, and ensure nothing was being over looked. He couldn't take the risk of going into this blind. "Tomorrow morning, please bring him safety here then." The women gave a simple nod, "Then I shall return here tomorrow morning, with your father. Until then young Prince I bid you well." Then she was gone in an instant, a flash of green and they again stood alone on the balcony.

Author Notes- Decided to throw one more little twist into the plot, as I really wanted there to be some sort of meeting between Adam and his father. Hope everyone enjoys and thank you wonderful readers