Disclaimer: Not mine

Glad you're enjoying this.

I've turned these into a series on AO3, and am accepting suggestions for the next fairy-tale to do. So far Aladdin and Snow White are the most asked for.

Chapter 2

Prompto rushed out of the castle, whistling for Ravus who ran into view, quickly mounting the loyal Chocobo and taking off for the bridge, he had to get away, he had to! Promise or no promise, he couldn't stay, he would die if he did. Surely the beast would kill him. He reached the and was relieved when they ground open, one more obstacle down. They sped across the bridge and into the strange snowbound woods. If he could just reach home…

He didn't notice the predators silently surrounding them at a distance.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Titus' carriage moved through the empty gorges and canyons, Cor searching for the fork in the path that led to the castle, while Luche shifted uncomfortable, squeezed into the back behind them. They all heard the hunting sounds of a pack of Coeurl and the Chocobos shifted restlessly at the sound.

"We're getting close," Cor told them surely, they were almost to the turn off now, he knew it.

"Look, enough is enough, we have to turn back," Titus told him, eyeing the clouds above them, not liking the look of the coming night and the gathering clouds.

"Stop! That's it!" Cor pointed up ahead to the withered tree…which now stood intact again, somehow. Cor hopped down from the wagon to inspect it better. "That's the tree. I'm sure of it." He decided not to mention that it had been knocked down by lightening before, that sounded crazy after all. "So that means the castle is definitely that way!

An angry Titus stepped down and approached Cor. "I'm done playing this game of yours. Where is Prompto?"

"The beast took him!" Cor snapped back at the younger man. He'd seen the way the Captain watched Prompto and he didn't like it, but he knew his son could handle himself, against a human anyway.

"There are no such things as beasts, or... magic! But there are Coeurls, frostbite, and starvation," Titus snarled back.

"Deep breaths, Titus, deep breaths," Luche urged, looking between the two ex-soldiers warily. Titus was ten maybe fifteen years younger and had seen battle more recently but there was something about Cor that had always made Luche think picking a fight with him would be a bad idea, despite his reputation as a somewhat eccentric inventor.

"So why don't we just turn around go back to Longwythe? I'm sure Prompto is at home, cooking up a lovely dinner...

"If you think I've made all this up, then why did you offer to help?"

"Because I want to marry your son! Now let's go home," Titus told him, moving back to the cart, the temperature was dropping quickly like it always did at night and he wanted to be in front of a nice, warm fire as soon as possible.

"Prompto is not at home! He's with the –"

"IF YOU SAY BEAST ONE MORE TIME, I WILL FEED YOU TO THE COEURLS!" Titus roared, raising his fist and Cor shifted his stance, ready for a fight.

Luche rushed over, grabbing Titus' arm to stop him. "TITUS! STOP! Breathe. Think happy. thoughts. Go back to the war. Blood, explosions, countless widows..."

"Widows..." Titus echoed and Cor felt utter disgust for the two younger men.

"Yes, yes, that's it, that's it..." Luche's voice snapped Titus out of his rage.

He puts on that Titus smile like a Halloween mask. "Please, forgive me, old bean. That's no way to talk to my future father-in-law, now is it?" he asked pleasantly and Cor shook his head, shocked by how deluded the man was.

"Future father-in-law...? Prompto will never agree to marry you, he has dignity and taste."

A beat. They stared at each other and Cor went to turn away. Without a word, Titus hit Cor, knocking him out.

"I saw that coming..."

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Prompto stood his ground, Ravus behind him, reigns stuck on a branch, even as Prompto wielded another as a makeshift weapon, the Coeurls closing in, the cliff at their backs trapping them. One of the felines lunged and he swung, slamming the heavy branch hard into its jaw, making it yelp in pain and go down, at least temporarily. He was freezing cold and wet, not a good combination but at least fear was helping warm him a little. Running off at night had been crazy but what else could he have done? Now instead of the Beast, these cats were going to eat well tonight. He couldn't get them all. He had to cut the reigns, at least let Ravus get away but if he turned his back they'd be on them both before he could get him free.

The lead one crouched, whiskers beginning to glow and he gulped. He knew what that meant, though he'd only ever read about it, not many Coeurls lived long enough to gain the ability to collect the charge from the air to use to electrocute an enemy. There was nothing he could do.

A deafening roar sounded and he stared with wide eyes as the feline was suddenly airborne, slamming hard into the cliff to collapse, unmoving, in the snow. All eyes were now locked onto the Beast who bared his fangs in challenge. The pack hesitated but then attacked and Prompto moved to free Ravus, hesitating, watching the fight. He shook his head but then grabbed his branch again. Hitting one of the smaller cats in the head with it, hard, knocking it out of the fight. The Beast roared in pain as sharp claws raked through his cloak and into the fur beneath, obviously breaking the skin. Prompto jumped on Ravus' back and urged him forward, the Chocobo darting in and then lashing out in a powerful kick, taking out another. The rest seemed to realise they were now loosing and took off.

Prompto watched as the Beast whimpered in pain, his shoulders slumped. He collapsed in the snow and Prompto hesitated, this was his chance to run. He looked past Ravus, to the woods, to freedom, but then turned back, and slowly approached the wounded beast. Prompto took the blanket from Ravus' saddle and covered the Beast with it. He stirred; one eye opening. "You have to help me... you have to stand..." There was no way he could lift the Beast, he wasn't a weakling but the Beast had around a foot of height on him and had to weigh at least twice what Prompto did, probably way more than that actually.

It felt like it took forever, but the Beast managed to get to his feet and Prompto coaxed Ravus into letting him kind of flop over him. It was a good thing Chocobos could take heavy loads. He supported the Beast on the other side and they began making their way back to the Castle. He didn't know how he was going to get him up to his room though, was there anyone there big and strong enough to help?

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Cor sat slumped against the tree, Titus securing the last knot before walking back to the cart.

"If Cor won't give me his blessing, then he is in my way. Once the Coeurls are finished with him, Prompto will have no one to take care of him but me."

"For the sake of exhausting all of our options, do we maybe want to consider a less gruesome alternative?" Luche offered, he'd done some pretty nasty things during the war, but that was just it, it had been war. This? This was as good as murder.

"Are you coming?" Titus demanded impatiently and Luche looked back at Cor, apology in his eyes before he got into the cart, Titus turning it for him, leaving Cor to die.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

The Beast lay in his old human bed. Prompto dabbed a large gash on the Beast's arm causing him to bare his fangs and let out a roar. "Ow! That hurts!"

"If you held still, it wouldn't hurt as much," he pointed out as he rinsed the cloth.

"If you hadn't run away, none of this would have happened," the Beast growled back, trying not to pull away, it had been so long since someone had touched him, it felt strange beyond the pain.

"Well if you hadn't frightened me, I wouldn't have run away," Prompto glared at him, shifting to clean another wound as the household staff anxiously watched the battle of words.

"Well you shouldn't have been in the west wing," the Beast stated, happy that his answer would end the argument.

"Well you should learn to control your temper," Prompto snapped, hands shaking slightly in anger and a little left over fear…of the Beast…the attack…he took a deep breath and kept working. The Beast was momentarily silenced by his words and at seeing the tremor, feeling a flash of guilt and remorse, closing his eyes so not to see. Prompto looked down at the wound he had been dabbing, it was worse than he thought. "By the way, thank you... for saving my life," he whispered.

Beast opened his eyes, looking surprised. "Your welcome."

Prompto finished cleaning the wounds, bandaging the worst as best he could. "Try to get some rest."

Slowly the Beast's breath slowed to a low rumble as his eyes slipped shut.

"Thank you, Prompto," Luna whispered, not wanting to risk disturbing his sleep.

"We are eternally grateful," Gladio added and Prompto looked over at them and then back at the sleeping Beast.

"Why do you care so much about him?"

"We've looked after him all his life," she admitted, smiling fondly, remembering the bright little boy he'd been so long ago.

"But he has cursed you somehow," Prompto's brow furrowed in his confusion. They remained silent, neither confirming or denying. "Why? You did nothing."

"You're quite right there, dear. You see, when the Master lost his mother, and his father withdrew completely, ignoring that sweet innocent lad until the pain twisted him up... we did nothing," she murmured sadly.

"Let him sleep," Ignis whispered, getting them moving.

Prompto stood and stared down at the Beast, feeling a swell of compassion for him again. He reached out and brushed his fingers lightly through the fur covering his cheek before slipping from the room to head for his own, his own injuries needed tending and he could do with a hot bath to dispel the last of the chill. Not to mention, the clothing he was wearing was ruined from the misadventure.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Gladio sat on what had been their bed for so many years, watching Ignis pace. What he wouldn't give to be able to truly hold him again, without the risk of burning him. He could put his candles out temporarily but not for long. And Ignis couldn't really hug back anymore either. He missed being able to touch anyone, to truly sleep, or ear. At least he could sit, his body was still relatively human shaped but most of the others weren't. "Ignis please, try to relax."

"How? How can I relax? How can anyone relax?" he demanded; voice more shaky than angry. "Mas…" he shivered. "Noctis…he could have died."

Gladio sucked in a gasp of surprise at Ignis' words. They hadn't spoken his name since the curse. The one time someone had, it hadn't ended well. So they referred to him as Master, not even using his title of Prince, to spare him the pain. No one outside of them remembered Prince Noctis of Lucis and if the curse was not broken, soon no one at all would remember him.

Gladio got off the bed and walked over to Ignis, extinguishing his candles to hug him. "He's alive and healing, he saved Prompto and Prompto saved him," he murmured. "We still have time."

"Too little," Ignis whispered, leaning against him.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Snow crunched under sturdy black boots as he walked to the fork in the road and he stared down at the man tied to the tree, tipping his hat back as he sighed. To interfere or not… It had taken years, and he was almost out of time, but it seemed the little Prince may finally be learning the lesson he had meant him too. Would he learn it in time to save himself and his staff or would they be doomed?

The boy finding out his Father had died of exposure in the woods would definitely derail all progress. He sighed and knelt down. "Guess it's your lucky day Sir," he smirked, crimson energy wrapping around his fingers, before he poked him in the forehead and then vanished.

It seemed the young Prince had a real shot at being the first to ever learn their lesson and break one of his curses. He'd thought he'd be mad about that but surprisingly…he wasn't. Perhaps he was going soft in his old age, after two thousand years, it could happen.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Cor woke slowly and looked around, shivering. It took a second for memory to return and when it did he glared in the direction of Longwythe. He tested the ropes, too tight, but he shifted his wrist around until the knife dropped into his hand. He would not die out here. He began sawing away at the ropes, hoping no hungry wild animal came across him while he was tied up.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Prompto watched the staff with the Beast as he recovered from his injuries, they really did love him, despite his temper and the way he could treat them. And…beyond all of that, he though the Beast loved them too in his way.

Prompto was curious about him, despite himself. They'd both lost their Mother's but perhaps he had been luckier in never having known his own. All he had were stories but the Beast had memories to plague him, some hopefully gave comfort.

Perhaps…he hadn't cursed the staff…had someone cursed all of them? If he really was the boy from the painting. He couldn't help his curiosity.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

He watched from the window with Ignis and Gladio as Prompto played in the snow with Ravus and Umbra. "I've never felt this way about anyone," he whispered. "I…I want to do something for him." Then he looked away and sighed. "But what?"

"Well, there's the usual things-flowers, chocolates, promises you don't intend to keep…" Ignis rattled off.

"Ahh, no, no," Gladio disagreed immediately. "It has to be something very special. Something that sparks his interest… Wait a minute! Luna!" he called out. "Come on, she said something about Prompto and when she was talking to him that first night!" he led the way to the kitchen and Lunafreya smiled, quickly answering their questions.

The staff quickly moved to get everything ready and when Prompto came inside Beast met him at the door. "Will you come with me?" he asked and Prompto blinked but nodded, handing his coat to Weskham before following him down a hallway. "Prompto, there's something I want to show you," he explained as they came to a set of double doors, he began to open one but then stopped. "But first, you have to close your eyes." Prompto looked at him questioningly, but not with mistrust. "It's a surprise."

Prompto closed his eyes, and Beast waved his hand in front of him, then he opened the door, leading him in. "Can I open them?"

"No, no. Not yet. Wait here." He walked away to draw back the curtains. As he did, brilliant sunlight spilled into the room, lighting it up.

Prompto flinched reflexively as the light hit his face. "Now can I open them?"

"All right. Now"

Prompto opened his eyes and stared in awe at the gigantic library filled with books. "I can't believe it. I've never seen so many books in all my life!"

"You-you like it?" he asked hopefully and Prompto smiled, spinning around to see it all.

"It's wonderful."

"Then it's yours."

"Really? Thank you so much," he whispered in awe. "Have you read all of these?

"Not all of them, some of them are in Solheim," Beast shrugged and Prompto blinked.

"Was that a joke? Are you making jokes now?" he couldn't help smiling and Beast offered a hesitant smile in return.

"Maybe," he shrugged slightly and walked deeper into the library, Prompto staring after him before the blond laughed.

"Oh, would you look at that?" Luna whispered excitedly as they peered around the door at the two.

"Ha ha! I knew it would work," Gladio smirked.

"What? What works?" Iris looked at him in confusion.

"It's very encouraging," Ignis admitted, refusing to read too much into it just yet.

"Isn't this exciting!" Cindy cheered happily.

"I didn't see anything," Iris pouted.

"Come along, Iris. There's chores to be done in the kitchen," Luna called, leaving.

"But what are they talking about? What's going on? C'mon, Luna!" she quickly followed and the rest dispersed, not wanting to get caught eavesdropping.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Prompto sat on the seat, Iris sitting on the small table, leaning to see the pictures as he read to her. She was so bright and bubbly despite being a tea cup. "Iris?"

"Yes Prompto?" she looked up at him and it was amazing how expressive she was, how all of them were really.

"Can I ask…how old are you?"

"Oh! Umm….ten, I think?" she did the little movement that seemed to be a shrug.

"And Gladio is your brother?"

"Uh ha! I….I miss his hugs," she whispered and Prompto picked her up, cradling her close to his chest, feeling her press against him as he stroked a finger over the fine porcelain.

"I'm sorry," he whispered.

"You give good hugs," she murmured and he smiled sadly. Who could do this to a kid? She didn't deserve it, and to be separated from her family too. After a while he went back to reading since she liked the story.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Cor returned to the farm quietly, without anyone in the village noticing. Let them think him dead, he didn't care now. He coughed, chest tight, and made himself the herbal tea that Prompto ensured to keep in stock, especially in winter for such ailments. Thankfully, some of last winters was still in the tin. He then went to his bedroom and drew out the locked case, opening it to remove his sword. He would save his son. He just needed to ensure he was healthy enough to do so, and remembered enough of his old skills as well.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Prompto sat at the table in the small dining room, smiling as the bowl of porridge was placed before him. "Thank you," sometimes it was hard to tell a merely enchanted object from one that had been cursed so he figured it was just safe to be polite to anything that moved on its own.

He was shocked when the door opened and Beast entered, they usually ate apart, but when he hesitated in the doorway Prompto smiled in welcome. Soon a second place was set and more food brought out. Prompto dipped his spoon in after adding milk and began to eat, glancing up to find Beast eating like…well, a beast.

Iris giggled and Luna hushed her but the Beast looked up and found Prompto watching, freezing. The teacup nudged a spoon towards him and Beast awkwardly picked the small utensil up, trying and failing to use it.

Prompto watched in wonder as he tried to use human table manners. He hesitated but then put his spoon down and lifted his bowl, catching the Beasts attention. He placed the bowl to his lips and began sipping at the porridge. Beast looked down at his own and then lifted it, copying him and Prompto smiled behind his bowl.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Prompto and the Beast meandered across a stone footbridge as he read aloud. "The air is blue and keen and cold. And in a frozen sheath enrolled each branch, each twig, each blade of grass. Seems clad miraculously with glass," Prompto paused as he realised he was walking alone, looking back to see the Beast staring out at the grounds.

"I feel as if I'm seeing it for the first time," he admitted softly.

Prompto followed his gaze, taking in the splendidly desolate landscape. The very thing he had just described, lay spread out before them.

"Is there more?"

Prompto smiled, pleased that for a moment at least he'd become a fan of poetry. He easily found his place again. "But in that solemn silence Is heard the whisper Of every sleeping thing: "Look, look at me Come wake me up For still here I be"." Prompto met the Beast's eyes, both suddenly aware of hidden meanings in the poet's words.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

He lay in his childhood bed and stared at the ceiling. It was strange to now look forward to the morning, to spending time with someone. How long had it been since he wanted someone's company? Every day it became easier to not get angry at the slightest word or deed. He didn't like being angry around Prompto, hated remembering the look on his face that night. He was smart and kind, somehow able to be happy even in the cursed Castle with him.

Beast felt…guilty, something he'd never felt before, not since she had died anyway. He had made Prompto promise to never leave, had separated him from the father he obviously loved deeply. Yet the blond never brought it up, never used it against him. Was he truly that forgiving?

The Rose would soon be dead…what would happen to Prompto then? The castle crumbled more with every fallen petal. He would have to send him away to keep him safe, he did not deserve to perish with them. He knew what the others hoped, but what hope could their truly be that Prompto would ever love him?

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Prompto sat in the window seat, book in his lap but he wasn't reading it. He was staring down at the grounds, smiling slightly as he watched the Beast and Umbra walking through the snow. How long had he been there? It felt almost like forever and yet also like it was only just yesterday. He braced himself as the castle trembled, like it had the night he arrived. Something told him it was linked to whatever curse they were under but no one would speak of it to him. He...he wanted to help, to free them, but what could he do?

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Prompto sat beside the Beast on a bench in the garden, reading together, when laughter caught their attention and they looked up to see Umbra running around, Iris on his back and Cindy chasing them.

"They know how to have a good time," Prompto smiled softly.

"Yes," he agreed before looking away. "But when I enter the room, laughter dies."

"Me, too," Prompto's words surprised the Beast. "The villagers say that I'm a "funny boy," but I don't think they mean it as a compliment," he shrugged but it was easy to see the hurt in his eyes. No matter how much he told himself he didn't care…he did.

"I'm sorry," he offered and then he frowned. "Your village sounds terrible."

That startled a laugh out of him. "Almost as lonely as your castle," he smirked, their arms brushing as he refocused on the book, not seeing the surprised look on the Beasts face when he didn't shudder or pull away.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Ignis studied the chess board intently, before moving a piece and then glanced up to find his opponent staring at the pieces. Prompto brushed a stray strand of hair back as he pondered his next move, carefully choosing a piece. "Very good!" Ignis praised. It was nice having someone new to play against, even if young Prompto was only learning the game.

"How long have you played chess?" He asked, curious and Ignis smiled.

"Since I was a child, it was a good way to learn strategy. And you?"

"Papa tried to teach me when I was little but I never could sit still long enough back then. It was always more interesting outside, exploring. I asked to learn last winter."

"May I ask where you grew up?" Ignis asked, curious about Prompto's background.

"I was born in Gralea but I don't remember it. We left when I was a baby, just Papa and me. We lived in Lestallum for years and then we moved to Longwythe," Prompto sighed. "It's….very small and…set in its ways."

"Ah, and curiosity is not encouraged?" he guessed, getting a nod. He did not ask about his Mother, it was obvious she had died from the look in his eyes, something he had in common with their Master.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

He watched as Prompto laughed, Cindy spinning around him, playing as she cleaned and Prompto picked up a rag to help, despite her protests. Everyone in the castle loved Prompto, it was easy to see. At least their last days would be happier now. Beast turned away and slipped outside to wander the frozen gardens.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

The Beast sat in a tub that was far too small for him. "I saw him in the ballroom, and I said, well, you're making this so beautiful, we should have a dance tonight. I never thought he'd actually say yes! What was I thinking?!" he groaned, burying his face in his paw like hands.

"No, Master, it's perfect! The rose has only four petals left. Which means tonight... you must tell him how you feel," Gladio instructed as Beast stood, appearing above the privacy curtain, sopping wet.

"I feel like a fool. He will never love me," he shook off the water like a dog.

"Do not be discouraged," Gladio chided, even as the spraying water doused his candles. "He is the one." He spat out some of the water that had been sprayed on him.

"I wish you'd stop saying that!" He collapsed into his seat in front of the mirror. "There is no one."

"You care for him, don't you? Well then, woo him with beautiful music and romantic candlelight…"

"Yes, and when the moment's just right..." Cindy sighed, fluttering about.

"But how will I know?"

"You will feel slightly nauseous," Ignis offered helpfully, glancing at Gladio who rolled his clock hands in place of his eyes at Ignis' melodramatic words.

"Don't worry, Master, you'll do fine," Gladio shot a look at Ignis who smirked back.

"Just stop being a coward and tell Prompto how you feel. And if you don't, I promise you'll be drinking cold tea for the rest of your life," Lunafreya warned, utterly serious.

"In the dark," Gladio grinned evilly.

"Covered in dust," Cindy joined in cheerfully.

"Dark and very, very dusty," Ignis agreed, what could he threaten, not to tell the time? How would he tell in the dark anyway?

"Now! To work!" Gladio announced. "Start with the hair! Everyone loves nice hair."

"I'll take the fingers and toes!" Luna called.

"Nyx, brush those teeth!" Ignis ordered.

Nyx wielded scissors and a brush as Luna poured hot water into Iris. The Beast was pushed and pulled, primped and snipped. His fingers were dipped into Iris, his nails buffed by Lua' steam, as Gladio climbed onto his horns.

"Voila. You look so…so…" Gladio trailed off.

"Stupid," Beast stated, staring in horror at the curls and bows.

"Not quite the word I was looking for. Perhaps a little more off the top…" Gladio suggested and the quickly got back to work.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Prompto straightened the jacket and checked his hair was tied back neatly, staring at his reflection on Aranea's door. Was that really him? He looked so different….and he could probably do with a haircut soon, it was getting a bit too long.

"Stunning, simply breathtaking. The Master won't be able to take his eyes off you," she teased and he felt his face warm. "But something is missing." She looked up seeing the dust around the gilding that glowed in the moonlight. A moment of inspiration. "Ahh, yes, the finishing touch," she smiled, sweeping out her arm and gold dust magically floated down, settling on Prompto's jacket, completing it. "Go on now, have fun!" She called after him as he left the room.

He was nervous, he'd never danced with anyone! Well not since he was little and Papa had taught him, but he'd stood on Papa's feet for those lessons. He didn't think that was how it was meant to be done.

He reached the top of the main staircase at the same time as the Beast and they stared at each other. He took in the formal clothing in black and gold that brought out highlights in dark fur and seemed to…soften him somehow.

,,,,,,,,,,,,

He stared in awe at Prompto, Aranea had outdone herself! He really was a vision in gold and white, the clothing obviously far more formal than anything Prompto was used to wearing but it suited him. He walked forward and Prompto moved as well, meeting in the middle of the landing. He bowed and Prompto copied him before he took Prompto's hand, slipping it through his elbow, escorting him down the stairs and into the now restored ball room. So many parties had been held within it and yet…nothing had ever felt like it did tonight with just the two of them.

He took Prompto's hand in his, careful of his claws, resting the other lightly against his hip and then the music began and he led him across the floor. He could tell Prompto didn't know how to dance but he was good at following and it was fun, Prompto grinning as they whirled around.

After minutes or hours, the balcony doors opened and they went outside, sitting together, Prompto's cheeks flushed with exertion.

"I haven't danced in years; I'd almost forgotten the feeling." He looked out over the grounds, taking a deep breath. "It's foolish, I suppose, for a creature like me to hope that one day he might earn your affection," he glanced at Prompto who stared up at the stars.

"I don't know..." he whispered.

"Really? So you think you could be happy here?" he tried not to hope, that hadn't been a no, though it also hadn't been a yes.

"Could anyone be happy if they're not free?" He glanced at Beast before staring wistfully towards the forest. "My father taught me to dance, by having me stand on his feet," he smiled at the memory.

"You must miss him," he looked away.

"Very much," Prompto admitted. "If only I could see him again, just for a moment."

How could he have expected anything else? He hesitated but then held his hand out to Prompto. "There is a way."

Prompto looked up at him and then took his hand. He led him up to the West Wing and to the table with the Rose, lying beside it was the Enchanted Mirror.

"This mirror will show you anything, anything you wish to see," Beast explained, handing it over.

Prompto hesitantly lifted it up. "I'd like to see my Papa, please." The mirror shimmered, image changing from his reflection to a bedroom where Cor lay, obviously ill. "He's sick…all alone…" Prompto stared at the image and Beast watched, seeing the tears in his eyes.

There was only one thing he could do, no matter the cost. "You must go to him," he whispered painfully.

"What did you say?" Prompto looked away from the mirror to stare at him with wide blue eyes.

"You must go to him. No time to waste," he repeated gruffly.

Prompto looked at the Beast, expression softer than he had ever seen aimed at himself and then Prompto moved to return the mirror.

"No. Keep it with you. And you'll always have a way to look back on me," he told Prompto, though he doubted the boy ever would. Why would he want to remember his time as a captive? How could he ever have thought it could be more?

"Thank you," Prompto whispered, shocking him when he went up on his tiptoes to brush his lips against the fur of his cheek and then he was gone, running from his life and back to the world Prompto belonged in.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Prompto ran down the grand staircase towards the door. He stopped, seeing Weskham. He bowed to him, silently, sadly, holding out Prompto's coat and hat and he took them, choking back tears. He slipped the coat on and then he was gone.

Weskham looked up to the landing, and saw Lunafreya standing there, watching. Heartbroken.

TBC…

Chapter was getting too long so I split it.