The Wrench

My biggest mistake was assuming everything would go exactly the way I planned. The tension had been building for weeks, but I dismissed the anxiety in favour of daydreaming the perfect future. I convinced myself once the ball was over, and Gaston had chosen his bride, everything would magically slip into place.

What a fool I was.

AAA

Black and red. Everything was black and red. From the elegantly crafted napkins to the giant flowing flags proudly eclipsing every golden wall. The conquering symbol of the kingdom was everywhere, and in the centre, the prince who would soon be ruling it all.

And there he stood. The future king. Proud and prestigious, head held high, atop the magnificent marble staircase in all his royal regalia. Gaston.

The celebratory trumpets blared, two finely dressed gentlemen banged their golden staffs, and their flags waved amidst the delight and upheaval of the expensive crowd filling the magnificent ballroom. The prince of Ingénieur had finally come of age. And the world had come to toast.

But I blocked the music. The praise and the applause. The words of grace and gratitude I'd caught him practising hours prior. I couldn't concentrate on anything, but her.

"Yes."

Yes?

She said yes?

SHE SAID YES!

A joy the likes of which I'd never felt burst from my chest like the wings of a phoenix. It was like nothing I'd ever experienced before. Happiness, relief, euphoria; they clashed and crashed like fierce waves against powerful, dominant mountains. And I welcomed the chaos with a cheek splitting smile. She said yes.

"Oh, Belle, thank you! Thank you so much for trusting me! You'll love it in my kingdom! There's so much to do and see! Did you know I own the biggest library in the country! And that my castle was the first ever built on this land. You can see it all! We'll go now. Tonight! We'll gather all your possessions and-"

"Wait, Adam, wait-" She cried, breaking my excited babbling. I took a deep breath, gaze never straying from those mesmerising golden eyes. I couldn't believe I'd get to see those eyes every day for the rest of my life.

"I'm sorry. I was going too fast. But it's alright. I can show you it all. We'll be there by tomorrow morning and-"

"Adam please, stop! I... I need time!"

...

"... Time?"

"We can't go now! We have to wait for the right time!"

And just as suddenly as the joy had come, it disintegrated into nothing. I didn't understand. She wanted to wait? After all the fretting and fussing over Silas and her future, she now wished to wait? For what? Was it because of me? Or perhaps... someone else?

My features must have betrayed my every insecurity, because she released a tiny sigh. Biting her bottom lip, she softened her tone and spoke as though comforting a small child.

"We can't just leave together. If we do, Silas will know it was you who took me, and think about what he'll do. I already agreed to his terms. What will he do when he learns he's been cheated and that you helped me?"

The relief was so sweet it bruised my cheeks. That was what troubled her? And here I feared she had some ulterior motives for wishing to stay, such as her strange devotion to my ex-best friend. I chuckled reassuringly, wanting nothing but to soothe that fearful frown.

"Belle, you don't have to worry about Silas. I am a king. I can protect you. All you have to do is come with me."

"Adam, you're not king yet! He has more power than you do! Think what he would do if he learned you betrayed him! What it would mean for your kingdoms' alliance. If Silas marked you an enemy..."

She trailed off, panting, pleading for understanding. This wasn't what I wanted. I wished to simply take her in my arms and be happy, let her feel what I was feeling. But the more her frightened words seem to penetrate my mind, the more I understood exactly why she felt such terror.

What would happen if Silas went against my crown? The consequences could be devastating. War. Famine. Perhaps even an uprising. And what if Silas convinced the other two kings to join his wretched cause? I could be stripped of my title, banished from my castle, chased from the country and forced to live as a beggar for the rest of my lowly days.

But, perhaps, if she were with me...

No. That wouldn't happen. Silas would never declare war over a servant. It would make him look a fool, and proud as he was, he'd never risk his reputation. Even if he did, Alex would stand beside me, I knew he would. He hated slavery. Ruled a kingdom that still nurtured the devastating wounds of enslavement. He believed every man, woman and child had the right to live freely and without fear. Even the lowliest criminals were given a fair trial. He would be loyal to me.

"Belle, I can protect you from him," I promised, reaching out to stroke her soft frozen cheek. She subtly turned away, and the rejection made my heart ache.

"How? He's vicious. Do you really think he'll just accept a mere slave girl defying his wishes?"

"All the more reason to leave immediately! Once you're in my kingdom, he won't dare try to hurt you."

"Adam, this isn't about me!" She cried; the frantic affliction on her gentle voice made me cringe. "This is about what could happen if he lost his only bargaining chip. That's what he thinks I am. A way to keep Gaston in line. And if you took that power away, what do you suppose he'd do? Do you think your kingdom could survive if he declared you an enemy? Thousands of lives depend on your cooperation. That's not something I'd ever dream of disrupting, even if it meant being in his grasp forever."

Oh...

Oh my.

What an amazing, heavenly angel I had fallen for. Even in the midst of all her dread, pain and suffering, she was placing the welfare of my kingdom and my subjects above her own.

Such a lovely, selfless soul.

But I wasn't like her.

"I don't want to wait."

And I didn't. To hell with the consequences. I wanted her now. In my kingdom. In my castle. In my rule. I couldn't stand the thought of her spending one more night in Gaston's arms.

She stared at me thoughtfully, tender porcelain gleaming with compassion. I watched as she took one tentative step before laying her soft palm upon my frozen skin. I melted into her touch. Touch that always felt like it was made for me. How could I not fear to lose her?

"I want to be with you, Adam. I do. But the price... it's too high right now. We have to wait. Wait until Silas is no longer a threat. Until he no longer has the power to punish others for our choices."

I felt like crying. Why did my beauty have to be so noble?

"Then how long?"

"After Gaston's coronation."

I instantly recoiled. No. I couldn't wait that long. I wouldn't. Stumbling back, I opened my mouth to object, but she throttled my intentions without a moment's hesitation. "Adam, think about it. After Gaston is declared king, Silas will have no power. Or at least... not enough to come after us. And by his coronation, Gaston will have named a bride. He... He'll have no reason to be angry either. After he's king, we'll be safe. We all will."

But we wouldn't. As soon as Gaston named a bride, Belle would no longer have any protection. Lords only knew the way she would suffer. And as much as I wished I could step in and claim her, legally, she was Silas's property. She lived in his kingdom, in his castle, and as Belle had pointed out, I wasn't king yet. If Silas wished to claim her, legally, I would have no recourse, especially with her coerced consent.

The only option left was to sneak her out of the kingdom, to mine, where she'd be safe. And yet she wished to wait and give that cad opportunity to hurt her?

And she expected me to simply stand aside and watch?

No. I would not allow it. I was a king, and if I had to chain her in my carriage and force her to my kingdom, then so be it. Silas would never touch her again. I would make sure of it.

"Belle, you don't understand. It won't be safe for you here anymore."

"Adam-"

"No!"

A flock of birds leapt from their homes and loudly fled amidst my outburst. My cry seemed to echo throughout the tranquil forest, commanding respect and obedience.

Why couldn't she just understand?

Every night, I was violated with images of the woman I loved laying with another man. I knew it wasn't her fault, but every single time was like pure agony. Watching her be hurt, watching her be used, and being too much of a coward to stop it... made me feel just as helpless as when I was a mere boy, shattering under the tyranny of my wicked mother and heartless father.

But I had overcome my helplessness. I'd changed so much since the day I first met her. I couldn't lose her. If I did, I'd lose everything she had helped me become.

A tense heavy silence lingered in the frozen air, before finally, finally, she relented.

"Al-alright. We won't wait that long. But... we should at least wait until Gaston's ball."

I again began to argue, but her dampened cheeks pleaded this one acquiesce.

"Please, Adam! After the ball, Gaston will have a bride and he'll have no reason to hate us. And... and I'll have some time... to say goodbye. Just a few more days! Please!"

I couldn't stand to watch her cry.

"All right. We'll wait."

But though I'd agreed to her terms, I didn't like them in the least. I meant what I had said before, in my moment of weakness. I would never force her. My offer for protection truly came with no stipulations. But she wanted to be with me, and the want to start our lives together was tearing me to pieces.

Perhaps it was because I was a selfish man, who had always placed my own wants before the needs of any other, but the vindictive doubt couldn't help but sneak its way into my heart. What if the reason she wished to wait was not to protect my kingdom? Or at least, not completely. What if the true reason was because she didn't want to leave Gaston?

She herself had confessed that she needed him. I had thought it was purely for her father's sake, but what if I was wrong? What if, despite all the abuse and suffering he'd inflicted upon her, she loved him too.

I shook the wicked whispers away, determined not to indulge them. Whatever the reason for her hesitation, tonight was the night, and I was taking her with me no matter what happened.

At least, that was what I thought.

But as always, he just had to be a wrench in my plans.

Had all gone to plan, I would wait until the height of the ball, when every guest was drunk and distracted, eagerly watching the prince, who in turn was watched by every maiden and her mother, each dreaming that by nights end, they alone would wear the crown. With everyone looking the other way, I would simply... disappear. Sneak to the stables where an especially large carriage (normally used for transporting prisoners) was waiting; Belle and her father in tow. When all eyes were elsewhere, we'd ride off in the dead of night, never to enter this cursed kingdom again.

We had prepared everything. Belle had enlisted the help of Lumière and his father to see that the horses were well fed and ready and I had bribed two healers a magnificent amount of gold to kidnap the old man from the hospice and deliver him outside safe and sound. Belle would meanwhile use the diversion of the ball to pack whatever precious belongings she could carry and escape undetected. If all had gone to plan, they both would have been ready and waiting for me by the time I slipped away.

If all had gone to plan, we would have been on the road to freedom in a bare few hours.

But the gods it seemed, had forsaken our plans.

I couldn't tame the rising panic seizing all my senses as I watched her from a distance, serving food and flittering amongst impatient guests. She wasn't supposed to be here. Silas had forbidden it, with a little guidance and me whispering in his ear that her presence tonight would be oh so inappropriate, what with the prince about to announce his intended and all.

She was supposed to be in the stables, waiting for me. Yet, here she was, and I knew exactly who was to blame.

As the prince danced with societies wealthiest eligible maidens, his eagle eyes couldn't help but hunt her all across the ballroom. And Silas, too, though succeeding in presenting as a proud father and sophisticated king, was glaring at the poor girl at every opportunity. How was I supposed to get her out of here right under the noses of such persistent predators?

"You look troubled, boy. Don't tell me you're having second thoughts?"

I jumped as a familiar jovial voice boomed loudly behind me. Turning, I was met with the burly, friendly face of King Alexander. I sighed. Good. I could really use a friend right now.

The king of Pierre was dressed to impress. His large, heavy body decorated in a hand-stitched black and blue dark silk suit. He seemed to be enjoying himself. Though, from the rosy glint on his chubby ebony cheeks, I would guess his joy came more from the bounteous quantities of expensive wine then anything else. I didn't blame him though. If I wasn't so concerned with keeping a clear head, I'd be drinking too.

"Alex. I'm glad you came. I don't think I could have gotten through this night alone."

His kind baby blues regarded me with emotion I'd almost describe as... fondness, before the jolly gentlemen clapped me on the back hard enough to bruise my ribs and chuckled, draining the final droplets from his glass.

"Glad to be here, boy. But you didn't answer my question. Are you having second thoughts?"

The anxiety that had momentarily vanished upon the appearance of the cheerful king, now returned in full, blundering force. Did the tipsy man before me actually know my plans? How could he know? I've been so discreet. If he knew, does that mean...

"If you're unsure about the punishment you have concocted for your council, you can tell me."

I breathed a heavy sigh of relief. While I did trust Alex, had already trusted him with some of my darkest secrets, Belle was private.

The matter of my council, however...

The cold had gotten bitter, nipping at my exposed skin as I paced impatiently through the small crumbling shack. It was dark, past midnight, and I was alone. I didn't want anyone knowing I was here, so cloaked under the darkness of first brightening, with naught but a single candle for company, I stole past the roads into the forests just barely cusping my kingdoms' border. Away from prying eyes and spies, I slunk through the grove of hoarfrost trees until finally finding the cottage.

I was hesitant, at first, to even enter the dilapidated thing, but paranoia won over caution. He had sent the directions and told me it was safe. I had to trust his judgment. After all, I'd be entrusting him with skeletons far more scandalous soon enough. The rotted wood of a once sturdy door squealed like a tortured pig as I pried it open and gingerly stepped inside.

It was a tiny thing, decrepit and withered from years of neglect. Many of the rafters had seemingly collapsed, leaving large, gaping holes for the night sky to beam and overhanging trees to shed their autumn skins. Brittle and soggy leaves blanketed the floor, vines climbed the logged walls and cobwebs clogged every niche and corner. It seemed the forest had reclaimed this hovel as its own. The only sign that there had once been civilisation was the roasting pit. Centre in the room, it was a beastly looking thing, even with the crumbling bricks and rusted chamberpot, it didn't take much to imagine it had once been used for many mighty hunts.

And yet somehow, its abandonment left a small knot of sadness. Why had they never returned?

A fairly audible creak yanked me from my unexpected sorrow, and I spun, alarmed, to be met with the silhouette of a large hooded figure standing just inside the open doorway.

"It's good to see you again, Son."

"Thank you for coming, Alex."

I had achieved the impossible, convincing Belle to join me in my kingdom despite all her fears and misguided concerns. Yet amongst all the happiness, excitement and anticipation, I had not taken into account one thing.

My kingdom wasn't safe right now.

My deceitful council still held a substantial amount of power, and slimy, money-hungry men that they were, I had no doubt they would pounce on Belle like hungry lions on a helpless gazelle. I refused to have Belle anywhere near them or their wicked games, and so they had to go.

I'd written to Alex, my only ally in this mess, to aid me in finally closing this chapter in my life. If I had been smarter, I would have had more time. But I was out of time. Silas and his vile intentions were forcing my hand. I protected what was mine, and both the cruel king and my scheming councilmen were about to learn that the hard way.

The tall, burly man stood in a long black cloak. Every inch of him hidden like an assassin stalking the night. The only reveal to his identity was his very distinguishable eyes, shining with mirth through a dark half mask.

"Did anyone see you?" I queried nervously, setting my lantern down. I'd been wringing my hands over this secret meeting for days. I did not wish to be overheard.

"Not to worry, lad. I've quite a lot of experience dodging pesky little spies. No one ever knew about this cabin, just your father and me. If you want privacy, this is definitely the place."

His eyes smiled as he pulled the mask away, revealing dimpled chubby cheeks and a reassuring grin. I couldn't help but smile a little in return but, before I could comprehend, did he charge forward and consume me in a back-breaking hug.

I froze, whole body tensing in discomfort and sheer shock. Why did this man have to be so... affectionate? By my father's law, kings were supposed to be stoic and detached, even from their children. Why did this king embrace me in his beefy arms as squeeze me as one only would his son? It was unnatural, abnormal and felt... kind of nice. Slowly, tentatively, I reciprocated, inhaling the familiar scent of burnt leather and suede that was oddly comforting despite the bizarre circumstances. After one last reassuring slap, he released me, grinning unabashedly at my obvious embarrassment and red burning cheeks.

"Um... Thank you for, um... coming to meet me. I would have come straight to you, but I-I fear I have too many eyes on me at the moment. Travelling to your kingdom twice in so many weeks may raise some... unsavoury suspicions."

He smiled in amusement at my flustered yammering, before his face finally settled into a serious mask.

"No need to fret, lad. As I said, I'm quite accustomed to outwitting nasty little spies. Now tell me, what is this about?. Your letter was intriguing, but otherwise, said nothing. Why did you request a private parley?"

I swallowed heavily under his unwavering stare, superstitiously tapping the thick envelope in my coats' breast pocket.

"I know who has betrayed me. But now I need your help to bring them all to justice. I understand if you do not wish to involve yourself in my kingdoms' affairs, it's my mess, but I'm... asking you... for help. So... will you help me?"

The flickering flame in the lanterns' cage caught every brooding shadow dancing across his face. What did he think of me? Did he suppose me weak for seeking his assistance? Would he refuse me? Cast me away like the pathetic king I'd let myself become? Father's voice once again blared. A king does not beg.

But I was out of options. I'd been bashing my head against a wall for months, and finally admitted I needed guidance. Guidance from someone older, wiser, whom I could trust. That list had been whittled so exceptionally thin I was starting to feel suffocated in chains of my own making. He was the only one left.

A harsh gust of wind blew through the cabin, rattling the rafters and dancing loose leaves around the dusty floorboards. I pulled my coat tighter, fighting more than just the weather, when his cerulean eyes snapped up to mine.

"Adam, if you already have the proof you need to prosecute these criminals, why come to me? Why do you need my help?"

I gasped a heavy sigh. I supposed, he had a right to know.

"There's no one else. King Silas... I can't trust him anymore. You're the only one left who I know will not betray me."

His fierce scrutiny seemed to fade amidst my blunt confession, but I ploughed ahead before he had a chance to object.

"So many of my councilmen have turned on me, Alex, and my subjects, and I let it happen. What if they blame me? What if I'm deemed an unfit king? What if I really am unfit? I let those cowards steal and cheat and wasn't here to stop it. I need someone with power who will stand by my side, so no one will think me weak. I owe it to them to fix things, even if they hate me, even if they curse my name, I owe them."

Silence followed my shameful admittance and I sorrowfully awaited his refusal. Convincing my people to trust me again was going to be a task in itself, but once my council was removed, what then? I'd be all alone, with but a handful of innocent men, to protect and provide an entire kingdom. I could not do this alone. And the man I'd once looked to for guidance was gone. His tattered memory was all that remained, and I couldn't rely on a memory.

"You remind me so much of your father."

Of every response I'd fearfully foreseen, that smacked me blind.

"With all due respect, Alex... I'm nothing like my father. He never needed help ruling this kingdom. He may have ruled with fear but he was respected and obeyed. D'Arque and his pack of mutts would never have betrayed him the way they've betrayed me. He was a far better king than I'll ever be."

It was a painful truth, but the truth, nonetheless. Despite all his flaws and many mistakes, he kept Fairalia powerful and strong. Ensured our name was known far beyond our kingdoms reach. He wasn't just respected, he was revered, loved amongst all his people. What had I done, to earn my title? Absolutely nothing.

Alex sighed.

"Adam, you never knew your father. Not like I did. Do you honestly believe he was this symbol of perfection you've painted him as in your memories? I knew him when he was a boy. When he was just as intimidated as you are now. Losing the love of his life... changed him. Made him cold and hard to the world. But I wish you could have known the Roger of my childhood because you are his spitting image.

"There wasn't a single day where he would not fret over what kind of king he would become. We spent hours down here, hiding from the world, pretending to be normal boys, pretending we were not about to be saddled with a humongous burden. I know he wasn't the best father he could have been. If I'm truly honest, the reason I did not present for most of your childhood, was because I prefer to remember him as he was; carefree and full of life, rather than the man all his heartbreak twisted him into. It was cowardly of me, and I will always regret not staying by his side. But now, I have a second chance. With you."

And to my great surprise, did he reach out and take both my hands in his larger ones.

"Anything you need, my boy. I am here for you."

It was like a giant boulder had been lifted from my shoulders. But even amongst such overwhelming gratitude, I couldn't help but feel a small stab of envy.

This man had known my father better than anyone else, before the death of his beloved stole whatever innocence he had. Was he really like me? Just as self-deprecating? Just as unsure? I indeed did wish I knew the man Alex described, the one who was wishful and full of hope before life's bitter trials crushed him completely.

How different would my life have been if I were birthed by the right woman? If I were loved and cherished instead of cast away and ignored. What kind of man would I have been? What kind of king...

I shook myself. No matter what a different life could have held for me, I was here now, and I had an incredible opportunity. Not to simply wish for a better life, but fix the one that was already mine.

And so, I laid out my plan. And as the sun started rising above the tattered rafters, I knew it was time to go. I offered to walk him to the edge of the forest where his coachman no doubt still sat freezing, only to be told he wished to remain amongst his ghosts. Rough fingers affectionately stroking splintered wood. Eyes smiling and sorrowful.

So I left him with his memories.

I had work to do.

AAA

There were no qualms about the trap I'd set, nor the punishment awaiting those deceitful cads, but now I was panicking. Belle and I were set to leave tonight, and those bastards were still sleeping soundly in my castle, blissfully unaware of the karma that awaited them. They would face their reckoning, no matter what happened, but I hated the fact that, at least for a while, those scum would be breathing the same air as my angel.

"No. No doubts. Is everything ready?"

He merely nodded, taking a generous swing of a fresh glass I didn't even notice him snag.

"All is prepared on my end, boy. Just say the word."

I smiled weakly, at least one thing was going right tonight.

Now all I had to do was figure a way to get Belle the hell out of here.

The lavish ball was in full swing, and what women were not swarming around Gaston like a horde of angry hornets, had found fit to bother me with their tedious tales and meaningless flirtations. I swatted them away like the meddlesome gnats they were, but the more I rejected, the more kept coming. It was baffling how such behaviour had once fed my ego. Now, the fog of overpowering perfume and shameless desperation was itching the back of my throat and turning my stomach raw.

Everything was driving me over the edge. The brash flurry of colours, the loud dizzying vibrations of the vociferous orchestra, the screech of whining mothers selling their daughters like wanton whores. Each berated me overwhelmingly as I tried to calm my wicked heart. If we didn't leave before midnight, Gaston wasn't the only one who would become prey.

Tugging down the heavy collar crushing my windpipe, I searched for the monarch who was the cause of all my problems. He wasn't difficult to spot. Dressed like a peacock in a powerful purple ensemble and jewel-encrusted crown. But staring at him as he carelessly laughed with a group of rich men all scrambling for attention like spoiled little children, I realised something.

I hated him.

The man I had once idolised, the man who'd offered me sanctuary, the man I'd fashioned as my own personal role model...

I hated him.

How could he, after doing so many cruel and heartless things, stand there with a smile as though God himself couldn't touch him?

Didn't he feel any shame? Any remorse? Anything, at all?

And worst of all was realising that people didn't just... become like him.

He had always been this way.

For years I had listened to him mock the less fortunate, condemn the very peasants who had built him an empire. Condemn his own son for not being a completely obedient mindless copy, treating his words as gospel and smiting anyone who dared rebel.

How long had I been blind to this devil's true face?

Right then I made a decision, that no matter what happened in the future, I would do anything to ensure this man never had another chance to abuse his power. I didn't care what it took. Even if it meant mounting an army against his kingdom, I would do it. If I could protect anyone against this tyrant, I would do it.

Of course, this also meant I would support Gaston.

Because at least Gaston...

"Adam?" I froze. Speak of the devil.

I was certain I looked guilty as I turned to face my dear 'old friend', cursing that he'd managed to escape his cackle of hungry hyenas. Not without effort, it would appear, as the slight sheen of sweat dampening his thick brow was the only thing marring his elegant appearance. He stood adorning a long crisp suit of black and red, gilt metal sowed from collar to foot. White frills of his blouse poking out of the sleeves with a matching scarf cresting his bulbous neck. But the most defining thing of all, was that he, too, wore his crown. It was pure gold, with many elegant Fleur De Lis and sparkling jewels from base to tip. It was the crown of the royal heir, and in only a few days, he would exchange it for the one sitting atop his father's head. The kings crown. My old friend would soon be king, and I almost couldn't believe it.

"I haven't seen you all night. Don't I warrant congratulations from the prince of Fairelia?" His deep, alpha tone held a note of obnoxious mockery, lips peeling back in a bare-faced grin. Everything just had to be a competition with him.

"Well, Prince Gaston, I merely wished to avoid your onslaughting orgy," I replied dryly, trying terribly to conceal my growing desperation. I instinctively sought the elusive brunette, only to be met with a sea of irrelevant faces. Damn it! We were running out of time!

"Tell me about it. I never thought I'd grow tired of being bombarded by beautiful women. It's a miracle I managed to escape."

I almost chuckled.

"Any winners yet? You've only got a few more hours to decide."

I was so distracted I almost missed his nervous shift from arrogant to anxious. Had I paid more attention, perhaps I would have noticed the cries in his eyes, but as it was, I was far too preoccupied with my own selfish want to even consider the man before me. Perhaps, if I had listened...

"Adam... can I talk to you for-" He trailed, request half-heard, piercing blue eyes narrowing sharply in the distance. I followed his gaze, only to catch the beautiful creature I'd been trying to keep track of all night long, shuffling on the edge of the ballroom, partially hidden behind a large stone pillar, looking worried and perturbed beside an equally troubled Lumière.

Lumière? What was he doing here? He was supposed to be in the stables, preparing the horses for the carriage to my kingdom! And yet, there he stood, dishevelled and dirty, attempting to hide his haggard appearance from the prying eyes of the snobbish wealthy. What was happening? Why would he take the risk of coming here when I'd made my instructions perfectly clear? Why was everything going so wrong?!

Before I could even fathom my next course of action, Gaston was charging across the ballroom like an antagonised bull. I ran after him, and the moment he was within reach, did he grab the lanky stablehand by the collar of his shirt, lift him off his feet, and slam him hard into the marble wall. Beside me, Belle gasped.

"What the fuck are you doing here, worm?! Did we order a side of manure with the Hors d'oeuvres?" Gaston snarled, glaring menacingly at the squirming servant like a cat would a trapped mouse. Belle went to speak, but I hastily hushed her as Lumière began to stutter.

"I'm... I'm sorry, Your Majesty! I-I-I just had to speak to Belle for-" He choked as a large muscular hand began to squeeze his small neck. Moaning in pain, his eyes darted frantically to all three of us, helplessly struggling against his massive opponent.

"And what makes you think you have the right to speak to her? She's fucking mine!" The prince hissed, seemingly unconcerned with the servant's growing panic, his merciless grip crushing the life right out of him.

"Gaston, let him go!"

A moment of tension followed the girl's cry, before Gaston reluctantly obeyed. He released the boy, shoving him harshly to the ground, where he skidded across the waxed floor, no doubt losing skin. Scrambling to his feet, the gasping servant wasted no time in fleeing to the kitchen doors, and, with one last sorrowful glance at Belle, disappeared between them.

"Gaston, how could you-!"

"Don't piss me off, Belle! Not tonight!" The fury of his outburst silenced her immediately. She cowered, terrified, as he bared his teeth like a rabid dog. In that moment, he looked like a wild animal, and I didn't know what to do. But a moment later, the look was gone, and in its place a frustrated glare. Huffing angrily, he sharply growled, "Walk away from me. I'll deal with you later."

Tears brimmed her frightened eyes before she did as he commanded and quickly scurried off, back into the throes of the celebration where I instantly lost sight of her. I just stood there dumbfounded. It all happened so quickly, I didn't even get the chance to speak. Turning to face him, I saw that he too, was staring in the direction the poor girl had fled with an almost indistinguishable expression.

"That was a little harsh, don't you think?"

Cupping his eyes with his large open palm, he massaged his eyelids forcefully before releasing a heavy, disheartened sigh.

"I didn't mean to... I wasn't supposed to..." I studied him closely, not understanding what had caused such outrage. One moment he was fine, and the next he just exploded. What exactly could have made him so damn mad?

"Gaston, are you okay?" I asked surprised. Because... he didn't look okay. He was huffing in frustration, tugging at his hair, squeezing his muscles as though compounded by immense pain and staring unmovingly at the spot the girl had vanished. Could he... possibly... feel... guilty?

But why? He'd done far worse than yell in her face without feeling a single ounce of remorse. Why tonight..?

"Gaston?"

He didn't answer me, and if I was honest, his silence was frightening. I'd never seen him so off-balance. I was so used to the cocky superior attitude, that his intense heavy glare was genuinely unsettling. What was wrong with him?

Why do you care? He's not your friend, anymore, remember? Not after everything he's done.

I wanted to listen to the voice, simply turn away, and leave Gaston to his turmoil, but... I couldn't.

Looking at him now, it was like I was seeing my friend for the first time since childhood. Seeing the little boy who wasn't afraid to be vulnerable and open. The boy I cared for above all others. The one I considered a brother.

Because the emotion in his eyes... was fear.

"Adam, I don't think I can do-"

"Gaston! What are you doing hiding in the shadows? Lord Maddington and his daughters have wished to speak with you all night." A controlled, commanding voice shattered the moment like a bullet thru glass. Fuck.

"Can't this wait, father?"

Silas only glared.

"Gaston, they have travelled a long way. Now come."

Gritting his teeth, Gaston gathered himself. In a second I watched him erase all traces of vulnerability from his face, before obediently following his father and leaving me behind.

What the fuck was that?!

For a moment there, I felt like I had gotten my best friend back. The one I was too ashamed to even admit I missed. I wasn't mistaken! I knew what I saw! Gaston was afraid!

But of what? The horde of power-hungry women? The looming responsibility of becoming King? A wife? I wanted nothing but to chase him, force him to look me in the eye and demand he tell me what was going on but... I couldn't. I was running out of time. When the clock struck midnight, Gaston would pick his bride, and as soon as that happened, Belle would be in danger. I needed to get her out of here, and with the pair of them distracted, now was the perfect time.

And yet... I didn't move.

I wanted to save Belle, but Gaston had been my only friend my entire life. What if this was the only chance I had to get him back? I stayed frozen, conflicted, not knowing what to do or who to choose. The loud crescendoing music was pulsing through my head, a hundred happy voices needling my brain like angry screeching buzzards and the single solitary question repeating over and over again; who do I choose?

I felt like an animal moments before its death, knowing it was coming but being powerless to stop it.

What do I do? What do I do? What do I...

"Gaston, enough!"

The bellow brought the entire ballroom to a screeching halt. The Orquestra fumbled their symphony, dancers tripped, conversations died, everything just... stopped.

And all eyes looked to the king.

"I only speak the truth, father! I wouldn't marry one of those bimbos if my life depended on it! They're as cheap as harlots who prowl the streets of slums, and just as easy. It's never going to happen!" Several outraged gasps sounded from the astounded audience and I just... stared.

It had only been five minutes. What happened?

Silas and Gaston stood near centre of the ballroom. Just behind the king were several well-dressed noblemen, including Lord Maddington and his three gaping daughters. All looked upset, the lord practically steaming and Gaston just... posed. Head high and proud, openly challenging his incensed father.

Fuck, Gaston, what did you do?

"How dare you speak such filth of my blood! King Silas, please, I implore you! One of my daughters was promised the crown before the prince was even born! Please talk some sense into him!" The whiny noble demanded; flabby face indignant with rage beside his equally outraged wife. All three dim-witted triplets just stared open-mouthed as though not quite comprehending Gaston's insult.

Everyone was staring. I couldn't believe this was happening. What was Gaston thinking? What are you thinking?!

The prince released an obnoxious laugh, regarding the lord as though he were dirt at the bottom of his heel. "You have no power here, old man! And you will never be royalty. Your daughters will never carry my name! Get that through your fucking head!"

"Gaston!" Silas roared but Gaston refused to bow.

"No, father! I will not waste my life chained to some gormless slut whose only priority is becoming queen! And you can't make me! I am not your puppet! I will not be controlled!" He screamed, rage consuming the entire ballroom. The king looked as though he were bare moments away from reaching for his sword and plunging thru his own son's chest. In that moment, I feared for Gaston's safety.

I couldn't move my gaze away. A guest attempted to step in my sight but I shoved him aside without a second glance. I was in awe of the fighting pair. Never in my life did I think this could happen. Why was Gaston doing this? Why now? In a room full of nobility, where scandal would spread like wildfire. Silas was going to kill him! Why was he doing this now?!

"Don't you dare speak to me with such insolence, boy! You may be my son, but on my command, I could have you drawn and quartered! You must choose a bride; the laws of our ancestors demand it! Decide right now, or so help me I will deny you the crown and banish you from this kingdom forever!"

The silence was deafening. Nobody breathed. Nobody moved. All eyes were on the prince.

"You want me to choose a bride now, father? Very well then. I choose her!"

Every gaze in the room followed his pointing finger. Every head eagerly turned. I looked, almost in a trance, to see her standing there, silver serving tray in hand. Gaping, frozen, and completely struck dumb. The tray of glasses shattered to the ground.

Hello all my readers, I'd first like to say sorry. I know I've been neglecting this story, but things have been so hectic lately. Recently though, I was made redundant by my employer, so as sad as it is, I now have some time to write until I manage to find a new job. Hopefully, I can finish this story soon, because the end is coming, and I'll cross my fingers that you won't be disappointed. Until next time. KJ out.