Chapter 24- The Day We Have Waited For

Two weeks never vanished so quickly before. Beast recalled when a week often felt like years to him as he'd kept hidden in his castle, alone. He wasted away with no thought for others, no kindness to warm him, and no love to sustain him. Now he was a day away from marrying the most incredible woman he'd ever met, and he couldn't believe his good fortune: That somehow, despite all the odds and obstacles, she loved him, wanted to be with him, and spend the rest of her days by his side.

But that would be tomorrow. Tonight, he was going out with the boys.

Tobias insisted on throwing him a Junggesellenabschied, and while he had no idea what that was, he knew it involved drinking and spending time with his male friends.

Originally, Tobias wanted to invite a dozen men, but Beast insisted on keeping it small. Not that it would stay that way since they were going to Gertrude's Tavern. At least to start, it was just Tobias and Lumière.

Tobias raised his stein, sloshing some ale onto the table beneath, but he didn't seem to notice. "To our fearless leader! May whatever potion he used to get the beautiful Belle to marry his fuzzy arse be made widely available and aid the rest of us in securing fair maidens of our own!"

"Hear, hear!" Lumière grinned, clanking his cup with the others'.

Beast shot Tobias an exaggerated eye roll with an unamused grimace. But he couldn't hold it long before he threw back, "Even if such a potion existed, I guarantee Kara would be immune. You'll have to find some other way to trick the witch into staying with your argumentative, stubborn arse."

Everyone threw their heads back in laughter, and the drinking continued. Beast couldn't recall the last time he'd been this carefree and relaxed. Tobias and Lumière swapped stories of their many lady loves, and he sat back just enjoying the camaraderie.

Turning to Beast, Tobias raised a brow. "So, have your wild oats been sewn? Or should we find you a lovely wench tonight so you can get it out of your system before committing to one woman… For. The. Rest. Of. Your. Life!" He'd said it as if it was the most horrifying prospect, but to Beast, it was the best thing he could imagine.

"No. It's only ever been Belle for me. And it'll stay that way until I take my last breath."

The table broke out in various levels of "aww," and Beast felt his cheeks warm.

"From the moment she set foot in the castle, I knew this day would arrive. I had hoped you would be human like the rest of us, but I understand your choice in this matter. You have surpassed every hope and expectation we all had for you, sire. Belle is a very lucky woman."

Beast could see the moisture gathering in his friend's eyes and gave him a grateful smile. "Thank you, old friend, but I'm the lucky one. I still can't believe she's about to be my wife. Wife." He let the word roll around his mouth and drip off his tongue like perfectly aged whiskey.

Never one to allow for a sentimental moment to go unchecked, Tobias needled, "Are you looking forward to all that marriage entails?" His auburn brows bounced, and Lumière choked on his beer at the insinuation.

"Tobias…" Beast warned with a little growl. This wasn't the first time the werewolf had brought up this particular subject, and just like before, it was most unwelcome.

The Captain of the Guard's hands rose in an innocent manner. "I'm just saying… You can't hold out on her indefinitely, right? I get the challenge, really I do, but there's got to be... ways?"

Beast closed his eyes, and his head bobbed. How many mugs had he downed already? It felt like his cup never got below the halfway mark. It was the only reason he hadn't walked away yet. Discussing intimate things involving Belle was crossing a line he would never come close to touching if he were sober. "There aren't. And you don't have the slightest understanding. You can go from beast to man at the snap of a finger. I can't. I am three times her size. Just holding her, I have to always keep in mind how much pressure I'm exerting, and if it's too much or not. Even if she wanted…" Beast shook his head, disallowing even the slightest fantasy to take root. "I could never trust myself. She brings out such passion in me, it would be too easy to lose control… Too easy to hurt her. And I couldn't live with myself if I ever…" He couldn't even finish the thought. No. He was a beast, not a man, and even though Belle would be his wife, it had to be in all ways except one.

Lumière looked at him with sympathetic eyes, and he didn't like it one bit.

"Look. Her and I have discussed this. We have an understanding. And that's all that matters. She knows what she's getting with me, and I with her. Relationships are about a lot more than just physical affection," he defended, his haunches rising. "I still haven't decided if I can bring myself to kiss her tomorrow."

Now, two pairs of shocked eyes gawked at him.

"Oh, non! That will not do. Master, you must. A woman deserves to be kissed at the end of her wedding," Lumière started.

Tobias quickly added, "You've got to be kidding? If you don't kiss the hell out of that woman, I'll do it for you… Again."

Beast growled, leaning across the table to snarl in Tobias's face.

Lumière scooted back in his seat, looking between the two alpha males, curious. "I feel as though there's a story here…"

Through a clenched jaw, Beast grumbled, "Not one worth repeating."

"You nearly killed me! I feel like it's worth telling," Tobias chuckled, not the least bit intimidated by Beast's ire. He then launched into the tale of the challenge Beast had to fight against him to win over the creatures in the black forest. When he got to the part where he'd needed to provoke Beast into continuing the fight, Lumière was equally shocked and amused by what he'd stooped to.

"And how did Belle take it? I can't imagine mademoiselle was... receptive."

"Seeing as how the next day she stormed into my home while I was recovering and slapped me across the face… I'd say she didn't appreciate my tactics."

Beast chuckled. He hadn't known about that. He must have been asleep in their room, recovering from his own injuries, when she'd gone over.

"I'd expect nothing less from our queen-to-be," Lumière said admirably.

A beaming smile overtook Beast's face at the title, and his eyes got a little watery. With a little groan, he lamented, "How is it she's going to be mine? My wife… My queen?"

Lumière and Tobias exchanged goofy grins before Tobias slapped Beast on the back. "We haven't the faintest idea! It's a mystery for the ages."

They all laughed again, and the conversation evolved into mindless small talk for a bit until a shaky, small voice interrupted.

"S—sire… If—if I could?"

Beast looked up from his mug with a warm greeting. "Claude, join us, won't you? How have you been feeling?"

The elf had been spending all his time in the intensive treatment program, and the facility to house those who needed the extra help was nearly complete. For now, he'd been staying with Annwn out in the oak forest. This was Beast's first time seeing him since that day in his office.

Still stuttering, the lithe man shifted on his feet. "I'm doing b—b—better. But no… Thank you. I just… just wanted to say so—sorry for the trouble I caused. I n—never meant to hurt anyone. Least of all, y—you, Your Majesty."

"Please, Claude. Call me Beast. We're still friends, aren't we?" The elf nodded. "And I never blamed you. I'm glad you're getting the space and time to heal, and find ways to better manage your magic. Do you think you'll be able to join us for the festivities tomorrow?"

Claude's eyes remained on the floor, and he shook his head slightly. "No, sire. I won't risk ruining your wedding. I came too close to ruining everything you and Her Majesty have, that I'll be staying in the forest, working on my meditations."

It pained Beast that his close friend wouldn't be coming, but he also respected Claude's limits. "I understand. And you didn't. The only one who shoulders blame is that horrible hunter. He's the one who…" He might be drunk, but he wasn't drunk enough to finish that sentence. His drinking companions all flinched, and Tobias scratched at the beard he was growing.

"Thank you for saying so, sire. I—I'll leave you to your ce—celebrating. Congratulations." Claude then gave a little bow and left.

Once the elf had cleared the door, Tobias turned his bright green eyes on Beast. "He's sort of to blame, you know. If Belle hadn't been under his influence, she never would have gone to that cabin in the first place."

Beast growled, sharp eyes narrowing on Tobias. "No. He's not. And I won't hear another word to the contrary."

Tobias opened his mouth to protest, but Lumière shoved a piece of bread into it, adding his own warning glare to Beast's.

"This is not how the last night as a bachelor should be spent. Zut alors, you two sound as bad as Cogsworth and I..." Lumière observed with an exasperated shake of his head.

"Where is that old windbag, anyway? Didn't you hand him my invitation like I requested?" Tobias leveled Lumière with an accusatory look, but he matched it.

"Of course, I did! And I sincerely hoped he would have accepted it; No one needs a night to unwind with drinks and friends more than he does. But though flattered, he politely declined." Lumière leaned his chin on his knuckles. "I know he must unwind in some other way, but only Dieu knows what. After almost twenty years of working beside him, the man still evades my understanding." He shrugged before he took another sip of his stein.

It really was too bad, because Beast would have enjoyed some less formal time with his head of household. It was so rare Cogsworth wasn't flitting about overseeing something or other, and Beast couldn't remember the last time the two of them had sat down to a game of chess. It was an old pastime they used to partake in before Belle came.

Several rounds of drinks later, and Lumière—somehow the most responsible of the group tonight—prodded them to head home.

"I'll have you know, I am perfectly perfect, just as I am! Belle said so," Beast slurred as Tobias and Lumière steered him to the West Wing.

Lumière had to laugh. "Indeed, you are, Master," he encouraged with a comradely pat on the back. "And she certainly isn't one to exaggerate."

Tobias guffawed. "No, but her vision is clouded with the haze of looo—ve, and all that flowery shite. How else would someone that pretty end up with our hideous overlord?"

Beast chuckled, then hiccuped. "Overlord?" He turned contemplative. "I think I like that." Dropping his voice into the deepest timber he could muster, "Make way, Overlord Beast coming through!"

Lumière had looked about to chastise Tobias, but was not expecting Beast to react in that way. He ended up joining the boys in their laughter.

When he had recovered, he addressed Tobias, "Belle's vision is not clouded by love. It has allowed her to see more clearly! Otherwise, all she would see is… 'Overlord Beast' here."

The reverberations of Beast's laughter bounced off the hallway walls, and a maid popped her head out. She was tall, with cute, short, dark hair, and a pair of glistening blue eyes that swept over the three men, stopping at the eldest. Her smile turned coy, and she suggestively waved her feather duster in their direction.

"Uh…" Beast turned to his companions, then noticed Lumière looked a little flushed. "Beer getting to you, old man?"

Tobias gave the girl a wink, then laid a thick arm over Lumière's shoulder. "Looks as if your Dame Liebe is calling you, mein Freund."

With a smirk and roll of his eyes, Lumière shrugged Tobias off. "Once His Majesty is settled in bed. I will know where to find her." But he still glanced over his shoulder at her escaping figure and grinned like a fool.

Tobias gave Lumière a less than gentle nudge. "Go on." In his best fancy talk, he added, "I'll attend to his royal fluffiness. You go have fun. Of the three of us, your lady is the only one available tonight. Belle is staying at her folks' and Kara went with her. Something about not risking seeing the groom tomorrow… Ridiculous, if you ask me. But I'll make sure he sobers up before bed. Don't need him nursing a headache while he's getting hitched."

In a sing-songy voice, Beast teased, "Good night, Lumière… Go catch your lady before she turns into a duster! Again..."

Tobias popped a brow and grinned. "Oh, that sounds like a fun story…"

Lumière visibly cringed. "It isn't." To Beast, he pointed behind himself and articulated, "That is a very different woman, one much more delightful and… kind and charming…" He trailed off, his expression now dreamy. "Essentially everything that other woman was not. That is all there really is to it."

Beast's paws showed palm out, surrendering to his friend's correction. "You're right. My apologies. The fair Babette is nothing like that one with the stupid name. What was it again? FruFru? Or FaLaLa?" He snort-laughed at himself because he knew it wasn't either of those, but they sounded silly, and he was in a silly mood.

Lumière chuckled with him. "It may as well be either of those! You can choose!"

Still hesitant, he looked at Tobias one last time. "As long as you are sure…"

With a reassuring hand on the shoulder, Tobias grinned. "Don't you trust me?"

They both then looked to Beast who was still giggle-snorting, and listing side to side against the wall.

Turning serious, Tobias said, "I'm sure. I've handled him far worse than this. Remind me to tell you about the time my men and I had to carry his arse to bed when he passed out at the old Gertrude's. Have a delightful evening, mein Freund."

"Good night, Lumi…" Beast gave a wave then stumbled into his room, Tobias not far behind.

"Woah there…" the werewolf said as he slipped under Beast's swinging arm. "Let's not hurt yourself. Your bride would kill me, and then you, if your beautiful face is marred at the altar."

"She's the one with the beautiful face… I'm just a lucky monster."

"Aw, come now, you're no monster. You're a cutesy, wootsy, cuddly kitty cat." Tobias led him to his bed where he unceremoniously deposited him.

With an 'oof,' Beast laid back, visions of Belle circling the canopy above him. "I guess I can be… For her…"

Tobias came up in front of him and handed him a glass. Beast sat up, closed his eyes until the spinning stopped, then took the offered drink and threw it back. "Yuck! What was that?"

His friend chuckled, but sat beside him with his own glass. "Water. We need to flush your system before you go to sleep."

"Sleep... yes…" Beast fell back again, but Tobias grabbed the front of his shirt and pulled him to sitting.

"No. Here, drink this one too." He handed him his glass, then got up to refill the first. "I'll not be blamed for you not being at your best for your wedding."

Beast chuckled as he drank the water more slowly this time. "Wedding. I'm getting married. Married to the most smartest, beautifulest, wonderfulest woman on this Earth."

"You are," Tobias laughed, thoroughly enjoying how inebriated his closest friend was. "And you're going to give her the best kiss of her life."

A snort billowed out, followed by a grumble. "Certainly better than you or that disgusting Gaston."

Tobias sat straighter, all ears for this nugget of information. "Come again? She kissed whom after me?"

The word was like putrefied cow manure on Beast's tongue, but he managed to speak it again. "Gaston. She kissed Gaston! More than once. And with…" Nope, if he said the word, he'd vomit, and he didn't want to ruin the fresh bedspread. After all, Belle would be sleeping here tomorrow night.

Oh… Belle would be sleeping here tomorrow night. Sharing rooms on their journey was one thing—done both out of convenience and safety—this was entirely different. Tomorrow night they'd be husband and wife. Joined before God and his people as one unit. And they'd sleep here… together… every night until death do them part.

The weight of that realization slammed into him like the force of a collapsing building. What if another incident like that night on the ship happened? Could he control himself if repeatedly put in that position? He and Belle had had that one discussion about intimacy, and boundaries, and expectations, but that had been a while ago. Maybe they should have addressed it again sometime in the weeks leading up to tomorrow.

"That's disgusting!" Tobias's shout yanked Beast from his rambling mind and his face cringed, mirroring Tobias'.

"It was. Be grateful you didn't have to witness it."

Tobias grunted. "Be grateful you didn't have to do it. If you ever had any doubt that that woman loved you beyond sense, that should lay any skepticism to rest."

The lovesick grin Beast had been toting all night reappeared. "I have zero doubts. I'm not even nervous about the ceremony, or the party after. The ball will be everything a queen deserves. And in a few months, her official coronation will take place. Everything just feels right about all of that."

A paw came up to worry at the back of his neck, and the gesture wasn't lost on his friend. "But…" Tobias inquired, refilling his glass again.

"But I don't know anything about the…" Beast mumbled the rest before trailing off completely.

Leaning closer, Tobias cupped his ear. "Excuse me? What was that? Come again?"

A little clearer, Beast repeated, "I don't know anything about the boy-girl stuff. The... night stuff." Even if his blush couldn't be seen on his face, his ears were on fire and they definitely gave him away. This was a topic he hadn't thought to worry about, but now, on the eve of his nuptials, he was close to having a complete meltdown over it. And as much as he'd avoided the topic anytime Tobias poked him over it, he felt like he needed to get it off his chest, just this once.

"What if she wants… Not that I would ever… But she's shown interest in the past…" A growl escaped and Beast grabbed a pillow, nearly suffocating himself with it.

Tobias gently removed the pillow and tossed it aside. He looked down at Beast, nothing but empathy and support on his usually teasing face.

"That would be a big step, for both of you. I can't imagine it's easy for either of you to think about. Especially you. But I'm here, and we've got at least another hour before having to go to sleep, so ask anything you'd like. I promise not to poke fun at your lack of knowledge. You couldn't have learned any of this, given your history. Besides… what are Freunds for?"

With a grateful nod, Beast sat back up and took a few deep breaths. For the next two hours, he opened up more than he had to anyone, even Belle, laying bare his concerns, his curiosity, and his insecurities. Tobias, true to his word, answered everything with patience and understanding. By the end of it, they were back to laughing and teasing one another.

"Feel better now?" Tobias asked as he headed for the door.

"Much, yes. Thank you."

"Anything for you, Eure Majestä." He gave a little bow, and Beast rolled his eyes.

"Good night, Tobias."

"Gute Nacht, mein Freund."

—

The sun was high in the sky, and the temperature was balmy for a late November day. Only white fluffy clouds sailed across, shielding guests from the sun now and again. Set up in the main garden, Angélique had truly outdone herself. She'd transformed the space into a heavenly Eden of reds and golds. Full floral arrangements flanked the ends of rows and rows of gold chairs, and down the center, a red carpet led to a golden archway covered in roses. All around, the foliage regaled them in all it's autumn glory.

Soon, this green and red garden would be coated in white snow, and the newlyweds would spend their first real Christmas together. But today, it was as if someone had turned the clock back to mid-September with the fall colors in full bloom, and the gentle breeze warm and welcoming. Beast made a mental note to suss out whoever was responsible for the perfect weather, and thank them.

Beast stood at the end of the aisle looking across the rows of familiar was the second version of the suit he'd seen, since the first he couldn't squeeze into last week during his fitting. The seamstress had to start over again, and made no small fuss about it, cursing Chef Bouche. Beast, on the other hand, was rather pleased with the way he had filled out, and felt stronger than ever before. He'd even started a daily fitness routine that added to the lean muscles he already possessed.

The entire kingdom was invited to the royal wedding, and not a single grim face could be found. Even Declan seemed resigned to at least feign his support at the momentous occasion. Captain Connors and his crew were present, and Jeremiah had made it back a few days ago along with the entire Centaur population of that remote island he'd been sent to.

The castle staff sat on the right, beaming with pride that their Master was about to wed his love. Mrs. Potts dotted the corner of her eye with a handkerchief Cogsworth handed her and Chip sat in the front row in his best suit. On the left, Rosalind sat with Adelise, Gwen, and Gerard with an open seat for her husband.

Tobias was at the King's side, and whispered, "I can have horses prepared for us in five minutes if you're getting cold feet. I found an abandoned cottage on the outskirts of the kingdom where we can hide out. Or, if you need me to, I can marry Belle in your stead if you can't go through with this. Promise I'll take very, very good care of her." He punctuated the offer with a wink and a smirk.

Beast laughed and ribbed his friend back. "If you wish to be married, I know a lovely witch who might be up for the challenge."

Tobias balked, and Beast laughed again. As if perfectly on cue, the string quartet started up a piece by Bach that Belle had chosen, and Kara appeared at the end of the long aisle. Tobias's jaw dropped, and Beast had to clear his throat several times to get his friend to gather the wits that had scattered.

Kara wore a stunning deep red jacquard dress, with a gold embroidered bodice. Her hair was swept up in an artful coiffure, a style completely new and unique to her, leaving soft wavy tendrils of ebony hair floating to frame her round face. Around her neck sparkled one of Beast's mother's ruby necklaces, and he thought the use was fitting. She was the very picture of a Queen's lady in waiting, and he held his breath as he awaited the arrival of his bride.

Kara came to stand on the right of the minister, and her cobalt blue eyes shimmered at Tobias from across the way. His reaction to her sent a thrill down her spine, and her smile widened.

The music crescendoed, announcing that the moment everyone had been waiting for had arrived. The crowd stood and turned towards the aisle to glance down the runway to see the bride.

There she stood, the picture of elegance with an arm hooked through her father's.

Maurice was dressed in a highly fashionable gray suit, his usually untamed tuffs of white hair smoothed back, and his mustache neatly trimmed. But no one was paying any attention to him. All eyes were captivated by the stunning bride whose breathtaking smile made her hazel eyes glisten in the sun's glow.

Her gown was far more simple in design than Beast had imagined, but it was so perfectly Belle that he couldn't help but admire the grace and purity of it. The fabric was white with the same intricate gold embroidery that adorned his jacket and vest. It was void of excess flounces or bows, and the long sleeves were tapered and sheer with the gold embroidery reflecting the sun, making it look as if her arms were decorated in magnificent splendor. The way the layer of skirts flowed over the curve of her hips as they swayed with each step was hypnotizing, even without the aid of a pannier—that Belle never submitted herself to wearing, despite it's overwhelming presence in the current fashion. Her hair had been teased and curled into delicate springs that piled atop her head with several left free to trail down her back, and gold pins with white pearls contrasted against her dark brown locks. Around her neck was a diamond necklace he didn't recognize as one from the jewel room, and he assumed it must be her mother's.

Beast had never been more enraptured by anything in his entire life. His eyes drank their fill of her slender figure, coming ever closer to him, until finally resting on her face. That lovely face spoke to him with her golden flecked green-brown eyes a promise of a boundless future. The stain of blush on her apple round cheeks and her full ruby lips uninhibited by false shading, she looked up at him with the most ethereal smile that warmed his heart. It sent waves of desire though his body.

She was beyond comprehension. As Maurice placed her hand in his, he gulped in an effort to rein in his thoughts, and focus on the ceremony and the words the minister had started to speak.

The smile that greeted her at the end of her journey through the sea of people was so tender and loving, Belle had trouble catching her breath. He looked regal, and all together too fine in his wedding apparel. She appreciated the seamstresses' poetic reflection of the design that adorned her dress displayed on his suit, making them a matching set, both in their hearts, and in their uniform. His paw felt so warm as one padded finger caressed the back of her hand, causing her to lose concentration more than once as the minister took them through a rather unconventional marriage rite.

Together, with their hands joined, Reverend Braun spoke blessings upon them, and then asked that they recite the vows each had prepared.

Nerves threatened to halt Beast's voice, but having rehearsed this passage over and over again these last few weeks, he was blessed with an ease of recitation that the words fell from his lips without the need of thought.

"Evil is the vulgar lover who loves the body rather than the soul, inasmuch as he is not even stable, because he loves a thing which is in itself unstable, and therefore when the bloom of youth which he was desiring is over, he takes wing and flies away, in spite of all his words and promises; whereas the love of the noble disposition is life-long, for it becomes one with the everlasting."

Belle's smile deepened as she recognized Plato's words, and although her Beast was not a particular admirer of the Greek philosopher, that he'd chosen it for her filled her with a warm glow.

"Ma belle, you saw past the outward facade of a beast to the soul of the man within. Your kindness, compassion, and strength guide me every day. I never knew what the word love meant until I met you, nor understood the boundless and unyielding hold it could have over one's soul. You have brought more meaning and worth to my life than any man deserves, and I promise you, with every breath, with every beat of my heart, that I will strive to prove myself worthy every day. I lay before you everything I am, and everything I have. Je t'aime de tout mon coeur. My bounty is as boundless as the sea, My love as deep; the more I give to thee, The more I have, for both are infinite."

Tears streaked down her cheeks as he finished his vows by quoting her favorite play. It was perfect. The glow in his deep blue eyes as he held her gaze while the words caressed her soul, somehow managed to deepen her love for him to a plane she didn't know existed.

Now it was her time. She had spent hours upon hours searching for the perfect expression of her feelings for him, making a mess of the library in the process, as she skimmed through all the works known to her, And when they were lacking, she started in on ones she hadn't yet devoured. But there was no love like theirs. What she found often spoke of instant love, or expounded on the beauty of love, while others focused on the physical aspects of romance that they had resigned themselves to never explore. So she switched her focus to writing something of her own.

Despite being well read, and no stranger to writing prose, it was difficult to put into words everything she felt and wanted to express. Taking a deep breath, so her voice wouldn't shake under the weight of the moment, she squeezed his paws and returned his gaze.

"People always equate love with the feeling of falling. As if they're stepping off into an unknown abyss with no foresight or regard. I never fell in love with you. I chose this path, placing each step towards you with purpose and a clear mind. Some stretches of the trail were more treacherous than others, but unwaveringly, I moved forward, because nothing in my life has been more natural or true than being with you and loving you. It wouldn't matter if everything changed around us, if the world crumbled and the stars fell, I would still be here, by your side, always. For I choose you above all others. Your kindness and compassion, your strength and devotion, and above all, the way you make me feel boundlessly loved."

A tear rolled down her cheek, and she took another breath before continuing.

"You and I, as different and unique as we are, we're still two halves to a greater whole. Aristotle said that, 'Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies'. Until I found you, I didn't know how empty I was, missing the other half of my soul. Now, today, I feel complete. My devotion and unconditional love for you will never falter, never fade, never stray. It will be there to support you, shelter you, comfort you, and guide you. This is my vow to you. I give myself to you freely, happily, and without hesitation. I am yours."

Unashamed tears rolled down Beast's cheeks at the incredible sentiment she expressed. Despite all her reassurances and promises leading up to this day, he'd still held onto the smallest fraction of doubt that somehow this wasn't right. That marrying her was an act of selfishness on his part. However, as he listened to her melodic voice steadily assert everything he'd ever hoped to hear, it was as if she'd stolen into his soul, found his every vulnerability, and determinedly snuffed them out.

"Do you, Alexandre Louis Étienne Vincent Adam d'Montiquet, desire Belle as your wedded wife?" R. Braun asked.

"Yes," replied the Beast.

"Do you, Belle Marie Elisabeth DuPont, desire Adam as your wedded husband?"

"Yes," Belle responded.

Continuing onto the exchanging of rings, R. Braun directed them through the last leg of the ceremony, keeping pace with their attention, and giving subtle reminders to focus when they would get lost in one another.

"So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, let not man separate." As the minister rang out the final proclamation that the two were husband and wife, he gave them a pensive look as if to question saying the final line of the marital rite. Belle looked up at Beast with such trust, love, and hope that with a deep breath he nodded to R. Braun to proceed.

"You may kiss your bride."

Crouching slightly, so he wouldn't have to lift her, Beast leaned his head down slowly, still a bit apprehensive at what he'd just agreed to. But Belle wasn't timid in the least. Her hands gripped his face as his paws wrapped around her waist, and she pulled him further in. She closed her eyes, and he followed suit as she expertly maneuvered her lips between his fangs, finding his lower lip and capturing it between her soft, slightly parted petals.

It felt like lightning striking the two of them as the feeling of finally uniting their mouths sent bolts cascading down their bodies. Nothing had ever felt so good or so right before. The softness of her lips as they surrounded his was unlike anything he'd felt before. He moved one paw from her waist to the back of her head, deepening the kiss, and she gave back, pressing closer into him, slipping her hands from his face to his shoulder and around his neck. Despite all the passion that passed between them in that one kiss, it was still chaste, and simple, for they did not forget they had the entire kingdom for an audience, including her parents.

As they shared their first kiss, something happened around them that caused the onlookers to gasp.

Sparks of light began to rain down upon the newlyweds, and a blinding glow surrounded the King as it lifted him away from his bride and into the air.

Beast knew that first kiss would be magical and unlike anything he'd ever experienced, but he hadn't expected it to leave him feeling weightless, and so warm. Then the heat and vibrant shine enveloped him, and he couldn't see anything or feel anything but hot fire that nearly burned, but didn't quiet. Realizing he indeed was weightless, the realization of what was happening struck him. He could feel muscle and bone shrinking, claws retracting into his fingertips, hair rippling away on the breeze, and the horns on his head retreating. The sensations weren't painful like the first time, when he'd felt like his body was being ripped apart as everything grew and extended. This was closer to when you enter a hot bath that is several degrees beyond comfortable, and yet your body somehow adjusts.

A few moments was all it took to erase the final effects of Rosalind's curse, and none were more surprised by the event than she. Whispers started to reverberate through the crowd as charmantes asked one another if this had been the others doing. Each stared back at the other with similar expressions of confusion and words of denial.

Belle stood, her mouth agape as her husband floated above her in a blinding light she couldn't see through. Sparing a glance to her mother, the Enchantress wept and shrugged thin shoulders, looking on with disbelief and a glint of gratitude in her green eyes. Belle could see the heavy weight finally lifting off her mother's shoulders at the complete release of the horrible curse she'd enacted all those years ago.

Watching him float back down to her—set down on his feet, while the glow that surrounded him faded slowly from his toes to the top of his head—left Belle breathless. It had been at least three months since she last glimpsed his reflection while possessing the glamour stone, and it took her eyes several seconds to adjust to the absence of that blazing cloud. When he finally came into view, she looked at his face with trepidation and confusion.

"Belle, it's me!" he exclaimed, his voice at least an octave higher than before, but no less familiar in its new tenor. Rushing up to her, a bit unsteady on his feet, he gripped her hands in his. His hands. Human hands! Ones hers fit so perfectly into. And she grasped them back.

She looked up into his eyes, those blue orbs that held her captive and had drawn her into this world of magic, enchantment, and love. Eyes that she had come to rely on for comfort and acceptance. Recognition flowed over her face as she smiled up at him just before dropping his hands and throwing herself into his arms, assaulting him with her mouth in her exuberance. Any thought that they were still standing in the garden, a minister in front of them, and their friends, family, and subjects behind them completely discarded. He managed to brace himself, remaining steady, and upright, as she unleashed her passion on him, while he returned it with some of his own.

This kiss was far from the sweet, demure one from moments earlier. No, this was a kiss that swirled fire in one's loins, and scattered thoughts to the furthest reaches of the gods. Her lips parted, and she ran the tip of her tongue over his bottom lip that was trapped between hers, and she could feel the groan that rippled in his throat before his lips parted and his tongue darted out to dance with hers. His hands, having been abandoned, now found their way around the back of her head and to the small of her back, causing a groan of her own to be released at the incredible feel of him.

Her fingers dug into the soft, flowing locks of his red hair, and she marveled at the silkiness that slid between her digits. An urgency to feel, see, and taste every part of him overwhelmed her, and so when he pushed her back, separating their lips, she involuntarily let out a huff of disapproval before being brought back to reality. A brilliant crimson rushed up her cheeks upon realizing they were not alone, and she'd just done that in front of her father. Burying her face into his oversized jacket lapel, her husband held her tightly and released a chuckle of joy.

The groom was lucky his waist as a Beast had been a trim one, for although his breeches were now a few sizes too big, they remained in place, saving him the embarrassment of being exposed in front of the entire kingdom. His shirt and jacket, however, now hung off him like a child who had gotten into his father's wardrobe.

He shot a troubled glance, beseeching help in Kara's direction. With a few muttered words as her fingers played an invisible instrument in the air, the clothing tightened around him, now fitting as well as they had before his transformation.

Belle hardly took note of the fabric beneath her head moving and retreating into itself. The cheers of 'Huzzahs' from the crowd is what finally pulled her out of hiding, and she removed herself from his chest, to stand beside him and face their people, hand in hand.

"On behalf of my bride and myself, we can not begin to express our gratitude and unending thanks for being here to witness our marriage. And for this incredible wedding gift." His voice rang loud and clear across the expanse of the garden, and once again, mutterings bounced around the crowd of happy but confused faces.

As Belle and her king made their way down the aisle, they greeted well-wishers who all denied they had contributed to the miraculous transformation. Guest by guest, the couple's joy became dimmed in their bewilderment. At the back of the gathering, Annwn stood to receive them, wearing silver robes that flowed like an endless river, making her seem less real, and more goddess.

"Do you know how this happened?" Belle asked, her curiosity getting the better of her, for she didn't want to appear ungrateful.

"You happened, Belle. Both of your complete and unconditional acceptance of who he is, combined with the power of true love's kiss, broke his curse." The Druid smiled warmly at the couple and cupped their joined hands in hers, whispering a blessing upon their marriage.

The next and final chapter will post tomorrow! BIG Thanks to CarolNJoy for all her help with the bachelor party. Girl, you rock! And to WhiteButterfly for her wonderful feedback and help to trim the fat. It's a long chapter! This journey is nearly over...