Innocence of a Child Chapter 14
Stuck in a haze Cosette was slowly being raised voices that continued to get louder and louder until she returned to full consciousness.
Once more Cosette awoke with Belle's face hanging over her as soon as her vision cleared as soon as her vision cleared, lying in a warm and soft bed in dry clothes near a roaring fire.
Except for two specific differences.
This isn't their room nor the bed the two sisters shared together.
On the contrary they were inside the Beast's quarters at the West Wing.
Also, they're not alone.
Lumiere, Cogsworth, Plumette, Mrs. Potts, and Chip were all present with the Beast far off in the background monitoring them all from a safe and respectful distance. He stood partially concealed in the shadows on the pavilion that held the lovely rose.
Cosette then remembered the wolves and the flight in the forest. She'd almost died if not for the timely rescue from the Beast.
Not knowing what else to say, Cosette said "Hi, Belle."
Gathering Cosette to her bosom, distraught and kissing her hair, Belle said "Oh, Cosette, I'm so glad you're okay."
Cosette returned the hug with equal enthusiasm, but her attention is focused quite keenly on the Beast. Uncomfortable under the weight of her gaze the Beast fidgeted a little turning his back to her as he walked away.
Softly, Cosette said "Thank you."
The Beast temporarily stopped turning slightly to nod curtly at Cosette. He then left for another part of his chambers where the view of him is far more obscured.
Cosette sneezed showing she's still feeling the effects of her dunk in the freezing pond.
"Here you go, Love. This'll warm you inside and out," said Mrs. Potts, pouring tea into Chip.
Chip hopped over into Cosette's hands. Cosette drank the tea feeling her insides already beginning to warm the very second she felt it touch her tongue.
Sweeping her eyes over the small group, her pride causing her to alienate the Beast, Belle said "Thank you. All of you. I cannot express how grateful I am for you help in looking after her."
Lumiere, Cogsworth, Plumette, and Mrs. Potts bowed their heads in acknowledgement.
Facial expression hardening as she looked in the Beast's direction, Belle said "Why do you care about him so much?"
"We've looked after him all his life," said Mrs. Potts.
Not understanding why, persisting, Belle said "But he's cursed you somehow. Why? You did nothing."
As one all of them appeared deeply ashamed with guilt radiating off of them.
Filled with sorrow, Mrs. Potts confided "You're quite right there, Dear. You see, when the Master lost his mother and his cruel father turned that sweet innocent lad and twisted him up to be just like him…we did nothing."
Belle visibly softened at these new pieces of information, sympathy crossing her face as compassion swept over Cosette's.
Cosette peered over Belle's shoulder at the Beast where he's hunched over. At the same time she yawned laying her head on Belle's shoulder.
"Let her rest. She needs her sleep," said Lumiere.
"I'll take her back to our room," said Belle, beginning to lift Cosette up.
Getting in her way, Cogsworth said "No. She will sleep here tonight."
Casting a bemused look at them, Belle said "But-."
"We know what you're thinking and it's already taken care of. The Master has agreed to allow Cosette to sleep in here until she's better," said Mrs. Potters, reassuringly. "It's all right. She won't be hurt."
Belle remains unconvinced.
"It's best she's close to a fire, Love," said Mrs. Potts.
Hard to argue with that.
So with the greatest reluctance Belle left Cosette to snuggle into the cozy bed in order to be taken back to her own room.
Cosette fell asleep in minutes. As she drifted off Cosette saw the Beasts form come closer to her from beneath her eyelids. She felt the bedspread being pulled gently higher up to rest underneath her chin. A tentative hand grazed her head before retracting.
Feeling safe Cosette permitted herself to be pulled back into sleep.
Tomorrow is a new day.
Authors Note:
Hope you all like this one! ;D