Innocence Of A Child

by ZabuzasGirl

Everyone already knows the tale of how a prince was transformed into a beast and a young woman broke his curse. But what if Belle wasn't the one to save the prince. What if the spell wasn't broken by a lover. Instead...what if the Beast and all others who were entrapped with him were saved by the faith and innocence of a child. And this child's name is Cosette, Belle's sister.

18. Chapter 18

Innocence of a Child Chapter 17

A relaxing afternoon found both Beast and Cosette together spending it in the gardens. He's sitting on a bench bent over reading a book. Cosette is running around all over the place with Frufru giggling like mad, making snowmen, and snow angles to her hearts content.

The snow crunched underneath Belle's feet as she approaches smiling toothily.

Sitting down next to Beast, Belle said "What are you reading?"

Shutting it quickly, covering the cover with his hands awkwardly as he got all red and flustery, Beast said "Nothing."

He can't fool Belle.

Glimpsing the title, Belle teased "Guinevere and Lancelot?"

"Well, actually…King Arthur and the Round Table," said Beast, a dark blush on his cheeks. "Knights and men and swords and things."

Humming, Belle said "Still…it's a romance."

Rolling his eyes in defeat, Beast huffed "All right."

A pause followed. So the two just sat there watching Cosette play with Frufru.

"I never thanked you for saving my little sisters life," said Belle, grateful.

"Your welcome," said Beast, smiling.

The excited chatter from the castle staff floated down to them from above.

"They know how to have a good time," chuckled Belle.

"Yes. But when I enter the room laughter dies," admits Beast.

Feeling exactly the same way back in the Village, Belle said "Me, too. The villagers say that I'm a funny girl, but I'm not sure they mean it as a compliment."

"I'm sorry. Your village sounds terrible. How do you stand it," inquired Beast.

Smiling, Belle said "Well I have my father and sister. They could always make it better."

"Must've been a bright day when she was born into your family," said Beast.

Shrugging, Belle said "We're actually not blood related. You see my mother died a long time ago. That's when my father decided to move us from Paris to the country. Father and I found her on the side of the road, abandoned and alone."

"Really," said Beast. "You couldn't find her parents?"

Shaking her head, Belle said "No. We even looked in the village. No one was missing or knew of anyone that just had a baby. So she ended up staying with us. To be honest it probably would've been almost as lonely as your castle."

Getting an idea that could work, quite serious, Beast suggested "What do you say we run away?"

Say what now?

Authors Note:

What do you guys all think? Should Cosette join them on the excursion to Paris or be left in the care of the staff for the brief time they're gone?