The castle was just as gloomy and frightening as before. Belle clung to the inside of the enchanted carriage, Lumiere and Cogsworth going on about all of the fun they would have. "Oh Belle, we'll have a feast once the Master sees your return, you just wait! The singing and dancing…"
"I've got your favorite tea waiting for you, dear," Ms. Potts reassured. Belle smiled to them softly, fear still crippling her mind. As the gables of the castle rose higher and closer, she grew more and more fearful. Would the Beast welcome her back? Would he be angry that she didn't help him?
"We're here!" Cogsworth announced. Belle stepped into the cold wind as the carriage dropped to a halt. The canine footrest greeted them barking, giving the knick-knacks a ride in. Belle patted its tassels lovingly, watching the tall dark windows for any signs of shadows. Let's try this again, she thought.
"Hello?" she called inside, Lumiere quickly lighting all of the torches. It was as magnificent as she remembered. The back hall seemed to twist about as she followed it to the main living room. There, the heavy form of the Beast rested uneasily on the couch. A sense of protection rushed over her and she moved to his side quietly. Various household items were caring for him, but it was obvious he needed a nurse. "Oh, quick," she began, not even removing her coat. "I need a towel and wrap of some sort." The firelight now spread across the Beast's scarred face. His blue eyes rolled over in surprise to see her. Immediately, he grew tense.
"Master, we've brought you help. Belle will know how to care for you." The Beast tried to sit up, but couldn't. He had refused food for days.
"Let…make her…go…" he muttered. A painful moan stole his words. She gasped, grasping for the provided towel and wrap, busy at work.
"How could…how could I have left you," she wept, wiping at her eyes between cleaning his untouched wounds. "Even if you…it doesn't matter." Something came over the Beast in seeing her cry. A face so sweet and distant, pouring out over a monster as disgusting as him. He winced, the pain eternal magnifying the sting from his cuts.
"You…you don't belong here…" The servants were silent. They looked to each other in confusion, the moments being drawn and tense. Belle continued to try and help the Beast, but from the look in her eyes, they were scared for their beloved Master's life.
"I belong where I'm needed," she replied sternly, pulling the wraps tighter about his massive arms. He watched her, wondering her true intent. Would she stay?
"Master, don't be afraid of her," Ms. Potts coaxed while pouring another cup of hot water. "She can get you walking again." He suddenly turned fiercely, snorting and sitting upward. Belle could tell it was painful do to so, but he was out of reach of her nursing.
"I don't want to walk, I don't want to live!" he roared. Belle cowered back, hiding in his shadow. Lumiere scowled and rustled up the courage he had left, storming onto the couch armrest.
"Master, Belle has graciously agreed to help you get your heath back. We can only ask that you treat her with the respect she deserves!"
"Let her graciously leave me again!" He lifted to his feet, but fell heavily. Belle shouted as he hit his side, eyes falling closed. He tried to stand again, but failed.
"Bring me a blanket," Belle said quietly, still unsure of what he would do. "Please."