Gaston was thrown across the center of the floor before he had a chance to breath. The squabbles that had surrounded their main fight had stopped as their fearless and now conscienceless leader slid across the dusty floor. With a heavy moan, he lifted his head and wiped his now dripping nose. In only a few powerful strides, the Beast had nearly collapsed Gaston's wide chest. He raised an open paw over Gaston's sweating brow, ready to take what little life was in him.
However, as always, his one and most effective weakness stole his moment. Behind him, Cogsworth called out that Belle was not awake. The prince turned at mention of his savior and rushed to her side. The servants, now free of their enemies who had scattered into the night, backed away when they saw the fear and madness in their Master's cool blue eyes. That same deadly paw that was inches away from taking the hunter's life hesitantly touched the spreading blood that had gathered about her loose brown curls. It slowly cradled her in his open arms and supported her soft neck. The abandoned castle was silent but for Gaston's struggled attempts to stand.
"Stupid lunatic," he grumbled, limping terribly as a fatal gash poured fluid at his side. "Serves her right!" Another flash of lightning erupted, and he was gone into the night to heal his damaging wounds. All knew that he would soon be back with a more dangerous trap, more men, and of course, the right weapon to finish what he started. These worries were far from his mind; all he could think about was Belle and the color quickly leaving her.
"No," the prince whispered, "this isn't supposed to happen…"
"This is all battle may bring," Ms. Potts quietly stated while her assistants hurried for clothes and water. "Master, this cannot go on."
"She was defending me!" he wept, huddled over her small body. "Why…why would she risk her own life…"
"Where is Lumiere?" Cogsworth whispered angrily to Mrs. Potts as the Master's words became slurred and unclear. "The Master is losing his mind!"
"Now now," Mrs. Potts calmed, stepping away from the two kindred souls, "don't loose hope. Can't you see what's happening? The Master and Belle continue to be hurt by those who oppose their friendship, yet neither has left the other! They remain by each other's side, nursing one back to health until they are once again in need of each other!" Cogsworth's face frowned in thought. "Cogsworth," Mrs. Potts scolded, "they are showing true compassion! True love!"
"True love?" he repeated. They both looked back to the Beast, who carried his fallen maid up the stairs while the servants followed with water and blankets. Slowly, they faced each other again. "How can true love exist in the middle of all this pain and anger?"
"It's a miracle," she sniffed, the spout of her pot wrinkling under her teary eyes. "What could be keeping him from loving her?"
"Him? From her?" Cogsworth exclaimed. "Why, don't you think that—"
"No," she replied flatly, following the shadow of his figure pass into the West Wing with Belle still in his arms. "Belle knows how to love. It is our prince who must learn."