I wanted to bring this chapter later in the story but couldn't wait because I'm so excited! A new character is entering the scene. Any guesses as to who that might be?

Belle stayed at home reading as Maurice worked on his music boxes. While they were both occupied, Ella was taking a private walk outside the village. She was quite a ways away, but she heard great excitement going on in the village. Sure she'd find out later what it was, Ella continued her solitude. Belle and Maurice, however, heard the many shouts. Belle, thinking that Gaston was making himself the town hero again, didn't really pay much attention. Maurice cocked his head. "I wonder what's going on." He remarked. Belle shrugged, indicating that she wasn't going to find out. Maurice rose from his chair and looked out the door. "Well, well, it seems as if we have a very important visitor!" He exclaimed.

"Really?" Belle asked, still uninterested.

"And it is not the captain, Belle." Maurice grinned. That got Belle's attention, and she came to the window also. They stepped out onto the lawn. Gaston was riding around proudly-which was really nothing new-, but this time it wasn't just Lefou who rode beside him. There was another man whom neither Maurice or Belle recognized. He was young, with dark hair and exceptional blue eyes. He wore a magnificent green coat with golden embroidery and accents that clashed vibrantly with Gaston's red military one. He sat very erect astride his horse and smiled sheepishly as the crowds gathered around. Another strange thing, there was an army of mounted soldiers following and they wore the emblem that he did on his coat.

"Who could it be, Papa?" Belle asked in amazement.

"I don't know." Maurice admitted. "But he is a most impressive specimen from what I can see."

"Not like Gaston, I hope." Belle grumbled. She certainly hoped not.

"He's a stranger, Belle." Maurice commented. "Give him a chance."

"A chance to what?"

"To show his true colors."

"All right." Belle nodded.

"Good people of Villeneuve!" Gaston announced. "Allow me to introduce you to my gracious guest. Please welcome Prince..."

"Prince?" Maurice and Belle sputtered together. "He's a prince? Oh my word!" Belle gasped. "I don't believe it! A real prince, here in our little village?" Her eyes widened with excitement.

"Gaston must have met him through his army connections or such." Maurice commented.

"I suppose." Belle shrugged. The crowd erupted in applause. Ladies squealed and threw flowers at the handsome young prince, while the men cheered, throwing their hats in the air.

"I wonder if we'll get to meet him. Though I'd rather get to know him ourselves without having to endure the displeasure of Gaston's company."

"I'm sure we'll have our chance." Maurice sighed. The two of them went back into the house to tend to their business. Belle was intrigued that such an important, distant visitor was in their tiny town, and wondered what he was like. Where had he traveled? What books had he read? Were girls allowed to read in his kingdom? So many questions she wanted to ask but decided to mind her own business and went back to her book.

After the prince was settled in the finest room at the boarding house, he decided that he wanted to walk around town and watch the people. "Certainly, lad." Gaston smiled. "I would be happy to accompany you."

"Oh, thank you," the prince smiled, "but it's a small village, Gaston. I don't think I can get too lost." He chuckled. "I would very much like to mingle among the people without a bunch of ceremony again. It gains me lots of stares and whispers, you know? I will meet you gentlemen later when I am finished, shall we?"

"As you wish," Gaston shrugged. "After all, you're our guest and are here to enjoy yourself as you choose. The tavern is a lively place. Shall we meet there?"

"Aye." The prince nodded. He smiled at his captain of the guard who followed him out the door.

"Bit of a strange fellow." Gaston commented. He couldn't wrap his head around how someone so important and distinguished, a prince of all people, would want to do as his guest had asked! If Gaston himself were in the prince's shoes, he certainly would've expected lots and lots of ceremony!

"Well, not everyone can be as appreciated and heroic as you, Gaston." Lefou said. "From what I've heard, this fellow has never fought in a real battle his whole life. I guess he's a bit softer than you."

"Pity." Gaston sighed, though he was secretly glad that his sidekick thought that even he still had more experience and gusto under his belt to boast of than even a prince!

"Hey, maybe you could show him a thing or two about soldiering!" Lefou suggested.

"I could, couldn't I?" Gaston smirked.

"Maybe even hunting!"

"Not a bad idea." Gaston puffed out his chest. "Thank you, Lefou." He said, putting his hand on his shoulder. "You certainly know how to put a glow in a man's day."

"So what if he's not as slick and bristle as you? Might help balance you out a little."

"Ahem." Gaston grunted. "I do not need balancing out, my good man. But if I ever shall, you are definitely the one I can count on to bring me around!"

The prince was whispered about, smiled at, and greeted by many groups of the townspeople. The triplets smiled flirtatiously at him, earning the prince a glare behind his back from Gaston! Not that Gaston really cared for them, but the attention they usually showered him with looked momentarily lost and he didn't like it. But he really needn't have worried: when the prince saw those girls, he gave a quick nod and quickly shifted to another route. Then the girls noticed Gaston as he strutted up to their view like a peacock. They gushed over him and he smirked.

The prince's captain of the guard hung in the background, at his master's request, keeping an eye on him but also giving him some breathing space. Agathe was walking around begging for change, but many of the villagers ignored her or waved her off. The prince watched with a frown on his face. He quickly walked over to Agathe and dropped a few coins into her tin cup. "Thank you." She nodded.

"Oh, it's all right." The prince smiled. "I hope it is sufficient."

"Quite." Agathe smiled. The prince stepped back and allowed her to walk in front of him, and she did so with a grateful curtsy. The royal guy smiled and went on his way. Gaston and Lefou were following him, to see if he did anything better than or below Gaston. Their jaws dropped to the floor when they saw the way he treated Agathe.

"Whoa! Did you see that?" Lefou whistled.

"Yes. Extraordinary." Gaston huffed. "I think I've seen enough. Come, Lefou. Let's get a drink." It was scratching his ego that this newcomer showed better manners than he himself did at least when it came to the undesirables.

"Hey, you don't have to crawl back into the shell just because he was generous." Lefou said, noticing the sudden change in Gaston's mood.

"Whatever." Gaston muttered and headed toward his tavern, where he could take center stage, hands down.

Ella was returning into town at that time. She ran a few errands then headed home. She noticed the well-dressed stranger at the fountain. She stared at him. He was certainly not from around here! "Where is he from, I wonder?" She spoke to herself. His eyes fell on her and for a moment they gazed each other. They both smiled, then Ella blinked and ran home. "Hello!" She announced as she entered the house. "Did you know there is a strange young man in the village? I saw him at the fountain."

"Yes." Maurice nodded. "Apparently, he is Monsieur Gaston's guest."

"Oh," Ella bit her lip.

"But still, I imagine he's been everywhere in the world." Belle stated excitedly.

"He had very nice eyes," Ella said wistfully," and such a kind smile."

"Did you two meet?" Maurice looked at her curiously.

"Not really." Ella shook her head. Belle was so into her story and Maurice his work that they forgot to tell Ella that the stranger was a prince!

The next day, into mid-morning, Gaston suggested the prince join him and Lefou on a hunt, which would also give him a tour of their lovely countryside. The prince agreed heartily. Lefou went to gather their gear while the prince commanded his captain to assemble some of the soldiers. When they were all ready, Lefou appeared with Gaston's horse. "Sir, where is Monsieur Gaston?" The prince asked.

"Search me." Lefou shrugged. "But I can guarantee you he won't miss out on this." The prince cocked his head when he thought he spotted the said leader at one of the shops.

"Excuse me." The prince said curiously as he walked away. Lefou dismounted and followed.

"As Lefou said, he has nothing on you!" Gaston gushed. "He may have royal blood in his veins, but I am the real dream here! And everybody knows it." The prince lingered behind him in the shadows and found himself gaping in a snicker. Gaston was talking to his own reflection in the mirror! The prince was very amused but cleared his throat.

"Pardon me." He said.

"Your Highness." Gaston grunted, rolling his eyes. "What is it?"

"The men are ready. We are waiting to begin our hunt!"

"It's hero time," Gaston whispered to himself smugly, straightening out his coat, then walked away. The prince stared at him with furrowed eyebrows.

"Does he always talk that way before a hunt?" He chided to Lefou.

"Well, if you want me to lie..." Lefou said wryly. The prince laughed and shook his head.

Ella told Belle that she was going for a ride on Philippe. Belle agreed as she wanted to read some more in her book. Ella saddled the horse and took him out of the village. The wind felt wondrous on her face as Philippe cantered. She felt like she was flying!

The men had been searching all morning for a suitable kill. They spread out through the woods. The prince's captain found the landscape very picturesque, as did his master. Soon, they were on a hill in the clearing. Lefou pulled out his telescope and scrutinized the trees aways across from them. "Hey!" He announced. "Over there!" Gaston quickly snatched the looking glass before his friend could hand it to him and peered through.

"Ah, yes." He said with satisfaction. "Luck is on our side today. Have a look, Your Highness." He handed the telescope to the prince. The prince's eyes lit up.

"Outstanding." He breathed. In the forest, they could see an enormous, stout buck just standing there in the light through the trees. "Are you always this lucky on a hunt?"

"Always." Gaston smirked with his head held high, reaching for his musket.

"Do you believe you can actually reach that far?" The prince gaped. Gaston pursed his lips.

"You just don't know Gaston!" Lefou spoke up. Gaston set his sights till he had the stag right in line. Smiling like a cat in a birdhouse, he prepared to fire. But then the stag fled! He raced away. Gaston growled and prepared to shoot again.

The prince perched up in his saddle, watching with wide eyes. He quickly reached over and gripped Gaston's rifle. "Gaston! Put away your musket, man!" The prince ordered urgently. "There's a rider in your line of fire!" Gaston hesitated, but also shot the prince a look. He didn't like to lose his prey.

"There goes the stag!" Lefou pointed out. Sure enough, the deer was racing away through the trees. Gaston grew bristled. His guest was beginning to annoy him, spoiling his hunt and his chance to show off.

"Let's go!" Gaston ordered. So, they gave pursuit, Gaston bent on catching the stag. He demonstrated that point by still carrying his rifle. As the soldiers followed after the buck, the prince galloped his horse ahead of everyone. He'd seen a rider on a horse rushing through the forest and he wanted to get her out of the way before there was a terrible accident! Urging his steed to go faster, he finally caught up with the girl. He hurried to her side and grabbed the reigns, pulling her away.

"No, no, no!" The girl shouted. "It's fine!" The other men on horseback whizzed by them in a blur. The prince and the girl finally slowed to a trot and began to encircle each other.

"Are you all right, Miss?" The prince asked concerned.

"I am, but you nearly frightened the life out of him!" Ella sputtered.

"Who?" The prince stared at her.

"The stag!" Ella blurted out. "What's he ever done to you that you should chase him about?"

"I must confess, I've never met him." The prince chuckled. "He is a friend of yours?"

"An acquaintance." Ella corrected him. "I looked into his eyes, and he looked into mine, and...I just felt that he still had a great deal left to do with his life. That's all."

"You shouldn't be this far in the forest alone." The prince said.

"I'm not alone. I'm with you." Ella said. "Mr...what do they call you?"

"You don't know who I am?" The prince laughed.

"I remember seeing you in the village square." Ella responded. "But, of course, at that time we were not properly introduced."

"Well, I am..." The prince began reluctantly "...Kit. I am called Kit. At least that's what my father calls me when he's especially unpeeved at me."

"Well, welcome to the forest, Mr. Kit." Ella smiled.

"What do they call you?" Kit asked.

"I am called...I am Cinderella." Ella sighed. "But if you like, you may call me Ella."

"Ella," Kit cocked his head. "Do they treat you well?"

"Oh, yes!" Ella smiled widely. "I have no mother. But I have two very dear people. They're everything that my own parents used to be."

"Are you happy with them?" Kit asked. "If I'm not being too inquisitive."

"Very happy." Ella sighed contentedly. "Well, at home, I'm happy. What about you? Do...do they treat you well?"

"More than I'm worth, I'm afraid." Kit grinned.

"What do you do?"

"My father is teaching me his trade."

"You're an apprentice!" Ella exclaimed.

"Of a sort." Kit shrugged. Funny, he had never thought of his royal position that way. But now that he did, he kind of liked it. It made him feel like a normal man, something he didn't feel very often.

"Is your father visiting here with you?" Ella inquired.

"I'm afraid not." Kit laughed. "He stayed at home in our own kingdom."

"How frightening." Ella remarked. "I mean...that you should have to travel so far from home, alone."

"Well, it's part of being an apprentice." Kit stated. "It's really not so bad."

"Does your father treat you well?"

"Very." Kit nodded. "We may not always see eye to eye, but we work out our differences."

"That's always good." Ella whispered. Unfortunately, that had never happened for her with Lady Tremaine. "Even if it didn't work for you that way, the best thing to do would be to have courage, and be kind." She sighed. Kit stared at her thoughtfully.

"Err...right." He said. The voices of the other men were in the distance.

"Oh, please don't let them hurt him!" Ella begged. To her the stag was an innocent animal that just wanted to be free, but instead he was to be used for other people's desires, without his say so. It just reminded her of her stepmother, who she hadn't been able to get out of her mind this morning. That's the main reason she had wanted to ride, to be out in the open where she'd feel free to think.

"But we're hunting, you see." Kit creased his eyebrows. "It's...it's what's done."

"Just because it's what's done doesn't mean it's what should be done!" Ella blurted out, cutting him off guard.

"Right again." He said slowly.

"Then...then you'll leave him alone, won't you?" Ella asked in a gentler tone.

"I will see what I can do." Kit said, still a little surprised at this girl's mindset.

It had been a near miss, but at least Gaston had overpowered his kill, much to Lefou's relief. If it had resulted in a total loss, it would've been better for everyone to keep away from Gaston the rest of the day as he would've been in a very foul mood! Right now, he didn't exactly appreciate Kit's interference in his showing off what a marvelous hunter he was, but at least Gaston had redeemed himself, and it was better for everyone that he had!

"Ah, there you are!" The captain called to Kit. "We should be going, Your High..."

"It's Kit! Kit! Kit! I'm Kit! On my way!" Kit blurted out quickly before his captain could say Your Highness. The men all exchanged confused glances. Gaston rolled his eyes.

"Well then, Mr. Kit..." Kit's captain smiled.

"Come, lad." Gaston said gruffly. "We should be getting back."

"Like I said, on my way!" Kit called back and smiled again at Ella. "I hope I see you again, Miss."

"And I you." Ella smiled back. The kind prince gave her one last friendly smile, then departed. Ella watched after him as he rode back to join his comrades. She felt warm and fluttery inside. It was much stronger and different than when her singing seemed to carry her mind away. It was, very new.

"Forgive my tarrying, gentlemen." Kit panted as he came into view. "I'm sorry for having delayed you."

"It's all right, Gaston still got the stag." Lefou said casually.

"And I never miss," Gaston said emphatically.

"Ah, so our venture was successful after all." Kit stated.

"Let us be going." Gaston said grandly, and didn't bother to let the royal prince advance first, but led his horse to the front of the line, heading back to the village. Kit didn't notice too much, nor did he really care right now. He hardly said a word or made any exclamation about the massive stag they'd won, much to Gaston's annoyance. Lefou, noticing his friend's moodiness, went on and on about how he'd finally made his kill, and how it wasn't the first time he'd done so. Gaston smirked at the praise and felt better. But Kit, not intentionally trying to be rude, was not listening. He stared straight ahead, with a dreamy, far off look. His captain studied him closely and found himself grinning.

Ella was enormously excited, and couldn't wait to finish her ride so she could tell Belle and Maurice about her meeting with the prince. The wind just seemed to carry her along with it as she rode on, Philippe cantering under the beautiful sun.

"What's the matter, You Highness?" Lefou asked Kit who was pacing back and forth while Gaston just lounged back in his favorite chair. They had returned to the village and received an excited greeting as the townspeople oohed and ahhed over the kill. Gaston had decided to celebrate at the tavern which showered him with many congrats.

"Please, call me Kit." Kit said, though he didn't look back at the guy as he spoke.

"Relax, lad." Gaston said dramatically. "Sit down, and have a drink. You wear me out just watching you." Kit halted and fidgeted for a moment-it wasn't like a prince was allowed to do that-then went back to pacing. His captain snickered.

"Do you have an itch or something?" Lefou asked confused.

"Hmm? What?" Kit asked confused.

"You've been in a daze ever since we returned from our hunt." The captain stated.

"Yes, what is troubling you, lad?" Gaston asked. "It's all right. You are among friends here."

"Nothing is wrong," Kit said.

"If Gaston paced around like that, I'd be looking for the nearest door!" Lefou joked. Gaston cleared his throat loudly. "Uh...just so you could have some quiet to clear your head!" Lefou exclaimed defensively.

"Was the girl frightened when you surprised her by just showing up beside her?" The Captain teased. Gaston and Lefou both perked with interest at this! Kit stared wide-eyed. He should've known better. The captain had been with him for years and was more than just his commanding officer, he was a good friend and could always read him clearly, sometimes even better than Kit's own father, the king.

"A girl?" Lefou sputtered.

"What girl?" Gaston asked, a bit flatly. If this young, fancy-dressed scamp had been fooling around with his Belle...well, he'd have to straighten him out.

"As I told you," Kit looked at him, "there was a rider in your line of fire. I'm just glad that I was able to pull her away from it, or she might've been killed!" Kit exhaled heavily. Gaston's eyes narrowed, not happy that someone had pointed out that he had a flaw-any flaw-, yet now that Kit was talking about the female species, Gaston decided to forgive him and was very curious to know now who he was talking about.

"Did she faint in your arms?" Lefou asked excitedly. He was used to Gaston's tales of melodrama, especially with girls.

"On the contrary!" Kit couldn't help chuckling. "I would say she was rather peeved at me. She didn't take to the idea of us hunting down the stag when he'd done us no harm." The other men laughed.

"If that's not a laugh," Lefou giggled. "How does she think we guys go out and have a good time? She's crazy!"

"She was different," Kit nodded, "but I wouldn't use the word crazy."

"I'm afraid I must agree with my friend on this one." Gaston spoke up.

"As you wish." Kit sighed. "I must admit, it cut me off guard."

"What did this girl look like?" Gaston in a rather demanding tone, and straightening up in his seat. He had a sinking feeling that Kit was moving in on the woman that Gaston had more or less claimed was his girl, despite her refusals.

"She had golden hair, and soft brown eyes." Kit remarked wistfully. "Her name is Ella." Gaston sat back in relief. He could not describe how happy he was to hear that! But now it was no wonder that he and Lefou had called her crazy. Ella, Maurice, and Belle had always been so different than any family the village had ever known.

"Belle's sister?!" Lefou gasped. Then he nudged his hero in the side. "Did you hear that, Gaston? You like Belle and he likes Ella. What an amazing pair you two are!" He started daydreaming of the two eligible bachelors living it up as admired, married men with beautiful wives, and living a perfectly happy life.

"I daresay, lad. You have exquisite taste." Gaston smirked.

"Yeah, not bad. You picked yourself a pretty girl." Lefou added.

"She wasn't just a pretty girl!" Kit sputtered defensively. "I mean...well, she was a pretty girl, but...but there was something more to her. Her...her spirit, her goodness." The captain smiled. Kit was clearly observing what made this girl such a wonder. It was more than her looks, it was her manner, her genuine character. The captain was wise enough to see that. Lefou and Gaston? They were a little lost on what their partner had said. It had surprised them.

"Like what?" Lefou inquired.

"She was just so..." Kit tried to explain.

"So adoringly attracted to you?" Gaston finished.

"Not in a direct way," Kit said. "She doesn't even know who I am, that I'm a prince."

"She is crazy!" Lefou exclaimed.

"I'll say." Gaston added.

"Far from crazy," Kit said sternly, his tone making them feel a little uncomfortable. "I enjoyed her company. She doesn't know I am a prince, and to be honest I don't think it would make a difference. She was still pleasant to be around. She was friendly, and treated me like a normal man. I like that." He finished. He was tired of being treated like a prize race horse, especially from vulnerable girls and their parents. He was tired of being told who to marry when he and the intending young lady could not base the relationship on mutuality. Ella was different. She'd treated him like a regular person and seemed to like him for who he was. It was truly refreshing.

Gaston stared at him, his face puzzled. He had been thrilled to have Kit come visit their village, but the prince's talk right now was starting to bore him. He had little clue as to what Kit was truly talking about and didn't really care. He had his ways of looking at women, and it worked for him...except with Belle. The most beautiful girl in the village, whom he thought he was entitled to have, hated his guts. Well, his ways weren't working at the moment, but they would, later. He had no doubt about that. He was going to have that girl, and it didn't matter to him how or what he had to do to make her see that! "Well, what a coincidence." He remarked.

"You have a lady that you fancy?" The captain asked.

"Who?" Kit added.

"Ella's sister Belle." Lefou answered.

"I don't believe I've seen her." Kit said. "I didn't know she had a sister."

"Ah, gentlemen, she is a sight to behold!" Gaston went on dreamily. "She is so beautiful, she is bright, intelligent, stubborn, so full of life...just like me." Kit's captain snorted in suppressed laughter. He couldn't help it. Their host was certainly comical, but also seemed to fancy himself with returned hospitality before anyone decided to actually give it to him.

"Have you called on her yet?" Kit asked innocently. Gaston slapped his knee and howled along with his sidekick. "Ahem. I take it I'm missing something?" Kit gulped.

"Ha, ha! Where have you been?" Lefou laughed at the prince. "Everyone in the village knows that he pursues her like a terrier!"

"Hunter, Lefou." Gaston corrected him. "Like a hunter. I'd prefer you to use that description. Terrier makes me sound so..."

"Minor, perhaps?" Kit quipped.

"Exactly."

"How does the young lady feel about this pursuit?" Kit asked.

"Hmm?" Gaston gaped in confusion. "I'm sorry?"

"How does the young lady feel about you trying to win her affections?" Kit persisted. Gaston wasn't sure how to answer. He hadn't thought of that, and he couldn't seem to find the right words without sounding like a loser. As usual, Lefou had an answer.

"Turns him down flat all the time." Lefou laughed. Gaston glowered and slumped back in his chair. He could see where this was going and didn't want to hear it. "Never fails." Lefou continued. "But Gaston is not a quitter. He keeps fighting for her hand. Don't you?" He nudged him in the side.

"That's right." Gaston said cockily, grateful for the praise, glad that Lefou had not made him sound pathetic like he expected.

"I see." Kit nodded quietly. He didn't seem impressed. "If you'll excuse me. I...need to think." He left the tavern, not even caring to be part of the celebration at Gaston's successful killing, another magnificent trophy to add to his collection. Kit's captain of the guard followed him. Gaston frowned. Some guest Kit was, not even sharing in Gaston's self-rising party. As if reading his thoughts, Lefou poked him in the arm.

"Hey, now don't be a sorehead, Gaston." He said lightly. "He has things on his mind. Girls do that to a fellow. You ought to know how it is!" Gaston sighed. Yes, he knew how it was...or at least he thought he did. In reality, he didn't know half of what Kit did about considering the intended woman's feelings, but he didn't care to know. He liked his method of winning hearts and had no intention of changing now.

After rubbing down Philippe and giving him a drink, Ella rushed into the house. "Belle! Father!" She called. Maurice was sitting at his crafting table. Belle scrambled down the stairs with a book in her hand.

"What is it?" Belle asked.

"You'll never guess what happened!" Ella panted.

"Slow down, Ella." Maurice smiled. He could tell that she was bursting with news.

"What did happen?" Belle asked.

"I...I met the visitor, face to face!" Ella announced.

"You mean Gaston's guest? You mean the prince?" Belle's eyes widened. Ella's jaw dropped.

"Prince?" She gaped. "No. He's an apprentice. He told me himself. Gaston probably told everyone he was a prince to make himself look more dignified." Belle and Maurice exchanged looks. "But let me tell you about the apprentice. He goes by the name of Kit. His father is teaching him his trade, and he's in our town on business for his father. He was very kind and not arrogant at all. He was very polite, and well-mannered, and very forth-coming."

"Did he specify his trade as an apprentice?" Maurice quipped.

"No." Ella smiled. "But I enjoyed his company. You should meet him!" Belle raised her eyebrows.

"And what are the chances of a live prince sharing our dinner table?" She asked. Ella frowned.

"Why don't you ask him? But he's not a prince." She argued. "At least, not what most people look for. He didn't put on airs. He spoke as a normal, humble person." Maurice and Belle shared a giggle. Ella stared suspiciously at them. "He...he is a prince?"

"Would I lie to you?" Belle grinned.

"No." Ella gulped. "Oh my goodness!" She gasped, placing her hands on her mouth. "He really is a prince, isn't he?" Belle snickered, nodding. "Oh my word." Ella sputtered, feeling very giddy. "I...I just don't believe it! I...I can't..."

"So, how exactly did you and the prince meet in the forest of all places?" Belle teased, but was truly intrigued. Something like this didn't happen every day, and certainly not to them!

"And spare no details." Maurice added curiously.

A couple nights later found Kit sitting at the writing desk in his lodge suite. The words for his letter had been running over and over so much in his mind the passed couple days that he had them memorized. He could hardly wait to pen down his words, yet him stomach filled with butterflies as he dipped the quill pen in the ink. This was a very important letter, and he wanted it to be perfect. Even more, he so wanted his father to read it with favor.

"My Dear Father,

You should know that I have arrived in Villeneuve, and am doing very well. Monsieur Gaston is quite a fellow, and ever the gracious host, though I must confess to you that I have developed this strong sense that he expects me to return the favor not very lightly!

Father, I am writing this letter to you because there is something you must know. I have met a girl, here in the village. Father, she is not just any ordinary girl! She is altogether lovely, and I am speaking of traits that exceed beyond her outward appearance! She is gorgeous to behold, but there is so much more about her than that. She is kind, she is sweet, and spunky enough to stand up for what she believes should be changed! You should have seen when I met her in the forest, Father, during a stag hunt. By her reaction to our activity, you'd think we had decided to throw mud at an elderly woman who was trying to get around!

Father, this girl is unlike any I have ever met. I've noticed the people in this village don't take very kindly to her or her family, yet she returns their unfairness with mercy and kindness. She is gracious to the poor beggars here, and treats them the same as she does any other people! She has a beautiful sister named Belle, who is her equal in looks as much as manners. Father, this girl doesn't even know I'm a prince! But when we met, she was friendly and kind, and I think that she likes me for the person I am, without any regard for my title! It's remarkable I know, but true! She takes notices of the little things that many people would ignorantly overlook, but those little things that matter.

Father, I know I have just arrived and that we have only just met, but if I am to gain her father's permission and approval, and her sister does not disregard me as only the imperfect stranger that I am, I should very much like for you and this young lady to meet! I hope you will feel the same way. I will write again soon. Hope you are well, Father.

Your Kit".

Kit sealed his letter and sighed in relief.

Ella could not stop thinking about the prince, or Mr. Kit as she still preferred to call him. And Belle and Maurice were intrigued. As he had only just arrived in the village, they were trying to figure out the most appropriate way and time to possibly invite the grand prince to their humble home. "I would very much like to meet this Mr. Kit!" Maurice joked in a firm voice, trying to sound intimidating. The girls laughed. But he was truly curious to get to know the young man. He sounded kind and not narrow-minded.

I know, I know. Naturally, Belle and Maurice would've told Ella that he was a prince, but I wanted to keep their relationship as close to the movie as possible where she was happy to meet him, even before she knew who he really was! When Gaston introduced Kit to the town, I cut out the rest of his dialogue because I don't really know Kit's real name or that of his kingdom from the live-action film! The next chapter should pick up from the actual Beauty and the Beast film.