Surprisingly, the wolves guarding the Beast's castle gates were oddly absent. But the Beast was grateful for it, for then he could rest easy that Belle would not be attacked. He was just upon the gates when he heard galloping behind him. He skidded to a halt and looked back.
His heart sank when he saw Gaston's large black stallion, and he curled a growl...until he saw the occupants on the big horse. Belle, and...and...what was the princely fellow's name? Kit, was it? "Belle! Are you alright?" Beast asked her. Magnifique was shying away from Beast, frightened by the massive creature.
"Yes." Belle answered. "Shh. Shh, it's okay." She murmured to Magnifique, stroking his neck. "It's alright." Then she turned her attention back to Beast. "You'd best get to the castle. I have to go back and help Papa and Ella!"
Kit groaned and flailed violently, slipping off the horse. "Kit?!" Belle gasped. The prince was crouching on his hands and knees in the snow, then his hand went to his side. Belle dismounted and rushed to his side. "Kit?"
"D-don't worry about me." Kit coughed, leaning on his elbow. Belle could see that his left side was bleeding! Gaston must have landed a stab at him during their duel.
"You need help!" Belle told him.
"We'll bring him to the castle. My servants will help him." Beast said. "We must make haste."
"It's alright, Kit. You can trust him." Belle said. Kit was gritting his teeth painfully. Beast didn't wait to be asked. He approached, and offered his large paw to Kit.
"Come, lad. You need help." Beast urged gently. Kit looked up at him, grimacing. When he had arrived back in Villeneuve, Ella had defended the Beast as much as Belle had. And if he remembered correctly, he hadn't noticed any villagers lying bloodied on the ground, torn limb from limb, or their throats ripped out from huge fangs. Ella had said that they could trust the Beast. Belle had told him they could trust him.
"Thank you." Kit bit his lip, struggling to his feet, and leaning on the Beast's hulky arm.
"Oh, good grief. I'm just going to carry you, lad." Beast shook his head, scooping up Kit in his arms, like he was a small child.
"Not necessary...I can walk." Kit protested weakly.
"Take care of him!" Belle called.
"Belle, you come with us!" Beast begged.
"I can't! I have to go back. Ella may be hurt. I cannot leave her behind again!" Belle cried. Beast gazed at her painfully. He didn't trust Gaston, who had already shown himself ever the coward, striking down anyone who got in his way of what he wanted. Beast just couldn't let her go off by herself. What if she ran into Gaston, alone?
"Belle.."
"No...dangerous!" Kit reminded Belle.
Beast was torn. The boy in his arms needed urgent medical attention. But he couldn't let Belle go alone back into the woods. The last time he did that, she and her horse had nearly become wolf meat. But right now, he was more afraid of her well-being or lack thereof from Gaston than the possibilities of the wolves.
"Belle, wait! Please wait." Beast implored her. "Tarry just for a few moments, just long enough to get the lad inside, and then I will go with you."
Belle shivered in the snow. She needed to help Ella. Her sister was in trouble, she could feel it in her gut. Every moment they lingered could mean even more dire fortune for Ella. "Hurry!" Belle told the Beast.
Beast nodded and sped up, tromping through the paths, hurrying to the castle steps as fast as he could. Kit winced and groaned as he bounced around in Beast's arms. His side ached painfully. He hoped they would be inside soon, and he could lie down, unbothered by this well-meaning but uncomfortable turbulence.
"Easy, lad. My servants will tend your hurts You will be in safe hands." Beast promised.
"Kit." Kit moaned. "My name is Kit."
"Apologies." Beast said. He finally reached the big doors of the castle. "Lumiere!" He bellowed, banging on the door with his elbow. "Lumiere! Come quick!"
"Hurry, please." Belle worried, waiting at the gates. "Please hurry." She was so lost in her anxiety and impatience that she did not hear familiar, dreadful boots approach her in belligerent strides. She just looked back toward the path through the woods and yelped in surprise.
"Hello, Belle." Gaston sneered, his face dirty, his beautiful red coat muddied, and his hair disheveled.
"On your way back to me, were you?"
Ugh! Can these guys ever get a break?