It only took a few days for them to reach the Kingdom's docks- with some help from the currents.
"Is that Ariel?" the king asked with big, blue expressive eyes. Ariel couldn't believe how familiar his eyes were to her. There was no denying that Eric was the king's son. Eric was a splitting image of the king, minus some wrinkles and the generous amount of gray hairs on his head.
"Hello, your majesty," Ariel curtsied politely and smiled.
"Come here, my child," the king sat up straighter in bed and extended his arms to her invitingly. Ariel's face lit up as her eyes met his, she quickly stepped to the side of the tall, mahogany bed and threw her body into his arms for a tight, warm hug. He placed several small kisses atop her head and around her forehead. She felt relieved to finally feel welcomed by a member of Eric's family.
"Oh, she's beautiful, isn't she?" he went on, petting Ariel's hair, "I can't wait to see my grandchildren."
"Father, you should probably rest," Eric advised.
"Nonsense!" the king scoffed as he began to make his way out of bed. Ariel helped him up with a shoulder under his arm. "Bring me my chair," he called out. A servant who waited by the door rushed over with a wide wooden chair with large wheels attached to the sides. The servant and Ariel helped the King off the bed and into the chair.
"Thank you," Ariel smiled at the servant.
"Eric, she's just amazing!" the king cheered, repositioning himself into the chair. "Let's go to docks!" he announced with a finger in the air.
"You know you were told you could not go to the docks," Eleanora reminded him sternly.
"I need to be alone with my son."
"I can take him," Eric said, walking over toward the chair and pushing it forward a bit.
"Eric! He cannot go to the docks!" Eleanora shouted, a bit frantically.
"I heard you, mother," Eric continued to push his father's chair out the large wooden door. Ariel stayed behind and looked at the queen who seemed to be mouthing something to Grimsby.
"Ariel, are you coming, dear?" the king called from the hall. Both the queen and Grimsby's eyes shot to the small redheaded girl. She hurried toward the door with an embarrassed look on her face. The queen quickly took a hold of her arm before she could leave.
"Ariel, tell me everything he says," Eleanora snapped desperately. Ariel nodded, a bit frightened. "Please," the queen added a bit more softly.
"There is something I need you to know. I need you both to know," the king started before taking a few puffs from his pipe. "I've loved Eleanora since the first day I met her. She's been incredibly strong and a great supporter of me and all of my endeavors. But," he looked off into the distance, "I did love another woman. A real woman that took care of me when I was wounded from the war."
"The Great war?" Eric asked curiously.
"Yes," the king responded, "A couple years before Adam was born."
"What are you saying, father?"
"Marie- was her name," the king smiled to himself. "She'd cook for me, bathe me, read and sing to me. She was the kindest, humblest and most beautiful woman I've ever met. For the first few months, she had no idea who I was- just another wounded soldier from the battle. She took me into her home and showed me what it was like to love someone unconditionally for all of their strengths and weaknesses, in good days and in bad. I cursed the day that I was found, in the countryside up north in a small cottage by a stream. I wanted to take bring her back with me and make her my queen, but I was a coward." The king looked down into his lap for a moment. It almost seemed as if a tear would escape his eye.
"Father?"
"You have to find him, Eric," the king sternly.
"Find who? Adam?"
"No. My son. She had my son inside her when I left," his blue eyes suddenly grew pale. "If they had known, they would have murdered them both."
"They?"
"Eric, you have to understand. You have a brother. My son. My heir to the throne!"
"And Adam?"
"Adam," the king exhaled deeply, "Adam is not suited to rule. He would make a strong king, yes. But one must also be just and wise. Adam has a lot to learn. He has never lost anything important to him. Only then could he ever truly empathize with another and learn what it takes to be admired and respected as a leader."
"How do I find your- my brother," Eric hesitated to say, "What's his name?"
"I don't know," the king began to sob. "I returned to her home a few months later. I was going to take care of her, give her everything she needed. But, she was not there. I stayed in town a few days and waited for any news, but there was no word of her. No one knew where she was from and she had no known relatives. I went back a few years later, after Adam was born- he was almost 4 and you were on the way, but there was a another family there."
"I'm not sure what to say," Eric said puzzled, scratching his head.
"Please, don't hold it against me-"
"Father, never! I just don't know where to begin looking for someone we know so little of. But I'll do my best," he added hopefully.
"I'll help too," Ariel added, "In any way I can."
"It's best if you stayed behind, dear. You could probably enjoy some beautiful gardens or lovely parties while you're here," the king suggested. Ariel's face scowled immediately.
"Actually, father. Ariel will go with me. She's tougher than she looks. She's saved me many times before and can handle any obstacle. She also rides like a champion. And you should see her at sea."
"Ah, yes. Silly, me. I've heard great things about you, my dear. I meant no offense. You're an adventurer- like me," he boasted proudly.
"Yes, she really is," Eric said, drawing her near to him by her waist.
"You may want to see what the fuss with Adam is about. Stop by his castle, please, Eric. It's on the way. Maybe he will help you in our efforts, but I wouldn't bet on it. Your mother would kill to know the name of the town."
"Mother knows?"
"Yes, she's always known of a possibility. She asked me many questions about my time spent away. Women can pick up on those certain things. Your mother is of a different breed. Only tell her you're going to find Adam. She cannot know the rest, please. Ariel, this is very important for you to know as well. You must be able to keep this between us, at least- well, at least until I get to meet my son, before it's too late."
"Father, please don't talk like that. You look great," Eric lied with a smile.
"Well, thank you, Eric but I feel terrible."
"What is wrong with you?" Ariel asked curiously.
"Ariel," Eric warned, shaking his head.
"It's fine, Eric," the king put his hand up slightly, "It's my body. It aches. My bones get chills that go from hot to cold. I feel weak and have a throbbing pain in my head. It's just my time, dear. I've had a long and healthy life."
"He has at least another thirty more years to go," Eric said loudly, hoping it were true. He couldn't imagine losing his father already. Losing his grandmother was hard enough.
"Well, I'm sure your mother is already planning my departure. I'm surprised Adam isn't here warming the throne."
"What's the village we are looking for?" Eric deflected.
"I have a map and full instructions prepared for you for when you're ready to leave."
"We'll leave right away," Eric said eagerly as he stood up tall.
It took three entire days to reach the northern part of the land by horseback. As Eric and Ariel neared Adam's castle, an unsettling feeling came over him. The late afternoon air was foggy and thick, almost making it hard to see at all. Cleo and Jacques slowed down the pace and stopped at the foot of a long, cast iron gate. Eric looked around warily at the much changed castle and then looked at Ariel who seemed frightened.
"It's alright," he smiled, trying to keep her calm, "Look! There is Rothbart! Adam must be around." Eric jumped off Cleo and pushed opened the gate. It made a loud, metal creaking sound. "Come on, girl," he called to Cleo, walking her toward the castle by her reins. He pulled Jacques' reins as well as Ariel rode him. He led the two horses and Ariel over to where Rothbart was feeding. "Ariel, I want you to stay here with the horses."
"No, Eric-"
"Ariel, I am not asking you," he snapped. "I need to make sure everything inside is safe. If I don't come out in ten minutes, please take the horses and ride back to the town we left at dawn. The horses will know which way to go."
"I will wait here, but I will not leave you behind. That's final," Ariel disobeyed, crossing her arms at her chest. Eric sighed out of frustration and started up the short steps to the castle's door. He pushed the door open and peeked his head around the wood. Everything inside was quiet.
"Adam?" he called out, his voice echoing throughout the quiet castle. He then realized it would be best if he were quiet to not alert anyone of his presence. He knew the castle very well, it was his father's. They'd spend many winters there hunting and practicing archery. His father also used it as a base camp during the great war. He closed the door behind him and ran up the steps two at a time, turning toward the West wing.
When reaching Adam's royal bedroom, he found large scratch marks across the door. He drew his sword from his scabbard and inhaled deeply, preparing his stance for combat. He thrust the door open with a mighty kick and found the entire room in complete disarray. Furniture was knocked over, paintings were scratched at the canvas and the balcony door was wide open. Eric barged into the room, holding the sword in both hands. From the corner of the room he saw a glowing red light. As he approached mysterious object, he realized it was a floating red rose covered by a glass dome. He suddenly felt a presence behind him and a dark shadow cast over the wall in front of him.
He jumped back quickly, ready to lunge his sword. He found himself face to face with a hideous, snarling beast-like creature. It had the mane of a lion and the head of a buffalo. With tusks of a wild boar, its body stood over ten feet tall like a bear's and its legs and tail were that of a wolf's. Eric bravely jumped forward and swung his sword from left to right, missing the beast's chest by less than an inch as it moved backward. Eric jabbed the sword over and over, shouting at the creature and keeping it at bay. Suddenly, the beast knocked the sword out of Eric's hand and pushed him to the ground. Eric used a nearby piece of wood to throw at the beast's head, but it hardly did any damage. The beast jumped on Eric and pinned him down by his wrists.
"Stop!" the beast growled at him, inches from his face "Eric, it's me! It's me!" Eric's eyes went wide in astonishment.
"Adam?" Eric panted, catching his breath. The beast released him and began to huff as well, standing to his feet and turning away toward the window.
"Who is here? Who did you bring with you?" the beast asked calmly.
"Only Ariel, she's waiting outside," Eric told him as he stared at his brother's animalistic state.
"Eric?" a soft voice called from the door.
"Ariel! I told you to wait outside!" Eric shouted.
"What is going on? You sounded like you were in trouble," Ariel walked into the room. The beast turned to face her voice. Ariel let out a sharp gasp, "Adam!" she gasped. She walked over to him slowly, looking at the contour of his face and sullenness of his eyes. She placed a hand on his cheek.
"How did you know it was Adam?" Eric wondered out loud. Ariel stared deep into his blue eyes and smiled as Eric remained completely puzzled.
"You've changed," she said to him, stroking the fur on his face.
"Clearly," Eric jeered sarcastically.
"No, it's more than that." Although she didn't know the details, she could sense the powers of a spell.
"Beast?!" a woman's voice shouted faintly from the hallway.
"You can't tell her who I really am," the Beast warned the couple with a whisper, "Please. It will ruin everything."
"Beast? Are you alright?" it continued, coming nearer. "I'm out here, I- don't want to come in," she said from behind the door, realizing there were voices inside. It was the part of the castle he forbade her to ever enter. After the first night she ran away and the beast saved her from the wolves, she learned never to go there again.
"It's alright, Belle. You can come in," the Beast said to her.
"Oh, hello," she said warmly, a bit surprised. Ariel waved with a big smile on her face, beaming from ear to ear.
"Uh- Belle, this is Ariel and her husband, Eric, my- friends," he lied.
"How do you do?" Belle nodded politely.
"This is- Belle," he said, without further explanation. Belle could tell he was uncomfortable. My prisoner, he thought in his head, disgusted with himself.
"Hello, Belle, it's great to meet you," Eric walked over to the young woman who shyly extended her hand palm down for a kiss. Belle blushed a little, unaccustomed to the gesture.
"Belle, would you mind showing Ariel the library?" the Beast requested. Belle knew it meant he wanted some time alone with Eric.
"Of course," she smiled at him and then quickly looked away. His eyes on her felt heavy lately and she was unsure as to why. "Ariel, you'll love it. Do you enjoy reading?" Belle and Ariel chattered their way out of the room. After a few moments, Eric closed the door.
"You have to tell me what's going on," Eric said, in disbelief.
The beast sighed and told him the story of the old woman and the rose and how he had been trapped there for ten years.
"But it's only been four months since the wedding."
"What do you mean?"
"Adam, you've only been gone for four months."
"She hexed the castle, it seemed like ten years to us! This is the tenth winter we spend here," Adam couldn't make sense of it all.
"What about Belle?"
"Belle," the Beast smiled to himself. He paced the floor a few times before falling back against the bed. "I- I love her. I've never felt this way- about anyone."
"Adam, that's great! Have you-?"
"Have I what? Eric, look at me! I get nervous just being around her." Eric chuckled a little at his older brother's frustration. "It's not funny. If I don't break the spell, I'll be a beast- forever!"
"I know, I'm sorry. But, you can't keep her as your prisoner. You have to let that poor girl go."
"No, I can't do that! At least, not until a few more days. Ugh, what am I going to do?" the Beast covered his eyes with his paw in dismay.
"Well, how does she feel about you? She kind of gave you a look there," Eric mentioned with a smirk.
"Did she? Sometimes I think there is something she feels, but- oh, I just don't know."
"Don't worry," Eric extended his hand to his brother to help him out of bed. The Beast smiled and took it gladly, relieved his brother was not repulsed by his physical state. "There hasn't been a woman you haven't been able to make fall for you. Well, except for Ariel," Eric jibed.
"I- I'm so sorry about that, truly," he said remorsefully and bowed his head in shame.
"It's alright. You had no chance," Eric joked, "Let's go see what they're up to. We've been up here a while."
The women were giggling by the fire when Eric and the Beast walked in. Belle had a book cracked open and Ariel was warming her feet near the fire.
"Are you enjoying yourself?" the Beast asked Ariel as he walked into the large sitting room.
"Yes," Belle answered softly, straightening her posture.
"I meant Ariel. How do you like the castle?"
"Oh, sorry," Belle excused herself, a bit embarrassed.
"Oh, it's wonderful, Ada-," Ariel stopped herself. "And there is a lovely view of the forest from upstairs," she quickly corrected her error.
"Supper will be ready soon," the Beast announced.
"Will you both be spending the night?" Belle asked Ariel and then looked toward Eric, who looked at the Beast.
"Yes. They'll be staying," the Beast answered for them.
"Just for a night or two," Eric added.
"What are your plans in the area?" Belle asked, curiously.
"Actually, I didn't tell you earlier," Eric looked at the Beast, "But, my father believes he has a love-child in a town not too far from here. A son- my brother."
"Is that- true?" the Beast asked hesitantly. Eric nodded.
"Oh, wow. That's- interesting, to say the least. You must be on quite the adventure in your search for him," Belle enthused.
"Let's sit for supper," the Beast suggested. "Afterward we can listen to one of Belle's stories."
Ariel felt restless as she lied in bed that evening with a sleeping Eric by her side. She couldn't sleep. She turned to face Eric who was on his back with his mouth slightly open. She watched as his chest rose and fell. She traced her fingers from his smooth pec to the small hairs near his belly button. Like lightning, the memory of Greta running her smooth hands down her breasts, across her stomach while she kneeled between Ariel's legs flashed in her mind.
She had had her hand extended over Eric's chest then also, before he placed his face above hers. He lowered his head slowly, rubbing her hard nipple in small circles. She could feel his warm breath on her face as she waited in anticipation for his kiss.
"Ahh," Ariel shrieked passionately, arching her back, followed by deep moans against his lips. Eric looked down at Greta and watched as she fervently sucked on the wetness between Ariel's legs. He looked back at Ariel's face to catch the wide mouth expression of pure ecstasy. Her eyelids drifted open slightly and sleepy eyes met his, "Eric," she huffed breathlessly, "Touch me." She took his hand and placed it on her left breast as she continued to press her hips against Greta's face. Eric lowered his head and sucked on the hardened tip of her soft breast. "Ohhh, yes," Ariel hissed, sucking in air through her teeth.
"Ariel. Ariel," Eric shook her arm as she came back from her trance. "You were shaking," he told her when she looked at him. Her eyes were half-opened and nightgown at her waist. "Were you- touching yourself?" he asked, almost in disbelief. Ariel smirked slightly before stretching her arms out in a deep yawn. She suddenly felt tired and turned away from Eric, curling up under the warm blanket. Eric nestled her bottom between his hips and pressed his chest to her back. "You smell so good," he whispered huskily in her ear.
"I'm really tired," Ariel sighed softly, almost a yawn. Eric continued to kiss around her neck and cheek as he reached around her body and cupped her breast in his palm. "Eric, please," Ariel snapped, a little annoyed and turned her body face down against the bed
Eric didn't know what to do with his raging erection as he turned to face the ceiling of the dark bedroom. Wondering what Ariel made herself excited for- without him, made him feel a bit hurt. He waited for his body to calm itself down before finally drifting off to sleep.
Ariel woke up with her back a bit chilly. It was an unfamiliar feeling as she had grown used to waking up surrounded by warmth. She reached her arm behind her and realized the sheets were cold as well.
"Eric?" she called out, turning to face her beloved husband. But there was no Eric beside her. She quickly scanned the room and saw no sign of Eric. She wasn't worried, just felt alone. She knew Eric would be somewhere inside the castle- most likely with his brother. The curtains were still drawn, which made her wonder what time of the day it was.
"Ariel?" a soft voice followed a light knock at the door.
"Yes?" Ariel said automatically from bed, "Belle?" Belle walked in wearing a long, navy velvet winter dress with a white fur trim.
"Sorry to have waken you," Belle said calmly, "But we're all waiting on you for breakfast."
"Belle, you look beautiful!" Ariel beamed at the soft-spoken, brown-haired woman.
"Thank you, Ariel," Belle smiled politely. "Need help getting ready?"
"Oh, right!" Ariel jumped out of bed quickly and made her way to the trunk where her and Eric had stored their belongings- but it was empty.
"Here it is, dear," an old armoire blurted out kindly, as it suddenly came to life. It opened itself up and pulled out a long sleeved green dress with golden accents.
"Oh! Thank you!" Ariel took the dress and laid it across the bed. She then lifted her nightgown up off her body and over her head swiftly, casually exposing her soft, bouncy, firm breasts to the chilly morning air. Belle turned her face away, uncomfortable that she had never seen a naked woman in front of her before, and continued to stand near the door as she heard Ariel rustling with fabric.
"Chef made some warm porridge," Belle announced, still feeling a bit awkward to having seen Ariel's naked body.
"Really? What is porridge?" Ariel asked with a hint of struggle in her voice.
"Never had it? It's made from cereal and milk. It's delicious."
"There's no fish in it?" Belle thought the question was a bit silly, she turned to find Ariel in her dress, struggling with the hooks down her back.
"No, no fish," Belle answered, "Here, let me help you with that." Belle took all of Ariel's thick, red hair and moved in front of Ariel's shoulder and off her back. "If you get your hair caught in these hooks, it could be bad," Belle explained as she hooked the dress closed and then fixed Ariel's hair back into place. "You know, you're a very petite woman."
"Is that good?" Ariel asked, turning to Belle with a grin. Belle nodded.
"Well, some men like it a lot. It's less fabric for clothing. You could probably fit into small places," Belle giggled.
"I wonder if Eric likes it," Ariel wondered aloud.
"Hmm. What men like isn't the most important thing- you know? You are who you are and it makes you special," Belle explained, regretting the comment. She opened the door to the room and reached out her hand to Ariel, "Ready?" Ariel liked Belle a lot- she realized. It was clear Belle was several years older than she, although she didn't look very much older.
The women walked into the dining room to find the men standing deep in conversation near the table. Belle cleared her throat gently.
"Good morning, ladies," the Beast bowed at the women. Eric and Ariel walked toward each other and just stared. She looked radiant in her green dress and sparkling blue eyes, Eric was amazed at how fast his heart was beating just seeing her for the first time in a few short hours.
"You look wonderful," he gawked, making her blush shyly. Ariel found herself very worried about her appearance in front of him. She had never cared how she looked before meeting Eric. He stepped in more closely and pulled her toward him by her waist.
"Good morning," she smiled coyly. Eric smiled sheepishly before pressing his lips to hers. Ariel placed both hands on his chest, tiptoeing to meet his kiss.
Belle gazed at the couple, never before seeing such strong love before her very eyes. She had only read of kisses like theirs- true love kisses. She turned her gaze toward the Beast who had his eyes fixed on Belle. He quickly looked down at the floor and walked over to her chair to pull it out for her. He sat her at the opposite end of him at the long table, like he would his queen.
"What do we have planned for the day?" Eric asked curiously during breakfast.
"Eric, it's best if we stay inside," the Beast muffled sternly.
"Naw, come on! We should go hunting," Eric suggested.
"Hunting?!" Belle exclaimed with a bit of shock.
"No, Eric," Ariel shook her head at him from across the table.
"Riding?" Eric asked.
"Absolutely not," the Beast said.
"Oh, yes! Belle, do you ride?" Ariel asked her before taking a sip of her hot chocolate.
"Yes, I have a horse, Philippe. He's a bit older," Belle explained.
"What kind of horse is he?"
"A Clydesdale," she smiled.
"Oh, like Rothbart," Eric remarked.
"No, not like Rothbart," the Beast interjected with a raised eyebrow. Belle laughed.
"Well, they're both Clydesdales- just very different personalities," Belle explained.
Ariel was just ending a conversation with Jacques and Cleo before hearing the creaking of the stable door open.
"Ariel?" a deep husky voice called near the door. Ariel led both horses toward the door and out the stable to find the Beast waiting nearby.
"Adam, hello," she smiled at him. For some reason Ariel felt less threatened by him as an animal than a human.
"Could I talk to you a moment?" he asked. She could hear the tenderness and slight desperation in his voice.
"Of course. Let's go for a walk," she suggested, putting on her gloves and then wrapping her arm around his without hesitation.
The fresh, heavy blanket of snow made the castle and the land around it look almost heavenly. The Beast and Ariel walked arm in arm around the grounds, stopping only to look at birds or squirrels pointed out by Ariel. Ariel told the Beast of what had happened after the wedding: visiting Meridian house, meeting Allison and George, Eric becoming a merman and being kidnapped by mermaid hunters and then rescuing her long-lost mother. The Beast listened intently, taking in story after story- he had grown used to it with Belle. He had missed terribly having adventures of his own.
"Ariel," he started, "I want to apologize for my behavior on your wedding day."
"Oh, I had all forgotten about that," Ariel lied, trying to ease his conscience. "It's alright, really."
"No. It is not," he replied seriously, "I apologized to Eric as well. I knew it was only a matter of time before he found out."
"I wasn't the one to tell him."
"No, I knew you wouldn't have," he said, stopping to look down at the ground. "But I apologize either way. It was unacceptable. I've been- a terrible person, my whole life- selfish. Just now I'm starting to see things as they truly are." Ariel reached up and put a hand on his cheek, burying her fingers in his fur.
"I knew you'd come around," she smiled. "You helped me save Jacques and you saved me from the mermaid hunters. You're a beautiful spirit and a beautiful Beast."
"Thank you, Ariel," he smiled at her warmly, closing his eyes as he covered her hand with his paw on his cheek. He had never felt such warmth on his face from another person and it made him desperately wish she were Belle. "My brother is lucky to have you."
"Belle is the lucky one," Ariel grinned, as if reading his mind. The Beast felt remorseful at her comment. He wondered if Belle were the lucky one or if she'd have been better off never meeting him. They continued to walk again, picking up the pace toward the castle.
"I don't know what to do with Belle. For the first time in my life I feel so- lost."
"How do you feel about her?"
"I love her. So much that it hurts. I would do anything for her. I would even give her up- forever if I had to. She's amazing! She's kind and gentle and selfless and warm and smart and just-" the Beast sighed deeply.
"And beautiful?" Ariel added.
"Yes! And that too! How can anyone be so- perfect?" he struggled for the word. "She's the complete opposite of me!"
Ariel giggled quietly to herself.
Belle watched from a large window in the corridor as Ariel and the Beast walked the grounds arm in arm. She smiled at first, glad that the Beast had other people in his life who cared about him. But the longer she watched the two becoming closer, she couldn't fight the feeling of it being her walking the grounds with the Beast like they had many mornings and afternoons. She felt a little disregarded and was a little confused as to why. The Beast was her friend- her captor? She couldn't make sense of all she felt inside.
"The snow is beautiful," Eric remarked, suddenly beside her.
"Oh-" Belle replied a little startled, "Yes. It must've snowed last night." Belle continued to look out the window.
"Look at them," Eric said, gazing out the window, "It amazes me how well they're getting along."
"Really?"
"Oh yes. They didn't always."
"I believe that," Belle jeered, pressing her hand on the glass.
"He's actually one of the best friends I have-"
"Eric, how did you and Ariel meet?" Belle asked, turning her body to face him.
"Ah, well- Ariel saved me, in more ways than one."
"Figuratively?"
"No, actually. There was a fire on a ship I was on, celebrating my birthday. I tried to save as many people as I could but it exploded before I could jump off. Next thing I saw was Ariel above me, singing to me. She rescued me from the sea," Eric recounted, amazed at the story himself. Belle's eyes lit up.
"But how? She's so small," Belle wondered in amazement.
"That's what I thought as well!" Eric laughed.
"You must've proposed to her right away."
"Not exactly," Eric laughed, "Are you ready to join them for our ride?" Eric extended his hand. Belle took it graciously. Never in her life had she been treated with such politeness and courtesy. The men in her town were all savage brutes. She felt like a true lady with the Beast or Eric around.
The early afternoon ride was all the Beast needed to feel alive again. He hadn't mounted Rothbart or left the castle since before the spell. Eric and the Beast raced each other ahead while Ariel and Belle maintained a steady pace behind them. Phillippe was not much of a racehorse and Ariel didn't want to leave them behind. Their destination was a nearby river just a few miles away. By the time the women had reached the river, there was a beautiful picnic table set up with warm foods and pastries.
"This is incredible!" Belle said cheerfully, "Where did it all come from?"
"There is a cabin nearby," the Beast explained.
"This is all our land," Eric added carelessly. The Beast shot Eric a piercing glare. "Well, not our land- rather, his land. Ah, you know what I mean," he laughed nervously.
"How far does this river go?" Ariel asked.
"Four miles," Eric and the Beast replied in unison. They looked at each other strangely.
"But we'll be able to watch the sun setting over the mountains. It's beautiful," Eric explained.
"Are you from around here?" Belle asked curiously. Eric shook his head.
"Belle, come try these cheeses, they're delicious!" Ariel interjected, trying to steer her line of questioning.
After their late lunch, Ariel and Eric went for a walk around the river, leaving Belle and the Beast perched up on a large rock they had found. It wasn't the first time the two princes had taken girls to that river.
"Where were you this morning?" Ariel nudged Eric's arm with her elbow, "Why did you leave me?"
"I wanted you to sleep in, you looked too peaceful," Eric slipped his hand into hers and pulled her near, wrapping his arms around her from behind.
"But I missed you," she cooed seductively. Eric squeezed her tightly and immediately pressed his hand against her breasts, massaging them firmly.
"I didn't get to make love to you last night, but I'll make up for it right now," he turned her around and kissed her ferociously.
"Ouch," she winced with a giggle, "Eric, not right here. They could see us."
"Let me at least taste you," he huffed. He led her to nearby tree and ran his hand down her hips, grabbing a firm hold of her backside. He kneeled one knee against the ground and continued to run his hand down the backs of her thigh. He lifted her leg and rested it on his shoulder positioning himself perfectly as he quickly buried his head underneath her skirt. He could feel the heel of her leather boots dripping snow down his back, but he did not mind. Her warm folds glistening with dampness was all he could focus on.
The sounds of high pitched moaning echoing through the woods made Belle's face warm with embarrassment.
"What a show-off," the Beast murmured. Belle smiled to herself and sat a little more closely to him on the rock, snuggled in a big warm blanket they had brought along. The sky was clear, the air was crisp and the pair watched as the sky turned different shades of pinks and violets.
"It's beautiful," she breathed in awe, "Thank you."
"I'm glad you're here to share this with me- us," he quickly corrected.
She rested her head against his arm, longing for the physical bond Eric and Ariel had shared. The Beast wasn't sure what to make of it, every time she'd touch him a million thoughts would race through his mind- making him not able to focus on anything at all. They watched the rest of the sunset in silence.
On the trip back, both Eric and Ariel rode on Jacque together. She sat in front while Eric wrapped both their bodies in the warm blanket. They led the way, leaving Belle and the Beast behind, each on their own horse. They couldn't see what the couple was doing, but the random moans and giggles left a few options to the imagination.
"Are they always like this?" Belle asked with a smirk.
"Only when they're breathing," he retorted. The Beast's casual remark made Belle laugh out loud- which in turn made the Beast smile, surprisingly proud of himself.
"I think it's sweet how demonstrative of their love for each other they are."
"They would do anything for each other. Even give each other up," he said softly.
Back at the castle, Ariel and Eric had tried to immediately retreat to their room but the Beast asked Eric to speak with him alone. Ariel and Belle started up the stairs together, leaving them behind.
"Eric, tell me more about father's bastard. You never did finish this morning."
"Adam, he's our brother. You can't call him that."
"But he's older than I am?"
"Yes. By about more than a year, but less than two. Father was unsure- I believe," Eric explained, trying to recall. The Beast rolled his eyes.
"You're just as dimwitted as father," the Beast scoffed. "Are you both leaving tomorrow?"
"Yes, we want to get an early start on the day."
"Well, then- don't stay up too late tonight," the Beast jeered.
"You either," Eric laughed with winked.
They decided skip supper after having such a big late lunch. Belle took a bath and changed out of her dress that was soiled with snow and mud around the rim. She spent some extra time in front of the mirror once in a new dress. She placed a little blush on her cheeks and applied some light rosy pink lipstick on her soft lips. She fingered her neckline for a moment, pushing her chest forward and lowering the fabric just slightly to reveal a subtle hint of cleavage.
Leaving her room, she could hear the passionate sounds of love-making just a few doors down. As she walked closer to their door, she felt her body temperature rise. She remembered Ariel's naked body from earlier that day and began to picture them in her mind. She imagined Eric holding Ariel in his arms beneath him as he lied on top of her on the bed, kissing her passionately. She also pictured Ariel straddling Eric, in full control of her own pleasure with Eric's hands on her breasts. Or both of them standing near the bed post as Eric invaded her from behind. She pressed her ear to their door, wishing terribly she could see for herself.
"Belle?"
"Oh, hi," Belle blurted, jumping up a little flustered. She straightened her posture and smoothed out her skirt with her hands.. The Beast wasn't sure what she was doing, but part of him wondered if it was what he had imagined. The thought quickly fluttered away.
"Would you like to read a story- perhaps?" He immediately felt stupid. He wondered why she had made him so nervous.
"Sure," she replied, eager to leave the hall where she stood. She walked toward the Beast as he instinctively bent his arm at the elbow for her to wrap her own in between. The faint sounds of moans echoed throughout the East wing.
"Are you alright?" the Beast asked her, placing his large paw around her waist to keep her steady. She tensed up a moment, his heavy touch on her side made her feel a sudden pressure in her chest. The Beast noticed her reaction and quickly removed his arm from her body completely.
"No, it's ok," she said, "I'm just a little tired."
"We can always continue tomorrow night. I'll take you to your room."
"No. I want to read tonight. Just you and me," she smiled at him. Her stare lingered for a moment before she looked away and started walking toward the library. What was that? the Beast thought to himself. Just you and me. He played her words over and over again in his head.
"I can't believe it ended that way," the Beast said a couple hours later as he stared into the dying fire. "Why would he kill himself?"
"I suppose he just loved her too much to live without her," Belle explained, fighting back tears.
"Belle, have you ever loved anyone?" he hesitated to ask, afraid of the answer.
"Just my father," Belle smiled to herself, then looked down at the book on her lap solemnly. She tried to fight the gut wrenching feeling of missing him. "And, characters from books, of course. They're handsome, charismatic, brave, kind and at the same time perfectly flawed." Belle yawned quietly to herself, politely covering her lips with her hand.
"Are you ready for bed?" he asked as she positioned herself more closely to him on the couch. He immediately regretted the words when her side brushed up against his. The fire was much dimmer and the room had grown a bit chilly.
"Let's stay a little while longer," she yawned sleepily, almost against his shirt. Who was he to object? He had never been so close to her physically and wasn't sure what had brought it on. He slowly placed his arm around her as she settled herself against the side of his massive chest. He slumped his body down lower, nestling her in a more comfortable position. The beast realized he had a clear view of the tops of her breasts from above. He had never seen her cleavage before in person. He was tempted many times to use his magic all-seeing mirror for when she'd bathe. Sometime he would watch her as she slept and would picture himself next to her.
He tried to avert his eyes, but couldn't help but wonder how the smoothness of her skin would feel against his hands- his human hands. He then remembered he only had paws and nothing felt the same. Having her lie against the fur on his chest wouldn't be quite the same as skin to skin. He sighed to himself in frustration, how could she ever love him in his hideous state? She must only be near him out of fear, or worse- pity, he thought.
"Are you alright?" Belle asked worriedly, looking up toward his face. The beast gazed deeply into her rich brown eyes, for a moment he felt completely lost in them. Her adorable upturned nose, rosy cheeks and and slightly parted, pink full lips caused his heart to skip several beats He had forgotten what she had asked.
"I'm sorry, Belle, what was that?"
Belle felt her face become warm as she grinned bashfully before placing her ear back against his chest. What was that? she wondered. She felt as if the Beast could peer right into her soul and read her thoughts. He wondered if he had stared too long and too hard, revealing the emotionally carnal desires he had felt since saving her from the wolves. She yawned once more before closing her eyes. The beast just watched her as she peacefully drifted off to sleep in his arm.
It was less than an hour later when the Beast awoke from the deep nap. The fire was completely out and he could feel Belle's warm breath against his chest.
"Belle?" he whispered softly. He moved the arm that was wrapped around her waist, paw resting on her slender stomach. "Belle," he tried to say a little more loudly, moving his arm off her side slowly. Belle let out a soft moan, turning her body away from him and resting her head on his strong extended bicep. He tried to retract his arm, but Belle pressed herself more tightly, her breasts pushing against his rough paw and wrist. Her head and upper body almost fell forward and the Beast quickly pressed her back against his side quickly to keep her from doing so, paw accidentally still at her breasts.
"Mhh," she groaned as if she were having a nightmare. Her breathing became heavier with each breath. Her chest exaggeratedly rose and fell, pushing harder against his paw. Unbeknownst to the Beast, the contour of his paw stimulated her tight, erect mounds that almost protruded through the fabric of her dress.
"Belle," he whispered again, inches from her ear. He began to maneuver his paw rhythmically in sync with her own movements, kneading against the soft plumpness of her chest. He closed his eyes and pressed his snout behind her ear, taking a deep inhale and feeling tranced by her sweet aroma. He couldn't believe what he was doing. Was she awake? He almost didn't care as the blood pumped violently inside his veins and to his maleness. He rubbed himself with his left paw and held her body tightly to him by her breasts with his right. The light sighs that vibrated in her throat grew stronger as they filled the air. He wasn't sure what caused him to do so, but he wanted desperately to taste her. He decided he would, giving her a slow wet lap with his large Beastly tongue from the base of her neck to her ear. He suddenly stiffened at the sound of clanking against the floor drawing near.
"Oh, the poor dear," Mrs. Potts appeared from around the velvet sofa. "The tea I gave her must have really worked."
"Tea?" he asked, straightening himself out and removing his hand from around Belle's breasts to her waist.
"Yes, master. She had been having trouble sleeping the last couple nights. The poor thing. She really cares about you, you know."
"Heh. I don't think so, Mrs. Potts," he grunted.
"Yes. It's true. You'll see. We should do something special for your birthday tomorrow. Will Eric and Ariel be around?" she asked.
"No. They're leaving in the morning."
"That Ariel is darling," she smiled to herself. "Then it should just be the two of you."
"No, please. I don't want to do anything special."
"Oh, hush! Now, take her to bed. Lay her down softly and change her out of that dress. Her undergarments should be warm enough. Do you think you can do that? Or should I send someone to-"
"No, I can handle it," he cut her off. He gently moved Belle's head to his left arm and swooped his right arm under her body as he rose, cradling her near to him like a baby.
Moments later in Belle's room, the Beast did as Mrs. Potts instructed and unfastened the buttons that held together her red dress down her back. He slipped the dress off Belle's shoulders and pulled it down to her waist. He placed her head down on the soft silk pillow and pulled the rest of the dress down her hips and legs, revealing long cotton undergarments that ended below her knee. He closed the door of the room and locked it from inside. he wasn't ready to leave her- not yet. He walked around the bed to the opposite side and slowly positioned himself next to her. Holding his head up with his paw, he watched as she slept peacefully, dreaming of beautiful and wondrous things, he assumed. Being near her gave him a satisfaction he had never before known, but he had yearned for more. He leaned his head in closer to hers and rested his free paw on her stomach. The side of her hip pushed against his long thigh.
"Belle," he whispered, "I love you." Belle's mouth parted slightly, inhaling softly and exhaling a quiet whimper that made the Beast freeze with nervousness. Could she hear him? he wondered. He could see the light brown peaks of her breasts poking against the thin white linen fabric of her undergarment. He desperately wanted to rip the cloth apart and take what was rightfully his, but the thought of defacing her virginal body was something he couldn't bare. Instead he lied his head on the pillow beside her and watched her as she slept. Soon, his eyes became heavy as well and he drifted off to sleep.
He woke up to find Belle's head pressed against his side, arm around his waist and knee resting on his thigh. He realized he had fallen asleep and slowly began to roll away from her embrace. The last thing he wanted to do was have her awaken to his hideous face- frightening her. Before leaving the bed completely, he placed a tender kiss on her forehead, smelling her hair one last time.
"Adam?" a voice echoed in the hall as he made his way to the West Wing. He recognized it immediately and turned toward it.
"Ariel, it's late. Aren't you cold?"
"A little," she giggled, "Your lovely servants were lighting my way to the bathroom."
"Ah, well there is one straight down that way- I believe," he said a bit confused. He hadn't known every room of the castle. Especially not in the East Wing.
"I was already there," she smiled.
"Ah, alright. Well, goodnight," he bowed his head and turned toward the stairs.
"Were you just with Belle? She left her tea in my room earlier. It was too warm and she was waiting for it to cool off, but forgot it there. I meant to bring it down after she left, but Eric came to bed and well- we became... distracted," she said bashfully, feeling her face become warm.
"That's quite alright. Thank you, Ariel."
"I'll see you in morning," she smiled, before heading back to her room, Lumiere leading the way.
"Happy Birthday, brother," Eric said to Adam, placing a hand on his shoulder as the Beast looked out the window of the Western tower. Adam didn't say a word, just gazed into the distance solemnly.
"Today is my last day, Eric," he said, "Last day to break the spell." Eric swallowed hard. He had no idea what to say or how to console his older brother. He had never had to before.
"I hear has something special planned for tonight, in your honor."
"I have no honor," the Beast scoffed loudly.
"Let Belle go and you will. You can't keep her here. She isn't your prisoner. I know you love her, but you can't force her to love you. A beautifully adorned prison is still a prison." The beast snatched his shoulder from under Eric's hold. "Look," Eric continued, "Everything is going to be fine. I'm sure of it. Ariel and I are leaving and if you'd like we can come back once we've found our brother."
"No. Bring no one here. You mustn't tell a soul about me. Tell the Kingdom I am dead."
"Adam-"
"Eric, enough!" the Beat roared. Eric was silent a moment. Whenever Adam was annoyed or upset, Eric would never take it personally. Although Adam had always been rough and callous, Eric was the person who understood him best- as different as they were. The beast sighed deeply and looked at his brother apologetically. Eric threw his arms around him.
"I love you, brother. I'll always be in your corner no matter how you look."
A single tear escaped the Beast's blue eyes.
"I really like Belle," Ariel said to Eric as they neared town on their horses later that afternoon.
"I do, too," Eric agreed, "She's good for Adam. I can sense it."
"She knows so many fantastic stories! Eric, I want a library filled with books."
"Well, most libraries are," he joked.
"Oh, stop!" she laughed to herself.
"You know, the biggest library in the world is back at the Palace."
"Really?" her eyes lit up.
"To be completely honest, books are for people who don't go anywhere or do anything. We can have our own adventures and write them down into books of our own!"
"Could we?"
"Of course, why not?"
"That sounds great! Although, I would like to read also. Some of the stories Belle mentioned were so fascinating."
"I think this map is wrong," Eric said as he looked at the old map in confusion.
"Are we lost?"
"No," he snapped. "I think it may just be wrong. It says the town is called Vieux Bordeux. But this sign says La Rouge."
"Are you sure? Maybe we can ask someone in town."
"No, Ariel. I am sure. We passed the same landmarks depicted on the map."
The town's Inn was a perfect resting point for them. It would be a couple hours to sundown and the winter days were cut much, much shorter. Eric had asked the innkeeper for their best room and much to his surprise, the room was small and dusty. There were two small single beds at opposite ends and the furniture looked as if it were over two hundred years old.
"Has anyone slept here in the last century?" he joked aloud as he took a few steps in. Ariel giggled and tossed her body on top of the small bed to her right. The bed's springs squeaked and frame creaked. "Don't break it," Eric sneered with a wince.
"Come to me," she pouted while extending her arms in the air. Eric closed the door behind them and sat at the edge of the small bed as he removed each boot from his heavy feet, dropping them to the wooden floor with a thud. He slowly positioned himself over her body and she eagerly opened her legs to nestle his hips between her thighs. It wasn't long before their lips met and tongues tangled. He hadn't kissed her since that morning and his lips missed her so much they ached. He pressed his hardening member against the covered entrance between her legs. Eric kissed down her neck and she tugged down at the neckline of her dress, freeing her bouncing breasts.
"You know how to drive me wild," he huffed into her ear before taking a full hold of her left breast in his palm. Their sharp and sudden movements made the bed creak loudly and the floorboards clank. Suddenly, the pieces of wood that held the mattress in place snapped, making the couple fall through to the ground on top the mattress. Ariel shrieked loudly as she felt herself fall. Eric's eyes widened and then all he could do was rest his face against her chest as she laughed uncontrollably. He panted heavily, trying to catch his breath.
"Are you alright?" he asked, "I'm so sorry. Did I hurt you?"
"Yes, yes! I'm fine," Ariel laughed. Ariel took his face in her hands and pulled it to hers for a deep, wet kiss. A soft moan escaped her throat and Eric suddenly pulled away.
"I'm sorry. I just can't do this right now. It went away with the fall."
"Eric!" she whined.
"I know, I know. But I need to find us more suitable quarters. This is ridiculous," he said as he rose carefully, helping her out of the mess as well. Ariel giggled at his sternness. "Let's get some supper before the shops start to close."
"Can you believe that innkeeper? Blaming us for breaking the bed?" If Eric weren't so annoyed and tired, he would have almost found it humorous. They waited in a nearby tavern for their food to arrive. Ariel watched out of the corner of her eye as a set of blonde triplets sitting on a piano winked and blew kisses at Eric between their songs. Eric smirked with a blush and looked down at the table.
"How can they look at you like that? With me sitting right here!" she scowled, turning her head and giving the women a nasty glare.
"Calm down, Ariel," Eric said, reaching over the table and holding her hands in his. "You're the only woman for me. Besides, they might be looking at you. They probably know that you may favor them over a man."
"Eric!"
"Think you could handle all three of them?"
"Stop that!" she laughed, retracting her hand and giving him a playful slap on the wrist.
"Here you are. Vegetable soup and cheese stuffed peppers," the waitress appeared with their dishes. "Anything else I can getcha?" she asked casually. Ariel shook her head.
"Yes, actually. Do you know where Vieux Bordeux is? Is it nearby?" Eric queried the older woman.
"Actually," she mocked with a smile, "You're here. But no one calls it Vieux Bordeux anymore. The name changed to La Rouge."
"Really? Why is that?" Ariel asked.
"I'm not sure. It's been close to 20 years now, if not more. Or maybe less. I forget."
"Did you live here 20 years ago?" Eric asked with wide eyes, he knew he wasn't lost.
"Of course. Born and raised," she said proudly.
"Did you know a young woman by the name of Marie?" Eric asked. The woman froze for a moment and looked around for listening ears.
"Marie? There are lots of Maries," the woman replied quickly, looking down at the ground and straightening her skirt. "I'm quite busy at the moment and must check on the other guests. Need to earn my living somehow!" she joked. Eric withdrew a small sack of coins from his pocket and placed it on table.
"Join us," he said boldly, not breaking his stare with the tall woman with frizzy brown hair. Ariel pulled out the chair next to her for the woman to sit. The woman looked at the small sack of coins long and hard, it was more than she would have earned all month. She sighed and closed her eyes a moment before sitting down at the small square table.
"Marie moved to town when we were both around twelve or thirteen. She used to care for an old woman in town who was a bit of a shut-in. She was always so very sweet and caring that the woman left her the house in her will when she died a few years later. She had never owned anything in her entire life and found it expensive to upkeep and feed herself. She took jobs around town with the seamstress, the baker, even here at the tavern! But it wasn't enough for her to pay for the animals and the upkeep and of course, the taxes. But one day we'd just see less and less of her," the woman recounted.
"How come?" Ariel asked.
"Well, she'd only come out to buy a few things from the shops and then hurried on back home. Her and I weren't the best of friends but I knew her pretty well and sometimes I'd deliver the post with my father- god rest his soul."
"I'm sorry for your loss," Eric nodded politely.
"Oh, it's fine," the woman looked down at her hands. She had been fidgeting with them the entire time. "One day I could have sworn I heard a man's voice coming from inside. I knocked and knocked at the door, but suddenly the voices went silent. I knew she was home. I saw her go in. It was such strange behavior. Just to make sure she was alright, I went back the next day but didn't knock. I waited for Marie to come out and hang some linens out to dry before just walking in. In her bed was a man; tall, dark hair, blue eyes. Actually, he looked at a lot like you," the woman looked at Eric suspiciously.
"Really?" Eric pretend to be moved.
"Yes," the woman said slowly, fixing her eyes on Eric's. "He was a soldier from the war and he was injured. For some odd reason, it was all kept a big secret. I held it for her because she had always been good to me. Til' this day I never understood why. Eventually, the man left and we saw Marie back in town more often, just for a few months- until one day she just up and moved. Her house was abandoned for several years before anyone ever lived there again. If you ask me, the man did something terrible to her. Or perhaps they ran away together. Who knows," she shrugged. She started rising from her chair, taking a hold of the sack of coins and putting it in her pocket. "Between us, and also because I'm not one to gossip- before she left, Marie did look rather… plump."
"Oh," Ariel said. The woman nodded.
"Yes. It's not as if she was a big woman by any means, but just a bit heavier than normal. Why do you ask, anyway? You're not Marie's son, are you?!" her eyes grew wide.
"No. No. There is an unclaimed inheritance and we're trying to track her down for her portion," Eric made up quickly.
"Marie had all the luck. Well, I haven't seen her in over twenty years. Good luck in your search," the waitress smiled.
"Thank you for all of your help. We really appreciate it," Eric smiled. Eric looked at Ariel with much concern in his eyes. "I'm not sure if we're getting closer or further away."
"What if we talk to the new family in the house. You think that they would know something?" Ariel proposed.
"Great idea! A deed has to transfer from one name to another. Whoever she sold the house to must have met her at some point."
"Do you think we'll have time to do it tonight?"
"I'm not sure. We can try," he said. "Ma'am!" he raised his hand to get the waitress's attention. She walked over hurriedly with goblets of water in hand. "How far away is Marie's house?"
"Not far. Make a left at the town center outside, where the water fountain is and go down that road until you leave the village. You'll see a small bridge that crosses the stream and it's the only cottage out there. Should take less than ten minutes, but it is quite cold out so it will feel like longer. Dress warmly."
"Is anyone home?" Eric pounded on the old wooden door.
"Eric, I don't think there is anyone here. Or they may be asleep. It's so late!"
"You're right, we'll check back in the morning." As they walked back down the small front steps and began down the road, the sounds of coughing and a door creaking made them turn back.
"Hello?" an old raspy voice said at the door, followed by a series of coughs. It was a stocky, old man.
"Hello? Sir?" Eric turned back quickly, "We're here to speak to you regarding an important matter."
"What? What matter?"
"May we come in?"
"What is this about?!" the old man demanded as he wheezed.
"It's about the previous owner of this here cottage- Marie," Eric explained. The old man's jaw dropped open. He looked at both Eric and Ariel and slowly widened the door. The place was a mess and not much warmer inside than it was outside. The man's coughs continued more severely.
"Are you alright?" Ariel asked him, putting her hand on his back and rubbing it in small soothing circles.
"Oh, thank you, dear," he said to her.
"Here, let's get this fire going for you," Eric walked to the fireplace and looked around for firewood.
"It's outside. I can-" the old man started to walk toward the door but Ariel stopped him.
"No, you need to rest." She led him to a big old upholstered chair in the living room and sat him down while Eric left the cottage for a moment. His hands and cheeks were like ice. She searched the house for a blanket and finally found one in an old mahogany armoire. She draped the blanket around his shoulders and Eric walked in carrying several logs of firewood. After setting the fire and lighting the stove coals for some tea, Eric was ready to get some answers.
"Sir, I am Eric and this is my wife, Ariel. What is your name?"
"M-Maurice," he said, pausing to cough.
"You'll feel better once you have some warm tea."
"Thank you for your kindness," Maurice told the couple, almost with tears in his eyes.
"It's our pleasure," Ariel smiled at the old man.
"She's quite lovely. You're a very lucky," Maurice said to Eric. Eric rose to serve the tea.
"I'm the lucky one," Ariel responded, pleased to see Eric tending to someone other than herself for the first time.
"What is the business with Marie?" Maurice asked after Eric handed him a mug of warm tea.
"We wanted to know if you knew where she lives now. Perhaps she mentioned it when she transferred the deed in your name."
"The deed? The deed is still in Marie's name. Marie and her estate," he said softly, looking down at his mug.
"Is it really?" Eric asked, placing a hand on his knee and leaning in closer in his chair.
"Yes. But unfortunately- well, Marie passed away many years ago."
"Oh," Eric felt something in his heart sink. He didn't know Marie, but somehow felt sadden by her death. "May I ask how she passed? How did you know her?"
"What is this about? Why are you asking about Marie?"
"It's about her son."
"Her son?"
"Marie housed a soldier here for quite some time and became with child. We need to find her son for an inheritance," Eric explained, not wanting to reveal the full truth.
"Oh, I see. I've never told anyone this, Eric," the man started, "I never thought I had to."
"What is it?" Ariel interjected eagerly.
"Marie was my daughter. She showed up at my door more than halfway toward childbirth because she was embarrassed. Embarrassed at what the people in the village might say about an unwed pregnant young woman. I hadn't seen her in years, I gladly took her in. Unfortunately she died in childbirth, but not before she gave birth to my beautiful granddaughter, Belle."
"Belle?" Eric and Ariel blurted in unison and then looked at each other.
"Yes. I raised her as my own. I am her Papa as far as she's aware. I was renting a small place above a butcher and it was hardly the kind of place to raise a child. Eventually I saved enough to move us back here to my daughter's house- it was given to her by some old woman. So the house, is now Belle's"
"Where- is Belle now?" Eric asked haltingly and almost in disbelief.
"Oh, you'll never believe this one…"
Belle rushed back to the castle on Phillippe as quickly as she could. For weeks she had wanted to be released from the castle, but since the Beast let her leave earlier that evening after their beautiful private ball she only missed him more and more. She went home to find her father warm in bed and no longer ailing. She kissed him and told him she'd be back for him. After learning that a group of villagers, lead by Gaston, were on their way to kill the Beast, she knew she couldn't allow it to happen. She couldn't bare the thought of losing the Beast, not after all he had done for her. As she approached the castle grounds, she found hordes of men running away from the castle in fear. She bust through the front door, which is wide open, and made her way up the stairs to the West wing…
"Belle, it's me!" the handsome stranger said to her, placing a hand on his chest. She gazed deeply into his familiar blue eyes.
"It is you!" she gushed, placing a hand on his cheek, "But how? Why? You're a- human? How?" Belle was beside herself with questions.
"Master, master!" Lumier and Cogsworth came running to the balcony, followed by Mrs. Potts. "We're back!"
"What?! How?" Belle look stunned and more confused than ever. She watched as he gave them all big hugs with tears in their eyes.
"Could you all give us a moment?" Adam asked the group. They quickly nodded and scurried off. Belle was still trying to make sense of everything. "Let's get off this cold balcony and head inside."
"Everything looks so different. How did it change?" she asked curiously once in his room. He raised his shirt up above his head and walked barefoot to a nearby armoire. Belle stared at at his chiseled abdominals and bulging muscles that lined his shoulder and arms. A flame inside her lit up in a way it hadn't before. She felt it at the base of her throat all the way to her feminine loins. She sat down on a sofa at the opposite end of his ransacked bedroom. She pretended to look around at all the furniture, never being in his bedroom before- other than her first night he chased her out because of the rose.
"I won't need these beastly sizes anymore," he joked, tossing the shirt aside. He put on a much more fitting shirt that had a deep cut V shaped neck, exposing the flat cleavage of his large pecs. He sat down beside her almost at the edge of the sofa, rested his elbows on his lap and rubbed one hand with the other. "Belle, I uh-" he started, but then stopped. He rubbed his knees nervously, not knowing how to start.
"Are you alright?" she placed a hand on his forearm to stop him from fidgeting. He glanced down at her delicate hand and loved the feeling of her skin on his. He looked at her intently, trying to find the perfect words. Belle felt naked under his stare, but was too bold and caught up in the moment to look away. He placed his hand atop hers and caressed it gently.
"Belle, I was under a spell. The entire castle was."
"Why? How come?"
"Ten years ago, an old woman came to my door, she had wanted food and shelter- but I turned her away selfishly. She put a spell on me, the castle and everyone in it. If were able to find someone who loved me for who I was inside and not because of my appearance, the spell would be broken."
"That's incredible! So, did I-?"
"Yes, Belle. You broke the spell!" he turned both knees toward her on the sofa and held both her hands in his. "Thank you so much." Belle blushed again at his touch. She was realizing just then of how much power she had held over so many lives. She also realized why he had been so kind to her.
"So, what does that mean now?"
"What do you mean?" he asked.
"Now that you're human again, you won't need to go out of your way for me," she murmured softly and looked down at the ground.
"What? No-"
"What is your name anyway?"
"Adam. Prince Adam," he said a little hesitantly, almost regretting he were royalty. Belle's eyes were dumbfounded.
"Oh! Your majesty," she kneeled to the ground and bowed her head.
"No, no, please don't do that, Belle-"
"I had no idea."
"Belle," he got down on both knees to the floor in front of her and took a hold of each of her hands. "I- We- Can we?-," he stammered.
"Yes?" she asked anxiously. She couldn't believe it. It all seemed to be straight out of one of her books. A prince in disguise! He finally sighed exasperatedly and slouched his large shoulders forward.
"I love you, Belle," he confessed, feeling the most anxiety he had ever had in his life.
"I love you, too- Adam," she replied slowly and then smiled, feeling the room become suddenly warm. Adam's eyes lit up with excitement. Belle leaned her face closer to his, being only able to stare at his full lips.
"Thank you! Thank you for loving me. I have not always been a good person, infact- I have been a terrible person and have done some pretty-" Belle's kiss cut him off. He felt silly for going on for as long as he did. He parted his mouth to let her tongue in, her taste was sweeter than what he had imagined. She wasn't pulling away and he never wanted her to. He cupped the side of her face in his palm and moved his hand to the base of her head, tangling his fingers in her soft brown hair. "I've been waiting to kiss you for so long," he growled against her lips, barely able to speak by the force of her mouth. Belle wrapped her arms around his neck as Adam pulled her body toward his by the small of her back. He slowly rose, putting one foot on the ground and then the other, lifting Belle up with him as he did.
She felt a sudden rush when Adam effortlessly lifted her by her bottom and held each one of her now exposed legs at his sides. He ran his hands up her creamy, white thighs causing her to gasp into his mouth. He walked her to the closest wall and pressed her back against it while her legs were wrapped around his torso. He finally pulled away and looked at her. She looked completely different to him. She no longer looked innocent, but instead had a devilish look of hunger in her eyes.
"I love you," he huffed, bringing her hand up to his lips and kissing her fingers. Belle pushed her fingers against his lips and shoved her longest one in his mouth forcefully. He sucked on her finger seductively, never breaking eye contact. Belle leaned forward again off the wall and licked the outside of his lips, tracing their plumpness with her tongue. Something inside him felt as if she wanted to be the one in control. He couldn't have that happen, not ever. He pushed her off his lips with one hand and pressed her back against the cool concrete by her neck. "Stay there," he barked. For a split second, she was afraid, but then the fear sent a rush of desire to every inch of her limbs. Her breathing intensified and he could feel her breasts rise and fall against his forearm- hand still gripping her neck. He lifted a knee high up against the wall between her legs and created a perch to where she could rest on. He felt her wetness seeping through the fabric and onto his thigh. He cupped both of her breasts in his palms from above the dress and squeezed down on them roughly.
"Ohhh," Belle moaned loudly. Her moan set him off, making him rip the fabric across her chest wide open. He had never seen such perfectly shaped breasts in all his years of womanizing. She took a hold of his head and and led it to her bare chest like a horse to water.
"Wait," he stopped her, "I want to see you."
"I'm right here," she replied in a deep, raspy voice. He used both hands to rip more of the fabric of the simple blue dress he had met her in. He had hated that dress as it was much too simple for her beauty. He uncovered the soft skin of her stomach and was tranced by the rise and fall of her rib cage beneath her breasts. He lowered his leg slowly and placed her on her feet.
"I want us to see each other in our true form," he told her, stepping back a few steps. He took his shirt up over his head and tossed it on the ground as he did earlier. He looked at her in anticipation. Belle paused a moment before boldly slipping her ripped dress and undergarments further down her hips. Belle stopped to watch as Adam unfastened his pants and let them fall to the ground around his ankles, revealing his generous endowment. She swallowed hard a moment, imagining all she could do with his sensitive organ. She took a deep breath and pushed her clothing down past the curve of her hips. Her fair skin hugged her womanly shape tightly while being accented by a trimmed group of brown hairs between her legs. "Mhh," Adam groaned. He walked backward toward his canopy bed and sat on the edge of the mattress. "Come to me, my goddess."
Belle made her way slowly toward the bed, standing between his legs once she reached him. Adam took a hold of her both her hips and kissed the skin right above her wavy hairs before pressing his ear against the same area. He rubbed his cheek against her warm skin She stepped back a moment and stared, relinquishing his power.
"Stand," she said sternly, taking a few more steps backward. Adam felt nearly infuriated by her smugness. She must know the hold she has over me, he thought to himself as he came to his feet. He walked toward her quickly and roughly pulled her near, cradling her body in his. He lifted her chin and twisted his tongue against hers again. Deep moans filled the air and her body set his skin ablaze. He had never wanted a woman more than he wanted her. He couldn't wait any longer, he had to have her. He swiftly lifted her body off the floor and carried her back to bed. "Adam," she smirked playfully.
"I love hearing you say my name," he growled, positioning his body over hers and resting his hardness on her short hairs. "I love you, Belle. So much- this feels like a dream. Is it real?"
"I hope so," she smiled, leading his chin closer to her face with her hand for a kiss.
"I promise I'll be gentle," he whispered before touching his lips to hers.
"It's alright," she managed to say between kisses, "This isn't my first time." Adam felt his heart sink and his blood boil with an anger he was much too familiar with.
"What?"
"I just mean, you don't have to be gentle," she gave a devilish grin. Adam rolled his body off her and lied flat on his back with his hand on his head. "What's wrong?" she asked, spreading her fingers across his chest.
"Who?!"
"Who?"
"Who did you give yourself to before me?!" he commanded, slamming his hand against the bed.
"Why does it matter?"
"Belle!"
"Gaston! It was Gaston. Not that it is any of your business." Her words were like a sword through his heart.
"Gaston? The degenerate drunk who just tried to kill me? For heaven's sake, Belle!"
"What about you? How many of the maids have you had your way with? Half of them? All of them? How many women? I know what royalty is like," she sat up in bed.
"That's different. I am a man," he huffed, a little perturbed. She scoffed at his words. "I didn't know you'd be so-"
"So what?!"
"Tainted."
"Tainted?!" Belle began to make her way out of bed. She covered her nude body with a blanket before rushing toward the door. "I should have never returned!"
"No!" he jumped out of bed, "Belle, wait! Please!" He stood between her and the door. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry. Belle, please stay," he pleaded hopelessly. He wrapped his arms around her shoulders and pressed her near. Belle let her arms hang straight down, reactionless. "Please?" he looked down at her and kissed her forehead, "Come back to bed."
"We're taking this much too fast. How long before I become just another woman you've abandoned? I'm not royalty nor of noble birth."
"No. You're not just another woman. Belle, I want you to be my wife. My princess. My queen, Belle." Belle could see the sincerity in his eyes, but she was too stubborn to show any emotion. "I want to give you everything you've never had and show you lands you've only read about in books. All I ask in return is that you be mine."
"I'm not your possession," she jeered.
"I know, I know you're not. I just- I just can't live without you!" he yelled, nearly in tears. Belle's heart softened- he had learned his lesson, she had decided. She lifted her hands toward his face and cupped his defined jaw before bringing his face down to hers for a short sweet kiss.
"Lie with me?" she proposed tenderly. Adam nodded.
"Adam?!" Eric's voice echoed down the hall the next morning. The door of Adam's bedroom flung open and slammed against the wall. Adam rose from bed quickly. "You're back to normal! What happened here last night? Where is Belle?" Belle lifted her head from bed bashfully, covering her chest with the silk sheets.
"Eric, get out!" Adam shooed him, "We'll be out in a moment."
"Oh, no!" Eric gasped to himself.