Author's Notes:

I don't own Beauty and the Beast or its characters. It's the property of Walt Disney and all other versions of the story belong to their respective owners.

Rated M for the usual: language, adult themes, and other good stuff.

First off, I apologize 5 times over to everyone, real life likes to play monkey-in-the-middle with me and I'm sure you guys aren't as interested about that as you are with the chapter (hopefully!). As a New Year's present, I decided to post the chapter before 2012 ended.

Thank you to everyone that favorited and followed this story, by all means, let me know what you're thinking. I enjoy hearing suggestions, predictions, and any other sort of commentary :)

I hope you guys like the chapter; enjoy.

Chapter 6:

The bright, brazen rays of the sun spilled proudly into Belle's room. The only things that shielded her from the golden light were her eyelids which could only keep out so much before the disturbance brought her back to the surface of consciousness. She snuggled herself deeper into her blankets and tried to salvage a few more peaceful moments before the day assaulted her with new harsh realities.

The night before, the doctor that Mrs. Potts had contacted, examined Belle. He told her not to worry since she only suffered from a minor flesh wound. The only thing he worried about was her ability to contract an infection due to her delicate state of weakness. Belle knew she had weakened considerably, but disputed the claims made by the doctor. Weakness was something she could overcome quickly.

The doctor had prescribed her pain medication, completely convinced that she was too frail to endure any pain. Thanks to the medicine circulating in her system, she slept comfortably into the afternoon.

…

Belle sat herself up with some effort, fighting the sleep that tried to drag her back under. She rubbed her eyes and cradled her wounded arm, glancing about the room in a bit of a stupor. She felt disoriented and dizzy; she was grappling with consciousness and fighting through the veil of haziness. She pressed her hand flat against her forehead, willing the pressure from her hand to clear up her foggy, sluggish mind.

Outside her door, someone knocked with enthusiasm which slightly irritated and confused Belle.

"Come in?" She questioned, knowing that every other person in the house entered her room without consent or concern.

The door opened to reveal a dapper looking man in his late twenties. He wore dark grey trousers and a matching tailcoat. His hair was coiffed to perfection, but best of all, to the delight of Belle's demanding stomach, he carried a large platter hopefully containing an array of food.

"Good afternoon, mademoiselle. I have brought for you delicacies concocted in the kitchen for your palette to savor."

Belle stared at the man in awe and to her surprise - attraction. He was attractive not only physically, but in his mannerisms. He exuded a quiet confidence and an overwhelming friendliness. Belle had, of course, seen other handsome men in her short lifetime, but most of them were never nearly as charismatic and approachable as the man before her. His heavy accent intrigued Belle and caused her gaze to flit down to his mouth as he spoke. The vowels and consonants of the words he used sounded like they melted on his tongue like butter. His accent was one Belle had heard a few times before, but coming from him, they seemed almost sinfully appealing.

Belle directed her gaze to the large tray he placed on the bed, taking care not to spill a morsel.

"T-this is wonderful. Merci?" She ventured, regretting that French wasn't her native tongue.

The handsomely polite man smiled warmly and then bowed deeply. "It was of no consequence, mademoiselle. I am pleased to finally make your acquaintance. You may call me Lumiere."

Belle smiled in return, cocking her head to one side, "I am permitted to call you this – what is it that others call you?"

Lumiere chuckled heartily, taking a seat across from the bed. "Mademoiselle, I believe you are teasing me. My name is Lumiere. The name of a humble man that you may call upon if you so desire."

Belle settled herself, eyeing the platter longingly, but willed herself to remain focused on the charming man sitting across the room from her.

"It's a wonderful name, Mr. Lumiere. I regret that I have not met you earlier in my…stay here."

Lumiere's playful smiled dimmed as he nodded his head at her words. "Yes, mademoiselle. I am aware that your stay here is not entirely agreeable. Believe me, you will be safe here."

Belle snorted unintentionally and raised an eyebrow in challenge to Lumiere. "Safe? I'm not too sure about that Mr. Lumiere. I assume you work for Adam?"

"But of course, mademoiselle."

"Then, Mr. Lumiere, I'm afraid you cannot aid me. Or ensure that I will be safe here." Belle stated softly trailing her fingertips along the side of the tray.

Lumiere pursed his lips, understanding the way she felt, "Mademoiselle, I assure you that although the invitation was unexpected and most likely unwanted, you will be protected here. You can already count me as a friend, if you desire."

Belle stared at the bedspread, unsure whether to believe Lumiere or not. So far, he had been the only sane person she had spoken with.

"If I can rely on you as a friend then perhaps you can help me leave from here…?" She questioned cautiously.

Lumiere shook his head regretfully, "I had been trying to reason with Monsieur Adam about that, but since the circumstances have changed so quickly…"

"Circumstances? What changed?"

"Well, mademoiselle, the master was not left in a pleasant mood yesterday. I cannot ask leniency toward you after you've upset him."

Belle's feelings of companionship sunk as if leaden blocks had been tied to them. Her pride reared back as she processed Lumiere's words.

"I upset the master? This establishment is quite the crazy house, sir. It is your master that should be seeking forgiveness and leniency from me, not the other way around."

Lumiere sighed, rubbing a hand along his scruffy jawline. "Believe me mademoiselle, my heart breaks for you. You must also understand that Monsieur Adam is in a… delicate state… it wouldn't be wise to purposely stir his ire."

Belle tapped her slender fingers softly against the dome of the covered platter that continued to entice her as it sat coyly in front of her. She was well aware that a man who had the audacity to kidnap a woman wouldn't be willing to reveal his secrets. It seemed that Monsieur Adam had so many of them that taunted her. His shifts in demeanor perplexed her deeply. She had thought his hidden kindness would disarm him; he would see the error of his ways and release her.

She had been mistaken, however. Their last debate had proven that his compassion was buried somewhere only he could access. But if he had been so cruel as he tried to sound, why hadn't he used her or beaten her? He seemed to have stopped himself on several occasions from doing or saying something horrible. Why had he held back? All these unanswered questions concerning her captor frustrated Belle. Not only would she have to come up with a way to survive in this place, but she'd have to find the answers to her questions. They would drive her mad if she didn't piece it together soon.

The annoying, unbidden part of her personality peeked its way to the surface. Her curiosity had been piqued whether she wanted it to happen or not. As sadistic as it sounded, she needed to know why he acted the way he did.

"A delicate state?' Belle asked, what state could be more delicate than hers?

Lumiere smiled tightly, "Yes, mademoiselle. Monsieur Adam might seem like a cruel, demanding man, but he is much more. I know it does not seem that way now, but you have to believe-"

"I believe you…" Belle sighed finally releasing the tension that had danced all over her. "But promise me something, Lumiere. I know that you cannot betray his trust, but can't you try to gain mine?" She requested softly and urgently.

Lumiere's emotions flashed across his face clearly. He felt for the girl although he hadn't known her long. When he was younger, he often felt trapped in the seclusion of being a servant; the rank kept potential relationships from growing, either from shame on his or their parts. He knew the confusion and loneliness that constantly overwhelmed him and he couldn't deny this young woman the opportunity of friendship.

"Oui, mademoiselle. What do you need?"

Belle smiled slightly, "Answers."

A/N:

Did anyone make resolutions yet? I'll tell you mine: Staying true to myself, no matter what that might mean.

Happy New Year's; time for a fresh start, glittery ensembles, and a flute of champagne ;)

-NightmarishEscape