CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN:
A TALE AS OLD AS TIME
With the young prince restored to his true form, the rest of the castle followed suit.
As the sun rose and cast its radiance upon the castle walls, every broken bit of stone reformed itself, leaving not a single crack to be found. Every bridge and tower chunk that had been destroyed in the magical battle pieced itself back together with invisible hands. The vines curled along the walls burst back to life with lush green leaves. The grotesque gargoyles melted back into gleaming marble statues of angels and winged knights.
And in the western courtyard, a great wave of golden light swept over the slumbering statues.
Each one glowed brightly from within. Then, there was a burst of magical dust… and suddenly, a bunch of dazed humans stood in their places. Men, women and children of all ages blinked awake and looked around confusedly. It was only when their eyes fell upon each others' faces when they all realized what had happened, and they burst into cheers of joy and relief.
The spell had been undone! At long last, they were free!
Among the revived crowd stood a beautiful, regally-dressed woman with a crown upon her head. She almost tripped over the ring of roses and candles perched around her, but the sight of them made her smile.
And when she looked up at the sky, where the clouds slowly shifted from grey to gold, the Queen of Villeneuve pressed a delicate hand to her heart.
The first word she said was her son's name.
As morning reached its peak, several dark shapes poured in from the castle gates.
But this time, they held no torches or weapons, and they didn't call out any battle cries.
Instead, the words they spoke were breathless whispers of awe. As they timidly made their way along the cobblestone pathway and up to the open doors, their expressions slowly changed from uncertainty to recognition.
Mayor Bourgeois, whose white hair was still ruffled from the ordeal the previous night, stared wide-eyed at the castle as though he hadn't tried to break into it earlier. "My word… I remember now!" he said aloud. "This is… This is the queen's castle!"
Beside him, Chloe gaped with something like a soft smile. Her own hair had returned to its normal, blonde sleekness – thankfully – but she didn't seem to care about that anymore. Sabrina, Aurore and Mireille huddled close by her, each of them lost for words.
Several more people voiced recollections of the castle. It was as if they had just woken from a long nightmare. Everything was coming back to them.
"I… I went to a winter ball here last year," Chloe said. "We all did. Me, Father, and –"
"Chloe?" came a woman's voice from the main entrance. "Andre?!"
Everyone quieted down when a tall, thin woman with neatly-cropped blonde hair stepped into the sunlight, followed by a whole assortment of other people. The woman was dressed in an extravagant black-and-white ballgown and wore jewelry almost everywhere. She looked as though she had just come from a party. In fact, all the strangers did, from the most-fashionable noble to the quaintest commoner.
Chloe beamed brightly at the woman in front of the gathering crowd. "Mother!" she cried, racing over to wrap her arms around the noblewoman's waist.
"Audrey!" the Mayor gasped, tears gleaming in his eyes. "My darling! You're alright!" He came and embraced both his daughter and his long-lost wife, who tried in vain to hide her sobs as she kissed them both on the cheeks.
The fisherman's wife spotted her son and called for him, and he ran down the short steps to join her. A couple of children were swept into the arms of their grandparents. Headmaster Damocles nearly collapsed at the sight of his daughter and her two strapping young boys.
Little by little, the two crowds merged together in a cacophony of joyful tears and blissful reunions. Families, friends, neighbours – all of them were brought back together after so long.
Somewhere near the front, two villagers looked around fervently for their daughter.
And then, she came.
When Marinette emerged into the open, safe and sound and smiling big, Tom and Sabine finally put their worries to rest.
But that's when they noticed that she wasn't alone. A golden-haired boy with bright green eyes stood at her side, his hand entwined with hers and his own smile putting Marinette's to shame as he gazed upon the mingling crowd. He was so handsome and charming, yet there was something vaguely familiar about him.
Then, it hit them like a brush of cold wind down their backs.
"Is that…?" Tom uttered in surprise.
Sabine nodded with a growing smile. "I do believe it is," she replied.
Adrien felt like he was going to burst out sobbing himself.
Seeing all those people – his people – reuniting with their loved ones after a year and a half apart… it filled his heart with profound joy.
This nightmare was finally over. They were all free!
The seven fairies zoomed out into the open air and hovered around the front entrance like rainbow fireflies in the morning sunlight. Alya spotted her exasperated father and gave a sultry wave, which made Nino grin.
As Adrien and Marinette stepped out together, hand-in-hand, the crowd looked up at them and slowly hushed themselves. Then, one by one, they bent over in deep bows and curtsies.
The last to do so were the Mayor and his family. "Your Royal Highness," Monsieur Bourgeois said with a smile.
Chloe was so busy staring dumbstruck at Marinette and Adrien, she almost forgot to curtsy. Until her mother politely said, "Chloe dear, don't be rude." Only then did the blonde bully finally sink into something resembling a squatting duck, her cheeks flushing red.
Adrien glanced at Marinette, and wasn't surprised to see her mouth curling up to the side. But his lady made no attempt to offer a snide remark at the young noblewoman who had made fun of her over the years. Like Marinette had told Theo, she didn't like to hold a grudge.
Speaking of the hunter, Adrien spotted him shyly making his way through the crowd, hoping to avoid any attention… when he accidentally bumped into someone.
"Oh! Pardon me!"
"I'm so sorry!" the girl said. "I didn't see… Oh! Monsieur Barbot!"
Theo looked up to see one of Chloe's cohorts: Mireille, the small, meek one with the dark bluish hair and mouse-brown eyes. The moment she gazed at him, he seemed to freeze in his spot. Then, Theo's mouth rose into a smile as bright as the sun, and he bowed his head respectfully. Mireille, in turn, smiled awkwardly and curtsied. Both of them appeared to be blushing.
The sight made Adrien smile.
Just then, several onlookers inhaled, their eyes darting to the doorway behind their prince.
At the same time, the fairies assembled themselves in a straight line like a squadron of soldiers awaiting their commander.
Adrien's heart stilled as he and Marinette turned around.
Standing in the threshold, bright and beautiful and happy as the prince remembered, was Queen Emilie of Villeneuve.
Instead of grey stone, her skin bore the hue of a soft peach. Her emerald eyes were as round and clear as could be, and her golden hair curled around her head in an elaborate braided crown, almost as golden as the little jeweled crown on top of her head. Her wintery-blue gown fell around her like sparkling flower petals.
And when the queen beamed at Adrien, his heart broke and tears streamed down from his eyes. If Marinette hadn't slid her hands assuredly around his arm, he would have fallen to his knees and wept like a child right then and there.
So, instead, he smiled awkwardly through his tears. "Mother…"
Queen Emilie stepped forward and stroked her son's cheek, using her fingers to gently wipe away the waterworks. "Adrien," she said, her voice as soft as rose petals. "My brave, grown-up boy." Her own eyes became glossy and bright as stars. "I'm so proud of you."
Adrien's face crumpled with so much emotion, love and happiness chief among them.
And as mother and son embrace each other fiercely, the crowd erupted into applause.
"Marinette!"
She almost didn't hear them over the delightful cheering of the villagers. By the time she did, Tom and Sabine had shoved their way through the tight-knit tapestry of people and emerged to stand at the top of the small stairway.
Marinette beamed and ran into their outstretched arms. "Papa, Maman," she said against her father's chest, "I did it. I saved him!"
Sabine grasped her daughter's face with both hands. "I knew you would."
"I still can't believe it," Tom said as he stared over at the queen and the young prince. "All this time… he was actually…!"
"Uh-huh." Marinette followed his gaze, her eyes locked on Adrien as he introduced his mother to each of the fairies. "I told you there was more to him."
Tom cleared his throat and seemed to want to shrink back into the crowd, his mustache ruffling uncomfortably.
But once Adrien looked over at them, there was no going back.
Marinette offered a brave smile and tugged on Tom's big hand. "Come on. It's time you both had a proper introduction."
Tom opened his mouth several times. "Uhh… I… Gee… well, um… ergh…"
Sabine giggled and patted her husband's beefy arm. "Think of it has an opportunity to expand the bakery," she hinted suavely. "A shining review from a royal customer would have us opening branches throughout the kingdom."
Marinette tried not to roll her eyes. Her mother really was a merchant's daughter.
Tom smiled a bit at that, and finally plucked up his courage. He then allowed his daughter to lead him over to the royal family.
All the while, Marinette couldn't tell who looked more nervous: her father, or Adrien.
A grand celebration was held that evening, celebrating the return of Queen Emilie and Prince Adrien, as well as the return of all those who had been turned to stone. The castle was flooded with all manner of folk, rich and poor and everywhere in between. It was the most spectacular event ever witnessed. Not to mention the most magical, since the seven fairies were in charge of entertaining the guests with their mesmerizing music and light shows.
The body of Lila the enchantress had never been found. All that remained of her was her broken amulet, which was immediately cast to the sea on the prince's orders.
And so, life in the kingdom returned to normal.
Well, perhaps not quite normal.
By the queen's declaration, all girls in Villeneuve were allowed to attend school. Those who couldn't afford it were given small tutoring classes by none other than Marinette herself. Among them was little Manon, who rose to the top of her class in the first few weeks alone. Headmaster Damocles couldn't object or complain anymore, and in time, he came to accept it as part of the status quo. Even he was surprised by how quickly a girl could learn once motivated.
Theo Barbot continued his career as a hunter, and also worked as the village kennel master in his spare time. In addition, he and Mireille grew more attracted to each other with each passing day, and it wasn't long before everyone in Villeneuve learned that they had become a couple. Chloe Bourgeois, of course, was frustrated with the news. But by then, the villagers had grown quite bored of her constant jabbering, so the mayor's daughter kept her misgivings to herself from now on.
Back at the castle, all the halls and rooms filled with life and laughter again. Servants and workers hustled about from dawn until dusk, restoring the castle to its former glory. The only one who complained about it was Plagg, who discovered to his annoyance that "peace and quiet" was a rarity these days.
Despite his constant whining, however, the cat fairy continued to live in the castle with Adrien and the queen, along with the rest of his little friends. Occasionally, you would find one of them browsing through the library, helping out in the kitchen, or simply flying around the ceiling causing some sort of mischief with the castle staff. But as long as Wayzz was there to keep them in line, nothing too drastic ever happened. The fairies also got opportunities to perform magical cabarets for the village children, and they were well received by all who attended.
Alya and Nino continued to love each other unconditionally, especially once it was made known that they were to be the head castle maid and court musician, respectfully. Apparently, Marinette had put in a good word to Adrien, who put in a good word to his mother. Now, Alya no longer had to be bossed around by drunken customers and instead got to be the boss of the other young maids and attendants in the castle. Likewise, Nino found himself entertaining distinguished nobles with his impeccable lute skills and impressive singing.
So, by all standards, all was well in the kingdom once again. There was always plenty of celebrating to go around.
But it was at the start of summer when the one celebration everyone had been waiting for finally arrived.
It was at the last glimpse of sunset when Marinette, the baker's daughter who had broken the enchantress's curse, and Adrien, the prince who had once been a cat-like beast, were pronounced husband and wife before the eyes of the whole kingdom.
Everyone rejoiced, chief among them the bride's parents and friends, the groom's mother, and the seven fairies.
And when the wedding procession gathered in the castle ballroom for the celebration, Marinette and Adrien danced arm-in-arm in the center while several more couples twirled around them in synchronization. The musicians sat in one corner, playing a fast-paced song that made everyone giddy and light on their feet. Garlands of multi-coloured roses – picked fresh from the castle gardens – had been wrapped around the columns and hung up like sagging drapes from the ceiling. Together with the glowing chandelier, they looked like strokes of the sun.
The bride looked absolutely beautiful in the wedding gown she had made herself: a strapped, white satin dress – simple but elegant – with translucent sleeves opening past the elbows. The entire dress was adorned with threaded pink roses and green leaves, as well as tiny jewels that sparkled like starlight. To top it off, Marinette's midnight-blue hair was twisted back and held up with white flower pins, and a shiny silver tiara sat at the top. She looked like a princess of spring; a rare and beautiful flower.
In her arms, Adrien looked as dashing as he had on the first night they had danced. This time, the prince wore an emerald-green tailcoat with lighter trousers, pale tights and a black vest. And this time, he had shoes – black, half-heeled shoes that allowed him to step as nimbly and gracefully as a cat. His golden hair had been neatly combed, and a simple but regal silver crown sat overtop. Despite his princely appearance, Adrien's playful and slippery dancing skills brought out more of the Cat Noir in him. Marinette enjoyed it all the same, moving in perfect time with her partner.
Meanwhile, Queen Emilie was dancing with Headmaster Damocles, who kept staggering and blushing with every misstep. However, Her Majesty didn't seem to mind at all. Theo and Mireille waltzed together not too far from them, never taking their eyes – or smiles – off each other's faces.
Tom and Sabine twirled each other across the floor, all while shooting loving glances at their daughter and her new husband. The large wedding cake they made for the occasion remained untouched in the corner.
Even Chloe Bourgeois was having fun, helping herself to some of the handsome young noblemen in attendance. Her parents were far too busy dancing together to pay any notice.
Alya and Nino stood watching near the grand piano with a teary-eyed Madame Bustier, leaning against each other and humming along to the music while they watched their best friend. Alya whispered something to Nino, and he snickered under his breath.
As for the fairies, they loitered around the ballroom, enjoying themselves in every shape and form. Plagg hovered over the snack tables, until he spotted Tikki and asked her to dance with him. The ladybug fairy, of course, graciously accepted. Nooroo played with a small group of children, Pollen danced on her own to the music, and Wayzz observed the bride and groom from his spot on a flat rose, sighing at the romantic sight.
Duusu found Trixx watching everything from the shadows, obviously so no one would see her crying. The peacock fairy offered her friend a tissue, and the little fox wordlessly accepted it before blowing her nose loud and clear.
Trixx sighed and tossed the tissue away before smiling at Duusu. "Well, Birdbrain," she said chipperly, "does this mean we can let bygones be bygones?"
Duusu giggled. "Of course, m'amie," she said sweetly. "After all, everyone deserves a happy ending, n'est ce pas?"
"Yeah. I always knew that girl would be the one to break the spell. Mm-hmm. Never had a single doubt."
Duusu fluffed her blue tail-feathers. "Pardon, ma petite demone… but you did."
Trixx blinked and frowned at her friend. "No, I didn't. I never had any doubts."
"Oui. When you thought all hope was lost, you said it would've been better if Marinette had never come here to begin with."
Trixx fumigated. "That was… I was just being dramatic!" she claimed. "If anything, you were the one with all the doubt."
Duusu balked at her. "I certainly was not!" she stated with dignity.
"Was too!" the fox fairy teased before lifting her bushy tail up behind her like a fan and placing one hand on her forehead like she was about to faint. "You said it was foolish to get our hopes up. Oh – the drama!"
Duusu gnashed her teeth together and yanked on Trixx's tail, making her friend cry out. "That's enough out of you, you pompous, short-snouted canine!" she snapped.
Trixx wrenched free and growled. "Oh, yeah? Well, en garde, you flying feather-duster!"
The two fairies tackled each other and started wrestling in mid-air, shouting and grunting to the surprise – and amusement – of a few onlookers.
Apparently, even with the spell broken, some things never changed.
When the dance ended and the sound of clapping filled the ballroom, Queen Emilie silently beckoned everyone to sweep off to the side.
Everyone… except Marinette and Adrien, who stood hand-in-hand and bowed to the gleeful crowd.
Nino and Pollen both came up in front of the musicians, nodding to each other before signaling their friends behind them.
Then, as the bride and groom faced each other, the orchestra began their song – a softer, more vibrant version of their loving waltz.
Adrien flashed that feline grin of his and bowed to his wife. Marinette returned the gesture with a graceful curtsy.
They fell back into each other's arms and proceeded to sweep freely around the ballroom as Pollen began the first verse:
"Tale as old as time,
True as it can be.
Barely even friends,
Then somebody bends
Unexpectedly."
Nino came in with his own stimulating vocals, which made Alya swoon as she watched him.
"Just a little change,
Small to say the least.
Both a little scared,
Neither one prepared…"
Then, both vocalists joined together, both at different ranges:
"Beauty and the beast."
Marinette blushed a bit at that and stared curiously at Adrien. "You don't mind them calling us that anymore?" she whispered.
The prince shrugged as he spun her. "Not really. I mean, the song really does fit, you know?"
She smiled as she met him back in the middle, her dress swishing around her. "True. But still… maybe you'd fit the part better if you grew a beard," she offered slyly.
Adrien's eyebrows shot up, and his grin broadened. Then, he let out a low, ravenous purr between his teeth.
Marinette laughed, the sound mingling like chimes with the music.
And so, they continued to sway and twirl and spin throughout the ballroom, illuminated by the light of the setting sun… and the rainbow lights the fairies had conjured once more.
By the time Nino and Pollen sang the last chorus, the young beauty and her princely beast were already dancing among the stars, swept off into their own beautiful world – a world of happiness, hope, and possibility.
"Tale as old as time…!
Song as old as rhyme…!
Beauty and the beast!"
And so, my dear friends, it ended with happily ever after, as most stories do.
And it truly was a tale as old as time, for it would be told again and again across the ages.
THE END
LXP: Awwww… I'm such a sucker for happy endings.
Well, that's it everyone! I hope you enjoyed the story. Be sure to check out my other Fanfics and stay tuned for more. Feel free to leave a comment or request in the reviews.
Bug out! ;)
