When Tom awoke he was in his own bed back home. Had it all been a dream? The castle? The rose? The beast? He prayed to God it was. He prayed that the horrible encounter with the monster had all been just a terrible nightmare.

"Oh Father thank goodness you're awake." Marinette cried relieved as she went to his bedside.

"Are you alright Father?" Marinette asked. "We found you last night passed out by the house and this was in your hand."

Marinette held up what she had found. Tears fell from Tom's eyes when he saw the red rose in his daughter's hand and realized that everything that had happened the other day was all real.

"Father what's wrong?" Marinette asked.

So Tom told his daughter and stepdaughters the whole story about his encounter with the beast. Marinette burst into tears.

"But without you we'll starve!" Sabrina said.

"It's all her fault!" Chloe snapped.

"Yes you should've asked for something more sensible than a rose!" Sabrina added.

"She should be the one who should be the monster's slave!"

"Be still Chloe!" Tom ordered.

"They're right Father." Marinette wept. "Please forgive me."

"There is nothing to forgive."

"Father let me take your place!"

"What?"

"Father your health is so weak, hard labor will surely kill you! I am stronger so I can take any work he gives me."

"No you must never say that."

"I love you, I would surely die of grief if you were to die."

"No I won't hear of it. In one week a horse will come to take me back and I will be fine but if I do die from the labor this monster gives me then at least I'll be with your mother again."

Marinette felt her heart shatter into a million pieces. Her father was such an old and frail man, no doubt he wouldn't last long as a slave. He would die and it would be all her fault. She couldn't let this happen, she wouldn't. She had to think of a way to save her father. The next morning she woke up to see a stallion as black as night with a sliver mane and tail riding toward their house. This was her chance, her only chance to save her father from his terrible fate. Marinette locked her father in his room, quickly put on her cloak, and went to meet the magnificent horse.

The sound of horse shoes woke Tom from his sleep, he looked out the window to see Marinette getting on the horse's back. He tried to get out of his room so he could stop her but the door was locked. He opened the window to his room and called out to her.

"Marinette! No! I forbid it!"

The young girl took one last glance at her father, her blue eyes held tears and in a soft voice she said these final words to the baker.

"Farewell my Father. Farewell."

With those words said the horse ran off toward the forest faster than the wind. Marinette closed her eyes and clung to the horse's neck as they rode by. Riding the horse felt like she was flying on the wind. When the horse arrived at the castle, Marinette couldn't help but marvel at it's magnificence. She got off her horse and went to the castle doors, they opened for her and she entered.

"Hello?" She asked. "Is anyone here? My name is Marinette, you wanted my father to work as a slave to pay for the rose he took. But you don't understand how bad his health is, your work will kill him within a few days. I'm much stronger than he is so I came to take his place and I asked him for the rose so it's my fault."

All was quiet then the silence was broken by a horrible wind and shriek. Scared, she tried to run away only to be stopped by the creature. She had never seen anything so frightening in her life. He had cat ears, fangs, and claws like daggers, his face was almost completely covered in black fur except for his eyes which were green. His fangs, his claws, they were just so scary.

"Where are you going?" He asked her.

Overcome with shock and terror she fainted. He cupped her lovely face and caressed her cheek with the softest part his hand. He then lifted her into his arms and carried her like she was his bride up a stairway and down a corridor where a door opened to a bedroom. When he carried her into the bedroom Marinette's old work clothes changed into a gorgeous new gown while jewelry and precious stones decorated her hair and gown. He then laid her onto the bed gently and was careful not to wake her. Using his clawed finger he gently brushed a strand of hair out of her face.

"Never in my life could I ever dream of anything more beautiful than you." He whispered.

Enchanted by her beauty, he could not resist giving her two kisses. The first on her forehead and the second on her cheek. Then he left her to sleep in peace. When Marinette awoke she found herself in the most beautiful and enchanting bedroom she had ever seen. Her bed was a canopy one that was gold and cream colored with sheer curtains, downy pillows, and soft quilts. Her windows were stain glass and it opened to a balcony with an incredible view. A cream colored vanity with brushes, perfumes, a powder puff, rouge, velvet blush, and sliver stood across from her bed. On the left side of her room there was a glorious fountain and a pool that was filled with crystal clear and lavender scented blue water for her to bathe in. Roses of different colors and fragrance grew almost everywhere around the room. She got out of bed and just now discovered she was wearing different clothes.

Looking in a tall mirror she saw she was wearing a beautiful ivory satin gown with medium length sleeves and lace. On her feet were a pair of slippers the kind wealthy aristocrats would wear. Strings of pearls hung around her neck and in her hair which was pinned up with a golden, white rose comb.

Marinette was sure that she had to be dreaming and pitched herself hopping to wake up and find out where she was. When her surroundings didn't change she wondered if she had been killed last night and was now in heaven. Her thoughts were then interrupted by strange but beautiful music that echoed through the castle walls. Drawn by the music, she found herself leaving her room and downstairs following the music. It was piano music and the most beautiful music she had ever heard. The source of the music was coming from the dining room where a table was set with candlelight, sliver, and roses and all of her favorite foods and cakes were ready made.

Though she was hungry she couldn't bring herself to eat just yet. Just then the music stopped and she heard gruff footsteps enter the room. She froze and held her breath as she listened carefully to the movement.

"Are you hungry?" A voice asked. She recognized it as the beast from last night.

"Where are you?" She asked.

"I do not wish to frighten you like before so I shall remain unseen to you."

"Sir I am here to take my father's place. He meant no harm when he picked the rose you see he did that for me. It was my fault, any punishment you have for him take it out on me."

He said nothing, for awhile all was silence.

"Was that you playing the music earlier?" She asked.

"You play beautifully sir." She said.

"Thank you my lady however your loveliness far surpasses any music I have ever played."

"Tha...Thank you sir." She stuttered.

"You must be starving, please eat."

Marinette began to eat some of the food quietly and without speaking. He just watched her but was careful not to let her see him. He was mesmerized, by her beauty. Her face was that of an angel's, a perfect snow white face with rose red cheeks and lips. Her blue eyes were like a thousand stars, like sapphires, like bluebelle flowers. He wondered how such beauty could exist but it did and he felt his heart burn and long for her.

"So beautiful." He whispered. "What is your name?"

"Ma-Marinette."

"Lovely. Marinette as of now you are the princess of this castle. You need only ask and you shall have whatever your heart desires." He whispered. "You may explore the castle grounds but you must never leave here. If you do I will find you and bring you back."

"You say I can have anything I desire but all I desire is my freedom."

She got up from her chair and ran back to her room. She locked the door and threw herself onto her bed where she burst into tears. After crying for so long she became exhausted and was ready for sleep. She found a silk nightdress had been laid out for her. She changed into it, undid her hair, and went to bed. It was the softest bed she had ever laid in, it was like a cloud. The blankets were both warm and cool which were the best kind. It was not long before she fell asleep.

In her dreams she was in a beautiful garden, surrounded by flowers when a young man, a prince walked toward her. He was the most handsome man she had ever laid eyes on. His hair was as golden as the sun, his loving smile made her heart beat, and his eyes were a warm and gentle yet familiar shade of green.

"Please don't be sad Marinette." He said.

"How can I not be? I miss my Father and I'm all alone in a strange place with a monster."

She sat down next to her and wiped her tears away. He then whispered softly in her ear.

"You will be rewarded for all you have suffered. Do not trust too much your eyes, no matter how I may be disguised and in saving me from my cruel misery you will find your own happiness."

"I don't understand."

"You will, I promise you will be happy here and no will hurt you. I swear it."

He kissed her forehead and then her cheek before fading away leaving her alone in the darkness of her mind.