Chapter 2

Belle woke feeling hungry seeing out the windows it was still dark and storming. She decided to get up and search for the kitchen. She wondered out her door and down the corridor to the stairs. Continuing on her trek she noticed the Beast laying in front of a fire seemingly sleeping. Quickly and quietly continuing on she eventually found the kitchen.

She found a teapot hopping about on the table then to a serving cart which rolled over to a set of shelves where she appeared to check on the tea cups. Belle walked over to the pantry door, which was labeled conveniently, and slipped in. She found an apple and some cheese. Her favorite snack. Slipped back out to a surprised, to see her, teapot. Belle smiled and went to the table. Set her food down then found a knife. She chopped up her food then a dish just appeared next to her. She hadn't thought before she let her powers act.

"Deary, are you the new charge everyone is talking about?" The teapot asked her curiously.

"I suppose so. My name is Belle." Belle answered as she put her sliced food on her dish. She found the cold room and found a pitcher of berry juice that smelled divine, when she smelled it. She brought it out found a small glass and poured some then replaced the pitcher.

"I'm Mrs. Potts, deary. Just let me know if you need anything." Mrs. Potts claimed and continued her work.

"Thank you."Belle said sipping her juice and munching on her apples and cheese. She finished put her dishes in the wash bin and headed back to bed.

Passing the door to the parlour like room where the Beast slept. He woke and watched her head back to bed.

She fell back asleep thinking how interesting her time here will be.

Time moved a little slow the first few days, of her stay in the castle. That was to be expected though. She busied herself by exploring and the Beast watched quietly from the shadows. He had warned her about the west wing, but it seems she didn't listen. For that is exactly where she was headed. He sighed and followed.

Belle had a slight thrill in defying the Beast. She knew exactly where she was and where she thought she was going. Right into his room.

Opening one of the large battered doors, she slipped in knowing he was following her. She quietly explored, examining a torn painting of a young man, with Beast's deep blue eyes. She then spotted a glowing rose that radiated energy. She moved to stand next to it and observe it without touching.

"Why are you in here!?" Beast growled out loudly, standing behind her.

"Oh!" Belle startled spinning around fast and accidentally knocking over the table. She realized what happened and caught the table rose and glass with her magic. She froze shaking slightly.

"You have magic?" growled softly displeased.

"Yes, I haven't really used it. I'm sorry, for knocking this over."Belle said slowly then picked up speed with her nervousness. She quickly scrambled the fix the table, rose and glass. "I understand you were changed with magic. I wish to help even if I just stay here and be your friend. If you want I'll try to never use my magic again."Belle offered in a bit of a panic.

"Get out! Now!" Beast growled quietly just loud enough to hear.

Belle didn't think twice she ran out of his room down the hall and the stairs and out to the grounds finding some bushes to hide in. She hid there for hours and it began raining. She stayed.

Beast calmed down and was informed by a small walking clock, that the girl hadn't been seen in hours. Beast looking out the windows and saw that it was pouring.

He tore out of the castle, the gates were locked so she hadn't left the grounds. He searched and eventually found her. She was hiding in the same patch of bushes he would find solace in as a child.

"Belle?" Beast called to her softly. Her head snapped up and she looked fearful and lonely. "Come back inside. You're soaking wet." Beast tried being as gentle as he could with his voice. He was not use to trying to comfort someone. He reached out his large clawed paw like hand and Belle timidly took it. He lead her back into the castle and to her room.

He had the servants bring various things to warm up her near frozen form.

A fire was started, the wardrobe stole Belle behind the screen for a moment to change her wet clothes. Mrs Potts brought hot tea to warm her up and some hot soup.

Belle quietly sat on the floor in a warmer night gown. Long sleeve purple with blue roses. It was a thicker material then the silky one.

Beast wrapped a blanket around her and sat next to her.

"Beast, I'm sorry for nearly breaking the glass covered rose." Belle said shyly.

"It's alright, I didn't mean to frighten you. Magic isn't my best friend. Being the first time I witnessed it was to change me." Beast admitted.

"I only discovered mine in the past 6 months or so. I never knew I had it. Like I said if you do not wish me to use it I will not." Belle explained quietly.

"You are different then the one who changed me. So I will come to terms with yours. So no you can use it just be careful." Beast stated knowing it would really hurt her if he didn't try to trust her and her magic. He had this feeling she never told anyone about it.

So things hadn't gone that far in their relationship. They had just come to an understanding.