Ok I reworked Chapter 10: Alone, (Belle's death) So if you would like to read it I would appreciate the feedback.

Also I really Appreciate all the Reviews Please Keep em coming they really help the motivation process.

Enjoy!

Chapter 15: Shadows from the Past

As they walked down another hallway Jacqueline saw two more servants cleaning windows up ahead. It was snowing again so all work outside had to be suspended. Apparently having so many hands be idle was unacceptable and all previously unoccupied servants regardless of station were now busy cleaning the castle's hundreds of windows.

So far they had passed a good fifteen doing just that. And each one had greeted them in the exact same way as she was sure these two were about to.

Sure enough! Upon hearing the slow shuffle of Monsieur Lumiere's gait and the soft tapping of her own satin shoes the two servants halted their work and turned. Bowing slightly and then (this was what was so frustrating) staring blatantly at Jacqueline as she passed. Their expressions full of curiosity and slight familiarity. Like they so desperately wanted to ask her something.

Jacqueline gritted her teeth in irritation. She wished they would just come out and say whatever it was they so desperately seemed to want to ask her.

If her guide noticed her annoyance he didn't let on. Instead he prattled off an endless stream of pleasant (though slightly one sided) conversation.

Jacqueline tried to pay attention but her thoughts wouldn't focus on the elderly man. They were somewhere else entirely.

The Master. Who is the Master? How does he have a castle I wonder…maybe he is a Count or a Duke or something… Duke makes more sense, he must be a duke. I wonder what he wants to see me for. Maybe to throw me out…but he could have done that without sending for me so that couldn't be it…unless he is an unkind misfit who takes delight in the sufferings of others…totally plausible…though not preferable.

She was so deep in thought she didn't notice Lumiere halt and nearly knocked the poor man down. Looking forward she saw a large wooden door that was taller than some buildings. Its dark wood glossed and glistened over the intricate carvings that decorated its surface. She didn't have time to examine all of them but she did catch sight of a fawn, a raven, and a large animal that appeared to be part lion, bear, and wolf. By far it was the most fascination beast on the door.

Lumiere knocked on the door and the echo sent a chill up her spine. She watched the large handle turn and the door slowly open. Out walked a tall thin man with a hooked nose and no hair except the ones growing out of his ears. He looked down at them before moving to the side and walking down the hall they had just came through. In his arms was a large book that looked like it would snap his twig body from the sheer weight.

"That is the minister of diplomacy." Lumiere said and then entered through the large doors obviously expecting her to follow him.

She did so and found herself in a room that looked nothing like she had expected based on its elaborate door. She had thought that the room behind such a door would resemble the council room of a conqueror or the laboratory of a mad genius, or at least an ornate receiving chamber that would strike aw into her very soul! But no…it was nothing more than a simple study, with simple furnishings, and only two chairs…nice chairs…but only two chairs.

"The Mademoiselle is here Master."

Jacqueline turned in the direction that Lumiere had spoken. Standing with his back to her looking out a window was a man in a long Maroon coat, the tails of which nearly brushed the floor. His hair hung loose passed his shoulders. It was red but she could see it was streaked with white. It reminded her of a picture she had seen once of an old lion whose full mane flowed behind him shimmering in the sun.

His shoulders were hunched and oddly askew like he was resting all his weight on something. When he turned she saw that it was a cane he was using to bear the brunt of his weight. He leaned over the cane, hunched like he was in constant pain. And over his chest he held a hand clutching over his heart, the stance looked very familiar to him like he had been in such a position for many years and could no longer stand straight even if he had wanted to.

Allowing her eyes to travel to his face she let out a little gasp of surprise. He looked so sad it made her heart lurch with sympathy. It was also very evident by his permanently contorted brow that the poor man was indeed in a great deal of pain. He just seemed so weary of carrying such a heavy burdens that she felt the urge to give him some words of encouragement (not that she had any to give.) She felt he must be at least 65 and would have been truly shocked to learn that he was a mere 46 years old. Only one year older then her own father. But he seemed so much older, sicker, and…..sad.

When she saw his light blue eyes then she recognized him.

He was the man in the light!

Jacqueline gave him a deep curtsy. This man had saved her life, and for that she was grateful.

He bowed his head in return and smiled. He scratched his full beard that to be honest looked a little unkept and motioned for her to take a seat.

"Thank you Lumiere that will be all."

The spindly old man bowed again and gave Jacqueline a reassuring wink before leaving the two alone.

With great dignity and not much speed the "Master" as Jacqueline had come to think of him took a seat in the large chair across from hers. Both chairs were angled to face the fire and a small table was between them holding a tea service.

He offered her a cup which she accepted and then the two sat in silence sipping their tea.

At last Jacqueline could take the silence no longer.

"Are you going to make me leave?"

He seemed in no hurry to answer and calmly finished his glass before returning it to the table and looking kindly at her.

"Do you wish to leave?"

The question caught her off guard, she had just assumed that she would be forced out at any moment. She thought about that for a long time looking into the fire with her tea cup resting on her lap.

"I don't have anywhere else to go." She said in a small voice.

He looked at her with such kindness.

"Mademoiselle, you may stay here as long as you wish…you have my word."

It felt like a great weight had been lifted off her shoulders and she could once again breathe. No one was going to make her go back.

Feeling much more relaxed Jacqueline leaned back in the large chair and stretched her legs forward slightly, taking another sip of her tea, a small smile on her lips.

He continued to study her in this rare unguarded instance. He could already tell that she was a girl who didn't share much. He also got the sense that she was used to fighting against everyone and for everything. He began to wonder if she had ever been given a gift, with no strings attached.

Now that her anxiety was passed Jacqueline's curiosity returned.

"Who are you?" she asked

His eyebrows raised in surprise and she thought she detected his lips twitch into a smile beneath that bushy beard.

"I could ask the same of you."

The smile fell from her lips and she stiffened once again, her guard back up.

He looked at her knowingly.

"But I have the feeling you would rather not share that information just yet."

She didn't respond but continued to watch him suspiciously.

"It doesn't matter, you are my guest and would be rude to press you with questions. I told my servants as much and I do hope they have not caused you any offense?"

He seemed very concerned about this. She had to admit she was curious as to why no one had asked her anything about herself, now she realized he had commanded them not to. Allowing her to divulge information in her own time. It was the most respect anyone had ever shown her and she sat up a little straighter at the knowledge.

"Everyone has been very kind…..but they keep watching me….could you possibly tell me why that is?"

This time it was his turn to stiffen. He took so long in answering she began to be afraid that she had asked something she shouldn't have.

Taking a deep breath that sounded shallow and labored he answered.

"I had a friend once who lived here at the castle…many years ago. You resemble her."

Jacqueline nodded her head. So that explained it, she looked like someone they used to know, from what she observed whoever she had been she was very special to all who lived here.

Once again the smile returned to his eyes and he answered her original question.

"As for who I am, my name is Adam and I am the Prince and Master of this castle."

Jacqueline stood in shock dropping her tea cup to the floor which rolled away on the expensive Persian rug.

"You're the PRINCE!"

The Prince seemed alarmed that she had stood so quickly and put an arm out like he was afraid she might faint or something.

"You're the Prince of the Principality. YOU! YOU'RE THE RULER!"

"Yes." He replied.

Immediately Jacqueline sunk into another curtsy, this one much lower than the one before.

He's the bloody ruler of the entire land! And I stumbled through his front door!

She had had no idea that the ruler of her small principality lived so close to her small village. And was suddenly humbled to be in his presence.

Oh if only Madame Madeleine d'Aboville could see this!

Madeleine had once told Jacqueline that she couldn't greet a cow properly and right now she prayed she was proving her wrong as she put all her concentration into raising gracefully from her curtsey the way Madeleine had showed her that day.

"My dear girl are you alright?"

"Y-Yes it's just, I had no idea, and I mean I never would have thought…I just can't believe I am meeting you!"

"Well believe me the honor is mine. Not many grown men let along young women would have braved a storm like the one you did. I must admit I was impressed."

They would if they had to. She thought bitterly.

The Prince motioned for her to reclaim her seat which she did after scrambling to rescue the cup that had rolled under the table.

"If you need anything while you are here you need only ask. Nothing in this castle is off limits to you, you may go wherever you wish. Please I hope you will feel most welcome here."

"I will….Thank you your Highness."

He waved his free hand (the one that wasn't holding his chest.) As if it was nothing.

As if on cue the door opened and in stepped the minister of diplomacy. He gave a bow and Jacqueline thought his glasses might slide off his crooked nose so low was his bow.

But nothing else would do for the man who saved us from the revolutionaries. Jacqueline thought with pride.

"I am sorry to interrupt Sir but these matters can no longer wait."

"Yes of course, I am sorry my dear but I am afraid we will have to continue our talk later."

Jacqueline rose and walked past the minister who didn't so much as spare her a glance. With her hand on the door handle she hesitated.

Turning back she looked at the prince and said.

"My name is Jacqueline." And with that she left, leaving a smile on his face.

"She does look so much like…"

"Like whom Sir?"

"Never mind." he turned his attention to the Minister.

"Now what is this all about Longfellow?"

"Napoleon Sir."

The Prince's smile faded and his normally serious demeanor returned. Actually Longfellow had been a little shocked to see the Prince smiling when he had entered. He was a kind man yes and a good ruler. But his life was not one full of amusements. The minister thought this girl just might be good for him if she helped lift some of the sorrow his master had carried with him for years.

"That Bastard doesn't rest does he? Well, if he wants my kingdom…he will have to take it from me first!"