Chapter Ten
A/N: I do not own anything other than my OCs when they come out to play. Everything else is owned by either Disney or the Greek Myths.
*cackles* Oh remember when I said another royal than Leah would get sent to the Isle in this story? Well my dear readers, you're about to find out who it is! Though to be fair, if you're also reading this on Ao3 you kinda got spoiled in the tags. :D
Lauriverfanboy1: Oh my foreshadowing was rather heavy wasn't it? Then again, it was meant to be!
Katt Kiki: I don't think it'll go the way people will expect it to go…
SnowWhite45: I'm so glad you're enjoying the fic! As for Beast, maybe he was referring to when he got turned when he said he was a child? Then again, clearly it didn't matter since he didn't learn empathy during that time.
Flaresouth: Hope you enjoy!
cass585339: Oh I hope you enjoy the chapter!
Musiclover 09: That implies that the council meeting will go the way I think many people are thinking it'll go ;D
Unknown Person67: I'm glad you're enjoying the fic!
danifan3000: Yeah they probably should have had the good fairies help instead but alas, hindsight is 20/20 :D
OceanBlueSeaEyes: Hey to be fair I think I misspell it every time I write it!
AmethystDragon14: Yay! Oh yeah, drama is on the horizon that's for sure! And Beast needs a swift kick in the pants for all that but I think he's going to get just that!
Bluebird: I think the council meeting is going to go in a much different direction than what many are thinking it'll go :D
twilightgirl587: Of course Chip's family! How could he not be? Yeah I read Beast's villain book but it kinda contradicts the animated BatB since Adam was eleven when he got turned in that (if my math's correct at least) so he couldn't be both friends with Gaston and engaged to the Enchantress. LOL yeah it might not be possible for Leah to have a heart :D
Hope you all enjoy this chapter! Let me know what you think! :D
"Thank you all for coming," Belle said as she stared at her husband's council. If anyone thought it strange that she was there as she was normally absent from council meetings to spend time with her children, they didn't comment on it.
"Of course Queen Belle," Elsa nodded. "When the King calls his council, we're bound to arrive unless the King has allowed for a substitute in our place."
Belle gave Elsa a small smile before speaking once more. "I know it must have been a bit of a shock to all of you to receive such a rushed call but I have discovered some information regarding the Isle that needs to be discussed urgently."
"Information about the Isle?" Aladdin asked, sitting forward in his seat. "What kind of information? There's nothing wrong with the barrier is there?"
"No, no. From what we know, Sultan Aladdin, the barrier is fine," Belle said and then sighed. "Look, I'm not even going to sugar coat this because as a mother, I am both infuriated and horrified about this! I have received testimony from a resident of the Isle…a little girl of five…that the the residents of the Isle are being denied basic rights such as edible food, a medical system, and it's to the point where children are being abused!"
"What?!" Aladdin and Eugene exclaimed at the same time while Elsa gasped, horror evident in her eyes.
"They're being denied edible food?" Phoebus asked in outrage. "Gods, at least Frollo gave people that much before he tried burning Paris to the ground! Who's idea was this?"
"Phoebus, calm down," Shang said. "I'm as angry as you are but I'm more focused on the fact that children are being abused."
"What do you expect with an Isle of villains?" Chi-fu asked. "I mean really?"
"That is not the point Chi-fu! The point its that there is a little girl with a cast on her leg and a broken ankle because the person who gave birth to her didn't like it when she accidentally called them by their name! And it's only thanks to Lady Persephone's kind heart that she was able to come here and get a cast and be assured that her ankle will heal correctly," Belle said firmly.
"That poor girl!" Cinderella gasped. "I can't image…what kind of a person would break a young girl's ankle simply because she called them by their name? While it's not something I'd appreciate, I'd talk to my children about why that's not appropriate rather than…I don't think anyone here would strike a child!"
"I agree with you Queen Ella," Belle nodded. "Whether the adults are villains or not, the children are innocent and from the young girl's testimony, there are more children than just her who have to go through this."
Aladdin shook his head. "I can't imagine…growing up on the streets of Agrabah, I'd broken my fair share of bones at a young age but I could never imagine such a thing being inflicted by a parent," he said, his voice soft. "She's not getting sent back there is she? If Lady Persephone brought her over to have her injury treated, surely she's not getting sent back to the Isle after recovering?"
"Lady Persephone has started the process to get custody of the girl, her and her husband Lord Hades. In fact, Lady Persephone has already started to think of her as her daughter. However that…that means that the girl will have to return to the Isle periodically unless Lady Persephone comes up with a different arrangement. We can't do much about that. Thankfully though she's in safe hands. What we can do its what's right for the Isle, starting with fresh food and a medical system—."
"Forgive me Queen Belle," Phoebus spoke up. "I agree that what you say is absolutely true, that the Isle deserves these things, I also think they deserve some justice."
"What do you mean Captain?" Cinderella asked. "I mean while children being abused is horrid, we can't just remove all the children from the custody of their parents if they don't want to leave."
"I wasn't thinking of that Queen Ella. That would need to be done in steps if any child wanted to leave. No…what I'm thinking is more…that the people who's idea it was to build the Isle should be held accountable. After all, the Isle has been active for eight or nine years and these problems have only just now come to light? By pure luck Lady Persephone was on the Isle at the time to assist the child. Why was the Isle not monitored more closely? It's starting to sound from everything Queen Belle listed that the residents of the Isle were just left to rot."
"Captain Phoebus is right," Aladdin nodded. "Whoever thought it would be a good idea for the Isle to not have a medical system or edible food should be held responsible. These are people after all and more importantly children we're talking about."
Phoebus nodded. "And…I regret to say this but out of all of us, who bears the most responsibility for the Isle as a ruler? Who's idea was the Isle in the first place? Who apparently didn't ask for a report on the Isle until eight years after its creation?"
Belle glanced over at Beast before looking back at the council and trying to ignore the feeling of dread that was beginning to fill her body. "And…and what would you propose in terms of justice Captain Phoebus? You…you can't possibly be thinking…"
"Yes Queen Belle," Phoebus said with a small sigh. "As much as I wish this didn't need to be suggested…I am. It is…it is with deep regret for the pain I know this will cause but I make a motion that King Beast be stripped of his leadership and…and sent to the Isle himself, as he was the one who failed to monitor it and forced children into situations like the ones Queen Belle informed us of."
The council gasped as Belle looked at Beast with shock and worry evident on her face. They had thought they could handle someone just running against Beast in the election. They never thought he'd be sent to the Isle because of this. "And does…does anyone second Captain Phoebus' motion?"
The council looked at each other and Belle reached for Beast's hand under the table once more. She couldn't help but hope that no one would second the motion, that they would think Phoebus too rash or, dare Belle even think it, too close to the situation. After all, he had been the one to bring up Frollo.
Perhaps he was seeing the way his wife was persecuted by Frollo in how the people of the Isle were being treated?
"I second the Captain's motion."
Never before had Belle hated the sound of Leah's voice more than she had in that moment.
Aladdin and Eugene looked at each other before Aladdin sighed. "As much as I hate to agree with Queen Leah…I also second the motion."
"I too agree with Queen Leah," Duke Westleton spoke up.
Belle tried to remain stoic but as Ben and Abby's faces started to flash in her mind, she couldn't help but shake her head slightly. No…no, no no…this wasn't happening…the Isle was my idea too, why is Adam the only one being punished…
"…I will accept the decision if that's what the council truly votes for," Beast said, his voice soft. "However, I only ask that you leave Belle out of it. As has been said, the Isle was my idea, she had nothing to do with it. Please…if you must punish me, let my children keep their mother at least," Beast said, his voice soft from shock as he gently squeezed Belle's hand under the table.
Belle realized, then, what her husband was doing. If both of them were sent to the Isle, Ben and Abby would lose both of them. But with only one of them going…let it not be said that Adam did not love his children.
The council looked at each other once more before Eugene sighed. "…I think that's a fair request. We can't talk about not taking children from their parents in regards to the residents of the Isle and not make sure our Crown Prince and Princess can keep one of their parents."
"Thank you King Eugene," Beast said, his voice still soft.
"…In the interest of not dragging this out, and causing Queen Belle more distress than this has already…shall we vote? All…all those in favor of stripping King Beast of his title as High King and…and sending him to the Isle for the crime of neglecting the Isle's upkeep?" Aladdin asked with a small sigh; the look on his face and the tone of his voice clearly indicating his reluctance to even call the vote in the first place.
No one commented on the fact that technically Belle should have been the one to call for the vote herself.
Belle watched as the council began to vote. She could tell on the faces of some of those who raised their hands that they wished they didn't have to but at the same time, they couldn't vote based solely on relationships but based on the legality of the matter. And they had failed the people of the Isle. As the voting continued, she squeezed Beast's hand under the table as if to tell her husband that, no matter what happened, she'd be with him.
Their fight earlier be damned.
"And those against?" Aladdin asked after all the votes were in. There were a few hands though Belle had to wonder how many of those were for her husband or simply against the Isle. She knew that even if she voted…it wouldn't be counted.
"…I'm sure none of us take any real pleasure in this but…King Beast…by a majority vote, you are stripped of your title of High King and are to be sent to the Isle when transportation and plans can be arranged," Aladdin said with a small sigh.
Belle sighed as Beast nodded. "…What happens to Belle, Ben and Abby? If…Since I've been stripped of my title…who now rules Auradon?"
"There's an election later this year," Aladdin said. "Queen Belle will be able to run for High Queen if she so wishes….as for Prince Ben and Princess Abigail…that will have to be discussed in greater detail."
"Honestly, why should a King or Queen be elected of all things? Why shouldn't the council appoint the High King or Queen?" Leah asked. "After all, who all is voting in the election?"
"Because each candidate might have different ideas and should have the chance to put them forward. I'm sure you're thinking of having Princess Aurora run, Queen Leah, and she'll have just as fair a chance as any other person who wants to put themselves forward should the council approve this again."
Honestly Aurora might have a better chance than you would Leah, Belle thought before speaking. "If I…I might ask the council, do you know when my husband is to be sent to the Isle? I…I only ask to see if he might have the chance to say goodbye to our children."
"Of course Queen Belle, as Sultan Aladdin said, none of use take any pleasure from this. He'll have a chance to say his goodbyes and explain as best he can to the Prince and Princess…I would say, and this is just my personal thoughts but I would allow for a week or even two weeks so that transport and other details can be discussed," Elsa said gently.
"Thank you Queen Elsa. I…I know you don't have to but it's greatly appreciated to get the opportunity. I agree, a week or two would…would be enough time to discuss such things," Belle said with a small sigh. How were they going to explain this to Ben? To Abby? Well…thankfully Abby was only one about to turn two, an explanation might not be necessary but Ben adored his father. And she and Adam were a team, Ben might not understand why it was only his father being sent to the Isle.
"It is greatly appreciated Queen Elsa," Beast nodded.
"Of course," Elsa nodded. "…There's no reason for Prince Ben and Princess Abigail to be penalized for this as well. As has been said, the children are innocent in everything and there's no reason why they shouldn't be able to say goodbye to their father."
Meanwhile, on the other end of the council table, Zeus sat in silence more than slightly shocked. He couldn't believe this…especially with Persephone petitioning for custody of a girl from the Isle.
Wait…didn't she ask for help saving a child a few years ago? That's right, I think it was about four years ago. There's no way it could be the same girl though…could it?
He sighed before reaching out through his mental link. Persephone?
…Yes? I'm a little busy right now Zeus.
Yes I'm aware. Petitioning for custody of a young girl from the Isle?
And why shouldn't I petition for custody of my daughter? I raised her since she was a baby, she wouldn't know any different or even have gotten injured if you'd just gotten off your butt and helped when she was ripped out of Hades' and my life!
I didn't reach out to argue Persephone. I reached out because I thought you might want to know what just occurred because it might make your petition harder. Beast has just been stripped of his title and sentenced to the Isle.
What?!
Belle told us about what happened to the Isle…and Phoebus said that the children of the Isle should see some justice. Beast has been given two weeks max to get everything in order and say goodbye to his children.
Those poor kids…they shouldn't have to miss out on time with their father….wait! Don't let them leave! Give me five minutes and I'll be right there! I have an idea!
I'll…I'll do my best Persephone, Zeus thought though he wasn't sure how he'd delay the council. Though he was curious to see Persephone's idea.
Thank you! Tell them it's about Prince Ben and Princess Abigail if you have to! Oh if only Mal was old enough to take stronger pain medicine…but the doctor said four years old was too young since she was that at the time…
Mal? Is that the girl's name?
…Yes. Does it matter Zeus? You didn't seem to care about her name when I asked for your help years ago.
Call it curiosity I guess, Zeus said with a small sigh.
…Okay that's fair. I…I do need to tell you Zeus, you might not get a chance to meet Mal. Not when she's got the cast on her leg. She was already hesitant to talk to Belle with it on, she thought it made her look weak.
I can accept that.
Okay…and she's asleep. I'll be there soon, Persephone said softly.
Okay. Luckily they're still talking.
A few minutes passed before there was a knock on the chamber doors and Persephone walked in.
"Lady Persephone! How can we help you?" Eugene asked.
"Members of the council, forgive me for barging in like this. Also, you must forgive Lord Zeus for informing me of the new…situation but I believe I might have a solution that could spare both parents and children the full pain of separation," Persephone said, her voice soft as she bowed her head politely.
"Of course Lady Persephone, we welcome any suggestions," Elsa nodded. No one commented on Leah's slight eye roll.
"As you all might be aware, I spend six months in Auradon and six months on the isle as per an agreement with my mother, Lord Zeus and…former King Beast. I would like to propose the same in this case, at least for Prince Ben as Princess Abigail is too young for a…a place like the Isle," Persephone said.
"Forgive me Lady Persephone, but are you suggesting we send a four year old to the Isle? And not just any four year old, the son and later the daughter of the man who created the Isle in the first place?" Shang asked, just as shocked as the other members of the council.
Persephone sighed. "I hate to even make the suggestion Captain Shang but it wouldn't be immediately. I can talk to my husband, I'm sure he'd be more than happy to provide a place for King Beast, Prince Ben, and later Princess Abigail to stay. We have more than enough rooms and forgive me, but you all were fine with four year olds and in fact children of all ages living on the Isle before today."
"…What other solution is there?" Elsa asked, her voice soft and yet tinged with grief if one listened closely enough. "I'm as uncomfortable with the idea as the rest of you but…I for one know the pain of having to grow up with distant or absent parents. If we can spare Prince Ben and later Princess Abigail that pain in some way…I ask the parents here, if it was you with your children, wouldn't you rather say 'see you soon' then tell them an 'I love you' that has to last the rest of their lives because it's the last time they'll hear it?"
"I…I wish there was another solution I could provide," Persephone said with a small sigh. "But at least this way Prince Ben and Princess Abigail get time with their father. I know I hate leaving Hades every six months but I know there'll be a time when I see him again. I…I couldn't imagine never seeing him for the rest of my life, and I could never ask that to happen to the young Prince and Princess."
Especially not after Prince Ben has gone out of his way to befriend Mal, Persephone thought.
"Of course I can assure you every thought concerting their safety would be taken into account. I can speak to Hades and make sure that they go under his protection during their time on the Isle," Persephone said, looking at Belle and Beast.
"That is greatly appreciated Lady Persephone," Belle said softly. While she didn't want to think about spending six months without her children, she knew it might be the best option out of everything that had happened.
"As a father, the very idea of my children being in the kingdom's prison makes me feel like I have a rock in my stomach…but…as Queen Elsa said…I'd rather be able to tell them 'see you soon' rather than goodbye," Beast said, his voice soft.
"We'll have to start making it so that there's a medical system on the Isle," Eugene said. "Granted there should have been one to start with but if the Crown Prince and Princess are going to be on the Isle for six months…"
Belle nodded. "A medical system and fresh food, I would say that even if Ben and Abby weren't going there I'd insist on that happening."
"Queen Belle…forgive me but I feel the need to ask this. Does King Beast being stripped of his title impact my petitioning for custody of my daughter?" Persephone asked.
Belle sighed. "Until we have the election, we don't know who will be ruling but I can assure you my Lady, I have full intention of running for the position. If only so my children's world isn't rocked any more than it has been already and they can stay mostly in the life they know. And if the Gods are kind and I'm given the crown in my own right, I have full intention of signing off on your application for custody Lady Persephone."
Persephone sighed. "I understand Queen Belle. Then in that case, may I ask that my daughter stay with me until her ankle recovers? With…with how the Isle is currently, a cast on her leg is going to make her a target for others even if I know her friends will look out for her. I would rather be able to look out for her myself."
"Of course. She was never going to be sent back until her ankle healed fully anyway, no matter what happened. Please let me know if there's anything you need for her care."
"Of course, though that will rely on her being forthcoming with needing anything. Kids from the Isle…even the younger ones aren't the most forthcoming if they think it makes them look weak. And she's too young for stronger pain meds," Persephone sighed.
"It's a shame my wife no longer has her healing abilities with her hair," Eugene said. "I'm sure she'd be happy to heal your daughter's ankle if she did."
"Even so, the thought is appreciated King Eugene," Persephone said with a smile.
"Of course Lady Persephone. I have kids myself, I know how hard it is to see them in pain," Eugene nodded.
Persephone nodded. "But going back to the situation at hand…does my suggestion require a vote? Or is it just generally accepted?"
The council looked at each other. "I think…considering the fact that there may be a change in leadership, I think a vote might not be needed," Elsa said.
"In that case, if you'll excuse me, I don't want to leave my daughter on her own for too long. Even if she is asleep. And…I have a portal call to make. Your highnesses, I'll be in touch in a few days to discuss…dates for Prince Ben's first time on the Isle," Persephone said, giving Belle a small nod.
"Of course Lady Persephone," Belle said, returning the nod. "And like I said, please let me know if your daughter needs anything."
"Thank you," Persephone said before making her way out of the room.
Belle sighed. "Thank you all for coming. I don't think there's anything more that needs to be said," she said softly.
"Thank you Queen Belle…and for what it's worth, I am sorry it came to this," Aladdin said, his voice just as soft.
Belle nodded as the council got up and started to leave; she and Beast getting up themselves and making their way back to their room before Belle allowed herself to break.
"This can't be happening! How did it…how are we going to…what are we…Ben won't…you won't…Abby needs you…" she said, tears streaming down her face.
Beast gently pulled her into his arms, Belle's silent 'I need you' going unspoken. "I know, I know Belle. I know Abby needs me, that Ben needs me…but what else can we do? At least with Lady Persephone's suggestion, it's not forever."
"What are we going to tell Ben?" Belle whispered into his chest.
Beast sighed. "The truth unfortunately. I let the Isle slip through the cracks and am facing the consequences for it. We can't lie to him Belle. That's not an example I want to set both as his father and for his future rule."
"If he even has a future rule Adam. What if I lose this election?"
"He'll still be of noble blood, might even be given a title out of courtesy. Both him and Abby but you won't lose. I know you Belle. You're the woman who tamed a stubborn Beast after all," Beast said gently.
"You don't know that I'll win though! Leah was practically chomping at the bit to be the mother of the High Queen of Auradon."
"Because you have a reason to win that no one, not even Aurora has," Beast told her. "Our children will be spending six months on that Isle, you can make it so that conditions there improve. If you keep that in your mind…there's no way you can lose."
"…How can I do this without you Adam?"
Beast chuckled. "Now where's the woman who told off and yelled at a stubborn Beast? Who told Gaston that he was the monster? If you're strong enough for that then you're strong enough to do anything."
"Adam, you know ruling a kingdom and being a…a single mother is a lot different than yelling back at a 'selfish Beast' who later proved to have a heart of gold," Belle said with a sad smile. "Yes, you'll still be seeing them but…essentially in Auradon's eyes at least…that's what I'll be…"
"Hey, hey, Belle, you'll have help with all the servants and staff…plus Ben's an amazing kid. He'll probably try to do stuff just to take it off your plate."
"Don't say that out loud, he'll actually get the idea to do it," Belle said with a weak chuckle.
Beast couldn't help the weak smile that pulled at his lips. "I hope not…he should enjoy being a kid while he can. Especially with…this bombshell that's going to be put on him…"
Belle shook her head, wondering where was the man who had argued with her about calling the council. That man would never let this decision stand. But then maybe it wouldn't be a good idea to bring that up. Not now. Not when so much had changed in such a small window of time.
"I just hope Ben's friends stay with him," Belle whispered into Beast's chest. "He'll need support too."
"Hey, Emir and Akiho haven't let him down yet, they seem like pretty decent kids…even though I have to wonder where they got it—."
"Hey, you know Aladdin and Elsa didn't want to vote the way they did," Belle told him, looking up at Beast. "They seemed genuinely sorry about this mess. Actually a majority of the council did."
Beast sighed. "Come on. We…we should find Ben and explain it to him before he hears it from his friends. You know Aladdin's probably telling Jasmine at the very least, not to mention Leah to Aurora. The last thing we need is Ben finding out through gossip…he should hear it from us. That way, if he has any questions he can ask jus himself instead of trying to ask others."
Belle nodded and wiped away all signs of her tears before she and Beast left their room to search for their son and have what was probably the first of many not so pleasant conversations.