BELLE found herself led back into the castle, ascending the majestic Grand Staircase, guided by the sight of the eldest gentleman she had ever seen. He bowed gracefully, tenderly kissed her knuckles, and introduced himself as Monsieur Cogsworth. He then instructed her to follow him to her new quarters. As she ascended the stairs, she marveled at the castle's grandeur.
It was both ancient and somewhat weathered, yet undeniably magnificent. Walking through the cold stone hallways, illuminated by torchlight, Belle couldn't resist running her fingers along the cool walls.
Her attention was captivated by the portraits adorning the walls, likely depicting the Prince's ancestors. So entranced was she that she unintentionally collided with Monsieur Cogsworth as he came to a stop in front of the door, which she presumed to be her new bedroom.
Startled, she stepped back, her cheeks blushing a bright pink, and she waited for him to speak. But Monsieur Cogsworth gazed upon Belle with a benevolent smile, his spectacles revealing forgiveness without a need for words.
He spoke softly, "Your room, mademoiselle," and slowly opened the door. "I sincerely hope these accommodations will meet your approval. If not, please don't hesitate to let me know, and I'll make every effort to arrange something more to your liking."
Belle, still somewhat flustered from the earlier mishap, entered her new room. A gasp left her lips as she took in her new surroundings. It was a charming space, adorned with intricate furnishings that spoke of a bygone era. The warm, inviting colors of the tapestries and the soft, plush furniture provided a stark contrast to the cold stone halls outside.
Monsieur Cogsworth gestured towards a cozy reading nook by the window, where a small collection of books waited patiently on a small table.
"I trust you'll find this area suitable for your leisure," he said, with just a hint of pride in his ancient, warbling voice as he spoke.
Belle's eyes lit up as she observed the inviting reading corner, wondering how on earth the Prince or his servants could have guessed that she was trained in her letters and could read and write, but had no time to ponder it as she remembered she owed the man her thanks.
"Oh, it's wonderful, monsieur," she replied with gratitude. "Thank you, Monsieur Cogsworth."
The older man smiled and then turned his attention to a door leading to an adjacent chamber. "This is the adjoining bathroom," he explained. "You'll find it well stocked with the essentials, and should you require anything else, please don't hesitate to ask. I will have Mrs. Potts bring you something to eat from the kitchens in a short while, but for now, I'll leave you to get settled. We hope you will like it here."
Belle nodded appreciatively, already feeling an unexpected sense of comfort in her new surroundings. "Everything is more than I could have hoped for. Thank you for your kindness, Monsieur Cogsworth."
Monsieur Cogsworth nodded graciously. "You're most welcome, mademoiselle, but it is the Prince who you should thank. It was he who asked that I make these arrangements on your behalf. If there's anything else you need or any questions that arise, please do not hesitate to inform me, Monsieur Lumiere, or Mrs. Potts, and either one of us will help you. Your happiness and comfort are of utmost importance to those of us here at the castle."
Belle couldn't help but smile at his genuine concern. "I truly appreciate it, sir," she replied, "and I'm eager to explore more of this truly magnificent castle."
Monsieur Cogsworth stepped back, preparing to leave. "In that case, I shall take my leave for now. Enjoy your stay, Belle, and again, don't hesitate to seek assistance if you should require anything." As he began to depart her room, Belle felt a sense of excitement mixed with curiosity, ready to discover the secrets and wonders that lay within the castle's ancient walls.
Before departing, Monsieur Cogsworth gently placed one final reminder upon Belle. "One more thing, mademoiselle," he began, "there are a couple of strictly off-limits areas, you see. The master is a very private individual by nature. You are kindly asked to stay out of the West Wing and the basement, as those are strictly the Prince's private chambers alone."
Belle nodded solemnly, understanding the importance of respecting the Prince's privacy. "I will make sure to remember that."
Monsieur Cogsworth continued, "Additionally, there is a call bell located throughout several key points in the castle. If you should ever hear it ring, no matter where you are or what you're doing, please answer it immediately. It's a matter of great importance to the staff."
"Of course," Belle replied, feeling a sense of responsibility settling upon her shoulders. She had a strong desire to prove herself trustworthy and reliable to the Prince and the rest of his staff in her new role. Anything at this point was better than returning to Gaston.
With a final polite nod, Monsieur Cogsworth bade her farewell, leaving Belle alone in her new room, ready to begin this new chapter of her life within this mysterious castle.
As Belle began to settle into her new room and explore its nooks and crannies, there was a gentle knock on her door. She opened it to find a motherly-looking woman with a warm smile holding a tray laden with a sumptuous-looking breakfast.
"Good morning, dear," the woman greeted. "I have not had the pleasure to properly make your acquaintance until now, and for that, I do apologize, breakfast and dinner are the Prince's most important meals, and those of us in the kitchen are left quite preoccupied for most of the meal preparation, but I had to slip away to come and meet you. My name is Mrs. Potts, child, the castle's housekeeper, and in charge of the kitchen staff alongside Lumiere. I hope that you slept well."
Belle smiled in return, touched by the warm welcome. "Good morning, Mrs. Potts. It's a pleasure to meet you. My name is Belle, and I did sleep well, thank you."
Mrs. Potts nodded in acknowledgment of her words as she placed the tray on a nearby table, revealing a delightful spread of pastries, fresh fruit, and a steaming cup of coffee. "I'm very pleased to hear that, dear. The Prince has specifically asked me to look after you during your stay here."
Belle's gratitude swelled as she realized the kindness of everyone in the castle. "That's very kind of him, madame, and I do appreciate it."
Mrs. Potts then extended a neatly folded uniform towards Belle. "The master has also asked me to provide you with your new attire," she explained. "Here's your uniform, dearie."
Belle accepted the uniform with curiosity, unfolding the bundle to reveal a beautiful blue satin shirt, a brown skirt, and a matching blue headscarf.
"It's quite lovely," Belle remarked warmly, appreciating the delicate craftsmanship.
"Thank you, dear. I believe it will suit you just perfectly," Mrs. Potts replied with a warm smile. "If you need any help with anything or have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask. I'm here to assist you in any way that I can."
Belle thanked Mrs. Potts once more and, with a newfound appreciation for the hospitality of the castle's staff, she prepared to enjoy her first breakfast in her new home.
After Mrs. Potts left her alone to enjoy her breakfast in the comforts and solitude of her new room, Belle decided it was time to change into her new uniform and fully embrace her new role as the Prince's chambermaid within the castle.
As she unbuttoned her dress, she winced when she kicked off her boots. They were still high-quality suede, but they had been flecked with mud from the journey last night through the woods. These boots were one of her most prized possessions, second only to her favorite copy of her book, which she had left behind at home, and felt a pang of sadness.
It was a gift from her father last year for her birthday, and she couldn't bear the thought of never being able to read it again. As she changed into her new clothes, she couldn't help but feel overwhelmed with sadness and worry.
She feared how Gaston would react when he realized that her father intended to renege on his promise to allow Gaston to marry her. Her father's safety was paramount, but she couldn't shake the feeling of impending confrontation with the arrogant suitor. Determined to clear her mind and explore her new home, Belle decided to take a walk through the castle once she was fully dressed and had eaten most of the breakfast Mrs. Potts had brought her. She wanted to become better acquainted with the magnificent place that was now her residence.
It was an escape from her worries and a chance to immerse herself in the truly enchanting surroundings. With her uniform neatly in place, and a resolve to face her new life, Belle ventured out to explore the mysteries of the castle.
As Belle made her way through the castle's ornate corridors, her curiosity was piqued by the memory of the Prince's cane, which had intrigued her during her arrival. She recalled the Prince's sharp reaction when she had asked him about it, a reaction that was nearly one of anger.
Determined to satisfy her curiosity and knowing she would get no answers from the Prince himself, hoping to better understand her enigmatic host, she decided to seek out Mrs. Potts for answers and hoped the kindly older woman would be forthcoming and tell her the truth.
After a short search, she found Mrs. Potts in the grand dining hall, overseeing the preparations for a formal dinner. With a polite smile, Belle nervously approached the kindly housekeeper.
"Mrs. Potts, may I ask you a question?" she asked, and only when Mrs. Potts smiled and nodded did she continue. She blew out a deep breath to steel herself before continuing, "It's about the Prince's cane," she inquired. "I noticed that he reacted strongly when I asked him about it earlier in the gardens."
Mrs. Potts turned to Belle, her expression growing guarded. "Oh, dear, I wouldn't concern myself with that if I were you," she said, her voice gentle but cautious. "The master's cane is a personal matter."
Belle, however, was not so easily dissuaded. She couldn't resist her insatiable curiosity. "I understand that, but it seems to hold some significance. I'm merely curious about it."
Mrs. Potts' expression became even more protective, and she spoke to Belle in hushed tones. "The master has had a…difficult past, my dear, and that cane…it's a symbol of his journey and the trials he has faced."
Belle felt a surge of empathy for the Prince and his struggles, but her curiosity remained unabated. "I don't mean to pry, but if it's part of his story, I'd like to understand, Mrs. Potts. Is there any way I can learn more about it?"
Mrs. Potts sighed and replied with just a tinge of impatience in her voice, "It is not my place to say, dear, I'm afraid. The master's history is his own, and he guards it fiercely. I hope you can understand."
Belle nodded, though disappointed, she respected the head housekeeper's loyalty to the Prince. "Of course, I understand. Thank you for your time, Mrs. Potts."
Belle's exploration of the castle continued, her curiosity pulling her down winding hallways and through ornate chambers. The grandeur of the place was breathtakingly spellbinding, and she couldn't resist the urge to discover every hidden corner. She ventured deeper into the castle, and before she realized it, she had lost her sense of direction.
Wandering through the labyrinthine corridors, Belle's steps led her to a peculiar-looking door. It was old and ornate, different from the others she had encountered. Her natural inquisitiveness got the best of her, and she reached out to try the handle.
However, the door was locked, and her efforts were in vain. Just as she was about to give up and turn away, a commanding voice from behind startled Belle.
"That is the door to the basement, mademoiselle. What are you doing out here?"
Belle whirled around, her heart racing, to see the Prince himself, his imposing figure filling the hallway. His expression was stern, his eyes ablaze with a mixture of curiosity and authority.
Belle felt a mixture of embarrassment and curiosity. "I'm sorry, Your Highness, I didn't realize. I-I was just exploring the castle, and I got a bit lost, sir. I did not mean to trespass here."
The Prince's gaze softened somewhat, and he regarded Belle with a slightly more understanding look.
"This castle can be quite a maze if you don't know your way. It's best to stay clear of the basement, though, lady. It's not a place for a woman to wander."
Belle nodded, appreciative of the guidance, and she couldn't help but feel a mix of apprehension and fascination in the presence of the castle's enigmatic master.
She was reminded once again that there were secrets and stories yet to be uncovered in this extraordinary place, and perhaps the Prince held the key to some of them.
Belle's unexpected encounter with the Prince left her with a profound sense of awe and intrigue. As he started to withdraw, retreating down the corridor, she could do nothing but stand there, gazing after him in fascination and wonder.
His striking presence and the enigmatic aura that surrounded him became indelibly etched into her memory. The royal family had become exceedingly reclusive in the past decade or so.
With the Duke and Duchess no longer in the picture, the Prince seldom ventured beyond the castle's confines. And when he did, it was always a herculean effort to ensure that he remained discreet, hidden from the watchful eyes of the very people he was responsible for. The shroud of mystery that enveloped him and the castle only seemed to deepen with each passing day.
As Belle contemplated the Prince's reclusive nature and the castle's air of mystery, she couldn't help but feel a growing sense of curiosity and intrigue about the man she now shared in this enchanting residence. The solitude in which he had cloaked himself intrigued her, as did the secrets that appeared to be hidden within the castle's ancient walls.
Determined to respect his wishes and also eager to maintain her safety, Belle decided to retrace her steps and find her way back to more familiar parts of the castle.
However, as she turned to leave, she heard a soft voice coming from behind her.
"Would you care to walk with me, my lady?"
Belle turned and found the Prince standing there, a thoughtful expression on his face. Her heart began to race as she quickly obliged.
"O-Of course, Your Highness, I would be honored." As they began to walk together through the castle's labyrinthine corridors, Belle couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and curiosity. She looked up at the Prince and decided to ask, "Does it bother you, monsieur, your leg?"
The Prince glanced down at the cane he leaned on and then back at Belle, a hint of anger and surprise in his eyes. It was a question no one had asked him before, not even his servants dared to be so bold. After a moment, he nodded slightly.
"Yes, it does at times," he admitted quietly. "It is a painful reminder of my past mistakes. I was lucky at the time not to have lost the leg entirely."
Belle felt a rush of sympathy for the Prince, and she nodded with understanding.
"I see. Well, I'm here now to help make your life more comfortable in any way that I can. If there's anything I can do for you, I hope you'll let me know. You need only ask. I will come," she offered.
Their conversation continued as they walked, the Prince sharing more about the castle, and Belle feeling a growing connection to this enigmatic figure who was slowly revealing the secrets of the castle and his past.
As Belle and the Prince continued their stroll through the castle's magnificent corridors, Belle found herself drawn to the mystery of the Prince's injury. She decided to approach the topic with a gentle curiosity, hoping to learn more about his past.
"Your Highness," Belle began cautiously, "if you don't mind me asking, how did you sustain your injury?"
The Prince hesitated for a moment, his gaze fixed on a distant point in the hallway. Then, he replied with a frustrated sigh, "It was the result of my actions, a lesson I had to learn the hard way."
Belle could sense that there was more to the Prince's injury and his past, but she didn't want to push him to reveal what he might not be ready to share. Instead, she decided to reciprocate his openness by sharing a piece of her own life, hoping to create a connection between them.
"My father," she began, "suffered an injury that nearly took his life and destroyed the cellar of our home when one of his inventions went wrong. It's something that's left a lasting mark on him ever since."
The Prince's gaze softened, and he appeared genuinely intrigued by her story. "Your father is an inventor?" he inquired, his interest in her life now fully piqued.
Belle nodded with a warm smile. "Yes, he is. He has a brilliant mind and is always creating something new, even though it doesn't always go as planned."
The Prince's guarded demeanor seemed to relax as they continued their conversation, sharing stories and experiences. They found common ground in their love for knowledge, their curiosity about the world, and the personal challenges they had faced.
As Belle and the Prince continued to walk through the castle, always careful to move at the Prince's slow pace, which he seemed grateful for, their conversation gradually deepened as a bond of careful trust began to grow between the two.
After a poignant pause, the Prince finally opened up, his voice tinged with vulnerability.
"Belle, the injury to my leg is permanent," he admitted. "No doctor that has visited the castle has been able to offer a cure and I've called for some of the very best men in the world to tend to me. It's been this way since I turned sixteen, the year that both my father and mother died within six months of each other."
Belle felt her heart go out to him as the Prince revealed this deeply personal aspect of his life.
"I'm so sorry to hear that, Your Highness," she said gently. "Can you tell me how it happened?"
The Prince looked down at his cane, a symbol of his enduring pain and the memories he carried that he had worked so hard to repress as the years had passed.
"It was an accident," he explained, his voice heavy with the weight of his past. "I fell down a flight of stairs during a particularly stormy night, much like the one we endured last night. It's a night I can never forget, and it's left me changed ever since."
Their steps slowed as the Prince's heavy words hung in the air, and Belle could see the deep sadness etched into his face. She understood that this injury was not just physical but had left a profound mark on the man's heart and soul.
Her desire to know more about the enigmatic Prince had led her to a moment of vulnerability and shared pain, and it was clear by the flustered look on the Prince's face that she was perhaps the first soul he had ever told this story to.
As Belle listened to the Prince's account, her heart ached for the painful memories he was sharing. She could sense the weight of his experiences and the deep sadness that had marked his life for so long. Encouraged by her empathetic presence, the Prince continued his story.
"I heard my parents arguing that night," he confessed, his voice quivering slightly. "When I came out of my room to see what was happening, I saw my father nearly strike my mother in a fit of rage. He'd been drinking, I don't even remember what it was they were fighting over, but I couldn't stand by and watch, so I rushed forward to try to stop it."
Belle felt her breath catch as she imagined the traumatic scene he described. She could see the pain etched on his face as he relived that moment.
"And then?" Belle softly prodded.
The Prince's voice grew even more somber. "My father, in his fury, pushed me away. I stumbled and fell down the stairs, injuring my leg as I tried to right my gait."
The weight of his words hung heavily in the air, and Belle couldn't help but feel the depth of the tragedy that had befallen him. It was a moment that changed the course of his life, leaving him with both physical and emotional scars he carried to this day.
Belle walked in silence for a moment, allowing the weight of the Prince's confession to settle between them. She felt an overwhelming sense of empathy and compassion for him, and it made her wish to ease the pain he carried.
Finally, she spoke softly, "I'm so sorry you had to go through such a traumatic experience, Your Highness."
The Prince nodded, his expression still somber. "Thank you, Belle. It's not something I like to dwell on."
Belle couldn't help but feel a deeper connection with the Prince. It was as if the shared conversation had opened a window into his soul, revealing a side of him that was seldom seen by others.
Belle's gentle demeanor and genuine concern had emboldened the Prince to share a part of himself he had long kept hidden.
However, his vulnerability also made him feel exposed, and he began to grow defensive. "It's in the past, and I've learned to live with it. There's no point in dwelling on it."
After a moment, the Prince hesitated for a moment before sharing another piece of his life.
"Belle, I must confess something," he said, his voice laced with vulnerability. "Since you are my new chambermaid now, I think it only fair that you know the truth. I can go without the cane for short bursts of time, but walking is much easier with it. However, I fear that people would view their Prince as weak if they were to ever see me using it. So, I've tried to hide it."
Belle's heart went out to him as she listened to his admission. She understood the weight of responsibility he carried as a ruler and the expectation that he be seen as strong and capable at all times.
"Your Highness," she said gently, "it's important to remember that vulnerability and asking for help when needed are signs of strength, not weakness."
The Prince looked at her, a mixture of surprise and gratitude in his eyes. "You truly believe that, Belle?"
Belle nodded, her kindness and wisdom shining through. "Yes, I do. It takes courage to admit our limitations and seek assistance when required. There's no shame in it."
Their conversation took a turn toward discussing the importance of understanding and compassion, as they continued their walk through the castle.
The Prince's guarded demeanor began to soften, and it was clear that Belle's presence had a profound impact on his perspective, offering him the comfort of knowing he could be himself around her without judgment.
As their conversation continued, Belle's thoughts appeared to drift into a more wistful territory. The Prince, keenly perceptive of his new maid's changing demeanor, couldn't help but notice Belle's distraction.
He finally gruffly inquired, "Is there something on your mind, lady? Are you worried for your father?"
Belle sighed softly and replied, "Yes, Your Highness. I am concerned about him. Gaston has a temper and he can be quite persistent when he wants something."
She then shifted the conversation to Gaston's injury. "During the war, Gaston sustained an injury to his leg. But, if I may be candid, Your Highness, you seem to have managed your injury far better than Gaston."
The Prince looked at her inquisitively, intrigued by her candor. "You think so?"
Belle's response was dry and matter-of-fact. "Well, I've not yet seen you use your injury as an excuse for anything, and you certainly don't have the same temperament as Gaston."
Their conversation continued, touching upon the complexities of their respective lives and the challenges they had faced. Belle's straightforwardness seemed to resonate with the Prince, and they shared a moment of mutual understanding that transcended their roles as host and guest.
Belle's curiosity about the Prince's hidden identity and his sudden appearance in the shadows the previous night couldn't be contained any longer. She decided to broach the topic, her voice gentle and inquisitive.
"Your Highness," she began, "is your injury the reason you stayed hidden in the shadows last night and refused to let us see your face?"
The Prince's demeanor changed abruptly. His face darkened with anger, and he snapped, "That is a different matter altogether, one you need not trouble yourself with, Belle. It's another mistake I am paying for."
Belle sensed the tension in the air and realized that the Prince had grown weary of their conversation.
She quickly excused herself, "I apologize, Your Highness, if I've overstepped. I didn't mean to pry."
As she turned to leave, the Prince called after her, his tone softer, "Wait, Belle."
She turned back to him, uncertain of what to expect.
The Prince's expression softened somewhat as he said, "Would you care to join me for dinner tonight? We have much more to discuss."
Belle nodded in agreement, and though she didn't fully understand the complexities of the situation, she couldn't help but feel a sense of duty and curiosity as she accepted the invitation. "I...y-yes, of course, Your Highness. I'll be there."
Their conversation had taken an unexpected turn, but it seemed that the Prince was willing to share more of his story, and Belle was more determined than ever to unravel the mysteries of the castle and its enigmatic master.
As Belle agreed to join the Prince for dinner, a flicker of relief crossed his eyes.
It was clear that there was something he wanted to share with her, something that had been hidden away for a long time.
"Thank you, Belle," he said, a genuine smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "I look forward to our conversation tonight. Meet me in the dining hall at 7 o'clock. Until then."
With that, the Prince turned and began to walk back into the castle.
Belle watched him go, still perplexed by the transformation in his demeanor.
As Belle turned to leave the Prince's presence, her heart raced with a mixture of fear and excitement. She couldn't shake the feeling of those piercing eyes following her.
With each step she took, the weight of his gaze clung to her like an invisible hand.
Then, as she was about to disappear into the winding corridors of the castle, she sensed a sudden movement.
She turned around, and to her astonishment, the Prince was still there, his eyes fixed on her. His presence was imposing, yet there was something softer in his gaze this time, a vulnerability that made her heart skip a beat.
And then, there it was—a hint of a smile, so fleeting that Belle could have easily missed it had she not been so attuned to his every gesture.
It was a smile that held secrets, a smile that hinted at a depth of emotion beneath the Prince's imposing exterior. Her fear began to transform into intrigue, and she found herself unable to look away. But the moment passed, and the Prince, still favoring his limp, turned and began to walk away. Belle watched him until he disappeared around a corner, her heart still racing.
This brief encounter left her with a whirlwind of emotions, and as she continued on her way, she couldn't help but wonder what had just transpired and what it might mean for her future in the castle.