BELLE awoke to the soft, golden light streaming through her bedroom window. The songbirds outside had already begun their morning serenade, and the world seemed peaceful and untroubled. Unbeknownst to her, a dark cloud had now settled over her father's fate. She stretched and yawned, feeling the warmth of her cozy bed and the comfort of her chamber, where empty shelves lined the walls just waiting to be filled with various knick-knacks.
For a brief moment, she allowed herself to entertain the notion that the surreal encounter with the Prince in his terrifying Changeling-Beast form from the previous night might have been nothing more than a vivid dream. However, the cold embrace of reality swiftly enveloped her as the memory of the enchanted rose, a symbol of his courage and the promise she had made to stand by him regardless, flooded her thoughts.
It was a bold promise to make from the start, and she prayed she could uphold it.
With a heavy heart, she hastened to rise from her slumber and began to dress herself, opting for a simple yet graceful green dress that complemented her eyes and chestnut brown hair.
Once she was dressed and her hair was fashioned into a plaited ponytail, Belle descended the staircase, unaware of the impending disaster that had befallen her father in their village.
This morning, the castle was unnaturally still, creating a sharp contrast to the growing sense of familiarity that Belle had developed. She made her way to the kitchen, where the delightful scents of freshly baked bread and a simmering pot of porridge wafted through the air.
Mrs. Potts, now a human again with the first light of dawn, was tending to the stove, just as Cogsworth and Lumiere, who had also reverted to their human forms, sat around a modest table in what appeared to be the servants' dining area. It was presumably where the castle's staff gathered for their meals.
"Good morning, dear," Mrs. Potts chimed in her soothing voice.
Belle managed a weak smile and replied, "Good morning, Mrs. Potts."
With a heavy heart, she sat down at the table and began to eat her breakfast as a tray was set in front of her by Lumiere. Every bite felt like a bittersweet reminder of the ordinary life she was beginning to miss. She couldn't help but wonder about her father and the anguish he must be enduring that came with missing her presence in their home.
Just as she was lost in her thoughts, a sudden movement caught her eye.
The grand double doors leading to the dining hall swung open, and there, silhouetted by the warm morning light, was Prince Adam himself.
The Prince's presence was like that of an apparition, a shimmering figure in royal attire.
Belle's heart raced as she looked up and saw the Prince coming toward her.
Even with his cane, he still managed to move with an air of grace and an aura of melancholy that was quickly becoming all too familiar to her, and she cursed herself for it. She rose from her seat, her voice barely a whisper. "Your Highness."
The Prince nodded solemnly, his piercing blue eyes locked onto hers.
"Belle, good morning," he acknowledged politely, his voice a mixture of hope and regret. The dark shadows underneath his eyes were a testament to a sleepless night.
Belle's heart inexplicably ached as she observed the weariness etched into the Prince's features. She couldn't help but feel sympathy for the man behind the curse.
"Your Highness," she said, her voice still hushed, "how did you fare last night?"
He paused briefly, surprised by her question before a faint, sorrowful smile graced his lips.
"My nights are long and filled with pain, as it frequently is, Belle. Yet, my mornings, when the dawn breaks, bring an even deeper anguish," he admitted. "The agony of your bones realigning after every transformation is a torment I wouldn't bestow upon even my worst enemy. But your presence here this morning brings a ray of hope to the gloom of this accursed fate that envelops me."
Belle's brow furrowed with empathy. She understood the weight of his words, and her desire to help ease his suffering deepened. "Is there anything I can do to help, Your Highness?"
The Prince's eyes held a hint of gratitude as he spoke, "Just by agreeing to stay here with us, you have already done more than you know, Belle, but….I would ask a favor of you if you would care to indulge me."
Belle nodded, her curiosity piqued. "Of course, sir. What would you ask of me?"
The Prince extended an invitation with a gesture for Belle to come away from the kitchen and into the dining hall.
"Join me for breakfast, Belle, and share a meal with me again. Perhaps, now with the sun high above us, and the knowledge of what happens to me when the sun goes down, we can try again. I hope you might see beyond the exterior and find a glimmer of the man I still hope to be, despite everything that I've done."
Belle's heart fluttered with mixed emotions—curiosity, compassion, and an inkling of hope. She looked at the Prince, a man who was no longer a stranger to her, but a man haunted by a curse, and felt herself nod.
"I will, Your Highness," she accepted shyly. "Let us try again." A faint pink blush speckled along her cheeks as the Prince offered her his arm, and she accepted it. They made their way to the dining hall and they both took their seats at the table, and as she sat down, Belle couldn't help but wonder if this shared meal would be the beginning of a connection that transcended appearances and led to understanding and perhaps, even more, as the Prince was hoping for.
As they sat down for their meal, Belle felt a mixture of anticipation and trepidation. She couldn't deny the intrigue of getting to know the Prince behind the Beast, but she was still unsure of what to expect.
The Prince, for his part, seemed equally uncertain but determined to make amends.
"Thank you for joining me, Belle," he said, breaking the awkward silence that had settled between them. "I appreciate your willingness to try again."
Belle offered a warm smile, her earlier apprehension giving way to genuine curiosity. "It's my pleasure, Your Highness. I believe that there's more to everyone than meets the eye, and I'd like to discover the person you truly are."
The Prince's eyes softened at her words, and he nodded in gratitude. "Your belief in the goodness of others is a rare and precious quality in this world, Belle. It is something I had nearly forgotten."
They continued to eat in companionable silence for a while, savoring the simple yet hearty porridge that Mrs. Potts had prepared. The tension between them began to dissipate, and Belle ventured to ask, "Your Highness," she began, her voice filled with determination, "Forgive me, but I—I must ask…my father, sir, when can he be brought to the castle?"
The Prince pondered for a moment, his eyes never leaving Belle's. "I believe we could make the journey this very afternoon to collect him once it's warmed up a bit. Brutus would come with us, for protection, of course. But there's one thing we must consider: the weather will only get colder as winter approaches. Do you have a warm coat, Belle?"
Belle's cheeks flushed with embarrassment, and she cast her eyes downward. "No, I…I don't have a coat, Your Highness. I've never owned one."
The Prince's expression softened, and he extended a comforting hand to her. "There's no need to be embarrassed, Belle. We shall find you a suitable coat before we leave."
With a plan now in place for her father's arrival, Belle felt a sense of relief and purpose. She had entered this castle originally with hesitation and fear, but now, it seemed like she was destined to play a pivotal role in breaking the Prince's curse and finding the love and understanding that had long eluded Prince Adam and his staff.
Belle was pulled from her thoughts as the Prince, ever the gracious host, rose from the table and smiled warmly at Belle.
"I have a coat that I believe will suit you well. It belonged to my mother and is still in excellent condition. I'll have it brought to you immediately."
Belle was touched by the Prince's kindness and nodded appreciatively, her blush intensifying as she averted her gaze for a moment to collect herself. "Thank you, Your Highness. That's very kind of you. I truly appreciate it."
True to his word, the Prince requested Mrs. Potts fetch his mother's coat from his parents' chamber when his Head of House entered the dining room to begin to help Lumiere clear the table of their breakfast dishes.
She assented to the Prince's request and darted out of the room to fetch it at once. They did not have to wait long before Mrs. Potts returned with a beautifully crafted brown coat in a shade of rich brown lined with thick dark fur at the neckline, sleeves, and hem of the coat.
As Belle tried it on, the garment draped over her shoulders with a perfect fit, its softness and warmth providing comfort and assurance.
The coat, once belonging to the Prince's mother, carried a sense of history and a connection to a past life he had nearly forgotten following his curse.
The Prince's eyes began to glisten as he admired how his mother's coat suited Belle. "It looks lovely on you, Belle. I'm certain my mother would be pleased to know it found such a graceful wearer."
Belle's heart swelled with gratitude, and she lowered her head in reverence towards the master of the castle and curtsied gracefully. "Thank you, Your Highness. I'm honored to wear it."
But before they set out to retrieve Belle's father from her village, the Prince had one more thing he wanted to show her. He had overheard whispered conversations among his staff, particularly arguments between Lumiere and Cogsworth, about Belle's love for books and reading. He felt a deep desire to make her feel at home in the castle, to provide her with a space where she could lose herself in books, just as she had at home in her provincial village.
With a glint of anticipation in his eyes, the Prince couldn't help but pause Belle in her tracks. He gently tugged at her arm as she led him toward the corridor that would take them to the grand staircase and the exit. Belle halted and turned to him, surprise flickering in her eyes as she noticed the excitement brimming to life behind his blue gaze.
"Belle," he said, a note of eagerness in his voice, "there's something I'd like to show you first before we leave. Then I can take you home. Monsieur Lumiere has mentioned your passion for literature and your love for reading. I believe you'll find it quite delightful."
Intrigued and slightly puzzled, Belle raised a brow at the Prince in confusion, but she nodded after a moment, her curiosity piqued. "Of course, Your Highness. I'd be delighted to see what you have in store. Lead the way."
She held out her arm expectantly for the Prince to take, and slowly, the Prince accepted and with a painfully beating heart in his chest, the Prince led Belle through the corridors of the grand castle, winding their way through the ornate hallways.
Belle couldn't help but continue to marvel at the grandeur of her surroundings. She had thought she would get used to it as the days began to pass, but this castle she knew held many secrets, and with each step, it seemed like there was something new and captivating to discover.
The Prince silently led Belle through the grand hallways of the castle until they reached a massive, ornate set of double doors. The Prince pushed them open with a flourish, revealing the castle's history in all its splendor.
Belle gasped in astonishment as she was led into the room, her eyes wide with wonder as she beheld the vast collection of books that lined the shelves, reaching up to the towering ceiling, the books filling the vast room with the knowledge and stories of generations. Belle could not stop a second cry of delight as it left her lips, her eyes widening even further with wonder as she took in their new surroundings. She had never seen so many books in one place before.
"This is incredible," she breathed.
The Prince smiled, watching Belle's astonished reaction with a sense of satisfaction. "I thought you might appreciate it. Please, feel free to explore to your heart's content. You're welcome to come in here anytime you like and take any book. I hope that you'll find it a welcoming place to continue your love of reading."
Overwhelmed by the beauty of the library and the Prince's thoughtfulness, Belle could only offer a grateful smile. The journey to retrieve her father could wait a little longer, as she had just discovered a treasure trove of stories waiting to be explored.
Belle walked further into the Prince's library, her eyes wide with wonder and amazement. The vast room seemed to stretch on endlessly, with towering shelves filled to the brim with books of all shapes, sizes, and colors.
She ran her fingers along the spines, feeling the promise of countless adventures awaiting her. The soft, warm lighting gave the room a cozy atmosphere, and the scent of old parchment paper and leather bindings filled the air.
The Prince observed Belle as she moved from one bookshelf to another, her excitement growing with each discovery. He couldn't help but admire the way her dark eyes sparkled with enthusiasm or how her slender, long fingers danced over the titles. He had longed for someone else to share his love of literature, and now he had found a kindred spirit in Belle.
As Belle continued to explore the castle's library, she came across a particularly interesting-looking book. She plucked it from the shelf and began to skim through a few of the pages, before clutching it close to her chest, deciding to take it with her back to her chamber once they returned from collecting her father.
The Prince continued to watch Belle from a distance, content to see her so engrossed in the books. He knew he had made the right decision to share this treasure with her.
His home's library, once a symbol of isolation and loneliness, had now become a place of connection and shared joy. Eventually, Belle realized she had not offered the Prince her thanks and glanced up from the book. She turned to the Prince, her eyes filled with gratitude.
"Thank you, sir," she said, her voice filled with sincerity. "This is the most wonderful gift anyone has ever given me."
The Prince smiled once more, touched by her words. "You're welcome, Belle. It's a pleasure to see someone appreciate the library as much as I do."
As Belle returned her attention to the Prince, a thoughtful expression crossed his face.
"Belle," he began, "I couldn't help but notice you tend to gravitate more towards stories instead of books that cover actual histories of our world. If you don't mind me asking, do you have a favorite book or story that's always held a special place in your heart?"
Belle's eyes brightened at the question, and she eagerly replied, "Oh, there are so many wonderful books I've enjoyed over the years. I don't know if I could pick a favorite, Your Highness."
The Prince nodded, though, despite the happiness that wallowed within his soul to see Belle so joyous to have been gifted the library, the feeling was replaced by a sense of urgency.
"Belle, as much as I'd love to discuss books and stories further, we should make our way to your village to collect your father. The temperatures will only continue to get colder, and I'd rather not see us outside of the castle after dark, given my…my circumstances," he stammered after a moment.
Belle agreed, understanding the importance of reuniting with her father. She knew that the books would always be there, waiting for her to return.
Together, they exited the library, its doors closing behind them with a soft thud, and they began to make their way through the magnificent, echoing corridors of the castle.
As they stepped out into the crisp, cool autumnal air of the castle grounds, they began to make their way towards the stables. The sun was rising high in the sky as the afternoon came upon them, casting a warm, golden glow across the landscape.
The Prince and Belle walked side by side, their conversation shifting from books to the picturesque surroundings and the wonders of the realm beyond the Prince's castle walls.
Their bond was growing stronger with each step, and as they neared the stables and were relieved enough to spot Brutus as the Prince's guard patrolled the grounds, Belle couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the kindness and understanding the Prince had shown her.
She also hoped that her father would soon experience the same warmth and compassion from the Prince that she had discovered and would take pity upon the man instead of fearing him in his cursed form as the Beast-Prince when the sun went down.
As they approached Brutus, Belle's heart quickened with the thought of reuniting with her father. She clung to the hope that their love for stories and books was just the beginning of a beautiful friendship that would continue to blossom as they faced the challenges and adventures that lay ahead. As they neared the stables, Belle's gaze drifted to Brutus, who was busy tending to the horses. Brutus looked up as he heard their footsteps, and the tall, handsome guard with a strong presence turned and greeted them with a nod.
"Your Highness, Lady Belle," he murmured, acknowledging their presence. "What can I do for you?"
The Prince spoke up, his voice filled with concern. "Brutus, we need to travel to Belle's village to collect her father. I gave her my word that her father could come to live here in the castle with us since she gave her word that she would remain, and I'm a man of my word and I intend to honor my promise. Would you be willing to accompany us on this trip?"
Brutus, always ready to serve, nodded with a warm smile as he reached up a hand to tuck a lock of his long dark hair out of the way. "Of course, Your Highness. I'd be honored to escort you and the lady to her village and ensure your safety there and back again."
Belle felt relieved that they wouldn't be embarking on this journey alone, and she expressed her gratitude to the guard who had defended her father from Gaston, the memory of the guard's confession the morning after it had happened still vivid in her mind. "Thank you, Brutus. Your presence will certainly make our journey safer and more pleasant."
Brutus then turned his full attention to Belle. "You may choose any horse from the stables, my lady. We have some fine steeds that will make the journey quite comfortable for you, though be warned, some are ornrier than others," he offered dryly.
Belle nodded as she took in the information and began to browse the stables, considering which horse to select, though her thoughts were quickly interrupted by the distant, haunting sound of a young woman's screams. The chilling, pleading cries emanated from the woods beyond the castle's borders.
The Prince, Brutus, and Belle collectively exchanged alarmed glances. Without a moment's hesitation, they abandoned their search for a horse and made their way towards the source of the distressing sounds, with Brutus leading the way, the guard's longsword already drawn.
As they ventured deeper into the woods, they were driven by a sense of duty to investigate and provide help to the poor distressed soul, their original mission momentarily forgotten.
Belle's heart raced as they spotted a young blonde woman cornered by two hungry wolves in the dimming forest. Panic surged through her veins as she saw one of the wolves, its snarling jaws gaping wide, ready to pounce at the woman's throat.
The makeshift stick in the blonde's trembling hands was no match for the powerful jaws of the creature, and it snapped the stick in half with ease. The woman's green woolen cape, once vibrant, was now tattered and torn, bearing the marks of her seemingly desperate struggle through the dense woods in her effort to reach help. Her face, now drained of color, held a mix of terror and despair as she looked up and momentarily locked eyes with Belle.
Belle's breaths caught in her throat and her recognition was immediate.
The young woman about to be made a snack for these vicious wolves was Paulette, one of the triplets from her village, and she had always been the kindest of the three sisters.
Unlike her siblings, she had never participated in the taunts or teasing Claudette and Laurette had always aimed at Belle and her father. Belle had always appreciated Paulette's silent support and genuine kindness and had always hoped to be able to thank her properly one day.
Fear and panic welled up within Belle, but she couldn't stand idly by, not when someone she knew was in grave danger. She looked to Prince and to Brutus, determination in her eyes temporarily overshadowing her fear.
"That's Paulette, Your Highness, a girl from my village! We have to help her!" Belle declared, her voice quivering but resolute.
The Prince and Brutus nodded in agreement, with the Prince exchanging a look with his friend, and a silent understanding seemed to pass between the two men, Brutus, wielding his sword, prepared to confront the menacing wolves and come to Paulette's rescue. Brutus wasted no time, his years of training and experience evident as the Prince's guard swiftly sprang into action. With remarkable agility and precision, he drew his sword and expertly dispatched the two menacing wolves, ensuring that Paulette was no longer in any immediate danger. The deadly threat was eliminated, the beasts now lay motionless in the forest.
Paulette, now safe but visibly shaken, began to sob as the adrenaline of the perilous encounter with the wolves which had almost killed her finally caught up with her. She clung to the remnants of her torn cape as she trembled, her sobs echoing through the forest.
Brutus, normally a stoic and strong presence, showed a surprising tenderness as he removed his cloak and draped it gently over Paulette's shivering shoulders. She looked up at him, her green eyes filled with gratitude and vulnerability, and rested her head against his chest, finding comfort in the handsome soldier's protective embrace. She began to cry, not to gasp and scream and struggle for breath, just a gentle weeping, and clung to Brutus for support.
The Prince and Belle watched the scene unfold, their expressions a mix of shock and amazement at the unanticipated affection between Brutus and Paulette.
Belle's heart swelled with admiration and gratitude for the man's compassion, while the Prince, though not surprised, was quick to realize that this brave and kind-hearted act reflected the true character of his loyal friend.
Brutus, after a moment of awkwardly patting Paulette on the back, turned his attention back to the Prince and Belle, his tone filled with determination. "We must take her back to the castle, Your Highness. We must get her inside, warm, and dressed more properly." However, to his astonishment, neither the Prince nor Belle immediately moved to help. Both were still taken aback by the display of emotion from the Prince's stoic guard. In response to their hesitation, Brutus huffed indignantly and muttered, "Well, if you won't do it, then I shall."
With unwavering resolve, he took Paulette's hand and began to lead her out of the forest and back towards the castle, the guard and the distressed young woman making their way together, hand in hand.
As they departed, the Prince and Belle snapped out of their shock and exchanged a worried glance, realizing that it was time to follow Brutus's lead and ensure Paulette's safety and well-being. Together, they would offer her the care and comfort she so desperately needed after her harrowing ordeal in the forest just now.
As Belle and the Prince followed behind Brutus and Paulette, Belle couldn't shake her deepening sense of concern. She knew Paulette was one of the kindest and gentlest souls in their village, and the question nagged at her: What on earth was Paulette doing so far from the safety of their village? Had something happened to drive her away? Belle's mind churned with fear and questions, and she shared her worries with the Prince in hushed tones as they walked.
"This is so unusual, Your Highness. Paulette has always been kind to Papa and me, she's different than her two twin sisters and most of the other girls our age in the village, and she rarely ventures far from the village. I wonder what could have brought her to the castle. Has something…" she trailed off as she hesitated, sounding so unsure of herself. "H-happened?" she finished, her throat tightening as she spoke.
The Prince's brow furrowed in thought, his curiosity piqued. "It's indeed quite perplexing, Belle. We must find out what happened, and why she was alone in the woods."
As they continued to make their way back to the castle, Belle couldn't help but imagine the distress and fear poor Paulette must have experienced. She knew that, as a potential friend, and a fellow villager, she had a responsibility to help and support her in any way possible.
She prayed that together, with the Prince and Brutus, they would reveal the truth behind Paulette's presence in the forest and ensure her safety and wellbeing, no matter the circumstances, though secretly, she was starting to fear the worst. As Brutus, the Prince, and Belle escorted Paulette back into the safety of the castle grounds, Belle's heart was still filled with concern for the young woman about her age, perhaps a few years older.
She was so preoccupied with her thoughts over what Paulette's presence in the forest could mean that she hardly noticed the fact that she was holding the Prince's hand.
It was only when she felt his fingers brush against hers and she looked down that she realized their entwined fingers.
Belle's face flushed red with a sudden shyness. Her heart raced as she felt the warmth of the Prince's hand in hers, and for a moment, she hesitated, unsure of what to do. However, she quickly decided not to let go of the man's hand, finding comfort in his touch. With a small, grateful smile, she continued to walk alongside the Prince, allowing him to guide her and Paulette inside, with Brutus still leading the way, his vice grip on the blonde's hand tight. It was a subtle yet significant moment that seemed to strengthen the unspoken bond between them.
As they entered the castle, Belle's thoughts were still with Paulette, and she resolved to find out the reason for her unexpected presence in the dangerous forest. The events of the day thus far had brought them all together, and Belle couldn't help but wonder with a pang of unease what other surprises lay in store in the days still to follow.
Inside the castle, the warmth of the Prince's hand in hers continued to occupy Belle's thoughts.
As they strolled through the grand hallways, heading toward the dining hall, Belle noticed Brutus taking charge, barking orders at Cogsworth and a passing maid. He instructed them to relay the message to Mrs. Potts in the kitchens, asking her to prepare a hot bowl of soup for the girl and to fetch warmer clothing. Despite the commotion around her, Belle's thoughts were far from the bustling castle. She couldn't help but be drawn back to the warmth of the Prince's hand in hers. Her mind seemed to wander as she walked, momentarily detached from the immediate surroundings, lost in the unexpected connection that had developed between them.
She could feel herself becoming lost in the sensation of his touch. She couldn't help but replay the events of the day so far in her mind, from their shared love of stories in the library to the unexpected rescue of Paulette in the forest as they'd set out to collect her father. Belle's heart swelled with a mixture of gratitude, curiosity, and a blossoming fondness for Prince Adam, the beginnings of a bond forming between them, despite the Prince's monstrous curse.
Belle was captivated by the man's kindness, compassion, and the way that he was showing her that there was more to him than his imposing exterior when the sun went down.
At that moment, as they walked through the corridors of the castle, Belle began to wonder what the future held for them. She realized that their connection was growing stronger, and the Prince's hand in hers felt like a promise of the adventures and experiences they might share.
The grand doors of the dining hall swung open, and they entered the room, greeted by the cozy flicker of a fire already ablaze in the hearth. A plush armchair sat before the fire, accompanied by a thick blanket for Paulette, and a serving girl made her entrance, carrying a steaming bowl of freshly made onion soup. The inviting atmosphere of the castle contrasted sharply with the growing unease that had taken hold of Belle's heart. The warmth of the room seemed to stand in stark contrast to the chilling uncertainty that now settled within her.
As Belle settled into her seat, Brutus helped Paulette to sit in the chair in front of the fire, as the blonde was still in a state of shock, she couldn't help but ponder the complexity of the situation.
Despite her determination to learn to love the Prince and help break his curse, despite the allure of adventure and enchantment, she was acutely aware of the looming secrets and enigmas that shrouded the castle.
She realized that, despite the promise of love, adventure, and enchantment, there were secrets yet to be unveiled, and the tale as old as time held more twists and turns than she had ever imagined.