Empathy (Beauty and the Beast)
The Beast wasn't known for his ability to empathize before the Curse, nor during it. Not until nearly the end, when Belle thawed his heart. Now, almost a year after his curse was broken, he was still trying to improve that skill.
He wasn't having much luck.
Cogsworth said not to trouble himself over it; monarchs didn't need to empathize with their subjects.
But Beast wasn't really a monarch, not before the Enchantress cursed him, and his title was even harder to define now. With his parents long dead, no distant family to speak of, and his lands handed over to another noble once the king's messengers couldn't locate the castle, Beast had no idea who he was. This troubled him more than he cared to admit.
Besides, Beast wanted to be a better man, not only for himself, but for Belle. His soon-to-be-wife wasn't afraid to tell him when his temper was getting out of hand, and he loved her even more for that. He knew he wasn't as beastly as his earlier years, but when his anger got the best of him, Beast scared himself.
It was why he hadn't chosen a new name for himself yet. He thought once he was a better man, he'd christen himself with a name, since no one could remember the old one. But with the wedding fast approaching, Beast knew he'd have to figure it out soon. He couldn't have the priest ask Belle if she took "Beast" as her husband.
This was why he sat at his desk in his study with Mrs. Potts in tears before him, clearly troubled and needing something from him, but Beast wasn't sure how he could help. It was Cogsworth's job to hire staff, and if he hadn't filled two maid positions, why must Mrs. Potts bother him about it?
Mrs. Pott wiped her eyes with a handkerchief. "It's just too much work, Sire. Without at least one more maid, I'll have to step in, and I'm already stretched thin." Her shoulders dropped. "Chip has kept me up lately with nightmares. I'm not my sharpest as it is."
That's when it clicked. Mrs. Potts wasn't here to pester Beast. She wanted him to understand how exhausted the whole staff was. It was hard to keep up with all the castle maintenance on a normal day, but with the wedding coming, there was no way Mrs. Potts and the rest of the staff could manage.
Beast got up from his desk and went around to face Mrs. Potts. He took her trembling hands in his. "I'll speak to Cogsworth. We have enough to hire three maids, at least until after the wedding. Hopefully that will give you a chance to rest."
Mrs. Potts sighed in relief. "Thank you, Sire. That will help so much."
"You're welcome. Make yourself a cup of tea and take the afternoon off. The kitchen will manage without you."
Mrs. Potts nodded. "I think I'll do just that. Thank you, Sire. You've lifted a weight off my shoulders."
Not long after Mrs. Potts left, Belle entered the office, a book in hand and smile on her lips.
"Mrs. Potts is telling anyone who will listen how wonderful you are. Did you expand her tea import allowance?"
Beast went to her and embraced her. She smelt like old books and fireplace; his favourite scents.
"I changed Cogsworth's short staffing decision," he said with a shrug. "It was nothing. Cogsworth was being stingy as usual."
Belle kissed his cheek. "It meant something to Mrs. Potts. It was kind of you to do that, love." She hugged him tighter. "That decision is one of the many reasons I can't wait to marry you." She pulled back just enough to smile at him. "I think you've earned an afternoon off, too."
"Library?"
"Library."
Beast pecked Belle's lips. "Lead the way."
Just as they locked his office door, Beast intertwined his fingers with hers. "Will you help me pick a new name in time for the wedding?"
Belle leaned her head against his shoulder as they left his study behind. "I thought you'd never ask. How do you feel about Rupert?"
Both burst out laughing at the very un-Beast name. That certainly wasn't going to be read by the priest.