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Beauty and the Beast (Kolath and Candira)

He stiffened a little when she asked that. â??You were not rude my dearâ?¦at this time I think it is better that you not know. There are things that happened in this castle that someday I may tell you butâ?¦for now know that you are no longer in any danger. Any threat to you has been dealt with.â? He wasnâ??t coming out and saying that he knew about the rape but he was telling her that he wouldnâ??t do it again. He could feel his lust building for her but his human half fought it down wanting to once again be in control even if it couldnâ??t change him back yet. â??Please, leave me.â?
 
Belle listened to his words with care, nodding silently, her eyes still down as he told her that some terrible things had happened. So this was probably out of some sort of respect? That made sense. And then he said something rather peculiar. She looked up at him, her eyes full of surprise and wonder as he told her she was no longer in danger. So...so he knew that something had happened to her? She wasn't sure how to begin asking the many questions swarming in her head, but she knew better than to upset him. "I thank you. Farewell, your majesty." She curtsied and bowed her head, hair falling over her shoulder and onto her cleavage. A moment later, she took her leave of him and took a deep breath, unsure of what to do now. She went back into the room where court was being held.
 
t had been all that the prince could do not to just grab her and rape her again, but his human mind won out and maintained control till she left. it was then that he felt it, the bone in his faceâ?¦no in his entire body were shifting slightly. It had been so long since he had felt that that it took him by surprise and he cried out in pain. Dropping to his knees his head thrown back as he cried out to the sky. His hood had fallen, but the change was over so quickly that even if Belle had turned immediately at hearing the scream she wouldnâ??t have seen it.

His hair was long and hanging down his back past his shoulder blades and was a deep rich chestnut. His eyes were still closed but when he finally opened them they deep blue almost purple. He couldnâ??t hardly believe itâ?¦he was human again, at least for this nightâ?¦it had been so long. Everyone in the court had heard the scream and were now gathering around to see what it was.
 
Belle heard the scream and spun around quickly, rushing to the prince's side with the other courtiers. Immediately she got on her knees beside him, her hand on his shoulder, looking down at him. She had noticed that he was an incredibly attractive man, but at the moment, she was more worried about his health. "What happened?" she asked, worry evident on her face. "Are you alright, your majesty?"
 
The prince was gasping deeply trying to breath after his body had changed itself. He looked up at her and seeing her for the first time through human eyes he smiled sighing. â??Yes my dear I am fine just a bad leg cramp.â? He was lying through his teeth because he was better than fine and it sure as hell hadnâ??t been as painless as a leg cramp. He stood slowly seeming to stretch out the muscles. â??Yes much better now, thank you.â? He turned to look and the gathered nobles and he waved them away. â??Iâ??m fine.â? They all were trying to hide their joy at him returning to human.
 
"Are you sure?" she asked, worry still written on her face. She rose with him, staring up into his eyes as she waited for his answer. He shooed the nobles that had gathered away, but she wasn't sure he was alright. The scream...it had been too loud to be a leg cramp. At least one that would allow him to stand so soon after experiencing it. "Is there anything I can do for you, your majesty?"
 
He smiled and his hand lightly reached down brushing against her cheek brushing her hair back from her face. â??Iâ??m sure thank you.â? His smile was genuine and he was almost at the point of laughing, and would have if it would have fit the situation. He knew that the change into human wouldnâ??t last after sun rise, none of the residents of the castle could last into the day their hold on humanity wasnâ??t strong enough. He would need to make sure that she was far away from him when his beast took over again. â??I hope that the late night schedule isnâ??t being too much of a bother for you?â?
 
Relieved to find that he was alright after all, she blushed softly as he moved her hair away from her face. She could see that his was almost the same color as hers, though a bit darker and without so much gold in it. His eyes were practically hypnotic. She caught herself staring a bit too intently and she quickly snapped back into her lady-like self. The beautiful girl brought her gaze to the ground and shook her head. "No, your majesty. Not yet. I used to wait up late for may father when he would invent things. It's not so bad staying up late," she said, not really sure that he'd wanted to hear all of that. She kicked herself for losing her form. She had thought she'd left a decent impression on him before, but now...what did he think of her, she wondered.
 
He was smiling brightly not noticing anything that she might say or do that wasnâ??t right by court standards it was just too exciting to possibly getting to know her as a human. â??Wonderful I am glad that it isnâ??t too much of a strain.â? He looked out over the balcony and sighed the moon high in the sky. â??Would you care to go for a walk? The garden isnâ??t as nice as it once was which is why I would love for your help with it, but still would you like to walk in it?â?
 
At this, she looked at him again. Her eyes were wide with surprise, but she quickly found her composure again. "That would be lovely," she said, glad to see that he was in such high spirits. Perhaps her father had been right about him after all. "I hadn't had much of a chance to see them in the day." She felt safer now that she could see his face. Now that she thought she knew more about the place, she was much more at ease here. She was no longer afraid that the beast she'd had the misfortune of meeting would find her again. With that, Isabelle extended her hand to him in a friendly gesture as if to say, "let's go" and waited for him to join her.
 
He smiled and gently slipped her arm through his as he led her out into the garden. There was no question the place had gone to the weeds and the plants themselves had grown a lot more than they ever had before. He sighed as they walked under the moon. â??It is sad to see what this place has become in the years since I have taken overâ?¦I have really let the country down havenâ??t I?â? he wasnâ??t really asking her just mostly talking to himself. â??much like this garden, but maybe,â? he turned and smiled at her. â??You will have me fix that hmm?â?
 
She let him guide her, easily keeping pace with him as her long legs carried her through the gardens with him. He felt strong as he held her arm. Something about him was noble...but she could also sense a true heaviness. She frowned as he said he'd let them down, surprised as he looked to her, asking if she would have him fix it. "I...I don't think you've let us down, but your presence...it's not really felt by the people. Things haven't gotten any worse for us...but I'm sorry to hear that they have for you. I'll do whatever I can to help you, your majesty." Belle admired his optimism, but she had no idea what he saw in her that gave him hope. "If you'd like, you're welcome to help me in the garden any time. After all, this place is your home. You should want to be here. It is your garden after all. And the same goes with the rest of the castle. I would love to make this a place you like."
 
He smiled and looked around the gardenâ?¦.maybe just maybe if he opened his heart a little while she cleaned up this garden she could help repair his heart. He looked over the garden, yes right now this garden looked very much like his heart and his beast form. Just maybe she could help clean up both, even though she didnâ??t know what she was asking. â??I would like that, between my work in court and national matters I would love to spend time with you out here.â? he smiled and then moved toward the center of the garden.

Standing amidst all the twisted roots and dead leaves was a lone statue. The woman that it showed was very beautiful and in her hand she held a heartâ?¦unlike the rest of the statue which was in perfect condition the heart was cracked and broken seeming to almost break more in front of them. â??And there she stands, the queen that was before me.â? He bowed his tone reverent and speaking of holding great respect.
 
She smiled when he said he would be happy to spend time with her in his garden between his work. She wasn't sure why she was so pleased, since she didn't know him very well, but Belle found it difficult to explain why she felt a lot of things, so she let it go. Her eyes went back to his as he walked to the stature. Though the queen's face was a bit different from her own, the statue was almost a mirror image of Belle. The statue was breath-taking, but she wasn't sure if the heart was supposed to be cracked or not. Still, the statue was beautiful. She wondered what the queen meant to the prince. Weren't they enemies. She stood there, silently watching him stare into the face of his predecessor.

"Your majesty?"
 
The prince was lost in thought as he stared at the statue, but her voice drew him out of it. â??Iâ??m sorry forgive me I didnâ??t mean to go silent.â? He brushed one hand over his face feeling the soft skin with just a little bit of a beard showing. He smiled and turned offering her his arm again. â??come let us return Iâ??m sure that there is much you would like to be doing. If you like I will have one of my servants take you on a tour of the castle. Also you may have anyone you wish help you with the redecoration of the castle. Feel free to ask for anything and I will see that you get it.â?
 
"T-Thank you, your majesty." She smiled at him, impressed with his generosity and trust. Not to mention, he was completely confident that she would be the one to help him bring his castle back to life. Belle was truly taken by surprise at how well they got along. So, she intertwined her arm with his and gave him a dazzling smile. "Actually, your majesty, I was wondering if there was a place you'd rather that I didn't go. I don't want to overstep my boundaries when you're being so kind to me. Everyone needs their privacy, so if you think of any place you don't want me to be, please, let me know. Unfortunately, I already received a tour today, but I wouldn't mind another."
 
â??Ah I see that your maids couldnâ??t keep their enthusiasm down. Forgive them if they seem over eager, they have not had anyone to serve in the recent past and so you are a breath of fresh air to them.â? He thought for a moment then nodded slowly. â??There is one place that I suggest you donâ??t go during the day. My quarters are up in the east wing, and I think it would be best for your safety to avoid it during daylight.â? He was thinking what his beast instincts would do to her if he found her alone. â??Also, if you leave the castle grounds you had best take a group of soldiers with you just to make sure you are safe, the wild animals have gotten worse lately.â?
 
Belle smiled at the mention of her maids. They really had been friendly with her. It was good to know that she'd been a positive influence for someone. "I've been meaning to ask you, your highness...why is it that you all conduct court at night? Or is that not a question I should ask?" she frowned a little and looked up at him, wondering why it wasn't safe for her during the day. The creature...could he have captured that strange creature and kept it locked in his quarters? She resolved never to go there, knowing that if there was the slightest possibility of her being raped again, she wanted to avoid it.

"I'll be sure to be careful. Though, I am a bit worried about my father....I wonder if he'll be alright when he comes back from our home town..."
 
He smiled and shook his head slowly. â??Donâ??t worry I already assigned people to watch over him. he wonâ??t be harmed by the animals my guards will see too it.â? he knew that his soldiers that he had captured the kingdom with were now little better then animals, but the guards from the castle were still human enough especially during the night to be fine to protect someone. â??Well my dear.â? He said as they came back into the castle. â??I am afraid that I will have to leave you to your own devices for the rest of the night, I have much I have to attend too.â?
 
She looked very relieved to find that her father had left with the guards. He hadn't really said good bye to her and knowing that he was most likely safe was comforting. She smiled at him as he let her go and bowed her head gracefully. "Thank you so much, your majesty." Her blue eyes stared up into his for one long moment. "I hope you have sweet dreams when you finally rest. If you ever need me, please, don't hesitate to call me." She curtsied and waited to be dismissed before she would go back to court and visit for awhile longer before she retired. The prince was a charming man and attractive. She wondered why he hadn't made an appearance after all this time. Still, she was in no place to judge. And yet, as they stood in the castle, half in the moonlight and half in the light of the lamps, she wondered what mystery lay behind those deep blue, almost violet eyes.
 
The prince watched her leave and then hurried to his chambers. He had felt the lust in him raising again and knew that he had to be away from her soon or things would happen again. He had promised her that she would be safe and yet she had almost not been tonight. He sighed deeply looking into the mirror in his room smiling at seeing a face he had not seen in a long time looking back at him. â??Its good to be human again, if only for a few hours.â?
 
Belle returned to court and spoke to a few more nobles, answering their questions about the world outside the castle. After a few more moments, the young woman took her leave and returned to the queen's room, since she couldn't recall the room she'd spent the night in. She found some maids to help her out of the dress and into a night gown before she brushed her hair. The girl's maids turned down the bed for her and Belle yawned, slipping in between the covers before she was tucked in. With that, she let the maids return to their posts and then fell asleep.
 
It was late into the night, nearly dawn when the prince found his bed. There was something on his mind that he couldnâ??t put aside. For the longest time, since they had been cursed he had been called the princeâ?¦but something was stirring up his old memories. He had a name, but what was it? he rolled over and over trying to think of his name. finally he fell asleep exhausted just after the change back to a beast at day break.
 
To her great surprise, Belle slept until noon that day, already adjusting her schedule a bit. What a strange night it had been. Still, she was glad to have finally met his majesty. Her curiosity about the matter of the cloaks had been taken care of with his answer, her imagination telling her it was out of deference to someone long past. Still, she wondered about other things about the castle, and now she wondered about the prince. He was a mysterious man, and his court seemed rather out of touch with the real world according to their questions. What did the rest of them do during the day, she wondered? Were they all sleeping as well?

Questions filled her head as she rose out of bed and walked to her mirror, brushing out her hair again. For a long moment, she stared at her reflection, wondering what the rest of the world saw when they looked at her. She, for her part, saw nothing particularly special, and found it odd that people often called her beautiful. Though as she looked at herself in the mirror she convinced herself that it was true. She certainly must have at least been desirable to have garnered such attention from the prince and the people of her village. And she couldn't find many faults with her appearance. She was, as the world around her told her, a beautiful woman. But she saw no reason for that to entitle her to privileges she had not earned. Perhaps that was why so many people in the village loved her.

This musing passed too as she found a servant to help her get ready for the day. She wondered if there was something nice she could do for the people who waited on her. She certainly hoped that she might return the favor someday.

After another bath, Belle was dressed and ready for the day. She wore a dress that was a bit simpler in its design, though it was made of fabric that she would never have been able to afford. Again, she was a stunning woman, her figure clad in a deep green dress that hugged her curves in just the right places, the skirt flowing. The neckline was rather low, but she compensated for this with a necklace that filled the negative space nicely. Her hair was drawn back into a lovely braid and she was brought a nice breakfast which she ate as she walked. She spent a good deal of the day in the castle library, reading about flowers and herbs. When she came out again, it was nearly sunset and she was hungry once more.
 
The prince had woken late into the day and started pouring over some of the books that he had kept in his rooms. Many had been written by his own hand, but it wasnâ??t till he found his journal that he found what he was looking for, his name. Prince Lionel, of Chaster. He sighed and leaned back into the chair that was at his writing desk, it had been years since he had been called by his name and it seemed since he had let anyone clean his room. He smiled and pulling his hood up, since it was not yet sunset, he stepped out of his room going to make some orders.

No one yet knew that there had been a break in the wall that one of the outcast soldiers slipped in. they had become little more then animals since they embraced the change for the strength it gave them. Now none of them remembered anything but being the beasts they were.
 
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