#batb x reader

It’s been four years since you moved back to the village - a nice family, Belle and her father, Maurice, had taken you in. Things felt different to you, but you couldn’t figure out why. You tried talking to the other villagers but ignored you like the plague.

You walked into the house with a loud huff instantly catching the attention of Belle who was reading a book. She smiled warmly at you. “What’s wrong, [Name]? The villagers giving you trouble?”

“How can you stand living here, Belle? Everyone is so closed-minded and rude!” You scoffed as you walked towards her, shaking your head. “I used to have a better life. I know I did.”

“I wonder how you lost your memory, [Name]. Maybe you were struck on the head? That happened in one of my books,” Belle suggested to which you just shrugged.

“I guess I wasn’t wanted in that case if someone dumped me here,” You whispered as you stood, getting ready to prepare lunch, but the sudden sound of hooves caught your attention. “Is that--”

“Philippe!” Belle shouted as she quickly ran out the house with you following close behind. Belle quickly caught the horse by its reins. “Where’s papa?” She asked, panic clear in her voice.

Belle quickly got on the horse. “Are you coming, [Name]?”

You nodded as you got on the horse as well. You clutched onto Belle as the horse took off, speeding into the forest. You gulped slightly when the horse took a sharp turn and entered a part of the forest that you had never seen before. You frown when you looked around you. The world was covered in a blanket of pure white. With a glance up at the sky, you noticed snowflakes slowly falling.

“Belle, it’s snowing,” You whispered softly as you reached out and caught a snowflake in your hand.

Belle didn’t reply as she urged Philippe to run fast. The horse took off and in about ten minutes, it had arrived in front a large castle. “What is this place?” Belle asked as they slowly entered the courtyard. You felt chills go down you back as you looked upon the dark castle. You could feel your head pounding and faces flashing in your mind, but you couldn’t make them out.

“This place is huge,” You whispered as you got off the horse and Belle followed closely behind. You slowly made your way towards the door and pushed it open before peeking into the darkness. “It’s empty.”

Belle quickly walked inside yet you slowly entered, looking around first. There could be bandits living here or something.

“It’s her!” a sharp voice sounded causing you to jump as you looked into the darkness, but all you saw was a candelabra and a clock next to it.

“Who’s there?” You shouted, catching Belle’s attention. You frowned as you picked up the candelabra. “Let there be light.”

Belle sighed softly as she looked around the castle. “This place is huge. How are we ever going to find my father?”

As if on cue, a cry for help was sounded. Belle looked in the direction before running towards the shout. You lifted up your dress and ran behind her, still holding the candelabra. The headed up a spiral of stairs before they reached an area that looked like a dungeon. Your eyes widened when you noticed Maurice’s feeble position.

“Papa!” Bella shouted as tears filled her eyes and she hugged her father through the bars. “Oh, I was so worried.”

“We need to find the keys--”

“No!” Maurice almost shouted as he shook his head. “You need to get out of here before it finds you too!”

“What are you talking about?” You asked as you shined the light towards him to see his pale face. Suddenly, a shadow loomed over the three of you. Belle and Maurice didn’t seem to notice it and continued to talk.

You frowned as you moved away from them as you shined the light above you. A scream escaped your lips when you noticed the monster that suddenly dropped down in front of you. In your attempt to get away, you dropped the candelabra and fell backward as you tried to move away.

Belle instantly came to your aid. She picked up the candelabra and tried to throw it at the Beast, but the Beast grabbed her hand and pulled it out of her hand before setting it on the ground. Your wide eyes met his blue ones and you felt another flashback hit you, but you couldn’t make out the faces again.

He roared as he quickly looked away from you and turned his attention to Belle and his father. “Why are you here?” He growled out. Belle huffed as she glared at the Beast. You had no idea why she wasn’t afraid considering this creature could tear her apart.

“You took my father! I’m here to take him back!” She said in a stern voice as she continued to glare at him.

“He is a thief. He deserves to rot,” the Beast growled as he took a threatening step towards Belle. You slowly got off the ground as you watched their interaction in slight confusion.

“My father is not a thief!” Belle gritted out as she glanced back at her father before looking at the Beast.

“He stole a rose from my garden,” He said in the same tone as Belle did.

You frowned as you remembered the large rose garden that was in the courtyard. “Please, he took one rose. Can’t you spare him?” You asked in a soft voice, still hiding behind Belle. The Beast looked back at you, not saying a word to you. You couldn’t figure out why he wasn’t shouting at you like he was at Belle.

“I asked for that rose,” Belle said as crossed her arm. “Imprison me instead.”

“Belle, no!” Maurice and you shouted at the same time, but Belle didn’t budge.

“No,” the Beast said simply as he glared at Belle. He turned to leave, but your voice stopped him.

“Let her say goodbye, please. You can’t be that cruel,” You whispered causing his blue eyes to meet yours. Belle took in a deep breath as she nodded. The Beast sighed as he made his way towards the cell and opened it with a key. Belle instantly went inside and hugged her father.

“Once that cell closes, it won’t open again,” the Beast muttered as he walked away to give them some privacy.

You sighed as you watched Belle and Maurice speak softly to each other. Tears streamed down Maurice’s face and Belle looked like she was on the verge of tears. Your heart ached to see this and you couldn’t let them separate. Belle slowly stood as she looked back at Maurice and then at you.

“You two should go,” You whispered as you kept your eyes trained on the ground.

“What? No!” Belle stated as she shook her head. She moved out of the cell towards you. She took your hands in hers. “You’re not staying here, [Name].”

“Belle, please. Nobody is waiting for me in the village. You and Maurice are family. I don’t have anybody. People would forget about me and you two will too in time. You don’t deserve to suffer here,” You said as you gave them a sad smile.

“Darling, no. You don’t have to pay for my crime,” Maurice whispered, but you just gave him a tight hug.

“I’m sorry,” You whispered before pushing him out of the cell and locking the door behind you. A stray tear streamed down your face as you watched Belle trying to open the bars.

“No! [Name]! No!” She shouted as tears began to stream down her face. You slowly reached out and wiped her tears away. You slowly reached forward and kissed her cheek.

“Take this as me repaying your kindness. You took me in when I had no home and kept me alive for four years. Thank you,” You whispered before you noticed the Beast making his way towards the three of you. “Please, go.”

Belle gave the Beast one last glare before looking at you. “We will be back for you,” Belle whispered before she and Maurice ran off.

The Beast looked towards you, almost shocked by what you had done. “Why would you throw your life away?” He simply asked.

You looked up at him. He suddenly didn’t seem so terrifying to you. “They have much to live for. Belle deserves all the happiness in the world and she has a bright future in front of you.”

“You don’t think that you’re worthy of a future?” He asked, almost saddened by your answer.

You glanced down at the floor as you shrugged. “I’m just a girl who can’t remember her past. I don’t have anyone who’s waiting for me or looking for me.”

“That’s not true, [Name],” He whispered as his eyes met yours. You frowned as you watched him with a confused expression.

“How do you know my name?” You asked, but he didn’t answer as he just walked away but not before looked back at you.

“You’ll be escorted to your room shortly,” He whispered before he walked away with his head hung low. You watched him disappear causing you to sigh, but another voice quickly joined in.

“That was very theatric, no?” You looked around from the voice, confused on very it came from. “Down here, love.”

You looked down to see the candelabra moving and grinning at you. Your eyes widened slightly as he unlocked the door and let you out.

“You look prettier than I remember, love!” He said as he began to walk towards the opposite area where the Beast had gone.

“Do I know you?” You asked as you followed closely behind him.

“Lumière, don’t tell her anything, you fool!” a new voice shouted as you noticed the clock from before hopping towards the two of you.

“Ah, my dear friend, Cogsworth. Do not mind him, he’s got his gears all clogged up,” Lumière said as he grinned at Cogsworth who rolled his eyes.

They bickered back and forth while you paid attention to where they were taking you. They led you upstairs and towards a bedroom before Lumière opened the door to reveal a neatly kept room. You slowly walked inside. Not even dust coated anything.

“Dinner shall be served in an hour or so. See you then, love,” Lumière gave you one last grin before he headed out.

You sighed as you looked around the room before taking a seat on the bed.

“Madame [Name]!” a voice sounded before a cart rolled into the room that had a teapot and a chipped cup on top. They smiled widely at you. “Hello, dear. I'm Mrs. Potts and this is my son, Chip.”

“Hi?” You said as you watched the pot pour tea into the cup. You slowly lifted the cup and took a sip out of the tea. “Um, that's amazing.”

“Glad you think so!” Chip said causing you to hold up the cup. You set him back down next to his mother before smiling at him.

“I can't tell if I've gone crazy or if this is all real,” You confessed to the teapot and chipped cup. You felt strange talking to them, almost as if they weren't supposed to be real.

“Trust me, darling. This is all real,” Mrs. Potts whispered as she stole a glance at her son before looking back at you. “You're a big part of this as well.”

-

“Master, don't be like this!” Lumiére begged as he watched the Beast pace back and forth. “[Name] is finally here and she can break the spell!”

“She'll never fall in love with a Beast like me,” Adam whispered as he shook his head. “It's no use.”

“Master, you must try!” Cogsworth spoke up as he shook his head. “We're running out of time! We have maybe a week at most.”

The Beast let out a dry chuckle as he shook his head. “A week is not enough time for someone like her to fall for a monster like me.”

“Master--”

“She's terrified of me! I saw the fear in her eyes! I've never seen her so afraid before,” He whispered softly as he turned his back to Lumiére and Cogsworth. Adam felt terrible for seeing you so frightened

“We shall do everything in our power to help, master,” Lumiére stated, hoping that Adam would come to his senses. He did not want to be a candle forever and he knew that everyone else would like to return back to their human forms.

Adam sighed softly as he shut his eyes, memories of you flooded him, causing a ghost of a smile to appear on his lips. “Alright. What must we do?”

“Let's start with dinner, Oui?” Lumiére asked with a small grin.

-

Silence fell upon you as Madame Garderobe, the Wardrobe, put a lovely red ball gown you. You watched Mrs. Potts smiling from where she was sitting on the cart. You could feel your hair being pulled back and put into a fancy bun. You felt so pampered and it was a strange feeling. “You look darling!” Madame Garderobe exclaimed as she turned you around.

You glanced towards the mirror and you almost didn't recognize the person staring back. The peasant clothing that you wore had long been discarded and you and your hair had been washed. “Thank you,” You whispered as you gave the wardrobe a smile.

A knock was heard on the door before it slowly opened to reveal Lumiére and a white feather duster named Plumette. “[Name], you look so beautiful!” Plumette complemented to which you smiled at.

“Thank you,” You whispered as you shrugged. You felt like a princess all dolled up. Something that you had never felt before.

“Come, come, no time to waste!” Lumiére said as he made his way down the grand hallways before you slowly walked down the stairs. You glanced around the quiet hall where you were looking for the Beast. There was a slight fear in you to see him again, but you were starving. And, you weren’t interested in dying so you had to get some food in you.

You took in a deep breath as you were led into the dining room where you spotted the Beast sitting at the end of the table. You sat on the opposite end up Lumiére quickly exited out. Instantly, a couple of carts rolled in and the plates moved towards the table. You glanced towards the Beast who had started to eat.

“You look like you have to say something,” the Beast muttered causing you to glance up at him.

“No, nothing,” You whispered as you dipped your spoon into your soup.

The Beast took in a deep breath. “You look beautiful, [Name].”

“Thank you,” You whispered as you gave him a small smile.

That was the only interaction the two of you had for the rest of the dinner. The two of you ate your dinner in silence and slight awkwardness while Mrs. Potts sang in the background.

Once dinner was over, the Beast stood and gestured for you to follow him. You stood and followed him slowly. “Where are we going?” You asked as you narrowed your eyes slightly.

“I have something to show you,” He whispered as you nodded. He led you towards the west wing and you noticed how dark and messy the area was compared to the rest of the castle. You noticed a bright red light in the distance and noticed a sparkling rose.

“What is that?” You asked him as you pointed towards the rose.

The Beast looked over at the rose and a desperate look flashed across his face. “It’s our lifeline.”

You nodded slowly as you glanced towards the bedroom where the Beast most likely slept. It looked oddly familiar despite the fact that you had never been there.

The Beast led you towards a book that looked brand new compared to the rest. You frowned as you looked at him. “Why are you showing me this?”

“My castle was cursed a while ago,” the Beast told you. You raised an eyebrow at that statement.

“Why?” You asked softly as you watched him open the book to reveal a page that looked almost real. There were two little children in the picture that you didn’t recognize.

“I did something foolish,” He whispered softly he reached out for your hand, but you hesitated. “I won’t hurt you. I would never hurt you.”

Something in his voice was genuine and you couldn’t help but trust him. You let him take your hand he softly placed it onto the book. You watched in awe as the world changed around to reveal the same castle, but it was brightly lit this time. The sound of children laughing sounded throughout the area causing you to looked towards the Beast.

“Where are we?” You asked him as you gave him a small smile. “What is this?”

“We’re in the palace. About 14 years ago,” He whispered as pointed to two little kids - around 7 years old - that were running around and laughing. The blonde-haired boy giggled as he hid from the girl. The girl, who looked a lot like you, looked around as she smirked slightly.

“Adam, where are you?” The little girl asked as she peeked behind some curtains. Adam was currently under the bed, holding in his laughter.

“What are you doing here?” a harsh voice sounded causing you to frown as you looked up at the man who stomped inside. His face burned in an angry red as he narrowed his eyes at the little girl.

“She was just playing hide and seek with me,” Adam’s soft voice sounded as he quickly got out from under the bed. The girl watched the man with wide glassy eyes.

“This peasant knows that she isn’t around here,” the man who seemed a lot like the king said as he grabbed the girl by the arm.

“Leave her alone, father!” Adam shouted as he tried to pry his father’s hands away from his friend, but his father easily pushed him off. “[Name]! [Name]!” He shouted as he watched his father drag her away.

A tear streamed down your face as the world went back to its bleak and dark self. You glanced back at the Beast who watched you with familiar eyes that you recognized. “That was me?” You asked softly to which the Beast nodded. “And, you were the little boy…”

“I need you to remember me, [Name],” He whispered, his voice breaking slightly. “Please.”

You stared into his eyes and could see images flicker in your mind, but this time they had a face. “Adam, I do remember--”

“Intruders!” a loud voice sounded causing you to jump as you looked at the entryway where Cogsworth and Lumière came rushing in. “Master, people have barged into the castle!”

“What?” Adam asked as he narrowed his eyes. “Where are they?”

“They’re in the main hall. The others are defending the castle, but a very muscular man is looking for you in--”

Cogsworth was cut off by a loud booming voice. “Where are you, Beast?”

You instantly recognized the voice. “That’s Gaston. I always knew that he was irritating and in love with Bella... but he is a hunter.”

Adam growled slightly as he looked out his window that showed Gaston who scaling the building in search for the Beast. “[Name], stay here. Lumière, Cogsworth, go join the others.”

The two nodded as they rushed off. You shook your hand as you grabbed Adam’s arm. He could have easily ripped away from you, but he stopped and looked back anyways. “What is it, [Name]?”

“Please, Adam. Come back to me,” You whispered and Adam nodded as he lightly moved your hand. Gaston’s voice rung from the outside. Adam rushed off and you grabbed a dueling sword that was hanging on the wall and rushed off to follow Adam. You weren’t going to let him do this alone.

You rushed towards the opening in the castle that led to the outdoor part. You watched as Adam pushed Gaston off him. Gaston was closer to you and you pointed the sword at him. “Stop it, Gaston!”

He looked back at you. “There you are, [Name]! I’m here to rescue you!”

“You don’t have to, Gaston! Please! Just let him be!” You shouted as you kept your sword pointed at him.

Gaston glanced down at the sword before he chuckled. “Don’t tell me that you’ve become the beast’s whore?”

Before Gaston could do anything, Adam rushed over and pushed Gaston across to the other ledge. If he had fallen, it was going to be a long way down.

“You can walk away from this,” Adam stated as he slowly lowered his hands. Gaston’s face was bruised and Adam had a few cuts that caused blood to matt his fur.

Gaston huffed but stayed there lying on the ground. Adam looked back and his eyes met yours. You smiled as you let the sword fall to the ground. From the corner of your eye, you could see Gaston stand up and point his gun towards Adam.

“No!” You screamed as you rushed towards Adam and got in the way of Adam and Gaston. You gasped when you felt the bullet pierce your back. You could feel the back of your dress get soaked up in your warm blood. Adam roared loudly as if he was the one who got struck. You could barely hear Gaston’s shouts as the ground gave away from underneath him.

“[Name], no, please. No!” Adam fell to the ground as he held your body close to him. You looked up at him with hazy eyes. “Don’t leave me.”

You reached out for his cheek as you gave him a small smile. “Adam, I… love you.”

Adam sobbed when he watched your eyes shut. Another roar escaped his lips as he held your body close to him. “No, no, please. I love you, [Name]. I love you.” A bright light surrounded Adam and you causing Adam squeeze his eyes shut. Everything had changed in that moment.

-

Murmurs were the first thing you heard causing your eyes slowly open as you looked around the brightly lit room. You groaned slightly as you tried to sit up but gentle arms pushed you back down. “Don’t move, my love.”

You looked towards the voice and instantly smiled when you saw your Adam in flesh. “Adam!” You exclaimed as you ignored what he had said and hugged him tightly. “Oh, Adam! I love you so much!”

A wide smile spread across Adam’s lips as he returned the hug. He kissed your cheek before he pulled away to look at your face. “I miss seeing your face every morning, [Name].”

“I never knew how much I missed you, Adam,” Your voice cracked as you wiped the tear that streamed down your face. You slowly leaned forward and placed a small kiss on his lips. Adam quickly returned it and you could feel him smile against your lips.

“There’s the happy couple!” Lumière’s loud voice sounded causing you to look over and see all the familiar faces that you used to work with. You grinned when you noticed Belle and Maurice too.

“It’s so good to see everyone!” You smiled, but then frowned when you looked around the room. You were in Adam’s room and in his bed. “I should go get my uniform on.”

“No, [Name],” Adam whispered as he slowly took your hand. You were out of his bed now and watched as he walked towards the drawer and pulled out a small box. Gasps and squeals came from the crowd as they watched Adam walk towards you before he kneeled on one knee.

“Adam--”

“[Name], I am forever indebted to you. For the past four years, all I could think about was you - your face, your smile, your laughter, your kindness, everything about you. I love you more than anything in the world. Will you marry me?” He asked as he gave you a small smile causing to let out a happy laugh.

“Yes,” You whispered as you nodded. “Yes!” Adam smiled as he gave you a tight hug. Cheers came from everyone else as Adam put the ring on you.

It was a quiet evening; the only sound came from Adam who was drinking his soup - neatly - across from you. However, all you could do was stir your spoon in your soup with a defeated sigh.

“Is everything alright, [Name]?” Adam’s voice sounded causing you to look up at him with a saddened expression. His expression instantly changed to a more serious one as he set the bowl of soup down and made his way towards you until he was sitting in the seat next to you. “You haven’t even touched your food.” 

“I’m not really hungry,” You whispered as you set the spoon back down in the bowl before looking towards Adam.

Adam frowned as he leaned back in the chair. “But, you didn’t eat breakfast either, [Name]? Please, eat something.”

 You sighed softly as you just pushed the bowl away from you - much to Adam’s dismay. Not a single word escaped either of your mouths as you stared blankly at the lower half of the dress you were wearing while Adam tried to figure out what to say to you.

“What is wrong, [Name]?” His voice was soft and full of something else that you couldn’t place. You glanced up at him with glassy eyes and you took in a shaky breath. “[Name], please, what is wrong?” 

“I don’t think I will ever be happy, Adam,” You whispered, confessing your feelings. He looked at you strange as if he was confused on why you thought that way.

“Why do you say that?” He asked, his voice full of confusion and hurt. He reached out for you and placed his hand - well, paw - on your shoulder. It was somewhat comforting. Adam was your friend ever since the two of you were kids. Well, the curse was placed on him, you were out of town for some castle related business.

“I don’t think I will find love, Adam,” You whispered, shaking your head. “Whenever I go down the village, I see all the woman dolled up and they just look lovely with their husband and children.”

“But, you are lovely as well?” He whispered softly, using the same tone as you. Confusion still marked his face as he tried to comfort you in any way that he could. He still couldn’t tell exactly what was bothering you.

“Not as lovely as them,” You muttered as you sighed softly. You stood from your seat and walked towards the balcony that overlooked the front of the castle. You could see the garden of white roses in the distance.

Adam followed you out into the cold air where snow slowly fell from the sky above. “You are just as lovely as them, [Name]. Actually, I think you’re better than those girls.” He sighed as he lightly placed his hand on your back. “[Name], you are the most beautiful person I’ve seen in my entire life. No one can equate to your beauty and the way you light up the room just by walking in.”

“Adam--”

“No, [Name], I can’t let you feel these things because they’re not true. You fear that you won’t be loved, but you are loved. Everyone in the castle loves you and you don’t know how much it means to us when you come and visit,” Adam explained to which you could feel your heart start to swell. Glancing back inside, you could see everyone trying their best to listen to the conversation. Adam sighed. “My point is that you’re loved and will always be loved. The size of your body or the way you look does not matter, my darling.”

Prince Adam liked pancakes, eggs, bacon, toast, and freshly squeezed orange juice in the morning. It was what you prepared almost every morning for him and it’s what he’s always liked. You quickly set everything down on the tray and even added tea with three sugar cubes on the side.

You wheeled the cart into the west wing and said hello to the other servants as you walked by. Once you stood in front of Prince Adam’s room, you gave three sharp knocks so he’d know it was you before you opened the door and walked. “Good morning, my Prince,” You stated as you pushed the cart to the end of the room before walking over to the large blinds.

You pushed them open and let the sunlight in. Prince Adam groaned from behind you as he rubbed his eyes. “You’ve waken me too early, [Name],” He muttered as he rubbed his eyes. He sat up in bed and yawned slightly.

Prince Adam had always been kind to you despite the fact that you always disturbed his peaceful slumber. He constantly shouted at the other maids and butlers but quieted down when he spoke to you. You don’t even remember the last time he scolded you. Perhaps, it was because of the fact that you and Adam had grown up together.

Your mother used to be a maid at the castle before she passed away a few years ago. She used to take care of the queen and Adam while you helped. You spent most of your childhood with Adam and there was some sort of friendship there.

“You have quite a bit to do, my Prince. Your ‘To-Do’ list is a long one. Let’s not forget about the ball tonight,” You said as you placed the tray in front of Adam and he began to eat.

“Don’t remind me, [Name],” He said before he took a sip of his tea. He sighed as he glanced towards the window before he looked back at you. “Have you eaten yet?”

You shook your head. “No, my Prince, but I shall eat with the others shortly. I wanted to make sure that you had your breakfast first.”

“Always so kind, [Name],” He said as he took a piece of toast and handed it to you. “Take it. I won’t eat everything anyways.”

You gingerly took the piece of bread and took a bite. “Thank you, my Prince.”

Adam glanced away from you and towards the picture of him, his mother, and his father that hung on the wall. Adam was a lot younger back then and a lot happier. You missed the days of childhood when everything was less complicated.

“[Name]!” You jumped when you heard the head maid shout your name. You looked towards Adam who gave you a concerned look.

“I should go,” You quickly said as you exited the room, not letting Adam say a word as you rushed off. Without realizing, you bumped into Madame Jennifér, the head maid who gave you stern look.

“Where the hell have you been?” She shouted as she glared at you. You stared up at her with wide eyes. This woman terrified you to no end and she was responsible for almost every bruise on your body.

“I was giving the Prince his breakfast, Madame,” You whispered as you avoided the wicked woman’s gaze.

“It takes about two minutes to give him breakfast and you spent almost ten minutes in there!” She narrowed her eyes down as she eyed you up and down.

“I’m sorry, Madame, but the Prince–”

“I don’t care what the Prince wants! You are to report to me right after your duties! Since you failed to do that today, you will get none of your meals!” She shouted as she grabbed your upper arm causing you to wince.

“What’s going on here?” Adam’s loud voice sounded causing Madame Jennifér to flinch. He was wearing a robe now rather than being shirtless like before.

“[Name] wasn’t following her duties, my Prince,” She tried to explain but Adam just held his hand up.

Adam narrowed his eyes as he watched her stutter. You were glad that none of that anger was directed towards you. You glanced down at your hands as Adam began talking. “What I’m seeing right now is that you’re not doing any of your duties either. I should fire you.”

“No, my Prince! Please, I’ll have nothing to feed my children with!” She begged and you slightly pitied her.

He sighed as he slightly rolled his eyes before dismissing her. “Tell me if she bothers you again, [Name],” He told you and you nodded slowly. “I should go. I have work to do.”

You took in a deep breath as you kept walking. The other servants were preparing for the ball tonight and you were supposed to be helping with the decorations. You quickly headed downstairs where the other maids were and started to help them hang the banners.

“We heard the ruckus, [Name],” Madeline, your friend, whispered as she handed you a bouquet of flowers. “The Prince was defending you again.”

“It doesn’t mean anything,” You whispered as you put the pink and white flowers in a nearby vase.

Madeline gave you a small smirk. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d say that Prince Adam was in love with you. There’s a reason why Madame Jennifér gets mad when you spend so much time with him.”

You huffed as you shook your head. “Please, Madeline. Don’t say that. I need this job.”

Valentine, another maid, rolled her eyes as she glared at you. “You live in the castle, [Name]. You have your own bedroom for fuck’s sake. You get paid a lot better than us and it is obvious that the Prince cares about you.”

You glanced down at the flowers, trying to ignore the protests of the other maids. Nobody save for Madeline really liked you. They were always jealous of how much time you spent with Prince Adam.

“It doesn’t matter,” Valentine muttered with another roll of her eyes. “The Prince will never marry someone of your status. You’re a peasant like us. It’s all we’ll ever be. So, get to work, [Name]. You’ll be serving the Prince’s wife and children in no time.”

Tears sprang in your eyes, but you quickly blinked them away. You began to water the flowers. Tonight was the ball and there was a lot to do.

-

You listened to music that played in the main hall. All you wanted to do was go dance to your heart’s delight, but instead, you brewed up drinks for the Prince’s guests. All the maids were dressed up in white dresses with white peacock feathers that adorned the bottom half of the dress. Your dress was slightly different than the other maids. The top half of your dress was covered in white jewels that looked a lot like diamonds. You wouldn’t put it past Adam to actually doing that.

“[Name], can you take these drinks outside? The guests are getting antsy,” Madeline mumbled as she handed the tray of drinks to you. “Oh, you look beautiful. Go on, love.”

You gave her a small smile as you took the tray outside. You maneuvered around the guests, some of them taking the drink while others ignored you. By the time you reached Adam, you had one drink left.

“My Prince,” you whispered softly as you bowed slightly as you put the tray out in front of you.

Adam smiled slightly as he took the drink. “Thank you, [Name]. You look beautiful tonight.”

You glanced up at Adam and all the makeup that covered his face in intricate designs. You preferred him without the makeup, but he looked as handsome as he did before. His eyes still popped out. “You look just as well, my Prince.”

Adam was about to say something when the doors flew open causing the lights to go out. Lightning flashed outside causing the figure by the door to illuminate. You jumped slightly, dropping the tray.

“Who goes there?” Adam asked loudly as he narrowed his eyes at the figure.

The figure looked up to reveal an elderly woman with a face that looked like a walnut. She was clearly very old and wet from the storm outside. She slowly held up a single red rose. “Please, I need shelter from the storm. I can pay you with a single rose.”

Adam took the rose from her before tossing it to the ground. You watched as he began to laugh. “A rose? Who the hell do you think I am, old hag?”

You glanced back as the guests began to laugh at the poor woman’s expense. “Prince Adam, please,” You whispered softly as you took a couple of steps towards Adam, but he was preoccupied.

“You shouldn’t laugh, boy. Beauty comes from within, not the outside,” the old woman warned, but Adam just rolled his eyes.

“Get out of my castle or I’ll have the guards drag you out,” Adam threatened, but the old woman began to laugh.

“You will learn,” She simply whispered before she burst into a large light. You shut your eyes to shield them from the light when you opened them, Adam was on the floor begging the beautiful woman. She floated above the ground as a bright light surrounded her.

“Please,” Adam begged as he put his hands together. “I’m sorry! Give me another chance!”

“I cast a spell on you, young man,” She whispered and you watched as a bright light slowly surrounded Prince Adam. “I see that there is no love in your heart, Prince Adam. You must be taught a lesson. Until you learn the true meaning of love,” She whispered as her eyes wandered towards you. The rest of guests had rushed off while you stayed.

“Please, let him go!” You shouted as you took a few steps toward him. “There is love in his heart! I swear!”

The Enchantresses’ eyes narrowed before she looked back at Adam. “I shall transform you into a hideous beast and for the one who holds your heart, she’ll forget all about you. Until she learns to love you again, you will remain a beast… forever.”

Prince Adam tossed and turned in bed as a thin layer of sweat covered his body. It's been weeks since Adam had transferred back into a human again, but his nightmares still plagued his mind. A soft whimper escaped his lips causing you to glance over at him. At first, you thought nothing of it. People spoke in their sleep all the time.

But, when you heard it again and again, you quickly set your book down and made your way towards him. You took a seat on the bed as you eyed your true love. “Adam, darling,” You whispered softly as you placed your hand on his cheek.

“Please, no,” He whispered in his sleep, causing you to slightly panic. Adam had nightmares often, but you were rarely ever there or awake for them. Adam never wanted to bother you. “I won't let you take her away.”

“Adam, wake up, my love,” You whispered as you slowly shook him. “Adam!” You sharply whispered, but to no use.

“Don't go. I can't do this without you. [Name], I love you,” His words were slurred, but you understood them perfectly.

A small smile made its way onto your lips. “Adam, I'm right here,” You said as you shook his with more force this time. His eyes snapped open and revealed his blue eyes that you loved so much.

“[Name],” He whispered as his hand found your cheek. “You're here.”

“Of course, where else would I be, my love?” You asked as you helped Adam sit upright. “You were having a nightmare, again?”

He shrugged as he stared your hands that were on top of his. Adam loved the feeling of your hands on him. When you held hands or when you softly caressed his cheek, Adam felt like that he needed nothing more in life. He loved you more than life itself.

“I'm sorry,” You whispered as you sat down next to him. He wrapped his arm around you while you rested your head on his cheek.

“I saw you…” He started softly as he kept his gaze away from you. “It was back then when I was still the beast. You… were dying in my arms. I couldn't save you.”

You leaned up and kissed Adam’s cheek. “My darling, I would never leave you. Death can not keep us apart. If something is to happen to me, just know that I died loving you.”

“Don't speak like that,” Adam snapped before he sighed softly. “I can't bare the thought of losing you, [Name]. You make me feel like that I'm no longer the monster I used to be.”

“Adam, you were never a monster. A beast, yes, but never a monster. You showed me kindness and love that I never received from anyone else,” You whispered, almost as if you were sharing a grand secret. “Nobody sees you as a monster, Adam.”

“I still can’t see myself as anything more than just a beast, [Name]. His face plagues my dreams and I’m afraid that I’ll wake up and this will all be just a dream,” Adam confessed causing you to sigh softly. You looked up at his face as slowly stood as you walked over to the vanity and picked up what used to be the enchanted mirror, but was now just a simple mirror.

You faced the mirror towards him. “What do see, Adam?”

He glanced towards the mirror and sighed. “I see myself as a human.”

“Do you see a monster?” You said as you watched him. His eyes glanced over at you and he shook his head. “Adam, that’s because you aren’t a monster. Everybody loves you, including the villages. You are an amazing king and you are a kind soul. You are not a monster.”

Adam’s blue eyes met yours and a small smile spread across his face. He slowly leaned in and place a small kiss on your lips before pulling away. “I love you, my darling.”

You nodded as you ran a hand through his blond hair. “I love you as well, my dear. Now, come. We should go to bed.”