My Beauty & The Beast Ch. 01

Annabelle began to stand and the thing stooped low offering her his paw-hand in assistance! She cautiously accepted, taking it she used him to clamor to her feet and then snatched her own hand out of his reach. Shocked at how gentle this creature was being when mere moments ago he had displayed such violence and terror.

"Can you speak?" she heard herself ask. Then snapped her mouth shut as if she had done something wrong, not believing that she was willing to try and thank this creature for saving her life.

"I can. Though it has been many years since I have had the opportunity." his voice was deep and luxurious sounding to her, like dark silk.

"May I ask why it is that you come to this place?" he asked.

"I got lost when I ran away. My horse Molly led me here." Annabelle replied. Those blue eyes grew curious and softened just bit.

"Ran away from what?"

"That is a very personal question and I hardly know you." returned Annabelle.

"Forgive my curiosity miss. I was only asking so that I might be able to assist you if you need help finding your way back home." the creature clarified.

"Oh, well I have no home. My parents are dead and my sister has John. I am unwanted in what once was my family's home." Annabelle raised her chin slightly to keep herself from crying.

"Forgive me if I am being too forward but, you could stay with me if you'd care to. I am alone and have not had company in many years. I'd be honored to have you be my guest." the thing offered gently but sincerely.

At this Annabelle seemed to brighten just a bit, the prospect of having some place to lay her head at night seemed lovely, if only for a night or two; then she could gather her wits and decide where to go from there in her life. She then realized how she must appear, her hair was in wild frizzy array and she had nothing on except her under corset and her petticoat! All of which would not have been so bad if it hadn't been stained with mud and who knows what else, sections were wet and nearly see through! Suddenly her body also dictated that she was exhausted, hungry, tired, and cold. Her senses returned as her stomach gave a resounding growl and she shivered from the night air.

"Come I will take you to my home." murmured the beast. Nodding Annabelle was surprised that it reached down and picked her up, cradling her in his arms. She was about to protest in earnest but his fur was so warm and soft it acted like pillow as she nestled her head into the crook of his arm, his heart had a low firm beat to it and his body temperature was very warm from all his fur and sleep suddenly was no longer an option as Annabelle's eyelids drooped heavily.

"Do not worry Annabelle. I will take care of you my love." his deep masculine voice purred to her, the vibration of his voice resounded within his massive chest and all she could recall remembering was...."How does he know my name?"

As she dropped off into a deep slumber the beast moved easily through the dense forest. Taking care to keep his pace even and slow not wanting to risk waking the young beauty. He moved through the netted trees until he found the path that only he knew of, or rather hadn't been traveled on in so long that it had melded into the forest itself. His sharp hearing told him that the girl's horse was safe and would be retrieved sometime later. Every so often his gaze flickered down to her, she had the most unique face he had seen in centuries and as she lay in his arms sleeping his heart began to be drawn to this tiny nymph of a woman. Her brunette locks blanketed and blended into his back fur, those long dark lashes cast shadows across her lovely cheeks. Her oval face buried into his arm in what seemed like comfort to him. She weighed next to nothing in his embrace and that frightened him somewhat, as it reminded him of how much more fragile she was than him. He could not resist a glance beyond her neckline at her dirty corset and underskirts, she was not a typical slim and trim lady fair no she was unique to all her own.

The former king tried to steady his pounding heart but he had so many sudden hopes, some dirty, that had not been there earlier before meeting her. He attempted to not let his mind run wild as she lay sleeping while he carried her to his castle.

4

Annabelle could hear voices but she couldn't force her eyes to open or focus very long on where the voices were coming from, they seemed to bounce about and change from hushed to giddy. Nonetheless she still tried.

...."Could she be the one Master?" someone asked.

"I don't know Jenna, it has been so long. I dared not even hope but it is difficult, so difficult especially when she has agreed to stay as our guest for a little while. It must be her own choice." she heard the low murmur of the creature speaking softly.

The young woman gave an uncontrollable yawn as her body began to awaken fully, heavy warm silk sheets teased her and she felt the heat from the fireplace as her eyes fluttered open. It was dark at first but suddenly the large tall drapes were pulled back to let in the sunlight. Blinking she sat up to find herself in the biggest bed that she had ever seen, what was termed a king-sized bed with a massive cherry wood headboard and matching footboard and columns to hold up the chiffon bed drapes. The wood was etched in gold! Annabelle had never seen such a fine bed her own bed was only a fourth the size of this bed and she had had no headboard of any kind. Then her sleepy gaze scanned the room and how in awe of it she was, high ceilings as tall as an old pine tree and equally high bay windows with a balcony and French glass double doors. A dressing closet sat on one side of her room closest to the bed while the fireplace was massive and was opposite her bed. An adjoining room which was entered by a door next to the fireplace Annabelle guessed to be the bathing room.

A writing desk sat nearest the window seats. In the corner wall were cushioned arm chairs and a lovely tea table. Another window with a smaller balcony was right next to the right side of the bed where she lay and beyond that, on the same wall as the table was a high double door entrance out into the remaining areas of the mansion. Or at least she believed it to be a mansion. Although she didn't think mansion owners etched their walls and trimmings in gold, or dressed their beds in pure silk sheets. Annabelle gingerly stepped out from under the cozy warmth of her bedcovers and discovered silk fur lined slippers to cover her feet and keep them warm while in her bedroom. She felt like the room was so massive compared to her old room. Suddenly she felt a zing of excitement from seemingly no where. This was her room! In all its finery and beauty it was hers and she adored it, she padded to the second room to see what was in store. A gorgeous vanity sat on the left side of the room and a ground level bathing tub as big as a pond sat in front of a double opening level window. Three stairs led up to the bathing tub. Annabelle stood in stunned silence, never had she even dreamed of such fine things and there was still more as she wandered over to open a door that was to the right of the vanity. Awestruck by what greeted her she simply stood, a large walk in closet with triple high hanging units filled to the bulging brim with every type and style of dress that a woman could ever dream of! And along the lower part of the closet was five shelves high full of heels! Every shade and style possible displayed perfectly. She ventured further into the walk in closet and turned the slight corner to discover a shorter but equally high hanging unit of all types of under garments imaginable and still another section for coats, cloaks, shawls and stockings.

So if this was to be her garments closet, what was that other small closet looking dresser near the left side of her bed? Annabelle skipped out the second door entrance which opened in to the tea table corner, and over to what she had first thought to be her closet. After all something that looked like a simple clothing closet must be just that; right?

Taking a deep breathe the young woman opened the double doors to the piece of furniture, glittering brilliance met her gaze. Sparking jewels of all sizes and colors flashed in the sunlight, rows of little hooks displayed all sorts of chain linked necklaces along the side walls and the back wall of the armory. On pillows shaped roughly like a neckline were displayed more heavy jeweled chokers and necklaces. Four additional drawers were underneath the necklace closet. In turn she opened each of them to find earrings, bracelets, rings, and many more fine pieces of jewelry. It was the biggest single collection that she had ever seen besides the glimpses that she had managed to get peaking through the jeweler's shop window when she and mother had gone to town so many years ago.

A tear escaped as she gently closed the jewelry armory, wiping it away she took a deep breathe and realized that she stunk! Quickly she stripped and went to the bathroom, turning on the water she explored the vanity while she waited for the tub to fill. Sunlight streamed into the bathing room lighting it beautifully, she gazed at her reflection in the big mirror that adorned the vanity and couldn't help but feel a bit vain herself as she admired her body. On top of the silver inlaid piece was a matching silver handled brush and hand mirror. On the right column was a selection of sweet scented perfumes and on the left were naturally scented lotions, soaps, and bath oils. In the drawers were all kinds a facial and body makeup. Fingernail paints and hair dyes. A varying array of hair bands made of silver and gold, jewels not forgetting the Barrettes and pins. Everything a woman could ever ask for was in that vanity. Annabelle sighed, this all seemed to be so unfamiliar and new, she felt terribly overwhelmed by it all. But still she couldn't resist plucking a jasmine scented bath oil and dripping a few drops into her warm bath water before she stepped into a sensation that she had never experienced. The bathing tub was made of porcelain and made her slide as she tried to keep herself from falling, the heated water melted into her aching muscles and tired bones.

A sigh of pure relaxation and delight escaped her lips and her eyes drifted close as the scent of jasmine floated on the gentle breeze that came through the window. She let her nose smell the outdoors as it drifted inwards to greet her, the smell of pine and wildlife made her smile, she was even deeper in the forest then she had imagined. Opening her eyes the sweeping treetops of landscape met her equally forest tone gaze, hanging gardens were just below her bathing window and just beyond it a dirt path led up to a smooth fenced in pasture. Molly stood munching happily in the green lush field. Molly had survived the wolves! Just then she had an overwhelming need to go down to see her beloved mare.

Quickly she washed and rinsed her hair and body and stepped from the tub, on a hanger was a giant fluffy green towel that she used to dry herself. Annabelle than went into the walk in and chose a simple mauve pink dress and under corset and skirts, it took awhile but she finally pulled the dress over her head and laced it up. She had not realized how low the neckline was on the gown but as she settled into the garment, the tops of her breasts felt the chill of air brush across them. A smirk crossed her face, she had never been allowed to wear such a piece cut so low before, life on a farm just didn't allow it and her father had preferred his daughters to be modest in dress and manner. But now Annabelle recognized that she had several blossoming choices in her newly formed life. Checking herself in the ceiling to floor mirror she wrapped her green cloak about her shoulders and opened her bedchamber door.

Quickly the young woman slammed her door shut with fright, what greeted her was not the tall ceilings and grandeur of a wealthy mansion but the extreme beauty and status of a castle! A grand high corridor met her as she forced herself to stand toe to toe with the unknown. Her eyes scanned around her limited scope to find the creature standing gazing out of a window, opposite her chamber doors. Massive red drapes adorned the window and were tied back to let in the morning light. Silently she let herself take in the creature that had saved her life only the day prior.

This creature was at least ten feet in height with silky long fur that seemed to cover his entire body but she couldn't be sure since he wore the fine dress of a gentleman or lord. A tail sprouted from around the base of his spine and he wore no shoes or stockings due to his massive paw-like feet. His intense stature and masculine sense drew her in, it beckoned to her in a way that she hadn't ever imagined before. She had never been with a man before or even been kissed but the raw sensations of desire filled her and she blushed at these awakened feelings. What was wrong with her? He was an animal, was she sick in her mind?

His powerful body turned to greet her, his ears twirled to catch her gentle breathing.

"Good morning my lady, I thought I might meet you at your door so I might escort you to the breakfast room that is if you would allow me the honor. I can only imagine your hesitation at being in such a new place." his rich voice stirred her insides even more, it held a dinged note of wild masked by sincerity and a gentle nature. He moved towards her, carefully, hesitated then offered her his hand, or rather paw, with black razor sharp claws.

"It is most thoughtful of you to be willing to show me the way. Although, not meaning to be rude. What should I call you?" Annabelle blushed as those striking blue eyes made her breathe catch. Suddenly he stood up so formally and with a brisk intentional bow he said. "Forgive me; we haven't even been introduced yet. You may call me Beast. I had a name at one time but that was long ago, before I was this." he attempted a smile but only a little one because he seemed self-conscious about his mouth full of deadly fangs. Annabelle smiled and gave a curtsy, pleased at how formal this creature was being. In fact this beast had been anything but informal.

"I am Annabelle, but my family calls me Belle in private." replied the young woman. Again Beast offered her his hand, and she took it with much less hesitation. As they began walking she couldn't help but stare at everything around her, the wonder of it all fascinated her. High arching ceiling with gorgeous wood carvings etched into the molding.

Fine carpeting led the way as Beast escorted her through several short corridors then turned to the right, which opened up into a glass domed room with high windows surrounding the walls. Daylight commanded the space. Tall greenery filled the spacious corners of the room while paintings of gardens and nature covered the walls in between the massive windows. Four long lounge couches surrounded a big square glass dining table with matching feet stools. A small candle lit chandelier dropped down from the middle of the dome to hang above the dining space. Soft colorful carpeting blanketed the white marble floor. The table was set and two waiters stood by either end of the table dressed in matching white suits.

"Oh my! Beast it is beautiful. I've never seen its likeness." commented Annabelle as the Beast took her to one end of the glass table and helped her into one of the lounge couches.

"There is a second room like this one on the other side of the castle but it is a hothouse for indoor plants." explained Beast as he took his own seat at the opposite end of the table. The plates and utensils were made of glass and etched in gold, even the candle holders in the center of the table were made of glass.

The waiters took a step up and waited for direction. Annabelle waited with bated breathe to hear what the beast with order. He glanced up at his servant and cleared his throat softly.

"I will have a large egg omelet filled with sausage, lamb, and beef with diced vegetables. Bread and butter and French roast coffee." he dictated to the waiter. "Very good my lord." came the man's reply. Beast gave a nod towards Annabelle to indicate that she may do likewise.

It took Annabelle a moment to digest the fact that this creature was going to eat with manner and decorum.

"It's alright Belle, you may have anything that you choose to eat." Beast said gently. Annabelle blushed somewhat, she didn't know what other things there were to eat; she had eaten mainly bread and butter or milk on the farm.

Every so often when father would have the money he would purchase a small jar of jam from the town shop and maybe a cut a sausage link from the local butcher. Her silence caused her man in waiting to give a flash glance at his master but then cleared his throat ever so softly.

"We have everything in stock my lady, you may have what pleases you, and if that's not enough than you may have what you are accustomed to." he said nearly at a whisper, a tinge of understanding beneath his informative gesture.

"Of course Belle, you may have what you are most use to at home." Beast added encouragingly. Taking a deep breathe Annabelle ordered her ordinary bread and butter with a glass of milk, deciding to keep it safe for the time being. Experiments could happen later. It didn't take long before their meals were brought to them. Taking his coffee mug Beast raised it slightly and Belle followed with her milk; "To our first morning together." Toasted Beast, they both took a sip then began to eat.

Watching Beast eat would have been so rude but every so often Belle would glance up to find Beast gently and intricately eating his morning meal, almost human in nature. They would catch one another's gaze and at least she would quickly glance away with a blush. Staring was not a habit of hers. After they had finished Beast came over and offered his arm to her with a little smile as if her staring hadn't bothered him in the least bit. Belle took his arm and stood up, her head only came about to his elbow, he was so tall! Like a big but furry oak tree.

"Where would you like go? There are many things to see in my home but I don't want to overwhelm you, so I will let you choose our destination." Beast said. "If we may, I'd like to visit my mare first. Then you may show me a room of your choice." Belle suggested. Her eyes rose to look beast square in the face. She heard his deep breathing flutter as if for her to look him in the eye surprised him.

"Am I not to look at you Beast?' she asked.

"No you may do as you please my lady but it had been a long time since anyone has ventured a glance at me and held my gaze. And for you to do so brings me courage." Beast explained, he dared not say anymore, for it was only her first day here. Easily he guided the young woman through the long corridors until they reached the main entrance. Belle gasped aloud as the massive four story candle lit chandelier came into view above the center of the front foyer. Beyond the drop chandelier were two massive wooden front doors, seemingly each were crafted of a only two or three large and tall pieces of tree trunk and held together with gold nails.

Opposite the entrance doors on the other side of the chandelier was a grand set of stairs that ascended into the second story of the castle, red wood banisters adorned either side of the staircase and continued up and around on either side to form a protective banister on the slight overhang that was on each side of the second level. The floors were made of red polished marble and carpeted with huge elegant rugs. A big dark wooden table sat just beneath the lovely chandelier, its base was carved to mimic the sprawling branches of a tree. Metal torches on tall stands lined the edges of the room. Twin arching windows with huge drapery stood on either side of the castle doorway.