A Kind of Beauty and the Beast Story Read online

  "HEY!" She shouted with surprise and alarm.

  The man who held her arm ignored her as he began patting her down. The other guard who had taken her bag quickly dumped its contents out on a table and began inspecting them. Lila held back her fears as she realized that this was just a basic procedure and there was no need to panic. Everyone she saw was being inspected just like her, and anyone who did not get out of the carriage willingly was eventually pulled out.

  Suddenly, Lila heard a startled scream from beside her. She looked over to see Daphne staring with horror at a guard who had obviously gotten a little too friendly when patting her down. The young guard glared at her angrily for the attention she drew. He probably got away with it often enough.

  "May we both go now?" Lila asked her inspector impatiently.

  The man grunted, but motioned for the two of them to move along. Daphne immediately came to her side and clung nervously to her arm.

  "Do not worry, men will be men." Lila said calmly, hoping to put her at ease.

  After getting back her bag, which was no longer neatly organized, they were put in a row along with everyone else. Only after all the carriages were emptied did a nicely dressed man finally come and address them all.

  "Good evening everyone! Welcome to the castle! You will be sorted into appropriate groups and given your tasks. I ask that you listen carefully and you do exactly as I say. So first off I need the men move to the right, and women to the left." He said loudly.

  Everyone did as instructed. The man took a glance at the groups to make sure they had all obeyed before he continued.

  "Very good! Now, young ladies and gentlemen below the age of twenty-five, please step forward." He commanded.

  Daphne and Lila, as well as everyone else in that age group did as instructed.

  "You ladies will be cleaning maids and you men shall be gardeners. Please follow the servants who come to your group. Now women and men between the ages of twenty-five and thirty-five, please step forward." The man instructed.

  Just then an older woman came before Lila and her group, and an older man to the boys. They motioned for those in the group to follow them. As their group walked down a hallway off to the left, the men's group went down the hallway to the right. Lila could still hear the echo of the man in charge as he assigned the next group.

  "You women are to be cooks, and you men are to be butlers. Please follow the servants who come to your groups. Now women and men between the ages of forty-five and fifty-five, please step forward." He said.

  Lila heard no more after that because the echo became too faded. She felt a bit disappointed by the man's pick though, as she would really have preferred a job such as a gardener since she was used to such work by trade already. But at least now Daphne and she would indeed be working together it seemed.

  The older woman leading their group eventually stopped at a large hallway full of doors. She turned back to face them with harsh eyes and a raspy voice.

  "These are your sleeping quarters ladies. These will be your rooms permanently for your stay here. Tomorrow morning I will be giving out your uniforms and assignments. Every day you will receive a breakfast, lunch, and supper at the proper times. No one is permitted in the kitchens past the times allowed. Now, get in a single file line." She shouted.

  Everyone did as they were told, and the woman began separating them by groups of twenty-four for the bedrooms. Once the woman finished grouping them all she put them in their assigned rooms for the night. Lila saw that Daphne had been put in her same group too, which was a bit of a relief. She had to admit that it was nice having someone here that she was already aquatinted with.

  The maid soon led them into a very small room, their new sleeping quarters. Inside there were twelve small bunk beds for them to share, one glass window at the end of the room that probably let in a decent amount of light during the day and a small amount of moonlight at night, and a small table for them to share for various activities. But there was no fireplace to keep them warm, nor a curtain over the window, and not much room at all to move around the cramped space. Indeed, it was not in the least bit cozy. But she supposed it would have to do, and it was at least it was better than sleeping under her own roof, which would leak and let in a cold breeze from time to time.

  Lila saw all the girls scrambling for the beds furthest from the door, so she waited until all but the last two near the entrance were taken. Daphne happily shared the bunk that was left with her, and together they started laying out the blankets allotted to them.

  Since it was late it seemed they would have to wait until the next morning to eat. Hopefully breakfast the next morning would be warm and filling, perhaps consisting of oatmeal with fruit or cinnamon, since she had only eaten a small amount of bread earlier that day. Lila licked her lips and felt her stomach growl at such thoughts. She tried to avoid such daydreaming as she changed out of her clothes, not wanting to make herself feel any hungrier.

  Once settled in their nightgowns, Lila climbed into bed ready for some restful sleep. Tomorrow would be a big day, and she did not want to feel tired or sluggish. But after a moment she noticed that all the girls were gathering around the lamp to talk.

  "I feel bad for the men picked to work out in the garden. You know I heard the King punishes people more severely out there." One girl said with crossed arms.

  "Indeed, because he spends so much time out there and does not like to see servants when he is relaxing." Another girl added.

  "I heard that he ruthlessly executed most of the servants in the castle after the death of his parents. Apparently he was not happy with them, even though they had cared for him all his life." Still another said.

  "Oh my!" Daphne whispered with fear.

  Lila just rolled her eyes. Honestly, there was so much ridiculousness with these stories, and there were a hundred of them to be heard! She just could not believe in all of them. Although she did not doubt he was selfish and arrogant, being a King and all.

  The gossiping continued for a while, much to Lila's dismay, with the stories getting ever more extravagant and crazy with each moment that passed. Eventually though, after about an hour, the talked died down as everyone became too tired to continue. Finally, Lila heard the girls put out the lamps and get into bed for the night. She let out an exhausted sigh, wanting nothing more than a good night rest. Tomorrow she was going to start working in a castle far from home, alongside many people she had never met before.

  Lila suddenly found herself suddenly feeling homesick. After all, her father was not here to bid her good-night and kiss her forehead. Plus, all that ridiculous gossip she had been listening to was a bit discouraging to say the least, even if she did not believe it all. She almost wanted to return home already!

  Just then, someone tapped Lila's shoulder. Her eyes flew open and she looked over to see none other than Daphne in light of the moon.

  "D-Do you think the things they were saying are true? What if this job is more dangerous than we thought?" She asked fearfully.

  Lila had to calm her own racing heart before she could even answer.

  "Do not let it worry you Daphne. Most rumors get worse as they are passed along. I am sure all these stories have only been exaggerated." She said logically.

  Daphne seemed to let her reassuring words sink in carefully.

  "You are probably right. Thank you Lila. Good-night, sleep well. Sorry to have bothered you." She said, sounding quite relieved.

  She climbed back down to her bed and didn't get up again. It took some time after that, but eventually Lila found herself able to relax once more. She just had to do exactly what she told Daphne to do: not worry herself. Besides, neither of them could lose heart after coming this far!

  Lila finally felt herself fall into a deep and restful sleep. The next morning when she woke up, the bright sunrise and sweet dreams she had the night before gave her the courage to face the day.

  ******

  It was early in the morning and the we
ather was absolutely lovely again, but Westan was on his way to the library with yet another day of work awaiting him. He would be sure to keep up the pressure on his teacher today in hopes that the man would become too afraid to remain here as his tutor. Westan wondered just how long it would take to frighten him away like all the rest before him. It was usually quite easy, with most men quitting after only two days.

  Once he arrived at the Library Mr. Jameson was already waiting there for him. The man immediately gave a deep bow and a nervous greeting.

  "Good afternoon sire!" He said anxiously.

  Westan glared at him in the scariest way he could.

  "Be quiet! Just get started already." He snarled.

  Mr. Jameson nodded fervently. "Of course my Lord!"

  Westan just nodded as he went over and sat in his chair, ready to begin his torment. But to his surprise the teacher approached him again with a deep bow.

  "What?" He asked through gritted teeth.

  "My King, if you are so inclined, I would ask if you might prefer to work out in the garden today. The weather is very nice and I thought you might enjoy the change of scenery!" He said nervously.

  "The garden?" Westan repeated, quite surprised by the idea.

  "Of course if you would prefer to stay here that would be fine too!" The man said anxiously.

  Westan felt an unexpected wave of excitement wash over him. Studying out in the garden on a day as grand as this? He certainly would never be opposed to such a glorious idea! He could even go straight to the stables after his lesson for a nice horse ride! It was a perfect idea actually, and even Zacchaeus could not condemn it since the teacher had suggested it. Although, he could not let the tutor think he approved in anyway.

  "I suppose, if you insist. Whatever will help you instruct better than a dog." Westan said coldly.

  Mr. Jameson gave a nervous smile and bowed in obedience. Then a servant came and led them both out to the garden. Westan followed anxiously, ever so eager to see the sun and feel the warm glow of its light on his face.

  Finally, after thirteen hallways and five corridors they exited the castle. Westan slowed his pace as they trekked across the garden and took a deep breath of the fresh air before exhaling it slowly. He suddenly felt more at ease and completely relaxed. Truly, a warm and sunny day could cure any bad mood of his.

  Eventually they reached a small pavilion with a small table that was already arranged with books and chairs for the two of them. Mr. Jameson quickly gathered his notes and papers while Westan took his seat and looked around the area, still feeling quite surprised.

  "Whenever you are ready to begin my Lord!" Mr. Jameson said with a bow.

  Westan turned and gazed around the garden, thinking of everything else he would rather be doing at that moment. Then he turned back to the table full of books and papers. He sighed.

  "Look, just get this over with." He said quietly.

  "Of course sire!" The man replied.

  Then the teacher started giving a lecture about something or other, not that Westan was paying attention to any of it. Instead he listening to the song birds chirping and watching the gardener's dogs running around playfully. The soft breeze and lovely smell of apple blossoms nearby were also helping him to feel very relaxed. Perhaps he would go for a ride and then find a nice spot to take a quick nap.

  "This will conclude todays lesson my Lord." Mr. Jameson suddenly announced.

  Westan sat up and looked at him with surprise. Was it really over already?

  "Oh, very well." He replied, too surprised to bothering trying to sound scary.

  Then he quickly got up and left the teacher's presence, pretending to walk back to the castle. As soon as the man was out of sight though he headed right over to the horse stables. He soon found Black Oak, his favorite riding stallion, and immediately went on a nice dash around the garden. The servants riding along with him quickly fell behind, as they always did, and it did not take long before he was able to get far enough away to find a hiding spot. He took Black Oak towards a small wooded area and tied him to a tree. Then quietly he watched as the servants rode passed in search of him.

  Westan smiled to himself. Finally, some alone time! He was starting to feel like he might lose his mind with all these people following him around constantly. Days like today truly did not come often enough. Now he could really have some fun and enjoy this fine day.

  Westan untied Dark Oak and brought him down to the pond at the end of the trees to get a drink. He was feeling quite thirsty himself, but the pond was far too murky to drink from. Just then a grand idea came to him. Westan quickly set his crown down on the grass and jumped in the water, feeling just hot enough for a cool swim.

  The water rushed over him in an ice cold wave. It was so crisp and fresh, still cool from the winters passing. This was his favorite time to enjoy swimming, the water would get too warm by mid-summer.

  "Why not join me Oak?" He called to the horse.

  The stallion just ignored him as usual and continued to drink.

  "You are no fun old boy!" Westan said with a disappointed sigh.

  Black Oak was never fond of getting wet, and was indeed quite old for a horse. Dark Oak had been his main riding horse for the past nine years for very sentimental reasons. The horse was actually the offspring of the stallion Westan's father always rode. He had an unusual connection with the horse, but he always felt at ease around him. After all, Dark Oak never tried to tell him what to do or how to think, or scold him over everything he did wrong. In fact, Dark Oak was the only person Westan felt he could truly be himself around.

  After a few minutes he decided to get out of the water. As he did a breeze came and chilled his back as he tried to wring out his clothes. Westan laughed, wishing he had brought an extra change of garments that day. Then he jumped on Dark Oak and headed over to his favorite rest spot to take a nap before any of the servants found him. He quickly rode over to the largest willow tree in the garden, his clothes nearly drying on the way there. This was his favorite place to sleep mostly because the tree's branches were so thick that they blocked out the sun and gave him a very secure feeling of privacy.

  When Westan reached where his napping couch constantly sat, he dismounted and allowed the horse to roam. Then Westan lay back on the seat and closed his eyes. After a moment he smiled and let out a long sigh. He felt so relaxed and so content right now. All he really wanted was more time like this to enjoy by himself! Was it really too much to ask? Why did he always have to have servants or guards hovering over him all day long? He felt like he was suffocating some days! Why did his life have to be so complicated?

  "I really hate being King..." Westan mumbled.

  Then he closed his eyes and fell asleep. His dreams were often short but peaceful. Sometimes he would even see his parents in them. They were always smiling and happy to see him. Every time he woke up it seemed too soon.

  Westan's eyes flew open and he suddenly sat up from his sleep. He could hear Dark Oak somewhere nearby neighing, as the stallion often did when someone other than himself tried to corral him. He wondered if the servants had found them already.

  Westan got up and carefully ducked behind the tree's trunk. He looked around the other side, where it sounded like Dark Oak was, and was surprised to see both Mr. Jameson and his son Bartholomew of all people, standing with the horse near some grass.

  "What are you doing out here all by yourself I wonder?" Bartholomew asked the horse gently.

  Then carefully he grabbed Dark Oak's reigns and started petting his ears. Westan scowled angrily at the boy for touching his private horse, but he remained quiet, not wanting to give away his position.

  "It seems he has gotten lost from its rider. We should walk it back to the stables." Mr. Jameson said, looking around the area for any sign of someone.

  Westan quickly ducked down, just barely escaping notice.

  "Indeed I agree father, but he looks to be enjoying himself out here." Bartholomew said with a smile, p
etting Dark Oak's ears again.

  Westan thought about running away before the servants rode by again looking for him, but he really did not want to leave the horse alone with these two.

  Mr. Jameson sighed. "Well we do not have all day to spend out here my son. We must go and prepare for tomorrows session."

  Just then Westan smiled. These men had no idea that he was nearby listening! Which meant this was a perfect opportunity to hear what they had to say about him and his lessons right now. He could not have wished for a better situation.

  "I know we must father, but we will have plenty of time for that later. I only wish to enjoy this lovely garden a bit more." The boy said.

  His father sighed again. "Very well. We can wait five minutes I suppose."

  His son nodded, and then turned back to Dark Oak. He took the horse's reigns again and walked him towards the taller grass to graze. The horse was hesitant at first, but eventually he followed along. Bartholomew patted him gently and looked around the area with awe.

  "Such skillful work! Honestly, it is no wonder everyone speaks so highly of the King's garden!" He said.

  "Indeed, I thought we had seen to best back in Darbish's mansions. But they pale in comparison to these works." Mr. Jameson said in agreement.

  Bartholomew nodded. "I cannot imagine viewing grounds like this every day. Truly a privilege I would say."

  "It is a very serene and peaceful place. I am glad the King was able to enjoy it today." His father replied.

  His son smiled gently. "I just knew he would. Honestly, all he did yesterday was stare out the window. It was quite clear he was longing to be anywhere other than the library with us."

  Westan felt his breath catch and he risked a peek at the two of them, confused as to their meaning.

  Mr. Jameson nodded. "Indeed, he seemed to completely relax out here today. I nearly thought he was listening to my lesson! I plan to ask if he wishes to come out here again tomorrow. Although, I am a bit uncomfortable acting as if the idea is all my own."