Beauty and her Beast (Nokto)

~Chapter 1, Part 2~

Sariel: It pains me to admit this, but... I forgot something. 

Sariel lifted one gloved hand, and with a snap of his fingers, his servants appeared as if from nowhere. 

Veronica: What are these for? 

In no time at all, they'd created a mountain on the desk in my room-a mountain of books, that is. 

Sariel: You need them in order to fulfil your duties as Belle. I expect you to spend the next few days studying these thoroughly and absorbing every bit of information contained within. 

(All of them? I know I'm a fast reader and all, but... That's a LOT of books!) I stared dubiously at the huge pile of books, and as I read the titles, I started to realize the enormity of the job I'd taken on. (History, politics, trade... well, I guess it makes sense. I need to understand what a king does in order to be able to choose a good one.)

Veronica: I'll do my best. 

I glanced over at Sariel, in time to see the smug, satisfied smile that graced his lips. 

Sariel: I know you will. Now, if you will excuse me...

(Oh, hang on, since you're here-)

Veronica: Sariel, do you mind if I ask you a favor? 

Sariel: You are welcome to ask... so long as you understand that my answer will depend on what the favor is. 

Veronica: I understand. 

I hesitated only a moment before I went on, voicing the idea that had come to me right as he'd knocked on the door. 

Veronica: Would you consider allowing me to dine with the princes? It would mean I'd get to see them all several times a day, and that would save me having to go off in search of them all the time. And also... I feel like it'll give me a chance to see a more relaxed, genuine side of them. One I might not see at other times. 

(I don't know yet what sort of official duties princes have, but I imagine I won't understand much of it at first. But I don't have much time, either. I need to start getting to know them all as soon as possible, in ways that I can understand them.)

Sariel: That is quite perceptive of you. Very well, I will allow it. You may even join them for this evening's meal, if you wish. 

Veronica: Thanks, Sariel! That'll really help. 

Sariel: But do be careful that you yourself do not end up becoming their evening meal. They are beasts, after all. 

His smile suggested far more than his words, and I stared after him as he strode off down the hallway. But at last, I shut the door and turned away, reassuring myself that I wasn't about to become anyone's meal.