His Beauty and Her Beast

CHAPTER 7

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Contrary to her expectations, they called for Belle at the door till evening before they left.  She was disoriented by their sudden appearance. What were they were doing here, and now of all times? Why, when she was finally ready to spread her wings, fate had to remind her of her past and the despair it brings?

She quickly packed her things. If she knew her parents, they were nothing but persistent when it came to getting what they wanted.  They will be back tomorrow, no doubt. What they didn’t know was that Belle would be gone by then. 

And so, the morrow came, and she disappeared without a trace.

She was used to hiding in the shadows and found refuge under thick trees that had long since blossomed and died. Planning her next area of residence, she set out for a nearby village not far off from the forest. She’d never venture out much, and her family was a peculiar bunch; they lived secluded from everyone despite being nobility. They received invitations nonetheless and would stay in the capital while their children had the home to themselves and wreak havoc. Despite their oddities, they were a loving family.

Or so Belle had thought.

Hiding her appearance behind a cloak, she found a lodging in a small, impoverished village.  No one paid her any mind as people would frequently pop in and out of the woodlands to stay the night; it was what kept this little village afloat.

The room was alright; the bed was hard, but she didn’t mind as she only planned to stay for the night. After supper, she’d retire to her room to engross herself in the world of books, away from the harsh realities of the world. 

It was a rather calm night before it was broken by the sound of horses clomping against the ground and soldiers marching in unison. The people of the village watched through their windows and doors as the army of men marched into the middle of the square.

“Citizens of this village,” a knight presumed to be the commander stepped forward. “We have come here on orders from the Imperial Palace. If there is anyone by the name of Belle la Enfant Ombre, please step forward.”
Her heart thumped erratically. They called her name. But she never told anyone her name. So how did they know? Many thoughts flashed through mind, before realizing—her parents.

They’re behind this spectacle.

“I repeat, is there anyone by the name of Belle la Enfant Ombre here?” H paused before motioning to one of his knights, whispering something in his ears. The knight nodded, lifting a hand. Suddenly, they dispersed as they began to check the area.

Belle began to panic. How will she be able to leave this place without being seen? One look, and they’ll be able to tell it’s her.

There were murmurs outside and she decided to set out before they arrived at her room. Taking her belongings, she slipped out silently while the onlookers were distracted by the knights down the front entrance.

After having explored the inn earlier, she found a back door that led to the horse stables. For now, it was her one and only chance of escape.

All seemed to be going well until she heard something that made her heart stop. “There was a young woman who lodged here for the night. I don’t quite remember the name, but she looked rather auspicious,” the inn owner commented to one of the knights.

Her walk turned into a trek as she rushed to the back door. Whispers filled the air as people began to notice Belle’s odd departure, but she didn’t care as long as she made it outside.

“Wait!” The knight shouted. “I command you to stop!”
She didn’t. She fled faster.

Smashing the door open, she smelt the air of freedom, but was greeted with the cold wind of reality. The knight she saw earlier stood there as if waiting for her arrival. “Belle la Enfrant Ombre, you’ll have to come with us.”

She glared at him unperturbed. “I will rather not, thank you.”

He repeated, nonplussed by her attitude. “I’m afraid orders are orders. Either you come with us, or we’ll force you to. Very simple, but effective.”

She grimaced before complying. “Don’t you dare touch me. I can walk on my own.”

Drawing her cloak further in, she hid her face from the curious onlookers as the knights followed her closely behind. It was an uncomfortable silence as no one dared speak a word.

What will happen to her? Will she survive in the capital? Ominous thoughts grasped her heart in a chokehold as she entered the carriage that would lead to her end. She’s never been to the capital, let alone walk its bustling streets, and this is how she’s going to see it? Inside a dinghy carriage filled men she’d never met before?
The thought of that made her chuckle bitterly.

“What do you find so amusing?” One of the knights grunted.

“I see no way of knowing how that is any of your business,” she retorted. She’d rather fight a wild jaguar than sit with these lumps of neanderthals.

“Says the freak.” He laughed, the others joining in.

“You rotten bas—”

“That’s enough.” The commander interrupted, glancing at me. “There will be no further conversations until we reach the capital.”

Belle huffed in response but agreed.

This will be long trip; one she was not ready for.

—☆—

“Ugh,” Belle groaned as she exited the carriage. It had been years since she rode, and it only brought back embarrassing memories.

“I didn’t think you’re one to be seasick,” The commander mused as he watched her puked her dinner out.

“You’re a vile creature, asking them to hasten the carriage.”

“Well, you’re not the one short on time. Do you have any idea how long it took to find you?” He snapped in irritation.

“Well,” She snapped back. “Did I ask to be found?”

“Touche. But orders are orders.”

“You can shove your orders up you—”

“Belle!” A high-pitched voice interrupted. “Belle, is it really you?”

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