His Beauty and Her Beast

CHAPTER 8

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“Monica?” Belle breathed.

“Yes, it’s your sister Monica.” She smiled.

Belle ran to hug to her but was stopped by the commander. “What are you doing? Let me go, I want to see my sister.”

“You can’t right now. You are to be brought before the emperor immediately.”

“What? Why?” She asked, bewildered.

He didn’t answer as he steered her into the Imperial Palace. As she stumbled along, she marvelled at the exquisite beauty of the walls that towered over her, it’s pillars of marble that shined under the glowing lamp which provided sufficient light through the long shadows casted by the statues lining the hallway.

Our steps echoed as we drew closer to the emperor’s throne room. Nervousness reared its ugly head, and Belle stomped on it; rather than being nervous, she wanted it to be over and done with.

She now knew her parents were behind this, but for what reason eluded her. She hoped for the emperor’s mercy as she had done nothing wrong, albeit it was a weak hope.

“It’s time.” The commander said. “I wish you luck.”

“I don’t need it. Luck is never on my side.”

“Well, I’d say otherwise.” The commander grinned.
Raising an eyebrow, Belle tried to retort but, in that moment huge double doors opened, and she was greeted with an unusual sight.

A red carpet flowed all the way from the door to the emperor’s throne. Knights stood at each side, brandishing their swords in the air. Nobles stood on the sidelines, whispering one to another as all eyes were focused on Belle.

Unbeknownst to her, her family was amongst the crowd as she made her way to the throne. The emperor, who observed the young girl surreptitiously, glanced to the side and spoke. “Is what you wanted?”

“Yes, Your Majesty.” A deep voice replied.

Belle was in a daze. Never had she had so many eyes scrutinize her, and all at once. No matter how she drew further into her cloak, she still felt their probing eyes that seemed to undress her; expose her, flaws and all.

She had come a long way; struggle as she may with accepting herself, she was not the same depressed, melancholic girl she perceived herself to be. She is more than that. She’s a warrior, someone who is able to overcome and adapt.

No matter what anyone says, she’s proud of who she has become.

Lifting her head up, she heard the gasps of everyone around her. Squirming, but not backing down, she finally stood before the emperor, curtsying. “I greet the sun of the empire, Your Majesty.”

“Oho?” He said, amused. “Your manners are immaculate. I see you’ve been taught rather well, am I correct?”

Belle’s gaze darkened. “I’m afraid you’re far off the mark, Your Majesty.”

“Really? But I’ve heard a rather detailed report about your upbringing.” Raising his hand, a squire appeared beside him. “Proceed.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.” Unfolding the parchment, he began to read. “The person of interest, Belle la Enfrant Ombre, daughter of Leslie la Enfrant Ombre and Micheal le Enfrant Ombre, was raised until the age of nineteen where she disappeared without a trace despite futile efforts to locate her whereabouts. She—”

“Hold on.” I interrupted. The squire paled from shock and the nobles began to murmur.

“How dare she interrupt?”

“Who does she think she is?”

“She is in the presence of the King.”

“If I am allowed,” Belle declared. “May I speak freely, Your Majesty?”

“Go ahead.”

Taking a deep breath, she slipped the cloak off her. Nobles clambered as they sought to get a better view. There were cries of disgust as they stepped back from fright. The air shifted as everyone was on alert—even the knights surrounded Belle with their swords.

“She’s hideous.”

“She’s an abominable creature.”

“What a horrendous sight!”

As she listens to their insults, she could only smile. This is what humans truly are. She’d expect nothing less. Their words didn’t hurt her, for she’d heard much worse, and by those close to her. This didn’t mean they annoyed her though.

“Yes, I am hideous.” Belle said aloud which caught the attention of the nobles. “Yes, I look an abominable creature. All things I’ve heard, which isn’t new to me. However,” she took a step forward. “I don’t appreciate your slander.”

They were astounded, and rightly so. Nobles didn’t take well to criticism, and someone, no, something even less than they were had the audacity to stand up to them threw them off track; immensely at that.

“How dare her?!” The nobles cried in outrage. Who do you think you are?!”

“Why?” She smiled, flashing her canine teeth. “I’m Belle la Enfrant Ombre.”

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