Beauty and the Beast

01. Alliance

❝Peace demands the most heroic labor and the most difficult sacrifice. It demands greater... purity of conscience.❞ -Thomas Merton

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The sun was shining. The birds were chirping. The weather was excellent. To ordinary person, there was no tell tale signs that the day was was dim for the Rajkumari (Princess) Belle. Today was the day that would dramatically change Belle's life. Despite the the conditions of the day, Belle was perplexed and anxiety driven.

She watched the door nervously, pacing back and forth, almost wearing a hole in her rug. Yet her feet refusing to stop, making the side of her feet burn with anxiety. Belle was not a religious girl, she believe in science and the power of knowledge. However that did not stop her from calling on every god she knew for help.

Belle's father, King Vikram, had travelled to the rival kingdom in hopes for an alliance among the cities. This would mean peace between the two kingdoms, but Belle also knew that with peace came a sacrifice.

It was common knowledge that she, Belle Kumari, was the only and final surviving child of King Zain and Queen Kiya. Being the only daughter of the King and Queen, it meant that her father would most likely offer her hand in marriage as the price to keep the kingdoms from going to war.

Her mother watched Belle yet she could not find it herself to consult her, because she along with Belle knew that the only way that this alliance would work is if Belle wed the enemy's son, Veer.

Veer was a well known Prince within the realms and stroke fear in most men that cross paths with him. He was known to be a ruthless punisher that spared no one. While most men feared and envied him, girls on the other hand adored Veer's charms and looks.

That was all before his curse over took him.

Rumors say that he killed a witch's son resulting with the witch cursing him.

Unable to watch his son suffer with his ugliness, his father allowed to him to stay on the outskirts of their kingdom, isolated from society. Ever since then, no girl has dared to ask the whereabouts of the Prince nor did they openly express their love for him as they once did.

Belle was almost certain that her fate was sealed.

"Belle." He father's soft voice called.

Looking up, Belle's suspicions were confirmed. Her father did not have to say a word as he quickened his pace towards his child. Belle felt her heart stop.

"Papa?" She finally said as tears started to flow down her big hazel eyes before she could even control them. The look on her father's face completely shattered her soul. For she knew that she was to marry.

Before she knew it, Belle was crushed into an embrace by her father,"I am sorry princess. I tried my best to-"

Belle let out a sob, "It's alright. Aap toh tried kia Papa. I-I had to leave one day, right?" (At least you did try, father.)

Just like that, it was confirmed: Belle Kumari was to wed Veer Singh.

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"I cant understand why you would want me to ruin that girl's life, father?!" Veer Singh spat out as soon as his parent broke the news of his marriage.

Veer's mother blinked in confusion.

"But beta we just want you to be happy. How long will you stay like this? Alone."  She empathized, "and don't worry na beta, your patni khoobsurat hain." (Son, your wife is gorgeous.)

"I can not comply to this marriage. I'm sorry father but I can't-"

"King Vikram and I have signed a contract which states that neither party will back out from this marriage. Also remember that King Vikram is offering up his daughter order to save his kingdom from starvation." His father said firmly interrupting his son, "And our word is-

"Is our parmpara." Veer said in defeat. 

His father smiled and patted his back, "I knew you would understand, beta."

Veer lower his head. This was a command of a king wrapped in a request of a father.

His mother waited until her husband stepped out to give her cursed son a hug.

"You will learn to love each other. But she if doesn't-remember that I love you and nothing will change that." She whispered into his shoulder.

Veer nodded. He knew that he couldn't fight against the marriage, his father would never allow such a thing to occur. All he could wish for is the girl to make the try to fight against this marriage as well, because he doubt that she would want to marry a monster like him.

Belle Kumari. There were great tales about the final child of King Zain. Some say her that along with her beauty, the princess was blessed with a sharp tongue. Veer only hoped that her sharp tongue wouldn't cause trouble, because when the beast comes out it harder for him to control.

Contrary to popular beliefs, Veer had emotions and wasn't the monster people made him out to be. Yet he couldn't shake off the feeling of dreariness that grew within him with the announcement his future wife.

Veer looked at the grim and empty palace and sighed. It was time to prepare for a wedding.

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I hope you enjoyed the first chapter! Please let me know what you think:)

-Jenny