Evermore [The Beast/The Prince x Reader]

chapter eleven

author's note:

hey, guys! I want to keep this as Disney-like as possible, so it includes THIS song at the end of the chapter. You can listen to it if it'll help you picture it!

it's 'If I Can't Love Her' from Beauty and the Beast Broadway. Since he sings Evermore in the live action, I think this fits well as a "before Belle" kind of song. :-)

thanks for reading! ♡

//

The staircase leading up to the West Wing was bitterly cold. She shivered in her thin nightgown and held tight to the silver tray with icy fingertips. It was difficult to see; most of the candles along the wall had gone out; she was struggling not to trip.

It was hauntingly silent as she placed her foot on the top stair. She peered down the seemingly empty corridor. Darkness was all she could see.

"Hello?" she called out.

Nothing. And then, a twinkle of light. She stepped forward and held the tray up slightly. There was a growl. She realized that the Beast was holding a candle.

"I brought your supper," she explained.

He slammed his door shut before she could get to it. She flinched. The burst of cold air from the room blew out the remaining candles around her. She sighed as the darkness consumed her.

"Please," she said. "It's just me and your dinner."

"Why?" he demanded.

"Because I care about you," she said, voice rising in slight anger, "and the last thing I want is for you to starve to death!"

After a moment, the door opened. She saw his eyes gleam in the dim candlelight. He watched her with annoyance as she sighed and stepped inside.

"Thank you," she huffed.

She took the tray to a tiny tea table by his bed. As she set it up for him, she noticed that his bedsheets, wallpaper, and curtains were all torn. He had clawed at them. There was a pang in her heart.

"I feel like it's been weeks since I last saw you," she said. "Although I think it's only been a day, right?"

"I don't know," he answered honestly. He sat at the edge of his bed and pulled his cloak over him. He was hiding himself. "I haven't kept track of time."

"Well," she sighed, looking away. "Missus Potts made cheese soufflé and there's a dish of pudding here, too. I also brought you a few rolls. Um, do you want me to light more candles for you? It's hard to see."

"No," he growled.

She stepped out of the way as the Beast stepped in. He swished his cape and dove down. Using his claws and teeth, he began devouring his meal. She rolled her eyes and walked to the window.

"So," she said, "is there a reason you're avoiding meals?"

He huffed into his bowl of pudding for an answer.

"You're worrying them, you know," she said. "Your friends. Your caretakers. Me."

He lifted his head. She could have sworn she saw a flicker of warmth in his cold eyes. He wiped his mouth with his arm and licked around his lips.