Twisted and the Cursed {Princesses With Power}

Chapter One: Beauty and the Townspeople

Belle was just minding her own business when her hand starting emitting yellow sparkles. Honestly, it wasn't her fault she was so shocked she jumped into a shelf holding some of her books. It also wasn't her fault that when she tried to pick them up the sparkles launched from her hands into the wall, leaving a scorch mark in the shape of a rose, oddly enough. That was going to be hard to explain to her father, and in the meantime, she had to get a handle on these powers before she took something important out, or hurt someone. Just as she was about to cover the scorch mark with a painting, Belle heard the front door open and her father stepped in. Belle was quick to run and hug him before he could notice anything amiss.

"Goodness, Belle, you're acting as if I've been gone for a month, not a day. What did you do?" Maurice asked his daughter. Belle tried to look as nonchalant as possible while keeping her hand and the scorch mark out of his eyesight. For a portly and short man, Maurice could look quite intimidating when he wanted.

"I haven't done anything, Papa." Belle smiled. Intentionally, she added in her head. Maurice looked suspicious but upon finding nothing incriminating, he shrugged and went into his workshop in the back of the house. Belle let out a breath she didn't know what she was holding and sent a dirty look to the scorch mark, finally moving the painting in front of it. She then looked at her hand in disdain.

"How in the world did you shoot sparkles, you stupid thing?" She shook her hand.

"Belle! Come here please!" Maurice called from the workshop. Belle gave her hand one last look before she hurried off to make sure Maurice hadn't set anything on fire again.

Before Belle left her room, she made sure her flower crown looked okay and that her pastel-blue dress didn't have any crinkles. She was going to town and wanted to make sure she looked presentable. "I'm gone, Papa!" Belle called as she made her way through the cluttered cottage.

"Be home before dark!" Maurice answered as he looked at his spinning machine. If everything went according to plan- which it usually doesn't- it was supposed to make drying clothes faster. Belle chuckled.

"Of course, Papa. Do you need anything while I'm gone?" she asked before she grabbed her basket to carry the supplies she was going to get.

"None that I know of. Have a safe journey!" He called back, and with that, she was on her way. The way to town was downhill, making Belle glad she had brought the basket, otherwise the journey back would be harder with having to hold everything in her arms. Humming to herself, she examined the countryside around her and she stopped to pick a few Daffodils from the ground to add to her ever-changing flower crown. She secured them tightly and before she could get distracted again she picked her basket back up and walked the distance to town.

"Good morning, Belle!" The baker called upon noticing the brightly dressed girl. Belled offered him a smile and a nod as she went on her way, planning to check out the bookstore after she had everything she needed. It was already mid-day, and Belle knew she had to get home before dark or otherwise Maurice would throw a fit. She walked briskly to the supply shop and went in. The shop itself was quite small and didn't look that spectacular, but it gave it a more homey feel and it had more supplies than the shop across town, owned by the innkeeper and his wife. The shop was made out of oak wood, giving it a dark, smooth exterior, and made the inside look more professional.

     "Hello, Belle!" The shop owner said from behind the counter as the many colored girl stepped in.

     "Good morning, Monsieur John. Do you have the supplies I sent for?" Belle asked kindly. Monsieur John smiled and went into the back to gather what she needed. While she waited, Belle tapped her fingers against the counter, causing sparkles to once again start emitting. Her eyes widened and she quickly hid it behind her back as Monsieur John came back with what she needed. Giving a quick smile and packing it in her basket, Belle gave the appropriate amount of money and went on her way, making Monsieur John chuckle and shake his head.

     "Oh, youngsters these days. Always in a rush." He went back to organizing the new supplies he had gotten and helped the next customers that came in.

     Belle really needed to get a handle on her powers. At this rate she would have to constantly wear gloves just to stop them, and she didn't even know if that would work. Taking a deep breath, Belle walked into the bookstore and gave the owner a big smile as she went right to her favorite section: romance. Every book with the exception of one had been amazing. She quickly searched the wooden shelves for a book she had been meaning to read but never had the time.

     "Looking for this?" A voice said from behind her. Belle closed her eyes and took a deep breath before turning and facing the relentless man.

     "Yes, I am, so if you could be so kind as to hand me it, that would be much appreciated." Belle said as civil as she could. Gastón chuckled and held the book high above her head, as he was a giant compared to the small girl.

     "Now what's the fun in that?" He teased, laughing at Belle's attempts to reach the book. Huffing, Belle resorted to the one thing she knows he wants. She leaned in and looked up at him through her lashes.

     "Please, Gastón?" She whispered breathily. "For me?" Belle saw Gastón visibly gulp and lower the book just enough for her to grab it, making her smirk in triumph and leaving the poor man-child confused as to what had happened. "Thanks, Gastón!" She called cheerfully as she payed for the book and left the small shop. She shook her head in disgust and made sure he wasn't following her before Belle started making the journey back home.

     Gastón was left in shock that Belle had stooped that low just to get a measly book. Why didn't she want him? He was the most handsome man in the village, and she was easily the prettiest woman. Collecting what was left of his pride, Gastón left the shop and conducted a search for Le Fou, his trusty confidant.