A Rose for the Beast

Farewell

Snow fell to the ground, silently raining down around Rosalie and the wolves as they led her through the forest. She admired the icy beauty of the landscape, knowing she wouldn't return again. They left the frozen area, moving into the thick, green foliage.

She paused to look back at the snow covered trees and icy terrain, clinging to the place she'd never again see. A cool breeze blew from the wintery side, carrying it to her like a final farewell. The crunch of leaves by her side pulled her from her reverie. Rosalie peered down at the white wolf.

"You gaze at the kingdom as if it were a paradise you are being forced to give up."

She didn't understand why the wolf had said that as if it was unusual to feel that way.

"It's a beautiful place. It's a shame that nobody else can enjoy it," she said.

"I suppose it's all a matter of perspective. To me, it's a prison."

Rosalie frowned as her eyes slid back to the frozen landscape. She hadn't considered that. To the animals, there wouldn't be a safe place for them out in the open. People would try to exploit them or hurt them because they were different. They had no choice, but to stay hidden away.

"I'm sorry."

She didn't know if she apologized because of the wolf's circumstance or the fact that she had failed to help any of them. Her somber mood deepened with regret. The wolf nodded, accepting the apology without questioning why.

"We should keep moving. The queen has spies everywhere," he said as he turned away.

She followed him after a minute. Though the trek was long, she didn't feel nearly as exhausted as she had when Michel had brought her. She didn't have to exert as much energy to keep up with the wolves. But, the return trip was taking even less time and she hated it. Her lips pursed as she thought about the wolf's candor, wondering how far his candidness would go. Even with melancholy tainting her mood, her curiousity refused to wane.

"Is the queen a powerful woman?," she asked while continuing to follow.

"Only in the sense that she could destroy you with a flick of her wrist."

Rosalie raised her brows at that, wondering why such a powerful person would be so cruel by torturing, instead of just murdering her victims.

"Then, why does she toy with Michel and the rest of you?"

The wolf rolled its big golden eyes.

"Scorned love has a way of showing one's true colors. She seemed pleasant enough to begin with, but, once Michel reneged on the engagement, she became vengeful; cursing our home and all who dwelled within."

"That seems a bit extreme. Why didn't she find another husband; one who actually wanted her?"

The wolf cackled aloud, laughing heartily.

"Let me know if you ever find a man willing to take on a sorceress queen with a serious temper. You humans don't do well when dealing with magic."

She frowned at him.

"I didn't have too much trouble," she said defensively.

He stopped and twisted his head to squint at her.

"You mean, after you had a near meltdown out here when I spoke to you?"

Rosalie blushed, swiftly passing him so she wouldn't have to see the wolf's cheeky grin. They walked in silence for a while as she considered everything he'd told her, but it only brewed more questions in her mind. She doubted that she would ever find all the answers she was searching for.

Some of the wolves took off in a sprint to scout ahead. The vigilant white wolf stayed near, ears twitching and eyes roaming.

"What is it?," she whispered, mimicking his movements to scan the forest ahead. She failed to see anything other than trees and bushes.

The wolf marched forward without a word. She went after him, noticing how thick the woods were around them. After five more minutes of walking, the wolf came to a stop. Rosalie followed his eyesight and drew in a deep breath.

"You're home, Madame LaFleur," he said softly.

They were high on a hill at the treeline of the dark forest overlooking Maelynn. Her farm sat to the right, just beyond the wooded edge. She spotted Max and an empty cart by the horse troughs. Her father had returned during her absence. Normally, seeing the magnificent landscape of the French coast and having her father home brought her joy.

But her thoughts drifted again, gaze glancing back down the path they'd taken. The developed land ahead couldn't compete with the forest or castle of BelleMontagne.

As she stared out over the landscape, she realized her adventure was definitely over and she would never see Michel again.

She took a single step into the open field and Rosalie's heart shattered into pieces.