The Wizard and The Serpent (A Beauty and the Beast/Sanders Sides AU)

Janus Viper was once a handsome king, a cruel ruler that ruled his Kingdom with an iron fist. Even though he had everything he ever wanted since he was born (except, perhaps, love) he taxed his people relentlessly in order to fill his castle with the most beautiful objects, and his parties with the most powerful people.

One day, a weak and homeless old man visits Janus, seeking shelter from the storm. Janus turns the man away, repulsed by his appearance, and as punishment, a curse is placed on Janus and his castle. Janus is turned into a monster, with six arms, claws, venomous fangs, and scales covering half of his body.

The servants of the castle and all his guests were turned into furniture, as punishment for sitting by and doing nothing while the Prince grew into the cruel King he is today.

However, there is a cure for the curse. If Janus can learn to truly love another and be loved in return, the curse will be cured.

As the years went by, the castle and everyone in it became forgotten, and Janus lost hope. For who could ever love someone as cold and monstrous as him?

Meanwhile, in a small village nearby, a Wizard named Logan Foster is looked down on by his town for his startling intelligence, difficulty in social situations, and his practices of magic.

That doesn't deter Roman Prince from attempting to court Logan, however, because even if he is odd, Logan is the most handsome man in the village, and Roman has always enjoyed a challenge.

Not wishing for his son to be alone, Patton Foster agrees to give Roman his blessing. Logan, who doesn't wish to get married, runs away from home. He plans to build a cabin in the forest and live the rest of his days there, but instead he finds a castle, where he is invited to stay as a guest. (Yes changing the captive part you're welcome)

He isn't sure yet who the Castle's Master is, but based on the talking furniture that allowed him to stay here, he assumes it's a fellow Wizard.

(#1 in #SandersSides July 2023)