Beauty and Her Beast

Anna was shocked, one moment Christian was her beast, the creature she loved, then he was a man surrounded by a crowd of people she’d never seen before and she’d been pushed aside.

“Anna!!” she heard Christian calling from the center of the crowd. “Anna!”

She saw him now, pushing his way through the throng of people, desperation in his eyes.

Breathing heavily he wrapped his arms around her, “I am never letting you out of sight again.

“I just want one more minute alone with you before we go back in there,” he explained, pulling her to him. “There are hundreds of people who have returned from the nothingness, all wanting to know what happened to them and their families, and I will have to see to them.

“I want you at my side,” he continued, cupping her cheek. “Say you’ll stay with me.”

“I will stay by your side forever,” Anna replied, kissing his palm.

The manor was full of people, some in small groups, others in large riotous crowds all clamoring for Christian’s attention the moment they entered the gates.

Holding up his hands to silence them, Christian raised his voice to be heard. “Everyone, please,” he called, motioning for their attention, “I know there is a lot to discuss, and I will meet with each of you in turn, but first I want you to meet my savior and yours.

“This is Anna Farnsworth,” he continued, bringing her to the forefront. “Before all of you, I want to thank her for her love and kindness which has made all of this possible.”

With that he fell to his knees at her feet. “Thank you, Anna.”

One by one, the rest of the people began to kneel until all she could see were the tops of their heads.

Anna blushed, unsure what she was supposed to do or say. Looking down at Christian, she saw him staring up at her in awe. Rising to his feet, he kissed her gently on the cheek before turning to the others.

“If you would all be so kind, and give Anna and I the chance to speak with Mrs. Goodwife,” he said, taking Anna’s hand, “afterwards I will meet with you all personally and make arrangements for everyone.”

Though there were murmurings of dismay, no one openly objected to his proposal.

“Thank you,” Christian said, leading Anna into the house.

Agnes met them in the entrance, still clinging to her grandson.

“Anna,” she cried, embracing Anna with her other arm, “I am so sorry you got lost in the shuffle. That should never have happened. We owe you so much, there is no excuse.”

“I understand,” Anna consoled the older woman, returning her hug, “everything happened so fast. I’m just so happy that everyone is back.”

Reaching up she gently caressed the young boys cheek.

“Agnes,” Christian said, as the tiddler slid willingly into Anna’s arms. “Could you arrange for those that have returned to have their rooms cleaned and prepared for them? Then have the kitchen cook a feast for tomorrow afternoon?”

“Of course, sir,” the older woman replied, her eyes darting to Anna and the child she held. It had been so long since she’d see her little man, she dared not let him out of her sight.

Seeing that Agnes was not paying attention to him, he reached out and gently took her by the arm. “Agnes, please. Can you take care of this for me? Anna and I need to have some time to talk things over. Could you handle things for an hour or two?”

“Of course,” Agnes replied, realizing that she’d been ignoring him. “I will see to everything. Take all the time you need.”

Patting Christian on the arm, she crossed to Anna and took the now slumbering boy back.

Christian took Anna by the hand and led her towards his rooms, waving people off as they attempted to talk to them.