Beauty and Her Beast

After two weeks of none stop meetings, Christian was able to relax, satisfied that he had done everything possible to see to that his people were taken care of.

The next day, there was a celebration at the manor like none ever seen. Anna married the man of her dreams, her prince. There were cakes and pastries, meats of all kinds, music and dancing that lasted all day and into the night.

Erica, Teresa and Albert watched as Anna and Christian enjoyed the love and well wishes of those around them, none of them feeling moved by the celebration. Into their pockets and secreted among petticoats were gold and silver utensils, jeweled flowers, and other such treasures they could lay easy hands on.

At the close of the evening, the couple asked her father and sisters to stay, but were steadfastly refused.

As each stepped into their carriage, their treasure laden garments making small sounds that gave away their theft, and without a backward glance, or even a farewell, they ordered the coachman to take them home.

As the gates closed behind them, each reached into their pockets to examine their booty. From one pocket, Albert brought forth a large grey stone. Confusion clouding his face he pulled another treasure from his pocket. This too was a stone, brown this time.

“What the devil,” Albert said in anger. Each item he pulled from his pocket was revealed to be nothing more than stones. No gems, no gold, no riches… Just stones.

Erica and Teresa, on the other hand, were slightly less fortunate. In their secret pockets they found large clods of horse dung and cow patties.

Screeching in rage, they tried in vain to rid themselves of the filth only to have it spread across their gowns, soon covering themselves with the excrement.

The newlyweds watched as the carriage rolled away. Agnes, leaning towards Christian said, “Pardon me sir, but are you not planning on stopping them?”

Christian turned an innocent gaze upon her.

“Why would I stop them?” he asked.

“Well sir,” Agnes said, slightly confused. “You do know those two have stolen their weight in anything they could slip into their pockets.”

“Yes,” Christian nodded. “I am aware of what they attempted.”

“Attempted sir?” Agnes asked, even more confused.

“Oh yes,” Christian nodded, a knowing smile on his lips, his eyebrows rising slightly. “They have nothing more than their just rewards.”

Not fully understanding Christian’s meaning, but not willing to ask further, Agnes shrugged and went back into the celebration.

Anna turned a radiant smile to Christian.

“My love,” she asked. “Do you think father and my sisters are enjoying their prizes?”

Laughing down at his beautiful wife, Christian swept her into his arms, kissing her deeply.

“Not as much as I am enjoying mine,” he breathed into her ear as he held her close.

Anna and Christian retired to cheers and well wishes from those around them. Agnes with her grandson sleeping in her arms. Melissa and all the others who had returned dancing and laughing, enjoying life anew in this world.

That night, Christian showed Anna what love truly was. He was sensitive and patient, showing her all the kindness and gentleness he had never shown anyone before.

Anna relished his touch as he brought her to new heights of joy she had never known were possible. Here was her prince, loving her, protecting her, wanting her. This was the fairy tale come true.