Cursed

34. Duarien's Decision

       I left Belle at the door to her chamber and made my way to my own. So far, the day had been nothing short of perfect. After the gloominess we overcame in the morning, that is. Now to continue the day's perfection.

Everything was already prearranged. A dress had been tailored fit for a noble lady, my noble lady, as well as a new dress suit for myself. The gift I had made was in place, and the music I wanted played had been chosen. The whole manor had been given very specific instructions as to what they were to be doing and where they were to be doing it at every given moment during the night. All I had to do now was ready myself. Easier said than done.

I went to my chambers as well and undressed. A bath was warmed for me as well as a good old cup of tea. A nerve calming cup of tea. One that I needed desperately. I allowed various objects to pluck out the thistles still stuck in my mane and then lather my fur as usual. I tried to keep my thoughts as neutral as possible but I could not seem to keep them from wandering.

Could I really reveal my love for her? Would I have the courage to show her what she is to me? Was it a mistake? Perhaps I should wait to tell her. But then there was the rose to consider.  The ratio between petals on the table and petals still connected to the rose was really beginning to give the table an unfair advantage.  No, it had to be tonight.  And if I talked myself out of it this time I would surely do so again.

I finished my bath and dressed, eager and nervous more than ever.  Maybe I would go visit my rose.  That always managed to calm my nerves.  My mane was groomed and I studied myself in the looking glass.  I was a beast but at least I was a well dressed, reasonably civilized beast.  My eyes traveled to my feet.  I had long since given up on shoes, not having ever found a pair to suit my hind paws, so to speak.  Tonight, though I wished that I could don dancing slippers.  What was done was done however, and I did not look so terrible, all things considered.  I let the objects around me fuss over my appearance for a moment longer before making my way to the West Wing.

I took the key from around my neck and placed it in the lock.  It was something I had done so many times I could have done it in my sleep.  Lately, it seemed that my visits had become rare and I was sure it had to do with a certain damself that had been occupying my time.

I drifted mindlessly towards the balcony and threw open the heavy curtains.  A large cloud of dust rose into the air and moonlight filled the West Wing as it had not in longer than I could remember.

I closed the distance between myself and the large glass balcony door and placed my paw on the invisible surface.  I breathed slow, calculated breaths that fogged up the glass and tried to focus on the cool sensation of the glass on my padded palm.  My roses were in full bloom as was their habit and the moonlight accented their mystical qualities.

I turned finally to the rose on the table behind me.  It looked back at me sadly, only four petals left.  It was a pathetic sight as I remembered it at its former glory.

"Give me courage," I begged the rose, "Give me the strength to tell her what she means to me, and if she does not return then may we preserve what it is we have for losing her entirely is a fate worse than death."

"My, my," laughed a musical voice I would recognize anywhere, "What has become of my petty beast?"  I lifted the enchanted looking glass to peer into Miranda's sparkling green eyes.

"Miranda, have I ever been so happy to see you!"

"What is it Lord Daurien that has caused you such distress?"

"I have not much time left," I turned the looking glass so that she may view the rose she had once given me.

"Oh, but that is not at all what has clouded your thoughts, now is it?"  There was no fooling the witch.