Beauty shaken by the dream ran to her father's bedroom.

"Papa, wake up."

"What is it my child," he asked firing up the lamp and tapping on the bed so she could sit beside him.

"I broke my promise to Beast and I shouldn't have."

"Do you think he will hurt you in anger?"

"No papa. Beast's appearance frightens people and he talks with the lack of the sophistication of the urban gentleman but he is not a violent man."

"And it is due to his generosity that my wealth has been restored."

"This is true papa. But more than that, being with Marthe and Jacques, Marie and Tomas, I realise that Beast is right for me."

"You've come to care for him?"

"More than that papa, I have been holding out for someone else but I won't anymore."

"Who have you been holding out for?"

"The Count of Nevers told me that the midwife swapped me at birth to keep my identity safe since the royal houses of France and Provence had been targeted by a dark force that was taking our lives."

"I knew about the conspiracy Beauty."

"How did you find out?"

"When my daughter was born she had birthmark on her lower back like all your other siblings. When you were brought to us, I had to find out why you were being passed off as my child. When I confronted the midwife, she told me the real reason and swore me to secrecy. What will happen if the King is found alive?"

"It will be too late papa. Both royal families dissolved me from the betrothal and I have developed an attachment to Beast. I love him."

"If you feel that way, what are you still doing talking to me dear child."

"I knew you would understand. I love you and will ask Beast to let me visit again soon."

Having said that, Beauty returned to her room, placed her ring on the table, and then lay down again. She fell into a deep sleep and awoke the next morning to find herself in Beast's palace.

She spent most of her day preparing for her next evening encounter with Beast. She put on one of her most elaborate gowns and impatiently waited to hear him roar. When the clock finally struck nine, Beast did not appear.

Remembering her dream, Beauty ran frantically to the canal in the garden, where she dreamed she saw him.

There she found Beast stretched out, motionless. Beauty threw herself upon his lifeless body and felt a faint heart beat. She fetched water from the canal, and using material from her gown, dabbed his forehead with the cool liquid.

Beast opened his eyes, "You promised to return by yesterday. When you did not, the spell around this palace began to drain the life from me."

"Beast," said Beauty, "you must not die. I willingly give you my hand in marriage, and swear to be none but yours. I thought we could be together merely as my mate but missing you this past week, and the grief I feel to find you like this, convinces me, that I cannot live without you. I love you Beast. Only you. No one else."

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May, 16, 2015