by Susan Kohler
The next morning they stood on the castle steps and watched the King and his retinue as they rode away. They had said their tearful goodbyes to Nate, Claire and Sir Thomas, along with Lady Althea, Sir Richard and the King.
“We’ll visit them often, Beauty,” the Beast said tenderly, “and they will all come to see us from time to time.”
“Tis true, my love,” Beauty smiled bravely, “and each time, our family will grow larger. We’ll have more children, not to mention new nieces and nephews, and we’ll love them all whether we get to see them very often or not.”
“Tis the way of a family, to love whether they be nearby or not,” the Beast said.
“And we are a family full of love, thank God.” Beauty kissed her Beast once more before they turned to see the dust of the travellers in the distance. Hand in hand, they went into the castle.
Epilogue
Once upon a time…
There was a castle high on a hill, near a small village. The villagers had planted fields and groves, and had green pastures for grazing their sheep and goats. The surrounding countryside was lush and green. The villagers were very poor but they were also decent and hard working. They were content, free of the strife that affected many small villages because they were ruled by a fierce knight who protected them well.
The lord of the castle was well liked and respected by one and all. He was a fair ruler. He could oft be stern, but he would again and again show a kindly smile. He had a very beautiful wife whom he loved very deeply. The lord and his lady had a nice family: three brave, strong sons and two extraordinarily beautiful, headstrong daughters. Everyone should have lived happily ever after, and surprisingly enough, they all did.