A Kind of Beauty and the Beast Story

by Jessica Chapman

  "I suppose you might as well, seeing as your father is rather useless without you." Westan mumbled as he rolled his eyes.

  Bartholomew looked up from his bow with a truly genuine smile.

  "Thank you my Lord, you are very good." He said gratefully.

  Then he went to his father's side and quickly began setting up the books and supplies for him. The teacher seemed to calm immediately at his son's presence, and both even relaxed a little as the session progressed. Obviously they were also happy to be working together once more. Bartholomew was quite lucky to be able to spend so much time with his father each day. Westan was very envious of him actually, as he had never been old enough to conduct any meaningful work with his father before. He would have liked to help him with a document or decree one day, perhaps even learn from him how to work as a King. But he supposed that even if his own father was still alive he would be of little use to him in such an uneducated state.

  Westan sighed. Deep down he truly wondered if his poor reading and writing abilities stemmed from his lack of effort or intelligence. After all, how many years should it take for one to learn such simple things? Sure he did not bother with to listen to his tutors now, be that was only because he never seemed to understand his studies as a child. The words never looked right to him and the teachers always said that his writing was somehow backwards despite him having copied it exactly the way he saw it. Westan almost wanted to hope that Mr. Jameson and Bartholomew could find a way to help him, although he would not be holding his breath for such an outcome.

  When the session was over Westan got up and prepared to leave for the day, so both Mr. Jameson and Bartholomew stood with a bow to await his departure. He noticed that both men were still looking quite uneasy about the events from earlier. He nearly felt bad about it all now seeing as they truly seemed to be good-hearted men. He almost wanted to do something to calm them down a little, although he was not sure what. Eventually he had an idea of sorts.

  "Good-day to you both. Until tomorrow." Westan said in the least scary voice he could possibly manage.

  Mr. Jameson stayed as stiff as a board and just nodded, but Bartholomew raised his head just a bit.

  "Thank you sire, we bid you a good-day as well." He said with a slightly nervous smile.

  Westan looked away with embarrassment at such a kind reply and quickly left their presence. He then returned to his room for the night much like any other day, although for some reason he was not feeling quite as depressed as usual.

  ******

  Each day quickly became routine for Lila and Daphne. They got up before sunrise, started cleaning right after breakfast, and continued on late into the night until the work was done. It did not take long for them to become proficient at their jobs, and both of them even starting to feel more comfortable with their new life. Lila was actually almost accustomed to the castle layout now too and could nearly find any room in the castle with ease!

  However, some of the maids were proving to be troublesome. It had not taken long for some of the girls to become jealous of Daphne, who often had guards looking at her or trying to talk to her during work. The girls actually started bullying her, saying cruel things and often threatening her too. Lila stuck close to her side, refusing to let them get away with their cruelty.

  In general though all was going well, and it did not take long for the seventh day of their first week to come. After supper the head maid took them to the accounting room to receive their pay; one whole gold coin. Neither Daphne nor she could wait to send the hard earned money back home to those who were waiting. After work they both ran straight to the post man to have it delivered.

  "I am so excited for my father to see this!" Lila said as she handed the messenger a package full of silver coins and a letter.

  "Yes, I feel the same! My siblings will be so relieved!" Daphne replied as she too gave the messenger a package.

  Lila had wished to send the whole gold coin but she had forgotten about the delivery fee. Then she decided to send a letter too in order to assure her father all was going well so that was another expense. After that she kept the last small copper coin to treat herself to a little treat. After all, nineteen seven silver coins would be more than enough to send for now.

  It was late into the night so both Daphne and she wandered around the village marketplace for a bit. There were so many places to look around and shop at that both of them were simply astounded. There were clothes and foods from all over the world, exotic animals and flowers, and a whole variety of people doing the buying and selling. Tantalizing aromas were everywhere, but one in particular caught Lila's attention, so she left Daphne and went inside a small bakery to find out what the smell was coming from. There were breads and cakes displayed everywhere, but she was after one very special pastry. Then Lila found the special treat and paid the man his fee, and returned to her friend outside a moment later with two fresh cinnamon buns.

  "Here!" Lila said as she handed Daphne one.

  "Oh Lila, I do not have the money to pay you back for this." She said with embarrassment.

  Indeed, she had nothing. Daphne had sent her whole amount, minus the messenger fee, to her siblings. She had not even wanted to spend any on a letter. Her family must be very poor indeed.

  Lila smiled. "This is a special treat for the two of us! We have both worked very hard and I think we have earned it. Do not worry about the money."

  Daphne smiled and took the gooey bun happily. "Thank you Lila. You are so kind."

  She shook her head. "Do not mention it. Now eat up, they smell divine!"

  This was possibly the best thing Lila had ever tasted. It was so sweet, with just the right amount of cinnamon and frosting. She was glad to have saved a coin for it.

  "Mmmm! So delicious!" Daphne said.

  Lila nodded. "Every week we should come and buy something new! My treat."

  "Oh my, every week? How long do you think it would take to try everything?" She said with a giggle.

  Lila shrugged. "Let us find out."

  When they returned to the castle both of them decided to eat supper on the staircase in the east wing of the castle. Scents from the Kings buffet wafted through all the hallways, making their mouth's water.

  "Oh my, I wish we could have been assigned as cooks! I hear they get to eat from the King's table." Daphne said enviously.

  "Yes, but I also heard that they have to be taste testers to check for poison before he is served." Lila stated.

  Daphne's face immediately fell. "Oh...then I am grateful not to have been picked for such a job..."

  "The smells from here are quite nice though. They remind me of home." Lila replied.

  She felt a little homesick thinking about the stews and nut breads she used to make back on the farm. She also missed how her father would share at least one meal with her no matter how busy the day's work had been.

  "Indeed. I miss the food my young brother would always prepare. Although he is but fourteen, he is very skilled in the kitchen. He even works at the local inn with the cooks." Daphne said with a smile.

  "Is he the oldest sibling after you?" Lila asked curiously.

  She shook her head and smiled at the opportunity to talk of her family. Daphne then went on to tell Lila that there were three boys and seven girls in all her siblings. From oldest to youngest it went her, two boys, three girls, the boy who worked at the inn as a cook, and then four more girls. The next two boys after her were twins at seventeen, and Daphne was twenty. They too had lived on a farm over in the village next to Lila's. About a year ago their mother passed away, and soon after that her father too. Daphne said it had been heartbreaking, but at least they had each other still so none of them were ever lonely. Her twin brothers actually tried to come here instead of her to work, but she would not let them. In her mind they were still too young to face such a dangerous situation, so she would be the one to leave. That way too if anything did happen to her the oldest boys could still take care of the rest of the
children.

  Lila was saddened by her story. She could not bear to think of losing her own father in such a way, nor could she imagine what it felt like to provide for so many family members. When she was younger Lila had always wished to have a sister, as being an only child growing up on a farm left her lonely at times. But now she had someone to work alongside each day. Lila would be sure to help Daphne's family in any way she could, and invite them over to her house when they returned home.

  When the two of them were done eating they retired to their room. Daphne was still in the best mood she had ever seen her in, obviously immeasurably relieved to finally have been able to send some money back to her family. Lila felt relieved too and hoped that the money could pay for her father to visit a doctor right away. That night she went to sleep feeling quite happy and satisfied, another perfectly uneventful day completed.

  Chapter 05- An Unexpected Turn of Events

  "Well then sire, that is ends it for today. You did excellent my Lord!" Mr. Jameson said with a warm smile.

  "Indeed sire, you did very well. Tomorrow you will be moving on to the next lesson." Bartholomew added encouragingly.

  Westan frowned. It was over already?

  Almost a week had gone by now and some progress had actually been made with his studies! Indeed, Mr. Jameson and Bartholomew were both very intelligent and patient, which encouraged him to make at least some effort. He would try to pay attention and concentrate, and after about two days he had greatly improved on his reading, and even a bit on his writing! Now he nearly began to look forward to their lessons together, and when they ended each day it seemed too soon. Since he been able to come this far so miraculously he had hope for learning even more in the future!

  Westan supposed though that he also had come to enjoy the company of both his teachers each day. They had come to relax considerably since the day he threatened them to leave, and now he saw that they were truly good men and still seemed interested in his well-being despite how he had treated them. Such sincerity was quite unusual especially for servants, but in a way it felt good. It had been a long time since he felt at ease around anyone other than Zacchaeus.

  Today in particular had been very peaceful and relaxing, with lovely weather on top of it all. But now the session was over, and Westan had nothing better to do than sit in his room or wander around outside by himself until supper came around. He really was not looking forward to either option though. However, Westan had been preparing for this ever since he realized his own boredom last night. Perhaps now he could try his plan to avoid such lonesome events.

  "Mr. Jameson, Bartholomew." He called out awkwardly.

  Both men were busy packing away their papers and books, but they stopped and looked up at him.

  "Yes my Lord?" Mr. Jameson replied.

  Westan cleared his throat nervously, wondering if this was indeed a good idea or not.

  "I am departing now, but I want to discuss some things about my studies with the two of you and it cannot wait until tomorrow. If you have no previous plans I would like you both to join me for supper tonight." He said, trying to sound casual.

  Both of the men stared at him with astonishment, and for a moment neither looked able to make a reply.

  "Is something wrong?" Westan snapped with embarrassment, almost wishing he had not made the offer.

  Bartholomew suddenly smiled and shook his head.

  "No my Lord, we would be honored is all. We certainly did not expect such an invitation!" He said with a deep bow.

  "Yes indeed, we are truly honored your Majesty!" His father added, still looking quite shocked.

  Westan felt a small wave of relief and nodded.

  "Very well, I will see you tonight then." He said, standing up to leave.

  Both men bowed as he departed, and Westan quickly left the garden and made his way back to his chambers. When he reached the room he flopped down on the bed and covered his face with a pillow, groaning quietly.

  Just what he was doing? Had he actually invited Mr. Jameson and Bartholomew to supper with him? Sure he had thought up the idea last night and it all seemed to make sense, but no King before him had ever invited such low ranking men to dine with them, not even his own father!

  But still, surely there could be no harm in it. Westan liked these men after all, and he really did have important things to discuss with them tonight. Besides, who was going to tell him otherwise anyways? He was the King now, and he would do as he pleased!

  Westan eventually stood up and started getting ready for his unusual evening. He decided to dress up for the occasion, so he put on his dark blue cloak along with his father's large gold necklace. He did not usually wear such things unless it was a special event, but tonight he just felt like putting it on.

  Around his normal supper time Westan arrived at the dining hall and seated himself in the large gold chair at the end of the main table. Usually he ate alone in his room, so the servants looked quite surprised by his presence. Still, the food was already prepared and waiting with silver platters lining one end of the table to the other, as it was every night in case he should attend. Guards and servants stationed themselves all along the hall walls awaiting his commands, and thirty chairs were set along the long table meant for guests. But tonight would be the first night since his parent's death that more than one person would be sitting at this table. Zacchaeus had never even dinned with him, as his work usually kept him too busy.

  After a few moments a messenger came to let Westan know that Mr. Jameson and Bartholomew had arrived. He immediately had them called in to enter. Both men were then escorted in and presented to him, each also well dressed for the occasion in blue gentlemen's clothes.

  "Good-evening your Majesty!" They both said with a nervous bow.

  "Greetings. You may sit." Westan said, almost feeling a little anxious himself.

  Then they were shown their seats, the two of them sitting next to one another on Westan's right side. Both of them looked around the room and table curiously, their eyes full of awe.

  "Let us eat first. We can discuss matters later." Westan said, suddenly feeling too embarrassed to talk about his announcement just yet.

  At his words the servants immediately began serving the food. Westan received his plates first of course, and then his guests were tended to. Both Mr. Jameson and Bartholomew looked quite uncomfortable as the servants served them whatever they chose from among the many prepared platters presented to them.

  Once their plates were full everyone began eating. No one said a single word during the meal, but still Westan was enjoying the occasion. He could not help but watch both men curiously as their eyes lit up at tasting something good, and when they met with something they did not quite like. He nearly wanted to laugh a few times as Bartholomew politely tried to drink the wine he had been served although he clearly was not fond of it.

  Once they all finished their food the servants came and took their plates away, as well as all the other food platters. Then Westan felt relaxed enough to talk.

  "Mr. Jameson, Bartholomew, I summoned you both here tonight to make an important announcement." He said seriously.

  Both men watched him with slightly nervous faces, so he continued.

  "It has not been a whole week yet, but you have both done a good job conducting my study sessions. I have decided that you shall indeed be allowed to remain here as my tutors." Westan stated.

  Both men looked to be in shock for a moment, then they both relaxed with relief. Bartholomew was the first to speak up.

  "I am glad we could be of service to you my King. We are most honored to remain here." He said happily.

  His father nodded. "Yes sire, we are grateful to be deemed so worthy by you."

  Westan was feeling quite embarrassed again, so he looked away as he moved onto the next point he wanted to make.

  "Yes, very good. I also wanted to say that I cannot let anyone see a mere assistant working during my lessons. You should both be sure to wear the
clothes of a tutor to prevent me from having a bad appearance. I will surely be ashamed if anyone were to see me with you otherwise." He said, faking an annoyed tone of voice.

  Westan had tried very hard to come up with that excuse before coming to supper in order to avoid actually having to apologize or take back what he had said to Bartholomew before, but the boy did not seem completely fooled by it.

  "Thank you sire; I would not wish to bring any dishonor on you." He said gently.

  Westan nodded, and then continued on to the last statement he wanted to make before he became too embarrassed.

  "Well, I also think you both should dine with me at night like this. I may have questions or complaints I want to discuss after my lessons and I think that this would be the best time to do so, else it might take up time during my session." He said casually.

  Bartholomew almost chocked on his sip of wine, and even the nearby servants and guards looked surprised. Everyone gazed at him with astonishment.

  "Of course my King, we would be most honored!" Mr. Jameson said eventually.

  "Indeed, honored beyond words." Bartholomew eventually managed to say.

  Westan felt a small grin forming at the sight of their very sincere faces. Their company every night was sure to be quite entertaining to say the least!

  Westan had nothing else to say for the night, and the meal was over with now, so he stood up to leave. Both men got up and bowed respectfully as he prepared to depart.

  "Until tomorrow then." Westan said, nearly smiling again.

  "Thank you your Majesty!" Mr. Jameson said.

  "Yes, thank you sire! Good-night to you." Bartholomew said.

  "To you both as well." Westan replied.

  Then he left the table and returned to his chambers. Once he was finally alone there he lay back on his bed once more to think.

  Westan was surprised by how good a mood he was in after such a simple meal. It had been a very long time since he had enjoyed any occasion really, especially something as common as supper. Perhaps he would have more good days like this now though. Things were certainly looking up for now.