A Kind of Beauty and the Beast Story

by Jessica Chapman

  Both of tutors bowed and blushed bashfully in response. It was then that Lila noticed just how very handsome the boy was, especially when he smiled and his cheeks were slightly pink. He must have sensed her gaze, for he quickly turned and looked her way. Their eyes met briefly, but she immediately turned away with furious embarrassment and went back to staring at the ground.

  The tall man nodded. "That is good to hear. But sire, may I request a brief audience with you in my office?"

  The King's face fell and looked a little pale, although he tried to hide it. Lila was quite surprised by this. Just who could intimidate the very intimidating King?

  "Yes of course Zacchaeus. We shall go immediately." The King replied.

  Then he turned back towards his tutors.

  "You are dismissed for the day then Mr. Jameson, Bartholomew." He said, nodding to each one as he said their name.

  Then he suddenly turned to face her with a mischievous smile.

  "Good day Miss Red Hair." He said in a most rude tone of voice.

  Lila had to fight back an angry glare as he turned and walked away. Everyone then bowed and remained quiet as the King walked away, the man Zacchaeus and all the guards following. No one dared to move until they were completely out of sight. Then there were just the maids and tutors left in the hall.

  Lila wondered if she could possibly run away before anyone had time to question her about today's events. She dared to look up from the ground and saw all eyes were still on her.

  Lila sighed. So her peaceful life here at the castle had been completely ruined thanks to that selfish and childish boy of a King! Now how was she supposed to go about her day quietly? There was sure to be endless questions and gossip about her until the day she died!

  Lila took her broom and began sweeping again, eyes solely on her work so as to avoid everyone's stares. But the boy, whose name was Bartholomew, suddenly approached her.

  "Miss, may we speak with you for a moment?" He asked with a pleasantly charming voice.

  Lila stopped sweeping and turned toward his direction.

  "What is it sir?" She asked, eyes still glued to the floor.

  "I just wish to commend you. Your boldness is quite admirable." He said with smile in his voice.

  Lila nodded in response. "Th-thank you for your compliment."

  "Yes, you spoke for yourself quite well both yesterday and today." The father, Mr. Jameson said.

  Lila held back another groan. Great! Now everyone really would know it had been her who spoke with the King yesterday. Not that there was much doubt left in anyone's mind.

  Lila finally looked up from the ground, not wanting to be too rude to men so close to the King. The son met her gaze and smiled. Then he cleared his throat awkwardly.

  "My father and I are the King's tutors. Well actually, I am just the assistant. We are here from Darbish." He said cheerfully.

  "I see. Well, that must be an interesting job." She replied politely.

  The boy gazed into her eyes and smiled the most handsome smile she had ever seen.

  "Indeed, it is sometimes." He said.

  Lila quickly looked back down at her broom and began sweeping again, too embarrassed to keep up the conversation any longer.

  "Well, we do not wish to keep you from your work. We should be getting back to our own in fact." Mr. Jameson said graciously.

  "Yes, I apologize for the delay. But it was very nice to meet you Miss Lila. We bid you good-day." Bartholomew said, extending a small bow to her.

  "T-Thank you sirs. Good-day to you." She said bashfully, bowing in return.

  Both men then walked away. Lila watched them from the corner of her eye until they could no longer be seen. She immediately felt relieved as they left, for she had been quite nervous in their presence, especially because the handsome man Bartholomew seemed to stare at her so much! Daphne had been there right next to her and she was the one who was by all means gorgeous, so why had he not gazed towards her as well? Lila wondered if she was really so strange and funny looking that everyone liked to just stare in amazement at her.

  "OH MY! So that was you the other day Lila!" One of the other maids exclaimed.

  Lila closed her eyes and groaned aloud. She had forgotten that so many others had witnessed that.

  "Why did you not say something before?" Another asked with indignation.

  "I cannot believe it! The way you talked to the King, and he did not even punish you! This is all so amazing..." Still another girl said with awe.

  "Look, nothing special happened! We were just talking!" Lila snapped.

  She really did not want this to be blown out of proportion, even though it was probably far too late.

  "Come now, we had all better finish up." Daphne suddenly said with a nervous laugh.

  Everyone immediately snapped back to their senses and returned to their day's work, although they started gossiping as they did so, and they didn't even try to hide it.

  Lila sighed and walked away from the rest of them until she was out of hearing range. She didn't want to know what kind of crazy stories they were already concocting! Daphne soon came over to her side and began to sweep as well.

  "Do not worry about them, they are just silly gossipers." She said with a small smile.

  Lila turned to Daphne with surprise. She was not angry with her this time? Well, perhaps her friend was more ease because the King seemed more like he was just teasing today. And the kind words from Bartholomew and Mr. Jameson afterwards may have helped too.

  "I guess there is no point in worrying now since the damage is done. I just hope this does not get out of hand." Lila groaned.

  Daphne nodded in agreement. Then she started sweeping again, a strange grin suddenly forming on her face.

  "By the way, it seems to me that boy may like you." She giggled.

  "Who do you mean?" Lila asked stupidly, knowing full well whom she meant.

  "Why Mister Bartholomew of course!" Daphne replied.

  Lila blushed at the mention of his name, and at the thought of such a handsome boy even possibly liking someone like her. But she shook her head and looked away.

  "He was just being polite. Besides, I do not even know him." She said.

  "But he talked only with you the whole time, and he did not seem like he wanted to leave!" Daphne giggled again.

  Lila frowned. That was probably because she was so amusing to watch. She was just here for the laughs it seemed.

  "I am sure you are mistaken. Now come on, let us finish up here already." She sighed quietly.

  Daphne nodded but still looked convinced of her theory. Lila just tried to forget the whole matter and get on with her work. She knew there would probably be no peace for her tonight, and possibly never again.

  Chapter 07- Now the Trouble Begins

  Westan entered into his council man's office hesitantly. Zacchaeus only ever called him in here when they had an important matter to discuss, or when he was in trouble.

  Westan gazed around the room again. He never really liked coming in here. It was very spacious, with richly decorated furniture and gold emblems lining one wall to another, but the large window's drapes were constantly drawn closed so candle light was needed no matter the time of day. Overall the whole room felt gloomy and suffocating.

  Once Zacchaeus entered, he dismissed the guards and closed the doors. After which he walked over to his desk and sat down in a tall gold chair. Then he gestured for Westan to sit in the chair facing him, which he obediently did.

  "My Lord, did I actually just witness you conversing with servants in the hall today?" The man asked with disappointment.

  Westan blushed and shifted uncomfortably in his seat.

  "Wh-what is wrong with that Zacchaeus?" He asked.

  The man sighed loudly and rubbed his forehead, something he often did whenever they talked. It was the biggest sign of his disapproval.

  "It is not proper for a King to speak informally with such unworthy people!" He said.

&nbs
p; "Why should I not be able to talk to my own servants when I please?" Westan replied defensively.

  Zacchaeus laughed and shook his head. "What business could you possibly have with them?"

  Westan shrugged. "They can make for some good entertainment when I am bored."

  His council man put his arms on the desk and folded his hands together, staring at Westan closely.

  "Such impudent people are so far beneath you your majesty. The only interactions you should be having with servants is when they are taking your orders, or with your tutors when they are conducting your studies. Speaking of which, they were late starting your lesson today, were they not?" He asked.

  Westan looked up with shame. "A-Actually it was my fault. I asked them to join me for lunch."

  Zacchaeus shook his head and sighed even louder. Westan's cheeks went pink, so he looked back down at his fidgeting hands, too embarrassed to look his council man in the eyes any longer. He had clearly disappointed him, again.

  "My Lord, try and remember that you must be very cautious. You cannot lower your guard too far with these servants! Remember, these are the same type of people who betrayed your parents." Zacchaeus said harshly.

  Westan felt a lump in his throat. Perhaps he already had let his guard down, seeing as he was inviting Bartholomew and Mr. Jameson to supper every night. He wondered if Zacchaeus knew that or not.

  His council man suddenly stood up and came over to him. He bent down over Westan and put a hand on his shoulder.

  "This is for your own protection your Majesty. I do not want anyone getting dangerously close to you." He said.

  Westan nodded. "Yes Zacchaeus, I understand..."

  Zacchaeus smiled. "Very good. Now, how about you eat supper by yourself tonight. I think you need some time to meditate on your actions."

  Westan blushed with embarrassment. So he did know about it then!

  "Of course, if you think that is wise." He said.

  The man nodded. "Your father would be proud of your mature understanding."

  Westan looked away with shame. He doubted that very much. It seemed he never did anything right!

  "Very well, now that such a mess has been dealt with, I have much work to return to." Zacchaeus said, sitting back down in his chair.

  Without another word Westan stood up and quickly left the office. He rushed back to his chambers and slammed the door shut angrily. Then he flopped down on his bed miserably, putting a pillow over his head.

  Just why did he have to be a King? He never got to have any fun! He never got to go anywhere! He never got to do anything! Rules and tradition seemed to dictate everything he was supposed to do and think! And now he was not even allowed to enjoy the company of his paid servants?

  Westan roared loudly and threw the pillow aside with frustration. Paid servants, that's all Bartholomew and Mr. Jameson really were in the end he supposed. The only reason they were truly here was to work and earn their money! It is not as if they would stay here without such incentives, or keep him company for reasons other than their work.

  Westan lay back down on his bed miserably and sighed. He really hated being King!

  ******

  That night before Lila entered her room, she promised herself that no rumor the maids or servants came up with would make her leave this job. But now she wasn't so sure.

  "Well, well, if is not the horse faced seductress." Tam greeted with smirk.

  Lila rolled her eyes. "What are you talking about? All I did was answer the King when he addressed me."

  She giggled. "Yes but he mentioned speaking to you the other day, which means you are trying to make yourself quite noticeable. And then when the King left your presence you so quickly moved to speaking with the young tutor!"

  Lila blushed more wildly then she ever had before.

  "W-What is that supposed to mean?" She demanded.

  Tam crossed her arms. "Oh Lila, it is so obvious that you so desperately wish to seduce the King or his well to do tutor. Poor Lila, to think you would stoop so low just for some attention."

  Lila scowled. "I have done no such thing nor do I ever have any intention of doing so!"

  Tam scoffed. "Lila everyone saw you today."

  "Yeah Lila, we were there too!" One girl said.

  "Why are you trying to hide it now? Just face it already!" Another girl said.

  Lila couldn't even believe it! Were these girls honestly choosing this as their gossip topic? It was even worse than she could have imagined!

  Tam shook her head. "Lila, no man would ever fall for your pathetic charms or plain looks you know. Least of all someone as handsome and rich as the King or his tutor."

  Lila clenched her hand into a fist, ready to punch this girl as hard as she could. But Daphne grabbed her by the arm.

  "Lila, just ignore them and get some sleep. They are not worth it!" She said gently.

  Lila let out a long sigh and relaxed her hand. Her friend was right, that was probably the best thing to do. There was no point in starting a fight and getting sent home over such silly rumors.

  As they climbed in bed that night the rest of the girls stayed up gossiping about her loudly, making up their own tales and motives and laughing the whole time. Lila just put her pillow over her head and tried to drown out their silly talk.

  But the next day things were even worse. Tam took pride in leading the gossip to every corner of the castle, spreading it to every and any person she knew. Every time Lila passed by someone they giggled or started whispering about her. Sometimes the maids shouted foul names or even threatened to throw the mop water at her. Truly, she had never been so humiliated in her whole life.

  But Lila refused to give up on this job, since her father's health depended in the money she was earning here. So she continued to ignore the gossip as best she could, for the sake of her father. Daphne had been a lifesaver in all this, as she chose to stick by her side and remain kind despite being dragged into some of the rumors with her.

  Eventually though, after about three weeks, the amazement of Lila's actions wore off and the gossip seemed to pass. New topics and stories were always catching people's attention, so her own was quickly forgotten. Soon it all but faded away, nearly like it had never even happened before. Lila even felt like things might go back to normal for her. Even so, Daphne and she preferred to continue working separate from the rest of the maids. It was an easy task, as they would simply move on to the next job before everyone else. Solitude was a small price to pay in order to avoid such embarrassing drama again.

  Today they had finished the west hallway in a timely fashion, so the two of them had moved ahead of the other maids to the library. So far it had been a very quiet day, with some light rain outside, adding greatly to the very peaceful and relaxing atmosphere.

  "Lila, shall I go and get some fresh water?" Daphne suddenly asked, breaking the almost deafening silence.

  Lila turned and looked down at the bucket of mop water. She frowned at its black appearance.

  "Perhaps you should. I will just finish dusting until you get back." She replied.

  Daphne nodded and headed towards the cleaning room down the hall outside. As she left the room, Lila grabbed her duster and began wiping areas they had not previously cleaned. As she neared the end of a long table stacked high with books, she noticed a spot at the top of one of the bookshelves that had been missed. In fact, it looked to have been collecting dust for weeks!

  Lila frowned. She did not want to get in trouble or be docked any pay for other people's laziness! What would it hurt these maids to climb a few steps and finish a job anyhow?

  Lila grabbed a ladder and leaned it against the shelf. It was a bit rickety, but it would do well enough. Slowly she began climbing the unsteady steps, making sure to get as high as she safely could. However, her duster was no long enough to reach the top shelf so she climbed all the way back down and grabbed a broom instead. Perhaps this was why the maids never cleaned it.

  Now, with the broom's
extended reach, Lila was indeed able to reach the top shelf. She gave it a brush and swept it all off in one fell swoop. The debris immediately flew up into the air and formed a thick cloud that almost instantly engulfed her. Lila could not help but cough as the old dust quickly filled her lungs and clouded her vision. She tried to turn away until it dissipated, but it was making her cough so hard that she feared losing her grip. Lila quickly tried to make her way back down the ladder to escape the dust. Unfortunately, one last cough was all it took to make her hands slip.

  Lila thrust out her arm, hoping to break her fall so as to avoid hitting her head. But before she made it to where the ground was, a pair of arms wrapped around her, miraculously catching her from the fall. The two of them fell back and bumped into the next bookshelf, the person behind almost losing their own footing in the process.

  "Oh dear, I am so very sorry!" Lila said with another cough, looking back to see just who had saved her.

  A familiar pair of worried blue eyes met her gaze.

  "Are you alright Miss Lila?" The young tutor's son Bartholomew asked with concern.

  Lila blushed. She quickly got out of the boy’s arms and turned around completely to face him.

  "Y-yes I am just fine! Thank you for catching me, I apologize for your fall!" She said with furious embarrassment.

  She could not believe it! Why him of all people? Just when she thought this nonsense was all behind her too!

  The boy shook his head. "I am just glad I was here so that you did not get hurt."

  "T-thank you again. I am just so clumsy sometimes..." Lila said, blushing still.

  She quickly looked around the room nervously for any onlookers. Much to her relief though, Lila saw that the King was not present with the tutor, or anyone else for that matter. Good! Then at least she would not have to deal with any nonsense. But wait, Daphne was not here either, which meant Bartholomew and her were all alone!

  Lila blushed again, wondering what kind of gossip the maids would come up with if they saw her like this now. She hoped he had not heard any of the rumors!

  "How have you been Miss Lila?" Bartholomew suddenly asked with a smile.