Chapter Fifteen
The Kiss
Han called many into his tent for his final hour. Pluck stayed to the back as Melee cleaned and applied ointment to her cuts and scrapes. The Lux which had proven itself an invaluable weapon leaned on a crate beside her. The High Guards stayed clear of her and only Ardor and Fracas glanced at her. Ardor with a hate filled stare, and Fracas with a bewildered look. The Second turned from her disgusted and knelt by his commander.
Han tried to clear his dry throat, one of his men gave him water, and he began, “I have asked all of you here to bear witness.” All color had gone from his face, and his voice was weak as he continued, “My time’s short so I must appoint another to take my place.” He struggled to breathe but pressed on. “One worthy of your leadership.” He searched the faces of those standing around him and then ordered, “Pluck come forward.”
What? Ardor glanced at the Beast Woman. Han couldn't; he couldn't place it in charge!
Pluck knelt by Han’s side next to his Second, sensing Ardor’s glare. The sand was dry and cool beneath her, but not cold enough to quench the hate bearing down on her. Pluck scratched her cat ear. She couldn’t see herself taking command; it would be too much.
“Pluck,” Han started, placing his hand to her shoulder. “I place you second in command to Ardor who shall lead my men. This is my wish and one I beg all of you to honor.”
No one dared grumble their disdain.
Pluck sighed, relieved for she couldn’t endure anymore pressure. She looked into Han’s face as life slipped from his shaky grasp. Pluck turned her gaze to the floor. He couldn't leave her, not alone and not at this time when so many hate her. It was too much for her to bear.
Ardor noticed the Beast's relief but that didn’t change his opinion of it.
Han continued, “My Second.” He waited for Ardor to look at him and in great pain, Han continued, “There is no one else I would have take charge of my High Guards. I know you shall be a great leader.” He gasped for air, struggling to finish. “Heed Pluck’s advice as I heeded yours. This is my wish that you put aside superstition and hatred and judge the actions and the heart of this woman before you.” Han raised his voice and told them, “This is my wish for all the High Guards.”
Ardor yelled at him, “You can’t; you cannot appoint this beast as my Second!”
Han didn’t answer for a long time. Why couldn’t Ardor get past the bigotry of his fathers? Han told him, “I can and I have. There are witnesses, and the Creator has heard my voice.” He closed his eyes and opened them face full of anguish. “These are my wishes. Abide by them.”
Han stared at Ardor and Pluck. They were now the hope of Fletching. He let out a great sigh and his chest rose no more.
“No! Change your wishes. Make another my Second,” Ardor shouted as he shook Han, but his commander didn’t move as his eyes glazed over. “NO!” Ardor yelled. “Don’t die! Don’t leave things like this.”
Pluck lifted her head as tears streamed down her furry face. She couldn’t believe he’d passed on. Han lived life to its fullest now he was an empty shell. “Good bye my friend... my father,” she whispered as her lip quivered and then she wiped her eyes.
A great rift formed long ago between her and the world; it was one Han had bridged, but with him gone... Who would keep her connected to humanity? She looked to Ardor as he wept on the commander’s chest. Pluck knew it didn't matter what she said to him. Ardor would always hate her. Why did Han put her in second command? Why did he leave her alone to face the people's hatred? She kissed her mentor’s hand, stood, and walked out of the tent as the High Guards paid their respects.
Everything around her felt unreal like none of it was happening. The background blurred in her mind as did the glares of the men. She looked at her fur covered hands. Pluck was tired of her beast form, and it was time Edward honored his pledge and gave her the Kiss. She glanced at Han’s tent as she couldn't stand knowing animosity surrounded her and no place was safe. Pluck grabbed her tail, stroking it. The only one who loved her as she was was dead, and she feared she would die too if she didn't return to normal.
Pluck walked up to Edward’s tent and two men stood guard without. One was a High Guard and the other a Morgog. She passed them and went into the tent, finding no one within the first section. Many emotions swirled around in her as she made her way to where Edward would be. He would give her the Kiss and release her from this accursed form and once that happened, there would be no more stares and no more glares of hatred. She would be a woman and everyone would accept her and one day someone would love her. Pluck went into the next section and as she stepped through the next tent flap she started, “Edward, I...”
She gasped as an horribly unfathomable sight knocked her back as if a dozen arrows struck her chest. In the third section and on the prince’s bed, Edward and Virago passionately kissed in the thralls of love making. The jolt to Pluck's psyche knocked her back, and she couldn’t utter a word. Edward had... her redemption... It couldn't be! The one thing Edward promised to her twice now and what would have freed her from her curse he gave carelessly to his wife as if Pluck meant nothing to him. It felt as though Edward thrust a sword through her heart and twisted it further in with each new embrace of his wife's lips. Virago had stolen her one and only hope, and Pluck would remain the Beast forever. She felt sick to the point of dying, and Pluck wanted to shriek at them.
Edward finally noticed her once he surfaced from his wife's warm and seductive embrace and he uttered, “Pluck!” He sat up, realizing what he had done and stammered, “I... I...”
Pluck stood there as if chains bound her to that hellacious place and that horrid moment. Her life was over; there was nothing that would save her from her accursed fate. Why did Edward do it? Why did he give her redemption to another? She had to act. Pluck had to do something because of the injustice inflicted upon her. What should she do? What should she do to them?!
The End-Click here for Beauty of the Beast #1 Part B-
A Vow Of Love And The Challenge
or go to www.kristielynnhiggins.com/BOTB1PartB.html
Beauty And The Beast: The Classic Fantasy Fairy Tale With A Twist Page 30
