A Kind of Beauty and the Beast Story

by Jessica Chapman

  "I know!" Westan snapped, feeling quite pressured.

  The man sighed with frustration and sat down next to him at his desk.

  "My Lord, I only rush you because a very important order must be made tonight and I fear you will not want to be the one responsible for it." He said seriously.

  "Like what?" Westan asked.

  The man shook his head. "Your false tutors must be executed immediately, or I fear someone may try and free them. If they escape and get into contact with their allies, then we will have an even bigger problem on our hands."

  Westan jumped up from his seat and stared at his council man with shock. Prison was one thing, but he didn't want to have Mr. Jameson and Bartholomew put to death! Even if they did betray his trust he still didn't feel that such a harsh punishment was needed.

  Zacchaeus stood up and put a hand on his shoulder.

  "I understand your feelings my King, you are very much like your father before you. He too was a kind and compassionate man who did not like to execute prisoners. But remember, such hesitation is what cost your parents their lives." He coldly.

  Westan sighed quietly. He certainly did not want to make the same mistake his parents had so many years ago. But still, he also did he feel ready to agree to this contract!

  "Zacchaeus I need time to think about this. But I leave the matter of the prisoners it to you." Westan said reluctantly.

  His council man looked very surprised and disappointed by his words. But he nodded and gave a bow.

  "Very well sire. I shall arrange the event for tomorrow morning at sunrise. Make sure you are ready by then." Zacchaeus said.

  Westan looked up at him with horror.

  "What do you mean? I do not actually have to attend this, do I?" He asked.

  The man sighed. "I know you do not like the idea, but as the one in charge my King, you must be present for the execution."

  "But I... really do not want to witness such a thing..." Westan said with a gulp.

  He had never seen anyone die before! Besides, the thought of watching it happen to men he had known made him want to shiver.

  "Unless you want to sign the contract and let me go in your place then you must attend." Zacchaeus said strongly.

  Westan gulped again. He supposed he had no choice then, he would have to pick one of these two options tonight!

  "Zacchaeus, please give me some time to think about this. I just am not sure what to do..." He said.

  The man sighed with aggravation and rubbed his forehead.

  "Very well my Lord, I shall return in one hour's time to hear your answer. But I strongly suggest you allow me the honor of ruling in your place. If you chose otherwise, be prepared to bear all your royal duties more fully from now on." He said harshly.

  Westan flinched at his words and watched as Zacchaeus got up and walked towards the door, leaving his room without another word.

  Westan sighed as he went and sat back down in his chair. He knew his council man could probably rule the Kingdom far better than he ever could, but this was still his family's castle and land and he did not want to give it up so easily! But still, he did not want to watch the execution of Bartholomew and Mr. Jameson either. How he wished now that he had just made them leave the day they arrived! Then all of this could have been avoided.

  ******

  Daphne and Lila were discussing their plan to rescue Bartholomew and Mr. Jameson when the rest of the maids entered into the room that night. They tried to leave in order to talk elsewhere, but some frightful news caught their attentions first.

  "What!?" Lila gasped with horror.

  "You heard me Lila! There's going to be an execution tomorrow at dawn, for the tutor and his young son!" A young girl exclaimed.

  "Oh my! How terrible." A woman lamented.

  "I hear it's going to be by public beheading too." Another girl added.

  Lila pictured the scene instantly. Bartholomew and his father being led up to the stage before a crowd heads covered, them being put in the stocks, and then the blade falling. Her stomach churned.

  This man Zacchaeus was absolutely wicked! It was clear to her that he only wanted Bartholomew and Mr. Jameson taken care of before they spread any truth about him. He was a merciless and cowardly man! Lila knew she had to find a way to expose him to the King before these men suffered an unjust fate.

  "Maybe I should quit and go home like my granny suggested..." A young girl said seriously.

  Just then, Lila was made to think about her own father. If she died because of some foolish actions, like trying to expose the King's counsel man then he would be left alone without her support! Her father always said he would not know what to do if anything befell her. What if the heartache of her death killed him too?

  Lila shook her head. No! How could she think like that? How could she just stand by and watch as Bartholomew and Mr. Jameson, two innocent men, be executed for a crime they did not commit? The King also had the right to know the truth about his most trusted advisor, even if he didn't want to believe it. This man's manipulation could infect the entire Kingdom if left unchecked. Besides, Lila did not think her father would back down in the same situation. He had always been a just man who believed in defending the truth. If he were here, he would do that same things she was about to do. And if something did happen to her, she could take comfort knowing Maryann would care for her father in the end.

  Lila nodded to herself, determined to go through with her rescue attempt now no matter what. But what could a simple maid like her do anyways?

  "Whatever is the matter Lila?" Tam suddenly asked with false sounding concern.

  Lila pulled away from her thoughts and looked up to see the maid glaring at her with a cruel grin.

  "Are you upset over your precious lover's impending doom?" She giggled.

  Lila gasped in shock at Tam's words.

  "How dare you make jokes at a time like this! Have you no shame at all? Those men are both going to die you know!" She snapped.

  Tam scoffed. "So? They deserve it for trying to assassinate our beloved King!"

  Lila clenched her fists in rage. What was the matter with this girl? Was she really so cruel and heartless? Did she have no compassion in her?

  Suddenly Tam came towards her with a grin.

  "I bet you and Daphne are upset because the two of you are in on the treason too! In fact, it would not surprise me at all." She said.

  That was it, Lila simply could not listen to her words anymore!

  "Shut up!" Lila snapped as she shoved Tam away.

  "You are the most wretched girl I have ever met!" She screamed.

  Tam tried to shove her back angrily, but Lila moved out of the way and then pushed her as hard as she possibly could. Tam stumbled back across the room and tripped over the rug on the floor. Then Lila ran over pinned her down. All the girls gasped in shock and moved out of the way of their fight.

  "What are you doing Lila? Stop it!" Daphne said anxiously.

  "Get off me Lila! Get off me right now!" Tam shouted.

  "No, you listen Tam! I have wrestled countless bulls and horses back home, so do not I think I cannot take you on at any time! If you ever say another word to me or Daphne, I swear you will regret it!" Lila threatened.

  Tam suddenly stopped moving and gazed at her with eyes full of fear.

  "Do you understand me!?" She snapped.

  The girl made no reply but she nodded slowly with serious understanding.

  "Good." Lila growled.

  Then she got off Tam and looked towards Daphne.

  "Come on, we need to get out of here." She said.

  Her friend nodded and followed her out of the room quickly. Lila immediately headed to somewhere more private to talk. The two of them hurried away to a hidden corner of an empty hallway a little way away.

  "Lila just what were you thinking back there? You know you will get into trouble for fighting!" Daphne scolded.

  Lila scoffed. "I do not even care anymore! Besides, I hav
e more important things to worry about right now. Bartholomew and Mr. Jameson are in very grave danger!"

  Daphne nodded with worry. "Wh-What do we do then?"

  "Well, I think we will probably have to speak with the King somehow and convince him of their innocence. Probably tonight, if there is to be any chance in saving them." Lila said, still scowling.

  Daphne went pale and looked at the ground.

  "Lila, this is all so frightening. I do not know if I can do this." She whispered, shaking slightly.

  Lila immediately felt bad. That's right, Daphne was risking her neck here too. And she had ten siblings back home to care for! Lila could not expect such a sacrifice from her dear friend, not would she want her to meet the same fate.

  She smiled. "Do not worry Daphne, I do not ask you to follow me in this. Besides, if something befalls me I want you to inform my father what has truly happened. I will go alone tonight and see what can be done for Bartholomew and Mr. Jameson, if anything at all."

  Daphne started crying and gave her a tight hug.

  "Please, just be careful. If it looks too dangerous just come back!" She begged.

  "I certainly will try." Lila said gently, feeling tears in her own eyes now.

  Then she headed to where the King's chambers were located by herself. She knew it were located in the west wing on the second floor, all the way on its far end. But even so, getting there would prove difficult. It was already past midnight now so maids walking around might be viewed as suspicious. She would have to sneak around the well-guarded castle without being seen by anyone the whole way.

  Lila tip toed down the hallway and up the stairs as quietly as she could, dodging guards as they walked by patrolling. Twice she nearly exposed herself by accident. Her heart was beating faster than it ever had before, and with each step she second guessed herself.

  Was she being stupid right now? Should she just forget this plan and let the two men be killed for a crime they did not commit to save herself? Lila knew she could let that happen, but she also knew it just wouldn't be right! She simply had to do this, if not who knew what else that council man would continue to do freely! The King may be an immature and annoying sort of person, but he also seemed to be a good man deep down! She had hope he would at least hear her out for curiosities sake.

  Eventually Lila made it to where the King's chambers were located. There she saw four guards standing by, each armed with a weapon.

  Lila sighed. Now what was she supposed to do?

  ******

  "Arrrrg!" Westan growled with frustration as he threw his pillow aside.

  It was nearly midnight now, but he just could not seem to sleep knowing that he would be watching Bartholomew and Mr. Jameson's beheading the next morning! He really hated when people were killed, even if they did deserve it.

  Then again, Westan knew he could just sign Zacchaeus’s stupid document and be free of such a haunting experience. But he really didn't want to do that and relinquish all his power either! Was there no other option to choose from?

  Westan sighed. How was he so powerless all the time despite being King? It just wasn't fair!

  Just then a loud knock came at his door. Westan sat up with a scowl. Was it Zacchaeus already? Did he have to make a choice so soon?

  "What?" Westan snapped loudly, not feeling ready to answer at all.

  "My Lord, are you expecting a servant?" One of the guards outside asked.

  Expecting a servant other than Zacchaeus? Like whom?

  Westan got up and went over to the door curiously.

  "Why? Who is there?" He demanded as he opened the door.

  To Westan's great surprise, the red haired servant girl was standing there. She was shaking slightly, with and each of her arms being held by a guard.

  "Here I am, just as you ordered your Majesty." She said nervously.

  Westan looked at her with sheer confusion. Just what was she saying? He certainly had not summoned her!

  But then he smiled with comprehension, realizing that the servant girl was clearly up to something. He curiously wondered just what she was doing, and how well she would hold up under some pressure.

  "Please remind me, what did I call you for again?" He asked with a smirk.

  "I am just bringing some of those feisty words you are so fond of." She answered calmly.

  Westan laughed for a moment. He wondered if she was incredibly reckless or just plain foolish! But he supposed he could use some entertainment at a time like this.

  "My Lord, I know it is late and I have disturbed you, so punish me for that in any way you see fit. But please, it would bring me the greatest honor if you would only listen to my message for a moment first!" She said, trying to bow.

  "Tell me why I should not have you taken to the dungeon this very instant for your utter lack of respect first?" He asked with a raised eye brow.

  "Because you are interested in what I might have to say." She replied confidently.

  Westan's eyes narrowed at her angrily. He was quite offended by her bold statement, and the fact that she was right. He was indeed far too curious to send her away just yet, and she well knew it.

  "You are lucky your very arrogance amuses me. You have one minute to keep my attention servant girl." He said seriously.

  Westan watched with intrigue as her thoughtful eyes immediately became fierce and full of determination, as if she had just gained immense strength. Then she took a deep breath and faced him fearlessly.

  "For many years I have heard rumors about you my King, many of them containing frightful stories that portray you as heartless and cruel. But now I have actually met you, and I know that none of the things said about you can possibly be true. They were nothing more than made up lies!" She said.

  Westan scoffed, both surprised and offended by her words. Just where did she get the gal to think she knew a single about him?

  "What could you possibly know about me, you lowly peasant? I only took notice of you a few times out of sheer curiosity!" He snapped.

  The maid gazed back at him in a surprisingly gentle way.

  "That may be true. But I have learned that you are not vicious or heartless like everyone says! You are just the opposite in fact!"

  "So what? I do not care what anyone thinks about me! Hurry up and get to the point!" Westan roared impatiently.

  The girl took another deep breath before she spoke, her face unwavering.

  "My Lord I am here to say that Bartholomew and Mr. Jameson are most certainly not guilty of the crime they have been accused of! And I know you know that just as well as I do!" She said seriously.

  All four of his guards quickly swarmed around her with ropes and tried to gag her. But Westan was in a state of complete shock.

  Was this girl serious right now? This is what she came here to say?

  "Halt!" He shouted to his men just before they finished gagging her.

  The guards held the servant girl tightly as he walked over and stared at her face to face.

  "How dare you come to me and try to defend those traitors! They came to my castle in order to kill me! But what makes you think you know anything about it anyways? You are just a silly maid who's forgotten her place!" He sneered.

  The girl stared back at him fearlessly.

  "But what if, as impossible as it may seem, that they are indeed innocent and you are about to kill them without cause? What if these terrible accusations are wrong, just like so many were about you? We both know those two men are truly good and kind, else you would not have put up with them the way you did!" She said.

  Westan's eyes widened in surprise, and he looked at the girl with astonishment, not even knowing what to say in return.

  But, how? How could she always be so logical and confident? Here she was, risking her life in order to try and defend Bartholomew and Mr. Jameson's treasonous act! And besides that, what if she was actually right? What if they were indeed innocent somehow?

  Westan supposed it was possible, and that perhaps th
e evidence found had been wrong. Maybe Zacchaeus’s men had simply made a mistake. Maybe Westan could have the case investigated again, just to be sure. After all, it wouldn't hurt to make sure of this matter. And if it turned out that they had indeed been wrongly accused for this crime, then it would mean they were both truthful and sincere men after all. He would be relieved at such an outcome to say the least.

  "Perhaps you are right. I suppose it would not hurt to re-investigate before an execution takes place. And seeing as you are quite confident that they are innocent, I assume you must have a reason to support it." Westan said seriously.

  At his words the servant girl's eyes immediately betrayed her great relief, and he could not help but chuckle. So she had been afraid after all! He was very much impressed by how well she had been able to hide it. Although he was currently far more curious to hear her reason for coming here in the middle of the night and defending Bartholomew and Mr. Jameson so confidently. Did she have evidence of her own perhaps?

  "No my Lord! Do not listen to any more of this wench's words! She must be a spy working alongside the two prisoners!" One of the guards suddenly said.

  "Be silent! I am the King and I will do as I please! Now release her at once so I may hear her testimony!" He snapped.

  His guards looked quite astonished by his words, and for a moment they looked frozen in confusion.

  "What are you waiting for? I said release her!" Westan commanded, aggravated by their delay.

  Suddenly the servant girl's eyes widened with a fear he did not understand.

  "Watch out!" She yelled.

  Westan looked at her with confusion as one of the men quickly gagged her. Then he watched with horror as the other two men suddenly came and grabbed him.

  "What do you think you are doing!? Unhand me!" Westan demanded furiously.

  Roughly the men then forced him into his own room and pushed him onto the floor, quickly gagging him and tying up his hands and feet. Westan looked around the room with confusion and anger, unable to believe what was happening.

  "What is the meaning of this!?" He screamed through the gag.