A Kind of Beauty and the Beast Story

by Jessica Chapman

  "That is enough excitement for one day!" Garret snapped as he slammed shut the windows and locked them.

  "I apologize, but it really was necessary." Westan said triumphantly.

  The man looked at him with irritation, but he still could not stop smiling. Bartholomew and Mr. Jameson were safe! Westan had never been so happy or relieved before in his entire life! He hoped Lila returned soon to hear the good news. Just what had happened to her anyways?

  ******

  "Let me go!" Lila screamed.

  Zacchaeus ignored her as he kept on walking ahead, his two guard pulling her along with them as they tried to make an escape from the castle. He was leading them through the crowd and trying to reach the outer wall, and apparently he was taking her with them. To passerby's she probably appeared to be a mere criminal under arrest, so no one seemed to take notice. Zacchaeus probably planned to use her as a hostage of some sort, and after that there would be no need to keep her alive. Lila knew that if she did not get away from these men now then she would never be able to! So she kicked, screamed, stomped, and fought against her captors with all her strength. But it seemed her struggling was in vain. She was nowhere near as strong as these grown men, and they refused to let up even a little. They twisted her arms and yanked her around quite easily, as if she were nothing more than a straw doll.

  "LET ME GO!" She screamed with real panic rising in her.

  Again she was ignored, and Lila felt her heart sink. What was she going to do? There was no way she could break away on her own! So Bartholomew and Mr. Jameson were safe in the end, but now she needed to be rescued! And since the head guard had not sent anyone else with her no one would know to come save her!

  Lila saw that they were about the reach the castle’s outer wall now, but there were dozens of the King's guards standing there to block the entrances. Garret’s men had gotten to work quickly it seemed.

  Zacchaeus immediately turned around so as to avoid detection by them, probably well aware of the men’s intentions. But Lila was not about to let him get away so easily, nor was she going to die without a fight. So she bit the hand covering her mouth, causing the guard to pull it away with a shout. Then she let out the loudest scream she ever had.

  "HEEEEEEEELP!" She screamed so loud it hurt her own ears.

  Zacchaeus’s guard slapped his hand back over her mouth and twisted her arm roughly, but it was too late. Most of the guards at the wall noticed the scene and were already on their way towards them to investigate.

  Zacchaeus and his men tried to run away, but Lila dug her feet into the ground to slow them down as best she could. Before they could get away the King's guards quickly surrounded them all, with swords drawn.

  “Stop now, or you will be struck down!” One of them said.

  "Enough! Go away and leave us be!" Zacchaeus shouted angrily.

  "By order of the King you are all to be arrested and taken into custody!" The man replied.

  Zacchaeus looked completely stunned as he glanced around at them all anxiously.

  “Arrest me? Do you know who I am? I am the King’s most trusted advisor!” He declared loud enough for the nearby crowds to overhear.

  The King’s guard snorted with disdain.

  “You mean you are a traitor who tried to kill his Majesty! Come with us peacefully or you will face my sword!” He said seriously.

  Zacchaeus glared at him angrily.

  “I will have your head for this disrespect boy!” He snapped.

  The man shook his head with a smile. “Oh I doubt that very much.”

  Then the guards advanced upon them. Zacchaeus and his men tried to run away again, but they were all grabbed and wrestled into restraints. Lila was also bound and taken into custody without any question, but she still felt safer than she had been a moment ago. She decided it would be best to keep quiet until they reached the castle so the King could see to her release. But Zacchaeus tried to convince the guards that they were betrayers and fools the whole way back, until one of them gagged him that is.

  Lila smiled triumphantly to herself. Zacchaeus would be the one facing punishment soon, while Bartholomew and Mr. Jameson would soon have their names cleared of everything. She was glad it was all working out justly.

  The guards soon reached the castle and brought them all inside. When they entered a large man was there to meet them. He wore a very cold and serious expression.

  "So you are the traitors? I bet sometime in the dungeon will set even you right Zacchaeus." He said with a chuckle.

  Lila felt a twinge of fear. They were going to be sent to the dungeon right now? But the King didn’t even know she was captured so he wouldn’t know to send for her release!

  "Wait! I am not with these men, they kidnapped me!" She protested.

  The guard snorted. "We will see about that. After some interrogations I am sure the whole truth will be made clear."

  Lila felt panic rising again as the men started heading towards the dungeon with all of them in custody. Was this really happening right now!? Was she to be imprisoned and tortured like Zacchaeus and his men? Even if the King found out about her imprisonment and sent orders to release her, would they come in time to spare her such a fate? How could she prove her innocence to these men?

  "Wait! The King sent me out today to try and stop the execution! I have a note from him in my pocket!" Lila said, suddenly remembering the small piece of paper.

  The man sighed and rolled his eyes, but he stopped and sent a guard to come search her anyways. He looked through her apron roughly, until he found the letter. He immediately opened and read it, then he gave it to the man in charge. The man quickly read it and scoffed. Then he looked towards her skeptically.

  "Perhaps we should take her to the King and let him give the command about her then. But imprison the rest right away." He said, almost sounding disappointed.

  The man holding her nodded. “Very well.”

  Lila’s legs suddenly felt a bit wobbly from her relief. Had she barely escaped a cruel fate just now? She really could not handle any more stress than this today!

  One man took her by the arm and started leading her towards the west wing back to the King, while the rest of the guards headed towards the dungeon with Zacchaeus and his men. Lila watched with satisfaction as they were lead to face the same fate Bartholomew and Mr. Jameson had suffered. They deserved no better than what they themselves had put others through.

  The walk was quiet as the guard led Lila towards the west wing. Her heart was still beating anxiously, but she supposed it would go away soon enough. As the two of them neared the end of the hallway she noticed two more guards appear from the other end. For some reason though they gave her a sudden uneasy feeling. In fact, when they got closer she felt the hair on her neck stand up.

  “Run!” She shouted to the guard with her, realizing just what was about to happen.

  The man looked at her with confusion, but it was too late. As soon as they were within range the men from the hallway attacked. The King's guard fought back as Lila was knocked aside to the ground. She watched as her escort took out one traitor and tried to fend off the second.

  Lila quickly tried to call for help, but when she looked back she saw that Zacchaeus’s guards had also been attacked the wicked man set free. She watched helplessly as all the betrayers started fleeing down the hall.

  Lila got up and was about to run away from her escorts fight, but the traitorous guard suddenly grabbed her arm. She turned back and saw the King’s guard on the ground, nearly unconscious. She tried to pull away from her captor but her hands were still tied and he refused to let her go.

  "Stop struggling or else I will kill you wench!" He sneered angrily.

  "NO! Let me go! HELP!" Lila screamed as she tried fighting against the man.

  He grunted with frustration and picked her up in an effort to carry her away easier, but the King’s guard suddenly hopped back to his feet and grabbed Lila's other arm and pulled out his sword in the same in
stant. He swung fearlessly at the traitor and yanked her away from him. The man immediately let Lila go and took his last chance to run away.

  Her escort then leaned against the wall, looking too worn out and dizzy to chase down the criminal, his arm looking heavily injured.

  "Thank you." Lila sighed, feeling very woozy all of a sudden.

  In fact, she felt much like she was going to pass out. She carefully took one deep breath after another to calm herself. But the overwhelmingly anxiety over everything that had happened today was fighting to consume her.

  Lila let out another breath slowly. She was tired, hungry, and absolutely exhausted. This had been the longest night of her life, and certainly the most frightening too! She did not know how much more she could take.

  Suddenly, everything around her started fading away. It was like much like falling down the hole in a well, darkness engulfing her view.

  "Ma'am!" The guard said with alarm as she feinted.

  ******

  Westan was waiting at the entrance of his door anxiously. It was still too dangerous for him to leave his room, so Garret sent for Bartholomew and Mr. Jameson to be brought to them instead.

  Westan was trying to think of how best to apologize to them for all the misunderstanding. He wanted to give them a large amount of money, and perhaps a noble title for their efforts. They deserved even more than that though since their loyal actions had saved his very life. But this surely was the least he could in spite of everything.

  Westan could see the guards coming around the corner now. They were bringing Bartholomew and Mr. Jameson with their faces covered and hands still tied.

  "Let them loose!" He commanded.

  As soon as the guards reached him they made both men kneel as they uncovered their heads and quickly untied their hands.

  Westan gasped in shock and his heart felt a terrible pang of pain.

  "Bartholomew, Mr. Jameson!" He whispered with horror.

  Both men looked bruised and battered, completely exhausted, and absolutely terrified. They didn't even have enough strength to hold themselves up and fell to the floor as soon as the guards took their hands off of them.

  It was then that Westan realized just how much they must have really gone through. After all, the two of them had spent the night in the dungeon at the mercy of Zacchaeus’s men, and had almost died as convicted criminals just a few moments ago! How terrifying it all must have been for them, especially since neither had known his and Lila's plans to rescue them. Right now both men probably wanted nothing more than to be free of a cruel tyrant like him!

  Westan felt an ache in his heart. Did he really think any amount of money or prestige could ever make up for what he had done to the two of them? He had carelessly hurt both of them, and who knew how many others because of his own ignorance! He could never expect them, or anyone else to ever forgive him for it.

  Westan slumped to the ground with shame.

  "I am sorry Bartholomew, Mr. Jameson! I did not know the truth about Zacchaeus! I am sorry; this is all my fault!" He shouted angrily.

  Bartholomew tried to push himself back up and say something, but his voice was too weak it seemed.

  "That is enough, do not try to speak!" Westan said anxiously.

  He quickly turned to Garret. "Take these men to my doctor and have them cared for in any way possible! Quickly!"

  The man nodded. Then he had two nearby guards come over and take both Bartholomew and Mr. Jameson to the royal infirmary to be treated.

  "My King look!" Garret said as he pointed to a young man who coming towards them.

  He was a young guard, and he was carrying a lifeless looking Lila.

  "What happened!?" Westan asked with a sudden wave of new worry.

  When the man reached them he bowed his head and spoke swiftly.

  "My Lord, some of Zacchaeus’s men came and ambushed us. They all got away except for her!" He said.

  "What!?" Garret roared angrily.

  “But is she alright?" Westan snapped impatiently.

  The man nodded. "She just appears to have fainted."

  Westan let out a long sigh of relief. At least she was alive. Then he looked and noticed the young man's wound, as well as his weakened appearance.

  "Get this man a doctor as well, and take Lila to a room to rest up. Make sure to have the servants take good care of her and keep her safe." Westan ordered.

  Garret called over two more men and one escorted the injured man to the guard’s infirmary while the other carried a still unconscious Lila away.

  "I will need to go and question him right away. We cannot let that traitorous snake get away!" Garret said through gritted teeth.

  Westan nodded. “Zacchaeus was prepared even for this.”

  How many of his own guards did that useless betrayer have working for him? It was absolute ludicrous! It seemed Zacchaeus had gotten even more powerful than they realized.

  Chapter 11- A Change of Heart

  When Lila woke up she was in a large and beautiful room, lying in a bed of soft pillows and frilly sheets, surrounded by expensive looking decorations, and the last thing she could remember was Zacchaeus and his men escaping! Just where on earth was she now?

  Lila sat up and looked around the room curiously. It was quite spacious, with a lovely painted ceiling high above her depicting a beautiful hand painted creek and meadow. There were dark blue curtains hanging from the tall glass windows that led out to a balcony which faced the garden. Then near the entrance of the room she saw two large marble pillars trimmed in gold, with two large ivory colored doors that had the royal crest situated above them. She wondered why she was in bedroom that was truly fit for a princess! And where was the King? She had to find him as soon as possible and relay all that had happened!

  Lila quickly went to leave the room, but when she opened the doors by the marble pillars she found that they only led into a grand dressing room. It too was decorated richly, with wardrobes and paintings everywhere.

  She sighed. Just how big was this place anyway? Why this room alone was bigger than he whole house!

  Lila turned back and began walking around in search of another door, hoping to find a hallway of some sort. But she suddenly stopped with a gasp, catching sight of herself in a large dressing mirror on the wall. Until that moment Lila had all but forgotten about her very short haired appearance.

  Lila quickly turned away from her reflection, unable to bear the pain of her new and unfeminine looking self. She had never been very feminine or pretty to begin with, but now she could positively be mistaken for a boy! And besides that, her father always said her long hair reminded him of her mother. What would he say when she went back home looking like this? Lila had never felt so embarrassed by her own appearance, and for a brief moment she started to cry. Deep down she knew it was silly to be upset over such a trivial thing, but Lila just couldn’t help but feel ashamed right now.

  "Is something wrong Milady?" A voice full of worry suddenly asked.

  Lila spun around startled, only to see a servant woman coming towards her with a large tray of food. She was short and plump, with red cheeks and a grey hair pulled back in a bun. Her face was very kind and warm seeming.

  "Whatever is the matter?" She asked gently.

  Lila blushed and looked away, not wanting to worry whoever this woman was. But then she saw her reflection once more and unintentionally let out a depressed sigh. She wondered if it would ever grow back to the length she had before.

  The woman swiftly came over and set the tray of food down on the dressing table next to the mirror. Then she looked at Lila with an understanding smile.

  “Now, now, no need to fret. We can fix you up in a jiffy.” She said warmly.

  “Just who are you, and where am I?” Lila asked warily.

  The woman smiled. “I am Dita, and the King has put me in charge of you so do not worry. Now eat up miss, you must be hungry.”

  Lila eyed at the delicious looking food on the tray. There wa
s a plate of roast chicken and potatoes, with a large piece of chocolate cake and a cup of wine to go with it. She was indeed feeling quite ravenous and didn't need to be told what to do twice. She quickly ate the food given her, and it was positively the best food she ever had. Everything tasted so rich and full of butter, spices, salt, and milk. She wondered if it had come from the King's own private kitchen.

  When Lila finished eating and the feeling of hunger and danger left her, the thoughts of her hair and unfeminine appearance began to depress her again. What would Daphne, or Tam and the other maids say when they saw her? Would they laugh at her and tease her? She had already been called horse-face, so things could only get worse.

  The servant woman let out a small sigh.

  “Come now Miss, that is enough dwelling. You need to get cleaned up.” She said.

  Lila nodded and got up to follow the woman through another set of doors in the room that opened up to a large and beautiful washroom. Tall glass windows ran along the room’s wall letting in plenty of sunlight. Sheer curtains hung from them, preventing anyone from being able to see in and giving the room a very private feel despite its view of the outside. There was also a large frilly couch in the room with a delicate looking tea table beside it, as well as an area with an ivory changing screen. But the centerpiece of the room was surely the washtub. It was very exquisite, being made of thick pink glass and shaped like a large rose, with one of the petals lowered to the ground with steps carved into it for a person’s entry. Lila had never seen anything quite its craftsmanship before. It positively looked like something out of a fairytale!

  “Come now Miss, we best get the bath water ready.” The servant woman said.

  Lila frowned. “Are you quite sure I should even be in this room? This all looks like something set up for a noblewoman or princess, but I am just a maid who works here the same as you!”

  Dita shook her head with a smile. “Why Miss! The King himself gave the order to have you cared for in any way possible, so you need not worry yourself.”