A Tale That Never Was
Chapter 17: Gaston

Why in the world was Beast’s reflection on the mirror when Belle was looking at it? Selvina backed away from the door, her mind in turmoil and her lips curled in an expression of intense confusion. She hadn’t seen Beast standing behind Belle so it wasn’t his face looking down into the mirror from over her shoulder. Perhaps it wasn’t a mirror at all but a type of communication device. Selvina remembered about the mirror on the wall that could tell who was the fairest of them all. She had seen little of it yet but there was magic in this world and it was possible Beast was speaking to Belle from somewhere else in the castle. Why he wasn’t with her she didn’t know but Selvina assumed it had to do with Gaston. It was possible Beast was distancing himself from Belle and the castle in anticipation for Gaston’s arrival. He could be doing so to save himself from getting killed or, Selvina wondered, perhaps he was moving away in hopes that he wouldn’t slaughter Gaston where he stood once Belle agreed to marry him. Either choice was likely. With Jack’s kiss still fresh on her lips she couldn’t imagine what she’d do if he told her that he was meeting some other girl.

She’d slap him again, that much she was sure of, but seeing him kiss another woman would boil her blood and make her want to strangle that bitch. She had only been with Jack for a few weeks whereas Belle and Beast had been together for years. It broke her heart to think of how Beast was taking Belle’s decision. His only love was marrying the one man he hated most. She would not be happy and she would regret every day of it but it appeared to be the only way to live peacefully. Yet, was peace worth it if the one you loved wasn’t there to experience it with you? Selvina didn’t think so but she had never been chased by hunters for years and years thus she couldn’t really relate to Belle and Beast’s situation well enough.

Selvina stood up and slowly turned around to keep walking down the hall. The conversation had ended and she didn’t want to upset Belle by appearing to be eavesdropping, even though it had been the very thing she was doing. She was quite tired anyhow and desperately needed to replace a room.

Several turned corners and many incorrect rooms inspected later, Selvina leaned against the wall and rubbed her eyes. She yawned loudly and struggled to keep her eyes open. Her legs felt a thousand times heavier than usual and when she started walking again she dragged them along. The torch weighed several tons and she held it in two hands yet her grip was still dangerously loose. She plodded ahead several feet and suddenly felt the torch get ripped out of her grasp. NO! Her eyes bulged and she looked down, hoping the torch hadn’t started to burn anything. It wasn’t there, however.

Instead, she was staring at two large, hairy and clawed feet. She lifted her gaze and was soon setting her eyes on the Beast’s white pupils. In his clawed hand he held her torch. With him so close and the light illuminating his face she could see that his irises weren’t exactly white. They were simply an extremely pale blue. His bared teeth were incredibly white, however.

“What are you doing here?” he growled angrily.

“I thought you were outside the castle,” Selvina wondered aloud.

“What are you talking about?”

Catching herself before she revealed too much, she shook her head. “Nothing. I can’t replace my room…” Great recovery, you idiot. Beast narrowed his eyes at her but with a grunt he turned around and urged her to follow. He led her down several more halls and then to a door halfway down another.

“This is yours,” he said through clenched teeth. “Stay inside and get some rest. Wander alone through my castle again and I will throw you over the walls.”

Selvina nodded and opened her mouth to apologize but Beast slammed the door in her face. She stood there for a few moments, recovering her thoughts and her surprise at how rude Beast had been, before walking to her bed and falling asleep as soon as she lay down on it.

****

It shattered the silence of the early morning hours and spread for miles all around, heard by any lifeform with the ability to hear. It was a wolf’s howl and it was loud and extensive. It woke Selvina from her slumber and she struggled to open her eyes as the last wails of the howl died away into nothingness. She was about to abandon her efforts and go back to sleep when hurried footsteps were heard running her way.

“Selvina!” Red cried out as soon as she burst through the door, her blue eyes wide. “That was Bigbad! Someone’s coming this way!”

Selvina groaned and buried her face in her pillow. “Lmm mmm umohm…”

Red hurried to the side of the bed and flipped Selvina over on her back. “No, I will not leave you alone! Bigbad wouldn’t howl like that for nothing. I think it’s Gaston.”

Selvina’s eyes flashed open. She was drowsy and couldn’t see anything beyond the haze of sleepiness but that name brought her to attention. Gaston wasn’t expected so early. By how she had heard Belle and Beast speaking of him it was as if he would arrive much later in the day, when she, Red, Cindy and Jack were long gone. Rubbing vision back into her eyes, she rose up and swung her legs over the side of her bed. Her eyes fluttered open as she yawned as Cindy and Jack walked into her room.

“Gaston is here,” Jack said solemnly.

“And he’s not alone,” Cindy added. “He brought soldiers with him…”

Selvina felt her heart rate quicken and sweat begin to bead on her skin. Soldiers? Why would he bring soldiers? Beast was intimidating but Selvina had the impression Gaston preferred to work alone. It didn’t matter anyhow. What mattered was what was going to happen when Belle confronted Gaston and gave her life over to him to save Beast’s.

They rushed down the halls and soon found themselves entering the vast courtyard just before the portcullis. Standing before the closed portal was Belle and beyond the bars was a tall man broad in shoulder, thick in arm, large in fist, and dripping with testosterone. He was clad in dark leather armour with a violet tinge, steel gauntlets and pauldrons, black boots, and around his neck was metal guard that covered the bottom half of his face as a deep hood framed the rest of it. He unclasped the guard around his mouth and twisted the two pieces of it away from his face, pulled back his hood and then smoothed his long, black hair. His face was clean-shaven, handsome, and sported a prominent chin. He gave Belle a wink and nodded to the new arrivals.

“I had no idea you were taking tenants,” he said with in deep voice that was as slick as polished metal. “Or are those your servants, my dear Belle?”

Belle gave Selvina and her friends a brief glance before shaking her head. “They are no one to you, Gaston. They came here to advise me of your arrival but they will be leaving as soon as you are done here.”

“Advise you, eh? By the looks on their faces I would chance to assume that they came to warn you. Do you fear me, Belle?”

“I fear what you’ve become, Gaston. You’re a man who kills for money. The man I grew up with was not like that.”

“Foolish Belle, I killed my first deer when I was ten.”

“And you cried about it, Gaston. I had to comfort you and wipe away your tears so your father didn’t see you in that condition.”

Selvina had slowly approached the scene during the talk and was close enough to see Gaston’s face flush red for a moment at Belle’s words. She saw the soldiers standing a few feet behind Gaston and noticed some of them snicker and grin. Good, she thought, he could use a few pins in that huge head of his.

“Regardless, Belle,” Gaston continued, his ego recovered, “I soon developed a skill for it and when my father went penniless due to his scandal with that step-mother of mine and I found a home in hunting for bounties. I was good at it and became rather wealthy. I own three manors throughout Faeryum, two trade ships, a brig I use to travel with, and a few lumber mills to keep the income flowing in. Some of the bounties I procured were rather impressive. This one is just another job.”

“You mean Beast?” Belle asked with a deep frown.

“Yes, Beast. Where is he?”

“He’s not here. He left a long time ago. It’s just me…”

“You were always such a horrible liar, Belle. You couldn’t fool a blind man with no ears. Now, tell me, where is Beast?”

“Not here!”

Gaston narrowed his eyes ever so slightly. “Belle, you disappoint me. You do see those twenty good men behind me? If I must I will use them to break down this gate and storm this castle. Beast will be found no matter what you say. It would be easier for all of us, however, if you simply told me where I can replace him.”

Belle pursed her lips, her eyes bearing holes through Gaston’s face, and straightened herself. She took a deep breath and then said, “Take me instead.”

Gaston raised an eyebrow and the soldiers behind him began to whisper and mumble amongst one another, curious and confused as to what was happening. “Belle,” Gaston started, “I have no bounty on you.”

“You’ve wanted me since the day you started growing facial hair, Gaston. Do not deny it.”

“I am not but every man who has ever set eyes on you has wanted you, Belle; I am no different.”

“You’ve pursued me for my hand in marriage more times than I can remember and I have always declined but I am willing to accept now if you just spare Beast’s life. Leave him be and promise me that no other hunter will be sent after him.”

Gaston laughed, which seemed to surprise Belle, and Selvina felt the heat of anger build up within her soul. Belle was sacrificing her freedom to save her greatest of friends and Gaston was laughing about it? She struggled greatly in resisting the urge to tell Red to plant a crossbow bolt between his eyes.

“Are you not aware how much I will make after I turn in Beast’s head?” Gaston asked, wiping a tear from his eye. “I will have more than enough to build my own trade fleet and be as rich as a merchant. I may never have to hunt again. Beast’s head will give me all the money I need to live in peace.”

“No! You can’t take him, Gaston!” Belle’s beautiful face was turning red, but not with rage. Her eyes were beginning to moisten and Selvina could see Belle’s resolve breaking. Gaston did not appear interested in marriage at all and it had come as totally unexpected. The thought of losing Beast seemed too much to handle. Selvina’s heart went out to her. She wanted to help but it was not her business to and there was little to be done against a man experienced in killing and twenty obedient soldiers.

“You love him, don’t you?” Gaston asked with a smirk. “This monster full of hair and teeth is the one deserving of your heart? I have always wanted you as my wife, Belle, and I still do, but why should I let this bounty go to waste? Why should I let Beast live when I can kill him, claim my reward, and still take your hand in marriage?”

“If you kill Beast, you kill me.” Belle suddenly produced a knife from under a fold of her skirt and rested its tip against her heart. “Promise me you will leave him be, Gaston. Promise me or you can watch me die and your dreams of wealth and marriage die with me.”

Selvina’s heart was beating so fast she risked it would explode. What was Belle doing? Why was she ready to commit suicide when she knew Gaston would still search for Beast? She couldn’t possibly take his word for anything. Did she really believe Gaston cared enough about her for him to cancel his plans to kill Beast and let her live? Selvina glanced at Jack, who stood beside her, and he appeared as shocked as she was. She grabbed his hand and he took it, giving hers a squeeze in return. Red and Cindy, on Red’s other side, appeared equally surprised. She wondered if Beast was watching and if he knew that she would have done this.

Gaston took a deep breath and said in a calm voice, “Put the knife down, Belle. There is no need to get drastic. You care much about this monster and I admire that you can see through his appearance to whatever he or it is beneath. You were always a great judge of character and if you believe he deserves to live then I would be a fool to argue against that. Toss that knife away, open this gate, and let me hold your hands, Belle. To feel your soft skin again would remind me why I sought you out so much in my younger days. Do this for me, and I shall agree to your terms. I will let Beast live and I will use my influence to ensure that he is never hunted again.”

Belle’s bottom lip quivered as she held the knife against her chest. “Is everything you say true? Will you truly do all of that?”

“I will. I promise.”

“Beast is a good person, Gaston. Perhaps one day you may grow to like him.”

“If it would make you smile then I would indeed like to meet him one day.”

Belle slowly lowered the knife but did not move forward. A tear rolled down her cheek and she sniffed. “You are a good person for doing this, Gaston. I worried I wouldn’t be able to reach you. I was hoping some of the old you would remain.”

“I am only me, Belle. I may be more handsome and muscular than I used to be but you will always hold a special place inside me. You were always there for me when I needed you and so I shall be there for you now. Please, lift this portcullis and let me wipe those tears away. I am terribly sorry for having it come to this.”

Selvina eyed Gaston curiously. He had changed completely and it disturbed her. Belle seemed to believe him and the two had history together so she shouldn’t worry yet she did. Something seemed amiss. Something was out of place but she could not place her finger on it. She watched Belle walk into the gatehouse and turn the crank to lift the portcullis. Gaston walked under it and then waited for Belle to meet him. When she did, he offered her a gentle smile and took her hands in his, looking down into her eyes as he did so. The two shared a tender moment of silence and Selvina glanced at Jack.

“Something doesn’t feel right,” she whispered to him.

“What do you mean?” he whispered back. “They almost look happy.”

“I don’t trust Gaston.”

“I don’t either, babe, but he seems willing to help Belle. I think he might actually do what he said he’ll do.”

Babe? Did he really call me that? Selvina didn’t know how to react. She knew he was only calling her a term of endearment and that in itself was sweet but did he have to call her babe? Anything else would have been better… Then again, it was very much a “Jack” thing to say so she decided to go along with it. Focus, girl! Belle and Gaston! Selvina cursed herself for getting so easily distracted and decided to talk to Red instead. Surely she saw things her way.

“I do smell something odd about all of this,” the redhead said in a quiet voice. “Love is powerful, Selvina, and maybe Gaston does have a soft spot for Belle. He finally has a chance to have her so maybe it’s worth giving up his biggest bounty for. Perhaps he sees it as a test.”

Red had a point, Selvina had to admit, but it still didn’t fill the void she was feeling. It also brought up the question as to how Red knew about love. Had she experienced it before? Had the wild and fiery Scarlet fallen in love once? Selvina would make an effort to bring up the question at a later date. This was something she was intensely curious about, especially considering her heightened feelings for Jack; Red might have a few invaluable pointers for her.

“He’s a creep,” Cindy said, perhaps too loudly. “He won’t change for anyone.”

That a girl, Selvina thought proudly. It felt good to have someone on her side. She could always count on Cindy to see things as she did. The girl had lived her whole life surrounded by creeps and lowlifes. If anyone could spot one it was her and Selvina was glad to know that she considered Gaston as one.

“We should do something,” Selvina whispered to her friends. “We can’t let her do this.”

“Men!” Gaston suddenly called out, stopping Selvina in her tracks before she had any time to act. “I want ten of you to search the castle and replace me the beast! Do not kill! I want him for myself! The rest of you keep a sharp eye out! He may try to flee into the forest!”

“Gaston!” Belle shouted, her eyes bulging with shock. “What are you doing?”

“I’m claiming my bounty,” he said as he unsheathed a sword strapped along his back.

“You promised me you’d leave him alone!”

Gaston chuckled and grabbed Belle’s face in one hand, squeezing her cheeks together in a comically pathetic fashion. “I lied.” With that he shoved her aside and charged into the castle. Belle, tears streaming down her face, chased after him.

Selvina was pulled back by Jack and Red as the soldiers stormed into the courtyard. In the excitement of the hunt it would be wise to stay out of their way. They huddled behind a rosebush as ten soldiers entered several different doors in search of their prey.

Selvina gulped, her heart pounding and her body cold.

I hate being right…