THE MERCHANT'S DAUGHTER -Chapter Seventeen (Patreon)

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN:

That night, Beast had a hard time sleeping as he reflected on the inevitable day approaching where Beauty would leave him for her home once more. He realized he had grown quite used to and fond of her company. The idea that he would again remain here alone filled his stomach with a hollowness that he was in turn not fond of.

Beauty alternatively chose not to reflect upon it. They still had some time before the roses would bloom properly. And when they did, the letter would be sent to her father and then in time he would journey back for her. That provided her and Beast more time together. And that comforted her. She found too that she was rather fond of his company and of her life here. But it was only fair to acknowledge the terms of the arrangement her father and Beast had set. She could not stay here forever –and perhaps it was best that she did not. Besides, she could always return and visit for a time if he would allow her. She must first return to her family for awhile.

Both tried to carry on as normal; not wanting to make the other ill-at-ease. But it only took another week for the buds to bloom.

Beauty was the first to notice. She considered telling him but then thought better of it. He would know soon enough and then all would be set in motion.

Only, the subject was not breached for another two days until finally Beast suggested they go for a walk in the garden and when they did so, he had no choice but to remark upon the rosebuds when he then saw them in full bloom.

“It appears the terms of your contract are fulfilled.”

She bowed her head in acknowledgement. “Yes... It appeared that they were fulfilled two days ago,” she made mention.

His brow furrowed. “Two days ago?”

“Y-yes,” Beauty told him softly. “Did you not see?”

“I noticed one; the larger one had bloomed. But I...I suppose the other I truthfully had not acknowledged until now. The last time I looked upon it, the bud seemed only halfway to full bloom. I could not in good conscience with what you had said those days ago consider such a bloom as a fulfillment of the terms,” he confessed softly. “Yet, you say two days ago all was complete. Wh— Forgive me but why did you not make mention Beauty?”

She looked to the grass shyly. “I-I had thought you had noticed. And when you did not make mention yourself I suppose I accepted it...”

His brows were drawn a little as he looked back at her. He felt a mixture of sadness, confusion and disapproval. He did not ever wish her to feel as though she could not ask him about or tell him what she had noticed about anything regarding the rose bushes. Perhaps that was his own fault; he had after all once grown quite cross with her for suggesting he wished her not to go home. However true as that may be, he did not wish to ever keep her here for longer than the agreed time that had been in the terms of this arrangement. “Beauty, I... I am sorry. I was not aware the roses had bloomed and I do not want you to think that I was purposefully ignoring that they had in order to—”

“No Beast. I did not think such a thing.”

He was silent for a moment; eyes searching her expression.

Beauty took a breath and went on to explain herself with honesty, “I kept quiet because I... I did not wish you to think me in a hurry to return home again. I wished to return when you, the benefactor of the deal with my father, deemed the terms fulfilled and when you were ready to help make arrangements for my return home.”

“I see,” he murmured softly. She was truly an honorable and rather selfless young woman and he had great respect for her in that. “Well, as it is, the terms have been fulfilled. I will have you compose the letter to your father this evening and tomorrow it shall be delivered to the nearest town and sent upon its way to him,” Beast told her.

She frowned. “But...how will the letter be delivered?”

“I will go,” he stated simply. “I will travel through the forest to the road or the town and hand off the letter. And then it can make its way.”

“I’m going with you,” Beauty urged.

“No it is quite alright,” he countered.

“Forgive me, but I should accompany you Beast,” she pressed on, “You are ill and—”

“Nonsense I am well enough for this,” he responded eagerly.

“You are just getting over your illness,” Beauty corrected him.

“And I assure you, dearest Beauty, that I shall be fine to travel there and back without repercussion.”

She paused; ready to give in before another thought forced her to bring up a further argument, “But then how will you hand off the letter? Won’t someone be alarmed to see you? I can’t imagine that the sight of you, forgive me, would be taken so lightly.”

“Ah.” He paused. “I will make the necessary precautions; not to fear. I will wear my boots and cloak around me with its hood to shield my face and upon my paws I shall wear gloves. Not to fear Beauty I shan’t let myself be seen for who—what I am,” he vowed gently.

“I just... I hope you shall be careful. What if something happens? I really do wish to go with you.”

“I understand your concerns and I am glad for you to voice them so but I can travel faster alone. And, I assure you all will be well. Your concerns shall not be realized. I do not wish to delay things any longer than they have to. I enjoy having you here but I am sure that you can agree with me that it is time for you to return to your family as soon as possible in consideration that our terms have now been fulfilled. You have graciously stayed here and I thank you but you have stayed here long enough. In fact, you have been here far too long in my opinion and...” he trailed off softly; tone now laced with regret. “It is time that you return to your home and see your family once more,” he spoke at a more normal volume again.

She bowed her head in humbled thanks of his words.

That night, she composed her letter to her father telling him that the time of the arrangement had been fulfilled and that he could come to fetch her at his earliest opportunity. She also gave him a few short words of reassurance that all was well and that she and Beast looked forward to his arrival.

Then she gave the letter to Beast and they bid one another good night. He informed her he would set off to deliver the letter after they shared breakfast the next morning. She acquiesced and the plans were now set. Soon, she would be returning home.