WIP: The Library

Work in Progress week.

This is something I've posted before on another site. I'll share it again here because I'm likely going to add a bit more to it later on.

The Backstory: This little idea began floating around the internet sometime last year. I kept seeing it pop up again and again everywhere I went on the web. So, I decided to write a quick little blurb around it.

The Prompt: What if during the Beauty and the Beast tale, instead of a big grande finale, the two of them are sitting in the library, reading. At one point she looks over and him and thinks, "You know what, I love this. Sitting here, reading with this guy who doesn't seem all that bad."


My W.I.P.:

It had been a few weeks since she’d taken her father’s place in the Beast’s castle. After the initial shock and fear they had grown into a steady rhythm. Most days were spent tolerating each other’s company until it was strange when they didn’t cross paths. The afternoons were spent in the library, often sitting apart from each other and reading. It was one such day that things changed.

Beauty was sitting in one of the plush chairs near a merry little fireplace. The warmth coming from the hearth placed her into a content mood, combined with the novel she was reading. They had gone out earlier that morning for a walk around the gardens. Though it had been pleasant, the effects of winter continued to linger amongst the foliage. It was what had driven the pair into the secluded, warm library after lunch.

Turning a page in her book she glanced over the top at the Beast. As was he custom, he was seated at a table, studying one of the larger tomes. Since they’d begun their afternoon discourse in the library he had begun brushing up on his learning of the outside world. He leaned over the table, absorbed in the writing on the pages. It was an endearing image. No one in her town would ever consider a book the way he was now.

He isn’t that bad, she thought, returning to her book. I suppose if anyone could change as much as he has, then I can give him a second chance.

A small laugh startled her from her thoughts. Looking up she saw him smile.

He’s smiling at a book; the thought was strange to her. I think I love him for that.

Returning to her book with a warmth in her chest, Beauty set aside the burst of light that came next as the Beast moving away and allowing the light from the far fireplace to show.

A few minutes later the door to the room flew open.

“Master!”

Beauty looked up and blinked. There was a man standing in the doorway. Blinking she watched a few other people rush into the room and stare. She followed their gaze to the Beast, the master of the castle. Only the Beast was no longer there. Instead there was a tall man with dark hair. He 

was staring at his hands in wonder.

“Master, the spell has been broken!”

Unable to look away Beauty watched the man slowly turn around and stare back at her. A confused look passed across his face.

“You love me?”

What I hope you enjoyed my little blurb. What's something you're working on?

Have a Fantastic Day!