The price of eggs in China -A beauty and the beast remake-
 

Plot: Once upon a time there was a little orphan named Bella. Bella was not very well looked upon throughout her life. She was ridiculed and made fun of and no one wanted to adopt her. She was considered an ugly child. As time wore on she grew into a beautiful young lady. She got herself a job cleaning peoples houses and times were prosperous. One day the prince who lived in the castle up the hill from the town did something to upset the old hag who lived on the outskirts of town. As a curse against him she placed a spell on him that turned him into an animal during the day and a human at night. (you can get detailed about this during your post) As an attempt to keep him from eating and destroying them all they sacrificed a young lady every year to him at the same time of year. It was nearing the time when the next girl would be offered and unfortunitly for Bella she was chosen. However this time the village had a contengency plan. They made arrangements for Bella to conceal a dagger beneath her gown. She was dressed up in a wedding gown and set to be sacrificed to the beast on the high rock. She was wearing white as she was a virgin and her headress she wore did not cover her face instead showing off her features. She was sad as tears ran down her face. She was distraught to say the least. She was to be sacrificed to this random monster and expected to serve him as he wished.

She was used to serving people as they wished afterall was she not an orphan and a housekeeper? She would be able to do this but they wished her to kill him. She had concealed beneath her dress on a thigh belt a crude dagger. She was supposed to wait until he had fallen asleep and then stab it through his heart. How could she do this? She was a simple housekeeper not a murderer. The idea of doing this made her want to cry. She knew she had no choice but to do this and it must be done. So she took a deep breath wiped her tears on her sleeve and looked out at the horizon to await her fate as several of the people around her ran to there homes hoping to keep the beast away from them.

Day, the time of which an aura of gloominess seemed to settle upon the castle that had turned into nothing more then a foreboding, ominous shadow of its former glory. Tucked amongst the darkened forest just beyond the nearby town's edge, it made all that laid eyes on it nowadays feel a sense of dread well up within them. None dared to approach its walls or even the forest at that, no it was now considered a curse. It hadn't always been like this, however very few could probably recount the times that seemed terror free. It was once an inviting place, with a master to match it's grandeur.

The castle had been the home of the Prince Jellal, whom at that time had been as human as the townspeople he ruled over. He wasn't a horrid ruler, and many could say that he was almost kind in certain respects, so long as one behaved themselves in front of the Prince, and didn't stare too long at the mark upon his face. At a young age he had been branded as a bastard child of the previous King, though when no legitimate heir had been born by the time the Queen had passed and the King was on his deathbed, the boy had been named the heir instead though a bit reluctantly. Although he had been named successor there was no way for him to remove his childhood branding, always there to remind him that he was the last option to rule.

It therefore became a rather touchy subject with the Prince, most came to learn that right away, and so it was avoided at least until the night that changed everyone's lives. It had been a cold night that night and the town hag had been out wandering about the woods, straying further from her home then she should have on such a cold night, or perhaps she knew what she was doing not many are certain. Either way she came upon the castle, her bones old and cold she asked for admittance for the night. The Prince was hesitant though allowed it despite the small voice in his head warning him otherwise. Things had been going well, so much so that as the hag sat beside the castle hearth to warm her bones, Prince Jellal came to join her, stirring up light conversation, or so it had started.

Soon enough the subject that they had been drawling on changed suddenly as the hag suddenly made a 'joking' comment about the brand upon his face. Needless to say the Prince did not find it funny and demanded the hag to leave immediately, and to never show her face again amongst the castle walls. When she refused he essentially had her thrown out. Angered by the Prince's actions she revealed her true form, that of a vengeful demoness sorceress. For revenge for the Prince's disrespect towards her she laid a curse upon his head and home. He was doomed to the form of a beast by day and only by night would he regain his human form temporarily, however once the rays of dawn breeched the sky he would again revert to the form of a beast. It of course didn't stop there. She furthered the curse by having any who entered within the walls of the castle become cursed as well, however unlike the Prince they would be allowed to keep their human form by day but by night turn either to beast or as objects. She added one final part to her curse, or rather a solution to breaking it. If the Prince wished to become fully human again he was to find another, cursed like him though female, that could love both his beastial form and human form, and in return love both of her forms as well. Only then would the curse of all be lifted. To seal the curse she bestowed upon the castle a rose bush, that would bloom indefinitely for ten years before it wilted and took with it the Prince's life.

Ashamed of his beast form, the Prince attempted to seclude himself within his castle, barring the doors to all that had once been welcomed. It was only months before rumors began to spread around the town that a beast now lived in the castle. It was by mistake that these rumors were soon proved to be truth, as a few weary and concerned townsfolk attempted to make a trip to check and see what they could find. What they spied was the Prince in the form of a creature unlike that they had ever seen. Ashamed, embarrassed, frightened, and angered all in one at being seen in this form the Prince had lashed out. He didn't harm the townsfolk and had succeeded in scaring them away, however new rumors that he was dangerous had begun to spread like wildfire. It was then that it was decided to appease the beast they would send a yearly bride.

At first Jellal had somewhat welcomed the idea, believing that through this he could perhaps find the one to help him break the curse that had been laid on him. Year after year a girl was sent to him, and year after year the Prince had to endure disappointment and rejection, as he was forced to turn away the bride for one reason or another. Eventually he came to loathe the yearly ritual 'sacrifice' as it soon did nothing more then dampen his spirits and send him into a further depression.

Staring out one of the castle's many windows Jellal heaved a sigh. He knew well what day it was, it was the usual day that the townspeople thought of offering a sacrifice to him. 'Perhaps this year...they'll skip it and simply leave me in peace...' he thought gloomily, though a hesitant tap on the door behind him, made him think otherwise. "You may enter" the gruff voice growled out, though not in anger it was just how his voice was in his current form. Slowly the door inched open and a small rabbit-like servant, with a large clock face as its body, hopped in.

"My lord, it appears another girl has been sent from the village. I believe she's the yearly sacrifice based on what we believe she is wearing. Would you like us to go retrieve her?" the servant asked in a small whimsical voice. The answer the creature received was another sigh and a slight wave of a clawed hand. "Very well master, I shall prepare for a carriage to pick her up" the voice almost whispered as the creature turned and left, closing the door behind it once more.

"Another year...another disappointment...How many more will I be forced to go through?" the Prince growled quietly to himself as he watched a few servants leave the castle and bring forth a carriage to pick up the new 'bride-to-be'. As usual the carriage-man was the servant that seemed to have the least fearsome and strange appearance. It was a female, that at first glance looked almost completely human, at least until one saw the faint traces of scales on her skin, the forked tongue and the cat-slit pupils that rested within her eyes. Though now she wore long clothing, covering as much of her scaled skin as possible, and a low-brimmed hat that would help hide her face and eyes, so as to avoid scaring the poor girl she was being sent to pick up. After a few more preparations, the now yellowed eyes of the Prince watched as the carriage began to leave the palace grounds and make its way towards the usual pickup spot.

The ride would be a short one, through the darkened woods surrounding the forest and down the beaten dirt path that strayed from the main road towards the palace and towards the pointed high rocks on the other side of the town. The carriage never passed through the town of course, instead it went around it, avoiding it like the plague. The small journey of course would offer the occupants of the carriage a small scenic route of the surrounding area as they went towards what many believed to be their doom.

The carriage arrived at its destination in time, as it came to a rather abrupt stop only a small ways from the rock that a young woman in bridal gowns occupied. "Shall I presume that you are this years offering?" the slightly snakish sounding voice of the carriage driver asked the girl curiously. From what the coach driver could tell she was attractive enough, though she held a sort of similar sorrowful look that many of the ones before her held.

Bella stood frozen in fear as a carriage approached her. She stared at the lady who looked almost normal. However if you looked close enough you could just notice some abnormalities. She spied on the lady for a moment longer and then stopped watching her. She saw nothing about her to entertain her fantasies. She looked normal but a second glance told her she was not normal.

"Wh....who are you?" she asked hesitantly. She was almost afraid but at the same time she was not scared. She was worried about what the beast might do if she showed up to kill him and she was afraid of what will happen if she was rejected like the others. She was also afraid of the curse. She knew people who went to the castle were cursed and she did not want to come back and become an outcast.

The woman smiled and climbed from the carriage. She untied the poor girl rubbing the restraint marks on her wrists. "I am Anna. come with me please" She said in a calm tone as she led her to the carriage and helped her onto it. She turned around and made her way to the castle with the girl "you will be happy with your new home I think" She said softly.

Still shivering some she stared at the road noting they passed around with a wide berth to the village and any houses on the outskirts. They seemed to want to avoid anything to do with her home. She stared at the side of the road for a moment and then gazed at the woman who was normal and not normal. She wanted to speak but found herself entranced with studying her. She seemed to be part reptile. Unlike most people she did not shiver and move away but peered closer to see what she could see. Finally she turned her gaze to the castle and let out a gasp as she realized they were there and the castle was right in front of her. She climbed down from the carriage and made her way up the steps. She knocked on the door cautiously.

The sound of thumping on the castle door, made the servants inside bustle about quickly, chatting excitedly all the while, trying to ensure that the first impression of the interior would at least be acceptable. It wasn't as if it were messy or dirty, but rather empty. Most of the grand lavish in the main hall had been moved elsewhere, usually in one of the many other unoccupied rooms since there weren't really people other than the servants and the castle's master to show them off to ever since the Prince barred entrance to his abode. The rabbit-like servant was finally the one that quickly called the bustling and gossiping servants to order with the clap of his humanish paws.

Quickly they began lining up, as if it had been rehearsed repeatedly. Once things seemed in order the rabbit-clock creature turned on his heels and approached the castle's door. With a bit of effort, and assistance from a taller fox-turtle servant, the door slowly creaked open to reveal the girl beyond it. With the first glance the rabbit like creature wondered if this was indeed the right girl. She was pretty, though seemed a bit...different then most of the other girls that had been sent. From what he could tell, though considering his short stature he knew he could be wrong since he was pretty much as tall as her calves, that she wasn't caked in makeup like so many of the others had been. Of course it was easy to tell then that they had been crying from the running mascara dribbling down the sides of their eyes, and ruining most of the effect it would have had. No this didn't seem present on this one at all.

"Welcome young miss to the castle. We hope that you enjoy your stay here. Please come in" the creature greeted as warmly as he could. Many of the other servants followed suit in their greetings, giving a small bow or curtsy to accompany their words. There were a large variety of animal-like creatures that seemed combined with inanimate objects, such as the rabbit-clock and even a snake-human-duster combination. Of course they realized that there was a chance that seeing them could very well overwhelm the girl and cause her to run, but if that were the case they didn't even want to think of what she would do in seeing the master in his beastial form.

Speaking of a few turned their attention towards the inner staircase, expecting to see Prince Jellal there, however he appeared to be...absent. 'Might be wise for the time being...Let's see if we can get her situated with us first...Unless she requests otherwise" the rabbit-clock thought. He was probably the one that was most aware to his master's feelings about his condition.

Bella saw the door creak open and a rabbit/clock open the door. She frowned looking at it a moment. She was confused at what it was. It seemed to be both an animal and an object but whatever it was it was weird. She said nothing and just stepped inside knowing better than to judge people according to what they looked like. Perhaps it had feelings to. She bent low and looked at it greeting it with a smile and putting her hand out to it shaking its hand. She then turned to the other creatures a moment and nodded at each in turn as they greeted.

"How do you do? I am Bella. Its a pleasure to meet you" She said softly as she waited to see the so called monster she was to be sacrificed to. "I am a sacrifice to the monster who lives here. Do you know where I might find him?" She asked calmly as if she had nothing to fear although deep inside she was till scared of the thought of having to assassinate him. If he was a monster who knows what he would require her to do.

"I mean is he like you? Part human to?" She was curious now. Perhaps the people were mistaken and did not know a human creature from a monster. Perhaps she could find the good in him just like any other creature.

The rabbit-like servant gave a sort of nervous smile. She may have looked different from the others, though her reaction towards their master was the same even before she met him. "It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance Miss Bella, I am Skittlesworth, though many simply call me...Skittles..." the creature stated almost reluctantly as he took the offered hand and shook it with his own paw like one. Out of the corner of his eye he could see one of the other servants a mousy-like creature with candle fingers bowing and excusing herself, no doubt alerting the Prince of the girl's arrival.

He knew it wouldn't take long for Jellal to reluctantly come, after all the last thing he wished to see nowadays was something he was only permitted to be at night and furthering his already deepened depression, so he figured it would be wise to make a small request towards the girl. "If I may please request Miss Bella that you do not call our Master a monster...at least not before you meet him...As for the part human-" he started to say before the sound of rather large footsteps, though with the sound like the pads of very large paws, seemed to echo slightly towards the darkened twin marbled staircases.

"I am not part human. In fact I can assure you no one here is 'part' human at all, not that any of the 'sacrificial lambs' that have breached these walls ever believe that. And call me whatever you like, I've no doubt most of the townsfolk have already forgotten my name by now. Ten years I believe it's been that they've called me monster or beast, by now I'm use to it. There's no need for her to tread lightly around that Skittlesworth, though I appreciate your concern" a deep growling voice emerged from the darkness. The sound of paws meeting the marbled floor seemed to cease near the top of the first staircase, still shrouded in shadows. What minimal light shone reflected an almost terrifying glowing yellow as it seemed drawn and caught by the Prince's bestial eyes, the only thing currently visible of him.

"But my Prince-" Skittles attempted to plead though was soon silenced again by the Prince's voice. "Enough. There is no point in tiptoeing around the obvious. Now if I've heard correctly your name is Bella yes? You are the sacrifice the town scrounged up to appease me? You realize the moment you've stepped foot within my walls you've doomed yourself, like a lamb willing walking into the slaughterhouse, correct?" the voice continued, shifting its attention now towards the girl in bridal wear. He had said similar things to the girls before her, knowing this to be what most expected of him. How many girls had he dealt with that expected to be eaten or forced into slavery under his roof? More then he liked to recount.

Staring at the little creature she smiled and reached hand down to pet his head. He was so cute she could not resist. She bent down and touched him almost at awe that he was real. She smiled softly not at all upset by were she was or how she was corrected at calling him a monster afterall how would she like it. "I am so sorry" She started to say until her thoughts were interrupted by a sound from the shadows.

She stared off into the shadows curious to see who was there. She knew it must be the horrid monster she was told about and her eyes were opened wide. She stared hard squinting her eyes to see who was there. "I am so sorry Sir I did not mean to insult you. Can you step into the light so I can see you?" She wanted to see who was there "And please tell me your name so I know what to call you. "

She continued to stare at him as she waited for him to speak back to her. Her eyes taking in every inch she could see of him.

Feeling a hand on his head suddenly made Skittles jump slightly in startlement. He hadn't quite been expecting it, though he couldn't really blame her. He was certain that if the roles were reversed his own actions would probably be similar. It wasn't every day that you saw a rabbit with a clock on it. He wasn't surprised though by the girl's request to see his master's form fully and in the light, though he was by her request of his name.

At first her only answer was the sound of something flapping briefly before settling. "It is fine, as I've said being called beast or monster for ten years, has made me use to such names. I no longer take it as insult, after all it currently fits. I will also warn you, you may come to regret your request" the voice warned, dipping a slight note deeper in tone. Nevertheless soon the sound of large padded paws moving echoed throughout the area. As they came in contact with the marbled stairs and clicking of claws soon accompanied the sound of movement as well as the sliding of a hand on the banister.

A full view of his form required the Prince to not only reach the bottom of the stairs, but to step away from their safety. A part of him was reluctant to reveal himself yet again to an outsider, but then it would come to an end soon enough. His form towered over those within the room, his tail dragging slightly behind him. Large brown and rather normal looking, if not a bit ripped, pants adorned his lower half, shielding his thighs and more...manly parts from view. His top was concealed by a long sleeved plain white shirt, that had the first few top buttons undone, allowing one to see the brown tuffed fur of his chest, though it was clear it wasn't exactly by choice. Even if the buttons had been done, it was clear, from the sheer size of his torso, that the buttons were merely pop off. His hands were clearly pawed though they contained the same number of fingers as any human hand, though they were clearly much larger in size and covered in the same chocolatey fur that the rest of his body was dressed in. Draped around his shoulders were the culprits of the fluttering sound from before. Wings that looked like they belonged to and over sized bat, were folded around with the top tips folded neatly across one another.

Although it wasn't his body that usually made others shudder in fear of him, but rather the fierce looking face that accompanied it. Yellow eyes gleamed in the light, casting terrifying reflections that would make even the bravest give out a squeak. The mouth that accompanied the face, clearly showed off the purely whites of monstrous fangs that could no doubt rip apart flesh if the owner so willed it. The brow mane that surrounded his head, was perhaps one of the only things about it that didn't seem quite as terrifying as the rest of him. Though a bit unruly it looked softer and more fine the the rest of the brown fur that covered his body.

His pink nose twitched as he debated on answering her second request. "I will say you're a bit different from the rest that have been forced upon me. Not many would request to see a monster, let alone ask it, its' true name. Jellal was what I was once called by all, though as I'm sure you already know it's a name that has already been forgotten and replaced by the townsfolk I once interacted with on a daily basis. I now only hear it among those here. However as I've said call me whatever you wish. Jellal, monster, beast, whichever is easiest for you to remember" the beastial Prince replied, waiting calmly for the shocked and terrified scream or reaction he usually got when he revealed himself in the daylight. A select number of servants too came in closer towards Bella in an almost rehearsed fashion, preparing to spring if they needed to catch her if she fainted from fright.

When he stepped forward into the light and she began to take a good look at the monster she had heard so much about she understood why he was referred to as a monster. He was large much larger than an average man and he just looked like and assortment of creatures.

"Yes I know that now I am cursed." she said stepped closer to get a better look at him. "I accept this without complaint." She said calmly. She saw no reason to fight or complain since she was already here and cursed. She stood quite near him and put a hand on his arm "Its a pleasure to meet you Jellal. I thank you for having me as your guest for however long I stay."

Jellal, as well as many of the other servants, were a bit surprised when Bella chose to touch him in his beastial form. His great furred body tensed as her hand laid on his arm. How long had it been since a human hand, other than his servants at night, had touched him? A year? No longer then that. The last girl refused to even approach him when he was like this, though she seemed all too willing to try and get close to him at night, or at least before she fully understood the curse that now beheld her and many others.

A growl like chuckle passed through his lips, showing off his impressive fangs, as she expressed that she understood that she was cursed. "I doubt you'll be as accepting when you find out just what sort of curse has been placed upon you. If you're lucky the curse won't take hold until the next night and give you a peaceful one tonight. Of course as it stands it seems to only occurs once out of every four that have been sent to me" the deep voice stated calmly, as he rattled off the little fact and gently moved his arm away. The light pressure it had been making on his arm made him uncomfortable and feel that touching him was the equivalent of children daring other children to enter the forest. A sort of test of bravery, and that was something he wasn't interested in being. Was her calm merely an act or genuine? Would she still be so civil when she found out just what the curse upon her head now entailed?

He doubted she knew just what the curse was, after all none of the girls had returned back to the town to tell the people just what sort of 'horrors' they had to deal with. Instead he knew the townsfolk merely assumed that he consumed them once he had become bored with them. He was certain that many of the girls would have preferred such a fate, rather then the one dealt to them. Being forced to change shape was no easy nor painless matter. Depending upon what sort of form one gained would set just how horrific it would be for them. For example the larger they were the more painful it was as their bones, skin and even organs were forced to expand exponentially, causing their body multiple heart attacks at once, and most of their organs shutting down only to be forcefully start again on their own. Transforming back to human was no easy task nor painless task either. Then they were forced to endure their bones breaking on their own to reduce their size as their organs again began to shut down forcefully and restart again. The only difference there for him personally, considering he was currently the largest one there, was that it drained more of his energy to turn back to human and caused him into an almost severe state of exhaustion or at least until he rested for an hour or two.

He knew she would endure similar horrors when it came to nightfall, just as it had for all the others, though there was a slight chance that the first night would be a peaceful one for her. He hoped for her sake that would be the case, but given the slim chances he doubted it. If she held no complaints now there was no doubt in his mind that she would be voicing them soon enough. Regardless though now was not the time for him to dwell on such thoughts, after all he was still a Prince and thus far she had shown to be rather courteous given the circumstances, it was only just that he in turn try to be as polite as he could. "You're welcomed to stay only as long as you wish. Despite what I'm sure has been said about me throughout the town, I do not force those that do not wish to stay here to remain. At any time you desire you're free to walk out that door, you're not a prisoner here, however I can do nothing to lift the curse that has been placed upon your head. I'll advise you to avoid the town if you do choose to leave, you will not be welcomed there anymore and I'd rather not deal with an angry mob at my doorstep" he stated, trying to sound as polite and gentle as he could, but with the growling voice he was cursed with at the moment it was hard to hear it. He knew it probably sounded more like a friendly threat, that's what one of the previous girls had told him, but there wasn't much he could really do about it at the moment.

"You're just as free to traverse anywhere within these walls or on these grounds, with the exception of the East Wing, no matter what you may hear coming from there. Despite also what's been said, and something you should keep in mind, the animals in the forest are not my servants and may attack on their own as they are wild animals. They typically leave the palace grounds alone, however the forest is their domain, not mine. For the first hour or two of nightfall I shall be unavailable, however I'm sure Anna, whom brought you here, or Claudia", he said pausing for a moment and motioning towards a snake-duster-deer hybrid of a woman, "will be more then happy to attend to you. Skittlesworth will also be available to you once he is satisfied I no longer need him at the time"

He had explained these rules, countless times to Bella's predecessors, and hesitated about revealing the next bit of information as it had a tendency to somehow embolden the girls and have them dare venture to the forbidden wing, if he hadn't already done that by possibly piquing her curiosity. She seemed fairly respectful so he knew there was a chance that this wasn't the case, but he wasn't holding his breath. "Your quarters will be in the West wing. It should have the all the accommodations that you need, however if you find something lacking feel free to let one of the servants know, and they'll see what they can do. One last thing to keep in mind is that I am still the Master of this castle, and despite any questions or concerns you may have about how things are done here, is how they've been set. I'm more then willing to hear compromises, however I still hold rights to refuse if I see fit. The servants here are rather well tuned in knowing how I'd react to certain things, and so if they too refuse you, know that it may be in your best interest to not push them into doing what you want. I like to think I'm rather lenient, however every action has a consequence. Some of your predecessors did not understand that concept. You're welcomed to be in my company as well for as little or as much as you wish. Now if you've no immediate questions you're welcomed to get your affairs here in order, explore the areas available to you, or whatever it is at the moment you wish. I'll be in what I suppose you would still call the throne room down that way, as there are a few things that I need to attend to. You're welcomed to come along if you so wish, otherwise I'm sure Skittlesworth or Claudia would be more then happy to show you around a bit more" the Prince calmly stated in his deep gruffed voice, and closing his piercing yellow eyes for a moment as a slight wave of exhaustion washed over him.

Although the action small it still earned a look of concern from Skittles and a few of the others, though they held their tongues, knowing that if they bothered saying anything they would simply be waved off. Instead they gained a sort of different wave that dismissed the gathered servants, if they were not needed at that moment, to go on back to the tasks they had been doing before Bella's arrival. Slowly they began to disperse, pausing by the young human girl only briefly to again welcome her to the castle before scurrying off to their tasks, and soon only the servants Claudia and Skittles remained. Both sets of eyes watched as soon their Prince turned himself and began heading towards a hall on the right, the place that he had indicated led to the throne room, to attend to the 'things' he had mentioned before.

Once their master was out of sight both servants eyes came to rest upon the human girl, one a dark shade of blue and belonging to the female servant Claudia, and the other a warm chocolatey brown belonging to the rabbit servant Skittles. "So what is it you would like your first actions to be here in the castle Miss Bella? The Master has given you free reign to explore-" Skittles began to say before being cut off.

"With the exception of the East Wing remember" came the reptilian and slightly nasally sounding voice of the female servant, cutting off Skittles's words before he could finish his sentence. "Yes with the exception of the East Wing of course..." he said giving a slight glaring look towards the female servant. Claudia however didn't seemed fazed by it as the only real effect it had was making the rabbit-clock only appear more cuddly then threatening. "The dungeons are always an exciting place to visit...I wonder if Hopkins is still chained there..." the female said with an almost disturbing glee, that earned her another glare from the rabbity servant. He supposed though that possibly directing curiosity there would be better then the reptilian-duster's last suggestion to the last girl, and exploring the Master's own bedchambers. Of course that was in the forbidden wing and had ended with the girl getting into quite a bit of trouble.

Skittles had noted that the Prince had on purposely left out the location of his own bedchambers when telling Bella where hers would be, and figured that, that particular incident had caused such a decision. Although the female made herself appear to be a kind and shy servant in front of Jellal, she could actually be quite wicked and in some instances cruel. Of course she would deny it before the Master vehemently, but Skittles knew better then that and would be keeping a careful eye on her as well as Bella. He didn't wish to cause the Prince more stress then he currently had on his plate, and so he usually dealt with the female servant himself and keeping quiet about most of what she did. He was sure though that if Prince Jellal knew, not even half of the things the female did, he would not leave Bella in her care at all. He was relieved slightly though when the Prince also mentioned Anna in the list of caretakers for the human girl. 'Anna's such a nice girl despite her rough appearance...Thankfully she'll help me keep Claudia in check if I'm not around or the Master' he thought with a sigh of relief. Although he figured Claudia to be a rotten egg, Anna was a completely different story.

Looking at the prince a moment with her beautiful eyes she just blinked. "I understand that a terrible curse takes over those who dwell here and I am prepared to endure that. I have no problems with it come what may. Just like no matter what you do to me I do not mind. I am here toserve you and nothing else." She turned to the rabbit creature and smiled "I would like to go to bed and get some rest just in case I will be up all night."

She motioned for him to lead the way to where she would be sleeping.

Whether or not Prince Jellal heard the girl's words as he retreated, no indication was given as his form disappeared down the hall. Skittles and Claudia were both certain that he probably had heard the words, after all he had rather good hearing given his current form. Of course that also left it up to them to respond. "Ah another foolish little girl. I doubt you'll be saying that for very long. On top of that what could you possibly do for our Prince? You might have apologized for calling him a monster, but it's clear you still think it just from your words. All of you are the same, inconsiderate, naive, simple town bumpkins who understand noth-" Claudia startled to prattle off saying before Skittles found it to be enough.

"Claudia...", Skittles said in a tone that was clearly a warning, "...what do you think Prince Jellal would say if he heard you talking so rudely to our guest? Perhaps you'd fancy another three days in the stockade again?" he continued. His tone was clearly serious and held a look in his eye to match. It was clear that he would probably have to ensure the reptilian woman wasn't even left alone with the brown haired girl. This would indeed require him to have a few words with Anna to help keep a watch on the other female servant. "I've got this one I think Claudia. I believe the ballroom needed a good dusting over and I'm sure it would please the Master to not have to worry about his servants doing their cleaning duties. Plus who knows maybe he'll reward you for going above and beyond your normal dusting duties" the rabbit-clock servant continued, lacing a bit of sarcasm in his voice while using his 'cute' appearance to his advantage to make his words seem sincere and innocent.

Claudia had just about opened her mouth for a retort, though at the idea of the Prince rewarding her for her work, she immediately shut her mouth and decided to do what Skittles actually recommended. She immediately and quickly began to slither off towards the aforementioned ballroom to do some serious dusting. A glare from the rabbit creature followed after her, before it softened back to normal and turned back towards Bella. "Sorry about that Miss Bella, she's a bit...sensitive whenever one of the girls from the village are sent here. There's been a lot of falsified rumors about Prince Jellal that have cause many...to be a bit on edge. Unfortunately we've also heard similar lines for ten years. The curse on this castle isn't something that is light, and hearing others simply accepting it...well to be honest it's just not fair...I'm sorry I'm rambling now" Skittles said giving a nervous laugh and rubbing the back of his head.

He gave a slight wave of his pawed hand for Bella to follow him. "I should probably tell you what my Master could not...Everyone in these castle walls were once human you know...Technically we still are despite our appearances in the daylight. I'm sure that was something that had been failed to be mentioned in the rumors that had been circulating. My Master also has no intention of...using you...either. I know that's what a lot of girls come here expecting. You're a guest not a servant" the rabbit continued, as he tried to keep his voice warm and friendly as he led towards the guest bedroom, that would be designated as hers for however long she chose to stay.

It wasn't really a long trek to the room, simply up two flights of stairs, the first one in the front and the second being the one that the Prince had previously emerged from. At the top of the stairs was a hallway with several doors on either side, though evenly spaced out to give way to some decorative art here and there. He signaled towards one of the doors, labeling it as one of the bathing rooms, if she felt she needed it or to freshen up. A bit further down and to the right from that door was another that he stopped in front of. "Here we are. I believe the Master has designated this one as your room during your stay..." Skittles started, turning a key that had been left in the lock, and unlocking it. He in turn left it for her in the lock to take when she was ready. "This key is a skeleton key and will be able to open any doors that you need opened. Dinner will be served at five o'clock. You're welcomed to come down at that time. If you want I can or Anna can come rouse you if you're not up by then and lead you there. If not then the dinning room is downstairs. Simply go through the hallway you saw the Master go through and take the first hallway on the right. That will lead you there, though if you find yourself lost you can ask just about anyone. I would try to avoid asking Claudia though, she'll give you far more headaches then you'll want. Other than that welcome again to the castle Miss Bella" he said in conclusion, bowing and motioning for Bella to go ahead and enter the room.

Staring at the beast as he departed she felt tears well up in her eyes for a moment. He was so hurt by how he was treated and who can blame him. How would she like to be treated like that? She nodded and followed the clock creature named skittles to her room. She walked in and looked around giving a little nod. As she did the speech from the snake lady was playing through her head. She was so mean and its not like she meant to be rude. IT was an accident. She figured she would have to apologize at dinnertime.

"Will the prince be joining me at dinner and can you come get me around 4.30. Also what should I wear. I do not have any other clothes except for what you see me wearing now"

Skittle's genuine smile remained plastered on his face until he somewhat noticed Bella's expression. "Is everything alright Miss Bella? I haven't offended you in anyway have I? If I have I deeply apologize" the little rabbit creature said with a small bow. The thought of Claudia's words and actions perhaps worrying girl crossed his mind. He would indeed need to have a long conversation with the snake woman, and possibly the Prince about her behavior. The poor girl before him had just been offered as a sacrifice, and he was sure having to take all of this in at once wasn't easy. The sight of the Prince was enough to send a shock to anyone's system not use to it. Then again he honestly also believed that he, himself, might have done something to offend the girl, either way he felt it right to apologize.

His ears perked slightly at the questions. They were natural ones to ask and he was more then willing to answer them. "I believe Prince Jellal shall indeed be joining you tonight...for a little while at least. He may have to excuse himself however before sundown. I hope you can understand." he stated, answering the first question, though still keeping the reasoning behind the Prince's scheduled departure out of the explanation. "As for clothing there should be a few wardrobes within your room. I'm afraid we're never really told much about the girls that are sent to us, so I do hope you'll find something to your liking...at least until the castle's tailor is able to make you a few sets. Perhaps we can have that be a task for tomorrow, since it's been a rather busy day. My Prince isn't picky about what his guests wear during dinner, so please feel free to choose anything to your liking and is comfortable enough for you" Skittles said, his tone warm and gentle as a smile remained on his furred face.

At the time he nodded his head, and glanced down at the clock on his body. The clock hands slowly began to move, arranging themselves to the right time before moving at the normal speed of clock hands. The clock itself worked, at least when there was a scheduled time for Skittlesworth to remember. It would usually start up an hour or so before sunset, to remind him that their and the Prince's transformation into their true bodies were going to take place soon, as well as other various times that were written into his schedule. "Very well Miss Bella, I shall arrange to come and get you around 4:30 for dinner. Please feel free to ask if you need anything before then though. I'm sure you want to rest now though, is there anything else I can get for you or assist you with beforehand?" he asked, wishing to make sure that Bella's time in the castle would be as pleasant of one that they could give her. After all the last thing they needed were for more rumors to be spread about, and this time concerning their hospitality, which was rather important to their Prince despite his condition.

She nodded at him with a small smile playing on her lips. "Yes I am fine thank you. You may go now. I am sure you have other things to attend to." She made her way around the room after he had left. She made a circle. From the door to the right there was a dresser and a closet. The dresser had some ornamants on it including the picture of a very pretty young woman. She curiously picked up the dusty picture before putting it back down. She was so pretty. She was curious to know who she was. She moved to the closet and looked through the dresses.

She saw a lot of dresses but picked a cute blue one and put it on with a pair of thigh high boots. It seemed to fit her very well. She smiled and made her way to the bed which was a canopy. She relaxed on the bed and waited for it to be time for her to go to dinner.

Skittlesworth gave a small and slightly grateful bow before heading off, once Bella was in her room of course, and went to return to his previous duties. The time seemed to pass and before the rabbit-clock servant knew it, it was time to go retrieve the young woman. Quickly he made his way again towards the room that had been designated as Bella's and made a light tapping knock on the door. "Miss Bella? It's 4:30, the time you requested. Are you ready, or do you still need a few moments?" the servant asked with a smile and friendly tone.

Prince Jellal had finished his own duties as well and had a bit of free time before dinner. Claudia suddenly came in to retrieve him, saying something that their guest had previously requested to be brought to dinner earlier. This caused a slight frown to appear on the prince's lion-like face, most of the other girl's had wished to forgo dinner and usually stayed cooped up in their room. This one was indeed very different if she wanted to be there sooner. Nevertheless he knew it would only be polite for him to meet her there, and so began making his way towards the dinning room. Besides he figured it would be good for him to personally ensure that things were set up just right, with Claudia following closely behind.

Hearing the knock at the door Bella hollared a "come in" quickly opening the door for him and pulled him in with a smile. "How do I look?" she did a twirl for him showing off the lovely flowing dress a bit shorter than what you would normally see a girl in but she liked it nontheless. She smiled softly and took his hand pulling him to her giving him a small kiss on the head.

"Thank you for coming to get me." She was a bit nervous hoping that dinner would go well tonight for if she were to stay here she needed to make certain that she had a strong and proper relationship with this creature.

Skittlesworth had been about to carefully open the door when he heard the 'come in', though soon found the door opened and him being pulled in. His small feet worked hard to ensure he wouldn't fall and be dragged in face down, which at the moment was a little difficult. Silently he cursed himself for having small legs along with his feet at the moment, though he plastered a smile on his face despite it. "You look quite lovely Miss Bella, the color really suits you quite well. I'm sure the Master will think so too" he said with a nod of his head and genuine smile. The dress was a bit short, but then the Prince was never really strict on the traditional customs.

A slightly pink blush colored his white fur as a kiss was visible across his cheeks. "Y-You are very welcome Miss Bella. S-Shall we head down?" he asked trying to keep his voice steady. The little kiss had made him a bit nervous, even if it was on the head, as the last girl who did that thought he would be an excellent stuffed animal to drag around by the neck. That whole experience still sent shivers up his spine.

Staring at him as he entered she gave him a small smile. "Well yes let us head down to where dinner is to be served." She made her way to skittles and picked him up in both arms carrying him with her as she headed down the stairs and into the dining room. She had wondered what the prince would be wearing and what he would be like after she had insulted him so badly.

She hoped he would be understanding and forgiving.

Skittles was again taken aback as he was suddenly picked up and held in Bella's arms. It was a bit alarming, but for the meantime there wasn't much he could really do about it. She wasn't the first to carry him in his rabbit-clock form, though he did hope she would be the last. The rosebush that was tied to his Master's life in the garden was already wilting and he doubted the Prince would live long enough to survive to another 'sacrifice'. No this girl had to be the one or they would all be doomed. The rabbit-clock creature shuddered at the thought of them all doomed to being creatures by day and human only by night. He was determined to do everything in his power to ensure Bella and the Prince would be together.

As they entered the dinning room the Prince turned his gaze and attention towards them, raising one eyebrow at seeing Skittlesworth being carried. The servant let out a sigh and shrugged his shoulders in slight defeat. A growling chuckling erupted from the Prince at the display. He truly did feel a bit sorry for Skittles, but given the rabbity servant's age and his true human form, it was also comical. He wondered just how the human girl would react when she saw Skittles's true form tonight. Most were a bit shocked and apologetic, though by the time daybreak came he would again be trapped in their arms. 'That's what happens when your form is adorable' he thought with a slight shake of his head.

Claudia, seeing the two immediately shot a glare towards Bella when the Prince's attention was turned away, though quickly changed it to a happy, welcoming and pleasing expression when his attention returned. "I believe there is still about twenty or so minutes before dinner shall be ready and served, is there anything I can get either of you?" she asked with a friendly smile and tone, though it was clear that despite her words she really meant only for the Prince, as she shot another glare towards Bella when the Prince's back was turned again.

Jellal shook his mighty maned head, showing that he was fine for the time being. One of his massive pawed hands gently pulled out a chair that was nearest Bella and Skittles. "Would you care to take a seat?...erm after you put Skittlesworth down that is" he said with another chuckle as he gestured to the empty seat he had pulled out. Skittles directed an almost pleading gaze towards the Prince, which brought forth another growling laugh from the Prince. "Don't worry Skittlesworth, you won't have to go through this forever. I'm sure this time around I can break the curse" he said with a smile, showing off a bit of the sharpened fangs in his mouth, and although his tone was as light as it could be,

Skittles could tell that the Prince wasn't as hopeful as he tried to pull off. The words were a bit hollowed and empty as Jellal's own hope had all but evaporated after years of failure. The Prince tried his best to hide his lack of faith and the depression that had settled in the place of his hope, but Skittles could clearly read it in his glowing yellow eyes. A sadness and almost desolate look laid beyond the friendly and warm look that tried to mask it. The Prince knew the rosebush was wilting and this would probably be his last chance to break the curse, he just wasn't confident it would succeed this time, though for the sake of the servants who had cared for him all these years he would still try as best as he could.

As she carried the cute creature in her arms into the dining hall she set him on the floor as soon as she entered with a smile down in his direction. She immediatly stood from her stooped postition and patting him on his head made her way to the chair indicated. She dropped down into the chair and straightened her gown covering her skin as much as possible. She smiled at claudia unaware of the others looks towards her and shook her head no.

She turned to the beast as he spoke and smiled clapping her hands "and how do you plan on defeating the curse?" She asked still unsure of how it worked. She was a peculiar girl. She was unlike most girls and instead of being fearful of everything she simply took things in stride.

Instinctively Skittleworth's ears flattened to make room for the hand patting his head. Again he released a sigh, knowing well that if the Prince didn't break the curse there was a good chance he would be doomed to this reaction for the rest of his life. A sigh slipped through his furred lips. His gaze again drifted first towards Jella and then to Bella. He truly hoped that it would work out, not just for his sake, servants and the past girls, but for the Prince himself.

At the question the Prince froze somewhat. He hadn't quite planned on her asking about how he was going to break it. "I-its...well..I'm going to...uhhh...I-I haven't figured it out quite yet" Jellal said, unable to bring himself to converse about the subject. It caused a bit of uneasiness to swell into his mind. How could he possibly tell the details of the curse without making it sound like he was planning on just using her? Of course the curse called for love, but then try explaining that to someone you had just met.

Claudia and Skittles could both sense the uneasiness their Prince was feeling. Skittles opened his mouth to try and assist but was soon stopped at the sound of Claudia's voice. "Oh look! Dinner appears to be ready. Why don't you take a seat Master?" she said, pouring as much sweetness into her words, but directing a venomous glare towards Bella when the Prince's back was turned again. She didn't want this stranger making any further accusations of her Prince. Of course she doubted Jellal knew that she had laid claim to him in her mind, after all he had other things to worry about.

Chefs began filing out of the main kitchen, silver trays in hand that held a variety of foods. Jellal was thankful for the distraction. "We weren't sure what sort of food you liked, so I had the chefs make a variety. And you don't have to worry about being shy about it either, feel free to have as much as you like, there's plenty" he said motioning for her to dig in if she wanted as servants came by her, lifting the tops of their trays to show her the food and allow her to take what she wanted.