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Once upon a time…
There was a butcher who possessed very few riches. He had two children, both sons, the youngest of which was remarkably beautiful. Though his given name was Alec, many would refer to him as ‘beau’ , much to the chagrin of his elder brother who hadn’t inherited the same gift. The brother, Fred, made up for his failure by taking every opportunity he had to chastise and mock the younger for his wild ways.
Alec was a wild boy, but a kind one. It was a common sight to see him helping an elderly man repair his fence, or helping the ladies carry their goods to market to sell. He was known as the most helpful boy in the village, provided you could find him. Everyone agreed that though he was kind, he was odd. He adored the forests, often disappearing from sunup to sunset. He found himself at home with the creeks and tall trees. His greatest pride was his ability to spot the most silent and secretive of creatures. To him, those moments were special. A private moment that only he knew of, to see what tried so desperately not to be seen.
The village feared the forest. Within the branches contained ferocious beasts, witches, and devils. The children were raised to take caution even in the daylight, and forbidden to be anywhere near them after sunset. Alec knew the forest like the back of his hand, spoke its language as well as his own. The forest was a second home.
It was also an escape.
Alec had recently come of that age where he’d be expected to take on a wife, take up his father’s work, and settle into a simple life. It was not as if Alec saw any of those as beneath him - he had more than a few trysts with some of the village girls, his father’s work was highly respected, and a simple life was by no means an unhappy one. But no. Alec wanted a life of adventure. A life beyond the boundaries of what others wanted from him. A simple life would leave a wild boy like Alec restless. However, that was not something easily understood by his family.
“Licky, the Rose girl has written to you again. I wish you would just make up your mind and marry the poor girl. She adores you,” his mother pleaded with him. They have had this conversation several times before, and here they were again arguing about it over the breakfast table.
“Ma. I’ve told you…”
“Alec-”
“I don’t love her. She’s a fine lass but I won’t-”
“All she needs to be is fine! Love will come later.”
“I won’t do it Ma. No.”
His mother huffed, “When your pa returns I ought to tell him about this. He’ll put some sense into you.”
Alec’s father had left several days prior to attend a meeting in the next village over. A business opportunity had come open, and though the final details hadn’t been ironed out yet, it was likely that their family would be packing up to leave old England for the Argentine. A greater wealth just across the ocean, a greater life. The idea excited Alec, a chance to go beyond the boundaries of the village and explore an entirely new world. However, his family would be travelling together, and this same conversation would be among the baggage they’d bring. He didn’t want to leave England just to end up trapped in a simple life in the Argentine.
“Ma, it would be cruel of me to marry the lass and then force her to come with us across the ocean.”
His mother pursed her lips at that, knowing there was a bit of truth to her son’s words, “Fine. But you will marry when we’re settled in the Argentine. You can’t be a bachelor forever, Licky.”
“Ma, why does it-”
A sudden crash came from beyond the window. Alec startled from the table and ran outside. His father’s horse had been racing through the yard, and the cart had crashed into the oak tree. The sound had carried through the village. Several people poked their heads out of their doors. Alec’s brother quickly appeared from behind their home and ran to their father.
“Pa!” Alec cried out, racing towards them, his mother following right behind.
“It’s alright Alec, I’m alright,” the man grunted.
“What the hell happened to you!?” Fred asked.
They slowly sat their father upright and looked him up and down for signs of injury. The elder looked between his two sons with a tragic look upon his face.
“I had gone down the wrong path. It was dark and cold, and there was an estate ahead. I was only looking for shelter for the night. The door opened when I knocked, and there behind it was a beast. He locked me in his cellar for three days.”
“How did you escape?” Alec asked.
His father couldn’t meet his youngest’s eyes. He hung his head and answered with a crackling voice, “He said he would only let me go if I sent someone in my place. If they do not come within three days, he will come to the village and destroy it. I promised to send someone, but how am I to choose? Who do I condemn? God, I’ve condemned us all.”
The usually stoic elder began to weep. His sons were taken aback, as they’d never seen their father like this.
Alec took his father’s hand, “I’ll go pa. I’ll go.”
“My boy, I can’t-”
“I’ll go. I’ll buy you time to gather the village and make a plan to kill the thing.”
“Alec, I have raised a brave man. You make me proud.”
Alec grinned as his brother grimaced.
“Thank you pa. Do you remember how to get there?”
“Take the road straight until you come to a large blackened oak. I turned left there when I should have gone right. You’ll come across a wall of dead vine, mind the thorns and when you pass through, the estate will be right in front of you.”
Alec nodded and ran to gather a few things and find their horse. He kissed his mother goodbye, hugged his father, and gave a curt nod to his brother, “This isn’t goodbye. I'll be okay. Send for me when you can!”
With that, Alec raced off to find the beast.
-
The estate was in frightful shape, a permanent shadow fell over the building despite dusk only just beginning to set. Black, twisted vines crawled up the sides and seemingly tore at the brick. The lawn on the walk up was overgrown with thorns. Everything told Alec to leave, no one was welcomed here. Yet against his better judgement, Alec raised a hand to bang the iron door knocker. The door swung open with a sudden gust of wind, yet no figure stood in the doorway.
Alec took a slow step in.
And then he felt a strong hand latch to his arm and drag him inside.
“So you finally arrived. Took the old man long enough,” the voice of the creature was deep and booming.
“You needn’t drag me around like a doll. I can walk just fine,” Alec snapped.
“Shut up! Prisoners don’t get to talk,” the creature raged as it dragged him through the dark hallways.
“I came here to save my father and my village you fucking beast.”
“I said-” the beast turned and brought its ugly face mere inches away from Alec’s, “SHUT UP!”
The roar stunned Alec into silence. Then he was yanked around once more before finally being thrown into the damp, dark cellar. Alec blinked a few times to try and get his eyes to adjust to the dark. The only source of light came from the dimly lit oil lamp that hung on the wall by the stairs. Alec rose to his feet and walked towards the lamp. He went to reach for it, but was startled by a sudden voice.
“Do forgive him, he wasn’t always this cruel.”
Alec nearly jumped out of his skin, “Who said that?”
“Ehem. Right here. No, not there. Right here. The lamp. Me. Yes!”
Alec stared at the lamp curiously, only to find that the ornate details along the glass formed eyes and a mouth that were moving!
“I didn’t think the dark made people mad this quickly…” he mumbled.
“You’re not mad. I’m alive! And as I said, please do forgive my master. He wasn’t always this cruel.”
“What do you mean?”
“My master…he’s truly kind once you get past…well. All of the beastly parts,” the oil lamp said, “Oi! Open the door!”
The cellar door swung open. Unlike before, the hallways were lit up and the beauty of the interior of the home became clear. Sure, it could’ve used a good dusting, but paintings and once glittering sculptures lined the halls. Alec took the oil lamp and slowly walked up the cellar steps and into the main house.
“Oh he’s just darling! Look at those curls! And those delightful freckles! He’s a vision!”
Alec looked down to find a floating feather duster floating towards him. He really was losing his mind.
“Hush now Charlotte, don’t make our guest uncomfortable!” the oil lamp chided.
“Ugh Maggie you’re no fun!”
“Um. Hello,” Alec greeted the…feather duster.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you beau , and what might your name be?”
“It’s Alec just.”
“I’d prefer to call you beau -”
“Charlotte!”
“Fine.”
“My dear Alec, you are our guest. You have travelled a long way to be here. Let us take you to your room and I’ll have the kitchen prepare your supper,” the oil lamp, Maggie, insisted. She began to wiggle in his grasp, so he gently set her down and watched as she began to waddle down the hall.
“I don’t understand. My pa was here for three days and he never said a thing about talking lamps,” he said as he followed her.
“He may have thought you’d think him mad,” Charlotte said as her feathers swayed, “Would you not?”
“I’d suppose,” Alec hummed as they turned a corner. The oil lamp paused at a blue door and used her handle to knock. The door swung open, and inside laid out a lovely guest room. The bed was large and layered with goose feather pillows. The fireplace was well lit which gave the room a healthy glow and warmth. Alec took a step inside and suddenly realized just how exhausted he was. He slid his boots off, removed his coat, and tried not to jump when the coat rack took it from him.
“Care for a hot cup?” a new voice called from the hallway. Alec turned to see a tea cart rolling by on its own. The tea pot rocked onto its side and poured some into a tea cup.
“Hello,” Alec greeted kindly as he took the cup.
“Oh hello young man. I cannot say how excited I am to see such a friendly face grace our halls. I’m Milly!.”
“Pleasure, my name is Alec,” he said as he took a sip. The warmth of the tea spread throughout his chest and only seemed to weigh his eyelids down more.
“Come now lad,” Milly said warmly, “lay down and rest until supper is ready. We’ll send someone to wake you.”
Alec nodded and moved slowly to the bed. He set his cup on the night stand and laid himself amongst the pillows - the softest he’d ever laid his head upon. He sunk into the bed and nodded off almost instantly.
-
“Why is he asleep in the guest bed?” the beast growled as he stared at the man from the doorway.
“Because we are hosts, and he is our guest beast,” Maggie said with a sharp pop of her flame.
“He is my prisoner.”
“Even so, he deserves to rest and be fed.”
“I will not eat with him.”
“No one has asked you to. Though it would be kind of you - ”
The beast scoffed, then grumbled something under his breath before marching off down the hall. Maggie sighed and toddled to the kitchen.
-
As Alec slept, he began to dream. His usual dreams were simple, walks through the woods. This dream was strange. He was lying on his back in a brightly lit field. The meadow grasses swung in the breeze above his head, breaking up the endlessness of the rare but beautiful blue English sky. He turned his head, and the rest of the world fell away. Next to him lay a beautiful young man who stared at him with eyes as dark and rich as the forest soil beneath their heads. Alec tried to take in his other features, but he couldn’t get his dreamself to focus. The only clear image was his eyes. He stretched his hand out to touch him, but the image of the man simply slipped through his fingertips.
-
And then he awoke to the feather duster - Charlotte - brushing his face gently. He yawned and rubbed his eyes.
“Supper is ready, beau . Come and eat,” her voice was so soft it could’ve lulled him back to sleep. However, his hunger betrayed him and he rose to his feet. He followed her to the large dining room, where a long table sat in the center. Upon it sat fresh primroses in a vase and a variety of plates filled with buttered rolls, beef, mashed potatoes, gravy boats, freshly glazed carrots, and a variety of other dishes Alec didn’t quite know. He sat at the head of the table close to the fireplace and watched in awe as the chandelier reached one of its lights down to pour him a glass of sweet red wine.
“Please, help yourself!” Milly chirped as her cart rolled itself in, “We would hate to see you go hungry while you’re here!”
Alec nodded and began to fill his plate. The meal prepared was better than his own mother’s cooking (he’d make a note to never mention this thought to her). He ate quickly at first, but was urged to slow down by Milly.
“It’s not going anywhere. Enjoy yourself.”
He was about to reply when the door to the dining room suddenly swung open. From the hall stepped in a large figure - the beast. For the first time, Alec got a good look at the creature. He had the body of a man, but much larger and covered with thick coarse hair. His legs ended in hooves and the head was that of a boar - large tusks curling out of his bottom lips. The beast’s ears twitched with annoyance at the sight of Alec eating, and in return the young man glared. The beast sat at the other end of the long table with a grunt. He pulled a cigarette from his threadbare coat and lit it. The smell of tobacco began to swirl in the air, and as his hunger satiated, Alec found a new thing to crave. He’d left his own at home in the rush to gather his things.
The beast caught onto what Alec was staring at and paused. He watched the smoke for a beat, then flicked the ashes before pulling his cigarette case back out and sliding it across the table.
“Take one,” he grumbled.
Alec eyed the case but didn’t move.
“Take one,” the beast demanded, “There’s nothing but tobacco in them if that’s what troubles you.”
Alec scoffed and took the case. He pulled out a cigarette and quickly lit it with a simple flick of a match. He took a deep inhale and closed his eyes as he savored the feeling.
“Do I not get a thank you?” the beast grumbled.
Alec’s eyes slowly opened into another sharp glare, “It’s the least you could do. What with throwing me in a cellar and all.”
“You have no proper etiquette training, do you?”
“Says the boar. Are you toilet trained?” Alec sneered.
The beast banged one of his giant fists onto the table, “I should throw you back into that cellar and break every piece of furniture that tries to let you out.”
“Do it,” Alec dared.
“Gentlemen!” Milly shouted, “We are trying to have a nice dinner. Now that is enough arguing. Beast, either eat or leave. You may not just barge in to antagonize our guest.”
Alec grinned for the first time since the beast entered.
“And Alec - mind your manners. Be a good guest to your hosts.”
The grin fell as quickly as it came. He huffed and looked across the table, “Thank you…for the cigarette.”
“My pleasure,” the beast replied through gritted teeth.
The dinner continued on in tense silence. Alec rose from his chair after he finished and grabbed his dishes, “Where’s your kitchen?”
“Oh no Alec. Don’t worry yourself with cleaning up, we’ll do it.”
“Are you sure?”
The beast let out a snort, “The village boy is not used to servants.”
Alec nearly broke his plate in half, “I don’t have a silver spoon shoved up my arse. Insult my class again and I’ll shove another one up yours.”
He set his plate down and marched out of the dining room. The beast sat there silently as the dining room chairs began to clear the table.
“Why, beast?” Milly asked curtly.
The beast didn’t answer, he just lit another cigarette.
-
Three days passed and the tension between the beast and the young man had lowered from a boiling pot to a gentle simmer. The appearance of a full cigarette case on Alec’s nightstand the morning after helped immensely. In place of conversation, they smoked together at the dinner table - which was the closest Alec thought they’d get to civility. He found that in terms of prison, the estate was not terrible. He could wander the halls as he pleased, except for the russet room. Despite the knob turning, the door never seemed to allow itself to open.
On this third night, Alec stumbled upon the beast reading in the study. The walls were lined with books, and a simple desk sat in the corner where the beast sat. Alec watched the beast for a moment. In this state, the beast was not nearly as unpleasant. He was relaxed, almost happy, as he read. For a moment, Alec thought of the man who kept appearing in his dreams. The beast had the same tranquil air about him. A familiar gentleness.
“Can I help you?”
The spell broke.
“What are you reading?” Alec asked.
“Nothing that would interest you.”.
“How would you know?”
The beast scoffed, “ The butcher-boy puts off his killing-clothes, or sharpens his knife at the stall in the market, I loiter enjoying his repartee and his shuffle and break-down. ”
“Song of Myself,” Alec said plainly, “I can read you know.”
“I assumed so. I didn’t realize the lower classes had been introduced to Whitman yet.”
“The book is sixty years old.”
The beast didn’t answer. Alec let the silence linger for a while. He could hear the faint hooting of owls just outside the window. At least they were free to fly outside..
“What’s in the russet room?” he asked, testing the limits of their newly found truce.
“Nothing.”
“Then why’s it locked?”
“Why does it matter?”
“It’s the only room I haven’t seen yet.”
“It stays locked.”
“Why’s it locked if nothing’s in there?”
“That’s of no concern to you.”
Alec crossed his arms, then turned on his heel to walk down the hall.
“Where are you going?”
“That’s of no concern to you,” he called back as he turned the corner. He quickly ran up the stairs and defiantly marched his way over to the russet room. He tried to turn the doorknob but it simply didn’t budge. He tried to force the door to give way by throwing himself against it, but that too failed to open the door. As a last ditch effort, he knelt down and tried to peek through the keyhole.
He couldn’t see much, but the room did seem empty. The exception was one small table that sat in the center. On the table was a glass case with a bouquet of snow white primroses inside. He could see that some were starting to wilt, and several had fallen to the bottom and died. Alec wondered why flowers of all things would be locked behind the door. In his curiosity, he failed to realize he was no longer alone in the hall.
“I said leave it alone! GET OUT!” the beast roared behind him. Alec shot up in an instant, and nearly got pummeled by one of the beast’s large fists. He ducked to the side as the beast’s hand cracked the wood of the door, and he ran.
Alec could feel his heart pounding in his chest as he raced through the house, dodging the desperate pleas from Maggie, Charlotte, and Milly to stop and to wait. He burst through the front door in a desperate escape and ran down the path towards the forest. Alec ran deeper and deeper into the forest until his chest started to hurt from his labored breath. He slowed himself only to realize - he was completely lost.
He looked around frantically, he’d never been truly lost in the woods before. These trees were new. Taller, scraggly, terrifying. Branches tugged at his clothes as he tried to find the road. Panic rattled him, he couldn’t think straight. He stopped and tried to find a landmark, then whipped his head around as he heard the snap of a large branch. From the shadows came a set of large, glowing eyes accompanied by a low growl. Alec swallowed hard and took small steps back. He could hardly see, but he could make out the outline of large furry ears and the glitter of sharp teeth that dripped with drool. He knew that wolves didn’t usually attack humans unless cornered, but there was a sickness that they could catch. One that made them hunt anything that moved. One that this wolf clearly had and now Alec was surely dead. The wolf stalked towards him and was about to lunge for its kill.
It was shoved mid air by a large shadowed figure. Through the darkness, all Alec could see was the two shadows scuffle with one another before the wolf gave a loud whimper. It fell limply to the ground and the forest fell quiet. Alec froze in his place, his back against the rough bark of a tree. He watched with widened eyes as the shadow left standing began to move towards him, limping. As it approached, the few ribbons of moonlight revealed the face of the beast.
“Beast?” he asked quietly.
The creature grunted and swayed. Alec rushed forward and caught him before he could fall. The beast was impressed by the young man’s strength.
“Come, stay awake. Point me where to go,” he instructed. The beast nodded and gestured towards the north. The two walked on in silence. As they broke through the bramble and came up to the estate, the beast finally spoke in a weak voice.
“Maurice.”
“Hm?”
“My name. It’s Maurice. Not beast.”
Alec looked up at him with the softest look, “Maurice. Thank you, Maurice.”
The pair hobbled their way through the halls until they reached Maurice’s room. Alec helped him lay down and called for something to bring him some bandages. Soon after, Milly and her cart appeared in the room with the supplies.
“This might sting,” Alec warned as he began to clean the wound. Maurice growled and yanked his arm away.
“That hurts!”
“I can’t clean it if you don’t stay still,” Alec huffed.
“I wouldn’t have gotten hurt if you hadn’t run away,” Maurice grumbled.
“I wouldn’t have ran if you hadn’t shouted at me,” Alec countered.
“You shouldn’t have been trying to spy in the russet room.”
“You should learn to control your temper.”
Maurice let out a huff.
“Thank you. Again. For saving my life,” Alec said, his tone becoming softer. The room fell quiet as Alec worked, and by the time he was finished, Maurice had fallen asleep. Alec took a step back and watched his chest gently rise and fall.
“I told you, he wasn’t always cruel.”
Alec turned to see the oil lamp waddle her way into the room.
“What happened to him?” he asked quietly.
Maggie sighed, “Long ago, Maurice had fallen in love with the man who owned this estate. However, society does not allow such unions to live happily. The man left Maurice and took on a wife. In his grief, Maurice became terribly cruel to all who knew him. Unbeknownst to him, his sister was studying magic. She had become an enchantress. One night, the two got into a terrible row. He shouted at her, then turned his anger to their mother. This was the final straw for his sister. She cursed him to wear his ‘beastly’ self outwards, so every living soul would run from him before he could cast his cruelty upon them as well. Then, she enchanted this estate to trap him amongst reminders of his greatest heartbreak. However, he is still her brother and she does love him, so she brought us all to life to keep him company. But talking oil lamps are not nearly as good of company as a living soul.”
“Will he be this way forever?”
“The primroses in the russet room are a part of the curse. When the last flower dies he will be condemned to this form forever.”
“What a terrible fate,” Alec murmured, “Is there a way to fix it?”
The oil lamp’s flame dimmed, “Not that I know.”
-
That night, Alec dreamed of the mysterious man once again. Like in his dreams before, he reached out to the other man. This time though, Alec was able to feel the texture of the man’s shirt under his fingertips. He began to run his hands up the man’s arm and then to his chest. He could feel the steady drum of a heart beat. Alec raised himself onto his elbows and leaned over the man. His face still wasn’t clear, except for his eyes. Alec stared at him, one hand over his heart, until he woke up to the sound of songbirds.
-
Maurice watched from the dining room window as Alec wandered about the gardens. The young man was smelling the roses and stealing apples to eat from the tree that sat in the center of the garden.
“You’re staring,” Milly said in a sing-song tone.
“He’s interesting to watch.”
“He’s a beautiful addition to the garden.”
“Yes. He is.”
Milly laughed, “You like him don’t you?”
Maurice shook his head, “He’s stubborn. Rough. Ill-mannered. Beautifully passionate. Strong. Intelligent.”
“His curls are just darling,” Milly teased.
“His smile is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen,” Maurice said wistfully as he watched the smile he spoke of grace Alec’s features. He’d earned the trust of a chipmunk who happily ran off with a piece of bread he’d kept in his pocket from breakfast.
“You should try to be kind to him. Maybe he could learn to like it here with you. Maybe you could be friends.”
“No one can befriend an unspeakable like myself,” Maurice said bluntly, setting his cup down and rising to his feet.
“Is it not worth it to try?”
Maurice considered the teapot for a moment, then wordlessly walked over to the garden door and stepped out into the sunlight.
-
Alec eyed Maurice carefully as he appeared in the garden. He wasn’t quite sure if their truce had crossed into a neutral acquaintance yet. Though he could imagine Maurice still being angry with him for trying to run away. As he got closer, Alec braced himself.
“It’s a lovely day,” Maurice said softly.
“Yes. It is.”
“Do you like the garden?”
“I do. I suppose it's the closest I can get to the forest.”
Maurice looked at him curiously, “Even after last night, you wish to go back?”
Alec shrugged and smiled, “At home, I spent my time exploring the forest by my village. I would wander for hours watching the rabbits run. Or finding strange plants growing from the trees. One time I watched a weasel catch a mouse. Weasels don’t like to be seen.”
“You miss the forest.”
“I do,” Alec looked up at Maurice. Alec would never admit to doing it, but he knew he possessed what many called ‘doe eyes’. Big brown eyes that could be subtly used to get his way. He wasn’t sure if Maurice, with his beastly nature, would fall for the trick so easily. What Alec didn’t notice was the way Maurice’s ears twitched as he became flustered. Thank god a blush couldn’t be seen through boar fur.
“Can I take you somewhere?” Maurice asked. Alec nodded excitedly. Finally! He could get out of this stuffy estate.
Maurice grinned a strange toothy grin and motioned for Alec to follow him. The two ventured across the garden lawn and towards an overgrown path that led into the woods. Alec followed after him with a slight bounce in his step as they ducked under the tree canopy. The path meandered around until coming across an old wooden building. Maurice walked up to the door and held it open for Alec. Upon walking inside, Alec saw the old wooden boat that gently floated in the water. Looking out, Alec could see the large lake that spread out behind the building. Maurice followed in behind him and offered Alec a hand.
“It’s faster if we go by boat,” he explained.
Alec nodded and took Maurice’s offer. Once settled into the boat, Maurice stepped in and used the paddle to push them off the dock. Alec leaned back and watched his surroundings change as the boat floated out into the lake. Within moments, a grey heron flew above their heads. The young man grinned and pointed to the bird.
“Look! It’s beautiful.”
Maurice never took his eyes off Alec, “It is.”
-
The boat slid ashore on the other side of the lake. The pair left the boat and Maurice led Alec to a narrow forested path.
“Close your eyes,” Maurice instructed.
“Why?” Alec asked.
“It’s a surprise!”
“You better not let a branch hit my face,” Alec grumbled, narrowing his eyes at Maurice for a moment before giving in. Maurice reached for his hand and gently led him through the path. It was only a few moments before they came to a stop.
“Okay, open.”
Alec opened his eyes and his jaw dropped. Around them was a forest that could only be described as ‘magical’. A waterfall spilled into a lazy stream that bubbled across the rocks. Along the edge, where the sun shone the brightest, a kaleidoscope of wildflowers bloomed and swayed with the breeze. Little flying creatures fluttered about. Alec quickly realized that these creatures were not insects, but fairies with an unique array of colorful wings that shimmered. In the distance, an old cottage sat in an open meadow. The walls were being overtaken by ivy vines that looked as if they were made of gold.
“What is this place?” Alec asked breathlessly.
“This is the Greenwood. I found it about a year ago. I had a fit of loneliness and I spent days wandering. I stumbled upon this place and found it…serene,” Maurice explained, “It became a comfort.”
“It’s beautiful,” Alec said, walking ahead of Maurice. He watched as a snow white weasel hopped along the stream bed ahead of them before diving into a burrow, “I thought they were brown this time of year.”
“Nothing is quite what it seems here. It’s a sacred place.”
“This is the greatest gift anyone has given me,” Alec looked to Maurice, “Why are you being so kind to me now?”
Maurice was silent for a long moment. Alec started to wonder if he had offended him when the other finally spoke again, “I had become so accustomed to being alone and miserable, I forgot how to feel any differently. I’m sorry for all my cruelty towards you Alec. You are no longer my prisoner, you are free to leave when it pleases you. But I pray you will still visit with me, I’ve come to enjoy your company very much.”
Alec felt his chest tighten, he couldn’t find the right words to say. So instead, he took Maurice’s hand and looked out at the Greenwood.
-
While Maurice rowed the two of them back across the lake, Alec started to doze off as he watched the leaves in the water float by. As he dozed, he began to dream of the man in the field. To his amazement, he could finally see the man in complete clarity. He was classically handsome with a beautiful dimpled smile. His dark hair swept across his forehead as the breeze blew around them. Alec took his face in his hands and pulled him into a kiss.
The dream ended suddenly as Maurice shook him awake.
-
The next night, Maurice invited Alec to dinner in the garden. He asked the staff to find something nice for Alec to wear (“I want him to have a night of luxury” he insisted). Met with only slight resistance from the village boy, the house staff was able to find a lovely blue suit for him. Though, against everyone’s wishes, Alec attempted to slick back his hair with pomade.
“Why beau? !” Charlotte cried as she fluttered across the mirror, “You’re breaking my poor heart.”
“I look stupid dressed like this with my hair all wild,” he insisted as he ran the comb through his curls. He was nervous. He’d never been dressed like this, and since their trip to the Greenwood, Alec’s heart felt odd. Like it was beating just a little too fast. After some more fussing, Alec was all but dragged out of his room by Milly and her cart.
In the garden, a small white table had been placed with two matching chairs. Upon the table sat two plates with a vase of freshly picked evening primroses and a few small candles. Maurice was already outside, doing his own fussing over the small table setting, when Alec appeared at the door. The two smiled at each other, both ignoring the quickening of their hearts, both missing the way the other seemed to race to meet them.
Alec spoke first, “Thank you for the suit.”
“Of course,” Maurice’s eyes looked over Alec’s hair, “I hope you didn’t feel obligated to comb your hair for this. I only wanted to indulge you in an evening of luxury.”
Alec felt his face flush, “Do I look stupid?”
“No! Not at all! I just… I am so accustomed to your curls that it’s just…different.”
“I think I made Charlotte cry while combing. It’s hard to tell with her being a feather duster and all.”
Maurice laughed and gestured for Alec to sit. Maurice opened a bottle of wine and poured some for the both of them as they waited for the food cart to arrive.
“Why did you want to have dinner outside?” Alec asked curiously.
Maurice smiled and pointed up at the night sky. The pair looked up together. Hundreds of stars glittered in the sky, but what was truly impressive were the hundreds of meteors raining down. Alec couldn’t take his eyes off of them.
“How did you know this was going to happen?” Alec asked.
“Milly likes to track the stars,” Maurice said quietly, “Alec, can I ask you something?”
“Of course.”
Maurice shifted in his seat, his ears flicking about on their own accord, “Is there a lady waiting for you back at the village?”
Alec scoffed, “If there was, my ma would’ve marched out here herself and dragged me home. Beast or no beast.”
“If you don’t mind me asking, why not?”
Alec leaned back in his chair and shrugged, “I want a life of adventure. I want to be able to pick up and go where I please. I don’t want to drag a poor girl from her home.”
“What if you found yourself a lady who wouldn’t mind adventuring with you?”
“Maybe then,” Alec mumbled, “But who’s to say a woman is my only choice.”
Maurice stared at Alec as he confessed to something that they both knew would be world shattering if they weren’t in the safety of the garden. He took a shaky breath, “Alec. Do you like it here? With me?”
“I do. I just…I wish we could - “
Alec’s voice died as a low roar of shouting could be heard coming from the distance. He stood up and walked over to the edge of the garden to peek through the trees. He could see flashes of flames dancing between the trees.
“Maurice,” Alec’s voice shook, “Maurice, get inside now!”
“Why?”
“The village. They’ve come to kill you, and save me.”
Maurice’s heart sank.
“I’m so sorry Maurice,” Alec pleaded, “It was before I ever met you. I’ll go to them now, and get them to turn back. Please, I’m sorry.”
“I believe you Alec,” Maurice assured him.
Alec gave him an anxious smile, “I’ll stop them. I won’t let them hurt a single precious finger of yours, alright?”
Maurice nodded as he quickly rose from his chair, “Please be safe Alec.”
-
Alec raced through the woods towards the flickering torch flames. When he thought he was close enough for them to hear, he called out.
“Pa! Fred!”
“Alec?! My boy! Alec where are you?”
“Pa I’m here! I’m here!” he cried out as he broke through the trees and onto the road. He froze as he looked out at the mob of at least thirty people. They had torches and their guns slung over their shoulders. His father and brother stood at the front of the group, their faces shifting in the dancing flames.
“You’re okay! Oh thank God you’re okay,” his father rushed forward and pulled Alec into a tight hug, “My boy look at you! In a very fine suit. And you look well fed.”
“I am pa,” Alec pulled away and looked to the crowd, “The beast is not a cruel creature. He gave me a fine bed, fed me well, and treated me kindly. He’s not a beast at all, he’s a cursed man. Pa, you’ve got to tell everyone to go back. You can’t kill him.”
“Alec, are you sure? The creature I met threw me in a cellar and left me in the dark.”
“He’s gone insane pa,” Fred argued, “He’s spent so long with the beast he’s actually started to like the thing.”
Alec glared at his brother, “That’s not true! He’s the kindest man I’ve met! He’s a perfect gentleman.”
“It’s probably cursed him too pa,” Fred insisted, “Look at him. He doesn’t even look himself!”
Their father looked between the brothers, “Alec. We’ve been so worried about you. All of these people are here to see you come home.”
“I’m okay pa,” Alec assured him, “And I can come home anytime I please.”
“Then why haven’t you?”
Alec found himself at a standstill. He couldn’t tell his father the truth. He couldn’t say that his heart had grown so fond of the beast that he couldn’t stand the idea of leaving for the Argentine without Maurice by his side. His father, his village, would never accept a man-beast amongst them. The truth would be the ruin of them both.
“See how he can’t answer?” Fred interjected, “He’s been bewitched. He can’t leave until the beast is dead! Kill the beast!”
The chant flowed over the crowd and Fred began to lead them forward.
“Wait!” Alec cried out, “No! NO!”
The crowd shoved past him and ran towards the estate. His father hadn’t joined them, instead he stood there staring at his son.
“Pa,” Alec begged, “Please believe me. I didn’t come home because…because he needs someone to break the curse. I want to help him. His name is Maurice, and he’s a good man.”
“I can’t believe you Alec. Not until the creature is dead.”
Alec watched in horror as his father joined the mob as they stormed into estate gardens. With his heart pounding like a drum in his chest, Alec ran after the mob, still calling and begging them to stop.
A loud pop rang through the air.
Alec felt as if he were about to throw up.
-
Maurice gripped his side as he fell to the ground. A man stood in the doorway with smoke coming from the barrel of his rifle.
Maurice had attempted to hide in the russet room, but the mob had stormed the whole estate. Every room was ransacked, animated furniture and silverware fought valiantly, but would ultimately be smashed or tossed out windows. He’d been cornered by a tall man.
“You kidnapped my father. Then you bewitch my brother,” he spat down at the beast. Maurice could not speak, nor could he hardly move. He clutched his bleeding side and silently begged for a quick death. His blood began spilling out from around his hand, soaking the fur before spilling onto the floor. The tall man laughed, “Is the little piggy too weak to fight? Well, since this creature is dead, I should at least get a good cut of pork from it.”
The tall man pulled a hunter’s knife from his belt. He put the blade to the beast’s throat as was about to slice when Alec burst into the room.
“NO!” he shouted as he tackled his brother to the ground.
“Alec stop!” Fred shouted as the brothers fought one another, “The beast has to die!”
“He’s good! He’s good!” Alec cried out as he pinned Fred face down onto the floor, “I won’t let you kill him!”
“Look at him!” Fred kicked and squirmed in Alec’s grip, “He’s already dying.”
Alec froze and looked over at Maurice. Grief overwhelmed him as he saw the creature taking slow labored breaths. A pool of red had started to form around him. Alec abandoned his brother and crawled over to Maurice. He placed a hand on his chest and looked down at him, trying to see if Maurice could meet his eyes.
“Maurice,” Alec’s voice wavered, “Please look at me.”
Maurice’s dazed eyes opened and a loopy, toothy grin appeared on his face, “You’re here.”
“I am.”
“I was just having the most lovely dream. You and I, laying in a meadow.”
Alec let out a weak laugh, “I could bring you to a meadow. To the Greenwood. Some place beautiful.”
Maurice hummed, “Oh my dear boy, I’m dying. I’d never make it.”
Alec felt a sob bubble into his throat, “You can’t. Maurice you can’t die.”
“Alec. You’ve given me the greatest gift. I am to die, but at least I get to see the most beautiful thing in the world one last time,” Maurice took in a shallow raspy breath, his body beginning to still.
“No. No no no,” Alec didn’t notice the hot tears rolling down his face as he desperately shook Maurice, “Maurice! Maurice please. Don’t go, I love you.”
-
I love you. There has never been a more powerful phrase spoken. Every language has a way to tell someone how your heart yearns for them. How your life becomes hollow when they’re gone. I love you. Three words that can start wars and end them. Three words that level mountains and drain the seas. Those three words are often the key to breaking every fairy tale curse. For there is no magic more powerful than love.
When those words fell from Alec’s lips, the jar of primroses began to glow. The dead and wilted petals perked up and returned to their full bloom. From there, golden rays of light began to shine through the room, covering Maurice’s body in a cocoon of shimmering magic. Alec blinked through his tears to watch in awe as Maurice’s body began to float into the air. The magic swirled and swirled, turning hooves back into human feet. Boar fur floated off into the shimmer along with the tusks. In their place became smooth pale skin and soft dark hair that only sat upon the young man’s head. The wound in his side closed, the blood disappearing into the magic with all that remained of the curse. The shimmer slowly lowered Maurice back to the floor in front of Alec. Then, as quickly as it appeared, the shimmer floated off like dust into the air.
Alec was hesitant at first, unsure if this man was even Maurice. Unsure if he was even alive. But he gave into his curiosity and gently placed his hand over the heart. The steady thumping of a beating heart had never brought Alec so much relief in his life. He stared at the face and wondered why this man (“Maurice, it has to be Maurice”) looked so familiar to him. The realization came when Maurice finally opened his eyes. They were as dark and rich as the forest soil. Maurice gave him a tired but happy grin. Alec realized he was classically handsome with a beautiful dimpled smile.
“It’s you,” Alec said breathlessly, “You were in my dreams. The meadow. We were there together.”
“I’m alive.”
“You are,” Alec threw himself forward, his face only an inch away from Maurice’s, “You are alive, and you are a man again. And now, I want to kiss you.”
Maurice reached up to run a hand through the curls that had been breaking free of their pomade prison all night, “Sounds…lovely.”
Alec closed the gap and kissed Maurice with all the strength he had left within him.
-
“Alec…” Fred’s voice brought the two men back to reality. Alec raised his head and looked to his brother.
“Fred, please-”
“No. I’ve spent my life living in your shadow, beau . You could have your pick of women. They throw themselves at you. Yet you choose to destroy what dignity our family will have left after this beast mess,” Fred grabbed his gun and raised it.
“We’ll disappear,” Alec said quickly, “Say the beast dragged me off to the woods. Tell them I’m dead.”
Fred was silent as he contemplated the idea.
“Fred. I’m your brother.”
The two brothers stared at each other, both waiting for the other to break. Fred couldn’t bear the idea of killing his little brother. Though he spent years envying him, Fred could still remember the day Alec was born. He remembered holding him for the first time. He remembered how Alec spent their early childhood days following him around. The days before he started wandering about on his own. The days before Alec became the most beautiful boy in the village.
“Go,” he sighed, lowering his gun, “Never come back.”
Alec nodded, “Thank you.”
He quickly stood and helped Maurice find his footing. The pair ran from the russet room and through the chaos of the estate. With the curse broken, the estate became lifeless. Well decorated walls turned grey, the furniture, antiques, and silverware laid lifelessly - never to be reanimated again. Alec couldn’t help but mourn the loss of the friends he had made. Maurice squeezed his hand, he felt the same grief. But the pair weren’t able to stop if they wanted to make it out alive.
The crisp night air felt like freedom. They ran through the garden towards the boathouse, leaving the estate to go up in flames from the mob’s torches. They slipped through the trees and vanished into the night.
-
The lake was like a black mirror for the night sky. Maurice placed a hand into the water and watched as the falling stars swirled in the reflection. Alec smiled as he rowed, every pull of the paddles bringing them closer to the protection of the Greenwood.
“Where should we go first?” Maurice asked as he looked up from the water.
Alec shrugged, “It doesn’t matter. We shan’t never be parted no more.”
Maurice beamed and carefully moved across the boat. He took Alec’s face in his hands and kissed him gently. It was a beautiful scene, the two lovers sharing a kiss under the light of a thousand shooting stars.
“It’s finished,” Alec whispered against Maurice’s lips before kissing him once more.