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Circe remembered Tulip.
“So, it was s
he—Tulip—who was driven to suicide? Who threw herself off the cliffs?” Circe asked.
“Oh, I think she did for the loss of her daughter and of herself. She drowned in her own misery and regret in the end. I almost felt sorry for her.”
Circe wondered how many stories like this she hadn’t heard from her sisters. It was clear they were not speaking of Tulip, but some queen who had thrown herself from a cliff.
“No, I meant Tulip. Your words led me to believe she’d thrown herself off the cliffs of her father’s shores.”
Lucinda answered, “She did, my dear, but was saved by our friend Ursula.”
Circe glared at her sisters. “And what did the sea witch demand in return?”
Ruby looked hurt. “You think so little of the company we keep?”
Lucinda added, “And how would we know what Ursula took from her? We are not privy to the goings-on in every kingdom!”
Circe gave her sister a look as if she knew very well that was a lie, and her sister relented, as they often did with their Circe. She was their one weakness. “She took nothing from her she actually needed.”
Circe didn’t look convinced. “I want you to make it right with Ursula! You give her something in exchange for whatever she took from Tulip! And I am going to sort out the kingdom’s affairs!”
Lucinda looked deeply unhappy. “If you insist.”
Circe narrowed her eyes. “I do! And, Sisters, we’re to see that Tulip’s beauty is returned to her without delay!”
Ruby was surprised their little sister had guessed what the sea witch had swapped for Tulip’s life.
Circe smiled smugly. “Don’t look so surprised! Ursula’s beauty was ripped from her years ago, so it would stand to reason she would try to regain it by devious means! I think it’s terrible what happened to her, but it doesn’t excuse her actions!”
Lucinda spoke. “Doesn’t it? Someone has stolen her beauty and absconded with her true voice. Her losses are too many to count. So much was taken from her and then scattered across the vast ocean so she may never find it again—and for what? A trifle!”
Circe rolled her eyes at her sisters again. “Ursula’s deeds were not trifles!”
Lucinda continued. “Whatever our differing opinions may be, I will do what you ask because I love you far too much to watch you suffer and blame yourself for Tulip’s unhappiness.”
Martha looked panicked. “But what will we give her? Nothing too precious, nothing from the vault!”
Ruby was also in a panic over the thought of giving something away to Ursula. “Circe would have us give away all our treasures! First one of our enchanted mirrors, now what?”
Lucinda, who seemed unusually calm, quelled Martha’s fears. “Don’t worry, we won’t part with anything too precious. I promise.”
Then she looked to Circe. “I assume you will be off to Morningstar Castle straightaway?”
Circe had in fact decided she would venture out there right away.
“Yes, I will.” Lucinda went to the pantry and pushed a few things about until she found what she was looking for: a little velvet drawstring bag.
“When you get there, go to the cliffs and give Ursula this. She will be waiting for you.” And she added, “Tulip’s beauty will be returned.”
Circe smiled, transforming herself from her just awoken disheveled state to one that was more than presentable for a journey to Morningstar Kingdom. “I’ll be off, then. Don’t get into any trouble while I’m away. It may be some time before I return.”
The Beast woke on the floor in a room he seldom visited. It was dark except for the pink glow of the enchanted rose the sisters had given him on the night of the curse so long ago; its light was hazy under the protective glass dome that covered it, and its petals were few. His anger and anxiety seemed to have subsided after overhearing Belle refusing to dine with him. The maelstrom of his life had finally stopped spinning in his head, and he was able to focus on the present. The present. Belle. How long had she been here?
He could hear her in the hall. She was in the West Wing! She knew it was forbidden. He had told her so! It sounded like she was talking to Pflanze as they made their way through the wing. Why did women insist on talking to cats as if they understood what they were saying? He could never grasp the concept. He hid behind a changing screen, waiting to see if she was going to enter the room. She did. His heart raced. She was drawn to the rose, spellbound by its beauty. Her curiosity pulled her to it as the Beast’s panic rose, triggering his anger to dangerous proportions. He snatched the domed lid from her hands and slammed it back into place, making sure the delicate flower wasn’t damaged. His anger raged. All he saw was Belle’s terrified face.
“This room is forbidden! Now get out!” She stuttered, trying to find words to defend herself, but her fear took hold of her shaking body and she ran out of the castle and into the forest. She was alone and in despair. She didn’t care any longer about her promise to stay in her father’s place.
