Beauty and the Beast: Happily Ever After: Part Three Author's Note: Oh. My. Goodness. Here we are. The last installment of Beauty and the Beast. But this doesn't mean that no more content will be posted! A special project will come out soon (be on the lookout for it!) as well as the first installment of my next fanfic series, Timeless. Feel free to share thoughts/theories/etc about the new series in the comments :) In the meantime, please enjoy the final installment of the 24-book series, Beauty and the Beast. “I’ll meet you in the dining hall in an hour.” Rauru nodded and left the study, leaving the oak doors open behind him. Sonia slipped out after him and headed for the bedroom she shared with Rauru. It wasn’t too far away from Rauru’s study, and she was confident that she would be ready in time for their guests. Sonia climbed a spiraling flight of stairs and arrived in front of a pair of handsome marble doors. She opened the heavy doors with some difficulty and entered the room beyond. She had arrived in the bedroom, which featured a magnificent four-poster bed and a large fireplace. Sonia opened her wardrobe and examined the outfits inside. She had several beautiful dresses and gowns for formal occasions, along with her pajamas and casual clothing that she wore around the palace when they weren’t expecting visitors. She selected a gold silk dress and carried it to the bed, where she laid it down to examine it. The Gerudo’s colors were ruby red and gold, so it might be considered respectful to represent them. An hour later, having changed into her dress, applied some makeup, and brushed her hair, Sonia exited the bedroom and walked down the staircase to the dining hall. When she entered, Rauru was already there, dressed in white robes with gold embroidery. “Oh, good,” Rauru said upon her arrival, smiling cheerfully. “We have a general color scheme.” He gestured to her gold silk dress. “That looks wonderful, Sonia. The Gerudo are known for their exquisite clothing and expensive crafting materials, but I’m sure even Ganondorf will be impressed by that outfit.” Sonia blushed and replied, “Thank you, Rauru. I have heard about the Gerudo’s traditional clothing - don’t they adorn their armor with rubies and sapphires?” “Yes, that is a common practice among the warriors,” Rauru admitted, rubbing the back of his neck nervously. “They are very proud of their riches, and they don’t hesitate to showcase them. The chief will be dressed in a black silk robe with gold fastenings. I’ve been told that it’s a marvelous sight to behold.” Sonia nodded, swallowing hard. She was suddenly anxious, imagining the moment when several warriors would stride confidently through the doors into the dining hall, dressed in glistening armor studded with priceless jewels, led by a man destined for greatness from the moment of his birth... Suddenly, a soldier entered the dining hall. Bowing deeply to Rauru, he announced, “We’ve spotted the Gerudo coming from the southwest, Your Majesty. They should be here soon.” “Right. Thank you,” Rauru replied calmly. “You are dismissed.” Bowing once more, the soldier marched swiftly from the room. Rauru stared after him for several long moments, his teal eyes narrowed with concentration. Finally, he said softly, “It’s almost time.” One hour later, Sonia’s breath caught in her throat as the Gerudo chief stepped onto the threshold of the palace. She and Rauru were standing at the doors, prepared to greet him and his warriors when they arrived. He was dressed exactly as Rauru had forecasted. There was a length of black silk crossing his muscular chest diagonally, and another was wrapped around his waist and hung down to his knees. There were several strands of jewels draped around his neck and shoulders consisting of rubies, sapphires, and even diamonds. “King Rauru,” he said, and his powerful voice echoed through the palace beyond. “What an honor it is to meet you.” “Chief Ganondorf, it is my pleasure to have you here at the palace,” Rauru replied, extending his hand for a shake. Ganondorf accepted, and their gazes locked threateningly as they shook hands with enough force to break each other’s fingers. Ganondorf entered the palace, beckoning his warriors to follow him. He had brought four of them, and they all looked equally terrifying. They all had at least three visible scars, and their armor was dented and scratched from battle. This armor, just as Rauru had predicted, was generously covered with precious stones. The woman walking immediately behind Ganondorf broke away from the procession to greet Sonia. “Hello, Your Majesty,” she said, her amber eyes shining kindly. “Welcome to the palace, Captain Aponi,” Sonia replied, and the two women exchanged a brief embrace. “How are things in Gerudo Town?” (continued below)
“You’ll see,” Aponi said mysteriously. “Ganondorf wishes to share the updates himself. He’s been looking forward to this for weeks,” she added, and her fondness for her son was evident in her tone and expression. “How has he been faring as chief?” Sonia asked. “Well enough,” Aponi chuckled. “He’s been a bit unsure about some things, but he’s adjusting. He’s still so young, as you know. The former chief died far too soon. No one in the town was expecting it, and Ganondorf was forced to take his place before he was even a teenager.” Sonia looked at Ganondorf, who was telling his warriors where to sit. The softness of childhood had not fully faded from his face. His voice was deep, but not quite as deep as a man’s. Sonia could tell that he was still in his teenage years. Aponi followed Sonia’s gaze and smiled. “He might be young, but the whole town agrees that he had what it takes to lead the Gerudo. He’s determined and dedicated to his training. All Gerudo voe are natural leaders, but Ganondorf seems especially assertive.” Sonia didn’t know if that was good or bad. Unsure of how to respond, she allowed silence to fall between them. “Sonia!” Rauru called from the head of the table. “Time for dinner!” Sonia smiled at Aponi before walking over to the table, the Gerudo warrior on her heels. Aponi took a seat beside Ganondorf and whispered something in his ear that made him snort derisively. Sonia sank into the vacant seat on Rauru’s right side, trying her best to ignore the churning sensation in her stomach. She didn’t think she would be able to eat. “Welcome to the palace,” Rauru said loudly, and the small crowd around the table fell silent. “Chief Ganondorf, I hope you enjoy your short stay here, as well as all of your warriors. I am optimistic that this meeting will result in a stronger relationship between the kingdom of Hyrule and the Gerudo. Of course, we admire your commendable army and bountiful resources,” Rauru paused, and his teal eyes examined the jewels around Ganondorf’s neck, “but we have also heard of the Gerudo’s intelligence and initiative. It is our desire to have you and your people as an ally, Chief Ganondorf.” Ganondorf inclined his head to Rauru ever so slightly. “Thank you for your kind words, Your Majesty,” he said. His voice was quiet but authoritative. “In Gerudo Town, we all know of the honorable Zonai and the wondrous contributions they have made to the kingdom of Hyrule. You and your sister are special indeed. You have led Hyrule into an era of prosperity, and I am sure that your people are forever grateful for your leadership. One day, I hope to follow the example you have provided.” Rauru smiled, but Sonia could tell he was tense. Ganondorf was a smooth talker, and it would be difficult to compete with him for long. “It is not just the Zonai who are special. A voe is only born in Gerudo Town every century. From the moment you were born, you were the future of your race. I can’t begin to imagine the pressure that must bring for a teenager like yourself.” Ganondorf hesitated, but soon regained his unruffled composure and replied, “Thank you, Your Majesty. Perhaps it is in my blood, or perhaps it is due to being raised by the exceptional women of Gerudo Town - specifically my mother, Aponi - but I have yet to be terribly burdened by my duties as chief.” Rauru nodded. “I am glad to hear it, Chief Ganondorf. Now, shall we eat? I’m sure your warriors are hungry after the long journey from Gerudo Town.” “A meal would certainly be appreciated,” Ganondorf agreed. “We are grateful for your hospitality, King Rauru.” “I am grateful that you consented to visit the palace,” Rauru responded. He clapped twice, and the doors to the dining hall opened. Several servants walked in, each bearing platters and trays laden with fruit, cheese, cuts of meat, and a variety of drinks. Many of Ganondorf’s warriors gaped in amazement at the array of food. The only one who seemed unfazed by the arrival of the feast was Aponi, who was gazing impassively around the room. Three hours later, after Rauru had spoken to Ganondorf about a possible alliance, the Gerudo chief and his warriors left the palace. “Why don’t we take a walk in the woods?” Rauru suggested when the soldiers left. “I need to leave the palace and clear my head.” “Me too,” Sonia said. She and Rauru walked out into the courtyard and headed toward the forest where Sonia had once met with Rauru in secret. Before they could reach the shade of the trees, a strange sound filled the air. It sounded like the ticking of a clock. Rauru’s ears twitched, and he paused. “Do you hear that?” he whispered to Sonia. Sonia nodded, and he frowned. “It sounds like a clock, but that’s not possible.” Suddenly, a blinding flash of gold light bathed the field, and Rauru gasped. Sonia looked in the direction that the light had come from and saw something that would change her life forever. The motionless form of a young girl lying in the grass. THE END
