Epilogue

Adam returned to his human form just as the enchantress promised. He wasn't conscious the last time it happened, so he was amazed at how his body was weightlessly lifted into the air, how the fur seemed to recede back to reveal his skin, how his hands morphed and changed from paws. It wasn't as painful as turning into the Beast had been, but he ached the rest of the night from it.

The king saw them off the next morning, as did most of the court. It seemed Adam had obtained an interesting reputation among them, and that surprisingly did not include any inclination to murder him.

They returned home in good time and joyfully settled back into their lives. They had a more visitors, curious for the story of the Beast and the enchantment, and Adam was a bit more willing to discuss it now.

The rose, hidden away for more than sixteen years, was moved to a place of honor in the entrance hall so any who came might admire it. The mirror was kept in the West Wing, for use by the family only. Usually it was used by Brigitte to cheat at her games of hide-and-seek with the castle's children.

Brigitte began to shadow Adam through many of his days, preparing for when he might hand over the province to her. She was a willing student and Adam knew she would rule beautifully over their small corner of the world.

It seemed she wouldn't be alone in that though. Not long after they arrived back home, young Henry had approached Adam and Belle, asking (very nervously) for permission to court Brigitte. They agreed more than willingly, of course, and Belle and Clarice had great fun in debating who had seen this coming first.

Cherine and Chip had a baby girl as autumn arrived and named her Rose. Mrs. Potts was overjoyed at being a grandmother, sparking her into new life.

The dexterity in Edmund's hand returned to normal, though he would always be embarrassed by his scars. The tutor Adam had hired for him was a wonderful, eccentric man and Edmund thrived under his tutorage. He even began to learn to paint, and a few years later, a very handsome portrait of the Beast hung in the castle, as did one of Maurice which was placed in the library near the one of Belle and her mother.

As for Belle and Adam, the Beauty and the Beast they continued on as they always had, reading to each other, taking walks or rides together, working side by side. Occasionally they traveled, revisiting favorite places abroad or paying visits to their dear friends by the beach, but largely content to remain at home, close to their family. True love is the strongest kind, and they remained very much in love with each other until the end of their days.

Endings are hard! Ending-endings, anway. Perhaps harder than weddings! I hope I did some justice to this one. I will never stop writing for Beauty and the Beast, but I think this might be my last long one (but never say never, right?). Thank you so much for reading, and I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did!