And I'm back, don't worry this story will finish eventually.

Mustard Lady, it's high time for the reveal isn't it?

Guest, what a curse that would be.

ImagineATale, Gaston wouldn't be Gaston without some boasting, but for once it was deserved.

PumpkinHallow4815, where's the fun without a little suspense, but don't worry, she'll see her father this chapter.

Enjoy!

Chapter 39

When Eliana opened the front door she couldn't help but gasp at the sight before her. It was beautiful! She carefully walked inside while looking around, taking in every detail.

"Miss? Mademoiselle?"

She turned at the voice and saw one of the servants beckoning her over.

"Father?"

The man in front of her spluttered, "Euhm no…I don't have any children. Are you all right?"

Before she could answer the rest stepped inside.

"She's fine Cogsworth, a bit overwhelmed perhaps but that is to be expected." Adam said, "Do you happen to know who on staff has three daughters named Eloise, Elise and this is Eliana."

"Does his wife happen to be called Amelia?" Cogsworth asked.

"Yes! That's my mother's name. You know who my father is? Could I see him?" Eliana asked enthusiastically.

"I'll inform him you're here, though it might take…a while."

Eliana looked disappointed thinking her father may not want to see her as much as she had hoped.

Seeing the look on Eliana's face Gaston felt sorry for her and stepped forward, "I'm sure he's got a good reason for delaying," Gaston said before angrily muttering, "he'd better have one."

"I'm sure he has one," Belle said slightly more optimistic, "now I'm sure Cogsworth could tell us all about her father and his time under the curse."

"Well you see…" Cogsworth started, "the curse had been…rough on him. Perhaps he'll tell you himself," Cogsworth said, "once he's done…doing what he's doing or rather has been doing for days now."

Adam grew confused and walked to Cogsworth, "How bad could it be? I'm sure it wasn't that bad."

Cogsworth leaned over and whispered something in Adam's ear, who immediately cleared his throat. "Yes…well, tell him there is someone here to see him and tell him I once again apologize for the pain he has suffered. And ask the kitchen staff to prepare lunch for six please."

"Of course Master." Cogsworth said before taking off.

Adam turned around, "Gaston why don't you show your lovely lady around? And yourself, since you've hardly seen anything yourself."

"Sounds like an idea to me, I'll show her my bedroom first." Gaston looked up to many shocked faces, "Not like that! I just know the way better from there, it's either that or walking around with my eyes closed again."

Eliana giggled, "I'm sure you'll be a perfect gentleman."

"You can count on that, how about we'll go and let them drag your father out of hiding before lunch?"

Eliana giggled and the pair quickly took off.

"What was that about?" Belle asked. "I'd think her father would be thrilled to see one of his daughters, what on earth could be more important? And apologizing again?"

Adam cleared his throat feeling uncomfortable to talk about it. "Well, everyone turned into one object or another…but his was…anything but desirable. He often pretended to be inanimate and I don't think he minded it the slightest bit when it happened. You have seen him several times actually, though he never said anything to you. He was more concerned with pretending you weren't there, that nothing was happening. If anyone deserves some compensation for what the curse did to them, well…he's the first that comes to mind."

"You're not going to tell me are you…" Belle said.

"No, I'm not. If only because you'd be highly uncomfortable knowing. Besides I doubt he'll tell anyone about it. Just trust me when I say he has a good reason for his absence."

Belle nodded, even though she was disappointed, she'd respect this. "I hope he'll at least tell his family, they should at least know why he is behaving this strangely."

"I'll talk to him about it if it makes you feel better," Adam offered.

"It would, I do hope it will help…" Belle said doubtfully.

Gaston had led Eliana to his quarters and she was looking around in amazement.

"And you say you have this entire wing to yourself?" She asked in surprise.

"Yes, it's just me here," Gaston confirmed. "If you wish you may choose a room of your own. I'm sure Adam won't mind."

"You'd…like me to stay here?" Eliana asked daring to hope.

"I certainly wouldn't mind," Gaston said. "How about in the neighboring hallway? It has several chambers to choose from for you and you could use the rest for your family. I'm sure they'd like to visit here from time to time. But while I'm still courting you and trying to get into Uncle Pierre's good graces you'll have to be patient before moving here."

Eliana burst out laughing. "I wish he could see this place, he keeps saying I'm throwing my life away by letting you court me. Little does he know you have a wing of your own in a royal castle no less, may I see his face when you show him? That will be spectacular, I'm sure of it!"

"Of course, I wouldn't have it any other way," Gaston said joining her in laughter. "For another laugh how about I show you the room where I broke the curse and got my sight back?

"Please do! This place is simply amazing. It's so big, I could easily see myself getting lost in here," Eliana said in wonder.

"Yes," Gaston agreed. "But at least you have your sight. I had to learn my way around without, but somehow I think that was an advantage."

"How so?"

"Close your eyes," Gaston instructed as he took her hand. When she closed her eyes, he started leading her through the castle.

"Now, what do you see?" He asked.

Still with her eyes closed she turned her head to him. "Is that a serious question? I see nothing, You wanted me to close my eyes remember?"

Gaston chuckled. "Yes I did. But there is one thing you do see. You see no distractions, with your eyes open you look everywhere except where you're going. It's all the same, and when you walk somewhere often enough you'll remember the little things. The draft differences, warmth from the sun, just the feel of a room or hallway. Little things like that eventually told me where I was and where to go. Now open your eyes and I'll show you."

"Show me what?" Eliana asked confused as she opened her eyes.

"Next I'll close my eyes and I'll lead you to the most horrifying room in the castle." Gaston said confidently.

"Horrifying?" She asked a little scared.

"A difference of opinion really, but I find it horrifying. Adam and Belle however prefer spending time in there."

Gaston closed his eyes and it was as if he'd never left, with more confidence than before he expertly found his way through the castle, while Eliana made sure he didn't cheat. Once he arrived at his destination he opened his eyes again.

"See, there is nothing to it. Just a matter of getting used to things. When I first arrived at the tavern after I returned I made sure to walk around there for a while to memorize where the tables where so no one would notice my lack in sight. And I did fool people for a while, too bad Sebastian had other ideas."

"Well he's gone and people are looking at you with admiration for how you handled the loss of your sight. If only they knew…" Eliana said. "I just wish my uncle would warm up to you. You're a good man, no matter what he says."

"Well, all it means is I have to spend more time blind. I'm not quitting on him, besides I do have something planned," Gaston said mischievously.

"Really?" Eliana asked interested. "I don't suppose you're willing to tell me are you?"

"No, it's a surprise," Gaston said. "But lets go in, and hopefully out, as soon as possible."

Gaston opened the door and walked in clearly unimpressed with the room he was in.

"A…library…" Eliana said. "You got your sight back in the library?" Eliana burst out laughing. "That must have been priceless! Now that is one face I wish I could have seen."

"Yes," Gaston agreed. "Perhaps no wonder I asked Agathe to have my sight removed again the next day…Though I offered to get everyone their families back, but since only those that treat me decently in the village will remember it might take some time. There are a few holdouts but you can't please everyone. I am planning to end it soon though."

"Gaston, you do know I won't blame you if you can't convince my uncle to give you a chance right?" Eliana asked carefully.

"I suppose I don't want to disappoint you…"

"Listen if he doesn't want to give you a fair chance then that's his fault, not yours. I know you tried your best."

"In truth I have twenty years before the curse deadline, so technically I have that long to convince your uncle," Gaston said. "However I don't think that's fair to the servants who are missing their families and would like to see them again."

"Listen, I won't blame you if you want to end it now, it's just a handful of people who don't see the wonderful man you are," Eliana said. "And while I would have loved for my uncle to accept you, it will be his own fault if he doesn't remember."

"Thank you," Gaston said. "What did I do to deserve someone as wonderful as you?"

"Lose your sight?" Eliana quipped.

"There is that of course," Gaston laughed. "How about we continue the tour? I'd like to see some of the rooms I haven't seen before."

"Why not?" Eliana said giving a slight smile.

"What is it?" Gaston asked concerned. "Not something I said I hope?"

"No, it's just…my father. Why do you think he needed time before coming to see me? Was I such a bad daughter? If I was, I don't remember, but I'll apologize when I see him."

Gaston turned and held both of her hands. "You have nothing to apologize for, you are the kindest person I know. After it was discovered I could no longer see, I heard your voice telling others off. And later when I heard that voice again on the street I wanted to look for the angel that voice belonged to. If anything he should be proud to have a daughter like you."

Eliana teared up and leaned into his shoulder. "Thank you Gaston. I love you…"

"I love you too," Gaston said with a wide smile, he lifted her hand and placed a kiss on it. "Now no more tears, let's enjoy today. Tomorrow it's back to darkness for me after all."

Eliana nodded and the pair continued their way.

The others who had been left had split up. Feeling a bit out of place LeFou opted to stay in the parlor, Maurice keeping him company.

"What are you thinking?" Maurice asked the younger man.

"It looks so big, so different from what I imagined it to be."

"Yes, but there is quite a remarkable difference," Maurice said. "Before it was much darker and decrepit and I must say the reception has much improved. After all first time I visited it seemed abandoned and when I plucked a rose was summarily tossed inside a dungeon cell. Though seeing how happy Belle is made all of it worth it."

"I suppose that is a good thing, though I'm happy to see Gaston so happy too. After all if he never came here he'd never have paid Eliana any mind," LeFou said.

"That is true," Maurice said. "How about I give you a small tour of my own? Lunch is being prepared and won't take too long after all."

"Sounds good to me," LeFou said.

Time for lunch grew closer and the first pair made it back to the parlor.

"Adam? Do you think her father will show?" Belle asked. "I don't want her to be disappointed like earlier."

""I understand," Adam said. "However he needs to be comfortable as well."

"True," Belle said doubtfully.

"Any sign of father yet?" Eliana asked hopefully.

Adam shook his head. "I'm sorry, not yet. Try not to get discouraged, a lot has happened to him and if he hasn't shown himself by the end of the day I'll go talk to him myself. Does that make you feel better?"

"Are you stupid?" Gaston asked. "Of course it doesn't. Seeing him would. Just point me to his room and I'll drag him out if necessary."

"It's alright Gaston," Eliana said. "If he doesn't want to see me then that is his choice…I'll just have to accept it."

"Accept it my…"

"Gaston. Enough." Adam said. "That's not helping either. Just have faith for once."

"Wise words my boy," Maurice said.

"You really have to calm down Gaston," LeFou said.

"I am calm…for now. Can't say for sure how I'll be by evening," Gaston said.

"How about we head to the dining room and have lunch?" Adam suggested.

The group nodded in agreement, though one person could clearly be heard muttering about useless fathers and the like.

Adam opened the dining room doors and the group stopped, a seventh plate had been set and behind it sat a man.

"Bonjour Eliana, it has been a long time since I last saw you," he said.

"F-Father?" Was all she said before fainting.