You’ve heard the stories of the young prince who was cursed for all eternity to live as a gruesome beast. It was all in the books you read. When you asked around, everybody told you that it was just a myth. A little child’s fairytale, but you believed in it. You knew it was real, which led you to go seek out this beast.

So, here you are, in the castle of the once young prince. It was beautiful, and surprisingly up to par. Everything looked untouched, clean even. For years, wouldn’t it be a little bit…dirty if a beast was living here? Whatever, that was the least of your worries. While walking around and exploring, you heard a french voice. In a matter of panic, you turned, but saw no one. Uh, what? “Down here, mon cheri!” You heard again and looked down. A candle stick, was talking…to you. Were you dreaming? You screamed and kicked the candle away, only for it to groan and hop back to you. “Wait, wait, Je ne suis pas une menace !” The little candle said and hopped up onto the table beside you. “I, am Lumiere. And you, ma cheri, must be—“ A loud roar came from upstairs, making the castle shake, and also making Lumiere hop into your arms, quaking.

“What was that?” You asked, looking down at Lumiere who was trying to let your hair or clothes catch fire due to his flames. He sighed and hopped down onto the table again. “That was the beast, ma cheri.” The beast…the prince? “You mean—“ Lumiere nodded, confirming your answer. “The young prince who was turned, yes. He has a bit of a temper, poor monsieur can’t catch a break.” The candle sighed. You blinked and then shook your head, “Well, how come you can talk? And how come I can understand you?” You asked, getting down to the real questions. What was gonna be next? A clock singing you a nursery rhyme about a mouse? “Ma cheri, when the beast had the curse put on him, we all were trapped in the castle with him. We were his only companions, but even we couldn’t help and contain his temper.” Lumiere sighed, shaking his…candle wax.

“The beast has not been outside in years, and he stays in the castle, angry and alone. We try our best to help monsieur, but he does not need it, so we move around the castle and do our own thing.” Lumiere smiled. “So, every other appliance can speak as well?” You asked. Lumiere paused and nodded, “Ah, oui.” Lumiere confirmed again. Another roar sounded, followed by heavy and thundering footsteps. Lumiere gasped, “Quick, ma cheri! Hide! In the closet!” Lumiere hopped down and moved as fast as he could to the closet nearest to the exit. You quickly hid and left a little crack to see what was going on. In all his beastly glory, stood the prince, Jason Todd. Replacing a human, was a tall, fury beast, clad in pants and…just pants. “Ah, monsieur! Is everything alright?” Lumiere asked, hopping up and speaking with Jason.

Jason held up his large, furry hand. “Another cut.” He growled, then paused and sniffed the air. “What’s that smell…” He whispered quietly, continuing to sniff around. Lumiere panicked as Jason moved around to sniff certain areas, then stopped in front of the closet. You held your breath, hoping, praying he wouldn’t find you! Lumiere quickly hopped down, “Ah, Monsieur! It is, uh…my new parfum! Ah, oui! I have a new scent!” The little candlestick said with a smoldering look. Jason stared down at the candle before huffing and snuffing. “Why don’t you go to your room and prepare for dinner, monsieur? We will have the finest dish! Soup du jour? Hot hors d’oeuvres?” Lumiere wiggled his eyebrows. Jason shook his head, and with a deep, sickening growl, “Meat.” And then, he walked off, back upstairs. Once you were sure he was out of sight, you came out.

Lumiere looked at you, “Ma cheri, you almost got caught! Your parfum is too strong, and the beast can smell it!” He said, almost in a stressed manner. “Okay…anyways…” You said and shook your head. “Is there anyway break the curse put on you all?” You asked. Lumiere thought for a beat, then spoke, “Mm, no. I don’t know, actually. You will have to find out sooner or later, ma cheri.”