Children believe what we tell them. They have complete faith in us. They believe that a rose plucked from a garden can plunge a family into conflict. They believe that the hands of a human beast will smoke when he slays a victim, and that this will cause the beast shame when a young maiden takes up residence in his home. They believe a thousand other simple things. I ask of you a little of this childlike simplicity, and, to bring us luck, let me speak four truly magic words, childhood's "Open Sesame": "Once upon a time..."

Beast Prince: "So, my dear sir, you steal my roses. You steal my roses, the things I love most in all the world. Your luck has gone from bad to worse. You could have taken anything except my roses. The punishment for this simple theft is death! My gifts were not enough for you? Do you also have to steal what I treasure most?"

The Merchant: "I won't be treated as a thief or a coward. I am a just and honorable man!"

The Beast roars, the ground shaking around the merchant.

The Beast: "Who did you pick this rose for?"

The Merchant: "My youngest child. They are worth more than anything in the world, to me."

The Beast Prince thought it iver, watching the merchant closely. A dark thought crept into his mind.

The Beast: "I will forgive you on one condition—that is, that you will give me one of your youngest. If they come at all they must come willingly. On no other condition will I have them."

The merchant was appalled.

Merchant: "Never!"

The Beast: "Then I will give you one day to say goodbye to your loved ones. You only need to whisper the words: "More than anything in the world," to your horse, and he will bring you here."

The Merchant: "I will not return!"

The Beast laughs, staring down at the merchant.

The Beast: "Oh, yes you will. Otherwise, I will kill your entire family, one by one. I will kill your youngest last, since they're your favorite. Remember... A life for a rose."

The merchant had no choice but to swear he would return in three days. He took his horse and went home. He was forced to inform his family of what occurred. From the magic in the forest, to the castle... to the Beast. The description of the beast was that of a humanoid monster. A lion. A predator. With claws, fangs, and fur. His children were all frightened, cursing the youngest for wanting a rose. But the rose was beautiful. Red, full of life, showing no signs of wilting.