Beauty's Beast

The day was fair and the sun shone bright,
The jubilant collective was a joyous sight.

Lilac and honeysuckle drifted on the breeze,
Singing a sweet song as it danced with the trees.

Laden with love Charlotte's pure heart beamed,
This was the day for which she had dreamed.

It was the Prince himself, who would be her groom,
Yet, poor Charlotte knew not of the impending doom.

There he stood in royal and reverent wonder,
Now nothing could ever tear them asunder.

The kingdom cheered as they said, "I do!"
For never before was there a love so true.

As the kingdom celebrated their wedded bliss,
No one noticed there was something amiss.

For hidden among the merry makers that day,
Was a wicked enchantress in search of foul play.

This villainous witch with a heart of pure black,
Conjured wicked spells with an evil knack.

Jealousy, this day her mission spurred,
In the Prince's ear she whispered an enchanted word.

To herself she chortled, "This will be my finest spell yet!"
"Woe be to the fair Princess Charlotte!"

Completely unaware of any wrong doing,
The couple retired to begin their wooing.

Alone in their bed chamber in loves embrace,
The pair reveled in matrimony's grace.

As the sun's first rays welcomed the marrow,
Dear Charlotte's joy turned to sorrow.

For her Prince who still, slept at her side,
Was no longer the man who made her a bride.

A monstrous beast lay slumbering in their bed,
Dear Charlotte's confused heart filled with dread.

Aroused by his beloved wife's mournful scream,
The princely beast awoke from his peaceful dream.

Unaware of his dreadful, dark transformation,
The Prince was troubled by Charlotte's agitation.

He tried to speak and console his dear,
But monstrous growls echoed in his ear.

Guards alerted by the ruckus and ramble,
Found the Princess in quite a frightful shamble.

Taken aback by the gruesome display,
The guards, with force, held the beast at bay.

The truth was found, but it took some time,
Charlotte's Prince was the victim of a fiendish crime.

The wicked witch with giddy anticipation,
Awaited word of the Prince's ruination.

Word quickly spread across the kingdom fair,
Their beloved Prince had fallen prey to this evil snare.

The call went out to all in the land,
A cure must be found, was the King's command.

The despicable enchantress, so pleased with herself,
Bragged of her deed to a wandering wood elf.

Quickly, the elf sought audience in the King's court,
And gave the Royal family his full report.

The King called the White Knight and his trusty steed,
And bayed him bring the witch to undo her foul deed.

The witch was no match for this heroic Knight,
He brought her back with nary a fight.

Bound were her hands and her mouth made mute,
No spells could be cast from the wicked ol' coot!

The witch was brought before the king and queen,
They chastised the villain for being so mean.

No matter how they pleaded, begged or implored,
Their heart felt requests were completely ignored.

The witch, so stubborn, flatly refused,
Choosing to stand there darkly mused.

Poor Charlotte, her world spinning out of control,
But still her dear husband she loved, heart and soul!

Then to the ears of a gentle wizard came the news,
Of the Prince's plight and the witch's ruse.

With no time to waste, he went post haste,
For he knew this evil spell must be erased!

Into the throne room of the castle he appeared,
What a sight to behold in his purple robe and white beard.

"I am here to offer my humble assistance!"
"I believe I can rescue the Prince from his beastly existence!"

"Please collect me some poppies, a toad and a rat,
Three drops of the Prince's blood and the fresh wings of a bat."

Quickly they gathered the items the wizard requested,
In no time at all the potion was ready to be tested.

Everyone held their breath and spoke a silent prayer,
In the hopes that this elixir would remove their despair.

Slowly but surely the Prince did transform,
Back to his noble, handsome, human form.

Great joy arose as they witnessed such a wonder,
Their cheers of thanks were as loud as thunder.

Princess Charlotte's love had been graciously returned,
To be held in his arms she deeply yearned.

A royal holiday, the king declared,
"Let a feast, for all in the land, be prepared."

As for the witch with her heart so bitter,
Was banished from the kingdom, nothing could be fitter.

The wizard was asked to be counsel to the king,
And was offered exquisite lodging in the castle's west wing.

The Prince with sweet Charlotte still at his side,
Was ever so grateful she had remained his bride.

To heaven great thanks, the Princess was sending,
For, Charlotte at last...had her fairytale ending!!