Beauty's father, Michael, had finished his business and had gotten everything but his gift for Beauty. The thought of her in nothing but the jewelry had him hard as a rock. The only thing was that the ring she wanted was owned by a recluse known as The Beast. He would have to go to his castle and ask for an audience to see if he would be willing to negotiate for the ring.
Michael drove up to Morte Castle and stopped at the gate. He pushed the intercom, hoping for an answer.
"Can I help you?" the voice on the intercom was something out of a horror movie. Michael wasn't sure if he would be able to go through with the negotiations.
"Yes, I'm the gentleman that was inquiring about the black opal ring," he said.
"Ah, yes. You want this ring for your step-daughter. What are you willing to give me for it?" The voice sent a shiver of dread down his spine.
"Anything. I would give anything to make my Beauty happy," Michael said. He felt dread form in the pit of his stomach like a cold rock.
"Then come inside and we will negotiate," the voice said with a laugh. The gates swung open and Michael. drove through. He wanted nothing more than to turn around and never look back but Beauty wanted this ring and he would get it for her.
He parked his car in front of the massive front doors. He felt dread creep through his body like a virus, slowly consuming each part of him. He walked up to the doors and stopped as they swung open. When no one was there to bid him entry he walked into the foyer. There he found a tray of tea and crumpets with a note to go to the den just off the great hall.
Michael picked up the tray and followed the directions on the note. He walked through the castle, stunned at its opulence. He entered the den and found that it wasn't as grand as the rest of the house but it felt almost cozy. He set the tray down and sat in one of the business chairs.
"Thank you for joining me." Michael jumped at the sound of the voice. He looked around the room and the only place he couldn't see into was behind the desk. "Yes, I am sitting back here. Now you are wanting to procure the black opal from me. I ask why this one in particular."
"Beauty has a pair of earrings and a necklace in the same setting. They were left to her by her mother when she died. She is wanting to complete the set and your ring was the closest match to what she already has," Michael explained.
"As I asked before, what are you willing to give me in exchange for the ring?"
"I would give anything to make my Beauty happy," Michael said.
"Good. That is very good. I expect your Beauty here in the next 24 hours and the ring will be yours to give her upon her arrival."
"Why do you want Beauty?" Michael felt his body go cold.
"If you are willing to give anything for her then I would like to meet her."
