My Beautiful Beast

Chapter 1: Thou Must Control Thy Temper, Young One

"My good Prince," came a voice from somewhere near the bottom of his dining chair. "My good Prince, there is a young peasant man here, begging your ear."

Prince Dominic de Loncrey sighed as he looked down his perfect, aristocratic nose at the slave that bowed before him. He then turned to look at the storm outside and blinked in confusion, "In this weather? The man must be insane." He said with a frown as he stood.

"Where is he? Dominic asked the slave.

"In the receiving area of the throne room, your highness," she said, looking at the male furtively.

With a nod of the Prince's fire-red head, the woman was dismissed and the Prince headed towards his throne room.

Prince Dominic walked gracefully down the gilded halls of his castle. He and his guards arrived at the throne room, and he ordered the doors be opened to him.

Inside of the throne room lay a pitiful man in rags, soaked through from rain. He looked soggy and dank even with the heavy towel a servant had draped over him.

"What brings you to my doorstep, peasant?" Dominic asked, a small frown marring his beautiful features.

Something was… off about this peasant. He looked at Dominic in the eye, and let his gaze travel entirely too much—in his opinion. The insolence of the dog!

"Must I be inclined to have my guards toss you out of my home and back into the storm? I will not repeat myself." Dominic said, looking down at the male, his blue eyes steely.

"Dear Prince, I've t-traveled long distances to see—to—witness your beauty," said the filthy peasant with groveling, "and now that I have—I would like nothing more than to a-ask his Highness, if I may…if I may become a slave to his highness. I p-pledge myself to you, and I pray that you look favorably upon me." The male whimpered.

Dominic rose a russet brow. "What…is it you are asking now? You wish to become a servant in my house?" Dominic asked with some confusion. Why would this man want that?

"T-to his Majesty," the male said, shaking his head.

Dominic blinked, looking at the male. "No," he said, "I have no use for you."

The slave looked up from his position on the floor. "But your Highness, I believe that you do." He said, giving Dominic a lusty look. Dominic was appalled by this. "Why you insolent dog," he growled. "Guards," Dominic called out to his guard.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you, beauty," the peasant said, standing. The peasant looked less like a peasant now, and Dominic could see wisps of magic surrounding him.

Dominic backed up a step. "Wizard…" he said, glaring at the male as his guards moved forward, only to be transformed into suits of armor.

Dominic looked around in horror, before turning back to the wizard and drawing his sword.

"Now now now, love, no need for all that," the male crooned. "I just want to get better acquainted with you," he said, stepping forward. The peasant clothes seemed to melt away, and now the man stood before him in only a pair of dark pants made of an unidentifiable material and sturdy boots. He carried a small coin bag, and nothing else.

"You go to hell wizard, and remove yourself from my home, or I will." Dominic growled; his blade steady as he pointed it at the wizard.

"My, you've some fight in you, eh?" the wizard smirked. "I can't wait to see your claws come out between the sheets."

Dominic was appalled, and rage swelled in his belly. "How dare you," he cried, lunging forwards and slashing at the wizard, his sword catching him across the cheek.

"Ah!" The wizard gasped, holding his face. Suddenly, a bright smile spread on the male's face, and he held out a glowing hand towards the Prince. "Alright, little beauty, since you insist on behaving like a beast…become one."