The manner and the question frightened the twink all over again. Still, remembering his promise, Bobby spoke the truth plainly and firmly. "No, beast. I won't marry you."
The beast didn't go into a rage as Bobby had expected. Instead, he sighed deeply and skulked away from the dining table. He left the room without saying another word.
Sitting alone at the table, Bobby started to feel pity for the poor beast. "It's so sad for him to appear so frightful when he is capable of being so good-tempered," Bobby said aloud quietly as he pondered the beast's behavior.
* * *
When both Bobby and the Beast had left the dining room, the servants went to work clearing the table.
One glanced over his shoulder towards the door. He wanted to be sure that he wouldn't be overheard. "Did you
