A Round of Roulette

[The Beast]

The Beast nodded sharply at this and gruffly nodded towards the door, indicating that Owen should go ahead and move through the door. No matter how often Owen had been here, the Beast always made sure to never come to this room the same way twice. He didn't want either Owen or Xanatos knowing too much about the castle, after all. While the Beast was pleased with the arrangement that existed between him and the businessman, he didn't trust either Xanatos or Owen very far.

"Then by all means, let's see you out," he said a little too snidely.

Really, the way that he acted around Owen would imply that his temper hadn't improved at all. This was not true, of course, but what was true was that he didn't want Owen to underestimate him. As much as his temper was improving, he was still a dangerous creature, and he was not about to let Xanatos forget that.

[Puck]

As the Beast directed him down a particular hall, Puck couldn't help but let the very faintest trace of satisfaction cross his face. How kind of the Beast to show him so many routes through the castle. By now, Puck knew most of the paths someone could take to get to the safe room and its treasure trove of magical artifacts.

And of course, what Puck knew in his role as Owen, Xanatos knew.

The faerie allowed himself to be escorted back to the main doors, letting his mind wander pleasantly. So far, the first stage of his cunning plan had been executed perfectly. Next he would have to make sure the right people heard that Maleficent's grimoire was now installed in the Beast's stronghold.

All according to plan, as Xanatos would say.

At the door, Puck inclined his head in what might be interpreted as a gracious nod. Fur or no, the Beast was still technically a prince. "As always, Mr. Xanatos is grateful for your services," he said politely.

[The Beast]

The Beast snorted in mild derision at this and waved a dismissive paw. He didn't enjoy being reminded of who and what he had been before the spell, even if it was in a simple action such as a bow. True, it was what was due to him as a prince, but the Beast didn't care about that anymore.

"Yes, well, you tell Mr. Xanatos to send a little more warning next time," he grumbled as he saw Owen out of the large double doors. Shutting the doors behind the blonde man, the Beast shook his head and ran a paw through the fur at his neck. There were times when he really did not enjoy having a home that was such a perfect hiding place for items of great power.

(CLOSED)