Belle had every reason to be worried about the beast being angry at the question, because that's just what happened. His fur puffed up, he rose to his full height.<span style="font-style: italic">"NEVER ask me that again!"</span>he snarled, the bookshelves nearby quivering as if in fear of his thunderous voice. His eyes, though they started narrow, seemed to look past Belle. As he peered into the past.<br/><br/>He remembered the night like it was yesterday. It was a cold night, rain pelting the windows, sounding like hail more than rain. He was reclining in his chair, sipping on wine and watching the flames in the fireplace flicker. For once, the young prince was at ease. His parents had been dead for a full year, and the 17 year old seemed angry at the world. He would shout at the servants for the most minute mistakes. But tonight, everyone was relaxed. But it wouldn't be so peaceful for long.<br/><br/>A knock at the door made him glance over to the side lazily. "Get the door!" he shouted, but no one answered him or the door. Releasing an irritable groan, he got up and went to the door, opening it revealed an old, haggardly woman in a black cloak. She gazed up despairingly at the young man, water dripping from her silvery hair, "Please sir, may a poor old woman come inside? It's cold, and I'll only stay a moment-" "No! Get out of here you old hag!" The elder, her wrinkled cheeks growing taunt as she grinned, reached into her cloak and tossed a handful of powder into the prince's face. "Gah! Get out of here!" he snapped, rubbing his eyes furiously before slamming the door in her face.<br/><br/>Now, the effects weren't instant, and as it was still evening, he remained in his human form, drinking to his heart's content. But, as soon as the first rays of the sun appeared in the window, it began. Belle was lucky she had seen the transformation later on in time, as the beast had gotten used to the pain that was brought with it. Those of the help, however, were not as lucky. The howls and wails of the young prince conjoined with the screams and shouts of the staff into an unholy chorus.<br/><br/>The beast didn't want Belle to know of his past mistake. It would lessen what she thought of him even more, surely. His pride is what kept him from telling his tale.