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paper in Belle’s hand. “Ahh, the Winter Solstice Ball,” she said. “Those were wonderful times—some of the best this castle’s ever seen!”
    â€œGo on, go on,” Belle encouraged her. “I want to know all about it!”
    â€œIt was tradition that every year, on the winter solstice, a grand ball would be held to welcome winter,” Mrs. Potts explained.
    â€œYes, the winter solstice,” Cogsworth chimed in. “That’s the first day of winter— and the shortest day of the year.”
    â€œThe whole village was invited,” Mrs. Potts continued. “Everyone looked forward to it all year long. As the sun started to set, the guests would begin to arrive.”
    â€œIt might have been the darkest day of the year, but the castle glowed with light,” Lumiere said. “There were torches lining the path—”
    â€œThat made the snow sparkle!” added Mrs. Potts.
    â€œAnd candles everywhere in the castle,” Lumiere continued.
    â€œThe garlands were even better,” Cogsworth said. “There were garlands of holly strung all around the ballroom.”
    â€œWe laid the great banquet table with golden platters,” Mrs. Potts continued. “There was every manner of food and drink that you could imagine!”
    â€œWhat about dessert, Mama? Was there cake?” Chip asked eagerly.
    â€œOf course!” Mrs. Potts replied. “We served chocolate cake and gingerbread and plum pudding and jam tarts! Oh, and cookies, of course. Hundreds of cookies!”
    â€œEverything sounds delicious!” Belle exclaimed.
    â€œIt was,” Mrs. Potts agreed. “But the best part was the dancing.”
    â€œDancing?” Belle asked.
    â€œOh, yes, hours of dancing.” Mrs. Potts chuckled.
    â€œIt was spectacular,” Cogsworth said.
    â€œAfter the sun set, all the guests joined the master on the balcony,” Mrs. Potts explained. “The stars twinkled in the night sky as everyone gave thanks for great friendships. Then, the orchestra would play and the dancing would begin.”
    â€œHow magical,” Belle said, sighing. “I can’t think of a nicer way to welcome winter. What will the decorations look like this year—or is it a surprise?”
    â€œWell, you see, child—” began Mrs. Potts.
    â€œNot since the transformation—” Lumiere continued.
    â€œWe could hardly invite the entire village here now, could we?” asked Cogsworth.
    Belle understood what they were trying to tell her. Long ago, a beautiful sorceress disguised as an old woman had begged to stay in the castle. When the prince sent her away, the sorceress placed a curse on the entire castle. The prince turned into a scary, ugly beast. Then the servants were transformed into household objects!
    Ever since, they had been waiting for someone to break the curse: a girl who would fall in love with the Beast and teach him how to love in return. Until that happened, they stayed shut away in the castle, cut off from the village and the rest of the world.
    Suddenly, Belle’s eyes lit up. “I have a wonderful idea!” she exclaimed. “Let’s have a solstice ball—for everyone in the castle!”
    â€œBut the solstice is only a couple of days away!” Cogsworth cried. “We could never finish all the preparations in time.”
    â€œI think we could,” Belle said. “Look at how quickly we tidied up the library—and all because we worked together. We can do it!”
    â€œYou’re forgetting something,” Cogsworth said. “What if the master doesn’t want to have a solstice ball?”
    â€œShall we go ask him?” Belle asked.
    Before anyone could reply, Belle was on her feet, clutching the invitation in her hand. All everyone could do was rush after Belle as she hurried off to find the Beast. No one knew what he would say!

B elle rushed down the hallway.