There's one story I read. About a girl who goes to stay with a beast in his castle surrounded by roses. And at first she's afraid of him, because he's... well, because he's scary. But he learns from her, and she learns from him.

...it's a romantic story, really. In the end, he changes into a prince because he loves her.

[...]

I'm not that naive, Irene. I don't think he's going to turn into a prince. But I can try to um. Quiet the beast, a little.

But.

Promise me that if he gets to me... if he turns me into a beast instead... promise me you'll slay me. Just like any monster.