Unfortunately history is written by the victors.

Avonlea knew that Princess Belle had protected them against Maleficent but that only put questions in their mind. How had the princess managed such a feat when so many strong knights had failed? The reveal that her true love was the Dark One, and the official (and unofficial) comments from the palace, seemed to confirm their suspicions. Princess Belle had saved them but at what cost? She was irretrievably contaminated by darkness. They were thankful for their lives but they didn’t want her to return, for what might she bring with her?

So no Avonlea never rose up against Belle’s parents or Gaston. They believed what they were told. Some even thanked Gaston and Belle’s parents for their fortitude, as it’s always harder if the enemy is someone you know. Those that questioned the story, having known Belle and her goodness, were swiftly told of her corruption. The Dark One’s reputation grew even more as a new batch of stories were told to frighten children – that of the fallen princess and her dark husband.