What would've happened if the prince actually DID allow the elderly lady to stay in the castle?
And she didn't turn into a witch and curse him, everyone and his castle like that? Also, if she actually had given him that enchanted rose under those circumstances, what WOULD he use it for and what purpose WOULD it serve if in his beastly form it was simply blooming and counting the days before the last petal falls and he would be a beast for all time if he doesn't find love in time?
Or would it simply make a nice shining decoration?