"Then I guess you won't be against this-" Pulling Belle down on top of her Kiara kissed the girl for a long while. Finally Belle broke away, scared to put her through any strenuous activity anytime soon.

  The beast pouted as Belle ran her fingertips over her cheeks, bending to kiss her nose whenever the feeling struck her.

  "I'm fine." She growled but Belle just shook her head.

  "I'm sure I'll best you later. It wouldn't be fair while you're recuperating." Belle teased and Kiara sighed, leaning into her. She accepted the random kisses from Belle with contented sounds.

  Though Belle's mind turned she didn't say much as they lay there, waiting for sleep to claim them. Eventually she dropped off, with Kiara safely in her arms.

  The next morning everyone was up before sunrise, packing bags and checking horses. The tents came down in a hurry, and Belle had to hold Kiara back as she attempted to help. The girl from Lyons couldn't decide if she was happy or sad to see the beast in regular clothing again while she discouraged her.

  The king was surrounded as they made ready, the new norm, but he managed to wave at them from inside the tornado of servants.

  Belle rode with Wulfric once again back to the Crystal Castle. She kept her eyes on Kiara the whole time, who would stubbornly accept no assistance.

  There was lots of wincing, and Belle felt her pain as they went, but when they finally arrived on the main road to Castle Town Kiara did hold high Briar-Rose. The king had made sure it made the journey with them and Belle felt a rush of emotions as she watched the beast.

  If she knew the outcome, would she do it all again?

  Pouring from the town to crowd the road the people of Briar Hill offered them a heroes welcome as they came into view. It was an awe-inspiring distraction.

  At first she thought they were cheering for her steward; the big, blond knight but eventually she realized that a few cheered for her as well. There were still distrusting faces scattered in, but for the most part she looked upon smiles, waving hands, and well wishes.

  Her heart swelled in spite of herself, especially as she gazed upon the children who looked up to her, blowing kisses. She finally felt that she was home.

  Her life was more fantastic than her stories, the pain realer, the joy indescribable. Waving back, she found herself unable to speak.

  Chapter Twelve

  A Treaty

  Violette was beside herself when they finally arrived on the steps of the Crystal Castle, along with everyone else.

  Though they couldn't be together at that moment, Belle and Kiara shared a knowing glance amidst the throng of grateful Briars. Belle was adrift in a sea of faces but recognized one as it made its way towards her. At first her stomach clenched when he approached, but instead of threatening her this time the guard held out his arm.

  “You have my thanks, for protecting the king.” He said gruffly and Belle merely nodded, taking the proffered peace. Afterwards he returned to the fray, and for once Belle felt like she was part of the celebration, instead of a silent observer.

  The castle remained animated well into the night, until the weary travelers began to feel it. Belle was asleep before her head hit the pillow. After a few days steady darkness she awoke to the gentle sound of Violette humming one morning.

  Looking askew at the pillow she was cuddling, Belle blushed as she pushed it away and sat up. She watched Violette set the table for awhile, stretching luxuriously. A real bed was quite nice after all. Her sense of contentment continued as she made herself into a proper person and then took a seat.

  The girl was red before Belle even greeted her, and the princess gave her a curious look.

  "What is it?" Belle asked from around a piece of bread.

  "Hmm?" The blond girl played dumb, but the corners of her mouth twitched. Continuing to eat her breakfast, Belle watched her fidget for a few minutes until she couldn't stand it anymore.

  "You're not keeping secrets from me are you Violette? You'd never do such a thing, would you?" Belle placed a hand over hers but her expression was light, and amused.

  "No, no, that's not it at all!" Violette replied before biting down on a grin.

  "Go on then."

  "You'll think it silly," She murmured and Belle shook the girl just a little bit. The suspense was killing her. Violette took a breath.

  "With the wedding coming soon, the ladies want to have a little get together.."

  "I'm in." Belle replied instantly and Violette looked pleased, but her face was redder than ever.

  "And...uhm..."

  "Yes?"

  "I was wondering if maybe you would...stand for me? At the wedding, you know..."

  Delighted, Belle threw her arms around her.

  "Of course! I'd be honored to."

  "Well, you are a princess..."

  "And your friend. Besides, what's in a title anyway?"

  "Wonderful." Violette squeezed her hands, beaming.

  "How soon is soon?" Belle asked, the excitement building within her.

  "When the leaves start to change their colors." Violette replied dreamily and for a moment Belle was overtaken with visions of white lace and flowers as far as the eye could see. Isobel Rose, it had a rather nice ring to it...

  "Your grace?" Violette waved in front of her face and Belle snapped back to.

  "I can't wait! What a perfect bride you'll make." The princess announced, and she knew that it was true.

  ---------------------------

  A few days later the girls walked along the path, arm in arm. The weather seemed to be celebrating alongside them, blessing the picnic-to-be with warm sun and a lazy breeze. They were joined by the young ladies of the castle, and a few of Violette's cousins. In a sleeveless yellow sundress, Belle loved the feeling of being free again after what seemed like an eternity in coats and shawls.

  The group tittered as they passed the horses, all well-favored and shining. Their giggling increased in pitch when they reached a certain fence, and Belle couldn't help a smile. Beyond it the grunt of training warriors and the clash of swords emanated. Grinning now, Belle watched them peer through the slats for just a moment before they ran away.

  "Fern is so terribly handsome." One of them sighed and the rest jumped on her, teasing her relentlessly.

  "Now, now, be nice." Violette scolded them and they turned around.

  "You don't have to worry about it anymore!" One of them charged, then looked at Belle.

  "And you, you went right to a knight in shining armor." The girl said jealously and Belle was taken aback.

  "Oh well," Violette's cousin began, her expression bored. "You'll have an endless supply of leather to bite down upon I suppose." She added in a droll tone and Violette turned as crimson as the bramble roses.

  "Alyssa!" She gasped but the girls broke into another fit of laughter. They picked up their pace to avoid her lecture, despite being laden down with baskets and cloth.

  Belle felt her cheeks get hot, a warmth that languidly spread as they continued on their way, going all the way down to her toes. Her smile remained unbroken as they approached the hill side.

  The trees whispered at them while blankets were smoothed out, glasses and silverware appearing from the soft confines of the baskets. Below them the water lapped at the shore in a rhythm of its own. Another one of Violette's cousins, who was tall, deeply tan, and dark of hair, popped open a bottle of champagne with a bare hand and Belle quirked a brow, impressed.

  They raised a toast to the lady-in-waiting.

  "For the beautiful flower children, may your season be everlasting." Alyssa offered and then they dug in.

  Violette was all smiles, positively aglow as they worked their way through a delicious lunch. Afterwards Belle lay back, letting the wind have its way with her hair and not bothering to correct it.

  "If your boy does become a proper soldier, I wonder who will take his place?" Violette's ebony haired cousin mused aloud. Belle tilted her head back to the conversation, her interest piqued.

  "Why, are you interested?" One of the girls asked, looking dubious, but Violette was nonplussed.

  "If ever there was a William for the job, it would be you Fiorella." The lady in waiting replied and her cousin grinned roguishly.

  "Maybe she'd prefer someone with a different set of talents." Alyssa interjected when the girls cheered on Fiorella and Belle watched as she waved her hand at a cluster of napkin rings. They lifted easily off the ground, soaring into her open hand, and she earned her own applause.

  "I see you've been practicing. Do you think you could do that at the ceremony?" Violette asked excitedly and her relative nodded.

  "Of course."

  The rest of the afternoon passed by in a blur of laughter and castle gossip. As they walked back Belle bumped Violette with her shoulder.

  "Thank you, for inviting me. It was a lovely time." The princess said sincerely and Violette hugged her.

  "I'm glad."

  "I'm glad to know you, Lady Lily." Belle replied as they reached the castle steps and Violette batted at her.

  "Ah! Not yet!" She squeaked and Belle grinned at her friend, her best friend really. They bid their companions adieu and retired to the princesses chambers, still in high spirits.

  As darkness fell and Violette bent to light the candles Belle turned a few questions over in her mind. Finally she settled on one, far enough away from the events of Swann Lake to think about it in a less panicked light.

  "So, speaking of couples, whatever happened with Ser Wulfric and Pocahontas?" Belle inquired and Violette held onto one of the candlesticks as she turned to her.

  "Join me, and I will tell you the tale." Violette patted the floor while she took a seat. She held the candle in front of herself, illuminating just her face.

  "The great warrior Beowulf, after barely escaping with his own life, went into the wilds," Violette began in a somber whisper that picked up in intensity as she went along. Belle leaned forward, hugging her knees to her chest.

  "His heart was empty, and his soul was bare, so he left no mark as he lived with the trees and the animals. Soon, he became as one himself." She paused, the candle flickering.

  "Go on.” Belle urged her after a moment as the girl looked thoughtful.

  "I suppose it's a rather sad tale after all your grace." Violette said, her tone apologetic, but Belle would not be turned away. The lady in waiting was stone-faced in the fiery light as she continued,

  "Past the river Jonquil and near to Willow's Bend, he came upon a magnificent doe. Despite the hunger in his belly, he could not bring himself to hunt her. The next day he did not come upon the doe, but stumbled on a woman instead, knowing not that they were one in the same. She bathed in one of the many clear streams, as she often did. For many years Pocahontas had come to those woods, punishing lustful young men who stumbled her way, and greedy hunters who took more than their fill. With her fearsome spirit she scared them until they respected a woman's power."

  Now Belle was hanging on the edge of her seat, so to speak. Her brows furrowed as she leaned even closer.

  "Beowulf, having forgotten his humanity, did not gaze upon her. Instead he turned away, as he had when the doe appeared. Pocahontas was intrigued. He did not covet her, returning to his shelter, so she followed him," Violette put the candle down as the wax began to pour and Belle anxiously waited. This was a new story for her.

  "When she found him, she made to do as the tradition of her people called for and put the wounded animal out of his misery. But, no matter how she tried, Pocahontas could not bring herself to kill him, and so she took him back to the Bend. There he lived among the deer folk, learning their ways and slowly mending his soul. When he was ready, she set him free. Remembering now who he was and who he had been the warrior went straight to Briar Hill to swear his allegiance to King Arthur, and begin his life anew." She finished and Belle stared at her, deeply unsatisfied.

  "She let him go? But didn't she love him?" Belle asked. She'd seen the look in the deer woman's eyes when she'd asked after him. It seemed like a lifetime ago now but Belle remembered it clear as day.

  Violette patted her knee in sympathy.

  "The deer folk don't love outside the clan," The girl replied. "Or can't."

  "Ugh." Belle was disgusted, that was not the ending she had been looking for.

  "Maybe one day." Violette wished, helping Belle to her feet. "It's time for bed my lady." She declared as she put the candle out and Belle huffed her way under the sheets. The princess stayed on her back, looking at the ceiling as Violette curled up beside her.

  "Goodnight...your grace..." The girl yawned.

  "Night." Belle murmured in response.

  ---------------------------

  The weeks passed and Briar Hill cautiously settled back in to a rustic rhythm. There were still the whispered curses on the Marchand's, more so than ever, but they'd fade away whenever Belle appeared. She was thankful for the respect, even if her stomach did turn whenever she thought about the future or her family or any combination of the two.

  Kiara stayed busy with the soldiers, but she made time for Belle whenever she could. Belle, meanwhile, learned how to live in each moment that they had.

  Before sunrise on one very special day in the kingdom Belle's eyes fluttered open. In the beasts tower, she at first tried to deny her wakefulness, cuddling closer to Kiara, but eventually it got the better of her. Placing a kiss over Kiara's heart she freed herself, keeping her feet light as she walked across the room. Glancing back at the beast she smiled.

  Not wanting to wake her just yet Belle sank into one of the couches. Her reflection stared back at her from the big, square mirror on the other side of the room. She wore just a slip, her hair tumbling wildly to one side, and as she looked at herself she thought that her legs looked longer, leaner. She didn't have the softness of a southern princess anymore. Though she didn't want to admit it, the thought made her happy. Tearing her gaze from the mirror she looked around, folding her hands in her lap.

  The drawing table before her was littered with books and paper and after a minute she leaned forward to tidy it up with careful movements. As she sifted through the assortment she pulled out an empty sheet of parchment. When she came upon a charcoal pencil she set that aside as well. After she was finished with the first task she twirled the pencil between her fingers, staring hard at the blank page in front of her.

  Day was breaking, lighting up the room as she set to work. It had been a while, and there were more than a few shaky lines, but it felt good to let go. Her pencil slid across the page in hesitant strokes and brash curves. The lack of color seemed fitting for something so timeless. Careful not to press down too hard she brought the image to life.

  Holding it out at arms length when she was done, she was too absorbed to notice Kiara. The squinty eyed warrior princess appeared behind her, stifling a yawn.

  "What do you think?" Belle asked over her own shoulder when she realized she was there. Kiara was quiet at first, resting her arms over the top of the couch. Belle was distracted by her bare torso for just a moment, until the beast replied in a hoarse voice.

  "...it is a proper rose."

  Belle found that a satisfying answer, meeting Kiara's gaze with a small smile. The beast kissed the back of her head, then lumbered off in search of more clothes. Belle carefully freed the page from its binding and stood up. Leaning the picture against the glass of the mirror she took a few steps back to admire it again.

  "You should be going, if you're to best Violette." Kiara murmured into the nape of her neck as she slid her arms around Belle.

  "It's probably too late." Belle replied playfully, taking great pleasure in the image of the two of them being reflected back at her.

  "You know I'd rather you stay." Kiara admitted but Belle knew the writing was on the wall.

  "Will I see you later?" Guilt-tripping her just a little bit Belle let her bottom lip jut out and Kiara flashed that rare and mischievous grin.

  "You have my word."

  Belle gave her a swift kiss and then she threw her dress on and scampered off, passing a messenger in the hall who looked at her curiously.

  She was getting used to dating a VIP.

  She didn't, however, stand a chance of making it back to her chambers before Violette woke. The girl was already in a hurry as Belle slipped past the door into the room.

  Stuffing a roll into the princesses mouth Violette dropped her into a seat in front of the vanity and set to work.

  "Good morning." Belle chirped and Violette started.

  "I'm sorry, your grace." She apologized mid brush stroke, pausing, but Belle waved her on.

  "It's okay." The princess reassured her. She knew the girls nerves would only continue to fray the closer they got to the tournament.

  Revelers joined in from all directions when they reached the road and they helped to lift Violette's spirits. Belle didn't need any extra enthusiasm, clapping for a particularly gregarious rendition of "The Greatest King of All" as the Hillsguard readied their horses.

  Like always, her eyes swept the crowd in search of the warrior princess. Kiara caught her gaze and offered her a small smile before going right back to work. The cameo necklace found its way between Belle's fingertips as she sighed and Violette's mood officially shifted.

  "Oh, it's all so romantic isn't it?" The girl declared and Belle tried to snap herself out of it.

  She couldn't really deny the electricity in the air as the procession began its slow march. In the warmth, and the laughter, there seemed a spark of hope, the kind Belle didn't think could ever be extinguished.

  The townsfolk threw flowers at their feet, the petals swirling with the breeze as the trumpeters made their announcements.

  "Please put your hands together for, the man, the mystery, the magician, Lin!"

  The crowd erupted for him and for his performance. "The Tale of the Rose King" evoked a much more emotional response with all that had transpired. Belle was even swept away a bit, her eyes glazing over.

 

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