It was so many years and Mikhail did not forget her. He tried to busy himself yet at the end of the day, it was Belle's face he saw and made his mind calm and clear. It was like she was his medicine, without her, his mind is clouded.
He knew what it meant to him so when he heard that the Yang Empire has fallen. He knew that it is his time to step out and help the damsel.
But he knew that the woman is no ordinary damsel. She was a capable woman like an empress and that was why over the years, he kept his reigns loose. He knew that if he will tighten it, she will only run away from him.
In the end, he got what he wanted. He rescued the damsel and he claimed her as his own. She became his empress.
Belle is now beside him, sleeping tightly like a harmless cub.
He also knew that the Lincoln and Lewis were the cause of her fall but he will not do anything about it. He knew Lyndon Lincoln well as his comrade. He will not ignite a war just because of a woman.
The most important thing is that Belle is now with him. The history will remain history. He could not do anything about it.
He caressed Belle's hair softly and it made the woman squirm more beside him. He faintly smiled and planted a kiss on her hair.
His actions were so loving. It was a direct contrast of how he dealt his matters, ruthless and heartless.
***
Belle woke up the next day and thought about the things happened in the past. Two years had gone by and she still could not believe that the man called her before everything in her life had fallen, was the very man who lend his hand now.
She could not say that she was thankful because they had a fair share over their deal. The man needed a woman beside that would help him dispel some evil creatures called, women. Yup, his parents is forcing him to marry because he's turning thirty four years old and wanted him to settle down and produce an heir.
Of course, Belle had her own reason why she agreed. She knew that it was the Lincoln and Lewis that caused her fall. She knew it because she tried to harm her younger sister.
What did she ate when she did that?
She deeply regretted it especially when she knew that Misha did not know about her existence. Her reason was simple. She wanted to start anew and her crimes should be dealt. Fair enough, right?
In the end, she ended up alone but now, she knew that Mikhail will help her and she will help him in return. Her crimes in Beijing were not light and one lifetime is not enough for her to pay it. She wanted to know if she could be forgiven by the people she tried to kill.
Mikhail knew this and wanted to help her.
During the time that he rescued her in the forest, she knew that the man will not help her for free. Everything has a payment.
She was only glad that Mikhail did not ask her body for her payment. At least for now.
These past two years, she was trying to learn their language. Sumerian. She studied their culture and most importantly was the etiquette of being a married woman. Hah! She must be crazy for trying to learn it but knowledge is what she seeks so it's okay to call her crazy.
The day has just started and the blue skies flaunted over her. She looked up at the vast skies over her before heading to the garden where Mikhail is waiting for her for breakfast.
Over these foreign skies with him, she felt happy and content but fear is always there.
Upon her arrival, she saw Mikhail had dressed in a casual dress shirt and a khaki pants with white leather shoes. He had a personalized Ulysse Nardin watch on his right hand. He had always worn it no matter what was the occasion and it complemented his sun-burnt skin.
Mikhail noticed her and looked at her.
"Hungry?" the man asked. He looked at her with his golden irises. It was like he had seen her soul.
It was after she nodded and walked towards his direction
"Yup. So, where are we going after this?" she asked the man that was reading the newspaper in front of her.
"It's surprise." he just shortly replied.
She looked at the man in front of her and did not ask further. He did not like to be inquired and not like to be questioned. It's a selfish behavior but she liked it. It was a surprise for her and she loved surprises ever since she arrived at his side.