"Oh my! I heard you saved an entire village from a wicked village head, but I had no idea you returned with something as well!" Mia exclaimed, rushing to meet Belle the moment she heard the news. Now standing before her, she eyed the bundle in Belle's arms with curiosity.
"It is not as though I did it alone. Quinn and his men bore the greater share of the work," Belle replied, swaying gently as the baby nestled against her.
"Hmm! That may be, but if not for you, none of it would have come to pass. I am so proud of you, Belle," Mia said, offering the praise she knew was well deserved. Watching Belle grow from someone who once struggled to protect herself to one who now shielded others filled her heart with pride. If her mother had lived to see this day, she would have been overjoyed.
"Thank you," Belle murmured, a rosy blush tinting her cheeks as she giggled, her gaze drifting down to the peacefully sleeping child.
