"You are Belle?!" The young lady exclaimed, her hands flying to her mouth in astonishment. This was not at all what she had envisioned based on her brother's description. His portrayal of Belle was so different from the woman now standing before her.
"I beg your forgiveness, my lady," she quickly apologized, her voice trembling with regret. "I meant no offense. Please, pardon my mistake." Her eyes glistened as she silently cursed her brother for his misleading words. Did he truly believe her opinion hinged on such trivial matters as Belle's appearance? All she cared about was her brother's happiness and, consequently, her own.
"It is quite alright," Belle replied with a soft smile.
Hoping to ease the tension, she added playfully, "I shall endeavor to put on a bit of weight soon, so I may better match expectations."
The lighthearted remark had the desired effect, and the young woman let out a small laugh. "I am grateful for your understanding," she said, drawing Belle into a warm embrace.
At that moment, a slightly older woman stepped forward with a regal air. "Belle, I am the King's mother, Madison. But to you, I hope to simply be Maddie."
Belle turned to her, her expression softening. "Mother Maddie, you should not have come outside to greet me. It is I who ought to have sought you out," she said earnestly, feeling guilt over making the older woman wait for her in the open air.
"Nonsense, my dear. You have no idea how long we have prayed for a daughter, and you have come to us so willingly. You deserve far more than a mere welcome," Maddie replied with a kind smile, taking Belle's hands in hers and holding them affectionately.
Belle's voice wavered as tears welled in her eyes. "Thank you for accepting me," she whispered, overcome by the memory of how cruelly Izabella had treated her. Apart from her late mother, no maternal figure had ever shown her such love and warmth. If this were but a dream, she wished never to awaken.
"Hush now, my dear," Maddie said, her voice filled with gentle determination. "I will make you the mother of this nation if you so wish, and I swear upon my life to fulfill that promise."
Belle could hold back no longer. She burst into tears, throwing her arms around Maddie, who embraced her tightly and patted her back. "Do not cry, child," Maddie soothed. "You have no reason to shed tears any longer."
"Are they not the sweetest sight?" Aurora, the young lady, remarked as she stood beside Mia, her own eyes brimming with emotion.
"They truly are," Mia replied, blinking away tears as they both watched the touching moment unfold.
"Now, let us get you freshened up," Maddie said at last, leading Belle into the castle.
Mia was about to follow when Aurora stopped her, grasping her hands firmly. "And where do you think you are going? I presume you are the maid my brother mentioned. But hear this, you shall no longer be a maid. From this moment forward, you are to be my adopted sister. I have always longed for one."
Mia blinked, startled. "But I am to serve my lady…"
Aurora burst into laughter. "Your lady has already requested a better status for you. And I, being most creative, decided that making you my sister was the perfect solution. After all, if we were to grant you a position within the castle, you would still be a servant, would you not? But as my sister, you are free to stay here and enjoy all the privileges of that role, or, should you prefer, you may leave the castle and pursue a better life. The choice is yours."
Aurora's words were carefully chosen, knowing full well Mia's loyalty to Belle. By offering this second option, she ensured Mia would feel both honored and compelled to accept her new status.
"No! I shall remain," Mia declared firmly, loathing the mere idea of being separated from Belle.
Aurora smiled knowingly. "Very well, but you must prepare yourself. You will now have additional responsibilities with the castle's affairs, which means you might not be able to see Belle as often as you once did," she revealed. Though hesitant, Mia nodded in agreement. She knew in her heart that Belle would be cared for and treated with respect here. "I am content with that," she replied.
"Oh, how I adore you already!" Aurora exclaimed with delight.
Belle was soon settled into the castle, and in a short time, she began to bond with everyone. Though she had not yet seen the King, who was occupied with his royal duties, Belle made the most of her new environment, flourishing under Maddie's care and affection.
---
One Year Later
"Your Grace, the King has returned!" An exuberant maid announced, bursting into a chamber where a petite lady stood before a mirror.
"It is about time," Belle replied with a serene smile, examining her reflection. She smoothed her dress, nodding with approval when satisfied.
"Lead the way," she commanded with an air of confidence and poise that radiated regal elegance. Her smile hinted at an unshakable determination, as though she were ready to conquer the world if given the chance.
"Yes, Your Grace," the maid responded with a respectful bow, leading Belle out of the room.
Belle's heart swelled with anticipation. A year had passed, a year she had spent preparing herself, under Maddie's loving guidance, for the role of Queen. Maddie's nurturing had reminded her of her own mother, filling a void Belle thought could never be mended. This was the beginning of the next phase of her carefully planned vengeance, and she felt ready to seize it.
As they approached the receiving hall, an unexpected unease gripped her. Trusting her instincts, she asked, "Did he arrive with anyone?"
"Yes, Your Grace, a renowned hero," the maid answered, placing her hand on the door.
"A renowned hero?" Belle repeated softly, her mind racing. Before she could fully process the response, the door opened, and her gaze locked with a pair of familiar obsidian-black eyes. His expression shifted from indifference to shock in an instant.
Her heart thundered in her chest as she clenched her hands into the fabric of her gown. For a year, she had rehearsed this moment—her victory, her revenge. Yet, nothing could have prepared her for the reality of seeing him now, standing before her. This was not the scenario she had envisioned.
"Your Grace," the maid called gently, noticing Belle had frozen at the entrance.
"Ah!" Belle snapped out of her thoughts, releasing her fists. Steeling herself, she stepped into the hall with a steady stride. She walked directly to the King, pointedly ignoring Quinn and his wife, Sofia, whom she only now noticed.
The King smiled warmly and gestured toward her. "Quinn and Sofia, allow me to introduce my wife-to-be, Belle."