The morning sun rose, casting its warm glow across the castle grounds, yet Belle awoke feeling a little down. She pushed the feeling aside, determined not to let it show. After dressing meticulously, she prepared herself for the day ahead and headed to the dining hall. The household, ever cheerful, made it a tradition to dine together in the King's quarters, regardless of his presence. It was a rule Maddie had established upon her arrival at the castle, intending to create a sense of unity. Belle had always been grateful for Maddie's efforts to ensure she never felt out of place.
"Sister-in-law! As always, your beauty is unmatched," Aurora exclaimed, her voice light and teasing as Belle entered the hall. Aurora admired Belle's appearance, marveling at how effortlessly the latter regained her figure after adding a little weight. A transformation that drew both admiration and envy from many.
"Aurora, you must refrain from such compliments in public," Belle gently admonished, shaking her head. She was all too aware of how society could twist innocent remarks into baseless rumors.
"Well, perhaps I will make the rumors true," Aurora jested, her playful tone drawing a wave of laughter from the table.
"You might first consider finding yourself a suitor," Quinn taunted, his usual penchant for teasing causing Aurora to pout in annoyance.
"I will rather take my time than end up with someone like you," she retorted, a smile playing on her lips as she stuck her tongue out at him.
Just then, Quinn turned his attention to Belle, mischief gleaming in his eyes. "Miss Belle, is this your usual habit? Arriving late and keeping us all waiting?"
"I am not in the habit of tardiness, Your Grace," Belle replied with poise, ignoring his attempt to provoke her.
"I simply overslept and I apologize for making everyone wait." She addressed the table warmly, her sincerity earning smiles and nods of understanding, much to Quinn's dismay.
Taking her seat to the right of the King, Belle turned to Hezekiah, offering him a soft smile. Hezekiah returned her gaze, unable to hide the admiration in his eyes, a fact that did not go unnoticed by Quinn.
"Have you been troubled in your sleep, or have you taken on additional duties?" Hezekiah asked, his tone laced with concern as he noticed faint shadows beneath her eyes.
"No, nothing of the sort," Belle replied, her smile unwavering. "I merely lost track of time while strolling and neglected to return indoors promptly. Your concern is appreciated." The lie came smoothly, though it made Quinn eager to interject.
"If that is the case, allow me to join you for your night strolls in the future," Hezekiah offered warmly, cutting a piece of his meat and placing it on her plate.
Belle's radiant smile lit the room, but it only served to deepen Quinn's irritation. "Are we certain Miss Belle was merely strolling?" He remarked, raising a skeptical eyebrow. "Or might she have been held back by... something?"
Belle's composure faltered slightly, but she quickly recovered. "Your Grace must be imagining things. What could possibly have detained me?" Her tone remained cordial, though her sharp gaze betrayed her tone.
"Perhaps a library in dire need of cleaning within two days?" Quinn drawled, his words striking a nerve. The room fell silent as all eyes turned to Belle.
"Did you assist the servants in the library, Belle? Whatever for?" Maddie inquired, her disappointment evident.
"Oh, no, not at all!" Belle lied, masking her unease. "I merely stopped by to oversee their work. I didn't even stay for a minute." She smiled brightly, hoping to appease Maddie, though it was clear the older woman was far from convinced.
"That is my responsibility, Miss Belle. Why would you take it upon yourself to do such a thing?" Quinn remarked, his tone laced with feigned innocence. He added a wink, which only made Belle quickly look away, her unease growing.
"It is of no consequence," Hezekiah interjected firmly, stepping in to defend Belle. "I am certain she only busied herself out of boredom, perhaps feeling idle without company." Though his words were gentle, his underlying irritation was clear, he disliked the thought of Belle performing tasks meant for the servants. He wanted her to focus entirely on herself.
"Bored? Oh, my poor Belle," Maddie said, rising from her seat and moving to Belle's side. She placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, her face full of concern. "We failed to notice, and it seems we must address this at once."
With a determined air, Maddie announced, "It is high time we set a date for your mating ceremony." Her bold proclamation caused Aurora to choke on her food, coughing loudly and drawing everyone's attention.
"Mother! They haven't even married yet, and you are already rushing to such matters?" Aurora exclaimed, her tone full of disbelief. She seemed oblivious to the agreement that Belle was to bear Hezekiah's heir before they could marry.
"I have chosen to conceive before marriage, Aurora," Belle said calmly, sparing Maddie and Hezekiah the trouble of an explanation. Her composed response left Aurora stunned, her wide eyes revealing her shock.
"You *chose* this?" Aurora asked, her voice tinged with disbelief. She found it difficult to comprehend. A woman bearing a child before marriage was uncommon and often scorned. Was Belle truly so eager to have a child?
"Aurora, drink some water," Mia interrupted, swiftly handing Aurora a glass to stop her from pursuing the topic further. Aurora took the hint and grudgingly sipped the water.
"It is long overdue. What are your thoughts?" Hezekiah asked Belle directly, his gaze steady and encouraging.
Belle hesitated only briefly, her resolve firm. "Yes, I am ready. Let us fix a date," she replied. For some unknown reason, she found herself glancing at Quinn, though she quickly pushed the thought aside.
"Then I shall leave the arrangements to you, Mother," Hezekiah said with a slight smile, clearly pleased. "I trust you will provide us with a suitable date soon."
"Of course," Maddie replied, her excitement palpable.
"But Belle must move into the King's chambers immediately. Let us make this arrangement official without further delay. The ministers will be delighted to meet their future queen." Maddie's enthusiasm was genuine, though it hid her lingering anxiety. Over the past year, she had feared Belle might abandon the arrangement altogether. She had consulted numerous priests, but their answers were always the same: "The future remains hidden from us." Those words had nearly made her lose hope.
"Very well, Mother," Belle agreed without hesitation, taking a deep breath. The moment she had been anticipating was finally here. She was now some months away from achieving her ultimate goal. As her thoughts shifted to her past, her resolve deepened. Her father, a minister among those eager to meet her, would surely be stunned to see her. That man, Quinn and everyone associated with Quinn would soon face the reckoning they deserved.