The world slows to a gentle murmur as the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky in soft strokes of amber, lavender, and deep indigo. A cool evening breeze rustles through the trees, carrying the faint scent of damp earth and night-blooming jasmine. As the frantic energy of the day dissolves into a profound stillness, the first stars begin to blink into view, wrapping the landscape in a blanket of quiet contentment.
Yet Belle was nowhere near the word peace.
Servant: "Princess, you know that I will always support you in everything that you do, but... Princess, can you stop having this tryst?"
"Can't I indulge myself in a little romance? I promise that I will stop meeting him as soon as he marries someone."
Servant: "But—"
"No buts. As long as you keep this secret between us, I will give you back your servant contract and set you free. I just need you to go along with my whims, please?"
