"Isabelle, Isabelle. What are you doing out here?" Mimi, the princess's nurse walked out to find her charge on the balcony. "Madame, you know your mother doesn't like you outside after dark."


Isabelle knew this but that didn't mean she liked it. She was hoping she'd have at least ten minutes before Mimi found her but she wasn't even lucky enough for more than five. "Oui, I know."


"Well come inside." Mimi had to od her duty even though she knew how hard it must be for Isabelle. The princess was the same age as she was, and despite the difference in their class standing they were friends. They had grown up together, and even though Isabelle, Belle when they were alone, was a princess Mimi had always had much more freedom. She saw Belle's reluctant look. "I'm sorry." She whispered. "But you know if I was caught letting you stay out there than I would get fired. Then you'd be all alone. I have to do my job."


"I know, I know. I don't want to lose you, you're my best, and only friend. I do wish you were coming to the ball tomorrow though."


"Belle, you know I can't. I would love to but The King and Queen would not permit it."


"I can ask them anyway." Belle knew this would be useless however. Her parents were kind but put too much emphasis on class standing. They knew Belle and Mimi were friends and permitted it only when no one else could see but they would never allow her to go to the ball. "I don't even want to go."


"You have to. It's in your honor."


"It's a ploy to get me married off. I wish Brady were here." Brady was Belle's brother and the crown prince of France. He was off fighting for the country and Belle hadn't seen him in over a year.


"He'll come home soon. I know he will. Don't worry. Now, it's time for you to go to sleep. Your mother will be up in a moment to check on you and I haven't even started loosening your stays." Belle conceded and Mimi began to undress her. Belle looked at Mimi's looser dress and lack of corset enviously. After she'd removed Belle's corset she went and got the salve to rub over the bruises it left. Finally she pulled Belle's nightgown over her head just as they heard a knock. Belle jumped into bed and Mimi answered the door. She bowed down to the Queen, Marlena.


"Bon soir, maman." Belle said dutifully.


Marlena glided over towards Belle's bed, sitting on the side of it. "Bon soir, Isabelle. Are you feeling quite well tonight?" Belle nodded. "Good. I will see you early tomorrow as we start your preparations for the ball." She kissed her daughter's cheek and left the room.


"You really should get some sleep Belle." Mimi said, putting out the candle.


"I will try. Bon Soir."


"Bon Soir." Mimi left Belle alone.


Belle surprisingly fell asleep rather quickly. She had a dream in which she saw a man. He was muscular and had dark hair and chocolate colored eyes. He stood there smiling at her. "Je t'adore Isabelle," he said.