Belle was 6 now, and had been to many balls (although she didn't truly know how to dance yet). And she was excited for her upcoming birthday ball. She was so excited, she snuck into the ballroom to see them setting up, although it was supposed to be a surprise. The room was decorated with streamers of blue and gold, and silver towers of cakes and pastries and other foods stood on the ornate tables with crisp white tablecloths. Gold ribbons adorned the railings of the staircases and balcony. Blue ribbons adorned the entryways to the room. Belle was always impressed at how grand the ballroom was, considering that she was the princess of a relatively small castle that overlooked the small village her parents ruled. Occasionally, they would get visits from other nobles and royalty. Belle had a list of princesses that had come to her castle. Her favorite princess had been Snow White. Maids were scurrying around, setting up for Belle's birthday ball. Belle had spent the day in the hidden lake, which most of the castle staff didn't know about, before picking out her dress for the next day's ball. She had decided on a light blue one with gold lining, to match the theme of the room. Suddenly, one of the maids spotted the little girl.
"Princess Belle! You're not supposed to be here!"
"I know, Veronica, but I wanted to see!"
"Your mother will not be happy!"
"She doesn't have to know."
Veronica sighed, knowing the stubborn little girl wouldn't listen to her.
"Very well."
Belle eagerly looked around, hoping for a glimpse of her birthday cake. When she saw it, she gasped. It was beautiful, light pink with white roses. It had 4 layers, and a little sugar statue of Belle on the top. Belle ran over to get a look, when she slipped and fell headfirst into the cake. When Veronica saw, she ran to fetch the queen, who came quickly. Belle, knowing she was in trouble, tried to hide, but failed.
"Belle!"
"Yes, Mama?"
"I am very disappointed in you. You strictly disobeyed me!"
"Sorry, Mama. Does this... does this mean you don't love me anymore?"
"What? Of course not, Belle. I would never stop loving you because of one thing you did. Do you know what love is?"
"No, what?"
"Love is the one thing that lasts forever."
"Oh! I get it!"
"You do?"
"Yes."
"Good. Because I love you, Belle."
"I love you too."
A/N: So, I know the chapters have been relatively short and boring because they're just Belle as a little girl, but they are necessary set-up. They will be more interesting once she gets older. There will be a decent size section when she is 8, and another when she is 11, but the main part of the story will be when she is 14-15, and then it will go on and end when she makes the deal with Rumple.