Chapter 9

The day of the coronation came very quickly for everyone in the castle. As everyone prepared for their big day, Belle hid in her room. She knew that she need to get ready and she knew that she needed to be strong, but suddenly everything was coming down on her.

Hours before the ceremony, before she had to really get ready, Belle met with her friends. "I guess this is where I say all of those mushy things." she paused. "But seriously…thank you. Meeting all of you has made me see how opening a door for yourself can really pay off."

"We're going to miss you, Belle." Reid whispered.

She smiled and hugged him. "And I will miss all of you. But as I told Hotch, this is something I must do."

"And just think…now we can tell people that we know the Queen of Denmark and I'm sure we will get a lot of awesome gifts for Christmas this year…" Emily joked in hopes of lightening the mood.

Belle laughed and hugged her too. "How about another free trip to Denmark? Sound good?"

They all laughed and after she had hugged each of them, Soren came into the room. "Miss Annabelle, you must get ready now. You have a lot to do."

With one last look at her friends, Belle was pulled away. Finally after hours of preparing, Belle was ready to become queen. But as she waited for the ceremony to begin, all of her fears and stress started to race around in her head. Suddenly she ran out of the hall and raced away from her family. Eventually she stopped and tried to catch her breath.

"I can't do this. Oh my god. I am going to fail." she choked out.

Suddenly two strong arms pulled her close and held her. "You are going to be amazing."

She finally calmed down and looked up. "Daddy…I wish Oliver were here."

He nodded. "So do we. Do you remember what I used to tell you and your brother whenever something didn't go as planned when you were younger?"

A small smile grew on her face. "You would always say 'everything happens for a reason so take this opportunity and see what you can make of it."

He smiled and nodded. "So you were listening to me?" When she laughed, he continued. "Yes, that is what I would say to you both. Right now, is where you need to remember that. Whatever happens today, you will never fail us. I have always kept my promises to you. Today, I have a feeling, will be a very interesting and happy day for all of us."

"Thank you, Dad. I just hope that-"

"Eddie!"

At her mother's frantic call, Edvard took off running. Belle was right behind him and when she reached her family the sight froze her in her spot. "Oh my God."

She shot forward, and despite being in a fancy dress, wrapped her arms around her dirty brother. "Oliver!"

He smiled into her hair. "Belly…you're here." he looked at her. "You were going to take my spot….weren't you?"

She nodded. "They couldn't find you. How did you get here?"

He grinned. "I was held up in a place. The story is boring and long and this is not the place for it. But then, somehow, we got a call from a…Penelope Garcia. She is very persuasive, that girl."

Belle laughed and rolled her eyes. "I should have known that they would pull something like this!"

He smiled. "Yes. I am just glad to be home."

Belle hugged him once more and then looked at her parents. "Now that he is here, I have a confession to make…"

They looked at her with confused glances. "What is it?"

She sighed. "I love you. I love this family. And I understand the rules and importance of our monarchy…but I cannot do this." They stared at her, and she continued. "I have never gone against this life. Being a princess is my life. But I have another life. In Virginia. I love being an FBI agent. I have friends, and a great guy in my life. I will do this if you want me to, but I honestly think that it is Oliver's right. He knows the people better than I do, and he has always been here, training for this day. He deserves it…not me. It is his rightful gain. Not mine."

Edvard looked at Paige, then turned to his children. "Darling I would never want to force you to do anything that was against what you wanted. Which is why I am sorry for everything you have gone through in such a short time." He then turned to Oliver. "And now Oliver is home. We will reschedule this."

"No." Oliver said quickly. "You have all worked so hard to get here. We can do this today. Just…give me some time to be not…dirty?"

They chuckled and they heard footsteps behind them. Turning, they saw Hotch, followed by everyone else.

"Thank you for everything." Belle smiled.

Hotch grinned. "Of course. You are a great agent and I would hate to lose you." he handed her something. "I think you may need these when we get back to work."

She smiled and grabbed her gun and badge. "It feels so good to have these back."