Sorry for the false alarm! I forgot there was a section I needed to revise before posting! eeek! But it's fixed now. I'm looking for a few beta's for the next section of the story, so if you'd be interested in reading ahead and giving me a lot of feedback to make those chapters better, PM me ASAP! I'd like to start posting at least three chapters a week until the end. There's roughly 16 chapters to go (assuming I don't need to break any into two). Again, thanks to my reviewers, CarolNJoy, and the Bittersweet and Strange group!

Chapter 8- Protective Friends

Belle didn't wait for Tobias before she parted with Kara at Gertrude's. The two women spent a wonderful day together and ended with an early dinner at the tavern. Everyone inside was thrilled to see her, and Frau Gertrude chastised her for not coming sooner and more often. She made Belle promise that she would visit at least four times a week from now on.

Many of her friends from the Black Forest gathered around her and wanted to hear all about how she was occupying her time in the human village. A few exchanged looks when Belle mentioned Edmund and how often they were together. Belle scoffed at the implication that they were anything beyond friends, and reassured them all that no one could take Beast's place. Still, they encouraged her to go to the castle and visit with him, but Belle brushed it off, assuring them she would in a day or so.

She was halfway to the border before Tobias caught up to her. The light was fading fast as the sun set behind the trees and the sounds of the forest echoed in the silence of night. Belle hadn't brought a lantern or anything with her to light the way, sure that she would be home before it became necessary, but as the trees crowded around her, she was grateful Tobias had come after her.

In this distance she heard a bellow, "Blast you woman!" Stifling a laugh at his indignation, Belle covered her mouth and continued on.

"Will you stop, please?" he called out.

She paused for a moment to look back at him. "I told you, I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself. Had I thought to bring Philippe with me, I'd be home by now. I promise I'll remember the day after tomorrow, assuming Maman hasn't already taken him by the time I finish my lessons with Edmund."

She strolled at a slower pace as Tobias came up beside her, taking her by the elbow. "Now listen here, Belle… You are not to travel in these woods alone, ever. Do you understand me?" His voice was tight, and she saw the muscles in his jaw tick as it always did when he was trying to control his anger.

"You are not my keeper, Tobias. I'd appreciate it if you'd unhand me." Yanking her arm away, she sped up her pace, knowing it would do little to put any distance between them.

Tobias was nearly a head taller than Belle, and his stride easily twice that of her own, but he was ruining a perfectly wonderful day and she was not about to entertain his demands. "I will go where I want, when I want. And I'll do it alone if it pleases me."

Tobias gave an exasperated sigh and shook his head in frustration. "I just want to make sure you're safe. Is my company so difficult to bear that you couldn't wait a little longer for me to join you?" He fell into stride with her, his voice softening as he looked over with concern.

"When you're trying to lord over me? Yes, it's insufferable."

He could see the blaze of anger behind her eyes and recognized he had gone about this the wrong way. Making an effort to curb his aggravation, he hung his head in contrition. "I'm sorry. I forget myself when I am worried about a friend. I bring you a gift, from your fiancé." Suavely, he presented her with the rose Beast had asked him to deliver. "With a note of his deepest regret that he couldn't walk you home personally. He also told me to tell you that you're welcome to visit the village, or him, any time you wish."

Her eyes widened in surprise. "He told you we're engaged?" She took the rose from his hand and inhaled its sweet scent. It was a very sweet gesture, and she absentmindedly placed it into her basket. "I didn't think we were telling anyone. I haven't even told Kara, or my parents."

With a grin splayed across his face, Tobias relished in the fact he knew a secret his saucy witch didn't. Offering his arm to Belle, she took it in her distracted state. "He didn't intend to tell me, it just sort of slipped out during one of our more heated discussions. Congratulations, by the way. I'm looking forward to the wedding. Been a long time since I attended one."

A defeated sigh filled the space between them. "If there ever is a wedding. How can we plan a wedding when we can't tell anyone we're engaged?" Her head fell, her gaze transfixed on the ground. It was getting harder and harder to cling onto hope. As the days turned into weeks, and feelings turned into memories with nothing to keep them fresh, it was difficult to retain that sense of confidence in their relationship.

But retain it she must. Forcing a smile, she looked up at Tobias. "Thank you for delivering the rose."

She shuffled through the basket on her other arm. It was full of herbs and a few healing balms from Kara and Gertrude. "I have something for him as well." Tucked along the side was a letter sealed with a yellow crest. "Give this to him for me. Hopefully, it will explain why I can't visit him right now. Having to part with him each time... I just can't bear it and still maintain a shred of myself." A tear escaped her eye and she let go of Tobias's arm to brush it away with the back of her sleeve.

"He has set a new plan in motion to resolve this separation. However, it still might take some time. He's asked Annwn to work with les charmantes he's concerned about and help them safely process and move past their fears. With the hard work and dedication that Annwn is determined to give, I'm confident it will work."

Tobias stopped to look down at his little friend. He could feel her anguish, and it was the same he always felt around Beast. This was tearing both of them up inside, and he was angry that there wasn't a damn thing he could do to help. He was used to taking charge and solving problems, not sitting by and watching those he cared about suffer.

They were through the woods and nearing Belle's cottage when he added, "Please wait for me to come and get you on Monday. I'm happy to carry any supplies or items you need, but promise you won't come alone."

His green eyes pleaded with hers, and she let out a long breath.

"Fine. But I don't like it. And some days I'll accompany Maman and not need your services. I never pegged you for a footman, Tobias. But if you insist…" She gave him a quick hug and walked up the stairs to the cottage. "And congratulations to you as well. I'm so happy you and Kara took to one another. I had hoped it would be so."

She gave him a wink that caused the man to blush, and he delivered a slight bow. "Gute Nacht, Belle. I'll see you just after lunch on Monday."

"Good night."

Belle entered the little cottage, gave her parents a brief greeting, then went to her room. Once behind her door, she took out the rose.

Of all the flowers to send, he sent her a red rose. Her heart swelled and a smile took over her face. She knew how painful staring at the wilting rose had been for him. It had been a symbol of his selfish and callous ways, and a time clock to his pending condemnation. Until she touched it and ruined everything. It felt like a million years ago. They'd been through so much since then. That he would openly share one with her, giving it new meaning, spoke more to his personal growth than any conversation could. She was so proud of him it practically exploded within her. Even if she couldn't bring herself to see him, she could keep writing and letting him know she stood by him, regardless of their physical locations.

Lifting her water cup from the night before, she moved it to her little writing desk and placed the rose in it. Then she sat down to jot a note of thanks to him and tell him about her day. She hoped it would give him the same joy this small token had given her.

Monday couldn't come soon enough for Belle. She was so excited to return to Montiquent and start lessons with the charmante children. Her contagious glee was felt around the small schoolroom, as she rushed through her morning lessons She even dismissed the children ten minutes early, giving them extra play time.

Edmund shook his head as he walked up beside her. "If you were going to be this distracted, I would have taught the lessons myself." He chuckled as they watched the children play from the stoop. Noticing a glint in her eyes that he so rarely saw warmed his heart, and that he had helped contribute to it by providing some much needed materials made him feel pleased.

"I'm sorry, Edmund. I am just so eager to get back to the charmante children. It's been so long now since I've seen them. And to have actual proper lesson plans and materials with which to teach them is just beyond wonderful. I am so grateful for you."

Her smile beamed up at him, and he felt a surge of warmth shoot through his body. He looked away, so as not to stare. Unexpectedly, she kissed his cheek. Shocked, he tried backing away but tripped over his own feet and fell to the ground.

"Owe," he said, rubbing his rump.

A few of the children saw what had happened and were having a good laugh at their teacher's folly. Belle extended a hand to help him up, but he declined any further contact with her. If he was smart, he would encourage her to teach full time in the other village and leave him to the human children. However, the thought of not seeing her almost every day was more than he believed he could survive, which is what brought his thoughts to her king. How could the man possibly manage this distance from her? If they loved one another as much as Belle said they did, he couldn't understand how the Beast wasn't breaking down his door, knowing she'd been spending so much time in his company.

Edmund was sure that the green eye of jealousy would have taken over him if put in the Beast's shoes. Perhaps he didn't know? And if he didn't know, did that mean Belle wasn't as sure of her feelings after all? Edmund was far too practical to allow himself even a measure of hope that he could somehow win her over from a king, even one who appeared as a beast. He shoved all thoughts of deepening their friendship into a box, locked it, and buried it as well as he could. Longing for things he'd never have wasn't good for either of them.

Breaking his thoughts, Belle asked with concern, "Are you all right? What happened?"

Edmunds cheeks heated as he brushed the dirt off his breeches, then wiped his hands on one another. "I'm fine, you just took me by surprise is all. Shouldn't you be going? Isn't your wolf friend, Tobias, coming to collect you soon?"

"Yes. Don't remind me. I swear if I find out Beast put Tobias up to all this hovering, I'll throw something at him. It's insulting the way Tobias treats me like a child. I did well enough on my own before he came along, and I do just fine around our village here. If I can handle Gaston, I think I can handle anything." Belle's eyes darkened in her annoyance, and Edmund regretted bringing it up.

But he couldn't help himself in trying to revise her perception. "I would never presume to tell you what to do, Belle, but shouldn't you look at it from his perspective? You're a human, with no special abilities—of a magical inclination, I mean—traipsing through a forest known to be home to normal wolves, bears, and other animals, not to mention some of those less restrained charmantes. I worry about you as well. In fact, haven't I escorted you around town on occasion, particularly after dark? You can't begrudge your friends being concerned about you. It shows we care."

His gray eyes looked at her with such tenderness that Belle couldn't help but concede his point. Still, she raised an eyebrow at him and smiled. "I hate it when you're right."

"It's a good thing I rarely am than." They chuckled, for that wasn't even close to being true.

Edmund entered the school, leaving Belle outside watching the children as he gathered up some more supplies for her. He had found some things at home the night before and brought them in to give to her.

Belle looked at him curiously as he walked back outside, his arms overflowing with books, paper, and rolled posters. She quickly brought the small hand cart around from the side of the building they kept for deliveries, and Edmund deposited his bounty into it.

She looked wide eyed over the materials, sifting through it all, reading the titles on the books. "You have been too generous. I know Beast will want to pay you for all of this."

"Or perhaps he'll just permit me to see this village for myself? And if he's feeling extra generous, that stunning library of his? Did you get the chance to ask him the other day?" Edmund smiled eagerly as he recalled Belle's description of the incredible collection.

Belle shifted uncomfortably away, wringing her hands and shuffling her feet. "I didn't actually see him. And I won't be seeing him today either."

"Why ever not?" he asked gently.

"It's just too hard to walk away after. So I'd rather not see him at all for now. I did send him a letter. And he sent one back already. He said you could come to the village, as long as you stay with me and Tobias at all times. I failed to mention the library yet. Give it time. Let the people there get to know you first. They're bound to find you as charming as I do."

She smiled at him in that way that made his thoughts scatter, and he cleared his throat then shook his head, trying to get them back. "How about in two days? The children's parents need their help in the fields collecting the harvest so I'll have extra time on my hands."

"Sounds perfect. See you tomorrow," she replied with a wave, and she parted from the school with the cart full of materials. She shouted just before she was out of sight, "And thank you again!"

Belle sat on the steps to her cottage, waiting for Tobias and growing more and more impatient by the second. He was an hour late, and she was ready to hitch up the donkey to the little cart and walk alongside it, for her mother had left that morning with Philippe and the wagon. She waited just a few more minutes before furiously stomping around to the stable to get Marcel. Despite the advanced age of the little donkey, he was still reliable and quite capable of assisting her in transporting the education materials. She was nearly finished rigging the cart to Marcel when she heard a voice shouting for her outside.

"Kara, what on earth are you doing here?" Belle asked as the witch approached her just outside the stable. Kara's hair was windblown, her cheeks pink, and she was out of breath as if she had run all the way from her house. Concerned, Belle brought her friend inside the cottage and set about making a kettle of tea.

"Where is Tobias? What's going on?" Belle asked again as the two sat at the dining table, and Kara's breathing returned to normal.

"It's not safe for you to come today. The entire village is on warning, and no one is to leave their homes. A group of young Minotaurs are rampaging through the square. No one knows what provoked them, but Tobias and Beast are trying to calm them down, or at least coral them to a more appropriate place to vent their anger. Gertrude and Annwn are working together to brew a calming potion. I'd be there helping, but Tobias knew you would come alone if he didn't show up, so I was sent to prevent that. And it looks like I made it just in time." Taking a sip of the tea Belle provided, Kara finally relaxed into her chair.

"Is my mother all right? She left this morning to check on her garden at the apartment." Worry splayed on the young woman's face not only for her mother but for Beast as well. She tried sitting down, but couldn't keep her feet from moving, so full of nervous energy.

"Rosalind is fine. She's at her apartment with a few friends waiting out the commotion." Kara's reassurance did little to calm her fears, and she continued to pace the floor.

Reaching out a calm hand, Kara snagged Belle by the forearm, forcing her to stop. "He's going to be fine. He knows how to handle situations like this. You should have seen his face when Tobias fetched me to make sure you weren't in town. He was petrified, and they both insisted I reach you as fast as I could."

"I know, but that doesn't stop me from worrying about him," Belle sighed and wrung her hands on her apron. "And you're saying this isn't the first time a situation like this has occurred?"

"I wish it were, but there have been several incidents of odd behavior from otherwise amiable people. Annwn and I have treated them all successfully, but we haven't yet determined the cause or source. And the warning beacon hasn't once turned red, so whatever or whoever is responsible likely is unaware they're doing it. This is why Tobias has been so overprotective. When the situations arise, they hit out of nowhere, and he just doesn't want to see you harmed. Neither do I."

"I appreciate that Kara, truly I do, and I will try to be more accommodating. I'm just getting really tired of feeling helpless and excluded. This is supposed to be my kingdom too. I have just as much passion and love for the people there as Beast does, and yet at every turn I am forced to be an outsider." She shook off Kara's hand and resumed pacing the floor, gesturing wildly as she complained to her friend. "And yes, I know it's for my protection, but what if I don't need protecting? What if I can handle myself and am willing to take the risk?"

"You might be willing to take the risk, but the rest of us aren't. How are we, Beast in particular, supposed to focus on helping those who need it if we're too busy worrying about you; where you are, and if you're safe?"

Belle paused her pacing as she allowed Kara's words to sink in, and then she slumped into a chair with a defeated sigh. "I suppose your argument has some merit."

"Now, let's focus on something else. How about you and I take a walk through your village? Perhaps I can finally meet this teacher friend you've told me so much about?"

The mask of gloom faded a little at the idea of her two closest friends meeting. "That's a wonderful idea. Edmund will be finishing up soon, and by the time we reach the school he should be free. He's been eager to meet you. I apparently speak of you often."

Kara stood first and Belle followed her out the door. "But before we go, I should show you what he gave me this morning for our school." Belle led the way into the stable where the cart was, and she enthusiastically showed her all the books and supplies Edmund had bestowed upon her that morning.

Kara examined it all with a discerning eye and was absolutely elated at his generosity. "He has a big heart, doesn't he?" Kara glanced at Belle, who was smiling at her friend's delight. She nodded her head and then grabbed the witch's hand, pulling her out of the stable and down the path to the village even more restless to introduce the two of them.

Kara stumbled a bit, trying to catch up as Belle walked at a swift pace, and when they entered the tiny town, she tugged on Belle's hand, forcing her to slow down. "Why the hurry?"

Belle's entire demeanor changed from concerned and forlorn to excited and cheerful. "I don't want to miss him at the school. He doesn't usually linger long after the children leave, and I want you to see the schoolhouse as well. We can stop in some of the little shops on our way back."

Pleased with herself at her own ingenuity in suggesting the distraction, Kara happily followed.

Giving brief greetings and waves to those they passed by, the two women quickly reached the other side of the village where a path led to the quaint schoolhouse on the side of the hill. Belle practically dragged Kara up and through the door.

Kara was surprised at her first sight of the simple teacher. He was taller than Tobias, and much leaner, but his medium brown hair and soft gray eyes were inviting and warm. She couldn't help but notice how handsome he was, with his welcoming smile and strong jaw. She looked at Belle and wondered how her friend managed spending so much time with a dashing gentleman such as this and not develop feelings. But Belle's emphatic insistence that she felt nothing more for Edmund than she did for Tobias echoed in the witch's head.

Tobias.

Kara had nearly forgotten about him in her staring at the fine man across from her. Not that she was exclusive with the Captain of the Guard. She could look all she wanted.

As she continued to gape at him, Belle explained why they were there and the circumstances that made going to Montiquent not possible. Then introductions were made, and Edmund placed a cordial kiss on Kara's hand. Her cheeks flushed, and she gave him a sweet little curtsy.

"It's so wonderful to finally meet you, Kara," Edmund started, looking over the beautiful witch before him. Her jet black hair fell in waves down her back, and her startling blue eyes looked on him with intrigue and, what was that? Whatever it was made him a touch uncomfortable, and he shifted on his feet. "Belle speaks so highly of you and your talents, particularly with the children. Feel free to take a look around my classroom, and anyway I can provide assistance or advice in setting up your own, I am happy to oblige."

"Thank you. I am pleased to meet you as well. We are so appreciative of how generous you have already been in helping Belle and I establish a school for the children in our kingdom."

Kara turned away, looking about the room at the various posters and plaques on the walls. She made a mental note to have a poster drawn up of all the different plants she'd found in the kingdom so far.

Edmund brought her around to take a look at his desk, and how he stored the delicate visual aids and other necessary learning materials.

It didn't take long for the two to exchange ideas and methods for conveying complex subjects to young children, and the best ways to appropriately challenge the older ones without making the little ones feel left out. Belle faded into the background and watched her friends from the side of the room. It felt so good merging her worlds together, and it gave her a sense of hope that there could be a seamless transition, blending the different parts of her life into one someday soon.

Once they had exhausted the topic of education, Edmund started asking Kara all sorts of questions regarding magic and healing. The young witch was more than willing to share her knowledge and answered all of his questions beyond satisfaction.

Edmund glanced across the room to find Belle in the corner reading a book, so he leaned in and whispered to Kara, "You've seen Belle and her King together. Do they truly make one another happy?"

Kara was surprised at the directness of the question, but even having just met the fellow, she gathered that was just his way. He didn't skirt around difficult or potentially offensive topics, and was always very forthright about his opinions without being arrogant or rude. It had been refreshing talking to someone so clear of their own mind, that didn't get caught up in being overly polite or proper. She could see in his eyes when he looked over at Belle again why the question was so important to him.

"Yes, I believe they do. But they also aggravate one another and hurt each other in ways only someone you love deeply can. I have seen them at their best and worst as a couple. It is definitely a challenging road they have set upon. However, I don't see that they have any other choice but to walk it, since I've never witnessed a love as deep or unselfish as theirs. He would honestly do anything for her. He even tried letting her go once, because he didn't want her trapped in what he termed a 'half-life' with him." Kara spoke gently and quietly so Belle didn't overhear. She wasn't sure why she was giving Edmund so many intimate details, but something inside told her it was necessary.

"How did Belle react to that?" Edmund had assumed the Beast to be unfeeling, or at the very least, selfish in his treatment of Belle, for he couldn't imagine a scenario where it would be justified putting her through the hell she was currently living in. To discover the man once tried to set Belle free, it both reassured and pained him.

"She refused to allow it once she discovered that was why he was constantly pulling away from her. You see, Belle doesn't care what kind of life they have together, as long as they are together. Which is what makes the current situation so difficult. She understands it's for her safety and the safety of the other human's, but this was never part of what the two of them discussed when it came to running their kingdom. And it is very much their kingdom. Despite her restricted access, she is a part of our community, and we rely on her as much as we do him. But having seen firsthand what can go wrong when people allow their fear to control them, I can't help but agree with him. I was nearly burned at the stake by my own fiancé when he discovered I was a witch. So the King's instinct to protect her at all costs, I understand that. Even if it is tearing him up inside as much as it is her."

Edmund saw a pain in her eyes at the memory, as well as her anguish over her friend's plight, and he reached out to take her hand. "I can't comprehend that level of hate and fear. I am so sorry you've had to live through that. I wish there was something I could do to help all of you."

Kara felt a strange sense of comfort and ease she hadn't felt in a very long time as he looked into her eyes. There was a feeling of trust and reassurance radiating off of him that shook her. His compassion was palpable. "It was a long time ago, and now I have a home where I never have to fear being myself again." She smiled at him and took her hand back. "I can tell you have grown rather attached to Belle over the last month, and I can't say I blame you. But I would hate to see you get hurt. You are too kind and worthy a man to lose your heart to a woman who can't share hers with you. And I assure you, Belle's is spoken for, and in the tenderest of care."

Edmund grinned with a slight blush before he nodded his head in acknowledgement. "I remind myself of that every day. I treasure our friendship and would never do anything to jeopardize that."

The two stood and started to walk towards Belle. "I'd be remiss if I didn't ask if your affections were currently tied to anyone?"

His directness once again had Kara off balance, and she looked at him with eyes wide and mouth slack, trying to find the correct words to describe her and Tobias's relationship. "I have been spending time with someone, but it's nothing serious," she finally got out just as they approached Belle, who had already set her book aside and stood to meet them.

Kara tucked her hair behind her ear and gave Edmund a parting smile. It had been a very enjoyable afternoon, one that was completely unforeseen. The two women said their goodbyes and left the teacher to finish closing up the schoolhouse.

As they walked arm and arm back through the village, Kara scoffed at Belle, "I can't believe you failed to mention once again how handsome one of your friends is! If I didn't know better, I would never believe that you and he weren't…" Kara trailed off, raising a brow at Belle who was blushing and avoiding her gaze.

"I just don't look at anyone else that way." She waved Kara off, taking a few side steps. "Edmund is a dear. He's kind, gentle, intelligent, and always eager and willing to help everyone—even those who don't deserve it. I don't believe he's capable of raising his voice for any reason. Like I said, in another life, maybe? But he's just my friend—one when I desperately needed it—and yet I could never see him as anything else. I'm sorry if you were taken by surprise, though. You and he seemed to have a connection. Wonder what Tobias would say about that?" She looked up at her friend with a mischievous glint in her eyes.

Kara snorted at the implication. "Tobias has no claim on me. He and I are friends... who on occasion spend time together—alone." Kara giggled, recalling the last time they had been alone. That man definitely had skills she hadn't experienced before.

Belle's eyes widened at what Kara was hinting at, and being very naïve on this particular subject she was still prone to girlish blushes when it was discussed.

"So then you plan to marry him?" she asked innocently.

"Of course not. I gave myself to my fiancé so many years ago, and when that turned disastrous, I decided to enjoy my life to the fullest. I am in no rush to settle down or be someone's wife, or a mother. And I do take pleasure in spending time with Tobias, but he is as stubborn as you warned, and so high handed at times. When we clash, it isn't a pretty sight, and we both end up walking away with bruised egos. Edmund, on the other hand, is the complete opposite, and it is refreshing. When did you say you planned to bring him to Montiquent?"

Kara couldn't keep the tender expression from her face, nor the excitement from her voice.

Belle laughed a bit at her friend's ability to flit from man to man. "Day after next was our plan. Would you like to be the one who walks with us? I was going to ask Tobias, but if you'd prefer…"

Kara was already nodding her head yes, a beaming smile was on her beautiful face.

The ladies spent the remaining time visiting several of the shops in town, and Kara purchased some new perfume. It felt like such a normal day to Belle, and her mind was eased from the tension she had felt earlier. Each passing day got a little easier. Spending time with her friends was exactly what she needed to survive this trying time in her life.

As they strolled back to Belle's cottage, Kara dug something out of her pocket.

She handed Belle the sealed letter and watched the beautiful brunette's face light up as she took it. "I almost forgot. He wanted me to bring this to you."

"Thank you. Writing to one another has been an oddly satisfying way to stay connected." Belle hugged Kara goodbye and watched her disappear into the woods.

Once out of sight, Belle went in, grabbed a baguette out of the basket on the table, then sat and read over the Beast's letter, lazily snacking on the bread.

At first they had simply written about how much they longed to see one another, and explanations as to why they couldn't, but soon it turned into much more. He would ask her advice or opinion on decisions he was facing and she would reply with her council. For the first time since they returned home, she felt like he was including her in the running of the kingdom as he'd promised.

Of course, there were always his pledges of love, and in his last letter a sweet attempt at poetry in response to one she had written him. Her heart swelled with tenderness and yearning as she read the beautiful words. He wasn't Shakespeare by any stretch of the imagination, but she could feel his love in every line.

After finishing the most recent correspondence, she set about writing her reply, taking time to think over her response carefully, detailing her view on the various troubles he faced. She included some difficulties of her own that she felt he could help her sort through, namely splitting her time between the two schools, and establishing a routine that wouldn't interfere with anyone else's. Particularly if she was to need an escort every time she travelled back and forth, a point she was not entirely ready to concede on. Pleased with the letter, she finished it the same way she always did, Forever and always, your Belle.