Belle stared in shock at the man standing in front of her. It was the guy from her dream. He bowed low in front of her. "May I help you, Princess?"

"What is your name?"


"Shawn Brady, ma'am. I work for Sir Philip. Have you come to see the horse?"


Shawn Brady... "Yes. Please bring me to it." Belle saw Mimi's disgusted face. "You can leave now if you'd like. I know you can't stand the stables."


"Thank you, m'lady." Mimi curtseyed and left.


"Right this way, ma'am."


"Shawn? May I call you that?"


"You may call me whatever you wish, ma'am."


"Please, call me Isabelle. Is the horse a mare or a stallion."


"Oh she's a beautiful mare, ma'am. I mean Isabelle."


"Have you taken care of her long?"


"Since she was born." He reached the stall and turned to her. She was so beautiful. He could see why Sir Philip was happy to be bethrothed to such a lady. "Here she is."


Belle approaced the stall. "Hey there pretty girl." She rubbed the horse's soft, gray nose. "She's beautiful."


"That she is." The horse stood at about fourteen hands and was all white, with a long, flowing mane and tail.


"What's her name?"


"Well, I named her myself when she was born but you can feel free to change it. I call her Fancy Face. Or just Fancy for short."


"It's perfect." Belle found herself thinking that this young man was the most handsome she'd seen. Maybe even moreso than her brother, who was reputed to be the best looking in Europe. "Can you have her tacked for me tomorrow morning, after breakfast?"


"Yes ma'am."


"Isabelle."


"Isabelle." He walked her back to the door of the stable and once again bowed low. "It was a pleasure meeting you."


"Same to you. Will you be staying long?" She hoped the answer was yes but didn't know why.


"Yes ma'am. I was told to stay with the horse unless you wanted otherwise."


"No, you know her best. It was wise of Sir Philip to give you such instructions."


"My master is a noble man. And kind of heart."


"I'm sure." Shawn noticed the tone in the Princesses voice. She was obviously not to charmed by Sir Philip.


"Will you need an escort tommorrow?"


"That would also be wise. I would appreciate you coming with me. Since you know Fancy so well."


"Of course." Belle nodded to him and he bowed once more. She left and felt the heat growing in her face. Oh how she wished it were the morrow already. She went to her room where Mimi was waiting.


"You smell, Belle." Mimi said when she entered.


"Thank you." Belle said dreamily.


"Princess, are you okay?"


"What? I'm fine. Please help me undress." Mimi did so, not missing the look on Belle's face. "So I see you are truly flattered by this gentleman."


"Yes I believe I am." How could Mimi tell?


"This will please your father greatly. He sees Sir Philip as an excellent match for you."


Oh no! Not Sir Philip. Belle thought but all she did was smile. Finally Mimi had her undressed and went to get the salve for her bruises. Much to Belle's happiness she returned quickly and soon Belle was in bed. She fell asleep and dreamed once again about the dark, mysterious Shawn Brady. The same words as before echoed through her head. "Je t'adore."