The Little Princess
Hey everybody. This is my first fanfic and I hope it's satisfactory. I think I might have gone overboard on some things and if I have, feel free to tell me with constructive criticism. I won't accept flames and I'll call you on it. The basic summary of this story is Belle and her prince are enjoying married life when she announces her pregnancy. It all goes from there with the birth of the baby girl and what her life is like as a princess. One more thing before you read this story is that I named the prince Vincent. Out of all the names he's been given, that one appealed to me most so that's his name. At least in this story.
Disclaimer: All the characters that you recognize belong to Disney and probably only Disney. The ones that are unfamiliar do belong to me except one, which I might tell you about in the next chapter if you don't figure it out by then.
Chapter 1: Morning Glory
All was quiet. All was still. Occasionally, small careful movements were made. Candles were extinguished. Windows were closed. All the servants in the castle were moving in perfect silent synchronization, making sure all would be just right when the master and his new bride would first open their eyes. Few servants stayed up the entire night, however. The ones who worked as ordinary maids and male servants had gone to bed not long after ten after cleaning up after the wedding celebration and feast scrubbing and mopping and all other types of housekeeping until it as spotless as a whistle. Those few that had sacrificed their good nights sleep were quietly making plans and carrying them out in hopes of surprising the newlyweds on their wedding morn.
Outside, it was completely different. Insects buzzed and droned, creating a whirl of noise and sound. Movement was diverse; a small mouse moved from one hiding spot to the next. A rabbit darted from a bush to its underground nest. A pack of wolves roamed the woods, looking for a fulfilling meal. The crafty fox, more of an individual, had the same purpose. The regal owl flew in silent leisurely strokes across the vast, silvery moon. The forest, dark emerald under the diamond dotted black blanket, was teeming with life and diverse activity. Then the darkness started to slightly lessen. A thread of white light illuminated the now pale gray sky. The dawn chorus was now active, a range of robins, bluebirds, mockingbirds, morning doves, etc. By now the sky was streaked with a palette of pinks, greens, purples and oranges. The masterpiece was complete when the sun made its glorious appearance. Its light descended on the majestic castle, bathing its porcelain structure in a very bright, dazzling radiance.
In a secluded room, high up in a tower near the back, and open window could be seen. A slight breeze stirred and ruffled the lacy velvet white curtains, revealing a lavish, luxurious master bedroom. A deluxe suite with copious furnishings, this room was worthy of a king indeed. The walls were a shade of milky white. On those walls hung elegantly carved frames with gilded gold edges. In one of those frames was a redheaded young girl perched on a rock amid the ocean. Waves tossed and crashed against it. And if one stood close enough, one could almost hear her celestial voice flowing from her open mouth. In another frame on the opposite side of the room, a young Arabian couple were locked in each other's eyes as they enjoyed a magical, moonlit carpet ride. Underneath the portrait was an Oakwood dresser; beside it was a significantly large cedar wardrobe gilded in silver. The perimeter of the room's floor was covered in plush, fluffy, snow-white carpet. In the middle of the room was a king-sized canopy bed with ivory furnishings.
The curtains, comforter, sheets and pillows were all a pristine, virginal white, for this was the honeymoon suite. The curtains of the canopy were made of velvet trimmed with lace. The pillow shams were also velvety lace and were occupying the day bed in the corner next to the bride's hope chest. The comforter and pillows were made of an unknown material, but still consisted of a fairly soft texture, stuffed with downy goose feathers. The sheets were silk (and stained crimson). The occupants of the rather extravagant bedroom were currently sleeping through their first morning as husband and wife. Slowly, the first rays of sunlight peeked through the curtain folds and gently woke the slumbering prince. Slowly his eyelids fluttered open, revealing eyes as blue and deep as the ocean itself. His light, chestnut colored hair splayed out on the pillow glowed and shimmered in the morning light. He shifted to his side and was greeted by the sight of ethereally beautiful wife. Her dark, silky locks, framed her creamy, perfectly shaped face, rose-colored cheeks and uniquely long eyelashes as well as her irresistible red lips that drove him to distraction. Carefully, he leaned over and gently kissed her awake.
"Belle," he whispered softly after gently touching his lips to hers. "Belle darling, it's time to wake up."
She stirred and the as slowly and delicately as a butterfly unfurls its wings, her eyes fluttered open. She smiled dreamily at her new husband. She was so happy she could have flown across the great expanse. Her husband.
"Vincent beloved, what time is it?"
"6:06. We have much to do today."
"Oh?" She arched her eyebrow.
"Royal duties…among other things." He trailed off slyly.
She caught his meaning and got out of bed. She went to the wardrobe and picked out a silk purple robe.
"Those sheets are going to need to be washed," she stated matter-of-factly.
"I know, love. I'll have the laundry maids do it immediately."
He turned around took her hand. "I love you, you know. And before last night, nothing so precious or holy ever happened to me and it will never happen to me again. You have given me something so very pure and right. I love you so much!"
"I love you too, husband of mine!" she said fiercely, enfolding him in a tight embrace. They remained locked in each other's arms for what seemed like hours when it was only minutes.
"Well," she said after they pulled away. "I believe our first order of business as 'royals' is… to take a bath."
As they stepped into the bath chamber, Belle couldn't help but suck in her breath at such incredible luxury. It looked like a meeting place for fairies from her stories. It was entirely marble-based with a glass "shower," her father's latest invention and wedding present to her and Vincent the only other things that were glass were the clawed feet of the bathtub. It was one of the biggest and most beautiful things she had seen. It was bigger than one and a half of her and her father's cottage. Lumiere and two servants whom Belle had never met before suddenly appeared beside them.
"Bon matins, Master, Madam. I trust your morning and last evening were most enjoyable experiences…" he said, winking at the couple.
Blushing furiously but still answering with admirable calm, Belle responded with:
"Thank you, Lumiere. Last night and this morning were indeed truly memories to value and remember often. But who are these two? I don't believe I've met them yet."
"Forgive me, Madam. I did not mean to be so impolite. This is Jean-Claude, the Master's masseur and personal servant, aside from yours truly. And this is Camille, your lady-in-waiting."
"It is a great honor to meet you both," Belle greeted them warmly, firmly shaking each of their hands. Camille, a shy, plain young girl, a few years younger than Belle, quietly mumbled her thank yous, but Jean-Claude looked slightly uncomfortable, puzzling Belle. In fact, he looked down right embarrassed. Before he could be distressed further though, Lumiere quickly came to his rescue.
"Madam, I apologize once more for my absentminded ways. Jean-Claude is a mute. He cannot speak and has never spoken a word in his entire life. But he is a fine worker and a divine masseur. I speak from experience," he added blithely. "Well now, you have all that you need for this morning. Au revoir."
"Wait! Lumiere!" Belle called out to him. Too late.
"Vincent, dearest? I'd rather we have a relaxing intimate bath together, alone. Please?"
He smirked in amusement as her robe was removed, revealing modest, but still enticing undergarments. However, he loved her and actually agreed with her that these types of things were only for a husband and wife to share. Therefore, he complied. Just as his shirt was removed.
"I very much agree my love," He snapped his fingers.
"Leave us," he quipped brusquely.
"Shall we, Milady?" Playing the gentleman, he held out his hand to her.
"If you insist Your Highness," she answered back just as playfully. Together they entered married life…
Later as they finished preparing for breakfast, Belle casually asked if he had any family she would later meet. To this, Vincent replied just as casually,
"Sure my sweet, if you consider ambitious backstabbing weasels that can only think of obtaining your throne, then yes, I have 'family'."
Setting her brush down, she turned to face him. "I'm sure they aren't that bad."
"Trust me, they're that bad. They reek of ambition and greed. When you meet them, you'll not only agree with me, but have other things to say about them as well."
"What's that supposed to mean? Goodness but this subject sure has put you in a mood."
He made his way over, his face apologetic. "I'm sorry. It's just that when I think of them I see a red haze and I can't think of anything except trying to get them out of my mind."
"Well then, the simple solution would be don't think about them. Now shall we go to breakfast?"
As they made their way down to breakfast, they found themselves awed at the servants' creativity and skill. First of all the corridor was meticulously spotless. There was a pleasant fragrance of fresh roses the air. White streamers decorated the ceiling and it's trappings as well as the silver bells at the end of the streamers. The entire corridor was beleaguered with fresh white rose petals. Small inn tables hosted glass vases of white roses and at the very end of the corridor there were two young violinists, expertly playing Mozart pieces. With a beautiful day making it's way inside the castle, through the gigantic windows, the effect was spectacular.
"Oh my… It's so wonderful!"
"I can't believe it. I never thought they would go through so much trouble. White roses seem to be their main theme, no?"
"Simple, but beautiful," she countered.
As they continued into the dining hall, the rose petals separated into two paths and lead up to their regular seats. It also was done up extravagantly. In the middle of the room was a glass statue of a young maiden up on a pedestal. In another pat of the room was a marble statue of Aphrodite and Cupid.
"Wow, this is… quite nice," murmured the prince.
"Oh yes. Very. They sure are spoiling us," Belle said softly.
They separated and seated themselves. Breakfast was about to begin. Out of the kitchen came Mrs. Potts, with a cart of freshly brewed tea.
"Hello Master, Belle. Would either of you like a nice cup of tea?"
"Yes. Thank you, Mrs. Potts. I would appreciate that very much. What about you, Vincent?"
"No, thank you. I would just prefer to wait for breakfast."
"One lump or two my dear?"
"Two please."
Never far behind her, Chip bounded from the kitchen right into Belle's lap.
"Hiya Belle! Whatcha been doing today? I heard you had a lotta fun last night. Me too! I even got stay up 'til 9:00! And there were all these other kids to play with! I made a lotta friends. So did you have fun?"
"Yes, I did. It was the best day of my life. I'm very glad you had a good time, Chip. Now, tell me all about your new friends."
As Chip jabbered away, cooks and assistants from the kitchen started bringing an assortment of different breakfast foods to the table. A variety of crepes, sausages, omelets, waffles, pancakes, chocolate truffles, chocolate croissants, plain croissants, (with all the needed condiments) chocolate mousse, honey bread, etc. The main dish however, was the Apple Cake.
"…I really liked all the boys, they were really fun to play with, but the girls have cooties, which is gross and- Oh boy! Apple Cake!"
"Chip, come along now it's time for your nap. Chop-chop."
"Aw mom-"
"Chop-chop."
"Okay." Dejectedly he got up and started towards his mother.
"Wait, Mrs. Potts." She hesitated before continuing. "If it's all right with you, may he join us for breakfast? It would make me very happy to have him here with us. And he would be such good help"- she winked at Mrs. Potts- "eating all this food. It's a testimony to the carpenters of this table that it hasn't broken and taken everything with it."
Laughing heartily, Mrs. Potts complied. "I believe your right my dear. It is an awful lot. I suppose he can stay for breakfast. He'll probably go to bed much quicker with a full stomach anyway. But he really needs to take his nap. And you will, won't you Chip?
"Yes, Mama."
"Very well then. Enjoy."
Chip jumped right back into her lap and squeezed her tight.
"Yay! Thanks Belle, this is great! Apple Cake is my favorite, you know. Besides, I didn't finish telling you about the cooties!"
Things remained lively and loud until there was a small interruption.
"Erm… good morning, Master."
"Good morning, Cogsworth. What's today's report?"
"Oh! Ha ha. Er, well… you see um… it's actually uh… did I tell you what a good morning it is, Master? Beautiful day outside-"
"Cogsworth, I need to know today's report. What is it?"
He paled very quickly. "All right, Master, here it is." He took a very deep breath. "Your uncle's here. Right now. Heh heh."