ChapterXI – Wedding Bells

It was still very early in the morning, but the castle staff was already awake. It was a beautiful Saturday morning, and no one could wish for a better day than this. It was finally here, the big day, the big moment. The wedding.

Announcements had been spread throughout the village concerning the return of the Prince. Since then it had become the main topic of discussion amongst all the villagers. "Do you think he's married?", "Will he finally claim the throne?" were some of the most pronounced questions.

Back at the castle, the servants arranged the last preparations. The ballroom had been decorated with beautiful beige cloths and red roses, the true symbol of love. Lumière was in charge of the lighting, making sure that the castle was illuminated with candlelight in order to create a very romantic, yet elegant atmosphere.

Still locked in her room, Belle prepared herself for the big day. With her was Mrs. Potts, making sure that the young bride looked perfect in every way. All those preparations, however, only made Belle from think of her future with the prince.

"Mrs. Potts?" she called.

"Yes, dear?" replied Mrs. Potts, while she delicately combed Belle's hair.

"I've never really realized what position Vincent holds in the French Monarchy. After today, what will be become of me?"

"Well, at the moment France is under the control of King Jean Claude, the master's great uncle. The King faces serious health problems, and very soon he will be forced to hand over the throne to one of his heirs. When the time comes, the throne will be decided between two men of great value: our very own master Vincent and his cousin, Robert."

"Robert?"

"Robert is the master's close cousin. He was never very interested in royal duties, until now of course. He is quite anxious to become king, but he knows it's unlikely. The throne is naturally inclined to Vincent. All depends on whether he accepts it or not."

"This Robert… is he coming today?"

"I'm almost sure he is. At least an invitation was sent out to everyone. He'll probably come with his wife and uncle, the King."

"I'm scared, Mrs. Potts. I'm scared they might… reject me."

Mrs. Potts chuckled. "Now why would they reject you, Belle?"

"I'm not really used to this royalty business, Mrs. Potts. I just know I'm going to get it all wrong!"

"They're going to love you, Belle! Just be yourself, and I'm sure you'll turn out wonderfully!"

Belle smiled at hearing Mrs. Potts' comforting words, though she was still feeling a bit insecure. "But if Vincent takes the throne, will that make me… queen?" Belle couldn't believe her own words.

"And I'm sure you're going to be a wonderful queen, Belle! Although I'm not sure that Vincent is willing to accept such responsibility. I'm sure you'll be the first to hear his decision, no matter what it is. But that's another story! Today is your big day, Belle! The ceremony is going to start in no time. We must hurry!"

Mrs. Potts found her way to the closet and withdrew the fabulous dress. It was almost entirely white, except for golden tassels that hung down from the side. Belle gasped when she saw the dress. Who would believe it? She was about to become a princess. It felt as if she had landed in a fairytale, one of those she had only read in books.

Mrs. Potts helped Belle put on the wedding dress. The fabric was so smooth against her skin. It made her feel like she was on clouds. This sensation reminded her of something important.

"Mrs. Potts, are you sure everything's ready? Exactly the way I asked for it to be?"

"Yes, Belle. Everything was arranged in the exact same way you asked. I'm sure Vincent is going to love it!"

"I hope so," Belle replied. "I want everything to be perfect. He deserves it."

By the time Belle was dressed, and her hair and make-up totally arranged, Mrs. Potts announced that Maurice had been waiting for his daughter outside the room. Moments later the old man entered the room, becoming ecstatic as he saw Belle.

"Belle…" he murmured. "You look so beautiful! I'm almost speechless!"

"There's no need to say anything else, Papa!" Belle ran towards her father and hugged him tightly. "Thank you, Papa! Thank you for everything! I'm so happy!"

Maurice tried to avoid the tears, but he couldn't hold in his emotion. "My sweet daughter, I never thought this day would come so soon. Still, there is something I need you to have before it all ends."

Maurice took out a small box from his pocket and handed it to Belle. She opened it and saw a beautiful silver necklace that held an equally pretty charm: a silver rose.

"Papa… it's so pretty!" Belle gasped.

"It belonged to your mother. She asked me to give it to you whenever I thought the time was right. And I think there's no better time than this."

Belle hugged Maurice again. Her eyes had become watery, yet she tried her best not to cry. She couldn't spoil the make-up. Maurice took the necklace and placed it around her neck.

"I miss her, Papa."

"I know, Belle. I do too," he spoke gently. "But I'm sure that, wherever she is, she's watching over you. Your mother wanted you to know how much she loved you and how you were the light of her life. I'm sure she's happy for you, and her greatest desire is for you to be happy too. So I want you to take this necklace and hold onto it whenever times get tough. I'm sure she'll be up there to support you."

Belle was without words. Inside her rumbled both happiness and memories of her late mother. Maurice put his arm around hers.

"Come on, let's go. It is time."

Belle nervously walked down the aisle accompanied by the soft wedding melody that was being played by the castle orchestra. She couldn't look up; nobles filled the grand ballroom, and she knew they were staring at her, taking her in from top to bottom. Candles illuminated the ballroom that gave her so many sweet memories. This was where she used to watch the sunset and sometimes gaze at the stars at night. This was the place where she and Vincent had shared their first dance.

But now that same ballroom was crowded and before her stood, not a Beast, but a charming and handsome prince.

Vincent wore a white suit which included all the traditional noble accessories. His hands felt a bit sweaty due to his nervousness. He tried to hide it but it was impossible. She looked so beautiful, just like a star that delicately approached him. Belle looked exquisite in her wedding dress. Vincent so longed to see her face, for it was covered by an almost transparent fabric.

Finally the music stopped playing. Belle realized she had nowhere left to walk. She was now together with her beloved who slowly uncovered her face and smiled. Belle smiled back, not realizing how her eyes had begun to shine.

The love vows that were made on that beautiful Saturday morning had already become something that Belle and Vincent were used to. Both had heard the same words endless times while they'd held each other late at night. It might seem as though their big adventure had come to an end, but hearing the words "I do" made the couple realize that their life together had only just begun. The kiss, long awaited, was shared with so much intensity that even happy sighs could be heard from the crowd. The greatest emotion, however, belonged to the castle staff. They were probably the only ones that knew how to value this great love which had gone through so many obstacles, and there were probably still more to come.

The orchestra begun playing again and Vincent led his beloved down the same path she had walked to get to him. Yet this time they walked together as husband and wife, prince and princess.