A/N: I'm extremely sorry about my abcense. I spent a week in Paris (Eurodisney, yay!) and since I got back I've just been running around and taking care of... stuff. Anyways, here's a long chapter to sort of make it up. I don't think there's anything left to say, besides the fact that I'm adding in a new character.

Disclaimer: All characters belong to Disney. Except for Robert and Luc. They belong to me. Yeah.


Chapter XII - Garden of Love

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The household had prepared a grand wedding reception for Belle and Vincent. There was no lack of food nor music, and, dispersed throughout the huge ballroom, nobles talked about hunting and royal affairs. The women gossiped about the wedding of the hour.

For a few minutes, Belle and Vincent were able to sit down together and enjoy some of these memorable moments.

"Belle," said Vincent, approaching his bride. "Are you happy?"

"Of course I am, my love!" Belle replied without a hint of hesitation in her voice. Vincent smiled.

"We've come such a long way together."

"Can you believe it?" said Belle as she squeezed his hand tighter. "I only hope it will last forever!"

"Not even death will separate us, Belle!"

Belle leaned against Vincent as he ran his fingers through her hair.

"But until death reaches us, I can picture our perfect life together."

"What do you mean?" asked Vincent

"You know what I mean! You, me, the children…"

"Children?" repeated Vincent excitedly. You looked like a small child who had just received the best news in his life. "You mean you want to start trying for a baby now?"

"Well, not now!" said Belle with a giggle. "But –"

Before Belle could finish, Lumière interrupted them. "Master, princess…" he greeted with a bow. "The guests plead for the new couple to open up with the first dance."

Vincent reached out his arm and Belle wrapped hers around it. "Shall we?"

Belle smiled graciously and the prince led her to the centre of the grand ballroom. The orchestra began to play a melody that couldn't fit this moment any better. It was the same melody that was heard when they danced together… for the very first time.

"Tonight is the night!" exclaimed the candelabra Lumière, his flames brighter than ever. He turned to the Beast who was taking a bath, preparing himself for the big night.

"I'm not sure if I can do this," Vincent hesitated, while the enchanted coatrack scrubbed him.

"This is no time to be timid!" warned Lumière, jumping acrobatically onto the chair. "You must be bold, daring!"

"Bold… daring…" the Beast repeated to himself as he stepped out of the bathtub and the hangar began to dry him with a towel. No way, he thought to himself, this is completely hopeless

"There shall be music. Candlelight, provided by myself, and when the moment is right, you confess your love!"

Trying to gain some inspiration from Lumière's instructions, Vincent stared at himself in the mirror. "Yes, I confe--,I confess – No, I can't."

"But you care for the girl, don't you?" Lumière enquired, not understanding his Master's hesitation.

"More than anything!" Vincent added.

"Then you must tell her!"

A few moments later they were interrupted by Cogsworth, the enchanted clock. "Your lady awaits you," he said with a chuckle.

That same night she had taught him how to dance, never fearing his gigantic body or his horrific face. He recalled the moment she leaned her head against his furry chest. That same night he realized he was deeply in love with her and nearly lost her…

Now he had her once again in his arms. Her hands fitted his perfectly, and his feet weren't always getting in the way.

A couple of minutes later, royal couples joined Belle and Vincent on the dance floor. Belle looked around and gripped Vincent's arm a little tighter.

"Vincent," she whispered. "Don't leave me alone tonight. I don't think I'm prepared to –"

"Could I have the honour of this dance?" said a thick voice coming from behind them. It came from a tall, mysterious man. Another nobleman, no doubt.

Vincent paused for a few seconds, staring at the man. Then he turned to Belle and whispered, "I'll be right back, love."

Belle felt a lump in her throat as Vincent disappeared through the crowd and the man began to dance with her. She noticed his dark blue eyes, which perfectly complemented with his black, curly hair.

"Bonjour, madame," he finally spoke. "I'm Robert."

"Robert…" Belle murmured to herself, trying hard not to fake her smile.

"It seems you already know me. Did Vincent tell you anything?"

"No, not really," she replied, thinking of Mrs. Potts. "Actually I hardly know anyone besides Vincent."

"I believe this is the first time I've see you as well. How did you and Vincent meet?"

"How? Well, I…" Belle knew she had to think up something, and fast. "I got lost in the woods, and… Vincent offered me shelter," she lied.

"How did you get lost in the woods?"

Belle was trying had not to feel intimidated by his observing looks. Was it just her or was he asking too many questions?

"It was quite a long time ago; I don't think I can remember."

"Yes, I understand," said Robert, raising an eyebrow. "Well, I'm surprised he let you in. Vincent has always been known as the spoilt kid of the family. I'm surprised you came this far with him."

"People change," said Belle, trying to ignore his side looks.

"Well, if you say so. I never believed that Vincent could be taught a lesson. But as long as you're happy, I'm happy," he added with a smirk.

Belle tried to play his game. "I've never been so happy in my life."

"Always good to hear, princess," said Robert with a sigh. Very discreetly he pulled Belle's body closer to his. "So, has Vincent mentioned anything about the throne?"

Belle could read where this was going. "Yes, he has. But we agreed that he wouldn't talk to anyone about it until a decision was made."

"Well that was his foolish promise. Surely you can tell me something…"

"From now on, Vincent and I are one. Whatever he decides, I follow, and vice-versa. I'm sorry, Robert, but I'm afraid I can't tell you anything."

Robert looked around, and seeing no one was paying attention to them, he pulled Belle even closer. She began to resist by pulling herself back. Robert began speaking softly but in an angry tone.

"Listen up, peasant girl, because I've had enough of these foolish games. Ever since Vincent's parents were killed, he's always had the best of everything: the best castle, the best servants, the best gifts, and even the best women.
"Right now he's entitled to the throne, but guess what? I'm tired of always being second in line. For the past five years I've been sucking up to the King and I can see it's not getting me anywhere.
"Vincent, on the other hand, has never done anything his whole life. He grew up to be a spoilt, little brat, whose probably never learnt the meaning of love. I hate to see you under his spell, but hopefully in time you'll see that. I'd hate to see you suffer, Belle. Ever since I first saw you coming down the aisle, this strange feeling has been burning inside," he said as he reached out his hand to caress Belle's cheek.

"Don't touch me," Belle muttered, pushing his hand away. A midst of anger grew in Robert's eyes.

"Very well, if that's the way you want it, that's the way you'll have it. You may write this down: the throne will be mine, and Vincent shall once again be left alone to rot in the darkness of his miserable life."

Belle pulled herself away. "His decision shall be your fate," she added.

Belle quickly turned away and left Robert glaring at her. Where was Vincent? She had to find him! She had to warn him of Robert's plots. Vincent could be in danger even now. The thought of any harm coming to him filled her with terror. They had to decide what to do, how to deal with this threat.

"Madame, where are you going in such a rush?" asked Cogsworth as he quickly brushed off his coat and fixed up his monocular. She had accidentally bumped into him.

"I'm so sorry, Cogsworth. Have you seen Vincent?"

"How odd! I came looking for you because of that particular reason. The master is outside in the gardens and asked for you to go meet him at once."

Belle sighed in relief. "Thank you, Cogsworth!"

Belle found her way to the gardens outside. The sky had already begun to darken and the stars shined mildly. It was a beautiful night, not a trace of wind or rain. Belle went down the stairs and then circled the wall. She gasped as she saw the gardens lit up with small candles. Birds chirped from the top of a tree and a small squirrel played with a chestnut next to a bush. She didn't hear someone approach her from behind.

"I know this isn't exactly the forest of your dreams, but creating an exotic beach would have been harder."

Belle turned around and wrapped Vincent in her arms. "It's perfect! I love it!"

Vincent chuckled. "I'm glad you like it, princess."

Belle placed her arms around his neck and kissed him passionately. Forever waiting for this moment, Vincent deepened the kiss and slid his hands down her back. After a while, Belle pulled back.

"Can't we just end the celebration, Vincent?" she whispered. "I want to be alone with you."

Vincent drew back slowly. "Belle, we need to talk."

He led her to a small bench where they both sat down. Vincent sat closer to Belle, never letting go of her hands.

"What's wrong?" she asked.

"Nothing's wrong," said Vincent with a smile. "I just wanted to talk to you far away from the crowds. I didn't want a wedding ceremony like this either. I just wanted it to be us and the household. But no matter how much I want to lose myself in a fairytale world with you, I can't forget my duty and obligation."

"I know, Vincent. I'm not as lost as you think," she added with a small laugh.

There was silence for a few seconds.

Belle gripped Vincent's hand tighter. "Are you going to claim the throne?"

"It's a hard decision. I just don't want to be alone in this."

"You'll never be alone, Vincent. I'll always be there, no matter what," she replied with a smile. "I just want you to think seriously about it. You're right, it's a hard decision, but you can always count with me!" Robert's previous words started echoing in her head. "I promise."

Belle and Vincent shared another kiss, and then Belle pulled herself away. She knew she had to say something about what happened earlier.

"I met Robert…"

"Yes, I know. I didn't feel like leaving you with him, but I had to come out and prepare all this," he explained, staring at the candle-lit garden.

"Vincent, there's something you need to know about him."

"What happened, Belle?" said Vincent worryingly. He quickly cupped Belle's face with his hands. "Did he do something to you?"

Belle gently took his hands and drew them away from her face. "He didn't do anything. But I'm afraid he's up to something."

"What do you mean?"

"He wants the throne, and badly."

Vincent's worried look quickly faded into a gentle laugh. "I know that, Belle. But I'm the first in line. If I claim it, then –"

"He THREATENED me. He threatened us."

"What exactly did he say?"

"Nothing specific. Only that he was tired of always being second in line and was willing to do anything to get the throne. It was the look in his eyes, Vincent. He scared me. I can't help thinking he'll come after you. And I could tell that he would anything… Anything! Vincent, he could kill you!"

Vincent drew Belle closer to him and kissed her forehead. "Nothing's going to happen to me, Belle. Robert can't do anything. I don't want you to worry about such things."

Belle snuggled against Vincent and wrapped her arms around him. "I don't want to lose you," she murmured.

"You won't, Belle. And if it means you'll worry less, then I'll order Cogsworth to increase the number of castle guards."

Belle lifted her head and kissed Vincent. They remained silent for a little while, until Belle pulled herself away.

"Vincent, no one knows what happened to you during the past ten years, do they?"

"No one has to know, Belle," Vincent replied, the tone of his voice colder than usual.

"What happened? You never talk to me about it, and whenever I bring it up, you change the subject."

Vincent paused and stared at Belle for a moment. "What did Robert tell you?"

"He told me your parents were killed."

Vincent got up from the bench and walked towards the tree. "What else?"

"It doesn't matter. I want to hear it from you," said Belle as she got up and stood next to him.

"Sorry, Belle. I just never thought you'd want to hear this."

"Vincent, I just asked you to tell me. I'm your wife. There shouldn't be any secrets between us." Belle was startled by her own words.

Vincent sighed and then turned to face Belle. "Yes, my parents were killed. I was only four when it all happened. My father had gone to Lyon on a business trip and my mother had decided to accompany him just this once. I was left at home under the care of the castle household. On their way back, the carriage that carried my parents was assaulted by a group of rebels. They were both murdered. I was later told my father fought hard, but it was no use."

"I'm so sorry, Vincent. I had no idea…"

"As I told you earlier, I was only four when it all happened. I didn't understand at the time. I kept thinking there had been a delay in Lyon, and every night I waited for them to come home. This went on for months, and the servants never knew how to tell me what had happened.
One day I gave up waiting and thought my parents had abandoned me. Not only my parents, but my whole family. No one wanted to take me in after the incident. They ordered the servants to raise me, explaining they'd be back for me when I was older. Thank goodness they never appeared. Imagine what would have happened if they saw me as a…"

"But what happened before that?"

"Mrs. Potts loved me as if I were her own son. Lumière was always trying to be understanding, and Cogsworth… well, Cogsworth made sure I always got the best of everything. That's what ruined me. I always got everything I wanted; all I had to do was ask. I was brought up that way and it made me a spoilt brat. Despite the love I received, I never cared to give it back. And I suppose you know the story from here…"

Belle gazed into his eyes for a moment, but then turned away. "Why didn't your family come back for you?"

Vincent drew cold again. "They never cared. They were sorry about my parents' death, but that was it. I learnt to live without them. It was for the best."

"But if you claim the throne…"

"It will be for the kingdom! I'd hate to see the people in Robert's hands. I just don't know if I'm prepared. It's such a big step."

Belle hugged Vincent and he sunk his face into her hair to hide away the tears.

"You'll do just fine," Belle comforted him. "And you'll have me by your side."

The couple remained in each other's arms, guarded by the night. The candle-lit garden continued to be their paradisiacal background and the stars graciously watched Belle and Vincent.


My favourite part:

Trudi - Thanks for acting so mysterious, LOL. And thanks for STILL putting up with me.

percyismine: Suggestions are sort of over because the story is already finished, but it's always fun to hear them! I think after this chapter, Luc won't really be on your mind. I hope. And thanks!

leotabelle13: LOL! Hopefully these next few chapters will answer your questions. Thank you!

Big thanks to the rest of my reviewers: Lumbabsfan, an LDS dazed and confused, mysterious-muse, LoverofBalto, Slade's Fall.