Later that afternoon, Vincent stood on the balcony of the West Wing and watched the sunset. Belle was in the library; he had agreed to go meet her in a couple of minutes.

Vincent reached his hand inside his cloak and took out a small clock. He gazed at it and smiled. On the day he was going to marry Belle, Vincent had gone up to the attic to look for something small and precious he could offer her. Instead he found this clock which had been locked away during the spell. It had belonged to his late father, being the only personal keepsake he had left of his family.

Vincent put the clock back into his pocket and closed his eyes. He was going to be a King. Soon he would rule France and have total control over the vast lands and its populations. He quivered at the thought. Would he be a good ruler? Would he be fair and just?

He realized he'd need Belle more than ever to help him throughout his journey. She was once a peasant girl herself; she knew the other side of the coin. Maybe she could help him explore that world, so that his decisions would contribute to the well-being of his subjects. He wanted everyone to be as happy he as was. He imagined a France without starvation, poverty or violence. This was the France he visualized and dreamt of. But would he manage it?

Vincent opened his eyes to see that the sun had practically disappeared. He let out a sigh and turned around to head towards the library. He was stopped by a figure standing right in front of him, hidden by a shadow.

"Cogsworth?"

Cogsworth took a step away from the shadow and revealed his gloomy face. Whatever it was he had to say, it couldn't be good.

"Master, I'm afraid I have a dreadful announcement to make," he said sadly.

Vincent tensed. "What is it?" he asked urgently.

"His highness King Jean Claude… has passed away."

Vincent allowed the words to sink in. "He's… dead?"

"I'm afraid so, master. He died earlier this morning."

Vincent suddenly felt the need to sit down and rationalize over the situation. His uncle being dead meant that it would only be a matter of time before his own coronation took place. The shock and the pressure took over his mind and heart. Weeks suddenly turned into days…

"Master?" murmured Cogsworth, expecting orders.

Vincent looked up to him. "What should I do now?"

It had been a while since Cogsworth had seen such uncertainty in the Prince's eyes. He realized that Vincent hadn't yet gotten used to the decision of becoming King, never mind having to take over the throne in a matter of days. "Well," he began, "I believe you'll have to travel to St. Denis tomorrow. I took the liberty of preparing the carriage for tomorrow morning."

"Very well," replied Vincent, still a bit shaken.

"Would you prefer me to give Madame Belle the news?"

Vincent picked himself up and glanced at the sunset one last time. "No, I'll do it."

----------

Belle let the book fall on her chest and closed her eyes for a short while. She had hardly caught a wink last night, so she took advantage of these small moments to rest a little. The night had fallen and only the fireplace left to light up the library.

Vincent slowly opened the door of the library. "Belle?" he whispered. No one replied. He noticed that someone was sitting on the couch, so he took a few steps forward. He gazed at Belle who was asleep with her hand resting on the book upon her chest. He knelt down beside her and smiled. He looked to see what book she was reading. King Arthur, one of his favorites. They had already read that book so many times, but tonight would have seemed the best night of all. What he most needed now was a story of courage and determination. Something that, for some reason, he was lacking at the moment. He realized that he was Arthur in a strange way. He had been chosen to be the ruler of France, and it was going to happen to him when he least expected it. Or at least sooner than he expected.

What about Belle? How was she feeling amongst all this confusion? Sure she had promised to stand by his side and support him, but how did she feel about being the queen of France? He had never quite asked her these questions, though the answers really mattered to him.

The smile on her face could only mean she was having a sweet dream. Vincent leaned closer and kissed her forehead gently. Then he got up and tried hard not to make a noise as he left the library.

As he reached the door, however, Vincent heard a small sound coming from behind. He turned around to see Belle slowly stretching her arms. She faced him and smiled.

"I thought you'd never come."

Vincent walked up to her again and sat by her side on the couch. "Sorry, I had a few… delays."

"Is everything all right?" asked Belle, noticing the concerned look on his face.

Vincent took her hands. They felt so warm compared to his. "Something happened this morning, Belle, and it's going to change our plans."

"Well, what is it?"

"My uncle passed away this morning."

Belle gasped. "Oh, Vincent. I'm so sorry."

"This means that I have to take over the throne sooner than expected."

"How soon?"

"We leave for St. Denis tomorrow morning."

Belle was silent for a few moments. "Are you ready for this?"

"Yes, I'm not going back now. I really think I can pull through this, but I also think I've been acting a bit selfish lately. What about you, Belle? I know this is a big step, and I haven't stopped to think about what you might be going through."

Belle took a deep breath. "I've been thinking about it a lot lately," she admitted, "but I think that, after all we've been through, we'll manage this. I vowed to stay by your side forever, and that's exactly what I intend to do. I'm prepared to take any responsibility, as long as we're both happy and together. And I just know you're right for the part. And I can help you, Vincent. I won't look back."

Vincent wrapped his arms around Belle. "Thank you," he whispered.

Belle smiled. "Thank you for loving me."

------------

The next morning, Belle and Vincent set off to St. Denis, accompanied by a few guards and servants. During the trip they talked about future plans involving the well-being of France. When they arrived at their final destination, Belle and Vincent were greeted with speeches and hundreds of citizens on parade. A little girl offered Belle a humble bouquet of flowers. Belle bent down and kissed her forehead lovingly. The little showed a big smile and quickly ran to her mother's side.

"Mommy, mommy!" cried the little girl. "The princess is so pretty!"

The mother nodded her head in agreement and turned to another lady standing beside her. "I don't believe I've ever seen her before. Do you know her?"

"I heard she used to live in Molyneaux, a village not so far away from here," replied the woman.

"Why, that is certainly something new! Do you think she'll be a good queen?"

"Well, having been a peasant girl herself, I see nothing but advantages."

Before the actually ceremony, Belle and Vincent were led to different rooms in the palace where they were going to stay for the next couple of days. There they got prepared for the big event.

Belle wore an exceptionally beautiful beige dress, decorated with a beautiful pattern of small golden roses and. Her hair was done up neatly with pins and a golden bow. She wore beige gloves that went together with the royal dress.

Belle had already had a moment with her father. He too found it hard to believe how far she had come. But for some reason, she knew that this was where she belonged. She was ready to fulfill her duty as a wife, a lover and a queen. Not a day would go by without the thought of soon becoming a mother as well. She and Vincent had mentioned it on the wedding day, but since then the topic had never been brought up. Now wouldn't have been a good time either. They were going through so much at the moment, and a step further would just have to wait. But she couldn't deny the overwhelming desire inside her.

Vincent was in another room getting ready as well. He wore his traditional royal blue clothing, including a huge cloak that almost touched the floor. When he was all set, he stood in front of the mirror and gazed at the reflection ahead of him. He almost couldn't recognize himself, all dressed up. In fact, he almost couldn't recognize himself at all. As a Beast he hardly looked at himself in the mirror. Instead he'd contemplate his human portrait that had been made not long before the curse and hung up in the West Wing. One night he had torn it up in despair, convinced that what he gazed at would never again exist.

But now he saw the reflection of that same man, a little older and a lot more mature. Through the mirror he could also see the reflection of the door behind him. He heard a small creak and saw someone open it slowly. Vincent didn't turn around, but kept looking at the mirror.

"Alone at last," spoke the figure behind the door.

Vincent immediately recognized the voice and turned around. "You can come in, Robert."

Robert stepped out from behind the door and closed it quietly. "I've just come to tell you that everything is prepared. The carriage is ready to leave for the church. You're the only one missing."

"Thank you," said Vincent. "I should keep them waiting no longer."

Before Vincent could head for the door, Robert quickly intercepted his way and grinned.

"What do you want, Robert?" Vincent grumbled.

Robert glared at him, an evil look in his eyes. Then suddenly it faded and a small smile escaped his lips. "I just wanted to congratulate you."

"Congratulate me for what?"

"Oh, don't be so modest!" complained Robert. "I know how long you've been waiting for this day. But I bet you weren't expecting the little bonus…"

"What bonus? What are you talking about?"

"Why, I'm talking about Belle of course! She's quite a catch, isn't she?" Robert drew closer and stared at Vincent in the eyes. "Has it ever occurred to you that she might be… too perfect? I mean, every girl in France would love to marry a prince."

Vincent laughed. "You're out of your mind."

"Out of my mind, you say? We'll see who's 'out of his mind' the day she leaves you for another man."

Vincent started getting furious. "She'd never do that," he answered, grinding his teeth.

"Of course not! And why?" said Robert with a grin. "Her evil intentions are as clear as water. You really had hope she'd fall in love with you? She's merely in love with your power and wealth and status; that's all she's ever cared about."

Vincent seethed silently, his anger growing by the second, but he tried to stay calm. Robert, emboldened by his silence, got even more daring, saying worse and worse things.

"You're imagining things," growled Vincent as he turned his back on Robert, trying to control his temper.

"DON'T turn your back on me," cried Robert.

Vincent stopped and slowly turned around. "Excuse me?" His voice was low and dangerous.

Robert knew he had struck home. It would be easy from here. "Is it that hard for you to take the truth? Belle doesn't love you, she's just –"

Before he could finish his sentence, Vincent, overcome by fury, punched him, making Robert fall to the ground. Robert instantly touched his lip and found that it was bleeding. He widened his eyes and looked up at Vincent. The prince glared at him.

"Please, forgive me," Robert pleaded. "I did not mean to talk to you like that. You're right, I am letting things get a bit out of control. But ever since my father died, I've been a bit… confused." A pitiful tone entered his voice, as Robert continued, "I know this is a big step for you, and I just wanted to let you know that I'm here to support you. Will you forgive me, my dear cousin?"

Vincent looked down on him. "First you must take back all you said about the one I love…"

"Of course," replied Robert almost instantly.

"And you must promise that you'll never again bother me and Belle. I know all about what you did on our wedding day. Neither of us deserve to put up with your filthy lies and senseless threats."

Robert lowered his head and murmured, "Of course."

Vincent tilted his head and frowned. "I don't want to hate you, Robert. I once found redemption in myself, and I'm hoping the same will happen to you. We're family; we're supposed to support each other. Today is a day to mourn our uncle's death, but also a day to rejoice, for France has a new King. And you, as my cousin and prince of France, should think only of the well-being of our people. I can assure you that that's the only reason why I accepted the throne in the first place.

And as for Belle, she's a far better person than either of us will ever be. You have no right to talk about her like that. We love each other, and that's just something you'll never change."

Robert got up slowly and walked towards the door. Vincent called out to him. "I'm sorry about your father," he added quietly.

Robert nodded. "I only hope your kindness doesn't turn into blindness."

Robert left the room and closed the door behind him. Vincent sighed and looked at the mirror one last time. He fixed up his cloak and took in a deep breath. This is it.

---------------

Behind the walls of the church of St. Denis, in a dark corner where no one would care to go, a tall dark-haired man awaited his visitor. The meeting had been arranged for twelve o' clock, but he knew that it had gone way past that hour. Not so far away, he heard the cheers of the people that watched the prince and princess arrive. He looked around and saw that no one approached him. The other man had probably forgotten about their arrangement. He grunted and picked up his belongings to head back home.

"I take it you're monsieur Édouard," called out a voice.

The dark-haired man quickly turned around. "Forgive me, for I did not see you arrive."

Robert stepped into the light. "I try my best to remain… discreet."

Édouard grinned. "I believe we agreed that I'd be rewarded first…"

Robert took out a grey bag from his pocket and handed it over to Édouard. The man opened the bag and took out some golden coins, placing them on his hand. He took a closer look and smirked. "What exactly do you want me to do?"

Robert pondered for a short while. "Kill her."

Édouard stared at Robert. "I thought I had to aim for the prince…"

"I've changed my mind. I want revenge first. The throne can come later."

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