I woke up to the smell of porridge and treacle.

"You brought me breakfast!" I exclaimed joyfully.

"Of course," Louis replied nonchalantly. "It's simply the way of nature. Every male feels he must prove to his female that he can provide for her."

"You're a good man." I smiled. "Not many men can lie beside a woman without creating scandal."

"I love you too much to do anything that would shame you before your husband, whoever he may be."

Neither of us ate porridge with a spoon. We preferred to drink it directly from the bowls, just as Belle and Adam had done when they were coming to love each other.

After we ate, Louis took my small bag of supplies on his shoulder. He seemed relieved when I told him I had enough coins to hire a carriage for the day. We would be spared a great deal of walking and make much greater progress toward our destination.

Louis graciously helped me into the carriage. He knew I was no helpless damsel, but he always treated me like a proper lady, not because of our differences in status, but because he doted on me.

When we were alone in the carriage, he explained that the royal family had taken sanctuary in Notre Dame de Paris, for Mrs. Potts had urged them to leave the castle before the real trouble started. If they would not do so for their own sakes, they must think of the royal children.

"Your cousin won't be patient with me much longer," Louis concluded. "He only agreed to leave for a set period of time, after which he demands answers."

"And you?" I asked. "Revolutionaries could claim your life as well if they believe you to be sympathetic toward the royals. Are you afraid?"

"I am now that you're here. I hate to think of you in danger."

I squeezed his hand, silently reassuring him that all would be well.

When it was nearly sunset, the driver halted the carriage, stating that he would not urge his horses one step closer to the accursed forest. Like many peasants, he greatly feared nearly every area of woodland in France.

Louis sighed, explaining that we were about an hour from the next village. He asked if I was tired or if I wanted to continue our journey. I was eager to arrive at Adam's castle, so I responded that I wished to press on.

I had no fear following Louis through the woods, for I knew he would allow no harm to overtake me. The setting sun cast an orange glow through the foliage, and rabbits and deer played on the dappled forest floor.

However, my feet were throbbing and burning, for my shoes had been designed for beauty rather than durability. Despite my determination to hide my pain and tough out the journey, Louis noticed I was slowing down.

"Why don't we rest by the stream, fairest one?" he suggested. "The coolness of the water will feel good to your feet."

I eagerly threw off my shoes and waded into the water. Everything might have been wonderful if I hadn't suddenly slipped on a sharp rock, losing my balance. I had no serious injuries, other than my bleeding foot, but I was drenched from head to toe.

My mind frantically raced for solutions. How was I going to make it to the nearest town in wet clothing? The journey would be completely miserable!

"Are you alright?" Louis asked in genuine concern.

"I feel a bit foolish," I admitted, "but I should survive."

"Let me see your foot."

I smiled. "I can bandage my own injury."

"I know you can, but you shouldn't have to."

To humor him, I sat on the ground and presented my foot. Louis searched through our supplies, found a bit of cloth, and bandaged the wound.

"Better?"

I kissed him on the cheek. "Much."

"I notice you have another dress. We could camp here for the night while this one dries."

I nodded and walked a short distance away to change. By the time I returned, Louis had already built a fire and was working on a crude shelter. I had bought some fruit, cheese, and bread earlier in the day, so we would have supper.

Louis looked up at the last traces of light fading in the sky. "Not afraid of the woods at night?"

"Should I be?" I queried.

"There are bandits."

"Any that can outfight you?"

He shook his head, his amber eyes the same shade as our campfire.

"What do you see in me?" he asked. "I'm uncouth at best and regicidal at worst."

I took his hand. "What do you see in the spoiled, defiant girl who ignores the wealth and status that most people would die for?"

For the longest time, we sat in silence, our eyes holding conversations that our lips could not form into words. The world ceased to exist. I no longer thought of my parents or my wedding. I was lost only in the eyes of my love.