Chapter 3

A few weeks later Adam mentioned to Belle how he had to make a trip to Paris for business and he wondered if Belle wanted to come along. Of course she did. Then she asked if they could visit the Cathedral at Notre Dame, which he agreed to.

When they arrived in Paris, Belle was surprised at how large the city was, while Prince Adam was just apprehensive about being around so many people again after living as a near hermit the previous number of years. He drew his cloak up around him as they walked the streets and suggested to Belle that she do the same thing, although she questioned his actions.

The streets were filled with all sorts of characters, from the sublime to the ridiculous, depending on one's point of view. They finally made it to the cathedral and Belle just had to take a look.

"Ooh look at that! It's all so beautiful and intriguing! Can we go look inside?"

"Sure Belle, though let's just slip through here." the Prince mentioned as he led her through the side door an into the main part of the cathedral.

"Wow look at that! All of those beautiful windows and the statuaries and everything! It's all so breath taking! It makes me feel a little closer to God, do you know what I mean?" Belle said in awe of it all.

"Well I suppose so..." Prince Adam commented.

"Well it should...although I agree that you don't necessarily need a church this fancy to worship and be reverent to the Lord."

"Yes I guess so, it's just that I haven't relied on the Lord lately especially after being a Beast for almost a decade."

"Oh my love, the Lord will be your friend and confidant if you let him into your heart. Would you at least think about it." Belle said as she grasped his hand and rubbed his back.

"I'll think about it. Thank you Belle" Prince Adam said while looking into her eyes.

"I wonder though," Belle said playfully "I wonder if we can go up into the bell tower and see if the bells Quasimodo played are really up there?" "Or if we can see where the molten lead spilled through the gargoyles onto Frollo and the attackers of the cathedral."

"Oh Belle, I think that was just a story." Adam chuckled. "But if you want to see more of the Cathedral, I'll see what I can do."

Prince Adam and Belle explored more of the Notre Dame Cathedral, until they reached the upper levels and looked out over the entire city. Clutching onto her husband's arm, Belle gazed out over the city and marveled at the view.

"Oh Adam, this is beautiful! I thought that the cathedral itself was spectacular, but nothing could take the place of this view!" "Well I bet even king Louis and his Marie don't have a view like this from their palace in Versailles!" Belle exclaimed.

"No I suppose they don't." Adam grew quiet then added. "Belle some things have been taking place in the greater part of France lately. Unfortunately some of the peasants have been revolting, Vive La Revolution! They cry! Sadly Louis and Marie have been beheaded by the guillotine!" Prince Adam said solemnly.

"Oh no that's horrible! I know some thought that they were a bit extravagant at times, at the expense of even their own people at times, but they didn't deserve to die!" Belle cried.

She then clutched at her husband and buried her face in his chest. Adam soothed her with kind words and a gentle touch.

Belle pulled away slightly and looked up into his face and asked

"What about where we live? In the Alsace Providences?"

"Well that is another matter entirely. I have a trip planned, though one which could be a difficult journey. I have business connections in the New World, in one of the colonies...oh States now, called New York. Considering the current political climate, I think it could be best if we travel there as quickly as possible."

"Oh darling I would follow you wherever life took us. My only concern now is, what about my father? What about the servants?"

"The servants can disperse throughout the countryside, and Cogsworth and Lumière are nearly ready for retirement, so they may welcome a change. Your father on the other hand, well he should be able to travel with us, that is if Mrs. Potts would allow it."

"Mrs. Potts, well perhaps she can come with us. I'd welcome a woman along on this journey oversees. Oh and I also had a bit of news...though I don't know if I should tell you now." Belle said.

"Tell it to me." the Prince pleaded.

"Well love, I believe if my suspicions are correct, in several months you're going to become a father." Belle shyly admitted.

"Oh that's wonderful news...But oh what about our journey? How can you possibly travel in your delicate condition?" the Prince said, while clutching Belle to him, holding her close.

"I believe that I can make it, though only through the grace of God will it all come out right." Belle said, while holding her husband close.

"Oh I pray God be with us all." Adam said, then lowered his lips to hers in a kiss atop the Cathedral de Notre Dame.